The Tailgate Entertainer | Performers | Performance Business | Creatives | Artists | Talent Buyers
79 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 47 ratingsTailgate Entertainer is a podcast for performing artists and talent buyers. The goal of the show is to help those involved in the entertainment industry succeed by sharing years of collected wisdom.
You will not find a more eclectic mix of people in the world than those that wear the label of Performing Artist. Their exciting journeys, lessons, and humorous anecdotes are woven together here to to provide encouragement, education, and support for the industry.
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Episodes
#77 Sara Kunz-The flyin' Hawaiian
March 08, 2021 19:00 - 30 minutes - 41.3 MBWith the zest and sweetness of a pineapple, grace of a dolphin, and jokes as great as your Dad's, Sara will whisk you away to the best vacation / most thrilling circus show you have ever experienced!
76: Groovy Guy
February 23, 2021 01:38 - 47 minutes - 64.7 MB25 years as a street performer has given Groovy Guy an individual style and strategy! He will leave you with plenty of wisdom, some great tips and memorable stories.
75: XPOGO
February 07, 2021 16:45 - 37 minutes - 51.6 MBBounce on in and listen to a group of trailblazers in the entertainment industry! The ups and downs of creating a show with nothing but raw talent and pogo sticks!
74: Bill Robison-Industry Icon
January 28, 2021 21:12 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBKnown for his many faces, voices and props, Bill Robison sets a standard in physical comedy performance. Truly....an industry icon.
73: Street Breakz
January 17, 2021 18:24 - 27 minutes - 37.6 MBPeace, unity, love and having fun is what Street Breakz brings to their audience through hip hop, acrobatics, and comedy!
72: Kimi Shintaku - A Lifetime of Experience
December 31, 2020 18:42 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBA fascinating journey through Kimi's life, full of stories and wisdom. Her dedication and valuable contribution to the fair industry stems from years of amazing experiences under vastly different circumstances.
71: Jeremiah Johnston-Juggler Extraordinaire
December 13, 2020 16:55 - 56 minutes - 77.8 MBTechnically skilled, highly proficient, and amazingly smooth! Jeremiah drops a ton of tips about performing in the fair business, marketing, and life in general. Don't miss the stories about California, the box of juggling props in the attic....and rugs!
70: Kenny Ahern
December 04, 2020 04:04 - 36 minutes - 50.6 MBKenny Ahern shares stories about his career as a clown, a little wisdom from his life and even some laundry tips!
69: Mango & Dango-Complete Creatives
November 24, 2020 17:52 - 54 minutes - 74.8 MBComplete creatives, master makers, the whole artistic package! Learn from the best of the best-Mango & Dango!
68: Mark Sparks Master Class
November 20, 2020 21:29 - 1 hour - 109 MBIt's the little things a person does and the little things a person doesn't do that make all the difference when it comes to being successful in the fair industry.
67: Season Three Opener
November 20, 2020 19:32 - 17 minutes - 24.5 MBKicking off season three of Tailgate Entertainer and what the exciting lineup looks like. (NOTE: All recordings were done pre-pandemic)
A Punch in the Face
May 30, 2020 06:55 - 2 hours - 213 MBIn this episode, twelve professionals in the fair industry talk about their experience of living through the destruction that Covid 19 has caused. What has happened to our industry and what needs to happen to get things back on track. Great stories, wisdom and insight.
66: A Punch in the Face
May 30, 2020 06:55 - 2 hours - 213 MBIn this episode, twelve professionals in the fair industry talk about their experience of living through the destruction that Covid 19 has caused. What has happened to our industry and what needs to happen to get things back on track. Great stories, wisdom and insight.
65: Conjuring Up a Career That Never Gets Old with Robert Smith
September 25, 2018 07:00 - 45 minutes - 21.3 MBCreating a concrete platform in a saturated market is no easy task. In order to do so, you have to be innovative and original, two characteristics that perfectly describe Robert Smith. Robert Smith is a magician and creative content speaker who struggled to find his way into the fair industry until doing exactly the opposite of everyone else, staying inside the box. Robert Smith is most recognized for his fortune-telling act, which has come to be known as the Conjurer Fortune Machine. Check ...
64: Greg Frisbee, Leveraging Your Strengths!
September 18, 2018 07:00 - 39 minutes - 19.5 MBFinding your passion can be difficult especially if it isn’t a traditional path but Greg Frisbee always knew he wanted to perform. Overcoming his shyness and fear of failure, Greg took a leap of faith and has become an incredible juggler and comedian. He has performed in all 50 states, over 30 countries, and does over 300 shows a year. His show is fun, goofy, and creates a family-friendly environment for everyone to enjoy. Tune into this episode of Tailgate Entertainer with Alan Bruess and E...
