In this episode of Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani, we are happy to have Russell Hall, the bass-playing pirate himself!
Russell was born in Kingston, Jamaica, but his journey covers the globe. He tells our hosts how his grandfather introduced him to music and encouraged him to seek inspiration in nature and community. But he wasn't always working as a musician—he initially moved to New York to pursue acting! How did he end up switching artforms, and who helped him along the way?
A collaborator of Brian’s both on the stage and in the studio, Russell and Brian consider themselves pirates, exploring their sounds like they're riding on waves. Angie tests Russell’s pirate knowledge during Game Time, and he doesn't disappoint.

In this episode of Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani, actor and New York restaurateur Emilio Vitolo of the world-famous Emilio’s Ballato comes to visit us on set!
Raised in Little Italy’s restaurant scene, Emilio is a true New York Italian-American character, from his wingtip shoes to the red sauce on every dish at Ballato. This episode delves into the colorful world of hospitality and just how much it has in common with showbiz — you might be surprised!
This week’s Game Time segment is all about luxury watches, a favorite of Brian and Emilio. It’s a true New Yorker episode, with the kind of attitude that can only come from people who live and breathe the city.

In this episode of Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani, we welcome choreographer to the stars Olivia Cipolla to our studio!
Olivia has danced professionally and choreographed for stars like Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, and Cher, but her career goes further than that.

She’s also appeared on Broadway, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and the film adaption of In the Heights. How did she go from being a dancer to a choreographer, and what’s it like working for superstars like Beyoncé?
Olivia and Angie bond over growing up with learning disabilities and how that shaped them into the artists they are today. Our guest also opens up about her beginnings in opera, her unique relationship with music as a dancer, and her recent singing projects. Plus, Brian gets a dance lesson fit for a pop star—and the results are nothing short of hilarious.

In this episode of Showing Off with Angie Pontani and Brian Newman, we sit down with Adam RealMan, the sideshow extraordinaire of Coney Island!
Have you ever wondered if you have the guts to spit fire or swallow a sword? Adam shares what it was like to grow up around sideshow performers, the history of sideshows across the United States, and how he became a performer himself.  
He also dives into his role as the Artistic Director of Coney Island USA, the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the arts in the Brooklyn neighborhood. With Adam, Brian and Angie discuss the Coney Island Museum and the many events Coney Island USA puts on, including the iconic Mermaid Parade!

Follow the show on your podcast app of choice (and YouTube):

👉 Find us: showingoffpod.com 

📸 DM your story: @showingoffpod

Credits

Presented by BASE Creative

Recorded at Wolff Island Studios in Brooklyn

Produced by Arielle Nissenblatt

Post-production by Ricky Fernandez

Timestamps

[00:00:00] Kicking it Off with Brian and Angie

[00:05:10] Meeting Today's Guest, Adam RealMan

[00:12:00] Talking about Parenting

[00:18:00] Life as an Artist

[00:33:00] Getting Back to The Stage

[00:40:00] How Adam Got Started

[00:54:00] What’s Coming Next

In this episode of Showing Off with Angie Pontani and Brian Newman, we sit down with the experimental synth-pop artist Sophia Urista!

Sophia tells Angie and Brian that she was born as the “show off” she is now. Once a college student with plans to go to medical school, she decided instead to pursue the musical career of her dreams. She discusses the people that helped her along the way and what led to her competing on ‘The Voice,’ contributing to ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ soundtrack, and her latest creative pursuits.

The trio also has a candid discussion about raising their children while working in show business. How much do your kids know about the art you’re making? What does it take to balance it all? And how do we raise them to hone their own creativity?

Follow the show on your podcast app of choice (and YouTube):

👉 Find us: showingoffpod.com 

📸 DM your story: @showingoffpod

Credits

Presented by BASE Creative

Recorded at Wolff Island Studios in Brooklyn

Produced by Arielle Nissenblatt

Post-production by Ricky Fernandez

Timestamps

[00:00:00] Opening Banter

[00:05:10] Introducing Today’s Guest: Sophia Urista

[00:12:00] Reflections on Parenting

[00:18:00] Artist Identity

[00:33:00] Returning to the Stage After Kids

[00:40:00] The Origin Story

[00:54:00] What’s Next for Sophia

In this episode of Showing Off with Angie Pontani and Brian Newman, we share a conversation with Tony of Tony & The Kiki!

Angie and Brian Dig into Tony's unique style and path as a singer and performer. Of course, the conversation kicks off with our signature question: when did you know you were a showoff?

They also discuss how Tony first discovered their voice, performing and hustling through the Covid lockdown period, developing their sense of style (both in music and in fashion), and more. Plus, they play The Supreme Diva Challenge!

