Sips & Ish, A Podcast for DJs

On this podcast episode, I take a very hypothetical look at how I imagine AI will replace DJing as we know it and how it's all about the collection of data.

Back for the first time in months to chat about what I've learned while planning my wedding.

On this episode I tackle the whys and hows of bars & nightclubs. Why it's crucial to staying relevant, and how to structure contracts and communication to make yourself a valuable partner with the spots you play.

On this week's solocast I discuss some super simple ways to avoid burnout by doing more of what you love and less of what you don't.

This week I catch up with what's been going on, a rant on makeshift wedding venues & what I love and hate about the DJ Times Expo (DJ X)

This week I chat about one of the most controlling, too many cooks in the kitchen wedding venues I've ever worked at.

On this solocast I revisit my April 7th podcast and talk more about why couples pay top dollar for talent.

What's in my DJ bag? On this episode I give the rundown on everything from personal care items to cables and adapters.

Today I sit down and chat about record pools. I believe music and curation of music is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing we bring to the table as DJs. Having different music subscription services allows us to curate in ways that are unique to us and create differentiation from the DJ thsat just subscribes to one pool and one pool only. Pool reviews include Promo Only, Direct Music Service, Club Killers, DJ City, Beatsource, Heavy Hits, Live DJ Service, Headliner Music Club & more!

We're back with guests and we've got a great one this week, Glenn Roush. Glenn comes to us from his backyard in Dallas, TX and shares a lot of the philosophies and paths that have lead to his success. From the official mascot for the Minnesota Timberwolves to running one of the most successful DJ & event production companies in the United States. We were sipping on some beverages so it's a fun one. Tune in and enjoy! Follow Glenn at on Instagram at @glennroush

We're back with an audio only solocast chatting about the new guest format + my travels and a few rants. A fun episode as always so check it out and enjoy!

We're back with video on Spotify and YouTube! Today I talk a little bit about the future of the show and share when weddings really started to click for me and how I turned being a club DJ into a benefit and not a negative when it comes to weddings.

Join me as I talk about the stresses of how I run Sips & Ish, whether I feel it's worth it & strategic quitting. On this podcast, I reference my good friend's now-defunct podcast, Happy Valley Hustle. I highly recommend listening to his final episode which talks a lot more about strategic quitting. https://www.buzzsprout.com/144191/9725518-final-episode-reflections-a-framework-for-strategic-quitting

Back today with a quick rant about the ONE THING every DJ needs when looking for work, no exceptions.

This week's podcast is the recording of myself as a guest on The Drew and Fuse Show. I had a great time drinking and hanging with Dave & Drew, so tune in and enjoy! For the full experience visit drewandfuseshow.com and check out their YouTube for the full video.

Got a solocast this week that's loaded with helpful tips so tune in and enjoy!

Happy New Year! I'm back alone this week with a stressful New Year's Eve story about iCloud and Serato.

This week we've got a quick solocast with tips for prepping for New Years Eve shows.

One of my best friends, Pittsburgh's own DJ Digital Dave returns to the podcast for a candid and raw conversation about music, our favorite new editors and remixers, the mashup era heyday and so much more. Dave is always one of the best minds in the DJ industry, so you can imagine how much fun we had over a few drinks. A great listen as always, so tune in and enjoy!

On today's solocast I start off slow with some advice I heard from past guest Mike Walter, what I think about corporate holiday parties and how to look your best when booking them and then things get real as I define what I believe makes a dance floor banger. A fun listen as always so tune in and enjoy!

This week I sit down with Mitch Taylor, author of Sales 4 Event Pros & co-author of Creating Connections: 31 Days to Building Stronger & Deeper Relationships. We drink a bold Tequila & Ginger and chat about everything from how Mitch got his start on cruise ships to how he built a business in the small town of Escanaba, and the surrounding upper peninsula of Michigan. A fun listen as always, so tune in and enjoy!

This week I welcome Teddi & Kevin to the podcast to chat about their backstories and more importantly - their love story. We chat about how both of them got their start in the DJ world and how their paths led to an engagement at The DJ Collective in Scottsdale, Arizona. A fun listen as always so tune in and enjoy!

A quick chat this week about avoiding burnout as a DJ and then we get right into some music with my newest 4X mix.

