B Smith's Second Sticks

Brett Smith
  • 5.0 (12)
  • CAREERS

Welcome to B Smith's Second Sticks! It's a podcast! We talk to the creative and essential people that are responsible for the non-scripted and reality shows you work on and watch. The industry is in a period of tumult, and we dig into what these workers are feeling, how they are coping, and what is happening next for the industry.

  1. 4D AGO

    B Smith's Second Sticks- Corky Cronin

    It's been discussed on this very podcast that Assistant Directors are the engine that powers productions. But we've only had a former-AD-turned-Director on the pod... until now! B Smith's Second Sticks welcomes Corky Cronin, as we explore his beginnings from wanna-be-actor to stage manager at House of Blues to literally starting over in TV and movie production, working his way up the ranks to 1st AD on many notable projects both non-scripted and otherwise. Corky is a passionate individual whose philosophy is "leave no man (or woman) behind." While he is currently working, all his jobs are not only out of town, but out of the country, and we both agree that this current manifestation of runaway production needs to change. Promo codes: https://prepstartsnow.com/discount/STICKS https://profbees.com/discount/STICKS

    53 min

  2. MAY 13

    B Smith's Second Sticks- Carrie Dufresne

    Georgia was the new production frontier in the late teens and early 20's; the state tax incentives and growing infrastructure made it too attractive for production companies to pass up. Then, strikes and growing costs rendered Georgia into just another expensive American location, and networks started taking their shows out of the state and country. Carrie Dufresne, (former) camera operator talks with B Smith's Second Stick's about the sudden changes that forced her into another career option. We wonder what's in store for the future workers as we sort through Carrie's career arch before and after the gold rush. Give a read to Savannah Sicurella's excellent article about the production slowdown in Georgia featuring an interview with Carrie (gift link in show notes); although written in late 2024, it thoroughly outlines the state's journey from feast to famine, which continues to this day. https://www.ajc.com/news/business/how-the-slowdown-in-tv-and-film-production-hurts-georgia-workers/RLRBWUDNTNFRDFHTK5Y2CLDLQI/?gift_article_code=NlkxX3M3RlFuTks5QS1ndXF3TVdHRjN6LUM1cmh0b0dxSEoxbXd5RWNrZzoxNzgxMjI4OTY3OmQyZTE1ODA5MzkxY2MyMWQ&utm_campaign=articlegifting ???? LiQure - Gummies that help prevent hangovers ???? Get 20% OFF | Promo Code: STICKS https://promocode.to/liqure/sticks-w2m ???? The Cumin Club - 5-Minute Indian Meals ???? Get 30% OFF | Promo Code: STICKS https://promocode.to/the-cumin-club/sticks-mp0

    59 min

  3. MAY 6

    B Smith's Second Sticks- Scottie DeSantis

    Everyone works hard on a non-scripted TV show, but probably no group of people work harder than the Art department. Constantly under the gun, dealing with near-impossible asks and pressing deadlines, the Art department coalesces to always deliver. B Smith's Second Sticks talks with prop master Scottie DeSantis (Scottie D to those in the know) about working together on classic reality cooking shows Hells Kitchen and Master Chef, and what it's like to be the right-hand prop-man to the legendary Gordon Ramsey. We talk about the current shifting seas of production in Los Angeles, and get wistful as Scottie D talks about getting the call to empty out the prop room at the Master Chef stage for the last time. Maybe a little bitter-sweet but there's hope, there's always hope! Give it a listen! Sponsors: LiQure - Gummies that help prevent hangovers: use this link for 20% off! https://liqure.com/discount/STICKS The Cumin Club - 5 minute Indian meals: use this link for 30% off! https://www.thecuminclub.com/discount/STICKS

    47 min

  4. APR 29

    B Smith's Second Sticks- Mark Jacobs

    Filmmaker, shapeshifter, chameleon, survivor: all and more could describe Director/Producer/Cinematographer Mark Jacobs, who joined B Smith's Second Sticks recently for an look at his career, both past and present. We do a deep dive into the show "Breaking Bonaduce", a short-lived but groundbreaking non-scripted show that re-shaped both the reality genre and Mark's career in the mid 2000's. We also touch on numerous non-scripted shows and documentaries that Jacobs either directed or produced over the past 20 years, including the various projects in which he is currently involved. Our thoughtful conversation includes Mark's message to non-scripted alumni, a message inspired by equal parts faith, endurance, discovery and, primarily, hope. The message is one that workers in the reality genre need to hear at this moment in time.

