Design Matters with Debbie Millman: Pride 2025 Episode Summary

Release Date: June 30, 2025

In celebration of Gay Pride Month, Design Matters with Debbie Millman compiles insightful excerpts from interviews conducted over the past year with influential LGBTQ+ figures. This episode features profound conversations with Sonia Passi, Paul Tazewell, and Carol Leifer, along with notable segments involving Kate Moennig and Leisha Haley. Each guest shares their unique journeys, the intersection of their identities with their professional lives, and their visions for the future.

Sonia Passi: Championing Human Rights and Combating Gender-Based Violence

Background and Early Inspirations

Sonia Passi, the founder and CEO of Free From, a national organization dedicated to ending gender-based violence, delves into her early life and the formation of her life's mission. Raised in Manchester, England, Sonia recounts moments that shaped her unwavering confidence and dedication to social justice.

• Childhood Confidence:
  Sonia Passi says [00:01]: "In that moment, it crystallized for me that this was my life's work."

  Debbie Millman remarks [07:00]: "I was very much raised with the idea that I could do and be anything that I wanted to be."

Educational Journey and Activism

Sonia's academic path took her from the University of Cambridge, where she pursued a Master's in Philosophy, to UC Berkeley for her law degree. Her commitment to human rights was evident from a young age, influenced by figures like Shirley Bassey and observed leadership within her family.

• Discovering Human Rights:
  Sonia Passi explains [08:04]: "...the stories around their campaign that year, which was Global Violence against Women... this was the first time that I was reading it and it was clear to me that this was a global crisis and should be front-page news every single day."

Transition from Politics to Grassroots Activism

Despite initial forays into politics, including internships and volunteering for the Obama campaign, Sonia realized that systemic change often occurs outside traditional political arenas. This revelation steered her towards grassroots organizing and community-based solutions.

• Realization of Grassroots Impact:
  Sonia Passi reflects [12:03]: "The real innovation, the real systems change doesn't actually happen in D.C.; it happens outside of DC."

Paul Tazewell: Mastering Costume Design in Theater and Film

Early Life and Artistic Foundations

Paul Tazewell, an acclaimed costume designer with multiple Tony and Academy Awards, shares insights into his upbringing in Akron, Ohio, and the familial influences that nurtured his creative talents.

• Family Influence:
  Paul Tazewell states [15:15]: "My mother was a French and English teacher, painter, puppet maker, performer, and seamstress... my grandmother was a pianist and taught piano, creating a vibrant cultural environment."

Path to Costume Design

Paul's initial passion for performance led him to acting and dancing. However, his exposure to costume design during high school productions ignited a lasting interest that eventually became his primary career focus.

• Discovering Costume Design:
  Paul Tazewell shares [17:05]: "It just happened that I diverted into performance for a little bit and then I, you know, I came back."

Professional Milestones and Personal Touches

Paul highlights the importance of family support in his career, recalling how his parents contributed to his early projects. His father's practical nature provided stability, while his mother's artistic skills fostered creativity.

• Collaborative Creativity:
  Paul Tazewell recounts [13:54]: "I have memories of asking my dad to spray an ombre of rainbow colors on the Glinda cape... he did his very best."

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Identity

Navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry as a Black man, Paul discusses the strategic decisions that led him to focus on costume design, ensuring longevity and relevance in his field.

• Strategic Career Choices:
  Paul Tazewell explains [25:26]: "I thought that given all of the, you know, everything that was being communicated to me, that my longevity as a costume designer would be much greater."

Carol Leifer: Breaking Barriers in Comedy and Writing

Early Life and Influences

Carol Leifer, a pioneering stand-up comedian and Emmy-winning writer, reflects on her upbringing in a household that cherished humor and the arts. Her uncle Bernie, a writer for "Let's Make a Deal," was her first connection to the entertainment industry.

• Family's Role in Shaping Career:
  Carol Leifer recalls [30:30]: "My Uncle Bernie... was my first link to show business and what impact did he have on your understanding of a potential career in entertainment?"

Embarking on a Comedy Journey

Encouraged by friend Paul Reiser, Carol ventured into stand-up comedy through open mic nights. Her initial successes and subsequent challenges, including a memorable setback during her early performances, solidified her dedication to the craft.

• Starting Stand-Up Comedy:
  Carol Leifer shares [43:29]: "I went to an open mic night and I got my number and that's when I knew that I wanted to pursue standup comedy."

Balancing Family Expectations and Personal Passion

Carol discusses the balancing act between fulfilling her parents' expectations and pursuing her passion for comedy. Her father's support, despite his unfulfilled dreams in comedy, played a crucial role in her confidence and success.

• Parental Support and Influence:
  Carol Leifer states [34:21]: "My father was king of the joke tellers... his dream was to be a comedian or a comedy writer. So that I got to fulfill his dream was so exciting for him."

Achievements and Recognitions

From winning a Hammy Award at summer camp to recent accolades like an Emmy and a Golden Globe, Carol's journey is marked by continuous growth, resilience, and a commitment to enriching the comedy landscape.

• Recognition and Awards:
  Carol Leifer highlights [39:30]: "I just killed. And I thought, oh my God, this is so amazing... the proud recipient of... a Hammy Award at my summer camp."

Kate Moennig and Leisha Haley: Celebrating Found Families and Artistic Collaborations

Reflections on the L Word and Beyond

Kate Moennig and Leisha Haley, renowned for their roles in "The L Word," discuss their experiences in the performing arts and the importance of found families within the LGBTQ+ community. Their collaborative work, including the book "So Gay for Friendship, Found Family and the Show that Started It All," explores the intersections of friendship, identity, and professional growth.

• Pursuing Acting and Personal Growth:
  Leisha Haley shares [45:28]: "I just watched movies my entire childhood... it looks like fun to do."

Navigating the Entertainment Industry

Both actresses reflect on the challenges and triumphs of carving out space for LGBTQ+ narratives in mainstream media. Their stories emphasize the significance of authenticity and representation in fostering a supportive creative environment.

• Authenticity in Storytelling:
  Leisha Haley explains [46:39]: "She was just my Auntie B... always so warm and loving. She was just my aunt."

Conclusion: Affirming Presence and Progress

As Pride Month underscores both the strides made and the battles ahead for LGBTQ+ rights, this episode of Design Matters with Debbie Millman serves as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of the community. Through the voices of Sonia Passi, Paul Tazewell, Carol Leifer, Kate Moennig, and Leisha Haley, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse paths that contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world.

Notable Quotes:

• Sonia Passi [00:01]: "In that moment, it crystallized for me that this was my life's work."
• Paul Tazewell [17:05]: "It just happened that I diverted into performance for a little bit and then I, you know, I came back."
• Carol Leifer [30:30]: "My Uncle Bernie... was my first link to show business and what impact did he have on your understanding of a potential career in entertainment?"
• Leisha Haley [45:28]: "I just watched movies my entire childhood... it looks like fun to do."

For those interested in exploring these conversations in depth, the full interviews are available on designmattersmedia.com or wherever you access your favorite podcasts.