Shows
The DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 110 - Working With Other Vendors To Ensure A Smooth Wedding DayThis week this owner of Amplified Events, Mike Kane sat down with the owners of Region Weddings and TimeShots, Steve Vansak and Jaime Del Rio to chat about their experience doing videography. They talk about day-of etiquette, special tips that can help their day flow smoothly, and their different values.
2025-08-041h 10The DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 108 - You Don’t Need To Overcomplicate Things To Throw A Great PartyThis week the owner of Amplified Events Mike Kane sat down with one of our DJs Cole Rumback to chat through some of the weddings they did recently and that you don't always need to overcomplicate things to throw a great party!
2025-07-2130 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 106 - Misconceptions About Being A Wedding DJThis week the owner of Amplified Events, Mike Kane, sat down with the GM, Joe Albomonte, and another lead, Micah Frigo to chat through some common misconceptions about being a DJ. We also chat about how things have been going this season after such a busy June!
2025-07-0749 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 105 - Micah is Already Leading Weddings!This week the owner of Amplified Events, Mike Kane, sat down with one of our new DJs, Micah Frigo to chat through some of the weddings he has done recently!
2025-06-3029 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 104 - Natalie Is Back!!!This week the owner of Amplified Events Mike Kane has Natalie Hojnacki back on the podcast to talk about her new role with SHE Designs LLC!
2025-06-2355 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 102 - Loading In at Weddings / Making It HappenToday we sat down with owner Mike Kane and GM Joe Albomonte to talk about some recent wedding we have done and spoke about some venues that are really nice load-ins for us. We also chat about how even when we get difficult requests, we make it happen!
2025-06-0938 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 101 - Company CultureThis week the owner of Amplified, Mike Kane, and lead DJ, Micah Frigo both sat down to chat through some things that have gone really well this season as well as how things are finally starting to come together as a team.
2025-06-0227 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 100 - Checking In With Amplified MichiganThis week the owner of Amplified Events Michigan; Jeff Webb and the GM of Amplified Event; Joe Albomonte both hopped on a Zoom call to chat through how things have been going up in Michigan since he has started the new branch!
2025-05-2627 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 99 - Tips for Multicultural WeddingsThis week owner Mike Kane and GM Joe Albomonte both sat down to discuss a few recent events they did as well as respond to a comment from last week asking for tips on how we handle multicultural weddings.
2025-05-1932 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 98 - What Makes a Wedding a 10/10This week owner of Amplified Events, Mike Kane, sat down with GM- Joe Albomonte and DJ- Micah Frigo to discuss recent weddings our company did and what made them feel like 10/10s.
2025-05-0543 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 97 - Using Social Media to Build a Business with Phenomenal Photo Booth CoThis week owner of Amplified Events, Mike Kane, sat down with the owner of Phenomenal Photo Booth Co, Selah Brooks to chat through the ways he has found success using social media to build his business.
2025-04-2843 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 95 - Unique Wedding Specialist JobsThis week owner of Amplified Events, Mike Kane, and the owner of Christa K weddings, Christa K both sat down this week to chat through some more unique roles that Christa plays as a wedding specialist.
2025-04-141h 19The DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 92 - Song Request EtiquetteThis week the owner and GM of Amplified Events, Mike Kane and Joe Albomonte, both sat down to discuss some positive tips to help get your song played at a wedding! There are also some things that we would prefer guests not to do when coming up to the booth! Tune in to hear it all!
2025-03-2436 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 91 - Our Top 10 Last Dance SongsThis week the Owner Mike Kane and GM Joe Albomonte both sat down to discuss a few recent events they worked together as well as their top 10 favorite songs to play for last dance!
2025-03-1725 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 89 - Our Top Ten Party Songs!This week on The DJ Insider owner Mike Kane and GM Joey Albomonte sat down to discuss their top ten party songs they like to play at weddings! They also discuss a few recent events they have worked in preparation for the 2025 wedding season!
2025-03-0326 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 88 - All About The Customer ExperienceThis week owner of Amplified Events, Mike Kane, sat down with the co-owner of 219SocialCo to discuss the wedding/ customer experience and what it truly means to them.
