Shows
Cool Ass People PodcastAaron Prinz: Host of DesignED Podcast and the Journey from Stand-Up Comedy to Architecture#35: Today, we’re diving into the world of architecture podcasts with someone who’s been paving the way for years—Aaron Prinz. Aaron is the host of DesignED, a podcast by Architectural Record, where he interviews some of the most influential voices in architecture and design.But Aaron’s journey into architecture wasn’t exactly a straight path. From doing stand-up comedy in small-town California to booking shows in historic venues, he’s always had an eye for creative storytelling. It was this unconventional background that shaped his approach to podcasting—treating it like booking comedians, taking risks, and col...2025-03-0456 minCool Ass People PodcastBrent Hruska on Weightlifting for Women: Health, Hormones & Strength at Any Age#34: Today we’re joined by Brent Hruska, who is an entrepreneur, podcast host, and a strength trainer who specializes in training women.Brent has been coaching for 20 years, and in this episode, we talk about why weightlifting is a game-changer—not just for looking strong but for feeling strong. I’m so glad we have Brent today to discuss this topic and talk about how lifting helps with body composition, staying lean, even how it effects our hormones and why it’s never too late to start, even if you’re over 50. So If you’ve ever felt...2025-02-181h 02Cool Ass People PodcastTabria Williford: Advocating for Change Through Art and Nature#33: Join us as we sit down with Tabria Williford, a self-taught designer, artist, and nature enthusiast based in Austin, TX. With a background in Visual Arts, Communications, and Entrepreneurship, and a stint as a collegiate soccer player at Duke University, Tabria’s creative journey is as dynamic as her adventurous spirit.
In this episode, we explore how her love for national parks inspires her art and fuels her advocacy. From tackling inequality in outdoor spaces to addressing environmental racism, climate change, and inclusivity, Tabria shares how her brand is making a powerful impact. Don’t miss this thou...2025-01-211h 06Cool Ass People PodcastAmber Crowley on Her Fitness Journey, Overcoming, Rebuilding, Competing#32: Happy News years to you and I hope everyone had an amazing holiday.
Our first guest of the year, Amber Crowley, is a fitness model, coach, and an incredible force of inspiration. She opens up about her transformative journey, from battling self-doubt and navigating personal loss to embracing fitness as a powerful tool for change.
Life doesn’t always hand us easy cards to play, and Amber is living proof that even in the toughest moments, you can rise above it all, she knows what it means to start from nothing.
From navigating pe...2025-01-071h 14Cool Ass People PodcastFrom Architect to Belly Dancer – Nailah Noor’s Journey of Transformation, Resilience, and Empowerment#31: This is part two with Nailah, and if you haven’t listened to part one go back to episode #3 and listen to it,
She talked with Brannon on that episode in depth about her background and juggling being an architect in the day and a belly dancer at night.
However, on today’s episode Nailah opens up about her big transition from leaving the world of architecture to solely focus on the art of belly dance. She talks about finding her true calling, reconnecting with her body, and overcoming challenges as she transitioned into a care...2024-12-101h 07Cool Ass People PodcastEthan Ramirez On Redefining Creativity Through Tiny Homes, Art, and Design#30: Today, we're thrilled to introduce Ethan — a true multidisciplinary artist and builder. Ethan is an interior designer, a university instructor, and an artist whose talents span painting and digital art. But that's not all — Ethan’s passion for innovative living led him to design and construct tiny homes, crafting spaces that blend minimalism, creativity, and functionality.
Join us as Ethan shares his journey of trial, error, and triumph — from his first tiny home experiments to balancing technical design with artistic expression. This episode dives into the power of learning by doing, the intersection of architecture and interiors, and the...2024-11-261h 21Cool Ass People PodcastNick Woodall On Becoming a Fine Art Printmaker, Welder, And Metal Fabricator#29: We’re excited to introduce Nick Woodall, a talented welder, printmaker, and artist. Nick’s journey is one of constant reinvention and hands-on creation, from his initial days in architecture school to now owning a well-equipped workshop where he gives new life to old materials. He shares how he started by repurposing and transforming discarded items, Nick soon transitioned to larger and more intricate projects, gaining a following for his unique style and commitment to craftsmanship.
We dive deep into Nick's background and what it’s taken to build his art practice, one machine at a time. He exp...2024-11-121h 01Cool Ass People PodcastFirst Solo Episode: Egypt Edition!#28: Brannon and Yusra here!
