Episodes

Corey Easterbrook is the co-owner of HotHouse Music & Production, a Fort Myers–based company specializing in live audio, video, and lighting. With over 25 years in the industry, Corey brings a concert-level approach to corporate events, conferences, and private productions across North America. Known for his creative lighting designs and high production standards, Corey helps clients deliver unforgettable event experiences. In this conversation, Corey discusses the significance of creating a col...

Chris and Lacy dive into the soulful stage design of Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats’ South of Here Tour. Explore how Jeremy Roth’s use of Elation’s SŌl I Blinders fused retro flair and cutting-edge tech for maximum emotional impact. Plus, get the rundown on the SŌl I Blinder’s features.

Rachael Bronstein is the founder of Life’s Jam, a financial coaching practice focused on supporting the live music industry's behind-the-scenes pros. With 20+ years in finance and operations and a deep love for touring life she helps crews, freelancers, and festivals create money systems that reduce stress and build confidence. Rachael works with MusiCares, ECCHO Live, and HerMoney, and brings financial coaching directly to the road. She’s an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) based in Miami,...

Vice President, Rentals – Christie Lites With over four decades in the lighting industry, Rod has built a career defined by hands-on experience, leadership, and deep knowledge across every facet of entertainment lighting. Starting out on the Western Canadian club circuit, Rod moved into touring and corporate work with Westsun and RA Roth, gaining invaluable experience along the way. From 1994 to 1997, Rod served as the Vari*Lite operator and technician on the 1st National Tour of Show Boat, foll...

On this special episode of Geezers of Gear, we have invited the legendary Jake Berry to reflect on his incredible experience managing Ozzy Osbourne’s final show, Back to the Beginning. Held in Birmingham, England, the emotional farewell brought together a massive lineup of rock and metal heavyweights, including Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Tool, and Slayer. Other notable acts included Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon. The event also featured a supergro...

With a career spanning over 60 years, Roy “Bickel” is a living legend in the world of live entertainment. From his early days as a professional water skier in 1960s Florida to flying through the air as a human cannonball in the circus, Roy’s path has been anything but ordinary. In 1969, he transitioned from circus tents to concert tours, launching a groundbreaking rigging career that would span Broadway, arena concerts, Olympics, and global productions. He helped standardize the color-coded wire...

Elation’s revamped digital presence and renewed values are setting new standards in entertainment lighting. This episode explores their IT modernization, commitment to innovation, and the evolving experience for creators and end-users alike.

Nils Thorjussen – Executive Chairman, Verge Aero Nils is a pioneering entrepreneur and technology executive with over three decades of experience shaping the entertainment technology landscape. Now as Executive Chairman of Verge Aero, he’s leading the way in drone show technology, making drone entertainment smarter, safer, and more spectacular. He co-founded Flying Pig Systems (creators of the Wholehog consoles) and Element Labs (known for early LED innovations like VersaTube). Nils was last on...

Chris and Lacy explore ETC’s groundbreaking RigPOV camera accessory and how it’s transforming stage management, lighting design, and safety. Discover how live video streaming, fixture innovation, and accessible technology are reshaping venues from theatres to film sets.

In this episode of the Leading Ladies podcast, Sarah discusses her experiences on tour, focusing on mental health, the challenges of catering, and the importance of team dynamics. She shares personal stories of stress and breakdowns, emphasizing the need for support and organization within the touring environment. The conversation highlights the significance of looking after oneself and being a reliable support for others in the industry. This episode is brought to you by Lightswitch

Patrick Dierson is the president of The Activity, a production design firm behind massive shows for artists like Shakira, Drake, and Jay-Z, plus events for FIFA, iHeartRadio, and even the White House. With 30+ years in the business, he’s known for his no-BS approach, sharp design eye, and ability to make any rig—big or small—look like a spectacle. He’s an open book when it comes to the business of entertainment—and he’s got strong opinions about where the live events industry is heading, especia...

Jordan Goodfellow is the CEO of GigRent and founder of The Rare Experience, with over 20 years of experience in technical direction, video engineering, and live event production. Known for his problem-solving mindset and hands-on leadership, Jordan built GigRent into a go-to AV subrental partner for high-stakes corporate and entertainment events across the U.S. His career spans everything from arena tours to Fortune 500 meetings, specializing in screen management, projection mapping, and virtual...

