The McClain Method
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© 2025 The McClain Method
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The McClain Method is where creative entrepreneurs and interior designers come to build a beautiful business and a beautiful life—because the two are never really separate.
Hosted by acclaimed interior designer, coach, and author John McClain, this podcast blends real talk with refined strategy. We go beyond the highlight reel into the mindset, business models, and behind-the-scenes moves that truly move the needle.
If you're ready to stop settling for “fine” and start designing success on your own terms—you're in the right place.
67 Episodes
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Send us a text 67: How to Create a Dream Team and Streamline Your Design Processes with Jessica Harling In episode 67 of The Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain sits down with Jessica Harling, founder of Behind the Design, to discuss the essentials of building a successful design team. They explore strategies for defining core values, setting realistic goals, and hiring the right talent. Jessica shares her expertise on the importance of a solid onboarding process, managing compan...
Send us a text 66: LIVE FROM KBIS! The Future of Luxury Baths: Tech Advances & Entrepreneurial Lessons with BainUltra. In this special live edition of the Designer Within Podcast recorded from the floor of KBIS 2025 in Las Vegas, host John McClain welcomes Jean-Michel LeBeau and Kim Frechette from Bain Ultra. Together, they discuss the fearless entrepreneurial spirit and innovation driving Bain Ultra’s focus on wellness through luxury bath products. Learn about the importance of st...
Send us a text In this episode of The Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain chats with Mina Duque from Duke Renders about the significant impact photorealistic renderings can have on an interior design business. They delve into Mina's journey from handling her design business to heading client success at Duke Renders and discuss the external support and benefits that outsourcing renderings can bring to designers. They cover how renderings can speed up project approvals, enhan...
Send us a text In episode 63 of The Designer Within Podcast, recorded LIVE as he walks the streets of ever-inspiring Italy, host John McClain shares his transformative experiences from a trade show in Verona to the picturesque streets of Florence, and finally, the bustling city of Milan on a solo soul finding trip through Italy. John reflects on much-needed inspiration and offers insights on refueling creativity, maintaining originality, and setting realistic expectations in the business wo...
Send us a text In episode 62 of The Designer Within Podcast, hosted by John McClain, we delve into the world of brand collaborations and PR strategies. John chats with Jocelyn Hutt, a seasoned marketing and PR expert, about effective brand partnerships, storytelling in design projects, and the importance of both regional and national PR. Jocelyn shares invaluable tips for designers and creatives on how to elevate their projects and visibility, emphasizing the importance of high-quality...
Send us a text The Designer Within Podcast Episode 61: How to Create A True Client-Centric Design with Michael Mitchell In this episode of the Designer Within podcast, host John McClain discusses the art of creating client-centric designs with Michael Mitchell. They explore Michael's approach to blending diverse styles, his extensive sourcing trips, and the importance of understanding clients' unique stories. Michael shares insights on managing client expectations, the power of intent...
Send us a text Designing Your Best Year: Embracing Purpose, Progress, and Peace in 2025 In this episode of the Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain explores the crucial difference between being busy and being productive. He introduces the concept of aligning tasks with one's goals through a decision filter focusing on purpose, progress, and peace. John explains the revamped podcast format, which will now cater to interior designers, homeowners, and general listeners, offering i...
Send us a text In Episode 59 of the Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain continues his insightful conversation with Sarah Lynn Brennan. They delve deeper into the creation and ongoing success of Sarah's design showroom, 'All Things Home,' located in North Carolina. Sarah shares the unplanned journey of opening her showroom, how strategic partnerships played a vital role in its development, and the innovative business model designed to make luxury design accessible. The dis...
Send us a text In this episode of the 'Designer Within' podcast, John McClain interviews Sara Lynn Brennan, a successful interior designer who transitioned from being a middle and high school science teacher to running her own multi-million dollar design business. Sara shares her early business mistakes and emphasizes the importance of establishing structured processes and having hard conversations with clients. She discusses her journey from DIY projects to handling large-scale renova...
