Episodes

In this episode of Leading Ladies, host Sarah Birnie speaks with Kim Martin, an accomplished account manager at Felix Lighting, about her journey in the lighting industry. They discuss the importance of education, networking, and self-awareness in building a successful career. Kim shares her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field, the challenges of work-life balance, and the evolution of the industry over the years. The conversation emphasizes the need for mental health awareness and t...

With over 50 years in the industry, Steve Terry has been a driving force in entertainment lighting technology and standards. As Director of Standards and Industry Relations at ETC, he has shaped global protocols like DMX512, RDM, and ACN and contributed to the National Electrical Code (NEC) Panel since 1994. Previously, he led Production Arts Lighting, engineering major projects for Broadway, NBC Studios, Disney, and top Las Vegas resorts. A USITT Fellow and ETCP Certified Electrician, Steve con...

In this episode of Leading Ladies, host Sarah Birnie speaks with Mindi Pelletier, an experienced tour manager in the music industry. They discuss Mindi's journey, her work with animal charities, the importance of team dynamics in touring, and the challenges faced by women in the industry. The conversation also touches on mental health support on tour and the impact of COVID-19 on the touring landscape.Mindi emphasizes the need for kindness and support within the industry, highlighting the importance of uplifting others and creating a positive work environment. In this conversation, Mindi Pelletier shares her insights on the evolving landscape of the touring industry post-COVID, discussing the challenges faced by crews, the importance of well-being, and the need for adaptability in roles and responsibilities. She emphasizes the significance of kindness and support among women in the industry, advocating for a culture of empowerment and collaboration.Mindi also highlights …

In this episode of Geezers of Gear, the hosts celebrate the 50th anniversary of ETC, a leader in entertainment lighting. They discuss the legacy of ETC, including the iconic Source Four, and explore the innovative new lineup of Hog consoles designed for various production needs. The conversation highlights the importance of reliable technology in creative fields and anticipates the future of lighting technology.

Joe is a seasoned international business executive with over 25 years of experience in global expansion, operations, and business transformation. Having lived in Japan and Hong Kong for seven years, he has successfully launched and grown businesses in over 50 countries.Currently President of Artistry In Motion, Joe led the company to record sales and profitability in 2023. Previously, he held leadership roles at Herbalife, Rodan + Fields, Arbonne, and Delphi Display Systems, driving internationa...

Heidi is a seasoned production stage manager with a career spanning theater, live TV, film, and large-scale concert productions. From The Lion King and Celine Dion’s Vegas residency to The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, she thrives in high-pressure live events. Passionate about mentorship and mental health in the industry, Heidi values adaptability, strong relationships, and kindness. She’s also a dedicated advocate for Make-A-Wish Foundation and Stand Up to Cancer. Currently, ...

Bob McCarthy is a leading expert in sound system design and optimization, with over 40 years in the industry. He pioneered Source Independent Measurement (SIM®) in 1984 and has worked on major productions, including Metallica, Cirque du Soleil, and Broadway hits like Wicked and Les Misérables. His book, Sound Systems: Design and Optimization, is a go-to resource for audio professionals worldwide. A sought-after educator and consultant, Bob continues to shape the future of live sound through his ...

Steve Watts is the founder and Managing Director of Abstract AVR, a pioneer in LED lighting innovation for architectural, entertainment, and commercial sectors. With over 35 years in the industry, he has designed groundbreaking products like the Twister, one of the most reproduced disco lights, and the VR8 intelligent scanner.From his early days as a DJ and lighting designer in Europe to revolutionizing LED solutions for major brands like Topshop and Asda, Steve has always been ahead of the curv...

Hailey Featherstone is an award-winning lighting designer and director with a passion for crafting immersive experiences. With a BA in Theatre Design and Production from ASU, she has worked across all facets of the industry—from technician to creative lead—on global tours, special events, and interactive installations.Her credits include:Hans Zimmer Live (Lighting Director) Taylor Swift’s Reputation Tour (FOH Tech) Eddie Izzard’s Wunderbar Tour (Lighting Director) Virgin Galactic Launches (Light...

Ethan Weber is a renowned lighting designer and director, best known for his decades-long work with The Rolling Stones and an extensive career spanning U2, John Mayer, Green Day, P!nk, and more. Starting at See Factor in 1984, he joined the Stones in 1994’s Voodoo Lounge Tour, evolving into a key creative force behind their legendary shows. With a work-hard, ego-free approach, Ethan blends technical expertise with artistic vision, shaping some of the world’s biggest tours. Passionate about givin...

Kara Kemp is a passionate leader dedicated to supporting live event professionals. As General Manager of ECCHO Live, she champions mental health, career growth, and industry-wide education. With a background in business, performing arts, and over a decade as a Dega Catering crew chief, she’s worked alongside music legends like Bob Dylan and Keith Urban.Kara’s "Don't shrink. Bloom." philosophy drives her mission to empower others through connection and education. She’s spearheading the ECCHO Live...

