Clever with Amy Devers

Amy Devers
  • 4.6 (464)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Clever with Amy Devers

Clever is an award-winning, independent podcast that offers a window into the humanity behind the design of the world around us. In each episode, designer Amy Devers has candid and revealing conversations with the visionaries, culture-makers, and creative forces who shape our world and inform our society. Through a disarming mix of raw candor and honest shop-talk, Clever peels back the layers to unearth the gritty, authentic and sometimes surprising details of their creative paths. Clever Confidential is Clever’s offshoot series where we dig into the lesser told stories of the darker side of design; the shadowy, sometimes sordid, tales hiding under a glossy top coat of respectable legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Ep. 221: Blu Dot’s John Christakos on Combining Artistic Vision and Business Acumen

    6D AGO

    Ep. 221: Blu Dot’s John Christakos on Combining Artistic Vision and Business Acumen

    John Christakos, co-founder and CEO of Blu Dot, grew up taking road trips with his father to textile mills, skipping school in favor of real-world experiences. He went on to double major in economics and studio art, a combination of creativity and business which proved itself invaluable later in life. After a life-changing year traveling the world with his closest friends, John eventually co-founded Blu Dot alongside them in 1997. In the decades since, under John’s leadership, Blu Dot has grown into an overwhelming success with a dynamic retail presence (online and IRL), prestigious design awards, a devoted following, and a reputation for responding to their customers and world events, with empathy, curiosity, and humanity. Special thanks to our sponsor: Wix Studio: Web designers, Wix Studio lets you deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel, with no-code animations, tons of AI tools, reusable design assets, and advanced layout tools.  Check out Wix Studio for your next project: https://www.wix.com/studio. Head to cleverpodcast.com for a transcript (with links!) of this episode, images, resources, and over 200+ more episodes!  Please help us out by completing a short LISTENER SURVEY Subscribe to our free substack for updates, bonus content, and new episode alerts. Please say Hi on social! X, Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook - @CleverPodcast, @amydevers If you enjoy Clever we could use your support! Please consider leaving a review, making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or introducing us to your friends! We love and appreciate you! Clever is hosted & produced by Amy Devers, with editing by Mark Zurawinski, production assistance from Ilana Nevins and Anouchka Stephan, and music by El Ten Eleven. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  2. Ep 45: Fashion Designer Mary Ping [rebroadcast]

    MAR 11

    Ep 45: Fashion Designer Mary Ping [rebroadcast]

    Fashion designer Mary Ping was influenced at a young age by a stylish grandmother who taught her to sew. Always knowing she’d one day run her own label, she studied art at Vassar and worked in east London’s scene before founding her conceptual line, Slow and Steady Wins the Race, a living archive of wardrobe classics, reexamined. Not one to participate on the hamster wheel of trends, she prefers injecting social commentary and sartorial wit into her work. Plus, her photographic memory weirds people out. Special thanks to our sponsor: Wix Studio: Web designers, Wix Studio lets you deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel, with no-code animations, tons of AI tools, reusable design assets, and advanced layout tools.  Check out Wix Studio for your next project: https://www.wix.com/studio. Transcript, Images and more from Mary Ping! Please help us out by completing a short LISTENER SURVEY Subscribe to our free substack for updates, bonus content, and new episode alerts. Please say Hi on social! X, Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook - @CleverPodcast, @amydevers If you enjoy Clever we could use your support! Please consider leaving a review, making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or introducing us to your friends! We love and appreciate you! Clever is created, hosted and produced by Amy Devers and Jaime Derringer, with music from El Ten Eleven and editing by Alex Perez. This episode was originally released on November 28, 2017. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  3. Ep. 220: Designing Belonging: Alma Jimenez Lopez on Art, Heritage, and Home

