Ever worn a label that felt perfect—until it started itching like a bargain-bin T-shirt? Same.

In this episode, I unwrap the identities I’ve collected (and returned) over the years:

• The week I was German, Lebanese, Egyptian, and Irish—no layovers required.

• How we manage to keep othering one immigrant group after another—same script, new accent.

• Growing up Independent Fundamental Baptist (picture Footloose, minus Kevin Bacon), and why I’m now spiritually “between addresses.”

• A Post-it-note challenge to see which of your own labels actually deserve closet space.

Because we’re all handed identities; the real work is deciding which ones get to stay.

Hit play for stories, questions, and just enough self deprication to keep everyone honest.

Finished listening?

1. Forward this episode to a friend who’s outgrown their box.

2. Rate, review, and share if it made you laugh, think, or text your bestie an apology.

Connect & Subscribe

• Watch the video version on YouTube → youtube.com/@itsdavidpeck

• Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

• Follow me @itsdavidpeck

Chapters

00:00 The Complexity of Identity 06:59 Cultural Identities and Belonging 12:56 Inherited Identities and Personal Growth 18:33 Navigating Political and Personal Identities 21:58 The Fluidity of Self and Identity 25:59 Embracing Change in Identity

What do fashion tariffs, Blake Lively’s alleged text-message nuclear codes, and Instagram’s sneaky Discover feed have in common? They all escalated—fast.

Welcome to the inaugural “Well, That Escalated…”—the once-a-month segment where I drag my favorite opinion-sharpshooter Laura Max Rose out of our group-chat bunker and into the studio. It's basically the audio version of us texting “WAIT, DID YOU SEE THIS?” at 1 a.m.

This round we unpack:

• Why my “Made in America” dream factory sometimes feels like DIY textile purgatory.

• The Blake-vs-Baldoni legal soap opera and Taylor Swift’s strategic sphinx routine (recorded before any surprise masters-deal plot twists—guess we'll need another debrief).

• The single rogue tap that turned Laura’s IG into a pyramid-scheme carnival—and the one-button fix.

• My love affair with long-form YouTube (because dopamine-scroll fatigue is real).

Connect & Subscribe

• Watch the video version on YouTube → youtube.com/@itsdavidpeck

• Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

• Follow Laura on IG @lauramaxrose and me @itsdavidpeck

•  #WellThatEscalated #InsideTheDesignStudio #DesignYourLife

 

00:00 Why we’re launching a monthly pop-culture accountability chat 04:50 David’s naïve plunge into U.S. manufacturing—and the hidden cost of “ethical” labels 14:45 Do voters really want Made-in-USA, or is it political cosplay? 26:30 Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, and the affidavit that launched a thousand TikToks 40:10 Instagram’s algorithm, confirmation bias, and the “Not Interested” lifesaver 47:55 YouTube as the antidote to doom-scrolling (plus map-nerd confessionals) 53:30 Where to find Laura, where to find me, and a standing invite to drop your hot takes

I’m joined once again by my friend, writer, podcaster, and self-proclaimed Colleen Hoover expert Laura Max Rose for a conversation that’s part literary therapy session, part red carpet roast, and part adaptation wish list. We dig into the controversies, casting choices, and unexpected emotions that came with the It Ends With Us adaptation—Laura’s seen it six times, so she’s got notes—and talk about what works (and what doesn’t) when a beloved book becomes a movie.

We also dive into the upcoming adaptations of Verity, Regretting You, and Reminders of Him, plus buzzy projects like Wuthering Heights (yes, with Margot Robbie and a gold-toothed Jacob Elordi), Forever by Judy Blume, and The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. If you’ve got feelings about casting choices, this one’s for you.

One of my favorite lines from this episode:

“I don't think Lily was cast correctly... but I still saw the movie six times.” – Laura Max Rose

Let us know what you think—especially if you have strong opinions about Anne Hathaway playing Verity.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @itsdavidpeck and @shopdavidpeck
• Website: davidpeck.co
• Laura: @lauramaxrose
• Laura's Website: maxwellaspen.com
• Laura's Podcast: I Just Have to Say

 

00:00 Astrological Beginnings and New Year Reflections 03:10 Colleen Hoover: Adaptations and Emotional Connections 06:18 The Essence of Adaptations: Book vs. Movie 09:20 Upcoming Adaptations: Verity and Casting Choices 12:22 Exploring Regretting You and Reminders of Him 18:03 The Anticipation of Book Adaptations 21:09 Colleen Hoover's Involvement in Film Adaptations 24:12 The Fallout from 'It Ends With Us' 26:58 Exploring Wuthering Heights Remake 29:57 Judy Blume's Impact and Modern Adaptations 33:04 The Housemaid: A Thrilling Adaptation 36:00 Emily Henry's Cinematic Universe 38:52 Carly Fortune's Every Summer After 43:23 The Golden Age of Book Adaptations 47:18 Beloved Adaptations: A Deep Dive 51:42 Timeless Classics and Their Modern Takes 55:40 Books That Should Be Adapted 58:13 Controversial Adaptations and Their Impact

In this solo episode of Inside the Design Studio, I get into a question that’s more political than it might seem: Do Americans really want things to be made in America?

