Name This Show with Taylor Hughes

Episode 60: Bob Goff Author of Love Does is About to Break over Loving Everyone, Being a Recovering Lawyer & Building Schools in Africa.

I love Bob Goff. At a time in my life when I was ready to lose faith in everything and everyone, Bob challenged me to live life differently. I am so grateful to call him my friend and am so happy to share this conversation with you. In this episode Bob and I talk about: They had to put up a sign for us to not feed the Alligators We avoid desperation but that is where people find their greatest creativity You need to be desperate for the right things Having fewer options is better ...

Episode 59: Improvisor & TV Writer Lynne Stanko is About to Break over the cost of Living in LA, Being a Funny person with Depression & Starting a non profit to reach out.

Lynne is a wonderful human being. More than a great writer and improvisor, Lynne created the non profit Show Up Girls to empower young women with confidence, collaboration and compassion. In this episode we talk about: Magic and Improv have similar issues Second City Improv gave us some amazing people Sometimes its art and sometimes it isn't Knowing your strengths is key Many dramatic actors began as improvisors Don't think… Be present Why she studied at multiple improv school...

Episode 58: Hollywood Prop Builder Jim Logiudice is About to Break over building jet packs for the Rocketeer, Making Pianos for Lady Gaga and Refurbishing Disneyland Memorabilia.

Jim Logiudice helped shape my childhood and he had no idea the impact he had. When I was a kid, movies like the Rocketeer inspired me to want to create models and props. I remember building a Rocketeer helmet and jet pack when I was a kid. How cool is it that 27 years later I would be recording this episode with the guy who built the actual prop. We geek out about prop building and then get very real about the reality of a live in the industry. I was so encourage and inspired by Jim’s perspe...

Episode 57: The Watsons: Hollywood’s First Family

In 1910 Coy Watson married Golda Wilmer and the two settled in the Edendale area of Los Angeles which would later become Echo Park. A few years later Mack Sennett built one of Hollywood’s first movie studios 300 yards from their house. The couple had nine children who ended up acting in hundreds of classic films. Harry Watson was my wife’s grandfather and in this episode I sat down with his brother Billy who just celebrated his 94 birthday. This very special episode features some personal ...

Episode 56: Ask us Anything with The Fetching Katie Hughes

The most amazing person I know somehow agreed to marry me! Katie and I sat down and answered your questions in this first ever ask us everything. In this episode Katie and I talk about: An awkward opener PT Barnum Dead or Divorced Everyone in the 1800s looked awful Dating in High School Taking Swing dance lessons Katie knows all my stories I miss seeing my grandparents Once a clown always a clown Katie and I are easily distracted We got married so young Why we had to...

Episode 55: Magician Titou is About to Break over leaving France, using a baguette as a magic wand and still needing a green card.

Titou was born and raised in France, fell in love with the art of magic and that has taken him around the world. He now lives in Las Vegas and stopped by the studio on his way to a show in Los Angeles. In this episode Adam and I talk about: Can anyone really fool Penn and Teller Living in Las Vegas Living in a hotel near Disneyland for 9 months Taking props through immigration Playing the part of Lazerman at Disneyland Will work for vacation The challenges of traveling for a l...

Episode 54: Comedian/Speaker Adam Christing is About to Break over Performing Clean Comedy, Writing Books and turning bad gigs around.

Adam Christing is a Author, Keynote Speaker, Comedian, Magician and one of my greatest friends! In this episode Adam and I talk about: He performed a magic show at my elementary school Being the class clown Magic trick failures Why do we avoid things that can help us Keys to connecting with people Giving yourself permission to do what you want to do Creating your own opportunities Giving yourself deadlines Finding key partnerships Treat every opportunity like it is your ...

Episode 53: Karen Cheung is About to Break over managing things at the Greek Theater, Working with Actors and being a Female in Hollywood.

