Voice Of Costume - The Untold Stories of Unseen Artists

Catherine Baumgardner - Costume Designer and Educator

The stories behind the stories — from the artists who build the worlds we love. Voice of Costume goes far beyond fabric and fittings. This podcast is an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how film, television, and theater are actually made — told by the artists who rarely get the spotlight but shape everything you see on screen. Each episode features candid conversations with costume designers and creative collaborators working at every level of the industry. They share the real stories: breaking in, surviving rejection, collaborating under pressure, solving impossible problems, and finding meaning in the work when the hours are long and the budgets are tight. If you love: Behind-the-scenes stories from film, TV, and theater Creative career journeys — the wins and the failures How character, story, and psychology show up visually on screen Honest conversations about art, process, collaboration, and resilience …this podcast is for you. Voice of Costume isn't just about what people wear — it's about why choices are made, how stories are built, and what it really takes to sustain a creative life. Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, actor, designer, student, or simply someone who loves understanding how great stories come together, this podcast invites you inside the process — where creativity meets craft, and passion meets persistence. 🎧 Subscribe and listen in — because every costume has a story, and every story has a voice.

  1. 4d ago

    The Secret Costume Codes of HBO's Lanterns with Cynthia Summers

    Go behind HBO's Lanterns with the costume designer who built Hal Jordan's battle-worn super suit from scratch! Returning guest Cynthia Summers joins Voice of Costume to unpack the painstaking process of designing for this gritty, grounded take on the Green Lantern universe, starring Kyle Chandler. She reveals the secret color rules that shaped the show's visual identity — no red, no green anywhere except the lantern constructs themselves — and how an Anthony Bourdain photo became the unexpected inspiration for Hal Jordan's entire look. Cynthia dives deep into building a practical, weathered "clamshell" super suit that tells the story of a weary lantern nearing the end of his journey, complete with bullet holes and battle damage. She shares the collaborative magic of working with illustrators over Zoom, hidden bird motifs symbolizing the Guardians watching over John Stewart, and essential stunt-rigging secrets for costuming wire work and harnesses safely. Plus, charming behind-the-scenes stories about Kyle Chandler's sweet friendship with her dog, and honest reflections on the fear and self-doubt every costume designer faces before a big pitch. A must-listen for costume design lovers, DC and Green Lantern fans, HBO series enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the storytelling power hidden in a hero's suit. Follow Cynthia here: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiasummers Follow Catherine here: https://www.instagram.com/voice_of_costume/

  2. Oct 20

    Costuming Psychological Thrillers with Jacqueline Demeterio - Verity

    From vintage Chanel to custom-molded robes, go behind the glamour and grit of Anne Hathaway's psychological thriller Verity! Costume designer Jacqueline Demeterio joins Voice of Costume to trace her journey from a fashion-obsessed Michigan childhood to interning at Barneys New York, assisting legendary designer Patricia Field on Sex and the City, and ultimately becoming a go-to collaborator for director Michael Showalter and star Anne Hathaway. Jacqueline reveals the meticulous process behind designing Verity's four distinct eras — her humble early years, glamorous wealthy persona, haunting post-accident look, and introspective writer's wardrobe — including a Joan Didion-inspired pivot for the office scenes. She shares fascinating craft secrets: replicating an irreplaceable vintage Chanel dress, molding multiple versions of a water-immersion robe, and recreating a 1920s embroidered nightgown with specialty trim work. Jacqueline also opens up about the symbolism woven into Verity's signature red, navigating social media scrutiny of costume choices, and the deep collaboration with production design that elevated the film's visual cohesion. Plus, a look ahead to her upcoming projects, including a reimagining of Serendipity with Showalter. A must-listen for costume design lovers, Anne Hathaway and psychological thriller fans, behind-the-scenes film enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the artistry of building a character through clothing. Please let Jacqueline know what you thought of her episode here: https://www.instagram.com/jackieodemeterio/ And follow Catherine here: https://www.instagram.com/voice_of_costume/

  3. Oct 14

    Dressing "Brothers" Matthew McConaughey & Woody Harrelson with Colin Wilkes

    From custom boot-scoot boots to sustainable nudie suits, go inside the costume closets of Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson! Returning guest Colin Wilkes, costume designer for Apple TV+'s "Brothers," shares the full-circle story of designing for two real-life friends playing fictionalized versions of themselves. A Texas native, Colin reveals how her deep roots in the Austin film industry — and the state's resourceful, hands-on crews — shaped the show's authentic Western aesthetic. She dives into dressing Matthew in heritage, tailored brands rooted in Texas identity, and Woody in eco-friendly, naturally dyed, circular fashion sourced from sustainable makers. Hear the story behind the custom matte boot-scoot mascot boots, Woody's vegan medieval-style slippers, and the stunning hand-dyed, hand-embroidered nudie suits worn during a sweltering 108-degree shoot. Colin also opens up about the collaborative magic of costuming comedy, learning to let go of perfectionism, and the unforgettable experience of shooting on a remote Texas ranch with her tight-knit team. Plus, she offers her take on the show's central mystery: are Matthew and Woody really brothers? A must-listen for costume design lovers, Texas film industry fans, Western fashion enthusiasts, and anyone curious about dressing real celebrities as fictionalized versions of themselves. Hidden Episode Bonus of a life change for the host Catherine Baumgardner revealed in the show. Please follow Catherine here: instagram.com/voice_of_costume

