Beats Working: Winning The Game of Events

WORKP2P

Welcome to Beats Working: Winning the Game of Events, where party people Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren uncover the magic of creating meaningful experiences. From global conferences to local gatherings, we share stories and strategies to turn any event—or life moment—into something unforgettable. Packed with humor, resilience, and a little event-planner grit, this podcast proves there are no small events, only small invoices. Join us as we explore why getting paid to practice truly beats working to get paid. Winning the Game of Work with host Dan T. Rogers coming in 2026!

  1. 3D AGO

    60 Hours Straight as an Event Pro with Sandra Kelley

    In this episode of Beats Working, Sandra Kelley shares what it really takes to last 25 years in the event industry. From her early days hiding behind lighting rigs to leading massive 15,000-person productions, Sandra pulls back the curtain on the grit, kinship, and recovery rituals that keep event pros in the game. This isn’t about glamour — it’s about the humans behind the headset and why relationships matter more than any run-of-show.  Takeaways:  It’s always about the people. Equipment comes and goes. Relationships are what carry you through the chaos.   Kinship fuels endurance. You’ll push harder for your team than you ever would for yourself.   Take care of your crew. Great leaders prioritize people capacity — not just production timelines.   Recovery is strategic. Big shows require intentional decompression afterward.   Sometimes the coffee run is sacred. Five minutes away can reset your nervous system and your leadership.     Timestamps:   [00:03:14] — 60 hours on-site, 14 hours off: The reality of large-scale event marathons   [00:06:21] — From biology major to lighting tech: How Sandra fell into events   [00:09:00] — The leadership lesson: Take care of your people first   [00:09:41] — The “coffee person” secret joy   [00:11:40] — Gwen Stefani wants coffee? The answer is yes.   Resources & Links:  -Sandra Kelley: LinkedIn   -Skull & Keel   -Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn  Connect with Us:  -Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com  -LinkedIn: @Beats Working Podcast  -Instagram: @beatsworkingpodcast  -Facebook: @Beats Working  -YouTube: @beatsworkingpodcast  Follow & Subscribe:  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.  Send Feedback:  If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.      Beats Working is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

    43 min

  2. FEB 23

    Celebrities, Snowstorms, and Live Event Lessons with Brian Hurley

    In this most-loved replay episode of Beats Working, Brian Hurley shares what live event media management has taught him about staying calm when everything goes wrong — from blizzard-level curveballs at Mammoth Film Festival to high-pressure celebrity moments and last-minute client expectations. Brian breaks down how to choose the right clients, build adaptable teams, set the tone with your energy, and recover from surprises without letting stress infect the room. The ultimate measure of success? Getting hired back — and having the courage to ask why when you don’t.  Takeaways:  If it’s live, something will go wrong — success is how you respond, not whether it happens.  Energy is contagious on show day — calm leadership keeps the whole room steady.  Prep your team and your client with a quick pre-event huddle and shared expectations.  Choose clients wisely — misaligned expectations cost time, money, and sanity.  The real KPI is getting hired again — and asking for feedback when you don’t.  Timestamps:   [02:09] - Delusional budget requests in events  [04:16] - The Mammoth Film Festival blizzard experience  [06:11] - Coolest celebrity encounter: Robin Williams and Bobcat Goldthwait  [10:28] - Strategies for handling unexpected twists   [16:28] - The impact of energy and attitude   [20:41] - Personal preparation tips before a stressful event  [25:05] - Wrapping up events and post-event editing work  [27:58] - Gauging success through client retention  Resources & Links:  -Brian Hurley: LinkedIn   -Hurley Media Group   -Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn  Connect with Us:  -Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com  -LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show  -Instagram: @beatsworkingshow  -Facebook: @Beats Working Show  -YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST  Follow & Subscribe:  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.  Send Feedback:  If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.   BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

    38 min

  3. FEB 16

    From Event Chaos to Ovation with Dr. Poison Waters

    What makes an event unforgettable isn’t the spotlight — it’s stewardship.   In this wildly smart (and hilarious) episode of Beats Working, legendary drag icon and philanthropic powerhouse Dr. Kevin Cook, aka Dr. Poison Waters, shares four decades of hard-earned event wisdom. From reading the room before doors open to redirecting chaos without embarrassing your audience, Poison reveals what separates average hosts from unforgettable ones.  You’ll learn why the mic is not a mirror, how to set tone before you ever speak, and why loyalty to great vendor partners is one of the most underrated strategies in events.  If you’ve ever wondered how to turn pre-show nerves and mid-event mishaps into standing ovations, this one’s for you.  Takeaways:  Your mic is not a mirror. The fastest way to tank an event is making it about the host instead of the cause.   The audience matches what they walk into. Registration flow, music vibe, and team readiness set the tone before you ever speak.   Don’t narrate the disaster. Redirect without spotlighting the problem — and never scold the room.    Lead like a kindergarten teacher (with heels energy). Clear expectations + frequent reminders reduce anxiety and boost participation.   The 3 E’s win every time: Educate, Entertain, Embrace — meet people where they are, no matter why they showed up.    Timestamps:   [03:52] — The #1 lesson: “It’s not about me.”    [06:39] — How to predict the crowd before doors open: pre-meetings, run of show, and first impressions   [12:49] — The 3 E’s + what’s in Poison’s event bag (Sharpie, fan, breath strips)    [18:46] — What great MCs do when things go off the rails (and what they never say)    [24:37] — Walk-on song: Aretha Franklin “Respect” + closing anthem: Kool & the Gang's “Celebration”    [39:15] — What’s next: the dragathon documentary "Meeting Hate With Joy" + giving back to The Trevor Project    Resources & Links:  -Dr. Poison Waters: Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube  -Website: Dragathon: Meeting Hate with Joy   -Instagram: Dragathon: Meeting Hate with Joy  -Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn  Connect with Us:  -Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com  -LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show  -Instagram: @beatsworkingshow  -Facebook: @Beats Working Show  -YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST  Follow & Subscribe:  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.  Send Feedback:  If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.   BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

