Okay, so we kick off this episode with a 20-minute dive into politics, recorded right after Joe Biden dropped out of the race. Mike makes some bold predictions in a fit of rage (spoiler: they’re not exactly coming true, lol). Once we get past the politics, we dive into the core challenges of managing time as an artist. The artist’s life is uniquely difficult when it comes to workflow, consistency, and accountability. However, developing strong self-improvement habits around time management and p...
Aug 30, 2024•2 hr 28 min•Ep. 33
In this episode of Creative Risk, we’re thrilled to sit down with powerhouse talent manager and entrepreneur ChiChi Anyanwu. No-nonsense and deeply caring for her clients, ChiChi opens up about the ins and outs of working with a talent manager in 2024. We dig deep into why parting ways with clients can be tough, how to avoid taking things personally in the actor-manager relationship, and the essential steps for landing representation in today’s cutthroat industry. We also tackle the future of re...
Aug 23, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 32
THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE Mike and Joshua debate the question. This is s a segment from our latest episode of Creative Risk, exclusively available on Patreon. If you enjoyed what you heard and want to dive deeper, consider joining our Patreon community. We offer three membership tiers starting at just $5 a month. As a member, you'll get early access to ad-free episodes, weekly motivational content, bonus full-length episodes, and much more including a book club! But it’...
Aug 16, 2024•10 min•Ep. 31
Are you terrified of debt as an artist and creative? It's time to flip the script. The boys tackle the taboo topic of debt head-on in this episode of Creative Risk. In this episode, they ditch the shame and give you the no-BS truth about leveraging debt and creative finance. We’ll discuss how to: Normalize Debt for Creatives: Debt isn't a failure, it's an investment in your art. Choose the Right Debt: Learn the difference between good and bad debt. Develop an Art as a Business Mindset: Manage de...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 30
Are you an aspiring creative who is giving your passion your all? Do you expect to make money as an artist, and if so are you doing what it will actually take? In this raw and unfiltered episode of Creative Risk, the boys confront the harsh realities of the acting industry, in particular (but can be applied to ALL artists). We dissect the difference between casual interest and unwavering commitment, providing tough love and actionable insights to help you transform your passion into a sustainabl...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 29
Are you an aspiring actor or artist struggling with the fear of judgment and criticism? Get in line! In this episode of the the boys delve deep into how the fear of people's opinions, and the related fear of failure, is a silent killer of countless creative careers. Learn why this fear is amplified in the creative industry, especially in the age of social media and cancel culture. Discover how it manifests as self-doubt, hesitation to market yourself, and even the reluctance to create your own w...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 28
Ever wondered what it takes to create a smash-hit Broadway production? Join us for an exclusive interview with Clayton Howe, the mastermind behind some of the biggest shows on the Great White Way and beyond. In this episode, Clayton pulls back the curtain on his incredible journey from Broadway actor to successful producer. He reveals the secrets to: Creating compelling stories that resonate with audiences Navigating the complex world of Broadway financing Marketing your show to build buzz and a...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 27
What does it REALLY take to make it as an actor? Brian O'Neil, the brains behind "Acting As a Business," pulls back the curtain on the industry. Brian has guided stars like Adam Driver and Danielle Brooks, in this ULTIMATE guide covering auditions, self-pitching, personal branding, and the business strategies you need to know. Don't miss this game-changing episode with the boys at Creative Risk! Brian O'Neil Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brianasabiz/ Acting as a Business Coaching http://ww...
Jul 05, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 26
It's just the boys this time so you know there are TANGENTS GALORE (Kevin Spacey's father, anyone?). In this episode they dive deep into mastering the art of communication, its importance and how it can lead to your ultimate success or demise. This includes managing all the modes of communication, collaborating with others, managing your own expectations and identifying some practical strategies and considerations to up your overall communication game. You don’t want to miss this scandalous and ...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 25
Navigating the world of social media can be daunting for artists, with the fear of producing cringey, try-hard, and inauthentic content always looming. And yet, in 2024, mastering social media is essential for capturing attention in order to grow an audience. In this episode, we welcome Gus Heagerty, a true multi-hyphenate artist who has found success in discovering his creative voice through social media. He has discovered a way to authentically engage with social media, building a sizable audi...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 24
It's awesome to have Matt Koplik of "Broadway Breakdown" on the show with the boys. Matt is a writer and critic who Mike is literally obsessed with (no joke). In this sassy and (as always) fun episode we cover a wide variety of topics including how Matt's podcast has brought him closer to the community he loves and has created wonderful opportunities for him as an artist. We discuss the politicization and general state of the New York theater (especially Broadway) and most importantly get Matt's...
