The Perspecta - Mid-century Modern Stories Wed, 03 Jun 2026 23:31:16 -0400 http://www.theperspecta.com/ en-us © 2026 The Perspecta - Mid-century Modern Stories yes 96c6a224-77ad-516e-a47b-887985c9ba94 The Perspecta episodic false Modernist design: it is timeless, clean, functional, and often familiar. The more you learn, the more you recognize… it is all around us. Upon reflection, admiration grows. The Perspecta aims to expand your knowledge, through tastefully interviewing the most interesting, conversant, and influential members of our community. Come listen, subscribe, and start discovering your next mid-century modern obsession right now.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) midcentury modern, mid century modern, modernist design, eames, saarinen, bertoia, knoll, frank lloyd wright, noguchi, herman miller, neutra, lautner The Perspecta https://storage.buzzsprout.com/ql99djhg3j229mw3yjbdsgr1gvl1?.jpg The Perspecta - Mid-century Modern Stories http://www.theperspecta.com/ Megan & Todd Walsh with Atomic Furnishing | Episode 13 Megan & Todd Walsh with Atomic Furnishing | Episode 13 While we can’t be on the ground in North Carolina to assist our guests, we wanted to do anything we could in order to spread awareness of the devastation around the Asheville area after Helene, and galvanize whatever support we could on their behalf. In addition to recapping the last 3 difficult weeks, we’ll hear the story of their local mid-century modern shop, Atomic Furnishing, which has evolved over the years, as their family and community has also grown. Their experience has been truly eye opening, almost impossible to have forecasted, and our conversation includes important functional and emotional lessons that I found really insightful. As you’ll hear - incredibly, they’re still full of joy, optimism, and laughs are helping them get through this extreme situation - and they’re on the verge of a total rebirth. Welcome to this conversation of love & support with Megan and Todd Walsh.

]]> While we can’t be on the ground in North Carolina to assist our guests, we wanted to do anything we could in order to spread awareness of the devastation around the Asheville area after Helene, and galvanize whatever support we could on their behalf. In addition to recapping the last 3 difficult weeks, we’ll hear the story of their local mid-century modern shop, Atomic Furnishing, which has evolved over the years, as their family and community has also grown. Their experience has been truly eye opening, almost impossible to have forecasted, and our conversation includes important functional and emotional lessons that I found really insightful. As you’ll hear - incredibly, they’re still full of joy, optimism, and laughs are helping them get through this extreme situation - and they’re on the verge of a total rebirth. Welcome to this conversation of love & support with Megan and Todd Walsh.

]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-16023744 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2396 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, mid mod, brick and mortar, independent retail, asheville, helene, gofundme, donation 13 full false Nick Ferrell with Modeline | Episode 12 Nick Ferrell with Modeline | Episode 12 Welcome back to The Perspecta & and into an illuminating conversation about the world of mid-century modern lighting, specifically its darling Modeline of California. Did you know there were 27+ different designers who crafted for Modeline? We switched on to discuss a few of them, the company’s founder, his relevance to the entertainment world, hot takes on pricing, and our guests' experiences diving deep into research - and coming up ready to craft a book about Modeline. Welcome to this finely sculpted, warm conversation with Nick Ferrell.


]]> Welcome back to The Perspecta & and into an illuminating conversation about the world of mid-century modern lighting, specifically its darling Modeline of California. Did you know there were 27+ different designers who crafted for Modeline? We switched on to discuss a few of them, the company’s founder, his relevance to the entertainment world, hot takes on pricing, and our guests' experiences diving deep into research - and coming up ready to craft a book about Modeline. Welcome to this finely sculpted, warm conversation with Nick Ferrell.


]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-14447333 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500 2716 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, mid mod, modeline, lighting, woolums, jack haywood, arthur jacobs, john keal, bernie roberts, george nelson, herman miller 12 full false James Goldstein on John Lautner | Episode 11 James Goldstein on John Lautner | Episode 11 Our first in-person conversation, a sit down with James Goldstein - the detail & design oriented owner who spent much of his life perfecting the Sheats-Goldstein Residence, hand in hand with iconic architect John Lautner. You’ve seen his home in films and music videos (Big Lebowski, Snoop, Doja Cat), but never before has he shared so much information about process, influences and more. 

You may recognize his presence from courtside NBA or recently being featured in Adam Sandler’s movie Hustle. He has 3 words on his business card, Fashion, Basketball, Architecture - and my goal in speaking to him was to really focus on the third, to continue driving awareness and education around Modernism. Take a seat next to The Dude & enjoy our conversation with Jimmy!


