Podcast · Arts & Books

Design Nerds Anonymous

by ThinkLab and SURROUND · English · Arts & Books

Design Nerds Anonymous is a podcast about what’s next, shaped by design, human behavior, and data.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 35 min
Latest: 15 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026 · 36 minNew

Leading Without the Leash: What Training Guide Dogs Reveals About the Future of Work

Recorded live from the Mannington Commercial New York Showroom, this conversation explores an unexpected model for the future of work: guide dog training.Amanda Schneider is joined by Deborah Golden, author of the foreword of Work for What’s Next, and John Miller, CEO of Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs, to examine what the process of raising and training guide dogs reveals about judgment, trust, confidence, and independence—capabilities becoming increasingly essential as organizations navigate artificial intelligence, accelerating change, and greater uncertainty.Rather than…

Play episodeWhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S10 · E14 · 1 Oct 2026 · 46 min
Gen Z Is Entering the Workforce. Are We Setting Them Up to Succeed?
Recorded live at the Mannington Atlanta showroom, this episode explores a question facing every industry: as Gen Z enters the workforce, are we collectively setting them up to succeed?Gen Z is entering a workplace with changing context to the one we entered. AI is changing how work gets done. Communication norms are shifting. Career paths are less linear. And the definition of “work ready” is changing right along with them. So, what does Gen Z need to learn? What does the workplace need to unlearn? And how do students, educators, and employers prepare for what comes next?Amanda brings…
S10 · E13 · 17 Sep 2026 · 39 min
Mass Customization: The Next Workplace Challenge
Recorded live with Office Revolution in Chicago in the Haworth showroom, this episode explores what may be the next great workplace challenge: how organizations can deliver individualized experiences while maintaining alignment, efficiency, and culture.Inspired by ideas from I Can Fit That In and Work for What's Next, Amanda is joined by leadership coach and author Erin Coupe alongside Tyler Blackwell, a corporate leader who is navigating these tensions in real time. Together, they examine why flexibility looks different for everyone, why most people have never stopped to define what…
S10 · E12 · 3 Sep 2026 · 40 min
The System Wasn’t Built for Everyone. Now What?
Recorded live at the Momentum showroom, this episode explores a tension at the heart of Work for What's Next: people can experience the same workplace very differently—and those differences have something important to teach us.Inspired by recent conversations across the industry, Amanda is joined by Cheryl Durst (IIDA), Libby Gillen (Women of Color in Design), and Lisa Chung (Gensler) to discuss how identity, background, and lived experience shape our experience of work, what those perspectives reveal about the systems we operate in today, and what organizations can learn when more voices…
27 Aug 2026 · 36 min
The Oprah Encore: What Jean Twenge Says We’re Getting Wrong About Gen Z
After appearing together on Oprah’s podcast, Amanda knew one thing immediately: we needed more time with Jean Twenge.Jean is one of the world’s most cited and influential generational researchers, known for shaping how leaders understand Millennials, Gen Z, technology, mental health, and cultural change. Her newest book draws from more than 42,000,000 data points, making it one of the most comprehensive studies of generational differences to date. In this conversation, Amanda and Jean go deeper into the workplace tensions leaders everywhere are trying to navigate right now: burnout and…
S10 · E11 · 20 Aug 2026 · 35 min
The Story Behind the Story of Work for What’s Next
Cindy Kaufman turns the mic around, live, at the Mannington showroom in Denver for a more personal conversation with Amanda Schneider. Together, they go beyond the ideas in Work for What’s Next to explore the moments, questions, and experiences that shaped the book. This is the story behind the story—what it took, what surprised her, and what didn’t make it onto the page.This episode is presented by Mannington Commercial. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S10 · E10 · 6 Aug 2026 · 45 min
We Tested a Gen Z Advisory Model. Here's What We Learned.
In this milestone 100th episode of Design Nerds Anonymous, recorded live at our industry's largest trade show, Amanda is joined by Candon Murphy (HOK), Joseph Oliveri (Corgan), and Caroline Murphy (FutureGen) for a live conversation testing a Gen Z advisory model. Building on years of ThinkLab research and an ongoing Gen Z cohort, the discussion brings the next generation into real business conversations, revealing fresh insights into leadership, collaboration, and the future of work. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at…
S10 · E9 · 23 Jul 2026 · 7 min
The Road Show Begins: Come Build What's Next with Us
