Episodes

Learn a bunch about the Pyro business from Rocco and Bob. Rocco's family is currently in it's 5th generation operating this US Based pyrotechnics and special effects company that was founded by his great grandfather, Constantino Vitale in 1889.

The 2nd in my series of "Tales From A Pandemic". John is one of my favorite people in OR out of the business, and I wanted to check in and just see what he's keeping busy with. Episide sponsored by

I love this guy! Not many with the sense of humor that Aidas has carried, throughout his career. One of the champions of practical joking, but also, a very astute business man... it all starts with passion, work ethic and a need to get it right. From his humble beginnings lighting prog-rock band Vanessa through to becoming the #1 cross-rental / hire shop in the USA, Aidas has always carried that same passion and desire to do the right thing. Episode 108 was sponsored by

Robb got his start like so many, trying to find an answer to creating a "cooler look for his band". That led Robb to a job in his early teens, wrapping cable and cleaning the shop. Since that time, he's built a career in touring, corporate theater and creating amazing visuals. His company So Midwest, continues to grow and reach for new heights from it's base in IL. This episode was sponsored by ACT Lighting -

Michael started his career like so many others.... sheer luck. 15 years old and hanging out with friends one day dreading the idea of returning to school... and one says "hey, come to work with me". That began a long run at his first job with ACDC (the company, not the band) which turned into Obies, then, eventually, his own business - Project X. Michael has created some incredibly creative music video looks including Lenny Kravitz, Are You Gonna Go My Way and Coldplay's iconic look for their Sp...

Another weekly get together with some very smart and industry leading individuals - to discuss what's important to us all. Also, we hear from Nick Rivero, who's Medium Article, "Our Industry isn’t coming back like yours is", went viral over a 24hr period. You can see that article here:

David's resume begins in the 70s and continues to grow today! David has worked with more artists than you can fit in this description with highlights including The Rolling Stones, Van Halen, Night Ranger and Alice Cooper. He's been a Lighting Designer, Production Manager, Tour Manager, Video Director and much more through his almost 50 year career, and he isn't stopping yet! In fact, he's currently waiting for Alice Cooper and the Hollywood Vampires to get back on the road, hopefully later this ...

In the early '90's, Joel and his wife saw an opening for an opportunity to disrupt the process and price on delivering a pretty straight forward product for the entertainment industry, metal "gobos" or patterns. What started as a pretty small idea has become 3 very successful and unique businesses, all based from their hometown in Indiana. Joel continues to be driven by the need for better products in all areas, and they continue to seek out improvements in design, delivery and more.

In probably the best discussion yet, the industry gets together to discuss our current challenges, opportunities, ideas and more. This group is beyond creative and capable, and continues to blow me away with their positive input! If you want to join us for future happy hour calls, just shoot an email to and we'll be sure to include you!

The crew is back! Join me with Eric Loader, Ben Saltzman, John Wiseman and John Featherstone, as we discuss the many updates and ideas concerning the virus and its impact on our industry.

What a great conversation with a bunch of passionate and hard working folks who just want to get back to work! Some great discussion this week... Enjoy!

My friend, former business partner and sometimes GoG co-host, Steve Watts from Abstract Lighting in the UK, takes an hour to sit down with arguably, one of the most innovative, colorful and controversial people in the world of lighting manufacture, Peter Johansen. I've always placed Peter on a pretty high pedestal, with other visionary creators and leaders the likes of Richard Belliveau, Pasquale Quadri (Paky) and Bruno Dedoro. Peter recently left his post at SGM and is resting, while dreaming u...

Our weekly happy hour discussion with folks from manufacturing, rental companies, tour management, promotion, design, and more. A great, knowledgable and lively group! Definitely an enjoyable 90-odd minutes every Wednesday!

In a new Geezers of Gear Series, called Tales From A Pandemic... Our first guest, Robert Roth shares with us his new, daily Pandemic routine. In Robert's case, that includes a pretty serious focus on personal health, business and cooking! Plus, a pretty awesome sounding Sci-Fi series we intend to check out!

Troy was literally born into show business. His grandfather ran a theater in his hometown of Regina, Canada and his father also ran a theater, while his mom handled costumes and wardrobe. Early on, Troy struggled between his music dreams and sports. He was an accomplished hockey player, and eventually opted to pursue a career in hockey. Selected from thousands of young players who try, Troy was signed to play in the juniors, then eventually, by the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadians. But...

Not only did Christian learn about lighting on You Tube, he's since learned to turn his You Tube passion into a lucrative part of his earning arsenal as well. Christian has a much larger You Tube, Instagram and Twitter following than ANYone in the lighting space and takes time to tell us why. But it doesn't end there, Christian is also a talented LD who has learned to do things right every step of the way. He's very different than what I expected, so I enjoyed very much getting to know this uniq...

Another weekly discussion with a large group of industry folks. This week we talked about some of the information being shared stating that there will be NO LIVE EVENTS UNTIL LATE 2021 and other devastating messages by folks who obviously don't earn a living in the live events business! To join this weekly discussion, just email and ask to be added.

Isaac was laid off from his job in AV and like many of us, wondering "what now". Instead of waiting to be run over by the bus of unemployment, depression and more - Isaac decided to DO SOMETHING. With a few hours to work, Isaac put together a petition and got it out to social media using a popular platform used by many previous "movements", Change.org. Within hours he had thousands, and soon hundreds of thousands of signatures on the petition. This led Isaac to consider bigger and bolder moves, ...

An amazing group of people is assembling each week for a drink and a lively chat about this virus, the industry, the things we're all doing to keep busy, and of course - ideas to help improve their lives or businesses. This week, we had over 60 people on the call including top LD's, Lighting Vendors, Manufacturers, and more. Join us each and every wednesday until we see the other side of this beast by emailing and letting us know you'd like to be included!

Once of our biggest episodes was episode #85 where I was able to assemble a top group of individuals who shared important information with our listeners. We decided to do it again, but this time, adding Live Nation executive, Tres Thomas. The discussion on this episode is very important and timely as well. Included on this podcast we have host, Marcel Fairbairn, Eric Loader / VP of Elation Lighting, Ben Saltzman / ACT Lighting, John Wiseman / SVP PRG, John Featherstone / Founder and Partner Ligh...

Our industry is filled with REALLY creative, and normally productive people.... who are ALL going a little bit nuts at the moment, without work, without clients, without anywhere to direct their creative energy. Getting this group together, for the second consecutive week, has been a BLAST. Great ideas shared, stories told, and just insight and thoughts from some of the industry leaders. The group will keep growing every week, so keep checking back!

Craig grew up in Brooklyn, NY and literally fell into the business when a friend of a friend said someone needed a few hands to help out. Shortly after, he found himself learning under one of the forefathers of rock and roll lighting in this country, the great (and sadly, late) Bob See. Since that time, Craig has really made a name in TV, specifically "contest shows" such as American Idol and AGT, and more recently, the resurgence of game shows.

I really spirited and fun discussion with some top industry folks from manufacturing, rental companies, design, crew folks, etc. A shared and common interest for people to understand what's happening, especially in other places, but also "What Can We Do NOW".... ideas to improve yourselves and your businesses to be prepared for what we call "Day 91"... the day we ALL return to doing what we love.

John is one of the nicest, hardest working guys I've met in the industry. He's fun, fair and firm all in the same guy! The company, like ALL in our industry, has been severely impacted by the COVID19 virus. Although they lost virtually 100% of their revenues, John and his team didn't accept the death warrant, instead looking for ways to keep their people, facilities and assets employed! From that, they've developed crisis related products and processes that have created work - and much needed re...