Podcast
Voice Of Costume - The Untold Stories of Unseen Artists
Hosted by Catherine Baumgardner - Costume Designer and Educator · EN
The stories behind the stories — from the artists who build the worlds we love.
Voice of Costume goes far beyond fabric and fittings.
This podcast is an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how film, television, and theater are actually made — told by the artists who rarely get the spotlight but shape everything you see on screen.
Each episode features candid conversations with costume designers and creative collaborators working at every level of the industry. They share the real stories: breaking in, surviving rejection, collaborating under pressure, solving impossible problems, and finding meaning in the work when the hours are long and the budgets are tight.
If you love:
Behind-the-scenes stories from film, TV, and theater
Creative career journeys — the wins and the failures
How character, story, and psychology show up visually on screen
Honest conversations about art, process, collaboration, and resilience
…this podcast is for you.
Voice of Costume isn't just about what people wear — it's about why choices are made, how stories are built, and what it really takes to sustain a creative life.
Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, actor, designer, student, or simply someone who loves understanding how great stories come together, this podcast invites you inside the process — where creativity meets craft, and passion meets persistence.
🎧 Subscribe and listen in — because every costume has a story, and every story has a voice.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Designing Hamnet: Using Grief, Intuition & Community to Create - Malgosia Turzanska
Dec 700:44:20Tap to summarizeCostume designer Małgosia Turzańska reveals the emotional secrets, symbolic textures, and behind-the-scenes artistry that shaped Hamnet—and how grief, intuition, and collaboration transformed the film from the inside out. In this deeply human conversation, Hamnet costume designer Małgosia Turzańska opens up about creativity, vulnerability, and the profound emotional undercurrents that guided her work. She shares how a missed chemistry test led her to filmmaking, how one breathtaking Almodóvar film unlocked her understanding of costume design, and how she builds characters from raw instinct—starting with "emotional lookbooks" drawn from nature, texture, and intuition rather than pure historical rigor. Małgosia discusses designing Agnes (Anne) and Will from the inside out, using bark cloth, color symbolism, quilted protection, and slashed leather to reflect trauma, longing, generational wounds, and rebirth. She details working with director Chloé Zhao, describing a process fueled by continuous discovery, voice-memo inspirations, and a film family centered on empathy and emotional truth. The conversation grows especially moving as Małgosia describes losing her father during production, and how grief intertwined with the film's themes, becoming both a burden and a blessing. She reflects on collaboration, artistry as healing, and the myth that costume design is "just decoration"—revealing instead how costumes become storytelling engines. This intimate, vulnerable episode is a masterclass in creativity, symbolism, filmmaking, and the emotional backbone of collaborative art. The "Voice of Costume" is the first podcast created between working costume designers sharing stories, inspiration, struggles, and insights into the creative career of costume design. A behind-the-scenes podcast to showcase the voices of Costume Designers around the world. Listen in on this inspirational, one-on-one conversation with Catherine Baumgardner. Audio available wherever you get podcasts. https://voiceofcostume.com/
Transcribe →Creating Characters that Spark Joy and Work a Creative Parent with Cameron Dale
Nov 1100:54:38Tap to summarizeFrom Wizards Beyond Waverly Place to Sweet Magnolias, Disney costume designer Cameron Dale reveals how she went from sketching dresses as a six-year-old to dressing some of TV's most beloved characters. In this lively conversation, Cameron shares how she balances creativity and motherhood, the unspoken rules of Disney costume design, and how to make magical worlds feel authentic on screen. She talks about collaborating with Selena Gomez and David Henrie, designing for child actors, and why color, texture, and story are everything in a kids' show. You'll hear her funniest on-set mishaps (including a punk jacket that met a baby prop), the secret to capturing that unmistakable "Disney look," and the perspective she gained after losing her home in the California fires. Whether you're a costume designer, filmmaker, or creative parent, this episode is full of heart, humor, and practical inspiration from a designer who has truly earned her magic wand. www.voiceofcostume.com
