The podcast for UX writers and content designers
I couldn’t find the podcast I wanted to hear: one that took content design seriously. I wanted real, honest conversations with the best UX writers and content designers in the industry. So I started one.
Writers of Silicon Valley is a podcast about the craft of content design UX writing, the realities of content strategy, and what it’s like to build products with words. I talk to content folks from companies Google, Spotify, Atlassian, and more about their work, their thinking, and how they’re shaping the role of content in tech.
(And don’t let the name fool you…I speak to people all over the world.)
If you're looking for a content design and UX writing podcast that gets into the details and doesn’t treat content like an afterthought, then you’re in the right place.
🎧 Start listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, subscribe on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Hello! I’m Patrick Stafford, creator and host of Writers of Silicon Valley. I’m the co-founder and CEO of the UX Content Collective, the leading education and training provider for UX writers and content designers. Previously I was the Lead Digital Copywriter for MYOB, and worked as a content strategy consultant.
Latest episodes
The job market for content designers hasn’t been easy—and it’s even harder when you're trying to break into the field for the first time. But if there’s anyone who knows how to stay resilient through the process, it’s Casey Webb.
It’s easy (and often correct) to blame external factors for why content design doesn’t get the respect it deserves. But what if some of our biggest challenges are ones we’ve created ourselves?
If you’ve ever struggled with defending your work or felt sidelined in design discussions, this episode will give you the tools to communicate your decisions clearly and build credibility.
UX writing is still a young discipline in India, but it’s growing—fast. In this episode, Sidika Sehgal shares what’s happening on the ground: the demand for UX writers, why hiring is so challenging, and how localization is reshaping product experiences in one of the world’s most diverse markets.
Getting laid off is tough—but for content designers on work visas, it can feel like everything is on the line. When Cara Lam lost her job at Instagram during the wave of tech layoffs, she had just 60 days to figure out her next move or leave the country.
Yvonne Xiao has worked at companies like Microsoft and Uber, navigating the highs and lows of content design in fast-paced environments. But instead of letting burnout define her career, she’s figured out how to manage it.
Content design has some growing up to do. Whether it's the things we talk about at conferences, or even the aspects of our job that we *think* are important (but really aren't), we need to see some change.
If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by terrible help center content, you’re not alone. Most of it sucks. But why? That’s why I’m excited to share this conversation with Maring Eberlein. Maring is a support content expert with a deep understanding of what makes help centers effective — and what makes them fail.
Canva is a true (Aussie) tech success story, and the content design practice there is no small reason why. One of the people leading that practice is Sally, Head of Content Design.
Which is more important, content or the product? Scott Kubie and I have a friendly debate about how, when, and where content designers should consider the bigger picture.
If you’re curious about how to stay grounded in your work, navigate high-pressure environments, or just want to hear some practical advice on building a successful content strategy career, this episode is a must-listen.
Vidhika Bansal shares her journey from studying pre-med to finding her passion for human-centered design, explaining how her love for poetry and small details fuels her content strategy work today.