Episodes

Episode 349 - LEADING LADIES Struggling with the invisible toll of touring? Courtney Klimson's story reveals how she transformed her life and those of countless roadies by creating a groundbreaking support network rooted in empathy, resilience, and innovation. From the chaos of last-minute gigs and volcano-interrupted plans to building a sanctuary for roadies in Michigan, Courtney’s journey is a masterclass in turning trauma into triumph. With 20 years in the industry and personal battles wit...

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 w...

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.

EPISODE 347 - LEADING LADIES Jennifer Jacobs is a veteran wardrobe supervisor, costume designer, and stylist with more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She began her touring career in 1991 as a wardrobe assistant for Luther Vandross and went on to work with some of the biggest names in music, including Tina Turner, Cher, Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Pink, Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Cole, and Bette Midler.Throughout her career, Jennifer has worked across global concer...

Episode 356 In this engaging conversation, Malcolm Weldon shares his journey from aspiring recording engineer to seasoned production manager and event producer. He discusses the challenges and rewards of touring, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of family support on his career. Malcolm reflects on his early experiences, the lessons learned in the music industry, and the inspiration he drew from iconic artists like Earth, Wind & Fire. His story is a testament to hard work, dedicatio...

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 #ge...

Episode 345 Today we’re joined by Jeff, a true pioneer from the wild, formative years of rock concert touring — what he calls the “pirate years.” Jeff recently published his book, How to Be a Lighting Guy (During the Pirate Years of Concert Touring), a firsthand account of building a career during the birth of modern concert lighting. From running liquid light shows in the early 1970s — including for Grand Funk before they were even Grand Funk Railroad — to experimenting with the first analog ...

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

Episode 344 with Paul Dexter is brought to you by ETC and Delicate Productions In this engaging conversation, Paul Dexter, a pioneer in concert lighting and stage design, shares his journey through the evolution of technology in the live events industry. The discussion delves into the impact of AI on production, the nostalgia for the rock and roll era, and the changing landscape of live music, including the rise of tribute bands and new talent. Paul reflects on his early experiences, memorable ...

Dive into Live Events, a powerhouse bringing together top brands like Pyrotecnico, Gemini, Zenith Lighting, Delicate Productions, Active Lighting and GearCo under one roof. Discover how this integration transforms logistics, creativity, and production across multi-city tours. Plus, hear firsthand insights into the exciting synergies shaping the future of entertainment technology.

Episode #343 Today we’re joined by Aaron Buck, a touring professional with over 20 years of experience working with artists like Anastacia, Shakira, Status Quo, Cat Stevens, and Calvin Harris. He started as a Monitor Engineer and is now the Production Manager for OMD, where he’s been part of the team since 2017.Aaron is a trained L-Acoustics K1 tech, d&b system specialist, and a strong advocate for mental health in the touring industry. Originally from the north of England and now based in Bonn...

FUTURETECH Featuring ETC Explore ETC's dazzling new lineup at ISE 2026, showcasing cutting-edge lighting innovations like the Dataflash 5000 and pixel-based MegaPix and GigaPix. Hear firsthand stories from the Geezers and discover how live demos and industry networking power collaboration and real-world solutions in event tech.

#342 - LEADING LADIES PODCAST In this episode of the Leading Ladies podcast, host Sarah interviews Maria Passalacqua, a talented video production professional with a rich background in the entertainment industry. Maria shares her journey from childhood, to her current role in video production for major tours, including her work with the band Offspring. She discusses her unique approach to video production, likening it to 'building big Lego TVs,' and highlights her experiences with various proje...

FUTURETECH Featuring RZI Lighting Chris and Lacy dive into the behind-the-scenes world of stage lighting service, repairs, and technical support. Discover how companies like RZI keep the show running smoothly through expert maintenance and on-site solutions. Hear real-world anecdotes and discuss the growing importance of technical support for diverse venues.

Episode 341 John Mlynczak is the President and CEO of NAMM, where he leads the world’s largest music products trade association at a pivotal moment in its 125-year history. Appointed in 2023 as the industry emerged from the COVID era, John has focused on evolving the NAMM Show through a relationship-first, technology-driven approach that strengthens year-round engagement and meaningful connections for members and exhibitors. A lifelong musician, educator, and technology leader, John brings a r...

FUTURETECH Featuring Delicate Productions This episode spotlights Delicate Productions, a standout in the live events world. Chris and Lacy dig into their full-service approach, expert lighting, audio, and video capabilities, and what makes them the go-to for top-tier clients.

Episode 340 Our guest today is Kent Black, owner of Paso Productions and a production manager with over 40 years in live entertainment. Kent started as a stagehand in the early ’80s, spent years touring with major artists, and went on to produce everything from global corporate events and award shows to major concerts and festivals. He’s worked with artists like Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand, and Paul McCartney, collaborated with brands including Apple, Google, and Disney, and remains deeply i...

We dive deep into the ACME Hyperzone—a next-gen moving LED wash-beam fixture turning heads at major trade shows. From vibrant color output and weatherproofing to flexible control options, this episode breaks down what makes this light a true standout for live events.

Chris and Lacy dive into what makes Gemini a leader in live events production, from their full-service philosophy to their expansive tech inventory. Hear how Gemini serves everyone from stadium shows to private parties, with real-world stories and tips along the way.

Chris and Lacy break down the latest in stage lighting rentals, from powerful automated fixtures to creative stage effects. Discover how RZI is redefining rental service and hear about standout gear shaping today’s productions. Plus, a special shoutout to RZI for supporting the show.

Episode 339 James Brett is a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist with 30+ years of C-suite and growth leadership experience, and a Partner & Co-Owner of Gear-Net. Since founding his first company at just 18, James has built, scaled, and successfully exited businesses across pro A/V, SaaS, broadcasting, mobile tech, finance, real estate, events, and marketing.Known for his passion for innovation and mentoring, James specializes in turning bold ideas into reality, then refining “the last 5...

The SUPERNOVA LT is ACME’s bold entry into high-output, long-throw LED fixtures, packed with features built for demanding environments and creative designers. Chris and Lacy break down the specs, innovative effects, and unique features, digging into what sets this new light apart and where it fits into the modern live event toolkit.

This week, Chris and Lacy dive deep into ETC’s newly announced Dataflash 5000. From its bold technical features to creative opportunities for live shows, the hosts break down why this high-energy strobe fixture is stirring up excitement—especially for outdoor and festival lighting.

Get an inside look at Elation’s most innovative lighting products unveiled at LDI 2025. Explore what’s new at Booth #3410, from show-stopping technology to live experiences, and find out how you can access the exhibit with a free pass code.