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 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:

https://www.instagram.com/ambercrowley13/

#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

nailahnoorbellydance.com

#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:

Ethan Ramirez (@ethanayce) • Instagram photos and videos

#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.

Instagram:

#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.

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