We had the great fortune of hosting Tobias Ellehammer on our show. You might recognize him from his viral “Jackson Trilogy” series or his brilliant work on “World of Dance” Season 2 with the EZ Twins. He’s also worked with the likes of Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Tom Jones, Jason Derulo, Kylie Minogue. We speak about his why for why he dances, the making of his “Jackson Trilogy,” and he gives his advice on how dancers can know their worth. You can also watch the interview here: https://www...
Mar 22, 2020•37 min
Happy 50th episode, Nerds! This week I chat with restauranter and Chief Instigating Officer, Nguyen Tran. We chat Vietnamese food, how he opened an underground restaurant out of his apartment and he gives budding entrepreneurs advice. Stay Connected with Nguyen: www.twitter.com/starrykitchen www.instagram.com/starrykitchen
Mar 21, 2020•53 min
This week I'm joined by the lovely Tristan MacManus. Fans know him from "Dancing With The Stars" (US) and "Strictly Come Dancing" and he's now a judge on Australia's "Dancing With The Stars." We talk about what that experience going from pro to judge has been like and more! Stay Connected with Tristan: www.twitter.com/TristanMacManus www.instagram.com/TristanMacManus
Mar 14, 2020•47 min
Joining me in the Pop Nerd Lounge this week is rhêtorík. He's an artist, DJ, producer, and vlogger who in recent years released his own music. We chat about being heavily involved in creating his songs, living the van life, and what would be in his TedTalk. Stay Connected with rhêtorík: www.instagram.com/rhetorik www.twitter.com/djrhetorik www.youtube.com/rhetorik
Mar 07, 2020•40 min
Cynthia Koo is the founder of Wonton In A Million, a delightful crafty collection of stationery, planner items, gifts, and goodies all containing fun dim sum themed characters. What's it like being a creative and entrepreneur? She dishes about starting her business, celebrating her Asian heritage and what creatives can do to practice their craft consistently. Stay Connected with Cynthia: www.instagram.com/wontoninamillion www.wontoninamillion.com
Feb 29, 2020•31 min
PARTNERSHIP: We want to thank SmartHome for partnering with us on this episode. To check out their website visit www.smarthome.com We're back for another season! Today we have the incomparable choreographer and dancer Phil Wright in the lounge. We talk about The Parent Jam, The Fam Jam, his purpose as a teacher and putting on a production like his The Mask dance remake. Stay Connected with Phil: www.instagram.com/phil_wright_ www.twitter.com/PhilWright7 www.youtube.com/philwright www....
Feb 22, 2020•23 min
We're very honored to have another "Queer Eye" hero enter the lounge! We speak with Wesley Hamilton about his experience on the show, his physical and emotional healing process, and his foundation Disabled But Not Really. Wesley's Instagram Wesley's Website Disabled But Not Really
Jan 26, 2020•30 min
Will Breman wowed the world with his funky and fresh take on the Spice Girls' hit "Say You'll Be There" on Season 17 of "The Voice." He earned a spot on Team Legend and made it all the way to the Semi-Finals! We had a great chat about music, his openness about his journey with Aspergers and we talk dreams too. Will's Twitter Will's Instagram Will's Site
Jan 18, 2020•32 min
Today's guest entering the lounge comes from the world of executive security and bodyguarding. Pepe Araujo has been on the tour life for several years, but recently he started a web series called "Pep Talk." We chat about the impact of family, he maintains a healthy life on the road, and his Foundation, The Future is Latino. Pepe's Instagram Pepe's Web Series
Jan 11, 2020•31 min
Joel Torgeson is one of today's brightest dancers on the West Coast Swing circuit. He teaches all around the world and recently earned both 1st and 2nd place in the All-Star Jack and Jill and Strictly Division at the US Open. We jump off the high dive into the pool of West Coast Swing and talk about the ins and outs of this dance danced by thousands around the globe. Joel’s Website Joel’s Instagram FeatherThree Shop
Jan 03, 2020•51 min
It's a Pop Nerd Lounge Holiday Special! In this episode, we're chatting up with Kristyn Burtt. First, we learn about how she made a career reporting on one of her biggest passions. Then, we geek out about my favorite holiday, CHRISTMAS! We talk about Kristyn's holiday traditions, different dance events during the season, and she clues me in on some exciting future plans! Kristyn's Twitter Kristyn's Instagram Watch "To The Pointe"
Dec 20, 2019•30 min
We have another "The Voice" alum in the lounge! This week we have Max Boyle from Season 17 of "The Voice. He made his mark on the competition with that angelic voice that can stand alone with minimal accompaniment. We talk about his growing up finding his way to music, his time on the show, and what he hopes to accomplish in the new year. Max’s Instagram Max’s Twitter
Dec 14, 2019•19 min
Gwen Nguyen didn't feel like she belonged in the corporate world. Without any culinary experience, and the drive of a dream she created her own frozen dessert business right out of her parent's garage. Fast forward to today where they're selling their scrumptious desserts in over 100 independent retailers and over 50+ supermarkets. We talk about she worked tirelessly to start the company, pitching to the infamous investor "sharks," and what advice she has for the entrepreneur dreamers out the...
