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The Crazy One — Arts
The Crazy One

The Crazy One is an award-winning podcast for creatives, leaders, and anyone who refuses to settle. Hosted by renowned designer and global design leader Stephen Gates, this show delivers unfiltered honesty, actionable insights, and hard-won wisdom to help you grow your creativity, lead with confidence, and build a meaningful career.

With over two decades leading world-class design teams at companies like InVision, Citi, Starwood Hotels, WW, and McCann Erickson, Stephen has built brands and digital experiences for clients including Disney, American Airlines, W Hotels, Verizon, Acura, and more — work that’s earned over 150 international awards and has been featured by Apple in 10 keynotes, 4 commercials, and the Human Interface Guidelines.

Now as the founder of CRZY, an independent strategy and design studio, he’s helping companies find bold new visions for their brands, experiences, and creative futures. Through The Crazy One, he shares everything he’s learned along the way — from integrating behavioral science with human-centered design to navigating imposter syndrome to building a career and creative life on your own terms.

With over 100 episodes and a loyal global audience, The Crazy One has been named:

• Webby Award Honoree for Best Technology Podcast

• #1 Podcast by Inside Design, HOW Design Live, and Springboard

• 5-star rated across every iTunes Store worldwide

This is more than a design podcast. It’s a wake-up call. A masterclass. A real-talk guide for finding your voice, owning your crazy, and changing the game.

No BS. No buzzwords. Just real insights from someone who’s been there.

Copyright: ℗ & © 2019 The Crazy One

Latest Episodes:

Ep 113 Career: Understanding the 2021 job market Feb 07, 2021

Show notes

In this timely episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates explores the unexpected changes and fresh opportunities shaping the 2021 job market. As companies adapt and creative talent seeks new roles, Stephen dives into the key trends driving this evolution and provides actionable tips to help you leverage these shifts, no matter your experience level. Tune in to discover how you can stay ahead, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and position yourself for success in a rapidly changing work landscape.

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Ep 112 #ShareTheMicNow: The Power of Youth in Redesigning Systems by Antionette Carroll Jan 31, 2021

Show notes

In the fifth episode of the #ShareTheMicNow series on The Crazy One, Antionette Carroll leads an inspiring conversation on “The Power of Youth in Redesigning Systems.” Joined by dynamic voices Connie Flores, Nora Lidia, Robert Beckles, and Quinton Ward, this episode delves into how young leaders are reimagining and transforming systems for a more equitable future. Listen in to hear powerful insights on youth-led change, systemic redesign, and the incredible impact of new generations taking charge to create meaningful progress.
Antionette D. Carroll is the Founder and CEO of Creative Reaction Lab, a nonprofit social enterprise designing healthy and racially equitable communities for Black and Latinx populations through education and training programs, community engagement consulting, an online national platform, and open-source tools and resources. Creative Reaction Lab is creating a collaborative youth-led, community-centered movement challenging racial inequities in the education, media, health and healthcare, and government and public service sectors. Within this capacity, Antionette has pioneered a new form of creative problem solving called Equity-Centered Community Design. Throughout her career, Antionette has worked for non-profits working for social justice, human rights, and diversity and inclusion. These experiences led to her background as a social entrepreneur, non-profit leader, and design activist. Antionette's personal mission in life is to challenge standards, make CHANGE, and CHAMPION approaches resulting in foundational and community impact.
Connie Flores - Connie is a Xicana visual designer raised in Houston, TX. She completed her BFA in Communications Design at Syracuse University. Currently freelancing in the Greater St. Louis area, she is eager to collaborate with other creatives to find suitable approaches at the intersection of design and social justice.
https://connieflores.com
Nora Lidia - Nora is a redesigner for Justice: Social, Economic, and Mental Health, writer
https://twitter.com/noralidiag
Robert Beckles - Robert is an engagement Specialist, at Williams and Associates, Inc.
http://minorityhealthstl.org
Quinton Ward - Quinton is a designer, co-Host of Speak Up St. Louis, Executive Director of the St. Louis MetroMarket working in the intersection of art, design, and community.
https://quintonward.com

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Ep 111 #ShareTheMicNow: Dismantling White Supremacy in Design by Antionette Carroll Jan 17, 2021

Show notes

In the fourth #ShareTheMicNow episode on The Crazy One, Antionette Carroll leads an impactful conversation with David Clifford, founder of Design School X and Liberatory Design, and Timothy Bardlavens, co-founder of &Design and Product Design Manager at Facebook. Together, they explore the urgent need to dismantle white supremacy within the design industry, sharing insights on creating inclusive spaces, challenging systemic inequities, and building a more equitable future for all designers. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the power of design as a tool for social justice and transformation.
Antionette D. Carroll is the Founder and CEO of Creative Reaction Lab, a nonprofit social enterprise designing healthy and racially equitable communities for Black and Latinx populations through education and training programs, community engagement consulting, an online national platform, and open-source tools and resources. Creative Reaction Lab is creating a collaborative youth-led, community-centered movement challenging racial inequities in the education, media, health and healthcare, and government and public service sectors. Within this capacity, Antionette has pioneered a new form of creative problem solving called Equity-Centered Community Design. Throughout her career, Antionette has worked for non-profits working for social justice, human rights, and diversity and inclusion. These experiences led to her background as a social entrepreneur, non-profit leader, and design activist. Antionette's personal mission in life is to challenge standards, make CHANGE, and CHAMPION approaches resulting in foundational and community impact.
David H. Clifford has been an artist, designer, builder, and equity/social justice-oriented educator for almost 25 years building irresistible learning environments of belonging and creativity. David, a heterosexual, upper-middle-class, able-bodied White man, is the beneficiary of the generations of oppression of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and women. David identifies as a deviant of the dominant caste, using his legacy of privilege to challenge the very systems and structures of oppression that placed him in his unearned place of power. This self-awareness, coupled with his design/builder mindset and skill-set, equips David to rattle status quo cages found within the White worlds of education and the design, design thinking, and the shop class/maker communities.
Timothy Bardlavens is a Product Design Leader, a Cultural Strategist, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) specialist, a Fellowship Co-Founder, and International Speaker & Facilitator. Currently, a Product Design Manager at Facebook, Timothy supports Community Experiences within the Facebook App, leading teams focused on new Member Experiences and Ecosystem Growth. Previously, he has led teams for Zillow’s newest venture, Zillow Offers—building the team and product vision of an end-to-end experience for buying, selling, financing and managing a home, all within the Zillow ecosystem. In addition to Microsoft, where his leadership focused on core UX and Intelligent (AI/ML) experiences in Outlook across all endpoints, platform experiences that span the O365 Suite and core browsing experiences in Edge.