It sounds good on paper—and even better on a campaign trail—but the reality is messier. As someone who has spent the past 15 years making clothes in Houston, I’m here to tell you: wanting the label is not the same as supporting the labor.

From rising tariffs and raw material costs to the disappearance of skilled workers, we’re at a crossroads. Everyone talks about “bringing manufacturing back,” but almost no one talks about what that actually requires—or who’s willing to do the work.

This episode is part personal story, part policy rant, and part open question. Consider it a love letter (and a warning) to anyone who still believes that “Made in the USA” is as simple as stitching a tag.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 02:19 The Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses 04:43 Challenges of Manufacturing in America 11:24 The Skills Gap in Fashion Manufacturing 19:42 The Future of American Manufacturing

🎭 How does a Tony-winning Broadway actress transition to television, balance family, and keep reinventing herself?

In this episode of Inside the Design Studio, I sit down with the legendary Kelli O’Hara to talk about her journey from small-town Oklahoma to Broadway’s biggest stages and HBO’s The Gilded Age. Kelli shares how she:

✅ Moved to NYC with few connections and built her career from scratch ✅ Balances Broadway, TV, and opera while raising a family ✅ Tackles the pressure of celebrity vs. craft in today’s entertainment world ✅ Keeps her creative fire alive—and why taking risks keeps her growing

PLUS: Behind-the-scenes stories from The Gilded Age, her upcoming concert with Sutton Foster, and her thoughts on navigating an unpredictable industry.

🔹 Follow Kelli: Instagram: @kelliohara

🔹 Follow me for exclusive content! Instagram: @itsdavidpeck & @shopdavidpeck

 

Chapters

00:00 The Early Beginnings of a Dream 05:40 Finding a Mentor and Pursuing Education 08:20 The Move to New York and First Auditions 10:50 Transitioning from Stage to Screen 13:37 The Reality of Broadway Life 16:01 Navigating Fame and Craft 18:38 Balancing Family and Career 29:26 Reflections on Life Choices and Regrets 32:38 Trusting the Process in Creative Careers 37:49 Diversifying Artistic Expression 43:26 Navigating Public Persona and Authenticity 48:25 Finding Connection in a Chaotic World 54:17 Staying Humble and Open in Life's Journey 56:17 Exciting Upcoming Show in Dallas 57:13 Anticipation for Gilded Age Season 3 57:43 IDS Podcast outro.mp4

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend, Travis Paul Martin, who went from aspiring actor to fashion PR powerhouse. We met over 20 years ago at Parsons Paris—back when we were young, stylish, and slightly delusional about how the industry worked. Now, after working with brands like Gucci, Barneys, and Rothy’s at top agencies like KCD and BPCM, Travis has built his own firm, TPM Consulting, helping brands craft stories that truly make an impact.

We talk about: ✨ The unexpected twists that led him from theater to fashion PR ✨ Surviving (and thriving) in an ever-changing industry ✨ What it really takes to break into fashion without generational wealth ✨ The importance of designing a life that works for you

This is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered how to pivot, hustle, and build a meaningful career in a competitive field.

Follow Us:

📌 Follow Travis: www.travispaulmartin.com Instagram 📌 Follow David Peck: @shopdavidpeck | @itsdavidpeck (Instagram)

Chapters:

00:00 From Parsons to PR Powerhouse 01:38 From Theater Dreams to Fashion Aspirations 09:13 Navigating Fashion Education and Career Choices 17:22 The Journey Back to New York 22:47 Breaking into Fashion PR and Marketing 33:43 Navigating the Fashion Industry's Challenges 38:25 The Impact of Personal Loss on Career Choices 44:55 Transitioning from Agency Life to Independent Consulting 49:46 Evolving Perspectives on PR and Brand Storytelling 58:58 Future Aspirations and Work-Life Balance

Katharine Quinn never set out to run Broadway’s most innovative social media campaigns (have you SEEN "The Great Gatsby" on Instagram and TicTok?), but here she is—shaping the future of theater marketing, one viral moment at a time. In this episode, we dive into her fascinating journey from performer to director to creative brand strategist, her accidental foray into social media, and how she built a business that’s redefining Broadway marketing.