Transcribe →Fearless Art, Fabric, and Friendship with Colleen Atwood and Christine Cantella - Kiss of the Spider Woman
Oct 1500:40:16Tap to summarizeOscar-winner Colleen Atwood and designer Christine Cantella reveal the fearless creativity, humor, and teamwork behind thier long-time collaboration and thier newest film: Kiss of the Spider Woman. Legendary costume designer Colleen Atwood (Chicago, Alice in Wonderland) and acclaimed collaborator Christine Cantella join host Catherine Baumgardner on The Voice of Costume to explore the artistry and emotion behind Kiss of the Spider Woman. From their fearless childhood curiosity to crafting cinematic beauty through fabric and form, Atwood and Cantella share how empathy, humor, and mutual trust power their long creative partnership—one that began on Planet of the Apes and has flourished ever since. They break down the visual storytelling of Kiss of the Spider Woman: the shimmering gold goddess gown, the elegant blue chiffon suit, and the show-stopping tearaway green dress—each designed to reflect character, color, and movement in perfect harmony. With deep insight into research, mentorship, and the demands of production, the two discuss working with director Bill Condon, the balance between vision and budget, and why adaptability and listening are key to surviving the creative process. As Atwood reminds us, "Don't be precious—keep going." This episode is a masterclass in costume design, collaboration, and creative resilience.
Transcribe →From Waterworld to Hacks with Kathleen Felix-Hager
Aug 2800:43:02Tap to summarizeImagine never having been in the costume department and your first experience is the iconic film "Waterworld"! That was Kathleen's foray into costumes and where she fell in love with the world of costume design. Hear that story as well as how she got onboard the show Hacks on HBO Max. Hear some behind-the-scenes on some of the show's costume choices and how the 'black dress' became such a special item for the designer and the actress! Watch more episodes on youtube: @voiceofcostume The “Voice of Costume” is the first podcast created between working costume designers sharing stories, inspiration, struggles, and insights into the creative career of costume design. A behind-the-scenes podcast to showcase the voices of Costume Designers around the world. Listen in on this inspirational, one-on-one conversation between Kathleen and Catherine Baumgardner. Audio available wherever you get podcasts. https://voiceofcostume.com/
Transcribe →Dune: Prophecy - 10,000 Years Ago In The Future with Bojana Nikitovic
Aug 8, 202500:55:55Tap to summarizeCostume deep dive into Dune: Prophecy and building everything from scratch for the Emmy nominated TV Series. Bojana shares how she got started in design and how she was inspired by her aunts to pursue costumes. Catherine and Bojana talk through several character looks from the series so if you love the show you will love this episode! Watch more episodes on youtube: @voiceofcostume The “Voice of Costume” is the first podcast created between working costume designers sharing stories, inspiration, struggles, and insights into the creative career of costume design. A behind-the-scenes podcast to showcase the voices of Costume Designers around the world. Listen in on this inspirational, one-on-one conversation between Bojana Nikitovic and Catherine Baumgardner. Audio available wherever you get podcasts. https://voiceofcostume.com/
Transcribe →Adolescence -The One Take Life with Jessica Schofield
Aug 6, 202500:50:12Tap to summarizeJessica's story is such an inspiration for anyone working through their own creative journey. Listen in to how she found inspiration at 11 years old with her Dad. Her leaps of faith opposing the fear to get to the next place in her journey. Her hard felt belief that everything happens for a reason certainly is evident in her story. Her love of being a mom and a costume designer is an inspiration for anyone in need of a boost today! Some great insights into the creative process of shooting ONE TAKE episodes of Adolescence and how that has to be approached differently than traditional on-screen storytelling. Something for everyone to enjoy in this one! Watch more episodes on youtube: @voiceofcostume The “Voice of Costume” is the first podcast created between working costume designers sharing stories, inspiration, struggles, and insights into the creative career of costume design. A behind-the-scenes podcast to showcase the voices of Costume Designers around the world. Listen in on this inspirational, one-on-one conversation between Jessica Schofield and Catherine Baumgardner. Audio available wherever you get podcasts. https://voiceofcostume.com/
