The Creative Boom Podcast

Jeff Staple is back for The Spark – our quickfire after-hours chat where we dig beneath the surface and have a little fun. In this shorter episode, Jeff opens up about the small rituals that keep him grounded, how to turn jealousy into fuel, and why getting sunlight on your face at 6 a.m. can change your whole day. We talk about his inner critic (which sounds suspiciously like his mum), the smell of childhood baseball gloves, and why Bruce Lee remains his creative hero. There's talk of UFOs, the perfect typeface, and what he'd say if he ever met an alien. It's curious, funny, and full of unexpected wisdom... the perfect companion to Monday's deeper dive. Tune in, share it with a friend, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a moment of The Spark.

Jeff Staple is a designer, brand strategist and cultural icon who helped turn sneaker culture into a global movement. In this conversation, he opens up about growing up as an only child in New Jersey, how loneliness built his imagination, and how two near-death experiences changed the way he looks at risk, success and creativity. We talk about the making of Nike's Pigeon Dunk, the sneaker that sparked a riot in New York and put Jeff on the map, and what it's like to live with both the blessing and the curse of being known for one career-defining hit. He shares how he turned brands like Brooks, Crocs and Cole Haan into unexpected lifestyle favourites, what he's learned about launching his own creative agency in a competitive industry. It's a rich, funny and surprisingly human conversation about resilience, reinvention and what it really means to stay cool in a world that loves to label you. Expect plenty of sneaker stories, a little philosophy and the reminder that, whatever mountain you're on, this too shall pass.

In this episode of The Spark, Katy welcomes back Ashley Johnson, Head of Brand Narrative at Pentagram in London, for a playful, after-hours chat that reveals a more mischievous side to the celebrated writer and strategist. After their in-depth Creative Boom interview, this follow-up is all about quick-fire questions, impulsive stories and surprising confessions that shine a light on the person behind the craft. Ashley reflects on the moments that keep her on her toes, shares a travel tale that takes an unexpected turn, and drops a few wonderfully awkward nuggets from her younger years. There are laughs, a touch of vulnerability, and plenty of sharp insights about creativity, communication and the quiet power of words. It's warm, witty and just a little unpredictable—the perfect companion piece to her main interview, and a reminder that the best sparks come when you loosen the rules and let the conversation roam

n this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy chats with Ashley Johnson, Head of Brand Narrative at Pentagram in London, about the winding path that took her from Canadian TV journalism to one of the world's most respected design studios. Ashley shares how early experiences with online harassment pushed her out of the newsroom, why she calls her career "squiggly", and how she discovered a love for shaping brand stories that are as strategic as they are creative. Ashley explains how great design and great copy are two languages expressing the same powerful idea, and why the best words are often the simplest. She talks about creating a "source code" for clients—a clear, truthful narrative that defines what they stand for before anything goes public. Along the way, she reflects on feminist leadership, the quiet sexism still present in the industry, and the importance of psychological safety in allowing creative teams to take risks and be brave. This is a warm, funny, and deeply honest conversation about finding your voice, redefining success, and holding your nerve in a world that often rewards style over substance. Whether you're a writer, designer, or anyone navigating a creative career, Ashley's insights on storytelling, authenticity, and quiet power will leave you feeling inspired and understood.

In this playful bonus of The Spark, Katy Cowan welcomes back Zoë Thompson, founder of Sweet Thang and proud zine entrepreneur, for a quick-fire round of joy-filled questions. After sharing her creative journey in Monday's episode, Zoë returns to talk about creative jealousy and how she reframes it with her "love it for you, want it for me" list. She makes a strong case for anti-hustle creativity, too. Sometimes, doing nothing is where good ideas arrive. Zoë shares the small rituals that keep her grounded, including solo dance parties to a playlist that gets her out of her head and back into her body. She goes nostalgic with scents that pull her straight back to her childhood years in Brunei. Think bug spray, sunscreen, and memories of the rainforest. There are fairy folktales, a dream dinner with Ella Fitzgerald, and a defence of Helvetica that will make every designer nod. You also get TikTok envy handled with grace, a love letter to Pinterest, a new font purchase, and a gentle debate on spice levels. It is warm, funny, and honest. Listen if you need a creative lift, a reminder that balance beats hustle, and a nudge to make space for play.

