Matters of Experience: Recent Episodes
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Matters of Experience is a podcast about the creativity, innovation, and psychology driving designed experiences and encounters. Each week Abby and Brenda dig into the who, how, so what and why of exhibitions, branded experiences, events, spectaculars, and all the crazy things designers and creatives are putting out there for people who just can’t get enough.
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, foster inclusion, and reshape the future of the industry.
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Show Notes:
Dori Tunstall
Decolonizing Design
PRL x Naiomi Glasses
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A transcript of this episode can be found at loremipsumcorp.com/matters-of-experience.
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 into her open letter to the American Alliance of Museums, discussing the often-overlooked needs of small museums and the importance of representation and equity in the museum field. Tune in to hear Alli’s inspiring story, creative problem-solving strategies, and advocacy for the small but mighty institutions that play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage.
Produced by Lorem Ipsum.
Show Notes:
Marshall Steam Museum
Milton Historical Society
Science After Hours | The Franklin Institute
An open letter to the American Alliance of Museums
Small Museum Association
Introducing SEGD Professional Practice Groups
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A transcript of this episode can be found at loremipsumcorp.com/matters-of-experience.
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 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 inspire and connect with diverse audiences.Tune in to the episode and learn how universal design can create environments that cater to the needs of all visitors, highlighting the continuous journey toward accessibility and inclusivity.
Produced by Lorem Ipsum.
Show Notes:
Beth Redmond-Jones
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Welcoming Museum Visitors with Unapparent Disabilities
Into the Deep | Exhibition | Monterey Bay Aquarium
Heureka Goes Crazy
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A transcript of this episode can be found at loremipsumcorp.com/matters-of-experience.
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 storytelling of scientific concepts.
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Show Notes:
ATELIER BRÜCKNER
Ecsite
Wellcome Collection
Ars Electronica Center
ZOOM CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - Wien
Artistic Residencies | Arts · at · CERN
Fungi Cosmology: a new kingdom and its relevance for the future - Swissnex in Brazil
Futurium
ART+COM Studios | Neo-Natur
Hyundai Motorstudio | ATELIER BRÜCKNER
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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 professional, or simply curious about the world of sensory design, this episode offers a wealth of insights and inspiration. Join us for an engaging conversation that celebrates the power of multi-sensory experiences and the importance of human connection in design.
Produced by Lorem Ipsum.
Show Notes:
Emilie Baltz
Dream Machine – Emilie Baltz
Gensler
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A transcript of this episode can be found at loremipsumxd.com/matters-of-experience.
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 experiences.
A heartfelt thank you to all our guests and supportive listeners. Your insights and stories have made this journey extraordinary. Don’t miss this special episode – listen now and celebrate with us!
Produced by Lorem Ipsum.
Show Notes:
SEGD
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum - Lorem Ipsum Corp
The Senses: Design Beyond Vision
Objects of Love, Hope and Fear
War Childhood Museum
If you have any comments, suggestions or questions about the show please send an email to ask@loremipsumcorp.com.
A transcript of this episode can be found at loremipsumxd.com/matters-of-experience.
Listen to some of the episodes mentioned:
Alex Bitus
Joy Bailey-Bryant
Elif Gokcigdem
Jamie Lawyer
Ellen Lupton
Tom Bowman
Andrea Hadley-Johnson
Jasminko Halilovic
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, Partner and Chief Strategist at Unified Field and Innovation, 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 and get inspired by his insights into the future of museum experiences.
Produced by Lorem Ipsum.
Show Notes:
Kuslansky Electric
Unified Field
Museum of Tolerance LA | Unified Field
Social Lab
Art Movez
"Like talking to the wind."
Microsoft Café - Cannes Next
If you have any comments, suggestions or questions about the show please send an email to ask@loremipsumcorp.com.
A transcript of this episode can be found at loremipsumxd.com/matters-of-experience.
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 explore the transformative power of art in public spaces and its potential to foster deeper connections.
Tim McNeil 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 episode is sure to inspire listeners to rethink conventional approaches and embrace the transformative power of immersive storytelling.
