Best InDesign Podcasts (2025)

1
Middle of Six Book Review! 31:26

5d ago31:26

31:26

We're shaking things up with a special "book review" episode of The Shortlist! This week, Wendy Simmons is joined by Middle of Sixers Susan O'Leary, Lauren Jane Peterson, and Grace Takehara to explore insights from three influential reads that can inspire AEC marketers. Grace reviews Conquer Your Rebrand by Bill Kenney of Focus Labs, offering strat…

1
Design Psychology 34:12

19d ago34:12

34:12

In AEC marketing, design makes in an impact on so many of our day-to-day marketing initiatives. Proposals, websites, social media, brochures, signage, email signatures, presentations—the list goes on and on. On top of that, each medium and message may utilize a whole host of visual elements such as color, layout, typography, form, space, imagery, a…

1
InDesign Rumble 1:00:11

1M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Adobe InDesign is a must-have tool for AEC marketers, but let’s be honest—many of us honed our proposal design skills on the job, often under a deadline. Even experienced users sometimes wonder: Am I using the best approach? In this episode of The Shortlist, host Wendy Simmons sits down with some of Middle of Six's InDesign "power users" Allison Ti…

1
What Comes First, Design or Content? 33:13

2M ago33:13

33:13

A frequent debate for AEC Marketers is the classic “chicken or the egg” question: which comes first—design or content? In Episode 65 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Middle of Six’s Senior Creative Strategist Becky Ellison and Marketing Strategist Kyle Davis to explore both sides of the discussion. Should content shape the design, ensur…

1
Proposal Submission Confessions 28:21

2M ago28:21

28:21

In Episode 64 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Middle of Sixers Melissa Richey and Becky Ellison for a candid and comical discussion on proposal submission confessions. Harkening back to Episode 46, Night of the Living Deadline, this conversation dives into the best, worst, and wildest submission experiences—crazy requests, impossible d…

1
Circles Conference Takeaways 32:52

3M ago32:52

32:52

As challenging as it may be to break away from your day-to-day responsibilities to attend a conference, there is tremendous value in being immersed in new ideas, best practices, and inspiring work. But we don't have to limit ourselves and our learning to the AEC industry alone. In this episode, Middle of Six Marketing Strategist Grace Takehara shar…

1
Psychological Safety in AEC Marketing 47:03

3M ago47:03

47:03

The importance of psychological safety, particularly in high-pressure industries like architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), is having a moment—and for good reason! This episode of The Shortlist delves into how stress, especially secondary stress from pressure and insecurity, can negatively affect communication and team dynamics. Middle…

1
Strategic Planning Deep Dive 37:11

3M ago37:11

37:11

Middle of Six Principals Wendy Simmons, Melissa Richey, and Allison Tivnon kick off Season 4 of The Shortlist by diving into strategic planning methods for AEC firms. We explore how these plans can range from formal retreats to informal, and why it’s critical to have a clear, actionable strategy in place—especially in the face of economic challenge…

1
Leading Design-Build Pursuits 49:53

10M ago49:53

49:53

The Progressive Design-Build (PDB) delivery method has been growing in popularity since it was introduced in the 90s. With more public agencies opting for "best value" over "low bid" for certain types of projects, PDB has become a go-to tool for state agencies, hospitals, K-12, and higher education procurement. The selection process, which often in…

1
Design Strategies for A3 Proposals 45:30

10M ago45:30

45:30

We can thank Toyota for many innovations including honing LEAN process and establishing the "A3" approach to problem-solving. A3's structured way of presenting information concisely now shows up across all industries -- including AEC. Over the last two decades, the A3 proposal format has grown in popularity and quickly became a hot design challenge…

1
Marketing Trends that Establish Authenticity 56:31

11M ago56:31

56:31

Building a brand that authentically reflects the values, expertise, and people in your firm is job #1 for a professional services marketer. Episode 58 of The Shortlist welcomes back Marketing Strategist, Grace Takehara, and Digital Marketing Strategist, Kyle Davis, to discuss some of the trends they're seeing and how (or how not) they provide oppor…

1
Making of "The Wildcards" 1:03:20

11M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Most AEC marketers' plates are filled with essential initiatives; developing responses to RFPs and RFQs or creating promotional content for websites, social media, and databases. While those projects are critical to keeping business humming, every once in a while we get the chance to work on a big, collaborative, creative project. It's those rare m…

1
Brand and Client Perception Surveys 1:00:22

12M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

"How did we do?" It's a question that often remains unasked but holds vital importance. Without periodic touchpoints to gather candid performance feedback, strong relationships and potential repeat work can slip through our fingers. But how do we solicit honest feedback without things getting awkward? How do we select the right questions and delive…

