Best BTB Podcast Entertainment Podcasts (2024)

1
BTB Ep 434: Why aren’t artists paid when their music is on the radio?; we interview singer - songwriter Happie Hoffman 1:01:00

1d ago1:01:00

1:01:00

TOPICS: The US is one of only a few countries that still does not require radio stations to pay artists when their music is played on the radio. Why is this the case, and will Congress fix it this year?; Ryan and Gideon King talk about using backing tracks in live shows; we interview singer-songwriter Happie Hoffman. Happie’s latest single “Shootin…

1
BTB Ep 433: Chappell Roan’s rise to stardom; we interview artist - entrepreneur Chris Bullinger 1:00:01

13d ago1:00:01

1:00:01

TOPICS: Ryan is deliriously happy that the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup; Ryan and Katie Zaccardi talk about Chappel Roan’s Rise to Stardom; we interview artist and energy industry entrepreneur Chris Bullinger. Chris’ latest album “Waitin’ to be Seen” will drop on August 16th. Find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.chrisbulling…

1
BTB Ep 432: Licensing your music for sync projects; Dmitri Vietze from Rock Paper Scissors 1:01:46

20d ago1:01:46

1:01:46

TOPICS: Ryan and Zak Sloan answer a listener question about how artists can make sure that they own the rights to their music before they license their music for sync projects; why does Spotify have problems with streaming bots; we talk about 90s Nickelodeon shows with the AI Overlord; our guest this week is Rock Paper Scissors Founder/CEO Dmitri V…

1
BTB Ep 431: How is AI impacting music; we interview documentary filmmaker Bill Teck 1:00:32

1M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

TOPICS: Music attorney Cassandra Spangler joins Ryan and Gideon King to talk about how AI is affecting music and the law; battling stage fright; Spotify is raising its prices—is this good or bad for artists; we interview documentarian Bill Teck to talk about his new film Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple. The film will be premiering on HBO on June 22nd an…

1
BTB Ep 430: New rules for celebrities in 2024; we interview Angela Tyler of Muddy Paw PR 1:03:53

1M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

TOPICS: Ryan and ElisaRockDoc talk about a recent article in Vulture about the “new rules” for stardom in 2024 and how these changes in what it means to be a celebrity offer lessons for indie creators; ElisaRockDoc Career Update; we interview Angela Tyler of Muddy Paw PR to get music publicity tips. You can find out more about our guest’s work by v…

1
BTB Ep 429: “I’m Looking for a Man in Finance” record deal; interview with CeCe Teneal 1:00:19

1M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

TOPICS: Why was the Memorial Day box office so disappointing?; how the “I’m looking for a man in finance” TikTokergot a record deal; how to operate a tribute band legally; we interview award-winning recording artist CeCe Teneal. CeCe’s new single “Try” is available now and you can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.ceceteneal.com.…

1
BTB Ep 428: The end of mechanical licenses?; Prof. Alyse Lancaster on the Taylor Swift brand 1:00:59

2M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

TOPICS: Can Scarlett Johansson sue Open AI for (allegedly) using her voice for ChatGPT 4o; the NationalMusic Publishers Association is mad at Spotify and wants Congress to get rid of compulsory mechanical licenses; the Justice Department is going after Ticketmaster; we talk to University of Miami Professor Dr. Alyse Lancaster about her “Mastermind …

1
5.20.24 Becca Strand 26:39

2M ago26:39

26:39

“Becca Strand” In this episode, our friend Becca Strand shares her journey through the world of performing arts, a story that resonates with many of us who have pursued our passions with determination and grit. Have you ever accomplished everything you wanted, only to find it wasn't as perfect as expected? Becca understands. From her humble beginni…

1
BTB Ep 427: Working with singers; we interview award - winning composer Pete Calandra 1:03:06

2M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

TOPICS: Ryan thinks that the new GPT 4o is flirting with us; the forced TikTok sale; Gideon King Wheel of Topics; advice on working with singers; we interview award-winning composer and pianist Pete Calandra. Pete’s new album “Spirit” is available now and you can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.petecalandramusic.com. Rate/revie…

1
BTB Ep 426: TikTok sues the government; we interview rock country artist Rockie Lynne 1:04:51

2M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

TOPICS: Artists seem to universally hate Apple’s new “Crush” iPad commercial; TikTok is challenging its U.S. ban by filing a First Amendment lawsuit; we interview rock country artist Rockie Lynne about his new Amazon Prime Documentary “Where I Belong” and his latest album. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting https://www.rockiel…

