How Cool Is This? podcast

28:18

After a whole weekend of great conversations, we finally got the man behind the madness behind the mic. Mike helped bring everyone — including us — together at The Lively Grit Daily House for SXSW 2025. We chatted about dealing with stress, putting on live events, why ‘Zoom Fatigue’ is bullshit, faking football knowledge, bowl cuts, Linkin Park, the difference between a fad, a trend, and a culture, and a lot more in between. “There will be one person walking down the side of the street and you'll be like, ‘they're cool.’ And then there'll be somebody else probably making a noise or walking stupidly or wearing something absolutely disgusting, trying to be cool. And you'll cross the road to avoid them.” Connect with Mike on LinkedIn. Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: Haley Grace — Actor 29:41

8 weeks ago29:41

29:41

Haley is an actor who uses her background in foreign affairs to inform her work on screen and stage. We chatted about reconnecting with old friends at SXSW, being influenced by different perspectives from around the world, taking the untraditional path, going from the Cannes Film Festival to monitoring elections in Serbia, finding balance, journaling, Nickel the service dog, her idea for a children’s book, and a lot more in between. “One thing I'm grateful for is that I don't have regrets and I think that can be a cool thing.” Follow Haley on Instagram. Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: Larry Combs — Founding CEO @ WLTHYWISE 21:24

8 weeks ago21:24

21:24

A recent Austin transplant, Larry was at The Lively Grit Daily House spreading the word about WLTHYWISE, his personal finance app that helps students realize the financial potential through personal financial forecasting. We talked Austin vs. LA, basketball, Mr. Beast, the beach, snowboarding tricks, the efficacy of influencers, and a lot more in between. “ I really strongly believe that cool is all from a perspective of yourself. You can't really rely on someone else to tell you if you're cool or if you're not cool.” Connect with Larry on LinkedIn . Download WLTHYWISE from the App Store . Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: Nikita Fernandes — Psychotherapist at Blue Canary Therapy 23:21

8 weeks ago23:21

23:21

A licensed psychotherapist and sex therapist, Nikita Fernandes was invited to speak at SXSW’s Lively Grit Daily House about the perils of burnout culture. We sat down with her after her presentation to talk about why people feel compelled to do uncool things, TikTok culture, ostriches, the Internet, and more. “To say that something is not cool that is generally seen as cool means that you're putting yourself at risk for social isolation. And social isolation and feeling isolated is not cool." Are you in New York? You can find Nikita at Blue Canary Therapy . Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: Harley Jennette — Founder @ Lively Local Markets 26:02

8 weeks ago26:02

26:02

Event producer, brand activation savant, and music festival curator Harley Jennette joined us in the recording booth at SXSW 2025’s Lively Grit Daily House to talk about music journalism, meeting people at concerts, skateboarders, a snacking event he’s putting on with Lively Local Markets, and most importantly, what’s cool. “If your friends don’t think you’re cool, then they’re not your friends." Connect with Harley on LinkedIn , and find some of his upcoming Lively Local Markets events. Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: Jessica Sophia Wong — Founder of Yorkseed 18:09

8 weeks ago18:09

18:09

Jessica stopped by The Lively Grit Daily House with members of Yorkseed, her startup collective. She also brought her infamous wearable QR code. We chatted about her SXSW origin story, how Instagram is unfortunately cool, being legendary, skipping the line in front of your haters, and a lot more in between. “ I still try to keep a part of me that's like always be open minded and stay cool. You only live once — I really believe that. You’re going to have to try out everything. Then you know what works for you and what doesn’t.” Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn . Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov (where co-host Brian also works) for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: Chris Ritter — Freelance Creative Director 24:42

9 weeks ago24:42

24:42

A returning guest of the pod, Chris joined us during his yearly pilgrimage to Austin to chat about deep fakes, ask why we all think sunglasses are cool, talk Chicago style hot dogs, being unique, why arrows don’t hurt as bad as you think, the Psychopath Test, and a lot more in between. “ I'm always drawn towards anything that's really different. It's like, how did that happen? That’s where you get the really interesting conversations with people.” See Chris’ portfolio , connect with him on LinkedIn and get inspired at FREE INNOVATION! Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov (where co-host Brian also works) for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: Ryan Gross - Head of Data Products, Client Services - Americas @ YouGov 19:07

