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Listen to two women in tech talk about how they balance side projects on top of a full time job.

Design Life is a podcast about design and side projects for motivated creators. It was born after your hosts, two serial side project addicts, saw a gap in the podcast market for a conversational show about design and the issues young creatives face, that was hosted by two women.

HOSTED BY

Charli Prangley

@charliprangley

Creative Director at ConvertKit and YouTuber, Charli is passionate about side projects and helping creatives improve their craft and process.

Femke van Schoonhoven

@femkesvs

Design Lead at Gusto, Femke is a digital tinkerer who teaches product design on YouTube and is often sharing her learnings at conferences and events.

RECENT EPISODES

May 12, 2025
310: Going back to work after an extended break

Femke shares her experience returning to work after maternity leave.

April 28, 2025
309: Become a design manager or stay an IC? How to make the choice.

Femke and Charli talk about how to choose between pursuing the individual contributor (IC) path and a managerial career trajectory.

April 14, 2025
308: Making the jump from mid to senior

Femke and Charli talk about the shift in responsibilities when moving from mid-level to senior roles.

PODCAST REVIEWS

"Design Life is inspiring, motivating and thought-provoking. A must-listen for people in all stages of their creative careers!"

Hollie Arnett

@hollie_arnett

"I highly recommend this week’s episode of Design Life! Extremely relatable experiences with being overwhelmed, and solid advice."

Zach Grosser

@zachgrosser

"Loved the Design Life episode on confidence and the sentiment that it comes from experience not always skill - keep working, keep improving"

Ashley Robertson

@ashRobDesign

"Packed with quality conversation about the process of design and hurdles of the creative community. It has become part of my commute!"

Ryan de Metz

@ryandemetz

"Design Life is one of the highlights of my week. Recorded in a conversational style, the Podcast is full of insights, advice and topics on design. I love it!"

"Design Life is a breath of fresh air in this noisy market of design podcasts. Charli and Femke share past experiences, failures, and aspirations."

Brent Galloway

@brentgalloway