An Interview with Design Talk LIVE Podcast Host, Joseph Haecker
By Pod-Squawk Media
Joseph Haecker, the audacious voice behind Design Talk LIVE, is back and ready to shake things up once again. After a five-year hiatus, he’s returning to the design world’s podcast scene with a vengeance, making waves with Season 2 on Spotify. In this candid conversation, Joseph opens up about the journey, the detours, and the ultimate return of a podcast that refuses to bow to trends.
From Rants to Revolution:
The Birth of Design Talk LIVE
Design Talk LIVE wasn’t born from a meticulous plan. It started as a simple rant—a spontaneous outlet for Joseph to voice his unfiltered thoughts on the design industry. What began as a raw, unedited stream of consciousness quickly morphed into a talk show that blazed a trail for other interior design podcasts and live-streamed shows.
“We didn’t set out to create a movement,” Joseph recalls. “It just happened. The design community was hungry for honest, real conversations, and we gave them that.”
The Facebook Era:
Triumphs and Tribulations
Between 2017 and 2019, Design Talk LIVE amassed an astonishing 3.2 million views on Facebook LIVE. However, the platform’s increasing complexity and unreliability forced Joseph to pivot repeatedly and invest heavily in tech to keep the show afloat.
“It got to a point where the platform was more of a hindrance than a help,” Joseph admits. “We were constantly troubleshooting instead of creating.”
In the midst of this chaos, Joseph launched “A Student's Perspective” in December 2018, followed by “Design Hot Seat” with Jennifer Farrell, “Let's Talk Breast Health” with Talia Maddock, and “LIVE with Angie Everhart” in 2019. Despite these successes, other shows like “Unapologetic” with scheduled host Camille Kauer, struggled to gain traction.
“I misjudged the sales cycle for these shows,” Joseph reflects. “Supporting a team of salespeople in Las Vegas was a costly lesson, and by summer 2019, I had to pull the plug.”
A Hiatus Turned Opportunity:
COVID and the Pivot to Live Streaming
Taking time off allowed Joseph to explore new ventures, particularly as the world grappled with the onset of COVID-19. Leveraging his live-streaming expertise, he launched “In-Home Shopping, streamed LIVE on Facebook,” a QVC-style program where brands sold products live.
“We had celebrity hosts like Chip Wade representing Dal-Tile and Kidde Products,” Joseph shares. “One company even credited the show with the successful sale of their lighting business.”
During the early days of the pandemic, Joseph also created “Morning Wake Up Call,” a series of short features that shared inspiring stories from within the design industry. Featuring guests like Yian Quach, Kylie Ponton, Erin Minckley, and Heather McManus, the series aimed to provide hope and inspiration during uncertain times.
High Point Market and the Birth of a New Idea
With trade shows like High Point Market facing delays and uncertainty, Joseph saw an opportunity. In October 2020, despite the low expected turnout, he decided to take action.
“My girlfriend at the time asked if we were going to High Point Market, and I initially didn’t see the point,” Joseph recalls. “But then it hit me—if they couldn’t get people in front of the products, why not get the products in front of the people?”
Joseph flew out a team of design industry professionals and reporters, producing videos for 55 brands and generating an average of 173,000 clicks to their websites. Market attendance was a mere 6%, but the digital reach was profound.
The Long-Awaited Return:
Design Talk LIVE on Spotify
It wasn’t until the summer of 2023 that Joseph began considering a relaunch of Design Talk LIVE. This time, he opted for Spotify, seeking stability and a streamlined approach.
“The trick to podcasting isn’t about downloads,” Joseph explains. “It’s about access—to guests, sponsors, and the audience. We’re not just a podcast; we’re an event company. We connect sponsors with thought leaders and celebrities, creating engaging, client-attracting events.”
Season 2:
A New Chapter
Season 2 of Design Talk LIVE is now available on Spotify, featuring a stellar lineup of guests and topics that resonate deeply with the design community. From the artistry of furniture restoration with Debbie Boone to transforming passion into business with Debbe Daley, each episode offers a unique, candid perspective on the world of design.
Looking Ahead:
Sponsorships and Season 3
As Design Talk LIVE wraps up its triumphant second season, Joseph is already gearing up for Season 3. Sponsorship opportunities are now open, promising unparalleled access to a vibrant network of designers, brands, and thought leaders.
“We’re back, and we’re just getting started,” Joseph declares. “Design Talk LIVE is about connecting the dots—between sponsors, guests, and the audience. It’s about creating memorable events that resonate.”
Join the Revolution
Ready to dive into the unfiltered world of design? Listen to Design Talk LIVE Season 2 on Spotify and stay tuned for the exciting developments in Season 3. Sponsorships are now open—don’t miss your chance to be part of the revolution.
Click here to become a sponsor today!
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