Chasing Wonder: Recent Episodes
Taylor Hughes
Weekly conversations with artists and entertainers of all kinds discussing the ups and downs of life in the entertainment business. Tune in each week as we discuss the challenge of trying to break into the industry before the industry breaks you.
Welcome to Great Talk! In this episode Taylor and Chris walk through a presentation the night before Chris shares it.
Get your free Content Clarity Worksheet https://www.electriccreative.studio/content-clarity
Taylor's new book "Tell it Well" is available now on Amazon!
https://a.co/d/09fV8NPT
Connect with Taylor at taylorhughes.com
instagram.com/magicstoryteller
Connect with Chris at https://www.electriccreative.studio/
instagram.com/onemanvariety
Welcome to Great Talk! In this episode Taylor and Chris discuss how to make show up on camera and tell it well on video.
Get your free Content Clarity Worksheet https://www.electriccreative.studio/content-clarity
Taylor's new book "Tell it Well" is available for preorder at tellitwellbook.com
Connect with Taylor at taylorhughes.com
instagram.com/magicstoryteller
Connect with Christ at https://www.electriccreative.studio/
instagram.com/onemanvariety
Welcome to Great Talk! In this episode Taylor and Chris discuss how to make sure your presentations connect on a human level. So many tips and tricks for sharing relatable stories.
Get your free Content Clarity Worksheet https://www.electriccreative.studio/content-clarity
Taylor's new book "Tell it Well" is available for preorder at tellitwellbook.com
Connect with Taylor at taylorhughes.com
Connect with Christ at https://www.electriccreative.studio/
Welcome to Great Talk! In this episode Taylor and Chris discuss how to properly use slides and visual aids in your presentations.
Get your free Content Clarity Worksheet https://www.electriccreative.studio/content-clarity
Taylor's new book "Tell it Well" is available for preorder at tellitwellbook.com
Connect with Taylor at taylorhughes.com
Connect with Christ at https://www.electriccreative.studio/
Welcome to Great Talk! In this episode Taylor and Chris discuss how to tell great stories. You will also get a behind the scenes listen to a workshop Taylor led on the same subject.
Get your free Content Clarity Worksheet https://www.electriccreative.studio/content-clarity
Taylor's new book "Tell it Well" is available for preorder at tellitwellbook.com
Connect with Taylor at taylorhughes.com
Connect with Christ at https://www.electriccreative.studio/
Welcome to Great Talk! In this episode Taylor and Chris discuss how to craft unforgettable messages. You will also get a behind the scenes listen to a workshop Taylor led on the same subject.
Taylor's new book "Tell it Well" is available for preorder at tellitwellbook.com
Connect with Taylor at taylorhughes.com
Connect with Christ at https://www.electriccreative.studio/
Welcome to Great Talk! In this episode Taylor and Chris discuss how anxiety around public speaking is an issue of focus not fear. You will also get a behind the scenes listen to a workshop Taylor led on the subject of overcoming stagefright.
Taylor's new book "Tell it Well" is available for preorder at tellitwellbook.com
Connect with Taylor at taylorhughes.com
Connect with Christ at https://www.electriccreative.studio/
Welcome to Great Talk! In this debut episode, Taylor and Chris pull back the curtain on what this show is all about and make the case for why learning to communicate better might be the best investment you ever make in yourself. No fancy credentials required. No stage aspirations needed. Just real talk about why the way we connect with each other matters more than most of us realize.
Taylor's new book "Tell it Well" is available for preorder at tellitwellbook.com
Connect with Taylor at taylorhughes.com
Connect with Christ at https://www.electriccreative.studio/
Check out Taylor's tour dates and more at taylorhughes.com
You can see this full episode on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLhQewoFdQI
Be sure to watch John Michael Hinton on Fool us with Penn and Teller https://youtu.be/rNDfunTdD0w?si=QbhP1YT8jSbs_yo2
Nick Paul joins Taylor to talk about their travels and a recent run at Hollywood's Magic Castle
For tour dates and more check out taylorhughes.com
Be sure to follow Taylor on instagram @magicstoryteller and check out the newest special "Enjoy the Ride" on YouTube
Taylor with his friend and director Chipper Lowell about the process behind Taylor's solo show THE LAST SERMON.
Get tickets to see THE LAST SERMON Tuesday, April 30th at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles
Last Sermon Tickets
Name This Show with Taylor Hughes Podcast Episode 204
In this episode, Taylor talks about going to a magic show, Soup themed restaurants and does the worst Christopher Walken Impression
Taylor Hughes is a comedian, magician and author of the new book MISDIRECTION: A Magician’s Guide to Spotting and Avoiding Manipulation in Your Life
You can get Taylor's new book Misdirection on Amazon http://tinyurl.com/mstbemrf
Watch Taylor's new special ENJOY THE RIDE on YouTube http://tinyurl.com/2vk6vdf3
See Taylor's Amazon Prime special CHASING WONDER http://tinyurl.com/k6anf8h7
For tour dates and to connect with Taylor visit taylorhughes.com/tour or message him on instagram.com/magicstoryteller
Key sack Progeny with Kimberly Stuart
Name This Show with Taylor Hughes Episode 203
In this episode, Taylor talks with his dear friend Kimberly Stuart about so many things including her new book which is available for pre order HERE https://a.co/d/1EpJYfp
Taylor Hughes is a comedian, magician and author of the new book MISDIRECTION: A Magician’s Guide to Spotting and Avoiding Manipulation in Your Life
You can get Taylor's new book Misdirection on Amazon http://tinyurl.com/mstbemrf
Watch Taylor's new special ENJOY THE RIDE on YouTube http://tinyurl.com/2vk6vdf3
See Taylor's Amazon Prime special CHASING WONDER http://tinyurl.com/k6anf8h7
For tour dates and to connect with Taylor visit taylorhughes.com/tour
or message him on instagram.com/magicstoryteller
In this episode, Taylor talks about many things including Valentines Day, optical illusions and not being too precious with your ideas.
Taylor Hughes is a comedian, magician and author of the new book MISDIRECTION: A Magician’s Guide to Spotting and Avoiding Manipulation in Your Life
You can get Taylor's new book Misdirection on Amazon http://tinyurl.com/mstbemrf
Watch Taylor's new special ENJOY THE RIDE on YouTube http://tinyurl.com/2vk6vdf3
See Taylor's Amazon Prime special CHASING WONDER http://tinyurl.com/k6anf8h7
Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/_EaDeCIv6c0?si=4xw846XA46c3yHkM
For tour dates and to connect with Taylor visit taylorhughes.com/tour
or message him on instagram.com/magicstoryteller
In this episode, Taylor talks about many things including Hot Tubs, Misdirection, and Costco.
Taylor Hughes is a comedian, magician and author of the new book MISDIRECTION: A Magician’s Guide to Spotting and Avoiding Manipulation in Your Life
You can get Taylor's new book Misdirection on Amazon http://tinyurl.com/mstbemrf
Watch Taylor's new special ENJOY THE RIDE on YouTube http://tinyurl.com/2vk6vdf3
See Taylor's Amazon Prime special CHASING WONDER http://tinyurl.com/k6anf8h7
Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/_EaDeCIv6c0?si=4xw846XA46c3yHkM
For tour dates and to connect with Taylor visit taylorhughes.com/tour
or message him on instagram.com/magicstoryteller
Today my good friend Christina Colton joins me for a conversation that neither of us could have predicted.
For live show dates and more visit taylorhughes.com
Jessye Wilden is a great friend and an incredible author. Her debut book, "We Wrote Your Name in Color" will be released on October 19th! Find out more info and pre-order now at https://www.jessyewilden.com/
to connect with Taylor or catch a live show visit taylorhughes.com
Let's explore how to get passed moments when life hits the reset button.
Join Taylor for the continuation of this conversation on CLUBHOUSE Monday, March 1st at 5pm PST
www.taylorhughes.com
Taylor shares about being too big for moon shoes and the time his dad took him to a secret magic warehouse.
you can connect with Taylor at taylorhughes.com
or on instagram @magicstoryteller
Hi Wonder Chasers!
Today Taylor talks about the importance of being careful who you follow and shares a story of when it all went wrong.
We would love to hear how you are chasing wonder. Leave us a message at 323-524-7456
Connect with Taylor at www.taylorhughes.com or on instagram @magicstoryteller
Hi Wonder Chasers!
What do you do when your plans get interrupted? How do you move forward when it all hits the fan? Today we take on that topic with a nostalgic drive in a 1954 Chevy. So pop the top on that soda, hop in and let's chase wonder together.
We would love to hear how you are chasing wonder. Leave us a message at 323-524-7456
Connect with Taylor at www.taylorhughes.com or on instagram @magicstoryteller
Hello Wonder Chasers! Today we continue our discussion on taking action with our dreams.
We would love to hear from you. What is something you know you need to do but haven't yet? Leave a message and we might even use it on the show. 323-524-7456
Be sure to check out Taylor's new Chasing Wonder special now on Amazon Prime
The About to Break Podcast is now Chasing Wonder!
In this episode Taylor discusses where things are headed as we Chase Wonder together!
for more visit taylorhughes.com
Taylor shares big news about the future of the podcast. For email updates and news visit chasingwonder.tv
Hey Friends!
My special 'CHASING WONDER' is out VOD right now at www.chasingwonder.tv
Thank you for helping spread the word. All money from sales the first week will be donated to theconsciouskid.org
Keep Chasing Wonder!
-Taylor
This is a wonderful conversation with Director Jordan Brady about how he got his start and built an incredible career as a director.
Be sure to check out his master class at commercialdirectingmasterclass.com
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for more about our host check out TaylorHughes.com
I sat down with incredible magician and amazing human David Minkin to record a great conversation about how he is continuing to perform and produce shows virtually.
Be sure to check out the Patreon page for new exclusive conversations patreon.com/abouttobreak
I sat down with Luke Null to talk about moving to LA, Being a SNL cast member, and remembering to just live in the moment.
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for more about our host check out TaylorHughes.com
I sat down with my buddy, fellow ex-pastor Jonathan Bowles to talk about being entrepreneurs, Pro Wrestling and our mutual love for people
be sure to visit Jonathanbowles.com
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for more about our host check out TaylorHughes.com
This week Taylor is joined by Justin Willman (Netflix Magic for Humans) to talk about being a dad, making magic on TV, and all things quarantine.
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
Looking for Royalty Free Music? Check out Taylorhughes.com/showsounds
for more about our host check out TaylorHughes.com
This week Taylor is joined by hilarious comedian and professional Foosball player Kelsey Cook!
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for more about our host check out TaylorHughes.com
This was one of the funnest conversations we have had on the show to date! So grateful to Jessica Jane for sharing her story.
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for more about our host check out TaylorHughes.com
My good Pal Mark James is back on the show! He’s so British!
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
Mark’s Spotify List
Taylor’s Quarantunes
for more about our host check out TaylorHughes.com
My Buddy Joel and I grew up in the Magic Castle junior group. We discuss good times in the past and interesting but good times right now!
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
You can buy Joel’s Magic DVD at joelward.com
for more about our host check out TaylorHughes.com
Episode 132: Magician Tim Hannig talks about his new book "Perform"
I recorded this conversation with the amazing Tim Hannig back in December. We sat down after one of my shows to discuss his brand new book “Perform”
It is such a great book and I highly recommend it!
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for more about our host check out TaylorHughes.com
This week Taylor sat down with Live show expert Pat Hazell to discuss the new pandemic surrounding the Corona Virus and what it means for us as entertainers.
Pat got his start as a magician before giving it up to do stand up comedy, he became a tonight show regular before his time writing for Seinfield. Pat now owns his own production company and writes/produces shows all over the country.
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Be sure to review us on apple podcasts.
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for more about our host check out TaylorHughes.com
Some updates and thoughts for the New Year from Taylor Hughes
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Get tickets to Taylor’s live special taping January 7 at Dynasty Typewriter in LA!
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content.
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
My childhood friend and amazing entrepreneur Larry Wyatt stopped by the World Shedquarters to record this wonderful conversation about life, passion for the 1980's and what matters most.
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Get tickets to Taylor’s live special taping January 7 at Dynasty Typewriter in LA!
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content.