    43 min

  4. FEB 9

    High-Stress, High-Trust Leadership Lessons for Live Events

    In this episode of Beats Working, Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren break down one of the most referenced leadership books in the event world: "Leaders Eat Last." Through laughter, real talk, and a surprisingly memorable broccolini metaphor, they unpack why leadership in events isn’t about titles or perks — it’s about trust, safety, and showing up for your people long before show day. From backstage chaos to boundary-setting (no, your coworkers are not your family), this episode connects Simon Sinek’s ideas directly to the lived reality of event professionals.    Takeaways:  Leadership is service, not status — especially in high-pressure event environments.   Trust is built in the planning phase, not magically on show day.   Small leadership behaviors compound over time—for better or worse.   “Work family” can blur boundaries and create unhealthy dynamics.   Great event leaders protect their teams so the team can protect the show.   Timestamps:   [01:22] — Why "Leaders Eat Last" resonates so deeply in the event industry   [03:59] — Leadership as service, not authority   [06:30] — Why “work family” is a boundary red flag   [09:37] — Trust is built long before the event begins   [10:21] — Death by a thousand paper cuts: how trust erodes   Resources & Links:  -Book: Leaders Eat Last  -Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn  Connect with Us:  -Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com  -LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show  -Instagram: @beatsworkingshow  -Facebook: @Beats Working Show  -YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST  Follow & Subscribe:  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.  Send Feedback:  If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.   BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

    26 min

  5. JAN 26

    Why the Best Event Brands Aren’t Playing It Safe Anymore

    What if creativity — not perfection — was your most powerful event strategy? In this episode of Beats Working, Libby Sundgren sits down with Michael Huynh, founder of Seattle-based bakery Macadons, to explore how risk-taking, community-first thinking, and a willingness to try (and sometimes fail) can transform a brand into an experience people feel deeply connected to. From leaving a stable career at Boeing to framing cease-and-desist letters as milestones of growth, Michael shares how creativity builds belonging — and why events should feel human, not polished.   Takeaways:  Risk is a signal of growth. If no one’s pushing back, you’re probably playing it too safe.   Community beats product. People remember how an experience made them feel — not just what they consumed.   Creativity scales culture. Empowering your team unlocks unexpected leadership and loyalty.   Failure isn’t fatal. It’s often the fastest feedback loop.   Events are emotional ecosystems. Treat them like living, breathing experiences — not checklists.   Timestamps:   [01:03] — Meet Michael Huynh and the story behind Macadons  [03:24] — Leaving Boeing: choosing uncertainty over regret   [07:52] — Discovering purpose through hiring and mentorship   [11:40] — Creativity, risk, and the cease-and-desist mindset   [18:10] — Building community through food, culture, and events   Resources & Links:  -Michael Huynh: LinkedIn  -Macadons: Website, Facebook, Instagram  -Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn  Connect with Us:  -Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com  -LinkedIn: @Beats Working Podcast  -Instagram: @beatsworkingpodcast  -Facebook: @Beats Working  -YouTube: @beatsworkingpodcast  Follow & Subscribe:  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.  Send Feedback:  If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.   Beats Working is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

