Behind The Act

Behind The Act

By Behind the ActArts
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Behind The Act episodes

  • PROS & CONS of ADHD in REAL LIFE

    Seth Schaefer speaks with Carl Bahner about his experience with ADHD and the creative process, diving into how it affects his work as a mixing engineer. They also explore the impact and ethics of AI on the music industry and the importance of realizing what your personal brand already is.

    Follow Carl Bahner on Instagram: http://instagram.com/carlbahner

    Follow Behind The Act on Instagram: http://instagram.com/behindtheact


    Follow Seth Schaeffer on Instagram: instagram.com/sethschaeffermusic/


    Find more Behind The Act episodes at ⁠⁠http://behindtheact.com⁠⁠

    1 hr 21 min
  • The Impact of Expectations on Artists: Carrie Schaeffer — Ep. 39

    Join us on Behind The Act as Seth Schaeffer sits down with Carrie Schaeffer, a certified life coach and podcaster, to learn more about managing expectations. They unpack how expectations can impact artists’ mental health, creativity, and productivity, and share practical tools for achieving balance and self-awareness.

    • How mismanaged expectations led Seth to experience anxiety and a panic attack, and how Carrie helped him through it
    • Insights from Jonathan Haidt's "Happiness Hypothesis" and its relevance to artists and idealists
    • The importance of living in the moment and reducing pressure during the creative process to enhance productivity and creativity
    • Strategies for overcoming binary thinking and negative self-talk, featuring perspectives from Stephen King's approach to art creation
    • Practical tools and flexible schedules for balancing goal setting and personal coaching, including how Carrie applies these principles in her podcasts "Honestly Dear Listener" and "The Peanuts Gallery"


      • Tune in to gain valuable advice on managing expectations and fostering a healthy artistic mindset, whether you’re dealing with mental health disorders or aiming to improve your personal and creative productivity.

      Find Carrie Schaeffer’s writings on her Substack, CarrieSchaeffer.substack.com.

      Listen to Carrie’s podcasts:

      HonestlyDearListener.com

      The-Peanuts-Gallery.com

      Find Seth Schaeffer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethschaeffermusic/

      25 min
    • Carolina Rial: Advocating for Young Women & Changing Lives With Music

      Carolina Rial joins Seth Schaeffer on this episode of the Behind The Act podcast to discuss her journey as an artist and singer-songwriter. From her roots in New York and New Jersey to her experiences of singing on The Voice, Carolina shares her unwavering optimism and the importance of self-expression in her artistry. She also shares how singing with Andrea Bocelli gave her further insight to humanity’s deep connection with our childhood dreams.

      In this conversation, you’ll learn about the inspiration behind Carolina’s song “All Natural,” navigating societal perceptions for young women (and women as they age), advocating for and championing natural beauty, overcoming the fear of rejection, the power of “expecting” a no, the benefits and tools of perseverance, the importance of collaboration, mental health, and the role of social media in her career.
      Whether you're curious about the music industry or seeking inspiration for your own creative journey, this in-depth interview is full of valuable insights on individuality and the artist's life. Don't miss Carolina's heartfelt reflections on visiting Nashville (which we love our town!), her dedication to her work, and the deep emotional connection she shares with her supporters.
      Follow Carolina Rial—
      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/carolinarial
      Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0GFfgaBOUjkJDV62cUs7Lj?si=iIZOr70SR6eg707J8C3y9Q
      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinarialmusic
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinarialmusic/
      TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinarial
      Follow Behind The Act —
      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BehindTheAct
      Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0c5mIWLOYV954Vfz5ZfBAa?si=e743716f8c6840fb
      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindtheact
      Follow Seth Schaeffer —
      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethschaeffermusic/

      1 hr 6 min
    • Finding Freedom in Structure & Writing My Best Songs Yet: Lizzy McAvoy — Ep. 37

      Join us as Lizzy McAvoy shares how the structure of corporate life has unlocked her creative potential, leading to the best songwriting of her career. With decades of experience in the music industry (having written thousands of songs), Lizzy shares the surprising ways her new path in corporate America has influenced her artistry.

