Shows
Welcome to the Music Lounge PodcastFrom MTV to Modern Media: A Journey with Paul DeBenedittisIn this engaging conversation, Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte interview Paul Debenedittis, a former executive at MTV, discussing his journey in the media industry, the evolution of MTV's programming, and the importance of mentorship and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Paul shares insights on the shift from music videos to broader content strategies, the significance of creative retreats for team collaboration, and the impact of celebrity culture on programming. He emphasizes the need to understand and adapt to the changing audience, particularly Generation Alpha, and the lessons learned from his experiences at MTV and beyond.
2025-12-041h 07Welcome to the Music Lounge PodcastThe Unbreakable Work FamilyThe conversation explores the deep connections formed in a work environment, highlighting how intense collaboration can lead to familial bonds among colleagues. It also touches on the surprising shift in social dynamics when transitioning to different work cultures, where after-work socializing is not the norm.
2025-11-1341 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastThe Legacy of Warped Tour: A Conversation with Kevin LymanSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Kevin Lyman, the founder of the Warped Tour, shares insights into the evolution of music festivals, the influence of MTV, and the importance of branding in the music industry. He reflects on the diverse lineup of artists that have graced the Warped Tour stage, the significance of audience engagement, and the lasting impact of the festival on music culture. Lyman also discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by artists today, the role of mental health in the music industry, and the importance of community engagement.
2025-10-3058 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastThe Golden Era of MTV: A Conversation with Salli FrattiniSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Salli Frattini, former SVP executive producer at MTV, shares her journey through the golden era of the network, reflecting on iconic moments, the evolution of programming, and the challenges of live production. From her early career in Olympic programming to her pivotal role in shaping MTV's identity, Salli discusses the importance of relationships in the industry and her experiences with award shows and live events. She also touches on her life after MTV, her passion for music venues in New York City, and her aspirations for future projects.
2025-10-2359 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastThe Evolution of Music Supervision with Ricki AskinIn this engaging conversation, Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte discuss the evolution of the music industry with guest Ricki Askin, a former music supervisor at MTV. They explore the impact of social media on music discovery, the changing landscape of artist relationships, and the role of labels in artist development. Ricki shares her journey from the temp pool at MTV to her experiences at Vice and TikTok, highlighting the importance of talent and artistry in a rapidly changing industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Current Events in Music Media02:47...
2025-10-1658 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastNavigating Careers in the Entertainment IndustrySummaryIn this episode of the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman, Susan Natoli, and Perry Turcotte discuss their career paths leading to MTV, the evolution of media and marketing, and the challenges of navigating the music industry today. They reflect on the changing landscape of job opportunities, the impact of streaming services, and the future of integrated marketing. Personal anecdotes and insights provide a candid look at their experiences and aspirations in the entertainment industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Music Lounge03:11 Susan...
2025-10-0952 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastAmy Pascale: Rise of Boy BandsIn this episode of the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte welcome guest Amy Pascal to discuss the evolution of music festivals like Coachella, the rise of boy bands, and the significant impact of TRL on pop culture. They delve into the phenomenon of N'Sync, exploring their breakthrough album 'No Strings Attached' and the dynamics of boy bands in the music industry. The conversation highlights the nostalgia surrounding boy bands and their lasting legacy in modern music.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to the Music Lounge08:10 The Evolution of Coachella
2025-10-0253 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastTim Rosta: From LifeBeat to MTV's Marketing MaestroIn this engaging conversation, Tim Rosta shares his journey through the music industry, from his early days with LifeBeat, an organization dedicated to AIDS awareness, to his influential role at MTV as SVP of Integrated Marketing. He discusses the nostalgia surrounding music festivals, the challenges of securing sponsorships, and the importance of building relationships with artists. Tim reflects on memorable concerts, the evolution of integrated marketing, and the creative solutions his team developed to navigate the advertising landscape. He also touches on his experiences with the Kardashians at E! and the legacy of LifeBeat in continuing the fight against...
