show episodes
 
You don’t learn business at film school! The Video Mentors share their tips, tricks, and the unfiltered truth about what it takes to succeed in the industry. Our mission is to positively impact the lives of 1 million videographers - helping you earn more, and work less.
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Comedian Lenny Schmidt travels the world and chats with other live performers who have also built a successful career entertaining audiences globally. Lenny Schmidt has been a traveling Stand-up Comedian for over thirty years. In "Total Schmidt Show", Lenny sits and chats with other entertainers he runs in to as he travels. Comedians, singers, dancers, singers, song writers, magicians.... everyone who has built a career traveling and performing live on stages, cruise ships, theaters, TV, fil ...
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show series
 
Jimmy Denning Rocks! Really, he just rocks. A great musician and powerful vocalist. He's traveled the world and played Vegas with "Tenors of Rock." Currently touring with "Rebel." I caught up with him on the @celebritycruises Reflection by accident.... we were double booked! I win... and my win is your win. Jimmy's got stories man. Like cool "Rock …
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#JFDI! Take action and tackle tasks head-on. In this conversation, The Video Mentors explore practical ways to overcome procrastination, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing tasks, setting clear goals, and celebrating small wins. They share their own experiences and offer actionable tips and tools to help you stay focused and productive at wo…
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Magician Austin Brooks and I go back about thirty years. One of my bestfriends I've been dying to get him on the pod. We toured together on the early stand-up circuit. Worked together on numerous projects, shot dozens of of hours on internet content.... almost got our own video content company off the ground, By almost I mean nothing happened of co…
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Louis is and old Pro. Works the road, ships, he's produced numerous tours and theater shows, been over seas to perform for the troops.. He has seen comedy from every angle. This is my favorite kind of show. Louis and I talked shop for most of it. Our writing process, others we know of.. (Chris Rock, George Carlin) Everything from notecards, to pens…
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Are you tired of going it alone with your video business? In this episode, Den Lennie introduces The Video Mentors and the three established video production businesses that will be sharing their knowledge and experiences. Andy Johnston, Caleb Maxwell, and Matt Smolen discuss the journey of transitioning from being a creative filmmaker to a busines…
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TSS is back. A three week hiatus to support the release of "Fire Sign" the full comedy special. (info below) But, ne we are back at full speed. Tony Esposito is one of those comics that I've known for several years, but have never worked with. Many ships only book one comic at a time. So, we can go years without working together. But, weird schedul…
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In this episode, Den announces a major shift in the show's direction. After years of providing valuable insights and guidance to video business owners, the podcast is evolving to offer even greater value through a new initiative. This change is driven by Den's desire to create a more supportive and collaborative environment for video professionals …
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In this episode, Den addresses the evolving landscape of the videography industry, emphasizing the need for videographers to adopt a business mindset, focus on niching, and leverage effective marketing strategies to thrive. Tune in to learn how to navigate the current market challenges and position your business for long-term success. Here's a snea…
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Let's talk about my newest stand-up comedy special "Fire Sign" out and available now. OVER 25,000 VIEWS on YouTube!!! Buy an your own MP3 copy of "Fire Sign" here: https://800PGR.lnk.to/firesignID Watch it here: https://youtu.be/wMkw6DYdJRU?si=eTv8HbtYf-4OA_RX @800pgm production All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is financially s…
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Richie is the perfect guest. I love talking stand-up, technique, prep.... opening up the hood and seeing hjow it all works. Love working with him too. Funny dude. Great talk. All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is financially supported by our subscribers/followers/supporters. Want to help out? Several ways to throw cash at us. (Ve…
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Mike and I go back many years. Many, many, many... we're old. We're both comedians, travel the world, work on ships, we even each have our own podcasts about travel, entertainment and stuff. Today, we talk about just that. Also, his past a a sportswriter, and youth athletics and the changes they've mad since we were young... and of course, performi…
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Not often I get a Cruise Director on this show. Actually, this is only #4. Brittany Hydra was nice enough to sit with me on the @celebritycruises Reflection. Not any easy thing to do. CD's move at 100 MPH and have ZERO free time. She explains it all here. She is also one of the best I've worked with. Check her out: IG @Brittanyfromcanda All the con…
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In this episode, Den shares exciting updates about the VBA program, including new mentors, an enhanced curriculum, and an imminent price increase. Den discusses the importance of taking action to scale your video production business and introduces the Video Mentors, designed to provide advanced, real-world education for creatives. Here's a sneak pe…
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Johnny and Lenny get together and talk about the Titanic, Comedy at the "Sandtrap" in Beaumont, CA, The pros and cons of therapy.... and agree to disagree about couple therapy. Check out Johnny on: IG - https://www.instagram.com/johnnycardinale/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/johnnycardinale Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnnycardinale All the…
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@Framoscomedy and I worked together in #lasvegas. Really great week over at #BradGarrettsComedyClub in the @mgmgrandlv Funny dude, smart cat when in comes to Comedy and the Biz. We had a great chat... here it is!. All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is financially supported by our subscribers/followers/supporters. Want to help out…
