Fail. Hard. with Will Hall

Each year, host Will Hall makes six predictions about tech, design, and innovation. In this first of two bonus episodes, Will shares the results from his predictions last year and revisits his forecast about TikTok’s looming ban. Don’t miss this journey through the past, present, and what’s next!

Host: Will Hall
https://www.willhall.co
https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@willhallco
LAST YEAR'S tech predictions videos: https://bit.ly/4iE83z8
(New predictions coming in the new year!)

Associated with ByDesign
https://www.bydesign.global/

Sponsored by Adobe.

In the season finale of Fail Hard, host Will Hall welcomes Giorgia Lupi, partner at Pentagram and the visionary behind data humanism, for a conversation that bridges the worlds of creativity, design, and data.

From her groundbreaking Dear Data project to her celebrated work at Pentagram, Giorgia reveals how she turns raw, impersonal data into deeply human stories. They explore her architectural roots, the art of balancing precision with playfulness, and why “design-driven data” holds the power to uncover beauty and meaning in a quantified world.

Recorded at Pentagram’s iconic New York office, this episode captures not just Giorgia’s insights but the heartbeat of the city itself—complete with a cameo from some perfectly-timed sirens. Because New York.

Whether you’re a designer, a data lover, or someone who’s just trying to find beauty in life’s noise, this conversation will change the way you see the world around you—one detail at a time.

CREDITS
Guest: Giorgia Lupi
https://giorgialupi.com/
https://www.instagram.com/giorgialupi/
https://www.pentagram.com/
Her new TED talk: https://bit.ly/4gAWPJR

Host: Will Hall
https://www.willhall.co
https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@willhallco
LAST YEAR'S tech predictions videos: https://bit.ly/4iE83z8
(New predictions coming in the new year!)

Engineer: Martin Nayeri
https://kariom.art/
https://www.instagram.com/kariomart/

Associated with ByDesign
https://www.bydesign.global/

Sponsored by Adobe.

What does it mean to create without compromise? Emmy-winning artist and designer Mike Perry joins host Will Hall to unpack just that. From the hand-drawn charm of his early work to the endlessly playful animations of Broad City, Mike has carved out a career brimming with creativity, joy, and unapologetic authenticity. 

In this episode, we discuss trusting your intuition, navigating success without losing your sense of self, and why handmade art continues to hold value in an increasingly digital world. Mike also shares insights into his current projects with Hermès and his growing art practice, where joy remains a central theme in everything he creates.

Recorded in Mike’s inspiring studio, this conversation is full of insights, laughter, and possibly a few chipmunks. Stay tuned. 

CREDITS
Guest: Mike Perry
https://www.mikeperrystudio.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mikeperrystudio/

Host: Will Hall
https://www.willhall.co
https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@willhallco

Engineer: Martin Nayeri
https://kariom.art/
https://www.instagram.com/kariomart/

Associated with ByDesign
https://www.bydesign.global/

Sponsored by Adobe.

What happens when a city’s grand vision for an architectural icon goes hilariously—and gloriously—off the rails? In this episode of Fail Hard, we unpack the bizarre and captivating tale of the Memphis Pyramid, a towering stainless steel structure that’s equal parts ancient grandeur, space-age ambition, and commercial spectacle.

Originally conceived as a cultural centerpiece to rival the pyramids of Egypt, the Memphis Pyramid was destined for greatness—or so they thought. Instead, it became a symbol of wild mismanagement, financial disaster, and... a Bass Pro Shop. Yes, that Bass Pro Shop.

Through lively conversations with host Will Hall, architect Peter Warren, public artist and architect William Dodge, and architectural photographer Keith Isaacs, we uncover the Pyramid's tangled history: its ambitious beginnings, disastrous design flaws, and the over-the-top spectacle of its groundbreaking ceremony, complete with helicopters, a glowing shovel, and, um, the theme song from Shaft. 

From a mysterious crystal skull hidden at its apex to the massive glowing Bass Pro sign slapped on its side, this episode explores how the Memphis Pyramid transformed from the so-called “Tomb of Doom” into a bizarre monument to capitalism, mismanagement, and largemouth bass.

Is it an icon? A joke? A masterclass in reinvention? One thing’s for sure: The Memphis Pyramid is unforgettable. Tune in for a wild ride through architectural missteps, cultural symbolism, and the strange poetry of second chances.

CREDITS
Guest: William Dodge, Architect and Public Artist 
personal: https://www.instagram.com/williamhdodge/
work: https://www.instagram.com/p_u_b_l_i_c___/
https://www.p-u-b-l-i-c.com/
art: https://www.instagram.com/a_gang_of_three_/
 https://www.agangofthree.com/

Guest: Peter Warren, Architect 
https://ooba.design/
https://www.instagram.com/officeofbasicarchitecture/

Guest: Keith Isaacs, Architectural Photographer
https://www.isaacsphoto.com/
https://www.instagram.com/keithisaacsphoto

Host: Will Hall
https://www.willhall.co
https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@willhallco

Engineer: Martin Nayeri
https://kariom.art/
https://www.instagram.com/kariomart/
 
Associated with ByDesign
https://www.bydesign.global/
 
Sponsored by Adobe.

