Shows
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastEarhole Violators - HBVC Ep 42 ft The MTG Filthy CasualsThis episode is brought to you by phase cancellation: something that takes too long! Please enjoy.Doni and Jen of the MTG Filthy Casuals are here to laugh it up with the hosts, trash talk their way to losing games (while others fly under the radar), talk shop about mids (while Benwa and Quinn talk about their own set of mids) and a trio of soapboxes to top off the episode!Check Doni and Jen on their Linktree! As usual, you can find us at @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky! Benwa of Smoking Mids fame found at @thebenwa.bsky.social.Most beats in our episodes are made by Empress Quinn! Go che...2025-06-193h 19
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastLimit Break [deep fried lead][menu sfx edit].wav - HBVC Ep 40Let's settle in for the upcoming Final Fantasy set, reviewing some bangers, getting some vibes, and breaking our limits! It's the HBVC Radio Show!Cole and Empress Quinn select their jobs and set out to find the 4 elemental crystals, reminisce about gaming eras of yesteryear, and breathe new life into decks. Cole is vindicated about 15 Cids. Quinn plays Final Fantasy on the PSP and pops the fuck off on the FF logo and songs this episode.As usual, you can find us at @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky! Benwa of Smoking Mids fame found at @thebenwa.bsky.social.Most beats in our episodes are made by Empress Quinn! Go check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud....2025-05-223h 06
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastHousewives and Homewreckers - HBVC Ep 39 ft SylveonsilverTime to get triple 7s and unlock Final Heaven. Or Seventh Fantasy! What game series are we talking about?Missy, aka @sylveonsilver.bsky.social joins Cole and Quinn to talk about tokens, exiling cards as card advantage, Crackling Dooms in Siege Rhino decks, and eternal rivalries. Quinn talks about Candian Highlander and Compleating Your Mutuals 2025, and Cole talks about control, again. Meanwhile, in the Smoking Mids Dimension, Benwa tries to avoid talking about beans and beanstalks. Finally, a soapbox about MTG Arena! As usual, you can find us at @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky! Benwa of Smoki...2025-05-083h 24
The Trans Narrative PodcastKristen Browde: Influencing policy with visibility, fighting in the legislature, & staying proactiveOn this episode, Caroline and returning as guest co-host Wendy Cole meet Kristen Browde, an accomplished attorney, journalist, and LGBTQIA+ activist. Kristen shares her journey from a career in broadcasting at CNN and CBS News to becoming a leader in the fight for transgender rights. She reflects on her upbringing, her path to self-discovery, and the pivotal moment when she publicly came out, highlighting both the challenges and the support she received.The conversation shifts to Kristen’s political work as the President of the Florida Democratic Party LGBTQ+ Caucus and Vice President of th...2025-03-311h 13
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastMARDU DRAGON AURA FARMING - HBVC Ep 36 Ft Mike CarrozzaIt's time to settle the score from episode 11. It's time to bring Chuckles in, dead or alive...Cole and Quinn are joined by Canadian comedian Mike Carrozza of Am I the Bolcast fame (the only Magic the Gathering podcast in existence, ever, of all time) to talk all things Tarkir Dragonstorm, how Mardu's Aura Farming is off the charts, obligatory Doctor Who mentions, episode 2 of Smoking Mids, Searslicer Goblin slander and SO MUCH MORE! 24 hour episode coming to you by Christmas, at this rate....Check out Mike over on Bluesky, the Am I the Bolcast...2025-03-273h 38
