Creative Risk

We sit down with Ryan Czerwonko and David Garelik of Adult Film, a trailblazing theater company and artistic training center thriving out of a Bushwick basement. Known for their hyper-intimate performances that blur the line between artist and audience, Adult Film is redefining what indie theater looks like in New York. We dive deep into their process of building a community many established theat...

Shaun Taylor-Corbett Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shauntc37/ Listen to "Hold On" from Distant Thunder https://open.spotify.com/album/5sfWGuLw5wLRiJBHdwCJm0?si=nyzqTkidQzeHq8U_cglxiA Listen to "Strong Enough from Distant Thunder https://open.spotify.com/album/7pEINqxNyHyN17himNfad6?si=gaXLgf6BSVSjnEwMsF1hqw "Raw & Rising", a new mini-episode series from Creative...

In this episode the boys are getting real about one of the most intimidating—but essential—aspects of building a sustainable artistic career: fundraising. They’ll break down how securing financial support isn’t just about luck or waiting around for opportunity but about taking ownership of the process. Fundraising is an art in itself, requiring strategy, resilience, and vision. Whether you’re chas...

THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE As Joshua likes to put it, "This is a Mike episode," meaning it's a bit of a wild ride, full of unexpected twists and a range of intriguing topics. Recorded just off campus at their alma mater, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where they’re currently leading a business course for senior acting students, this epi...

In this episode, we sit down with Ari Roth—producer, playwright, dramaturg, educator, and former Artistic Director of Theater J, as well as the founder of Mosaic Theater Company of DC. A Chicago native and child of Holocaust refugees, Roth’s career has been anything but smooth. He has consistently sought out the gray areas in a theater landscape that’s become rigidly binary and moralistic. Now, as...

This episode is all about health and fitness, baby! We’re joined by Joe Rosko from Built for the Stage, who has worked with performers in over fifty Broadway shows and stages worldwide through his innovative fitness app. Rosko and his team specialize in helping performers maintain their fitness, whether they’re actively in a show or not. In this episode, Joe shares essential fitness and nutrition...

We're going back to basics in this jam-packed episode featuring three incredible guests. First, we’re joined by Emily Lambert, a headshot photographer based in NY, LA, and ATL. Next, we have Brett Rigby, Agent and Partner at the New York-based talent agency CGF. Lastly, we sit down with Tiffany Little Canfield, a renowned casting director from The Telsey Office. Together, we dive into the key...

THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE Joshua and Mike sit down with the dynamic casting director Erica Hart, whose entrepreneurial spirit and deep respect for actors have set her apart in the industry and made her one of the most exciting casting professionals working today. Erica doesn't just talk the talk; she’s taken bold creative risks in her own career and believes that act...

In this must-listen episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented multi-hyphenate Mekhai Lee. Not only is Mekhai an actor with an already impressive track record, but he’s also the co-creator of the hit web series For the Boys, which he filmed with his talented friends during the pandemic. Now, it’s in development as a TV series at an undisclosed network, with heavyweights Colman Domingo and S...

Okay, so we kick off this episode with a 20-minute dive into politics, recorded right after Joe Biden dropped out of the race. Mike makes some bold predictions in a fit of rage (spoiler: they’re not exactly coming true, lol). Once we get past the politics, we dive into the core challenges of managing time as an artist. The artist’s life is uniquely difficult when it comes to workflow, consistency,...

In this episode of Creative Risk, we’re thrilled to sit down with powerhouse talent manager and entrepreneur ChiChi Anyanwu. No-nonsense and deeply caring for her clients, ChiChi opens up about the ins and outs of working with a talent manager in 2024. We dig deep into why parting ways with clients can be tough, how to avoid taking things personally in the actor-manager relationship, and the essen...

THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE Mike and Joshua debate the question. This is s a segment from our latest episode of Creative Risk, exclusively available on Patreon. If you enjoyed what you heard and want to dive deeper, consider joining our Patreon community. We offer three membership tiers starting at just $5 a month. As a member, you'll get early access to ad-free episod...