]]> Our first in-person conversation, a sit down with James Goldstein - the detail & design oriented owner who spent much of his life perfecting the Sheats-Goldstein Residence, hand in hand with iconic architect John Lautner. You’ve seen his home in films and music videos (Big Lebowski, Snoop, Doja Cat), but never before has he shared so much information about process, influences and more. 

You may recognize his presence from courtside NBA or recently being featured in Adam Sandler’s movie Hustle. He has 3 words on his business card, Fashion, Basketball, Architecture - and my goal in speaking to him was to really focus on the third, to continue driving awareness and education around Modernism. Take a seat next to The Dude & enjoy our conversation with Jimmy!


]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-10842362 Sat, 02 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400 2043 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, mid mod, mad men, john lautner, sheats goldstein residence, nba finals, balmain, concrete, brutalism 11 full false RJD2 of Mad Men | Episode 10 RJD2 of Mad Men | Episode 10 We love talking about creative process, and with RJD2 - we thoroughly explored his mindset and approach to creating & producing music. He is an accomplished musician, DJ & producer whose original tracks for a collaborative rap album somehow became the theme song for Mad Men! LIke many of us, he has great interest in other aspects of art & design from the MCM time period which we covered, most uniquely - Italian Carrozzerias! Despite using many samples & sounds to produce his music - he records many of them himself, with analog processes and equipment… which is how his tracks capture such an incredible warmth and atmosphere. Come feel that warmth in his conversation with Ramble Jon Krohn.

This episode is dedicated to actor Robert Morse, who so elegantly portrayed Bertram Cooper in Mad Men.

]]> We love talking about creative process, and with RJD2 - we thoroughly explored his mindset and approach to creating & producing music. He is an accomplished musician, DJ & producer whose original tracks for a collaborative rap album somehow became the theme song for Mad Men! LIke many of us, he has great interest in other aspects of art & design from the MCM time period which we covered, most uniquely - Italian Carrozzerias! Despite using many samples & sounds to produce his music - he records many of them himself, with analog processes and equipment… which is how his tracks capture such an incredible warmth and atmosphere. Come feel that warmth in his conversation with Ramble Jon Krohn.

This episode is dedicated to actor Robert Morse, who so elegantly portrayed Bertram Cooper in Mad Men.

]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-10504760 Tue, 26 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400 2458 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, mid mod, mad men, carrozzeria, music production, jazz, hip hop, rjd2, creative process, zildjian, NPR, aceyalone 1 10 full true Claudette Didul of Mad Men | Episode 9 Claudette Didul of Mad Men | Episode 9 And together, we break into the world of entertainment! Although the setting of a television show or movie may appear seamless to the audience, we have learned in this conversation - that is actually an extreme, coordinated effort - that even requires a bit of luck! So many moving pieces have to work in concert in order to present the atmosphere we all admire; especially in a mid-century period piece like Mad Men, or Catch Me if you Can. Settle in for a crash course in set decoration using modernist design with Claudette Didul.

]]> And together, we break into the world of entertainment! Although the setting of a television show or movie may appear seamless to the audience, we have learned in this conversation - that is actually an extreme, coordinated effort - that even requires a bit of luck! So many moving pieces have to work in concert in order to present the atmosphere we all admire; especially in a mid-century period piece like Mad Men, or Catch Me if you Can. Settle in for a crash course in set decoration using modernist design with Claudette Didul.

]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-10157234 Mon, 28 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0500 4390 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, mid mod, mad men, herman miller, knoll, rothko, erik buch, catch me if you can, draper, pollock, cathrineholm, milton glaser 9 full false Herman Wakefield | Episode 8 Herman Wakefield | Episode 8 It was well worth all of the security precautions to have a wide-ranging, anonymous discussion @northwest_mcm_wholesale on Instagram. We talked about energy drinks, picking, refinishing, all of the secrets & gossip he is privy to as our community’s most famed memer… and we did actually learn a few genuine things about the person behind the account. Listen in for a potentially admin revealing conversation with Herman Wakefield.

]]> It was well worth all of the security precautions to have a wide-ranging, anonymous discussion @northwest_mcm_wholesale on Instagram. We talked about energy drinks, picking, refinishing, all of the secrets & gossip he is privy to as our community’s most famed memer… and we did actually learn a few genuine things about the person behind the account. Listen in for a potentially admin revealing conversation with Herman Wakefield.

