Ramblings of a Designer podcast

Hosted by Laszlo Lazuer & Terri Rodriguez-Hong

Business Careers Arts DesignInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

100

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

About the show

Ramblings of a Designer is a weekly podcast where we discuss the latest graphic design news from around the web. Ramblings of a Designer is hosted by Laszlo Lazuer (@LLazuer) and Terri Rodriguez-Hong (@flaxenink).

Listen to episodes

60 recent

May 6, 2026Episode 17527 min

Ramblings of a Designer eps. 175 - Marlena Sarunac

Today we have Marlena Sarunac is a marketing strategist who helps early stage startups in complex industries turn forgettable products into unforgettable brands. As cofounder of The Company Advice, a fractional marketing and design studio, she's acted as a stealth marketing executive for health tech, fintech, and insurtech startups navigating inflection points. Before that, she led marketing for Fortune 100 giants like MasterCard and fast growing startups like Particle Health, where she built GTM playbooks, scaled pipeline, and reshaped how an entire industry talked about health data. Known for her #PlaybookNicely approach, Marlena blends analytics with bold storytelling to help founders clarify their message, tighten their product positioning, and build real traction. She's not here to dress up pitch decks. She's here to make sure your brand lands, sticks, and sells. Whether you're in stealth mode or Series B, Marlena brings the clarity and creative firepower to make the market care. Our website: https://www.thecompanyadvice.com/ The Friction Finder: https://www.thecompanyadvice.com/friction-finder Our LinkedIn page to follow along our latest thought leadership + projects: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-company-advice My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlenasarunac/ Ramblings of a Designer podcast is a monthly design news and discussion podcast hosted by Laszlo Lazuer and Terri Rodriguez-Hong (@flaxenink, insta: alohathletesco) LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ramblings-of-a-designer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-a-Designer-Podcast-2347296798835079/ Send us feedback! ramblingsofadesignerpod@gmail.com Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/ramblingsofadesigner

March 25, 2026Episode 17454 min

Ramblings of a Designer eps. 174 - Jesse Howell

Today we're joined by Jesse Howell, who shares his journey from playing college baseball to building his own online business and the biggest lessons he learned along the way. Jesse is a former college baseball pitcher who experienced firsthand the challenges of transitioning from competitive athletics into life after sport. That journey led him into human performance and coaching, where he now helps athletes redefine success, rebuild confidence, and develop skills that translate beyond the field. @coachjessehowell kadsportstraining@gmail.com a ebook https://kadsport.gumroad.com/l/cjskjw Ramblings of a Designer podcast is a monthly design news and discussion podcast hosted by Laszlo Lazuer and Terri Rodriguez-Hong (@flaxenink, insta: alohathletesco) LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ramblings-of-a-designer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-a-Designer-Podcast-2347296798835079/ Send us feedback! ramblingsofadesignerpod@gmail.com Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/ramblingsofadesigner

February 16, 2026Episode 17333 min

Ramblings of a Designer eps. 173 - Jake Tobin

In this episode, we sit down with Jake Tobin to talk about what it really takes to start a business from the ground up. Jake shares the story behind launching his company, the challenges he faced early on, and the lessons he learned along the way. We also explore the impact of youth sports, how those early experiences shaped his mindset, and the role they played in building the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that carry into entrepreneurship today. Bio: Jake Tobin. Husband, Father, Son Coach Trainer and player Serving the Lord Jesus who gave his life for us and guided by the holy spirit to honor God in all things Been Playing since the age of 5 Coaching since 2019 Involved in professional youth sports training since 2022 Methods include valuing mistakes, teaching the "right" way to win, and becoming a better person on and off the field. Leading the way in the impending shift for youth baseball/softball from the financial trap it has become to the game we all remember and loved. Contact Jake: https://www.thegoatpentraining.com/ Insta: thegoatpentraining YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheG.O.A.T.PenTraining Ramblings of a Designer podcast is a monthly design news and discussion podcast hosted by Laszlo Lazuer and Terri Rodriguez-Hong (@flaxenink, insta: flaxenink.design) LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ramblings-of-a-designer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-a-Designer-Podcast-2347296798835079/ Send us feedback! ramblingsofadesignerpod@gmail.com Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/ramblingsofadesigner

January 22, 2026Episode 17234 min

Ramblings of a Designer eps. 172 - Ross Luebe

Ross Luebe is Head of Creative Technology at Athletics, where he leads the design and development of digital platforms that bridge design and technology. Since joining Athletics in 2013, he has driven innovative projects for clients including Square, ServiceNow, Amazon Design, and WordPress VIP. His work is defined by a collaborative, solutions-driven approach that brings ambitious creative concepts to life through seamless, high-performing digital experiences. Ramblings of a Designer podcast is a monthly design news and discussion podcast hosted by Laszlo Lazuer and Terri Rodriguez-Hong (@flaxenink, insta: flaxenink.design) LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ramblings-of-a-designer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-a-Designer-Podcast-2347296798835079/ Send us feedback! ramblingsofadesignerpod@gmail.com Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/ramblingsofadesigner

