Dynamic Dialogues

What does it really mean to show up? In this episode of Half-Hour, we explore the quiet, powerful practice of presence — the kind that transforms a room, deepens trust, and reshapes how we lead. Drawing from a personal code of ethics and inspired by Amy Cuddy's Presence, Bryan shares how body language, vulnerability, and rehearsal culture all intersect to create ethical, human-first leadership in the entertainment world and beyond.Whether you're calling cues or navigating a high-stakes conversation, this episode is a reminder: we become what we practice — and presence is a practice worth choosing.

I take a step back to revisit something I wrote years ago that continues to shape how I lead, collaborate, and grow: my personal code of ethics. Originally written as a professional exercise, it's become a compass for how I show up in complex spaces, especially when things don't go as planned.You'll hear the honest truth behind what I wrote in 2019, what's changed since then, and how these four pillars—growth, relationships, adaptability, and courage—continue to challenge and ground me. This episode is for anyone leading a team, navigating high-stakes work, or simply trying to align their values with their actions.

Bryan sets the mission for the show: to bring real value to your leadership journey in live entertainment. He dives deep into what truly separates a good stage manager from a great one, beyond technical skills, and shares practical ways you can grow your leadership, build trust, and create stronger backstage environments. Whether you're early in your career or refining your craft, this episode offers actionable insights you can take back to your team today.

Making a Freelance Life Work for You by Laura Zingle is an honest and empowering look at navigating a freelance career in theatre, live events, and production. Laura shares her journey from stage management student to multi-hyphenate creative professional, offering insights into embracing flexibility, redefining success, and building a career outside the traditional 9-to-5. Whether you're a stage manager, event coordinator, or creative freelancer, this reflection is packed with wisdom on mindset shifts, networking, and finding balance between work and life.Read the article at: https://itshalfhour.blog/how-to-build-a-career-as-a-freelancer/

Talking about money is uncomfortable. We get into the industry because we love the work, not because we want to haggle over pay. But just like in any profession, negotiating your salary—whether for a new job or a raise in your current role—is essential for long-term career sustainability.Read the article at: https://itshalfhour.blog/the-four-rules-for-negotiating/

We don't need a corporate mandate to do the right thing. As leaders, we set the tone for how our teams operate. If we care about the future of this industry, we must ensure that talent isn't just welcomed but truly supported.Read the full article on Half-Hour: https://itshalfhour.blog/equality-vs-equity-why-the-difference-matters-more-than-ever/

What's the key to success? It's not only about managing complex schedules or having the technical prowess to give you an edge; it's mostly about the people we manage. How can you effectively lead such a diverse team? Want to know how emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and adaptability can transform your leadership style? Check out these 5 skills you can foster and build to help you manage the diverse personalities in our industry.Read the full article on Half-Hour: https://itshalfhour.blog/managing-personalities/

Are you just showing up, or are you making a difference? The distinction between participation and contribution can make or break a production. Read the full article on Half-Hour: https://itshalfhour.blog/participation-vs-contribution/

Ethical leadership isn't just about making the “right” choices—it's about building trust, fostering respect, and creating an environment where people feel valued. In the entertainment industry, where pressure and stakes are high, the way you navigate gray areas has a ripple effect.Read the full article on Half-Hour:https://itshalfhour.blog/why-ethical-leadership-matters/

We explore the profound impact of culture on our professional lives. We dissect how workplace environments shape creativity and collaboration, from job satisfaction to innovation. Reflecting on the importance of nurturing supportive cultures, we discuss fostering risk-taking and transparent communication. We navigate the intricacies of organizational culture and its role in employee experiences. Tune in for practical tips on promoting growth and positive workplace dynamics. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/half-hour/message

Bryan chats with Laura Zingle, a seasoned freelance stage manager based in San Diego, as she shares her journey through the unpredictable world of theater and live events. With a diverse background spanning theater, dance, music, and concerts, Laura offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of freelancing in the entertainment industry. From her MFA in Stage Management to her role as a Resident Stage Manager for the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus, her career embodies versatility and resilience. Tune in to discover her strategies for navigating the freelance landscape, balancing parenthood with professional pursuits, and making impactful choices in a field where every opportunity counts. Whether you're an aspiring stage manager or a seasoned industry professional, this conversation promises valuable takeaways for anyone seeking to thrive in the spotlight. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/half-hour/message

Conflict can easily become an issue while working closely on live productions and often arise due to differences in opinion, misunderstandings, or even personality clashes. When conflicts are not resolved effectively, they can lead to decreased productivity, low morale, and even employee turnover. However, conflicts can be resolved with the right approach. Here are some tips for how to approach conflict resolution from a productive point-of-view to move through difficult conversations and hard feedback. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/half-hour/message

Bryan and Sharon discuss her career starting as a stage manager and moving throughout her career, how she adjusted to changes in different environments, and what we should consider about the skills we possess as stage managers when we apply for jobs. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/half-hour/message

Helen Moreau and Bryan Runion explore the destructive impact of toxic workplace behaviors with practical strategies for setting boundaries and fostering clear communication. Additionally, we discuss effective confrontation techniques and the importance of seeking support for intervention to prioritize their well-being and consider leaving toxic environments if necessary. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/half-hour/message

We explore the multifaceted world of show calling, where orchestrating live events demands a blend of technical prowess and clear communication. Beginning with an overview of show calling's essence as the coordination of live productions, we delve into the diverse landscape of traditional and non-traditional performance formats, dissecting the unique challenges and considerations within each genre. From theatrical productions to corporate events and immersive experiences, we examine the intricacies of crafting calling scripts and navigating communication channels for seamless execution. Show calling emerges as an art form that thrives on adaptability, requiring a keen understanding of production dynamics and a cool head under pressure to ensure unforgettable live experiences. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/half-hour/message

Stage management embodies the fusion of organization, communication, and problem-solving, encapsulating a role that requires leadership, adaptability, and meticulous attention to detail. From the definition of stage management, characterized by the three pillars of synchronization, facilitation, and creativity, to the pivotal importance of organizational skills, communication, and problem-solving, the stage manager serves as the orchestrator, seamlessly weaving together the technical and artistic elements of a production. The dichotomy of education versus on-the-job learning is explored, with formal education offering structured pathways, theoretical knowledge, and industry insights, while on-the-job learning presents real-world experience but demands resilience and relentless pursuit of knowledge. The educator perspective underscores the value of formal education in preparing stage managers, while the experienced stage manager sheds light on a unique journey, challenges faced, and lessons learned without formal education. Navigating the industry involves a delicate balance between education and practical experience, with strategies for aspiring stage managers to maximize both, emphasizing networking, mentorship, and continuous learning as essential components for success in this dynamic field. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/half-hour/message

Drawing examples from the live entertainment industry, the conversation navigates the complexities inherent in adaptive challenges. The metaphorical dance between the micro and macro perspectives likened to the dance floor and balcony, is explored as a means to effectively address challenges. Emphasizing the power of curiosity, our conversation elaborates on the growth mindset and its role in fostering adaptability, with practical strategies for incorporating curiosity into leadership communication. The pivotal role of empathy in effective leadership is dissected through real-life examples, considering the perspectives of ASM and PSM. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/half-hour/message