Best RISD Podcasts (2025)

1
Military Images Magazine’s Ron Coddington Shares the Stories Behind Civil War Photos 31:40

1d ago31:40

31:40

Ron Coddington, editor and publisher of Military Images magazine, joins The Photo Detective podcast to share his journey from teenage Civil War photo collector to leading a respected history publication. He discusses the legacy of Civil War portraiture, the vast archive of surviving images, and the magazine’s mission to reconnect forgotten faces wi…

1
271. Hans Ulrich Obrist 52:33

6d ago52:33

52:33

Hans Ulrich Obrist is a a curator, critic, and art historian. He’s the artistic director of the Serpentine Galleries in London and the author of many books, including Ways of Curating, A Brief History of Curating, and Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Curating But Were Afraid to Ask. In this wide-ranging conversation, Jarrett and Hans talk…

1
Spared and Shared: How One Man Made Civil War History Accessible to All 39:31

16d ago39:31

39:31

In this episode, Griff (Bill Griffing), the mind behind the Spared and Shared websites, shares how he turned his post-retirement passion for Civil War history into a monumental historical preservation project. Transcribing over 15,000 letters—mostly from eBay—Griff provides context, authorship, and insight for Civil War correspondence, making them …

1
270. Sarah Ichioka 57:11

20d ago57:11

57:11

Sarah Ichioka is an urbanist, strategist, curator, and writer. She’s the author, with Michael Pawlyn, of Flourish: Design Paradigms for our Planetary Emergency and the founder of Desire Lines, a disciplinary studio that helps places, communities, and organizations chart paths toward thriving futures. In this conversation, Jarrett and Sarah talk abo…

1
The Art of French Wallpaper: RISD Museum's Stunning Historical Showcase 22:56

30d ago22:56

22:56

In this episode of The Photo Detective, host Maureen Taylor welcomes Emily Banas, Associate Curator of Decorative Arts and Design at the RISD Museum, to explore the captivating world of French wallpaper. Their discussion centers on The Art of French Wallpaper Design exhibition, diving into the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural legacy behind the…

1
269. Matt Owens 58:19

1M ago58:19

58:19

Matt Owens is co-founder and Chief Design and Innovation Officer at Athletics, a brand studio based in Brooklyn, and author of the book, A Visible Distance: Craft, Creativity, and the Business of Design. A graduate of Cranbrook’s Graphic Design Program, he previously worked as an art director for Methodfive, founded a small design studio, One9nine,…

1
A History of the American Bookstore with Author Evan Friss 33:24

1M ago33:24

33:24

In this episode of The Photo Detective, Maureen Taylor welcomes historian Evan Friss, author of The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore. Friss dives deep into the evolution of bookstores in America—from colonial times to the digital age. He shares fascinating insights into their cultural, political, and communal roles throughout history. …

1
268. Lara Lesmes & Fredrik Hellberg 1:10:50

2M ago1:10:50

1:10:50

Lara Lesmes and Fredrik Hellberg are the founders of Space Popular, an architecture studio that explores relationships between media and the built environment through research, design, and artworks. They are also professors at the Institute of Architecture at the University of Applied Arts Vienna where they run the Architectural Design Studio 2. In…

1
Family Photos and Preserving Your Memories 23:14

2M ago23:14

23:14

In the March 2025 episode of her solo podcast, Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, discusses a variety of personal and professional experiences related to photo management and genealogy. She begins by addressing the shutdown of MemoryWeb, a platform she used extensively, detailing her efforts to safeguard her photos by enhancing metadata and descr…

1
In conversation with Chris Keating 53:06

2M ago53:06

53:06

Chris Keating is a free spirited, devoted father to a 10 year old daughter. He paints an honest picture of the messiness and beauty of parenthood and describes how his shifting priorities ostensibly lead to him ending his career as a performing artist/musician in the band, Yeasayer. He currently lives in Los Angeles, CA where he spends his time par…