Send us a text In this episode of The Designer Within podcast, host John McClain chats with Leonardo Ledesma, founder of Art Seen, an art advisory and curatorial service based in Los Angeles. Leonardo shares his journey from studying architecture to creating a successful art advisory firm that caters to designers, architects, and collectors. They discuss the organic growth of Art Seen, the importance of engaging and personalized client relationships, the role of technology in the art busine...
Send us a text In this episode of The Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain and interior designer Christina Richardson delve into the critical aspects of contracts and negotiations crucial for a successful design business. Christina shares her unique transition from mining to design and how her diverse background empowers her practice. They explore the importance of clear contracts covering scope, price, and liabilities, strategies to avoid scope creep, and effective negotiation techniqu...
Send us a text In this episode of 'The Designer Within' podcast, host John McClain discusses sustainable practices in interior design with Carter Averbeck of Omforme Design. Carter shares his journey to sustainability, how the industry has evolved, and practical steps for integrating eco-friendly practices into design businesses. He emphasizes transparency with clients, the growing demand from younger generations, and the innovative use of secondary markets. The conversation also touches ...
Send us a text Balancing Business and Life: Lessons Learned as an Interior Designer Season 2, Episode 53 In this episode of 'The Designer Within' podcast, host John McClain welcomes listeners back for the second season. John discusses the importance of evaluating the profitability and time commitment of projects. He shares personal reflections on taking a summer break to recharge and cope with the loss of his dog Jax. John emphasizes the necessity of slowing down to avoid burnout, set...
Send us a text How to Fully Craft Your Client Journey: Part 2 with Brittany Farinas In the concluding episode of Season 1, John McClain celebrates the one-year anniversary of 'The Designer Within' podcast and shares exciting plans for Season 2. John then dives into part two of his insightful interview with Brittany Farinas. Brittany emphasizes the importance of maintaining direct client communication, effective project intake processes, client expectation management, and the integrat...
Send us a text In this engaging episode (Part 1 of 2) of the Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain welcomes Brittany Farinas, CEO, and Creative Director of House of One, to discuss her journey in the interior design world. Together, they delve into Brittany's early career challenges, the importance of professional branding, and key business strategies that have propelled her to success. Highlights include insights into Brittany's investment in PR, the dual role of personal and profession...
Send us a text Can the words you choose truly shape your business success? Discover the transformative power of language in our 50th milestone episode of the Designer Within Podcast. I'll unveil how the words you use can either build bridges or create barriers in your professional relationships. Learn how to replace phrases like "cheap" and "budget" with more positive alternatives such as "less expensive" and "investment expectations" to foster confidence and professionalism. This episode is ...
Send us a text What if you could turn your passion into a thriving career? This week, I sit down with Jamie Gasparovic, the visionary founder and principal designer of Studio Gaspo, to uncover the secrets behind her meteoric rise from a marketing professional to a celebrated interior designer. Jamie takes us through her journey of launching her own firm at just 27, without traditional mentorship, and how sheer determination and self-reliance fueled her success. Jamie generously shares hard-...
Send us a text Ever wondered how a background in IT could transform the world of interior design? This episode of The Designer Within Podcast with John McClain promises an engaging exploration of career transitions with our inspiring guest, Sarah Wilson, the owner and principal designer of Chansaerae Designs. Sarah’s incredible journey from the structured environment of IT to the creative realm of interior design is a must-hear. She openly shares her experiences of returning to design schoo...
Send us a text Can you imagine transforming every client consultation into a surefire sales opportunity? That's exactly what you'll learn in this episode of the Designer Within Podcast with me, John McClain. We explore the essential strategies for mastering successful consultations in sales-driven businesses, especially for creative entrepreneurs. By embracing consultations as crucial sales calls, you’ll discover ten actionable steps that have driven my own business success. From setting clea...
Send us a text Imagine transforming your home into a sanctuary that not only soothes your soul but also stands as a testament to ethical living. Join me, John McClain, and pioneer Deborah Dimare as we navigate the intersection of interior design and moral responsibility, ensuring that every piece of furniture and fabric honors both your well-being and the planet's. Our lively discussion explores my journey to creating healthful living spaces, and Deborah's transition from traditional design t...
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