Hairbrained Conversations

Charli Boell (@ShrunknHeads) is a passionate #crafthairdresser, barber and brand ambassador who, in the midst of the pandemic, came out publicly as a trans woman. Charli quickly became a role model for many who felt marginalized and not seen as who they really are. Charli shares the story behind her journey from a young person who sat uncomfortably in the barber chair (quietly not wanting a traditional boy's haircut), to decades later discovering her true self, in time opening up to share her larger journey and experiences with us all. A must-listen-to episode.

#Crafthairdresser Jude Viola joins us for an introspective conversation about her career and life journey - one that has taken her from getting a college degree in banking to being inspired 'by a pixie cut' to start her career in hairdressing. Gordon call this one "an instant favorite episode".

@ElenaLavagni is co-owner of London based Neville Salon and acts as "service provider" (which translates into staff and management resource) for the world's one and only Amazon Salon. Although Amazon's launch of a salon was the source of great controversy for many, Elena makes a strong case for proactive evolution of how salons think about business and technology to remain competitive in a fast-changing world – and shares learnings from her experience working with Amazon as well as with her own Neville team over the course of the pandemic.

Renowned globetrotting updo and long hair artist/educator Sharon Blain (@SharonBlainEducation) shares the story behind her iconic career as well as great advice on becoming a successful educator, working professional and more. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Renowned L'Oréal Professionnel educator and master balayage artist Jack Howard used the pandemic as an inspiration to openly share his unique insights and approach to balayage—and in the process grew his Instagram following from 50,000 to 238,000. Not one to stop there, Jack works at D.C.'s Izzy Salon, hosts the monthly JackHowardColor podcast, educates online and in real time for L'Oréal Professionnel, regularly produces programs for his growing digital education platform, and takes time every Friday to "Celebrate Our Hair Industry" on social media.

#Crafthairdresser and independent educator @IraPopeSage shares the unique story behind his journey into hairdressing and how a chance meeting with @paulmitchellpro's Robert Cromeans and team literally changed his life. We talk about Ira's perspective as both a long-working hairdresser and educator as well as taking a dive into the future of hairdressing—including why both Ira and Gordon see robots very much in the future of salons.

Renowned L'Oréal Professionnel Artist, educator, salon owner and balayage guru Nancy Braun shares her truly unique career journey, plus insights into creating success as a colorist as well as a business owner. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

@IanMichaelBlack is an iconic artist, educator, and the @aveda Global Artistic Director of Hair Color. Ian shares what's new in his world professionally as he gets back out on the road, and does a deep dive into the larger world of Aveda—including a discussion of Aveda's latest innovations in hair color.

Salon owner, working hairdresser, celebrity stylist and entrepreneurial spirit Janine Jarman shares the story behind her brilliant rise to success, best advice for creating your own and much more.