2025-09-2556 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastFrom MTV to 300 Studios: Nolan Baynes' StoryIn this engaging conversation, Nolan Baynes shares his journey from the music industry to his current role at 300 Studios, reflecting on the evolution of music marketing and artist development. The discussion highlights the pivotal role MTV played in shaping the music landscape, the importance of live events, and the need for storytelling in connecting artists with their audiences. As the industry shifts towards digital platforms, the conversation emphasizes the necessity of adapting strategies to engage new generations of music fans.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Music Lounge03:37 The...
2025-09-181h 02Welcome to the Music Lounge PodcastReflections on the 2025 VMAs with Justin Tyme PragerIn this episode, Andrew Schiffman, Perry Turcotte, andJustin Tyme Prager reflect on the 2025 MTV VMAs, discussing the performances, the evolution of the show, and the impact of iconic artists. They analyze the mix of old and new talent, the role of hip hop, and the significance oftributes. The conversation also touches on the future of MTV and music programming, emphasizing the need for engaging content that resonates with today's audience.Chapters 00:00 Post-VMA Reflections03:19 The Evolution of the VMAs05:08 Musical Acts and Representation07:43 The Show's F...
2025-09-1142 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastRyan Kroft's journey from PA to SVP at MTV.In this engaging conversation, Ryan Kroft, SVP of Live Events and Specials at MTV and head of Film and TV at Live Nation Studios, shares his remarkable journey in the music industry. From his early days as a production assistant at MTV to breaking major news stories and producing iconic live events, Ryan reflects on the evolution of music media and the impact of technology on storytelling. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of working in a fast-paced environment, the significance of live events, and the future of music documentaries in the streaming era....
2025-09-0451 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastBehind the Scenes of MTV's Glory Days with Graham JamesIn this episode of Welcome to the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte welcome Graham James, a former vice president of communications at MTV. They discuss Graham's journey to MTV, the excitement of working on the VMAs, the cultural impact of shows like The Osbournes, and the evolution of MTV's brand in the digital age. Graham shares memorable experiences from his time at MTV, the challenges of celebrity publicity, and his transition to Spotify. The conversation highlights the importance of creativity in communications and the changing landscape of media.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:47 Graham's Journey to...
2025-08-2840 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastDelve into the phenomenon of one-hit wondersIn this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the phenomenon of one-hit wonders, exploring the role of MTV and TRL in shaping the careers of artists. They discuss notable one-hit wonders, the impact of changing dynamics in the music industry, and how streaming and social media have transformed artist promotion. The conversation also touches on the future of music in the age of AI, concluding with reflections on current music trends and the challenges artists face today.
2025-08-2131 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastRay Munns: The Untold Stories of MTV: A VJ's PerspectiveIn this engaging conversation, Ray Munns shares his unique journey from being a young boy influenced by American pop culture to becoming a VJ on MTV. He reflects on the impact of iconic figures like Ozzy Osbourne, the competitive audition process for MTV, and the challenges of navigating fame at a young age. Ray discusses the behind-the-scenes politics of the VJ competition, the bittersweet nature of his MTV experience, and his eventual transition to production in the MMA industry. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of relationships, the lessons learned from his career, and the lasting impact of...
2025-08-141h 01Welcome to the Music Lounge PodcastFrom MTV to Design: A Journey of Creativity with Jennie RosselloIn this engaging conversation, the hosts reflect on their time at MTV, exploring the evolution of the music industry, the impact of digital channels, and the personal experiences that shaped their careers. They discuss the importance of human connection in creativity and how their backgrounds in music and design continue to influence their work today.
2025-08-0746 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastLisa DeLuca reflects on the one year anniversary of Welcome to the Music LoungeIn this celebratory episode of the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte reflect on their first year of the podcast, discussing the joy and nostalgia associated with the music industry. They share memorable moments with guests, the influence of strong female leaders, and the importance of integrity and relationships in the business. The conversation also touches on funny artist stories, valuable memorabilia, and the evolution of award shows, culminating in a heartfelt discussion about their favorite experiences in the industry.
2025-07-3150 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 42: Hosts Andrew Schiffman, Perry Turcotte, and guest host Susan Natoli discuss the impact of TRL on the music industryIn this episode of the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman, Perry Turcotte, and guest host Susan Natoli discuss the impact of TRL on the music industry, iconic music videos, and the influence of American Idol on pop music. They share personal anecdotes and insights about their favorite artists and moments from the late 90s and early 2000s, highlighting the nostalgia and cultural significance of that era in music. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the evolution of music competition shows, the nostalgia surrounding iconic music videos, and the impact of legendary rock voices. They discuss the cultural significance...
