#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.

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#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.

#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.

#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:

Jerrett’s passion for learning, pushing boundaries, and self-improvement is contagious. Don't miss this episode!

Rocky Tacoma (@rockytacoma69) • Instagram photos and videos

#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.

#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!

#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:

#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:

#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.