THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE

In this episode of Creative Risk, Mike and Joshua tackle Declan Donnellan’s latest book, The Actor and the Space, while reflecting on their own artistic journeys. Kicking things off, Mike shares his post-show blues after the closing of Anything Goes, questioning whether musical theater might be his next frontier.

From there, the discussion delves into Donnellan’s revolutionary ideas: rejecting traditional actor training, focusing on what happens outside the scene, and exploring how actors “live in the space” of the characters instead of transforming into them. They debate Donnellan’s rules of space and what it means to take a “horizontal” rather than a godlike perspective as an actor.

Passions run high as the duo argues over the value of “wants” and “objectives” in training, actor responsibility as team players, and the dogmatic nature of modern acting techniques. Joshua accuses Mike of elitism, while Mike defends his approach, leading to fiery yet insightful exchanges about what makes acting resonate.

Finally, the episode lands on personal revelations about their craft and the evolving journey of being an artist in a shifting creative landscape.

—

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This episode Joshua sits down with Dominique Salerno, one of the most prolific creators we know. Currently coming of a substantial fundraising campaign and production of a pilot she has written and starred in, Dominique shares her thoughts on work ethic, her relationship between art and industry, finding collaborators and more.

This conversation will ground you in that all-important question, what art MUST you make in the world? What will drive you to see it to completion because the pain of not getting it out exceeds of pain of producing it?

Listen now

Do the Thing: Co-Working Salon: Over six weeks, Mike and Joshua will lead a group of artists through the messy, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding process of getting a creative project to the next stage - whether a short film, concert, reading, play, or Youtube channel. It’s a pressure cooker of accountability and risk-taking designed to help us move our projects forward. Projects at all levels of development are welcome.

https://artists-strategy.com/do-the-thing

—

Thanks for watching!

Get motivated, get inspired, Get RISKY! Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Choose the tier that fuels your creative journey and unlock your full potential!

JOIN OUR PATREON

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts as we will read it on an episode (even if it’s bad!)

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Follow Us on TikTok

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

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Free Training Video all on what it takes to be an actor in 2024

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In this episode of CREATIVE RISK, Tony-winning producer Luke Katler (Merrily We Roll Along, Slave Play, Here Lies Love) shares his bold vision for the future of commercial Off-Broadway and explains why Off-Broadway is becoming a vital cultural touchpoint in a post-pandemic world.

He discusses the unique advantages of commercial Off-Broadway—like creative flexibility and lower stakes compared to Broadway—while highlighting challenges such as real estate struggles and brand recognition. Luke reflects on how the “stink” of commercial Off-Broadway’s past has lifted, paving the way for these spaces to tackle current issues and engage younger audiences. Plus, hear his insights on fundraising, pitching, and when transferring shows to Broadway makes sense (and when it doesn’t).

Finally, Luke gives us an exciting preview of his latest venture, The Empyrean Club, a theater and event space in Brooklyn designed to prioritize accessibility, creativity, and audience-first experiences. Whether you’re a theatermaker, producer, or fan, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping Off-Broadway’s future. Don’t miss it!

Luke Katler Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ohnolukie/

Luke Katler Website
https://www.lucaskatler.com/

Over six weeks, Mike and Joshua will guide a group of artists through the messy, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding process of getting a creative project to the next stage - whether a short film, concert, reading, play, or Youtube channel. It’s a pressure cooker of accountability, risk-taking, and progress, designed to help us move our projects forward. Projects at all levels of development are welcome. Learn more below

https://artists-strategy.com/do-the-thing

—

Thanks for watching!

Get motivated, get inspired, Get RISKY! Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Choose the tier that fuels your creative journey and unlock your full potential!

JOIN OUR PATREON

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts as we will read it on an episode (even if it’s bad!)

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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

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Free Training Video all on what it takes to be an actor in 2024

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This isn’t your typical holiday episode—Merry Chaosmas! After a literal scream of a start, we dive into Joshua’s enviable ornament collection and some post-Broadway World Award reflections (are those even legit?). Recorded the day after that CEO assassination, this one’s a time capsule.

We unpack holiday gig horror stories, perform a nightmare-inducing singalong (spoiler: someone pukes), and debate the Naughty or Nice list for artists and trends. With gift-giving tips, pantomime holiday movies, and a wild Christmas "Would You Rather," it’s equal parts festive, unhinged, and insightful.

