The Cheerful Soundman Podcast

Eric gives some advice on what to do when your small business is struggling. 

Eric tells the story of why he started the company that became Vivid Sky Productions. 

Eric answers the question, "What would you if you had $10 million to invest in your company?" 

Eric answers the question, "do you want to run your business forever, or sell it off?" 

Eric hops on to talk about what he would do differently if he were to start his company all over again starting today. 

Last week Eric was answering the questions – now it's John's turn to share his answers to five quick questions about production and business. 

John asks Eric five random questions about production and business. 

Today, we’re getting a cautionary tale from Eric and John on the harsh realities of starting your own event production company. 

Spoiler Alert: It’s not for the faint of heart.

Eric and John share some insight on the planning process, how to work with a client to ensure they get the event they want, within the budget they have, and how they  prep the production side to fit the event needs.

Eric and John share some advice for those looking to freelance in event production, either directly with clients or as a part of a larger crew. 

Eric and John share some things to avoid when working production at a concert or an event. 

Eric and John give some quick tips to get into doing production for live events.

Today, Eric and John chat about the challenges and lessons of growing a team – it's not easy, and it's harder still when you're combining teams. They've got some thoughts! 

Eric and John discuss having different sets of gear for different events, and how best to keep them operating longer.

Eric and John talk about adding the K3 System from L-Acoustics, and share their first impressions of the system. Long story short – It's awesome! 

In today's episode, Eric chats with Justin Nelson from Bearded Brothers Events, an event planning company right here in Gainesville, Florida. They chat about working with vendors, how the latest COVID spike is impacting event planning, and even some tricks and tech to work smarter. 

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Eric looks back on 2021, looks forward to 2022, and shares some 2022 advice for event planners and professionals.

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Today we hear Eric's thoughts on what should have been done differently at the ASTROWORLD Festival to prevent the tragedy that occurred. 

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We asked our crew to share the biggest mistakes they see event plannners and venue owners making. Here's what they said. Do you agree?

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On this week's mini-episode, Talia and Eric fire off their quick answers to a round of random questions. We're asking these same questions on our Instagram account, so follow along there!

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Today we get to talk to Talia Rogers (@theluxeplanner) about moving from freelance event planner to corporate event planner and back again – and about balancing professionalism with expressing yourself. Such a fun guest to have, we really hope you enjoy it! 

Thisis also a great example of why you should always have a backup plan – the main interview audio didn't record properly, but we had an extra mic set up to record and that's what you hear!

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On today's mini-episode, Eric and Drew discuss NFTs and what they might mean for live events in the next few years.

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Today we get a special chance to let the host do all the talking. Eric switches seats and answers the questions he's been asking all our great guests so far.

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Today we hear from Eric from a recent interview about just how hard it can be to own and operate your own business. In today's world the entrepreneur lifestyle can be a bit over-glorified, but the truth is: it's not an easy gig. 

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Today we get to talk to Devin Gregory about just about everything – including but not limited to, growing and adapting your business and the journey of selling your business. Don't worry – You'll get more from this great conversation in the future.

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Between our longer interview-style shows, we’re answering YOUR questions. Thank you to those who gave us some great ones to answer this week, and be sure follow Bunt Backline on Facebook or @TheCheerfulSoundman on Instagram to ask us your questions. Enjoy, and see you next week for another great episode.

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Today we get to talk to James Tucker of Neato Design about the adventures of producing live events for smaller churches and also some great ways to grow your production business well. 

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It's another mini-episode answering your questions about tech, live events, or pretty much anything else! Connect and ask your questions on our Instagram @TheCheerfulSoundman.

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Today we get to talk to Jason Decter, a veteran music mixer on tours and in-studio, who has worked with the likes of Weezer, Paramore, and Blink182. It was great to hear about working your way into a touring gig, as well as hear crazy stories about life on the road.

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Today it’s another mini-episode answering your questions about tech, live events, or pretty much anything else! Connect and ask your questions on our Instagram @TheCheerfulSoundman.

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Today it’s another mini-episode answering your questions about tech, live events, or pretty much anything else! Connect and ask your questions on our Instagram @TheCheerfulSoundman.

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Today we talk to John Pop, owner of Vivid Sky Productions in Gainesville, Florida. We cover the adventure of buying a sound company at the beginning of a pandemic, and the unlikely friendship forged between competing businesses.

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Another great mini-episode answering your questions! Did Eric get an answer wrong? Let us know your thoughts over on Instagram!

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Today we sit down and chat with the Technical Director for Greenhouse Church in Gainesville, Florida, Jared Godshalk, about managing sound in a church and taking on new challenges head-on.

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It’s our first mini-episode! Between our longer interview-style shows, we’re going to be answering YOUR questions. Thank you to those who gave us some great ones to answer this week, and be sure follow Bunt Backline on Facebook or @TheCheerfulSoundman on Instagram to ask us your questions. Enjoy, and see you next week for another great episode.

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Today we're talking to Matthew Wardell of the Reilly Arts Center, the Marion Theater, and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Topics include surviving a pandemic when you mostly work with live events, doubling down on events, and a significant chunk on the Ocala food scene. Enjoy.

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This isn't a reboot, folks. Maybe a return, or striking back? But unlike George Lucas, we're making our fourth episode our first one... again. 

Today we're talking to Keith Watson of Keith Watson Events about how he got started and the challenges of running an event business during a pandemic. 

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In this episode we have an epic conversation about the ins and outs of theatre sound with accomplished Audio Engineer Matthew Raudabaugh. Matthew has mixed Book of Mormon, Bring it On the Musical, and is currently the A2 for Hamilton the Musical in Chicago. We discuss everything from doing a show with Sinbad to how a musical is designed and teched. Buckle up for 2 hours of fun audio and production talk. 

In this episode the Cheerful Soundman, Eric Lenasbunt, and James Tucker of Neato Design discuss what it takes to become an event production professional. We also discuss internships, schooling, and preparation for a gig.  We chat about what to bring to the gig, how to act, and how to react to the ever-changing production environment. 

BJ Courtney of the Juniverse Studio joins us and we tell an epic story of [truck key] loss at a T Pain show.