For The Creative Boom Podcast this week, Katy Cowan chats with Zoë Thompson, the founder of Sweet Thang, an independent arts and literary zine that champions black creatives around the world. Zoë launched the publication when she was just 18, driven by a love of magazines and a desire to create a platform where underrepresented voices could shine. What began as a scrappy DIY project has grown into a celebrated space for fresh talent, first-time writers, and those often overlooked by mainstream media. Zoë shares the story behind Sweet Thang's beginnings, from collaging spreads at home to crowdfunding to pay contributors. She explains why zines remain such a powerful and democratic medium, offering a direct connection between creator and reader, without the need for algorithms or gatekeepers. With a warm and candid honesty, Zoë talks about the freedom of imperfection, the joy of making something physical, and the thrill of giving people their first-ever byline. Together, Katy and Zoë explore the enduring magic of print in a digital world. They discuss why physical publications feel more important than ever, offering permanence and value in an age of fleeting feeds. They also touch on the challenges of running a passion project, the lessons learned along the way, and the communities that keep them both inspired. It's a conversation filled with humour, insight, and plenty of creative wisdom—perfect listening for anyone who wants to make something of their own.

We're back with another instalment of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. This time, host Katy Cowan is joined by Emily Penny – brand strategist, writer and founder of Be Colourful. In this after-show, Emily reveals the actress she's convinced should play her in the movie of her life, the hill she'd happily die on when it comes to creative work, and why she secretly believes in fairies. She talks about childhood obsessions, her love of condiments, and the magazine she launched at the age of nine. It's warm, funny and full of surprises... the perfect companion to her full conversation with Katy, released earlier this week.

In this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy Cowan chats with Emily Penny – brand strategist, writer and founder of Be Colourful – about why so many design studios blend into the crowd, and the secrets to finally breaking free. Emily shares findings from her new report, Fully Saturated, which analysed over 150 UK branding agencies. The results reveal a sector drowning in sameness – studios echoing the same promises, paralysed by fear, and too often hiding behind portfolio thinking. But Emily also uncovers the brave outliers: agencies daring to own their difference, lean into what makes them unique, and turn it into a powerful advantage. Their conversation digs into why creatives find it so hard to position themselves, the emotional blocks that keep agencies stuck, and how her 'Brandstrand framework' – with 18 distinct strategies – can help any studio discover what it truly wants to be famous for. Emily also speaks openly about her own journey, from launching Be Colourful in 2013 to embracing her voice as a "quiet" strategist in a loud industry, and why confidence starts with honesty. It's a sharp, inspiring episode full of practical takeaways... the kind that will help you ditch the copycat mentality and start standing out for the right reasons.

We're back with another instalment of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. This time, host Katy Cowan is joined by Claire Blyth, founder of Red Setter and a passionate advocate for design PR. In this light-hearted after-show, Claire shares the rituals that keep her grounded, the superstition she secretly (or not so secretly) follows, and the teenage scents that instantly take her back. She reminisces about nights out at the legendary Hacienda, admits the last time she felt out of her depth, and reveals the music icon she'll always worship. It's fun, personal and full of surprises – the perfect companion to her full conversation with Katy, released earlier this week.

In this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy Cowan chats with Claire Blyth, founder of Red Setter, the PR agency championing design. Claire reflects on how the industry has transformed since she started out – from mornings spent clipping newspapers to today's reality of AI search and zero-click content. She shares why human connection still matters more than ever, how design needs a stronger voice in business, and why many agencies are asking the same hard question: what's the point of PR anymore? Their conversation ranges from the decline of traditional media and the rise of generative AI, to the new skills agencies need to survive. Claire also speaks candidly about her own journey... from overcoming a fear of public speaking to building confidence as a leader, and why being direct is often the kindest approach. It's a thoughtful, optimistic episode that explores the future of PR and marketing, the resilience of creativity, and how to find clarity in a world full of noise.