63: Creating Magical Whimsical Characters with Marco Landin and Heather Hyde de Landin
September 11, 2018 07:00 - 28 minutes - 13.2 MBThe fair industry has some jaw-dropping and mind baffling acts but some acts set the bar higher than others. Marco Landín and Heather Hyde de Landin are creative and talented performers. From costumes to technique, this power couple has raised the bar for all stilt walkers and performers. Their acts are exotic and bring a sense of newness through their full fire performances and stilt creatures. They have perfected the art of embodying whimsical characters and creating a dreamlike atmosphere...
62: World Record Holder and Master of Physical Comedy - Alex Zerbe
September 04, 2018 07:00 - 33 minutes - 16.5 MBAlex Zerbe has been performing for more than 15 years. He is a master of physical comedy, juggling, and magic. Alex is known as “The Zaniac” which was an idea from his wife. Many love his high energy throughout his performances and his super kind soul, and intelligence. He is a two-time Guinness World Record holder who was voted Seattle's Funniest Prop Comic. He performs in fairs, schools and special events. He is a fantastic entertainer and loves his job as an entertainer. More in this ep...
61: Creating Memorable Performances and Sustainable Shows with Ivan España and Allison Blej
August 28, 2018 07:00 - 27 minutes - 14.2 MBFor many performers, the circus has been a way of life for as long as they can remember. Ivan España is a fifth-generation circus performer and is currently creating and performing in shows with his wife Allison. They both have a heart and passion for the industry and dedicate a surplus of hard work and time to each and every show. Tune into this episode of Tailgate Entertainer to hear more about their journey and their current production, The Great Mr. Swindles Peculiarity. The Great Mr. ...
60: The Show Bros™: A Super Show of Mind & Magic
August 21, 2018 07:00 - 45 minutes - 21.2 MBBuilding and creating a unique act is a major accomplishment but it is even more valuable when you get to perform with a close friend. Illusionist Adam The Great and Tyzen The Comedy Hypnotist, also known as the Show Bros™, are two close friends who have established a remarkable show together and continue to create innovative material. Combining two great talents with amazing shows on their own, they have created an amazing new show, called The Show Bros™, which highlights the best of both...
59: Finding Innovative New Talent for the Fair Industry with Tom Sailor
August 14, 2018 07:00 - 37 minutes - 17.3 MBThere is a surplus of talent, acts, and shows in the fair industry. Many of the performances have been around for hundreds of years, but some of them recently have sprung and become popular over the last few decades. Tom Sailor has invented and innovated multiple aspects of the fair industry and currently works with Winter Set Concert Events. He has years of experience and insight on the fair industry that is unique to his creative perspective. Tune into this episode of Tailgate Entertaine...
58: Lessons Learned from 30 Years as a Full Time Entertainer with Todd Victor
August 07, 2018 07:00 - 35 minutes - 16.4 MBAnyone can be a performer, but only hard-working and dedicated individuals become a great performer. It takes many years and lots of practice to establish a name and create a timeless act, which is why not many people make it as a full-time entertainer. Todd Victor has been a full-time entertainer for over 30 years and has created beautiful stages to host various acts, he coaches entertainers, and has established a successful mentoring program to boost other performers. Tune into this episod...
57: Being Unique - a Key to Industry Longevity with Dennis Lee
July 31, 2018 07:00 - 30 minutes - 16 MBThe entertainment industry is full of unique and incredible people. There are so many innovative and remarkable acts and the people are equally as intricate. Many of these performers are simply doing what they love and also enjoy having the opportunity to bring a smile to others faces, and one of those people is Dennis Lee. Dennis is an overwhelmingly kind individual with a heart for making people happy. He is the founder of The Dennis Lee Show and continues to bring enticing acts to fairs a...
56: Staying Relevant After 9 Generations of Performing with Michelangelo Nock
July 24, 2018 07:00 - 24 minutes - 11.6 MBWhile the fair industry is continuously growing and adapting, and continues to evolve since the early days of live entertainment. Michelangelo Nock, owner of The Nerveless Nocks Inc., and his family have been innovating the industry since before 1850. Michelangelo Nock has a plethora of insight and knowledge about the industry, due to his unique experience growing up in a performing family. He comes from a family that has been performing in the circus and entertainment industry for mo...