1
In Conversation with Jim Drain 48:25

2M ago48:25

48:25

Jim Drain is a widely collected American Artist who has received numerous prestigious awards and has exhibited extensively across the United States and abroad. In this conversation, he describes the arc of his career from showing in Chelsea galleries and museums, to teaching as a professor at the Rhode Island School of Design to his current life as…

1
267. Julian Bleecker 1:03:02

2M ago1:03:02

1:03:02

Julian Bleecker is a researcher, designer, engineer, and entrepreneur. He runs Near Future Laboratory, a platform and consultancy focused on design fiction. He is the author of Design Fiction: A Short Essay on Design, Science, Fact, and Fiction and co-author of The Manual of Design Fiction, among other titles. In this conversation, Jarrett and Juli…

1
Diahan Southard’s ‘Monday Minutes’: Transforming Personal Reflections into Genealogical Gold 21:21

2M ago21:21

21:21

In this episode of the podcast, host Maureen Taylor is joined by Diahan Southard, known for her expertise as “Your DNA Guide.” Diahan discusses her new book, “Monday Minutes,” which is inspired by her popular newsletter. The book is a collection of reflections on everyday moments and thoughts, aimed at connecting deeply with her audience beyond the…

1
266. Mike Pepi 57:41

3M ago57:41

57:41

Mike Pepi is a critic and technologist who writes about art, culture, and technology. He is the author of the new book, Against Platforms: Surviving Digital Utopia, which is both a work of technology criticism and an analysis of how we talk about Silicon Valley. His other writing has appeared in Frieze, e-flux, Artforum, and The Brooklyn Rail. In t…

1
The Photo Marketplace Shift: What It Means for Your Memories 24:20

3M ago24:20

24:20

In this episode, Rick Voigt, co-founder and CEO of Vivid-Pix.com, joins Maureen Taylor to discuss the evolving photo marketplace and its impact on genealogists and everyday users. They explore the recent shutdown of FileShadow, the risks of relying on digital storage providers, and the importance of backing up precious memories. Rick shares insight…

1
265. Elizabeth Diller 49:51

3M ago49:51

49:51

Elizabeth Diller is a partner and co-founder of Diller Scofidio + Renfro where she’s worked on a range of buildings including New York’s The Shed, the Highline, and an expansion of MoMA. Since 1981, the studio’s practices has spanned architecture, urban design, installation art, multi-media performance, digital media, and print, all of which is fea…

1
In Conversation with Bohyun Yoon 56:06

3M ago56:06

56:06

Bohyun Yoon is an imaginative, playful and brilliant glass artist based in Richmond, VA. His thought provoking work with glass employs its essential qualities to explore the human body and experience with a sense delight and wonder. Bohyun is an associate professor of glass in the Craft/Material Studies department at Virginia Commonwealth Universit…

1
Digging Into Civil War Pension Files with Brian Rhinehart 26:04

3M ago26:04

26:04

In this episode of The Photo Detective, host Maureen Taylor speaks with Brian Rhinehart, founder of CivilWarRecords.com, about uncovering lost Civil War history through archival research. Brian shares his journey from genealogy hobbyist to professional researcher specializing in Civil War records at the National Archives. He explains the misconcept…

1
In conversation with Noah Breuer 56:58

3M ago56:58

56:58

Noah Breuer is a Professor of Print Media for University at Buffalo SUNY. His formal training in printmaking has served as the foundation of his current sculptural work that utilizes glass and textiles to explore the Jewish diaspora through his personal family history. Noah talks about maximizing his time and efforts as an exhibiting fine artist wh…

1
In conversation with Ivan Lee Mora 55:10

3M ago55:10

55:10

Ivan Lee Mora is a self-taught, independent artist based out of Los Angeles, CA. His concept-driven work leads to an ever-evolving process and use of materials including glass, clay, wood, and metal. The passion and heart Ivan puts into his work is apparent in his attitude about parenthood. The newest parent in the series, Ivan’s son was just a few…

