The Tour Life Janine Richards | CMLS Chicago

Rachel Pfenning Hales shares her journey from working with the Black Eyed Peas and Lynyrd Skynyrd to contributing to the live event culture as Experience Manager at Rock Lititz. We explore the hidden world of live event crew members and the roadmap to a fulfilling career on the road. Rachel discusses her book 'Tour Book', offering an in-depth view of a roadie's life which challenges common misconceptions about the touring industry. The conversation encompasses the importance of asking questions, the transition from theory to practical knowledge in the industry, and the evolving landscape of live events, including the impact of COVID-19. Rachel opens up about personal growth, the crucial balance between professional commitments and self-care, and the power of community within the industry. This episode shines a light on the unnoticed efforts of the live event crews and the intricate dynamics of working in the music and event industries.

Chapters:


[00:00] Introduction to Rachel Pfenning Hales and Rock Lititz
[02:09] From Starting in Theatre to Touring with Top Music Acts
[13:12] The Why Behind Tour Book
[27:52] Lessons Learned and Shared from Life on the Road
[36:02] The Impact of Mentorship and Education in Shaping Careers

Key Topics Discussed:


Career transitions within the live event industry
Insights into the daily challenges and rewards of tour life
The importance of mentorship and community in navigating a non-traditional career path
The role of personal experiences in shaping professional insights and writings
Future trends and shifts in the live event industry post-pandemic

Connect with Rachel:


@rapfenhales
@rocklititz
Tour Book available on Amazon and other major platforms

Join our community:


@j9richards
@thetourlifepodcast
@q101chicago
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Teddy Kwo is a proud trans man and talented bassist. In this episode, he shares his inspiring journey from a self-taught musician in the grassroots DIY scene of the Pacific Northwest to performing on international stages alongside Beth Ditto. We delve deep into the essential topic of safety protocols and the creation of inclusive spaces, especially in regions where being openly queer is challenging. Teddy opens up about his personal narrative, discussing the supportive community of the Pacific Northwest during his transition, the vibrant DIY music scene and the critical role physical activities play in staying grounded amidst the chaos of touring. Our discussion further branches into the intricacies of tour life, revealing insights on managing personal safety, cultural interactions, and financial sustainability amidst the backdrop of an ever-changing global music landscape.Chapters:


[0:00] Navigating the Music World as a Proud Trans Man with Gossip Bassist Teddy Kwo
[01:30] The Evolution of a Music Career: From DIY to Professional Touring
[07:31] Navigating the World of Music: Safety, Culture, and Community
[19:03] New Experiences and Challenges on Tour
[42:46] Life Off the Road: Home, Projects, and Personal Time

What's Inside:


Safety Discussions: Teddy highlights the importance of knowing emergency exits and staying alert, especially in venues with historical safety incidents (e.g., Bataclan).
Cultural Sensitivity: In-depth discussion about respecting and understanding local cultures while touring internationally to avoid misunderstandings and foster positive interactions.
Community Support: Teddy emphasizes the role of the tour manager in maintaining safety and the supportive community that forms among tour members, contributing to a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Advocacy for Trans Visibility: Throughout the episode, Teddy discusses his role as a trans man in the music industry, advocating for visibility and inclusion, which is a recurring theme enriching the conversation.

Join our community:


@j9richards
@thetourlifepodcast
@q101chicago

Connect with Teddy and Gossip:


@teddykwo
@gossipmusicofficial

Feeling inspired to elevate inclusivity in your community? Share your own experiences and thoughts with us! Connect with us to join the conversation on social media and help promote a movement towards a more inclusive world. #tourlife #pride
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Digby, the legendary tour manager behind Linkin Park, Backstreet Boys, and Enrique Iglesias, shares groundbreaking insights on creating a healthier, more supportive environment in the high-pressure world of music tours. Discover the transformative strategies and personal revelations that Jim has learned through decades of navigating the ups and downs of tour life. From fostering empathetic leadership to implementing mental health first aid, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to cultivate positivity and resilience in their professional and personal lives. Whether you're a fan of the music, a professional in the industry, or just someone passionate about workplace wellness, Jim's experiences and advice offer invaluable lessons on taking accountability for toxic behavior making impactful changes for a better, more sustainable and inclusive work environment. Featured Moments:


[00:17] Behind the Scenes with Jim Digby 
[01:46] Jim's Journey into Live Events 
[10:54] Empathetic Leadership 
[25:20] Mental Health First Aid: Chester Bennington 
[39:55] Toolbox Talks: Integrating Mental Health
[47:26] Boundaries: Work-Life Balance, and Self-Care 

Useful Links:


Event Safety Alliance - For resources on creating safer event environments.
Mental Health First Aid Training - Equip yourself with the tools to support mental well-being in your workplace.
Behind the Scenes Charity - Mental health and wellness resources tailored for the entertainment industry.

