Best Outside curators Podcasts (2025)

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Manor House: The Fall of the House of… Almost Everyone, Really 1:19:29

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1d ago1:19:29

1:19:29

For most people, home represents comfort, safety, maybe family. It’s the place where you can be yourself — and where you keep all your stuff. For the wealthy, the right home can mean status, reputation, and legacy, especially in the UK. For hundreds of years, the traditional English manor was more than simply a big house staffed with servants. It w…

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Bad at Sports Episode 916: Alex Ross and two fan boys 1:06:28

7h ago1:06:28

1:06:28

Duncan MacKenzie and Ryan Peter Miller drive up to the Dunn Museum in Libertyville, IL to talk with legendary comics painter Alex Ross. Known for Marvels, Kingdom Come, and decades of redefining superhero realism, Ross reflects on his career trajectory, his education at the American Academy of Art, his influences (from Neal Adams to Dave McKean), h…

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Thriving In Times of Epic Disruption 21:42

21h ago21:42

21:42

In this episode, we explore the exhilarating—and sometimes terrifying—landscape of disruption with innovation expert Scott Anthony, author of Epic Disruptions. Together, we examine the rapid shifts happening across every industry and what it takes not just to survive, but to lead through change with courage and creativity. We discuss why disruption…

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Bad at Sports Episode 915 – Kenny Schachter and Bianca Bova: From Autodidact to Art World Outsider 1:04:27

6d ago1:04:27

1:04:27

In Part Two of our late-night conversation, Bad at Sports digs deeper into the remarkable trajectory of Kenny Schachter. From law school dropout to autodidact philosopher, from Sotheby’s bidder to artist and teacher, Schachter traces the unlikely path that brought him into the heart of the art world — a place he insists remains strangely conservati…

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Bad at Sports Episode 914 – Kenny Schachter: Chickens, Auctions, and Foundries (Part 1) 1:03:51

5d ago1:03:51

1:03:51

This week on Bad at Sports, Duncan MacKenzie and Ryan Peter Miller find themselves in Chicago with curator Bianca Bova and the indefatigable Kenny Schachter — artist, writer, teacher, collector, and provocateur. What begins as a conversation about Schachter’s exhibition at Old Friends Gallery — featuring chicken-assisted artworks and bronze casts f…

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The Creative Shift 23:21

8d ago23:21

23:21

Why does so much around us feel "vaguely familiar"? In this episode, we dive deep into the creative malaise of our overstimulated world—where endless scrolling, constant content, and a deluge of data make everything seem slightly derivative and uninspiring. We unpack the concept of “vague familiarity” and examine why our passion for novelty is cons…

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Bad at Sports Episode 913: Shannon R. Stratton and Ox-Bow 1:01:56

9d ago1:01:56

1:01:56

This week, Bad at Sports reconnects with one of Chicago’s most beloved curators and cultural instigators Ox-Bow School of Art’s Executive Director, Shannon Stratton. From founding Threewalls to serving as Chief Curator at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York, Stratton’s career is a masterclass in weaving together artists, audiences, and …

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Baseball Diamond: Root, Root, Root for the Home Team 1:16:11

16d ago1:16:11

1:16:11

There’s nothing else quite like a night at the ballpark, especially when the light and temperature hit just right. The air is soft, the crowd is genial. You’ve got a hot dog in one hand and an icy-cold drink in the other. Your only job? Sit there, take in the action, and occasionally join in a cheer or shout at the ump. Since the 1860s, baseball ha…

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Why Hustle Culture Fails—and What to Do Instead 17:29

19d ago17:29

17:29

In this episode, we explore what it takes to sustain creative leadership—not just for the next launch, but through the marathon of a meaningful career. We sit down with serial entrepreneur and author Chris Ducker to dig deep into his philosophy from his new book, "The Long Haul Leader," where he shares battle-tested frameworks for combating burnout…

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How to Turn Doubt Into Your Creative Superpower 21:09