9 weeks ago19:07

19:07

After kicking off the weekend with a presentation about America’s skeptical attitudes towards Generative AI and personalized advertising , YouGov’s Ryan Gross joined us at the Lively Grit Daily House to discuss hobbies vs identities, dogs, pants, embracing authenticity, and more. "Only your own vision of what is cool, is cool.” Did you attend the 2023 Coolios at Stand Up New York? You might remember Ryan from playing a few songs at the awards show. If you're listening to this episode on Spotify, check out his popular indie music project Skinny Dippers , and get updates on the band’s forthcoming music on his Instagram page ( @skinnydippersband ). Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov (where co-host Brian also works) for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: Kit Huffman — Founder of Seneca & LinkedIn Expert 12:56

9 weeks ago12:56

12:56

A multivariate speaker at the Lively Grit Daily House at SXSW 2025, Kit Huffman sat down with us just before her Saturday keynote to talk about LinkedIn, fame, ski gear, and most importantly — cool.“You walk in a room and there's that aura… that person that has that absolute charisma. They got the outfit, they have the social media following, they have people that know who they are… They just own a room in a lot of different ways, whether that's a literal room or an online room.” Connect with Kit on LinkedIn , and learn more about her work with Seneca , a personal branding agency she founded. Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: Peter Salib — Startup Ecosystem Builder 26:29

9 weeks ago26:29

26:29

A veteran of the tech conference scene, Peter brought his unique POV — and love of hot dogs — to his conversation with us at The Lively Grit Daily House. We talked about prescription sunglasses, acceptable hot dog toppings, getting his dog on The Today Show, how the Irish say things are cool, “raw data” from strangers, what he saw at CES ‘25, a crawling bedside table lamp, and a lot in between. “ I think it's important to be cool and in your own sense of cool and in your own skin and in your own mind. Some people's brand is just straight nerdy, straight geeky, and they make it work. Look at Bill Gates, right?” Watch Peter's dog on T he ⁠⁠ Today Show. Read Peter’s work on Grit Daily and check out his retail accelerator work . Follow his Old Time Eatery Guide . Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: Andrew Einaudi and Mike Brylawski — Co-Founders of Mado Dynamic 22:49

9 weeks ago22:49

22:49

Andrew and Mike made their way to SXSW to show off Mado Dynamic — their new solar-powered, fully automated shades, which we got the chance to test out in the Lively Grit Daily House. We talked about the product, Curb Your Enthusiasm, the perils of corded blinds, “pane” points, being “baller”, how to get strangers to think your new product is cool, western shirts, The Sound of Music, and a lot in between. “ I thinkI'm a good listener. I talk to people, I understand their position in life. And so, I just listened to how they think and talk about how that product might solve problems for them. Most of the time people really resonate with like, ‘Oh, I never thought of that. Oh, I never thought I could afford that. Oh, that's super interesting’.” Learn more about Mado Dynamic and back their Kickstarter . Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: Kati Murphy — VP of PR and Communications at Meow Wolf 22:06

10 weeks ago22:06

22:06

Kati had a busy South by Southwest, speaking at the Lively Grit Daily House, a panel at the convention center, and a session at New Mexico House. We sat down with her early in the trip, right after her speaking gig at Lively Grit Daily House. The conversation ranged from basketball to bands to whether or not it's cool to have a political stance (spoiler: Kati says it is!), gaming, coolness as a parent, and a lot in between. She also spoke about her job at Meow Wolf - an immersive art adventure and experience - and the brand’s relationship with the fleeting concept of coolness. “Now that we have millions of visitors a year, like, I want my next door neighbor, who is a soccer mom, I want her to bring her kids there, you know? I want her to enjoy it and not feel as though she's not cool enough to be there. But at the same time, I want to still have that value described by us, while also being accessible.” Connect with Kati on LinkedIn and find a Meow Wolf location near you (they’re coming to LA and New York soon) . Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: Lisa DelMonte — Head of Creative, Co-Host @ Audience 101 20:05