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In this episode, Den shares essential tips for managing finances and maximizing tax benefits as a video business owner. As the end of the financial year approaches, Den provides valuable insights on handling your accounts, utilizing financial tools, and considering strategic investments to reduce tax liabilities. He also discusses the importance of…
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This is a slightly edited version of the initial Podcast One of the coolest most original acts I've ever seen Jenna Knight and Francisco Arango are "Duo Distanza." Aerial, visual, original... It's a fantastic performance that isn'y just a show, but the story of the two of them and how it all came together. The show itself is beautiful. The conversa…
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Magic, Illusion, Prestidigitation... Paige Thompson is a magician playing the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood 2NITE!! May 28-June 2. We worked together on the #norwegiancruiseline #NCLPrima last month. I'm actually heading out the door to see @PaigesMagic live 2nite. You should too. Your welcome. All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy …
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This week, Den shares a personal story of being scammed while buying firewood and the valuable marketing lessons learned from the experience. Discover how this mishap underscores the importance of speed, honesty, and customer-centric responses in business. Tune in to uncover insights that can help you avoid similar pitfalls and enhance your marketi…
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Mike Lukas makes his triumphant return to the LSCN on 2TSS86 - - A second city alum, freelance writer, podcaster, husband and a father... We talk old second city stories, Chicago Improv, and about @mikelukas book series "Find Your Funny Muscle" All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is finacially supported by our subscribers/follower…
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In this episode, we delve into the topic of procrastination and its impact on your business growth. Den shares his personal experiences as a recovering procrastinator and offers valuable strategies to help you shift from a freelancer mindset to a business owner mindset. Learn how to identify and eliminate low-value tasks, implement effective system…
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I love street performers.. Buskers...whatever you want to call them. I think it takes a perfect combination of incredible talent. balls, and charm to build a crowd on a street, and keeopm them entertained. Some cities have a great Busker community.. Melbourne, AUS.... NY... Venice Beach, California... I've always been really blown away by that. I m…
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In this enlightening episode, Tim Arch shares his evolution from a solo freelancer to the owner of a thriving production company. He delves into the strategies and mindset shifts required to scale his business, manage a team, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Tim's candid discussion about the challenges he faced, including cash flow issues …
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It was the @celebritycruises Constellation where I ran in to Gabriel and and Alessandra Nicastro. Gabe's show has everything from close-up magic, to crowd work, to card tricks, to an enourmous breathtaking stunt. It really hits all the levels They are both from Italy. Worked in the circus together before coming out to the ships. It's the story I al…
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This weeks show is an edited version of the TSS (PATREON ONLY) Live stream. Become a member and get access to more live stream. Podcasts and stand-up shows. Cleveland comedian and Second city alum Quinn Patterson sat down with Lenny on the Norwegian Prima. They talk process, performance, writing... If you're a of the art of live stand-up, you'll lo…
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In this episode, we delve into a new AI chat box tool embedded on Den's website. This tool is unique as it is trained solely on Den's content, including books and podcasts, to provide personalized answers and enhance user engagement. Den shares insights into using this AI tool effectively and discusses its potential impact on video business owners.…
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Dan Gabriel and I worked together. We tlaked about kids, ships, comedy, and some baseball... anong other things. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/K7oJOZREK8Q All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is finacially supported by our subscribers/followers/supporters. Want to help out? Several ways to throw cash at us. (Venmo …
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Ever want to hear a kick ass musician play some honky tonk, rock out, and talk about the Blues....? You're welcome. Josh Christana flat out stomps. He talks with Lenny about playing all kinds of music, perforrming live, and his (obvious) influences. Ya gotta see hime live, man. Ya gotta see him live. @JoshChristinaOfficial Again You're welcome All …
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This one came out late. I wanted to get it right. Ep. 2TSS80P is dedicated to Toni Laporte. Chicago Comic Rocky Laporte recently revealed on his socials the struggles he and his family are facing. His daughter Toni has been diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer. Besides the physical and emotional strain, the financial strain on Rocky and his fam…
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Dive into this inspiring episode as Den explores Sam's entrepreneurial voyage from a passion for video to spearheading a successful business in the live streaming and AV industry. From navigating the complexities of COVID-19 to acquiring another company, Sam offers invaluable insights into the trials and triumphs of business expansion, the efficacy…
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Paul Morrissey joins Lenny to talk about his speciial "Ice Cream Vs. Everything," his numerous Late night TV apperances, how he finally got Letterman, Doing the show itself, meeting Dave.... and some a look at the no defunct "Codger" softball league. Get "Ice Cream VS. Everything" at Pauls Website All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Networ…
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A bonus episode!! By bonus, I mean the video files were corrupted. So, no YouTube this time, just a podcast. Ryan is exactly the type of artists I thought about when I started TSS. At the time of this recording, Ryan was playing the role of "Frankie" the lead in "Jersey Boys". Lots of insight to what goes on in the life an an actor. From hidden cup…
