THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE Just the boys for this episode discussing a topic that's long been on their minds. As technology and AI continue to replace skill-based work, the traditional notion of the artist is undergoing a seismic shift. No longer confined by rigid job titles or institutional validation, today’s artists are being challenged—if not forced—to adopt the broader identity of "creative" or even cultural influencers. Drawing parallels to artists of the past and ...
Jan 31, 2025•17 min
In this Raw + Rising episode, Joshua sits down with Raphael Papo, a classically trained violinist and entrepreneur straddling Berlin and London. Raphael’s work is as interdisciplinary as it is intriguing, spanning his performance in Fiddler on the Roof at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, an unforgettable nude appearance at the real-life Kit Kat Club, and his mission to integrate classical music into corporate and educational spaces. Joshua and Raphael dive into the evolving landscape of artistic ...
Jan 29, 2025•42 min
In this episode, we talk with Peter Marks, former chief theater critic for The Washington Post , about his transition from legacy media to independent content creation on Substack. Reflecting on decades in journalism, Peter examines how the role of the theater critic may be changing, yet the value of thoughtful criticism remains essential for shaping conversations and elevating art. We explore how to sustain meaningful, long-form storytelling in an age of short attention spans, as well as the ti...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 54
In this episode of Creative Risk , Emmy-nominated composer Michael Kooman shares insights from his 20-year collaboration with lyricist Christopher Dimond. Together, they’ve crafted music for acclaimed stage productions and hit TV shows like Vampirina and Ridley Jones , proving that creative partnerships thrive on trust, compromise, and clear communication. Michael dives into the art of collaboration—how to navigate creative disagreements, balance egos, and create an environment where both partne...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 53
In this episode of Raw + Rising , Helen Hayes Award-winning artist Hassiem Muhammad and frequent collaborator of Joushua's and Mike's dives deep into the lessons learned so far in his artistic journey. For instance, the creation of his series Angels of Uptown, funded and shot during the pandemic, the project exemplifies the grit and resourcefulness required of independent artists. Or his podcast, The Actor's Instrument , which is a valuable resource for anyone navigating the entertainment indust...
Jan 15, 2025•56 min
In this inspiring episode, Mike sits down with Kristen Coury, CEO and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, Florida, inside its stunning new $72 million theater. Kristen shares her eclectic journey, from working at Disney Theatrical and with Andrew Lloyd Webber to directing a feature film and unexpectedly landing in Naples to build an artistic legacy. They discuss the highs and hurdles of fundraising, the current challenges facing regional theaters, and how spirituality a...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 51
THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE In this episode of Creative Risk , Mike and Joshua tackle Declan Donnellan’s latest book, The Actor and the Space , while reflecting on their own artistic journeys. Kicking things off, Mike shares his post-show blues after the closing of Anything Goes , questioning whether musical theater might be his next frontier. From there, the discussion delves into Donnellan’s revolutionary ideas: rejecting traditional actor training, focusing on what hap...
Jan 03, 2025•18 min
This episode Joshua sits down with Dominique Salerno, one of the most prolific creators we know. Currently coming of a substantial fundraising campaign and production of a pilot she has written and starred in, Dominique shares her thoughts on work ethic, her relationship between art and industry, finding collaborators and more. This conversation will ground you in that all-important question, what art MUST you make in the world? What will drive you to see it to completion because the pain of not...
Jan 02, 2025•39 min
In this episode of CREATIVE RISK, Tony-winning producer Luke Katler (Merrily We Roll Along, Slave Play, Here Lies Love) shares his bold vision for the future of commercial Off-Broadway and explains why Off-Broadway is becoming a vital cultural touchpoint in a post-pandemic world. He discusses the unique advantages of commercial Off-Broadway—like creative flexibility and lower stakes compared to Broadway—while highlighting challenges such as real estate struggles and brand recognition. Luke refle...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 32 min
This isn’t your typical holiday episode—Merry Chaosmas! After a literal scream of a start, we dive into Joshua’s enviable ornament collection and some post-Broadway World Award reflections (are those even legit?). Recorded the day after that CEO assassination, this one’s a time capsule. We unpack holiday gig horror stories, perform a nightmare-inducing singalong (spoiler: someone pukes), and debate the Naughty or Nice list for artists and trends. With gift-giving tips, pantomime holiday movies, ...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 49
In this bold and possibly cancel-provoking episode of CREATIVE RISK, Joshua and Mike unpack the shockwaves of Trump’s 2024 re-election—12 days after the fact. As two self-proclaimed liberals who didn’t (and wouldn’t) vote for Trump, they take a critical look at the systemic shifts this election represents. With an unflinching eye on the rise of populism and the decline of technocratic, expertise-driven systems, the conversation goes beyond the political headlines to examine what this means for t...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 48
In this episode of Raw + Rising , Samantha Joy Pearlman—NYC-based multi-hyphenate artist and frontwoman of Joy and the Wildfire —shares how heartbreak and loss inspired her journey into songwriting. She opens up about balancing her many artistic passions, breaking free from industry labels, and standing out in a fast-changing digital music landscape. We also go behind the scenes of her stunning music videos, Tears in Brooklyn and Shouldn’t I Be Older? , where Samantha flexes her skills both in f...
