Inside the Design Studio with David Peck

Join David as he sits down with Jennifer Kahn, founder of Scenery Bags, for an inspiring conversation about turning Broadway magic into sustainable fashion. A former stage manager for hit shows like In the Heights, and Spring Awakening, Jennifer shares her journey from backstage to building a thriving business that upcycles theater sets into stylish accessories. They dive into the iconic Broadway productions that shaped her career, the wild success of Scenery Bags' Wicked-inspired line, and how sustainability and creativity come together in her brand. If you're a theater nerd, a sustainability enthusiast, or just someone who loves a great entrepreneurial story, this episode is not to be missed! And don't miss the limited-edition Wicked drop, launching soon!

Pack your bags and grab a croissant, because in this solo episode of Inside the Design Studio, I'm taking you on a personal journey through my latest trip to Paris. Why was this trip so important? Well, it's not every day you get to revisit the city that shaped your career and your life—oh, and casually hang out near Kate Moss at Bar Hemingway. No big deal.

Join me as I relive some truly unforgettable moments: A private tour of the King's apartments at Versailles (Dior tapestries, anyone?), board meetings in stunning 19th-century buildings, and, of course, my quest for the perfect martini. There's a lot to unpack—both literally and figuratively.

Check out the Instagram reels for a visual treat. Let's be honest: Paris looks better in motion.

Instagram : @itsdavidpeck

In this book club edition of Inside the Design Studio, David Peck sits down with Matt Layfield to dissect Barbara Kingsolver's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Demon Copperhead. Set in the heart of Appalachia, the book is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield, but with a contemporary twist that tackles everything from the opioid crisis to systemic poverty. Kingsolver's deep connection to the region brings authenticity and empathy to her storytelling, making this a deeply impactful read. Together, David and Matt explore parallels with Hillbilly Elegy, the devastating role Purdue Pharma played in exploiting the region's pain, and how the novel serves as both a poignant social commentary and a story of personal resilience.

Expect deep insights, some gallows humor, and a whole lot of literary love. Grab a drink—you'll need it for this one!

• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver The focus of this episode and a must-read for anyone interested in modern social commentary with a Dickensian twist. Link to Demon Copperhead

• The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver An earlier work by Kingsolver that explores themes of religion, colonialism, and family, set in the Congo. Link to The Poisonwood Bible

• Pharma: Greed, Lies, and the Poisoning of America by Gerald Posner An in-depth look at the pharmaceutical industry, from benzodiazepines to OxyContin, including the Sackler family's role. Link to Pharma

• Racism Without Racists by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva An essential read that breaks down systemic racism and how it operates subtly in society. Link to Racism Without Racists

In this compelling episode of Inside the Design Studio, recorded live, I sit down with Marina Saba, an international award-winning fashion illustrator and designer who has seamlessly transitioned from the Soviet Union's fashion world to becoming a celebrated educator and artist in the United States. We delve into Marina's journey from growing up in war-torn Georgia (the country, not the state!) to overcoming cultural barriers, and redefining fashion on her own terms in Houston. Marina shares how her art has always been her anchor, how the fashion industry has evolved, and the importance of teaching sustainability and creativity to the next generation. Plus, we dive into her thoughts on design waste, bridal fashion, and the role of AI in the future of creativity.

Listen now and get inspired by a story filled with resilience, artistic vision, and the beauty of reinvention.

🔗 Follow Marina: Instagram: @marinasabaart Website: marinasaba.com

🔗 Follow David Peck: Instagram: @shopdavidpeck, @itsdavidpeck

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In this episode of Inside the Design Studio, David Peck sits down with Kelsa Dickey, the creative mastermind behind Fiscal Fitness. Kelsa is here to flip the script on traditional finance advice, helping you break free from the shame and stress that often surrounds money. From her personal journey witnessing her mom's financial struggles to creating a life where money feels more like a creative tool and less like a necessary evil, Kelsa shows us that financial wellness isn't one-size-fits-all. With fresh perspectives and practical strategies, you'll learn how to align your spending with your values—without giving up your morning latte. If you're tired of binary thinking around budgeting or feel boxed in by conventional financial advice (we're looking at you, Dave Ramsey), this conversation is the breath of fresh air your wallet needs.

Follow Kelsa Dickey:

• Website: fiscalfitnessphx.com
• Instagram: @fiscalfitnessphx
• Facebook: Fiscal Fitness PHX

Follow David Peck:

• Website: davidpeck.co and shopdavidpeck.com
• Instagram: @shopdavidpeck
• Facebook: David Peck

In this episode, I discuss the dangers of binary thinking and the importance of embracing nuance and creativity in our conversations and relationships. I encourage listeners to challenge their assumptions with curiosity and explore different perspectives. By embracing the power of 'and' instead of 'or', we can find common ground and create something everyone wants. Breaking out of binary thinking allows us to unlock creativity and make life richer and more enjoyable.

