Creative Risk

In this deeply reflective episode of Creative Risk, Joshua and Mike tackle the complex and emotionally charged topic of unmet potential. Through candid, individual reflections and joint discussion, they dive into the pressures of maximizing life's potential in a society obsessed with hyper-optimization. From personal regrets to the tension between ambition and presence, they explore how chasing potential can both motivate and drain creatives. This conversation will challenge you to reconside...

04-04

02:10:00

In this episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with theater-maker and artistic multi-hyphenate Coleman Ray Clark for an insightful discussion on embracing creative fluidity and breaking traditional artistic molds. Coleman shares how his non-linear career path—from directing and sound design to general management on Broadway—allowed him to thrive creatively by staying open, adaptable, and responsive to life's unexpected shifts. They explore how leaving New York City for San Diego broadened ...

04-02

50:03

THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE What does balance really look like for an artist? In this episode of Creative Risk, Joshua and Mike tackle one of the most elusive yet essential aspects of a creative career: maintaining balance without sacrificing ambition. They dig into the reality of navigating artistic pursuits alongside personal well-being, questioning the traditional idea that success requires relentless hustle. With the industry in constant flux, they explore how ad...

03-28

34:41

Marketing isn’t just for corporations - it’s essential for artists, too. In this episode, we break down the concept of the artist’s marketing funnel and why understanding it can be the difference between staying unseen and building a sustainable creative career. Joshua and Mike explore how audiences discover your work, what keeps them engaged, and, ultimately, what convinces them to invest - whether that means buying a ticket, streaming your music, or supporting your latest project. With prac...

03-21

01:41:36

In this episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with writer, director, and creative powerhouse Courtney Romano for an unfiltered conversation about forging an independent artistic career. As the founder of Queens Bird Films and QB / Arthouse, Courtney shares how she’s built a creative life on her own terms - one rooted in intuition, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in the power of art. From navigating industry expectations to embracing uncertainty, she offers a refreshingly honest per...

03-19

57:40

Five years after the world shut down, we take a hard look at how COVID changed the entertainment industry—and the lives of the artists within it. From the collapse of institutional power structures to the rise of digital-first artistry, we unpack the lingering effects of the pandemic, both economic and personal. What does sustainability look like now? How did some artists find opportunity in the shutdown while others saw their careers stall? And what lessons should creatives take from this un...

03-14

02:33:27

In this episode of Creative Risk, Broadway star Jelani Remy joins us for an open and inspiring conversation about longevity, adaptability, and joy in the industry. From his early days at Paper Mill Playhouse to leading The Lion King as Simba for nearly a decade, Jelani has built a career defined by passion, perseverance, and an infectious love for the craft. He shares his perspective on keeping performances fresh even after thousands of shows, why leading with gratitude has shaped his career,...

03-07

01:07:27

THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE In this deeply personal solo episode, Mike grapples with a question every artist faces at some point—am I quitting, or am I just redefining success? He reflects on his journey, from early artistic passion to professional wins and disillusionments, and explores how shifting cultural and economic landscapes have made traditional paths feel increasingly unstable. Through candid storytelling, he unpacks why industry validation may no longer be ...

02-28

32:04

In this episode of Raw + Rising, we sit down with actress and creator Hannah Pauley. Hannah shares her candid insights on creative survival as a dual UK and American citizen and the unexpected journey that took her from Pittsburgh to Glasgow to London, to the resilience required to navigate an unpredictable industry, . She also introduces The Jaded Creative, a platform designed for artists who are tired of sugarcoated industry advice and instead seek real talk, community, and a bit of dark hu...

02-26

32:49

In this episode of Creative Risk, Mike sits down with multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur Ruggero Vittorini, founder of Inward Studio. From his early days as a musician and visual artist to working in high-end kitchens, to ultimately launching a creative agency, Ruggero’s journey is a masterclass in adaptability. He shares how he transitioned out of the cycle of survival jobs and built a thriving business that allows him to fully embrace his creative instincts. They dive deep into the e...

02-21

01:08:06

In this Valentine’s themed episode, Joshua sits down with performing artists and their "civilian" significant others to explore the challenges and rewards of relationships that bridge two different professional worlds. From balancing unpredictable schedules to navigating financial highs and lows, they discuss how partners can support each other while pursuing their individual passions. How do you maintain connection through long periods apart? Merge two distinct social circles? Advocate for e...

02-14

01:48:04

In this Raw + Rising episode, Mike sits down with 2024 Tony nominee Tom Pecinka as he adjusts to life after the hit show Stereophonic. Tom offers some fantastic advice and perspective, including the dismissal of the "big break myth" and why viewing your art as a business isn't just okay, it's essential. Watch now! Tom's Social Media https://www.instagram.com/tom.pecinka/ Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Visi...

02-12

46:35

This one hits hard. The boys sit down with prolific casting director Lisa Zambetti (Criminal Minds) for a brutally honest conversation about the state of the industry. Is AI taking actors' jobs? (Short answer: yes.) Is the casting industry itself in trouble? (Absolutely.) But beyond the doom and gloom, this episode is about resilience—how us artists can adapt, support each other, and reclaim our creative power. Lisa speaks with rare transparency about her own struggles, hopes, and what she be...

02-07

01:16:07

THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE Just the boys for this episode discussing a topic that's long been on their minds. As technology and AI continue to replace skill-based work, the traditional notion of the artist is undergoing a seismic shift. No longer confined by rigid job titles or institutional validation, today’s artists are being challenged—if not forced—to adopt the broader identity of "creative" or even cultural influencers. Drawing parallels to artists of the past ...

01-31

17:24

In this Raw + Rising episode, Joshua sits down with Raphael Papo, a classically trained violinist and entrepreneur straddling Berlin and London. Raphael’s work is as interdisciplinary as it is intriguing, spanning his performance in Fiddler on the Roof at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, an unforgettable nude appearance at the real-life Kit Kat Club, and his mission to integrate classical music into corporate and educational spaces. Joshua and Raphael dive into the evolving landscape of artist...