    40 min

  6. JAN 19

    Trust Your Palate: How Confidence Creates Better Events

    What if the secret to unforgettable events isn’t perfection — but trust? In this episode of Beats Working, hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren sit down with April Wachtel, founder and CEO of Cheeky Cocktails, to explore how trusting your palate, your instincts, and your people can transform events from stressful to spectacular. Drawing from 20+ years in hospitality, April shares lessons learned behind the bar, in packed cocktail classes, and across the rapidly evolving non‑alcoholic beverage space. This is a masterclass in confidence, creativity, and creating emotional safety — whether you’re mixing drinks or managing a room.   Takeaways:  Trust beats rules. When people trust their own palate (or instincts), creativity flourishes.   Emotional safety fuels excellence. Low‑stakes environments unlock better results.   Hospitality skills translate everywhere. Adaptability, empathy, and teamwork scale beyond restaurants.   Simplicity scales. Ratios, frameworks, and repeatable systems beat overwhelm.   Non‑alcoholic doesn’t mean non‑special. Intentional drinks belong at every event.    Timestamps:   [01:00] — Meet April Wachtel and the story behind Cheeky Cocktails   [03:00] — Why hospitality builds better humans (and leaders)   [08:14] — What people really want from cocktail classes   [09:40] — “Trust your palate”: creating confidence through low‑stakes learning   [11:45] — Translating classic cocktail ratios to non‑alcoholic drinks   [13:30] — The future of NA beverages and event culture   Resources & Links:  -April Wachtel: LinkedIn -Cheeky Cocktails: Website, Facebook, Instagram -Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn Connect with Us:  -Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com  -LinkedIn: @Beats Working Podcast  -Instagram: @beatsworkingpodcast  -Facebook: @Beats Working  -YouTube: @beatsworkingpodcast  Follow & Subscribe:  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.  Send Feedback:  If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.   Beats Working is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

    41 min

  7. JAN 12

    Winning the Game of Events with Unreasonable Hospitality

    Service gets you in the game — but hospitality is how you win it. In this book-review episode, Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren dive into "Unreasonable Hospitality" by Will Guidara and unpack why unforgettable events aren’t built on flawless logistics alone. From budgeting for joy to empowering teams to create emotional moments, this conversation reframes hospitality as the ultimate competitive advantage in events AND in work.   Whether you’re producing a global conference, a fundraiser dinner, or a backyard gathering, this episode is a permission slip to get a little unreasonable in the name of meaning, connection, and magic.   Takeaways:  Service is expected. Hospitality is remembered. Logistics matter — but how people feel is what lasts.  Budget for joy. Even small, intentional “magic moments” can have an outsized emotional impact.  Empower your team to create meaning. Hospitality scales when people are trusted to act with heart.  Flawless execution isn’t the goal, emotion is. Aim for 95% excellence and leave room for joyful surprise.  Hospitality is a leadership strategy. It’s not soft — it’s a serious competitive edge.   Timestamps:   [01:39] — Why Unreasonable Hospitality belongs in the event professional playbook   [03:26] — Service vs. hospitality: doing the job vs. making people feel seen   [07:22] — The 95/5 rule: planning for excellence and magic   [08:55] — Why small moments (like surprise treats) leave the biggest impression   [10:00] — Budgeting for joy and empowering your team to create emotional wins   Resources & Links:  -Read: Unreasonable Hospitality  -Listen: Neuroscience Hacks for Unforgettable Events with Lisa Schulteis  -Listen: Creating Community (Not Competition) with the Better Events Podcast  -Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn  Connect with Us:  -Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com  -LinkedIn: @Beats Working Podcast  -Instagram: @beatsworkingpodcast  -Facebook: @Beats Working  -YouTube: @beatsworkingpodcast  Follow & Subscribe:  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.  Send Feedback:  If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.   Beats Working is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

    24 min

  8. JAN 5

    The Future of Events Is Zero-Proof and Way More Fun

    Dry January isn’t just a trend — it’s a wake-up call for the events industry. In this candid Fun Table conversation, Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren are joined by Amy Liz Harrison, Dele Downs Kooley, and Kristin Graham to unpack what the sober-curious movement really means for modern events. From zero-proof cocktails and inclusive bar setups to the power of sober allies, this episode challenges outdated assumptions and offers practical ways to design gatherings where everyone feels welcome — no hangovers required.   Takeaways:  Dry January highlights a larger cultural shift toward mindful drinking and alcohol-free living.   Sober allies play a critical role in normalizing alcohol-free choices at events.   Zero-proof options should feel intentional, celebratory, and equal to alcoholic offerings.   First impressions matter: water and NA options should be available the moment guests arrive.   Inclusive events aren’t about removing alcohol — they’re about expanding choice.   Timestamps:   [01:26] Welcome to The Fun Table + why Dry January matters now   [04:00] Sober allies and neutralizing the sobriety conversation   [07:00] How event consumption patterns have changed   [10:45] Why zero-proof menus deserve equal footing   [14:00] What planners get wrong about inclusivity   [18:30] Designing events without next-day regrets   Resources & Links:  -The Sober Curator  -Meet The Fun Table: Kristin Graham, Dele Downs Kooley, Amy Liz Harrison  -Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn  Connect with Us:  -Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com  -LinkedIn: @Beats Working Podcast  -Instagram: @beatsworkingpodcast  -Facebook: @Beats Working  -YouTube: @beatsworkingpodcast  Follow & Subscribe:  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.  Send Feedback:  If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.   Beats Working is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

    39 min
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Welcome to Beats Working: Winning the Game of Events, where party people Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren uncover the magic of creating meaningful experiences. From global conferences to local gatherings, we share stories and strategies to turn any event—or life moment—into something unforgettable. Packed with humor, resilience, and a little event-planner grit, this podcast proves there are no small events, only small invoices. Join us as we explore why getting paid to practice truly beats working to get paid. Winning the Game of Work with host Dan T. Rogers coming in 2026!

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