      Topics we cover:

      • Balancing corporate life with a fulfilling music career
      • Decades of songwriting experience and creative evolution
      • The impact of structured schedules on creativity and self-care
      • How corporate structure provided the freedom to write her best songs yet
      • Tips for young artists on navigating the music industry and self-promotion

        • Follow Lizzy McAvoy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzymacattack

        Follow Lizzy McAvoy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizzymcavoymusic/

        1 hr 12 min
      • Self-Advocacy & Embracing Change: Luis Espaillat — Ep. 36


        Join me in this episode of Behind The Act as I learn about the life and career of Luis Espaillat, a respected bassist known for his work in both studio sessions and live performances. Luis opens up about his journey, sharing the daily practices that keep him grounded and some personal challenges he's had to overcome. From his passion for music to his love for scuba diving and urban hiking, Luis's story is one of growth, balance, and resilience.In this episode:- Luis's approach to balancing his thriving music career with a healthy personal and social life.- The importance and struggles of self-advocacy and how it shapes both professional and personal realms.- The evolving role of technology and AI in the music industry and its implications for musicians.- Detailed insights into the business side of music, from understanding royalties to the importance of industry knowledge.- The therapeutic value of open conversations, dealing with fears, and the ongoing journey of personal growth and emotional honesty.

        Follow Luis Espaillat:https://www.luisespaillat.com/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ebassluis
        Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luisespaillatbassYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPI7TB-AByPPPFq-hHLSgLA
        TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luisespaillatbass?lang=enX: https://x.com/luisbass
        In this episode, we mentioned Luis' music from during COVID. Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/65jLivA6jWNnJs5am7xYdy?si=iRgTmOIeQVu_OxnnC74YqQWe also mentioned the AI law in Tennessee. Learn more here: https://www.tn.gov/governor/news/2024/1/10/tennessee-first-in-the-nation-to-address-ai-impact-on-music-industry.html

        1 hr 17 min
      • Balancing Life & Creativity in a Demanding World: Jim Gray — Ep. 35
        In this episode of Behind The Act, we talk with Jim Gray about the challenges of balancing creativity and business in the music industry, the importance of self-awareness and setting boundaries, and how to navigate the ever-changing landscape of artist development and management. Jim shares his experiences and insights on cultivating relationships, leveraging technology for effective communication, and maintaining integrity in an industry sometimes known for exploitation. As an owner of a media and entertainment business (and indie record label), Jim offers ideas for young artists and emphasizes the significance of clear communication, understanding individual needs, and adapting to the evolving roles of record labels in the modern music industry.
        - Importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and managing time and energy for creatives
        - Overcoming self-criticism and adopting self-care practices like morning pages and artist dates
        - Strategies for managing productivity, delegating tasks, and refining processes
        - Advice for young artists on connecting with industry professionals and seeking help respectfully
        - Insights on the evolving role of record labels and importance of clear communication in music deals
        Follow Jim Gray on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jimgrayonline/
        Although Behind the Act does not currently take sponsors or endorse brands, we encourage our listeners and watchers to support our guests’ companies.
        Check out his artist services, visit https://www.grayartistservices.com/
        1 hr 12 min
      • Navigating the Music Industry and Balancing Family Life: Eddie Haddad — Ep. 34

        In this episode of Behind The Act, host Seth Schaeffer sits down with musician and songwriter Eddie Haddad to discuss the music industry, creativity, and fatherhood. Join them as they discuss:


        - Navigating the LA and Nashville music scenes as a working guitarist


        - The importance of networking, persistence, and adaptability in the entertainment industry


        - Balancing work and family life while pursuing a creative career


        - The impact of AI on the music industry and the value of human connection in art


        - Embracing vulnerability, emotional growth, and the challenges of parenthood


        Follow Eddie Haddad:

        https://www.instagram.com/onward_and_edward/


        (not sponsored) Check out his pedals at https://www.messiahguitars.com/pedals/


        (not sponsored) Find Eddie's guitar tutorials at https://www.guitarmasterymethod.com/courses/

        1 hr 6 min
      • Imposter Syndrome & Creative Repetition: Brad Bass — Ep. 33

        Brad Bass and Seth Schaeffer discuss everything from personal experiences to professional growth. From tackling imposter syndrome to navigating technical issues, this episode is packed with valuable advice.