Back at you with another solocast this week where I chat about my weddings this weekend including making dancefloor killing announcements + The DJ Collective and why I'm not attending despite being a year one member + what I think is the PERFECT wedding timeline. TIMESTAMPS 2:30 - Weekend review 8:25 - The DJ Collective 18:30 - The Perfect Wedding Timeline

Alex is back and catching up with some war stories including setting up lofts and distancing from the dance floor followed up with his experience in helping produce a Loud Luxury concert.

Lots to cover this week as I catch everyone up on the insanity of life. I get into staying true to your word, getting to work a wedding for the famed SCE Event Group, tracks that are killing it for me lately, and how to deal with fun sucking a**holes at weddings.

This week we interview Promo Only's Nick James Hahn, who really is one of the industry's biggest advocates for the working DJ. From his time with Pioneer to his travels as a working DJ, we cover tons of ground and get a little tipsy over several bourbons. A great chat as always!

Tune in this week to find out about how we completely overhauled the sound and lighting at The Basement Nightspot in State College, PA

This week I sit down with a long-time internet friend and fellow Pennsylvanian, Mark “DJ Hypnotyza” Raich. Mark is a record collector and avid music lover as well as a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, making him a super yinzer.

Join me this week as I chat about the ups and downs of a million-dollar wedding, the power of a good attitude and DJ Think Tank.

Join us this week as we sit down and sip some tequilas with DJ Drew Pierce.

Join me this week as I go solo and talk about something I've been seeing DJs complain a lot about, LARGE playlists.

This week we're sitting down and chatting with pro-wrestler turned DJ, Troy Miller. From Indianapolis, Troy tells us all about his start on the independent pro-wrestling circuit and how that experience led to an opportunity to become a DJ for Sound Solution. As a long-time pro-wrestling fan I really got into this chat with Troy and could have talked for hours. Pour yourself a drink and enjoy!

Join me this week as I go solo and talk about what's to come for Sips & Ish and so much more.

This week we're joined by the man who I believe to be the DJ business's most charismatic man, Nick Spinelli of New Jersey's famed SCE Event Group. Tune in as we chat about Nick's humble beginnings, work ethic, his move to SCE from a competing company, his YouTube presence, his future and so much more. Pour yourself a drink and enjoy!

You won't want to miss this week's episode where we sit down, skip the booze, and chat about life and the power of positivity with the DJ industry's most selfless human being, Sean "Big Daddy" McKee!

Having gained 30 years of experience as a mobile DJ, since starting out as a teenager in the late eighties, Joe Bunn is a well-known and well-respected industry leader. He now owns and manages a successful multi-op DJ company, speaks at DJ conventions, writes articles for trade publications, and creates DJ training programs, but on almost every Saturday he can still be found MCing and DJing at a wedding party in his home state of North Carolina. (via ADJ.com) To say Joe's a busy guy is putting it lightly. Joe is involved with a lot, from his DJ company, Bunn DJ Company with offices in six cities to Bunn Gear, The DJs Vault, The DJ Collective, PhDJ Workshop & podcast, Crate Hackers and more. Joe and I sit down over a scratch-made Spiced Rum & Cherry Cola and chat about how it all came to be. You can follow Joe on Instagram at @joebunn TIMESTAMPS -- 5:30 - How Joe got his start 13:00 - Joe's first DJ hustle 24:00 - How Joe became respected not only as an industry leader, but as a ACTIVE, WORKING DJ and the launch of the DJs Vault 33:00 - The learning process and evolution of the Bunn Gear Command Center DJ booth 43:00 - Year one DJ Collective stories 51:00 - How Crate Hackers came to be 1:00 - Rapid-fire listener Q&A

This week we've got my business crush, Kristin Wilson, as our guest. Kristin and I uncork a nice Italian Amarone della Valpolicella and chat about Kristin's successes and failures in business and life. Kristin and I dive deep into her start as a DJ, what makes her and the Our DJ Rocks team stand out. We also talk personal life and family, life work balance and her understanding of business operations and standard operating procedures.  -- Kristin is known for her energetic hosting skills paired with her music programming and mixing talent, which has been showcased at conferences to luxury events, and weddings. One of the most sought-after female DJs and entrepreneurs in the country, Kristin has rocked with over 1000+ clients and continues to wow her clients and audiences every time she steps behind the mixer. She's vivacious and takes command of any event by bringing energy through her music and hosting skills from the DJ booth. Outside of rocking dancefloors, Kristin is the founder of the admired all-female DJ company in the US. Based in Orlando, FL, they rock 800-1000 events a year collectively as a tribe and continue to strive for excellence with their couples. She's also an author, speaker, and educator for the events industry. Consulting with many business entrepreneurs and DJs, helping grow their success, speaking to DJs and industry professionals worldwide, partnering with brands like WeddingPro, Perfect Wedding Guide, The Bridal Society, Disc Jockey News, and DJ Times. In addition to sitting on the Dean's Advisory Board for the University of Central Florida and Director of Communications for the National Association of Catering and Events (NACE) Orlando Chapter. You can follow Kristin on Instagram at @meetkristin -- Here's where you can find us:    WEB: www.sipsandish.com    INSTA: @sipsandish    YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/sipsandish MERCH STORE: www.sipsandish.com/merch

