What if the most ambitious act in filmmaking isn't raising $20 million - but refusing to wait for permission to create? In this episode of Creative Risk, Joshua sits down with the visionary duo behind the acclaimed film Strawberry Mansion, Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney, to tear apart every assumption about what it takes to make cinematic magic. These filmmakers didn't just make a stunning sci-fi fantasy for $200,000 - they created a masterclass in resourceful storytelling that looks like it cost forty times their actual budget.

This isn't your typical "how we made it cheap" conversation. Kentucker and Albert dive deep into the psychology of micro-budget filmmaking - the years of industry rejection that nearly killed their confidence, the creative solutions that emerged from pure necessity, and why constraints became their secret weapon for unlocking unprecedented imagination. Raw, practical, and unapologetically ambitious, this episode demolishes the myth that you need massive resources to create transformative art and challenges every creative to stop making excuses and start making magic.

Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more.  Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today!

Submit your story to Raw & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling creatives—those self-producing, diversifying their income, and tackling challenges head-on. Visit www.artists-strategy.com/creative-risk to pitch your story today.

—

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—
“CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.

In this  episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with multi-hyphenate powerhouse Ross Shenker to demolish every assumption about creative specialization. As an associate casting director, playwright, director, classically trained pianist, AND certified Michael Chekhov teacher, Ross embodies what it means to reject industry gatekeeping and build a career that defies categorization 

This isn' t your typical "diversify your skills" conversation. Ross and Joshua dive deep into the realities of why single-minded career paths are increasingly extinct, how casting directors are becoming the new uncredited producers, and why the industry' s obsession with "clarity of type" is killing authentic artistry. From translating Chekhov with his Russian-speaking father to leveraging his encyclopedic knowledge of actors across budget levels, Ross reveals how his multi-disciplinary approach isn' t just survival — it's the future of creative entrepreneurship

Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more.  Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today!

Submit your story to Raw & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling creatives—those self-producing, diversifying their income, and tackling challenges head-on. Visit www.artists-strategy.com/creative-risk to pitch your story today.

—

Thanks for listening!

Join our email list for our weekly newsletter with deep insight on our personal artistic journeys:
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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
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Subscribe on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/5hzvD8HgCjOo1NcA5zBDN4?si=404a2369523a45cb

Follow Us on IG:
www.instagram.com/creativeriskpod/

Follow Us on TikTok:
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—
“CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.

What if the most essential conversations about intimacy coordination aren't happening in rehearsal rooms - but in producer offices and casting sessions? In this episode, Joshua sits down with intimacy coordinator and movement expert Alexis Black to tear apart every assumption about staged intimacy work. From the reality that most productions treat intimacy coordination like a luxury add-on to the uncomfortable truth that actors often discover their boundaries mid-rehearsal, this conversation exposes the gap between best practices and industry reality.

This isn't your typical "intimacy work is important" discussion. Joshua and Alexis dive deep into the messy contradictions of creative collaboration - why some actors with certification still can't handle complex work, how directors use intimacy protocols as scapegoats for larger production problems, and why the field's obsession with safety might be accidentally creating robotic performances. Through personal stories of productions gone sideways and hard-earned insights about sustainable creativity, they explore what it really takes to choreograph consent without killing artistic risk.

Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more.  Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today!

Submit your story to Raw & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling creatives—those self-producing, diversifying their income, and tackling challenges head-on. Visit www.artists-strategy.com/creative-risk to pitch your story today.

—

Thanks for listening!

Join our email list for our weekly newsletter with deep insight on our personal artistic journeys:
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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-risk/id1706381310

Subscribe on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/5hzvD8HgCjOo1NcA5zBDN4?si=404a2369523a45cb

Follow Us on IG:
www.instagram.com/creativeriskpod/

Follow Us on TikTok:
www.tiktok.com/@creativeriskpod
—
“CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.

THIS IS A SEGMENET FROM A PATREON EXCLUSIVE EPISODE

We all know money is the number one killer of artistic dreams. In this episode the boys confront the uncomfortable truth about why budgeting feels impossible when you're pursuing work that feeds your soul more than your bank account. From the emotional mindf**k of tracking expenses to the harsh reality that most artists would rather stay financially ignorant than face the numbers, this conversation cuts through every excuse we tell ourselves about money. This episode offers a practical framework for taking control of your money without killing your artistic dreams.

Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more.  Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today!

Submit your story to Raw & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling creatives—those self-producing, diversifying their income, and tackling challenges head-on. Visit www.artists-strategy.com/creative-risk to pitch your story today.

—

Thanks for listening!

