13. Color, Chaos & Connection: Neal Edwards of Worlds Away

13. Color, Chaos & Connection: Neal Edwards of Worlds Away

This episode is pure joy. 😂 My guest is Neal Edwards of Worlds Away — and let me tell you… Neal was my VERY first account back in the Atlanta Market days (aka a million years ago), and we’ve basically been laughing, screaming across showrooms, and causing trouble ever since. We talk about what selling really means (hint: it’s relationships), why reps matter, how design keeps evolving, and what we’re seeing for 2026 trends—from traditional vibes coming back to layers of color + pattern saving us from the beige doom spiral. It’s real, it’s ridiculous, it’s heartfelt… and yes, there’s talk of wastebaskets, vodka, and staying sane in the middle of the madness. 🥂🎨 🎧 Listen now to Bad Bird Good Design wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

12. The Surface Standard: Robyn Gets Real About Cambria Quartz | Bad Bird Good Design

We’re back from break and diving deep into countertops! Robyn Branch sits down with Garnett from Cambria USA to talk all things quartz—what sets Cambria apart, why it's designer-approved, and how it delivers stress-free beauty with a lifetime warranty. Plus, a few laughs, rep stories, and real talk from the showroom floor. 🎧 Listen to Bad Bird, Good Design with Robyn Branch on your favorite podcast app. #InteriorDesign #CambriaQuartz #MadeInUSA #DesignPodcast #KitchenDesign #QuartzCountertops Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

11. From Repping to Designing: Candice Petty’s Creative Evolution

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Bad Bird Good Design, host Robyn Branch sits down with her longtime friend and Palachuk rep, Candice Petty. Together, they reflect on their shared journey in the design industry, their initial impressions of each other, and the lessons they've learned about creativity, resilience, and relationships. Candice opens up about her transformative journey from being a multi-line sales rep to launching her own fabric line, Cloth and Soul. She shares the challenges of overcoming self-doubt, embracing her passions, and finding inspiration in the natural world and personal experiences. With stories ranging from soul-searching moments to entrepreneurial grit, this episode is a celebration of creativity, personal growth, and the power of connection. Key Takeaways: 1. The Value of Relationships: First impressions aren’t everything—relationships evolve over time with understanding and shared experiences. 2. Overcoming Creative Doubts: The journey to creative fulfillment often involves battling self-worth issues and learning to embrace your unique vision. 3. The Power of Nature and Slowing Down: Candice emphasizes the importance of grounding inspiration in the natural world and the clarity that comes from stepping back to breathe and reflect. 4. Entrepreneurial Lessons: Whether you're launching a product line or navigating professional shifts, persistence and passion pave the way to success. 5. The Role of Faith and Resilience: Both Robyn and Candice share how moments of spiritual connection and resilience have guided them in personal and professional challenges. Quote of the Episode: “What if everyone loves it? That thought alone can change everything.” – Candice Petty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

10.2 Relationships Rule the Design World: Casey Schroyer and Robyn Branch Share Stories

In the second part of this two-part episode of Bad Bird Good Design, Robyn Branch and Casey Schroyer continue their lively discussion, diving deeper into the heart of their shared profession—relationships. From Casey’s childhood in his family’s furniture store to Robyn’s reflections on her mother’s retail adventures, they share how personal connections shape their work as designers. The conversation meanders through humorous anecdotes, lessons from bad subcontractor experiences, and how they handle the unpredictable challenges of design projects. With warmth and wit, Robyn and Casey explore how their industry is as much about people as it is about aesthetics. KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. Relationships Drive Design: Building genuine connections with clients, colleagues, and vendors is key to creating meaningful and lasting designs. 2. Learn from Everyone: From bad subcontractors to seasoned craftsmen, every interaction can teach valuable lessons in what to do—or not to do. 3. Design Evolves with Life: Homes and designs should adapt to the evolving needs of clients, whether accommodating family changes or personal preferences. 4. Retail Roots Matter: Early experiences in retail helped both Robyn and Casey develop a keen eye for quality, pricing, and the value of customer relationships. 5. Humor Helps: The challenges of design—whether it’s a crooked sink mold or a chaotic project—are easier to face with a sense of humor and a supportive community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

10. Post-MODERNE Perspectives: Casey Shroyer and Robyn Branch Redefine Design

Join Robyn Branch on Bad Bird Good Design as she welcomes Casey Shroyer, the creative force behind Post-MODERNE, to explore the intersection of passion, design, and personal growth. Casey shares the inspiration behind his brand’s name, his logo’s hidden design story, and how intuition shapes his creative process. In this candid conversation, Robyn and Casey delve into the challenges of balancing artistic vision with business demands, the vital role of relationships in the design industry, and why Casey is taking a much-needed sabbatical to recharge and refocus. Their lively discussion is filled with humor, heart, and wisdom for designers and creatives alike. KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. Design with Intention: Casey’s journey shows how thoughtful branding can convey both story and purpose. 2. The Power of Connection: Robyn and Casey emphasize relationships as the cornerstone of creative success. 3. Taking a Break to Move Forward: Casey’s decision to step back highlights the importance of self-care for longevity in any industry. 4. Retail Reimagined: Insights into how great design is about more than products—it’s about people and experiences. 5. Learning and Growing: Both hosts reflect on how challenges in business and creativity fuel innovation and resilience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]