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Episodes

#189 - Brian Dowd chatting through 46 years in this crazy but wonderful biz! (and lots of BBQ talk too!)
March 8, 2023

#189 - Brian Dowd chatting through 46 years in this crazy but wonderful biz! (and lots of BBQ talk too!)

Brian has a lot of "firsts" in his 46 years in this industry. He was the FIRST employee at Mainlight back in the early 80s for one! Brian is currently responsible for Designer Relations at but he's probably as well known for his legendary cooking mastery. Specifically, grilling incredible meats for many top industry functions. This June at 4 Wall, he will come out of a brief retirement to cook for an expected 800-1000 people. A very fun talk, bought to you by .
#188 - Eric Todd - 40 years at BML/Blackbird and an industry thought leader
March 6, 2023

#188 - Eric Todd - 40 years at BML/Blackbird and an industry thought leader

Eric started BML when he was still in school, and has grown it over a period of 40+ years. Today, between Blackbird and Generico, Eric continues to work very long hours, and is successful, although don't ask him to admit that! This episode is brought to you by and by Coffee from Koffee Kult.
#187 - Fausto Orsatti, truly one of our industry pioneers in product development
Feb. 16, 2023

#187 - Fausto Orsatti, truly one of our industry pioneers in product development

Fausto began his career creating amazing products for Coemar in the 1970's. Since that time, he not only helped develop the very first commercially available moving (mirror) light, but was issued many patents and awards along the way as well. Fausto has since created his own company where he solves problems for companies all over the world. He's truly one of the smartest, and kindest gentlemen you've ever met. This episode is brought to you by .
#186 - Mickey Williams / Gig Life
Feb. 14, 2023

#186 - Mickey Williams / Gig Life

Mickey grew up in the temporary crew business through his family, and just recently started his own company, Gig Life. He talks about a lot of the challenges and opportunities in the crew business currently. Hope you enjoy. Brought to you by .
#185 - Patrick Dierson
Feb. 8, 2023

#185 - Patrick Dierson

Patrick is a lighting designer, programmer, director, production designer, and smart business man! Always a great time when we get together, and this won't disappoint! This episode is brought to you by .
#184 - AJ Pen talks about 25 years in the business and his new adventures growing Penlight
Feb. 3, 2023

#184 - AJ Pen talks about 25 years in the business and his new adventures growing Penlight

AJ Penn has had a career spanning more than twenty-five years in Lighting, Set & Production Design and currently works with artists including Josh Groban and My Chemical Romance. Now, AJ is setting his mind to growing his business, Penlight, along with his partner / wife, Sol. This episode is brought to you by our newest sponsor, .
#183 - Bob Bonniol of Mode
Feb. 1, 2023

#183 - Bob Bonniol of Mode

Bob is a really interesting guy, who started in the late 80's running follow spots in a theater at night, while studying political science during the day. He eventually decided to pursue a career in lighting, then video and lighting, then so much more. Bob has been on the leading edge of technologies throughout his career, and is an expert on the growth of VR, AR and even AI in our industry. A very fun discussion indeed, brought to you by our friends at .
#182 - Chris Lose on a career built on kindness and saying YES!
Jan. 25, 2023

#182 - Chris Lose on a career built on kindness and saying YES!

Chris Lose is a man with more Job TItles than most folks will gather in a lifetime. While his entire career has been in lighting, it hasn't been linear! He's literally done everything! Tech, Master Electrician, Production Manager, Programmer, Director, LD, Account Rep, Designer Relations and more. At the core has always been a commitment to calm and kindness. Join us on Chris's journey, and also - a bit of discussion on his passion and mission towards veganism. This episode is brought to you by ...
#181 - Jonathan Smeeton discusses 50 years of lighting design
Jan. 17, 2023

#181 - Jonathan Smeeton discusses 50 years of lighting design

Not many designers have 50 years lighting the world's leading acts, from Hawkwind to Peter Gabriel, Wham, Zappa, Def Leppard and even Diana Ross. Jonathan's resume literally spans 5 full decades, and he retired on his own terms in 2018. There's a REALLY cool story included in this recording on what really happened that triggered the recording of Smoke On The Water. I had goosebumps! This episode is sponsored by . Please visit them and check out the new KL Profile FC.
#180 - We're losing too many friends... what can be done? With guests, John Featherstone, Eric Loader, Ben Saltzman and John Wiseman
Jan. 10, 2023

#180 - We're losing too many friends... what can be done? With guests, John Featherstone, Eric Loader, Ben Saltzman and John Wiseman

The group who gathered often during COVID come back to discuss a very important and sombre topic. We're losing too many friends, and it's entirely unnecessary. We're certainly not doctors, but we care enough to share some ideas, and also - to share our own stories, battles, and more.
#179 - Dan English discusses his lengthy history at Morpheus Lights and more recently LD Alliance
Jan. 3, 2023

#179 - Dan English discusses his lengthy history at Morpheus Lights and more recently LD Alliance

I always think of myself as a guy who's been around since the earliest days of automated lighting, but in fact, that's not accurate. I began in the industry in 1991. Our guest, Dan English, began his career with Morpheus in 1981, a full 10 years before me. And soon after, he was there to witness the birth of the Morpheus Panospot, Panobeam, Color Fader, and so many more innovative products. Dan remembers it all so well, and shares that with us on this episode, brought to you by our friends at .
#178 - Gordon Addison.... Need I say more?
Dec. 6, 2022

#178 - Gordon Addison.... Need I say more?

