PODCAST · arts
The Crazy One
by Stephen Gates
The Crazy One is an award-winning podcast for creatives, leaders, and anyone who refuses to settle. Hosted by renowned designer and global design leader Stephen Gates, this show delivers unfiltered honesty, actionable insights, and hard-won wisdom to help you grow your creativity, lead with confidence, and build a meaningful career. With over two decades leading world-class design teams at companies like InVision, Citi, Starwood Hotels, WW, and McCann Erickson, Stephen has built brands and digital experiences for clients including Disney, American Airlines, W Hotels, Verizon, Acura, and more — work that’s earned over 150 international awards and has been featured by Apple in 10 keynotes, 4 commercials, and the Human Interface Guidelines. Now as the founder of CRZY, an independent strategy and design studio, he’s helping companies find bold new visions for their brands, experiences, and creative futures. Through The Crazy One,
Episodes
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Ep 152 Tough Topics: Your Brand Isn't the Logo. It's the Standard Behind It.
AI has made speed nearly free, and brands are taking full advantage — shipping faster, cutting corners, calling it efficiency. But speed was never what customers were buying. Trust was. And trust doesn't erode all at once — it erodes the first time nobody in the room says "this isn't good…
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Ep 151 Career: Believing in Yourself Is an Act of Will
Believing in yourself isn't a feeling. It's not a mood you wake up into some mornings and not others. It's an act of will, which means it's going to get tested. Constantly, on purpose, by people and systems that have a reason to want you to stop. In this episode, Stephen breaks down the pattern...
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Ep 150 Creativity: What 10 years of making The Crazy One taught me
This is the ten-year episode — 149 episodes, July 1, 2016 to today. Not a highlight reel, but an honest look at what changed in this industry over a decade, what stayed exactly the same, and a thread that's run under almost everything Stephen has made without ever getting its own hour. Three...
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Ep 149 Career: You're underpriced because you're under confident.
You don't have a pricing problem. You have a confidence problem, a business-literacy problem, and a habit of showing up as a pair of hands when you should be showing up with an opinion. A new report from Fast Company and AIGA surveyed 1,273 freelance designers and 150 hiring managers about rates,...
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Ep 148 Creativity: 7 Years, 3 Buzzwords, 2 Studies, and 1 Constant Problem
In 2019, I helped run the largest study ever done on the relationship between design and business performance. We found that the vast majority of companies were stuck, full of creative potential that they couldn't convert into results. This month, Accenture Song published a brand-new study of…
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Ep 147 Leadership: Judgment, Taste, and the Five Things AI Still Can't Touch
Your team's value used to come from how fast and how well they could execute. That formula is broken — and most leaders are still managing a team that was built for a job that no longer exists. This episode is about what leadership actually has to look like once execution stops being the thing…
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Ep 146 AI: Premortems, Because A.I. Won't Wait for a Retrospective
The "ship it, fix it later" playbook was already broken. AI just made it catastrophic. Post-mortems assume you have time to observe, adjust, and course correct. AI has collapsed those timelines, and the damage isn't waiting for a retrospective. In this episode, Stephen argues that pre-mortems...
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Ep 145 Creativity: Stop Asking AI to Agree With You
You've turned the most powerful thinking tool in history into a yes-machine — and it's making your ideas weaker without you even realizing it. This episode is about a fundamental shift in how you use AI. Not a new tool, not a better prompt library — a completely different posture. Most people...
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Ep 144 AI: Your Company Decided Your Value Before AI Existed
AI didn't build the case to replace you. It just gave companies the tool to finally act on a decision they'd already made. In this episode, Stephen Gates gets brutally honest about what's actually happening underneath the wave of creative layoffs — and why asking "is AI going to take my job?" is...
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Ep 143 AI: AI Isn't a Tool Problem. It's a Culture Problem.
Four years into running CRZY, Stephen has watched AI go from an interesting experiment to an organizational crisis that almost nobody is naming correctly. The problem isn't which model you're using. It's not your stack, your workflow, or whether you've got the right prompts. The problem is…
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Ep 142 AI: The hidden cost of plausible, almost-right work
AI and cheap tools have given everyone the ability to produce work that looks professional, sounds credible, and feels like the real thing. The problem? It isn't. In this episode, Stephen introduces the term Plausible Noise — the growing layer of almost-right work that's quietly eroding quality...
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Ep 141 Design: A bigger strategy behind Apple’s Liquid Glass?
