Real talk about creativity & making things that matter.
Make Cool Sh*t is a podcast about creativity, ideas, and the people behind them.
Hosted by Drew O’Brien, it dives into what it really takes to build something from scratch, exploring the wins, the losses, and everything in between.
Each episode uncovers the inspiration, authenticity, and process behind making things that matter through real conversations with creatives, founders, and mavericks doing it their way.
No fluff. No guru talk. Just stories, laughs, and how cool sh*t actually gets made.
Leia Gaccione
Build something you’re willing to bleed for.
Leia Gaccione is a chef and partner at The Saint Clair, where she leads the kitchen while helping shape the culture, standards, and long-term vision of the restaurant. Her work is rooted in discipline, consistency, and respect for the craft, balancing creativity with the real responsibility that comes with ownership.
In this episode, Drew and Leia talk about what it actually takes to run a restaurant day in and day out. They get into leadership in the kitchen, earning trust, setting standards, and the pressure that comes with committing fully to the work. Leia shares what it means to love the craft while carrying the weight of the business, and why longevity in hospitality is built through discipline, presence, and accountability.
If you are a founder, creative, or operator navigating high expectations and real responsibility, this episode will resonate.
Want to Be a Guest on the Show?
We are always looking to sit down with people doing bold, creative, and meaningful work. The Make Cool Sh*t Podcast is filmed in person in New Jersey, so guests must be able to join us on set.
If you think your story fits the vibe, whether you are an artist, founder, creator, or someone out there making cool sh*t happen, we would love to hear from you.