This week we welcome Chip Conto to the podcast. Chip and his wife Niki were wedding clients of mine and I immediately connected with them. Chip is a man of many hats, and the common theme in his success and endeavors is positive thinking and a superhuman work ethic. Chip and I pour a few cocktails and chat about life, work, his entrepreneurial spirit, and why health & fitness are so important to him. -- Chip's family owns a general contracting company for industrial, residential, and commercial construction.. They also sell 11 million bags of mulch a year to Home Depot and Lowes through their mulch plant. Chip has a side hustle that he's passionate about, trying to inspire as many people as possible to live a healthy lifestyle - mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. This side business is called Destined 4 Greatness. Impacting others to know that they are capable of becoming great! He's sold apparel, fitness programs, made youtube videos, and more. You can follow Chip on Instagram @chip_conto -- Here's where you can find us: WEB: www.sipsandish.com INSTA: @sipsandish YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/sipsandish MERCH STORE: www.sipsandish.com/merch

This week I pour a Kentucky Buck and chat with my good friend Chris Hintz of Pinnacle Productions in Sioux Falls, SD. Chris and his company have managed to thrive in a pandemic and industry that has seen a lot of businesses shutter. Chris and I chat about his move out of the city into his dream home in a more secluded and peaceful area, his side hustles including snow plowing and end of life planning, what it takes to hire and train employees and a lot of chat about company culture and relationships. This was a great chat, give it a listen! -- Here's where you can find us: WEB: www.sipsandish.com INSTA: @sipsandish YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/sipsandish MERCH STORE: www.sipsandish.com/merch

This week I sit down with someone I've never really had a chance to connect with in this insane life, but someone I've respected from afar, Logan Smith. Logan & I had a great chat and started off with a Manhattan and moved on to sipping on some bourbons. Lot's of great conversation and nuggets about life and relationships, give it a listen! -- Here's where you can find us: WEB: www.sipsandish.com INSTA: @sipsandish YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/sipsandish MERCH STORE: www.sipsandish.com/merch

This week I sit down with a leader in the DJ industry, Mike Walter. Mike & I had a great chat and sampled tequilas different tequila expressions including blancos, reposados and extra anejos. Our conversation includes - Mike's start as a DJ and MC in a bowling alley and how the microphone set him free. - Mike's social media exploits and how insane the comments on his posts get. - How one series of Mike's social media posts turned into a successful book. - Mike's foray into writing & his failed attempt to publish a novel. - Mike's success with books related to the DJ industry. Mike and I have a great chat and we go into many more topics, this one is a must listen! -- Here's where you can find us: WEB: www.sipsandish.com INSTA: @sipsandish YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/sipsandish MERCH STORE: www.sipsandish.com/merch

This week I sit down with a good friend and incredible sales coach, Mike Petritis. Due to USPS shipping the Boulevardier I made for Mike a day late we free poured some bourbon and getting extremely candid about all kinds of topics including: - Mike's start as a DJ in high school in Chicago and how his life started as an entrepreneur at a young age - Why Mike transitioned from DJ to business coach - How Mike met his girlfriend and instantly bonded with her son Nick, taking on a father role - What led Mike & his family to packing up their lives and moving to Austin, TX We pour bourbon after bourbon and talk about everything from COVID-19 to dealing with absolute abrupt life changes, kids, toxic negativity, masks, vaccines, and the power of automating your life and business. It's a long one, but a must-listen. Pour a drink and join us! Here's where you can find us: WEB: www.sipsandish.com INSTA: @sipsandish YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/sipsandish MERCH STORE: www.sipsandish.com/merch