We're hitting the road... and we'd love for you to come along.Over the next few months, Design Nerds Anonymous is leaving the studio for a series of live podcast recordings, keynotes, and conversations across North America as part of the Work for What's Next Road Show.In this special episode, Amanda shares what to expect, why every stop is intentionally different, and how you can join the conversation—whether that's in person or right here on the podcast. Here's where we're headed, what we're exploring, and how you can be part of it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and…
S10 · E8 · 14 May 2026 · 15 min
Signals of the Future: A Playbook for What’s Next
The future of work isn’t a distant horizon—it’s already taking shape in small, often overlooked signals. In this episode, we explore the early indicators reshaping how work is designed, led, and experienced. The conversation connects these signals to practical action, offering leaders a clearer way to spot what’s emerging and make smarter decisions about what to do next.Links Mentioned: Grab your copy of Work for What's Next. Sign up for ThinkLab’s Newsletter to keep up with industry trends. Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more workplace insights. Book Amanda to speak This season of Design…
S10 · E7 · 7 May 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
BONUS EP: LIVE from the PDC Healthcare Summit 2026
In this special episode of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider takes you inside the PDC Summit—one of the rare events where the full spectrum of healthcare decision-makers comes together under one roof. Recorded live from the show floor, this episode captures an unfiltered look at the real conversations unfolding between owners, clinicians, facilities leaders, architects, engineers, designers, and construction managers. Featuring voices like Clayton Mitchell (Yale New Haven Health), the award-winning Dr. Scott Zeller, Kelly Miller (RWJ Barnabas Health), Ed Cheshire (Nationwide…
S10 · E6 · 30 Apr 2026 · 34 min
Mentorship and Learning for What’s Next
In Season 10, Episode 6 of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider turns to two critical forces shaping the future of work: mentorship and learning. She’s joined by Elisabeth Mejia, President of IIDA New York and Interiors Leader for HKS in New York, and Paridhi Chawla, Vice President of Student Development for IIDA New York and a Gen Z designer at TPG Architecture. Together, they explore what happens when institutional knowledge is at risk of retiring out, why mentorship can no longer sit only with the most senior leaders, and how learning must become more distributed, reciprocal, and…
S10 · E5 · 23 Apr 2026 · 36 min
Communication and Collaboration for the New Rhythm of Work
In Season 10, Episode 5 of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider turns to two of the most pressing realities of modern work: communication and collaboration. She’s joined by Dr. JJ Peterson, former head of StoryBrand and a leading voice in modern messaging, and Gideon Spitzer-Williams, who leads global experiential marketing for Canva’s B2B organization. Together, they explore why more communication does not automatically create clarity, how AI should amplify wisdom rather than replace it, and what it takes to design communication systems that create momentum instead of noise. Links…
S10 · E4 · 16 Apr 2026 · 33 min
The Power of Microcultures: Designing Culture and Purpose That Stick
In Season 10, Episode 4 of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider zooms out from trust and talent to explore the deeper belief systems holding organizations together: culture and purpose. She’s joined by Ron Tite—author, speaker, founder of Church+State, and former stand-up comic turned award-winning creative director—who has helped global brands align what they believe with how they behave. Together, they unpack why so many organizations get purpose wrong, how short-term thinking erodes real growth, and what it takes to translate lofty ideas into behaviors people across generations…
S10 · E3 · 9 Apr 2026 · 42 min
The New Rules to Recruit and Retain
In Season 10, Episode 3 of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider builds on last week’s trust conversation by tackling the next logical shift: recruitment and retention. She’s joined by two voices with beautifully opposing (and complementary) lenses: Grace Snelling, editorial assistant at Fast Company covering design, branding, and cultural shifts with a front-row Gen Z perspective, and Megan Detratto, partner and co-founder of TOKONEXT who’s spent 20+ years advising AEC firms on talent acquisition, succession, and next-gen leadership. Together, they explore why “less loyal” may be…
S10 · E2 · 2 Apr 2026 · 34 min
Digital Sparks, Human Sticks: Trust & Connection in the Phygital Future
