The boys explore this new(ish) concept and how individuals can leverage their unique interests and experiences to build a personal brand and monetize their journey. It touches on the shift from traditional marketing to a more personal, authentic approach, emphasizing the importance of documenting one's authentic journey and sharing it with an audience. Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Visit https://www.patreon...

Arnold Harper II is an actor and stylist from Baltimore who is definitely well-liked in our theater community. Listen now to hear him talk about his unorthodox journey into pursuing a performing career, how he balances being an in-demand stylist while being busy and booked and just enjoy his overall infectious energy 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!Submi...

We delve into the world of fashion and personal style with renowned stylist George Brescia. From his beginnings in theater to becoming a fashion icon, George shares his journey and insights on how clothing can transform not just your look, but your life. 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 & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting h...

this is an excerpt from a patreon exclusive episode The intricate balance between faith and belief in oneself - how do they interplay in one's creative journey? Mike and Joshua get personal, as always, and have a conversation that offers a thoughtful examination of what it means to pursue a creative life. 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...

The dynamic husband-and-husband duo behind Brainstorm Theatrics, Frank Galgano and Matt Castle, blend musical storytelling with innovative orchestration, working with legends like Kristin Chenoweth and Carole King. Learn more about the unique synergy that fuels their artistic partnership, insightful musical dramaturgy and witty banter. Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRi...

Joshua sits down with Molly Smith, the former artistic director of Arena Stage, as she shares her journey of (not exaggerating) transforming the American theater landscape. Discover her insights on leadership, creativity, and the power of community in the arts. 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 & Rising, the mini-series s...

It’s been a MINUTE friends. Mike and Joshua are back after a three month break. They discuss why they went MIA, their work together on Streetcar Named Desire, their new gig at one of the top conservatories in the world and the future of the pod 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 & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling cr...

In this episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with multi-hyphenate powerhouse Ross Shenker to demolish every assumption about creative specialization. As an associate casting director, playwright, director, classically trained pianist, AND certified Michael Chekhov teacher, Ross embodies what it means to reject industry gatekeeping and build a career that defies categorization This isn' t your typical "diversify your skills" conversation. Ross and Joshua dive deep into the rea...

In this episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with multi-hyphenate powerhouse Ross Shenker to demolish every assumption about creative specialization. As an associate casting director, playwright, director, classically trained pianist, AND certified Michael Chekhov teacher, Ross embodies what it means to reject industry gatekeeping and build a career that defies categorization This isn' t your typical "diversify your skills" conversation. Ross and Joshua dive deep into the rea...

What if the most essential conversations about intimacy coordination aren't happening in rehearsal rooms - but in producer offices and casting sessions? In this episode, Joshua sits down with intimacy coordinator and movement expert Alexis Black to tear apart every assumption about staged intimacy work. From the reality that most productions treat intimacy coordination like a luxury add-on to the uncomfortable truth that actors often discover their boundaries mid-rehearsal, this conversation ...

THIS IS A SEGMENET FROM A PATREON EXCLUSIVE EPISODE We all know money is the number one killer of artistic dreams. In this episode the boys confront the uncomfortable truth about why budgeting feels impossible when you're pursuing work that feeds your soul more than your bank account. From the emotional mindf**k of tracking expenses to the harsh reality that most artists would rather stay financially ignorant than face the numbers, this conversation cuts through every excuse we tell ourselves...

In this episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with Michael Herwitz, the visionary director behind Job by Max Wolf Friedlich - the unlikely theatrical phenomenon that journeyed from festival to off-Broadway to Broadway, defying every industry expectation along the way. From his early days observing tech as a child actor on Broadway to being the youngest director represented on Broadway in the 2024-2025 season, Michael reveals the hustle behind his journey and why he's still fighting the sa...

What does it really take to build and sustain a voice for the modern Broadway stage? In this episode of Creative Risk, Joshua sits down with Mike Ruckles, one of New York City's most sought-after vocal technicians and singing voice specialists. Working with Tony, Grammy, and Oscar-winning performers across Broadway, the West End, and beyond, Mike has become the go-to expert for artists navigating the demanding landscape of contemporary musical theater. From his early obsession with the human ...

What happens when pure joy meets unwavering work ethic in one of Broadway's most demanding jobs? In this episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with Treston J. Henderson, the magnetic performer whose rise from TikTok discovery to Broadway debut exemplifies the power of authentic hustle. From booking the tour of Ain't Too Proud through social media to swinging in his Broadway debut, Treston reveals the gritty reality of building credibility in an industry that's rapidly evolving. This conve...

What does it truly mean to be a theater critic in the digital age? In this compelling episode of Creative Risk, Joshua sits down with Mickey-Jo Boucher, the brilliant force behind MickeyJoTheatre, the world's largest YouTube channel dedicated to theater criticism. From his early days as a math student who stumbled into musical theater society, Mickey-Jo has carved a unique path, building an owned audience of nearly 85,000 subscribers and transforming how we engage with and discuss the theatre...

What does it really mean to “show up” online as an artist in 2025? In this episode, Mike and Joshua get ruthlessly honest about the highs, lows, and existential weirdness of building creative community in the digital era. From the myth that social platforms are just “marketing tools,” to the radical truth that emotional investment - not just content - is king, the duo pull back the curtain on what’s working, what’s BS, and what’s just plain overwhelming for modern creatives. Whether you secre...

In this electrifying episode of Raw and Rising, Joshua dives deep with the powerhouse vocalist Ryan James Monroe, an artist who's redefining soulful performance. Ryan shares how his roots in gospel choir ignited a lifelong pursuit of raw, visceral connection with his audience, a stark contrast to the often-sterile world of musical theater. This is where hustle meets heart, and where Ryan reveals the messy, unglamorous side of indie music – the financial risks, the DIY production, and the auda...

THIS IS A SEGMENT OF A PATREON EXCLUSIVE EPISODE What if your career isn't actually broken-what if your expectations are? Joshua and Mike dive deep into one of the most uncomfortable truths facing artists today: that most creative careers stall not because of lack of talent or even circumstances, but because of unrealistic expectations that were never aligned with reality. From the myth of "making it" to the shifting landscape of an industry in collapse, this episode challenges everything you...

In this episode of Creative Risk, Joshua sits down with writer, producer, historian, and all-around powerhouse Jennifer Ashley Tepper for an expansive conversation about creative sustainability, self-made opportunity, and the legacy of women in musical theater. From her start as a theater-obsessed kid in Boca Raton to becoming the programming director of 54 Below and conceiving major off and on Broadway productions, Jen has carved a career with no blueprint - just grit, vision, and relentless...

This episode dives deep with Matt Koplik, host of the Broadway Breakdown Podcast, as we unpack 2025’s state of Broadway. Matt shares candid thoughts about how social media, rising costs, and risk-averse creative institutions are challenging artistry in the theater - from standing ovations that mean nothing, to the pressure on performers and critics to play it safe and please the crowd. Discover why making unique art in the digital age matters more than ever, and how cultivating bold, messy, a...