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastLo-Fi Final Fantasy Tunes to Smoke Mids To - HBVC Ep 34Welcome to MTG Lo-Fi beats, where the beats are chill, low-key, and the good kind of mid. This isn't your grandma's lo-fi beats! *Radioactive by Imagine Dragons starts playing*Early teaser season is upon us, so Cole and Quinn get comfy and chill out, talking Tarkir Dragonstorm, Final Fantasy, Avatar the Last Airbender, and more! As usual, you can find us at@thebloodricguy.bsky.social,@girldickenergy.bsky.social, and@hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky!Check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud.Please check us out hosting MTG Lexicon, the Dive Bar of EDH over on Twitch! If you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quinn, come join the MTG Lexicon Discord, were there's a dedicated HBVC channel! ContentLo Fi Beats to Drift ToRebe...2025-02-271h 20
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastQuinn's Shush Stick and Zen Cole, in Monk Robes, With 10 Decks - HBVC Ep 31Let's start the new year off with SCUFF, all thanks to Audacity! (CURSE YOUUUUUUU, AUDACITY!!! I HEREBY VOW-)Empress Quinn had some New Years Ressies. So did Cole. Did they set out what they wanted to do for 2024? Will Quinn ever stop getting got without faer Talking Stick? Will Cole get below 20 decks? Let's see what 2025 has in store for them.As usual, you can find us at @TheBloodricGuy, @GirlDickEnergy, and @HBVC_MTG on Twitter, @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky!Check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud. Please check us out hosting MTG Lexicon, the Dive Bar of EDH over on Twitch! If you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quinn, come join the MTG Lexicon Discord, were there's a dedicated HBVC channel! Content:Battle fo...2025-01-092h 08
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastDragonhawk Saves Christmas - HBVC Ep 30 ft DarkhawkeyeLet's make Fitz's Christmas a good one. Please take the time to check out his GoFundMe! Raffle incentives to be announced closer to the weekend of January 4th and 5th. (Update: we raised over $4k! Thanks everyone!)In our time of need, when tech issues threaten to shut down our longest episode yet, Dragonhawk swoops in to save Christmas! SQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!John, aka Darkhawkeye, joins Cole and Empress Quinn this episode to talk shop: 20 Vibe Checks, Eternal Weekend and Legacy Death and Taxes, hasty Urabrask, and much more. Come join us for cozy holiday vibes.2024-12-263h 00
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastBnuuys and Being Rude on MTGO - HBVC Ep 28Sometimes you just gotta cast mean spells with your CHEST.Foundations is here, bringing inspiration, making blood boil, and making us feel a little bit rude! Cole has another mono-red deck. Empress Quinn is realizing fae has a signature card. A soapbox about being rude to strangers....on Magic the Gathering Online happens.As usual, you can find us at @TheBloodricGuy, @GirlDickEnergy, and @HBVC_MTG on Twitter, @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky!Check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud. Please check us out hosting MTG Lexicon, the Dive Bar of EDH over on Twitch! If you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quinn, come join the MTG Lexicon Discord, were there's a dedicated HBVC channel! ContentAm I the Bolcast? - Episode 26 - A Wee Bit O'Stax with Quinn and Cole of Hero's Blade Vibe CheckKristen on Card Kingdom:Foundations Was the...2024-11-292h 25
the Evolving Mama: Your guide to awakening49. The Shocking Discovery I Made About Myself During An Intentional Break From AlcoholThis week, I open up about my personal experience of taking a 90-day break from alcohol and the profound lessons I discovered along the way. The decision to take a break from alcohol has been transformative. By allowing myself to step away, I found peace in my weekends, consistency in my emotions, and, most importantly, a stronger connection with my true self. I hope my story inspires you to reflect on your relationship with alcohol and explores the possibility of taking an intentional break if it calls you.