Rigging Reinvented This episode explores how ETC’s Prodigy Balance is transforming stage rigging. Chris and Lacy dive into its innovative safety features, modular design, and the impact on backstage workflows.

Dive into the bold new Elation REBEL Profile, a compact, IP65-rated powerhouse reshaping professional lighting for both indoor and outdoor events. On this episode of FutureTech, Chris and Lacy break down its innovative features, rugged design, and why it’s quickly becoming the go-to fixture for creative lighting professionals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jXdKgNKJa8 MORE Book a Demo: https://www.elationlighting.com/contact Elation News & Projects: https://www.elationlighting.com/news Connect...

Scott is the founder and former CEO of Fisher Technical Services (FTSI), where he developed the industry-changing Navigator control system for live entertainment and film automation. After merging FTSI with Tait, Scott shifted focus to motion control and stunt rigging for major feature films. With decades of experience across touring, themed attractions, and cinema, Scott brings deep insight into the intersection of technology and storytelling.In this conversation, Scott Fisher shares his unique...

Explore the revolutionary ETC SiteLink, a cloud-based monitoring solution offering real-time access to lighting and rigging systems worldwide. Hosts Chris and Lacy dive into its features, customization options, and impact on the entertainment industry.

Greg is the Founder and Chairman of Clearwing Productions, Inc., a leading live event production company he established in 1985. With over 40 years in the industry, Greg has built Clearwing into a trusted provider of full-service production support—including audio, lighting, staging, video, and backline services—for events of all sizes. From intimate presentations and corporate general sessions to large-scale concerts, multi-stage festivals, and presidential appearances, Greg’s experience spans ...

Lighting legend Benoit Richard returns for a long-overdue follow-up to his original appearance on Geezers of Gear, recorded just before the pandemic changed the world. In this episode, Benoit dives into how his career evolved since 2020, shifting further into motion picture and television work while continuing to apply his concert touring experience behind the scenes. From massive Marvel blockbusters like Avengers and Iron Man, to high-profile commercial shoots and reshoots, Benoit reflects on w...

This episode highlights how Elation's cutting-edge technologies, including the KL CORE IP and KL PROFILE FC, are revolutionizing outdoor events, historic theaters like Stefan Żeromski Theater and Dakota Theater, and multi-functional venues like Nova Broadcasting Group. Chris and Lacy share personal experiences, showing how LED advancements enhance artistic flexibility and efficiency for modern productions while lowering energy costs and simplifying logistics.

Founder & CFO, Delicate Productions Chris “Smoother” Smyth is the founder and CFO of Delicate Productions, with over 45 years in live event production. His career began in the early ’70s with a spontaneous leap onto a U.S. tour, eventually working with artists like Genesis, Leo Sayer, Patti Smith, and Kiss. A pivotal tour with Supertramp led to the founding of Delicate in 1980, whose first show was The Clash at the Santa Monica Civic. Smoother has since supported acts like Dire Straits, INXS, To...

Learn about the transformative power of Elation PULSE technology, from dazzling New Year’s Eve displays at the Seattle Space Needle to the revitalization of Truth Nightclub in Johannesburg. Discover how cutting-edge fixtures like the PULSE Bar and PULSE Panel conquer logistical challenges and enhance audience experiences worldwide. Chris and Lacy share practical insights on the many uses of these versatile fixtures across live events and installs alike!

Join us and discover Main Light's 42-year legacy in live event production, plus their recently expanded inventory featuring CHAINMASTER D8 hoists, and the rigorous equipment testing in their state-of-the-art facilities in all locations. Our hosts share personal experiences, emphasizing the role of reliability, innovative solutions, and exceptional service from Mainlight.

Sooner Rae Routhier is an award-winning show designer and creative producer behind some of the most iconic live performances of the past two decades. Her work with artists like Coldplay, Green Day, The Weeknd, Paramore, Muse, and Rihanna has been seen on global tours and major broadcasts including The AMA’s, The Voice, and The Tonight Show. A two-time Parnelli winner and co-founder of SRae Productions and The Playground, Sooner is known for blending powerful storytelling with cutting-edge produc...

Discover how Dakota Theater in The Hague transformed its events with Elation's groundbreaking LED systems, supported by Rolight. This episode highlights the KL and FUZE series, detailing their precision, energy efficiency, and creative versatility, which benefit theaters, live shows, and cinematic setups alike. Learn how these innovations redefine professional lighting standards.