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
This week on the show is the fantastic and flexible Jonathan Burns (flexiblecomedy.com)
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Get tickets to Taylor’s live special taping January 7 at Dynasty Typewriter in LA!
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
This week on the show is the hilarious and wonderful comedian Amy Miller.
Be sure to check out her podcast, “Whose Your God”
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Get tickets to Taylor’s live special taping January 7 at Dynasty Typewriter in LA!
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Magician Simone Turkington stops by the show this week for an amazingly magical conversation! Catch us both at Magicopolis in Santa Monica this week!
follow Simone at www.magicsimone.com
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Get tickets to Taylor’s live special taping January 7 at Dynasty Typewriter in LA!
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Harrison Greenbaum has been seen on America's Got Talent, Conan, and Last Comic Standing. He is a brilliant Magician and Hilarious comedian. We sat down to discuss his success and challenges in the biz.
Check him out at harrisongreenbaum.com
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Comedian Johnny Beehner has a new album Battle Wounds available now!
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
I recently sat down in Nashville to record this conversation with Jack O'Shea. We talked about his band Bayside, his crazy new neighbor and the announcement of their upcoming album Interrobang.
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
One of the Magic World’s biggest cheerleaders and quite possibly it’s only bodyguard. I sat down with my buddy Joey Martinez to talk about his unplanned entrance into the family of magic, his time at the World Famous Magic Castle and his recent move to Nashville with House of Cards.
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
This week on the show Taylor interviews his friend Nashville Drummer Ben Showalter
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
I sat down with incredible Illusionist Rick Thomas to discuss the ups and downs of his amazing career in magic.
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Joseph and I grew up together as part of the Magic Castle Junior Society. Who would have know that all those years later we would both still be performing full time? This is such a fun conversation!
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
An amazing Balloon Artist, hilarious writer and great friend Rob Balchunas is on the show today!
This week on the show I talk with Juggler Niels Duinker about his journey from growing up in the Netherlands to performing nightly at the Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
This week on the show I talk with Chef Charity George who is the Secret Chef for the Netflix's Nailed it!
A truly delightful human being. This episode is practically perfect in every way.
connect with charity at chefcharity.com
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
I had the pleasure of meeting Simon and his amazing wife Sybil at a recent event where we were both presenting. Katie and I absolutely adore them and I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation.
I sat down with Simon to discuss his unplanned transition into food entertainment and all the aspects of the wonderful ride.
Connect with simon at simonmajumdar.com
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Friend of the show Stephanie McBain returns to talk about the release of her new feature film Roads, Trees & Honeybees
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
I sat down with my buddy Eddie Furth to talk about the release of his new Netflix Series Historical Roasts
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
A little over a year after our first conversation... Mark James and I are now REAL friends! Even though we live 4500 miles away from each other we talk nearly everyday. I invited mark back on the show to discuss some big changes in his life over the past year.
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Wow! This is a big one. One of the biggest magic stars of all time and my childhood magic idol, Lance Burton joins us to discuss his journey to the Top of Las Vegas Entertainment, Why he decided to retire 9 years ago and more on this weeks episode.
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Check out Lance's Teen Magician's Seminar
This has to be my favorite conversation of all time. My daughter Maddy has built an amazing YouTube channel and just reached 1 million views while staying true to herself.
Subscribe to her channel here
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Elad and I sat down for an amazing conversation about life, the business and how to stay mentally healthy in the process of trying to Break in!
follow Elad @eladziv
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Bruce Gold has been one of my favorite performers for years. This week on the show I sat down to talk about his experience working as a comedian, actor and magician. Bruce shares many helpful insights and tips from years of real world experience.
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
This week on the show we have my buddy Rmax Goodwin. Rmax is a wonderful performer and a delightful human being. When he isn’t wowing corporate audiences at fortune 500 companies, he can be seen amazing guests at Hollywood’s Famed Magic Castle.
find out more about Rmax at https://rmaxgoodwin.com/
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
My buddy Nick Paul Returns in this lovely impromptu chat at the World Shedquarters.
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Calgary based performer and entrepreneur Gwyn Auger opens up about her world travels, assisting magician’s like Lance Burton and why she chose to learn 5 languages at once.
find out more about Gwyn at themagicassistant.com
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
On a recent trip to Detroit I sat down with renown magician and school show genius Doug Scheer. we at thai food and explore a killer arcade we also recorded this story filled conversation about making it in the business of magic.
Check out Doug’s website at http://www.dougscheer.com
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
John Accardo is a brilliant magician and an amazing human! This show opens with an amazing existential conversation and ends with card tricks… so much good stuff.
Check out John’s new podcast “The Setup” on apple podcasts
follow him on instagram @johnaccardomagic
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Stand up Comedian Mark Schiff talks about life on the road, Being Jerry Seinfield’s opening act for the last 15 years and more!
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Chris Grace is a successful Actor and Comedian… so why is he taking up magic? We talk about that plus improv and church drama this week on the About to Break Podcast.
Want to share your Breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
I sat down this week with my buddy Sethward who is a hilariously creative individual. His unique characters have been featured on America's Got Talent, The Gong show and more. This is a wonderful insight into the creative process.
Want to share your Breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content.
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Join Host Taylor Hughes with a look back at the first hundred episodes. Artists and Entertainers sharing their journey of trying to break into the industry before it breaks them.
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
I sat down with Magician Christopher James from Branson, MO during his recent run at the Magic Castle. Wonderful look into the creative process.
Check out Chris on instagram
Next week is Episode 100! It will be a Best of Episode and we want to hear your favorite moments from the show. Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content.
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Director Joey Howell has had several people in his family affected by a rare disease known as Hunters Syndrome. He produced an amazing documentary to bring awareness. We talk about that and more on this weeks episode.
Find out more about the film at www.boyswithbiggerhearts.org
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
This week Taylor Hughes sits down with Comedian Jason Collings to discuss going from breakdown to breakthrough. Jason didn't start performing comedy until his was in his mid 30's within 6 years he appeared on the Tonight Show. Jason just completed a Canadian stadium tour with Russell Peters. We talk about all of that and more on this episode of About to Break.
Be sure to check out JasonCollings.com
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Stuart Horwitz is the founder of Book Architecture, a firm of independent editors based in Providence and Boston.
In this episode we discuss:
* His love for books as a child
* Trying to be a better father
* Why road trips are amazing for connection
* Finding balance in monetizing your creative work
* The work of being an author
* Making time to create
* The myth of writers block
* The 3 draft writing process
* Seeking relational healing
* Experiences in meditation
* Police station merch
and having a healthier perspective on making money
Connect with Stuart at https://bookarchitecture.com/
Want to share your breaking moment? Leave us a voicemail at 323-524-7456
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team and receive bonus content. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
I had a great conversation with the incredible Jon Armstrong. Jon is an amazing magician and expert on all things Marvel!
Be sure to check out Jon online at www.cardjon.com
You can also download his latest Penguin Live Act for more info on moving from close-up to stand up.
Send us a note at www.abouttobreakpodcast.com
or email us abouttobreakpodcast@gmail.com
My friend Bruce Scott has had an eclectic career. Everything from being Johnny Cash's Bodyguard to being a Pastor. He now says he is doing what he was born to do... Helping non profits organizations raise money through impactful events. Bruce shares so much in this episode that every entertainer and entrepreneur needs to hear!
Harrison Lampert is an Actor, Comedian and Magician in that order. As an actor he has been seen on Ghosted & The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. As a comedian he is part of the Groundlings Improv Sunday Company and as a magician he and I geek out a lot. This is a delightful conversation with a true renaissance man!
Connect with Harrison at www.harrisonlampert.com
Episode 93 of the show available now on apple podcasts, spotify and at www.abouttobreakpodcast.com
Episode 92: Robert Hall is About to Break!
This week I am performing at the Loft Theater in beautiful Lake Tahoe. I sat down with my friend Robert Hall who is an accomplished Magician, Painter, and Dancer. We talk about his career in entertainment which began at the age of 15! Then we get into a philosophical discussion on the current state of magic as an art before eating more sushi than I thought was humanly possible. Another incredible episode that you won't want to miss!
Connect with Robert at www.roberthallmagic.com/
Visit the Loft at: www.thelofttahoe.com/
Episode 92 of the show available now on apple podcasts, spotify and at www.abouttobreakpodcast.com
This week on the About to Break Podcast I sat down with the amazing Kayla Drescher. Kayla is an incredible magician who has performed on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us and she is currently starring in the hit touring theater show Champions of Magic. She is the co-host the new podcast Shezam answering the question “What is it like to be a woman in magic?”
We talk about all of that and more in Episode 92 of the show available now on apple podcasts, spotify and at www.abouttobreakpodcast.com
Be sure to visit Kayla’s site at www.magicinheels.com
and subscribe to Shezampod.com
Owen Morse and Jon Wee met in 1986 at a juggling convention and instantly knew they were destined to be a team. They have appeared on the Tonight Show, Americas Got Talent and are one of the most booked acts in the Corporate market. This is a really fun episode with lots of crazy stories!
In this episode we talk about:
- Learning to use a Bullwhip
- The Passing Zone Origin Story
- The importance of meeting other variety artists
- Getting started at Disneyland
- Breaking into the college market with NACA
- It's nice to not work the road alone
- Debriefing after shows
- What do you do when it all goes wrong
- Juggling Chain Saws
- Managing work and family life
….and their experience on America’s Got Talent
Find out more at http://passingzone.com/
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
I was introduced to Scott Tripp by our mutual friend Rob Balchunas. Scott is an Amazing Balloon Artist and i this conversation goes all over the glorious map!
In this episode we talk about:
- When you travel full time you forget where you’ve been
- Trying to find Analogue art in a digital world
- Scott has 12k photos on his phone
- Scott brought me gifts!
- Amazing things are happening NOW and we are HERE
- Running a fundraiser for himself
- Why the Packaging of a gift matters
- The value of bad art
- Loving the art more than performing it
- Being over apologetic
- Why all artists should re-watch Disney’s “Fantasia”
….and much much more
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Harris iii is a Magician, Illusionist and Storyteller. He is also the Curator of the STORY gatherings and STORY conference.
In this episode we talk about:
- How storytelling is a part of all of our lives
- We should be intentional about the type of stories we tell
- People remember how you make them feel, not what you say or do.
- If we tell better stories we can create a better world
- We get to write the script of our life
… and choosing curiosity over fear
Follow Harris on social @harrisiii
Check out Story 2018 at www.harrisiii.com
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Ethan Luck is a musician, producer, multi-instrumentalist and photographer who has played in many bands, most prominently, the Ska band The O.C. Supertones and rock band Relient K. He has played on albums for Demon Hunter, Kutless, Roper, Nikki Clan and Last Tuesday. As well as playing on the road with Kings of Leon.
Follow ethan on social @ethanluck
Connect with Ethan and check out his podcasts at http://www.ethanluck.com/
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
This week I sat down at House of Cards in Nashville with the entertainment director Jason Michaels. We discuss his story and how he overcame the odds to fulfill his life's passion. Such an encouraging episode with a great guy.
be sure to visit her website www.jasonmichaelsmagic.com
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team. Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Dionne Woods is a dynamic artist and entreprenuer. Her unique style of chalk painting furniture has gone viral and even led to a hashtag of her own name #dothedionne.
This is a wonderfully refreshing conversation about how creativity can lead to courage.
In this episode we talk about:
* We both think Katie is wonderful
* Watching fireworks is silly
* Being young parents
* Everyone is creative
* Creativity brings confidence
* Not caring about looking foolish is freeing
* Not grading yourself
* From Etsy store to influencer
* Finding your own style
* Sharing your mistakes is important as well
and so much more!
follow Dionne on social media @theturquoiseiris
and be sure to visit her website www.theturquoiseiris.com
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Curtis Waltermire aka Curtis the Mentalist is a hilarious performer and an incredible guy. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and I know that you will as well.
In this episode we talk about:
* the problem of faking it till you make it
* The importance of keeping your show fresh
* Creating deadlines for yourself
* Mixing Comedy and Mentalism
* His own horror story with AGT
and much more!
check out Curtis' site at www.curtisthementalist.com
Find out more about Taylor's live shows at www.taylorhughes.com
I walked around Magic Live and asked a bunch of magicians to share stories of when it all went wrong.
