The Creative Boom Podcast returns for season 10, and we’re now on video, too!

Season 10 of our show features an extraordinary lineup of legendary guests, offering a choice to watch or listen, and our proudest partnership yet.

We’re back, and this time you can actually see us, too! Season 10 of The Creative Boom Podcast launches on Monday 13 October and it’s our most ambitious yet. Every single episode recorded on video for the first time, a brilliant lineup of design legends and industry pioneers, and a partnership that feels like it was always meant to be.

Yes, James Cropper, Britain’s only working paper mill and a company that’s been championing creativity since 1845, is our headline sponsor for season 10. And honestly? We couldn’t be more thrilled.

After all, this is a company that lives and breathes creativity, employs people who genuinely care about what they create, and believes that collaboration makes everything better. Sound familiar? It should. Because that’s exactly what we’re about at Creative Boom.

A stacked season

Let’s talk about who we have lined up. Because I won’t lie, this season is stacked.

We kick things off with Paul Benney, co-founder of cult clubbing magazine Jockey Slut and legendary club night Bugged Out. Now the co-founder of Disco Pogo, a new dance magazine, Paul is a key voice in rave culture and the ongoing revival of independent print. If you lived through the ’90s club scene (or wish you had), this conversation will transport you.

Then, in no particular order, there’s Ashley Johnson, head of brand narrative at Pentagram London. If you’ve ever wondered how the world’s most prestigious design consultancy crafts the stories behind iconic brands, Ashley is your woman. Her approach to narrative strategy is nothing short of brilliant, and this conversation digs deep into how great brands are built on great storytelling.

Next, we sit down with Zoë Thompson, a designer and zine-maker who champions independent publishing with infectious enthusiasm. This was my first proper in-person, in-studio recording in London, and honestly? It was so much fun. Zoë celebrates print culture and DIY creativity with such genuine passion that you can’t help but get swept up in it. If you’ve ever considered making a zine or wondered why independent publishing matters more than ever, you need to hear this.

We also chat to Emily Penny, brand strategist and writer, about where studios are going wrong with their brand messaging. Because let’s get real: most of them sound exactly the same. Emily explains why that happens and, more importantly, how to stop it. If you run a studio or work in one, this episode might just change how you talk about yourselves.

Then there’s Claire Blyth, who brings decades of creative comms expertise to the table. As a PR powerhouse, she’s helped agencies stay visible and relevant in an increasingly noisy, AI-driven world. Claire’s insights into what actually works in creative PR right now are gold dust. Trust me on this one.

More big names in the mix

Brian Collins, legendary designer and founder of COLLINS, graces us with his presence, big ideas, and wonderfully playful philosophy on creativity. Brian’s known for bold brand work that makes you stop and think, but what really shines through in this conversation is his cheeky side. You’ll get to see the human behind the legend, and believe me, it’s utterly delightful.

There’s Haraldur Thorleifsson (everyone calls him Halli), who shares his remarkable story as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former Twitter employee who became an unlikely advocate for accessibility and kindness in tech and design. Halli’s journey is extraordinary, his perspective is refreshing, and his commitment to making the industry better for all is genuinely inspiring.

Another highlight is my chat with Jeff Staple, the legendary New York designer and streetwear pioneer who founded Staple Pigeon and helped define sneaker and street culture. We discussed his new creative agency, Reed Art Department, which has had quite the successful year in business. Jeff’s influence on contemporary design cannot be overstated, and hearing him reflect on building something new after decades at the top is simply fascinating.

Studios, strategies and bold moves

We’re not done yet! Matt Baxter of Baxter and Bailey studio fame joins us to discuss The Design Laundry, whilst Pum Lefebure from Design Army shares exactly how to design your dream creative career and find your ideal clients.

Pum’s story is all about courage, grit, passion, and knowing exactly where you want to go. She knew from the start that she wanted clients in the fashion, performing arts, and culture industries. Her laser focus and willingness to take on pro-bono projects helped Design Army win The Washington Ballet when the agency was just starting out, paving the way for the agency to pick and choose its dream clients.

After that, Joy Nazzari, founder of DNCO, brings her strategic brilliance to the conversation, whilst Stu Watson, founder of NOMAD (and husband of Marina Willer), rounds out our stellar lineup with keen insights from the coalface of contemporary branding. Phew!

Every single one of these conversations was recorded on video, marking a significant evolution for the podcast. You’ll be able to watch on our YouTube channel or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

But don’t worry: it’s the same candid, thoughtful conversations you’ve come to expect. Just with the added dimension of seeing the laughter, the pauses, the moments where someone’s eyes light up as they remember a story.

Extra episodes

Oh, and here’s another thing. Our weekly bonus episode, The Spark, is back and better than ever. So if you loved the format we introduced last season, you’re in for a treat.

Each Thursday, we release these short, fun additions where guests select eight questions ranging from the absurd to the deeply meaningful. There’s also the delightful rolling theme where each guest poses a question for the next guest, creating an unexpected thread throughout the season.

These audio-only episodes give you a chance to know our guests beyond the usual conversation. The questions might be daft, they might be profound, but they’re always revealing. Consider it your inspiration boost as we approach the weekend.

Season 10 runs from 13 October through to January, and yes, we’re hoping to include our usual Christmas special, where we invite former podcast guests to come and have some festive fun. (Details to be confirmed, but watch this space.)

What makes Season 10 special

What strikes me most about this season is how it represents everything Creative Boom stands for. Real conversations with real people about real creative lives. No bullshit. No pretence. Just honest dialogue about the challenges we face, the triumphs we celebrate, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.

The Creative Boom Podcast has always been about one simple thing: uncovering the creative life. I host these conversations because I’m genuinely curious about how people build fulfilling, sustainable creative careers. Not the highlight reel; the whole messy, complicated, occasionally glorious reality.

It really feels like we’ve built something rather special over the past few years. Since 2020, we’ve created a space where honest conversation is valued over polished performance. Where vulnerability is seen as strength. Where saying “I don’t know” or “I struggled” is just as important as sharing your successes.

And now, with James Cropper’s support, we can keep doing exactly that.

Subscribe and join us

Season 10 of The Creative Boom Podcast is here for you, wherever you get your podcasts. Whether you’re commuting, working in your studio, walking the dog, or just need some company whilst doing the washing up, we’ll be there. Sharing stories. Asking questions. Trying to make sense of this strange, wonderful thing we do for a living.

Thank you to James Cropper for believing in what we’re building. Thank you to every guest who’s given their time, honesty, and wisdom. And thank you to everyone who listens, shares, and supports this podcast. You’re the reason we keep going.

Now, shall we get started?