Karen is the Food and Beverage manager for the Greek theater in Los Angeles, has a brilliant business mind and also happens to be my sister in law! In this episode Karen and I talk about: • Working with an entire staff made up of actors and screen writers • Secret tunnels under the Greek Theater • How we learned things before the internet • A tangent about conspiracy Theories • Growing up in the restaurant business • The real reason people go to bars • Stop Posturing!!! • The myth...

Episode 52: Magician Siegfried Tieber is About to Break over Creating his one man show, performing at the Magic Castle and unexpected car accidents.

Siegfried Tieber recently performed his one man show SEE-SAW to Sold out crowds in Los Angeles. He is a true gentleman and a wonderful human being In this episode Siegfried and I discuss: People thinking magicians like to play cards impossibility surrounding gambling Creating once in a lifetime moments Co-creating with your audiences Why he chooses to do close up magic What role do secrets play in Magic Has google messed up things for magicians His one man magic show called ...

Episode 51: Guitarist Aaron Abeyta is About to Break over auditioning for NOFX, learning improv comedy and doing cartoon voice overs.

Aaron Abeyta is the lead guitarist and trumpet player for the band NOFX. We sat down and discussed everything from life on the road the last 20 years to him barely surviving a move to Hollywood when he was 21. In this episode Aaron and I discuss: His love of Improv Comedy I'm a total fan boy Wikipedia can’t be trusted Auditioning for NOFX Fat Mike changed his name Learning the bands songs on way to the first show Being non political in a punk band Remaining an independent ba...

Episode 50: Variety Performer & Producer Scot Nery is About to Break over Hosting a weekly Hollywood show, Creating Boobietraps and Being an entertainment consultant.

Scot Nery began performing professionally at age 11. He has appeared on the tonight show performed in seven countries and is the host and producer of the wildly popular Scot Nery’s Boobie Trap in Hollywood. In this episode Scot and I discuss: His recent marriage Why does his home feel so amazing? LA is weird and he loves it! When memes become mean Learning magic as a kid The neighbor who had a magical basement Is entertainment an art or a craft? Maintaining control of the sh...

Episode 49: Music Producer Daniel Ornellas is About to Break over producing records for others, years of touring and learning to hustle.

Daniel Ornellas is a music producer and Musician living in Nashville, TN. Originally from South Africa Daniel moved to the states when he was touring with the band Tree63. This episode is so full of real life experience in the business and Daniel shares so much that is applicable throughout the entertainment industry. In this episode Daniel and I discuss: Being from South Africa Learning to speak like a southerner Idaho is surprisingly beautiful Napoleon Dynamite Not being aloud t...

Episode 48: Celebrity Publicist Michael Levine is About to Break over Growing up with Dyslexia, Refusing to be a victim and Making the world an offer it can’t refuse.

Michael Levine is a writer and PR expert. He has represented 58 Academy Award winners, 34 Grammy Award winners and 43 New York Times Bestsellers. Michael shares some of the common denominators he has seen with people who make a career in the entertainment business and boy is this a great conversation. In this episode Michael and I discuss: His childhood in New York Having an alcoholic parent Being dyslexic Refusing to have a victim mentality An easy way to stay broke in Hollywood ...

Episode 47: Magician Adam Wilber is About to Break over performing at the Magic Castle for the first time, Paying the bills as a performer and creating unbelievable magic.

Adam Wilber is a magician, inverter and author. I sat down with him in Los Angeles during his debut week at the World Famous Magic Castle. This episode is so full of info about the business side of show business. In this episode Adam and I discuss: His first week performing at the Magic Castle Old Magicians and their apartments Finding things to be grateful for The law of diminishing returns Performing when your sick Why we love the Magic Castle Stealing his first Magic Trick ...

Episode 46: Actress Amy Ruffle is About to Break over Auditions in Australia, Becoming a Mermaid and Moving to Los Angeles.

Amy Ruffle is an Australian Actress living in America. I met her doing improv at UCB and she is hilarious as she is delightful. In this episode Amy and I discuss: Australian accents are awesome My kids are impressed by my friends Her family is obsessed with sports Not having a life because she was training for sports Practicing dangerous sports Her switch from sports to musical theater Kids will do shores if you play the Annie soundtrack CDs are vintage now Musicals that h...

