MORE THAN ONE THING
Podcast interviews with multi-hyphenates, led by Athena Calderone.
More Than One Thing will pull back the curtain on successful creatives whose journeys appear seemingly perfect. They are not. No one, if they are being truthful, has it all figured out. I want to highlight those multi-hyphenates who are open enough to share their grit. Through a series of interviews, More than One Thing reveals how each guest broke societal norms, found a way to climb outside that perfectly packaged box of expectations and found success in not just one thing, but many. This is a place for advice on how to design your dream life.
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SEASON TWO
ATHENA CALDERONE
November 25, 2020
Welcome to Season 2 of More Than One Thing, the podcast that celebrates taking the road less traveled to find your passion and purpose. My own journey has definitely been anything but conventional. I’ve tried it all–– dancing, modeling, clubbing, yoga, acting. And while at the time those endeavors often felt like detours, perspective has shown me they were actually really important stops on the path that would lead me to EyeSwoon and life as my truest, most artistic, multi-faceted self. In this episode, my best friend Tali Magal is back to interview me about my personal story and how I navigated from lost to found. Spoiler alert! The secret was to stop trying to be someone else and start listening to the voice telling me I had something real to offer. I still don’t have it all figured out, but if I’ve learned anything from this crazy journey it’s that being bold, asking for help, and trusting your gut can get you farther than you could possibly imagine.
NAOMI WATTS
December 2, 2020
There really isn’t anyone like Naomi Watts. From starring in Oscar nominated films, to launching Onda, her clean beauty company, Naomi is one of those rare people who can wear many hats while remaining totally herself. But, like all of us, she has faced insecurity and doubt. While we know how her story ends, (King Kong, the Ring, Birdman, Mulholland Drive) in this episode of More Than One Thing, Naomi sits down to share where it all began. We talk about losing her father early, finding fame late, and discovering the confidence to say, “hey, I’m enough”. The road to success was lined with one no after another, but Naomi moved through rejection with the kind of grit and ambition that makes her an unequivocal powerhouse. Tune in to hear Naomi chat about identity, loss, and how she learned to trust in herself. As Naomi says, “nothing is a failure, it’s all growth.”
DAPHNE OZ
December 9, 2020
Daphne Oz is a best-selling author, award-winning television host, mother, and all around amazing chef. She is also one of the happiest people on the planet. Her enthusiasm for clean but delicious food and her heart-felt candor about everything from her struggles with weight loss to life as a new mom makes her the kind of girl you can’t help but love. Tune in to hear Daphne discuss her unconventional life, choosing joy, the power of living honestly, and getting a good old fashion case of the “Fuck-its.”
LAILA GOHAR
December 16, 2020
How do you describe Laila Gohar? Well, it turns out there are a lot of ways. She’s a cook, an artist, a designer-- a visionary. Laila’s edible installations explore food as an art form and a means of communication. With her whimsical, delicious, and totally one-of-a-kind work, Laila makes space for people to come together and just be themselves. In this episode of More Than One Thing, she sits down with Athena to talk about self-doubt, self-love, hard work, New York City, and finding inspiration in everything from traffic cones to dreams.
CLEO WADE
December 23, 2020
There’s something about Cleo Wade. A best-selling author, celebrated poet, community builder, speaker, mother, and friend, I always leave conversations with Cleo feeling just a little bit better about the world. Tune into this episode of More Than One Thing to hear Cleo talk about fear, finding yourself, and the spectacular power of words. Whatever Cleo does–– from her public art installations, to her handwritten affirmations, to her tireless work as an activist ––– she has many ways of fulfilling her singular mission: to care. In this episode, she offers advice on turning your passion into your profession, acknowledging your multi-facets, and finding the courage to name what you want.
KAREN ELSON
December 30, 2020
For decades Karen Elson has been a defining face in the world of fashion — gracing every major fashion magazine and runway. But Karen’s uber-successful career in fashion is only one of her many hyphens. Since childhood, she has been writing music, using her lyrics to make sense of the world and transform daily life into poetry. In this episode of More Than One Thing, Karen talks with me about moving through fear, the gift of not fitting in, and finding the courage to follow her creative path, no matter how winding.
ROBIN STANDEFER & STEPHEN ALESCH
January 6, 2021
Husband and wife Stephen Alesch and Robin Standefer are two of the most prolific and acclaimed designers of our time. Their firm, Roman and Williams, has designed iconic spaces like the Boom Boom Room, The Ace Hotel and more. Recently, their curatorial brilliance has expanded into the retail and restaurant emporium RW Guild. But on their journey to the top of the industry, Robin and Stephen have forgone traditional schooling and career paths to instead follow the road less traveled. Today, they are gardeners, draftsmen, ceramicists, architects, set designers, artists, and storytellers whose boundless creativity continues to pour into new mediums. Tune in to hear about walking out of exams, having the courage to ask the “dumb questions,” and the importance of trusting in yourself wholeheartedly. This episode of More Than One Thing is for those with curious souls, open minds, and a hearty appetite to learn by doing. As Stephen and Robin say, “believing in what you love will take you there.”