Stephen finally breaks the seal on AI — not with a prompt tutorial or workflow breakdown (he’s got a YouTube video for that), but with a deeper dive into the real conversation: how AI is shaking the creative industry to its core. From WWDC buzz to Liquid Glass backlash, this one’s not about UI...
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Ep 140 Keynote: 'Bet on Yourself" BeMore Festival 2025
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates shares the lessons learned from his journey of leaving corporate America to start his own agency. With over 20 years of experience across industries, Stephen dives deep into the tough decisions that led him to bet on himself. He talks about…
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Ep 139 Career: The Hard Truth About Creativity’s Role in Business Today (and Yesterday)
This one’s part wake-up call, part battle cry. After too many sleepless nights and too many same-old conversations, Stephen Gates climbs up on the soapbox to call out the hard truth: if you’re shocked by the state of the design industry right now, you haven’t been paying attention. From AI...
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Ep 138 Creativity: AI Isn’t the Enemy. Complacency Is.
The AI hype train is moving fast—and it’s already crashing into our creative industry. In this episode, Stephen finally wades into the AI conversation, not to break down tools or workflows (you’ll find that on his YouTube), but to unpack the bigger picture. What’s really at stake for creatives?…
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Ep 137 Career: The Pros and Cons of Going Out on Your Own
After decades inside the system—agencies, in-house, and everything in between—Stephen Gates made the leap. No roadmap. No safety net. Just a decision to bet on himself. Three years later, he’s pulling back the curtain on the truth behind the leap: the real risks, the unexpected wins, and the…
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Ep 136 Career: Overcoming Fear and Insecurity: Why You Need a Plan, Not the Answers
You’re stuck. Spinning in circles. Overthinking every move. Sound familiar? In this episode, Stephen breaks down the single most powerful piece of advice he gives to creatives, leaders, and anyone facing a moment of uncertainty: you don’t need the answer—you need a plan. When the road ahead feels...
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Ep 135 Career: The Hidden Problem of ‘Experience-ism’ in Creative Careers
When the stakes are high—new job, big idea, career leap—most of us freeze. We stall, waiting for the “right” moment, the perfect answer, the foolproof plan. But in this episode, Stephen shares the raw truth behind what holds us back—and the simple mindset shift that sets real leaders apart. It’s...
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Ep 134 Career: Tough Love for Your Portfolio: Stand Out or Stay Stuck
Most portfolios don’t get rejected for lack of talent. They get rejected because they’re saying the wrong things — or nothing at all. In this episode, Stephen pulls back the curtain on how hiring managers actually review portfolios, what they’re looking for, and why most creatives are missing the...
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Ep 133 Career: How to get laid off
Let’s be real — layoffs suck. Whether you saw it coming or it hit you out of nowhere, it’s personal, painful, and way too common in today’s industry. In this episode, Stephen breaks down everything he’s learned from being laid off three times — the red flags, the aftermath, and how to turn the…
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Ep 132 Career: Navigating the Mess: Insights into the 2024 Job Market
Let’s be honest—this industry is a mess right now. Layoffs are everywhere, leadership roles are disappearing, and even the best of the best are struggling to get a callback. In this episode, Stephen Gates tackles one of the most asked (and most urgent) questions from mentoring sessions: What’s...
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Ep 131 Career: What's stopping you from going out on your own?!?
After 13 months away, the mic is back on—and we’re starting exactly where too many of us are stuck. In this raw and real return, Stephen unpacks the one conversation that’s been rising to the surface in every mentoring session, DMs, and late-night career spirals: Should I start my own thing? But...
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Ep 130: Ending the hiatus. Is this thing still on?
After a year-long silence, The Crazy One is back — but not the same. In this raw return, Stephen opens up about the real reasons behind the show’s hiatus, the toll of being laid off (again), and how starting his own studio forced a reckoning with his past, his voice, and the burnout hidden behind...
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Ep 129 Keynote: BeMore Festival 2023 - How to build a breakthrough career
In this powerful episode of The Crazy One podcast, Stephen Gates shares his standout keynote from the 2023 BeMore Festival, the ultimate 24-hour global super conference featuring over 100 top voices in Design, AI, Product Development, and Career Growth. Tune in to discover actionable strategies…
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Ep 128 Career: How to start your studio or freelance business
After a long break, Stephen Gates is back with a powerful episode unpacking what it really takes to go out on your own—whether that means freelancing, consulting, or launching your own studio. Recorded from a new home, a new city, and a new chapter, this episode pulls back the curtain on the real...