Dec 07, 2019•35 min
We're graced with another culinary master this week on Pop Nerd Lounge! Micah Yaroch became a recherché in season 10 of "MasterChef." At only 19 years of age, Micah quickly established a spot in the top 10. We talk about his course to becoming a chef, his leadership experience on the show, and how he felt about being Gordon Ramsay's battle pass save. Micah's Instagram Micah's Twitter Micah's GoFundMe
Dec 01, 2019•51 min
For Thanksgiving, we're thankful for our guest, Alexis Deboschnek! She made her mark as a Tasty senior food specialist and on-camera host. You might recognize her from Tasty, but she's giving the internet recipes worth salivating for. We chat about her journey into food media, her perfect Thanksgiving meal, and what 2020 has in store for Alexis! Alexis's Instagram Alexis's Website
Nov 22, 2019•26 min
We're back for Season 4! For the opener, Co-Producer and Creative Director Vee Koh joins me as we chat with our wonderful guest. Jake Posner didn't have a previous background in music management, but that didn't stop him from wanting to be a part of a band's growth and evolution. A band he found from a subreddit. Fast forward to now, and he currently serves as the manager for dance-pop phenom A R I Z O N A. We chat about his ventures into music management, the importance of reaching out, and ...
Nov 15, 2019•1 hr 8 min
Joined once again by my co-host Vee Koh, we hang out with the incredible duo Fly By Midnight. Justin Bryte and Slavo classify themselves as retro pop and having been adding a new flavor to the pop scene. We talk about their song "Love Me Like A Friend," constant reinvention of one's craft, and they SLAY Song Association! Vee's Website Vee's Instagram Fly By Midnight’s Twitter Fly By Midnight’s Instagram Fly By Midnight’s Youtube
Oct 25, 2019•40 min
Our next songwriting in the "Songland" mini series is Rafferty! He appeared on the Leona Lewis episode and captivated the esteemed panel of producers and songwriters with his moving ballad "A Heart Full of Love." We talk about being on the show, are artists products in this industry, and he and I nerd out on jazz and music with a fun game of Song Association. Rafferty's Website Rafferty's IG
Oct 19, 2019•30 min
Nerding out with me this week is Oklahoma Radio Personality, Frito On The Radio. We talk about how radio adapts to the ever evolving digital changes, how he got into radio, and we talk about his musical hero. Frito's Instagram Frito's Twitter KJ103
Oct 12, 2019•39 min
Matt Fetbrandt a Berklee College of Music alum, and his musical path has taken him around the country directing different musicals, cabarets and concerts. He can be seen regularly either at Tramp Stamp Granny’s or the exclusive Hollywood club, San Vicente Bungalows Clubhouse. This was probably one of my favorite episodes to date, simply because it felt like a fire side chat with a fellow creative. We talked about our paths, why we do what we do, and Matt really opens up about performing full-...
