Lessons from Backstage Banter Ep 22 with Bryan & Jay
Live events don’t follow a straight line. One day you’re called in to lead a headline concert. The next, your client hires someone full-time—and you’re out. It’s not personal. It’s just the business. But what happens next says more about you than any resume ever could.
In this episode of Backstage Banter, Bryan and Jay get honest about the unpredictable ride of live entertainment, and how sometimes the gig ends—but the need for leadership doesn’t.
You Can Do Everything Right—and Still Get Replaced
Jay kicks off the episode by sharing a personal story: his longtime client brought in a full-time entertainment manager. Smart move for them. End of contract for him.
“Which is great news for them… but it meant bye-bye to me.”
It’s a reminder that freelance life comes with zero guarantees. Being great at your job doesn’t mean you’re immune to change. The question is: what do you do next?
When You’re Not in the Role—But Still in the Room
Jay ended up back at the venue recently to help out on a concert. And even though he wasn’t the hired lead anymore, his instincts kicked in.
He attended the security meeting. He spotted the gaps. He made the call.
“Put somebody there, put somebody there, this is the cutoff—nobody gets past here unless their ticket says one through fifteen.”
That kind of production awareness doesn’t come from a manual. It comes from experience. It’s the difference between showing up to do a task, and showing up ready to own the room when things go sideways.
“Shit Happens” Is a Strategy, Not a Shrug
If there’s one recurring truth in live events, it’s this: shit happens. Budgets shift. Staff changes. People forget to triple-check the run of show.
And if you’re in this business long enough, your job will get eliminated, postponed, or handed off to someone with a different set of skills. That doesn’t mean you failed. It means you’re riding the rollercoaster—and you’re still in the game.
The people who last are the ones who don’t flinch, don’t take it personally, and don’t stop showing up ready to see what others don’t.
Listen to the Episode
For a real-time, unfiltered look into the back-and-forth of production life, check out the full conversation:
Backstage Banter: Episode 22 – Riding the Rollercoaster
Key Takeaways
- Contracts end, roles change—but leadership leaves a longer impression.
- Stay sharp. Even if you’re not in the lead chair, your instincts matter.
- This industry will toss you around. Your mindset is the seatbelt.