]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-9939131 Mon, 24 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500 3508 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, mid mod, atomic ranch, pierre paulin, meme account, bill curry, heywood wakefield, herman miller, eames, verner panton, paul mccobb, witco 8 full false Jickie Torres of Atomic Ranch | Episode 7 Jickie Torres of Atomic Ranch | Episode 7 Atomic Ranch is one of our mid-century modern community’s most important publications, and our guest Jickie Torres has been hard at work bringing it to life with her team for years. She wears many hats directing the content of your favorite Modernist escape; and has been busy writing a new Atomic Ranch book, representing AR at the Fall Modernism Week & building a project house for the magazine! We chat about her early MCM love, perspectives on renovation, and made some predictions about the next mid century! Come learn, grow, and commit to preserving our common design interest with the top mid-century maven, Jickie Torres!

]]> Atomic Ranch is one of our mid-century modern community’s most important publications, and our guest Jickie Torres has been hard at work bringing it to life with her team for years. She wears many hats directing the content of your favorite Modernist escape; and has been busy writing a new Atomic Ranch book, representing AR at the Fall Modernism Week & building a project house for the magazine! We chat about her early MCM love, perspectives on renovation, and made some predictions about the next mid century! Come learn, grow, and commit to preserving our common design interest with the top mid-century maven, Jickie Torres!

]]> Buzzsprout-9669531 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500 3248 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, mid mod, modernism week, atomic ranch, richard neutra, dave brubeck, cranbrook, pierre koenig, eames, renovation, photography, harvard five 7 full false Matt Bliss of Modern Christmas Trees | Episode 6 Matt Bliss of Modern Christmas Trees | Episode 6 Our first entrepreneur! Not too many can say they’ve survived the Shark Tank, and came out with a deal - but Matt Bliss and his grandfather’s mid-century modern tree design captured the heart (and business mind) of Barbara Corcoran, and we hope this conversation captures yours as well! He recounted the stories of his grandfather, early stages of his business, & the iconic MCM homes he has visited to photograph his trees. We discussed design copies within our industry, and shared a nod to other makers in our community. This episode about Modern Christmas Trees is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

]]> Our first entrepreneur! Not too many can say they’ve survived the Shark Tank, and came out with a deal - but Matt Bliss and his grandfather’s mid-century modern tree design captured the heart (and business mind) of Barbara Corcoran, and we hope this conversation captures yours as well! He recounted the stories of his grandfather, early stages of his business, & the iconic MCM homes he has visited to photograph his trees. We discussed design copies within our industry, and shared a nod to other makers in our community. This episode about Modern Christmas Trees is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-9507580 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500 3990 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, mid mod, farnsworth house, stahl house, shark tank, banksy, modernism week, barbara corcoran, seth godin, christmas, shag, eero saarinen 6 full false Jim Pearsall with Adrian Pearsall | Episode 5 Jim Pearsall with Adrian Pearsall | Episode 5 One of our goals in starting this podcast was to learn about influential mid-century modern designers, from first hand accounts; not many relationships are closer than that of father and son. Jim was able to recount beautiful personal experiences with his father Adrian Pearsall, and spoke about his close collaboration with him - from furnishing restaurants, to designing custom pieces, and directly working together at Craft Associates. Jim told us all about the house he grew up in, which Adrian designed - and we spoke in depth about his experience being the custodian of his father’s work and legacy. Pull up a bean bag chair around the fire & warm up to our familial conversation with Jim Pearsall.

]]> One of our goals in starting this podcast was to learn about influential mid-century modern designers, from first hand accounts; not many relationships are closer than that of father and son. Jim was able to recount beautiful personal experiences with his father Adrian Pearsall, and spoke about his close collaboration with him - from furnishing restaurants, to designing custom pieces, and directly working together at Craft Associates. Jim told us all about the house he grew up in, which Adrian designed - and we spoke in depth about his experience being the custodian of his father’s work and legacy. Pull up a bean bag chair around the fire & warm up to our familial conversation with Jim Pearsall.

]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-9345389 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0400 4923 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, adrian pearsall, craft associates, comfort designs, restoration hardware, lane, nakashima, daybed, gondola sofa, grasshopper, sacco, eichler 5 full false Jake Snider of Minus the Bear | Episode 4 Jake Snider of Minus the Bear | Episode 4 Dream come true! What is more fun than sitting down with one of your favorite musicians and talking about mid-century modern design & architecture? We spoke about Jake’s personal connection to Herman Miller, learned about hi-fi audio equipment, reviewed influences & style in his music, and discussed architecture across Europe and the Northwest US. Go listen to “Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse”, sit down in your favorite chair, and come join our tour & conversation with Jake Snider.

Episode Artwork Photo by Ryan Muir


]]> Dream come true! What is more fun than sitting down with one of your favorite musicians and talking about mid-century modern design & architecture? We spoke about Jake’s personal connection to Herman Miller, learned about hi-fi audio equipment, reviewed influences & style in his music, and discussed architecture across Europe and the Northwest US. Go listen to “Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse”, sit down in your favorite chair, and come join our tour & conversation with Jake Snider.