December 5, 2025Episode 17148 min

Ramblings of a Designer eps. 171 - Mike Perry

Mike Perry is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of TAVERN, a Brooklyn-based creative agency focusing on food, beverage, spirits, and hospitality brands. With 15+ years of success building industry-leading brands, Mike Perry made a name for himself both brand and agency side with stints at NBC Sports, Quaker City Mercantile, Stranger & Stranger, Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR), Design Bridge and TikTok. He has been behind some of the biggest rebrands in the industry, with clients including Budweiser, Beam Suntory, Burger King, and Diageo. With Tavern, Perry has applied the agency's Modern Heritage approach, creating timeless brands that take inspiration from the past but reimagining them for contemporary tastes and standards. With their signature branding philosophy, Perry and Tavern pair strategic storytelling with archival stewardship, building brands that resonate with today's audiences with recent work that includes Sizzler Old Grand-Dad, Burt's Bees, Overholt Whiskey, and Old Crow. Ramblings of a Designer podcast is a monthly design news and discussion podcast hosted by Laszlo Lazuer and Terri Rodriguez-Hong (@flaxenink, insta: flaxenink.design) LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ramblings-of-a-designer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-a-Designer-Podcast-2347296798835079/ Send us feedback! ramblingsofadesignerpod@gmail.com Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/ramblingsofadesigner

October 18, 2025Episode 17035 min

Ramblings of a Designer eps. 170 - Chris Mele

Today we have Chris Mele who shares his insights! Chris, co-owner and Managing Partner, oversees business strategy and operations. With 20 years of experience, including stints at notable firms like Instrument, Cripsin and Ueno, Chris has carved out a specialty working at the center of digital disruption. Notable projects include Spotify Wrapped, the Domino's Pizza Tracker, The Met app and Reese's Book Club. Chris lives on the North Shore of Suffolk county (setting of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby) with his wife, daughter and corgi. He is an active participant in the DIY music scene and loves sea fishing. Ramblings of a Designer podcast is a monthly design news and discussion podcast hosted by Laszlo Lazuer and Terri Rodriguez-Hong (@flaxenink, insta: flaxenink.design) (insta: @happiscribble.) LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ramblings-of-a-designer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-a-Designer-Podcast-2347296798835079/ Send us feedback! ramblingsofadesignerpod@gmail.com Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/ramblingsofadesigner

September 7, 2025Episode 1693 min

Ramblings of a Designer eps. 169 - September Update

Fall is and here is our update, summer just got busy for us! Ramblings of a Designer podcast is a monthly design news and discussion podcast hosted by Laszlo Lazuer and Terri Rodriguez-Hong (@flaxenink, insta: flaxenink.design) (insta: @happiscribble.) LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ramblings-of-a-designer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-a-Designer-Podcast-2347296798835079/ Send us feedback! ramblingsofadesignerpod@gmail.com Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/ramblingsofadesigner

June 23, 2025Episode 16732 min

Ramblings of a Designer eps. 168 - Marcy Sagel

Today, we're thrilled to welcome Marcy Sagel an expert in commercial interior design with over 30 years of experience shaping multifamily housing, student living, senior housing, and more. As the founder and principal of MSA Interiors, she's worked with top developers, REITs, and institutions nationwide to create innovative, functional spaces that drive value and elevate user experiences. A passionate leader and entrepreneur, she's here to share her insights on design trends, strategy, and the art of creating spaces that truly stand out. Ramblings of a Designer podcast is a monthly design news and discussion podcast hosted by Laszlo Lazuer and Terri Rodriguez-Hong (@flaxenink, insta: flaxenink.design) (insta: @happiscribble. LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ramblings-of-a-designer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-a-Designer-Podcast-2347296798835079/ Send us feedback! ramblingsofadesignerpod@gmail.com Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/ramblingsofadesigner

May 29, 2025Episode 16731 min

Ramblings of a Designer eps. 167 - Katherine Tabinowski

Katherine is the founder of K.tab Creative, a branding and web design studio that helps small businesses and startups build strategic online presences. Her winding path to entrepreneurship includes a first career as a furniture buyer, several years in influencer and digital marketing (with a six-year side hustle as a fashion blogger), and nearly five years as a full-stack software engineer. Today, she blends her creative and technical background to craft thoughtful brand identities and custom websites that are as intuitive as they are impactful. When she's not at her laptop, Katherine enjoys working on her photography skills, trying out new restaurants and planning her next international travel destination. website: https://www.ktabcreative.com/ linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinetabinowski/ Ramblings of a Designer podcast is a monthly design news and discussion podcast hosted by Laszlo Lazuer and Terri Rodriguez-Hong (@flaxenink, insta: flaxenink.design) (insta: @happiscribble. LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ramblings-of-a-designer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-a-Designer-Podcast-2347296798835079/ Send us feedback! ramblingsofadesignerpod@gmail.com Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/ramblingsofadesigner

April 15, 2025Episode 16644 min

Ramblings of a Designer eps. 166 - Jonathan Grzybowski

Johnathan Grzybowski is the CMO and co-founder of Penji, an Inc. 5000 creative subscription service that empowers businesses, agencies, and teams with affordable top-tier creative talent. He's also a storyteller and host of Dear Dads and Free Ideas, where he shares insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and family life. Ramblings of a Designer podcast is a monthly design news and discussion podcast hosted by Laszlo Lazuer and Terri Rodriguez-Hong (@flaxenink, insta: flaxenink.design) (insta: @happiscribble. LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ramblings-of-a-designer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-a-Designer-Podcast-2347296798835079/ Send us feedback! ramblingsofadesignerpod@gmail.com Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/ramblingsofadesigner