Episodes

In this episode, we explore the journey of a seasoned audio engineer from humble beginnings to working with top artists and TV shows. Discover insights on the evolution of live sound, the impact of AI, and tips for aspiring professionals. We explore the innovative projects and philosophies of a creative entrepreneur in the music and production industry, including their work with Roadie Clinic, Theory One Studios, and the impact of AI on the industry.

In this episode, Ryan Goldbacher shares his journey from studio intern to touring professional, highlighting the importance of adaptability, leadership, and technical expertise in the live entertainment industry. He discusses industry trends, gear choices, and lessons learned along the way. We explore the realities of touring life, the importance of relationships, gear choices, and career growth in the live music industry. Our guest shares insights from decades of experience, emphasizing the value of networking, continuous learning, and maintaining a positive attitude.

FUTURETECH Featuring Inner Circle Distribution Chris and Lacy preview InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas, breaking down the show floor split between Work and Play and why the North Hall is the place to be for live events and production gear. They also spotlight Inner Circle Distribution’s Booth N6063, including new products from ROXX, MADRIX, Claypaky, and Portman, plus a free exhibit hall pass code for attendees.

FUTURETECH featuring ETC This episode explores the legacy of ETC founder Fred Foster and how his Student Mentorship Program connects emerging lighting professionals with industry veterans. It also spotlights the 2026 cohort, from themed entertainment and immersive design to opera, dance, and international production work.

This episode explores the behind-the-scenes decision-making and technical challenges involved in lighting up the Hoover Dam for a spectacular event. Discover how quick thinking and technical expertise come together in high-stakes projects.

Explore the legacy of Showco in live entertainment technology, from pioneering innovations to preserving history through Indigo Kretschmar May's archival efforts. Discover how industry standards were set and the ongoing efforts to document and celebrate this influential company. Explore the rich history of Showco, legendary sound companies, and iconic moments in live music production, featuring insights from industry veterans Blake and Johnny.

LEADING LADIES PODCAST - Episode 352Tiff Hudson | Psychotherapist & Founder, Therapy on TourIn this inspiring interview, Tiff shares her journey from local crew to touring with Coldplay, her struggles with burnout, and her transformative work in therapy for the touring industry. Discover practical insights on mental health, sobriety, and supporting crew and artists on the road.Tiff spent 21 years in the trenches of the music industry as a lighting tech, tour band assistant and tour manager. After years of running on fumes, she transitioned from lighting to the therapy room, earning her Masters in Psychotherapy to support the "road family."Through Therapy on Tour, Tiff provides specialized mental health support for artists and crew, focusing on how to maintain relationships, physical health, and mental clarity while living out of a flight case. She is on a mission to prove that while the show must go on, it shouldn't have to break you.

FUTURETECH Featuring Pyrutechnico Explore Pyrotecnico’s Shop to Show initiative, a mentorship program that fast-tracks warehouse technicians into high-stakes roles for global tours and festivals. Discover how hands-on technical training and professional guidance are helping the next generation of crew chiefs bridge the gap from the shop floor to the main stage.

This in-depth interview explores the world of live event production, focusing on the power of collectives, rapid project execution, and iconic projects like the Grand Egyptian Museum. Industry leaders share insights on collaboration, technology, and the future of entertainment technology.

FUTURETECH Featuring Claypaky Claypaky revives the legendary Sharpy with the Ultimo Sharpy, adding IP66 protection, broadcast-friendly operation, and faster, tougher performance for modern productions. The episode also digs into its 100,000-lux output, low-noise mode, Sharpy Emulation Mode, and the real-world value of keeping a classic beam fixture in the truck.

FUTURETECH Featuring ETC This episode breaks down why ETC’s Response DALI Gateway Mk2 arrives at the right moment as buildings move away from 0-10V dimming toward digital control. The hosts dig into DALI-2 certification, lower labor and wiring costs, better dimming performance, and why open standards matter for long-term facility management.

In the touring world, the show doesn’t happen without the crew. They’re the first ones in and the last ones out. But long nights and life on the road take a toll. That’s why we’ve teamed up to create something that fuels the body and the mission.At Koffee Kult, they don’t do average. So our Geezers Grind blend, their team wanted something unapologetic. With my help, they fused the dark intensity of their 'Road Dog' roast with the smooth, nutty balance of their medium roast 'Horizon Gold.' And the result is not your average cup of coffee, it’s a premium, small-batch blend built for the long haul on a tour bus, or in your comfy living room lounge chair.But this is about more than just a caffeine kick. 20% of every bag sold goes directly to The Roadie Clinic. Whether it’s mental health resources, their RoadieDocRX program, or just a safe space to heal in the Roadie Clinic, Michigan facility. Your morning coffee is now helping to provide a lifeline to the men and women behind the…

FUTURETECH Featuring ETC Chris and Lacy break down ETC’s education options for live-events crews, from Eos Family levels and Hog hands-on training to modular Lighting Essentials sessions for newer learners. They also cover online tutorials, LearningStage, webinars, and custom training so technicians can keep building skills without waiting for the perfect moment.