1
In conversation with Jeremy Mayer 53:37

3M ago53:37

53:37

Jeremy Mayer is an extraordinary sculptor whose primary medium is typewriter parts. He meticulously sorts and assembles these parts using purely mechanical joints to make human figures, animals, mandalas and more. He shares about his deep love of fatherhood, and the creative mentorship his daughter received being in the studio with him over the yea…

1
264. Andrea Trimarchi & Simone Farresin 51:26

4M ago51:26

51:26

Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin are the founders of Formafantasma, a research-driven design studio based in Milan and Rotterdam that investigates the ecological, historical, political, and social forces shaping the discipline of design. In this conversation, Jarrett talks with Andrea and Simone about the role of research in their studio, movin…

1
Exploring Project Kin: Barbara Tien's Community for Storytellers and Genealogists 27:17

4M ago27:17

27:17

Barbara Tien discusses her role as the “ringleader” of Project Kin on the Photo Detective podcast. After her startup, Ponga, shut down, Tien decided to keep her team together and transitioned to creating Project Kin, a community focused on storytelling and family history without any financial gain. She emphasizes the platform’s global reach, privac…

1
Fileshadow News. Photos of Famous People. Photo Detecting Clues 17:03

4M ago17:03

17:03

In this January 2025 solo episode of her podcast, Maureen Taylor, the photo detective, shares news for users of Fileshadow.com. She also shares insights into her professional life, detailing her expertise in analyzing historical photographs to assist in dating them and incorporating them into family histories. She discusses a recent project involvi…

1
263. Nicolay Boyadjiev 54:48

4M ago54:48

54:48

Nicolay Boyadjiev is an architect and creative director based between Copenhagen, Sofia and Mexico City. He is the Director of the Practice Lab at re:arc institute, where he oversees research, strategy and new explorations prototyping alternatives models for philanthropy in architecture. Previously, he was Co-Director of Strelka Institute’s influen…

1
Seth Rockman on Plantation Goods: Unveiling Material History of American Slavery 33:23

4M ago33:23

33:23

On this episode of The Photo Detective, I’m joined by Seth Rockman, author of Plantation Goods: A Material History of American Slavery. Seth’s groundbreaking research uncovers the economic and material ties that connected New England industries to the Southern plantation economy in the 19th century. From the labor of Rhode Island seamstresses to th…

1
The Power of Knitting: History, Healing, and Resilience in Loretta Napoleoni's Book 28:14

5M ago28:14

28:14

Loretta Napoleoni’s The Power of Knitting explores the universal significance of knitting through history, culture, and personal memoir. An economist by profession, Napoleoni combines research with heartfelt reflections, revealing knitting’s historical roles in revolutions, spycraft, and resilience. She highlights its meditative, brain-stimulating …

1
Solving Family Photo Mysteries: A Journey with The Photo Detective 19:05

5M ago19:05

19:05

Welcome to the December 2024 solo episode of The Photo Detective with Maureen Taylor. In this episode, Maureen shares the story of Amy Barlow, who solved a photo mystery with Maureen’s guidance during a consultation. Amy’s photograph depicted a family standing in front of a store. Using resources like eBay, WorthPoint, city directories, Sanborn map…

1
262. Jack Murphy 59:35

5M ago59:35

59:35

Jack Murphy is the executive editor of The Architect’s Newspaper. He studied architecture at MIT and Rice University and previously edited PLAT Journal and Cite, the publication of the Rice Design Alliance. In this episode, Jarrett and Jack talk about the history of The Architect’s Newspaper, the value of printed publications, and the relationship …

1
Preserving Everyday History: Kiki Smith's Journey with the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection 35:05

5M ago35:05

35:05

Kiki Smith, a professor from the theater department at Smith College, joins the “Photo Detective” podcast to discuss her unique journey with the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection. Initially joining the department temporarily, Smith found herself organizing a chaotic costume storage area into a vital educational and research resource. Her b…

