We’re joined by Julie Anne Quay - founder of VFILES - for a wide-open conversation about curiosity, energy, and why trying to be for everyone is a creative dead end. We cover the essentials: football, fashion, failure, footwear, and yes - monster trucks.On this episode: Brendan & Karen Hutchieson, Matt Locascio, and Jason McGinnitySubscribe to Play&Conversations to listen to new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music.
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Ryan Helps
This month, we catch up with our friend Ryan Helps - Senior Director of Design at Loop Earplugs - for a look back at his journey from agency life at Above to helping shape a growing lifestyle brand. Ryan shares hard-earned wisdom on scaling a design agency, building a healthy creative culture, and why great design leadership isn't about having all the answers.On this episode: Brendan Hutchieson & Jason McGinnityThis episode was recorded in January 2025.Subscribe to Play&Conversations to listen to new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music.
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Sean Kelly
Get cozy in the conversation pit as we chat with Sean Kelly, Lead Designer at Grovemade and Product Design Instructor at the University of Oregon. We explore the intersection of creativity and parenting, finding your career path in design, and why less effort often leads to greater impact. Most importantly, Sean instructs us on the art of slowing down to find true inspiration. On this episode:Tyler Wilkinson, Michelle Passe, and Jason McGinnityThis episode was recorded in December 2024.Subscribe to Play&Conversations to listen to new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music.
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Michael Held
Kicking off Season 2 we have a long overdue catch-up with Michael Held, VP of Design at Steelcase. We discuss television remotes, the evolution of the workspace, building diverse teams, and pivotal lessons from a career spanning industries and the globe.On this episode:Brendan & Karen Hutchieson, Jason McGinnityJomo Tariku Research Study ArticleJomo TarikuRemembering Marty SmithThis episode was recorded in October 2024.Subscribe to Play&Conversations to listen to new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music.
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Season 2 Trailer
Season 2 Launch Trailer for Play&Conversations with the design team at Play&Co - Brendan & Karen Hutchieson, Jason McGinnity, Matt Locascio, Michelle Passe, and Tyler Wilkinson. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music to listen to new conversations each month.
Play&Conversations is a podcast where the Play&Co design team connects with fellow designers and creatives to gain fresh perspectives and expand our knowledge. Each episode is an unscripted, authentic conversation about creativity, design, and the processes that drive our work, We explore what inspires us, the challenges we face, and how we keep things fun while getting the job done.
New Zealand