Cool Ass People Podcast

#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...

#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 compo...

#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...

#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 li...

#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...

#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 sh...

#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...

#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,...

#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 rh...

#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 ha...

#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 en...

#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 suc...

#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...

#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:...

#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 cur...

#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...

#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 y...

#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...

#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 crea...

#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 te...

#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 tr...

#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 t...

#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-...

#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...

#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...