5 min Monday for October 23 - Dealing with insecurity

Taylor shares about his struggles with insecurity and reveals how a conversation with Katie made all the difference.

Episode 45: Actor and Magician Jonathan Levit is About to Break over being a Magic Consultant for Burt Wonderstone, Now You See Me and Being a TV Host.

In this episode Jonathan and I discuss: Living in a Castle The Pasadena New Years Nuclear Fall out Tortilla Heaven the movie Performing on TV with David Copperfield Why do we think flying is ok? Terrible magic show accidents Butterfly knife technique Uncomfortable moments at the gas station Dangerous tricks Performers misreading the audience Our friend Greg Bennick Teaching magic to the movie starts Hosting TV Shows Practical Effects verses visual effects Never s...

5 Min Monday for October 16

Taylor shares some highlights from episode 38 with Matt McCarthy

Episode 44: Motivational Speaker Josh Sundquist is About to Break over surviving cancer, having one leg and just wanting to motivate others.

Josh is a motivational speaker, Author, Comedian, Paralympian and Halloween Enthusiast. I met him performing at a comedy club and could not be more impressed with his talent and his character. A wonderful human being, your sure to love this episode! In this episode Josh and I talk about: How he lost his leg at 10 years old Being honest during your presentations The challenges of speaking to younger audiences Starting to do stand up How people perceive him Performing verses enter...

Episode 43: Magician Arthur Trace is About to Break over the TV show Masters of Illusion, Creating original magic and Finding your own way in the entertainment business.

In this episode Arthur and I talk about: Amazing places to eat in Studio City Being torn apart as an actor was good Realizing college shows are not for him How he evaluates his performances Magic is such a powerful art form that it can support a weak entertainer Being watch guys who cant afford watches Your material should reveal who you are to the audience Watching David Copperfield when you are young Fog juice smell like pancake syrup Forming the Midwest Masters of Magic...

5 min Monday for October 2, 2017

Episode 42: Post Modern Vaudevillian Michael Rayner is About to Break over Balancing Wheel Barrows, Spinning Cheeseburgers and Warming up TV Audiences.

Michael Rayner is truly one of a kind. He is either performing his own amazing show, or warming up live audiences for TV. In this episode Michael and I talk about: What we do between tricks is the most important thing The variety vaudeville community Growing up in a small town Being pressured by the local Amway guy Being a TV warm up guy Learning to spin a cheeseburger on an umbrella People thinking what you do is easy Using TV appearances to your advantage Performing at l...

5 Minute Monday for September 25th

Taylor shares a short takeaway from episode 18 with Actress Mallory Moye.

Episode 41: Photographer Sarah Hoag is About to Break over Wedding Photography, Moving out of California and Dealing with Imposter Syndrome.

Sarah Hoag and her husband josh are long time friends of Katie and I. She is an amazing photographer who transformed her passion into a career. In this episode Sarah and I talk about: Meeting in Church youth Group Her husbands short lived rap career Her love of photography Not hiding behind the camera Moms rarely are in the photos Insecurity keeps us from life Collecting moments not things Family fights and photo shoots Capturing important moments Her father passing away...

5 minute Monday for September 18, 2017 - Art is not found in perfection

Taylor shares a challenge from episode 14 of the About to Break podcast with Comedian and actress Julie Brister. You can hear the rest of their show here AboutToBreakPodcast.com listen on YouTube    

Episode 40: Magical Comedy artist Nick Paul is About to Break over Rent prices in LA, Performing on Cruise Ships and Losing money on Fringe Shows.

Nick Paul joins me for our first ever crossover podcast! Nick hosts a great podcast called two magicians one mic. In this episode Nick and I talk about: Moving from Florida to Los Angeles Driving to LA several times a week Taking improv with Maria Bamford The difference between magicians and comedians Drunk Magic Castle audiences Working cruise ships I had a nightmare show Lunch shows are the worst Battling what you love verses what pays the bills Become friends with peo...