26d ago21:09

21:09

In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive deep into the concept of doubt as a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and effective leadership. We explore a real-world story where doubt reshaped a project and led to a superior outcome, challenging our culture’s bias toward certainty and snap answers. Our guest, Dr. Bobby Parmar, author of Radical Dou…

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Museums: A Gathering of Muses, A Clutch of Curators [re-post] 1:09:08

29d ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Museums are where we put our best stuff. An item might belong in a museum if it’s rare, expensive, irreplaceable, or so ordinary and beloved it becomes extraordinary. A self-portrait by Vincent Van Gogh, a can of SPAM, a Romanian mud hut, a narwhal horn, a discarded red stiletto: They can all be found in a museum somewhere in the world. But exhibit…

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Bad at Sports Episode 912: Ben Davis 1:03:58

27d ago1:03:58

1:03:58

This week Bad at Sports goes full meta, talking about talking about art. We sit down with Ben Davis, National Art Critic for Artnet News and author of 9.5 Theses on Art and Class, to unpack the state of art criticism in 2025. Davis has been one of the sharpest voices charting the relationship between culture, economics, and media—at once insider, o…

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Bad at Sports Episode 911: Edra Soto and Dan Sullivan 1:07:35

29d ago1:07:35

1:07:35

Recorded live from the Chicago Architectural Biennial’s booth at EXPO Chicago, Bad at Sports tailgates with artist Edra Soto and designer Dan Sullivan—Chicago’s unofficial art-world power couple. Soto unpacks her first solo art fair booth at Engage Projects, where monoblock plastic chairs, airbrushed T-shirts, and Puerto Rican vernacular architectu…

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Are You A Moment, or a Mountain? 9:41

29d ago9:41

9:41

In this solo episode, we explore a profound question: Are we building our professional lives around fleeting moments, or are we becoming mountains—steady, enduring, and impactful over the long term? We reflect on the contrast between “moment makers” who chase applause and “mountain builders” who quietly cultivate trust, skill, and lasting influence…

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Time Anxiety 23:52

1M ago23:52

23:52

Why does time feel so slippery, especially for creative pros? In this episode, we explore the phenomenon of “time anxiety”—that restless sense that we’re running out of time or not spending our hours on what really matters. We’re joined by Chris Guillebeau, author of the book Time Anxiety, who brings a fresh lens to how we experience time, how our …

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Lessons From Future You: How To Use Distancing To Unlock Brilliant Ideas 22:10

2M ago22:10

22:10

Episode E71 – Distancing In this episode, we dive into one of creativity and leadership’s most overlooked superpowers: the ability to distance ourselves from our own immediate experience. We explore why our best work rarely happens by accident—it’s a result of disciplined, intentional decisions made from a broader perspective. We sit down with form…

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Cover Bands Don't Change The World (Inside The Creative's Mind) 23:16

2M ago23:16

23:16

In this episode, we explore the idea that “cover bands don’t change the world”—and what it really takes to move from remixing the familiar to truly original creative work. We discuss why so many creative professionals feel stuck in safe, derivative cycles, and how our obsession with mimicking proven formulas can prevent us from breaking new ground.…

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Bad at Sports Episode 910: CAB 6 – Dirk Denison, David Salkin, and Jennifer Armetta 58:10

2M ago58:10

58:10

In this lively and insightful episode, Bad at Sports hosts a roundtable conversation with Dirk Denison (Founding Board Member of the Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB)), David Salkin (Designer, Curator, and Board Husband), and Jennifer Armetta (Executive Director of the CAB). Together, they reflect on the impact and legacy of the Chicago Architect…

1
Blindspotting: Preventing Hidden Sabotage at Work 20:12

2M ago20:12

20:12

In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the hidden forces that can derail even the most talented and well-intentioned leaders: blind spots. We explore why self-awareness isn’t just about knowing our weaknesses, but also understanding how our biggest strengths—if left unchecked—can turn into liabilities. We’re joined by Marty Dubin, executiv…

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Chasing Likes: How One Button Changed The World 31:00