🎙 What You’ll Hear in Episode 49:
My Perso...2024-10-2529 min
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG Podcast#Gruul'sTheFuture - HBVC Ep 20Hey you! Long time no see, lemme give you a hug!....oops, sorry about the crushed bones, I just got really excited.Adventures await our hosts this episode! A Zelda game where you play as Zelda. Fallout crosses over with Doctor Who in a mod. Cole loses a game to his own hubris....except? Quinn falls head over heels into the loving arms of a giant swole badger. Usual stuff.As usual, you can find us at @TheBloodricGuy, @GirlDickEnergy, and @HBVC_MTG on Twitter, @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky!Check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud. Please check us out hosting MTG Lexicon, the Dive Bar of EDH over on Twitch! If you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quinn, come join the MTG Lex...2024-08-092h 14
Hustle and HarmonyLife-changing MomentsEmily and Julia are back for episode 7, and today they’re sharing some of the most pivotal moments in their lives. Em shares her journey through high school sports, her health scare, and how it all led her to write her book, The Player’s Plate. Julia talks about her unexpected National Anthem singing career after winning a contest (thanks fam!), and the college visit that put her plans into motion. They chat about their supportive family dynamics, and how big of a difference it makes to overcome challenges together. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to the Hu...2024-08-0559 min
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastCan't Have S#1t Around Here - HBVC Ep 19Two stalkers in the night meet in single combat. A single wrong move could end their life. They prepare to strike....oh, wait, Ward: Sacrifice a Creature. Dang it.From a shoutout on Reddit to the battlefield between Assassin decks, there's quite a journey this episode. Bloomburrow is around the corner, new podcasts to recommend, a cheeky Boros card causes psychic (and lethal) damage, and a heaping of salt on top of it all!As usual, you can find us at @TheBloodricGuy, @GirlDickEnergy, and @HBVC_MTG on Twitter, @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky!Check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud. Please check us out hosting MTG Lexicon, the Dive Bar of EDH over on Twitch! If you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quin...2024-07-262h 04
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastMTG Main Protagonist Energy - HBVC Ep 16As part of Pride Month, we are hoping to highlight some people/causes. Please support if you're able:Mab's Direct Aid Stream on the 16th on TwitchMab's Spreadsheet for referenceBobbie-Christine of Birds of Paradise and the Lobby Pristine has moved, and needs some support! (Twitter/X post here)Praetor's for Change's Praetors for Pride on Steamlabs Charity! We are now available on Youtube!As usual, you can find us at @TheBloodricGuy, @GirlDickEnergy, and @HBVC_MTG on Twitter, @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky!Check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud. Please check us out hosting MTG Lexicon, the Dive Bar of EDH over on Twitch! If you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quinn, come join the MTG Lexicon Discord, were there's a dedicated HBVC channel! Content:Rebell Lily - How do...2024-06-141h 52
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastFree Spells Good, More at 11 ft Trentyn - HBVC Ep 15We are now available on Youtube!We heard free spells are good, can y'all get back to us on that? We want it on our desk by 10am sharp. We got the news to run by 11.Trentyn907 joins us to ramble about all things Cubes, Cubes and CUBES! Also 32 Deck challenges, Grave Titan - Too Good? and the crazy things you can do with cute gremlin Loot. It's a wild ride. Buckle in.As usual, you can find us at @TheBloodricGuy, @GirlDickEnergy, and @HBVC_MTG on Twitter, @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky!Check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud. Please check us out hosting MTG Lexicon, the Dive Bar of EDH over on Twitch!...2024-05-312h 37
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastHackin', Wackin' and Smackin' - HBVC Ep 13Time to raise your blades, heroes, and check some vibes by hackin', wackin', choppin' that commander!Killer Queen is live (and has a $20 entry fee), Blood Moons are in abundance, and this Atraxa deck is totally NOT your normal Atraxa deck, please trust me, I swear!As usual, you can find us at @TheBloodricGuy, @GirlDickEnergy, and @HBVC_MTG on Twitter, @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky!Check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud. Please check us out hosting MTG Lexicon, the Dive Bar of EDH over on Twitch! If you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quinn, come join the MTG Lexicon Discord, were there's a dedicated HBVC channel! Content: Kristen (@NarukamiKnight) - 10 Cool Dragons That You Should Play More in Commander - Is Smothering Tithe a Fair Card?Good Morning Magic - The Future of Ward! - Why does Blue get 2024-05-031h 36