I first met Dan when we recorded the episode about his band Paper Lights. Since that time we have become wonderful friends and I wanted him to come back on the show to share some of his personal story.
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team!
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Josh “Roach” Durante is an amazing drummer who has played the road for years. His band Sangre is a Heavy, Melodic, Death & Thrash influenced Metal band formed in the city of Pomona, California in the summer of 1999. He also happens to be my neighbor!
In this episode Josh and I talk about:
- Late night shows
- The glamorous life of a Rock Star
- Being scared as a grown up
- The challenge of being a Dad and a touring musician
- The idea of success is ever changing
- Feeling unaccepted traveling in other states
- Josh is old school with technology
- Why playing small towns is the best
- Not wanting to meet your heroes
- Times are rough… what do you do?
- Technicians Vs Musicians
- Playing the road makes you better
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
This is a very special episode about an episode. 3 weeks ago I had a major anxiety/panic attack that sent me to the ER. In this episode my Friend Eddie Furth joins me to discuss what happened and where we go from here.
This week's episode features a WONDER FULL conversation with Jamie and Vanessa of the glorious Dynasty Typewriter!
Dynasty Typewriter is LA's new venue for highly curated live entertainment and comedy events, located at the Hayworth Theatre in historic Westlake. Dynasty is a place where comedians and other artists can experiment with new immersive show formats, do engaging live podcasts, and also have the opportunity to bring more production and theatricality to their acts. Building this new theater-going experience brings a fresh approach to the classic show format, for artists and audience alike.
Jamie FLAM
Jamie is a writer and producer based in Los Angeles. His goal is to make and do stuff that reminds people of the wonder and enchantment in the world. He most recently served as The Artistic Director/Booker at The Hollywood Improv (2011-2017), named the #1 comedy club in North America in 2016, [due to] “shrewd booking from Jamie Flam.” This is what made him the toast of his grandma's retirement home.
Currently, he is driving to make Dynasty Typewriter LA's best destination for intimate and moving shows and experiences, while continuing to develop content, produce live variety shows, and do script and talent consulting for creative agencies and podcast networks.
VANESSA RAGLAND
Vanessa is a writer improvisor producer actor hyphenate hyphenate based in Los Angeles. She wants to make things and learn to have healthy boundaries, while still "being fun." You can hear her voice in some things, and sometimes even see her in other things. She co-hosted Nerdist Network’s Pop My Culture Podcast and Earwolf’s Totally Mommy. Her goal is to establish a place for artists to thrive and audience members to enjoy great shows… and even greater popcorn.
Currently, she is developing comedy content for television and digital, continuing to book and produce live variety shows, and performing regularly around town.
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
David Doyle is a four-time Emmy® Award-winning producer with a depth of experience in a variety of genres having developed and produced original factual and entertainment projects with numerous broadcast and cable networks. In addition he spent years working the road as a Stand-up Comedian before making the switch to TV Production.
In this episode David and I discuss:
- David is the only magician I know who loves sports
- Being Dodger fans as kids
- Having a shop teacher that did magic
- The Magic Castle junior group was amazing for kids like us
- Getting to meet Steve Martin
- Making 60 Grand when he was 17
- Giving up Magic for Stand-Up
- Giving up Stand-up for TV
- Working the Road, Working for Dick Clark, Working for Michael Seligman
- Printing business cards for the job you want to have
… and realizing there is still more to do.
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team . Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Charles is a world champion of juggling and has appeared on Americas Got Talent more times than any other comedy juggler. He tours the world entertaining cruise audiences and is the creator or Audio Ape, the premier audio remote for stage performers.
In this episode Charles and I discuss:
- Working on cruises is like living in an after show meet and great
- His parents owned a record store
- Starting with magic before discovering juggling
- When your desperate to perform, you will make it happen
- Prince was a janitor to pay for studio time
- People can’t fathom that you can make a living doing this
- Charles feels lucky to have known early what he wanted to do with his life
- Magicians have a higher ceiling than jugglers
- There are no famous jugglers
- AGT hates jugglers
- People think Vegas is what its all about
- Why being able to control your own show cues is so important
… and how his company Audio Ape came to be
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
Find out more about Audio Ape and Show Sounds @ abouttobreakpodcast.com/control
Masterclass Sign up - signup.audioaperemote.com/podcast
connect with Charles @ charlespeachock.com
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
I meet Vance 2 years ago. We did the thing we all do where we said lets keep in touch… but then we actually did. 2 years later we both ended up in Orlando for separate random gigs and sat down to talk about life in the arts. Vance is the co-host of the Music Stuff Podcast which you should definitely check out.
In this episode Vance and I discuss:
* We actually stayed in contact
* People choose to live in Florida
* We some amazing things in Orlando
* A detailed description of the sketchy hotel room we recorded in
* Creatives just get things done
* Everyone has a side hustle
* and much more
connect with Vance at www.vancefite.com
Questions? Comments? Show dates and more visit abouttobreakpodcast.com
THE NEW BAD BOYS OF MAGIC (Daniel Donohue & Eric Siegel) combine Chicago-style sketch comedy with Hollywood stage trickery. Two perfect foils, they stumble backwards into one impossible feat after another in vaudevillian synchronicity.
Their magical variety show DIRTY TRICKS plays to sold-out audiences every month at Three Clubs Cocktail Lounge in Hollywood. Their new full-length show COKE & MIRRORS will debut at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June.
In this episode the Bad Boys and I talk about:
- Who were the old bad boys of Magic?
- 2 years of them performing together
- They are both Chicago Improvisers
- Giving up magic and then rediscovering it
- Moving to LA to become a Writer
- I almost broke their table
- Doing Magic on your own terms
- Studying Improv made magic better
- The boys describe each others characters
- An informative talk about Scientology
- Why their act is too edgy for TV
- They have their own monthly show at 3 clubs
- How they got kicked out of UCB
- Their new show is called Coke and Mirrors
- Check them out at the fringe festival
… and making it another year without getting a real job
Check out their site at https://www.badboysmagic.com/
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
If you take a healthy dose of comedy, throw in a handful of magic, and blend it, you have the recipe for The Chris Mitchell Show. Chris has entertained audiences in Casinos, Comedy Clubs, Corporate Events, Colleges, and Cruise Ships during his world tour of things that begin with the letter “C.” He currently resides in Los Angeles, where he also appears on television and in films.
In this episode Chris and I talk about:
- Me seeing Chris perform at Wizards City Walk when I was a kid
- Sending a VHS demo tape to the Magic castle
- Bad corporate gigs
- What to do when your paints rip on stage
- Learning from other incredible performers
- The first visit to the Magic Castle
- Cruise guests decide if you get brought back
- Magicians love suitcases
- Reminders to face your fears
- Dealing with drunk audience members
- Being grateful later for awful things that happen on stage
- Live theater is an adventure
- Learning how to Bomb
- Getting Stand up comedy out of his system
… and making it another year without getting a real job
Check out Chris’ website at https://chrismitchellmagic.com
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team . Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
My buddy PJ Culbreth is one of the most talented and experienced guys I have ever had the pleasure of working with. This conversation has it all! We really open up about a lot in this episode and I am excited to share it.
In this episode PJ and I discuss:
- Growing up playing music at church
- Bass isn’t something you choose its something that happens to you
- Transitioning from playing music to mixing for others
- Living on Cigarettes and hamburgers
- Your talent gets you into bars underage
- When church became a production
- Moving from Analogue to Digital
- Fake it till you make it
- Shows can be logistical nightmares
- Working on National Margherita Day
- It’s hard to not be distracted at other peoples events
- Should I practice guitar or buy another pedal
- You need the opportunity to not be good in order to get good
- Helping clients who have unrealistic expectations
- Are you in business because of price, personalization or premier
- A debrief of our weird church experiences
- Being willing to make tough decisions
- Your never prepared for life
- Getting what you wanted and thinking now what?
… and remembering to be humble
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
for live show dates visit TaylorHughes.com/live
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Adam Wylie entered show biz at age 5. He has appeared on everything from Seinfeld to Gilmore Girls and even voiced peter pan for the Disney series Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Adam is also a great magician and I am so happy to share this fun, tangent-filled conversation with you!
In this episode Adam and I discuss:
- A mutual love of Chipotle
- Starting entertainment when he was five years old
- Not understanding kids his own age
- Teachers giving him a hard time
- Seeing magic for the first time
- Having too many hobbies
- Losing all of his props in France
- Why magic caught his attention
- Don’t insult the audience
- So many glorious tangents
- His in laws are in the business
- Not eating at your own wedding
- How voice over projects work
- Talking to himself in a voice over booth
- Becoming the voice of peter pan
- Transition periods in your career
- Being will to work always
… and staying open to change
Connect with Adam on twitter @thisisadamwylie
and on instagram at @showmonkey05
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Morgan Jay a first generation American performer based out of Los Angeles. Originally from New Jersey, he started his career in NYC where he attended the Tisch School of the Arts. With over six years of stand up experience and an extensive background in music Morgan has managed to create a unique performance that touches comedy and music fans alike with his smooth melodies derived from his love for classic RnB and Bossanova.
He’s performed at the 2017 SF Sketchfest, 2017/2018 Big Fire Festival, 2010 Iowa Comedy Festival, 2010 LA Comedy Festival. He won the 2012 Westside Comedy Showdown. Morgan is a regularly featured artist for sofarsounds.com and was one of the top booking acts for the 2017 NACA. Morgan also won 1st Prize for best comedy/novelty song in the International Songwriting Competition which received over 16,000 submissions.
In this episode Morgan and I discuss:
- Auditioning for Montreal
- Going from stand-up to music
- The first year with fans
- Morgan has a Podcast called Relationship Status
- Starting standup in New York
- Never feeling accepted in certain scenes
- Colleges opened up a lot
- Not performing to impress other entertainers
- Being happy not being famous
- Interning for late night made him not want that job
- Bombing in front of friends and family
- His mom was brutally honest after watching his set
- Grading your own performance
- Why music comedy gets a bad wrap
- Using your art to encourage others
- Morgan can’t gain weight and I can lose it
- Working out in Venice is intimidating
- Finding joy in the creation of material
- Traveling alone is boring
… and if your doing the thing you love, you’ve already made it
Check out Morgans website morganjay.com
instagram @morganjay
Twitter @themorganjay
YouTube @ Morganisethnic
Love the show? Why not become a producer? For $1 or more a month you can become a part of the team
Check out our Patreon page to find out more
You can hear all episodes and get more info on our website abouttobreakpodcast.com
Benjamin Schrader grew up in Seattle, Washington where he began his acting career at The Village Theatre and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre. At 20 he moved to New York City where he went on to star on Broadway in "Avenue Q", the 2009 revival of "Ragtime" and helped develop the Pulitzer Prize winning musical "Next to Normal". In 2007 he began work-shopping Trey Parker and Matt Stone's Broadway mega-hit "The Book of Mormon" and went on to be a member of the original TONY winning Broadway cast. Benjamin received a Grammy certificate for "The Book of Mormon" Grammy Award winning cast album. in 2013 Benjamin toured the country with the TONY Award winning production of "Peter and the Starcatcher" directed by the legendary actor/director Roger Rees.
His other works include the Walt Disney animated feature "Frozen" where he can be heard as Brother Troll, season 2 of HBO's "True Detective", and ABC's "Revenge" among others. In addition to his performing career Benjamin is also a director where his work can often be seen at the world famous Magic Castle in Los Angeles where he consults on professional magic shows.
In this Episode Ben and I discuss:
- Seeing the music man when he was a kid
- All his brothers were into sports and he was into musical theater
- We graduated High School at the same time
- Buying a one was ticket to New York
- How New York felt after 911
- Making Broadway the goal
- Broadway’s Golden Handcuffs
- Being surprised by how small the theaters are
- Celebrities coming to see him perform
- An amazing encounter with Ian Mckellen
- Art over money always feels better
- Copperfield always shows up on a motorcycle
- Ben rediscovered magic 5 years ago
- How I embarrassed myself last night
- Does free will really exist?