1
5.06.24 Derek Frazier 32:51

2M ago32:51

32:51

“Derek Frazier” Transitions, huh? Have you ever found yourself in one of those moments where you're like, "What just happened?" Even when you see it coming, it can feel like trying to tackle a running back who's zigzagging all over the field. (We’ve never done that, but it sounds like it might be a majorly difficult thing to do.) Well, it just so h…

1
BTB Ep 425: UMG and TikTok make peace; Children’s Artist Mama B 1:01:24

2M ago1:01:24

1:01:24

TOPICS: UMG and TikTok make peace, but is a US ban on the horizon after recent Congressional action?; we interview Annie, Dee Dee, and Michelle from the UniPhi Space Agency about National Astronaut Day and the inaugural Astronaut Rock Star Awards; we interview Children’s artist Mama B. Mama B’s new album “Imaginology” is available on Mother’s Day. …

1
BTB Ep 424: ElisaRockDoc plays substitute teacher with Lauren and Grammy Award-winner and Deadhead Jonathan Shank 1:01:53

3M ago1:01:53

1:01:53

This week on Break the Business ElisaRockDoc plays substitute teacher while Ryan is out of town. Producer Lauren and Elisa chat about the future of TikTok for indie creators; we get an ElisaRockDoc career update; and we chat with Leading live events producer, Grammy Award-winner and Deadhead Jonathan Shank about his life in the industry and about h…

1
4.22.24 Debby Thompson 32:32

3M ago32:32

32:32

“Debby Thompson” What if your '2+2 Is Chicken' meant going undercover to communist Poland and living a double life? On today’s episode, Debby Thompson, author of “Pulling Back the Iron Curtain,” sits down with us and takes us back in time to the year 1977 when she, her husband, and their infant daughter made the courageous decision to leave behind …

1
BTB Ep 423: It’s our first Break the Business Show on Volume.com! 1:03:11

3M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

TOPICS: Break the Business is having its first episode as part of the volume.com live streaming network! To help welcome us to the platform, Jon Romero and Ben Holst from Volume join us to talk about how artists can up their live streaming game and make the most of the Volume.com platform. We also talk about the rise of streaming farms and whether …

1
BTB Ep 422: How will Sona.ai impact the music industry; we interview booking agent Jack Forman 1:07:11

3M ago1:07:11

1:07:11

TOPICS: Break the Business will join Volume.com as a partner program on April 18th; the University of Miami has a new Taylor Swift class; Ryan and Katie talk about AI music generation platform Sona and how much that these platforms have progressed in just the past few months; we interview booking agent Jack Forman from Bicoastal Productions. You ca…

1
4.8.24 Emmalee Smith 34:08

3M ago34:08

34:08

"Emmalee Smith" On today’s episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Emmalee Smith, who, despite facing the numerous challenges of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), shines as the BRIGHTEST ray of sunshine we've ever encountered (so much so that we had to keep our solar eclipse glasses on for this interview)! It hasn't been easy, n…

1
BTB Ep 421: “The Neptunes” trademark dispute; we interview Bill “Downupright” Boulden 1:05:39

3M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

TOPICS: The Marlins are making Ryan sad; Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes are involved in a (completely avoidable) federal lawsuit over their use of the “Neptunes” name; Ryan and Elisa interview musician and entrepreneur Bill “Downupright” Boulden and talk about musicians’ fears about AI in music. Bill’s new album, an ambitious sixty…

1
BTB Ep 420: Can the ELVIS Act stop AI deepfakes; Hannah Nobbe from Brooklyn Bowl 59:01

4M ago59:01

59:01

TOPICS: Tennessee passed a new law meant to stop AI deepfakes in music—will other states (or perhaps even the US Congress) follow suit?; defending a meritless copyright lawsuit can still cost you over two years of your life and $700k in legal fees; we interview Brooklyn Bowl marketing manager Hannah Nobbe and talk about her work, get some marketing…

1
3.25.24 B.T.B. (Unwrapped Version) 9:45

4M ago9:45

9:45

“B.T.B.” (Unwrapped Version) "We didn’t need a net, nor the quick reflexes (which, is a good thing because we don’t have them anymore…or, really ever), that it would take to catch this 'Sassy Skipper.' Come with us as we go 'Behind the Basket' with the Easter Bunny himself. No topic is 'off limits' as he spills the 'jelly' beans regarding everythin…

