Actual People – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Welcome to a conversation with a true pioneer in elevating the best design in the world. Piers Roberts offers profound reflections on the distance we've fallen from conscious consumerism and where to go from here with a strong emphasis on uplifting neurodivergent ways of thinking.

For over 20 years, Piers has played a significant role in contributing to East London’s success as an inspirational beacon of creativity and innovation. He launched Designersblock in September 1998 at the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, 5 years ahead of the London Design Festival. He went on to develop and produce major Creative Festivals in London, Milan and Tokyo covering design, architecture and illustration. Over 19 years the pioneering and much imitated event showcased over 4000 creatives from 38 countries in 65 events across ten countries.

Piers has written, curated and produced critically acclaimed conferences in Creativity and Entrepreneurship for Southbank Centre, the Oxo Tower and Europe House.

This interview is one of the nearest and dearest to my heart so far in my time hosting this beautiful podcast. It's a true gem and I'm immensely honored to be able to share it. 

Here's what you'll hear (and more:)

• How DesignersBlock ignited a new wave of UK design by repurposing empty buildings for creative shows
• Why neurodivergence is often a hidden driver of visionary creativity—and how it’s misunderstood in traditional systems
• The origin of the term "creative entrepreneur" and how it emerged from economic scarcity and DIY culture
• What it was like to be on the outside of the mainstream design world looking out, not trying to fit in.
• How pioneers often get dismissed in their time, even as their ideas are widely adopted later.
• The emotional toll of being a creative who is early, original—and overlooked
• How burnout, wintering, and wellbeing are essential chapters in a creative life
• The dangers of reducing creativity to metrics, and the value of nonlinear thinking in solving complex global problems.
• and a lot, lot more

References:

Ron Arad, Jasper Morrison, Marc Newson, Ross Lovegrove, Simon Pengelly, Jan Van Der Lande, Hella Jongerius, Richard Hutten, Ineke Hans, Casper Vissers (Moooi), Sheridan Coakley (SCP), Konstantin Grcic, Matthew Hilton, Andrew Purves, Terrance Conran, William Morris, Judy Singer, Catherine May, Joanne Limburg, Martin Evans, and more.

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

Welcome to an imperfect episode about imperfect times. You can call it the 'Boys to Men Episode', 'The Man Show', 'How The Boys Will Thrive 2025', or 'The Bro Show'. It's a musing on boys and men from the perspective of a GenX woman raised in an all female household now raising only daughters herself. 

In this monologue episode, among the bombardment of terror from the White House and in the wake of Andrew Tate's release and the release of Adolescence on Netflix, host Chauncey Zalkin explores her own arc in experiences of boys and men through her GenX life, which looks a lot like the stages of grief. 

But there is hope. 

Further Reading, Viewing: 

• American Women Are Giving Up on Marriage, WSJ
• Battle for the Bros, New Yorker
• Adolescence, Netflix
• The Adolescent Style in American Politics, Atlantic
• The Cruel Kids Table, New York Magazine
• The New Marriage of Unequals, Atlantic
• Why American Women are Staying Single, Swearing Off Marriage, Dating, Business Week

Take a listen, Share Your Experiences.

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

Psychoanalyst. Mother. Clogger. Playwright.. Meet my mom's college friend who never stops learning and growing: an interview with Tarpley Long and a road map for Gen X women who never cared much for the linear path.

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Fears of Totalitarianism, and Finding Paradise

Spooky season is still not over: In this episode host Chauncey Zalkin covers Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Gorging on Political Wonkery, and Where Beauty and Meaning Really Come From.

Topics Covered:

• Election Anxiety: Chauncey opens up about her deep concern over political divides and the potential fallout of the election outcome, capturing her personal struggles with the 24/7 news cycle and the toll it takes.
• Dopamine vs. Serotonin: She discusses what is known and unknown about the brain’s dopamine-reward system. No pop psychology here!
• Connecting Through Conversations: Chauncey talks about bridging gaps that feel like chasms but might be illusions.
• Art and Film as Anchors: Chauncey reflects on classic films Life Is Beautiful and Cinema Paradiso and our own imagination to get us to the other side.
• The Power of Community: From curbside chili potlucks to comparing memories of life at ten years old, to talking to people who might vote for the man you loathe most, there is nothing that can replace face to face conversations.