2M ago31:00

31:00

In this episode of Daily Creative, we dig into the origins and unexpected global impact of the “like button” with business thinker and strategist Martin Reeves, co-author of Like: The Button That Changed the World. Together, we uncover not just the technical and historical story behind one of the internet’s most recognizable icons, but also how som…

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Bad at Sports Episode 909: Paul Pfeiffer 59:53

2M ago59:53

59:53

We meet Paul Pfeiffer inside his retrospective at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago to talk about ghosts, spectacle, and the metaphysics of sports. Known for erasing athletes from footage and turning stadiums into stages of worship, Pfeiffer opens up about boxing as performance, the haunted loop of fandom, and building media rituals in the Phi…

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Why Work Should Be Fun (Sometimes): The Case for Joy & Humanity at Work 27:39

2M ago27:39

27:39

In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to be human in today’s workplace. We push back against the efficiency-obsessed culture and explore how bringing more humanity, joy, and intention into work leads to better results and more meaningful lives. First, we’re joined by Bree Groff, author of Today Was Fun! and consultant and expert i…

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Bad at Sports Episode 908: Rachel Adams and the Bemis Art Center 59:10

3M ago59:10

59:10

We sit down with curator Rachel Adams to talk about institutional evolution, artists as infrastructure, and how curatorial practice shifts between museums and biennials. Rachel reflects on working with artists like Cauleen Smith, Liz Magic Laser, and Beatriz Santiago Muñoz, the power of slow curation, and why she’s drawn to hybrid spaces that defy …

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Brilliance Under Pressure (Todd Henry Live in Scottsdale, AZ) 50:27

3M ago50:27

50:27

Summer's in full swing, our routines are upside down, and creative disciplines are as vital as ever. In this special episode, we share Todd Henry's live talk from Scottsdale, Arizona, exploring the heart of creative work and what it really takes to thrive as a “create on demand” professional. Todd unpacks why producing brilliant work isn’t as simpl…

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Bad at Sports Episode 907: A Hubris of Irish Curators 28:00

3M ago28:00

28:00

We sit down with a delegation of Irish curators—Michele Horrigan (Askeaton Contemporary Arts), Michael Hill (Temple Bar Gallery + Studios), and Mark O’Gorman (The Complex)—to unpack what it means to build artist-centered institutions on an island without a commercial art market. From weather-worn banana warehouses to smoke-machine-filled nightclubs…

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The Inner Game of Creative Leadership 31:57

3M ago31:57

31:57

In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the heart of what it means to be a purposeful leader—both in our creative work and our lives. We explore how easy it is to drift away from our core motivations as we advance in our careers, and what it really takes to stay anchored to what matters most. We’re joined by Klaus Kleinfeld, the only Fortun…

1
Banana Ball 20:54

3M ago20:54

20:54

In this episode of Daily Creative, we sit down with Jesse Cole, the founder of the Savannah Bananas—a phenomenon that's redefining what it means to have fun at a baseball game. We share Jesse’s incredible journey from feeling uninspired in a “dream job” to igniting a revolution in sports entertainment. Bored with the traditional, slow-moving experi…

1
National Parks: Go Outside and Touch Grass 1:14:24

4M ago1:14:24

1:14:24

The National Park System (NPS) is a national treasure. US National Parks represent just about every type of feature and wildlife you can imagine. And it’s not just parks: The NPS includes national monuments, memorials, scenic trails, lakeshores, battlefields, recreation areas, and more. The concept of a national park is credited to George Catlin, a…

1
How To Think In Systems 24:52

4M ago24:52

24:52

In this episode, we dive into how complexity creeps into our systems—whether in software, organizations, or personal leadership. We start by looking at the evolution of Microsoft Word as a case study of feature creep and unintended consequences, asking why more options can end up stifling creativity. We’re joined by Robert Siegel, Stanford lecturer…

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Bad at Sports Episode 906: Jaqueline Cedar & Josh Dihle 1:01:36