Are you terrified of debt as an artist and creative? It's time to flip the script. The boys tackle the taboo topic of debt head-on in this episode of Creative Risk. In this episode, they ditch the shame and give you the no-BS truth about leveraging debt and creative finance. We’ll discuss how to: Normalize Debt for Creatives: Debt isn't a failure, it's an investment in your art. Cho...

Are you an aspiring creative who is giving your passion your all? Do you expect to make money as an artist, and if so are you doing what it will actually take? In this raw and unfiltered episode of Creative Risk, the boys confront the harsh realities of the acting industry, in particular (but can be applied to ALL artists). We dissect the difference between casual interest and unwavering commitmen...

Are you an aspiring actor or artist struggling with the fear of judgment and criticism? Get in line! In this episode of the the boys delve deep into how the fear of people's opinions, and the related fear of failure, is a silent killer of countless creative careers. Learn why this fear is amplified in the creative industry, especially in the age of social media and cancel culture. Discover ho...

Ever wondered what it takes to create a smash-hit Broadway production? Join us for an exclusive interview with Clayton Howe, the mastermind behind some of the biggest shows on the Great White Way and beyond. In this episode, Clayton pulls back the curtain on his incredible journey from Broadway actor to successful producer. He reveals the secrets to: Creating compelling stories that resonate with...

What does it REALLY take to make it as an actor? Brian O'Neil, the brains behind "Acting As a Business," pulls back the curtain on the industry. Brian has guided stars like Adam Driver and Danielle Brooks, in this ULTIMATE guide covering auditions, self-pitching, personal branding, and the business strategies you need to know. Don't miss this game-changing episode with the boys...

It's just the boys this time so you know there are TANGENTS GALORE (Kevin Spacey's father, anyone?). In this episode they dive deep into mastering the art of communication, its importance and how it can lead to your ultimate success or demise. This includes managing all the modes of communication, collaborating with others, managing your own expectations and identifying some practical st...

Navigating the world of social media can be daunting for artists, with the fear of producing cringey, try-hard, and inauthentic content always looming. And yet, in 2024, mastering social media is essential for capturing attention in order to grow an audience. In this episode, we welcome Gus Heagerty, a true multi-hyphenate artist who has found success in discovering his creative voice through soci...

It's awesome to have Matt Koplik of "Broadway Breakdown"  on the show with the boys. Matt is a writer and critic who Mike is literally obsessed with (no joke). In this sassy and (as always) fun episode we cover a wide variety of topics including how Matt's podcast has brought him closer to the community he loves and has created wonderful opportunities for him as an artist. We d...

We were thrilled to have Broadway’s Nick Rehberger on Creative Risk to talk about the modern challenges of becoming a workaday actor. Nick is currently appearing in Patriots on Broadway and was recently seen as Laertes in the latest production of Shakespeare in the Park, now featured on PBS' Great Performances. Since graduating from Carnegie Mellon, he has worked consistently in television, o...

It’s showcase tiiiiiiime! Yay? The question the boys ask in this episode is “do senior actor showcases really prepare graduates for the business or inadvertently work against them”? There are guests galore, including members of the 2024 UNCSA class and fellow alum, Robyne Parrish (’98) all sharing their experiences, opinions, wins and disappointments. Any post-grad working artist understands the f...

Purists, be damned...despite what artsy fartsy culture has told us, there are practical realities of operating as a freelancer of any kind including making sure you’re standing out from the rest of the competition. In this episode, the boys examine what it means to "stand out" both in terms of talent and strategic positioning within this saturated, competitive industry. Yes, everyone’s g...

Drag superstar, actor and producer Alexis Michelle joins the boys in this episode to discuss their astounding creative journey. This episode truly lives up to the “art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between” tagline, because that’s what it takes to be a successful drag artist. In this intimate chat, Alex/is tells us about the blending of identity and brand (when they potentially clash and w...

The guys dive deep, tackling the impact of fear versus love on decision-making and actions (or inactions) on our artistic journeys. Covering everything from taking risks, battling perfectionism and the constant comparison game, LABOD and Joshua draw from their own experiences, good and bad. The key takeaway? It's all about finding that sweet spot between artistic liberation and cold practical...