    FEB 25

    Ep. 220: Designing Belonging: Alma Jimenez Lopez on Art, Heritage, and Home

    Alma Jimenez Lopez is a creative force — a designer, artist, and curator who builds bridges between cultures and communities. In this episode, she shares how growing up as a first-generation Mexican American shaped her superpower: empathy. From honing her skills as an interior designer and building bridges across sectors of the design industry, to curation and community-building with the co-founding Of Threads, which celebrates the richness of Mexican American stories through art, design, and fashion, Alma’s journey is one of vision, healing, and unstoppable drive. This conversation is bold, heartfelt, and full of light.  Special thanks to our sponsor: Wix Studio: Web designers, Wix Studio lets you deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel, with no-code animations, tons of AI tools, reusable design assets, and advanced layout tools.  Check out Wix Studio for your next project: https://www.wix.com/studio. Head to cleverpodcast.com for a transcript (with links!) of this episode, images, resources, and over 200+ more episodes!  Please help us out by completing a short LISTENER SURVEY Subscribe to our free substack for updates, bonus content, and new episode alerts. Please say Hi on social! X, Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook - @CleverPodcast, @amydevers If you enjoy Clever we could use your support! Please consider leaving a review, making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or introducing us to your friends! We love and appreciate you! Clever is hosted & produced by Amy Devers, with editing by Mark Zurawinski, production assistance from Ilana Nevins and Anouchka Stephan, and music by El Ten Eleven. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  4. Clever Confidential Ep. 6: The Brilliant Life and Tragic Death of Florence Broadhurst

    FEB 11

    Clever Confidential Ep. 6: The Brilliant Life and Tragic Death of Florence Broadhurst

    Clever Confidential is Clever’s offshoot series where we dig into the lesser told stories of the darker side of design; the shadowy, sometimes sordid, tales hiding under a glossy top coat of respectable legacy. In this episode we peel back the glittering façade of one of Australia's greatest design icons, Florence Broadhurst—a woman whose legendary creative genius was rivaled only by the mystery surrounding her violent demise. This journey takes us from the sunlit streets of Sydney’s Paddington neighborhood to the dark corners of a crime scene that defies easy explanation. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or a true crime aficionado, prepare to be captivated by a story of ambition, reinvention, and an unsolved mystery that challenges everything we think we know about a true creative legend. See images and read the transcript! Please help us out by completing a short LISTENER SURVEY Head to cleverpodcast.com for over 200+ more episodes of Clever, and the 5 previous episodes of Clever Confidential. Subscribe to our substack newsletter for updates, bonus content, and new episode alerts. Please say Hi on social! X, Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook - @CleverPodcast, @amydevers If you enjoy Clever Confidential we could use your support! Please consider leaving a review, making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or introducing us to your friends! We love and appreciate you! Clever Confidential credits:  Hosts: Amy Devers & Andrew Wagner Writing and research: Amy Devers & Andrew Wagner Production: Devers Endeavors Production Assistance: Ilana Nevins Editing and Sound Design: Mark Zurawinski Theme Music: “Astronomy” by Thin White Rope courtesy of Frontier Records Logo design: Laura Jaramillo remixed by Graham Hauser Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min
  5. Clever Confidential Ep. 2: The Supernatural Beginnings of The Bradbury Building [rebroadcast]

    FEB 4

    Clever Confidential Ep. 2: The Supernatural Beginnings of The Bradbury Building [rebroadcast]

    In the heart of downtown Los Angeles sits Hollywood’s undisputed architectural superstar — the Bradbury Building. The imposing structure’s character is definitive. Its origin story, however, is much murkier…  How did a young draftsman design one of the most remarkable buildings in the world? Why did he never again do anything of note? Or did he? Was all his creativity spent on this one masterpiece? Was this a case of stolen intellectual property? Or could this have even been a brush with the supernatural? Clever Confidential is Clever’s offshoot series, where we dig into the darker side of design - the shadowy, sometimes sordid tales hiding under a glossy topcoat of respectable legacy. Many thanks to this episode’s guest experts Kim Cooper and Richard Schave of Esotouric! Images and more about the Bradbury Building at cleverpodcast.com Please help us out by completing a short LISTENER SURVEY Head to cleverpodcast.com for over 200+ more episodes of Clever, and more episodes of Clever Confidential. Subscribe to our substack newsletter for updates, bonus content, and new episode alerts. Please say Hi on social! X, Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook - @CleverPodcast, @amydevers If you enjoy Clever Confidential we could use your support! Please consider leaving a review, making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or introducing us to your friends! We love and appreciate you! Credits:  Hosts: Amy Devers & Andrew Wagner Writing and research: Amy Devers & Andrew Wagner Guests: Kim Cooper & Richard Schave of Esotouric Production: Devers Endeavors Editing and Sound Design: Camille Stennis  Theme Music: “Astronomy” by Thin White Rope courtesy of Frontier Records Logo design: Laura Jaramillo remixed by Graham Hauser Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  6. Clever Confidential Ep. 5: Eileen Gray and the Aura of E-1027 [rebroadcast]

