Recorded live at the Ann Arbor District Library! Featuring Donald Harrison (featured in S1. E5) and Hien Lam (featured in S2. E3).

In this live recording, Yen and Hafsah are joined by CadencePod alums Donald Harrison, filmmaker and owner of 7 Cylinders Studio, and Hien Lam, co-owner and designer at Huck Finch, to explore how creative practice can be effectively integrated into real-world applications and careers.

Creative director, web developer, and musician Chris Plumb shares his journey from a digital art-obsessed teen to leading web development at major tech companies like Duo Security, Cisco Systems, and Claroty. He dives into how his passion for music and visual storytelling shapes his approach to web design, breaking down front-end vs. back-end development, the power of hands-on learning, and the role of design thinking in user experience. vChris also offers practical advice for aspiring developers, covering community-driven resources, AI’s growing influence on creativity, and the challenge of balancing career ambition with personal fulfillment.

Multimedia artist and designer Martin Thoburn joins the podcast to discuss how curiosity has driven his diverse career. With a background spanning graphic design, motion graphics, animation, filmmaking, and projection mapping, Martin shares his unconventional journey from film and mixed media experimentation, to a career in corporate work.

Architect, entrepreneur, and community advocate Lisa Sauve shares her journey from early drafting classes to founding Synecdoche. As CEO, she blends architecture, policy, and placemaking to shape urban spaces, local policies, and community culture. Through projects like Do Good Work, she supports creatives and fosters civic impact. This episode explores how design intersects with responsibility, offering insights for architects, designers, and changemakers.

Hien Lam, co-founder of Huck Finch, a strategic design studio in Ypsilanti, joins us to talk about building a business with intention, the power of saying no, and creating a brand that resonates. Hien shares his unconventional career path from pre-med to design entrepreneur, and how travel has influenced his work and worldview. We also dive into client experience, pricing strategies, and why great design starts with strategy, not aesthetics.

Hafsah and Yen sit down with Jason Jay Stevens, a creative force in exhibit design and the founder of Flutter and Wow Museum Projects. With a career spanning decades, Jason has played a key role in designing and implementing museum exhibits, interactive technologies, and immersive storytelling experiences. Jason shares insights into how curiosity, adaptability, and storytelling shape the world of museum design. He also reflects on the challenges of leading a creative team, the importance of accessibility in exhibit design, and why history museums are more vital than ever.

Hafsah and Yan take a deep dive into the day-to-day lives of creative professionals. They break down their workflows, tools, and processes, offering insights into the realities of working in design, motion graphics, and graphic recording. From navigating client relationships to finding efficiency in daily tasks, this episode is a practical guide for anyone looking to understand how creatives make their work happen.

In the final episode of Season 1, hosts Hafsah and Yen reflect on their six-month journey of launching Cadence, sharing lessons learned, growth experienced, and their gratitude for the guests and listeners who've made it all possible. We dive into the importance of commitment, navigating red flags, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding balance in creative work. As the new year begins, Hafsah and Yen encourage listeners to embrace creativity, trust their instincts, and continue growing both personally and professionally.