One year ago, Never Work a Day began as a search for fulfillment in work and grew into honest, generous conversations about creativity, community, reinvention, and moving forward when the world feels uncertain.

In this special episode, we revisit favorite moments from the past year exploring world building, truth telling, designing people first systems, making space for joy, and using new tools (including AI) without losing our humanity.

We close with a short guided meditation to reset, breathe, and return to yourself.

Please follow the incredible guests featured in this episode, and thank you for listening.

Featured:

:56 Nickey Frankel – https://previewmedia.com/

3:00 Noor Tagouri – https://www.noortagouri.com

11:08 Eleni Simos – https://www.thecleaneatingchick.com/

12:45 Arana Hankin Biggers – https://www.thetravelagency.co

Kanene Ayo Holder – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaneneayoholder

17:41 Paul Jun – https://pauljun.me

22:43 Mica + Noah Scalin – https://www.anotherlimitedrebellion.com/

28:49 Atiba T. Edwards – https://www.brooklynkids.org

33:25 Solonje Burnett – https://www.solonjeburnett.com/

36:15 Joe Lazer – https://www.joelazer.com

44:00 Emily Joffrion – https://www.emilyjoffrion.com

48:08 Amber Godfrey – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4npwdPXO4Vc

50:00 Marisa Löwenstein – https://marisalowenstein.com

Follow Never Work A Day on Instagram & TikTok @neverworkadaypodcast

In this episode of Never Work a Day, we sit down with legendary creative thought leader James Victore — the artist, designer, and renegade educator known for pushing people to live boldly and create with purpose. Described as “part Darth Vader, part Yoda,” James has spent his career helping others find clarity, courage, and their true creative voice. From apprenticing under Paul Bacon at 23, to exhibiting at MoMA and the Louvre, to working with global brands like Adobe, MailChimp, Bobbi Brown, and The New York Times — James’ journey is a masterclass in choosing yourself and making a living doing what you love. We dive into his philosophy, his rebellious design ethos, his teaching years at SVA, his move to small-town Texas, and the dangerous ideas behind his life-changing book Feck Perfuction. This episode is a must-listen for anyone craving creative freedom, personal truth, and a reminder that your voice is your superpower.

Learn more about James: https://yourworkisagift.com

Instagram: @jamesvictore

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On this episode of Never Work a Day, we sit down with Vaughn Terry Jelks — a fashion designer, bespoke tailor, and cultural architect whose roots in Gary, Indiana shaped a lifelong belief that style is identity, dignity, and storytelling. From discovering his craft at home to training at FIDM and breaking into the industry under legendary costumer Bill Whitten, Vaughn went on to design for Earth, Wind & Fire, Prince, and countless music icons. His work helped define the Purple Rain era, evolved through major fashion houses like Oscar de la Renta and J. Mendel, and was recently honored in The Met’s Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibition. Today, he continues building his legacy through his couture atelier, new collaborations with Paisley Park, and the upcoming Purple Rain stage musical.

More about Vaughn:

www.vaughnterryjelks.com

@vaughnterryjelks

@vaughnterry_official

Follow Never Work A Day on Instagram & TikTok @neverworkadaypodcast