    JAN 28

    Clever Confidential Ep. 5: Eileen Gray and the Aura of E-1027 [rebroadcast]

    Clever Confidential is Clever’s offshoot series, where we dig into the darker side of design - the shadowy, sometimes sordid tales hiding under a glossy topcoat of respectable legacy. In Ep. 5 we explore the haunting tale of E-1027, an architectural masterpiece born of love but marred by betrayal, obsession, and tragedy. From its creation by Eileen Gray to its desecration by Le Corbusier, and its descent into decadence during World War II, this house has borne witness to some of humanity’s darkest and most beautiful moments. Hosts Amy Devers and Andrew Wagner uncover the secrets etched into its walls and the spirits that linger within. Many thanks to this episode’s guest expert Anthony Flint, author of Modern Man: The Life of Le Corbusier, Architect of Tomorrow and host of the Land Matters podcast. Special thanks to our sponsor, Porkbun!  Go to https://porkbun.com/CleverBun to get a .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year with promo code DIGITALPRO at Porkbun! See images and read the transcript! Please help us out by completing a short LISTENER SURVEY Head to cleverpodcast.com for over 200+ more episodes of Clever, and the 4 previous episodes of Clever Confidential. Subscribe to our substack newsletter for updates, bonus content, and new episode alerts. Please say Hi on social! X, Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook - @CleverPodcast, @amydevers If you enjoy Clever Confidential we could use your support! Please consider leaving a review, making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or introducing us to your friends! We love and appreciate you! Credits:  Hosts: Amy Devers & Andrew Wagner Writing and research: Amy Devers, Andrew Wagner, Ilana Nevins Guests: Anthony Flint Editing and Sound Design: Mark Zurawinski Theme Music: “Astronomy” by Thin White Rope courtesy of Frontier Records Logo design: Laura Jaramillo remixed by Graham Hauser Production: Devers Endeavors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  7. Clever Confidential Ep. 4: Olivetti and the Race to Create the First Personal Computer [rebroadcast]

    JAN 21

    Clever Confidential Ep. 4: Olivetti and the Race to Create the First Personal Computer [rebroadcast]