10 weeks ago20:05

20:05

Between wrangling speakers and everything else that goes into putting on a speakeasy at SXSW, Lisa popped into the studio to talk about why she, Mike, Mary, and the team hosted the Lively Grit Daily House at SXSW 2025. We talk about dogs, parenthood, the gender dynamics of cool, and more. “It's your personality and how you connect with people and what your vibe is and how you're communicating and talking and treating people… The way you treat others makes you cool or not.” -Lisa DelMonte Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn , and learn more about the work of Audience 101 , the curators and connectors behind the Lively Grit Daily House SXSW 2025 Speakeasy. Special thanks to Mike White, Lisa DelMonte, and Mary Parkinson of Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: JC Oliver — Ex-Head of Global Innovation at Microsoft | Investor, Strategist, Founder of Move78 34:19

10 weeks ago34:19

34:19

JC is no stranger to cool. He might be more of an expert than us. We connected at The Lively Grit Daily House to get his take on what’s worth paying attention to. We talked about the pressure to talk about AI, not caring, spicy guacamole, Jaws, the Johari Window, British words we’d never heard of before, and a lot in between. “If you don’t think you’re cool, other people won’t think you’re cool, and you’re going to think other people don’t think you’re cool.” Connect with JC on LinkedIn. Special thanks to Mike White, Lisa DelMonte, and Mary Parkinson of Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW. howcoolisthis.show…

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SXSW 2025: We're Back 4:05

11 weeks ago4:05

4:05

We tried to turn off the mics. We really did. But we're back and podcasting from The Lively Grit Daily House in Austin, TX for SXSW 2025. Stay tuned for more conversations with cool people, people who think they're cool, and maybe a robot. Drop by if you're in town: The Lively Grit Daily House Details And hit us up at 848-863-9917 if you want a free code to get in. howcoolisthis.show…

How Cool Is This?

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(200) How Cool Was That: Series Finale & The State of Cool 1:01:43

12 weeks ago1:01:43

1:01:43

Die cool, or live long enough to see yourself become uncool. After more that 5 years and 200 episodes, How Cool Is This? is finally ready to answer our original question: what IS cool? For our 200th episode and series finale, we’re revealing the results of a YouGov survey to discover what Americans really think is cool - with a few twists.…

How Cool Is This?

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(199) What's the Coolest Way to End This? 4:54

17 weeks ago4:54

4:54

After more that 5 years and nearly 200 episodes, How Cool Is This? is finally ready to answer our original question: what really is cool ? But is that even possible? And more importantly, is answering the question cool? Take the Cool Survey. RSVP for the Episode 200 live stream on Sunday, February 23 at 8 PM EST. howcoolisthis.show…

How Cool Is This?

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(198) How Cool Are Podcasts? 4:59

27 weeks ago4:59

4:59

Brian and Nick discuss whether or not this medium is cool. But is it a good thing that podcasts feel more powerful than ever? And more importantly, is that cool? You can call (848) 863-9917, but you probably won't get your idea on the show. Stay tuned for details on a LIVE episode 200. howcoolisthis.show…

How Cool Is This?

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(197) Which Candidate in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election is Cooler? 5:00

28 weeks ago5:00

5:00

America is currently deciding whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump will be the next president. But are either of them actually cool? And more importantly, is it even possible for the president to be cool? Get your idea on one of the last episodes of How Cool Is This? by leaving us a voicemail at 848-863-9917. howcoolisthis.show…

How Cool Is This?

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(196) @PaperWash: Haunted House Full of High School Acquaintances 4:53

29 weeks ago4:53

4:53

X user @PaperWash has an idea for a haunted house that brings together people from your past. Would this really be that scary? And more importantly, is it cool? Happy Halloween! Get more from @PaperWash on X. And get one of your ideas on one of the last episodes of How Cool Is This? by leaving a voicemail at 848-863-9917. howcoolisthis.show…

How Cool Is This?

