Good People, Cool Things

Ray Simone is a photographer and lifelong New Yorker, and he learned pretty early on the power of being curious and exploring your surroundings. In the 1970s and 80s, Ray often found himself at flea markets, garage sales, street fairs, and more all across New York City, buying all the negatives he could find.

Now, he's painstakingly digitizing these photos, retouching them pixel by pixel. The end result is a modern look at some classic images from the past 100 years (and sometimes even further back!).

You can also support the show by checking out the new Good People, Cool Things merch store. All February long, everything is 20 percent off (discount applied at checkout). Go get you something cool, and thanks for listening!

Dave MacDonald from Crafted1K joins the podcast to talk all things cartooning. He shares how he developed a love of comics and doodling at a young age, how accidentally stumbling into a sales career led to his current business, and why every brand should tap into the "humor effect."

Natlyn Jones is just an all-around rock star. She started getting into boxing from her husband, boxer Roy Jones Jr., and quickly realized the many benefits boxing can bring to people. She channeled that focus into SheWarrior, a brand creating sustainable activewear for the fighter in all of us.

In this episode, we’re chatting all about running a business, from getting started to social media to Natlyn’s worst moment as a business owner, and how she bounced back from it. We also wrap things up with a list of home workouts and songs to keep you motivated, so you can, like I always say, GET AFTER IT today. 

To celebrate 50 episodes and one year of Good People, Cool Things, I’m doing a MASSIVE discount on everything in the store. All month long, all items are 20% off, so get you some goodies.

Omar Mo is the founder of Nomadables and the host of The Nomadic Executive podcast. He helps online entrepreneurs that want to escape the daily grind of a 9 to 5 job and live a life of freedom and purpose. Centered around health, wealth, and wisdom, Omar uses life lessons he’s learned from his own experience and other experts across the world to empower people to live their best lives. Now it's your turn!

Help support Good People, Cool Things by visiting the GPCT shop and pick yourself up a hoodie, shirt, mug, or hat. (https://goodpeoplecoolthings.com/shop)

You can grab a copy of any of the games — including some sweet combo packs — on the SociaLaughs website or through Amazon. Learn more about each game below.

Passport to the Hood

This game includes 3 volumes – and highlights hilarious moments of urban culture, says everything that you hear behind closed doors and reflects the things we experienced growing up. You are ready to play this game if you know: 1) What to do when you see people run 2) A New Yorker’s favorite word 3) What snitches get 4) What the PJ’s mean 4) What not to do at a cookout. The objective of the game is to not lose points by predicting what answers the opposing teams will select.

CelebSaid

The game that revives your favorite quotes, catchphrases and lines from some of our most beloved Black celebs. You are ready to play this game if you know these quotes...He shot me in my pinky toe. If the glove doesn't fit, you must acquit. King Kong ain't got sh*t on me. You ain't got to lie, Craig. 86 Quote cards, 4 Go cards and 16 Decision cards.

Story of My Life

Designed specifically for women, Story of My Life is fun-filled journey highlighting the social, personal and cultural experiences that cultivate the life stories of women. Play this game and find out what stories you have in common with your girlfriends.

If you’re a fan of Good People, Cool Things, I would love your support. Feel free to subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. That helps even more people discover these wonderful guests. 

You can also support the show by checking out the new Good People, Cool Things merch store. Thanks for listening!

Author Stacy Padula teamed up with NBA Coach Brett Gunning on a children’s book series based on the principles of his nonprofit, On the Right Path. And because every kids’ book needs some great illustrations, they called in Maddy Moore to sink a few clutch shots with her designs. 

We’re chatting about the book writing process, the best quarantines, and some of Brett’s most memorable NBA moments, including a delightful story about Kevin McHale. 

Billy Van Zandt has been writing plays, TV shows, and films for nearly half a century. So, naturally, he’s got a few stories to tell about Hollywood. Luckily, he was taking notes along the way and has put his finest moments into his new book. 

GET IN THE CAR, JANE! Adventures in the TV Wasteland is a behind the scenes memoir of Emmy-nominated writer/producer Billy Van Zandt and his years making America’s favorite (and not so favorite) sitcoms.

No matter where you’re at on your entrepreneurial journey, you’re likely thinking about business growth. Zack Hurley, founder of apparel manufacturing company Indie Source, knows all about that — he grew his company from $788,000 to $2.3 million in just two years, and is on track to reach $5 million this year — all while maintaining a bootstrapped approach. 

Indie Source has tackled the outdated apparel industry and turned it on its head by offering entrepreneurs a way to get access to the insiders. Zack, along with co-founder Jesse Dombrowiak, started the firm to help designers get access to apparel supply chains, which is a HUGELY monolithic industry. 

Zack and Indie Source have worked with tons of celebrities, from Khloe Kardashian to NBA player Kareem Rush. He’s appeared on an episode of The Real Housewives of OC and was even asked to have his own reality show. Indie Source made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2018 and is still kicking butt today. Indie Source has worked with more than 500 entrepreneurs and brands to make apparel dreams come true.

Author Caroline Henrich talks about her book A Very Lappy Christmas, the impact of helping others, and gives us a peek inside her very full household.

As an actor, host, emcee, and podcaster, Brad Gage has met a ton of interesting people — and he’s certainly one himself. He’s appeared in movies and TV shows like Timeless and Jane the Virgin and has hosted content for Hulu, Mercedes-Benz, American’s Funniest Home Videos, and more. Throughout it all, he's found a passion for having in-depth conversations and getting to know people.

That’s what Brad’s podcast Real Feels is all about. He asks guests to be vulnerable about masculinity and gender issues as they dive into who they are now and where they're hoping to go.

Other highlights include a terrible acting gig Brad once had, the power of restorative justice, and some of the best 90s one-hit wonders.