Oct 05, 2019•43 min
My guest for the second episode in the Songland series is a fabulous singer/songwriter, originally from the island of St. Croix. Rozee was the winner of the Leona Lewis episodes, and her song “Solo Queiro (All I Want)” recently topped the Billboard Latin Charts. We talk "Songland," growing up on St. Croix, and she plays a great game of Song Association! Rozee’s IG Rozee’s Twitter Rozee’s Website
Sep 29, 2019•21 min
Vicki Oh has been a role model to me ever since stumbling onto her interview with one of my favorites, Brendon Urie. I really admired her gumption, boldness, and her incessant determination to make her dreams come true. We talk radio, our favorites in music, and she tells me who she would invite on a Taco Truck Hop! Vicki's IG Vicki's Twitter Vicki's Show
Sep 27, 2019•33 min
Surprise, nerds! We have a special "Songland" Mini Series we're starting today and I could not be more thrilled to share with you the conversations we had with these inspiring songwriters. They had amazing journeys on the show, and I can't wait to share with you these marvelous chats. Our first guest is the winner of the Charlie Puth Episode, Zach Sorgen. He's written for artists like Jesse McCartney, French Montana, Ava Max and more! We talk about how he writes songs for himself versus other...
Sep 21, 2019•35 min
This week I'm joined by co-host and co-producer Vee Koh! We sit down and speak with Mike Sleath, drummer and percussionist for Shawn Mendes. He tells us all about the ins and outs of his path to drumming for one of the biggest artists in the world. We talk about his self care routine for a rigorous tour lifestyle, his thoughts on not having a "Plan B," and practical steps aspiring drummers can take to further their career. Vee's Website Vee’s Instagram Mike's Website Mike On Instagram Mik...
Sep 20, 2019•31 min
Tyler Zarzeka proves that there's no expiration date on dreams. He's carved a handsome career both as a drum tech and a drummer. He's drummed for acts like Charlie Puth, kiiara, Noah Cyrus and most recently Taylor Grey. We talk about his time at the Musicians Institute, pursuing drumming full time, and feeling at home when living the touring lifestyle. Stay Connected To Tyler Tyler’s Website Tyler’s Instagram Tyler’s Twitter
Sep 13, 2019•28 min
Stepping into Pop Nerd Lounge this week is Abby Chung! This delightful young lady has accomplished A TON at such young age. She's danced with legends like Janet Jackson, set up her own foundation - For Kids By Kids, and she's been a successful choreographer and dancer at only 19. We bonded over Justin Timberlake, spoke about typecasting, and she gave me some insights on how social media impacts a dancer’s career. Abby's Instagram
Sep 06, 2019•29 min
We Shannan today's guest! William and Shannan Mahnken have become a beloved couple by many from the hit Netflix series, "Queer Eye." We talk about their experience on the show, balancing a "pay-the-bills job" with your passions and what's life for them after the show. William's Insta Shannan's Insta William's Twitter Shannan's Twitter
Aug 30, 2019•28 min
Austin Giorgio is what I like to call a modern day musical entrepreneur. Following his appearance on "The Voice," Austin puts in the sweat equity towards his musical empire. We talk about if artists should have a business background, is success location dependent and we talk about Austin finding his "circle" or team to join him on his musical journey. Austin's Website Austin's IG Austin's Single Walking+
Aug 23, 2019•25 min
EZI stops by the Pop Nerd Lounge this week and we talk about her family influence in music, mental health and she tries her hand at song association. EZI’s Instagram EZI’s website
Aug 16, 2019•29 min
Season 3 of Pop Nerd Lounge is here! For our first episode we have Michelle Grace Hunder. She's one of the top music photographers in Australia. She's had two series in the National Sound and Film Archive of Australia. She's also been the official tour photographer for acts like Ruel and Seth Sentry. We talk her about her path as a music photographer, empowering female photographers, and the importance of networking. Michelle's Website Michelle's IG Michelle's Documentary "Her Sound, Her St...
Aug 09, 2019•33 min