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastWho Let The Frog Out In Thunder Junction? - HBVC Ep 11What happens when a Doctor Who Fae and a Fallout Boy clash? A Golgari showdown at high noon, that's what! You aren't leaving this down alive, mutie. *ribbit*Shoutouts abound, new decks, new brews, and deckbuilding theory are the contents of this episode.As usual, you can find us at @TheBloodricGuy, @GirlDickEnergy, and @HBVC_MTG on Twitter, @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky!Check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud. Please check us out hosting MTG Lexicon, the Dive Bar of EDH over on Twitch! If you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quinn, come join the MTG Lexicon Discord, were there's a dedicated HBVC channel! Shoutout to the lovely folks over at Am I the Bolcast!Content:I want to play Good Magic by Zachary Kiihne on MediumSalubrious Snail on YoutubeThe Best White Card Draw Spells in Commander by Kristen...2024-04-051h 28
Wild Woman RebornEps. 49 (Solo) You are not Weak, Sick, Crazy, or LazyWomen need to hear this message. If you are a woman in your 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s who has been made to feel any of these false, conditioned beliefs - then this solo is for you.In this week’s solo episode Kristen unpacks how women have been made to feel weak, sick, crazy, or lazy and this is now the era we put that to rest. We deserve to stand in our strength and clarity and the right to be educated and aware on our bodies and the myriad of changes. 2024-03-2526 min
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastPut That Deck Back In Quarantine - HBVC Ep 10Time to brush off the dust and bust out that deck!...but then, the deck does the thing too well, and you just gotta put it back into time out. Cookin' too hard.This episode is filled to the brim with community participation, Universes Beyond, obligatory Doctor Who shout outs, sleep-deprived deck reviews, appreciation for Battle for Baldur's Gate, and "what was he cookin?". You know, the usual.As usual, you can find us at @TheBloodricGuy, @GirlDickEnergy, and @HBVC_MTG on Twitter, @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky!Check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud. Please check us out hosting MTG Lexicon, the Dive Bar of EDH over on Twitch! If you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quinn, come join the MTG Lexicon Discord, were there's a dedicated HBVC channel! Conten...2024-03-221h 13
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastCommander Never Changes - HBVC Ep 8War. War never changes. The name of the game has changed, but Commander games show off war all the same. Let's leave the Vault for the apocalypse above! Cole and Quinn discuss some of the previewed cards from the MTG x Fallout Commander set, Quinn's progress in Fallout New Vegas, and some self-shilling! As usual, you can find us at @TheBloodricGuy, @GirlDickEnergy, and @HBVC_MTG on Twitter, @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky!Check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud. Please check us out hosting MTG Lexicon, the Dive Bar of EDH over on Twitch! If you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quinn, come join the MTG Lexicon Discord, were there's a dedicated HBVC channel! Content:Cole was in a preview video! Levdev on YouTube had some mutants to show off.Cole article on Tumblr - Breathing New Life Into Magic Card...2024-02-231h 33
Inspirational Leadership for People Managers, Executives & HR LeadersHow To Build a Results-Only Work Environment with Julie ColeHow do you lead with empathy and build a team of people that align with your core values? When you support and add value to your team without micromanaging them, you enhance their efficiency and productivity, and they become your best brand ambassadors.
In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Julie Cole about her entrepreneurship journey and the effectiveness of the results-only work environment (ROWE) culture. Julie is a recovered lawyer, a mom of six, and co-founder of Mabel’s Labels. She is also a published author, keynote speaker, engaged community member, and wi...2024-01-2238 min
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastMTG New Year's Resolutions - HBVC Ep 5You may hear whispers in the background...that is the voice of a girlfriend playing Minecraft Dungeons in the background, pay it no mind....Let's start the New Year with Cole and Empress Quinn's recaps, checking their friends' Vibe Checks, and their resolutions for Magic in 2024! Warning: there is copious amounts of #bloodricposting this episode.As usual, you can find us at @TheBloodricGuy, @GirlDickEnergy, and @HBVC_MTG on Twitter, @thebloodricguy.bsky.social, @girldickenergy.bsky.social, and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.social on Bluesky!Check out Empress Quinn's music on Soundcloud. Please check us out hosting MTG Lexicon, the Dive Bar of EDH over on Twitch! If you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quinn, come join the MTG Lexicon Discord, were there's a dedicated HBVC channel! Topics discussed this episode:Kristen's Articles on Card Kingdom- The Age of Haymakers is Over in Commander- The 2024 Commander Wishlis...2024-01-182h 06
