State of the Union

State of the Union is a podcast from the Creative Workers Union, created for designers, illustrators, and creative professionals who are tired of pretending everything’s fine.Hosted by Josh Horton—founder of Creative Workers Union—this show features honest, unfiltered conversations about the realities of creative work: the wins, the losses, the fear, the breakthroughs, and the moments that make it all worth it.No posturing. No highlight reels. Just real stories from people who show up, do the work, and still believe in the power of community.If you’ve ever felt burned out, stuck, overlooked, or on the edge of giving up, this podcast is for you. Let’s talk about what’s really going on—and how we move forward, together.

State of the Union is a arts podcast hosted by Josh Horton, with 15 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Josh Horton hosts State of the Union, a arts show with 15 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #14

  Episode 14: Gail Anderson

  Feb 16, 20261h 13mS1

  <p>In this episode, Josh Horton talks with designer, educator, and writer Gail Anderson about building a career that spans decades without losing curiosity or joy. From her early days at the School of Visual Arts to roles at Random House and The Boston Globe, through her influential run at Rolling Stone alongside legendary art director Fred Woodward, Gail’s path is a masterclass in staying committed to the work.</p><p></p><p>They discuss what real mentorship actually looks like, how strong creative teams pursue great ideas without ego, and why critique, storytelling, and collaboration still matter more th...

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  Episode #13

  Episode 13: Dan Lee

  Feb 9, 20261h 32mS1

  <p>In this episode, Josh Horton talks with designer and hand letterer Dan Lee, aka @dandrawnwords, about building a creative life that still looks and feels human. Dan’s work is full of the pencil lines, guides, and imperfections that prove a real person made it, and that honesty is the point.</p><p></p><p>They walk through Dan’s pivot from a chemical engineering degree and a “safe” path at Drexel, to a full-body panic about that future, to brute forcing his way into design and finding his voice through hand lettering. Dan shares how the online lettering communit...

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  Episode #12

  Episode 12: Tyler Deeb

  Feb 2, 20261h 21mS1

  <p>In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Tyler Deeb—designer, entrepreneur, and founder of Misc. Goods Co. From a 2012 Kickstarter deck of playing cards to a full-scale brand built on craft, honesty, and restraint, Tyler’s path is a real look at what it takes to build something that lasts.</p><p></p><p>They talk about how Tyler found design late, why self-initiated work mattered in the early internet era, and what happens when a creative gets forced into learning business in real time. Tyler shares the uncomfortable seasons too: taking a job he didn’t want for st...

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  Episode #11

  Episode 11: Cymone Wilder

  Jan 26, 20261h 27mS1

  <p>In this episode, Josh Horton talks with Cymone Wilder, designer and lettering artist behind Simon & Moose, about making work that speaks plainly and honestly in a moment that demands it.</p><p></p><p>They talk about navigating creative spaces that still feel exclusionary, why representation at conferences and events matters, and how access, ticket prices, and corporate decision-making quietly shape who gets to participate in creative culture. Cymone shares what it’s like to do politically charged work as a creative, why discomfort is often unavoidable, and how saying the hard thing clearly can be an act of ca...

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  Episode #11

  Episode 11: Cymone Wilder

  Jan 26, 202642 minS1

  <p>In this episode, Josh Horton talks with Cymone Wilder, designer and lettering artist behind Simon & Moose, about making work that speaks plainly and honestly in a moment that demands it.</p><p></p><p>They talk about navigating creative spaces that still feel exclusionary, why representation at conferences and events matters, and how access, ticket prices, and corporate decision-making quietly shape who gets to participate in creative culture. Cymone shares what it’s like to do politically charged work as a creative, why discomfort is often unavoidable, and how saying the hard thing clearly can be an act of ca...

  ListenShow Notes

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