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Ep 127 Career: How to navigate and succeed in the era of defensive employment
In today’s career landscape, achieving success means taking on more responsibilities and adopting a proactive mindset—a shift Stephen Gates calls the “new era of defensive employment.” In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen unpacks what’s driving this shift, how it impacts your career and...
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Ep 126 Career: Understanding the 2022 job market, a shift is coming
As the job market shifts from a fierce competition for talent to widespread layoffs and uncertainty, the creative industry faces both unprecedented challenges and new opportunities. In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates breaks down what’s fueling these changes in 2022, the major…
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Ep 125 Value of Design P3: Showing the value and impact of design
In the final episode of this 3-part series, Stephen Gates reveals actionable steps to help your team and organization truly appreciate the value of design. This episode of The Crazy One dives deep into how to conduct impactful design reviews, create a positive feedback culture, and use metrics…
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Ep 124 Value of Design P2: Creating demand for design
In this powerful second installment of the 3-part series, Stephen Gates dives deep into strategies for elevating design’s role within your team and company. In this episode of The Crazy One, he reveals how to create demand for design by building an effective action plan and implementing three key...
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Ep 123 Value of Design P1: Understanding the power and stigma of the word 'Design'
In the kickoff to this insightful 3-part series, Stephen Gates breaks down essential steps to help your team and company fully appreciate the value of design. In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen explores how to shift perceptions of design from a “claim of ownership” to a powerful, strategic...
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Ep 122 Career: How to decide if you should quit your job (or get a promotion)
In this insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles the challenging crossroads of career decisions, whether you’re aiming for a promotion or considering a job change. Both scenarios require clarity, self-reflection, and a strategic approach, and sometimes the biggest obstacle is...
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Ep 121 Design Thinking: The U.S. Army can teach you a lot about Design Thinking
In this unique episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into an unexpected source of inspiration for Design Thinking—the US Army’s Design Methodology. After exploring how the Army approaches problem-solving and strategy, Stephen shares the basics of this powerful methodology, highlighting…
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Ep 120 Career: Don't apply for your next job (and what to do instead)
In this eye-opening episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates reveals why traditional job applications only have a 5% success rate—and why it’s time for a new approach to landing your next role. Backed by 2022 job market data, Stephen shares insights into why the current hiring process fails both...
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Back from hiatus
I'm sure you noticed this show went on an unannounced 7-month hiatus. Before I started recording new episodes, I wanted to take a few minutes to explain what happened that made me stop, what kept me from restarting, and why it is coming back now. As always, thanks for your support, and I hope you...
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Ep 119 Teamwork: How to become a great meeting and workshop facilitator
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the art of facilitation—a crucial yet often overlooked skill that transforms meetings and workshops into spaces where everyone can contribute meaningfully. Stephen breaks down what it takes to be a great facilitator, debunking the myth…
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Ep 118 Teamwork: The best remote team building activities
In this essential episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles the top challenges of remote work—unplugging, loneliness, and collaboration—and shares why building trust, teamwork, and vulnerability is crucial to remote team success. Stephen dives into the importance of intentional remote team...
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Ep 117 Teamwork: Understanding your team's cognitive and emotional culture
In this insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates uncovers the deeper layers of company culture beyond team-building events and office perks. He explains how culture is truly shaped by the daily behaviors of every employee—from executives to interns—and how these dynamics have a profound...
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Ep 116 Creativity: Understanding the new imposter syndrome triggers from remote work
In this timely episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into how the pandemic has reshaped our experiences with imposter syndrome in a remote work world. He explores three key factors unique to remote work that have intensified imposter syndrome, examines how these changes impact the five...
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Ep 115 Leadership: How to write an effective and unbiased job description
In this insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles one of the biggest sources of imposter syndrome: job descriptions. He dives into the common pitfalls of traditional job descriptions, explores how bias sneaks into the hiring process, and shares actionable tips to create clear,...
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Ep 114 Career: Overcoming fear and self-doubt
The pandemic has grown and magnified many people's fears and imposter syndrome. We have all been forced into a huge amount of change in a short amount of time, and those new and old fears are starting to manifest in bad ways for a lot of people and companies. In this episode, we will look at why...
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Ep 113 Career: Understanding the 2021 job market
In this timely episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates explores the unexpected changes and fresh opportunities shaping the 2021 job market. As companies adapt and creative talent seeks new roles, Stephen dives into the key trends driving this evolution and provides actionable tips to help you...