In Season 10, Episode 2 of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider continues the season inspired by her new book, Work for What’s Next, with Eric Termuende, bestselling author and keynote speaker who’s delivered 500+ talks worldwide on leadership, culture, and the future of work. Together, they dig into one of the most foundational shifts in the book: trust and connection—why we’re more connected than ever, yet somehow feel more disconnected at the same time. Expect practical, human-first strategies for building trust without shortcuts, a nuanced take on authenticity, and a…
S10 · E1 · 26 Mar 2026 · 40 min
Why Fixing Work Fixes Everything
In the Season 10 premiere of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider kicks off a season built around the ideas inside her upcoming book, Work for What’s Next, with a guest who lives at the intersection of innovation, risk, and human potential: Deb Golden, Deloitte’s US Chief Innovation Officer. Together, they unpack a core tension shaping work right now: companies keep trying to fix a software problem (culture, trust, systems) with hardware (office mandates). The result is a conversation about the trust gap, unlearning outdated rules, and what it takes to design workplaces that become…
S9 · E4 · 5 Feb 2026 · 32 min
Education Decision Making in Practice LIVE from EdSpaces in Columbus
Recorded live at the EDspaces conference in Columbus, this episode explores how education leaders are navigating high-stakes decisions under unforgiving timelines. Hear why trust, clarity, and early alignment matter more than ever, what’s slowing education projects down, and how partners can help schools move forward with confidence and credibility. LINKS: End-User Decision Making Join Thinklab’s research Podcast Discussion Guide 5 Question Quiz to Earn CEU Credits Thank you to our episode sponsors: Shaw Contract and Haworth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California…
S9 · E3 · 29 Jan 2026 · 30 min
What Shapes Hospitality Decisions Behind the Scenes: Behind Thinklab’s Private Research
In this episode, ThinkLab’s hospitality research takes center stage as Amanda Schneider and Erica Waayenberg unpack how decision-making is shifting across hotel and hospitality projects. From rising risk aversion and burnout to growing expectations around business acumen and the practical role of AI, this episode explores what hospitality end users need most right now and how teams can move forward with more clarity and confidence. LINKS: End-User Decision Making Join Thinklab’s research Podcast Discussion Guide 5 Question Quiz to Earn CEU Credits Thank you to our episode sponsor: Mohawk See…
S9 · E2 · 22 Jan 2026 · 32 min
What Drives Healthcare Design Decisions Today: LIVE from HCD in KC
Live from the Healthcare Design Conference in Kansas City, this episode explores how healthcare end users are navigating increasingly complex decisions for the built environment. Hear why early problem-spotting beats crisis response, what’s breaking alignment at the start of projects, and how clearer communication and stronger partnerships can help healthcare teams move faster with more confidence. LINKS: End-User Decision MakingJoin Thinklab’s researchPodcast Discussion Guide 5 Question Quiz for CEU CreditsThank you to our episode sponsors: Haworth and Clarus. See Privacy Policy at…
S9 · E1 · 15 Jan 2026 · 30 min
Inside Corporate Decisions for the Built Environment: LIVE from Chicago
Live from Chicago, this episode dives into how corporate end users are making decisions differently in today’s built environment. Hear real conversations straight from ThinkLab’s Corporate Hackathon on why flexibility matters more than cost, what’s slowing projects down, and how clearer, more empathetic partnerships can move work forward faster.LINKS: End-User Decision MakingJoin Thinklab’s researchPodcast Discussion Guide5 Question Quiz to Earn CEU CreditsThank you to our episode sponsors: Shaw Contract and Clarus. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy…
S8 · E7 · 23 Oct 2025 · 29 min
Radical Futures: What Could 2040 Really Look Like?
What will life look like in 2040? In this special season finale, we fast-forward to the future and ask our guests to share their most radical—but entirely possible—predictions for what’s ahead. From breakthroughs in design and technology to shifts in culture, climate, and the way we live, these ideas push the boundaries of what we think is possible. Some will inspire you. Some might shock you. All will make you see the future in a new way. This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.Click here for more info on this episode, plus to…
S8 · E6 · 16 Oct 2025 · 30 min
What Is Next for Hotels and Hospitality Spaces?
From luxury seekers to digital nomads to next-gen travelers, hospitality spaces are evolving at record speed—Marriott is opening a new hotel in the U.S. every 20 hours. In this episode, we explore the values transforming what guests want—sustainability, personalization, wellness, and tech—and how hotels, rentals, and travel experiences are adapting. Joining us are Jason Robertson, VP of Global Design Strategies at Marriott International, and Aliya Khan, VP of Global Design and Lifestyle Brands at Marriott International, who share insider perspectives on where the industry is headed and who’s…