Todd Spencer has a career that spans more than 25 years with firms varying in size from 1 million to $3 billion in revenue. Over 18 years, in executive leadership roles working with both startups and established companies to guide strategic and operational growth, acquisitions, turnarounds and business sales. Establish track record of success in strategic plan development, operational optimization, new program design and deployment, business acquisition and sale, and the executive leadership of ...

With over a decade in the entertainment industry, Amber has built an impressive career as a production coordinator and VIP coordinator, working alongside legendary artists like Alice Cooper and The Hollywood Vampires (Alice Cooper, Joe Perry, Johnny Depp). From coordinating world tours to ensuring seamless VIP experiences, Amber thrives in high-pressure environments, bringing creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of production logistics, her experience spans film, music, and live ev...

John Huntington is an entertainment technology expert, educator, author, and photographer with over three decades of experience in show control, sound, and networking systems. Holding an MFA from Yale School of Drama and a BFA from Ithaca College, he has worked as a tenured professor at NYC College of Technology/CUNY, systems engineer for major productions, and consultant on projects like Blue Man Group and NikeTown. A prolific author, his books, including Show Networks and Control Systems, ...

Jeff Ravitz is a Primetime Emmy winning lighting designer specializing in live entertainment for multi-camera television, concert tours, and special events. His work includes award shows, comedy specials, concert films, and televised operas, with notable projects like the Olympics medal ceremonies and world tours for Bruce Springsteen, Cher, and Ringo Starr.Co-author of Lighting for Televised Live Events, Jeff is also the broadcast lighting consultant for the Coachella festival since 2016 and ha...

Hailing from Perth, Western Australia, Chris ‘Chalky’ Chalk discovered his passion for production lighting during high school, sparking a career that began with an Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts (Lighting) at WAAPA in 2000 and an internship at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.After joining the Festival as a lighting technician in 2003, he transitioned to film lighting in 2005, launching a successful career in the industry. A member of IATSE Locals 488 and 728, Chris has worked on acclaimed...

Welcome to Geezers Of Gear first FutureTech Podcast. In this inaugural episode, our Ai hosts will be discussing the new Elation Paragon Series. Now isn't this better than reading spec's?

With a career spanning nearly five decades, David has been a key figure in live entertainment, working with iconic artists such as The Rolling Stones, Van Halen, Night Ranger, Alice Cooper, and many more. His multifaceted expertise includes roles as a Lighting Designer, Production Manager, Tour Manager, and Video Director, showcasing his versatility and dedication to excellence.Currently serving as Tour Manager for Alice Cooper and the Hollywood Vampires, David oversees everything from travel lo...

Tanya has over 25years experience in the industry as an incredible Chef, personal Chef to Artists and Bands such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, Florence and the Machine to name but a few. Tanya has taken a massive step recently and started her very own Catering Company, The Rolling Stoves. Her very first Gig was with ColdPlay in Australia. Tanya has travelled the world and been an inspiration. Leading Ladies Podcast is brought to you by Lightswitch

Seth Jackson has twice won the Parnelli Award for Set Design of the Year, the Redden Award for Lighting Design of the Year, the Broadway World Los Angeles for Lighting Design of the Year, and the Paul Waterbury Award of International Distinction in Architecture. In 2024, he was the lighting and production designer for The Doobie Brothers Tour 2024, and the lighting designer for Labyrinth in Concert, as well as production designing the final shows for country icon, Toby Keith, before his death in...

Bill Price is a consultant of entertainment technology and a freelance designer, Lighting Designer, Director, Set Designer, Theatrical and Dance productions. He has been active in the Entertainment industry for over 40 years. Most recently Bill was the Vice President for AKT3 the Mid-Atlantic representative of lighting, rigging and draperies for entertainment. He is also the Past Chair and Founder of the Havre de Grace Arts Collective, the Immediate Past Chair of United States Institute of Theat...

Marcel spent more than 30 years in the event industry and founded gear source in 2002 with a single goal to make it safer and easier for businesses to buy and sell gear globally Since its founding gear sources moved a quarter of a billion dollars. Today Marcel along with his global team are focused on ramping up growth. Marcel says, I love this industry and I'm focused on growing gear source to help even more people while democratizing access to gear for your markets and markets for your gear, h...

Kristin has been in the industry for over 25years, she started as VIP Experience & Sponsorship Coordinator for American Idol Live Tour and then became their Road Manager. Since then Kristin has been Production Coordinator and Production Manager for many bands and artists including; Meghan Trainor, Barry Manilow, Pharrell Williams, Carly Rae Jepsen, Kanye West, St. Vincent, The Chicks, Deftones, OneRepublic, Josh Groban, one-off’s + Great Big Radio City Show, Thomas Rhett, Backstreet Boys to name...

Geezers Of Gear special Podcast with a group of friends in the industry, catching up and raising a glass for the Holidays!