In this solo episode, we’re diving into our unforgettable trip to Egypt! We asked for your questions, and you guys delivered with some amazing ones. We’ll be talking about cultural norms in Egypt that are different from those in the U.S., our top tips and recommendations for anyone visiting Egypt for the first time, and what advice we’d give to future travelers. Plus, we’ll share our favorite foods from the trip and so much more! Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious about the experience, tune in for all...2024-10-081h 10Cool Ass People PodcastJake Gatewood: House DJ, Music producer, and Founder of Take a Break Fest#27:
We were pumped to get the opportunity to interview a true innovator from Dallas – Jake Gatewood. Jake is one of the visionaries behind “Take a Break Fest” where he uses his passion for disco house and sweaty dance floors to create the ultimate space for people to unwind and literally take a break from everyday life.
Jake’s musical journey started early, growing up surrounded by sound and rhythm. From life on the road as a kid to mixing beats across genres for various rappers, he eventually found his groove in creating a unique blend of hybrid...2024-09-0357 minCool Ass People PodcastFrom Easy-Bake to Kassy Cakes, Kassandra Schroder’s Journey On Becoming a Cake Designer#26: From a young age, Kassandra knew she was destined to be a creator of some kind! What started as a childhood hobby with an Easy-Bake Oven quickly grew into a full-blown passion for baking and design. Moving from Dallas to the town of Kyle, Texas, Kass took a leap of faith and turned her passion into a thriving business, Kassy Cakes. Known for her intricate and unique cake designs, Kassandra has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many, building a dedicated following along the way.
Today, we get to dissect some of her early influences, the...2024-08-2039 minCool Ass People PodcastDanielle Price (Pt.2) on Allergy Awareness, How To Bet On Yourself and Become Your Own Boss#25: Brannon Heake is joined by Austin, TX content creator Danielle Price. Danielle was our first ever guest on the show and we couldn’t think of anyone else we would want to do our one year episode with! In this episode, we reflect on some of the wild moments along with the crazy growth that got us to this point. Danielle updates us on the podcast she recently launched, how that was successful enough to now become her main focus, and all the different ways raising allergy awareness has affected her life and others around her!
If...2024-08-061h 18Cool Ass People PodcastDouglas Galloway: Journey of Art, Resilience, and Spirituality#24: We are joined today by the artist Douglas Galloway as he walks us through his artistic journey, breaking down the moments that created the narratives behind each of his stunning pieces.
He’s an amazing storyteller and it shows in the details and interpretations of how he observes life through his lens and his loved ones around him. Tune in as he talks about the amazing feeling of becoming successful, then to have it all taken away by something that is completely out of his control, just to come back and rebuild better and stronger.
We...2024-07-231h 14Cool Ass People PodcastKelly Ann Shuman on Starting Her Skin Care Brand, Moving To A New Country, Fashion, Creativity, And Persistence#23: Joining us is Kelly Ann Shuman, an entrepreneur originally from the Netherlands who made a bold move to the U.S. to pursue her dreams. Prepare to feel inspired as she discusses the intense process of going from scrubbing Airbnbs to becoming the proud owner of Rebel June, a thriving skincare company that caters specifically to tattoo enthusiasts. We also talk about Kelly’s tattoos and how each piece of ink tells a part of her journey. They vary in meaning and depth as we discuss the fun nature of her tattoos, and how they are a good reminder th...2024-07-091h 06Cool Ass People PodcastFrom Passion to Drag Performance: Jerrett Ervin on Authenticity, Uniqueness, and Goal-Setting#22: Join us in this episode as I sit down with Jerrett Ervin, also known as Rocky Tacoma, to explore what it takes to thrive in the drag world. From event planning to performing, prepare to be inspired as Jerrett shares his journey of self-exploration through drag, offering a roadmap to becoming a successful performer that transcends into everyday life.
Jerrett breaks down three essential steps:
Be Your Genuine Self: Always strive to be authentic and cultivate your true self in any space.
Capitalize on Your Uniqueness: Understand that we are all a product...2024-06-251h 03Cool Ass People PodcastJenna Herrington a Brand Specialist, House DJ, and Former Barber/Hairstylist On Branding, The Art of Pivoting, And The Importance of Adaptability#21: We sat down with brand specialist and hairstylist Jenna Herrington to break down her incredible journey. Jenna shares how she transitioned from being a hairstylist and barber during the week to becoming a House DJ on the weekends and eventually evolving into a successful brand consultant. She discusses the art of pivoting, highlighting the diverse chapters of her life that have shaped her current career.