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Jeff Capri is a buddy from years ago. We started around the same time. Lot of Stand-up show in the OC. Caught up with him in the middle of the ocean. All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is finacially supported by our subscribers/followers/supporters. Want to help out? Several ways to throw cash at us. (Venmo - @MRLennySchmidt) (Ca…
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My good friend Henry Phillips stopped in to talk about his upcoming run through the midwest. Peoria, Davenport, Cedar Rapids...... dozens of cities over a 2-3 month period. Inof on him is below. Go see Henry. You're welcome. Everything about Henry can be found at his link tree here: https://www.henrys.kitchen/ TSS and all the content on the "Lenny …
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In this episode, Den addresses a pressing concern echoing through the video business community in March 2024: the challenge of articulation. This episode is a deep dive into why so many videographers are finding it difficult to communicate the unique value they bring to their target markets, directly impacting their ability to attract and secure wo…
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Could this really be my brothers first episode of the season...? COULD IT!? Don't tell him. He'll bitch about it. Well, didn't bitch about that... but he did brow beat me for "dropping" this on him at the last minute. Which I did not. Mike's info: YT: https://www.youtube.com/@40YOBMike IG: https://www.instagram.com/mike40yob/ FB: https://www.facebo…
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What happens when a classical trained violinist and Politics major sits down and talks to a comedian....? They talk about the state of the world, Main stream media, timed weapons and the Da Vinci Code of course. We covered a lot here in about an hour and forty minutes. David Klinkenberg https://davidklinkenberg.com/ https://thedavincisolution.com/ …
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(2TSS72) Kirkleberry If you watched this on live stream..... good for you. If not.... enjoy ep. 72, season 2 of "Total Schmidt Show"....... 25 minutes lighter than the live one. Lenny and former Cruise Director / Entertainment Director and current Captain of the seas Kirk Benning talk about their years working together on ships while sipping bevera…
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In this episode, Den provides a curated list of essential reads for videographers and creative entrepreneurs, aiming to inspire, educate, and drive transformative approaches to business and personal development. Highlighting books on a range of topics from building a sellable business to cultivating success through daily habits, Den shares insights…
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Brenda Kaye is a hypnotist. We worked a cruise together. We spent abou an hour together recording a podcast. Everytime I hear the word "cruise" I bark like a dog. Brendas - IG @HypnoBrenda YouTube - @HypnoBrenda TSS and all the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is finacially supported by our subscribers/followers/supporters. Want to hel…
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Married Magicians from Canada...? Whaaaaaaaa? I can't emphasize how much fun it is to hang with these two. OR how much fun their show is. They work off each other better than any two magicians I've ever seen. Sure, I've never seen "Penn and Teller", but that kind of adds to the legitimicy of my statement. They are reall great on stage and just as m…
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JP Parent is a funny little Canadian, magician. Today, he's on my show. You're Welcome. TSS and all the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is finacially supported by our subscribers/followers/supporters. Want to help out? Several ways to throw cash at us. (Venmo - @MRLennySchmidt) (Cash app - $MRLennySchmidt) Go to Lennyschmidt.com and h…
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Rob Little is back!! Attention, Rob Little is back!! Ever want to listen to 2 comics talk about soime of the worst gigs they've ever done...? You're Welcome. Check out his website. https://www.roblittle.com/ TSS and all the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is finacially supported by our subscribers/followers/supporters. Want to help ou…
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In this episode, Den discusses effective strategies for handling sales calls in the video production business. He emphasizes the importance of building rapport early in conversations and maintaining an authoritative position. The main focus is on a systematic approach to sales, distinguishing between 'warm' leads and other inquiries, and handling t…
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Chad Daniels livestreams on TSS this week to talk about his new special "Mixed Reviews", the process in which he put it all together, and the good and bad of releasing your own content on numerous platforms this day and age. Check out everything Chad Daniels. You're Welcome. "Mixed Reviews" - https://youtu.be/n1kVr3zkz7E?si=PTuBVOq86i-Sw71y Chad's …
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2TSS66 0f "Total Schmidt Show' Glen and get tech heavy, talk Covid and the aftermath, and about his years working with Jerry Falwell. Glen's always a great guest. We get deep in to a liot of stuff. You're Welcome. We could use your support. All the content on the “Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network” is free, but PAYIFUCAN GO TO https://lennyschmidt.com/p…
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In this episode, Den discusses the common challenges videographers face in January, often referred to as the "January blues." These challenges include financial strains, feeling demotivated, and the loneliness that comes with running a business. Den shares insights from a recent two-hour coaching call with the Video Business Accelerator Elites, emp…
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Let's ring in the New Year with Spike Davis!! Love Spike. One of thos comics who splits his shows up, challenges the audience a little, jokes around a lot.... He talsk about it here. Great guy. Awesome comic. Check him out when ypou can. www.Spike Davis.com We could use your support. All the content on the “Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network” is free, bu…
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This episode covers everything this podcast is supposed to be. Road stories, insight on the state of Stand-up today, why we started, what we wanted out of it, what we think about while onstage... really, one of our better episodes. Why? Auggie Smith. Period. Comedian Lenny Schmidt travels the world and chats with other live performers who have also…
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