Episode 79: Clutter-Free Life – Transform Your Space, Transform Your Mindset with Helen Sanderson In today’s episode of The McClain Method Podcast , we’re diving into the powerful connection between your home environment and mental wellness. I’m joined by Helen Sanderson , the UK’s leading expert on the psychology of clutter and the author of The Secret Life of Clutter . Helen is here to show us how to clear the physical clutter in our spaces—and how doing so can lead to a clearer, more intentio...
Aug 15, 2025•55 min
Episode 78: How Instagram’s Search Engine Update Can Help You Get Found and Grow Your Business Hey y’all, welcome back to The McClain Method Podcast ! Today, I’m bringing you some amazing information from my YouTube channel and adapting it for the podcast. If you haven’t subscribed to my YouTube yet, check out https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn for more content with visuals! In today’s episode, we’re diving into a game-changing shift happening on Instagram: it’s becoming a search engine . Inst...
Aug 01, 2025•30 min
What do interior designers, creatives, and wellness founders have in common? Most of them hate selling—but still need to do it daily. In this episode, John sits down with Christopher Francis, engineer-turned-entrepreneur and founder of Home Plunge, the world’s first cold plunge designed for your home bathtub. Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs and his own experience bridging product design with human connection, Christopher shares how to sell without being pushy, pitchy, or fake. Inside this co...
Jul 18, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 77
76: You’re Not Lazy—You’re Exhausted: Rethinking Productivity and Self-Worth 📝 Episode Description / Show Notes: What if the real problem isn’t your motivation, your to-do list, or your morning routine? What if you’re not lazy—you’re exhausted ? In this powerful conversation, John McClain sits down with wellness expert and founder of bnourished, Katie McDonald , to challenge everything we’ve been taught about productivity, hustle culture, and tying our worth to output. 👂 In this episode: How s...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min
ACCESS MY FREE 5 PART PODCAST SERIES COURSE HERE! " 5 Things I Would Do Differently I Were Starting My Design Business Today" https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/free-podcast-series Episode 75: The Power of Your Voice: Storytelling in the Age of AI with Jude Charles In a world of AI-generated content and generic captions, how do you make your brand actually stand out ? In this powerful episode, John is joined once again by storytelling expert and filmmaker Jude Charles for a heartfelt, thought-provo...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 75
Episode Summary: If your Instagram posts feel like they’re disappearing into the void lately—you’re not imagining it. In this episode, I’m breaking down the just-revealed 2025 changes to Instagram’s algorithm and content strategy, based on a brand-new interview with Instagram Head Adam Mosseri on the Build Your Tribe podcast with Brock Johnson. From why hashtags aren’t helping anymore, to why Reels still matter (but only if you do this ), to how Lives have lost their edge—this is your updated pl...
Jun 18, 2025•17 min•Season 2Ep. 74
🎙️ Episode 73 — How Breegan Jane Built a Bold Design Brand—and Landed 13 HGTV Shows In This Episode: If you’re an interior designer dreaming of being on television, this episode is your roadmap. John McClain sits down with HGTV star, product designer, author, and branding powerhouse Breegan Jane for an unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to get noticed by TV networks—and how building a bold, authentic brand is the key to long-term success. Breegan shares how she: Built a strong d...
Jun 08, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 73
🎙️ Luxury Clients Aren’t Booking You—Because You Look Budget 📌 Episode Summary: You say you want luxury clients… but does your brand actually look the part? In this bold and necessary solo episode, John McClain pulls back the curtain on why so many talented interior designers are struggling to attract high-end projects. Spoiler: it’s not your portfolio—it’s your presentation. From outdated websites and inconsistent posting to visuals that send mixed messages, John dives into the top self-sabot...
May 31, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 72
71: Exploring Color and Creativity: 3 Specific Strategies from Meredith Heron In this episode of the McClain Method Podcast, host John McClain speaks with Canadian design powerhouse Meredith Heron. They discuss the importance of dealing with decision-makers, aligning values in business relationships, diversifying ventures, and staying true to passion and creativity. Meredith shares insights from her journey from working at Home Depot to becoming a TV host and launching a bespoke rug collection. ...
