Clever (podcast)

NEW EPISODE ? Blu Dot’s John Christakos on Combining Artistic Vision and Business Acumen ? John Christakos, co-founder and CEO of Blu Dot, grew up taking road trips with his father to textile mills, skipping school in favor of real-world experiences. He went on to double major in economics and studio art, a combination of creativity and business which proved itself invaluable later in life. After a life-changing year traveling the world with his closest friends, John eventually co-founded Blu Dot alongside them in 1997. In the decades since, under John’s leadership, Blu Dot has grown into an overwhelming success with a dynamic retail presence (online and IRL), prestigious design awards, a devoted following, and a reputation for responding to their customers and world events, with empathy, curiosity, and humanity. Listen to John and Amy Devers on your fav podcast platform now!

Next week we'll be back with a brand new episode, but this week we're diving back into the archives for another favorite - Ep. 45 with Mary Ping! Fashion designer Mary Ping was influenced at a young age by a stylish grandmother who taught her to sew. Always knowing she’d one day run her own label, she studied art at Vassar and worked in east London’s scene before founding her conceptual line, Slow and Steady Wins the Race, a living archive of wardrobe classics, reexamined. Not one to participate on the hamster wheel of trends, she prefers injecting social commentary and sartorial wit into her work. Plus, her photographic memory weirds people out. Listen to Mary and Amy Devers wherever you get your podcasts or at https://lnkd.in/e6xHZQkH

Join the WantedDesign Membership & Connect with Hector Esrawe! Become part of a global design community with exclusive talks, networking opportunities, and industry insights. As a member, you'll gain access to inspiring conversations with top creatives—like our upcoming VOICES 04 session with Héctor Esrawe this Friday at 11 AM ET! Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of Mexico’s leading designers. Apply today and secure your spot in the community! ?? Learn more about the Membership: https://lnkd.in/ez3QNVbY ?? Apply at: https://lnkd.in/eGpk3QRp

NEW Clever ep. 220: Designing Belonging: Alma Jimenez Lopez on Art, Heritage and Home. Alma Jimenez Lopez is a creative force — a designer, artist, and curator who builds bridges between cultures and communities. In this episode, she shares how growing up as a first-generation Mexican American shaped her superpower: empathy. From honing her skills as an interior designer and building bridges across sectors of the design industry, to curation and community-building with the co-founding OF THREADS, which celebrates the richness of Mexican American stories through art, design, and fashion, Alma’s journey is one of vision, healing, and unstoppable drive. This conversation is bold, heartfelt, and full of light. Listen now to Amy Devers and Alma on your favorite podcast app! https://lnkd.in/eD4akWGn

We're back with a brand new Clever Confidential episode! This time, we're focused on "The Brilliant Life and Tragic Death of Florence Broadhurst." In this episode we peel back the glittering fa?ade of one of Australia's greatest design icons, Florence Broadhurst—a woman whose legendary creative genius was rivaled only by the mystery surrounding her violent demise. This journey takes us from the sunlit streets of Sydney’s Paddington neighborhood to the dark corners of a crime scene that defies easy explanation. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or a true crime aficionado, prepare to be captivated by a story of ambition, reinvention, and an unsolved mystery that challenges everything we think we know about a true creative legend. Listen now to Amy Devers + Andrew Wagner as they explore this mystery on your favorite podcast player. TYSM to Rob Snarski and His So Called Friends for the track Poor Florence Broadhurst tunes!

In one week… Clever Confidential will be back with a new episode! For now, dive into the mysterious and magnificent world of the Bradbury Building. Join hosts Amy Devers and Andrew Wagner along with guest hosts Esotouric’s Kim Cooper and Richard Schave as they explore this iconic structure at 304 South Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. From its appearance in 'Blade Runner' to its mystical inspirations, this episode is a must-listen for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Listen on your favorite podcast app or at cleverpodcast.com!

Looking for a story about architecture, passion, betrayal, mystery and tragedy? Or a story about a beautiful seaside home, a sanctuary of modernity, and what E1027 means? If you missed Clever Confidential ep. 5, look no further! Eileen Gray, a visionary architect, built E-1027 in 1929 with her lover, Jean Badovici, on the French Riviera. This house, named E 1027 as a tribute to their relationship, was meant to be a sanctuary of modernity. But since it’s dreamy beginnings, the house has been riddled with tragic events. For the full story, listen now to Amy Devers, Andrew Wagner, and guest expert Anthony Flint for the whole sordid tale behind E-1027 at https://lnkd.in/ep3dnE4v

We’re sharing another past episode"Clever Confidential," Episode 4, where we delve into the fascinating history of Olivetti's Programma 101, a groundbreaking machine that marked a significant milestone in the evolution of personal computing. Have you ever wondered about the history of the personal computer? This episode pulls back the curtain on what may have actually happened during that time of great technological innovation. Introduced in 1965, the Programma 101 was the world's first desktop computer. This innovative device not only reduced the size of computers but also made them more accessible to a broader audience. What set the Programma 101 apart was its human-centered design, which prioritized aesthetics and user experience. This approach made the machine intuitive and user-friendly, setting a new standard in the industry. Despite its high price, the Programma 101 achieved remarkable success and paved the way for future advancements in personal computing. However, the legacy of this pioneering machine was marred by a series of tragic events. The untimely deaths of key figures Adriano Olivetti and Mario Tchou, coupled with the tensions of the Cold War and a hostile takeover by General Electric, significantly hindered Olivetti's continued leadership in the field. Tune in to "Clever Confidential" to learn what happens next in this fascinating design and mystery-riddled story with Amy Devers, Andrew Wagner, and guest expert Barry Katz. https://lnkd.in/dgzFiPNP

ICFF WantedDesign's Launch Pad application deadline has been extended to January 27! Launch Pad at WANTED is an outstanding international platform for emerging designers that introduces new concepts and showcases prototypes of furniture, home accessories, and lighting. The Best of Launch Pad winners will be selected during the Emerging Designers Showcase hosted by Clever's very own Amy Devers! If this sounds interesting to you, check it out and apply now here >> https://lnkd.in/gZYazVr2

Clever listeners, we’re back again with another Clever Confidential episode that we absolutely loved. On Clever Confidential 3, we dove into the fascinating mysteries behind Frank Lloyd Wright. On the afternoon of August 14th, 1915, fire ripped through Taliesin, the Spring Green, Wisconsin home of the world’s most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. When the smoke cleared, seven people would be dead, murdered with an axe. But why? The motive remains a mystery to this day. But there are so many other questions. Why does seemingly everyone know Frank Lloyd Wright but strangely, very few seem to know this tragic side of his story? In this episode Amy Devers + Andrew Wagner investigate all of that as well as the great state of Wisconsin, Wright’s never-ending battle with societal norms, and the interplay between critics and creative professionals. If you haven’t heard this episode yet, it’s the perfect escape into a world that will leave you with more questions than answers. Enjoy! https://lnkd.in/eeZiz83P