1
Ep.184 3 Guys Walk Into A Podcast - Confessions of the podcasters! 2:08:26

12M ago2:08:26

2:08:26

Join us for a candid and insightful discussion as three seasoned photography podcasters— Dave Clayton (He Shoots, He Draws), Kersten Luts (Camera Shake podcast) and Steve Brazill (Behind the Shot) — we share our experiences, challenges, and triumphs in creating and maintaining our own design and photography podcasts. In this episode, we delve into …

1
Focusing on Team Strengths 50:11

12M ago50:11

50:11

From astrology to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), personality theories offer introspection and insights to deepen our understanding of others. We all recognize that marketing is a collaborative effort, encompassing strategic planning to interview coaching. The beauty of being part of a team lies in having a diverse array of perspectives, ex…

1
What Marketers Want Leadership to Know 46:50

1y ago46:50

46:50

Marketing departments have the best chance of success when they receive clear communication from company leadership. Whether that's insights (or input!) into the firm's strategic plan, having a voice throughout the pursuit process, or being respected as subject matter experts in marketing, AEC organizations can accomplish more by making simple adju…

1
Efficiencies in Proposal Development 47:53

1y ago47:53

47:53

We've all been there; wishing we had an extra 48 hours to hone a proposal's case studies, graphics, and messaging from "great" to "exceptional." But there are ways to tighten up your existing proposal process to give your team as much time as possible to craft impactful content. That often means beginning before the RFP hits the streets, knowing wh…

1
Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking 44:24

1y ago44:24

44:24

No matter your position or professional experience, almost all of us struggle with some level of fear and anxiety around public speaking. And from internal meetings, to shortlist interviews, to conference presentations, the AEC industry is full of opportunities (and demands!) to address a group or lead a discussion. How can you break through the ne…

1
Client Care, Gifts, and Swag: Hot or Not 51:17

1y ago51:17

51:17

It's never too early to start scheming your next client care gift. In Episode 51, Middle of Six marketing and creative strategists, Grace Takehara and Lauren Jane Peterson, share their best practices for executing a thoughtful client care gift campaign, common hurdles, and tips for choosing a gift that resonates. Through insightful anecdotes and in…

1
What Marketing and BD Need from Each Other 51:00

1y ago51:00

51:00

In the AEC industry, Marketing and Business Development activities are tightly linked. Since marketing plans implement the business and sales goals of the company, a successful execution of strategy demands that marketing and "BD" are in alignment and constantly communicating. In Episode 50 of The Shortlist, Middle of Six Principals Wendy Simmons, …

1
Revisiting Social Media 45:58

1y ago45:58

45:58

We've talked about social media before, but since it's an ever-evolving communication tool we're revisiting the topic with a focus on the nitty gritty of managing your firm's social presence. To start, what do you look for in assessing your firm's current approach and what are current best practices for honing your future strategy? Understanding wh…

1
Time Management Tricks 51:39

1+ y ago51:39

51:39

The subject of time comes up in virtually every AEC marketing conversation: Time until the deadline, time needed for internal meetings, finding time for special initiatives and non-proposal marketing priorities, and so on. The effect of not having 'enough' time is a significant contributor to the stress and burn-out many AEC marketers may experienc…

1
How to Get the Most Out of a Conference 49:02

1+ y ago49:02

49:02

Conference participation is an excellent way to immerse yourself in an industry, gain exposure for your firm, and build relationships with clients and colleagues. Engaging in conferences is also a significant investment of time and resources; having a thoughtful plan to maximize your return on investment is key. Whether you are new to navigating co…

1
Night of the Living Deadline 31:59

1+ y ago31:59

31:59

Amy, an overworked marketing coordinator for Outlaw Construction, has a major design-build proposal due by 5:00 pm. And, as every AEC marketer knows, when it comes down to an important deadline—anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Can Amy and her hastily assembled, ragtag crew of colleagues get the proposal submitted on time? Find out on Nigh…

1
Ep 41 - The Heart and Head Selling Method 18:26

1+ y ago18:26

18:26

In this special episode, be part of Melinda's 'live audience' as she presents how valuable it is to niche down and make more money by implementing the 'Heart and Head' selling method. Learn how attracting the targeted few (rather than the larger and generalized masses) can lead to massive results by implementing this powerful method! ==============…

1
Ep 42 - Prioritizing Self-Care and Establishing Boundaries 20:22

1+ y ago20:22

20:22

In this episode, Melida shares her personal journey of prioritizing self-care and establishing boundaries. The challenges of putting yourself last and not setting boundaries, and how it affects your well-being. Melinda provides tips on how to avoid doing everything at once, customizing your self-care routine, and using a calendar to block out time …