2025-06-1230 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 41: Jeff Frank, MTV Music Marketing ExecutiveIn this episode of the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte welcome Jeff Frank, a former Senior Director of Music Marketing and Partnerships at MTV. Jeff shares his journey to MTV, the evolution of music marketing, and the significance of experiential marketing in connecting artists with fans.
2025-06-051h 02Welcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 40: Lou Stellato, VP MTV2 ProductionHow do you launch a major music channel in just 30 days 🤯? Lou Stellato faced that challenge with M2! Tune into our latest "Welcome to the Music Lounge" episode for the incredible story. Hosted by Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte!!!
2025-05-2947 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 39: Robin Reinhardt, SVP Studio Relations and Celebrity TalentThis week on Welcome to the Music Lounge, Robin Reinhardt former SVP Artist Relations and Celebrity Talent , shares her incredible story.
2025-05-1550 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 38: Sara Kantathavorn, MTV Artist and Celebrity StrategyThis week on Welcome to the Music Lounge! We're chatting with Sara Kantathavorn, the celebrity booker for TRL! 🤩 Hear all about her dream job and the INSANE influence TRL had on pop culture. Don't miss this one! Hosted by Perry Turcotte and Andrew Schiffman.
2025-05-081h 03Welcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 37: Susan, Andrew and Perry dive into their favorite MTV Unplugged episodesWelcome to the Music Lounge dives into our favorite MTV Unplugged episodes this week, with host Andrew Schiffman exploring the iconic (and nearly derailed) 1996 Oasis performance. Also hosted by Hosted by Perry Turcotte and Susan Natoli.
2025-05-0141 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 36: Atlas GeniusAtlas Genius fans! 🎸 Keith Jeffery joins Welcome to the Music Lounge this week! Hear how MTV & SiriusXM Alt Nation helped launch "Trojans"! 🔥 Hosted by Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte
2025-04-2447 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 35: Diane van Horn, VP Video Promotion, Elektra RecordsBuckle up! 🚌 Diane van Horn joins Welcome to the Music Lounge this week with a story about a van ride with Busta Rhymes and Eminem! 😂 That's just the tip of the iceberg - tune in for more amazing stories! Hosted by Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte.
2025-04-1759 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 34: Michelle Welch, Video Promotion Columbia RecordsMichelle Welch shares this incredible story on Welcome to the Music Lounge this week. Hear her epic stories hosted by Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte
2025-04-1046 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 33: Rob Dixter, TRL ProducerGet ready for some TRL gold! 🌟 We've got Rob Dixter, a TRL producer, on the show this week. And yes, there are stories!
2025-04-0346 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 32: Jim Shearer, MTV2 VJPsst... wanna know how Jim Shearer became THE voice of MTV2 in the 2000s? 🤫 We're spilling the secrets! 🎤 Hear the inside scoop! 🔥
2025-03-2754 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 31: Susan, Andrew and Perry discuss the TRL Countdown from March 6, 2000Get ready for a trip down memory lane! We're excited to introduce a new feature on Welcome to the Music Lounge! This episode focuses on the TRL Top 10 Countdown from March 6, 2000, highlighting the best music videos of that era. Listen or watch now hosted by Andrew Schiffman, Perry Turcotte and special guest host, Susan Natoli!!!
2025-03-2037 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 30: Vinnie Potestivo, Visibility ExpertFrom launching MTV series from Punk’d and The Osbournes to developing the personal brands of Mandy Moore, Nick Cannon, Ashton Kutcher, and Beyoncé Carter, his work has defined pop culture and influenced the media landscape. Dive in and hear his stories hosted by Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte!!!
2025-03-131h 08Welcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 29: Tuma Basa, Director Black Music & Culture, YouTubeWelcome to the Music Lounge hosts Tuma Basa, former MTV Music Programming Executive, currently Director Black Music & Culture, YouTube
2025-02-271h 06Welcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 28: Tom Calderone, former MTV EVP and President of VH1.Welcome to the Music Lounge hosts Tom Calderone, former MTV EVP and President of VH1, current CEO/President PBS/NPR Buffalo/Toronto Public Media.