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(195) @brosaleigh: Morning Gigs 5:00

32 weeks ago5:00

5:00

X user @brosaleigh thinks that more entertainment should happen in the morning. But is the morning the best time to be entertained? And more importantly, is that cool? Get more from @brosaleigh on X. Hear your idea on one of the last 5 episodes of How Cool Is This by leaving us a voicemail at 848-863-9917. howcoolisthis.show…

How Cool Is This?

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(194) @Jvanitypress: Roomba For Flossing 4:59

34 weeks ago4:59

4:59

X user @Jvanitypress wants a robot to floss for him. But will this actually get dentists to stop complaining about our poor mental hygiene? And more importantly, is that cool? Get more from @JVanitypress on X . Want to be on one of the last 6 episodes of How Cool Is This? Leave us a voicemail at 848-863-9917. howcoolisthis.show…

How Cool Is This?

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(193) @andykreed: Weddings Should Have A Worst Man 4:57

35 weeks ago4:57

4:57

Andy thinks weddings should have the opposite of a best man. But is that the best time to celebrate a bad guy? And more importantly, is that cool? Get more from Andy on X. Want your idea on one of the last 6 episodes of How Cool Is This? Leave us a voicemail at 848-863-9917. ⁠⁠howcoolisthis.show⁠⁠

How Cool Is This?

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(192) @carterhambley - DIY emergency room 3:10

36 weeks ago3:10

3:10

X user @carterhambly suggests that ER patients should have the opportunity to operate on themselves. Would this DIY emergency room be safe? And more importantly, is it cool? ⁠Get more for @carterhambley on X⁠ . Want your idea on one of the last 7 episodes of How Cool Is This? Leave us a voicemail at 848-863-9917. ⁠howcoolisthis.show⁠…

How Cool Is This?

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(191) @aidankeeping: Blanket That Keeps You Cold 4:54

38 weeks ago4:54

4:54

X user @aidankeeping wants the comfort of a blanket without the heat. Would that be a good way to sleep? And more importantly, would that be cool? Get more for @aidankeeping on X . Want your idea on one of the last 8 episodes of How Cool Is This? Leave us a voicemail at 848-863-9917. howcoolisthis.show…

How Cool Is This?

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(190) @chi_urbanist: Chicago-style Hamburger 4:44

40 weeks ago4:44

4:44

X user @chi_urbanist_ proposes a new type of burger. Would the Chicago-style Hamburger have too many ingredients? And more importantly, is it cool? ⁠⁠Get more from @chi_urbanist on X . Get your idea on one of the last 10 episodes of How Cool Is This? by leaving us a voicemail at (848) 863-9917 or sending an email to submit2howcoolisthis@gmail.com. ⁠⁠howcoolisthis.show⁠⁠…

How Cool Is This?

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(189): @_hood_mona_lisa: Olympic Chili Cook-off 4:55

41 weeks ago4:55

4:55

X user @_hood_mona_lia wants a new type of competition added to the Olympics. Would a chili cook-off be too big of a departure from the essence of Olympic Games? And more importantly, is that cool? ⁠Get more from @_hood_mona_lisa on X. Get your idea on one of the last 11 episodes of How Cool Is This? by leaving us a voicemail at (848) 863-9917 or sending an email to submit2howcoolisthis@gmail.com. ⁠howcoolisthis.show⁠…

How Cool Is This?

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(188) @kinoyahh: Zero Day Work Week 4:55

42 weeks ago4:55

4:55

X user @kinoyahh wants the work week to be less than five days. Would that work with our work culture? And more importantly, is that cool? Get more from kino on X. Get your idea on one of the last 11 episodes of How Cool Is This? by leaving us a voicemail at (848) 863-9917. howcoolisthis.show

How Cool Is This?

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(187) @keshbaby_34: Adults Only Airline 5:00

43 weeks ago5:00

5:00

X user Keshia wants an airline for adults only. Would that make for a better flying experience? And more importantly, is that cool? Get more from Keshia on X. Get your idea on one of the last 12 episodes of How Cool Is This? by leaving us a voicemail at (848) 863-9917 or sending an email to submit2howcoolisthis@gmail.com. howcoolisthis.show…

How Cool Is This?

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(186) @imaniems_: Municipal Budget Swap 5:00

46 weeks ago5:00