Good People, Cool Things

There’s something magical about a holiday movie, isn’t it? Even the Grinchiest of people can find something to like when the Christmas spirit hits the silver screen. The music, the decorations, the treats…they’re all part of the experience, and it is an absolute delight.

You might also have a friend who regularly hosts a holiday party, bringing friends and family together for a last soiree before the new year. For one Los Angeles neighborhood, Christine Weatherup is that friend. And her annual party was part of the inspiration for See You Next Christmas, a film she wrote, directed, and acted in.

We’re talking about the process of making See You Next Christmas, what it’s like to shoot a movie in your own home, and one of Christine’s worst moments on a movie set.

Jessica Nguyen is a revenue-generating legal counsel at Lexion, a smart contract management system that uses AI to help customers gain insights into legal agreements. She’s had quite the impressive journey to get to where she is today — and she’s not afraid to let loose with some dancing when the situation calls for it.

We’re talking about lessons she’s learned throughout her career, some of our best fast food jobs, and her favorite Paul Rudd films.

Erin Zhurkin has lived in several countries abroad, and she’s the author of Plus-Size in Paris, a fish-out-of-water story based on her own experiences living in the City of Love.

We’re talking about Erin’s inner journey in writing her first novel, some of her favorite slang, and where she thinks America can step up its game.

Special shout-out to the Misfits Makin’ It Podcast! If you dig this show, you’ll definitely enjoy all the misfits over there. Check it out!

Regular listeners of this show know I have a tendency to dabble in side hustles. Between multiple podcasts and newsletters, a band, and a freelance writing career, I'm always juggling a few things going on.

Marika Flatt embraces that spirit wholeheartedly. She’s the founder of PR By the Book, which helps authors get their works noticed. She’s the travel editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine, teaching you all that’s great in the Lone Star State. And she regularly makes appearances on TV to share travel tips so your next trip is your best one yet.

As you may have noticed, we’re less than a week away from Halloween. Good People, Cool Things enjoys a good spooktacular to celebrate the holiday.

This time around, we’re here to educate! This episode features five fun Halloween facts that hopefully brighten your day. Grab your favorite candy and enjoy.

And if you need even more facts, you should definitely subscribe to Fun Fact Friyay. Happy Halloween!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? I'd go for an extra pair of arms.

Joe Field is a superhero in his own right — he's what Paul Bunyon would be if he were also a writer. Joe is the creator of the LEGENDS UNIVERSE and author of Arrowhead Legends, Skoldrum Legends, and Chokecherry Legends. His books are enjoyed by middle grade kids, young adults, new adults, and the young at heart, or as he calls them, fun adults.

We’re talking about navigating the Texas heat with a newborn, his top tool for taking notes, and how he writes entire books using a technique called mind writing.

Betty Lu loves to travel and hike. Yet when she found herself reaching for protein bars to satiate her hunger, she encountered boredom more than yum-dum. So, she made herself a lightweight snack that still tasted great, pulling inspiration from the markets she went to growing up in Singapore and other flavors around the world, and using colorful plant-based ingredients like okra, sweet potatoes, radishes, and shiitake mushrooms.

And thus, Confetti Snacks was born.

We’re talking about the importance of upcycling imperfect produce, some of Betty’s favorite travel destinations, and how Confetti Snacks uses humor to connect with shoppers.

At the Texas Rennaissance Festival, you’ll see engaging experiences nearly everywhere you turn. Between themed weekends, local business owners peddling their wares, and elegant performers interacting with visitors, it’s a spectacular time.

Presiding over it all is the King of the Texas Renaissance Festival, who just so happens to be this episode’s guest. Yes, we’re kicking off the new season of Good People, Cool Things in royal style!

So, put on your finest garb, grab a turkey leg, and let’s have a grand ol’ time seeing what’s in store for this year’s Ren Fest.

Good People, Cool Things returns on October 4. In the meantime, I'm highlighting some other cool shows that I think you'll enjoy!

This week, we're flipping the script. Normally, I'm the one doing the interviews and highlighting the lovely things my guests are doing. But on this episode? I'm the guest, and I'm being interviewed by Rabiah Coon, host of the More Than Work podcast.

More Than Work features individuals who have found their self-worth is more than their job title, whether they're pursuing side hustles, finding ways to give back, or diving into other creative hobbies. Since I'm usually in the midst of five to 68 different projects at once, I'm a terrific guest!

This episode of Rabiah's show is called "Tepid Regards," which is a wonderful email sign-off that I suggest you use. Enjoy the show, and I'll see you in the new season on October 4!

Good People, Cool Things is returning with new episodes on October 4. In the meantime, I'm sharing episodes of other shows I think you'll dig.

Today's episode is from The Artist's Work Ethic with Mike Pelak. Mike is chatting with actor Terry Serpico, an actor who's currently recurring on Law & Order: SVU as Chief of Detectives, Tommy McGrath. Terry's appeared in films such as Hannibal, Michael Clayton, The Interpreter and The Purge: Election Year; as well as TV shows such as Yellowstone, Army Wives, Cobra Kai, and Designated Survivor.

While you're listening, why not take a moment to subscribe to Fun Fact Friyay? You'll get fun facts to your inbox once a week to make you wiser and more entertaining at parties — just drop your fact into a conversation and fade into the night. Plus, subscribers get shoutouts, special perks, and you might even have a poem or song written about you, if you so desire. What a time to be alive!