1
Ep.183 ESSARAITCH - Sharon Harrison Talks TikTok and Business 1:07:17

1+ y ago1:07:17

1:07:17

Join myself and owner of EssarAitch, Sharon Harrison, talking about putting your working life on TikTok and developing a following to help your business. Sharon posts her daily life in her office, the trials, tribulations, fun and feedback. Not many people are super natural on camera but she makes it feel like you are part of her business life and …

1
Ep 41 - How to Barter Services and Get Ultimate Value 23:37

1+ y ago23:37

23:37

Melinda Colón is a Strategic Marketer, Mentor, Coach, Consultant, and Speaker. In this video, Melinda shares strategies for scaling your business! Melinda walks you through how to barter your services or products so you can build an advocate for your brand. =================================================== Learn more about Melinda Website: www.me…

1
Building (and Supporting) a Marketing Team 39:06

2y ago39:06

39:06

It's often said that managing people is the most challenging aspect of running a business. While there is some truth to that, the statement implies that "the people" are the issue—when in reality, it's often rushed processes, being unintentional or unspecific about roles and responsibilities, and failing to provide clear feedback or effective coach…

1
How to Plan an Effective Marketing Retreat 37:04

2y ago37:04

37:04

Marketing teams—heck, all teams—benefit from having dedicated time to reconnect, recharge, and recommit. AEC professionals often feel like they are waist deep in procurement work, so a well-timed and well planned retreat can provide the space needed to refocus and think critically about the myriad other tasks on their plates. Clearly, we're big pro…

1
Ep.182 James Barnard - 1 Year On - From TikTok to Adobe Max 1:02:53

2y ago1:02:53

1:02:53

James Barnard is back! One year on, exactly, we chat about how his world has changed so much since we first spoke, his TikTok and Instagram presence was flourishing but so much has happened in the past 12 months for him that I wanted to really do a recap with him and see how is world is today, both business and as a recognisable influence on the de…

1
How to Change-Proof Your Marketing Department 47:55

2y ago47:55

47:55

If you're feeling some unease in this post-pandemic, up-and-down economy—you're not alone. Lessons from the Great Recession have taught us AEC marketers that in times of uncertainty, our departments come under intense scrutiny. Developing flexible and adaptable processes and perspectives will help you 'change proof' your internal marketing resource…

1
Ep. 40 - The Automation Avenue: Mastering CRM for Success! (with guest Lindsay Diven) 34:49

2y ago34:49

34:49

In this episode join Melinda talks to customer relationship management (CRM) system expert Lindsay Diven. Tune in as they discuss the upfront challenges but the fruitful rewards of executing and implementing a well-oiled and maintained CRM system. Share in the anecdotes & practical tips and tricks that can give your business that streamlined edge y…

1
Addressing Burnout and Mental Health 39:32

2y ago39:32

39:32

While it’s difficult to highlight many positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic, it did provide an opportunity for open conversations around community and personal health. As it became necessary to provide flexibility to balance work and home commitments, we were also able to shed light on long-standing workplace challenges in our industry. For m…

1
Essential Components of Brand Guidelines 41:34

2y ago41:34

41:34

Let's dive into brand guidelines! While they are considered the foundational elements of any company's marketing toolkit, the specific components can vary greatly between firms. In episode 41 of The Shortlist, Becky Ellison and Lauren Jane Peterson, Senior Creative Strategists at Middle of Six, break down the essentials of brand guidelines. They ev…

1
RFP Pet Peeves 42:08

2y ago42:08

42:08

If you are a marketer in the AEC industry, you have undoubtedly supported a few proposal responses—if not dozens and dozens—throughout your career. And with that inevitably comes a personal list of RFP pet peeves, ranging from incorrect or missing information to excessively onerous, perplexing requirements. In episode 40 of The Shortlist, Middle of…

1
Ep.181 Dave Blass (Pt.2)- Production Designer - Star Trek Picard & Music Photography 1:09:48

2y ago1:09:48

1:09:48

We are super honoured to have one of the industries top Production Designers, Dave Blass, as our guest for the next two episodes. Dave recently worked on Star Trek Picard, The Boys, Justified, Preacher and many more. In part two, Dave talks about his love of music photography as well as his career in TV. DAVE'S WEBSITE STAR TREK PRODUCTION ART DAVE…

1
Ep.180 Dave Blass (Pt.1)- Production Designer - Star Trek Picard & A Career in TV 1:34:17

2y ago1:34:17

1:34:17

We are super honoured to have one of the industries top Production Designers, Dave Blass, as our guest for the next two episodes. Dave recently worked on Star Trek Picard, The Boys, Justified, Preacher and many more. Dave talks about our love of Star Trek, his path to where he is today and the experiences he's encountered getting there. It's a grea…