55: Rebuilding Your Life After a Life-Changing Accident with Kristen Johnson and Kevin Ridgeway
July 17, 2018 07:00 - 41 minutes - 19.2 MBKristen Johnson and Kevin Ridgeway are interviewed on the show today by Elisa Hayes, who knows all too well about life-changing accidents. Talk about people with phenomenal character! Today’s guests are two of the greatest people you will ever meet, and their story is inspiring! Kevin and Kristen are entertainers in a show called Lady Houdini, which is a show featuring escape-type routines. Kristen is known as Lady Houdini, and Kevin emcees the show. They do between 270-300 shows per year, a...
54: The Youngest CEO Shares Insights for the Future of the Fair with Courtny Conkle
July 10, 2018 07:00 - 43 minutes - 20 MBVery rarely are people presented with the opportunity to be born into their career and spend their life learning all aspects of their trade. Fortunately, Courtny Conkle did; she is the youngest female CEO in California and at the Lake County Fair in Northern California and has acquired a plethora of knowledge throughout her years. Getting to learn different trades in the fair from a very young age has helped Courtny throughout her career and given her the insight to project her career for...
53: Balancing Work, Family and Your Life While on the Road with Paul Isaak
July 03, 2018 08:20 - 40 minutes - 19.2 MBNot having a traditional career can make the balance between work and family difficult to juggle. In order to be successful in the Fair industry, you have to learn to balance your life while traveling, creating your audience, and still maintaining your personal life. Paul Isaak is a juggler and performer who has learned to not only juggle fire but learned to expertly juggle his career and his family. This episode of Tailgate Entertainer reveals angles of the fair industry that have never b...
52: Season 2, Here We Go!
July 03, 2018 04:00 - 12 minutes - 5.74 MBWe’re back with Season 2! It’s an entirely new season, so Alan here to catch you up on everything since Season 1 ended and also the exciting things in store for Season 2. In this first episode of Season 2, you also get introduced to a co-host, who is no stranger to Tailgate Entertainer fans! The fair industry is an adventurous occupation that few people have insight into, but the Tailgate Entertainer brings you interviews with some of the most reputable performers in the Fair Industry....
51: It's a Wrap
March 28, 2017 07:00 - 14 minutes - 6.84 MBToday's episode is an opportunity to have a few questions answered about the show, take a peek behind the scenes a little, and a chance for me to give some final thoughts about the importance of our industry. A huge THANK YOU to all of the guests and listeners that have been a part of the adventure. Reasons for producing the show. How the show is doing, how has it done? Is the show going to continue? Did I make any money podcasting? Any regrets producing the show? Biggest lesso...
50: Kids in the Biz
March 21, 2017 07:00 - 46 minutes - 21.5 MBIn this episode: Mat Wells - son of Kim & Alan Barr Nathen Smith - son of Robert & Sara Smith Sarah Hays - daughter of Steve & Elisa Hays Hayden Newman - daughter of Mike & Ryann Newman Chase Barton - son of Tammy & Bryan Barton Brayden Bruess - son of Alan & Renee Bruess
49: Foodies" Kim Barr & Daryl Whicheloe
March 14, 2017 07:00 - 20 minutes - 9.3 MBYou could operate a fair without a carnival, it might be less fun, but it is achievable. You could probably also run a fair without entertainment, but it isn’t advised. What you couldn’t host a fair without, is food vendors. Food vendors are the anchor of the fair. They are also some of the hardest working people, with a job that doesn’t guarantee a paycheck. For them, the risk is worth the reward. Tune in to today’s fast, food show to hear two of the fair’s best, Kim Barr and Daryl Whichelo...
48: Elisa Hays - Connecting with the Heart
March 07, 2017 08:00 - 45 minutes - 25.3 MBPain and suffering are always topics pushed under the rug, but what people have failed to inform you is, oblivion is not bliss. Today we are going to sweep it all out from under the rug and hit the topics that are, more often than not, avoided. Feelings of self-worth, effects of tragic accidents, pride, the ICU, all topics that lack a sense of hope, but your guest, Elisa Hays, will hopefully leave you with an appreciation for life and hope in the virtue of humanity. Tune in with your host, A...
47: A Millennial Perspective on the Fair Industry with Kady Porterfield
February 28, 2017 08:00 - 24 minutes - 12.5 MBIs this generation really evolving? Are we different than other generations due to technology? Or are we simply coming full circle with the advancements previous generations have put in place for us? After years of advancements, we are finally beginning to see the fruits of the internet. But, have these advancements brought us closer together? Or magnified our differences? Tune in while Kady Porterfield answers a few of these questions, and more, with your host, Alan Bruess. Today, Alan an...