1
BTB Ep 419: Private equity’s involvement in music; we chat with “cultural archaeologist” Brad Mindich 1:00:38

4M ago1:00:38

1:00:38

TOPICS: Ryan and co-host Gideon King talk about an essay in the New York Times discussing the rising trend of private equity buying music cataloges and companies. Is this good for the entertainment industry? Is it hurting innovation? We also interview Brad Mindich, CEO of Definitive Authentic—a music merchandising and archival firm. You can find ou…

1
BTB Ep 418: The dangers for “Kidfluencers”; Gary and Spiro from MediMusic 1:01:25

4M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

TOPICS: Ryan and Katie talk about the rise of “Kidfluencers” (kids being featured in their parents’ influencer posts) and the legal, personal, and psychological dangers these children often experience. Our guests this week are MediMusic CEO and Tune GlobalCRO Spiro Arkoudis. They are joining us this week to talk about their work in creating “music …

1
3.11.24 Charlie Sasser 37:26

4M ago37:26

37:26

"Charlie Sasser” Have you somehow allowed your past mistakes to define you? If you have NEVER, EVER, EVER done that, we salute you. But just in case you’ve ever let words such as "failure," "worthless," "stupid," etc., speak louder than the truth, this episode just might resonate with you. So, we were really glad that our courageous, humble, and in…

1
BTB Ep 417: Do artists still need to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act?; Brando and Dusty from CashOrTrade 1:00:41

4M ago1:00:41

1:00:41

TOPICS: Ryan and ElisaRockDoc are still obsessed with the “Madame Web” trailer; a federal judge has ruled the Corporate Transparency Act to be unconstitutional—so do artists still need to comply with it?; ElisaRockDoc career update; we interview Brando and Dusty Rich, co-founders of the social ticketing platform CashOrTrade. You can find out more a…

1
BTB Ep 416: “We’re Doomed; We’re Dancing” Reveal; Jeff Ponchick from Mogul 1:01:24

5M ago1:01:24

1:01:24

TOPICS: Ryan is obsessed with the “Madame Web” trailer; Ryan and guest co-host Bill Boulden breakdown the latest in the UMG-TikTok feud; Bill talks about their upcoming release of “We’re Doomed, We’re Dancing”, an innovative 60-track, 60-genre, 60-secondalbum project. Our guest this week is JeffPonchick, Founder and CEO of artist payment integratio…

1
2.20.24 Rob Shepherd Jr. 31:35

5M ago31:35

31:35

“Rob Shepherd Jr. " Some may call it nepotism, but we’re calling it awesome. In today’s episode, pastor, husband, father of twins, author, and, MOST importantly, Sarah’s younger brother, Rob Shepherd, shares, from a husband’s point of view, what it was like for him and his wife to struggle with infertility. It’s a candid and insightful retelling fr…

1
BTB Ep 415: The dangers of beat licensing; Michaela and Andrea from HRDRV 1:01:14

5M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

TOPICS: Super Bowl and Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift recap; Cetaphil’s Super Bowl ad and the lessons that creators can learn from it; the dangers of beat licensing; our guests this week are Michaela Shilohand Andrea Mullen from community-based record label HRDRV. In April, our guests will be hosting BetaFest, a full-day music industry experience in…

1
2.12.24 Jen Pollock Michel 33:49

5M ago33:49

33:49

"Jen Pollock Michel" We're still pinching ourselves!!!! Today, award-winning author, speaker, coach for aspiring writers, wife, mother, mentor, and friend, Jen Pollock Michel, stops by to talk with us! In this episode, Jen walks us through what it's like for her and her family to care for her mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's. She also shares in…

1
BTB Ep 414: More on the UMG - TikTok Saga; music publicist Sasha Pisterman 1:01:39

5M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

TOPICS: What does “mother is mothering” mean?; The UMG- TikTok saga continues, and Ryan talks about just how much music rightsholders are underpaid on the platform; ElisaRockDoc career update; our guest this week is music publicist Sasha Pisterman of SDP Digital. Our guest’s course “The Complete Music PR Playbook” is available now. You can find out…

1
BTB Ep 413: UMG pulled its music from TikTok; we interview CPA to the stars Nischay Rawal 1:00:28

5M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

TOPICS: Ryan has a big show announcement; Ryan and Zak talk about the clash between Universal MusicGroup and TikTok in which UMG pulled all of its music from the video platform amid a licensing standoff (and UMG’s artists are caught in the middle!); we interview entertainment industry CPA Nischay Rawalto talk about how creative professionals can mo…

