​06.04.2025

Podcast Tip: Scratching the Surface

by Eyes & Ears of Europe

If you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of design practice—how theory, culture, and criticism shape the field—Scratching the Surface might be your next go-to podcast.

Hosted by designer, educator, and writer Jarrett Fuller, the show began as part of his MFA thesis at the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2016. What started as a personal exploration into the overlap of design criticism and practice has grown into a thoughtful, long-running series of conversations with some of the most influential voices in and around design.

Each episode of Scratching the Surface brings a new guest—ranging from internationally known figures like Michael Bierut, Jessica Helfand, or Ellen Lupton, to emerging talents such as Jerome Harris, Kate Wagner, or Theo Inglis. The focus is less on portfolios and projects, and more on processes, philosophies, and how design intersects with contemporary culture.

Across nearly 150 episodes, Fuller has built a space for in-depth, informal conversations that touch on everything from architecture to media theory, education to strategic design. With a background that includes positions at Facebook, The Whitney Museum, and Warby Parker, and now a professorship at North Carolina State University, Fuller brings both practical experience and academic insight to his interviews.

The podcast has been widely recognized, featured in Design Observer, Eye Magazine, and Dezeen, and has earned praise from Architectural Digest as one of the best design podcasts out there.

Whether you're a practicing designer, a student, or just curious about the ideas that shape the visual world around us, Scratching the Surface is a rewarding listen.

New episodes every other Wednesday
Listen and learn more