Creative Risk

In this wide-ranging episode, Joshua and Mike explore what it really means to show up as your boldest self - not just as a creative, but as a human being navigating a world that often punishes risk and rewards conformity. Through personal stories, cultural critique, and behind-the-scenes examples from the entertainment industry, they unpack the complicated relationship between boldness, confidence, and risk - and why boldness is less about loudness and more about the willingness to be seen for who you truly are.

From the politics of what you wear in an audition room to the private thoughts in your head, they explore how small choices communicate big ideas. In a culture obsessed with curation, it’s easy to forget that the things that truly make us stand out are also the things that make us vulnerable. Whether you’ve felt pressure to tone yourself down or are questioning your artistic identity, this episode is a call to reclaim your weird, your edge, your “too much.” Because the only way to cut through the noise is to stop trying to fit in.

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!

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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 deeply reflective episode of Creative Risk, Joshua and Mike tackle the complex and emotionally charged topic of unmet potential. Through candid, individual reflections and joint discussion, they dive into the pressures of maximizing life's potential in a society obsessed with hyper-optimization. From personal regrets to the tension between ambition and presence, they explore how chasing potential can both motivate and drain creatives.

This conversation will challenge you to reconsider your relationship with success, ambition, and fulfillment. Whether you're struggling with burnout, questioning your career path, or simply feeling stuck in a relentless pursuit of "more," this episode offers insightful perspectives on redefining success in a way that prioritizes genuine human connection and personal contentment.

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.

In this episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with theater-maker and artistic multi-hyphenate Coleman Ray Clark for an insightful discussion on embracing creative fluidity and breaking traditional artistic molds. Coleman shares how his non-linear career path—from directing and sound design to general management on Broadway—allowed him to thrive creatively by staying open, adaptable, and responsive to life's unexpected shifts.

They explore how leaving New York City for San Diego broadened Coleman's artistic perspective, emphasizing community and collaboration as keys to sustainability in the arts. Coleman challenges the conventional notion of success, highlighting that true growth comes from being present and open, rather than chasing rigid career milestones. If you've ever questioned your artistic journey or felt stuck within industry expectations, this episode will inspire you to redefine success on your own terms.

Coleman Social Media
www.instagram.com/colemanrayclark/

Coleman Website
www.colemanrayclark.com

The What Co. Social Media
www.instagram.com/thewhatco/

The What Co. Website
www.thewhatco.org

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.

THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE

What does balance really look like for an artist? In this episode of Creative Risk, Joshua and Mike tackle one of the most elusive yet essential aspects of a creative career: maintaining balance without sacrificing ambition. They dig into the reality of navigating artistic pursuits alongside personal well-being, questioning the traditional idea that success requires relentless hustle. With the industry in constant flux, they explore how adaptability, intuition, and structure play a role in sustaining a long-term creative life.

Through candid reflection, they challenge the all-or-nothing mindset that so many artists fall into. Can creative fulfillment and financial stability truly coexist? How do you stay committed to your craft without burning out? And when does hard work become counterproductive? This conversation is for anyone struggling to find equilibrium in an unpredictable industry - offering hard-won insights, personal anecdotes, and a refreshing perspective on redefining success on your own terms.

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.

Marketing isn’t just for corporations - it’s essential for artists, too. In this episode, we break down the concept of the artist’s marketing funnel and why understanding it can be the difference between staying unseen and building a sustainable creative career. Joshua and Mike explore how audiences discover your work, what keeps them engaged, and, ultimately, what convinces them to invest - whether that means buying a ticket, streaming your music, or supporting your latest project. With practical strategies and real-world examples, they help demystify how to turn artistic passion into something sustainable.

But it’s not just about tactics - it’s about mindset. This conversation goes beyond marketing hacks to tackle the deeper shifts required for artists to take control of their careers. In a world where social media and digital platforms have democratized access to audiences, how do you navigate the fine line between authenticity and strategy? If you’ve ever felt like you’re shouting into the void or struggling to translate followers into supporters, this episode will give you the roadmap you need.

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.