2025-02-2052 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 27: Holly Schomann, former Sr. Director, MTV Music & TalentWelcome to the Music Lounge hosts Holly Schomann, former Sr. Director, MTV Music & Talent .
2025-02-1345 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 26: Brian Leitten, former MTV Music & Talent ProducerWelcome to the Music Lounge hosts Brian Leitten, former MTV Music & Talent Producer.
2025-02-0654 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 25: Justin Tyme Prager, Senior Director Programming & Content, VevoWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Justin Tyme Prager, Senior Director Programming & Content, Vevo
2025-01-3053 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 24: Susan Natoli, Perry Turcotte and Andrew Schiffman, former MTV Programming ExecsJoin Susan Natoli, Perry Turcotte, and Andrew Schiffman, former MTV programming legends, as they reminisce about their favorite artists from the TRL era.
2025-01-2338 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 23: Tyson Haller, SVP Promotion & Artist Strategy, Shelter Music GroupWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Tyson Haller, SVP Promotion & Artist Strategy, Shelter Music Group.
2025-01-1638 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 22: Lou Smith, head honcho, DLJ Music & Video PromotionWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Lou Smith, head honcho at DLJ Music & Video Promotion.His career started at Elektra Records where he worked music video promotion for Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes, just to name a few.
2025-01-0947 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 21: Susan Natoli, Perry Turcotte and Andrew Schiffman, former MTV Programming ExecsSusan Natoli, Perry Turcotte and Andrew Schiffman take a deeper dive into their career journey and the perks of working at MTV.
2025-01-0255 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 20: Paul Logan, former MTVN Creative Music Integration DirectorWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Paul Logan, former MTVN Creative Music Integration Director. He was so devoted to his job, he gave the shirt off his back to Jesse James Decker.
2024-12-1948 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 19: Brandon Schmidt, former MTV.com Programming Director and manager of InterpolWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Brandon Schmidt, former MTV.com Programming Director and manager of Interpol. He shares stories about Alanis Morisette singing directly to him in a room filled with MTV VIPs and shooting freestyle with an unknown Eminem.
2024-12-121h 02Welcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 18: Jason Pleskow, former music executive at Atlantic and Columbia RecordsWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Jason Pleskow, former music executive at Atlantic and Columbia Records. He’s worked with Lenny Kravtiz, Janet Jackson, Smashing Pumpkins, Spice Girls, and was behind the scenes wheeling the ice cream cart in 1515 when Mariah Carey surprised Carson Daly on TRL.
2024-12-0545 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 17: Susan Natoli, Perry Turcotte and Andrew Schiffman, former MTV Programming ExecsSusan Natoli joins Perry Turcotte and Andrew Schiffman for a hosts-only episode of Welcome to The Music Lounge, taking a deeper dive into their career journey and Life After MTV.
2024-11-2147 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 16: Doug Cohn, former record label executive at Atlantic and Lava RecordsWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Doug Cohn, former record label executive at Atlantic and Lava Records. He shares stories of the biggest artists from that time period, including one at Spring Break who was a judge on Say What Karaoke and gave contestants a zero unless they took off their shirt.
2024-11-1453 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 15: John Franck, former record label exec, founder Undrcvr Ent.Welcome To The Music Lounge hosts John Franck, former music executive at ADA Warner, 300, Koch, and Razor & Tie. When asked how to know what it takes for an artist to become a superstar, he likes to remind people that 8 record labels passed on The Beatles.
2024-11-0744 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 14: Shawn Francis, former Manager of Music Programming & Talent Relationships at MTV and MTV.comWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Shawn Francis, former Manager of Music Programming & Talent Relationships at MTV and MTV.com. He had a front row seat to the introduction of Rihanna and Adele and… Twitter?
2024-10-3154 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 13: Susan Natoli, Perry Turcotte and Andrew Schiffman, former MTV Programming ExecsSusan Natoli joins Perry Turcotte and Andrew Schiffman for a hosts-only episode of Welcome to The Music Lounge, taking a deeper dive into all things MTV and the transition from music videos into long form programming. Susan is the new third host for future host-only episodes.