4M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Live from Andrew Rafacz Gallery, Chicago In this intimate, laughter-filled episode recorded live at Andrew Rafacz Gallery, Duncan and Ryan sit down with artists Jaqueline Cedar and Josh Dihle on the occasion of their concurrent solo exhibitions. The conversation traverses everything from Duchampian bathroom jokes to model train nostalgia, parenthoo…

2751
Lean Learning 20:28

4M ago20:28

20:28

In this episode of Daily Creative, we dig into the concept of “lean learning”—the art of cutting through information overload to focus on what matters and take action that truly moves us forward. We kick off with an intriguing story about the Jefferson Memorial’s restoration, showing how asking the right questions unlocks smarter solutions. Joining…

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Portugal: Storytelling, Surfing, and Ineffable Saudade 1:11:08

4M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

Snuggled up next to Spain on the Iberian Peninsula and perched on the westernmost edge of Europe, Portugal has a long love affair with the sea. The Age of Discovery, launched in 15th-century Lisbon, carried Portuguese sailors to far-flung lands and brought sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, coffee, gold, spices, and chocolate back home. Today, the traditi…

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Bad at Sports Episode 905: The REAL Joey Orr! 59:45

4M ago59:45

59:45

Live from the tailgate lounge at Chicago Architectural Biennial 6's booth at Expo Chicago, Duncan and Ryan welcome Joey Orr, the newly appointed Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the MCA Chicago. In this densely brilliant and surprisingly hilarious conversation, Orr discusses what it means to steer a contemporary art institution in an era of dee…

1
Complicated People 23:06

4M ago23:06

23:06

Ever fantasized about sending a scorched-earth resignation email or confronting that “complicated” colleague head-on? In this episode, we explore the messy realities and hidden costs of revenge in the workplace—and uncover healthier, more powerful strategies for navigating conflict and difficult people. We kick off with a viral real-life resignatio…

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Bad at Sports Episode 904: Caitlin McGurk and Brian Baynes 58:08

4M ago58:08

58:08

Broadcast live from Rice University (yes, in Houston), this episode of Bad at Sports brings together the curator of comics and cartoon art at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum, Caitlin McGurk, and the Richmond-based zine publisher and comics obsessive behind Bubbles Fanzine, Brian Baynes. We dive deep into McGurk’s new book Tell Me a Sto…

1
LoLT: The Twisty Tale of Salt Water Taffy and Two New Books 20:37

4M ago20:37

20:37

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Aftertaste: A Novel by Daria Lavelle and Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir by Tessa Hulls. Then Mel delves into the story of New Jersey’s favorite beachy souvenir for National Taffy Day. Links Aftertaste: A Novel by Daria Lavelle Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson Butter Honey Pig Brea by Francesca…

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SSoP Podcast Season 7: Announcing Our Fun-Filled Destinations 11:03

4M ago11:03

11:03

We’re delighted to announce that Season 7 of the Strong Sense of Place podcast kicks off on Friday, 30 May! We’ve put together an itinerary of thrilling destinations with a journey to every region of the globe. Pack your (virtual) bags for Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and two exciting destinations in the United States. (Hint: There will be incredib…

1
The Creativity Choice 32:24

4M ago32:24

32:24

In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to choose creativity, rather than simply waiting for inspiration to strike. We open with the fascinating origin story of Photoshop—how a grad student’s simple problem-solving evolved, through deliberate choices and refinement, into a revolutionary creative tool. This story sets the stage for t…

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Bad at Sports Episode 903: Jake Nickell & Lance Curran of Threadless 56:44

5M ago56:44

56:44

This week on Bad at Sports, Duncan MacKenzie and Ryan Peter Miller cruise their way into a murder mansion fever dream with Jake Nickell and Lance Curran, two of the minds behind Threadless—the Chicago-based t-shirt empire that helped invent crowdsourced artwear before we’d marketed terms like “creator economy” or “drop ship.” What begins as a nosta…

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LoLT: The American Writers Museum and Two New Books 15:20