FUTURETECH Featuring Live Events Chris and Lacy break down how Radiance 2026 turned a massive venue into a focused, executive-level conference experience through tightly integrated lighting, audio, video, and control systems. From broadcast-clean keynotes to distributed 4K displays, the episode shows how production design creates clarity, trust, and calm for a CFO audience.

FUTURETECH Featuring Inner Circle Distribution This episode takes you inside Inner Circle Distribution, examining its growth, vision, and commitment to quality in lighting and special effects for film and entertainment. Chris and Lacy unpack the company’s values, services, and impact across North America.

In this inspiring interview, Courtney Klimson shares her journey from the music industry to creating a supportive community for roadies. Discover her innovative approach to building a safe space, managing a career on tour, and her vision for the Roadie Clinic to support industry professionals.In this insightful interview, shares her journey of building the Roadie Clinic, a vital resource supporting music industry professionals' mental health and well-being. She discusses innovative solutions like telemedicine, passport processing, peer support, and the importance of community and advocacy in the industry.

Geezers Of Gear Episode 348 This Episode we’re joined by a returning friend of the show who literally wrote the book - several of them, in fact - on how we light the stage and power the show.He is an ETCP Certified Entertainment Electrician with over 36 years in the trenches, a technical editor for L&SA, and the mind behind the industry-standard text, Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light. Richard is here to set the record straight on some "lighting lore" from our last chat wit...

FutureTech Feturing Live Events and Raw Cereal The hosts break down how JID’s GOD DOES LIKE PARADISE Tour uses a Notch-driven visual system, custom 2D/3D content, and a tightly aligned creative team to build an immersive, emotionally charged world. They also dig into the bunker-like stage design, the apocalyptic Atlanta-inspired palette, and how moving the LED forward turns the show from a window into a portal.

In this engaging interview, Jennifer Jacobs shares her 35-year journey in the music industry, revealing behind-the-scenes stories of touring, costume design, quick changes, and the joys and challenges of life on the road. Discover how her passion for travel, her meticulous work ethic, and her personal anecdotes highlight the incredible world of tour life and costume management. Jennifer Jacobs shares her extensive experience in wardrobe management for top artists, highlighting the importance of organization, presentation, personality, and industry support systems. Discover her insights on archiving iconic costumes, supporting artists, and evolving industry roles.

Malcolm Weldon is a veteran production manager and event producer with more than three decades of experience leading some of the largest tours in the world. From his early days as a house sound engineer at the Beverly Theater in Los Angeles—mixing legends like Miles Davis and R.E.M.—to serving as Production Manager for global superstars including Beyoncé, P!nk, Janet Jackson, Cher, and Tina Turner, Malcolm has helped shape some of the most iconic live productions of the modern touring era.A Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Honoree who jokingly calls himself “just an old guy with new knees pushing boxes,” Malcolm is known for delivering massive, brand-defining tours while staying grounded and deeply grateful to the crews and mentors who helped him along the way.

FUTURETECH Featuring ETC A concise technical look at High End Systems’ Lonestar Prime from ETC. Chris and Lacy break down how Prime evolves the original Lonestar platform with an IP54 weatherproof housing, higher output, improved color rendering, expanded gobo and effects package, and the optional RigPOV camera. A fast-paced, spec-focused FutureTech segment aimed at rental houses, production managers, and lighting programmers assessing where Lonestar Prime fits in their rigs #aipodcast #ai #geez...

In this episode, Jeff Alder shares his journey from a young lighting enthusiast to a pioneer in the concert lighting industry. He discusses the evolution of lighting technology, particularly the introduction of moving lights like the Cyclops, and how these innovations have transformed live performances. Jeff recounts his experiences working with various artists, the challenges he faced on tour, and the importance of collaboration in creating memorable lighting designs. The conversation also touches on the future of lighting technology and its impact on the music industry. In this engaging conversation, Jeff shares his journey through the music industry, detailing his experiences with Huey Lewis and the News, Santana, and the challenges of touring. He emphasizes the importance of camaraderie, standing up for oneself, and the impact of personal health on a career in music. Jeff reflects on his transition from touring to corporate work and the lessons learned along the way, culmin…

FUTURETECH Featuring ETC Chris and Lacy unpack ETC’s acquisition of Pharos Architectural Controls, exploring how the deal reshapes the architectural lighting control landscape. They break down who Pharos is, why their Mosaic expertise matters, and what this move signals for ETC’s global strategy, product roadmap, and customers across architectural, themed entertainment, and large-scale visual installations. #futuretech #aipodcast #AI #ETC #geezersofgear

Paul Dexter is a pioneering creative director and production designer whose career in concert lighting and stage design spans more than five decades. Starting in the early 1970s with a homemade lighting rig and a passion for rock & roll, Paul has gone on to shape the visual worlds of iconic artists including Elton John, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, TRIUMPH, and REO Speedwagon.As President and Lead Designer of Masterworks Design, he creates fully integrated stage, lighting, and video environments for world-class touring productions, film, and architectural projects. He’s the co-author of Concert Lighting: The Art and Business of Entertainment Lighting, the creative force behind the Las Vegas production Raiding the Rock Vault, and has designed lighting for major films and concert broadcasts.Paul is currently working on TRIUMPH: Rock & Roll Machine – RELOADED, touring in 2026. He loves talking road stories, design and execution, and why diversifying your skills is key to …