Join our email list for our weekly newsletter with deep insight on our personal artistic journeys:
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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-risk/id1706381310

Subscribe on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/5hzvD8HgCjOo1NcA5zBDN4?si=404a2369523a45cb

Follow Us on IG:
www.instagram.com/creativeriskpod/

Follow Us on TikTok:
www.tiktok.com/@creativeriskpod
—
“CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.

In this episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with Michael Herwitz, the visionary director behind Job by Max Wolf Friedlich - the unlikely theatrical phenomenon that journeyed from festival to off-Broadway to Broadway, defying every industry expectation along the way. From his early days observing tech as a child actor on Broadway to being the youngest director represented on Broadway in the 2024-2025 season, Michael reveals the hustle behind his journey and why he's still fighting the same insecurities that drove him from the beginning.

Michael breaks down the messy reality of self-producing, the financial risk of betting on your vision, and why most artists never get past waiting for permission. Raw, honest, and always vulnerable, this episode is a masterclass in artistic agency - what it costs, what it demands, and why the hunger to prove yourself never really goes away, even after you've made it to Broadway.

Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more.  Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today!

Submit your story to Raw & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling creatives—those self-producing, diversifying their income, and tackling challenges head-on. Visit www.artists-strategy.com/creative-risk to pitch your story today.

—

Thanks for listening!

Join our email list for our weekly newsletter with deep insight on our personal artistic journeys:
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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-risk/id1706381310

Subscribe on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/5hzvD8HgCjOo1NcA5zBDN4?si=404a2369523a45cb

Follow Us on IG:
www.instagram.com/creativeriskpod/

Follow Us on TikTok:
www.tiktok.com/@creativeriskpod
—
“CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.

What does it really take to build and sustain a voice for the modern Broadway stage? In this episode of Creative Risk, Joshua sits down with Mike Ruckles, one of New York City's most sought-after vocal technicians and singing voice specialists. Working with Tony, Grammy, and Oscar-winning performers across Broadway, the West End, and beyond, Mike has become the go-to expert for artists navigating the demanding landscape of contemporary musical theater. From his early obsession with the human voice to his current role as production vocal coach for major Broadway shows like Sunset Boulevard, Mike reveals the science and artistry behind functional vocal training.

This conversation goes far beyond technique, diving deep into the industry pressures that push performers toward homogenized sound, the crucial difference between functional training and aesthetic coaching, and why communication trumps sound-making every time. Mike shares insights from working with Nicole Scherzinger through her Broadway debut, the emotional journey of vocal rehabilitation, and how the best performers maintain their unique voices while meeting the grueling demands of eight shows a week. This episode offers a masterclass in sustainable artistry and the power of staying true to your individual voice.

Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more.  Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today!

Submit your story to Raw & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling creatives—those self-producing, diversifying their income, and tackling challenges head-on. Visit www.artists-strategy.com/creative-risk to pitch your story today.

—

Thanks for listening!

Join our email list for our weekly newsletter with deep insight on our personal artistic journeys:
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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-risk/id1706381310

Subscribe on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/5hzvD8HgCjOo1NcA5zBDN4?si=404a2369523a45cb

Follow Us on IG:
www.instagram.com/creativeriskpod/

Follow Us on TikTok:
www.tiktok.com/@creativeriskpod
—
“CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.

What happens when pure joy meets unwavering work ethic in one of Broadway's most demanding jobs? In this episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with Treston J. Henderson, the magnetic performer whose rise from TikTok discovery to Broadway debut exemplifies the power of authentic hustle. From booking the tour of Ain't Too Proud through social media to swinging in his Broadway debut, Treston reveals the gritty reality of building credibility in an industry that's rapidly evolving.

This conversation dives deep into the unique skill of swinging - covering multiple roles at a moment's notice - and how Treston's infectious positivity has become his secret weapon in an often cutthroat business. But this isn't just about performing; it's about vision. Treston shares his surprising long-term goal of leaving Broadway behind to build something bigger: a performing arts academy that will democratize access to high-level training. Raw, honest, and bursting with the kind of energy that makes you believe anything is possible, this episode showcases what it truly means to hustle with heart while keeping your eyes on a legacy that extends far beyond the stage.

Treston's Site: https://www.trestonjhenderson.com/
Treston's IG: https://www.instagram.com/treston.henderson/

Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more.  Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today!

Submit your story to Raw & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling creatives—those self-producing, diversifying their income, and tackling challenges head-on. Visit www.artists-strategy.com/creative-risk to pitch your story today.

—

Thanks for listening!