5M ago15:20

15:20

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune and My Friends: A Novel by Fredrik Backman. Then Dave talks about the stellar winners of the 2025 Pen America Awards. Links One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune Read an excerpt from One Golden Summer Love is Like Peanuts by Betty Bates on Internet Archive Every …

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Episode 902: David Schilter and Pedro Vieira de Moura 1:01:31

5M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

Recorded live at the Comics Without Borders / Sans Frontières gathering at Rice University, this episode dives deep into international comics publishing, aesthetic risk-taking, and how underground networks drive a truly global comics culture. David Schilter, publisher and editor of Latvia’s acclaimed kuš! comics, joins us alongside Pedro Vieira de …

3351
How To Stay Optimistic, and the DNA of Great Brands 21:21

5M ago21:21

21:21

In this episode, we dive deep into why optimism is far more than just wishful thinking—it's a practical, essential quality for doing brave, creative work and leading others with clarity. We explore how maintaining optimistic vision, especially in uncertain times, can drive teams forward and inspire decisive action. We also welcome special guest Pet…

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LoLT: The Pen America Awards and Two New Books 17:44

5M ago17:44

17:44

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig and I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney. Then Dave talks about the stellar winners of the 2025 Pen America Awards. Links The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig Invasive by Chuck Wendig I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney Truth in Advert…

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Why You Get Stuck (and What To Do About It) 13:09

5M ago13:09

13:09

In this episode, we dig deep into the experience of “stuckness” that every creative pro and leader faces when tackling hard problems. We challenge the typical advice of “just push through,” and instead reveal the true root causes behind creative block. Also, we explore why simply grinding it out doesn’t always work and how a more mindful approach c…

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LoLT: The Uncensored Library and Two New Books 15:51

5M ago15:51

15:51

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Exit Zero: Stories by Marie-Helene Bertino and The Pretender: A Novel by Jo Harkin. Then Mel talks about the remarkable digital library fighting global censorship. Links Exit Zero: Stories by Marie-Helene Bertino 2 A.M. at the Cat’s Pajamas by Marie-Helene Bertino — hear Mel talk about it on our …

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Episode 901: Florencia Rodriguez and CAB 6 57:04

5M ago57:04

57:04

In this episode, we sit down with architect, editor, and curator Florencia Rodriguez, Artistic Director of the Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB) 6. We dig into the ideas shaping this year’s edition—titled “Shift: Architecture in Times of Radical Change”—and her approach to curating a biennial that centers transformation, public space, and critica…

3651
Are You a Collector, Or a Curator? 10:00

5M ago10:00

10:00

In today’s episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the crucial distinction between being a collector and a curator in the digital age. With endless streams of information bombarding us daily, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hoarding inspiration—saving articles, quotes, and ideas without ever transforming them into something meaningful. We explor…

1
Bad at Sports Episode 900: Robert Pruitt 1:04:09

5M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

Recorded live at Comics Sans Frontières, Houston For our milestone 900th episode, we headed to Houston and sat down with the brilliant Robert Pruitt, live at the Cats Conference: Comics Sans Frontières—a gathering of artists, thinkers, and cultural workers reshaping the future of comics, narrative, and speculative visual worlds. Live at a bar after…

1
LoLT: Putting Names to Nature and Two New Books 12:40

5M ago12:40

12:40

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Perspective(s): A Novel by Laurent Binet and The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer. Then Dave shares the app that’s decoding nature’s secrets in his favorite park. Links Perspective(s): A Novel by Laurent Binet The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer HHhH by Laurent Binet — hear Mel talk about it o…

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For Students, By Students: Cultivating Belonging through Curricular Partnerships // Ceglio // Douberley // Paul 46:41

5M ago46:41

46:41

In this episode of the CAA Conversations, Amanda Douberley, Clarissa J. Ceglio, and Alison Paul discuss the William Benton Museum of Art at the University of Connecticut, which brings student perspectives into its galleries and fosters belonging through innovative curricular partnerships. Three recent projects undertaken by classes in UConn’s Schoo…

Outside Curators Podcasts