This week I welcome Kyle Turchetta from nearby Lock Haven, PA. I've known Kyle for many years and is a former DJ for my company, Mint DJ Events. We sip on a very strong Sazerac and hit a ton of topics including: - Kyle's many careers from football recruit to football coach to poker dealer, DJ, funeral director assistant & more - How Kyle has transitioned to becoming a barber in an underserved market - Kyle's "carcoleptic" experiences - We talk about how life during the pandemic has been, Kyle's natural adaptation to family man PLUS we learn that Kyle & his fiance Hailey are expecting a new addition to the family and so much more! Here's where you can find us: WEB: www.sipsandish.com INSTA: @sipsandish YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/sipsandish MERCH STORE: www.sipsandish.com/merch

The importance of self-care in your overall mental health cannot be overstated, this week our host Alex Nepa takes on a solocast talking about FIVE EASY STEPS that you can start on today to take better care of yourself. A quickie at 15 minutes so give it a listen and let us know what you think!

This week we welcome David Osborne from Athens, GA - home of the Georgia Bulldogs! David owns not one, but two DJ companies, Sound Insight Productions, and Athens DJ Service. We sip on a delicious Georgia Peach Tea Old Fashioned and hit a ton of topics: - David and his wife running a daycare with A DOZEN KIDS in the house at any given time. - What it's like working from home with three kids. - What motivated him to start not one, but two DJ companies. - We talk about David's big DJ training project. - We hit controversial topics and so much more! Here's where you can find us: WEB: www.sipsandish.com INSTA: @sipsandish YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGdUz-nCTSV8Po-H_52zP0A MERCH STORE: www.sipsandish.com/merch

This week we welcome our good friend Jeff Meuzelaar aka DJ Kor of Pinnacle Productions in Sioux Falls, SD. We'll be sipping on a delicious Moscow Mule and talking about: - Why Jeff is drinking a double, hint: he breaks the news that he and his wife are expecting a baby! - Jeff's transitions from wedding DJ to club DJ to concert promoter to tour manager for San Holo to one of the most respected corporate event live streamers in the world. - What it was like transitioning from touring the world with San Holo to stopping everything due to COVID-19 and adjusting to life at home in Sioux Falls, SD - How Jeff got his big break into becoming a Tour Manager - What it was like merging his company, Musical Edge with a business partner to form Pinnacle Productions - TONS of small talk and so much more! --- Here's where you can find us: WEB: www.sipsandish.com INSTA: @sipsandish YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGdUz-nCTSV8Po-H_52zP0A MERCH STORE: www.sipsandish.com/merch

This week we welcome a special guest, Bill Zimmerman. We'll be sipping on a tasty Irish Whiskey Smash and talking about: How Bill and I have developed a friendship that started with pro-wrestling and has expanded far beyond that! Bill's hustles and diverse entrepreneurship journeys ranging from being a lecturer at Penn State, a Podcast host, and the ownership of a vintage clothing line. How he shifted made an intentional shift in mindset to leave a small-town newspaper job to working for Penn State's Public Relations & Social Media department. How Bill failed miserably with his vintage clothing line "Cool School Vintage" over the Christmas season and what he's learned from it. How Bill's podcast "Happy Valley Hustle" has opened doors for him not only locally but giving him the opportunity to interview prominent guests. Bill and I cover a lot in this episode, so please tune in this Tuesday, drink with us, and find out more about his journeys and what you can learn from him.

For our first official podcast we welcome Pittsburgh's DJ Digital Dave. We'll be sipping on our take on a Tom Collins and talking about EVERYTHING with the podcast clocking in at nearly two hours! A few highlights include: Dave learning how to ride a bike. How he manages to perform at over 400 events a year. How he's shifted to educating, both at industry conferences and independent consulting. How coming to prominence in the mashup era helps him thrive in the current climate. How Dave became the official in-game DJ for the Pittsburgh Steelers along with Pitt Panthers basketball and football. Dave's wildest nightclub stories including an in-club shooting and how Dave got punched in the face and knocked unconscious mid-set. What Dave's top played songs in his Serato are. From there we answer and make fun of Facebook questions and so much more.

Join me as I introduce the Sips & Ish Podcast and let you know what it's all about. Today, I'm sipping on a Paper Plane which consists of equal parts bourbon (I used Michter's) Amaro Nonino, Aperol & freshly squeezed lemon juice). Next week, join us for our real debut episode featuring special guest DJ Digital Dave.