Do the Thing: Co-Working Salon: Over six weeks, Mike and Joshua will lead a group of artists through the messy, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding process of getting a creative project to the next stage - whether a short film, concert, reading, play, or Youtube channel. It’s a pressure cooker of accountability and risk-taking designed to help us move our projects forward. Projects at all levels of development are welcome.

https://artists-strategy.com/do-the-thing

—

Thanks for watching!

Get motivated, get inspired, Get RISKY! Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Choose the tier that fuels your creative journey and unlock your full potential!

JOIN OUR PATREON

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts as we will read it on an episode (even if it’s bad!)

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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

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Join our email list for exclusive content and perks

Free Training Video all on what it takes to be an actor in 2024

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In this bold and possibly cancel-provoking episode of CREATIVE RISK, Joshua and Mike unpack the shockwaves of Trump’s 2024 re-election—12 days after the fact. As two self-proclaimed liberals who didn’t (and wouldn’t) vote for Trump, they take a critical look at the systemic shifts this election represents. With an unflinching eye on the rise of populism and the decline of technocratic, expertise-driven systems, the conversation goes beyond the political headlines to examine what this means for the arts, entertainment, and the creative community as a whole.

Why are Hollywood and Broadway so out of touch with cultural shifts? Is the bureaucratic bloat of these institutions stifling innovation? The boys tackle the decline of legacy entertainment, the rise of alternative media, and whether the transformation of art from entertainment to education has helped or hurt its cultural relevance. Most importantly, they explore how artists can adapt: Should actors market to their insular industry bubbles or embrace a broader, populist approach to connect with audiences? Full of historical context, tough love, and disclaimers galore, this episode challenges the status quo and calls for a new vision for artist sustainability in a rapidly changing world.

Over six weeks, Mike and Joshua will guide a group of artists through the messy, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding process of getting a creative project to the next stage - whether a short film, concert, reading, play, or Youtube channel. It’s a pressure cooker of accountability, risk-taking, and progress, designed to help us move our projects forward. Projects at all levels of development are welcome. Learn more below

https://artists-strategy.com/do-the-thing

—

Thanks for watching!

Get motivated, get inspired, Get RISKY! Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Choose the tier that fuels your creative journey and unlock your full potential!

JOIN OUR PATREON

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts as we will read it on an episode (even if it’s bad!)

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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

Join our email list for exclusive content and perks

Free Training Video all on what it takes to be an actor in 2024

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In this episode of Raw + Rising, Samantha Joy Pearlman—NYC-based multi-hyphenate artist and frontwoman of Joy and the Wildfire—shares how heartbreak and loss inspired her journey into songwriting. She opens up about balancing her many artistic passions, breaking free from industry labels, and standing out in a fast-changing digital music landscape.

We also go behind the scenes of her stunning music videos, Tears in Brooklyn and Shouldn’t I Be Older?, where Samantha flexes her skills both in front of and behind the camera. From creative inception to wild production adventures (like hauling a stationary bike around Brooklyn), Samantha’s story is a masterclass in resilience, resourcefulness, and redefining success on her terms.

Samantha Joy Pearlman Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/samanthajoyprl/

Samantha Joy Pearlman Website
https://www.samanthajoypearlman.com/

Joy and the Wildfire Website
www.joyandthewildfire.com

Joy and the Wildfire Instagram
https://instagram.com/joyandthewildfire

Listen to "Shouldn't I Be Older" by Joy and the Wildfire
https://open.spotify.com/track/4UWbRH4s89pGhEbbjNmoQM?si=46e45a0a0958460c

Listen to "Tears in Brooklyn" by Joy and the Wildfire
https://open.spotify.com/track/1JMO5057tlG1e7zaIAtXIi?si=d006f56693fa415f

“Raw & Rising”, a new mini-episode series from Creative Risk, shines a spotlight on artists who are deep in the hustle. These short, punchy features consist of unfiltered conversations with artist entrepreneurs making bold moves in their careers. Whether they’re self-producing new projects, diversifying their income, building an audience, or facing the gritty challenges of their industry head-on, “Raw & Rising” explores what it means to take risks and take ownership of a creative journey. This is where hustle meets heart, where creatives are raw, unvarnished, and determined to share their art, no matter the obstacles.