  4. Oct 11

    AI Replaced My Art: A Designer's Journey to Restoration with Jonathan Davenport

    Jonathan Davenport candidly talks how AI disrupted his career and his wild year of reinvention, darkness, and new hope.  Returning guest Jonathan Davenport talks with Catherine Baumgardner in a raw, emotional conversation about watching his illustration and WWE gear-design business shrink as AI tools replaced decades of specialized creative work. He shares the moment he realized client profile pics he'd hand-drawn were being swapped for AI versions, and how that spiraled over years until finally having to reach out to longtime clients for brutally honest feedback about why they quit calling. Jonathan opens up about reinventing himself through new skills, landing a role designing the Superman Experience at Warner Bros, and creating the viral animated short "Daybreak" for wrestling stars transitioning from WWE's New Day to their new promotion, New Level. He also discusses designing the deeply personal cover art for a friend's memoir, "How I Got Over," and the power of specialized, human-touched creative work in an increasingly AI-homogenized industry. On the back half of the episode, the conversation turns deeply vulnerable as Jonathan and Catherine discuss anxiety, isolation, spiritual resilience, and the healing power of genuine connection — including a beautifully shared way to release fear and lies. A moving, inspiring episode for creatives navigating the AI era, wrestling and pro wrestling fans, artists facing career uncertainty, and anyone needing a reminder that connection beats isolation every time. Please let Jonathan know what you thought of his interview here: linktr.ee/davenpoe Please also follow Catherine here: instagram.com/voice_of_costume

  5. Sep 4

    The Secrets of Thrifting Vintage Tees & Legal Clearances with Marissa Schwartz - Sterling Point

    Sterling Point costume designer Marissa Schwartz reveals the thrifted secrets and Chanel dreams behind Amazon Prime's breakout summer drama. Marissa joins Voice of Costume with Catherine Baumgardner to share her creative origin story — from color-coded childhood outfits to a fashion-school detour that led her, unexpectedly, into television costume design. She opens up about the "kismet" chain of connections that landed her the Sterling Point job despite union barriers, and dives deep into building the show's heavily thrifted, 70% vintage wardrobe rooted in Muskoka nostalgia.  Hear the emotional story behind the brown wool sweater that became the show's poster image, the legal hurdles of clearing vintage graphic tees for camera, and how a borrowed Chanel dress and accessories became a defining moment for her teenage lead character, Annie. Marissa also discusses the whirlwind of brand partnerships flooding in after the show's viral fashion moment, learning to trust her instincts while leading a costume department without prior relationships, and balancing motherhood with the demands of film and TV production. Plus, a heartfelt detour into the films and shows that move her and Catherine most. A must-listen for costume design lovers, thrift and vintage fashion fans, Sterling Point superfans, and anyone curious about the emotional storytelling power of costume design.

  6. Sep 2

    Building 75 Costumes for a 25 Minute Episode with Valerie Klarich - Stuart Fails to Save the Universe

    Talking Big Bang Theory spinoffs to superhero suits and 3D-printed icicles — costume design 'behind the seams' at its best! Costume designer Valerie Klarich returns to Voice of Costume to unpack her wild ride designing "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe," the HBO Max spinoff of The Big Bang Theory. Valerie shares how a decade-long friendship with Lauren Lapkus (Orange Is the New Black) led to the job of a lifetime, and how she battled imposter syndrome before landing it. She dives deep into the creative process behind dressing familiar characters across wildly different dimensions — post-apocalyptic wastelands, 1950s primitive worlds, and comic-book superhero universes — all while honoring original designer Mary Quigley's iconic Big Bang Theory looks for nostalgic fans. Hear how Valerie built roughly 75 costumes for a single 25-minute episode, used 3D body scanning and fabric printing to create Mr. Freeze's icicle-textured suit, and paid tribute to classic Stuart Bloom with an exact plaid-and-robot-tee callback. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories of dressing guest stars Penn & Teller, Weird Al, and Wil Wheaton (including his surprise Star Trek reunion with director Jonathan Franks!). Valerie also opens up about leading a 17-person costume department with collaboration and humor at its core, and teases what's ahead for season two.  A must-listen for costume design lovers, Big Bang Theory fans, TV production nerds, and anyone curious about the magic of superhero costume creation.