        - The importance of diffusing situations and listening to complaints professionally
        - Balancing lighthearted and deep conversations, including coping with anxiety through humor
        - Navigating social interactions and the value of therapy for personal growth
        - The significance of efficiency in music production and the potential of AI in content creation
        - Experiences and reflections on the evolving music scene in Nashville
        Follow Brad Bass on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradbass/
        Here's an outline of some topics we cover in this interview:
        Professional Communication and Respect
        - Importance of diffusing situations and listening to complaints
        - Value of being treated respectfully
        - Importance of being good at your job and staying calm under pressure
        Experiences in Leadership and Confrontation
        - Dealing with disrespect towards the team
        - non-confrontational nature and potential for pressure build-up
        Regional Perceptions and Social Interactions
        - Directness in New York's communication style
        - Vulnerability and sharing personal experiences with others
        - Depth in conversations with acquaintances and friends
        - Balance between lighthearted and deep discussions
        - Use of humor to cope with anxiety
        - Inappropriate laughter in somber situations
        Personal Life and Future Plans
        - Travel plans to see different cultures
        - Working with plugins in your DAW vs. high-end outboard gear
        Nashville's Music Scene and Community
        - Preference to stay in Nashville
        - Thriving music, TV, and film scene
        - Quality of the community and improved experience of making records and TV shows
        - Feelings of sadness over changes in Nashville's music industry
        - Warm and welcoming nature of the Nashville community
        Social and Critical Interactions
        - Nuances of social interactions and snap judgments
        - Impact of insecurities on projecting criticism
        - Value of therapy and engaging in meaningful conversations
        - Personal growth and benefits of therapy
        Music Production Workflow and Efficiency
        - Use of a template as a starting point in music production
        - Drive for efficiency in handling large volumes of work
        AI in Music Production
        - Use of AI and its potential for creativity
        - Ethical implications and importance of training AI on clean, owned content
        - Future discussions about AI and content certification
        Personal Anxiety and Neurodivergence
        - Anxiety due to overthinking scenarios and unknowns
        - Tendency to jump from one project to another without cleaning up
        - Considering the possibility of ADHD
        - Anxiety around unknown groups of people
        - Seth Schaeffer's experience as a neurodivergent individual on the autism spectrum
        Imposter Syndrome and Expertise in Creative Fields
        - Transition to becoming an expert through time management
        Demands of Music Production Work
        - Producing a large volume of music quickly for a music library
        - Speed and problem-solving for continuous improvement
        Ethical and Regulatory Challenges with AI
        - Guest's experience with AI tools in audio production
        - Concerns about AI's impact on creative processes and professional roles
        - Reflection on technology making recording more accessible and decentralized
        Technical Issues in Production
        - Challenges like camera issues and battery problems
        - Troubleshooting technical issues in studio settings and on set
        - Importance of experience in addressing technical issues efficiently
        Appreciation for Smooth Systems and Workload Management
        - Managing workload and deadlines in a freelance capacity
        - Enthusiasm for music and film production processes
        Admiration for Personal Role Models
        - Brad Bass' admiration for his father's calm demeanor in customer service situations
        Please let us know in the comments if it would ever be helpful to you for us to make the transcripts available.

        1 hr 10 min
      • The Beauty of Flaws in People & Salvaged Wood: Dave Grossman — Ep. 32

        Join us on this episode of Behind The Act as we dive into the multifaceted life and creative process of Dave Grossman. From salvaged wood creations to environmental consciousness, Dave shares unique insights into his artistic journey.


        - Finding beauty in the flaws of wood and people alike


        - The role of open-mindedness and collaboration in the Grand Valley Trails Alliance in Mesa County, CO


        - Challenges and rewards of being a serial entrepreneur


        - Dave's connection with the community through custom furniture projects


        - The role of constructive dialogue in bridging differences


        Support Dave Grossman & Confluence Woodcraft at https://confluencewoodcraft.com/

        1 hr 3 min
      • Overcoming Self-Judgment as Musical Artists: Ruslan Odnoralov — Ep. 31

        In this episode of Behind The Act, we talk with Ruslan Ordonalov (music producer and musical artist) about the importance of evolving as an artist, the insecurities and challenges of releasing personal music, and the delicate balance between confidence and ego in creative work.

        Examples of topics we cover in this conversation:

        - The struggle musicians face in releasing and self-judging their own music

        - Balancing confidence and ego while developing a craft- How professional creatives manage multiple aspects of production and the need for help

        - The process of prioritizing and choosing which songs to release

        - The value of art at all levels and the importance of honoring unique artistic approaches


        Follow Ruslan Odnoralov on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruslan.odnoralov/Listen to

        Ruslan's Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ksbG3GJORHzWFw9zMeF3U?si=DztL0PxoQoKkiOozXXGAVw

        Listen to music Ruslan has produced: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5nSvdkobjm66QW7Gf6o4aR?si=8b67472dd6d74327

        53 min

      About Behind The Act

      From the publisher's feed

      Behind the Act is a podcast of honest and vulnerable conversations for creative people—discussing our fears, doubts, and breakthrough moments. If you're a musician, artist, entrepreneur, or any other creative, this podcast is for you.