Episode Artwork Photo by Ryan Muir


]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-9105930 Mon, 30 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0400 3685 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, herman miller, space needle, farnsworth house, alexander girard, eames, bertoia, dermot bannon, minus the bear, mondrian, omnichord, fender 4 full false Tim Ross of Modernister Shows | Episode 3 Tim Ross of Modernister Shows | Episode 3 We officially went global in our 3rd episode, a conversation with Tim Ross (@modernister) where we learned all about Modernist design & preservation in Australia. Tim highlighted a number of famous architects & designers, including Glenn Murcutt, Harry Seidler, Grant Featherston, Jørn Utzon, Walter Burley Griffin, & John Andrews; and Canberra seems like the Modernist capital of our dreams. We were so impressed hearing about Tim’s career spanning radio & TV, but truly inspired to see he has followed his passions in Modernist design to create important, acclaimed shows which help to bring awareness to this design and architecture style we all adore.

]]> We officially went global in our 3rd episode, a conversation with Tim Ross (@modernister) where we learned all about Modernist design & preservation in Australia. Tim highlighted a number of famous architects & designers, including Glenn Murcutt, Harry Seidler, Grant Featherston, Jørn Utzon, Walter Burley Griffin, & John Andrews; and Canberra seems like the Modernist capital of our dreams. We were so impressed hearing about Tim’s career spanning radio & TV, but truly inspired to see he has followed his passions in Modernist design to create important, acclaimed shows which help to bring awareness to this design and architecture style we all adore.

]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-8958477 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0400 3849 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, tim ross, glenn murcutt, harry seidler, grant featherston, jørn utzon, walter burley griffin, sydney opera house, sirius building, the barbican, fallin 1 3 full false Sam Hildreth with Paul McCobb | Episode 2 Sam Hildreth with Paul McCobb | Episode 2 In our second episode, we learned all about America’s designer Paul McCobb - from one of the foremost experts and collectors, Samuel Hildreth. We covered Planner, Perimeter, Predictor and the rest of Paul’s prolific career - and heard Sam’s story from his first McCobb coffee table to his recent museum exhibit. Sam and DC shared tales of Facebook Group moderation, and we went in depth on native furniture manufacturing, and what makes the best modern reproductions.

]]> In our second episode, we learned all about America’s designer Paul McCobb - from one of the foremost experts and collectors, Samuel Hildreth. We covered Planner, Perimeter, Predictor and the rest of Paul’s prolific career - and heard Sam’s story from his first McCobb coffee table to his recent museum exhibit. Sam and DC shared tales of Facebook Group moderation, and we went in depth on native furniture manufacturing, and what makes the best modern reproductions.

]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-8813628 Mon, 05 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0400 3475 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, paul mccobb, lane, planner group, perimeter group, directional furniture, predictor group, widdicomb, mutschler, cb2, cbs columbia, riverdale 2 full false DC Hillier of MCM Daily | Episode 1 DC Hillier of MCM Daily | Episode 1 In this first conversation, we talk to DC Hillier about M&A, Gio Ponti, Kanye, Film, Clairtone, Kent Coffey & much more! We get a quick tour, share our vision for the podcast, brush up on our Danish pronunciations, and explore DC's perspectives & education in design. Until the next mid century... thank you & stay tuned!

]]> In this first conversation, we talk to DC Hillier about M&A, Gio Ponti, Kanye, Film, Clairtone, Kent Coffey & much more! We get a quick tour, share our vision for the podcast, brush up on our Danish pronunciations, and explore DC's perspectives & education in design. Until the next mid century... thank you & stay tuned!

]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-8489099 Mon, 10 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400 3899 mid century modern, mid-century modern, dc hillier, mcm daily, design, interior design, modernism, mcm, eames, jacobsen, knoll, herman miller, curtis jere, royerre, corbussier, finn juhl, clairtone, karuselli, yrjo kukkapurro, gio ponti 1 1 full false Welcome to... The Perspecta! | Trailer Welcome to... The Perspecta! | Trailer Introducing The Perspecta, a new mid-century modern design podcast from host John O'Neill, in association with DC Hiller & MCM Daily. This is our trailer, a brief origin story, introductions, vision & ambitions for the podcast & beyond... until the next mid century.

]]> Introducing The Perspecta, a new mid-century modern design podcast from host John O'Neill, in association with DC Hiller & MCM Daily. This is our trailer, a brief origin story, introductions, vision & ambitions for the podcast & beyond... until the next mid century.

]]> The Perspecta Buzzsprout-8331095 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 22:00:00 -0400 150 mid-century modern, mid century modern, midcentury modern, modernist design 1 0 trailer true