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Ep 112 #ShareTheMicNow: The Power of Youth in Redesigning Systems by Antionette Carroll
In the fifth episode of the #ShareTheMicNow series on The Crazy One, Antionette Carroll leads an inspiring conversation on “The Power of Youth in Redesigning Systems.” Joined by dynamic voices Connie Flores, Nora Lidia, Robert Beckles, and Quinton Ward, this episode delves into how young leaders...
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Ep 111 #ShareTheMicNow: Dismantling White Supremacy in Design by Antionette Carroll
In the fourth #ShareTheMicNow episode on The Crazy One, Antionette Carroll leads an impactful conversation with David Clifford, founder of Design School X and Liberatory Design, and Timothy Bardlavens, co-founder of &Design and Product Design Manager at Facebook. Together, they explore the urgent...
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Ep 110 Creativity: 'Metallica’s rock ‘n roll insights on creativity and leadership’ from HOW Design Live 2020
In this rare and insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates interviews Marc Reiter, the creative force behind Metallica’s legendary projects for over 25 years. As Metallica’s “Chief Creative Guy” and head of Blackened Recordings, Marc shares invaluable lessons on originality…
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Ep 109 Creativity: ’Hope is not a strategy’ keynote from HOW Design Live 2020
In this powerful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates shares his main stage keynote from HOW Design Live 2020, following up on his acclaimed 2019 talk. Stephen dives deep into the hidden “debt” we all carry—beliefs and barriers that limit our potential—and how these shape our perspectives and...
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Ep 108 Memorial: The life and lessons of my father, David Gates
In this deeply personal episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates honors the life and legacy of his father, who was not only his dad but also his first boss, mentor, and a creative director who profoundly shaped Stephen’s own career and creative journey. Following his father’s sudden passing on...
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Ep 107 Career: How to outsmart the broken recruiting system
In this game-changing episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the common roadblocks of job hunting—frustration, self-doubt, and the struggle to stand out in today’s hiring process. Stephen breaks down the underlying issues that hold you back and shares fresh strategies to overcome…
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Ep 106 Career: How to build a personal brand people will love to hate
In this must-listen episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles the critical importance of building a standout personal brand in today’s competitive landscape. He explores why so many resumes, portfolios, and personal brands fail to make an impact, blending into the crowd instead of setting...
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Ep 105 Career: How to negotiate salary and job offers
In this eye-opening episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates breaks down the essential skills of salary negotiation, a step that most professionals overlook in both new and existing roles. Stephen shares why understanding your value, asking the right questions, and confidently negotiating are key…
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Ep 104 #ShareTheMicNow: Working in Tech While Black Part 1 by Jackie Velasquez Ross, Dorcie Lovinsky, and Christian Clark
In the third #ShareTheMicNow episode on The Crazy One, Jackie Velasquez Ross (Senior Recruiter), Dorcie Lovinsky (Engineering Manager), and Christian Clark (Strategic Renewals Manager) open up about their personal journeys, challenges, and aspirations as Black professionals in the tech industry....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Crazy One is an award-winning podcast for creatives, leaders, and anyone who refuses to settle. Hosted by renowned designer and global design leader Stephen Gates, this show delivers unfiltered honesty, actionable insights, and hard-won wisdom to help you grow your creativity, lead with confidence, and build a meaningful career.
With over two decades leading world-class design teams at companies like InVision, Citi, Starwood Hotels, WW, and McCann Erickson, Stephen has built brands and digital experiences for clients including Disney, American Airlines, W Hotels, Verizon, Acura, and more — work that’s earned over 150 international awards and has been featured by Apple in 10 keynotes, 4 commercials, and the Human Interface Guidelines.
Now as the founder of CRZY, an independent strategy and design studio, he’s helping companies find bold new visions for their brands, experiences, and creative futures. Through The Crazy One,
HOSTED BY
Stephen Gates
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Crazy One have?
The Crazy One currently has 158 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Crazy One about?
The Crazy One is an award-winning podcast for creatives, leaders, and anyone who refuses to settle. Hosted by renowned designer and global design leader Stephen Gates, this show delivers unfiltered honesty, actionable insights, and hard-won wisdom to help you grow your creativity, lead with...
How often does The Crazy One release new episodes?
The Crazy One publishes regularly with 158 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Crazy One?
You can listen to The Crazy One on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Crazy One?
The Crazy One is created and hosted by Stephen Gates.
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