May 26, 2025•54 min•Season 2Ep. 71
In episode 70 of The McClain Method Podcast, host John McClain continues his insightful conversation with Luann Nigara, a leading figure in the interior design industry. They delve into key aspects of running a successful design business, including mindset, pricing, and branding strategies. Luann shares her journey, emphasizes the importance of being unapologetically yourself, and discusses the value of professional guidance. They also address common industry challenges such as client objections...
May 17, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 70
The McClain Method Podcast Episode 69: Get Out of Your Own Way: Lessons from LuAnn Nigara In this episode of The McClain Method Podcast, host John McClain welcomes LuAnn Nigara, a pioneer in the interior design business world. They discuss LuAnn's journey from helping her husband start Window Works to becoming a celebrated media personality with her podcast 'A Well-Designed Business.' LuAnn shares how she identified the need for business education among designers, her strategies for launching an...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 69
🎙️ Episode 68 is here, y’all! Say hello to the very first episode of the newly rebranded McClain Method Podcast — and let me just say… she’s bold, she’s brilliant, and she’s ready to take center stage. 💁♂️✨ In this kickoff episode, I’m pulling back the velvet curtain on why I rebranded the podcast, what The McClain Method really means, and how YOU can stop playing small and start building the visible, profitable, soul-aligned business you actually want. We’re talking: 💫 Why your “backstage” ...
Apr 25, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 68
67: How to Create a Dream Team and Streamline Your Design Processes with Jessica Harling In episode 67 of The Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain sits down with Jessica Harling, founder of Behind the Design, to discuss the essentials of building a successful design team. They explore strategies for defining core values, setting realistic goals, and hiring the right talent. Jessica shares her expertise on the importance of a solid onboarding process, managing company culture, and establish...
Apr 04, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 67
66: LIVE FROM KBIS! The Future of Luxury Baths: Tech Advances & Entrepreneurial Lessons with BainUltra. In this special live edition of the Designer Within Podcast recorded from the floor of KBIS 2025 in Las Vegas, host John McClain welcomes Jean-Michel LeBeau and Kim Frechette from Bain Ultra. Together, they discuss the fearless entrepreneurial spirit and innovation driving Bain Ultra’s focus on wellness through luxury bath products. Learn about the importance of storytelling in design, the...
Mar 21, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 66
Welcome to Episode 65 of The McClain Method Podcast, where host John McClain explores the intersection of creativity and intentional design in home and life. This episode features special guest Barb Davids, a digital marketing and SEO expert from Compass Digital Strategy, who breaks down SEO in an easily understandable format for interior designers and other creatives. Barb discusses the importance of blogging for SEO, optimizing website images, the role of Google Business Profile, and basic tip...
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 65
In this episode of The Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain chats with Mina Duque from Duke Renders about the significant impact photorealistic renderings can have on an interior design business. They delve into Mina's journey from handling her design business to heading client success at Duke Renders and discuss the external support and benefits that outsourcing renderings can bring to designers. They cover how renderings can speed up project approvals, enhance client presentations, and e...
Feb 21, 2025•49 min•Season 2Ep. 64
In episode 63 of The Designer Within Podcast, recorded LIVE as he walks the streets of ever-inspiring Italy, host John McClain shares his transformative experiences from a trade show in Verona to the picturesque streets of Florence, and finally, the bustling city of Milan on a solo soul finding trip through Italy. John reflects on much-needed inspiration and offers insights on refueling creativity, maintaining originality, and setting realistic expectations in the business world. Key lessons inc...
Feb 11, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 63
In episode 62 of The Designer Within Podcast, hosted by John McClain, we delve into the world of brand collaborations and PR strategies. John chats with Jocelyn Hutt, a seasoned marketing and PR expert, about effective brand partnerships, storytelling in design projects, and the importance of both regional and national PR. Jocelyn shares invaluable tips for designers and creatives on how to elevate their projects and visibility, emphasizing the importance of high-quality photography, detailed pr...
Jan 25, 2025•58 min•Season 2Ep. 62
The Designer Within Podcast Episode 61: How to Create A True Client-Centric Design with Michael Mitchell In this episode of the Designer Within podcast, host John McClain discusses the art of creating client-centric designs with Michael Mitchell. They explore Michael's approach to blending diverse styles, his extensive sourcing trips, and the importance of understanding clients' unique stories. Michael shares insights on managing client expectations, the power of intentional mix-and-match decor,...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 61
Designing Your Best Year: Embracing Purpose, Progress, and Peace in 2025 In this episode of the Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain explores the crucial difference between being busy and being productive. He introduces the concept of aligning tasks with one's goals through a decision filter focusing on purpose, progress, and peace. John explains the revamped podcast format, which will now cater to interior designers, homeowners, and general listeners, offering insights for improving both ...