Jenna's story is a testament to the power of versatility and resilience. As a hairstylist and barber, she honed her skills in personal branding and customer service, building a loyal clientele. Her w...2024-05-281h 28Cool Ass People PodcastDave Escamilla, Music Producer and Vocalist on How To Develop Your Own Sound, Trust Your Intuition, and Build The Right Team To Make It In The Music Industry#20: On this episode we sit down with Dave Escamilla, a songwriter, music producer, and vocalist for the band Stray View
If you’ve ever been curious to get a peak behind the curtains of what it takes to be a vocalist and music producer you won’t want to miss this episode! Dave discusses in depth navigating the wild music industry and the pressures that come with it. From tours around the world to the pursuit of creating the most authentic sound, tune in as we dissect the experiments and experiences that got Dave to where he is to...2024-05-101h 20Cool Ass People PodcastTattoo Artist Christopher Hedlund on What It Takes To Hone Your Craft, Build A Solid Design Process, and Develop A Unique Style#19: On this episode, Chris and I talked about his journey as a tattoo artist, tracing his growth from experimenting with various styles to specializing in realism. Initially drawn to near-traditional styles with heavy outlines and basic concepts, his artistic direction gradually shifted towards realism as he delved deeper into his craft. He highlights the scarcity of colors available in earlier years, contrasting it with the abundance of options today, which facilitates his realism work.
With dedication to detail, Chris now commits himself to larger pieces, often spanning multiple sessions, sometimes being over 8 hours at once. He explains...2024-04-231h 11Cool Ass People PodcastArchitect, Author, and Content Creator Ayesha Erkin's Journey to Empowerment, Identity, and Global Impact#18: On this episode, we look through the lens of Ayesha Erkin on how to focus on your roots to find and brand yourself. Ayesha is a mosaic of different cultures and experiences all coming together to form the example of what a powerful woman and leader can look like. She discusses the art of pivoting and not letting society put her in a box.
Her background in architecture created the foundation of her work to stem from, branching off into other industries like food, fashion, and community outreach around the world. She recently released a recipe book ca...2024-04-091h 12Cool Ass People PodcastMichael Moore on How To Become a Successful Visual Artist While Navigating the Wild World of the Music Industry#17: Michael Moore is a visual artist who breathes life into concerts and events through his craft. From his roots in drumming to his evolution into a lighting expert, Michael emphasizes that it's not a skill acquired overnight but born out of genuine passion and dedication. He shares his experience navigating the realms of lighting, video, and effects, all under the broad umbrella of his creative expression.
From working with artists like Seven Lions and Janet Jackson to Peso Pluma and Subtronics to all types of EDM festivals, we'll break down the design process, the behind-the-scenes chaos, and...2024-03-261h 01Cool Ass People PodcastDesigning Memories: Interior Designer Melanie Hanna's Journey Through Space and Emotion#16: Melanie Hanna, an interior design guru with a heart full of nostalgia, a passion for storytelling, and a knack for creating unforgettable experiences. From childhood memories under her dad's drafting table to designing spaces that evoke emotion, Melanie's journey is a blend of inspiration and innovation. Dive into her world where biophilic design meets the art of collaboration, and technology drives seamless connectivity. Discover how she transforms visions into reality and embraces the power of teamwork in crafting meaningful spaces.
Things we talked about:
Influential Family Roots: Melanie's childhood spent playing under her father's drafting...2024-03-121h 05Cool Ass People PodcastCatalina Nguyen's Journey from Bodybuilding Champ to a Registered Nurse to Austin's Favorite Food Blogger#15: Meet Catalina Nguyen this week on Cool Ass People Podcast. Catalina is not just Austin’s go-to food enthusiast, but also a registered nurse in a non-profit organization. We break down how she came from a family with a single mother and six siblings, and leveraged the lessons from having to help raise her siblings to become a registered nurse who helps underprivileged women and their babies transition to motherhood. We also break down her fitness journey, from teaching herself to do the splits at the age of 8, to winning first place in her first bodybuilding competition. While she's re...2024-02-061h 19Cool Ass People PodcastArtist Ella Nilsson Shares Insights on Sustaining Creative Momentum While Staying True to Your Artistic Style#14: Join me in this engaging episode featuring Ella Nilsson, a local Austin artist, studio owner, and skilled handywoman. Gain exclusive insights into the dynamic life of a successful artist and studio owner who fearlessly embraces both the artistry and craftsmanship realms. Explore the challenges of cultivating an artistic style that resonates with the public while remaining authentically true to Ella's original vision. Get ready to be inspired as she shares her process and unwavering passion for hands-on work that transcends traditional canvases. Brace yourself for laughter as we embark on hilarious tangents that will leave you chuckling long after...2024-01-2356 minCool Ass People PodcastDora Zeneth Reynosa on the Connection Between Art and Spiritual Awareness#13: This week on Cool Ass People, we interview Dora Zeneth Reynosa, a badass Mexican Artist that is now a Dallas Resident making big waves in the art scene. In this episode, we discuss the connection between art and having spiritual awareness. Art is considered one of the ultimate forms of expression and with that comes the crazy journey to declare yourself an artist. Dora's insightful first-hand description helped me understand a little of what goes into being a successful artist, along with the importance of a solid support system.