Jun 07, 2024•2 hr 20 min•Ep. 23
We were thrilled to have Broadway’s Nick Rehberger on Creative Risk to talk about the modern challenges of becoming a workaday actor. Nick is currently appearing in Patriots on Broadway and was recently seen as Laertes in the latest production of Shakespeare in the Park, now featured on PBS' Great Performances. Since graduating from Carnegie Mellon, he has worked consistently in television, on Broadway, and in the regions. In this freewheeling and deeply personal episode, we discuss the craft of...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 22
It’s showcase tiiiiiiime! Yay? The question the boys ask in this episode is “do senior actor showcases really prepare graduates for the business or inadvertently work against them”? There are guests galore, including members of the 2024 UNCSA class and fellow alum, Robyne Parrish (’98) all sharing their experiences, opinions, wins and disappointments. Any post-grad working artist understands the full list of demands put on them as they build sustainable careers and while most programs make clear...
May 17, 2024•2 hr 3 min•Ep. 21
Purists, be damned...despite what artsy fartsy culture has told us, there are practical realities of operating as a freelancer of any kind including making sure you’re standing out from the rest of the competition. In this episode, the boys examine what it means to "stand out" both in terms of talent and strategic positioning within this saturated, competitive industry. Yes, everyone’s going gaga over Rick Rubin’s “The Creative Act” but the boys throw a little shade at its core concept and, as a...
May 10, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 20
Drag superstar, actor and producer Alexis Michelle joins the boys in this episode to discuss their astounding creative journey. This episode truly lives up to the “art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between” tagline, because that’s what it takes to be a successful drag artist. In this intimate chat, Alex/is tells us about the blending of identity and brand (when they potentially clash and when they find synchronicity), their pivot from Michigan-trained musical theater actor to fabulous dr...
May 02, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 19
The guys dive deep, tackling the impact of fear versus love on decision-making and actions (or inactions) on our artistic journeys. Covering everything from taking risks, battling perfectionism and the constant comparison game, LABOD and Joshua draw from their own experiences, good and bad. The key takeaway? It's all about finding that sweet spot between artistic liberation and cold practicality; leading with creative joy, while embracing feedback, and surrendering to the never ending process of...
Apr 18, 2024•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 18
We all know what it's like to work with sh**ty people, but might WE actually be the sh**ty ones? In this episode the boys talk about collaboration, tackling everything from the importance of defining clear responsibilities to dealing with bad collaborators. They kiki on their own personal experiences working with not great people (a lot of tea, henny) and dish out tips on effective communication, establishing workflow, and knowing when to cut ties. From the dangers of ego to the impact on credib...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 17
We have a dear friend and legitimate LEGEND on the pod! E. Clayton Cornelious joins us! A Tony nominated investor/producer and a 25-year Broadway veteran, who has appeared in over 10 Broadway shows! Currently producing The Who's Tommy and Spamalot on Broadway and coming off starring on the Ain't Too Proud tour, E. Clay is a truly fierce multi-hyphenate and entrepreneur. We talk about his wild journey from actor to producer, his various business ventures and the mindset that has allowed him to ca...
Apr 04, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 16
These boys went to one of the best acting conservatories in the world (according to some very "important" industry lists). However, these world-class institutions may not be all they're cracked up to be! In this episode they discuss various topics related to the pros and cons of choosing a conservatory over a liberal arts program, including some memorable school moments, quality of acting training, development of identity and work ethic, and power dynamics. In true chaotic fashion they also have...
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 15
The most searched for word of 2023 was "authenticity" and it makes sense. The boys talk about this elusive yet loaded topic and how the connotations around it can often hinder and stunt an actor's business. It's a spicy episode, full of hot takes, disagreements and stimulating (sexy) conversation Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today! Submit your story to Raw & Ris...