Dec 11, 2024•39 min
THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE We start in an existential rabbit hole talking about dead stars and The Great Year (watch Joshua’s visible frustration on YouTube) but quickly course correct in this un-PC episode, where we dive deep into the intersection of talent, appearance, and inclusivity in Hollywood and beyond. We share personal stories of losing roles based on their looks—Joshua’s Broadway weight-loss ultimatum and Mike’s take on why diversity in casting still favors pe...
Dec 06, 2024•22 min
In this episode of Raw + Rising , we’re keeping it real with the multi-talented Michelle Simone Miller—actress, podcaster, and the powerhouse behind Mentors on the Mic . Known for pulling back the curtain on the entertainment industry with interviews featuring top-tier showrunners, casting directors, producers, and more, Michelle shares how she’s carving her own path while lifting others up. We dive into the nitty-gritty of starting a podcast and how Mentors on the Mic has become more than just ...
Dec 04, 2024•36 min
Joshua sits down with Oscar-winning producer Julia Kennelly to uncover the gritty, unglamorous, and deeply rewarding work of being an independent film producer in today’s volatile market. Julia shares her journey from theater student to multi-hyphenate filmmaker, diving deep into the many hats producers wear, from assembling the perfect team to fighting for essential protections for creatives in Hollywood and beyond. Julia also dishes out advice for directors on earning respect on set and collab...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 46
This episode starts with a cosmic twist—aliens, ghosts, and Joshua’s unforgettable medium training (yes, a ghost may have crossed a boundary). But things quickly get grounded as the boys dive into the complexities of practicing gratitude as artists. Why is it so hard for actors, often stuck in survival mode, to embrace true gratitude? And what happens when gratitude becomes phony or self-serving, ultimately doing more harm than good? They also tackle gratitude in the age of cancel culture, explo...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 45
Sarah Bowden Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sarahbowden.de/ Sarah Bowden Websire https://www.sarahbowden.de/ Sarah Stages Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sarahstagesrealestate/ Sarah Stages Website https://www.sarahstages.com/ Broadway Run Club Instagram https://www.instagram.com/broadwayrunclub.nyc/ Broadway Run Club Sign Up https://www.strava.com/clubs/broadwayrunclubnyc "Raw & Rising", a new mini-episode series from Creative Risk, shines a spotlight on artists who are deep in the...
Nov 20, 2024•44 min
In this solo episode of CREATIVE RISK, Joshua tackles one of the most personal and complex challenges an artist can face: starting a family. From navigating the decision to have kids to balancing survival jobs with creative opportunities, he talks with several actors with children or considering having children to break down what it takes to be both a dedicated parent and a working actor. Drawing on their real stories and practical advice, they explore the giant puzzle of raising kids while purs...
Nov 15, 2024•2 hr 21 min
THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE In this episode, Joshua and Mike dive into one of the biggest questions actors face: Should you start your career in the traditional powerhouses of New York or LA, or opt for smaller, thriving markets like Atlanta, DC, or Chicago? Drawing on personal experience—Joshua reflects on his seven years hitting the “ceiling” in DC’s theater scene, while Mike opens up about the challenges of launching his career in NYC. They also share insights from wor...
Nov 08, 2024•18 min•Ep. 43
In this spooky episode, the boys dive into the wildly popular genre of horror, unpacking why it remains a favorite among filmmakers, self-producers, and audiences alike. Horror has always been about high-impact storytelling on a shoestring budget - films that often times start with modest budgets and explode into massive box-office hits, demonstrating the incredible ROI that this genre offers. In this episode we chat about this massive financial potential and how it can be a launchpad for filmma...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 42
Robyne Parrish Instagram https://www.instagram.com/robyneparrish/ Robyne Parrish Website https://www.robyneparrish.com/ "Raw & Rising", a new mini-episode series from Creative Risk, shines a spotlight on artists who are deep in the hustle. These short, punchy features consist of unfiltered conversations with artist entrepreneurs making bold moves in their careers. Whether they’re self-producing new projects, diversifying their income, building an audience, or facing the gritty challenges of ...