More from Dora: Instagram:
Dora Zeneth Reynosa 👁🎨 (@byzeneth) • Instagra...2024-01-091h 06Cool Ass People PodcastCulinary Chronicles: Erik's 20-Year Journey from Cook to Kitchen Operations Leader#12: In this interview, we take a deep dive into the career of an individual who started as a cook, worked their way through prep cooking, and ended up leading kitchen operations for twenty years. What makes his story truly extraordinary is how he fuses his collective experiences in life into his cuisine.
Join us as we explore his culinary journey where he got a chance to encounter a mentor at La Madeline, and the pivotal decision to embark on a journey to culinary school. From mastering the basics and delving into the history of cuisine, Erik’s pas...2024-01-0932 minCool Ass People PodcastEmily Vazquez On Intuitive Eating, Intermittent Fasting, Listening to your body, and Healing your relationship with food#11 Today, we’re sitting down with Emily Vazquez, a licensed intuitive eating dietician who takes us back to the basics of nourishing your body and listening to the physical signs rather than being obsessed with caloric intake and restrictive diets. She specializes in female anatomy and the effects your diet can have on your hormones and psychological well-being. Emily understands that health goes beyond numbers on a scale, and instead focuses on how to find a balanced relationship with food and embracing the signals our bodies send us.
Listen in as we talk about her inspirational journey from starting her Yo...2023-11-2828 minCool Ass People PodcastThalia M LeBlanc on Managing PCOS, Brand Building, and How to Execute Your Vision, and Showing Up To Yourself.#10 Thalia and I discuss the careful consideration and self-awareness it takes to market yourself as your brand. By defining your personal values, strengths, and unique qualities you can start to foster a true community and tap into your full potential.
Thalia has established a tight-knit community, by embracing her authenticity and transparency as core elements of her personal brand. We discuss how these qualities are often key to building strong and genuine connections with others that will often open up other doors in life.
We also touch on when other doors in life close, and ho...2023-11-141h 02Cool Ass People PodcastTerry J Henry On How to Make Changes That Massively Impact Your Life, Regulate Stress, Manage Inflammation, and Optimal Health Routines#9 Terry J Henry @terrysjustlivin is a Senior Field Engineer and Drone Pilot from Austin, TX. While his days are often filled with the exhilaration of drone flights and meticulous building and pier coordination for the Beck Group @beckgroup, Terry passionately explores the delicate art of self-care. He's dedicated to striking a harmonious balance between his demanding technical career and his own well-being.
Listen in as we dive into two completely different worlds discussing some of the cutting-edge technology in both architecture and self-care.
We also walk you through some simple tips and tricks to implement in your daily life to...2023-10-3159 minCool Ass People PodcastPrarthan Shah (PK) – The Architect, Tart Extraordinaire, and BEST FRIEND!#8: Owner of Mithaas @mithaas_pk, Prarthan shares his wisdom on pursuing your passions while staying true to your roots. Join us for a deep dive into embracing intuition, starting with simple steps that evolve into masterful creations.
What sets PK apart? He effortlessly achieves beauty through simplicity, showing us how not to overcomplicate our creative journey. Patience and a focus on the process, not just the destination, are his secrets to success.
