The Creative Boom Podcast

Creative Boom

The Creative Boom Podcast is a weekly interview show for designers, illustrators, animators, and creative professionals. Host Katy Cowan talks to artists, entrepreneurs and creative thinkers about the realities of building a creative career – confidence, burnout, money, failure, reinvention, and imposter syndrome – in honest, warm conversations that don't dress anything up.

Part of Creative Boom, the independent magazine for the creative community established in 2009.

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217 episodes
Updated June 17
Explicit

Episodes217

Newest first

Nov 6, 2025 · 38 min
The Spark: Claire Blyth on Madonna, Magpies and the Hacienda
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.
Nov 3, 2025 · 49 min
Claire Blyth on Why PR Still Matters in the Age of AI
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.
Oct 30, 2025 · 22 min
The Spark: Brian Collins on Poetry, Playfulness and the Perfect Cookie
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.
Oct 27, 2025 · 58 min
Brian Collins on Fighting Second Dragons, the Power of Orange Ties and the Future of Creativity
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.
Oct 22, 2025 · 20 min
The Spark: Haraldur Thorleifsson on Impulsive Adventures, Inner Critics & Dream Guests
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.
Oct 19, 2025 · 38 min
From Twitter to Ramps & Resilience: Haraldur Thorleifsson on Building with Kindness
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.
Oct 15, 2025 · 34 min
The Spark: Paul Benney on Creative Envy, Childhood Freedom & a Dream Dinner with Tony Wilson
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.
Oct 12, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
From Rave Culture to Print Revival: Paul Benney on Jockey Sl*t, Bugged Out! & Disco Pogo
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.
Sep 19, 2025 · 1 min
The Creative Boom Podcast Trailer
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.
Jul 16, 2025 · 17 min
The Spark: James Greenfield of Koto on Apple Rants, Mr Bingo Dreams & Pitch Mishaps
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.
Jul 13, 2025 · 51 min
10 Years of Koto: James Greenfield on Leadership, Growth & Grit
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.
Jul 9, 2025 · 29 min
The Spark: Fiona McGarva on Rituals, Rockets & Reinvention
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.
Jul 6, 2025 · 54 min
Rewilding Comms: Fiona McGarva on Glastonbury, Print, and Creative Freedom
In this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy Cowan is joined by Fiona McGarva, founder of Sundae Communications and longtime collaborator with Shangri-La at Glastonbury Festival. They explore how Fiona and the team have completely reimagined how they communicate with audiences—ditching traditional social media announcements in favour of handmade risograph posters, seed packets, and direct, analogue experiences that celebrate slowness and real-world connection. Fiona shares how Shangri-La's new theme, 'The Wilding', is more than just a creative direction—it's a complete reset, inviting us all to consider how we share stories, connect with people, and move away from platforms we don't truly own. The conversation is a refreshing and empowering reminder that creativity can flourish in new ways, especially when we embrace age, messiness, and the freedom to do things differently. Together, Katy and Fiona reflect on their careers in PR, the shifts they've seen across media and design, and the joy of doing things on your own terms. Expect nostalgia, a few Pedro Pascal tangents, and plenty of wisdom on everything from personal growth to rediscovering magic in our work and lives. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.
Jul 2, 2025 · 20 min
The Spark: Kenny Gravillis on Creative Rules, '80s Movies and Fruit Pastilles
In this bonus episode, The Spark, our founding editor Katy Cowan reunites with Kenny Gravillis for a more playful, off-the-cuff chat that lifts the lid on the personality behind the creative powerhouse. With the serious stuff out of the way, it's time to talk rules, rituals and ridiculous snacks. Kenny shares the one design rule he tries not to break (but sometimes does) and how his relationship with creativity has evolved from being a perfectionist to embracing a more open, collaborative approach with his team. There's also a loving tribute to St. Lucia, where he escapes to reset and recharge; a flashback to his pool hustling days in the Bronx; and an unexpected comfort found in a dog named Hero, who really needs to stop biting people's feet. We also hear about his favourite funeral song, the word he never wants to hear again (bandwidth), and the oversized bag of Fruit Pastilles that didn't survive the first half of Mission Impossible. And yes, there's a Tom Cruise story... because, of course, there is. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.
Jun 29, 2025 · 59 min
The Human Touch: Kenny Gravillis on Biggie, the Oscars & Outsmarting AI
He branded the Oscars. Designed the iconic Ready to Die album cover. Created film campaigns for Inglourious Basterds, West Side Story, Dune and more. In this episode, our founding editor Katy Cowan chats with creative director Kenny Gravillis, the East London-born designer who's helped shape the visual language of contemporary film. The founder of Gravillis Inc., Kenny shares how he went from designing panty shield ads to working at Def Jam by age 21, and later building a studio in LA that now works with the biggest names in Hollywood. He reflects on meeting Spielberg, working with Spike Lee, and why staying humble (and kind) has been his secret weapon. They also talk about the challenges of breaking into a closed industry, navigating the shift from music to film, and why AI won’t replace the nuance of human-made art anytime soon. Oh, and the time Christoph Waltz thought he'd been cut from Inglourious Basterds because Kenny didn't give him a poster. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.