We're back with another instalment of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. This time, host Katy Cowan is joined by Brian Collins – legendary designer and co-founder of COLLINS. In this playful after-show, Brian reveals the piece of creative advice he always ignores, the guilty pleasure he'll defend to the death, and the oddest compliment he's ever received. He talks about the colour that has defined his life, the mythical creature that best sums up his creativity, and why Oreos are basically the design equivalent of a perfect steak. He also shares the question he'd rather not ask but knows he should, who he'd invite to a dream dinner party, and the medium he secretly wishes he'd mastered. It's cheeky, candid and full of Brian's trademark humour – the perfect companion to his full conversation with Katy, released earlier this week.

In this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy Cowan sits down with Brian Collins – the legendary co-founder of COLLINS, the design company behind work for Spotify, Dropbox and Mailchimp – for a conversation that's part masterclass, part storytelling, and entirely unforgettable. Brian reveals how a childhood moment involving a bright orange tie taught him the importance of standing out, persistence and courage. He explains his idea of the "second dragon" — why every creative challenge hides a deeper problem beneath the obvious one – and how this philosophy has shaped COLLINS' approach to some of the world's biggest brands. He also shares a health scare that forced him to confront what really mattered, his unflinching take on AI as an "alien intelligence" that creatives must learn to work with, and why he gave up chasing happiness in favour of something far more powerful. It's a big, generous episode with lessons on resilience, imagination and the future of design... all told with Brian's trademark humour, wit and energy.

We're back with another instalment of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. Host Katy Cowan is joined this time by Haraldur 'Halli' Thorleifsson – designer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of Ramp Up Reykjavik. In this playful after-show, Halli reflects on the first book that changed him, the moments he's felt out of his depth, and the creative hill he'd happily die on. He opens up about the small rituals that keep him going, the impulsive adventures that shaped him, and even lets slip who he'd invite to his dream dinner party. It's thoughtful, funny and full of surprises – the perfect companion to his full conversation with Katy, released earlier this week.

In this episode of the Creative Boom Podcast, Katy Cowan chats with Haraldur 'Halli' Thorleifsson – designer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and now podcaster – about what it really means to lead with kindness. Halli opens up about the personal challenges that shaped his outlook, from losing his mother to living with muscular dystrophy. He talks candidly about how pain, addiction and loss have fuelled both his creativity and his compassion. Katy explores his journey from building Ueno, the celebrated design agency later sold to Twitter, to founding Ramp Up Reykjavik, a project that built thousands of wheelchair ramps across Iceland and beyond. Their conversation ranges from the thrill of creative success and the burnout that follows, to why giving back is not just an act of generosity but a way to survive. Halli reflects on the importance of purpose, his belief in resilience as a daily choice, and how friendships and small rituals help him navigate life. It's a moving episode about finding meaning, challenging yourself, and embracing kindness as a superpower in both work and life.

We're back with a brand-new season of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. Host Katy Cowan is joined once again by Paul Benney – co-founder of Jockey Slut, Bugged Out! and the biannual magazine Disco Pogo. In this episode, Paul reveals the discipline he secretly wishes he was good at, admits who has sparked a little creative envy, and shares the small rituals that make his days brighter. He talks about the scents that instantly take him back to childhood, the historical figure he'd love to swap lives with, and the one thing he wishes he could believe in. From emojis to dream dinner guests, it's a playful and candid conversation that lets us see another side to one of electronic music's most enduring publishers.

