In this episode, we sit down with Ari Roth—producer, playwright, dramaturg, educator, and former Artistic Director of Theater J, as well as the founder of Mosaic Theater Company of DC. A Chicago native and child of Holocaust refugees, Roth’s career has been anything but smooth. He has consistently sought out the gray areas in a theater landscape that’s become rigidly binary and moralistic.

Now, as the founding artistic producing partner of Voices Festival Productions, Roth continues to challenge the status quo through bold, intercultural storytelling. Voices Festival Productions brings to life shows that explore the complexities of Middle Eastern conflicts and the deep divides within the U.S., daring to engage with ideas that mainstream theater often avoids.

In this candid conversation, Roth shares how he’s remained “uncancellable” despite a career rife with conflict and opposition. We dive into the politics of American theater, its recent “reckoning,” and why the reckoning probably needs its own reckoning and the issues of what he calls “the ladder of victimization.” Throughout it all, Roth remains committed to his artistic values—proving that even in the face of intense backlash, authenticity and courage can’t be silenced.

Tune in now for an episode that explores art, politics, and the power of staying true to your vision.

Learn more about Voices Festival Productions

EPISODE #38 of CREATIVE RISK

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This episode is all about health and fitness, baby!

We’re joined by Joe Rosko from Built for the Stage, who has worked with performers in over fifty Broadway shows and stages worldwide through his innovative fitness app. Rosko and his team specialize in helping performers maintain their fitness, whether they’re actively in a show or not.

In this episode, Joe shares essential fitness and nutrition tips for both the "off season" (when actors aren’t performing) and the "on season" (when they’re in a show). He also dives into injury prevention, common mistakes performing artists make regarding their health, the importance of always staying ready and how nothing great was ever done from a place of comfort.

Joshua and Mike are especially excited to have someone on the show who’s in such great shape—LOL!

This episode is packed with valuable information, making it a must-listen for anyone serious about fitness on the stage and beyond.

Learn more about JOE ROSKO + BUILT FOR THE STAGE:

Joe's IG

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Built For the Stage Free Trial

Built for the Stage Podcast

EPISODE #37 of CREATIVE RISK

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We're going back to basics in this jam-packed episode featuring three incredible guests. First, we’re joined by Emily Lambert, a headshot photographer based in NY, LA, and ATL. Next, we have Brett Rigby, Agent and Partner at the New York-based talent agency CGF. Lastly, we sit down with Tiffany Little Canfield, a renowned casting director from The Telsey Office.

Together, we dive into the key elements of getting the "right" headshot, exploring everything from choosing the best looks, how often to update your shots, and how to prepare for a session with both your photographer and reps. Throughout the discussion, a larger question emerges: How can you truly capture your essence and stand out in today’s increasingly saturated industry?

Learn more about Tiffany, Brett and Emily:

Emily Social

Emily Website

More on Brett

More on Tiffany

EPISODE #36 of CREATIVE RISK

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Thanks for watching!

Get motivated, get inspired, Get RISKY! Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Choose the tier that fuels your creative journey and unlock your full potential!

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THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE

Joshua and Mike sit down with the dynamic casting director Erica Hart, whose entrepreneurial spirit and deep respect for actors have set her apart in the industry and made her one of the most exciting casting professionals working today. Erica doesn't just talk the talk; she’s taken bold creative risks in her own career and believes that actors should be doing the same.

Get ready for some real talk as Erica offers audition advice for TV, film, and theater, to the do's and don’ts of communicating with casting directors (trust us, this is advice you won't hear anywhere else). We dive into how self-taping has flipped the script on the audition process—for better and for worse—and why doing your homework is non-negotiable if you want to land that dream role.

Wondering how to actually get those coveted auditions? Erica breaks it down and reveals the surprising places where she finds fresh talent. By the end of this episode, if you're not fired up to hustle and book those roles, well… let’s just say you might need to check your commitment to the craft.

