Design, Drink, and Dish is where interior design meets happy hour and nothing’s off limits. Hosted by John Ryan and Wendy Davis, two best friends with their own design studios, this podcast dives into the unfiltered, unglamorous, and often hilarious side of the industry. From impossible clients to unrealistic expectations, we’re talking about what really happens behind the perfectly staged photos. Grab a drink (I’ll show you how to make one), pull up a chair, and get ready for real stories, honest opinions, and a little chaos because design isn’t always pretty, but it’s never boring.
Join John and Wendy as they sip on their favorite cocktails—Aperol Spritz and Hugo Spritz—while diving into the exciting world of interior design. In this episode, they share the thrilling news of John's upcoming appearance on HGTV, where he and other designers tackle a renovation in one of America's most haunted houses. They also discuss the highs and lows of participating in show houses, revealing the unexpected costs and the reality behind the promised exposure. Plus, they explore the evolving trends in design, including whether quiet luxury is truly dead and the intriguing idea of separate bedrooms as a new luxury. Tune in to hear their candid takes on these hot topics and more!
Cocktail: Aperol Spritz
3 oz Aperol
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz club soda
Orange wedge for garnish
Combine Aperol, Prosecco, and club soda in a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange wedge.
New episodes every Tuesday.
00:00-29:00: "Design, Drink, and Dish: Season 2 Kickoff"
29:00-32:35: "Responsibility and Relationships in Design Challenges"
32:41-33:26: "Vendor Relationships and Personal Connections"
33:40-34:42: "Office Etiquette and Upcoming Guests"
7 May 2026
Ep. 12 Holiday House Reveal: The “Sex Room,” Show House Chaos & Designing Under Pressure
John Ryan and Wendy Lynn are back with a behind-the-scenes look at their Holiday House show house collaboration in Wellington, Florida. From getting selected for the inaugural South Florida designer showcase to building an entire luxury bedroom in just five weeks, this episode dives into the reality of designing under pressure, working with sponsors, making bold creative decisions, and creating the room everyone now calls “the sex room.”
The duo shares how their friendship made collaboration seamless, the challenges of sourcing custom pieces on impossible timelines, and the risks they took to create a dark, moody, high-end space that stands out from traditional Palm Beach interiors. They also break down the sponsorship process, vendor relationships, wallpaper drama, custom furniture details, and the design choices that turned their room into one of the most talked-about spaces in the house.
If you love interior design, show houses, luxury finishes, or hearing the unfiltered reality behind the scenes of the design industry, this episode is for you.
Topics include:
• Holiday House Wellington and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation
• Designing a luxury room in five weeks
• Collaboration between two interior designers
• Creative risks in Palm Beach interiors
• Sponsorships and vendor relationships
• Color drenching and moody design trends
• Custom upholstery, wallpaper, and luxury finishes
• The story behind the “sex room” nickname
10 Feb 2026
Ep. 12 Markups, Sample Books & Friends and Family Design Drama
John Ryan and Wendy Lynn dive into the unfiltered realities of running an interior design business. They break down how to handle client questions about markups, why transparency should always live in the contract, and what designers are really responsible for once a product is ordered. The conversation also covers charging friends and family, why those projects often go sideways, the growing cost of vendor sample books, and which expenses designers shouldn’t be footing themselves. Expect real talk, strong opinions, and plenty of champagne-fueled tangents along the way.
3 Feb 2026
Ep. 11 Real Estate ROI: Design That Wins in Flips and Rentals with Chris Mygatt
John and Wendy welcome Chris Mygatt, a real estate investor, coach, and vacation rental operator, for a conversation at the intersection of design and real world ROI. They break down why quality design is a competitive advantage in today’s short term rental market, what flippers should look for in a property, the hidden cost of delays, and where homeowners waste money chasing trends. Chris also shares his “Neiman Marcus on the inside, Disneyland on the outside” philosophy and practical advice for anyone getting started in the fix and flip world.
20 Jan 2026
Ep. 10 Paint Myths, Color of the Year & Sherwin-Williams Secrets (ft. Clint Craven)
Clint Craven, Design Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams, discusses sustainable paint, Sherwin-Williams' waste reduction, and the technology behind paints that purify air in an interview about paint trends.
30 Dec 2025
Ep. 8 – Marble Myths & Tile Mistakes
John Ryan interviews Sofia and Amy from Elements and Surfaces about marble myths and tile mistakes, offering practical insights for renovations and design.
16 Dec 2025
Ep. 9 Client Delusions
Hosts John and Wendy discuss navigating client style differences, unrealistic renovation expectations, and the complexities of sustainable design, offering insights into delivering dream homes while managing practical challenges.
2 Dec 2025
Ep. 7 What Design School Won’t Tell You
Hosts John and Wendy discuss the gaps in interior design education, revealing the importance of practical experience and the realities of pricing, logistics, and installation in the field.
25 Nov 2025
Ep. 6 Size Matters
Hosts John and Wendy discuss the critical aspects of material selection, including dye lots, porcelain, and wood flooring, to help listeners avoid costly design errors.
28 Oct 2025
Ep. 5 - Haunting design choices
Hosts John and Wendy explore unsettling design trends, haunted homes, and endless client revisions in this Halloween episode, offering insights on handling challenging design scenarios.
21 Oct 2025
Ep. 4 - Sneaky Contractors
Hosts John and Wendy share design insights on mixing metals, discuss contractors' deceptive practices, and reveal bizarre client requests.
14 Oct 2025
Ep. 3 - Pet Peeves
Hosts John and Wendy share their top three design pet peeves, including mistakes and thoughts on matching furniture sets, while enjoying old fashioned cocktails.
7 Oct 2025
Ep. 2 - Red Flags
Hosts John and Wendy explore the ethics of crediting junior designers, share their perspectives on artificial intelligence, and reveal red flags they watch for when meeting new clients.
30 Sept 2025
Ep. 1 - So Edgy
Hosts John and Wendy explore design consultations, countertop edge profiles, and the relevance of dining rooms in modern design.
19 Nov 2024
Welcome to Design. Drink. Dish!
A sneak peak at what's ahead...
Who has been a guest on Design. Drink. Dish.
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Clint Craven
Sofia
Amy
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
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