1
261. Gregory Wessner 52:15

6M ago52:15

52:15

Gregory Wessner is the Executive Director of the National Academy of Design, the New York-based non-profit founded in 1825 that promotes art and architecture in America through exhibition, education, and research. Before joining the National Academy, Gregory served as executive director of Open House New York, and in a variety of roles at the Archi…

1
Author Paul Frecker Discusses Cartomania: The Intersection of Photography and Fame 36:28

6M ago36:28

36:28

In this podcast episode, we are thrilled to have Paul Frecker, an expert on 19th-century photography and the author of Cartomania: Photography and Celebrity in the 19th Century. Paul brings a unique perspective from his days as a dealer specializing in 19th-century photography, focusing on the intriguing format of Carte de Visite. His journey from …

1
Through the Lens: Unveiling Family Stories 18:10

6M ago18:10

18:10

In this episode, Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective TM explores the power of a photo through a series of case studies. She introduces a new photo storytelling option for clients. The Power of a Photo Decoding the Context The Emotional Landscape Integrating Technology Case Study: Putting it into Practice. Related Episodes: Episode 237: How Storied.…

1
260. Noemi Biasetton 1:03:34

6M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Noemi Biasetton is a design researcher, writer, and editor whose work focuses on design cultures and visual representation within the social and political dimension. She is the author of Superstorm: Design and Politics in the Age of Information, which was published earlier this year. In this episode, Jarrett and Noemi reflect on the design and medi…

1
259. Federica Sofia Zambeletti 1:02:08

6M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Federica Sofia Zambeletti is an architect, researcher, and storyteller. She’s the founder and managing director of KoozArch, a digital platform and research studio that explores architecture beyond the limits of the build form, which she founded in 2014 while she was a student at the Architectural Association. In this conversation, Jarrett and Fede…

1
Telling Her Story: How to Research and Write Women's Histories with Sharon Carmack 26:53

6M ago26:53

26:53

In today’s episode of The Photo Detective, guest Sharon Carmack introduces her groundbreaking book, Telling Her Story, a comprehensive guide to researching and writing about historical women. Sharon’s work, spanning 370 pages, is rich with resources, case studies, and examples that empower genealogists and family historians to uncover the hidden li…

1
258. Petra Blaisse 1:00:12

7M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Petra Blaisse is the founder of Inside Outside, an Amsterdam-based design studio that focuses on textiles, interior design, gardens, and landscapes. Known for her long-running collaborations with OMA, Petra began her career in 1978 at the Stedelijk Museum in the department of Applied Arts. A new book on the studio’s work, Art Applied, was released …

1
The Beginner's Guide to Cemetery Sleuthing with Author Erin Moulton 23:10

7M ago23:10

23:10

Erin Moulton discusses her book, “The Beginner’s Guide to Cemetery Sleuthing, Scavenger Hunt,” which is uniquely designed as a workbook. Moulton, a local history librarian at Derry Public Library, shares her journey from genealogy enthusiast to cemetery researcher. The book serves as a practical guide for collecting key details from cemeteries, whi…

1
Genealogy Travel Tips: How to Plan an Effective Ancestral Research Trip 14:10

7M ago14:10

14:10

Exploring family history is a personal journey, often sparked by familial influences and nurtured through personal curiosity and research. My mother’s passion for family history was contagious, influencing my own exploration of our ancestry. This shared interest led us on numerous adventures, uncovering the stories and places connected to our linea…

1
257. Lesley-Ann Noel 1:00:02

7M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

Lesley-Ann Noel is a designer, researcher, and educator. She’s the author of Design Social Change and a co-editor of The Black Experience in Design. Earlier this year, Lesley-Ann was appointed the dean of design at OCAD University and she previously taught at North Carolina State University, Tulane University, Stanford University, and the Universit…