… and why he created a magic bar
Connect with Ben @ BenjaminSchrader.com and be sure to visit magicbarla.com
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Music for this episode is provided by our friends at CatBeachMusic.com
Live Show Tickets and info at Taylorhughes.com/live
AUDIO APE Show Control abouttobreakpodcast.com/control
For over 20 years, Chipper has been bringing his odd brand of infectiously amusing mayhem to audiences around the world at performing arts centers, theaters, cruise ships, casino showrooms, and corporate events. His tours have taking him throughout the United States, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Mexico.
He's appeared on The Tonight Show, The Disney Channel, and all FIVE seasons of the CW's Masters Of Illusion, just to name a few.... He's been honored with "Comedy Magician of the Year" twice, as well as "Specialty Act of the Year", and was also nominated twice for "Stage Magician of the Year" by the AMA/Magic Castle.
In this episode Chipper and I discuss:
- Why he loves the Gilmore Girls
- Movie Reels are flammable
- If W.C. Fields lived today...
- Chipper is fascinated with how we look at time
- Being a kid growing up on the road
- A literal family circus
- Going to normal High School was an adjustment
- His first college gig was assisting Illusionist Mark Kalin
- A monster falls of a stage…
- Does your audience know you better when your show is over?
- More pet peeves
- If your original your not in competition with anyone
- Why buying routines is a slippery slope
- Don’t worry about the Dentists
- Using TV to work out new material
- Performing the same routine from different points of view
- Writing for David Copperfield
- Working with Gary Shandling
- An education in shoe laces
- Performing in Arenas is a whole new ballgame
- Directing other performers
- Chipper won’t let me compliment him
… and being in the moment
Connect with Chipper at thechipperexperience.com
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Check out CatBeachMusic.com
Live Show Tickets and info at Taylorhughes.com/live
AUDIO APE Show Control abouttobreakpodcast.com/control
For over 20 years, Chipper has been bringing his odd brand of infectiously amusing mayhem to audiences around the world at performing arts centers, theaters, cruise ships, casino showrooms, and corporate events. His tours have taking him throughout the United States, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Mexico.
In this episode Chipper and I discuss:
- Late night conversations in Houston
- Spirit Airlines up sells everything
- Travel Tips and Tricks
- Having to be not just a performer but and experienced event planner
- Dealing with the dance floor of death
- Being flexible as a performer
- Making your needs known to the venue
- Death is not a failure
- Realizing we are in process
- Ricky Dunn and his Demons
- Realizing your getting old
- Being able to let go of the last show
- Sir Lawrence Olivier dealt with it too
- Careers are a series of ups and downs
- Magic Pet Peeves
- Your show needs to grow with you as you age
- Discovering yourself will lead to an original act
- Stock lines are robbing you from being present
- Finding paper for the declaration of independence
… and living with no regrets
Connect with Chipper at thechipperexperience.com
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Check out CatBeachMusic.com
Live Show Tickets and info at Taylorhughes.com/live
AUDIO APE Show Control abouttobreakpodcast.com/control
Jeff Civillico is a Las Vegas Headliner, TV Host Personality, and Philanthropist. He has been a Las Vegas Headliner with Caesars Entertainment for 6 years, having performed 1000+ shows at The LINQ, The Flamingo, and now at The Paris Hotel & Casino. Jeff is the Founder & Chairman of Win-Win Entertainment, a 501c3 national nonprofit based in Las Vegas that creates opportunities for professional performers to share their time and talent with children in need.
In this episode Jeff and I discuss:
- Never knowing what day it is
- Feeling like you might forget how to perform
- Anxiety for no reason
- If performance is more mental or physical
- Why you need to have multiple revenue streams as an entertainer
- Don’t put all your eggs in one agency
- Jeff’s family of doctors, lawyers and scientists
- showBUSINESS
- Jeff is in shape
- Performing is the only job he has ever had
- Sometimes deals don’t work out
- How do you know what to focus on
- Physical injury took him offstage unexpectedly
- Dealing with Shady characters
- Launching a Charity to help others
… and always moving forward
Connect with Jeff @jeffcivillico on social media and at www.jeffcivillico.com
Also be sure to check out his non profit @winwincharity www.winwinentertainment.org
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Live Show Tickets and info at Taylorhughes.com/live
Andrew Delman Is a hilarious comedian and actor from Los Angeles. This is a glorious conversation about trying to break into the industry before it breaks you.
In this episode Andrew and I talk about:
- Andrew used to be a magician
- He grew up in the neighborhood I just moved to
- Getting a false sense of security from early shows going good
- Mega Magic and Deli!!!
- Trying to find originality as a magician
- Improv Comedy changed everything
- Getting voted out of the Groundlings
- Groundlings vs Scientology
- Always trying to impress his father
- Getting an agent by accident
- Nothing is handed to you in this business
- The less you care in auditions the better
... and trying to figure out how it all works
Follow Andrew @localoneway and at andrewdelman.com
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Live Show info at Taylorhughes.com/live
Shaun Hale Is one of my oldest friends and this episode is all about us growing up together and now trying to be grown ups together
In this episode Shaun and I talk about:
- Growing up together
- Allyssa Milano kissed me when I was 8
- We geek out about nineties alternative rock
- Shaun took me to my first rock concert
- Before YouTube we passed around VHS Tapes
- We can’t remember the name Collective Soul
- The local 90’s music scene
- Asking Katie to be my girlfriend at No Future Cafe
- We realize how sill our band name was
- Feeling like we had to write christian songs
- Moving from Hardcore to Hair cutting
- Grandpa wasn’t sure about Shaun going to beauty school
- Constantly trying to defy the norms
… and a lesson in being a purple cow
See Shaun’s work on instagram @shaun_of_the_head
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Live Show info at Taylorhughes.com/live
Kenny Aronoff is one of the world’s most influential and in-demand session and touring drummers today. The list of artists he’s worked with reads like a who’s who of the music industry.
In this episode Kenny and I talk about:
- His Studio set up in North Hollywood
- Living life without a rear view mirror
- Records he’s played on have sold over 300 million copies
- How we first met
- The Beatles changed everything for him
- His motto of fight or fight
- Filming Hired Gun for Netflix
- Playing for Paul and Ringo 50 years after seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan
- His parents were really supportive of his career choices
- Refusing to play the piano because he was in love with the drums
- Showing up drunk for his college music audition
- From Rock in Roll to the Symphony and back
- Refusing to take no for an answer
- An aggressive commitment to time management
- The pressure that comes with success
- Losing your gig overnight
- Moving into the speaking business
… and making the most of the time we have left
See Kenny’s work at:
www.uncommonstudiosla.com
www.KennyAronoff.com
Check out Kenny on Twitter and Instagram
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Alex Ramon is a true Showman. He was the second youngest ringmaster in Ringling brothers History, traveled the world with Disney Live and now presents his own unique show for theater audiences world wide.
In this episode Alex and I talk about:
- Not knowing the difference between Hawaiian Islands
- Growing up acting in commercials
- Discovering Magic at 13
- Spending hours in the magic shop as a kid
- Magic is the only job he has ever had
- Performing stadium events with Disney
- A weird audition changed his life
- Being honest with who you are
- Having supportive parents
- Withdrawing from college to perform full time
- Not realizing magicians were in the entertainment business
- Almost walking away from a huge opportunity
- Joining the Circus
- What he thought about the movie the Greatest Showman
- Creating his own show after leaving the Circus
… and just staying true to himself
Check out Alex @alexramon on Facebook and Instagram
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Chris is a great juggler and an amazing guy. He is one of the hardest working entertainers in Los Angeles and shares so much knowledge that can support you as your trying to do the thing you love for a living.
In this episode Chris and I talk about:
- Why its important to learn all aspects of the business
- How he started being a videographer
- Not waiting till your ready, just start something
- Knowing the why behind what you want to do
- Opportunity flows through relationship
- The power of saying yes
- Show up and be nice
- Growing up in Pennsylvania
- Learning without a teacher
- Playing music in bars when he was 15
- Walking through the snow to get to a juggling club
- Driving to New York to perform for free
- You don’t need to know how to do something before you start
… and remembering that Perfection starts as mediocre
Check out Chris at chrisruggiero.com
GET INFO ABOUT UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS
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Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Mark James performs sleight of hand magic and comedy. He is a brilliant performer from the UK and I caught up with him during his week at the magic castle where we recorded a late night podcast.
In this episode Mark and I talk about:
- A lot of people died in Hollywood
- What it’s like to work at the Magic Castle
- Mark is a huge film buff
- LA restaurants that only serve 1 item
- You need to have personal things in your show
- Growing up in the UK
- Should magic be truthful?
- Making your show your own
- Learning to shove a nail in your face
- You need to be unique if you want to get the best gigs
… and why suspense is important
Check out Marks Blog and Website @ www.magicianmarkjames.com
Music for this episode is provided by Catbeach Music. Whether you are looking to score a movie or find the perfect accompaniment for a television show. Catbeach has what you are looking for. Please visit CatBeach Music Today. www.catbeachmusic.com
GET INFO ABOUT UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
I love Bob Goff. At a time in my life when I was ready to lose faith in everything and everyone, Bob challenged me to live life differently. I am so grateful to call him my friend and am so happy to share this conversation with you.
In this episode Bob and I talk about:
- They had to put up a sign for us to not feed the Alligators
- We avoid desperation but that is where people find their greatest creativity
- You need to be desperate for the right things
- Having fewer options is better
- The tortured Poet
- What is driving your performance?
- Using what you have to do some good today
- Being 100% engaged and present
- Wanting to be who you are where you are
- A guy who writes down what other people eat
- Taking notes on your life
- We are waiting for revelation and instead we are given other people
- Acting in kindness is huge
- Love everybody always
- A different perspective of church
- Avoiding a hero mentality when helping others
- Finding beauty in Wimsey
- Speaking true things over yourself
- Not trying to hide our weakness
… and remembering that we are all just rough drafts
Music for this episode is provided by Catbeach Music. Whether you are looking to score a movie or find the perfect accompaniment for a television show. Catbeach has what you are looking for. Please visit CatBeach Music Today. www.catbeachmusic.com
GET INFO ABOUT UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Lynne is a wonderful human being. More than a great writer and improvisor, Lynne created the non profit Show Up Girls to empower young women with confidence, collaboration and compassion.
In this episode we talk about:
- Magic and Improv have similar issues
- Second City Improv gave us some amazing people
- Sometimes its art and sometimes it isn't
- Knowing your strengths is key
- Many dramatic actors began as improvisors
- Don't think… Be present
- Why she studied at multiple improv schools
- It costs a ton to take improv
- Improv is therapeutic
- 101 classes are full of people who dont care
- Lynne doesn’t think Improv works in LA
- Improv requires selflessness
- I don’t care if you laugh, I care that your compelled
- It’s hard to be about process in Los Angeles because you have to pay the bills
- Money ruins art
- Life is here to amuse you
- Dealing with Anxiety
- Adults need to play more
- Starting a non profit to encourage and empower young women
- Accepting your mistakes like they are a reward
… and remembering that all of life is Improv
Find out more about Show Up Girls at www.showupgirls.org
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
song featured in this episode provided by Free Music Archive
Jim Logiudice helped shape my childhood and he had no idea the impact he had. When I was a kid, movies like the Rocketeer inspired me to want to create models and props. I remember building a Rocketeer helmet and jet pack when I was a kid. How cool is it that 27 years later I would be recording this episode with the guy who built the actual prop. We geek out about prop building and then get very real about the reality of a live in the industry. I was so encourage and inspired by Jim’s perspective on what really matters in life and in business.
In this episode we talk about:
- His projects inspired me as a kid
- Finding out people got paid to make models
- Trying to get a job instead of college
- Walking into the studio and getting hired
- Working on Flubber and Armagetton
- Deadlines and quick tunrarounds
- Being done with the industry
- Why we don’t live in LA
- When 9 to 5 becomes 5 to 9
- Vintage cars are magic
- Working on old houses
- Restoring original Disneyland props
- Building the Rocketeer Jet Pack
- Taking consistent work over exciting projects
- Why people get out of this business
- The speed of production makes it tough for people to break in
- Making Ice picks for David Blaine
- Getting burnt out
- puppets for fun
… and saving some of the joy for yourself
Check out Jim's work on Tumblr
connect with him on Faceboook
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
In 1910 Coy Watson married Golda Wilmer and the two settled in the Edendale area of Los Angeles which would later become Echo Park. A few years later Mack Sennett built one of Hollywood’s first movie studios 300 yards from their house. The couple had nine children who ended up acting in hundreds of classic films. Harry Watson was my wife’s grandfather and in this episode I sat down with his brother Billy who just celebrated his 94 birthday.
