This podcast is where the kids who ‘weren’t supposed to make it’ spill the real tea. We talk trauma, triumph, and everyday BS as queer folks, people of color, and anyone who’s ever had to fight to be seen.
We get vulnerable, but never boring! Healing—but make it fashion.
People, Projects, and Protecting Your Peace! | Aesthetically Damaged - Ep 5
2025 was not the year I expected.It tested my patience, my confidence, my relationships, and my business. It forced hard conversations — about friendships, about burnout, and about the kind of clients I’m willing to work with as a creative.In this first episode of the year, I’m talking honestly about:• The emotional and professional struggles of 2025• Why maintaining adult friendships is harder than we admit• The hidden cost of misaligned relationships• Why acquiring and keeping clients feels harder than ever• How the right client elevates your creativity — and the wrong one quietly stunts your growth• My intentions for the new year (no toxic positivity, just clarity)This episode is about alignment.In friendships.In business.In the people we give access to.Because the truth is: not every opportunity is a win, not every client is good business, and not every relationship is meant to grow with you.If you’re entering this year feeling reflective instead of refreshed… you’re not alone.Let’s talk about choosing better.—If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you in the comments:What are you leaving behind this year?What kind of people — and projects — are you choosing moving forward?🎙 Subscribe for more conversations around creativity, growth, design, business, and navigating life as a creative entrepreneur.
1 Dec 2025
The Inland Center Mall in San Bernardino, CA is NOT Very Delta
Hello, Hello!
Welcome Back to the Pod!
In this episode, I’m reflecting on the past year and what it means to build real connection as an adult—especially around the holidays. From the challenge of making new friends, to finding (and appreciating) your chosen family, to the unexpected chaos of someone almost BREAKING INTO MY APARTMENT mid-recording… we’re covering it all!
I also talk about the strange comfort of coming from the Inland Empire, how that shaped me, and the gratitude I feel while building my career and future here in Orange County. This one’s about community, loneliness, growth, and the messy, beautiful process of finding your people as you get older.
If you want to stay connected, follow me on socials at @AestheticsbyAaron and @AestheticsHomeInteriors, and check out my interior design work at AestheticsHomeInteriors.com. And if you’re interested in collaborating, sharing your story, or working together in any way, email the podcast at AestheticallyDamagedPodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to connect with you!
2 Sept 2025
The Category is: "Sad Little Emo Boy"
Welcome back to the Pod!
In this episode, I’m taking you back to a recording I made earlier this year—during a time when I was wrestling with some heavy feelings of depression, shame, and self-doubt.
Growing up as the only “out” gay kid in school, being told by family what parts of me were acceptable (and what weren’t), and learning to survive by people-pleasing… all of that followed me into adulthood in ways I’m still unpacking.
This conversation is raw, unfiltered, and maybe a little messy—but that’s the point. Together, we’ll explore how childhood repression shapes the way we move through the world, why people-pleasing feels safer than saying no, and how shame whispers its way into our relationships, careers, and even creativity.
Don't forget to follow me @AestheticbyAaron and if you would like to book a complimentary design consultation, visit https://aestheticshomeinteriors.com
4 May 2025
Design Legends & Life Lessons ft. Bill Elson
This week, I’m joined by my dear friend and colleague, Bill—an interior design veteran with over 40 years of experience, and a razor-sharp wit to match. From growing up gay in Newport Beach, to building a design career in San Francisco and Las Vegas, to eventually working side by side with me, Bill has seen it all.
In this episode, we talk about what it was like coming of age in very different eras, the lessons we’ve learned as gay men in the design world, and what it means to survive—and thrive—with style. There are laughs, real talk, and more than a few gems you won’t want to miss!
Too much goodness for one episode, so stay tuned for Part 2.
Follow us on socials @aestheticsbyaaron & @williamcelson and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone who loves a good story told by their great-grandfather.
28 Apr 2025
Welcome to the Trauma Dump (But Make it Fashion)
Hey Hey!
Welcome to my first attempt at making a podcast!
I'm Aaron Gomez. I used to think success meant escaping. Leaving the hood. Leaving the noise. Leaving behind the person I was...
But guess what? When you move, the trauma packs itself along with you. TSA doesn’t check it. And suddenly you’re in Orange County with a curated living room and uncurated inner child problems.
I’ve had to do the work. Therapy, art, sweat, tears—sometimes tequila. And through all that, I realized I’m not alone. So many of us have lived these dual lives—code-switching, shrinking, hiding parts of ourselves for safety. For acceptance.
And now? Now I want to take up space. I want to hear your stories too!
Follow along for the fun, the drama, and the free therapy sessions!
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