1
Trailblazing Women Behind the Camera: A Deep Dive with Katherine Manthorne 30:31

7M ago30:31

30:31

In this episode of the podcast, Katherine Manthorne returns to discuss her book “Women in the Dark: Female Photographers 1840 to 1900.” The conversation explores the overlooked contributions of female photographers during the early days of photography, highlighting their innovative approaches and resilience in a male-dominated field. Manthorne shar…

1
256. Taylor Levy & Che-Wei Wang 57:47

7M ago57:47

57:47

Taylor Levy and Che-Wei Wang are the founders of the art and design studio CW&T. Founded in 2009, CW&T has produced human-scaled objects like pens, clocks, and tape dispensers engineered to last multiple generations as well interactive software, art installations, and more. In 2022, they were the recipients of the 2022 National Design Award for pro…

1
Uncovering History with Kurt Deion: A Journey to Every Presidential Grave 28:23

8M ago28:23

28:23

Kurt Deion, author of Presidential Grave Hunter, shares his lifelong journey of visiting every U.S. president and vice president’s grave. Sparked by early interests in presidential history and inspired by books and family trips, Kurt’s unique quest began in childhood. His book combines memoir and historical facts, recounting adventures and discover…

1
The Enduring Legacy of Tintypes: From Civil War Soldiers to Contemporary Artists 13:38

8M ago13:38

13:38

Join Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, in a solo episode where she delves into the fascinating world of tintypes. This episode covers everything from their historical emergence in 1856 to their resurgence via modern itinerant artists. Discover why tintypes remained popular through the 19th century and explore their unique characteristics, includ…

1
255. John Ochsendorf 51:56

8M ago51:56

51:56

John Ochsendorf is an engineer, educator, and designer. He’s the founding director of the MIT Morningside Academy for Design and has faculty appointments in the departments of architecture and civil engineering at MIT. From 2017-2020, he served as the director of the American Academy in Rome. In this conversation, Jarrett and John talk about Mornin…

1
Preserving Your Legacy: Insights from Amanda Meeks of Permanent.org 20:18

8M ago20:18

20:18

In this episode of The Photo Detective, host Maureen Taylor speaks with Amanda Meeks, the Community and Partnerships Manager at Permanent.org. They discuss the recent developments at Permanent.org, focusing on the Legacy Lab, a new program designed to help users create and publish public archives. The Legacy Lab includes an email course that breaks…

1
254. Christoph Lindner 59:38

8M ago59:38

59:38

Christoph Lindner is the President and Vice-Chancellor of the Royal College of Art. An interdisciplinary scholar of cities and visual culture, he’s authored or edited over fifteen books across art, architecture, media, cultural studies, and urban geography. Prior to this role at the RCA, he served as Dean of the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Enviro…

1
The Hidden History of Pockets: A Conversation with Hannah Carlson 31:21

8M ago31:21

31:21

In this episode, Hannah Carlson, author of “Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close,” discusses the historical and social significance of pockets. Inspired by a personal experience where she had no pockets during an emergency, Carlson explores how pockets have evolved from medieval times to modern days, highlighting their gender di…

1
212. Robert A.M. Stern (Originally aired 4/13/22) 56:59

9M ago56:59

56:59

We're taking the summer off and will be republishing some of our favorite episodes from the archives through August. This episode originally aired April 13, 2022.—Robert A.M. Stern is an architect, teacher, and writer. He is the founder of Robert A.M. Stern Architects, served as dean of the Yale School of Architecture from 1998 to 2016, hosted the …

1
Uncovering the Past Through Postcards with Maureen Taylor 18:05

9M ago18:05

18:05

In this solo episode of Maureen Taylor’s podcast, “The Photo Detective,” Maureen delves into the captivating world of postcards. She explores their historical significance and practical uses, both as travel memorabilia and valuable tools in family history research. The episode highlights the evolution of postcards from the early 1900s, including th…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

RISD Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen