Cool Ass People Podcast

#33: Join us as we sit down with Tabria Williford, a self-taught designer, artist, and nature enthusiast based in Austin, TX. With a background in Visual Arts, Communications, and Entrepreneurship, and a stint as a collegiate soccer player at Duke University, Tabria’s creative journey is as dynamic as her adventurous spirit. In this episode, we explore how her love for national parks inspires her art and fuels her advocacy. From tackling inequality in outdoor spaces to addressing environmental racism, climate change, and inclusivity, Tabria shares how her brand is making a powerful impact. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation about art, nature, and meaningful change. More from Tabria: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawathreads/ Website: https://www.tawathreads.com/

#32: Happy News years to you and I hope everyone had an amazing holiday. Our first guest of the year, Amber Crowley, is a fitness model, coach, and an incredible force of inspiration. She opens up about her transformative journey, from battling self-doubt and navigating personal loss to embracing fitness as a powerful tool for change. Life doesn’t always hand us easy cards to play, and Amber is living proof that even in the toughest moments, you can rise above it all, she knows what it means to start from nothing. From navigating personal loss and financial setbacks to raising two kids at a young age, Amber has faced challenges that could have stopped anyone in their tracks. she shares how she turned podcasts, affirmations, and hard work into a life-saving routine. Amber reflects on the challenges of building a positive relationship with herself, the impact of surrounding herself with the right people, and how she found the courage to inspire others as a coach. So, whether you're on your own fitness journey or looking for motivation to start 2025 right, this is the episode for you. More from Amber: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambercrowley13/ [https://www.instagram.com/ambercrowley13/]

#31: This is part two with Nailah, and if you haven’t listened to part one go back to episode #3 and listen to it, She talked with Brannon on that episode in depth about her background and juggling being an architect in the day and a belly dancer at night. However, on today’s episode Nailah opens up about her big transition from leaving the world of architecture to solely focus on the art of belly dance. She talks about finding her true calling, reconnecting with her body, and overcoming challenges as she transitioned into a career that aligns with her soul. Nailah shares her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity, mastering new skills, and embracing her truth. She’s on a mission to empower women to connect with their bodies through dance and movement. This conversation was full of empowerment, resilience, and the beauty of transformation. So If you’ve ever felt the urge to break free from expectations and follow your passion, this episode is for you More from Nailah: Instagram: Nailah Noor ✨️ Belly Dancer ✨️ Dallas, TX (@nailahnoorbellydance) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/nailahnoorbellydance/] Nailah Noor Belly Dance Dallas (@nailahnoorbellydance) | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@nailahnoorbellydance] nailahnoorbellydance.com [https://www.tiktok.com/link/v2?aid=1988&lang=en&scene=bio_url&target=nailahnoorbellydance.com]

#30: Today, we're thrilled to introduce Ethan — a true multidisciplinary artist and builder. Ethan is an interior designer, a university instructor, and an artist whose talents span painting and digital art. But that's not all — Ethan’s passion for innovative living led him to design and construct tiny homes, crafting spaces that blend minimalism, creativity, and functionality. Join us as Ethan shares his journey of trial, error, and triumph — from his first tiny home experiments to balancing technical design with artistic expression. This episode dives into the power of learning by doing, the intersection of architecture and interiors, and the beauty of embracing imperfections in creative work. More from Ethan: Instagram: Ethan Ramirez (@ethanayce) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/ethanayce/]

#29: We’re excited to introduce Nick Woodall, a talented welder, printmaker, and artist. Nick’s journey is one of constant reinvention and hands-on creation, from his initial days in architecture school to now owning a well-equipped workshop where he gives new life to old materials. He shares how he started by repurposing and transforming discarded items, Nick soon transitioned to larger and more intricate projects, gaining a following for his unique style and commitment to craftsmanship. We dive deep into Nick's background and what it’s taken to build his art practice, one machine at a time. He explains his fascination with tools and manufacturing processes, tracing the evolution of his skill set from small projects to larger installations and even furniture for salons.  His journey also highlights the role of location, with Albuquerque providing an affordable start but ultimately leading him to Austin, where budgets better matched his ambitions. Throughout, Nick reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a full-time fabricator and artist, building a career out of passion, perseverance, and a lot of heavy lifting. More from Nick: Instagram: Nick Woodall (@thespungold) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/thespungold/] Website: Spun Gold Design | United States | Spun Gold Mfg [https://www.spungold.design/]