#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 cold-emailing top architects before podcasting in architecture was even a thing.
Now, seven years in, Aaron has seen the podcast landscape grow and evolve, with many of his early guests now starting their own shows. Today, we’re going to talk about his journey, how he built DesignED, and what he’s learned from interviewing some of the biggest names in the industry.
More From Aaron:
Design:ED (@designed.podcast) • Instagram photos and videos
https://www.architecturalrecord.com/designed-podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/6lNSh3nuPSR0gxjk8gsyus?si=0a90b5df36a743b3
#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 intimidated by the gym or wondered how to get started, Brent has some amazing insights to share.
Brent also talks about his experiments with product design as well as being a podcast host on Bodies By Brent and Two Fun Guys podcast!
More from Brent:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bodiesbybrent/https://www.instagram.com/twofunguyspodcast/
#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 thought-provoking conversation about art, nature, and meaningful change.
More from Tabria:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tawathreads/
Website:
https://www.tawathreads.com/
#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 personal loss and financial setbacks to raising two kids at a young age, Amber has faced challenges that could have stopped anyone in their tracks.
she shares how she turned podcasts, affirmations, and hard work into a life-saving routine. Amber reflects on the challenges of building a positive relationship with herself, the impact of surrounding herself with the right people, and how she found the courage to inspire others as a coach.
So, whether you're on your own fitness journey or looking for motivation to start 2025 right, this is the episode for you.
More from Amber:
Instagram:
#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 career that aligns with her soul. Nailah shares her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity, mastering new skills, and embracing her truth. She’s on a mission to empower women to connect with their bodies through dance and movement.
This conversation was full of empowerment, resilience, and the beauty of transformation. So If you’ve ever felt the urge to break free from expectations and follow your passion, this episode is for you
More from Nailah:
Instagram: Nailah Noor ✨️ Belly Dancer ✨️ Dallas, TX (@nailahnoorbellydance) • Instagram photos and videos
Nailah Noor Belly Dance Dallas (@nailahnoorbellydance) | TikTok
#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 beauty of embracing imperfections in creative work.
More from Ethan:
Instagram:
#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 explains his fascination with tools and manufacturing processes, tracing the evolution of his skill set from small projects to larger installations and even furniture for salons.
His journey also highlights the role of location, with Albuquerque providing an affordable start but ultimately leading him to Austin, where budgets better matched his ambitions. Throughout, Nick reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a full-time fabricator and artist, building a career out of passion, perseverance, and a lot of heavy lifting.
More from Nick:
Instagram:
Nick Woodall (@thespungold) • Instagram photos and videos
Website:
Spun Gold Design | United States | Spun Gold Mfg
#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 the fun details and travel insights.
#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 disco house, sampling classics to bring something fresh to the scene. His concerts started in Dallas, but has since moved to Austin and is trending to come to a city near you. So get ready to take a break and tune in to the force behind “Take a Break Fest.”
#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 challenges she faced along the way, and how she continues to push the boundaries of cake design and content creation. Whether you're a baking enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just a fan of a great success story, this episode is definitely one you’ll want to check out.
More from Kassandra:
Instagram Kassandra Osorio (@_kassycakes_) • Instagram photos and videos TikTok Kass (@_kassycakes_) | TikTok Website Kassy Cakes
#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 you know Danielle, you know her positive/ hilarious outlook on life is contagious along with her method of singing through any situation. Her go-getter attitude will leave you feeling like every dream is attainable.The passion she has for allergy awareness is also being fueled by personal experiences that will open your eyes to some of the modern challenges we face along with some of the victories!
Danielle’s resilience through showing people her own battle with an extreme nut allergy highlights the progress of what is possible, and can one day subtract a lot of the stressors people with allergies have to be aware of in the future. More from Danielle:
Instagram Danielle Price | ATX Girly Whirlie (@danielle.shesfun) • Instagram photos and videos TikTok Danielle Price (@danielle.shesfun) | TikTok
#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 also revisit the parallels of his spiritual journey and how after a decade of soul and spiritual searching eventually led him back to his first love, Art.