    Clever Confidential is Clever’s offshoot series, where we dig into the darker side of design - the shadowy, sometimes sordid tales hiding under a glossy topcoat of respectable legacy. In Episode 4: Olivetti and the Race to Create the First Personal Computer, host Amy Devers and writer Andrew Wagner unravel a captivating story that challenges our assumptions about the origins of the personal computer. Many credit Silicon Valley with this innovation, but should we really look elsewhere? Olivetti was founded in 1908 by Camillo Olivetti. This Italian powerhouse thrived under his son Adriano, who revolutionized industrial design with a human-centered approach, merging aesthetics with user experience. Olivetti became a titan in office machines and desktop computing, poised to lead the charge into a new technological era. But as Olivetti rises, dark clouds gather. Adriano and brilliant engineer Mario Tchou meet mysterious and untimely fates, shrouded in Cold War intrigue and fierce corporate rivalry. Despite these tragic losses, Olivetti unveiled the Programma 101 in 1965, hailed as the world’s first desktop computer, forever altering our perception of technology. So why has Olivetti’s remarkable legacy faded into obscurity? We peel back the layers of this enigma, revealing a web of intrigue—mysterious deaths, hostile takeovers, potential CIA involvement, and hidden narratives that reshaped the tech landscape and distorted our collective cultural memory.  Images, links, and more about Olivetti! Special thanks to our sponsor, Porkbun!  Go to https://porkbun.com/CleverBun to get a .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year with promo code DIGITALPRO at Porkbun! Many thanks to our guest expert Barry Katz.  Audio clips courtesy of Luca Cottini - Italian Innovators youtube video - CAMILLO & ADRIANO OLIVETTI. At the Origins of the Computer Age. Linkedin and instagram @italianinnovators Head to cleverpodcast.com for over 200+ more episodes!  Subscribe to our substack newsletter for updates, bonus content, and new episode alerts. Please say Hi on social! Instagram, and Linkedin - @CleverPodcast, @amydevers If you enjoy Clever Confidential please consider leaving a review, making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or introducing us to your friends! We love and appreciate you! Writing and research: Amy Devers, Andrew Wagner, Ilana Nevins Editing and Sound Design: Camille Stennis and Mark Zurawinski Theme Music: “Astronomy” by Thin White Rope courtesy of Frontier Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  8. Clever Confidential Ep. 3: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Murders at Taliesin [rebroadcast]

    JAN 14

    Clever Confidential Ep. 3: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Murders at Taliesin [rebroadcast]

    Clever Confidential is Clever’s offshoot series, where we dig into the darker side of design - the shadowy, sometimes sordid tales hiding under a glossy topcoat of respectable legacy. On the afternoon of August 14th, 1915, fire ripped through Taliesin, the Spring Green, Wisconsin home of the world’s most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. When the smoke cleared seven people would be dead, murdered with an axe at the hands of Julian Carlton, a servant of Wright’s. But why? The motive remains a mystery to this day. But there are so many other questions. Why does seemingly everyone know Frank Lloyd Wright but strangely, very few seem to know this much darker side of his story? In this episode we’ll investigate all of that as well as the great state of Wisconsin, Wright’s never-ending battle with societal norms, and the interplay between critics and creative professionals. Images, links and more about Frank Lloyd Wright and the Murders at Taliesin! Special thanks to our sponsor, Porkbun!  Go to https://porkbun.com/CleverBun to get a .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year with promo code DIGITALPRO at Porkbun! Thank you to Brad Lynch of Brininstool & Lynch Architects for lending his expertise, insight and colorful commentary and to "The Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas for audio clips from the historic Frank Lloyd Wright interview. Please help us out by completing a short LISTENER SURVEY Subscribe to our free substack for updates, bonus content, and new episode alerts. For info, resources, and special offers from our guests and sponsors: Clever Resources Please say Hi on social! X, Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook - @CleverPodcast, @amydevers If you enjoy Clever we could use your support! Please consider leaving a review, making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or introducing us to your friends! We love and appreciate you! Clever Confidential is hosted by Amy Devers and Andrew Wagner, with editing and sound design by Camille Stennis, production assistance from Ilana Nevins and Anouchka Stephan. Our theme music is “Astronomy” by Thin White Rope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
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    Hosts & Guests

    4.6
    out of 5
    464 Ratings

    About

    Clever is an award-winning, independent podcast that offers a window into the humanity behind the design of the world around us. In each episode, designer Amy Devers has candid and revealing conversations with the visionaries, culture-makers, and creative forces who shape our world and inform our society. Through a disarming mix of raw candor and honest shop-talk, Clever peels back the layers to unearth the gritty, authentic and sometimes surprising details of their creative paths. Clever Confidential is Clever’s offshoot series where we dig into the lesser told stories of the darker side of design; the shadowy, sometimes sordid, tales hiding under a glossy top coat of respectable legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Information

    • Creator
      Amy Devers
    • Years Active
      2016 - 2025
    • Episodes
      302
    • Rating
      Explicit
    • Copyright
      © Copyright Clever
    • Show Website
      Clever with Amy Devers

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