We also tackle: 🎭 The reality of burnout and how she builds systems to stay creative 📲 Why Broadway has a brand problem and how she’s fixing it 🤖 AI in creative industries—opportunity or existential threat? 🏡 Running an Airbnb, voiceover work, and diversifying income as a creative 💡 Her ambitious new project: a digital-first Broadway content platform

If you love theater, business, or just a good entrepreneurial story, this one’s for you!

Follow Us:

📌 Follow Katharine Quinn: @itskatharinequinn (Instagram) | YouTube 📌 Follow And That’s Showbiz: @andthatsshowbiz (Instagram) | YouTube 📌 Follow David Peck: @shopdavidpeck | @itsdavidpeck (Instagram)

Chapters

00:00Katharine's Early Inspirations and Education 04:36Transitioning from Performer to Behind-the-Scenes 07:32The Impact of Social Media on Broadway 10:13Broadway Marketing: A New Approach 13:19Challenges in Broadway Marketing 16:02The Misconceptions of Content Creation 17:12Managing Workload and Preventing Burnout 32:44Embracing Change and Adaptability 36:30The Importance of Diverse Income Streams 38:09Navigating the Impact of AI on Creative Industries 42:25Personal Growth and Overcoming Upbringing Challenges 52:14Innovating Broadway: A New Digital Era 58:48IDS Podcast outro.mp4

Love is in the air… or is it? In this special Galentine’s Day edition of Inside the Design Studio, I’m joined by Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman and Shavonnah Roberts Schreiber for a no-holds-barred conversation about Valentine’s Day—romantic, cynical, and everything in between. From pop culture’s best (and worst) love stories to the joy of Galentine’s, Hallmark movies, bad date-watching at Steak 48, and even a new business venture that might make us blush, this episode is full of laughter, wisdom, and a few spicy surprises.

So grab your heart-shaped candy (or a stiff drink) and settle in for a conversation about love, friendship, and the moments that take our breath away—or leave us running for the exits.

Follow Us:

• David Peck – Instagram: @itsdavidpeck & @shopdavidpeck
• Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman – Instagram: @leisahollandnelson
• Shavonnah Roberts Schreiber – Instagram: @shavonnahschreiber

Catch Leisa & Shavonnah on their podcast, Culture Club: @cultureclubpodcast

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Galentine's Day: A New Tradition 03:29 Valentine's Day: Pop Culture Reflections 06:09 On-Screen Love Stories: Best and Worst 08:50 The Nature of Love: Friendship vs. Romance 14:45 The Dynamics of Introversion and Extroversion 15:23 Friendship Insights from Pop Culture 20:05 The Importance of Writing and Storytelling 21:23 Valentine's Day Anecdotes and Reflections 22:20 Launching an Intimacy Wellness Consultancy 27:16 Closing Thoughts and Self-Love Messages 27:46 IDS Podcast outro.mp4

Is AI the ultimate creative sidekick—or is it slowly replacing human originality? In this episode of Inside the Design Studio, I sit down with poet, educator, and someone who is deeply engaged with AI in education, Scott Chalupa to explore the tension between AI and creativity. 

We tackle: 🎭 AI’s role in art, poetry, and film (yes, including The Brutalist controversy!) 📚 Whether AI is inspiring new ideas or just remixing old ones 🤖 The ethical dilemma of AI “learning” from human-made content 🎓 How educators and students are adapting to AI in the classroom

If you've ever wondered whether AI is a revolutionary tool or the beginning of creative doom, this episode is for you.

Listen now!

00:00 AI in Education and Task Forces 02:38 The Journey from Poetry to AI 05:27 AI's Role in Creative Processes 07:56 Ethics and AI in Education 10:38 AI as a Tool for Writing 13:11 Navigating AI's Impact on Learning 15:49 The Future of AI in Education 22:36 Exploring Academic Integrity in the Age of AI 25:11 The Evolution of AI Technology and Its Impact on Education 26:38 Job Displacement: The Reality of AI in the Workforce 29:37 The Need for Human Oversight in AI 31:19 Ethical Concerns: AI and Content Scraping 33:36 AI as a Shortcut: The Dangers of Over-Reliance 37:06 Critical Thinking: The Key to Effective AI Use 40:22 AI's Limitations: Creativity and Human Touch 43:30 AI in Film: Enhancing or Detracting from Art? 47:53 The Future of AI: Tipping Point or Plateau? 49:48 New Chapter

What’s in a word? Everything, if you’re David Peck. In this solo episode of Inside the Design Studio, David reflects on his annual tradition of choosing a word to guide his year—and reveals the word he’s chosen for 2025. Along the way, he revisits past selections like Effortless, Consistency, and Abundance, exploring how these words shaped his personal growth, challenges, and victories. Curious about the word setting the tone for 2025? Tune in to find out and get inspired to design your year with intention.

Stay connected and never miss an update:

• Follow me, David Peck, on Instagram: @shopdavidpeck @itsdavidpeck