Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman

Joe Begley (@bigjoebegs) is a standup comedian who left the tech industry to chase the comedy grind full-time. On this episode, Joe shares what it’s really like to walk away from a stable job in tech, move to Austin, and dive headfirst into the standup comedy scene while living with ADHD. We talk about the realities of the comedy hustle, the mental health challenges that come with performing, and...

Dr. Vijay Pendakur has advised CEOs, served as the Dean of Students at Cornell University, and led diversity efforts at some of the most prominent institutions in the country, but he didn’t come from a life of privilege. In this episode, we talk about how growing up in a working-class immigrant family shaped Dr. Vijay Pendakur’s approach to DEI—one that goes beyond surface-level gestures and focus...

Before founding Two Hives Honey, Tara Chapman spent a decade working for the CIA—flying between D.C., Afghanistan, and Pakistan, balancing national intelligence with a deep longing for something more grounded. What started as a Groupon beekeeping class in Austin turned into a full-blown pivot from covert ops to colony management. In this conversation, Tara opens up about walking away from power, s...

Andrew McMahon has fronted three bands, survived cancer in his twenties, and is now leading a movement to fight back against scalpers and put concert tickets back in the hands of real fans. In this episode, we talk about how his music has evolved across Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness—plus what it means to still love playing after all these years. Andrew...

Bryan Torresdey might be best known for his viral comedy videos skewering hair trends like the Edgar and the broccoli cut—but underneath the punchlines is a sharp, thoughtful voice shaped by years in stand-up, life between cultures, and a clear love for making people think as much as laugh. In this episode, Bryan opens up about the evolution of his comedy, navigating identity as a Latino performer...

Gabe Erales is more than a Top Chef winner—he’s a culinary storyteller, an advocate for cultural preservation, and a chef whose roots run deep in the Yucatán. In this candid conversation, Gabe opens up about his unexpected journey from engineering student to world-class chef, and why cooking became a form of both identity and impact. From memories of Chico’s Tacos in El Paso to working in the kitc...

Tad Hargrave built a business around the idea that marketing doesn’t have to feel gross — and it turns out, people were craving a different way. In this episode, Tad breaks down the philosophy behind "Marketing for Hippies" and why selling with integrity isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. From pricing and consent to storytelling and niche clarity, we dig into what it means to market wit...

Andie Marsh is a soil microbiology consultant with a deep love for dirt—literally. In this episode, we talk about how soil health affects everything from your backyard grass to the food on your plate and the air you breathe. Andie explains how the invisible ecosystem beneath our feet is key to fighting climate change, creating nutrient-dense food, and healing the planet. She also breaks down the t...

creative J Mills has spent a decade behind some of the most iconic red carpet premieres in Hollywood, but the real story isn’t about the spectacle—it’s about the mind that built it. From immersive Barbie dreamhouses to dropping X-Wings on Hollywood Boulevard, J Mills' work turns marketing into emotion and film into feeling. In this episode, we get into the chaos and creativity of experiential...

Matty Conrad built a name as one of the most recognizable barbers in the industry, but behind the beard, the brand, and the accolades was a man quietly outgrowing the world he helped shape. In this episode, Matty opens up about his decision to walk away from the success he built, the heartbreak that pushed him into a season of reflection, and how working with horses unexpectedly changed everything...

Ian Carroll skyrocketed to over 1.6 million followers after diving deep into the GameStop stock craze, but his research didn’t stop there. In this episode, Ian shares how his curiosity led him to uncover financial corruption, media manipulation, and the influence of intelligence agencies on public perception. We get into Ian’s unconventional path—from ultra-running and graffiti to working in kitch...

Meet Joe Coronado, the man behind Chancla Academy—a comedic powerhouse blending relatable stories, cultural humor, and unfiltered life lessons. Joe's journey to internet stardom began with a TikTok video about his grandmother hilariously rejecting Alexa, which struck a chord with millions of viewers. In this episode, Joe shares how growing up in a tight-knit, working-class family shaped his creati...

