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!

Learn more about Luke Katler:

https://www.instagram.com/ohnolukie/

https://www.lucaskatler.com/

EPISODE #50 of CREATIVE RISK

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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.

Learn more about LESSON WITH LUKE:

Email lessonwithlukestudio@gmail.com and mention Creative Risk for for your first 3 lessons at 30% off.

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Learn more about ADULT FILM:

www.adultfulm.nyc

https://www.instagram.com/adultfilm.nyc/

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Learn more about METHOD FITNESS:

www.methodfitnessnyc.com

https://www.instagram.com/methodfitnessnyc/


EPISODE #49 of CREATIVE RISK

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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.

Listen now!

Learn more about LESSON WITH LUKE:

Email lessonwithlukestudio@gmail.com and mention Creative Risk for for your first 3 lessons at 30% off.

—

Learn more about ADULT FILM:

www.adultfulm.nyc

https://www.instagram.com/adultfilm.nyc/


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Learn more about METHOD FITNESS:

www.methodfitnessnyc.com

https://www.instagram.com/methodfitnessnyc/


EPISODE #48 of CREATIVE RISK

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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.

Stream this awesome convo on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Learn more about SAMANTHA:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthajoyprl/

https://www.samanthajoypearlman.com/

Learn more about JOY AND THE WILDFIRE:

www.joyandthewildfire.com

Listen to “Shouldn't I Be Older”

Listen to “Tears in Brooklyn”
https://open.spotify.com/track/1JMO5057tlG1e7zaIAtXIi?si=d006f56693fa415f

https://instagram.com/joyandthewildfire

“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.

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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

We start in an existential rabbit hole talking about dead stars and The Great Year (watch Joshua’s visible frustration on YouTube) but quickly course correct in this un-PC episode, where we dive deep into the intersection of talent, appearance, and inclusivity in Hollywood and beyond.

We share personal stories of losing roles based on their looks—Joshua’s Broadway weight-loss ultimatum and Mike’s take on why diversity in casting still favors people who look like models. Together, they unpack the paradox: is Hollywood moving toward authenticity or still clinging to aspirational beauty? Does representation include a broader range of appearances, or is it just a rebrand of the same old standards? With humor, tough love, and a lot of disagreement along the way, they ask the hard questions about whether the industry’s push for relevance is working and whether actors can ever take "looks-based" casting personally. Spoiler: Mike’s offer to be Joshua’s stylist might be the funniest part of the episode.

This is the episode you’ll only get on Patreon. Don’t miss it.

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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 Raw + Rising, we’re keeping it real with the multi-talented Michelle Simone Miller—actress, podcaster, and the powerhouse behind Mentors on the Mic. Known for pulling back the curtain on the entertainment industry with interviews featuring top-tier showrunners, casting directors, producers, and more, Michelle shares how she’s carving her own path while lifting others up.

We dive into the nitty-gritty of starting a podcast and how Mentors on the Mic has become more than just a platform—it’s a community and a springboard for creative connections. Michelle gets candid about balancing her artistic work with producing and distributing her show, the lessons she’s learned about building relationships, and why taking risks in your creative journey matters. Plus, you’ll hear a sneak peek from her interview with the legendary Marta Kauffman, co-creator of Friends, and trust us, it’s one you don’t want to miss.

Listen now!

Learn more about MICHELLE:

https://www.instagram.com/michellesimonemiller/

https://www.michellesimonemiller.com/

Learn more about MENTORS ON THE MIC:

https://kite.link/mentors-on-the-mic

"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.

—

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!

JOIN OUR PATREON

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts as we will read it on an episode (even if it’s bad!)

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

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Joshua sits down with Oscar-winning producer Julia Kennelly to uncover the gritty, unglamorous, and deeply rewarding work of being an independent film producer in today’s volatile market. Julia shares her journey from theater student to multi-hyphenate filmmaker, diving deep into the many hats producers wear, from assembling the perfect team to fighting for essential protections for creatives in Hollywood and beyond. Julia also dishes out advice for directors on earning respect on set and collaborating effectively with producers without compromising their vision. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a seasoned industry pro, or just curious about what it takes to bring a film to life, this episode is packed with insider insights and hard-earned wisdom.

Learn more about JULIA KENNELLY:

Social Media

Website

EPISODE #46 of CREATIVE RISK

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This episode starts with a cosmic twist—aliens, ghosts, and Joshua’s unforgettable medium training (yes, a ghost may have crossed a boundary). But things quickly get grounded as the boys dive into the complexities of practicing gratitude as artists. Why is it so hard for actors, often stuck in survival mode, to embrace true gratitude? And what happens when gratitude becomes phony or self-serving, ultimately doing more harm than good? They also tackle gratitude in the age of cancel culture, exploring how it fits into a world of rigid narratives and heightened accountability. Rather than weakening our advocacy, they argue that genuine gratitude can make us stronger, offering resilience and perspective in a tough industry. Equal parts irreverent and insightful, this episode unpacks how gratitude, when done right, can be a transformative force in our personal and creative lives.

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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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Leave a review on Apple Podcasts as we will read it on an episode (even if it’s bad!)

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

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