2024-10-2454 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 12: Jordan Glickson, former Executive at Interscope/Epic Records.Welcome To The Music Lounge hosts Jordan Glickson, former Executive at Interscope/Epic Records. Video promo rep by day, playboy on “The Hills” at night.
2024-10-171h 05Welcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 11: Frank "Cheech" Polonia/former MTV Director Standards & PracticesWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Frank “Cheech” Polonia, former Standards & Practices Director for MTV. You really didn’t think music videos aired on MTV without the S&P stamp of approval, did you? He had one of the toughest jobs at the network.
2024-10-1027 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 10: Raquel Bruno, former Director of Talent/MTV RadioWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Raquel Bruno, former Talent Director of MTV Radio. Madonna, LL Cool J, Annie Lennox - she shares tricks of the trade on mastering the art of wrangling even the most elusive stars.
2024-10-0352 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 9: Byron Ward, former VP Video Marketing/Motown, UMGWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Byron Ward, former Director of Video Promotion at Atlantic Records/Head of Promo at Universal/Motown. He spills the tea from baring it all at MTV’s Spring Break to the showest mansions on MTV Cribs.
2024-09-2638 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 8: Diane Mayer, former SVP of Visual Marketing/Capitol Music GroupWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Diane Mayer, former SVP of Visual Marketing at Capitol Music Group. She has stories from working with the biggest names in music, including one artist that made the Viacom C-Suite fight for access to TRL.
2024-09-1946 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 7: David Nathan, former Universal Music Group/Republic Records Label ExecutiveWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts David Nathan, former Universal Music Group/Republic Records executive. He was in the TRL studio when Nick Lachey met Vanessa Minnillo and has a lot to say about Taylor Swift.
Check out music videos from this episode on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@welcometothemusiclounge
2024-09-1239 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 6: Emilienne Gray, former SVP of MTV/VH1 Music & TalentWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Emilienne Gray, former Senior Vice President of Music & Talent for MTV & VH1. She talks about the “burn,” the “flow,” “iso-shots,” and why the “human touch” will never be replaced.
2024-09-0536 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEps 5: Courtney Smith, former MTV Music & Talent Label RelationsWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Courtney Smith, former Label Relations in MTV’s Music & Talent department. She used to get in trouble at MTV for random things and had to apologize to several people, but did she mean it? No.
Check out music videos from this episode on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@welcometothemusiclounge
2024-08-2951 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 4: Robin Hopkins, former MTV Executive Assistant to the EVP of Music & TalentWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Robin Hopkins, former MTV Executive Assistant to the EVP of Music & Talent. She wasn’t an executive, but she spent money on the MTV Corporate Card like one.
Check out music videos from this episode on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@welcometothemusiclounge
2024-08-2240 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 3: Steve Gottlieb, Music Video Promotion/CommissionerWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Steve Gottleib, Music Video Promotion/Commissioner. His goal was to just get into the MTV building because things would magically happen.
Check out music videos from this episode on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@welcometothemusiclounge
2024-08-1529 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 2: Buttahman, former MTV Director of Music ProgrammingWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Buttahman, former MTV Director of Music Programming. When he wasn’t going to shows and drinking free booze, he outed himself to get near Adele.
Check out music videos from this episode on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@welcometothemusiclounge
2024-08-0853 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastEp 1: Lisa DeLuca, former Warner & Epic Records ExecutiveWelcome To The Music Lounge hosts Lisa DeLuca, former Warner/Epic Records executive. She was going to make Travis Scott a star from the moment she saw him.
Check out music videos from this episode on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@welcometothemusiclounge
2024-08-0146 minWelcome to the Music Lounge PodcastAboutIt’s the late 90’s at MTV, when The Osbournes and Newlyweds reshaped television and TRL dominated afterschool programming. But who decided which videos would be in "TRL’s Top Ten Countdown". “Welcome To The Music Lounge” is a new podcast that delves into the exclusive world of MTV’s Music Department during the launch and height of Total Request Live. Podcast hosts and former MTV Music Department employees Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte chat with MTV and record label executives, music programmers, VJs, and artists about the Music Lounge on the 25th floor of MTV that would make or break an artist...
2024-07-1600 min