This very special episode features some personal stories from the Watson Family told by Billy!
Huge thank you to all the producers for sponsoring the show.
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Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
The most amazing person I know somehow agreed to marry me! Katie and I sat down and answered your questions in this first ever ask us everything.
In this episode Katie and I talk about:
- An awkward opener
- PT Barnum
- Dead or Divorced
- Everyone in the 1800s looked awful
- Dating in High School
- Taking Swing dance lessons
- Katie knows all my stories
- I miss seeing my grandparents
- Once a clown always a clown
- Katie and I are easily distracted
- We got married so young
- Why we had to leave church
- Having the freedom to create
- Making a house a home
- The challenges of traveling
- making working at home work
- Magicians need to write more
- Thinking every other family on Facebook is perfect
- I try to convince Katie to make a web series
- Furniture should be meaningful
- Fixing up a 111 year old house
- Katie’s method of finishing projects
... and failing boldly!
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Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Titou was born and raised in France, fell in love with the art of magic and that has taken him around the world. He now lives in Las Vegas and stopped by the studio on his way to a show in Los Angeles.
In this episode Adam and I talk about:
- Can anyone really fool Penn and Teller
- Living in Las Vegas
- Living in a hotel near Disneyland for 9 months
- Taking props through immigration
- Playing the part of Lazerman at Disneyland
- Will work for vacation
- The challenges of traveling for a living
- Social Media only shows the upside
- Working in Macau for 6 months
- Doing the same 15 show 452 times
- Being antisocial on Airplanes
- Being open to learning from others
- Why he likes variety that comes from different shows
- Our mutual love of road cases
- Learning from your mistakes
- Being easy going as a performer
Doing your best with every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to
... and staying passionate about your work.
You can connect with Titou on instagram @titoumagician
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Adam Christing is a Author, Keynote Speaker, Comedian, Magician and one of my greatest friends!
In this episode Adam and I talk about:
- He performed a magic show at my elementary school
- Being the class clown
- Magic trick failures
- Why do we avoid things that can help us
- Keys to connecting with people
- Giving yourself permission to do what you want to do
- Creating your own opportunities
- Giving yourself deadlines
- Finding key partnerships
- Treat every opportunity like it is your big break
- Performing for the society of morticians
- Handling tough shows
- How he accidentally set the stage on fire twice!
- The problem of doing gigs for exposure
- Going through a rough divorce
- Traveling for work when you have a family
... and how happiness is overrated
You can connect with Adam @adamchristing.com
Love the show? For as little as $1 a month you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Leave us a comment or message at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Karen is the Food and Beverage manager for the Greek theater in Los Angeles, has a brilliant business mind and also happens to be my sister in law!
In this episode Karen and I talk about:
• Working with an entire staff made up of actors and screen writers
• Secret tunnels under the Greek Theater
• How we learned things before the internet
• A tangent about conspiracy Theories
• Growing up in the restaurant business
• The real reason people go to bars
• Stop Posturing!!!
• The myth of fake it till you make it
• Being genuine and present is everything
• Artists are responsible for the audience they attract
• Lack of humility will destroy us
• Some thoughts for managers
• Developing real friends in the business
• the reality of Backstage
• worrying about people’s opinion of you and then realizing they aren’t thinking about you at all!
• We all just want to be heard
• Succeeding as a woman in a male dominated industry
• Letting passion be the driver
• The power of communal events
... and remembering to be grateful
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Siegfried Tieber recently performed his one man show SEE-SAW to Sold out crowds in Los Angeles. He is a true gentleman and a wonderful human being
In this episode Siegfried and I discuss:
- People thinking magicians like to play cards
- impossibility surrounding gambling
- Creating once in a lifetime moments
- Co-creating with your audiences
- Why he chooses to do close up magic
- What role do secrets play in Magic
- Has google messed up things for magicians
- His one man magic show called See-Saw
- Being a magician who likes questions
- What are Skeptics?
- The importance of remaining present
- Someone hit his car while we are talking!
- Remembering to be kind to yourself
…. and remembering each performance is an end in itself
You can connect with Siegfried @ Siegfriedtieber
or at his website Siegfriedtieber.com
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Aaron Abeyta is the lead guitarist and trumpet player for the band NOFX. We sat down and discussed everything from life on the road the last 20 years to him barely surviving a move to Hollywood when he was 21.
In this episode Aaron and I discuss:
- His love of Improv Comedy
- I'm a total fan boy
- Wikipedia can’t be trusted
- Auditioning for NOFX
- Fat Mike changed his name
- Learning the bands songs on way to the first show
- Being non political in a punk band
- Remaining an independent band
- How the band has stayed together over 20 years
- Trying to get into Groundlings
- Bathroom Accidents on stage
- Remembering the first time the band could afford a hotel
- Having crazy fans follow him home
- Pan handling and dumpster diving to survive Hollywood
- Everyone should take an improv class
- Landing his first role in a movie
…. and never giving up
You can connect with Aaron at @elhefenofx
Get Tickets to this weeks Jokers & Aces show Sunday, Dec 10th
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Scot Nery began performing professionally at age 11. He has appeared on the tonight show performed in seven countries and is the host and producer of the wildly popular Scot Nery’s Boobie Trap in Hollywood.
In this episode Scot and I discuss:
- His recent marriage
- Why does his home feel so amazing?
- LA is weird and he loves it!
- When memes become mean
- Learning magic as a kid
- The neighbor who had a magical basement
- Is entertainment an art or a craft?
- Maintaining control of the show while keeping the element of surprise
- Taking personal responsibility for the audiences experience
- Are we all just sheep?
- Consulting for TV
- Scripting in magic shows makes no sense
- Moving from magic to juggling
- No matter what happens in live you can still enjoy it
- The whole point is to make a difference
- Being motivated by bad performances
- How do we regain the wonder of magic
- We get maybe a little too deep about my act
- Being the performer you want to see!
- What he looks for when booking acts for BoobieTrap
…. and realizing you can’t fix everything
You can connect with Scot on social media @scotnery
Get Tickets to tonight BoobieTrap Show at boobiela.com
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Daniel Ornellas is a music producer and Musician living in Nashville, TN. Originally from South Africa Daniel moved to the states when he was touring with the band Tree63. This episode is so full of real life experience in the business and Daniel shares so much that is applicable throughout the entertainment industry.
In this episode Daniel and I discuss:
- Being from South Africa
- Learning to speak like a southerner
- Idaho is surprisingly beautiful
- Napoleon Dynamite
- Not being aloud to check in his own bags
- Smuggling tuna on planes
- The time when the TSA surrounded him with guns
- Forgetting what city your supposed to be flying to
- Why Beer goes well with Hymns
- The dangers of quitting your day job too soon
- How to not be motivated by fear
- realizing that your becoming someone else's wing man
- Writing a better song
- If you want hardcore fans you need to create something special
- When Art becomes your taskmaster
- The ups and downs of life on the road
- Making sure your life is sustainable
- Taking 10 years to become an overnight success
…. and just sticking with it
You can connect with Daniel at DanielOrnellas.com
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Michael Levine is a writer and PR expert. He has represented 58 Academy Award winners, 34 Grammy Award winners and 43 New York Times Bestsellers. Michael shares some of the common denominators he has seen with people who make a career in the entertainment business and boy is this a great conversation.
In this episode Michael and I discuss:
- His childhood in New York
- Having an alcoholic parent
- Being dyslexic
- Refusing to have a victim mentality
- An easy way to stay broke in Hollywood
- Deciding to make the world an offer it cant refuse
- The Jungle is neutral
- Doing more of what we know works
- Michael's 4 step pattern of success
- Being willing to work for free
…. and taking personal responsibility
You can connect with Michael at michaellevinemedia.com
Get tickets to this week's Jokers and Aces Show Sunday November 12th at 7pm
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Adam Wilber is a magician, inverter and author. I sat down with him in Los Angeles during his debut week at the World Famous Magic Castle. This episode is so full of info about the business side of show business.
In this episode Adam and I discuss:
- His first week performing at the Magic Castle
- Old Magicians and their apartments
- Finding things to be grateful for
- The law of diminishing returns
- Performing when your sick
- Why we love the Magic Castle
- Stealing his first Magic Trick
- Giving away a $50 half dollar
- Not being ok with with doing mediocre magic
- Making Money in Magic
- Creating Magic and performing other peoples work
- Corporate work is where the money is at
- Doing some shows just for you
- Marketing is a big part of the game
- Struggling with wanting to be original
- What fulfills isn’t what pays the bills
- Focus on genuinely helping other
…. and understanding were people are coming from
You can connect with Adam at AdamWilber.com
or on social media @adamwmagic
Get tickets to the November 12th Jokers and Aces Show
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Amy Ruffle is an Australian Actress living in America. I met her doing improv at UCB and she is hilarious as she is delightful.
In this episode Amy and I discuss:
- Australian accents are awesome
- My kids are impressed by my friends
- Her family is obsessed with sports
- Not having a life because she was training for sports
- Practicing dangerous sports
- Her switch from sports to musical theater
- Kids will do shores if you play the Annie soundtrack
- CDs are vintage now
- Musicals that have meaningful moments
- Sports taught her discipline
- Time management for performers
- Actors need to live life
- The challenges of dating other performers
- Auditioning is terrifying
- Character is more important than talent
- Having a DJ follow you would be awesome
- Getting her first big acting job
- Things they don't teach you in acting school
- Filming while your sick
- Improv comedy is therapeutic
- learning that Mermaids pee in the pool
…. and remembering that the audition is the job
You can connect with Amy on Social Media @amylouiseruffle
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Taylor shares about his struggles with insecurity and reveals how a conversation with Katie made all the difference.
In this episode Jonathan and I discuss:
- Living in a Castle
- The Pasadena New Years Nuclear Fall out
- Tortilla Heaven the movie
- Performing on TV with David Copperfield
- Why do we think flying is ok?
- Terrible magic show accidents
- Butterfly knife technique
- Uncomfortable moments at the gas station
- Dangerous tricks
- Performers misreading the audience
- Our friend Greg Bennick
- Teaching magic to the movie starts
- Hosting TV Shows
- Practical Effects verses visual effects
- Never stop creating
- The journey is everything
- When depression hits
- Times of reflection are important
- Pre show rituals
- Over analizing things
- Feeling like your playing catch up
…. and only taking jobs that provide him with an enjoyable life experience.
You can connect with Jonathan at jonathanlevit.com
and on Social Media @jonathanlevit
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Josh is a motivational speaker, Author, Comedian, Paralympian and Halloween Enthusiast. I met him performing at a comedy club and could not be more impressed with his talent and his character. A wonderful human being, your sure to love this episode!
In this episode Josh and I talk about:
- How he lost his leg at 10 years old
- Being honest during your presentations
- The challenges of speaking to younger audiences
- Starting to do stand up
- How people perceive him
- Performing verses entertaining
- Why we love comedy
- Getting rid of the gimmicks
- Why he refuses to use sides during his presentations
- Feeling like he didn’t have a story to share
- Having a gig cancelled after he started speaking
- If you can speak to high school students, you can speak to anyone
- Students don’t care about your accomplishments
- When you take bad ideas on stage
- Focusing on the things you can control
- Michael W Smith’s greenroom
- Keeping your presentations fresh
- Worrying about things the audience doesn’t notice
…. and continuing to move forward.
You can connect with Josh at JoshSundquist.com
and on Social Media @joshsundquist
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In this episode Arthur and I talk about:
- Amazing places to eat in Studio City
- Being torn apart as an actor was good
- Realizing college shows are not for him
- How he evaluates his performances
- Magic is such a powerful art form that it can support a weak entertainer
- Being watch guys who cant afford watches
- Your material should reveal who you are to the audience
- Watching David Copperfield when you are young
- Fog juice smell like pancake syrup
- Forming the Midwest Masters of Magic club
- Its so awkward recording this outside
- Trying to get out of the service industry
- Breaking through the noise
- Getting through the dark days
- Not wanting to be a novelty
- Looking to far ahead can be discouraging
…. and just wanting to performing for people that came to see you.