1
1.29.24 Sarah Burggraf 34:29

6M ago34:29

34:29

“Sarah Burggraf” WHAT THE WHAT? Our very own, Sarah Burggraf is in the house! In this episode, Sarah discusses what it was like to go through her divorce as well as how to encourage others who have found themselves in a difficult relationship. Spoiler Alert: If you're discouraged by your own dating life, or perhaps your "past" dating life, Courtney…

1
BTB Ep 412: Music executive Michael Mauldin; when do e - mails make a contract? 1:01:22

6M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

TOPICS: We interview music executive Michael Mauldin of the Black American Music Association; JamesVan Der Beek loses a lawsuit against SiriusXM, which gives rise to the question, “When do e-mails create a contract?”; Ryan and Gideon play the word association game “Two Word Trigger” Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes,…

1
BTB Ep 411: New government reporting requirement for artist businsses; Steven Shaw and Jonathan Linden of Round Room Live 1:00:04

6M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

TOPICS: Ryan is sad that his Dolphins are out of the playoffs, but is happy that Taylor Swift is happy; why artists need to care about the US Corporate Transparency Act that just went into effect; growing your fan base; we interview Round Room Live co-presidents Steven Shaw and Jonathan Linden. Sesame Street Live will begin its tour in April and yo…

1
1.15.24 Michelle Moore 28:28

6M ago28:28

28:28

"Michelle Moore" We couldn’t find a sweeter, more genuine, braver, friend, mother, cancer-survivor than Michelle. We are so thankful that she chose to share her story for the first time with us. Michelle walks us thru her battle with cancer as well as offers insight and hope for those that are suffering. Spoiler Alert: Her life isn’t going the way …

1
BTB Ep 410: SAG - AFTRA is allowing AI voice - over performances in video games; Harvard Law Professor Alan Jenkins 1:03:26

6M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

TOPICS: SAG-AFTRA just cut a deal for voice-over artists to be used for AI in video games, and ElisaRockDoc has some strong feelings about it; ElisaRockDoc career update; we interview social justice leader and Harvard Law Professor Alan Jenkins about the latest edition of his graphic novel series, “1/6”.You can find out more about our guest’s work …

1
1.8.24 Robert Shepherd 32:17

6M ago32:17

32:17

“Robert Shepherd” We’re celebrating our first episode AND the fact that we actually get to kick our podcast off with a celebrity! We were so fortunate to be able to take a few minutes of his time (pre-2024), and hear about his path to becoming an actor who now has over 100 movie credits to his name! Spoiler alert, his path didn’t quite go the way t…

1
BTB Ep 409: Creating easy music videos on CD Baby; Jazz legend Peter Martin 1:01:03

6M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

TOPICS: Ryan and Zak Sloan realize how horrifying the public domain Steamboat Willie cartoon actually is; video creation platform partners with CD Baby to allow CD Baby users to easily create music videos; we interview acclaimed Jazz Pianist and Open Studio founder Peter Martin. Peter's latest album, “PeterMartin and Generation S,” dropped last mon…

1
BTB Ep 408: Should college students major in being an influencer?; we interview Forbes 30 Under 30 CEO Jaquelle Horton 1:03:10

7M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

TOPICS: Colleges are offering courses and majors in being an influencer—would you enroll?; Weinterivew entrepreneur, Forbes 30 Under 30 winner, and Fave CEO Jacquelle Horton. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.faveforfans.com. Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Goog…

1
BTB Ep 407: Public Domain Day; social entrepreneur Janice Polizzotto from Music Will 59:07

7M ago59:07

59:07

TOPICS: January 1, 2024 is Public Domain Day (does that mean that Mickey Mouse and Tigger will belong to everyone?); the Estate of JRR Tolkien goes after an unauthorized sequel to Lord of the Rings; we interview social entrepreneur and Music Will Interim CEO Janice Polizzotto. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.musicwill.o…

1
BTB Ep 406: Luke Combs turns a potential scandal into a PR success story; Russ Lorenson interview 1:01:20

7M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

TOPICS: Ryan and Katie Z talk about how country Singer Luke Combs accidentally sued a fan for copyright infringement, and turned it into a PR success story (teaching us all some great lessons along the way); AI Overlord Tip of the Week; we interview crooner and author Russ Lorenson about finding happiness after his cancer diagnosis and still creati…

