Dan Rubinstein

Design journalist Dan Rubinstein introduces listeners to the leading tastemakers of the creative world, from master chefs to experimental architects. Join Dan on a virtual journey through the worlds of fashion, interior design, art, food, and travel—all the elements of a well-lived life. Find all The Grand Tourist episodes here and more about TGT, here.

When and why did you start The Grand Tourist?
It began during the pandemic when I wanted to connect directly with those that I admired in the worlds of art, design, and travel in a new and refreshing way. Midway through the production on that first, experimental season, the magazine I was working at closed abruptly. But after I released those first episodes, I knew that it had potential to grow, and it did. I’m incredibly fortunate.

You have a storied history in magazine publishing. Why did you decide to switch to podcasts rather than another format?
For me, I wanted to create something that would be an antidote to what passes for most art and design coverage today: quick, ephemeral, and mostly homogenized stories, especially in design. Everyone knows the world of Kelly Wearstler, but have we ever had the opportunity to sit down with her and hear from her own mouth speak about how she got to create her first hotel? Or hear from Axel Vervoordt about how his most groundbreaking gallery shows were conceived? I also just loved the mystery and intimate quality of audio that I felt wasn’t fully explored in the visual world.

How is the podcast different than other design/lifestyle podcasts out there?
While there are many podcasts, I don’t think there are many that are that similar to mine. Each episode is nearly an hour long, and we take great pride in the editorial quality of the interviews. The overall production quality of the show is really important to me, and to my sponsors. And it’s unique to me! Most podcasts only focus on one thing, but The Grand Tourist is really more than that. I love that in one episode I’m interviewing the captain of a cruise ship on the way to Antarctica, and the next I’m talking to chef Eric Ripert about how to cook the perfect fish.

Which interviewee surprised you the most. Why?
I’ve done more than 100 episodes, so it’s hard to say. What’s surprising to me the most after all this time is that when you interview highly successful and creative tastemakers, you realize that they have more in common than you realize. There’s a certain outlook on life that they all share, whether it’s a Michelin-starred chef, an award-winning architect, or a respected interior designer. You could invite all of them to a single dinner party and they’d all get along quite well.

What have been some of your most memorable moments on the podcast?
Two of them revolve around food. I had the honor of interviewing style and philanthropy legend Deeda Blair at her home, in part to talk about her cookbook from Rizzoli. But before the interview she made me lunch and it was just the two of us (with staff, of course). Let’s just say I was sweating bullets about holding my fork the correct way. The other moment was when I interviewed Gabriel Hendifar, the cofounder and director of the brand Apparatus, at his home, structured around a meal where each course we shared corresponded to a different phase in his life. Not only was the chat a lot of fun and inspiring, but the food was incredible, too. Oh, and my special episodes on Vienna or my trip Antarctica were both lifechanging.

You have a free newsletter, The Grand Tourist Curator. How does that – and what it covers – fit in with the podcast?
The Curator contains original content that’s not related to the podcast, but expands the world of The Grand Tourist. I do dozens of episodes a year, but there’s always more to explore and talk about. So this newsletter helps my listeners expand their understanding of various topics, but also keeps them up to date on events, art and design openings around the globe, and more. It’s been growing in leaps and bounds.

How many episodes of TGT remain in this season and/or when will the next season begin?
As I write this (June 2024), I’m in the middle of the 10^th season, and the next one begins September 18^th. But the great thing about podcasts is that the entire archive is available online at the touch of a button. I do about 10–12 episodes per season.

Who are some of the guests that will appear?
It’s always a surprise! But next week is the design gallerist legend Murray Moss, who was the biggest influencer the industry ever saw before we even had a word for it. After that is UK-based interior designer Martin Brudnizki, who I think is responsible for creating the look of luxury for this decade of hospitality more than anyone. And he’s the most charming chap you’ll ever meet.

How did you meet your illustrator, Zebedee Helm?
I met the incredibly talented Zebedee ages ago, at least 10 years ago, through my friend and former director of Design Miami, Ambra Medda. We stayed in touch now and again, and when it came time to switch to a new illustrator, I knew he would be perfect. His illustrations bring a sense of humor and charm to a world that’s sometimes much more colorful and humanistic than we give it credit for.

And is there anything else in the works that you might share?
This fall is going to be massive for us, so I’d ask any fan to sign up for the newsletter on our site to stay in touch. We’re planning some of our first-ever ticketed events, and launching lots of other new initiatives. And we’re making big plans for 2025, which I can’t really talk about yet, but I promise will be a real surprise. One of the great things about this new platform is that I can take it in any direction I want, and let’s just say that The Grand Tourist has … a lot of ideas.