S8 · E5 · 9 Oct 2025 · 38 min
What Kind of Homes Will Gen Alpha Want?
What does “home” look like to a generation raised on smart tech, climate anxiety, and constant change? Backed by new research, this episode reveals how Gen Alpha is already shaping the future of housing—from the way homes are designed to where they’re located and even how they’re owned. We’re joined by Dani Mariano, CEO at Razorfish, and Allison Robl Stransky, strategic insights leader at Samsung, who share their perspectives on trends like modular living, adaptable spaces, and sustainability-driven design. The data tells a story we can’t afford to ignore, because it’s relevant to everyone,…
S8 · E4 · 2 Oct 2025 · 29 min
Work, Reimagined: Gen Z’s Blueprint for the Future
As Gen Z comes of age in a world shaped by AI, automation, and rapid change, they’re rewriting the rules of work. Backed by new research, this episode explores how their approach to careers, company culture, and the workplace itself is breaking the mold—from demanding flexibility and purpose to embracing entrepreneurial mindsets. Joining us is Alexandra Levit, future-of-work strategist, author, and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, who shares her perspective on how organizations can adapt now to attract and retain this emerging generation of talent. This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is…
S8 · E3 · 25 Sep 2025 · 33 min
How Will AI Shape the Future of Healthcare?
The first generation of true digital natives is about to step into the role of healthcare decision-makers—and they won’t settle for the systems we have today. Backed by new research, this episode explores how future generations could reshape everything from how we design clinics to how care is delivered. Will hospitals shrink? Will wellness go fully digital? And are we ready for what they’ll demand? This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and…
S8 · E2 · 18 Sep 2025 · 34 min
What Does the Future of Learning Tell Us About the Future of Work?
As learning environments evolve—from AI-enhanced classrooms to creative, skills-based spaces—they’re revealing more than just new ways to teach. They’re shaping the expectations, mindsets, and capabilities of the future workforce. In this episode, we’re joined by Tom Vander Ark—education futurist, author, and CEO of Getting Smart—whose influence spans from leading major school districts to advising global organizations on the future of learning. With decades of experience at the intersection of education, innovation, and workforce development, Tom helps us connect the dots between how we…
S8 · E1 · 11 Sep 2025 · 41 min
How Will Gen Alpha Shape the World We Haven’t Built Yet?
This isn’t just another episode—it’s a conversation with the man who named Gen Alpha.Mark McCrindle is one of the world’s leading social researchers and futurists, and he's trusted by global brands and governments alike to decode what’s next. In this exclusive interview, he joins us to unpack the generation born into AI, shaped by tech, and already redefining how we think about design, sustainability, and innovation.If you’re trying to understand the future, start here with the person who helped define it.This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball…
7 Aug 2025 · 49 min
NeoCon LIVE: Tomorrow’s Impact
Three voices from across generations for a dynamic conversation on what’s shaping the future of the built environment.
31 Jul 2025 · 12 min
BASELINE: A New Podcast from ThinkLab
BASELINE, a new podcast from ThinkLab, brings the product side of the interiors industry together to crowdsource real-time insight, delivered through easy-to-digest reports and a straight-talking podcast. Take a listen to this sample episode and if you enjoy, please go follow wherever you get podcasts.Baseline is available on all major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and SURROUND See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
24 Jul 2025 · 51 min
LIVE from Worktech Chicago 2025
In this special episode of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider goes live at the Worktech Chicago 2025 event. The episode features interviews with event organizers, speakers, and attendees who share insights on the future of work, focusing on workplace design, technology enablement, employee experience, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

About Design Nerds Anonymous

Design Nerds Anonymous is a podcast about what’s next, shaped by design, human behavior, and data.

Design Nerds Anonymous is a English arts & books podcast from ThinkLab and SURROUND. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: ThinkLab and SURROUND
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 35 min
Latest episode: 15 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1534887549

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English arts & books

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.