You can connect with Arthur at arthurtrace.com
and on Social Media @arthurtrace
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get tickets to Jokers and Aces Oct 8
Michael Rayner is truly one of a kind. He is either performing his own amazing show, or warming up live audiences for TV.
In this episode Michael and I talk about:
- What we do between tricks is the most important thing
- The variety vaudeville community
- Growing up in a small town
- Being pressured by the local Amway guy
- Being a TV warm up guy
- Learning to spin a cheeseburger on an umbrella
- People thinking what you do is easy
- Using TV appearances to your advantage
- Performing at library shows
- Balancing shoes on his face
- Binge watching Breaking Bad
- Having cherry tomatoes thrown at you
- If their golfing before the show… its gonna be rough
- Always give the host and intro
- Making sure you are there for your kids
- Don’t be afraid to cold call
…. and getting in and out of debt as an artist
You can connect with Michael at MichaelRayner.com
and on Social Media at @brokenjuggler
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You can also support the podcast by shopping our Amazon link
Sarah Hoag and her husband josh are long time friends of Katie and I. She is an amazing photographer who transformed her passion into a career.
In this episode Sarah and I talk about:
- Meeting in Church youth Group
- Her husbands short lived rap career
- Her love of photography
- Not hiding behind the camera
- Moms rarely are in the photos
- Insecurity keeps us from life
- Collecting moments not things
- Family fights and photo shoots
- Capturing important moments
- Her father passing away days before her wedding
- Dealing with imposter syndrome
- Trying to not have your value tied up in other people’s opinion
- Moving to phoenix from the Bay Area
- Trauma was a motivator
- Filtering through the beliefs you grew up with
- Therapy is huge
- Dealing with manipulative people
…. and the stress of flying with equipment
You can check out Sarah’s work at sarahhoagphotography.com
and on Social Media @sarahhoag
Please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
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You can also support the podcast by shopping our Amazon link
Taylor shares a challenge from episode 14 of the About to Break podcast with Comedian and actress Julie Brister.
You can hear the rest of their show here
AboutToBreakPodcast.com
listen on YouTube
Nick Paul joins me for our first ever crossover podcast! Nick hosts a great podcast called two magicians one mic.
In this episode Nick and I talk about:
- Moving from Florida to Los Angeles
- Driving to LA several times a week
- Taking improv with Maria Bamford
- The difference between magicians and comedians
- Drunk Magic Castle audiences
- Working cruise ships
- I had a nightmare show
- Lunch shows are the worst
- Battling what you love verses what pays the bills
- Become friends with people you were a fan of
- Collaboration is wonderful
- People thinking you have it easy as a performer
- You actually can make a living at this?
- When dinner is served during your show
- Feeling like your a sham
- Pitching other peoples podcasts
- Why we love the medium of podcasts
- Living in the moment
- Getting dressed up to go to Disneyland
- Trying to beat the Facebook algorithm
- Robots are taking over
- Being sent to a camp run by convicts
- How did we survive childhood?
- Finding hope in the midst of challenging times
- Being a good person onstage and offstage
- Doing a fringe festival show
…. and trying to figure out where do we go from here.
Please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
Love the show? you can BECOME A PRODUCER
You can also support the podcast by shopping our Amazon link
See Taylor live at the Grab Bag Show in Santa Monica Sunday, September 17th
Abouttobreakpodcast.com
Taylor shares something he learned from Tyrone Wells in episode 7 of the About to Break Podcast.
Hear their whole conversation HERE
Tyler Cordova is an incredible visual effects coordinator who has worked on incredible films for Marvel, Disney and more. We sat down to talk about the ups and downs of life in this biz.
In this episode Tyler and I talk about:
- His dad being a magician
- Going back to school to learn film
- Making movies with his friends in High School
- His first big gig was iron man 3
- You have to keep the passion going constantly
- working with directors to see their vision happen
- Dealing with Deadlines
- LA has the best food
- Being in the right place at the right time
- If you want it bad enough it will come find you
- Being wise about your pursuits
- Coming up with unconventional was to do what you do
- Being a Jack of all trades
- Remembering everyone's story is different
…. and struggling to suspend disbelief
Please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
Love the show? you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Get your tickets to live shows here
You can also support the podcast by shopping our Amazon link
I sat down with Matt at his home in Los Angeles to talk about the wonderful world of stand up comedy. You may have seen Matt on one of his numerous appearances on Conan. He also co hosts the incredible We Watch Wrestling Podcast.
In this episode Matt and I talk about:
- Dogs are rad
- The Grateful Dead and kid names
- Controlling parents
- Unsolicited advice is criticism
- His concert ticket stub collection
- Seeing Marilyn Manson live
- Leaving New York for LA
- Packing during a hurricane
- Show business is like any other business
- Staying up late when your a kid to see TV shows
- Surprised by Bill Hicks death
- Not everyone on TV is rich
- Show business is swimming in the dark
- 911 changed the course of his career
- Life is too precious to not do what you love
- Learning from recording your performances
- It takes 10 years to be an overnight success
- Starting doing stand up in New York
- Discovering alternative comedy venues
- Aziz Ansari was the DJ at the club
- There is beauty in being naive
- Clubs scene vs. the Alt scene
- Entitlement isn’t helping comedy
- Putting on a Comedy show or just selling drinks?
- It is important to do comedy the way you think is funny
- Comedy is subjective, you aren’t supposed to be funny to everyone
- Learning to work in different rooms
- There are some audiences you don’t want to like you
- Reminding yourself that this is what you want to do
…. and remembering to be grateful
Check out Matt at thisismattmccarthy.com or follow him on social media @mccarthyredhead
wewatchwrestlingpodcast.com
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SUBSCRIBE to our new YouTube channel
I sat down with Tim Myers, founding member of the band One Republic, singer/ songwriter, record producer and CEO of Palladium Records.
In this episode Tim and I talk about:
- Learning to play music at church
- Forming the band One Republic
- Co writing the son “Stop and Stare”
- Walking out of a day job because you got a show
- Listening to old Albums
- The honesty of Kurt Cobain
- Doors of opportunity slamming in your face
- Trying to separate Art and Self
- The subjective nature of art
- The grind doesn’t stop when you get success
- I accidentally call his former band One Direction!!!
- Myspace broke the band
- The first song Ryan wrote was Apologize!
- Saying Yes to opportunities is important
- Loving the studio more than the stage
- Writing songs no one ever hears
- Art is fueled by pain
- Music is a therapeutic escape
- How his new album became so personal
...and when real life becomes lyrics
Check out Tim Myers new single “Lover my Love” available here
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SUBSCRIBE to our new YouTube channel
Episode 36: About to Break Podcast Live from the Pomona Art Walk!
This episode of About to Break was recorded live at the Pomona Art Walk on Saturday, August 12, 2017 @500blockpomona and the @lofton2nd
Joined by special Cohost Josh Swodeck we talked with local artists about their work, passion, ups and downs.
For more information on the Artists Featured in this episode visit:
Josh Swodeck @swodeck
Noreick @thascool
@Lee.rodriguez__
Keith Coast
Courtney @I.am.queen
Amber @crafty_mantis
@June_skinnyblak
ANGEL ONCE
@debutanteclothing
KAYLA CORRINE
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SUBSCRIBE to our new YouTube channel
Taylor and Eddie talk about their new show Jokers & Aces at nerdmelt in Los Angeles!
Get your tickets to Jokers in Aces this Sunday, August 13th @ nerdmelt in meldown comics
BUY DISCOUNT TICKETS HERE
This week I am joined by the multi talented Director, Writer and Producer Stephanie McBain. I met Stephanie at the Magic Castle were she works at night. During the day she is feverishly writing producing and directing her first feature film. An amazing conversation about the process of creating a film from start to finish in 6 months!
In this conversation Stephanie and I talk about:
- Having 2 day jobs
- making a feature film
- Growing up in Wisconsin
- Moving to LA on your 18th birthday
- Transitioning from acting to directing
- Getting people to believe in you
- People getting discovered in the grocery store
- Having a paper route when she was 10
- Saving childhood money for a video camera
- Work ethic is everything
- Having plans and being willing to let them go
- Committing to writing
- Running out of money
- The fear of letting others down
- Gilmore girls
- What its really like on set
- Finding your own way
- Who you work with matters
- Having to buy cat food when your low on dough
- Appreciating your parents when you get older
- Conflicting agendas
- Writing a film about Veterans
- What story do you want to tell?
- The power of music
- Being Genuine
… and just keeping on!
Check out Stephanie’s work at mcbainentertainment.com
you can also follow her on instagram @mcbainentertainment
Please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
Love the show? you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Get tickets to this Sunday’s Jokers and Aces show @nerdmelt HERE
SUBSCRIBE to our new YouTube PAGE
This week I am joined by my oldest friend in magic James Holguin. Basically we geek out about magic for an hr.
In this conversation James and I talk about:
- The La Puente Magic shop
- Something about Brick and Mortar
- Not knowing our ancestry
- Magic shop meets deli
- Performing across from a hotdog stand
- We wanted to be Lance Burton
- David Copperfield is king
- Loving comedy
- Growing up at the Magic Castle
- The Junior Society
- The dog interrupts
- Together again for the first time
- The Magic Castle is amazing
- Saying yes to opportunities
- Kids and Horror movies
- Trick or treating in rich neighborhoods
- Working Halloween Haunts
- Learning how to approach an audience
- MUDD the Magnificent
- Investing in an idea your passionate about
- Needing real human interaction
- A weird plea to Jimmy Fallon
- VHS tapes of magic TV specials
- Music magicians use
...and meeting your childhood heroes
Check out Jimmy H and MUDD at
- magicjimmyh.com
- themuddshow.com
follow him on instagram @magicmudd @jimmyhmagic
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abouttobreakpodcast.com
Check out TaylorHughes.com for live show tickets
This week I am joined by comedian Adam Grabowski who performs over 150 college shows a year. Adam moved to LA a year ago and we talk about everything from being the new guy in town to dealing with depression and anxiety.
In this conversation Adam and I talk about:
- Living in Los Angeles
- Being a loner on the road
- Performing for colleges
- girlfriend Jedi mind tricks
- The differences between colleges and corporate events
- open mics are awful
- Card tricks for anxiety
- Magic verses Mentalism
- Being a worker that nobody knows
- Having to nail 100 job interviews a year
- Starting off by booking shows
- moving back home after college
- People who have kids but don’t talk about them
- Trying to figure out the B-I-B-L-E
- Astrologers using magic tricks
- Psychics are hacks
- Magicians setting up tricks in advance
- Money isn’t earned
- Wanting to have your presentation to be more than a show
- TV shows editing your bits
- AGT taking down YouTube videos
- Being misrepresented
- Penn and Teller are rad
- TV Shows sell tickets to live shows
- Emcee gigs are unique
- Why do people take their kids to Vegas?
- Reputation is everything in this business
- Adams first year in LA
-
sayitanyway
- Being afraid of turning 30
- Ups and downs of college shows
- Adults are irresponsible too
- I don’t understand sports
- Magicians trying to meet girls
...and dealing with the fall out of Americas Got Talent
See more of Adams stuff at AdamGrabowski.com
follow him on instagram @adamgrabowski
Please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
Love the show? you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Check out TaylorHughes.com for live show tickets
This week I am joined by Professional Drummer Emmanuel Cervantes. I’ve know this guy since he was 13 years old and he has been killing it ever since!
In this conversation E-man and I talk about:
- The process of buying a house as an entertainer
- When the money comes in… save it
- My dog keeps interrupting
- Entertainment sleep deprivation
- Knowing all the restaurants in the airport
- The importance of being hard on yourself
- Paying attention to whats important
- Putting in the extra work
- Anyone can get the first gig
- Letting failure launch you further
- Scholarship or Switzerland?
- Playing for Olympians
- Big guys can’t wear big belt buckles
- From PBS to pop gigs
- Making sure everybody eats
- Creating real drum charts
- Getting surprise royalties from Apple
- Marrying a musician
- Pro Tip about frequent flier miles
- How to handle business credit cards
- Helping other performers out
- Homeowner issues
- Food trucks and wedding catering
- Living on necessities when money is tight
- What ideas should you focus on?