SOPHIA ROE
January 13, 2021
Sophia Roe is one of those people who seems to have been born to break moulds. In this episode, the chef, wellness expert, educator, and speaker sits down to talk about her remarkable life-- from spending her childhood in foster care and not knowing where her next meal would come from, to starring in and producing her own show, Counter Space, on Vice. Through it all, Sophia has been carried by her belief in imagination, never letting fear, or lack of experience, stop her from trying everything. Tune in to hear about making best friends with imposter syndrome, choosing to be grateful even for the most painful moments, scheduling time for crying, and always finding moments for playfulness-- like and walking across the Brooklyn Bridge… backwards.
JASON WU
January 27, 2021
Jason Wu is one of the most recognizable names in American Fashion. Yet, somehow the acclaimed designer also finds time to create an innovative bath and kitchen line, design a doll collection for Integrity Toys, and dabble in florals, decor, beauty, food, and activism. Sound like a lot? Well it is! In this episode, Jason shares how throwing out the road map led him to exactly where he needed to be–– from dressing Michelle Obama, to nurturing his namesake brand into a global success, and sustaining a long term partnership with Brizo Faucets. As fashion continued its endless search for the hot new thing, Jason has proven his ability to reinvent himself–– trying new skills and trades–– while still remaining true to his vision for the world. This episode of More Than One Thing is about trusting your instincts, focusing on what’s real, and being unafraid to make a detour. You never know where it will take you.
AURORA JAMES
February 3, 2021
This week, fashion designer, activist, business owner, and CFDA Award Winner, Aurora James graces the podcast. Aurora is the founder and creative director of Brother Vellies, the sustainable, ethically made, luxury, accessory brand. Always true to her vision of a more just world, she is also the founder of the 15% Pledge, which urges retailers to allocate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. But how did Aurora go from flunking out of college to getting crowned GQ’s Change Agents of the Year? Tune in to hear her tell about all the highs and lows–– including rebounding from nearly losing her business to COVID-19 by using only what she had at hand; the force of her mind, her belief in her community, and her community’s belief in her. She shares about the kind of passions you never give up on, starring on the cover of Vogue's legendary September Issue, and her deep conviction that hope is an action you take, not a belief you hold.
REED KRAKOFF
February 10, 2021
This week’s guest is American fashion legend, Reed Krakoff. Throughout his career, Reed has been guided by one simple rule: do what you love. And it turns out there’s a lot Reed loves to do; from transforming Coach to an international powerhouse, to crafting critically-acclaimed interiors, and ushering in the era of the Creative Director. Most recently, from 2017 to January 2021, he served as Chief Artistic Officer at Tiffany, the first person ever to have held this position. Tune in to hear Reed discuss how following his many interests provided him with a set of skills he could apply to his life and his work. Unafraid to try anything, Reed found a way to unite all he learned in the singular vision of a true creative. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain to talk about dropping out of music school, chasing his passions, and how failure taught him everything he needed to know. Reed’s advice? Put yourself out there. Anything can be a lesson if you let it.
CARLA OATES
February 17, 2021
When it comes to thinking holistically, no one does it better than Carla Oates. On this episode, the skincare expert, business woman, philanthropist, microbiology superstar, master fermenter, and–– of course–– the founder of The Beauty Chef joins the podcast to talk about her many hyphens. Convincing the world that the bacteria in your microbiome affects the look of your skin takes, well, guts. But, according to Carla, passion, confidence, and a groundbreaking product that works are all the ingredients you need to make people see things differently. Tune in to hear her share about how refusing to be boxed into a singular way of thinking and following her love for science, beauty, and nutrition led Carla to create a line of products that would launch an entire industry. She discusses balancing business-sense and unbridled creativity, chasing (all!) your passions, setting achievable goals, and being unafraid to dream big. Really big.
EUNICE BYUN
April 7, 2021
This week, talented creative, entrepreneur, mother of two, and thought leader, Eunice Byun joins the podcast. Despite not having a culinary background, the former financial analyst and beauty exec stepped away from the corporate world to disrupt the cookware industry with her company, Material—and it’s safe to say she’s given it the shake-up it needed! But how did Eunice go from finance to beauty and now design? Tune in to hear her share all the triumphs and learnings on her hyphenated journey—including building a brand rooted in storytelling, intentionality, and beauty; having the confidence to say no when it doesn’t align with your mission; the power of putting community at the center of everything you do; and why you should trust your gut and follow your heart at every step of your multi-hyphenate career.
