Design Of Podcast

About Design Of Podcast

The Design Of isn’t a podcast about graphic design. It’s about the intentional design of how we live, lead, create—and pursue what matters most. Hosted by brand strategist and storyteller Justin Ahrens, The Design Of explores the moments, decisions, and values that shape how people find purpose, navigate change, and create meaningful impact in their lives and work. Through powerful, human-centered conversations with startup founders, bestselling authors, artists, teachers, business leaders, everyday innovators, and even Olympic medalists and an Oscar winner—each episode reveals what it really takes to build a life (and legacy) with intention. Whether you’re leading a business, building a brand, making art, or simply trying to live more intentionally, The Design Of invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. Brought to you—intentionally and with purpose—by Rule29 and O’Neil Printing. 07d1f150-18b2-11f0-ad84-11f0a7387296

Publisher

with host Justin Ahrens

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Aug 2015

Latest episode

10 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

7 of 80 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   10 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   S11 Episode 80: George Aye - The Design Of Pissed-Off Optimism

   Host Justin Ahrens interviews George Aye, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Greater Good Studio, about "Pissed-Off Optimism" and designing for social impact.

2. 

   31 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   S11 Episode 79: Jon Houghton - The Design Of Leadership Beyond Yourself

   Host Jon Houghton, CEO of Holy Post Media, discusses leadership focused on fostering personal growth and discovering purpose in an interview with the host.

3. 

   24 Jun 2026

   S11 Episode 78: Dena Blevins - The Design Of Making Things That Matter

   After helping lead creative and innovation efforts for global brands including Starbucks and Hydro Flask, Dena Blevins found herself asking a different question: What happens when you stop building for some of the world's most recognized brands and start building something that feels deeply personal? In this episode of Design Of, Dena shares her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship and the launch of Frank, a company inspired by the messy, funny, difficult, and beautiful realities of everyday life. At Frank, the mission is simple: create products inspired by what life throws at us and what's happening in the world around us. Sometimes that means diving into difficult topics. Sometimes it means finding humor in uncomfortable moments. And sometimes it means offering a proud middle finger and an undeniably frank point of view. Through a growing collection of bandanas, scarves, cocktail napkins, and thoughtful products, Frank gives people a way to wear, share, celebrate, mourn, laugh, support, and express what they're feeling. Or not. The choice is theirs. What makes this conversation compelling isn't the products. It's the story behind them. "I love that I can put something out there that hopefully resonates with others as well." — Dena Blevins After years helping shape stories for global brands, Dena found herself building a company rooted in that belief. We explore how leadership evolves over time, how personal experiences often become the foundation for meaningful businesses, and why some of the most impactful ideas begin not with a market opportunity but with a human one. Along the way, we talk about entrepreneurship, reinvention, grief, humor, purpose, storytelling, and what it means to create work that reflects who you are, not just what you do. And perhaps the biggest takeaway is this: The most meaningful businesses don't just create products. They create connection. In This Episode, We Explore • Dena's journey from global creative leadership at Starbucks and Hydro Flask to entrepreneurship • The story behind Frank and why she started it • Building a business rooted in honesty, humor, and humanity • How personal experiences can become meaningful products and opportunities • Why storytelling remains one of the most powerful business tools • The relationship between purpose, creativity, and entrepreneurship • What it means to redefine success in a new chapter of life Key Takeaways • Experience often reveals what matters most • Great businesses begin with real human needs • Stories create connection when they are relatable, honest, and human • Humor can help people navigate difficult conversations • Purpose and business can strengthen one another • New chapters require courage, curiosity, and conviction About Dena Dena Blevins is an entrepreneur, storyteller, and former global creative leader whose career includes leadership roles with Starbucks and Hydro Flask. She is the founder of Frank, a brand that creates bold, honest products inspired by real life and the world around us. Through bandanas, scarves, cocktail napkins, and storytelling, Frank helps people express themselves with humor, humanity, and an unapologetically frank point of view.

Inside a recent episode

S11 Episode 80: George Aye - The Design Of Pissed-Off Optimism

Published 10 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] Fine. But we should probably get out of the way so that we can help you go meet that right partner. And I feel like that language is a little easier on everyone. Sometimes people are terrible, straight up just terrible people. And if that's the case, language around being a bad match is a helpful salve. But I find that if I think of that that way, what I'm looking for, like, who are the best matches? And the whole general, you know, the underlying strategy here is that when I can say no to things, either organizations, people, whoever we meet, it just leaves more time for people we do want to work with. […]

Who has been a guest on Design Of Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• George Aye
• Jon Houghton
• John Pobojewski
• Nathan Thornburgh
• Sarah Kissko Hersh

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

37 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

55

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Design Of Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Design Of Podcast