46: Balloonacy with Dennis Forel
February 21, 2017 08:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MBTime, money, travel, and experiences are all a few things we have in common. In the fair industry, it takes a lot of investment in all of the following. But, a few special things about our guest today is his constant great spirits, his classy behavior, enthusiasm in his work, his amazing story, and the magic he puts into his work. Welcome balloon artist, Dennis Forel, with your tailgate entertainer, Alan Bruess. Today, Alan and Dennis Forel also discuss: The inspiration that led to h...
45: Evacuation Centers for Lake Oroville Dam
February 13, 2017 21:47 - 24 minutes - 11.2 MBToday's episode is different than our normal episodes. We have so many friends in California that are being affected by the evacuations for the Lake Oroville Dam, and the Fair Industry as a whole is stepping up to the plate to offer help. Today Alan talks with 3 different Fair Managers who have sprung into action to help anyone who has been displaced by this evacuation. Listen to the episode to find out where to go if you are forced to evacuate!
44: Remedy for Hate
February 07, 2017 08:00 - 6 minutes - 2.78 MBWith everything that’s been going on in today’s media, it’s easy to feel bombarded by the hate and negativity. It’s hard to say whether this is a new conflict, or if we’re simply becoming more in tune to the situation. Join your tailgate entertainer, Alan Bruess, on discussing this new topic that we all deal with on a regular basis and listen for ways you can improve this situation for yourself. Alan also discusses: A remedy for hate The importance of expressing yourself Art fu...
43: The Talent Behind the Talent with Jerry Ross
January 31, 2017 08:00 - 38 minutes - 18.1 MBToday, we are going to take a look at a new and exciting angle of the fair industry. We’ve ventured through many different aspects of vendors, managers, and various performing artists. Today, we are going to take a walk in the shoes of the person who finds all the talent to fill those slots. Accompany Alan Bruess as he exploring the world of a highly respected talent agent and business owner, Jerry Ross. Listen as Alan and Jerry discuss: The journey of starting a business How revenu...
42: A Class Act - Chris Whatley
January 24, 2017 08:00 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MBJust like every other industry, the fair industry is all about connections. But, the special thing about this industry is that everyone is willing to support and help one another. Now, who doesn’t want to participate in that? Today we are going to listen to and learn from one of the fair industry’s greatest supporters and influencers. This will give you some personal insight and show you the relationships and strong bonds created in this field. Join your Tailgate Entertainer, Alan Bru...
41: Behind the Scenes with Heather Hansen
January 17, 2017 08:00 - 28 minutes - 13.2 MBWhen people think of the fair, they think of all the exciting things in the spotlight. Sometimes we fail to notice all the things behind the scenes that make that excitement happen. All the hard work, planning, and orchestrating goes unnoticed. Today, take a look behind the scenes with our special guest Heather Hansen. Today we are learning more from behind the scenes in the fair industry with lobbyist, Heather Hansen. People like Heather are vital to our industry, because without her,...
40: Dianne Linderman: Everything That Matters
January 10, 2017 08:00 - 36 minutes - 16.9 MBThe fair industry is typically stereotyped into a finite variety of things. Ranging from clowns, to corndogs, to cotton candy, to Ferris wheels. Join your Tailgate Entertainer, Allen Bruce, in digger deeper into exploring the entrepreneurship involved in the fair industry, with people like “The Gold Standard”. “The Gold Standard” or Dianne Linderman, is a renowned business woman involved in fair industry. Dianne Linderman is a creative, innovative, entrepreneur, who has surrounded her...
39: A Solution to Your Business Problem with Thomas Rock Lindsay
January 03, 2017 08:00 - 22 minutes - 10.3 MBWould you like to be more savvy about the best type of structure for your business? Or are you unsure about whether someone doing work for you is an employee or an independent contractor? If so, listen in to today's episode of Tailgate Entertainer with Alan Bruess, as he talks business with his knowledgeable guest, Thomas Rock Lindsay. Thomas owns a company called Humanly HR. He has more than twenty years of experience working in a PEO (Professional Employer Organization), focusing on ...
38: Lessons and Direction
December 27, 2016 08:00 - 10 minutes - 4.94 MBToday we are kicking off our last episode of 2016, it’s going to be a bit of a short one, but a good one. If you haven’t heard our show before, we are all about the fair industry. Also, here is a message to some of the fair boards, we asked on our Facebook what you all want to hear in 2017, so we’ll talk a little about that today and I also asked what your greatest lesson was in 2016. All of that will be captured in today’s show, glad you’re here with us. Listen to the episode as Alan...