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 cultural experiences.
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 technologies, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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 learning.
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 anecdotes and practical strategies, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how museums can serve as catalysts for growth, resilience, and positive change.
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 museums of tomorrow.
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, transcending boundaries, and offering solace to those who visit.
/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 ever-evolving landscape of experience design.
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 vision for the designers of tomorrow.
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
Coming to you live from the American Museum of Natural History, Abby and Brenda provide their unique perspective on museum design as they explore the new Gilder Center on the latest episode of Matters of Experience.Join them as they share their unfiltered impressions about their on-site visit, revealing the museum’s impressive aspects while also addressing elements that fell short of their expectations. Dive into a conversation about the nuances of empathy and education within museum exhibits and the often-overlooked transitional spaces that have the power to create truly welcoming experiences. If you’re a museum aficionado or an experience designer, this is a special episode you won’t want to miss.
This week’s guest genuinely believes that solutions to the world’s most challenging problems, including climate change, are well within our reach. In this episode, hosts Abby and Brenda sit with accomplished advisor, speaker, and changemaker Tom Bowman to explore the intersection of climate change and the design industry, unveiling how innovative design concepts and practices can drive positive environmental impact.Tom shares his wealth of knowledge and experiences, shedding light on the pivotal role that decision-makers and the design industry can play in mitigating climate change. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and be inspired to make a difference.
Imagine being a kid again - that's what this week's guest, Victor Torregroza, challenges designers to do as they create experiences. Victor joins the podcast to talk about the business of connecting people to stories and how experience designers can enrich the human connection to create moments of sensory excitement, information, and delight.
When people think of the event industry, they don’t necessarily think about them as designed experiences. However, industry events and trade shows provide a unique opportunity for companies to create a narrative that resonates with the audience’s needs and challenges. In this episode of Matters of Experience, join Abby and Brenda as they explore the dynamic world of trade shows with seasoned industry expert Liz Nacron. Liz shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise in creating engaging B2B, B2C, and B2E events and discusses the importance of striking the right balance between technology and the human touch. If you’re curious about the art of creating unforgettable trade show experiences and the role of human connection in the mix, this episode is a must-listen.
This enlightening episode explores the intersection of art, design, empathy, and societal transformation with creative producer and curator Andrea Hadley-Johnson. Andrea, currently the Artistic Program Manager for the National Justice Museum, takes us on a journey through her creative process and the power of objects to convey messages of love, justice, and social change within exhibitions. Drawing from her experimental, representative, and quietly activist approach, Andrea shares stories of collaboration, community engagement, and the profound impact of human-centered design in curating museum experiences.
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape within designed experiences, where does the human element fit in? Join Abby and Brenda in a captivating conversation with Brian Allen, an experienced executive, creative, and technologist, as they delve into the delicate balance between cutting-edge innovations and maintaining the essence of human connection. Discover the art of infusing empathy, intention, and meaning within digitally immersive experiences, ensuring that the heart of the narrative thrives while crafting unforgettable moments in the digital age.
In this inspiring episode, Abby and Brenda sit with the brilliant Cybelle Jones, CEO of the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD), to explore her incredible journey in the experience design field. Cybelle shares her transformative experiences while working on projects like the International Spy Museum and the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Museum, highlighting her dedication to making museums welcoming to all. She delves into the evolving landscape of experience design, embracing new technology, sustainability, and the importance of mentorship. Join us and learn how to celebrate SEGD’s 50th anniversary and gain profound insights into the future of experience design from one of its visionary leaders. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that will motivate you to create unforgettable experiences of your own.
Who truly owns historical objects? And what happens when Indigenous cultural artifacts are returned to their rightful communities? Join Abby and Brenda in a thought-provoking conversation with Terry Snowball, Museum Specialist at the Smithsonian Institution. In this episode, Terry shares his experiences and insights into the complicated world of repatriation, exploring the challenges and triumphs of navigating the complexities of returning Indigenous cultural objects. Discover the profound impact on museums and communities as we delve into the transformative journey of reclaiming cultural heritage.
