Episodes

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 cur...

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 (Ligh...

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 givi...

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, ar...

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 h...

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 i...

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 The...

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, ...

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 nam...

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

Join us to remember the 2024 LDI show, our highlights from the show, some cool products and a few stories. Plus, a bit about the inaugural Dining With Dinosaurs event as well. This episode is brought to you by Elation and MainLight.

Andrew Mills, known as Hamish in the industry, brings more than 30 years of Entertainment industry Experience. Hamish Has Toured with acts like U2, Metallica, Nirvana, Rod Stewart and other high-profile entertainers, and worked with service providers in the U.S., Australia, U.K. and Europe. Hammish has been responsible for managing and directing operational functions for large entertainment service providers in multiple countries. A leader with proven success at companies including VER, Tait To...

Robert Hofkamp was last on the Podcast back in 2021 at LDI where he was representing Void Acoustics. I can’t believe that is almost three years to the day and he was brave enough to exhibit at a lighting show, post covid! Check out episode #158 on our website www.geezersofgear.comRobert has been in the audio industry since the 70’s. Nearly 20 years as Sales Director for Tannoy, North America, 20 years as Director of Operations for Martin Audio,and almost ten years,Director of Operations for Voi...

Melody Tseng is a Creative Producer at Live Redesigned. Melody graduated from design school with a background in art and fashion. Melody started out working as a production translator in Taiwan before touring for over 10 years as a production coordinator and VIP/sponsorship manager for artists such as Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Janet Jackson, Ariana Grande, and Billie Eilish.During the pandemic Melody was assistant creative producer Fireplay run by Nick Whitehouse. Since then she has moved up...

John Featherstone Principal & Managing Director of Lightswitch. Born and educated in the United Kingdom, John was theatrically trained at Britain's National Youth Theatre.John met four lads who had just formed a band called The Smiths,John hit the road with The Smiths, and worked with them and his dear friend Johnny Marr until the band split. After that, he spent a decade concert touring under the watchful eye of Roy Bennett. John toured with bands from DuranDuran, INXS, Janet Jackson, Van Halen...

Marty Hom is a 40+ year concert touring veteran who has worked with Barbra Streisand, Shakira, Bette Midler, Lionel Richie, The Eagles, Alicia Keys, Shania Twain, Janet Jackson and Beyonce to name but a few. Marty was with Fleetwood Mac for 21 years, most of those years as tour manager. Marty was last on the Podcast back in 2021 you can check out episode #128 on our website www.geezersofgear.comThis year Marty has been extremely busy on tour, directing/managing the Rolling Stones, Olivia Rodrig...