Creative Risk

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.

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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Subscribe on Spotify:
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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.

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

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, 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/

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 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.

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 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. 

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, 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.

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

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.

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’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.

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.

Joshua sits down with Oscar-winning producer Julia Kennelly to uncover the gritty, unglamorous, and deeply rewarding work of being an independent film producer in today’s volatile market. Julia shares her journey from theater student to multi-hyphenate filmmaker, diving deep into the many hats producers wear, from assembling the perfect team to fighting for essential protections for creatives in Hollywood and beyond. Julia also dishes out advice for directors on earning respect on set and collaborating effectively with producers without compromising their vision. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a seasoned industry pro, or just curious about what it takes to bring a film to life, this episode is packed with insider insights and hard-earned wisdom.

Julia Kennelly Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jmkennelly/

Julia Kennelly Website
https://juliakennelly.com/

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 episode starts with a cosmic twist—aliens, ghosts, and Joshua’s unforgettable medium training (yes, a ghost may have crossed a boundary). But things quickly get grounded as the boys dive into the complexities of practicing gratitude as artists. Why is it so hard for actors, often stuck in survival mode, to embrace true gratitude? And what happens when gratitude becomes phony or self-serving, ultimately doing more harm than good? They also tackle gratitude in the age of cancel culture, exploring how it fits into a world of rigid narratives and heightened accountability. Rather than weakening our advocacy, they argue that genuine gratitude can make us stronger, offering resilience and perspective in a tough industry. Equal parts irreverent and insightful, this episode unpacks how gratitude, when done right, can be a transformative force in our personal and creative lives. 

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.