In this episode, Abby and Brenda invite Ed Rodley, an award-winning experience designer and co-founder of Experience Alchemists, to discuss the creativity, psychology, and innovation behind designed experiences. Ed shares his journey from being an 11-year-old museum volunteer to becoming a prominent figure in experience design for cultural organizations.The episode also explores holistic visitor experiences and how they extend beyond the gallery walls. Tune into the episode to join the insightful conversation as they delve into the world of experience design, informal learning, and the transformative power of museums in shaping visitor experiences.
Emotion. Surprise. Beauty. These elements of sensation are what make design compelling in immersive experiences. This week’s guest is Ellen Lupton, a curator, educator, designer, and expert on multi-sensory design. In this episode, Ellen discusses her design approach to influence emotions, behavior, and memory. So whether you’re a designer, a business owner, or simply someone interested in learning more about creating engaging and captivating experiences, this episode is for you.
Behind the scenes of every immersive experience, an unsung hero is translating the visions and ideas of designers into tangible realities. This week’s guest, Mike McCarthy, is that unsung hero. Mike is an internationally recognized custom fabricator of architectural specialty products and large-scale construction and renovation projects. Mike joins the podcast to discuss his career and provides insights into designing more successful experiences.
This week on Matters of Experience, we chat KPIs to ROIs in a way that won’t make you ZZZ. Metrics maestro, Joe Federbush, joins the podcast to discuss humanizing data, measuring emotion, and searching for sentiment to help brands develop the most impactful experiences.
Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World, known for its bright lights and big casinos, isn’t necessarily the city that comes to mind when you think about where to travel to discover an immersive museum experience. But believe it or not, it is.This week’s guest is Jonathan Ullman, President and CEO of the Mob Museum, a one-of-a-kind cultural institution exploring the ongoing power struggle between organized crime and law enforcement through hands-on exhibits, multimedia displays, and engaging artifacts. He shares his thoughts on how the environment and exhibitions at the Mob Museum use education, entertainment, and empathy to challenge perceptions.
The American story is an immigrant story, and in the Lower East Side of New York City, the Tenement Museum provides a voice for immigrants who have often been forgotten or marginalized. This week’s guest is Dr. Annie Polland, President of the Tenement Museum. She joins Abby and Brenda to discuss the importance of celebrating the enduring stories of real people and real families who immigrated and migrated to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Ever wonder who museums and cultural organizations call to learn how to better connect with their audiences and visitors? It’s this week’s special guest, Cathy Sigmond, Head of Strategy at Kera Collective. She uses data and insights to help museums paint a big picture of how to better shape visitor experiences. She joins the podcast to discuss her role as an expert in design-based and qualitative research, helping museums shape experiences that spark curiosity and make a positive, lasting difference in people’s lives.
What do a pajama case and a horse’s head have in common? Nothing to most of us, but they are both objects with significant meaning to each of our hosts. This week’s episode is about objects — our relationship to them in our everyday lives, their role in museum environments, and how exhibit designers can make meaningful connections with them.
What is a story? Do experiences have to tell a story? Does storytelling exist in museums? In this week’s episode, we’ll dissect what a story is and what it isn’t with writer, filmmaker, and co-founder of Lorem Ipsum Corp, Yan Vizinberg. From the power of storytelling in films and literature to its impact on designed spaces and museums, this episode will explore the many ways in which stories can shape our world and influence the way we connect people, convey ideas, and inspire change.
This week's guest is Elif Gokcigdem, a leading voice in the field of empathy and the founding president of ONE, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering compassion in individuals, communities, and institutions around the world.
In this episode, we'll delve into why empathy in design is crucial to creating meaningful and impactful experiences on an individual level and, more importantly, how to use empathy to promote change and compassion on a societal level, fostering a sense of shared humanity.