SEBASTIAN BRAUER
October 6, 2022
Across his 12-year career, Sebastian Brauer has been the driving force behind multi-billion-dollar businesses. We’re talking Anthropologie, Williams-Sonoma, Inc., J Crew, and now as Senior Vice President of Product Design at Crate & Barrel. While building mega brands is undoubtedly impressive, it’s Sebastian’s purpose-driven leadership that really sets him apart. I experienced this intentional approach first-hand when I collaborated with him and his team on our Crate & Barrel collection. In today’s episode, we dive into our process, why intention is always at the heart of everything he does, how he navigated a non-linear career path, and so much more! Sebastian’s advice? “Fear can always be overcome. All it takes is a little courage.”
SEASON ONE
ATHENA CALDERONE
February 6, 2020
MORE THAN ONE THING has become my mantra. So many creative disciplines operate in tandem in my world, choosing one would be impossible. I take pride in the fact that I have found a way to blur the line, my overlapping passions became my work, but it wasn’t an easy path, still isn’t. For many years I allowed my creative schizophrenia to hold me back, I believed in order to find success you needed to excel in a singular vocation. Well, I was wrong. And the advice I was given was wrong. It was only when I embraced these multifaceted sides of myself, that I found forward momentum that was authentic to me – that is when my career began to take shape. In this first episode I thought I would set the tone for More Than One Thing by having my best friend Tali Magal interview me!
JENNA LYONS
February 6, 2020
Jenna Lyons needs no introduction really but she is a designer, style icon, and former president and creative director of the J.Crew Group! A quintessential multi-hyphenate, Jenna’s creative influence has no bounds— she’s had her hands in fashion, art, interior design, media, and more. Her rule-breaking style single-handedly changed the landscape of fashion and design. On this episode Jenna reveals the difficulties of starting over — how the radio silence that ensued after her departure from J. Crew effected both her ego and identity. She also discussed how terrifying it is to not have the structure, ground work, and guardrails that her corporate job offered. It was beautiful to hear her raw honesty in admitting that she is in the incubation stage of everything currently and how intense that fear can be.
NATE BERKUS & JEREMIAH BRENT
February 13, 2020
Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent are world renowned interior designers, recognizable TV personalities (ahem, Oprah), product designers, brand ambassadors, and producers amongst other impressive feats. They straddle many creative disciplines with professionalism, grace and kindness but not without navigating failures and setbacks. I was lucky enough to have them on More Than One Thing to discuss the how they grasp hold of opportunities, their advice on how to sustain opportunities, and the importance of worth ethic even as you forage through an unknown path. Listen on to hear how Jeramiah admits to four failures a day and why he fears regret, not failure. And how Nate personally overcame the trauma and the loss of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
HANNAH BRONFMAN
February 19, 2020
Hannah Bronfman’s career truly defies categorization—she’s a DJ, wellness guru, media personality, author, and more. But to me, she’s best described as a beam of light—she’s built her multifaceted career with confidence and grace, all while navigating 20-something life in NYC. Tune in to learn about her biggest professional setback, the importance of self-confidence, and how creating a fake assistant can get you where you need to go.
COLIN KING
March 5, 2020
As a stylist and designer, Colin King is a force to be reckoned with—his work lines the pages of Architectural Digest, T Magazine, Elle Decor, Vogue, Domino, Marie Claire, and more. But like so many of us, his path to success was more of a zig-zag than a straight line. He worked as a dancer, personal trainer, content creator, and social media manager in LA and NYC before falling into the interior design world. Tune in to hear Colin speak about the importance of self-acceptance, not knowing what you want to do, and just showing up for yourself (and every possible opportunity).
WARIS AHLUWALIA
March 12, 2020
If you’re looking to remind yourself of what’s important in life, I suggest listening to my conversation with Waris Ahluwalia. An actor, jewelry designer, philanthropist, herbalist, wellness expert, and more, this big-hearted multi-hyphenate has mastered the art of exploring creative interests without judgement (or a plan). Tune in to hear him speak about the importance of trying anything and everything, listening to the universe, trusting your instincts, and living in the present moment.
NAUSHEEN SHAH
March 19, 2020
Not many people can say they went from pre-med, to paralegal, to stylist, except for Nausheen Shah. A Wisconsin native turned New Yorker, Nausheen’s story is one of fierce passion, determination, and bravery in the face of deep-seated tradition and family expectations. Determined to forge her own path, she entered the cutthroat fashion industry at the age of 25 and now works as a successful stylist, journalist, and designer. Listen in for her truly breathtaking story, plus an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry.
CHRISTENE BARBERICH
March 26, 2020
If I could use one word to describe Christene Barberich, it would be “visionary.” She saw the flaws in traditional women’s media, and created Refinery29 in response to that perceived need for inclusion and acceptance. In other words, she was made to sit at the helm of a global digital media brand. Listen to the latest episode of MTOT to hear Christene’s thoughts on becoming a mother at 49, the story behind Refinery29, and the power of an Instagram DM.