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastNasty Treasure Goblins - HBVC Ep 3We'll let you know what we think of you making X treasures for 1R.Cole and Quinn are here to talk shop, check some vibes and go over their games. They also talk in length about their favourite cards for 2023!Socials:Cole - @TheBloodricGuy and @thebloodricguy.bsky.socialQuinn - @GirlDickEnergy and @girldickenergy.bsky.socialHero's Blade Vibe Check - @HBVC_MTG and @hbvc-mtg.bsky.socialIf you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quinn, come join the MTG Lexicon Discord, were there's a dedicated HBVC...2023-12-231h 33
Hero's Blade Vibe Check, an EDH and MTG PodcastDoes Your Commander Pass the Vibe Check? - HBVC Ep 1If you wanna get in on the action with Cole and Empress Quinn, come join the MTG Lexicon Discord, were there's a dedicated HBVC channel! It's the Hero's Blade Vibe Check! Empress Quinn and Cole chat about the mission statement, what Hero's Blade actually does, what they're up to and what's going on in the community!Check out our socials: https://bsky.app/profile/hbvc-mtg.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/thebloodricguy.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/girldickenergy.bsky.socialThe links to things discussed this episode...2023-11-171h 05
Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 40: Conversation with IN-SEAM founder Ann WehrenIn this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole catches up with In-Seam founder Ann Wehren on building the private marketplace platform and the future of luxury shopping. They touch on: Ann's fashion background in NY, why the wholesale-retail model is broken and how In-Seam is addressing it, the connectors (stylists, personal shoppers) powering behind-the-scenes luxury retail sales, new brands she's excited about, what's hot/ what's selling, why next-gen social commerce just may be the future, holiday shopping, differentiating core luxury customers vs. aspirational, and her venture capital fundraising. Kristen also shares what she's reading (Zadie Smith) and eating now in SoHo (bon...2023-11-1734 minDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 39: All things Designer Vintage !! with ARCHIVE VINTAGE founder Kerry BonnellIn this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole catches up with vintage expert and ARCHIVE VINTAGE founder, Kerry Bonnell, to talk all things designer vintage because vintage is more relevant now than ever. They touch on: ARCHIVE’s killer designer vintage curation, what’s hot in vintage right now (ahem, Jean Paul Gaultier mesh), the circular economy, who’s buying (who’s not), vintage sourcing (then and now), tips on styling vintage, best online shops today and where to find specific vintage pieces, Kerry’s path to the wonderful world of vintage, her recent trip to Japan, sourcing for stylists, seeing her piece...2023-10-2531 minDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 38: Happy Paris Fashion Week (to all who celebrate)In this episode, Dry Clean Only is back! After a brief August hiatus... that bled into September... Kristen is back talking Autumn in New York, sweater weather, and all things S24 Collections in New York, London, and Milan (as Paris kicks off), including the new Gucci by Sabato de Sarno, the new Helmut Lang by Peter Do, Jil Sander, Khaite, Simone Rocha, Batsheva, Conner Ives, J.W. Anderson... among others. She talks non-trends, NY Climate Week, The Fashion Workers Act and The Fabric Act, and the incredible, must-see docs Donyale Luna: Supermodel and The Super Models. Also, the questions...2023-09-2609 min
GO - Grow Outbound010 - Overcoming the Fear of Rejection In the realm of sales, rejection is an ever-looming shadow. For many sales professionals, this fear can be paralyzing, often holding them back from taking the leap into outbound prospecting. But what really lies beneath this fear? Join Ben Smith and Kristen Lopez as they delve deep into the heart of rejection, drawing from their own authentic experiences and challenges faced in the field. In this enlightening episode, Ben and Kristen wear their hearts on their sleeves, sharing personal stories that many will find deeply relatable. It's not just about the emotions, though; our hosts also provide t...2023-08-2359 minGO - Grow Outbound009 - The Art of Identifying Prospects and Delivering ValueWelcome to the Grow Outbound Podcast with Kristen Lopez and Ben Smith! In this episode, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of outbound sales. 🚀 🗝️ Self-managing Landlords 🗝️ Outbound Sales Challenges 🗝️ Stress Management in Sales 🗝️ Setting Micro Goals 🗝️ Importance of Pre-planning 🗝️ Clear Plan for Outbound Sales 🗝️ Identifying Prospects & Delivering Value Join us as we share our insights and experiences, providing valuable advice for both beginners and seasoned pros. 🎯 Enjoyed the episode? Hit that like button 👍 and subscribe to our channel 🔔 for more outbound sales insights. Stay tuned for our next episode! Thanks for watching! 🙌2023-08-231h 18the Evolving Mama: Your guide to awakening8. How Human Design Can Help You Live Authentically & Pursue Your Purpose With More Clarity And Confidence. Learn How To Use HD To Support Your Children with Alexandra ColeIn today’s episode, Kristen has a conversation with an amazing and wise soul, Alexandra Cole. She is a Human Design coach who helps her clients pursue their purpose with more confidence and joy through your Human Design chart. She has also created an amazing toolset within her offering Thriving by Design to help parents understand their children's sensitivities, preferences and gifts as well as tactical ways to support them.