2025-02-2442 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 87 - Staying Updated on Current Music & TrendsThis week Owner Mike Kane and GM Joe Albomonte sat down to discuss the ways they find new music and stay updated on current trends!
2025-02-1733 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 85 - Our First Digital Podcast!This week on the DJ Insider we are trying something entirely new! We had a special guest, Brian Franklin, all the way from California who Zoomed in for the episode. Brian sat down with Mike Kane to discuss different stories and experiences surrounding vows and speeches!
2025-02-0327 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 84 - Sweet Lenz Photo Booth CompanyHello everyone! This week the owner and GM of Amplified Events, Mike Kane and Joe Albomonte, sat down with the owners of Arrested Sounds and Sweet Lenz, Joe Christian and Ava Christian! The Father-Daughter Duo has now exploded from one successful DJ company into another photo booth company run by Ava!
2025-01-2747 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 83 - Bridal Show Bonanza!This week the owner of Amplified Events, Mike Kane, sits down with the GM, Joey Albomonte, and the owner of Amplified Events Michigan, Jeff Webb to discuss a few bridal shows they recently attended as well as the pro's, con's, and things to avoid as a vendor!
2025-01-2125 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 82 - First Episode of Season 3!Happy Monday and welcome back to the DJ Insider! Kicking off the start of the new podcast/wedding season, Owner Mike Kane and General Manager Joey Albomonte both sat down to discuss the successes of 2024 and major goals of 2025.
2025-01-1330 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 81 - Into the New Year!On the last episode of the 2024 season, Owner Mike Kane and GM Joey Albomonte both sat down to talk about their holidays, some family traditions, and the new year. Maggie the Dog also had another surprise appearance on the show!
2024-12-3022 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 80 - The Holiday MagicOwner of Amplified Events, Mike Kane and the General Manager, Joey Albomonte both sat down this week to discuss some end of the year events they have going on. Between company parties and a few weddings, you can really feel the holiday magic in the air around this time of year. Strap in and feel the magic yourself!
2024-12-2334 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 79 - Company Party SeasonOn this weeks episode Owner Mike Kane and GM Joe Albomonte sit down and talk about some events that they have had recently! As a DJ, company parties are a great way to fill the calendar in December and January when not as many weddings are happening!
2024-12-1636 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 78 - Puppy on the PodcastOn today's episode Joe brings in his dog Maggie to visit. We discuss a recent holiday party and things you can do to help make sure there's a good flow and a great dance floor to your company party. We discuss when couples will bring pets to their weddings. We talk about the things Joe would like to have if he were to plan a wedding or the things he would avoid.
2024-12-0929 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 77 - Give The Energy You Want To Your CrowdThis weeks episode Owner Mike Kane and GM Joey Albomonte got together to chat about some things that worked well for them this season and some fun things they look forward to next season!
2024-12-0227 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 76 - Special Four Person Episode!This week 4 different DJs from Amplified Events got together and spoke about this season overall, what they look forward to next season, and some issues they faced this year! Join in on this hour long special and learn a bit more about the Owner of Amplified Events- Mike Kane, GM- Joey Albomonte, Owner of Amplified Events Michigan- Jeff Webb, and DJ- Dave Siegrist.
2024-11-251h 02The DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 75 - Wrapping Up The Wedding SeasonOwner of Amplified Events, Mike Kane, and General Manager, Joey Albomonte, both sit down and discuss their most recent weddings and some plans for next year as the 2024 wedding season comes to a close!
2024-11-1823 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 74 - Meet The New GM!On this weeks episode of the podcast, Owner of Amplified Events Michael Kane sits down with the new GM, Joe Albomonte to discuss how he got into the industry, what he likes/doesn't like as a DJ, and shares a few direct stories about his time with the company.
2024-11-1126 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 73 - Under Promise, Over DeliverThis week Owner of Amplified Events, Mike Kane has two guests on from 505 Media Co. They talk about how they began and their different backgrounds and how the business has grown into a successful multi-op.
2024-11-041h 16The DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 72 - Warming The Floor; What Works?This episode owner Mike Kane and lead DJ Chris Zart get together to discuss recent weddings and popular trends. They break down how they typically start a dance floor along with some things that work great, some that don't, and of course some that don't sound great on paper... but end up working fantastic!