5 Minute Monday for September 11. 2017

Taylor shares something he learned from Tyrone Wells in episode 7 of the About to Break Podcast.   Hear their whole conversation HERE

Episode 39: Visual Effects Coordinator Tyler Cordova is About to Break over making Thor, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Iron Man 3.

Tyler Cordova is an incredible visual effects coordinator who has worked on incredible films for Marvel, Disney and more. We sat down to talk about the ups and downs of life in this biz. In this episode Tyler and I talk about: His dad being a magician Going back to school to learn film Making movies with his friends in High School His first big gig was iron man 3 You have to keep the passion going constantly working with directors to see their vision happen Dealing with Deadli...

Episode 38: Comedian Matt McCarthy is About to Break over performing stand up , acting in Los Angeles and people not understanding Pro Wrestling.

I sat down with Matt at his home in Los Angeles to talk about the wonderful world of stand up comedy. You may have seen Matt on one of his numerous appearances on Conan. He also co hosts the incredible We Watch Wrestling Podcast. In this episode Matt and I talk about: Dogs are rad The Grateful Dead and kid names Controlling parents Unsolicited advice is criticism His concert ticket stub collection Seeing Marilyn Manson live Leaving New York for LA Packing during a hurricane ...

Episode 37: Singer Songwriter Tim Myers is About to Break over starting the band One Republic, going solo and writing lyrics about real life.

I sat down with Tim Myers, founding member of the band One Republic, singer/ songwriter, record producer and CEO of Palladium Records. In this episode Tim and I talk about: Learning to play music at church Forming the band One Republic Co writing the son “Stop and Stare” Walking out of a day job because you got a show Listening to old Albums The honesty of Kurt Cobain Doors of opportunity slamming in your face Trying to separate Art and Self The subjective nature of art ...

Episode 36: About to Break Podcast Live from the Pomona Art Walk!

Episode 36: About to Break Podcast Live from the Pomona Art Walk! This episode of About to Break was recorded live at the Pomona Art Walk on Saturday, August 12, 2017 @500blockpomona and the @lofton2nd Joined by special Cohost Josh Swodeck we talked with local artists about their work, passion, ups and downs.

 For more information on the Artists Featured in this episode visit: Josh Swodeck @swodeck Noreick @thascool @Lee.rodriguez__ Keith Coast Courtney @I.am.queen Amber @cra...

Bonus Episode: Pitching Jokers & Aces with Eddie Furth

Taylor and Eddie talk about their new show Jokers & Aces at nerdmelt in Los Angeles!   Get your tickets to Jokers in Aces this Sunday, August 13th @ nerdmelt in meldown comics BUY DISCOUNT TICKETS HERE

Episode 35: Director, Writer and Producer Stephanie McBain is About to Break over working 2 day jobs, moving to LA, and directing her first feature film.

This week I am joined by the multi talented Director, Writer and Producer Stephanie McBain. I met Stephanie at the Magic Castle were she works at night. During the day she is feverishly writing producing and directing her first feature film. An amazing conversation about the process of creating a film from start to finish in 6 months!


 In this conversation Stephanie and I talk about:
 Having 2 day jobs making a feature film Growing up in Wisconsin Moving to LA on your 18th birthda...

Episode 34: Magician Jimmy H is About to Break over performing at birthday parties, Auditioning to be a Monster, and Having a split personality.

This week I am joined by my oldest friend in magic James Holguin. Basically we geek out about magic for an hr.


 In this conversation James and I talk about:
 The La Puente Magic shop Something about Brick and Mortar Not knowing our ancestry Magic shop meets deli Performing across from a hotdog stand We wanted to be Lance Burton David Copperfield is king Loving comedy Growing up at the Magic Castle The Junior Society The dog interrupts Together again for the first t...

Episode 33: Comedian Adam Grabowski is About to Break over Americas Got Talent, touring college shows, and dealing with depression.

This week I am joined by comedian Adam Grabowski who performs over 150 college shows a year. Adam moved to LA a year ago and we talk about everything from being the new guy in town to dealing with depression and anxiety.