Takeaways

• Binary thinking squeezes the life out of our conversations and relationships.
• Many issues are more complicated and nuanced than they appear.
• Challenging assumptions with curiosity can lead to more empathy and understanding.
• Embracing the power of 'and' instead of 'or' allows for creative problem-solving and finding common ground.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Binary Thinking 02:51 Breaking Out of Binary Thinking 06:57 Embracing the Power of 'And' 08:25 Conflict as an Opportunity for Creativity 10:35 Unlocking Creativity and Making Life Richer

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• Instagram: @itsdavidpeck and @shopdavidpeck
• Website: davidpeck.co and shopdavidpeck.com

Think creativity is only for artists, musicians, and those quirky people who have entire Pinterest boards dedicated to DIY projects? Think again! In this solo episode of Inside the Design Studio, I'm diving into three unconventional ways anyone—yes, even you—can unlock your creative potential. Spoiler alert: It's all about embracing the magic of two little words: "What if?"

Join me as we explore how to turn everyday moments into creative opportunities by asking, "What if I did things differently?" From embracing the power of play, shaking up your daily routine, to practicing the fine art of mindful boredom—this episode is packed with practical tips, a bit of science, and a healthy dose of humor.

By the end, you'll see that creativity isn't some mystical unicorn reserved for the chosen few—it's a mindset shift that starts with a simple question. So, what if you tune in and start designing a life you truly love?

Listen now and start asking 'What if?' today!

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @itsdavidpeck and @shopdavidpeck
• Website: davidpeck.co and shopdavidpeck.com

In this episode of Inside the Design Studio, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Colleen Hoover superfan Laura Max Rose. We get right into the nitty-gritty of Verity, Hoover's most twisted and mind-bending thriller. Laura and I dive deep into the chilling plot twists, debate whether Manuscript or Letter Verity is the true villain, and discuss why this book has everyone questioning what's real.

But we didn't stop there. We also dished on the Hollywood drama surrounding the recently released It Ends with Us adaptation. With Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in the lead roles, this film has already generated its fair share of buzz—and not all of it good. Laura and I spill all the juicy details that Colleen Hoover fans won't want to miss.

If you're as obsessed with Hoover's work as we are, you're going to love this episode. Don't miss out on all the gossip, speculation, and passionate debate that only true fans can bring to the table!

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to listeners like you.

Till next time, keep crafting a life that's as captivating as your favorite masterpiece.

Laura's Review of "It Ends with Us" Movie!

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• Instagram: @itsdavidpeck and @shopdavidpeck
• Website: davidpeck.co
• Laura: @lauramaxrose
• Laura's Website: maxwellaspen.com

In this episode of Inside the Design Studio, I'm catching up with my longtime friend and celebrated designer, Natalia Fedner. Natalia and I first met over 20 years ago at Parsons Paris, and today, her designs are seen on icons like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez among many others. We talk about her unique path from acting to fashion, how she used her acting career to fund her first collection, and the fine balance between the art and business of fashion.

Natalia also opens up about the realities of building a fashion empire, creating couture that pushes boundaries, and the creative process behind dressing some of the world's most influential women. Whether you're a designer, an entrepreneur, or just love a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real talk.

Takeaways:

• How Natalia transitioned from acting to designing her first collection
• The secret to balancing artistic vision with commercial success
• What it's really like to dress Beyoncé and other A-listers
• Insights on staying inspired and evolving as a designer

Follow Natalia Fedner:

• Website: wwww.nataliafedner.com
• Instagram: @nataliafedner

Stay Connected:

• Follow me on Instagram: @Itsdavidpeck @shopdavidpeck
• Sign up for our newsletter for weekly insights and exclusive invites!
• www.davidpeck.co and www.shopdavidpeck.com

In this episode of Inside the Design Studio, I sit down with my dear friend Elaine Turner, a Houston-based fashion designer and entrepreneur whose journey has so many parallels to my own. Elaine and I dive into the realities of building a brand from the ground up, facing challenges head-on, and finding resilience in the midst of adversity. We explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of staying true to your vision, and how both of us have learned to balance our creative passions with the demands of running a business.

Elaine's story is one of grit, grace, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others—a theme that resonates deeply with me. Together, we share our personal experiences of overcoming obstacles, the lessons we've learned, and the importance of creating a life that aligns with our values and passions.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for inspiration to keep pushing forward, this episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and friendship.

Follow Elaine Turner:

• Website: www.elaineturner.com
• Instagram: @editbyelaineturner @elainewturner

Stay Connected:

• Follow me on Instagram: @Itsdavidpeck @shopdavidpeck
• Sign up for our newsletter for weekly insights and exclusive invites!
• www.davidpeck.co and www.shopdavidpeck.com