2024-10-2834 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 70 - I'm All InOn today's episode we are talking with Eric Jager the owner of MB Events. Eric and Mike discuss a recent gig we did together. We talk about the things we're learning this year working in the wedding industry.
Eric can be reached at https://www.mbevents1.com/
Eric's instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/_mbevents/
2024-10-1457 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 69 - Wedding Trends Never Stop AdaptingMike and Chris talk about their weddings in the middle of peak wedding season. Every weekend we have been busy and have had a great time being on so many dance floors. We have seen the type of music people want changing this year, songs and trends dying out quickly, and new ones starting. We are very excited to see what 2025 brings us!
2024-10-0729 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 67 - It's All About the SetupAs wedding DJs we know that one of the biggest reasons, couples pick their venue is for the aesthetics. That's why we believe that a DJs setup should be beautiful, clean, and most of all, blend in with the natural beauty of the venue. In our line of work we find there are many DJs who share our love for our equipment, but perhaps not our love for aesthetics. So on today's podcast, Chris and Mike will be reviewing some DJ setups and rating them. We're going over the Good, the Bad, the Ugly.
2024-09-2443 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 65 - You Cant Dance to All MusicWe know that you really love that one song that you listen to everyday.
But...is that song going to be good for the dance floor?
Our job is to play music that caters towards our couples tastes, while also trying to appeal to the 99% of the crowd that is out there dancing. The thing that frustrates us the most, is that some guests think we are refusing to play their song because we do not like it, or them. This is never the case. Our goal is to...
2024-09-0930 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 64 - You Can't Always Get What You WantSometimes our job can feel impossible.
We usually have a room full of 150+ people that we need to get on the dance floor, and two people that have hired us to do so. Our goal is to make sure our couples get the experience they want from their wedding night, and keep their guests happy as well. Almost every wedding we have worked there is a guest that doesn't get to hear what they want. This is never out of spite, or that we don't like the music. We are just looking out for the common good...
2024-09-0324 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 63 - The Party Never Stops for Us
Episode 63!Everyone looks forward to being able to go to their family and friends weddings. You can break free from reality, step away from work, and take in the moment of a great party with people you love. We are absolutely lucky that we get to DJ throughout the year, and make the party happen for you. Once we got our confidence up from doing this for years, it makes work worth looking forward to every weekend.
2024-08-2632 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 62 - There is Nothing Like This JobHere is a short episode highlighting some of the weddings we have worked over the summer recently. Being part of your wedding days every weekend is so amazing. Most people get the chance to go to around 5-10 weddings in their lifetime, we get to experience hundreds. This day is so unique and special, and we appreciate that we get to spend the day with you and your guests.
2024-08-2018 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 61 - Making the Day Unforgettable
Welcome Joe Christian from Arrested Sounds back on the podcast!
https://arrestedsounds.com/
Arrested Sounds back on the podcast!
https://arrestedsounds.com/
Mike and Joe talk about the impact a DJ has on a wedding day, and how that can make or break a couples memory of the day. The DJ scene has changed so much over time with technology improving, styles changing, and music evolving. Today, we have so much control over what can be played during the wedding...
2024-08-1250 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 60 - We are All HumanBeing part of someone's wedding day every weekend is something we feel very lucky to be a part of. After hundreds of weddings there are many more good than bad stories to be told, but we still occasionally run into the same situations over and over. A wedding day can have an effect on people in which they think the rules do not apply anymore. Throwing a huge party with an open bar, free food, a dance floor, can feel otherworldly. That being said, we as vendors need to be treated fairly. Our goal is to try and make...
2024-08-0632 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 59 - Expect the UnexpectedWe are constantly dealing with crazy curve balls coming our way working in the wedding industry. There is so much pressure behind the day, and so much that can go right or wrong. We have DJ'd weddings while sick, I have had an apartment burn to the ground the night before a wedding, and we recently covered for a DJ who unfortunately passed away. Anything can happen. It is the professionals that stand out amongst others who step up to the plate to get the job done.
