What if the colors around us could change the way we feel, think, and connect? In this episode of Matters of Experience, we dive into the transformative world of color with Laura Guido-Clark, founder of Project Color Corps and creator of the Love Good Color methodology. Known for her pioneering approach to color as a tool for emotional and social change, Laura shares insights into how color can heal, inspire, and connect us to spaces in profound ways. From working with major brands to...

In this episode of Matters of Experience, we speak with Dr. Dori Tunstall, a visionary leader in the design world and the first Black female dean of a design faculty. Dori discusses the transformative power of design as a tool for cultural justice, equity, and inclusion. Together, we explore critical questions like: How do we decolonize design? and what it takes to rethink design education for a more just and equitable future. Tune in to learn how design can drive meaningful social change,...

What does it take to lead and innovate in a small museum setting? In this episode of Matters of Experience, hosts Abigail Honor and Brenda Cowan sit down with Alli Schell, Director of Public Programs at the Marshall Steam Museum, to explore the unique challenges and opportunities of working in small museums. With a career shaped by a deep passion for history and education, Alli shares her journey from being a young museum volunteer to becoming a driving force in the museum community. We delve...

How can museums and cultural institutions become more inclusive and welcoming for all visitors? Join us as we explore this vital question with Beth Redmond-Jones, VP of Exhibitions at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and editor & contributing author of Welcoming Museum Visitors with Unapparent Disabilities. With over 30 years of experience at leading institutions like the San Diego Natural History Museum and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Beth shares her insights on designing exhibits that...

This week we discuss the fascinating debate on the role of immersive spaces in science museums with Elisabeth Ramm, an associate partner at ATELIER BRÜCKNER and co-founder of the Swiss-based ARTHINKING Association. Elisabeth shares her insights on how scenography and storytelling can foster creativity, critical thinking, and a sense of wonder. Whether you’re a designer, educator, or science enthusiast, this episode offers a compelling exploration of how immersive spaces can enhance the...

Take a bite out of the world of multi-sensory design with Emilie Baltz, an immersive experience director known for her innovative approach to combining the senses, art, and technology. Discover how Emilie’s work, such as the acclaimed Dream Machine at Liberty Science Center, fosters curiosity and wonder by engaging all the senses. Learn about her passion for community building and how she uses technology as an integral ingredient in her creative process. Whether you’re a designer, a creative...

Celebrating our 50th episode! Join us for a special milestone as we celebrate 50 episodes of Matters of Experience! Abby and Brenda dive into the heart of what makes our profession so unique – and celebrate the incredible guests and topics we’ve explored. In this episode, “The Muse in Museum,” we reflect on the muses that shape our show. From the creative minds at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to innovative voices at the Museum of the Future, we uncover the magic behind designed...

This week’s guest has a theory that you must have a breakdown before getting a breakthrough. Tune into this week’s episode to discover how Eli Kuslansky, Founding Partner and Chief Strategist at Unified Field, applies this theory to revolutionize museum design. Eli shares his journey from nautical antique appraisals to pioneering digital media in museums, creating evocative, emotion-rich exhibits. Learn how empathy, active listening, and cutting-edge technology come together in his projects...

How can art truly connect with a place and its community? Join Abby and Brenda on Matters of Experience as they dive into this question with artist Melissa McGill. Melissa shares her approach to creating art that resonates authentically with its environment, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and immersion. Through projects like the Red Regatta in Venice, she illustrates how art can forge meaningful relationships with communities and inspire collective action. Tune in to...

Tim McNeil is a Professor of Design at the University of California Davis and Director/Chief Curator of the UC Davis Design Museum. He believes that exhibition design is the most transdisciplinary of the design fields, bringing together different design disciplines to create engaging experiences for diverse audiences. In this week’s episode, Tim joins hosts Abby and Brenda in a multifaceted conversation about collaboration, creativity, and the impact of technology in exhibition design. This...

As museums evolve from traditional repositories of art and artifacts to dynamic spaces that reflect their visitors’ diverse voices and experiences, creating inclusive spaces for audiences is more critical than ever. This week’s guest is on a mission to foster inclusivity in cultural institutions. Join Abby and Brenda as they chat with Jamie Lawyer, the Chief Experience Officer at the Rubin Museum of Art, about creating places and spaces to make audiences feel cared for and fall in love with...