Transcribe →Focus On What you Can Control with Amanda Riley - We Were Liars
Jul 30, 202500:59:11Tap to summarizeHear the wonderful story of Amanda Riley! From growing up with 8 siblings to moving to Paris to her first costuming job and breaking in. Working on MI3, Westworld, Agents of Shield and Spiderman No Way Home. And then hear great behind-the-scenes insights into We Were Liars and a teaser for Amanda's upcoming film this fall! Watch more episodes on youtube: @voiceofcostume The “Voice of Costume” is the first podcast created between working costume designers sharing stories, inspiration, struggles, and insights into the creative career of costume design. A behind-the-scenes podcast to showcase the voices of Costume Designers around the world. Listen in on this inspirational, one-on-one conversation between Amanda Riley and Catherine Baumgardner. Audio available wherever you get podcasts. https://voiceofcostume.com/
Transcribe →You Owe It To the World To Create with Jonathan Davenport - WWE Superstar Designer
Jul 23, 202501:05:03Tap to summarizeListen in on "the greatest career launched from a craigslist ad" about Jonathan's entry into WWE gear design when he was craving a creative outlet after being laid off. The insights into WWE design for "the show" is one of our most unique interviews yet and one of our most inspiring! Jonathan shares mindset and his wonderful take on what "Drawing" really is... hint: it's not of us alone! Join in to nerd out about Transformers and comic books and wrestling with us. If you need a boost of positivity and creativity energy, this is the episode for you! Also please follow Jonathan on IG and let him know what you thought of him on the podcast! Watch more episodes on youtube: @voiceofcostume The “Voice of Costume” is the first podcast created between working costume designers sharing stories, inspiration, struggles, and insights into the creative career of costume design. A behind-the-scenes podcast to showcase the voices of Costume Designers around the world. Listen in on this inspirational, one-on-one conversation between Jonathan Davenport and Catherine Baumgardner. Audio available wherever you get podcasts. https://voiceofcostume.com/
Transcribe →The Handmaid's Tale - Iconic Looks and Passionate Fans with Leslie Kavanagh
Jul 17, 202500:51:20Tap to summarizeThe Handmaid's Tale invokes a passionate response and this episode is full of insights to the show and it's characters with costume designer Leslie Kavanagh. She shares her 'mission' to be able to work seamlessly with stunt coordinators and how she got into costume design. Her inspiration to start designing from her sister and her father's military background both playing a huge role in her career and creative choices. Listen in on this exclusive behind-the-scenes look into one of the most iconic shows on TV! Watch more episodes on youtube: @voiceofcostume The “Voice of Costume” is the first podcast created between working costume designers sharing stories, inspiration, struggles, and insights into the creative career of costume design. A behind-the-scenes podcast to showcase the voices of Costume Designers around the world. Listen in on this inspirational, one-on-one conversation between Leslie Kavanagh and Catherine Baumgardner. Audio available wherever you get podcasts. https://voiceofcostume.com/
Transcribe →Bridgerton - Mixing History, Fashion, and Fantasy with John Glaser
Jun 20, 202500:35:26Tap to summarizeBridgerton fans will love the behind-the-scenes insights into the costumes of the beloved series. Hear how the costumes shift from season to season and how fashion makes a big impact on the design of the show. John shares his journey from country boy to city life and how collaborating on such a huge show should be a hope for every designer! Watch more episodes on youtube: @voiceofcostume The “Voice of Costume” is the first podcast created between working costume designers sharing stories, inspiration, struggles, and insights into the creative career of costume design. A behind-the-scenes podcast to showcase the voices of Costume Designers around the world. Listen in on this inspirational, one-on-one conversation between John Glaser and Catherine Baumgardner. Audio available wherever you get podcasts. https://voiceofcostume.com/
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