2024-07-1524 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 58 - There Is No Other Job Like ThisWhat makes our line of work rare is that we quite often feel like we aren't even working. From the stress and panic of a wedding day, this job can get insane. When we break through and get to the dance floor everyone in the room wants the same thing, to have a good time. Sometimes I feel like a guest on the dance floor, just enjoying the night. Having an amazing dance set with people you generally enjoy being around makes the night fly by in an instant, and makes us want to continue DJing all night until...
2024-07-0128 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 57 - Commonly Forgotten ThingsOn this week's episode we discuss our previous weekend's weddings. We talk about some commonly forgotten things we see at weddings like the timeline, last minute changes to the schedule, and skipping over the vows. Plus, we discuss a situation where the father of the bride wants to hear a song played that the couple did not request.
2024-06-1037 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 56 - The Most Difficult Thing DJs DoOn this weeks's episode Mike and Chris review their gigs from the past weekend. Including stories about about a touchy father of the bride and Mike's failed attempt to read the room. We discuss Ceremony Music & Microphone service which is what we feel is one of the most difficult things that DJs do and what makes it so difficult.
2024-06-0322 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 55 - Working With the Right TeamHaving the right team of vendors for your wedding day can make everything run very smooth. We never have to worry about each other, and we know what to do to make each other's jobs easier. A photographer that pushes people to get on the dance floor, a venue that helps coordinate events, and a DJ that should out the photo booth are all examples of how we can help each other. We unfortunately have seen wedding days go the other way, which is why we always try and work with people we know and trust.
2024-05-2926 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 54 - We Know What Not to DoFrom us attempting to DJ our own weddings, to the things we have seen go wrong at work, we have plenty of experience of what to avoid when planning a wedding. Every couple has a budget in mind for their wedding, and priorities will always vary. We see that the venue is usually the most important, and vendors come next. There are plenty of ways to DIY to make your wedding more budget friendly, but it isn't always going to go the way you think.
2024-05-2038 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 53 - You Can Have Creative ControlOn today's episode we review some recent weddings and discuss the concept of creative control when it comes to picking the music at your wedding. We typically see that most couples give us a few songs they love and a few songs they want to avoid at their weddings. There are always a few couples that don't care about the music at all and a few couples that really care a lot about the music.
2024-05-1328 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 52 - We Are Back At It Again!Mike and Chris are back in the swing of things!
Wedding season has already been off to an explosive start, with amazing dance floors. Having an off season in our area gets us very excited to work weddings again, and we are so happy to be back! In this episode we discuss how we usually have to fill the shoes of a wedding planner, and how wedding planners can make our lives so much easier day of.
2024-05-0631 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 51 - Sweet Memories from Sugar on the RimOn today's episode we're talking with Gina Bombin, the owner of Sugar on the Rim Events. We get to know Gina's background in the wedding industry, the services she offers, and advice she has for couples looking to hire a wedding planner, floral, and decor rentals. Gina shares some of her experiences from her years working with couples on their wedding day.
2024-05-0355 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 50 - Striving for creative perfectionWe are halfway to 100 episodes on the DJ Insider Podcast!
We are finally kicking off into the wedding season, and we are lucky to have Maycen with Raycroft Recordings back on the podcast once again!
Mike and Maycen talk through the struggles of exceeding expectations that our couples have. Our work as DJ's and videographers requires plenty of creativity and on the fly thinking. Mike choosing a song on the dance floor or Maycen deciding what music to use in her wedding edits may be the right decision in...
2024-04-221h 03The DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 49 - Being Careful on the Front EndOn today's podcast we have Jeff Webb from @forgettableproductions. Jeff is a Comedy Show promotor, Headlining Comedian, and Wedding DJ. He draws from years of experience managing a comedy club, bartending, and performing stand up. We discuss a recent wedding and bridal show we worked together. Jeff discusses some of the difficulties in promoting and booking comedy shows. We discuss dealing with difficulty comedians and difficult clients and a few of the frustrations in our line or work.
2024-04-1557 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 48 - Questions to Ask Your DJOn this week's episode, Chris and Mike are back in the studio to discuss a recent bridal show and questions to ask your DJ. Today we're talking about the Good and Bad questions to ask when you're interviewing potential DJs. When you're shopping for a DJ you should definitely do your research to understand what services the person offers and the type of experience that they can provide. You should also meet with multiple companies to get a good sense of who you vibe with. To make the most of the experience we recommend that you come with a...