Oct 31, 2024•25 min
We sit down with Ryan Czerwonko and David Garelik of Adult Film, a trailblazing theater company and artistic training center thriving out of a Bushwick basement. Known for their hyper-intimate performances that blur the line between artist and audience, Adult Film is redefining what indie theater looks like in New York. We dive deep into their process of building a community many established theaters envy, their artistic values, and how they’ve crafted a safe space for creativity in a challengin...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 41
Shaun Taylor-Corbett Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shauntc37/ Listen to "Hold On" from Distant Thunder https://open.spotify.com/album/5sfWGuLw5wLRiJBHdwCJm0?si=nyzqTkidQzeHq8U_cglxiA Listen to "Strong Enough from Distant Thunder https://open.spotify.com/album/7pEINqxNyHyN17himNfad6?si=gaXLgf6BSVSjnEwMsF1hqw "Raw & Rising", a new mini-episode series from Creative Risk, shines a spotlight on artists who are deep in the hustle. These short, punchy features consist of unfiltered conversati...
Oct 21, 2024•28 min
In this episode the boys are getting real about one of the most intimidating—but essential—aspects of building a sustainable artistic career: fundraising. They’ll break down how securing financial support isn’t just about luck or waiting around for opportunity but about taking ownership of the process. Fundraising is an art in itself, requiring strategy, resilience, and vision. Whether you’re chasing individual donations, for profit investments, corporate sponsorships, or grants, they’ll tell yo...
Oct 18, 2024•2 hr 7 min
THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE As Joshua likes to put it, "This is a Mike episode," meaning it's a bit of a wild ride, full of unexpected twists and a range of intriguing topics. Recorded just off campus at their alma mater, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where they’re currently leading a business course for senior acting students, this episode is packed with nostalgia and reflection. The conversation flows from fond memories of their school days to the...
Oct 11, 2024•34 min•Ep. 39
In this episode, we sit down with Ari Roth—producer, playwright, dramaturg, educator, and former Artistic Director of Theater J, as well as the founder of Mosaic Theater Company of DC. A Chicago native and child of Holocaust refugees, Roth’s career has been anything but smooth. He has consistently sought out the gray areas in a theater landscape that’s become rigidly binary and moralistic. Now, as the founding artistic producing partner of Voices Festival Productions, Roth continues to challenge...
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 38
This episode is all about health and fitness, baby! We’re joined by Joe Rosko from Built for the Stage, who has worked with performers in over fifty Broadway shows and stages worldwide through his innovative fitness app. Rosko and his team specialize in helping performers maintain their fitness, whether they’re actively in a show or not. In this episode, Joe shares essential fitness and nutrition tips for both the "off season" (when actors aren’t performing) and the "on season" (when they’re in ...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 37
We're going back to basics in this jam-packed episode featuring three incredible guests. First, we’re joined by Emily Lambert, a headshot photographer based in NY, LA, and ATL. Next, we have Brett Rigby, Agent and Partner at the New York-based talent agency CGF. Lastly, we sit down with Tiffany Little Canfield, a renowned casting director from The Telsey Office. Together, we dive into the key elements of getting the "right" headshot, exploring everything from choosing the best looks, how often t...
Sep 20, 2024•2 hr 17 min•Ep. 36
THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE Joshua and Mike sit down with the dynamic casting director Erica Hart, whose entrepreneurial spirit and deep respect for actors have set her apart in the industry and made her one of the most exciting casting professionals working today. Erica doesn't just talk the talk; she’s taken bold creative risks in her own career and believes that actors should be doing the same. Get ready for some real talk as Erica offers audition advice for TV, film, ...
Sep 13, 2024•23 min•Ep. 35
In this must-listen episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented multi-hyphenate Mekhai Lee. Not only is Mekhai an actor with an already impressive track record, but he’s also the co-creator of the hit web series For the Boys, which he filmed with his talented friends during the pandemic. Now, it’s in development as a TV series at an undisclosed network, with heavyweights Colman Domingo and Sarah Jessica Parker as executive producers. We dive deep into the power of self-producing and how to...
Sep 06, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 34