  7. Aug 21

    Creating Luxury Looks from Street Market Clothes with Vera Chow - The Season

    Costume designer Vera Chow joins Voice of Costume for a fascinating conversation about Hulu's The Season—and how culture can completely change the meaning of what we wear. Growing up in Hong Kong before building a career across the U.S. and Asia gave Vera a unique understanding of the invisible rules behind clothing. She breaks down the difference between Hong Kong's British-influenced old money and flashier new money, why presentation carries different expectations there than in America, and how those cultural codes shaped the characters and visual world of The Season. Vera's explaning the difference between bullying in China vs the USA is worth the price of admission alone, much less the myriad of other cultural insights she shares about designing overseas and what a lot of other designers do not realize when they work there. Then Vera reveals one of the most unconventional design processes we've ever discussed on the show: instead of always building costumes from scratch, she often buys existing garments, cuts them apart, and rebuilds them into something completely new—a process she jokingly calls "Frankenstein." Cheap street-market finds, K-pop-inspired pieces, vintage Japanese fabrics and unexpected materials can all become costumes that look extraordinarily expensive on screen. She also shares how her experience on The Walking Dead led her to stunt training, why understanding local crews and resources matters when working internationally, and how costume design must balance beauty with movement, safety and story. This is a must-listen for fans of The Season, costume designers, filmmakers, fashion lovers, thrifters, Asian and Asian-American creatives, and anyone fascinated by how culture shapes the way we dress. It's one of the most unconventional approaches to costume design we've ever explored on Voice of Costume one every listener will be fascinated by.

  8. Aug 19

    The Mindset to Reimagine Little House on the Prairie with Mitchell Travers

    Come for Little House on the Prairie. Stay for one of the great conversations we've had about living a creative life. Costume designer Mitchell Travers joins Voice of Costume for one of our favorite conversations in the history of the show—a deeply thoughtful look inside the new Little House on the Prairie, and an unexpectedly inspiring conversation about creativity, history, collaboration, and building a meaningful career. For fans who grew up with the beloved Michael Landon series, Mitchell explains why this new Little House isn't intended as a reboot, but a fresh interpretation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books—one that approaches the familiar story through Laura's eyes and expands parts of the American story audiences may not have seen before. And the details are fascinating. Mitchell reveals how Laura's hand-me-down dresses literally tell the history of the Ingalls family through faded dyes, patches and wear; why getting the historically accurate foundations underneath the costumes was so important; and how one massive river sequence required eight versions of Laura's dress, along with costumes engineered for stunt performers, water and child actors. The result is costume design doing something almost invisible: telling us who these people are before anyone says a word. Mitchell also opens up about the production's collaboration with Osage artists and cultural consultants, including the profound experience of visiting Osage Nation and discovering things that books, photographs and research simply couldn't teach him. His takeaway—that authentic representation requires not one voice but a chorus of voices—becomes one of the episode's most meaningful discussions. But some of the best moments aren't really about clothes at all. Mitchell talks candidly about spending years as an assistant, why he doesn't believe careers are built around one magical "big break," why relationships and kindness matter, and how he handles enormous creative pressure: solve the problem in front of you instead of wasting energy becoming overwhelmed. And for fans already looking ahead, Mitchell offers just enough of a tease about Season 2—a different world, new characters, new storylines, a new visual direction, and a finale requiring more preparation than anything they've attempted before. This is an episode about costume design—but it's also about how great creative work gets made, how careers are built slowly, and why curiosity, gratitude and collaboration still matter.

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4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

The stories behind the stories — from the artists who build the worlds we love. Voice of Costume goes far beyond fabric and fittings. This podcast is an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how film, television, and theater are actually made — told by the artists who rarely get the spotlight but shape everything you see on screen. Each episode features candid conversations with costume designers and creative collaborators working at every level of the industry. They share the real stories: breaking in, surviving rejection, collaborating under pressure, solving impossible problems, and finding meaning in the work when the hours are long and the budgets are tight. If you love: Behind-the-scenes stories from film, TV, and theater Creative career journeys — the wins and the failures How character, story, and psychology show up visually on screen Honest conversations about art, process, collaboration, and resilience …this podcast is for you. Voice of Costume isn't just about what people wear — it's about why choices are made, how stories are built, and what it really takes to sustain a creative life. Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, actor, designer, student, or simply someone who loves understanding how great stories come together, this podcast invites you inside the process — where creativity meets craft, and passion meets persistence. 🎧 Subscribe and listen in — because every costume has a story, and every story has a voice.

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