Gordon is a very well known and kind soul in the live events lighting space. Based in the UK, Gordon cut his teeth in nightclubs, but has since grown businesses in both the architectural lighting and production space as well. If you've ever been to LDI, Plasa and a handful of other shows - you'll know him as the last man standing (with Elvis visa in hand!!) at the bar as well. Join us on this journey - brought to you today by .
#177 - Ben Coker from Live Events Productions / Zenith Lighting, LIVE from the LDI Show Floor
Nov. 19, 2022

#177 - Ben Coker from Live Events Productions / Zenith Lighting, LIVE from the LDI Show Floor

Ben helps to select the greatest lighting products for Live Events and Zenith Lighting. Gain insights on his picks for the best stuff at LDI 2022!
#176 - Chris McMeen at LDI
176
Nov. 19, 2022

#176 - Chris McMeen at LDI

Chris is a well known account executive working with Christie Lites in New York and shares some great product insights from the LDI show floor. Quick LinksGet Embed PlayerShare on SocialDownload Audio File
#175 - The Conference At Lititz
Nov. 1, 2022

#175 - The Conference At Lititz

This thing is impressive! Imagine being in a room with Jake Barry, Marty Hom, Charlie Hernandez, Stuart Ross and a list of 60 other top names in the industry. I am blown away by what they're putting together, and the pricetag for it all. Wow. Here details directly from 3 of the 4 partners on this, Marty, Stuart and Charlie, along with Rock Lititz Conference Director - Emily Cassidy. Check out to sign up!
#174 - Likely our MOST important discussion yet... The Entertainment Association
Oct. 11, 2022

#174 - Likely our MOST important discussion yet... The Entertainment Association

We had COVID... it came, tried very hard to destroy our industry, then (for the most part) left - and it's like we've learned nothing. As an industry, we went back to what we were doing, and forgot the important lessons we've learned. So a group of us, Marcel, Michael Strickland, Ellen Lampert (LDI), Seth Jackson and Nathan Alves have combinded to discuss the foundation of an association, simply called The Entertainment Association (TEA) to help position us as an industry, so we're NEVER looked ...
#173 - Victor Fable - Lighting Designer, DP, Programmer and more
Aug. 23, 2022

#173 - Victor Fable - Lighting Designer, DP, Programmer and more

Vic's 40 year career began in NY and brought him to California, and recently he moved to be closer to family in Virginia. He's worked with a "who's who" of talent, and has an enviable resume. We had a fun chat about everything from ice hockey to travel and even a little bit of lighting! Sponsored by .
#172 - Donny Lodico
Aug. 19, 2022

#172 - Donny Lodico

It's funny how many folks think of Donny as a "video guy", when he has spent his entire career in lighting design and lighting account exec roles. Perhaps it's the last bunch of years he's spent with Video West... who are also an estimated 40% lighting. Anyway... learn this and more on Episode 172, brought to you by .
#171 - Check In with Cosmo Wilson
Aug. 17, 2022

#171 - Check In with Cosmo Wilson

Few designers have stayed as busy, throughout their careers, as Cosmo has. And like Frank, he really has done it his way! From Judas Priest and AC/DC to Aerosmith, Journey, Blondie and more - Cosmo has had a blast. This year alone has been a highlight of most careers, but he isn't slowing down! Brought to you by ... Enjoy!
#170 - Chris Ferrante / CEO of Ayrton
July 25, 2022

#170 - Chris Ferrante / CEO of Ayrton

Chris was born in Malta, schooled in Scotland, moved to USA, then to China where he began working with Ayrton. Now, he lives in Germany, but works in Paris... Confused? Listen to Episode 170 and you'll clear that all up! A great talk with one of the kindest folks in the business. Brought to you by .
#169 - Lighting Designer / Programmer - Michael Meacham from iDesign
July 18, 2022

#169 - Lighting Designer / Programmer - Michael Meacham from iDesign

There are not many clubs in the world at the level of Club E11EVEN, and there are not many lighting design and installation companies who could have envisioned this, and pulled it off. That club became a pivital moment in the growth and legitimacy of Miami based iDesign. But the truth is, Michael and Christine started the business in the early 2000's, and have done dozens of worldclass projects, literally, globally. Michael checks in from his second home on the west coast of Canada, and provides...
#168 - Michael Strickland / Bandit Lites
July 12, 2022

#168 - Michael Strickland / Bandit Lites

A great chat with a live events industry leader who single handedly carried much of the industry thru a near death experience! So much is unknown about Michael, and we uncover a lot of it on Episode 168, brought to you by ACT -
#167 - Huntly Christie - founder, CEO and Owner of Christie Lites
May 31, 2022

#167 - Huntly Christie - founder, CEO and Owner of Christie Lites

Huntly started in the music industry like so many of us - as a musician, a drummer. He toured clubs while also learning about loading trucks, lighting and sound. He chose lighting for his future, and in 1985 founded Christie Lites from his home town, Toronto. He's grown Christie into a multi-national mega-player in the lighting business. This episode is brought to you by the fine folks at .
#166 - Production / Lighting Designer, Sooner Routhier
May 25, 2022

#166 - Production / Lighting Designer, Sooner Routhier

Sooner joins again as our unofficial "Geezette of Gear" to discuss what she's been up to since the dreaded pandemic. In case you haven't been paying attention, Sooner is an incredible designer who’s won 2 “LD of the Year” Parenelli’s, has developed and produced incredible moments for some of today's biggest headlining artists including, Coldplay, The Muse, The Weeknd, KISS, Imagine Dragons, The Lumineers, Rhianna, Pentatonix, Jay-Z, Halsey, Motley Crue, G-Eazy, and Depeche Mode. She started a pi...