 In this conversation Adam and I talk about:
 Living in Los Angeles Being a loner on the road Performing for colleges girlfriend Jedi mind tricks The differences between colleges and corporate events open mics are awful Card tricks for anxiety Magic verses ...

Episode 32: Drummer Emmanuel E-man Cervantes is About to Break over Playing Drums professionally, keeping time for Andy Grammer, and hearing music he made during the Apple Keynote

This week I am joined by Professional Drummer Emmanuel Cervantes. I’ve know this guy since he was 13 years old and he has been killing it ever since! 
 In this conversation E-man and I talk about: The process of buying a house as an entertainer When the money comes in… save it My dog keeps interrupting Entertainment sleep deprivation Knowing all the restaurants in the airport The importance of being hard on yourself Paying attention to whats important Putting in the extra w...

Episode 31: Charles Wills is About to Break over the Special Effects industry, making the Gorburger Show, and Hanging out at Snoop dogs compound.

This week I am joined by Artist and special effects guru Charles Wills! Charles was my best friend when I was 8 years old. He is an amazing special effects artist and a big part of the team behind Comedy Central’s Gorburger show.
 In this conversation Charles and I talk about:
 Being best friends when we were 8 His love of magic KISS themed mini golf Pinball is the most economical video game Celebrities celebrating themselves Themes in Magic Surprised electric bills Trying t...

Episode 30: John Flynn is About to Break over Directing one person shows, Becoming a great storyteller and Dancing with pitchforks.

This week I am joined by Storyteller & Director John Flynn! I took a storytelling class at the UCB that John taught and it changed my entire perspective on performing. So much good stuff in this episode!

 In this conversation John and I talk about: Discovering storytelling Describing California highways New Jersey beach closures Being a showbiz kid It all changed because of Debbie Gibson When your personal emails are published in the Daily News Getting kissed by Alissa Mila...

Episode 29: Dana Daniels is About to Break over working with a bird, TSA security and performing for scientists

This week I am joined by the Hilarious Comedy Magician Dana Daniels. Dana is the funniest man in Magic today. We talk about everything from his run on Broadway to how to sneak a parrot on a plane. Including some great stories from his years creating magical moments for the happiest place on earth.
 In this conversation Dana and I talk about:
 Nostalgic decorating Feeling like your born in the wrong era Working at Disneyland The joys of being a costumed character Elephants don’t ha...

Episode 28: Scott Tokar is About to Break over Trade Show Magic, Digital Photography and creating Bob Schmecktton?

This week I am joined by the mesmerizing Scott Tokar, founder of Corporatefx.com and master of trade show magic. If you are an artist of any kind, Scott shares such great wisdom and tip for success in your work. Magicians… start taking notes.

   In this conversation Scott and I talk about:


 Encouraging ways to get out of bed Realizing you are a “look at me” Joining the boy’s chorus Auditioning at the Magic Castle Marketing techniques from a 13 year old Scott credits his car...

Episode 27: Bobby Hartry is About to Break over producing great music, hard drive crashes and illegal downloads

This week I am joined by the incredible Bobby Hartry. I met Bobby when he was playing guitar with our friend Brenton Brown. In addition to being a ridiculously talented guitarist, Bobby is an Emmy winning songwriter and an accomplished music producer. Together with his wife Jen, they run Catbeach Music. In this conversation Bobby and I talk about:
 Cruising Alaska learning to dogsled from Cuba Gooding Jr Designing your creative space kids playing led Zeppelin Hunting down guitar g...

Episode 26: Eric Buss is About to Break over internet trolls, finding confidence and building his own props.

This week I am joined by my friend Eric Buss, a highly original entertainer who is known for his inventive comedy and magic. Eric has been featured on Americas Got Talent, Letterman and has gone viral on YouTube. I sat down with him to discuss the highs and lows of life in the entertainment business. In this conversation Eric and I talk about:
 Stepping on Legos Becoming a parent Kids don’t understand timing Comedy magicians Categories are necessary What happened to originality...