This conversation is so expansive, we learn about how Alexandra got to where she is today (hello expander!), what Human Design is with a deep dive into the...2023-07-211h 06Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 37: Conversation with Belgian Sustainable Swimwear founder Genevieve Andre de la Porte of ZONARCHIn this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with Belgian designer Genevieve Andre de la Porte, founder of sustainable swimwear line ZONARCH based in Southern California. They touch on: Genevieve's commitment to sustainable materials, LA production standards and relaxed price point, designing for real value, her European roots, sensibility and move to California, her love of surfing, favorite beaches in California and the South of France, spicy mango margaritas, SoCal shopping destination A'Maree's, resilience, experimentation and more. Kristen also talks summer movies, Barbiecore, the swimwear landscape, designer summer sales, pre-fall '23 deliveries, her favorite ZONARCH styles (Yoko, Jane, Paradis) an...2023-07-2036 minDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 36: Conversation with BLISS LAU Jewelry DesignerIn this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with designer Bliss Lau, at her jewelry design studio downtown NYC, to discuss Bliss' evolution as a designer, serious supply chain transparency, intentional design practice and supporting other women. They touch on: Bliss Lau's custom fine jewelry, new collections, coming up at Parsons School of Design, the LES, #Hypewoman, minimalism and volume, duality, her Chinese/ Caucasian identity, The Noguchi Museum, Alex Katz, Richard Avedon, working with women, motherhood, her certified sustainable materials, fair-mined gold, and what to look out for with Greenwashing. Kristen also touches on what she's beach-reading now, Men's Sp...2023-06-2936 min
Bend Magazine's The Circling Podcast with Adam ShortKristen & Ville Jokinen/Joy RideSend us a textOn 2/16/17, Kristen and Ville Jokinen rode their Surly disc trucker touring bikes into the southernmost coastal community of Ushuaia Argentina. Having started this adventure in Prudhoe bay Alaska some twenty months prior, the 18,215 miles that the couple peddled during their journey across two continents combined with the kindness from those they meet along the way is the subject of Kristen’s new book titled Joy Ride, A bike odyssey from Alaska to Argentina. On episode 37 of Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast, Kristen and Ville join me in our new studio to share...2023-06-262h 39GO - Grow Outbound008 - How Much Time Do I Have? On this week's episode of Grow Outbound, Ben and Kristen unpack the steps to implementing an outbound strategy. In the first of a two part series, we discuss the question of "How much time do I have?" when it comes to outbound. Whether you are a business owner or business development professional, this is a key first step to creating a successful and sustainable strategy. We discuss how to approach this question and how to manage your time properly to make sure you're able to follow through with an outbound plan. Enjoy!2023-06-1551 minDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 35: Conversation with Valery Demure, founder of Valery Demure Consultancy & Objet d'EmotionIn this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits with the incredibly sharp "fellow fashion veteran" Valery Demure (in London), a jewelry expert and founder of Valery Demure Consultancy, and Objet d'Emotion, to talk all things industry and fine jewelry right now. The women discuss: Greenwashing and other systemic industry issues, Sale Cadence, Fine Jewelry, the mood and trends she's seeing in her Paris showroom, the Buyers who are getting it right, Discovery shifts, Breaking through the overcrowded market as an Emerging Designer, Travel "It opens your mind."-V.D., Motherhood, Work/Life balance, Why Consignment is a Ki...2023-06-0743 min
Rooted ParentAsk the Experts: Parenting Ahead with Kristen HattonFor parents who dread the hormones, changes, and challenges of the teen years: you will find so much comfort and hope in our interview with author and counselor Kristen Hatton. Kristen is a mother of three grown children, a pastors' wife, and a counselor, and she is well acquainted with how parents anxiously anticipate what life will be like with teenagers in the house. In her newest book, Parenting Ahead: Preparing Now for the Teen Years, Hatton lays a foundation for discipleship that will help parents maintain warm and loving connection with their children, all while teaching them about t...2023-05-2536 minDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 