...and Life is an adventure… enjoy it!
See more of Eman’s works at emandrums.com
follow him on instagram @drumawayeman
Please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
Love the show? you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Check out TaylorHughes.com for live show tickets
This week I am joined by Artist and special effects guru Charles Wills! Charles was my best friend when I was 8 years old. He is an amazing special effects artist and a big part of the team behind Comedy Central’s Gorburger show.
In this conversation Charles and I talk about:
- Being best friends when we were 8
- His love of magic
- KISS themed mini golf
- Pinball is the most economical video game
- Celebrities celebrating themselves
- Themes in Magic
- Surprised electric bills
- Trying to maintain joy
- his first job at Baskin Robbins
- Adult ice cream meltdowns
- There are no such thing as grown ups
- Hanging out with fake Donald Trump
- Going to college for Rock n Roll
- Deciding which career path to take
- Adventures in Art School
- The struggle to find your own style
- Playing the comparison game
- How far can comedians go?
- Restraining orders from Disney
- Maybe the British have it right
- Humans vs. Machines
- Are we messing up our kids
- Need friends who will push you through the fear
- Shipwreck at the Queen Mary
- Artists need people skills
- Depression follows projects
- Crying during cartoons
- Learning your triggers
- Tom Hanks and the art of zen
- Getting pulled over with a fake corpse in your trunk
- Working with Funny or Die
- Working with small budgets and high demands
- Designing Gorburger
- Getting to work with your idols
- Grieving projects that come to an end
- TJ Miller is the man
- From Conan to Colossal Cluster fest
- Seeking Santa Claus moments
- Having a t shirt at Hot Topic
… and how and HBO pilot became a Comedy Central series
See more of Charles works at willsstudio.com
Please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
Love the show? you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Check out TaylorHughes.com for live show tickets
This week I am joined by Storyteller & Director John Flynn! I took a storytelling class at the UCB that John taught and it changed my entire perspective on performing. So much good stuff in this episode!
In this conversation John and I talk about:
- Discovering storytelling
- Describing California highways
- New Jersey beach closures
- Being a showbiz kid
- It all changed because of Debbie Gibson
- When your personal emails are published in the Daily News
- Getting kissed by Alissa Milano
- Not having any say in the production
- Magicians taking themselves too seriously
- Dances with pitchforks
- From piano bars to selling out Caroline’s in New York
- Leaf blower interruptions
- Storytelling with Chris Gethard
- Torquing a testical
- A personal rosary prayer
- The need to get on stage
- Personal stories set you apart
- Directing for the fringe festival
- Thrones: A game of thrones parody
- The role of a director
- Improv and collaboration
- Approaching a one person show
- Picking 2 big projects at a time
- Live tweeting movies
- Suspending disbelief
- The Disney Universe
- A rant about careers in magic
- Life in the business moves fast
Follow John on twitter @jFly99
YOU MAY LIKE THESE OTHER EPISODES WITH MORE AMAZING FOLKS FROM THE UCB:
Julie Brister
Josh Simpson
Check out TaylorHughes.com for live shows and more
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Love the show? you can BECOME A PRODUCER
This week I am joined by the Hilarious Comedy Magician Dana Daniels. Dana is the funniest man in Magic today. We talk about everything from his run on Broadway to how to sneak a parrot on a plane. Including some great stories from his years creating magical moments for the happiest place on earth.
In this conversation Dana and I talk about:
- Nostalgic decorating
- Feeling like your born in the wrong era
- Working at Disneyland
- The joys of being a costumed character
- Elephants don’t have GPS
- Goofy magic tricks
- Working with a parrot
- Magic Castle Auditions
- Seeking original material
- Wondering if you’ll actually make a career of it
- A car accident changed everything
- Spending hours in the Magic shop
- The origin of the Long Beach Mystics
- From high school auditorium to Broadway
- Steve Martin performing magic
- the ins and outs of the tropical fish business
- Not taking over the family business
- The Golden Horseshoe Revue
- Sneaking into Wally Boag’s dressing room
- It’s never been about fame or riches
- Time away from the family
- Facetime makes the road life doable
- When the client doesn’t read the rider
- Dealing with terrible performance venues
- Performing magic for scientists
- Smuggling birds on airplanes
- Having an emotional support parrot
- Juggling cheesecake
...and the importance of just getting in front of an audience
Check out to Dana’s website DanaDaniels.com
and Dana Daniels Fan Page on Facebook
YOU MAY LIKE THESE OTHER EPISODES WITH MAGICIANS:
MARK KALIN
MATT MARCY
SCOTT TOKAR
ERIC BUSS
Get your tickets to Jokers and Aces Sunday, July 2nd at the nerdist showroom @ meltdown comics
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This week I am joined by the mesmerizing Scott Tokar, founder of Corporatefx.com and master of trade show magic. If you are an artist of any kind, Scott shares such great wisdom and tip for success in your work. Magicians… start taking notes.
In this conversation Scott and I talk about:
- Encouraging ways to get out of bed
- Realizing you are a “look at me”
- Joining the boy’s chorus
- Auditioning at the Magic Castle
- Marketing techniques from a 13 year old
- Scott credits his career to the Magic Castle
- Faking it till you make it
- Gathering and keeping a crowd
- Learning from failure
- Finding your focus
- Becoming the best at one thing
- Solve problems people care about
- Understanding everything about your industry
- Adapting to your performance environment
- The venue does matter
- Losing the freedom of expression
- Leica cameras and Ferrari s
- The importance of your reputation
- Good performers are not competition, bad ones are.
- How to look at the pie
- Never talk down another performer
- Who is Bob Schmecktton?
- Professional Members of the Magic Castle
- Aisle view vs. Theater style shows
- What good are magic awards
- Presenting large illusions
- If it’s just about the money, go become a lawyer
- Dealing with discouragement as a performer
... and making sure that family comes first .
Check out to Scott’s magic and photography at Scotttokar.com
on twitter and instagram @scotttokar
also check out his company corporatefx at corporatefx.com
YOU MAY LIKE THESE OTHER EPISODES WITH MAGICIANS:
- MARK KALIN
- MATT MARCY
- ERIC BUSS
Get your tickets to Jokers and Aces Sunday, July 2nd at the nerdist showroom @ meltdown comics
please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
Love the show? you can BECOME A PRODUCER
This week I am joined by the incredible Bobby Hartry. I met Bobby when he was playing guitar with our friend Brenton Brown. In addition to being a ridiculously talented guitarist, Bobby is an Emmy winning songwriter and an accomplished music producer. Together with his wife Jen, they run Catbeach Music.
In this conversation Bobby and I talk about:
- Cruising Alaska
- learning to dogsled from Cuba Gooding Jr
- Designing your creative space
- kids playing led Zeppelin
- Hunting down guitar gear
- Seeing U2 live
- How music triggers memories
- Gotta give it to the Edge
- Preschool instruments rock
- Recording like your painting
- The role of a producer
- Flaws are important
- Collaboration is critical
- The temptation to silo yourself
- Inspiration will show up if you do
- Hitting a wall and pushing through it
- The allusive problem song
- Not being too precious in the process
- Don’t chase old muses
- Writing music on assignment
- Using Parameters to spawn creativity
- How to handle notes on your art
- Holding opportunities loosely
- Writing music for television
- Landing Mailbox money
- Cataloguing your creations
- When the hard drive crashes
- Making it sound good in the room, not just in the computer
- Capturing the player in the production
- Why do we document experiences instead of having them
- When artists decide to work with someone else
- Serving the artist and the song
- Saying no to the right things
- Realizing when your working too much
- Vacation and anxiety attacks
- Surprise Emmy nominations
… and how you never know where opportunities will come from.
Check out to Bobby’s work at BobbyHartry.com
also check out their label Catbeachmusic.com
Get your tickets to Jokers and Aces Sunday, July 2nd at the nerdist showroom @ meltdown comics
please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
Love the show? you can BECOME A PRODUCER
This week I am joined by my friend Eric Buss, a highly original entertainer who is known for his inventive comedy and magic. Eric has been featured on Americas Got Talent, Letterman and has gone viral on YouTube. I sat down with him to discuss the highs and lows of life in the entertainment business.
In this conversation Eric and I talk about:
- Stepping on Legos
- Becoming a parent
- Kids don’t understand timing
- Comedy magicians
- Categories are necessary
- What happened to originality?
- Hating movies about magic
- Professional show and tell
- Creating through contrast
- Going viral
- Letterman, Americas Got Talent, and YouTube
- Bubble wrap appreciation day
- Kids & Cats
- The internet… friend or foe?
- You never forget your first Troll
- Is magic on the rise?
- Knowing who your audience is
- Pursuing new venues for performance
- Out of control environments
- Improvising saves lives
- Everyone has a podcast, nobody has listened to one
- The Magic Castle
- Cali or Bust
- Magic clubs are the best
- Working with animals
- Losing sleep to work on your act
- Finding mentors in your field
- Cover bands verses Creators
- The myth of pack small play big
- Adding production value
- Combining magic and music
- We all want to be rock stars
... and struggling to suspend disbelief in movies
Reach out to Eric at ericbuss.com
Be sure to check out some of his routines on YouTube
please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
Love the show? you can BECOME A PRODUCER
This week I am joined by Tobin Bawinkel of the band Flatfoot 56. It’s always amazing when you respect someone for their creativity, then meet them and find that their character is just as amazing. Thoroughly enjoyed this conversation.
In this conversation Tobin and I discuss:
- Our buddy Shaun
- Wrestling has changed since we were kids
- Road life verses shows in town
- Playing in bars before your old enough to get in
- Growing up with bluegrass
- The Funhouse venue in Seattle
- Changes in the music scene
- The pressure of social media
- Working multiple full time jobs
- Self production verses label production
- Doing right by your audience
- Touring Japan with Flogging Molly
- Pre show rituals
- Country to Celtic Punk
- Learning to play in church
- Weird folk songs
- Snakes have no hips
- Music is a historian
- Ty Cobb was a baseball warrior
- Heroes and their hidden weakness
- Keeping it about the art
- Car trouble on the road
- Tobin talks about his faith and the struggle to be authentic
- Loving Jesus and dealing with weird Christians
- You can’t feed your kids on passion
- Art over money
- Supportive parents make a difference
- Jesus would hate Christian music
- Creativity comes from purpose
- Finding hope in this nonsense
... and going back to the day job!
GET THE NEW FLATFOOT 56 album ODD BOAT HERE
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Get your tickets to: JOKERS & ACES @ the nerdist showroom in meltdown comics Sunday June 4th
This episode was recorded in our soccer mom van on a road trip to visit a magic shop in Fresno with my buddy Keith Coast.
In this conversation Keith and I discuss:
- Waking up early
- Reasons to visit Fresno
- Justifying large purchases
- Magic tricks look like murder
- A TV pilot pitch
- Leaving early to beat traffic
- Being careful who you collaborate with
- Our love of the Magic Castle
- A recap of the About to Break live Show!
- Comedic Timing
- Rules for having a speakeasy
- I tell a story
- Mr Rogers neighborhood
- Visiting the Crayola factory
- Crayons as weapons
- Adult Coloring books
- White Crayons are worthless
- The law of diminishing returns
- Keith broke a swing when babysitting
- Bullwhips and ceiling height
- The upcoming Jokers & Aces show
- Using leaf blowers in doors
- Cutting hair with an axe
- The Pomona Art walk
- the Fast and the Furious
… and learning to be present
Please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
Love the show? you can BECOME A PRODUCER
Get your tickets to: JOKERS & ACES @ the Nerdist showroom in meltdown comics Sunday June 4th
This episode features one of oldest and dearest friends Keith Coast. Keith and his family travel full time across North America as he performs a show of comedy, magic and dangerous things. We had a great conversation about life on the road and giving up things that don't really matter.
In this conversation Keith and I discuss:
- buying suits just to go to the Magic Castle
- being bigger guys
- hometown buffet
- playing baby Jesus
- schoolyard bullies
- taking college courses
- magic trick DVDs
- learning to eat fire
- Keith’s first paid gig
- alternative uses for ironing boards
- packing lightly
- finding your originality
- passing gas in church
- weird looks from the neighbors
- pickers and packrats
- donut man doughnuts
- steve jobs wardrobe
- dogs are awesome
- living in an RV
- Being a full time family
- An interesting Alaskan encounter
- Sleepovers in the Walmart parking lot
...and finding your own normal
Get your TICKETS FOR TONIGHT’S SHOW in Pomona! : ABOUT TO BREAK LIVE! MAY 10th!