Follow the show on your podcast app of choice (and YouTube):

👉 Find us: showingoffpod.com 

📸 DM your story: @showingoffpod

Credits

Presented by BASE Creative

Recorded at Wolff Island Studios in Brooklyn

Produced and edited by Arielle Nissenblatt

Post-production by David Woje of Pinwheel Podcasts

Timestamps

[00:00] Intro from Angie and Brian

[00:02:51] Introduction to Tony

[00:05:40] Tony as a theater kid and getting into showbiz

[00:13:30] Finding their voice

[00:29:10] Pandemic pivot, original songs, and social media

[00:36:20] Style and performing

[01:05:30] Supreme Diva Game

In this episode of Showing Off with Angie Pontani and Brian Newman, we introduce the first official guest, the legend... Murray Hill.

Angie and Brian get into Murray's expansive career as a comedian, host, actor, writer, producer, and drag king. Of course, they begin by asking Murray what makes him a show off. Then, they talk about his comedic influences, the making of the Murray Hill persona, his experiences in showbiz, and more.

Murray shares stories from performing in unconventional venues to working alongside icons like Paul Reubens (Pee -wee Herman). He also reflects on his role in the drag king community and his upcoming memoir, exemplifying his resilience, humor, and the importance of being true to oneself.

Follow the show on your podcast app of choice (and YouTube):

👉 Find us: showingoffpod.com 

📸 DM your story: @showingoffpod

Credits

Presented by BASE Creative

Recorded at Wolff Island Studios in Brooklyn

Produced and edited by Arielle Nissenblatt

Post-production by David Woje of Pinwheel Podcasts

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the show

01:24 Introducing Murray Hill

04:54 How Murray came to be Murray Hill

16:55 Staying positive in today's political climate

26:36 Working with Paul Rubens

38:26 Working on Murray's book

48:12 The drag king moment that's happening lately

54:40 King Molasses Surprise

1:01:47 Truffle pasta gift

1:02:44 Pasta spelling challenge

1:05:50 Goodbye, Murray!

About Murray Hill

Murray Hill, the self-proclaimed hardest-working middle-aged man in show business, is a one-man entertainment machine: comedian, host, actor, writer, producer, and walking time capsule of classic showbiz charm. With razor-sharp wit, quickfire ad-libs, and a wink that could light up any stage, Murray has spent decades turning every stage he steps on into his own personal variety show. Television audiences know him as the lovable Fred Rococo on HBO’s Somebody Somewhere, the Peabody-winning, AFI-honored comedy that also earned a Critics’ Choice LGBT+ Ensemble Award. He’s popped up everywhere from Life & Beth and Drag Me To Dinner (Hulu) to Elsbeth (CBS), Welcome to Flatch (FOX), and King of Drag (Revry). On the big screen, he starred in Paul Feig’s Jackpot! with John Cena and Awkwafina, and will soon share holiday cheer (and scenes) with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Man With The Bag. 

Murray’s talents extend beyond performance. He’s served as a guest correspondent for ABC News and Hulu’s Pride Across America, reporting live from the nation’s biggest Pride celebrations. NBC News named him one of the “30 Most Iconic and Influential Drag Performers in Modern History.” His memoir, Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man (Simon & Schuster Gallery Books, 2026) is a candid, laugh-out-loud account of a life spent chasing the spotlight and finding family, community, and resilience along the way. From downtown clubs to network sets, Murray Hill brings an old-school showbiz sensibility to a new generation, proving that quick wit, big heart, and a well-timed rimshot never go out of style. Murray brings the perfect blend of wit, warmth, and showbiz flair to everything he does.

When did Angie know she was a showoff? How long did it take Brian to show off his musical abilities?

In our first episode, Angie Pontani and Brian Newman are in the showoff seat. They'll take turns asking each other questions so that the audience can get to know their work, their stories, and the things that they're excited to show off. They'll also play a game to find out how well they know each other!

In future episodes, Angie and Brian will be interviewing a cast of characters ranging from musicians, comedians, entertainers, to dancers, choreographers, restaurateurs, and more, so we wanted to make sure our listeners got a chance to sit down with just them before all of that kicks off.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

Showing Off is a backstage pass to the lives of musicians, artists, and creatives... All the people who make showbiz happen. From the big wins to the total flops, Brian and Angie pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a life in the arts.

Every episode brings stories, lessons, and a whole lot of laughter with their friends and fellow performers. It’s honest and insightful, and it’s showbiz, baby.

Follow the show on your podcast app of choice (and YouTube):

👉 Find us: showingoffpod.com  📸 DM your story: @showingoffpod

Credits

When did you know you were a show-off?

That’s the question hosts Brian Newman (musician, bandleader, trumpet player) and Angie Pontani (dancer, choreographer, event producer) ask their friends, peers, and fellow performers from across the creative world on this show.

Showing Off is a backstage pass to the lives of musicians, artists, and creatives... All the people who make showbiz happen. From the big wins to the total flops, Brian and Angie pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a life in the arts.

Every episode brings stories, lessons, and a whole lot of laughter with their friends and fellow performers. It’s honest and insightful, and it’s showbiz, baby.

Showing Off with Brian & Angie launches in November 2025!

👉 Find us: showingoffpod.com