In this episode, Tab chats with Troy Conrad, the man behind the lens for some of the biggest names in comedy. From capturing Eddie Izzard, Joe Rogan, and Gabriel Iglesias at their best to photographing legendary shows like KILL TONY at Madison Square Garden, Troy shares his journey from performing stand-up alongside icons to becoming the go-to photographer for comedy’s elite. Troy takes us behind...

In this episode of "Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman," we welcome Kristine Tran, co-founder of NUFS, a company committed to creating gluten-free, seed-oil-free foods that bring the joy back to eating. Kristine shares the journey of building NUFS alongside her sister, from the challenges of starting a business during the pandemic to redefining what simple ingredients mean in today’s food industry....

Welcome to a new episode of "Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman," where we dive deep into the fascinating world of nutrition with our distinguished guest, Brian Sanders. As a prominent figure in the health and wellness community, Brian is not only the voice behind "Peak Human," but also the visionary behind Eat Nose to Tail and the Sapien Center. In this episode, Brian shares his critical insights i...

In this episode of "Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman," we catch up with Ryan Seaman, a dynamic musician and drummer with a storied career in the punk rock scene. Ryan and Tab delve into the unpredictable nature of the music industry, sharing personal anecdotes, including a hilarious tale of food poisoning in LA and the evolution of hair trends among musicians. They discuss the realities of band li...

In this episode of "Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman," we explore the captivating world of tintype photography with Adrian Whipp, who shares his artistic journey from discovery to mastery. Adrian recounts the moment he was handed a National Geographic by a friend, igniting his passion for this unique form of photography during a memorable trip to San Antonio. They delve into the intricacies of tin...

In this episode of "Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman," Tab sits down with Ryan Gould, a chicken farmer who transitioned from filmmaking to regenerative farming. Ryan shares his journey from the creative fields of the film industry to the hands-on world of farming in South Austin. He discusses the motivations behind his career shift and the fulfillment he finds in regenerative farming—a practice th...

In this episode of "Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman," we explore a significant turning point in Tab's life with friend Becky Dominguez, who played a pivotal role one Halloween night. This wasn't just any Halloween; it was the night that led Tab to discover his passion for hairdressing. Becky and Tab dive into how a casual, fun evening of styling hair for the festivities revealed Tab’s natural fla...

In this episode of "Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman," we delve into the art of manifesting, both intentionally and unintentionally, with guest Pavi Theva, a former tech professional who transitioned to personal coaching. Pavi shares her journey of using social media as a tool for self-improvement and creating a community during the pandemic. She discusses overcoming the stigma of public sharing a...

In this episode of "Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman," we're joined by Andre Natera, a retired professional chef who has shifted his focus towards mentoring aspiring chefs and kitchen staff through his platform, Chef's PSA. Andre discusses his transition from the intense environment of professional kitchens to providing guidance and support through content creation and personal mentorship. He delv...

In this episode, Tab Salsman welcomes Ben Horn, a comedian with a unique perspective on the intertwining of humor and life's darker moments. Ben shares his journey through the world of stand-up comedy, discussing how his experiences with depression and personal challenges have shaped his comedic style and content. He opens up about finding humor in adversity and how comedy can be a form of therapy...

In this episode, Tab Salsman invites Rachel Flowers, entrepreneur and Franchise Owner of The NOW Massage South Lamar in Austin, TX, to share her transformative journey from corporate executive to wellness advocate. Rachel discusses how embracing a philosophy rooted in manifesting her desires and maintaining a positive mindset fueled her transition into the wellness industry, where she harnesses th...

In this episode, Tab Salsman sits down with Dr. Peter Martinez, a chiropractor who explains how chiropractic methods can help manage and understand stress effectively. Dr. Martinez talks about using non-invasive techniques in his practice to assess neurological stress and how addressing these issues can lead to improved health. Dr. Martinez shares his transition from emergency medicine to chiropra...

Welcome to Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman, the live video podcast where captivating conversations happen behind the chair. As a master hairstylist, Tab combines his passion for cutting hair with his love for deep, thought-provoking discussions. Step into a one-of-a-kind experience as Tab chats with fascinating guests while giving them a haircut, creating a relaxed and intimate setting for candid...