    1h 2m

  5. APR 22

    B Smith's Second Sticks- Anna Moulaison

    The path to success is inherently unique to every single individual, and comes with its own specific challenges. For director Anna Moulaison, she advanced herself from a very successful career as an assistant director by, simply speaking, putting in the work. On the strength of one directing gig, Anna knocked on doors, made calls, sent hundreds of emails, and virtually pushed her way through the glass ceiling to her current position as a successful non-scripted director. B Smith's Second Sticks caught up with her (no small act; she's very busy) to discuss her career arc, the many freebie jobs leading up to her finally breaking through as an AD, to her current position as a director and multi-faceted content creator. We also have honest conversations regarding the non-scripted industry, as Anna shares her thoughts as to what the new version of the non-scripted genre might look like. An energetic and inspiring listen, join us!

    56 min

  6. APR 15

    B Smith's Second Sticks- John Armstrong

    John Armstrong loves the outdoors, always has. The Harvard grad was a documentarian early on, creating multiple films for outlets such as National Geographic. John also worked for years in the non-scripted genre as a cameraman, shooting (often handheld) on such rugged shows as Eco Challenge, Survivor, The Amazing Race, American Ninja Warrior, and Tough as Nails. Working on these shows helped cause debilitating injuries that ultimately forced John into retirement, and subsequently lead to a lawsuit in order to reach a settlement regarding his injuries. B Smith's Second Sticks caught up with John as he stepped off the slopes at a location in Utah (only a slight lag in our transmission; technology!) and we discussed his career, the lawsuit, and the injuries that he will carry with him as a reminder of a job that was more physically demanding, with long-term ramifications, than one would think. This is a must listen to workers who have been dealing with their own work-related injuries. John is willing to talk to anyone about his situation regarding his injuries and lawsuit. Please email him at johnarmstrong5@mac.com Check out this article on John's documentary work: https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2025/07/harvard-john-armstrong-adventure-documentaries Sponsors: Strong Coffee Company: Use this link for 20% off https://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/STICKS LiQure: Use this link for 20% off https://liqure.com/discount/STICKS

    45 min

  7. APR 8

    B Smith's Second Sticks- German Abarca

    I think it's ok to characterize what's happening to those of us working in the non-scripted genre of production as a failure to the American Worker. When unprotected jobs leave the state (and the country), workers are left in stasis: waiting for the phone to ring, not knowing if it will ever ring. Ultimately it can affect our mental health, as well as those of our partners and our families. We talk with German Abarca, who has worked in reality TV since the 90's as a Camera Operator, DP, and a Director, about the difficulties of such a dilemma. German discusses his own journey in straddling the line between a production career he loves but which exists in limbo, and a plan B which requires its own time and commitment. A must watch (and listen) for those who are at a similar crossroads.

    51 min

  8. APR 3

    B Smith's Second Sticks- Ronnie Ali

    B Smith's Second Sticks gets to catch up with an old friend, Ronnie Ali, who has made a successful transition out of the non-scripted television world into his Softball Catchers Academy. Ronnie and I touch on his early years working at Location Sound in North Hollywood and his transition into audio and audio supervising, starting with The Apprentice, early in his career. We recount his decision to opt for a different plan for his life around the time of of his liver transplant in 2021. Ronnie saw (and heard) the signs of the business changing before then (audio supervisors hear EVERYTHING), and opted out. Our industry right now feels a little like when the auto industry shifted manufacturing overseas, and Ronnie uses that to draw a metaphor which leaves us wondering: when will the workers who built the industry matter again? It's a poignant and thoughtful time on the pod!

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to B Smith's Second Sticks! It's a podcast! We talk to the creative and essential people that are responsible for the non-scripted and reality shows you work on and watch. The industry is in a period of tumult, and we dig into what these workers are feeling, how they are coping, and what is happening next for the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Brett Smith
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 B Smith's Second Sticks
  • Show Website
    B Smith's Second Sticks

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