Episodes

  • Raw + Rising: Hassiem Muhammad
    Jan 15 2025

    In this episode of Raw + Rising, Helen Hayes Award-winning artist Hassiem Muhammad and frequent collaborator of Joushua's and Mike's dives deep into the lessons learned so far in his artistic journey. For instance, the creation of his series Angels of Uptown, funded and shot during the pandemic, the project exemplifies the grit and resourcefulness required of independent artists. Or his podcast, The Actor's Instrument, which is a valuable resource for anyone navigating the entertainment industry in 2025 and beyond. Hassiem shares insights on overcoming the fear of rejection, finding unexpected funding opportunities, and leading with passion to turn bold ideas into reality. His story highlights the importance of building relationships, embracing rejection, and staying determined—even when the path seems uncertain.

    Hassiem also explores how the modern creative landscape, shaped by social media and entrepreneurship, offers both unprecedented opportunities and unique challenges. He encourages artists to align their work with their values, pursue their personal interests, and challenge traditional notions of success. By asking reflective questions like, “What would you create if no one could say no?” and “What would you do if you could retire tomorrow?” Hassiem inspires listeners to reimagine their creative journeys with purpose, passion, and perseverance.

    Listen now!

    Hassiem's Social Media
    https://www.instagram.com/hassiemmuhammad/

    Hassiem's Websit

    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.

    Artist Tax Prep: Affordable tax preparation services for artists & others with self-employment income. "I've been working with them for a few years now and love them." - Mike

    Website
    https://www.artisttaxprep.com/

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/artisttaxprep/

    Email info@artisttaxprep.com and mention Creative Risk for a free 15 minute "fit check."

    Do the Thing: Co-Working Salon: Over six weeks, Mike and Joshua will lead a group of artists through the messy, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding process of getting a creative project to the next stage - whether a short film, concert, reading, play, or Youtube channel. It’s a pressure cooker of accountability and risk-taking designed to help us move our projects forward. Projects at all levels of development are welcome.

    https://artists-strategy.com/do-the-thing



    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.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Manifesting a $72 Million Artistic Vision with Kristen Coury of Gulfshore Playhouse
    Jan 10 2025

    In this inspiring episode, Mike sits down with Kristen Coury, CEO and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, Florida, inside its stunning new $72 million theater. Kristen shares her eclectic journey, from working at Disney Theatrical and with Andrew Lloyd Webber to directing a feature film and unexpectedly landing in Naples to build an artistic legacy. They discuss the highs and hurdles of fundraising, the current challenges facing regional theaters, and how spirituality and vision fueled this 20-year dream. An unforgettable conversation with a trailblazing artist-entrepreneur whose sheer resilience offers a lot of lessons.


    Kristen Coury Social Media
    https://www.instagram.com/theladydirects/

    Gulfshore Playhouse Social Media
    https://www.instagram.com/gulfshore.playhouse/
    www.facebook.com/gulfshoreplayhouse
    https://linktr.ee/gulfshore.playhouse

    Gulfshore Playhouse Website:
    https://www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org/


    EPISODE #51 of CREATIVE RISK

    Artist Tax Prep: Affordable tax preparation services for artists & others with self-employment income. "I've been working with them for a few years now and love them." - Mike

    Website
    https://www.artisttaxprep.com/

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/artisttaxprep/

    Email info@artisttaxprep.com and mention Creative Risk for a free 15 minute "fit check."

    Do the Thing: Co-Working Salon: Over six weeks, Mike and Joshua will lead a group of artists through the messy, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding process of getting a creative project to the next stage - whether a short film, concert, reading, play, or Youtube channel. It’s a pressure cooker of accountability and risk-taking designed to help us move our projects forward. Projects at all levels of development are welcome.

    https://artists-strategy.com/do-the-thing



    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

    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!

    JOIN OUR PATREON:
    https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast


    “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.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 31 mins
  • A Review of Declan Donnellan's "The Actor and the Space"
    Jan 3 2025

    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.



    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

    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!

    JOIN OUR PATREON:
    https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast


    “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.

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Raw + Rising: Dominique Salerno
    Jan 2 2025

    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

    Artist Tax Prep: Affordable tax preparation services for artists & others with self-employment income. "I've been working with them for a few years now and love them." - Mike

    Website
    https://www.artisttaxprep.com/

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/artisttaxprep/

    Email info@artisttaxprep.com and mention Creative Risk for a free 15 minute "fit check."



    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

    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!

    JOIN OUR PATREON:
    https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast


    “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.

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • The Future of Off-Broadway with Tony-Winner Luke Katler
    Dec 27 2024

    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/

    Artist Tax Prep: Affordable tax preparation services for artists & others with self-employment income. "I've been working with them for a few years now and love them." - Mike

    Website
    https://www.artisttaxprep.com/

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/artisttaxprep/

    Email info@artisttaxprep.com and mention Creative Risk for a free 15 minute "fit check."

    Do the Thing: Co-Working Salon: Over six weeks, Mike and Joshua will lead a group of artists through the messy, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding process of getting a creative project to the next stage - whether a short film, concert, reading, play, or Youtube channel. It’s a pressure cooker of accountability and risk-taking designed to help us move our projects forward. Projects at all levels of development are welcome.

    https://artists-strategy.com/do-the-thing



    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

    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!

    JOIN OUR PATREON:
    https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast


    “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.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 33 mins
  • The Creative Risk Christmas Special 2024
    Dec 20 2024

    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.

    Artist Tax Prep: Affordable tax preparation services for artists & others with self-employment income. "I've been working with them for a few years now and love them." - Mike

    Website
    https://www.artisttaxprep.com/

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/artisttaxprep/

    Email info@artisttaxprep.com and mention Creative Risk for a free 15 minute "fit check."

    Do the Thing: Co-Working Salon: Over six weeks, Mike and Joshua will lead a group of artists through the messy, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding process of getting a creative project to the next stage - whether a short film, concert, reading, play, or Youtube channel. It’s a pressure cooker of accountability and risk-taking designed to help us move our projects forward. Projects at all levels of development are welcome.

    https://artists-strategy.com/do-the-thing



    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

    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!

    JOIN OUR PATREON:
    https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast


    “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.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 31 mins
  • What Artists MUST Learn from Trump's Win
    Dec 13 2024

    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.

    Artist Tax Prep: Affordable tax preparation services for artists & others with self-employment income. "I've been working with them for a few years now and love them." - Mike

    Website
    https://www.artisttaxprep.com/

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/artisttaxprep/

    Email info@artisttaxprep.com and mention Creative Risk for a free 15 minute "fit check."

    Do the Thing: Co-Working Salon: Over six weeks, Mike and Joshua will lead a group of artists through the messy, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding process of getting a creative project to the next stage - whether a short film, concert, reading, play, or Youtube channel. It’s a pressure cooker of accountability and risk-taking designed to help us move our projects forward. Projects at all levels of development are welcome.

    https://artists-strategy.com/do-the-thing



    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

    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!

    JOIN OUR PATREON:
    https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast


    “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.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 56 mins
  • Raw + Rising: Samantha Joy Pearlman and Joy and the Wildfire
    Dec 11 2024

    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.

    Artist Tax Prep: Affordable tax preparation services for artists & others with self-employment income. "I've been working with them for a few years now and love them." - Mike

    Website
    https://www.artisttaxprep.com/

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/artisttaxprep/

    Email info@artisttaxprep.com and mention Creative Risk for a free 15 minute "fit check."



    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

    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!

    JOIN OUR PATREON:
    https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast


    “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.

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins