In this episode of You’ll Never Make It, we sit down with Joel Cassady, drummer for Walk Off the Earth — the band that broke the internet with their “5 people, 1 guitar” cover of Somebody That I Used to Know on YouTube.

Joel takes us back to the early YouTube days — from taping iPhones to hockey sticks to suddenly waking up on the front page of Reddit and realizing life was about to completely change. We talk about how the band turned a viral moment into a 15-year career, the crazy behind-the-scenes stories, and his newest project, MIRA— an AI-powered app that helps musicians learn and create in totally new ways that could change the music industry.

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What’s it really like to host a hit food show, tour with Just For Laughs, and leave your stable job to chase comedy full-time? 🎤🍕 In this episode of You’ll Never Make It, hosts Joseph and Ross welcome Canadian comedian and television host John Catucci. Known for You Gotta Eat Here! and Big Food Bucket List, John takes us back to his early days in comedy as one half of The Doo Wops and shares how his Italian heritage, comedy roots, and love for food collided to shape his unique career. From stages in Montreal to small-town diners across Canada, John's journey is inspiring.

John opens up about leaving a stable job at Citytv to pursue comedy full-time and touring with Just For Laughs. He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at filming food shows — from tight travel schedules and long shooting days to the joy (and stress) of working with passionate restaurant owners. His story is good insight into the real hustle of being a working entertainer in Canada.

The conversation also dives into the impact of the pandemic on the entertainment and restaurant industries, the importance of arts education, and the evolving Canadian media landscape. John reflects on the meaning of “making it,” and why empathy, music, and laughter have always been at the heart of his work. Whether you’re a comedy nerd, food lover, or aspiring creative, this episode is full of honesty, nostalgia, and inspiration.

Follow John: https://www.instagram.com/johncatucci?igsh=MTNoNHdlbzJtMzg5MA==

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What happens when comedy meets magic? On this episode of You'll Never Make It, we're joined by Wes Barker—comedian, magician, and massive content creator. From fooling Penn & Teller to starring in his own TV show, Wes has done it all. But what happens when you reach your biggest goal… and then it disappears?

We dive into Wes’s journey—his early viral success, his experience on America’s Got Talent and Ellen, and what it really takes to make it in entertainment. Plus, we talk about the power of content creation, the struggle of balancing creative pursuits, and the weird little advantage of being Canadian in showbiz.

If you're chasing a dream (or just love a good behind-the-scenes story), this one’s for you!

Oscar winning sound editor Nelson Ferreira talks to Ross and Joseph about losing the Oscar in sound editing for the film The Shape of Water but then the film winning best picture an hour later. He discusses working with director Guillermo del Toro, the highs and lows of his career, and the dedication it takes to rebuild success after setbacks. Nelson has been in the game for years with his first major project working with Darren Aronofsky on Requiem for a Dream. They dive into the importance of passion and persistence in a creative career.

Joseph and Ross also share their personal experiences navigating the video and music industry. Ross recounts a chaotic but rewarding show his band played in Poland. Despite technical issues and a language barrier, their preparation and teamwork resulted in a memorable performance. Joseph talks about his attempts to get a TV show made.

Follow Joseph:

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Steve Dangle has said "I've made it" to himself so many times. In this episode of You'll Never Make It, Joseph and Ross sit down with renowned Canadian sports podcaster, YouTuber, and their friend Steve Dangle. The 3 of them went to University together and have all made strides in the industry. Steve reflects on his journey to becoming one of the country's most prominent voices in hockey, discussing how he started in his bedroom and has continued to build his platform through persistence and adapting to changing definitions of success. He shares personal struggles about setbacks, including being laid off, and emphasizes the evolving nature of "making it" in the industry.

The conversation explores broader themes of achieving success in creative fields. Ross, reflects on a recent tour in the UK where his band played for thousands but acknowledges that there are still larger goals to pursue. Both hosts talk about how their respective paths to success are filled with milestones that look impressive from the outside but still leave them striving for more. They agree that even when it seems like you've made it, the ultimate goal keeps shifting.

In this first episode, hosts Ross Hayes Citrullo and Joseph DeBenedictis kick off their podcast, sharing their experiences in the entertainment industry. They talk about being mid-career and how they're still chasing big dreams. Ross, a music producer and lead guitarist in The Commoners, wants to create a worldwide hit, while Joseph, an Emmy winning video producer, editor and social video content creator, aims to have his own TV show. Their chat is all about the ongoing pursuit of these goals and the determination needed to make it.

Follow Joseph:

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https://instagram.com/thecommonersto

Ross and Joseph share their backstories, talking about how childhood passions turned into their current careers. Joseph reminisces about making videos with his dad's old camera, which eventually led him to work in video production for the CFL and Buffalo Bills. Ross talks about his journey in the music world and his goal to produce a hit song. They highlight the importance of constantly creating and pushing forward, no matter the challenges, and the thrill of achieving new milestones.

Throughout the episode, Ross and Joseph emphasize the need for perseverance and being open to unexpected career paths. They aim to inspire listeners by sharing their own stories and offering a realistic look at working in entertainment. The podcast is meant to encourage those just starting out or those still trying to break through, letting them know they're not alone and motivating them to keep chasing their dreams.

"You'll Never Make It!" You'll hear these 4 words from people, or most often from yourself. Making it big in the music or video industry is tough. The odds are against you, and knowing that might make you give up or worse, never try.

Hosts Ross Hayes Citrullo and Joseph DeBenedictis have faced these challenges throughout their career, and pretty much every day still. From self-doubt to doubters -- it's hard to keep moving forward. This podcast sheds some light on these struggles, from two people who are mid-career who have massive goals in mind.

Join Ross and Joseph as they share candid conversations, personal stories, and insightful interviews with Music, TV, and creative industry professionals who are all united by a common goal: the relentless pursuit of their dreams.

In a world where the allure of a stable job beckons, our guests and hosts reveal the struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices they make to stay true to their passion and avoid the conventional path of giving up on their dreams to settle for a "real job." From late-night auditions to early morning shoots, from rejection to resilience, this podcast explores the unyielding spirit of those who are "just trying not to go home" until they've made it in their competitive industries.

Whether you're an aspiring actor, comedian, musician, filmmaker, or any type of creative navigating the ups and downs of the entertainment world, the show offers inspiration, motivation, and hope in the pursuit of turning dreams into reality.

Ross Hayes Citrullo is an award-winning music, record producer, and lead guitarist of The Commoners, touring across the UK and Canada. Joseph DeBenedictis is an Emmy-winning video creator, producer, and editor, and has now made his mark as a social media video creator and comedian.

Both Joseph and Ross have found success working full time for themselves, actively pursuing their big dreams. Joseph Dream is to have his own Tv show (both behind and in-front of camera). Ross’s dream is for his band to make it. And also to produce for a big band/ have a song he produces make it big.