Kicking off the new season of The Creative Boom Podcast, host Katy Cowan sits down with Paul Benney – co-founder of the cult dance magazine Jockey Slut, the legendary club night Bugged Out! and, today, the beautifully crafted biannual Disco Pogo. Paul looks back at the golden days of music magazines and club culture in the '90s, sharing stories of launching a fanzine on a shoestring, running sell-out nights that booked Daft Punk, and building a magazine that captured the spirit of electronic music. He also talks candidly about burnout, the collapse of Jockey Slut, and what it took to start again. With Disco Pogo, Paul has found a way to honour the past while creating something fresh for today – a print magazine rooted in authenticity, community, and the stories behind the music. This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention and keeping the magic alive in a changing industry.

Are you just as curious about the people behind the work as you are about the work itself? The Creative Boom Podcast goes beyond the portfolio to uncover what really drives creative minds. Join host Katy Cowan for warm, candid conversations with fascinating guests – from celebrated names like Paula Scher, Gail Anderson, and Stefan Sagmeister to emerging talents making waves in their own unique ways. Every Monday, you’ll hear honest stories of personal breakthroughs, creative frustrations, and the messy, human side of making things. Then stick around for The Spark, a fun bonus episode every Thursday where each week’s guest answers unexpected questions and reveals the quirks you don’t always hear in a regular interview. Whether you’re after a deep, inspiring chat or a playful behind-the-scenes peek, The Creative Boom Podcast has you covered. Subscribe now and join the conversation.

In this bonus episode of The Spark, Koto CEO and founder James Greenfield returns for a lighter, weirder, and more wonderfully random chat. From his most controversial creative opinion (spoiler: it involves Apple) to dreams featuring Mr Bingo demanding to be called 'The Way', nothing is off-limits. We chat about parenting, drum and bass, the strange comfort of Marcus Aurelius audiobooks, and the surprisingly joyful art of reading mean internet comments. James also reveals the creative outlet he's rubbish at (but would love to master), the most embarrassing pitch moment of his career, and the one thing he wishes Apple TV would sort out immediately. This one's for the curious, the creative, and anyone who's ever planted a hydrangea in the shade and called it therapy. And that's Season Nine wrapped up. It's been an absolute blast. We've loved every minute. Thank you to all our guests for joining us on the show, and a big thank you to the School of Communication Arts for making this season possible. We'll be back in the autumn with fresh guests, new and exciting themes, and more fun and games. Until then, have a great summer.

For the final episode of Season Nine, we're joined by James Greenfield, founder and CEO of Koto, the global brand agency celebrating its 10th anniversary. James reflects on a decade of building one of the most talked-about studios in the industry, from humble beginnings and "recycling problems" to global offices, high-profile clients like Amazon, and a team that now numbers over 180. We explore how Koto evolved from a scrappy underdog into a creative heavyweight and how James has managed to maintain a startup mentality, champion a people-first culture, and fiercely protect creative standards as the business scaled. He also shares why independence is having a moment, how AI is creating a flood of "automated slop", and why great creativity matters more than ever. Elsewhere, we touch on the emotional moments behind launching Koto, the leadership lessons learned, and how staying close to the team (and away from perfectionism) keeps the company grounded. There's also time for thoughts on social media fatigue, what makes a strong agency-client relationship, and why—despite a love of good work—he's only raised his voice three times in a decade. We wrap with some honest wisdom: whether you're running a studio or thinking about starting one, James offers no-nonsense advice on what it really takes. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.

In this joyful bonus episode of The Spark, Katy Cowan and Fiona McGarva let their hair down after the main show, diving into the quirky, honest and oddly profound bits that make us who we are. From early mornings in silk gowns (or just pyjamas) to the emotional support cuddly toy that's seen it all, we explore the rituals, irrational comforts and unlikely talents that fuel creativity. Fiona reveals why she gets dressed up for phone calls, how she's surprisingly skilled at matching pairs, and why her funeral will feature a gospel choir and a rocket. We also cover the freedom that comes with age, the power of dressing for yourself, and the joy of not being brilliant at everything. Plus, the imaginary stage show we never knew we needed: Mystic Fiona at Shangri-La. Come for the giggles, stay for the insight – and find out what she'd be doing if PR hadn't worked out (hint: solving crimes on the book tour circuit à la Jessica Fletcher). This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.