With your help, we’ve come a long way. Check out the lineup for the latest season, and download it today.
The latest season of The Creative Boom Podcast launches today, marking an incredible milestone in our journey: one million downloads since our 2020 debut.
This landmark season arrives with support from our sponsor, the School of Communication Arts. This remarkable social enterprise is supported by over 100 agencies, with some donating funds for scholarships and others providing mentorship time. Their unique approach brings together a network of over 700 industry professionals who teach and mentor their 36 students throughout the year.
And now, they’ve launched something truly exciting: SCA Online Portfolio. It’s a new, fully online course designed to make creative education more inclusive, accessible, and flexible. Whether you’re just starting out or switching careers, you’ll learn how to build a jaw-dropping portfolio that opens doors — all guided by award-winning mentors from the creative industries.
You’ll get real briefs, live feedback, and support from a community that genuinely wants to see you thrive. And the best part? You can do it all remotely, at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.
So, if you’ve been dreaming of breaking into advertising or design but didn’t know where to start — this is your moment. Check out the SCA Online Portfolio now at schoolcommunicationarts.com. And guess what? We’re offering a £500 discount to our Creative Boom listeners. Just use the code ‘BOOM500’ at checkout.
A season of creative heavyweights
Season nine features an extraordinary lineup of creative leaders ready to share their insights, experiences, and wisdom:
Michael Johnson, founder of Johnson Banks, explores whether we’re in a period where all design looks the same. With over three decades of experience creating brands that make a difference, Michael has worked with organisations tackling hunger, fighting for an open internet, addressing child poverty, and more. His impressive portfolio includes rebranding Mozilla, Action Against Hunger, Duolillo, and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).
Christine Smith, a freelance creative director who focuses on innovation, tech, youth, trends, and internet culture, discusses the importance of role models. Ranked as the #4 art director in the world by The Drum Magazine, Christine’s work on Backup Ukraine has earned over 100 awards, including a Grand Prix in Digital Craft. As a mentor and judge for various creative award shows, she’s passionate about nurturing the next generation of creatives.
Emma Barratt, global executive creative director for Wolff Olins, shares her obsession with creativity’s role in our lives. Leading brands like Decathlon, Uber, GSK, Hyundai, and Google, Emma champions a “brand as experience” approach. As a female, dyslexic creative leader from a working-class background, she actively coaches people from diverse backgrounds to thrive in the industry.
Kiser Barnes, chief creative officer and partner at Red Antler, brings his perspective on a fascinating topic: “From trailblazing tech to timeless brands.” A Cannes Lions Grand Prix winner and Web3 Marketing Trailblazer (Ad Age), Kiser has helped define some of the world’s greatest brands and led Walmart’s entry into the metaverse to boot.
Kenny Gravillis, founder of Gravillis Inc., explores the emotional power of design and why human-made art still matters. The go-to creative director for major Hollywood studios and filmmakers such as Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg, Kenny began his career designing album packages for Public Enemy, LL Cool J and The Notorious B.I.G.
James Greenfield, CEO and co-founder of branding agency Koto, reflects on their 10-year journey together. Leading 85 designers and strategists across four studios worldwide, James and his team work with industry giants like Airbnb, Netflix and Uber.
Liz Mosley, an independent brand designer, reveals how podcasting has helped her marketing efforts, opened doors, built confidence and skills, and enhanced her reputation. Liz specialises in using design and branding to help businesses effectively communicate their value.
Gnome Taylor, senior creative director at the leading agency Grey London, shares insights on resilience and how it has shaped her professional journey to date.
And that’s just the beginning: we’ll be announcing more incredible guests soon!
Illustration by Jane Bowyer
The Spark gets a refresh
And that’s not all! We’ve also overhauled our popular weekly bonus episode, The Spark, in which we ask our guests a few extra questions—some light, some thoughtful—to get to know them beyond the usual conversation.
In each episode of The Spark, our guests select eight questions ranging from the absurd to the deep and meaningful, giving listeners a chance to get to know them better. There’s also a delightful rolling theme—each guest poses a question for the next guest.
Released every Thursday, these short, fun additions to the main episodes provide an inspired boost as we approach the weekend.
Join us for season nine
With one million downloads under our belt and fresh support of the School of Communication Arts, season nine of The Creative Boom Podcast promises to be our most enlightening and inspiring yet.
Subscribe now, wherever you get your podcasts, to ensure you don’t miss a single episode. It’s sure to be an unforgettable season of creative insights, honest conversations, and inspiring stories from the creative world’s brightest minds.