Do the Thing: Co-Working Salon: Over six weeks, Mike and Joshua will lead a group of artists through the messy, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding process of getting a creative project to the next stage - whether a short film, concert, reading, play, or Youtube channel. It’s a pressure cooker of accountability and risk-taking designed to help us move our projects forward. Projects at all levels of development are welcome.

https://artists-strategy.com/do-the-thing

—

Thanks for watching!

Get motivated, get inspired, Get RISKY! Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Choose the tier that fuels your creative journey and unlock your full potential!

JOIN OUR PATREON

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts as we will read it on an episode (even if it’s bad!)

Follow Us on IG

Follow Us on TikTok

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

Join our email list for exclusive content and perks

Free Training Video all on what it takes to be an actor in 2024

Sign Up for a Free Consultation

THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE

We start in an existential rabbit hole talking about dead stars and The Great Year (watch Joshua’s visible frustration on YouTube) but quickly course correct in this un-PC episode, where we dive deep into the intersection of talent, appearance, and inclusivity in Hollywood and beyond.

We share personal stories of losing roles based on their looks—Joshua’s Broadway weight-loss ultimatum and Mike’s take on why diversity in casting still favors people who look like models. Together, they unpack the paradox: is Hollywood moving toward authenticity or still clinging to aspirational beauty? Does representation include a broader range of appearances, or is it just a rebrand of the same old standards? With humor, tough love, and a lot of disagreement along the way, they ask the hard questions about whether the industry’s push for relevance is working and whether actors can ever take "looks-based" casting personally. Spoiler: Mike’s offer to be Joshua’s stylist might be the funniest part of the episode.

This is the episode you’ll only get on Patreon. Don’t miss it.

—

Thanks for watching!

Get motivated, get inspired, Get RISKY! Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Choose the tier that fuels your creative journey and unlock your full potential!

JOIN OUR PATREON

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts as we will read it on an episode (even if it’s bad!)

Follow Us on IG

Follow Us on TikTok

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

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Join our email list for exclusive content and perks

Free Training Video all on what it takes to be an actor in 2024

Sign Up for a Free Consultation

In this episode of Raw + Rising, we’re keeping it real with the multi-talented Michelle Simone Miller—actress, podcaster, and the powerhouse behind Mentors on the Mic. Known for pulling back the curtain on the entertainment industry with interviews featuring top-tier showrunners, casting directors, producers, and more, Michelle shares how she’s carving her own path while lifting others up.

We dive into the nitty-gritty of starting a podcast and how Mentors on the Mic has become more than just a platform—it’s a community and a springboard for creative connections. Michelle gets candid about balancing her artistic work with producing and distributing her show, the lessons she’s learned about building relationships, and why taking risks in your creative journey matters. Plus, you’ll hear a sneak peek from her interview with the legendary Marta Kauffman, co-creator of Friends, and trust us, it’s one you don’t want to miss.

Listen now!

Michelle Simone Miller Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/michellesimonemiller/

Michelle Simone Miller Website
https://www.michellesimonemiller.com/

Listen to Mentors on the Mic
https://kite.link/mentors-on-the-mic

"Raw & Rising", a new mini-episode series from Creative Risk, shines a spotlight on artists who are deep in the hustle. These short, punchy features consist of unfiltered conversations with artist entrepreneurs making bold moves in their careers. Whether they’re self-producing new projects, diversifying their income, building an audience, or facing the gritty challenges of their industry head-on, "Raw & Rising" explores what it means to take risks and take ownership of a creative journey. This is where hustle meets heart, where creatives are raw, unvarnished, and determined to share their art, no matter the obstacles.

Do the Thing: Co-Working Salon: Over six weeks, Mike and Joshua will lead a group of artists through the messy, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding process of getting a creative project to the next stage - whether a short film, concert, reading, play, or Youtube channel. It’s a pressure cooker of accountability and risk-taking designed to help us move our projects forward. Projects at all levels of development are welcome.

https://artists-strategy.com/do-the-thing

—

Thanks for watching!

Get motivated, get inspired, Get RISKY! Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Choose the tier that fuels your creative journey and unlock your full potential!

JOIN OUR PATREON

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts as we will read it on an episode (even if it’s bad!)

Follow Us on IG

Follow Us on TikTok

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

Join our email list for exclusive content and perks

Free Training Video all on what it takes to be an actor in 2024

Sign Up for a Free Consultation