Mar 14, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 14
It's Oscar time! And although no one watches this strange and bloated event anymore we thought it'd be fun to give our take on what we believe should win and what we believe will win. You're gonna wanna watch somewhere cool because there are A LOT of hot takes in this one: from the boys take on Kengate, the overhype of Lily Gladstone and the problem with artsy fartsy foreign movies. Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Vis...
Mar 07, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 13
Dive deep with the boys in this thought-provoking episode. As the traditional Hollywood landscape devolves into a hellscape, they advocate for fixating not on your headshots or mediocre representation, but of a direct connection with your fanbase. In addition to dissecting this very powerful asset, they contemplate the prospect of homeownership with Mike (keep a puke bucket handy!), reflect on whether they are toxic arguers (spoiler alert: they are), and even talk about everyone's favorite buzzw...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 12
It's tax time, b**ches! We're not gonna say that "It doesn't have to be complicated," because IT IS. Especially for us actors and artists. THat's why we have our dear friend, actor and tax preparer, Farrell Parker on the show of Artist Tax Prep to get down and dirty with it and most importantly make it accessible and understandable for you. We'll bust some big misconceptions around tax law, talk about if men are evil discuss secondary income streams for actors and share a whole lotta laughs. You...
Feb 10, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 11
In this latest episode, the boys have on casting director Amanda Lenker-Doyle (Black-ish, Fuller House) who is *also* a producer and metalsmith. She has a unique perspective and gets real about the current state of the industry—from the highs and lows of her own career, to the rarely spoken of lack of job security casting is facing as well as what a post-strike / post-pandemic future looks like for all of us. We break down the idea of getting paid to audition (SPOILER ALERT: Mike and Joshua thin...
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 10
In the final episode of 2023, Joshua and Mike delve into where an actor’s journey really needs to begin: goal setting. Surprisingly, many actors neglect setting goals for the future so the boys passionately make the case for the significance of goal-setting and share insights on how to make 2024 the year you elevate your creative business. More specifically, how to review this past year in order to sharpen and build on your goals for the year ahead. Tune in as they explore common limiting belief...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 9
HO HO HO! In this special holiday episode Mike and Joshua get out of the transactional nature of networking and discuss the value of "community cultivation." We all know the importance of relationships and yet cultivating those relationships can still feel elusive at times (maybe a bit slimy?) However, the holidays are one of the best and most effective times to make GENUINE connections. And it doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg! Cozy up with Artist's Strategy as we explore the power of c...
Dec 14, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 8
We’re thrilled to welcome our first guest to the show, the incredible multi-hyphenate, Actor / Writer Nick Blaemire. A dynamic example of a true creative entrepreneur, Joshua and Mike honestly only scratch the surface of Nick’s already prolific career including the notorious musical (Glory Days) he penned at 18 which opened and closed on Broadway in the same night, navigating the wack-ness of the industry, acting alongside Bradley Cooper in the recently released Maestro, pitching his own shows t...
Dec 05, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 7
Oh, the fragile egos of actors. They help us and sometimes they hurt us! In this episode, two standalone mighty egos unto themselves explore confidence, insecurities and everything in-between all the while breaking down Mike’s late night post-show sweaty ice cream ritual and Joshua’s semi-psychopathic tendencies. From audition faux pas to dealing with constant rejection to how we treat our peers, the boys hash it out and provide some context as to how we can all continue to foster a “healthier” ...
Nov 16, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 6
Don’t let someone tell you when you’re allowed to be creative. Seriously. Actors know that making their own work is the way of the future, however, for those who still hold on to the idea of being 'interpretive artists only,' this episode is a must-listen. You’ll wake up with the boys (they literally recorded this at 9 AM on a Sunday), hear about Joshua’s worries about rat poop on top of canned beverages and unravel the mystery as to whether a bit player in a beloved Halloween movie might be a m...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 5
Buckle up for this wild episode all about “type” and what bullish*t it is. Mike and Joshua break down this controversial topic but don't worry, they'll plead for your forgiveness every step of the way (seriously, please don't cancel them). In addition to literally fending off Joshua's closeted neighbor during the time of recording, the boys get into where “type" falls drastically short and what you should be considering instead when it comes to effectively marketing yourself as an actor. Join ou...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 4