Doug’s kind and empathetic outlook on life is contagious, leaving you wanting to love the person next to you that much more. Join me in welcoming Douglas Galloway to the Cool Ass People Podcast. More from Doug: Douglas Galloway (@douglasgallowaystudio) • Instagram photos and videos Texas Modern Artist | Douglas Galloway Studio | United States
#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 that you don’t always have to take life so seriously.
Kelly's story is one of resilience, determination, and reinvention. She's lived ten different lives to get to where she is today, each chapter more fascinating than the last. From navigating the challenges of a new country to building a successful business from the ground up, Kelly's experiences offer valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to forge their own path.
Kelly Ann Shuman (@kellyannshuman) • Instagram photos and videos
REBEL JUNE (@rebeljune) • Instagram photos and videos
#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 of our experiences. Identifying what sets you apart will propel you forward.
Know Your Place and Goals: Recognize where you currently stand and where you aim to be. Set goals, prioritize them, and enjoy the journey along the way.
Jerrett’s passion for learning, pushing boundaries, and self-improvement is contagious. Don't miss this episode!
#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 weekends as a House DJ allowed her to explore her creative side, connecting with people through music and establishing a distinct personal brand.
In our conversation, Jenna reveals how these seemingly unrelated experiences provided her with a unique perspective on branding. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, passion, and continuous learning in her journey. Jenna also discusses how her love for photography has been a constant thread throughout her career, inspiring her to capture and curate moments that tell a compelling story.
From mastering the art of hairstyling to spinning records at popular venues, and now guiding businesses in crafting their brand identities, Jenna’s multifaceted career is an inspiring example of how diverse experiences can culminate in a fulfilling and dynamic professional path. Join us as we explore the pivotal moments, challenges, and triumphs that have defined Jenna Herrington's extraordinary journey.
Jenna Herrington (@jenna_herrington) • Instagram photos and videos
#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 today.
His new band Stray View is the perfect storm of creatives showing that if you put in the work, develop a sound, and look for the right team you can still pioneer new avenues in the music industry.
I was fortunate enough to be at Dave’s first concert way back in the day so it’s pretty inspiring to see the progression and pursuit of the craft. You can find Stray View on Spotify, Apple Music and wherever you get your music!
Dave Escamilla (@dave.escamilla) • Instagram photos and videos
Stray View (@strayviewofficial) • Instagram photos and videos
#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 his deliberate shift towards realism as a strategic decision for time management, allowing him to focus more on tattooing rather than spending hours on drawing designs. By leveraging realistic imagery as references, Chris optimizes his workflow, using his time efficiently, and leaving ample room for getting his hands dirty during his free time. Whether it’s building a home music studio, reassembling cars, or just focusing on things that aren’t art-related, Chris has found the life hack to keep his creative side honed in.
More from Chris: Instagram: Austin tattoo artist (@winterhalo) • Instagram photos and videos Website: winterhalo.com
#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 called Date of the Day that has recipes near to her from her culture, she was featured in Vogue Magazine and hosts events around the world highlighting different minority restaurant owners for women called Brown Girls Food Club
More from Ayesha: Instagram: Ayesha Erkin (@ayeshaerkin) • Instagram photos and videos Brown Girls Food Club (@browngirlsfoodclub) • Instagram photos and videos
#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 the sheer artistry that goes into creating those jaw-dropping visual experiences. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of running the show, the pressures faced, and the ingenious solutions when things don't go according to plan.
More from Michael: Instagram: Michael Moore (@michael_lightss) • Instagram photos and videos
#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 table laid the foundation for her career in interior design, starting a deep-seated passion for the field.
Diverse Career Paths: From designing cruise ships to crafting furniture, Melanie explores the many of opportunities within the interior design industry, highlighting the endless avenues for creative expression.
The Science of Design: diving into the neuroscience behind design, Melanie emphasizes the importance of evoking emotion and creating experiences through elements like lighting, texture, and biophilic design.
Leadership and Workspace Dynamics: Melanie shares insights into the psychology of workspace design, stressing the role of leadership in fostering collaboration and inspiring employees to utilize communal spaces effectively.
Creative Candor | Melanie N. Hanna (@creative_candor) • Instagram photos and videos