Redefining the Designer’s Role with Ben Hernandez | The Fold

On this episode of The Fold, hosts Tony Sanchez and Anthony Armendariz are joined by Ben Hernandez. Ben shares his perspective on how designers can help drive real product elevation—not just polish—by collaborating more closely with product managers, whose evolving role now involves shaping vision and championing value across disciplines. Ben also shares his personal philosophy on self-advocacy. He introduces the idea of a “user manual for working with me,” offering practical advice to anyone aiming for smoother collaboration in creative settings. To watch the video version of this podcast, head over to our YouTube channel here ---- Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website. Web: www.funsize.co. |  Linkedin: Funsize Design  |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize 

This special Currents episode pulls the Funsize crew into one room for a candid, off-the-cuff 2025 debrief with host Tony Sanchez. Instead of a polished case study reel, you get the kind of hallway and happy‑hour conversations that rarely make it into public recaps. The team kicks things off with everyone’s Spotify “listening ages” using Wrapped as a jumping-off point. From there, they dig into Funsize’s &Friends division and how their flavor of staff augmentation really works in practice—being embedded with clients while still protecting the studio’s culture and craft. They share reflections on key projects without breaking NDAs, talk through what it was like to work more deeply with AI, and unpack the difference between living in abstract data sets versus actually testing physical products out in the world. Stay to the end to catch everyone’s wins and “yeehaws” from the year, plus the one word they chose to sum up 2025 and the word they are carrying into 2026.To watch the video version of this podcast, head over to our YouTube channel here----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Linkedin: Funsize Design  |  Instagram: @funsizeco

Out of Office heads to Iceland to hang out with designer, Alli Metall. A longtime friend of host Anthony Armendariz, Alli gets deep on this episode, sharing a window into his life outside of design, including how he spends time with his family and what everyday Icelandic life looks like when he’s not at a desk.​ Over drinks and Icelandic barbecue, Alli and Anthony discuss dream design projects, their secret ambitions to design craft beer cans, and why a design team is like a metal band. Tune in for a grounded, personal side of Alli that goes beyond portfolios and projects and into what really inspires him. To watch the video version of this podcast, head over to our YouTube channel hereCheck out Alli at the links below: Web: https://www.metall.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalldotco/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alli-metall-5a78a84b/ ----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Linkedin: Funsize Design  |  Instagram: @funsizeco

Meet Lydia Froncek: musician, singer, songwriter, and producer. In this episode, Lydia takes us from the origins of her first band with her twin sister Maddie, through rocking out in an all-girl band in 6th grade, to her life on the road.  Lydia shares how growing up with a family that made language-learning a priority, immersing herself in diverse cultures, and living in other countries has shaped her unique sound. Go behind the scenes as she reveals her creative songwriting process, the moments when songs just “appear” as her own, and why amplifying non-male voices—and having mentors—matters in today’s music industry.To watch the video version of this podcast, head over to our YouTube channel here----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Linkedin: Funsize Design  |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize Linkedin: Funsize Design

Join hosts Anthony and Tony as they welcome designer extraordinaire Zach McNair. In this episode, Zach opens up about how his process has evolved, the power of a supportive team, and how the future of collaboration is shifting as AI becomes more integrated into creative workflows.  Zach encourages teams to embrace AI instead of fearing it—after all, it’s here to stay and can be a powerful ally.To watch the video version of this podcast, head over to our YouTube channel here----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Linkedin: Funsize Design  |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize 

It's Designer Yappy Hour time. If you've ever felt like inheriting a messy design file is more like becoming a digital archaeologist or a professional organizer, you’re not alone. In this edition, Tony Sanchez, Anthony Armendariz, and Lindsay Rife dive deep into all things design, from uncovering hidden quirks in supposedly perfect files, thriving in inherited chaos, and the surprising connections between creativity, long-term thinking, and the ways we keep in touch.To watch the video version of this podcast, head over to our YouTube channel here----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Linkedin: Funsize Design  |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize Linkedin: Funsize Design

Tony and Esteban explore what it means to be a designer today—navigating shifting roles, evolving tools, and the tension between credibility and curiosity. It’s part reflection, part banter, and part therapy session for anyone trying to make sense of the ever-changing creative landscape. Expect honest takes, a few laughs, and some surprisingly deep thoughts sparked by everyday experiences.  To watch the video version of this podcast, head over to our YouTube channel here----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Linkedin: Funsize Design  |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize Linkedin: Funsize Design

What started as a little idea turned into something much much much bigger. The Big Little Print Show brought together 30 Austin-based artists to create original work around food, community, and justice, all in support of Urban Roots. This is a behind-the-scenes look at how the Funsize team and friends turned an idea into a sold out art show that raised over $10,000 for a good cause. Check out thebiglittleprintshow hereTo watch the video version of this podcast, head over to our YouTube channel here----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Linkedin: Funsize Design  |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize Linkedin: Funsize Design

Tony and Lee dive into what design really means: less about making things pretty and more about solving real problems and helping people connect. They talk creative frustration versus AI speed, why human quirks matter, and how diverse perspectives shape better work. Plus, a few laughs, some shared wisdom, and plans to keep the convo going.To watch the video version of this podcast, head over to our YouTube channel here----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Linkedin: Funsize Design  |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize Linkedin: Funsize Design

Tony, Anthony, and Brian have spent years in the trenches together, building products, solving tough problems, and growing as leaders who care deeply about people and craft. In this conversation, they unpack what it means to create moments of real delight for users and the teams behind the work. From early design sparks to final handoffs, it's a look at how trust, collaboration, and shared history can turn good ideas into unforgettable experiences.----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Linkedin: Funsize Design  |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize Linkedin: Funsize Design