1
Developing In-House Photography Skills 35:27

2y ago35:27

35:27

In the AEC industry, professional photography is one of the most valuable representations of your team's culture, technical expertise, and years of hard work delivering successful projects. As a rule, it is often recommended to budget for photos annually, not only for finished buildings but also for "in action" shots that highlight your team and co…

1
The Power of Visuals in Digital Marketing 43:12

2y ago43:12

43:12

When it comes to first impressions of your brand, your digital marketing platforms are critical—including websites, social media channels, and overall digital marketing collateral. In today's digital world, these are arguably more influential than a company's physical location. Low-quality, grainy, blurry, or dated visuals will probably reflect poo…

1
Ep. 39 - Automation Using Adobe InDesign 10:12

2y ago10:12

10:12

In this special episode, Melinda shares how you can automate using Adobe InDesign. She will use a business card as an example, but the steps are the same if you create project sheets, resumes, etc. Get the steps Build a robust process Support the show The Fortis Baseline podcast has transitioned from serving marketing and business development profe…

1
Top 10 Award Submittal Tips 22:00

2y ago22:00

22:00

We all love a win, and recognition! Awards from professional associations are a fantastic way to celebrate your team's efforts and garner publicity for your firm. But it's no small effort to assemble an award submittal that checks all the boxes and resonates with jurists. Judging panels sometimes include professionals from outside the industry—for …

1
Ep.179 The Photoshop Creativity Summit with Dave Cross 1:03:09

2y ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Get your FREE Photoshop Creativity Summit ticket HERE In this catch up with industry leading trainer, Dave Cross, we chat about his new online conference and the evolution of events since the pandemic. An amazing 4 days of FREE creative training from world-class Photoshop experts and artists 26 HOURS OF INSPIRATIONAL, CREATIVE PHOTOSHOP TRAINING - …

1
Ep.178 Mental Health & Creativity with Radim Malinic 1:10:45

2y ago1:10:45

1:10:45

Get your FREE Photoshop Creativity Summit ticket HERE In this episode I had a very frank and honest conversation with our guest Radim Malinic about working through mental health and trying to remain creative and undistracted by the social world around us. Radio is a creative director and designer living and working in South West London. He runs Bra…

1
How to Stay Creative in a Criteria-Driven World 32:13

2y ago32:13

32:13

In Episode 36 of The Shortlist, Pursuit Strategist Grace Takehara joins Wendy to discuss how to infuse creativity into the proposal process. Grace shares suggestions to help rethink the typical approach to proposal responses by crafting an environment that is focused on the reader, experimenting with different storytelling mediums, teasing out whic…

1
Ep. 38 - The Power of Brand Photography (with guest Karen Kurta) 17:16

2y ago17:16

17:16

In this episode (with special guest Karen Kurta), we delve into optics and professional photography's role in the A/E/C space. As a professional photographer, Karen provides her many years of experience with us and its role in branding in both the business and personal spheres. The image difference and quality that is sometimes subtle but is nevert…

1
The Making of Middle of Six 35:19

2y ago35:19

35:19

Have you ever considered working as a freelance marketer? Or been curious what it takes to launch and run a small business? Since every entrepreneur has their own unique origin story, we thought it would be fun to share some insights into the making of Middle of Six. Listen in as Senior Creative Strategist Becky Ellison takes over as host to interv…

1
Ep. 37 - Re-Focusing After Change, How to get back to the Baseline 24:24

2y ago24:24

24:24

Getting back to a baseline for growth improves your success in achieving goals and accomplishing tasks. Hosts, Melinda and Rafael provide their method of reimplementing company, marketing, and BD goals to keep sight of purpose and intent. They share how they audit marketing efforts and use SWOT analysis to help the audience hone in on their client’…

1
What Every First-Time AEC Marketer Should Know 48:05

2y ago48:05

48:05

Whether you're a seasoned AEC marketer or just recently joined the industry, Senior Creative Strategist Becky Ellison and host Wendy Simmons are here to answer the question, 'If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself in the first year of your career?' Becky and Wendy share specific recommendations for marketers who are still learni…

1
Competitor Audits, Part 2 34:38

2y ago34:38

34:38

Once you've determined which competitors to research, now the treasure hunt begins! In Part 2 of our discussion with Allison Tivnon, we outline how to efficiently assess the competition's online presence and what to look for related to brand personality, storytelling, and online engagement. With a clear understanding of your competition's online pr…

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