Also, please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
Love the show? you can BECOME A PRODUCER
This episode features one of the funniest guys I know Jason McNichols. Jason spent years as an improvisor with Second City in Los Angeles. He has appearing in a number of Movies and TV Shows and talks extensively about his experience and some advice for people wanting to pursue acting. We get into deep stuff like dealing with depression, addiction and jealousy. Jason shares so many things that encouraged me and I know your gonna love him.
In this conversation Jason and I discuss:
- Duck themed cartoons
- Dressing like Magnum PI
- Backyard stunt shows
- MC Hammer Pants
- Finding Parking in Hollywood
- Church Plays
- Jesus and Ryan Gosling
- Meeting Bryan Cranston
- Getting your SAG Card
- Jason plays the drums
- Wearing Pajamas to auditions
- Battling Addiction
- Dealing with Depression
- Quitting acting
- The beauty of letting go of something and then picking it back up
- Not living in Los Angeles anymore
- Tips for actors
- Improv is awesome
- Making short films
- Mike Birbiglia’s amazing movie Don’t Think Twice
- And again… finding the Happy
Get your LIVE SHOW TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE: ABOUT TO BREAK LIVE! MAY 10th!
Also, please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge difference!
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Episode 20: Noah Culver is About to Break over Reality TV, Creative Marketing and just needing to be outdoors more.
Noah has worn many hats in the entertainment business from touring on bass with a Grammy winning recording artist, running his own production company and even designing those crazy reality TV games as a challenge producer. Here he opens up about the challenges and joys associated with all of the jobs he has had and shares some new perspectives on what really matters.
In this conversation Noah and I discuss:
- How to make coffee in the wilderness
- The first time we recognized movie magic
- Supportive parents
- Freedom comes through focus
- Vegas meets New Orleans
- Having less so you can do more
- What is a Kindermoon?
- Old Spy Movies
- Surprise Mariachi Bands
- Saying yes to adventure
- What happens when your dream becomes your nightmare
- Golfing with Alice Cooper
- The power of storytelling
- Brunch in Atlanta vs. Los Angeles
- and finally Noah gives me a personality test
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Josh is a longtime friend that i recently reconnected with after a weird pause in our relationship which we talk about here! He is a brand storyteller, gallery owner, and an activist. Beyond that he is an amazing human being and I know you are gonna love him.
In this conversation Josh and I discuss:
- Our shared love of historical buildings
- Being part of a community
- What it really means to love your neighbor
- The loneliness of being an artist
- People with agendas
- Always having to prove your credibility
- Art education
- Fargo and wood chippers
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Branding, Marketing and storytelling
- Finding inspiration
- Oh… and the time we both worked at a church and I had to fire him from his job to keep mine… for real.
You can connect with Josh at lofton2nd.com
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Mallory Moye is a lovely human being! She played the role of Wanda on the popular series “Hart of Dixie.” You may recognize her from the showtime series Shameless and she is currently in production on the FOX pilot titled Resident coming out this fall.
In this conversation Mallory and I discuss:
* The challenges of living in Los Angeles
* Working a day job you hate
* What happens when one gig ends and you don’t have another lined up?
* Relationship stuff
* The question we both can’t stand
* Finding new creative outlets
* Life on set
We also committed to some pretty big goals and you’ll get to hear my favorite moment on this podcast so far!
You can subscribe to Mallory’s youtube Page SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED
Visit her Etsy shop for amazing art and jewelry
or connect with her
twitter.com/MalloryAMoye
instagram.com/MalloryAMoye
and be sure to catch her in the FOX show resident coming this fall!
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LIVE SHOW TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE: ABOUT TO BREAK LIVE! MAY 10th!
Episode 017 features the incredible Josh Simpson! Josh has produced content for Funny or Die, Team Coco and his own hilarious Youtube Channel. I met Josh when he when I took a UCB Improv class and had the privilege of having him as my teacher. We cover so many incredible topics in this conversation and it was not only enlightening for me, but also very therapeutic.
You can catch Josh performing from time to time Tuesday night in the Assembly show at UCB Sunset. You can also subscribe to THE MEAT Improv podcast which he co hosts and is quite fantastic.
Also, please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show. It makes a huge difference!
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BECOME A PRODUCER: https://www.patreon.com/abouttobreak
LIVE SHOW TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE: ABOUT TO BREAK LIVE! MAY 10th
Episode 016 features the uber creative Chris Brank. Chris started his own film/ creative production company Let People See just 5 years ago and it has grown in both size and influence. In this episode Chris shares some of what he has learned along the way about managing a business, keeping your priorities straight and the importance his faith has played in his journey. Such a great episode.
You can connect with Chris Here:
letpeoplesee.com
lousbrother.com
Also, please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show. It makes a huge difference!
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Episode 015 features Taylor Wong one of 2 people in the world allowed to take photos at the World Famous Magic Castle. In addition to being one of the Castle’s in house photographers and he is a contributor to the publication Janky smooth. Taylor is not only and incredibly talented and generous human being, he also has master the art of the mustache.
You can connect with the band here:
WEB: www.taylorwong.photography
Also, please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show. It makes a huge difference!
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BECOME A PRODUCER: https://www.patreon.com/abouttobreak
Julie Brister is an incredible Performer, Director and Improv teacher at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in Los Angeles. I met Julie while taking classes there and was immediately struck by not only her kind and generous spirit, but also by how freaking funny she is. You can catch Julie on Season 3 of Review on Comedy Central and reach out to her on social media @bristahsouljah
Also, please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show. It makes a huge difference!
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BECOME A PRODUCER: https://www.patreon.com/abouttobreak
Episode 013 Features the amazing Atlanta based indie rock band Paper Lights. I sat down with Dan Snyder and Josh Stewart of the band to discuss their most recent adventure. Selling it all and hitting the road in a van to pursue the dream of recording their next album outdoors in national parks. Such great heart and wisdom from these two.
You can connect with the band here:
Facebook: facebook.com/thepaperlights
Insta: instagram.com/paperlights
TWITTER: twitter.com/ThePaperLights
WEB: www.paperlightsmusic.com
buy their music here on iTunes
Also, please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show. It makes a huge difference!
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This episode features the coolest person in my family. Tattoo Artist, musician and entrepreneur... Obie Hughes is a true renaissance man. Such a great conversation with my cuz.
you can connect with Obie and his work at:
obiehughes.com
ellingtonhawk.com
I can be reached directly at taylor@taylorhughes.com
This past week the world of magic lost an incredible artist, mentor and creator to suicide.
If you are hurting please reach out.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
This Episode features Zac Gandara host of the weekly podcast Losing our Religion. Zac is an amazing host and an even better friend. Not only did he inspire me to start this podcast, he has on more than one occasion talked me down when life had gotten challenging. This is a real conversation... as all my conversations with Zac go, we laugh, encourage one another, commiserate and nearly always end up crying. If you love Zac, which I know you will, Be sure to check out what he is doing over at
counterculturesociety.com
losingourreligion.org
Episode 010 features my friend Christian Paschall. Former drummer for Crowder, Christian now plays with breakout country star Maren Morris. If you watch the Grammys last Sunday you saw Christian playing drums for Maren and Alicia Keys. I sat down to record with Christian when the band was in town playing Jimmy Kimmel Live and the Ellen Degeneres show.
It was only 1 year ago that Christian and I sat till 4am talking after a gig we did together. We discussed live, music, passion for art and the challenges that can lead to. This episode gets deep!
You can connect with Christian here:
Facebook: chrispyondrums
Insta: christianpaschall
email: c.paschall@me.com
Also, please take a moment to rate, share and subscribe to the show. It makes a huge difference!
Being a guy who makes his living performing magic shows, I am often asked who my favorite magician is. Since I was 15 years old the answer to that questions has been Mark Kalin.
I went from being a huge fan, to having him as a magic mentor, and I am now happy to call him my friend. It is a great honor to have him as my guest on this episode of About to Break.
Mark is the Creative Director of the Broadway smash hit "Illusionists: Turn of the Century"
The show recently broke box office records becoming the highest grossing magic show in Broadway History. We talk about his time on Broadway, staying true to yourself, being creative and managing the many ups and downs we experience as entertainers.
Matt Marcy is a hilarious comedy magician and creator of the award winning web series “Dis-illusioned”
I first met Matt growing up at the Magic Castle in Hollywood where he has been featured well over 1,000 times. If you are a magician, a fan of magic and comedy, or artist trying to pay the bills doing what you love… this episode has it all.
You can find out more about Matt Marcy at his website mattmarcy.com
His web series is streaming for FREE at disillusionedshow.com
For more episodes and info visit abouttobreakpodcast.com
Today's podcast is brought to you by audible.com - get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audibletrial.com/Abouttobreak . Over 180,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player.
I've been looking forward to this episode for a while. I was a huge fan of Tyrone Wells' music long before I knew him personally. He is one of those guys you think is fantastic, then you meet him and you love him even more. In this episode we talk about everything from our shared man crush on Lionel Richie... to the challenge of staying joyful when life as an artist gets tough.
You can find out more about Tyrone by visiting TyroneWells.com
Also be sure to subscribe on itunes and google play.
Today's podcast is brought to you by audible.com - get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audibletrial.com/Abouttobreak . Over 180,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player.
Part 2 of my wonderful discussion with Eddie Furth. This conversation has it all. Weird gig, wonderful people and my favorite movie of all time Back to the Future! Hear about the time Eddie played Biff in a live production ant the story of when he met the real Biff Tannen (Mr. Tom Wilson)
So good!
Also, this episode is brought to you by audible.com - get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audibletrial.com/Abouttobreak . Over 180,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player.
I sat down for a 2 part conversation with my friend Eddie Furth who I met on a commercial shoot a little while back. We talk about:
-
Saved by the Bell
-
his life growing up in Connecticut
-
Roasting fictional people
-
Stand Up Comedy
-
wrangling Dinosaurs
-
The Magic Castle
-
Him refereeing Pro Wrestling
-
The struggles of an artist
and this is just Part 1!
Be sure to check out Historical Roast and Fictional Roast at www.thecomedystore.com
www.meltcomics.com
You can find more episodes and live shows at abouttobreakpodcast.com
Artists be sure to check out CounterCultureSociety.com
In my former life I played guitar in a church band and Zach was the bass player. Since that time Zach has gone on to perform and record with some of the biggest names in the business. He is now the music director and bass player for multi-platinum recording artist Andy Grammer. Zach sat down at the house a few weeks ago and we discussed tour life, family life and more. You'll also hear how a mishap with a new crew member led to Zach being flagged by TSA. Good times with a great guy. Enjoy! Be sure to subscribe and comment on Itunes.
The premier episode of the Podcast that tackles the challenges of life in the entertainment business. Are you and Actor? Musician? Writer? Unicycle Master struggling to find an audience? Tune in and realize you are not alone. This week Taylor is joined by his longtime friend Zac Gandara to discuss the heart behind this podcast. We talk about life in show business, making ends meet, and the incredible community of artists that is Counter Culture society. Enjoy!
In this episode Taylor sits down with Animator, Illustrator and family man Micah Hanson. Micah and Taylor have known each other since they were kids and now they each have kids of their own. Micah has 4 to be exact. At least the last time we counted. Listen in as we discuss giving up the guaranteed paycheck in order to follow your heart. We also talk about the challenges of being a parent and an artist as well as question why our wives love us in the midst of it all. You can find out more about Micah and his Art at MicahHanson.com
In this episode Taylor sits down with fellow comedian and UCB Alumni Johnny Beehner. Johnny was the last comedian to debut on Late Night with David Letterman prior to Letterman retiring. We talk about what that experience was like, hear about Johnny's worst gig ever and tackle the challenges of being a good dad and husband while traveling for work. Be sure to visit abouttobreakpodcast.com for more information about future episodes and live shows!
You can find out more about Johnny at johnnybeehner.com
You can also get his Album Tiny Weiner available now on itunes.