2024-04-0845 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 47 - How Much Should a DJ Charge?On today's episode we're talking with Eric Jaeger from MB Events. Eric discusses questions you can ask when meeting with potential DJs for your vendors. This conversation is based on a blog that Eric wrote. You can find that blog link here: 20 Questions to Ask Before Hiring that DJ
When you're trying to figure out what should you be investing in your DJ, you should first start with your priorities and if the guest experience is the most important you should plan to spend more on a DJ.
We...
2024-04-0153 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 46 - Good Planning Leads to Good Problem SolvingOn today's podcast we have Kyla Sinkiewicz the General Manager of Barrelhouse the Venue in Michigan City. Kyla shares her experiences, challenges, and insights from her years working with couples on their wedding day. Plus, Kyla shares some exciting news from Barrelhouse about the new venue they are opening this fall.
2024-03-2533 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 45 - Trust YourselfChris and Mike are back in the studio for episode 45. On today's podcast we review recent corporate parties and a wedding we worked. We discuss the keys to giving a good speech. Mike and Chris talk about lessons they've learned from working in the wedding industry and review advice they would give to younger versions of themselves.
2024-03-1837 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 44 - A Symphony of Business OwnersOn today's podcast we have Jenny Beschinski the owner of SHE Designs and Orchestrated Events. Jenny has been a wedding and party planner of one kind or another since 2003. She has owned her own wedding and event retail business worked in some of Northwest Indiana’s premier event centers and has the best vendor friends (and resources!) ever. Jenny is the author of Weddings and Things: Tales From a Midwest Wedding Planner. Today, Jenny shares from her experience and background as a wedding coordinator, a small business owner, and putting out fires at weddings.
2024-03-111h 08The DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 43 - High Quality Vendors was Our Guiding LightIt's Season 2 Episode 1 and today on the podcast we have Tim & Corina Gehrels who were the couple that we discussed for our very first podcast from Season 1. Tim & Corina discuss how they met and fell in love. They share about their proposal and wedding. We talk about the planning process, their wedding details and everything they learned in the process. One of the biggest priorities for their wedding was to have quality vendors and a team that could bring their vision to life. Tim & Corina share the fun and memorable details from their special day including writing their own...
2024-03-0448 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 42 - You Can't Do It AloneThanks Carli and Tricia for joining us on today's podcast!
You have gotten a look at the lives and general work day of a wedding vendor, but what about the people whose event space we get to work at every single weekend? The experiences and challenges we face when going to work are very similar to what Carli and Trish experience. The photographers, videographers, and florists that we work with have made it clear that if a venue and vendors work well together, then stress can be easily avoided. Making sure problems are solved...
2024-02-2651 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 41 - What Really Matters at a Party?We are now in the season of corporate events. We are always interested to see how these events can be so different from weddings, and how our style needs to adapt to this type of environment. We have seen parties done quite well, and some that have tried too hard. It is important to have a good structure, but one that can be deviated from if the vibe isn't right. It is also very important to make sure the employees of your company feel comfortable, and rewarded by the team they work for.
2024-02-1929 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 40 - Kimberly Will Figure It OutThanks Kimberly Barnard for joining us for today's podcast!
https://www.honorarybridesmaid.com/
Kimberly is a wedding planner whose business focuses on coordinating the day, but also focuses on design/floral for your wedding day. Her history is rooted in the wedding industry, starting by selling wedding dresses in Indianapolis. Moving into planning made sense for Kimberly, as she has seen the stress and overwhelming responsibility that couples face when planning their wedding. Hear Mike and Kimberly talk about some of the experiences they have had during weddings, and the behind the...
2024-02-1240 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 39 - Holiday's Bring Out the Best in UsThis time of year is when the wedding season starts to come to a slow in our industry. Being in the NWI area, we have around 4 months of bad weather that we do not work many weddings, but company parties coming in force. We have had varying experiences at these parties, from big dance floors to people that are just looking for background music. There really is no wrong answer, but we have found that some companies don't know what product they are really buying. We also cover what to do and what not to do during a speech...