What do textiles and technology have in common? Independently, each medium can be used as a form of artistic expression. Together, they can combine to tell stories that blur the boundaries between the digital and the physical. Nicole Yi Messier is a multidisciplinary artist who loves to create experiences that push the envelope in terms of how we interact with them and how they respond to us. If you’re craft-curious or just looking to learn about the possibilities of blending materials and...

In this episode, discover the transformative power of mentorship, visitor-centered design, and innovative storytelling with Trent Oliver. From fostering diversity and inclusion to balancing work-life as a parent, Trent shares insights on shaping the future of interactive experiences. If you’re curious about the unique perspectives and challenges of a successful woman-owned business, this episode is for you.

Remember the excitement of exploring new worlds as a child? What if you could step back into that sense of wonder and curiosity? Join us as we journey into the captivating realm of children’s museums with this week’s guest, Anne Fullenkamp. From interactive exhibits to inclusive experiences, this episode embarks on a nostalgic adventure through the art and science of engaging young minds. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or design enthusiast, tune in now to rediscover the magic of playful...

In this episode of "Matters of Experience," Abby and Brenda engage in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Kiersten F. Latham, co-author of "Flourishing in Museums: Towards a Positive Museology." Together, they delve into the transformative power of positivity within the museum field, exploring how fostering a culture of flourishing not only enhances visitor experiences but also empowers museum staff to thrive amidst societal challenges and institutional transformations. Through insightful...

This week’s guest believes that the future is not for us to await, but rather to create, and that every idea exists for us to envision and then manifest. In this episode, hosts Abby and Brenda engage in a dynamic conversation with Creative Engineer, Sundar Raman about art, technology, and human experience. From embracing curiosity to fostering empathy, this episode offers a glimpse into the boundless possibilities of experience design. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a vision of the...

Why accept the rules of reality when you can explore the power of possibility? How can immersive experiences invite people to embrace the present moment and challenge the boundaries of what’s possible? The answers to these questions and more, on this insightful episode featuring Ed Purver, a creative director and thought leader whose work encourages people to engage with environments with a renewed eye for possibility and to relate to their surroundings with more aliveness and awareness.

In this episode of Matters of Experience, explore the intricacies of curating stories that breathe life into artifacts, revealing raw emotions and untold narratives. Join Abby and Brenda in conversation with Jan Seidler Ramirez, the founding Chief Curator of the National September 11th Memorial and Museum in New York City. Jan shares insights into the delicate balance between remembrance and hope, illustrating how the museum becomes a sanctuary for healing by fostering connections,...

/imagine two podcast hosts, Abby and Brenda, speaking to a guest, Chris Cooper, at a recording studio in New York City about utilizing artificial intelligence to explore the synergy of human ingenuity and machine intelligence within experience design. --style raw

Are you curious to discover what an abundance mindset, JEDI meeting, or radical hospitality is? In this episode, we’ll talk about these topics and more with special guest Bosco Hernandez, the design director at the SFMOMA. Bosco delves into his approach to making museums more inclusive, enhancing visitor experiences, and the importance of framing questions with possibilities. This episode is a must-listen if you’re passionate about the intersection of art, storytelling, and technology in the...

Neil Mendoza is a leading figure in new media, experimental art, and technology who challenges preconceived notions and offers fresh perspectives on familiar subjects. In this episode, Neil shares his childhood experiences, discussing the blend of curiosity, technical exploration, and creativity that shaped his path. Discover how Neil’s work connects with viewers on a deeper level, creating a bridge between technology and human experience.

Have you ever wondered how a museum turns the secret world of spies into an exciting experience? Join Abby and Brenda in a captivating conversation with Kathryn Keane, Vice President of Exhibitions & Collections at the International Spy Museum, as she discusses how to create exhibits that are both serious and seriously fun. Explore the challenges and successes of bringing history to life and gain insights into the art of making historical narratives both informative and immersive.

Gretchen Cost is a passionate educator and industry luminary who has been a driving force in cultivating and supporting students and emerging professionals in experience design. Her transformative work as the Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at GINA (formerly Gallagher and Associates) mirrors her commitment to fostering talent. Tune in to this episode of Matters of Experience as she sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of experiential design education and shares her...

Dive into a rollercoaster of emotions with our latest podcast episode and join Abby and Brenda as they explore the fascinating interplay of emotions in the world of experience design. From understanding the emotional volatility of historical figures to managing creative teams and clients, this episode delves deep into the power of emotions in storytelling and design. Don't miss this insightful journey into the heart and soul of experience design