I've personally drawn inspiration from PK's playbook in life, making success feel attainable and enjoyable. If you ever wonder 'What would PK do...2023-10-1839 minCool Ass People PodcastBylasan Shalabi on How to Balance Working a Full-Time Job and Owning a Small Business, Along With How to Follow Your Intuition to Fuel Your Creative Process#7: Bylasan Shalabi is a Palestinian aspiring architect and owner of Byla Woodworks. Bylasan works at Lake Flato during the week, all while running Byla Woodworks in her free time.Through our conversation, we break down what it takes to balance having a full-time job while pursuing your passion. We then dive into breaking down how to follow your intuition to maximize your output and maintain the highest level of fulfillment. Byla's astute insights reveal the keys to mastering self-awareness, body, and mind – forging a path to equilibrium and achievement that transcends her years.
More fro...2023-10-1852 minCool Ass People PodcastKaris Bishop, Aspiring Architect/Interior Designer, Ceramic Artist: On How to Create A Beautiful Product From Your Experiences and What To Keep In Mind When Marketing It#6: In this episode, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Karis Bishop, a super talented, female interior designer who leverages her sensibility to proportion, materiality, and storytelling to create beautiful ceramics. Her thoughtfulness shows in the contextually rich products she creates and markets. Listen in as we discuss how her education and travels around the world start to inform her pursuit of craft and handmade charm added to each project. If you thought it was hard enough to just create a beautiful product, Karis takes it a step further by having aesthetically pleasing, well executed color palettes matched...2023-10-1854 minCool Ass People PodcastVenezuelan Aspiring Architect/ Brand Designer: On How to Elevate Your Marketing By Infusing Yourself Into Your Brand#5: This week on Cool Ass People, Brannon Heake is joined by aspiring architect\branding designer Marianne Scheer. We are pumped to introduce you to Marianne Scheer, a visionary female designer from Venezuela that specializes in branding with a background in architecture. Prepare to feel inspired as we discuss her captivating journey and how she crafts spaces to not only inspire, but also authentically represent the essence of brands, all while adding her own touch of Venezuelan flair. Marianne talks about not only what characteristics go into her branding, but also the boundaries you have to set between work and...2023-10-1855 minCool Ass People PodcastJustin Shiels, on Unleashing Creativity and How to Embrace Self-Care Through Illustrations and Storytelling#4: Today, Justin stands as a testament to the power of pursuing one's dreams, breaking barriers, and using creativity as a means to inspire and uplift others. Through his awesome illustrations and evocative storytelling, he encourages individuals from all walks of life to embrace self-care and find solace in their own journeys.
Justin is making waves in the world of art and literature. Join me as we delve into the captivating journey of an extraordinary author, illustrator, and artist, hailing from the vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee.
Our guest discovered his passion for art at an...2023-10-1857 minCool Ass People PodcastOlivia, Architect by Day and Belly Dancer by Night: The Benefits of Cross-Training Between What You Love To Maintain A Healthy and Balanced State of Mind#3: Brannon Heake is joined by architect and belly dancer Olivia. Join me in welcoming Olivia as she breaks down how her creativity that spans past architecture and into the world of dance. She uses the same discipline from design and translates it into the fine-tuning of body movement. Also listen to how Olivia breaks through different barriers to not only shine as an architect but also captivate audiences of all sizes through her beautiful performances. If you’re looking for some amazing inspiration, this episode will have you wanting to study your passions to insane depths. Olivia gives some he...2023-10-1842 minCool Ass People PodcastEli Tomlanovich, Architectural Designer by Day, Maestro by Night: Exploring the Symbiosis of Architecture, Music, and Art#2: This week on Cool Ass People, join me as we dive into the world of architecture, music, and art with none other than Eli Tomlanovich.
Originally from Dallas, Eli isn’t your typical Architectural designer. By day he works at a local firm downtown, but when the sun sets, Eli becomes a maestro to the underground music scene, orchestrating concerts in hidden locations throughout Dallas.
Join us as we take a deep dive into what it takes to be an active member of the underground music industry.
Throughout this episode, we'll delve into El...2023-10-181h 10Cool Ass People PodcastDanielle Price on How to Follow Your Dream, Create a Career Online, and Become Your Own Boss#1: Brannon Heake is joined by Austin, TX content creator Danielle Price. On today’s episode we dive into the inspiring journey of a digital creator and her sidekick (Gatsby) who followed her dreams from the vast landscapes of West Texas to the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles, only to find her way back to the vibrant city of Austin. Tune in to the adventures of Danielle and Gatsby, as we discuss her content creation process, along with how to break out of the 9-5 schedule and become your own boss. We will also take a deep dive into th...2023-07-311h 13Cool Ass People PodcastWelcome To Cool Ass People Podcast!To connect with Brannon Heake click HERE2023-07-2801 min