The EventTalk

Rachel and Dave
  • 4.8 (5)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

The EventTalk Podcast is hosted by Dave Forman and Rachel Martin, both having worked in events for over 20 years talking to event experts in all different areas about the good, the bad and the untold in the event space. 

  1. FEB 5

    Desert Runways & Rat Pack Estates

    In this episode of The EventTalk Podcast, Delaney Henry shares how growing up in the radio world alongside her father shaped her storytelling instincts and love for live experiences. She takes us behind the scenes of unforgettable desert activations—from aviation-inspired experiences featuring a plane in the desert for Ironman to exclusive, high-end house tours of Frank Sinatra’s and Elvis Presley’s iconic Palm Springs homes. It’s a look at how creativity, history, and bold ideas come together to produce truly memorable events.

    44 min

  2. JAN 15

    From Ballparks to Pickleball

    In this episode of The EventTalk Podcast, Jose Moreno shares how a conversation with Gerry McGuire inspired him to play college baseball and ultimately build a career across professional sports—from the NBA to GCU, the Fiesta Bowl, and now Pickleball. He gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the Fiesta Bowl kept players and coaches engaged during COVID, including showcasing Arizona through unique experiences—one hike even featuring an unexpected rattlesnake encounter. Jose also talks about how sports experiences continue to evolve and what excites him most about the future of fan engagement.

    38 min

  3. JAN 8

    When Magic Leads You to Events

    In this episode, we sit down with Stacey to explore how growing up in the world of magic sparked a lifelong passion for creativity and turned her into a true serial entrepreneur. From launching and running a unique event space in North Scottsdale to producing one of the largest multi-day, on-stage productions in the state, Stacey shares what it takes to bring big visions to life. As the Executive Director of Miss Arizona and Miss Arizona Teen, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at leading large-scale events, empowering young women, and balancing entrepreneurship with high-impact production.

    36 min

  4. JAN 1

    The Monopoly Plan That Left Dave Shook

    In this episode, Dave and Rachel sit down with Cecilia, founder of Miss 7x7 in San Francisco, to talk about their shared beginnings in event planning at Arizona Athletics and how those early experiences shaped their careers. Cecilia shares her journey from Executive Assistant to Director of Supply Chain—and why she ultimately knew she needed something more creative, leading her to launch Miss 7x7. From immersive client experiences like It’s a Bug’s Life and Monopoly-themed events to designing unforgettable moments for C-suite executives, this conversation is full of inspiration, career pivots, and fun behind-the-scenes stories.

    40 min
  5. Through the Lens

    11/20/2025

    Through the Lens

    In this episode of tThe EventTalk Podcast, Tyler Garlej gives us a behind-the-lens look at the world of event photography—sharing what really happens when the lights, the chaos, and the unexpected moments collide. From capturing the magic of live events to navigating surprises no photographer could plan for, Tyler dives into stories that are equal parts insightful and hilarious—including one unforgettable moment where the best shot was the one nobody wanted to remember… or have photographed at all.

    38 min
  6. From Finish Lines to Foster Hearts

    10/23/2025

    From Finish Lines to Foster Hearts

    On this episode of The EventTalk Podcast, we sit down with Jess McClain, an Olympic-level marathon runner who also is the Executive Director of the #LoveUp Foundation, where she creates life-changing experiences for foster children. Jess shares her journey from competing at the highest levels of sport to designing meaningful events that leave lasting memories. From improving the attendee experience at large-scale events to crafting moments of joy and connection for children in foster care, she gives us an inside look at how passion, purpose, and planning come together to make every experience unforgettable.

    32 min
  7. Backstage Pass: From Radio to Rock Legends with Tommy

    10/16/2025

    Backstage Pass: From Radio to Rock Legends with Tommy

    Tommy Nast shares how storytelling, sound, and timing have shaped every chapter of his career—and how he’s had a front row seat to some of the most unforgettable moments in live entertainment. From tech mishaps and backstage chaos to witnessing pure magic on stage, his stories capture the heartbeat of what makes this industry so electric. It’s music, mayhem, and major inspiration for anyone who loves the world of live events.

    31 min
  8. Event Life at UA: Traditions, Trophies & Wildcat Stories

    10/09/2025

    Event Life at UA: Traditions, Trophies & Wildcat Stories

    Episode 9 of The EventTalk Podcast – Hot Mics, Cold Drinks & Untold Disasters takes us back to the University of Arizona with Jill Hall, Rachel’s very first mentor in events. From epic tailgates and Hall of Fame celebrations to laugh-out-loud moments with Wilbur the Wildcat (and even a time when cat litter saved the day), Jill and Rachel reminisce about the unforgettable UA family. They also dive into the Territorial Cup—the oldest rivalry trophy in college football—and the chaos of seating charts that only event pros can truly appreciate.

    32 min
See All (16)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The EventTalk Podcast is hosted by Dave Forman and Rachel Martin, both having worked in events for over 20 years talking to event experts in all different areas about the good, the bad and the untold in the event space. 

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel and Dave
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rachel and Dave
  • Show Website
    The EventTalk