34: Conversation with SteamLine Luggage founder Sara Banks“I thought there was a need to bring elegance back to travel… and so began SteamLine.” Host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits with Sara Banks (in Mauritius) over Zoom to discuss her Dublin-based SteamLine Luggage brand and mixing business with adventure as she travels the world with her family, over the past eighteen-months. Sara shares stories from time spent in Kenya, Bali, Australia, Colombia, Mauritius, Greece, and the U.S., expert packing and travel advice, and why less is always more. They also discuss Sara's enthusiasm for specialization and getting into season-less product, the brand's refurbishment program, collaborations, and her mo...2023-05-1837 minDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 33: Conversation with HORSES founders, authors Claudia Dey and Heidi SopinkaIn this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with the wildly brilliant multi-hyphenates Claudia Dey and Heidi Sopinka, founders and designers of HORSES Atelier, and accomplished authors, to indulge in some favorite fashion in fiction. Kristen gets to geek out over the fashion and prose in *must-reads* Heartbreaker by Claudia Dey and Utopia by Heidi Sopinka, and some all-time fashion moment classics in C.S. Lewis, J.D. Salinger, and Roald Dahl; while Claudia and Heidi nerd out over fashion in Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels, Orlando by Virginia Woolf, James Salter's Light Years and everyone's favorite, Anne of Green Gables. The...2023-05-0439 minDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 32: Conversation with TANYA TAYLOR designer and founderIn this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with designer and founder Tanya Taylor in NYC. The two discuss Tanya's journey with her eponymous ready-to-wear collection, as the brand enters its 10-year anniversary and embarks on its first New York, Madison Avenue flagship. They discuss Tanya's commitment to building an inclusive, joyful and inviting brand centered around empowering women to feel their best. They discuss her love for color and art, "color as a mood booster", her color therapy classes, travel and recent trips, getting in the dressing room more with clients, the brand's considered development and merchandising evolution, pro...2023-04-1431 minGO - Grow Outbound004 - Building a Winning Sales CultureAre you struggling to get on board with outbound sales, whether you're an owner of a Property Management business or a Business Development Manager? You're not alone. Many factors can contribute to this resistance, but have you considered that your company's sales culture and visibility of growth goals might be holding you back? In Episode 4 of Grow Outbound, our experts Kristen Lopez and Ben Smith share practical insights and strategies for building a winning outbound sales culture that leads to overall buy-in and execution on outbound sales. Through their experiences, Kristen and Ben explore the importance of mindset, accountability...2023-04-041h 10Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 31: Conversation with KWAME ADUSEI, designer and founderIn this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with designer Kwame Adusei in Tribeca, NYC, as he visits the city from LA. The two discuss his brand's singular look: LA sexiness merged with his African heritage, particularly silhouette, cut and design influences from his Ghana. They catch up on the latest on his one-year old label, now in its third collection, and on his career in fashion. They discuss Kwame's commitment to making clothes that last, staying present and bringing "love to the industry"; as well as his upbringing in Ghana and fashion business in Accra, his new home an...2023-03-2329 minGO - Grow Outbound003 - The Art of The Discovery ProcessEpisode #003. In this episode, Ben and Kristen delve into the often overlooked and undervalued importance of the discovery process in sales. Drawing on their extensive experience in sales, coaching sales professionals, and growing sales teams, they explore why discovery work is the secret to unlocking more doors and closing more deals. Ben and Kristen discuss why many sales professionals rush through the discovery process, instead opting to jump straight into pitching their product or service. They explain how this approach can actually hinder the sales process, as it fails to build rapport and trust with potential customers.2023-03-2241 minDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 30: Conversation with HUNTING SEASON founders, Danielle Corona and Lena BaranovskyDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style