2024-02-0544 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 38 - Too Many Expectations May End in DissapointmentWhen planning your wedding it is important to find a vendor that aligns with your goals and expectations of your wedding day. Mike and I have worked in this industry for 10+ years and it has taken time to understand the type of people we truly want to work with. If our company feels it can't meet the expectations you have, we simply are not the right fit. Some couples may want a 'party' DJ who will heavily interact with the crowd, other couples just want a well done, simple party. We try and make our style clear, and also...
2024-01-2946 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 37 - Being the Right Fit as a VendorThanks Nathan Hand with Handprint Media Productions for joining us today!
Shooting video for weddings is such a unique experience because of how candid it is. Unlike a movie set, you get very few opportunities to film the best moments of a wedding day because of the speed at which things take place. Without being able to control what the subjects you are filming do, a videographers professional skill is what is needed to capture these moments. Nathan's priority is making sure their clients feel comfortable. The quality and quantity of equipment isn't necessary...
2024-01-2259 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 36 - Your Vendors Will Make or Break Your Wedding DayOn today's podcast we are delighted to speak with Julee Kistler. Julee has worked in the wedding industry almost 18 years. Julee has worked in many different levels at wedding venue from server, to manager, she's even done photography. She is currently a Planner / Coordinator at Allure on the Lake. Julee shares from her experience and passion working with couples. It's so important to book professional vendors early in the planning process. It's important to go with your gut. Make sure you are booking someone you can trust with your wedding day. When in doubt trust the coordinators at your...
2024-01-161h 08The DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 35 - Music Elicits a FeelingHearing a song at a wedding can invoke nostalgia, bring back memories, and change your mood entirely. We as DJs try and have a balance throughout the night of music that invokes the right feelings at the right time. Playing music during dinner that is relaxing and makes you feel loved is ideal, but we may need something with more energy for the dance floor. Music that is very energetic and dance able may be great for the floor, but may be overwhelming for cocktail hour. Keeping a good flow throughout the night and controlling how people feel with...
2024-01-0844 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 34 - Dancing is a Social RiskThe way we can get a dance floor to be nonstop, all night long, is by building trust as we go along. If a crowd doesn't feel comfortable being on a dance floor because the DJ's energy is off, they will not want to take the social risk of being out there. When we dance we feel exposed. There are things as DJ's that are in our control and 100% out of our control, but we do everything we can to get everyone at a party on our team. Playing music that people can easily dance and move to, taking...
2024-01-0147 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 33- Perfecting Our Craft and Always Staying ConsistentThanks Jeff Webb for joining us today!
Jeff has been doing standup comedy for years now, and has now joined us in the DJ world. We have learned more and more about how the world of comedy is very similar to DJing a wedding day. We stick to a routine, stay consistent, and strive for an amazing show every single time. The battle of keeping what we do unique and special every weekend is what we are always fighting for. We have talked countless times about our priorities for a wedding day, and the...
2023-12-261h 00The DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 32 - Prepare For the Worst, Expect the BestThe most ideal wedding scenario is where everything can be prepared ahead of time, is organized, and we have all the tools we need to make it happen. That can change in an instant upon arrival to our job. Flexibility, being proactive, and remaining calm are the defining characteristics that separate professionals from amateurs in this industry. There are so many times where we have contained a storm of nonsense and mistakes, that went unnoticed by all. There are other times where we are being bullied by guests, and sometimes but rarely staff and vendors. The way we react...
2023-12-1830 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 31 - Just Let the Party be the PartyMike and Chris are back at it again!
We have one chance to get this right. There is so much pressure we put on ourselves because you only have one attempt at your wedding day. The advice we give is to make sure that this can go as seamlessly as possible, and for everyone to have a night that is memorable. Many of us go to multiple weddings throughout our lives, and sometimes we are part of them. Sometimes less is more, especially in the case of event planning. If we give any opportunity...
2023-12-1136 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 30 - Problem Solving is the Fun of the JobThank you Lori Horst from La Petite Fleuriste for joining us today!
Not many people think about how their flowers get from point A to point B, and the struggles they might face along their travel. Not only do florists have to work very hard to make their bouquets and floral combinations look beautiful, but they have to deal with the issues of how they are sourced. From FedEx being problematic, to Ecuadorian farmers not being able to ship roses due to an overthrown government, there are so many challenges that can impact how...