We're on the road this week filming Hotels by Design, so are away from the recording studio. We'll see you next week with a shiny new episode! 

In this episode, we dive into the power of storytelling in design and innovation. Host Will Hall speaks with Tim Shih, a visionary designer in the automotive industry, as they explore how we live, shape, and even rewrite the stories that define us. Tim shares insights from his career journey, touching on his experiences in transportation design at places like Volvo and BMW to his latest venture, the nonprofit Mobility Futures Alliance. Together, they discuss the balance between art and function, embracing failure as part of the creative process, and the role of designers as storytellers who can reshape both industries and society. 
 
CREDITS
Guest: Tim Shih 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-shih-8a264973/
 
Host: Will Hall
https://www.willhall.co
https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@willhallco
 
Engineer: Martin Nayeri
https://kariom.art/
https://www.instagram.com/kariomart/
 
Associated with ByDesign
https://www.bydesign.global/
 
Sponsored by Adobe.

In this episode of Fail Hard, host Will Hall dives deep into the world of subversive pop art with none other than THE SUCKLORD, a pioneer in the art of bootleg toys. Known for embracing the "suckiness" in his work, The Sucklord reflects on his journey, the tension between success and failure, and his unique perspective on creativity. The conversation explores themes of artistic identity, nostalgia, and the pressures of staying true to one's craft. This raw and honest interview is filled with colorful language, so consider yourself warned! 

CREDITS
Guest: THE SUCKLORD 
https://www.suckadelic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sucklord/ 
 
Host: Will Hall
https://www.willhall.co
https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@willhallco
 
Engineer: Martin Nayeri
https://kariom.art/
https://www.instagram.com/kariomart/
 
Associated with ByDesign
https://www.bydesign.global/
 
Sponsored by Adobe.

We're living in a time where the pace of innovation is accelerating so rapidly that it feels almost instantaneous. The systems we're building—especially in AI—are often black box, with consequences that remain largely unknown. So, who is shaping and steering this future?
 
Nearly 50% of employees at AI companies are under 40, with an acceleration in hires under the age of 25. This means that tech is rapidly becoming a young person's game, brimming with energy and potential. However, the noticeable absence of senior guidance and mentorship is a stark reality. I'm not particularly old, yet I'm increasingly the most senior person in a room. This is a problem. 

In this episode of Fail Hard, I'm excited to share a remarkable encounter with one of the most influential people on the planet (yes, really). I'll delve into what I learned from my weeks with them and how this has completely transformed my perspective on mentorship. This personal experience is a testament to the profound impact of mentorship. 

Host: Will Hall
https://www.willhall.co
https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@willhallco
 
Engineer: Martin Nayeri
https://kariom.art/
https://www.instagram.com/kariomart/
 
Associated with ByDesign
https://www.bydesign.global/
 
Sponsored by Adobe.

In this episode of Fail Hard, Will Hall sits down with Angelina Lippert, executive director and curator of New York’s Poster House, to dive into the fascinating world of posters, design, and ephemera. 

From the fascinating history of vintage posters to the cultural shifts in advertising, this episode delves into the creative process and the surprising connections between art, history, and everyday life. 

CREDITS
Guest: Angelina Lippert 
https://posterhouse.org/
https://www.instagram.com/posterhousenyc/
https://www.instagram.com/angelinagallerina/
 
Host: Will Hall
https://www.willhall.co
https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@willhallco
 
Engineer: Martin Nayeri
https://kariom.art/
https://www.instagram.com/kariomart/
 
Associated with ByDesign
https://www.bydesign.global/
 
Sponsored by Adobe.

In this episode of Fail Hard, host Will Hall sits down with legendary photographer Frank Ockenfels III, whose iconic imagery has shaped some of the most defining moments in entertainment. From Breaking Bad and Mad Men to The Bear and American Horror Story, Frank’s visual storytelling has left an indelible mark on television. His work extends to blockbuster films like Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Hunger Games—yet these only hint at the breadth of his prolific 40-year career.
 
Frank's creative reach spans beyond film and television, with deep roots in the music industry. He’s photographed everyone from Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani to cult icons like Tom Waits and Bad Brains, and his work has appeared in every major publication. But what truly sets Frank apart is his ability to capture more than just a subject’s likeness—his portraits are emotional narratives, revealing something deeper and unexpected.
 
In this episode, Frank reflects on the importance of risk-taking, pushing creative boundaries, and embracing failure as a necessary part of growth. He shares his philosophy of creating raw, emotionally resonant work that defies convention. Frank also delves into his long-standing collaboration with David Bowie, a partnership that epitomizes the magic of creative experimentation and collaboration. Whether working on polished commercial projects or gritty gallery pieces, Frank’s photography remains fearless, always embracing the beauty of imperfection.
 
CREDITS
Guest: Frank W. Ockenfels III 
https://fwo3.com/
https://www.instagram.com/fwo3
 
Host: Will Hall
https://www.willhall.co
https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@willhallco
 
Engineer: Martin Nayeri
https://kariom.art/
https://www.instagram.com/kariomart/
 
Associated with ByDesign
https://www.bydesign.global/
 
Sponsored by Adobe.