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

A New Vibration - The Optimism and Renewed Passion of Creative Boom Founder Katy Cowan

This is a special one. Katy was Chauncey's first pick for a guest episode when launching her podcast almost a year ago and finally it's here.

In this episode of Actual People, host Chauncey Zalkin sits down with the ever-so-charming Katy Cowan, founder of UK-based Creative Boom, a global platform supporting creatives across industries for the past 15 years. 

The episode is packed with practical advice for creatives navigating the rapidly changing landscape of self promotion - including a kind of simplicity we often overlook. She also talks about the aftermath of an injury and how she came out the other end with a renewed passion and willingness to get comfortable with discomfort in order to grow.

Take a listen!

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

Host Chauncey Zalkin recounts a trip to the grocery store with her daughter reminiscing on Obama era ideals realizing, we've largely abandoned them. 

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

A conversation with Harris Poll Chief Strategy Officer, Libby Rodney.

Could the future of AI monetize creativity rather than exploit it? Is there a future version of capitalism where we ditch artificial scarcity and all get a piece of the pie? Did Gen Z change the workplace dynamic forever?  And can businesses finally end their love affair with the short termism they've had since 2022?

In episode 2, host Chauncey Zalkin chats with Harris Poll Chief Strategy Officer, Libby Rodney, to talk about the data, possible scenarios for AI to benefit us all, and why adding sixth grade to middle school was a terrible idea.

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

On A Desire For More: The Summertime Sadness of the Single Mom + The Fire in the Pants That is Kamala's Art of War.

In the season premiere, Chauncey Zalkin reflects on her solo summer trip to New Zealand while her kids were with their father. Navigating the emotions of sudden solitude, she finds herself reacquainting with her pre-motherhood identity amid stunning landscapes and cultural explorations—from the geothermal wonders of Waimangu Volcanic Valley and fjords of Milford Sound to a quiet week of self-discovery in Auckland. Chauncey discusses the unexpected mix of grief, longing, and desire for more—a push for change, new adventures, and deeper connection.

She also shares her take on last night’s debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, celebrating Harris’ undeniable skill and intelligence and reflecting on what it means for women and for our country. This episode combines introspection, adventure, and sharp political commentary, offering a fresh perspective on personal growth and the desire for more from life.

Listen and subscribe to Actual People on your favorite podcast platform and don’t miss next week's interview with Libby Rodney, Chief Strategy Officer of the Harris Poll.

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

💃🏻 Welcome to the mega 'season finale' episode featuring three personal and honest conversations about what menopause, aging, strength, and vitality mean to women facing this new era.
 
Join us as we dive into discussions of the changing mindset and deeper understanding and acceptance of menopause, aging, beauty, and mortality.

We also got jokes.

This hour long episode features the optimism and energy of fashion-exec-turned-writer Christine Morrison, the wisdom and deep knowledge of aging planner, Allison O'Shea, and the wit and honesty of long time close friend and creative powerhouse, Lydia Langford who pulls no punches.

Let's talk menopause! Let's talk fashion! Let's talk spider plants! Click play.

🐾

This  final episode of season one is dedicated to the gift that was Elijah Zalkin who graced our presence in this life for three beautiful months.

May his beautiful sweet soul rest in peace. 

Thank you Elijah.
 
😔

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

Welcome to Episode 16! We are nearing the end of Season 1 of Actual People.  

In this episode, host Chauncey Zalkin  muses on conflict resolution from a cul-de-sac baseball game between 5-10 year olds to two daft elderly men squabbling on national TV about their golf game when we're worried about the future of our country and who will run it. (hint: it will most likely be one of these two...😖) to creative collaboration and its pitfalls.

We get into the micro and macro of the human experience and culture and conclude with the four major stories Chauncey sees as the ones that will inform the next 25 years - from smart cities to a screen-minimized future.

Indulge your inner futurist and creative problem solver, and take a listen!

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com