Backstage Banter
by Bryan Runion, Jay Sheehan
Ep 25: We Could Fix That w/ DJ Maloney
About this podcast
We are devoted to using “disruptive innovation” to teach and learn, by telling stories, having discussions on life, and taking a humorous and irreverent look at the backstage world of the entertainment industry. What Exactly Does it mean to be a disruptive innovator? Disruptive innovation is the idea that when a service is introduced into an established industry and performs better than existing offerings, it can displace the market leaders and even transform the industry.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 25 episodes
- Ep 25: We Could Fix That w/ DJ Maloney · 19 minWhat happens when two stage managers get fired up about the state of community theater? You get this conversation. In this solo episode of Backstage Banter, Jay sits down with DJ…
- Ep 24: Who Knows You w/ Laura Zingle · 48 minIn this episode, we’re joined by Laura Zingle—stage manager, freelancer, and connection-builder extraordinaire—to dive into the realities of always being on the hunt for the next…
- Ep 23: Managing the Unknown w/ Kate Poundstone · 50 minWe’re joined by the powerhouse Kate Poundstone—a stage manager whose career has spanned the loud, fast, and unpredictable world of Rock n Roll and now dives deep into the…
- Ep 22: Riding the Rollercoaster · 35 minJay and Bryan dive into the highs, lows, and sharp turns that come with working in a constantly shifting industry. From unexpected show closures and sudden job losses to surprise…
- Ep 21: Creative Leaps w/ Pavel Kotov · 51 minPavel Kotov, International Casting Director and longtime creative force behind Cirque du Soleil joins Jay and Bryan to talk about the artistry behind building a show from the…
- Ep 20: Breaking Boxes w/ Liza Marie Hackman · 40 minIn this episode, Jay and I sit down with the incredible Liza Marie Hackman to talk about the art of making connections as a stage manager, the importance of not putting ourselves…
- Ep 19: Building Relationships w/ Matthew Stern · 54 minWhat does it really take to go from calling cues on Broadway to shaping the next generation of stage managers? Matthew Stern knows. But his journey didn’t stop at the theater…
- Ep 18: Taking Risks · 25 minIn this episode, we’re talking about taking risks—those big, scary leaps that can either pay off in a huge way or crash and burn spectacularly. From bold creative choices to…
- Ep 17: Reinventing Yourself w/ Paige Satter · 54 minOur guest today is our dear friend Paige Satter, whose life and career exemplify the word "adaptability" Join us as page shares her thoughts on the importance of cross-over…
- Ep 16: Leaving a Legacy w/ Carolyn Satter · 51 minToday we are thrilled to be talking to Jay's personal mentor and dear friend the legendary Carolyn Satter the first female production manager in San Diego's History. From an…
- Ep 15: New Ideas - Part 2 · 21 minHave you ever had a new idea and aren't sure what to do with it or how to stay organized? Maybe you have a lot of ideas and keep a journal of them like we do. Jay and Bryan are…
- Ep 14: New Ideas - Part 1 · 25 minHave you ever had a new idea and aren't sure what to do with it or how to stay organized? Maybe you have a lot of ideas and keep a journal of them like we do. Jay and Bryan are…
- Ep 13: More than a Stage Manager · 28 minIn this episode, we’re talking about what it means to establish your own brand as a manager in the entertainment industry. We’ll explore how your leadership style, values, and…
- Ep 12: Cross-Cultural w/ Miguel Morais · 50 minIn this episode we discuss how we approach leadership in the context of a multi-cultural setting. How does language, cultures from different countries, and how we are trained in…
- Ep 11: Creativity · 40 minIn this episode Jay and Bryan record their first in-person episode and talk about how to be creative as a human to channel some of the high stresses of the job. When we are…
- Ep 10: What Stage Management Teaches Us · 17 minAs stage managers, we work behind the scenes, ensuring that everything runs smoothly while the spotlight shines elsewhere. What many people don’t realize is that the skills we…
- Ep 09: Changing the Landscape w/ Cary Gillett · 43 minToday we welcome our first guest, Cary Gillett co-author of the international best selling textbook the production managers tool kit. In this humorous and insightful discussion…
- Ep 08: STOP or HOLD? · 30 minWe are discussing how the words we use can clearly communicate and be effective in emergencies and chaotic situations.
- Ep 07: Boundaries · 42 minHow do you keep yourself from overworking, getting burnt out, and building trust within your team? Check out this episode to learn how boundaries play a huge role in the…
- Ep 06: Gratitude · 40 minIn this episode, we are discussing the two most important words you might utter in your life..."Thank You." Join us as we discuss ways to be grateful amid the stress of being a…