Learn more about ERICA HART:

Instagram

Website

EPISODE #35 of CREATIVE RISK

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Thanks for watching!

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In this must-listen episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented multi-hyphenate Mekhai Lee. Not only is Mekhai an actor with an already impressive track record, but he’s also the co-creator of the hit web series For the Boys, which he filmed with his talented friends during the pandemic. Now, it’s in development as a TV series at an undisclosed network, with heavyweights Colman Domingo and Sarah Jessica Parker as executive producers.

We dive deep into the power of self-producing and how to grow your own audience, revealing how you can make the industry come to you. Mekhai also breaks down the mysterious path of how a newcomer can rise to showrunner status. This episode is packed with inspiration to get you fired up about creating your own work and reaching the people who truly resonate with it—without waiting for the industry's permission.

Learn more about Mekhai Lee and For The Boys

FOR THE BOYS ON SLAY TV

Mekhai's IG

For the Boys IG

EPISODE #34 of CREATIVE RISK

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Thanks for watching!

Get motivated, get inspired, Get RISKY! Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Choose the tier that fuels your creative journey and unlock your full potential!

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Okay, so we kick off this episode with a 20-minute dive into politics, recorded right after Joe Biden dropped out of the race. Mike makes some bold predictions in a fit of rage (spoiler: they’re not exactly coming true, lol).

Once we get past the politics, we dive into the core challenges of managing time as an artist. The artist’s life is uniquely difficult when it comes to workflow, consistency, and accountability. However, developing strong self-improvement habits around time management and productivity is essential to maintaining focus and discipline amidst unpredictable schedules.

In this episode, we explore key points to help artists maximize their productivity, including:

• The deeper reasons behind productivity and how it can simplify your life.
• Capturing, clarifying, organizing, and prioritizing your work effectively.
• Time management techniques that boost productivity while minimizing distractions.
• The importance of regular reviews to stay on track.
• How to balance deep creative work with incremental tasks that build a strong business foundation.

This is an episode you’ll want to revisit regularly to test new strategies and refine your approach. It’s packed with practical, stress-tested advice for mastering time management and self-improvement as an artist. Enjoy!

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Thanks for watching!

Get motivated, get inspired, Get RISKY! Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Choose the tier that fuels your creative journey and unlock your full potential!

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In this episode of Creative Risk, we’re thrilled to sit down with powerhouse talent manager and entrepreneur ChiChi Anyanwu. No-nonsense and deeply caring for her clients, ChiChi opens up about the ins and outs of working with a talent manager in 2024. We dig deep into why parting ways with clients can be tough, how to avoid taking things personally in the actor-manager relationship, and the essential steps for landing representation in today’s cutthroat industry.

We also tackle the future of representation, discussing industry trends, DEI initiatives, and the importance of investing in your audience as a creative. Whether you’re an aspiring actor trying to land your first manager or a seasoned pro navigating these daily industry shifts, ChiChi’s insights are invaluable.

If you’re looking for raw, unfiltered advice on building a sustainable career in the arts, don’t miss this episode!

Learn more about GUEST:

ChiChi Personal IG: @chichimgr2020

Chi Talent Management IG: @chitalentmgmt

Chi Talent Management Website

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Get motivated, get inspired, Get RISKY! Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Choose the tier that fuels your creative journey and unlock your full potential!

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Mike and Joshua debate the question. This is s a segment from our latest episode of Creative Risk, exclusively available on Patreon. If you enjoyed what you heard and want to dive deeper, consider joining our Patreon community. We offer three membership tiers starting at just $5 a month. As a member, you'll get early access to ad-free episodes, weekly motivational content, bonus full-length episodes, and much more including a book club! But it’s more than just content—you’ll be part of a community dedicated to accountability and support, helping you stay motivated and inspired.

Head over to Patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast and sign up today!

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Thanks for watching!

Get motivated, get inspired, Get RISKY! Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Choose the tier that fuels your creative journey and unlock your full potential!

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Free Training Video all on what it takes to be an actor in 2024

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