The Design Of a Brand With Heart: Meet Ryan O'Neal of Sleeping At Last

It all started 10 years ago with our very first guest: Ryan O’Neal of Sleeping At Last. As we kick off Season 10, we circle back to where it began. In this episode, Ryan and I talk about the incredible evolution he’s had since that first conversation—from going on tour and performing live shows, to some of his favorite collaborations, including a Super Bowl commercial, work with Ryan Reynolds, and the ever-inspiring Kid President.

We also dig into his creative process—how he stays emotionally connected to his work, how he builds with intention, and why he believes in feeling over formulas. His approach is a reminder that how we create—and how we show up—matters. It’s a conversation that can inspire all of us to rethink how we approach what we do.

“Music is completely emotion-driven for me. If I don’t feel it, I can’t fake it. That’s why I keep writing—to stay close to that feeling.”

In this deeply reflective episode of Design Of, I sit down with musician, composer, and sonic storyteller Ryan O’Neal, best known as Sleeping At Last. With millions of listeners around the world and a body of work that’s as emotionally rich as it is expansive, Ryan shares how he intentionally designs not just music—but meaning.

We explore how Ryan’s creative process is rooted in emotion, curiosity, and the desire to stay connected to what truly moves him. From writing songs inspired by the Enneagram to scoring film and television, Ryan talks about chasing wonder, navigating vulnerability, and using music as a mirror for growth.

While Ryan is a musician, his approach offers powerful insights for anyone in business, branding, or leadership. His creative process models how to:

• Lead with emotional intelligence—understanding the power of empathy in connection

• Tell stories that resonate—by tapping into universal emotions and personal truths

• Build a brand with heart—that earns trust, loyalty, and long-term impact

• Design experiences that feel human—not just polished

If you're trying to inspire teams, connect with customers, or create more meaningful marketing—this episode will remind you why feeling is often more powerful than strategy alone.

About Ryan O'Neal / Sleeping At Last

Ryan O’Neal is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter and the creative force behind Sleeping At Last, a music project known for its introspective lyrics, cinematic soundscapes, and emotional depth. While his work has been featured in numerous films, series, and commercials, it’s his long-form creative projects that truly stand out.

His ongoing Atlas project is a sweeping musical exploration of what it means to be human—from the vastness of space and the stars, to the molecular wonder of atoms, to the unseen forces that connect us all. With each release, Ryan invites listeners into a poetic universe where science, story, and soul collide. Ryan’s music is a mirror, a map, and a reminder: that the tiniest details and the grandest questions are often part of the same design.