Feeling inspired by Jim’s journey towards a healthier workplace? Share your own experiences and thoughts with us! Connect with us at to join the conversation on social media and help promote a movement towards better workplace health and leadership. #tourlife #workplacewellness

Join our community:


@j9richards
@thetourlifepodcast
@q101chicago

Connect with Jim Digby:


LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook

 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hershman's work has been published by NPR, The Grammys, Rolling Stone, Paste, and Consequence of Sound, among others. His stories of touring with bands straight out of high school, transitioning into filmmaking with a simple Nikon camera feature, and eventually becoming a Nikon Ambassador shed light on the power of persistence, creativity, and the importance of gratitude. From capturing live sessions with the Alabama Shakes and Brittany Howard to touring with Switchfoot and embracing the freelance life, Chris's narrative is a testament to following one's passion against all odds. Join us as we dive deep into Chris's journey, his reflections on personal growth, and his advice for aspiring creatives.

Featured Moments: 


[00:00:00] Introduction to Chris Hershman 
[00:01:42] Early Days & Inspirations 
[00:03:54] The Leap of Faith: Touring with Bands 
[00:07:39] From Guitar Center to Filmmaking 
[00:19:59] Navigating Freelance Challenges 
[00:22:16] Gear, Travel, and Financial Management 
[00:27:23] Finding Work-Life Balance 
[00:44:34] Chris's Advice for Aspiring Creatives 

Join our community:


@j9richards 
@thetourlifepodcast
@q101chicago 

Explore more about Chris Hershman:  


@chrishershman 
https://chrishershman.com 
Alabama Shakes Music video filmed by Chris

For those who love deep-dives into creative processes, behind-the-scenes stories of the music industry, and heartfelt discussions on navigating life's challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Follow @j9richards for updates, reflections, and more exclusive content from The Tour Life.
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Step behind the scenes with GROUPLOVE touring audio engineer, Loreen Bohannon, whose work with artists such as Plain White T's, Lizzo, Kali Uchis, Anita Baker, Skip Marley, Dhani Harrison, Prettymuch, The Accidentals, and Michael Bolton has set the stage for a candid discussion on diversity, empowerment, and the challenges faced by minorities in the entertainment industry.

Loreen, co-founder of the nonprofit 'Bring Light To The Night,' shares her journey of overcoming barriers, advocating for mental health, and fostering a more inclusive and empowering music scene. Join us for a candid exploration of the realities behind the glitz and glamour, as she offers invaluable insights and advice for navigating and succeeding in this dynamic industry.

Discover how sharing stories, owning your truth, and fostering self-awareness can be transformative, personally and professionally while exploring the nuances of maintaining relationships and achieving work-life balance as a woman in the demanding world of live music. 

 

In This Episode, You Will Learn: 


Loreen's path to becoming a respected figure in audio engineering and her motivations behind founding her production company. 
The realities of being a minority, specifically a woman, in the music industry and how to navigate these challenges. 
The impact of COVID-19 on live music and the crew members who bring concerts to life. 
Strategies for maintaining personal relationships and work-life balance amidst the demanding tour schedules. 
Loreen's insights on personal growth, seeking help, and the power of community support. 

 

Featured Moments: 


[00:02:01] Loreen explains why and how she incorporated her business. 
[00:08:39] A candid discussion on discrimination and the need for a cultural shift within the music industry. 
[00:15:21] Reflecting on the effects of COVID-19 on the music industry and the call for better support systems. 
[00:18:55] Loreen's personal journey towards embracing vulnerability and advocating for mental health. 
[00:34:14] The significance of mentorship and empowering the next generation in the music industry. 
[00:47:11] Coping with 'tour blues' and the importance of self-care and reintegration post-tour. 

 

Connect with Loreen Bohannon: 


Instagram: @soundlady13 @bringlighttothenight 
TikTok: @LadyOfSound 
Bring Light To The Night: GoFundMe 

 

About the Host: 

Janine Richards is the voice behind The Tour Life, exploring the untold stories of the music industry. Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content by connecting with us at @j9richards  @thetourlifepodcast and @q101chicagoon all social media platforms. 

 

Support the Show: 

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform and share with friends and colleagues who might find it valuable. Remember, your support and feedback fuel our growth and enable us to bring more of these conversations to light. 

 

 
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