Jun 25, 2025 · 33 min
The Spark: Emily Jeffrey-Barrett on Creative Graft, Imposter Syndrome & Wyoming Dreams
In this joyful, laugh-out-loud episode of The Spark, our founding editor Katy Cowan sits down (again!) with the brilliant Emily Jeffrey-Barrett, founder of creative agency Among Equals, to continue where they left off—with less business chat and more banter. Expect everything from shameful Brownie troop confessions and controversial creative opinions (spoiler: she doesn't think we're artists), to what it's like flying business class for the first time and being traumatised by cyclists in London. Along the way, Emily shares the two pieces of advice that have helped her survive as a creative leader, reveals the one word that gives her the heebie-jeebies, and admits her irrational comfort phrase, courtesy of her Yorkshire grandparents: "Hope it works out for you". There's even talk of Wyoming ranches, Branston Pickle nostalgia, and a shared hatred of faffing. Honestly, it's a miracle anything got done. This one's for the high-achievers, the people-pleasers, and anyone who's ever been told to "just relax". This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.
Jun 22, 2025 · 52 min
No Shame, Big Goals: Scaling & Selling a Creative Agency with Emily Jeffrey-Barrett
In this candid and energising conversation, our host, Katy Cowan, sits down with Emily Jeffrey-Barrett, founder of creative agency Among Equals, to mark its fifth anniversary. From launching in lockdown with nothing but patio furniture and ambition to opening a second office in Dubai, Emily shares the real story of building an agency entirely on her own terms. They talk openly about what it means to take up space as a woman in business: being talked over, underestimated, and navigating the exhausting tightrope between being "too much" and "not enough". In fact, they had to record the episode twice after having too much fun the first time around — which sparked a deeper conversation about likability, being taken seriously, and the narrow boxes women are still expected to fit into. We also hear about Among Equals' unique philosophy, its bold plans for the future (including an eventual sale), and what real disruption might actually look like in the creative industry. Funny, honest, and packed with insight — this is one to bookmark if you're dreaming of building something of your own. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.
Jun 18, 2025 · 29 min
The Spark: Adrian Carroll on Making the Logo Bigger, Noseybonk Nightmares, and Tokyo Dreams
Welcome back to The Spark, your extra dose of insight and fun from this week's guest. Today, Adrian Carroll of D8 returns to answer a few quick-fire questions—and as you'd expect from someone with decades of experience, his answers are full of wisdom and wit. Adrian shares his most controversial creative opinion (and it's a good one), the best advice he's ever received, and the one ordinary day he'd relive if he could. He also reveals the word that gets on his nerves the most, his favourite place in the world, and a random dream that's stuck with him. And yes, we discover his party trick. It's the perfect way to wrap up the week, with a few laughs, a few surprises, and even more insight into the creative mind behind D8. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.
Jun 15, 2025 · 52 min
Adapting & Thriving: 26 Years of Change with Adrian Carroll of D8
In this episode, our founding editor Katy Cowan sits down with Adrian Carroll, co-founder and executive creative director of D8, a leading creative agency with studios in Glasgow, Amsterdam, and beyond. With over 26 years in the industry, Adrian reflects on the constant change he's weathered—from the dawn of the internet to economic crises, the rise of social media, and the latest wave of AI disruption. They talk candidly about starting out in the late '90s, why human relationships still sit at the heart of good business, and how trust and intuition have helped D8 grow into one of the most respected independent studios in the UK. Adrian also shares exciting news about D8's latest venture: the launch of a bespoke type foundry, ABCD8, and why ownable, AI-proof assets are becoming essential in today's creative landscape. Expect a thoughtful, grounded conversation about longevity, integrity, and why sometimes... the logo does need to be bigger. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.
Jun 11, 2025 · 36 min
The Spark: Emma Barratt on Being Yourself, Bad Buzzwords and Winning Every Argument
In this bonus Spark episode, Emma Barratt returns for a funny, honest, and brilliantly unfiltered chat with Katy Cowan. She takes on some of our favourite quick-fire questions — from the best advice she's ever received to the song she'd like played at her funeral. Emma shares her most controversial creative opinion (spoiler: not everything is "transformative"), the word that gives her the ick, and why she relates most to an octopus. She also opens up about OCD rituals, arguments she has to win, and the rejection that taught her the most — including the first time she applied to Wolff Olins. Packed with warmth, dry wit and big heart, this is the perfect follow-up to Emma's main episode on class, creativity, and carving your own path. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.