The Authentic Only Show

Hey AO Fam, Joey here with some unexpected news. Spotify for Podcasters recently removed 56 of our episodes from all platforms—all because we’ve been using The Dramatics’ classic "Whatcha See is Whatcha Get" as our theme song.

Turns out, Spotify changed their policy around copyrighted music in podcasts, and our iconic intro got flagged. Bummer, right? But don’t worry—we’re on it!

🔊 Here’s the plan:
1️⃣ We’re working with a music producer on Fiverr to create a fresh, original theme song.
2️⃣ OR… we might just record our own cover version of the track (legally, this time!).

Either way, the AO Show vibe isn’t going anywhere—we’ll keep bringing you the same authentic convos, just with a new sound.

Stay tuned for updates, and thanks for rocking with us through the changes. Whatcha see is STILL whatcha get. 😉

🎧 New episodes still dropping weekly—subscribe so you don’t miss a thing!

Join Joey in part 1 of this conversation with Sunny Hatch, the mastermind behind Fry Baby, a Korean inspired spin on fried chicken, situated in the L'il America food cart pod in Portland, Oregon.

Joey Chmiko sits down with Sasha Mereu—magician, musician, actor, artist, and relentless creative force—for a wildly entertaining deep dive into:🔮 The Art of Magic & MentalismSasha’s journey from performing on Broadway and at Hollywood’s Magic Castle to developing "psychological close-up" magicWhy magic is "theater with lies" and how it plays with human perceptionLive demo: Watch Sasha perform an anti-card trick (and sniff out a chosen card)🎸 Punk Rock & Fairview’s Fight for MusiciansSasha’s 25-year punk career (lead guitarist for United Defiance)The shocking truth about Spotify’s payouts: $388 for 175,000 streamsIntroducing FairVu—his radical new platform to help musicians monetize directlyHow live-streamed concerts and "virtual merch booths" could revolutionize the industry🎭 From Sweeney Todd to Horror PodcastsReturning to theater after 20 years to play Judge Turpin in Sweeney ToddBehind-the-scenes of his original horror podcast The OssuaryThe hilarious (and NSFW) origin story of Magoosh Medrek, Vampire Hunter🎨 Art, Language & Siberian Steak TipsHow pandemic isolation led to his vibrant abstract paintingsSpeaking 5 languages (and collecting them "like hats")The Magic Castle’s legendary (and now extinct) sirloin steak tips🔥 Highlights You Can’t Miss:"Magic is the only art where you hide your skill" – Sasha’s take on performance philosophyThe Bass-O-Matic Incident – Drinking a blended fish onstage in high school"Moonwalking with Einstein" – How memory champions memorize 50,000 digits of piRussian humor decoded – Plus the dirtiest joke he’s ever heard📌 Follow Sasha:Magic & Art: @sasha_mereuFairVu: FairVu.netHorror Podcast: The Ossuary (Season 2 coming soon)📌Follow us! @theauthenticonlyshow💬 Listener Challenge:"What’s the soundtrack of YOUR life?" Drop your answer in the comments!#Magic #Music #Podcast #CreativeLife #Fairview

This week on *The Authentic Only Show*, host Joey Chmiko sits down with Mark Daffron, a Navy Veteran, graphic designer, and owner of *Secret Pizza Design Company* based in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Mark is not only a creative powerhouse specializing in brand identity and logo design but also an avid mountain biker and self-proclaimed pizza enthusiast. With Joey owning *Nonavo Pizza* in Vancouver, Washington, you know this episode is serving up a delicious mix of design, pizza, and life lessons. In this episode, Joey and Mark dive deep into Mark’s journey as a freelance graphic designer, his passion for crafting unforgettable brand identities, and the challenges of running a creative business. From working with clients like *Relevant Coffee* and *Irrelevant Beer* to navigating the ever-changing dynamics of customer service, Mark shares invaluable insights on the importance of valuing quality design, building strong client relationships, and staying true to your craft. But it’s not all business—Mark and Joey also geek out over their shared love of pizza, swapping stories about their favorite pies, the art of pizza-making, and how creativity connects their worlds. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a good slice, this episode is packed with inspiration, humor, and practical advice. **Highlights:** 🍕 **Pizza Meets Design:** Two pizza enthusiasts (and pros) discuss the art of pizza-making and how creativity fuels their work. 🎨 **Design Philosophy:** Mark shares his approach to brand identity, logo design, and why quality should never be compromised. 💼 **Freelance Life:** The challenges and rewards of running a freelance business, from client communication to setting boundaries. 🤝 **Building Relationships:** Why trust and collaboration are key to creating designs that truly resonate. 🚴 **Life Beyond Design:** Mark’s passion for mountain biking and how it fuels his creativity. **Key Takeaways:** - The importance of valuing your work and finding clients who appreciate quality. - How to navigate challenging client interactions with professionalism and grace. - Why adaptability and continuous learning are essential for long-term success in the creative industry. - The power of personal connections in both business and customer service. Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends creativity, entrepreneurship, and a shared love for pizza. Whether you’re a designer, small business owner, or just someone looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode of *The Authentic Only Show* is one you won’t want to miss! *Follow Joey Chmiko and The Authentic Only Show for more inspiring stories and authentic conversations.*

🎙️ Join host Joey Chmiko in a captivating episode of the Authentic Only Show, featuring a lively and informal conversation with comedian and all-around interesting person, Benjamin Tier. Ben's journey through life is nothing short of extraordinary. From his days as a tour guide to his current role helping transport individuals with limited mobility in Portland, Oregon, Ben has seen and experienced it all. In this heartfelt conversation, Ben opens up about his personal struggles with drug addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), sharing unique insights and compelling stories that highlight the resilience and humor that define him.

In the exciting premiere of Season 3, Joey C sits down with the always thought-provoking Tony Certainly for the first part of a two-part conversation. Together, they dive into a mix of hot-button topics, including the evolving landscape of XRP cryptocurrency and its potential impact on the financial world. The duo also tackles the shocking murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and unpacks the tragic New Year’s Day attacks in Las Vegas and New Orleans.

Join us for an intense, insightful, and raw discussion that sets the tone for an unforgettable season. Don’t miss part two, coming soon!

In this episode, Joey sits down with Rob "The Marquis" Messel—project manager, voiceover artist, military veteran, and former Air Guitar World Champion. Rob takes us on a fascinating journey from small-town Iowa to serving in Afghanistan, navigating the challenges of military life, and transitioning into creative fields like project management and voiceover work for brands like Mountain Dew and Pepsi.

The conversation dives deep into Rob’s unique experiences, from heartwarming Thanksgiving traditions to systemic issues with veteran support, and even a sneak peek at an upcoming live reading event featuring a smut author. With a mix of humor, insight, and candid commentary, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of service, creativity, and life after the military.

Highlights - 🎤

Whether you're here for the laughs, the life lessons, or the behind-the-scenes voiceover stories, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t miss it! 🎙️