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Ep 110 Creativity: 'Metallica’s rock ‘n roll insights on creativity and leadership’ from HOW Design Live 2020 Dec 06, 2020

Show notes

In this rare and insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates interviews Marc Reiter, the creative force behind Metallica’s legendary projects for over 25 years. As Metallica’s “Chief Creative Guy” and head of Blackened Recordings, Marc shares invaluable lessons on originality, collaboration, and leading iconic creative teams. Together, they dive into what drives true innovation, from managing music and film releases to launching new ventures. With decades of experience, including work with Q Prime Inc. and Sony Music for bands like Pearl Jam, Marc’s wisdom offers powerful insights for creatives seeking to elevate their work and lead with impact.

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Ep 109 Creativity: ’Hope is not a strategy’ keynote from HOW Design Live 2020 Nov 22, 2020

Show notes

In this powerful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates shares his main stage keynote from HOW Design Live 2020, following up on his acclaimed 2019 talk. Stephen dives deep into the hidden “debt” we all carry—beliefs and barriers that limit our potential—and how these shape our perspectives and impact our careers. Tune in to discover actionable insights on breaking down these barriers, redefining your mindset, and building a path to sustained creative and professional success. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or a fresh approach to growth, this episode is packed with tools to unlock your potential.

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Ep 108 Memorial: The life and lessons of my father, David Gates Oct 25, 2020

Show notes

In this deeply personal episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates honors the life and legacy of his father, who was not only his dad but also his first boss, mentor, and a creative director who profoundly shaped Stephen’s own career and creative journey. Following his father’s sudden passing on October 5th, 2020, Stephen shares stories that illuminate his father’s impact as a designer and mentor, while reflecting on how his own life and work have been influenced in response to his father’s career. Join Stephen for a heartfelt tribute that invites you to explore the powerful bonds between family, mentorship, and creativity.

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Ep 107 Career: How to outsmart the broken recruiting system Sep 27, 2020

Show notes

In this game-changing episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the common roadblocks of job hunting—frustration, self-doubt, and the struggle to stand out in today’s hiring process. Stephen breaks down the underlying issues that hold you back and shares fresh strategies to overcome these obstacles, helping you “short circuit” the traditional job hunt and achieve better results. If you’re tired of the same old application process and want to learn how to boost your chances, tune in for actionable insights and a new approach to job searching.

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Ep 106 Career: How to build a personal brand people will love to hate Sep 13, 2020

Show notes

In this must-listen episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles the critical importance of building a standout personal brand in today’s competitive landscape. He explores why so many resumes, portfolios, and personal brands fail to make an impact, blending into the crowd instead of setting individuals apart. Stephen breaks down the key elements of a strong personal brand, the common pitfalls to avoid, and shares actionable steps to create a memorable, powerful brand that gets you noticed. Tune in to learn how to define, build, and elevate your personal brand to stand out and drive career success.

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Ep 105 Career: How to negotiate salary and job offers Aug 30, 2020

Show notes

In this eye-opening episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates breaks down the essential skills of salary negotiation, a step that most professionals overlook in both new and existing roles. Stephen shares why understanding your value, asking the right questions, and confidently negotiating are key to shaping your career and securing your financial future. Tune in to learn the strategies, mindset, and expectations you need to approach salary negotiations successfully and take control of your career growth.

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Ep 104 #ShareTheMicNow: Working in Tech While Black Part 1 by Jackie Velasquez Ross, Dorcie Lovinsky, and Christian Clark Aug 23, 2020

Show notes

In the third #ShareTheMicNow episode on The Crazy One, Jackie Velasquez Ross (Senior Recruiter), Dorcie Lovinsky (Engineering Manager), and Christian Clark (Strategic Renewals Manager) open up about their personal journeys, challenges, and aspirations as Black professionals in the tech industry. Through candid stories and insights, they shed light on the realities of navigating a field that often lacks diversity and inclusion, while sharing their hopes for a more equitable future. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on resilience, identity, and the power of representation in tech.

Jackie Velasquez Ross has have never met a stranger. She is one of those people that can strike up a conversation with anyone, connect, relate, and make them feel comfortable. She has a background in Communications that is influenced by her personal and professional interest in people, culture, and media.
Dorcie Lovinsky is a creative, intelligent, ambitious Data Engineer in the New York area who is passionate about providing data analysts and product teams the necessary data regarding end-users’ interactions with products.
Christian Clark is a collaborative results-driven leader incorporating innovative thought, effective product storytelling, and maximum support to initiate long-term relationships and improve an organization’s overall value, growth, and clients’ success.

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