Matters of Experience

• Truth, Repair and the Role of the Museum

  What does it take to transform a colonial institution into one that centers healing, justice, and shared humanity? In this episode of Matters of Experience, hosts Abigail Honor and Brenda Cowan speak with Micah Parzen, anthropologist, attorney, and CEO of the Museum of Us—formerly the San Diego Museum of Man.Micah shares the museum’s bold journey toward anti-racist, anti-colonial practice: from the emotional complexity of repatriating ancestors and sacred objects to the decision to eliminate curators in favor of collaborative exhibit developers. He reflects on the power of language, leadership without fear, and the museum’s commitment to being a space of belonging for communities historically excluded from cultural institutions.For designers, museum professionals, and anyone navigating institutional change, this episode offers a roadmap of reckoning and a call to reimagine the museum as a place not of authority, but of accountability, curiosity, and care.

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• The Architecture of Play

  Spencer Luckey doesn’t just build playgrounds—he sculpts experiences that invite curiosity, joy, and exploration. In this episode of Matters of Experience, hosts Abigail Honor and Brenda Cowan sit down with the artist, designer, and president of Luckey Climbers to talk about the intersection of play and public space.Spencer shares what it’s like to grow up inside a creative legacy and how he brings imagination, engineering, and poetic thinking to his large-scale climbing sculptures. He also opens up about the role of play in design, the creative tension between form and function, and how architecture can encourage not just movement, but wonder.For designers, educators, and anyone who believes space should spark emotion, this conversation is a reminder that play is a serious—and joyful—part of human experience.

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• Where Stories Becomes Spaces

  Design can do more than communicate—it can captivate, transport, and transform. In this episode of Matters of Experience, Abigail Honor and Brenda Cowan sit down with Shirin Frangoul-Brückner, founding partner of the globally acclaimed design studio Atelier Brückner.Shirin shares her journey from architecture to experience design, the philosophy of “form follows content,” and how immersive exhibitions—from the Titanic artifacts to ancient Ephesus—use emotion, interactivity, and sensory design to create lasting impact. She also opens up about leadership, guiding clients through vision and complexity, and how her firm is integrating AI to serve creativity—not replace it.This conversation offers inspiration for designers, museum professionals, and anyone passionate about creating experiences that move people.

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• What If It Doesn't Work? (And What If It Does?)

  What does it mean to design for dialogue—not just display? In this episode of Matters of Experience, Abigail Honor and Brenda Cowan sit down with Jonathan Alger, founding partner at C&G Partners and a leading voice in exhibition and experience design.Jonathan shares how designing with empathy, navigating creative discomfort, and embracing uncertainty can lead to deeper, more inclusive storytelling. From his work with museums and nonprofits to projects for NASA, Jonathan discusses how personal testimony, collaboration, and trust shape impactful experiences that resonate across boundaries.Whether you’re a creative leader, designer, or simply curious about the thinking behind the world’s most meaningful exhibitions—this episode offers insight into how design can be both a process and a conversation.

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• Creativity and Courage with Murilo Melo

  How do creativity and courage shape the future of design? In this episode of Matters of Experience, Abigail Honor and Brenda Cowan sit down with Murilo Melo, a design leader who believes that great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about meaning, connection, and bold decision-making.Murilo shares insights on the evolving role of designers as problem definers, the power of taking risks in branding, and how creativity and strategy must work hand in hand. He also reflects on the challenges of balancing speed, technology, and thoughtfulness in today’s fast-paced world.Whether you’re a designer, brand strategist, or creative professional, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to make brands truly matter.Produced by Lorem Ipsum.Show Notes:Murilo MeloHERSHEGrad in BlackNew York Festivals Advertising AwardsIf you have any comments, suggestions or questions about the show please send an email to [email protected] transcript of this episode can be found at loremipsumcorp.com/matters-of-experience.

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