This week, we explore the sensational and spectacular with one-time circus ringmaster, former Director of Special Events for the City of New York, and producer impresario Chris Wangro. Known as a master of community building and spectacle, he’s worked with a variety of legends, from Dolly Parton to the Dalai Lama. He is credited with reinstating “Mega-Events” to Central Park, where he oversaw the three largest public events in the park’s history and masterminded numerous benchmark events for environmental, humanitarian, and social justice organizations worldwide.
“It all started when I put online a simple question: What does childhood in war mean for you?” - Jasminko Halilovic
In a world affected by tension, polarization and war, can museums act as a voice for love, unity, and peace? This week’s guest tackles this very question. Jasminko Halilovic is the founder and managing director of the War Childhood Museum, and in this episode shares how a book about objects and their stories from war survivors inspired the birth of a museum.
In experience design, the stories we tell must touch the visitor in a very personal way and help them connect with the world around them and inspire them to think about their place in history. This episode is for the storytellers, creatives, and designers in search of a toolset to develop truly immersive narratives. Abby and Brenda focus on storytelling in experience design, why it’s essential to tell stories, and how to create narratives effectively.
Business mogul Rob Cohen switched lanes from being a lawyer to becoming an entrepreneur in the experiential industry in the mid-90s and has been helping agencies and institutions bring their immersive environments to life with the companies he’s built. In this week’s episode, he speaks on how to tame the wild beast that is business ethics through gratitude, trust, and giving back.
As the Media Arts Director at Pace Gallery, Raina Mehler is devoted to exhibiting artists and interdisciplinary groups pioneering in the emerging field of immersive, experiential art and the Web3 space. She joins this week to talk about the metaverse: what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can be the next step in the evolution of technology, design, and communication.
The way we consume is changing. It started with technology helping us buy whatever we want, wherever we are, with a simple click of a button.And it’s now affected the idea of the retail store’s purpose.We’re thrilled to be joined by Giovanni Zaccariello, Senior Vice President of Global Visual Experience at Coach, to talk technology, innovation, and how to start leveraging experiences to reinvent retail.
Architect Alex Bitus believes that the bathroom is the most important room in a building. Can a lavatory really have the potential to be an indicator of the quality of the structure’s overall design? Beyond the bathroom, this episode explores how architects and designers create comfort through design.
In this episode, Abby and Brenda talk with John Falk, social scientist, educator, and author, on the meaningfulness of museums, their role in our well-being, and how satisfaction is a critical achievement in the museum experience.The three explore the meaningfulness of museums, why they matter, and what motivates us to visit them. This episode analyzes how designers can push boundaries, impact how the visitors value the experience, and how their experiences inside the museum can affect them long after they have left the building.
Joy joins Abby and Brenda to explore what DE&I means to cultural institutions of all types and what it takes to design meaningful exhibits and memorable museum experiences. Joy reflects on her journey, consideration for the future of our profession, and shares how she connects with diverse communities to create welcoming spaces that foster feelings of ownership for everyone.
In this episode, Abby and Brenda discuss Monica O. Montgomery’s decades-long journey from unpaid intern to director of Community Engagement and Programs for Historic Germantown, and how using community engagement as the primary lens of her work has allowed her to utilize the museum as a hub of humanitarian activity to serve society.
Spotlight on the creative team: people, processes, war stories and success stories, as we explore the questions of who takes ownership, what’s gained when a team works well, and what’s at stake when it doesn’t? We share techniques for breaking through creative blocks and our thoughts on the role of good communication, thoughtful leadership, and managing emotional moments.
Nearly 2 billion people worldwide have a disability. So, how do we incorporate inclusive design and sustainable practices into our work to ensure we create experiences that are inclusive for everyone? Our conversation with Sina explores how to enhance inclusivity and why it makes the entire experience more enriching.
In this episode, Abby and Brenda respond to questions about the differences between what industries deem to be “exhibitions” and “experiences”, and why the conversation matters. Are experiences always event or program-driven? Where do content, learning, transformation and meaning-making fit in? Does thinking about experience mean that we are thinking more about audiences? Then, in our Tech Talk segment, we discuss AI: friend or foe?