In this episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with writer, director, and creative powerhouse Courtney Romano for an unfiltered conversation about forging an independent artistic career. As the founder of Queens Bird Films and QB / Arthouse, Courtney shares how she’s built a creative life on her own terms - one rooted in intuition, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in the power of art. From navigating industry expectations to embracing uncertainty, she offers a refreshingly honest perspective on what it means to sustain a career outside traditional gatekeepers.

Together, they dive into the shifting landscape of artistic success, the rise of independent creators, and why slowing down might be the most radical act an artist can take. Courtney challenges the myth of linear progress, argues for a creative process that mirrors nature’s cycles, and reminds us that true resilience isn’t about rigid hustle - it’s about trusting yourself and the work. If you’re feeling lost in the ever-changing creative economy, this conversation is an invitation to rethink, reframe, and reclaim your artistic journey.

Courtney Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/courtneyromano/

Queens Bird Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/queensbirdfilms/

QB / Arthouse Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/qbarthouse/

Let's Go Again Pod

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/lets-go-again/episodes/Season-1-Trailer--Lets-Go-Again-e29a0k7?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYP14UVU6kBB9pAdPlDpAMvI4gE0rZajI5H3KcDE8h8rOHBIVJpqYrijYk_aem_vul6rIRtiZqIKnBshjyjYQ

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.

Five years after the world shut down, we take a hard look at how COVID changed the entertainment industry—and the lives of the artists within it. From the collapse of institutional power structures to the rise of digital-first artistry, we unpack the lingering effects of the pandemic, both economic and personal. What does sustainability look like now? How did some artists find opportunity in the shutdown while others saw their careers stall? And what lessons should creatives take from this unprecedented shift?

We also sit down with Jessica Sporn, an artist and theater leader navigating life with long COVID. She shares the realities of her ongoing health struggles, the impact on her career, and how the industry is—or isn’t—supporting those still dealing with the virus’s lasting effects​. Whether you're still processing the aftermath or just trying to make sense of where we go from here, this conversation is a necessary reflection on an era that reshaped everything.

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.

In this episode of Creative Risk, Broadway star Jelani Remy joins us for an open and inspiring conversation about longevity, adaptability, and joy in the industry. From his early days at Paper Mill Playhouse to leading The Lion King as Simba for nearly a decade, Jelani has built a career defined by passion, perseverance, and an infectious love for the craft. He shares his perspective on keeping performances fresh even after thousands of shows, why leading with gratitude has shaped his career, and how embracing community has helped him navigate the highs and lows of the business.

Jelani also dives into the realities of sustaining a career on Broadway, from the unpredictability of the industry to the importance of mentorship, generosity, and showing up for others. He talks about the shifts in audience engagement, the evolving role of social media, and how artists can build lasting connections both on and off the stage. Whether you’re an aspiring performer or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with wisdom, heart, and a reminder of why we do what we do.

Jelani Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/itsjelaniremy/?hl=en

EPISODE #60 of CREATIVE 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:
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.

THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE

In this deeply personal solo episode, Mike grapples with a question every artist faces at some point—am I quitting, or am I just redefining success? He reflects on his journey, from early artistic passion to professional wins and disillusionments, and explores how shifting cultural and economic landscapes have made traditional paths feel increasingly unstable. Through candid storytelling, he unpacks why industry validation may no longer be the gold standard for a meaningful creative life.

Mike challenges the conventional wisdom that success means climbing an outdated industry ladder and instead asks: what if sustainability, autonomy, and artistic fulfillment are the real measures of success? This episode is a raw and unfiltered look at the crossroads many artists find themselves at today.

EP #59 OF CREATIVE 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:
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.

In this episode of Raw + Rising, we sit down with actress and creator Hannah Pauley. Hannah shares her candid insights on creative survival as a dual UK and American citizen and the unexpected journey that took her from Pittsburgh to Glasgow to London, to the resilience required to navigate an unpredictable industry, . She also introduces The Jaded Creative, a platform designed for artists who are tired of sugarcoated industry advice and instead seek real talk, community, and a bit of dark humor to get through the ups and downs. 

The Jaded Creative Substack
https://hannahdianepauley.substack.com/p/introducing-the-jaded-creative?r=57wlzf&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true

The Jaded Creative Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/_thejadedcreative/

Hannah Pauley Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/hannahdpauley/

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.