In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with HUNTING SEASON founders Danielle Corona and Lena Baranovsky to discuss their cult-favorite, ultra-chic, timeless handbag and accessories collection. Fresh from showing back in Paris, the women discuss the brand's global inspiration, casual elegance, and minimalist approach to design centered around craft, materiality, and tradition. They also discuss craftsmanship and conscious production in Colombia, Spain and Italy, their paths to fashion, the inception of the brand, their new home collection, their enduring passion for vintage and resale, "the hunt for that special p...2023-03-1039 minGO - Grow Outbound001 - The IntroductionEpisode #001. In our inaugural episode of Grow Outbound, join us as we meet our hosts, Kristen Lopez and Ben Smith. They will introduce themselves and discuss their backgrounds in sales, as well as their passion for the Property Management Industry. Throughout the episode, we will dive into the topic of outbound sales - what they are, how they work, and why they are important for your businesses. Our hosts will share practical tips to get you started and tricks for growing outbound sales, and discuss some common misconceptions about the process. Whether you're a business dev...2023-03-0829 minGO - Grow OutboundGrow Outbound TeaserBen Smith and Kristen Lopez are launching a new podcast called GO - Grow Outbound, brought to you by Rescover. 2023-03-0403 minDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 29: Conversation with MADE FOR ALL founders, Danny Burke and Brandon WinslowDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style
In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits MADE FOR ALL founders, Danny Burke and Brandon Winslow, on their just launched luxury leisurewear brand. They discuss the founders' sharp focus on quality, equity, style and customer experience, their commitment as a Black-owned brand to equity across their supply chain, the streetwear, loungewear, leisurewear classifications, other brands in the luxury leisurewear space like Fear of God's Essentials, and how men are dressing now. We discuss Danny and Brandon's backgrounds, what they are doing different, and the intersection of sports, fashion and...2023-02-0931 minDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 28: Conversation with TOMMY TON, on Street Style Photography and Cultural ObservationsDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style
In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with Tommy Ton, the highly-acclaimed street style photographer known for his eye for detail in style reportage and cultural insights into the world of high fashion (in NYC). They discuss what he’s been up to lately, his forthcoming book project chronicling influence in the industry, why "New York... is the most exciting city to photograph now", moments and insights gleaned from his career capturing the fashion set in the wild, outside the shows at fashion weeks around the world since 2007. Kristen also...2023-01-0737 minDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 27: Conversation with Creative Director Sander Lak on New Book 'The Colors of Sies Marjan'Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style
In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with Sander Lak, Creative Director of New York-based fashion house SIES MARJAN to catch up on the release of his gorgeous new book The Colors of Sies Marjan (Rizzoli) and what he's been up to since the too-beautiful, cult-followed line shut its doors in 2020. Over coffee in Tribeca, the two discuss Sander's career in fashion, love of color and what's next. Topics include: the inception of Sies Marjan in NYC, the making of the book, his time designing in New York, London, P...2022-12-0837 minDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + StyleEpisode 26: Conversation with LIZZIE FORTUNATO founders, Lizzie Fortunato and Kathryn FortunatoDry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style
In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with LIZZIE FORTUNATO founders, power-duo Lizzie Fortunato, Creative Director, and Kathryn Fortunato, Sales/ Operations Director (in NYC) to discuss the twins' beloved jewelry and accessories brand known best for its highly-expressive statement jewelry. Their infectious energy and love for the brand is as expressive as it is responsible and we discuss their evolution from indie-startup to success story. We touch on: Lizzie's design obsession and organic beginnings, Kathryn's decision to join her sister in the brand, secrets to their partnership, their intentional...2022-11-2156 min