Episode 24: Tobin from the band Flatfoot 56 is About to Break over the idea of Christian music, remaining authentic and dealing with record labels.

This week I am joined by Tobin Bawinkel of the band Flatfoot 56. It’s always amazing when you respect someone for their creativity, then meet them and find that their character is just as amazing. Thoroughly enjoyed this conversation. In this conversation Tobin and I discuss: Our buddy Shaun Wrestling has changed since we were kids Road life verses shows in town Playing in bars before your old enough to get in Growing up with bluegrass The Funhouse venue in Seattle Changes in ...

Episode 23: Live Show recap and a Road Trip

This episode was recorded in our soccer mom van on a road trip to visit a magic shop in Fresno with my buddy Keith Coast. In this conversation Keith and I discuss: Waking up early Reasons to visit Fresno Justifying large purchases Magic tricks look like murder A TV pilot pitch Leaving early to beat traffic Being careful who you collaborate with Our love of the Magic Castle A recap of the About to Break live Show! Comedic Timing Rules for having a speakeasy I tell a ...

Episode 22: Keith Coast is About to Break over Living in an RV, learning to breathe fire and finding your own normal.

This episode features one of oldest and dearest friends Keith Coast. Keith and his family travel full time across North America as he performs a show of comedy, magic and dangerous things. We had a great conversation about life on the road and giving up things that don't really matter. In this conversation Keith and I discuss: buying suits just to go to the Magic Castle being bigger guys hometown buffet playing baby Jesus schoolyard bullies taking college courses magic trick D...

Episode 21: Jason McNichols is About to Break over Parking in Downtown, Clothes in Cartoons and Living Someone else’s dream.

This episode features one of the funniest guys I know Jason McNichols. Jason spent years as an improvisor with Second City in Los Angeles. He has appearing in a number of Movies and TV Shows and talks extensively about his experience and some advice for people wanting to pursue acting. We get into deep stuff like dealing with depression, addiction and jealousy. Jason shares so many things that encouraged me and I know your gonna love him. In this conversation Jason and I discuss: Duck th...

Episode 20: Noah Culver is About to Break over Reality TV, Creative Marketing and just needing to be outdoors more.

Episode 20: Noah Culver is About to Break over Reality TV, Creative Marketing and just needing to be outdoors more. Noah has worn many hats in the entertainment business from touring on bass with a Grammy winning recording artist, running his own production company and even designing those crazy reality TV games as a challenge producer. Here he opens up about the challenges and joys associated with all of the jobs he has had and shares some new perspectives on what really matters. 
In ...

Episode 019: Joshua Swodeck is About to Break over A.D.D., art education and always having to prove yourself.

Josh is a longtime friend that i recently reconnected with after a weird pause in our relationship which we talk about here! He is a brand storyteller, gallery owner, and an activist. Beyond that he is an amazing human being and I know you are gonna love him.

 In this conversation Josh and I discuss: Our shared love of historical buildings Being part of a community What it really means to love your neighbor The loneliness of being an artist People with agendas Always having to ...

Episode 018: Mallory Moye is About to Break over auditions, the pressure of Los Angeles and life as an actor.

Mallory Moye is a lovely human being! She played the role of Wanda on the popular series “Hart of Dixie.” You may recognize her from the showtime series Shameless and she is currently in production on the FOX pilot titled Resident coming out this fall. In this conversation Mallory and I discuss: * The challenges of living in Los Angeles * Working a day job you hate * What happens when one gig ends and you don’t have another lined up? * Relationship stuff * The question we both can’t ...

Episode 017: Josh Simpson is About to Break over Politics, Oil Spills and the Entertainment Industry

Episode 017 features the incredible Josh Simpson! Josh has produced content for Funny or Die, Team Coco and his own hilarious Youtube Channel. I met Josh when he when I took a UCB Improv class and had the privilege of having him as my teacher. We cover so many incredible topics in this conversation and it was not only enlightening for me, but also very therapeutic.
 You can catch Josh performing from time to time Tuesday night in the Assembly show at UCB Sunset. You can also subscribe to TH...