Join our email list for our weekly newsletter with deep insight on our personal artistic journeys:
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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-risk/id1706381310

Subscribe on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/5hzvD8HgCjOo1NcA5zBDN4?si=404a2369523a45cb

Follow Us on IG:
www.instagram.com/creativeriskpod/

Follow Us on TikTok:
www.tiktok.com/@creativeriskpod
—
“CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.

What does it truly mean to be a theater critic in the digital age? In this compelling episode of Creative Risk, Joshua sits down with Mickey-Jo Boucher, the brilliant force behind MickeyJoTheatre, the world's largest YouTube channel dedicated to theater criticism. From his early days as a math student who stumbled into musical theater society, Mickey-Jo has carved a unique path, building an owned audience of nearly 85,000 subscribers and transforming how we engage with and discuss the theatre.

Joshua and Mickey-Jo dive deep into the seismic shifts impacting traditional criticism, the power of authentic individual perspectives over institutional gatekeepers, and the fascinating nuances of building a full-time, self-sustaining career as a digital content creator. They explore why "being online" is no longer just marketing, but essential for the future of theater, dissect the differences between Broadway and the West End, and reveal the surprising realities - both good and bad - of sharing your passion loudly and proudly in a constantly evolving digital landscape. This conversation offers an exhilarating glimpse into the future of arts, critique, and how personal passion can build powerful platforms.

Mickey's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDQi6IkbVa2SJok8fUZOpKw 

Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more.  Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today!

Submit your story to Raw & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling creatives—those self-producing, diversifying their income, and tackling challenges head-on. Visit www.artists-strategy.com/creative-risk to pitch your story today.

—

Thanks for listening!

Join our email list for our weekly newsletter with deep insight on our personal artistic journeys:
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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
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Subscribe on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/5hzvD8HgCjOo1NcA5zBDN4?si=404a2369523a45cb

Follow Us on IG:
www.instagram.com/creativeriskpod/

Follow Us on TikTok:
www.tiktok.com/@creativeriskpod
—
“CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.

What does it really mean to “show up” online as an artist in 2025? In this episode, Mike and Joshua get ruthlessly honest about the highs, lows, and existential weirdness of building creative community in the digital era. From the myth that social platforms are just “marketing tools,” to the radical truth that emotional investment - not just content - is king, the duo pull back the curtain on what’s working, what’s BS, and what’s just plain overwhelming for modern creatives.

Whether you secretly loathe posting in your stories, feel lost in an algorithmic sea, or crave new ways to share your art (while staying sane), this conversation dives deep into workflow, boundaries, authenticity, and how to grow meaningful community online without losing your soul (and still maybe wearing a regrettable thrifted shirt).

Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more.  Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today!

Submit your story to Raw & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling creatives—those self-producing, diversifying their income, and tackling challenges head-on. Visit www.artists-strategy.com/creative-risk to pitch your story today.

—

Thanks for listening!

Join our email list for our weekly newsletter with deep insight on our personal artistic journeys:
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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-risk/id1706381310

Subscribe on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/5hzvD8HgCjOo1NcA5zBDN4?si=404a2369523a45cb

Follow Us on IG:
www.instagram.com/creativeriskpod/

Follow Us on TikTok:
www.tiktok.com/@creativeriskpod
—
“CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.

In this electrifying episode of Raw and Rising, Joshua dives deep with the powerhouse vocalist Ryan James Monroe, an artist who's redefining soulful performance. Ryan shares how his roots in gospel choir ignited a lifelong pursuit of raw, visceral connection with his audience, a stark contrast to the often-sterile world of musical theater. This is where hustle meets heart, and where Ryan reveals the messy, unglamorous side of indie music – the financial risks, the DIY production, and the audacity it takes to build a brand from the ground up.

But it's not all grind. Ryan gets real about the "confidence cocktail" that fuels his unapologetic authenticity, and the vulnerability he embraces to shatter the loneliness that pervades the world. He shares a powerful vision of success rooted in collaboration and empowerment, not cutthroat competition.

Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more.  Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today!

Submit your story to Raw & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling creatives—those self-producing, diversifying their income, and tackling challenges head-on. Visit www.artists-strategy.com/creative-risk to pitch your story today.

—

Thanks for listening!

Join our email list for our weekly newsletter with deep insight on our personal artistic journeys:
www.artists-strategy.com/signup

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-risk/id1706381310

Subscribe on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/5hzvD8HgCjOo1NcA5zBDN4?si=404a2369523a45cb

Follow Us on IG:
www.instagram.com/creativeriskpod/

Follow Us on TikTok:
www.tiktok.com/@creativeriskpod
—
“CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.