37: Making Music with a voice like an angel! - Teddy Anne Cunningham
December 20, 2016 08:00 - 21 minutes - 9.92 MBWelcome to my show everyone! Merry Christmas to you! Now, if you’ve never heard our show before, we are all about the fair industry. We don’t spend a lot of time talking about corn dogs or Ferris Wheels, even though those are two important parts. We spend most of our time talking about the amazing people involved, and that’s why I stay in it. I decided to make this episode a Christmas episode, but that doesn’t mean I’m leaving out all the people who celebrate in a different way. We have a...
36: Terry Fator - Focus!
December 13, 2016 08:00 - 26 minutes - 12.4 MBIf you have talent, as yet untapped, or you love watching performers do their thing at fairs, Terry Fator will certainly inspire you. Whether or not you are in the fair industry, you will love Terry. Listen to his down to earth approach to becoming successful as he talks to Alan Bruess about his meteoric rise to fame since 2005, on today's episode of Tailgate Entertainer. Terry, singer, comedian and ventriloquist/impersonator, a great, funny, regular guy, won America's “Who's got Tale...
35: Karla Majewski - Crickets for Dinner?
December 06, 2016 08:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBThis week, we have Karla Majewski to tell us about her animal business. She and her family live on 4 acres in California with almost 200 exotic animals. For nearly 3 decades, her company, Pacific Animal Productions, has been helping to conserve wildlife and endangered species while educating people about the wonders of wildlife. During animal “edu-tainment” exhibits, she lets people see and touch the animals. She comes up with inspired ideas that are mutually beneficial to both humans and a...
34: The Mentor, Marty Davis
November 29, 2016 20:13 - 39 minutes - 18.3 MBWelcome to a conversation with my friend, Marty Davis. Marty has been in the fair industry longer than anyone I know. This is an honest interview from Marty’s heart with a little bit of crazy thrown in! If you listen all the way to the end, you’ll be treated to a yodeling lesson, a story about streaking, some great advice, and some cowboy songs, too! Don’t miss it! What you’ll hear in this episode: How Marty started his lifelong love affair with the guitar Working as a DJ and singing wit...
33: Pam Schilt Shultz - Finding the Balance
November 22, 2016 08:00 - 35 minutes - 16.4 MBWelcome to a great show with my friend, Pam Shultz. Pam and her husband of 34 years, Rob, run The Imagination Gallery, a business which provides hands-on, interactive science displays for fairgoers. You’ll be inspired by Pam’s passion for what she loves to do and what she’s learned. Join us! What you’ll hear in this episode: How Pam and Rob started with sand sculptures and teaching science to science shows The evolution of their current fair business How things got out of balance i...
32: Jeff & Pam Martin - He's the Show, She's the Business
November 15, 2016 12:20 - 23 minutes - 11.4 MBHow does a couple travel non-stop, perform shows all over the United States, and still manage to love each other at the end of each day? Professional magician Jeff Martin and his wife Pam share the secrets of keeping it all together." Show Notes How the relationship started Their show is an organized business with Pam behind Jeff Is it tough to be just behind the limelight, not among the show performers We are all stronger when we become a community in show business or entertainment ...
31: Negotiating Up with Elisa Hays
November 08, 2016 08:00 - 27 minutes - 12.9 MBA win-win strategy for both buyers and sellers trying to find common ground at trade shows. In this discussion, Elisa Hays and Alan Bruess talk about how to communicate more effectively between the two sides and the importance of creating dialogue centered on added value. Show Notes What does “negotiating up” mean? What buyers and sellers can ask each other to start negotiating How can an entertainer provide more value to get higher pay? Solving the problem of maximizing value with a...
30: Tammie Ryan: Being Part of a Team
November 01, 2016 14:45 - 28 minutes - 13.4 MBIn this heart warming episode, Tammie Ryan shares her lifelong involvement in the fair industry. She talks about her challenges as an entrepreneur, living on the road, and where she sees the greatest opportunities for others. Tammie is highly respected and loved by many in the industry. As you listen to her open up about her life in this episode, you will quickly understand why. Tammy is instrumental in getting Alan Bruess into the entertainment industry Tammy invited Alan into the c...
29: Five Lives, Five Struggles
October 25, 2016 07:00 - 22 minutes - 10.2 MBLet’s talk about the biggest struggles or challenges that artists encounter as performers. My own biggest struggle is: losing my voice. Here are 5 different artists and their challenges: Washboard Willy He was our guest in Episode 4. He travels all the time and often looks forward to a downtime. His hardest struggle is about losing his sense of community with his own hometown, the place where he grew up. Listen and learn what it is he is struggling with and what the 3 things he does to...