This week, I sit down with Eduardo Hernandez to discuss summer vibes in LA to the challenges of making friends in a new city. Eduardo shares his experience with jiu-jitsu and how it started with an interest in self-defense but grew into an outlet for physical activity and social interaction. He also talks about his background, growing up in Tijuana and San Diego, and his close relationship with his mother. There are some deep moments, too, when we touch on the topic of family dynamics, divorce, and how moving away can affect our relationships with parents and siblings. 

This is the fifth episode of Anything But Design, we introduce a new format; the podclass. With this format, we hope we can provide you with some lessons and learnings to try yourself. In this first podclass, host Ryan Rumsey revisits chapter 1 of his book "Business Thinking for Designers." He reads sections from the introduction chapter and reflects on how things have changed or remained the same since writing the book was written in 2019. He also reflects on the emotional experience of writing the book and what he would include or omit if he were to write it again. 

So this episode is all about Holly Cole and her life stories, from her favorite hair products to growing up in different states. She also talks about her involvement in community work and her leadership experiences. We also get to hear about her struggles with mental health and how she helped a family member through a really tough medical crisis. Plus, she shares her experience of being sent to a wilderness boot camp when she was just 16 years old! But it's not all heavy stuff. Holly also talks about how she found the divine by connecting with others and finding common ground. The conversation covers a lot of ground, including trauma, privilege, and the complexity of relationships with parents. In the end, it's a reflection on the randomness and complexity of life and the importance of showing up for others and yourself.

It's another incredible conversation this week. Claire Kwon sits with us to discuss a secret. A secret she's been holding for years. What's it like to live with and be treated for cancer but not tell your parents? We find out today. I'm so grateful to have the conversation and hear more about Claire's experience of being diagnosed, heading into treatment, and the difficult decisions to share her experience with only a few chosen friends. And now us and you! This is a compelling and wonderful conversation, and I'm so glad Claire shared it with us!

This week we have the amazing Chris Wilksberger joining us! I met Chris a few years ago, and in a room full of wonderful people, Chris stood out. He's been one of my favorite humans ever since. In this chat, Chris shares with us some wonderful stories about deciding what to be and do as a young adult, how the seminary was and then wasn't involved, what life was like as DJ Comrade, and how finding your chosen family is what makes us whole. It's a conversation where I learned all new things and as with all my conversations with Chris, full of laughs, great quips, and deep thoughts.

For our first ever episode, we chat with the AMAZING Lisa deBettencourt! We sit down and agree that Metallica Rules! Like any great parent, Lisa is sharing her love affair with music with her kids, how music informs her work, and the role that excellent writing plays in taking strong feelings and expressing them in a way that resonates with others. Mostly we’re just talking about hair and clothing choices in the 1980s.

Launch trailer for "Anything But Design" with Ryan Rumsey