1
BTB Ep 405: Who pays artists better, Spotify or TikTok?; Daybreaker co - founder Timothy Patch 1:01:21

7M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

TOPICS: How can a 1958 Christmas song become the Billboard Hot 100 #1 in 2023?; Hank Green revealed how much he gets paid for his TikTok videos; AI Overlord Tip of the Week; Taylor Swift earned over $100 million on Spotify this year; we interview Timothy Patch, co-founder of event company Daybreaker. You can find out more about our guest’s work by …

1
BTB Ep 404: The first 100% AI musician; Mike Fink from Distrokid joins us 1:00:42

8M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

TOPICS: Anna Indiana is the first 100% AI musician, and Ryan and co-host Gideon King are not fans; is thel ine blurring between social media and traditional broadcast media; we interview Distrokid Director of Creative Services Mike Fink. Find out more about Distrokid’s distribution services for musicians by visiting distrokid.com Rate/review/subscr…

1
BTB Ep 403: Taylor Lorenz of the Washington Post joins us to talk about her new book, “Extremely Online” 1:00:09

8M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

TOPICS: Rob Abelow’s predictions about the future of music; ElisaRockDoc career update; we interview Washington Post columnist Taylor Lorenz about her new book "Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet.” Taylor’s book is available whenever books are sold and you can find out more by visiting www.extremelyonli…

1
BTB Ep 402: Breaking down the SAG - AFTRA deal; Music Will founder Dave Wish joins 1:03:51

8M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

TOPICS: Ryan and Katie Zaccardi break down the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike and discuss how the actors did on their deal; dealing with burnout as a creator; we interview Music Will Founder Dave Wish about how his organization Music Will helps all students in schools discover their inner musician (that every person has within them!). You can find out…

1
BTB Ep 401: A Taylor Swift law school class?; Cat Henry of Live Music Society joins 1:02:37

8M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

TOPICS: The University of Miami is offering a law school class all about Taylor Swift, and Ryan talks to the professor who created it; Vince Vance is suing Mariah Carey for copyright infringement (again!); we interview Live Music Society Executive Director Cat Henry to talk about the work that her amazing organization does to save small venues thro…

1
BTB Ep 400: It’s our 400 th episode! We interview filmmaker Nancy Kates 1:04:03

8M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

TOPICS: We are celebrating our 400th episode! Ryan and co-host Gideon King talk about the differences in payouts between Spotify and Apple Music and discuss whether streaming services might actually start to charge artists to use their platforms. Our guest this week is acclaimed indie documentary filmmaker Nancy Kates, director of the iconic 2003 d…

1
BTB Ep 399: Spotify is changing its royalty policies; interview with Rep. Deborah Ross 59:17

9M ago59:17

59:17

TOPICS: Ryan and Katie Zaccardi talk about the Billboard’s list of the Top 100 songs to never make the Billboard Hot 100; Spotify is changing its royalty policies; how artists can promote themselves organically. On this week’s show, we also have a special interview with U.S. Representative Deborah Ross (D-NC) to talk about her new bill the “Protect…

1
BTB Ep 398: An entertainment lawyer’s perspective on the changing industry; celebrate Halloween with LVCRFT 1:10:04

9M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

TOPICS: We have a spooky Halloween episode this week! Ryan and Gideon King swap ghost stories; we talk about entertainment law legend Donald Passman’s recent Billboard interview in which he talksabout how the music industry has evolved; what should artists look for in a good entertainment lawyer;we interview Grammy award-winning songwriters Evan Bo…

1
BTB Ep 397: Did Drake rip off the Pet Shop Boys?; Brooklyn Bowl Nashville GM Sara Barnett 58:04

9M ago58:04

58:04

TOPICS: Ryan has recovered from covid!; Did Drake rip off the Pet Shop Boys; AI Overlord Tip of the Week; We interview Brooklyn Bowl Nashville General Manager Sara Barnett. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting https://www.brooklynbowl.com/nashville. Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, S…

1
BTB Ep 396: Ryan’s out sick and Lauren and Gideon cover; Ed Sheeran is independent; is pain necessary to create?; Interview with singer/songwriter Frankie Raye. 1:00:47

9M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

TOPICS: Recommend documentary “Squaring the Circle”, Is there value in cover art? ; Ed Sheeran releases independent album on his own label Gingerbread Man Records; Staying inspired for songwriting, Do we need pain and sadness to create?; Interview with Singer/Songwriter Frankie Raye where she plays her new song “Foot in Mouth” Live. Find out more a…

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