Jan 04, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 60
In Episode 59 of the Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain continues his insightful conversation with Sarah Lynn Brennan. They delve deeper into the creation and ongoing success of Sarah's design showroom, 'All Things Home,' located in North Carolina. Sarah shares the unplanned journey of opening her showroom, how strategic partnerships played a vital role in its development, and the innovative business model designed to make luxury design accessible. The discussion also covers practical ad...
Dec 13, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 59
In this episode of the 'Designer Within' podcast, John McClain interviews Sara Lynn Brennan, a successful interior designer who transitioned from being a middle and high school science teacher to running her own multi-million dollar design business. Sara shares her early business mistakes and emphasizes the importance of establishing structured processes and having hard conversations with clients. She discusses her journey from DIY projects to handling large-scale renovations, the evolution of i...
Dec 06, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 58
In this episode of The Designer Within podcast, host John McClain chats with Leonardo Ledesma, founder of Art Seen, an art advisory and curatorial service based in Los Angeles. Leonardo shares his journey from studying architecture to creating a successful art advisory firm that caters to designers, architects, and collectors. They discuss the organic growth of Art Seen, the importance of engaging and personalized client relationships, the role of technology in the art business, and the evolving...
Nov 16, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 57
In episode 56 of the Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain interviews acclaimed interior designer Jennifer Stoner. Jennifer shares her journey from practicing law to becoming a renowned designer with 24 years of experience. She discusses the importance of continuous education, networking, and building trust with clients. Jennifer also reveals her innovative use of QR codes for project management and her post-project concierge services aimed at sustaining client relationships. Tune in for ac...
Nov 02, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 56
In this episode of The Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain and interior designer Christina Richardson delve into the critical aspects of contracts and negotiations crucial for a successful design business. Christina shares her unique transition from mining to design and how her diverse background empowers her practice. They explore the importance of clear contracts covering scope, price, and liabilities, strategies to avoid scope creep, and effective negotiation techniques. Key highlights...
Oct 19, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 55
In this episode of 'The Designer Within' podcast, host John McClain discusses sustainable practices in interior design with Carter Averbeck of Omforme Design. Carter shares his journey to sustainability, how the industry has evolved, and practical steps for integrating eco-friendly practices into design businesses. He emphasizes transparency with clients, the growing demand from younger generations, and the innovative use of secondary markets. The conversation also touches on the importance of h...
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 54
Balancing Business and Life: Lessons Learned as an Interior Designer Season 2, Episode 53 In this episode of 'The Designer Within' podcast, host John McClain welcomes listeners back for the second season. John discusses the importance of evaluating the profitability and time commitment of projects. He shares personal reflections on taking a summer break to recharge and cope with the loss of his dog Jax. John emphasizes the necessity of slowing down to avoid burnout, setting personal deliverables...
Sep 20, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 53
How to Fully Craft Your Client Journey: Part 2 with Brittany Farinas In the concluding episode of Season 1, John McClain celebrates the one-year anniversary of 'The Designer Within' podcast and shares exciting plans for Season 2. John then dives into part two of his insightful interview with Brittany Farinas. Brittany emphasizes the importance of maintaining direct client communication, effective project intake processes, client expectation management, and the integration of custom furniture. Th...
Jul 17, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 52
In this engaging episode (Part 1 of 2) of the Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain welcomes Brittany Farinas, CEO, and Creative Director of House of One, to discuss her journey in the interior design world. Together, they delve into Brittany's early career challenges, the importance of professional branding, and key business strategies that have propelled her to success. Highlights include insights into Brittany's investment in PR, the dual role of personal and professional life in her bra...
Jul 10, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Can the words you choose truly shape your business success? Discover the transformative power of language in our 50th milestone episode of the Designer Within Podcast. I'll unveil how the words you use can either build bridges or create barriers in your professional relationships. Learn how to replace phrases like "cheap" and "budget" with more positive alternatives such as "less expensive" and "investment expectations" to foster confidence and professionalism. This episode is packed with insigh...
Jun 26, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 50