2023-12-0448 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 29 - Botany Flowers Lately?Thank you Kris Livovich With Sugarfield Flowers for joining us on today's podcast!
We constantly talk about the roles vendors play in keeping the day smooth and organized, but making it all look spectacular and gorgeous? That is something that you want to hire a professional for.
Kris has been working with flowers since she was 19, and has always been a huge part of her life. She works with fresh, real flowers sourced by local farms. The planning and detail that goes in to making this art form has...
2023-11-2746 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 28 - Quality and Consistency is EverythingThanks Steve Vansak with Region Weddings for joining us!
From starting with live music to now behind the lens of a camera, Steve found that photography let him express himself creatively in a different way. His work as a musician opened doors to working in wedding photography which leads him to running Region Weddings today! Mike and Steve dive into the struggles of a wedding day as a DJ and photographer, and also their love and passion for it. The most important thing for Steve's business is that when you hire Region Weddings you...
2023-11-201h 02The DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 27 - Let's take a Krus "Cruise"Thank you Jon Krus for joining us on today's podcast! We are sad to see Jon go after this wedding season, but are excited for his future of starting his own DJ company! Mike and Jon get into the whacky and fun moments that always come unexpected at weddings. We say it a lot, but this job is unlike any other. We can show up expecting one thing, and be completely blind sided with so many different outcomes. Guests can rip their pants, puppet shows can break out, etc. Basically, anything that could happen probably will. They also discuss...
2023-11-1354 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 26 - In Sonia We TrustOn today's podcast we sit down with Sonia Arkkelin, the owner of White Border Photography. We discuss a recent wedding we did together. Sonia shares how she got started and what she loves about photography. She gives advice for couples who are looking to book a photographer and how important it is to really get to know the professionals you're going to be working with on your wedding day. And once you get to know them, trust the professionals that you've hired to pull off the wedding of your dreams.
2023-11-0659 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 25 - Did We Just Become Best Friends?!?We have had a multitude of horror stories about guests throughout the years, but there truly more positive/wholesome moments than not. The relationship between DJ and crowd is so important, and we want to make sure everyone walks away happy. We try and get everyone on our team, and wanting to be on the dance floor when we kick things off. If we have equal trust when it comes to when and how songs are played, we are in for an amazing party. There is no better feeling than hearing the song you want to hear be mixed...
2023-10-3043 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 24 - Please Don't Kill My VibeWe can have every part of the equation necessary for a solid wedding night, and it can still go stale. Keeping the energy up during our dance floors is extremely important. There are things that DJs can do to kill the vibe of the night, and there are things that guests/couples can do. We want to make sure that with our song selection, nothing ever gets boring. There are things that you can avoid doing when planning your wedding to avoid energy killers. Too many announcements throughout the dance floor, too many slow songs, speeches that trail off...
2023-10-2333 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 23 - You Have to Love ItThank you Trysh Jaeger for joining today's podcast!
https://tryshjaeger.com/
For a lot of industry professionals, the feeling of nervousness, butterflies, jitters, whatever you want to call it, is always present. We believe that when you still have this feeling, you still care. We all want to do the best job possible, and you have to love every part of this job if you want the best. Trysh covers some great advice to new couples planning their wedding, and good do's and dont's for your photography day of.
2023-10-1641 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 22 - Baby is all grown up!The last thing that a couple wants to feel on their wedding day is embarrassed. Parents and bridal party members job on the wedding day is to support and love the couple, not make them feel humiliated. Unfortunately, we have seen this time and time again. Speeches that were planned to be funny, did not work the way they intended. In today's episode we also highlight a few examples of how trusting us and planning ahead, will result in a smooth wedding day.
2023-10-0936 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 21 - A Little Goes A Long WayThis week on the podcast we discuss the concept of wedding themes.
"The Roaring Twenties", "Magic in Vegas", and "Havana Nights" are a few of the wedding themes we've seen and experienced. When couples are planning their weddings, they are looking for ways to make it more unique and to incorpate the elements of things they like. Some couples pick a color scheme, font, or theme. Some couples look to television, films and literature that they enjoy. When it comes to wedding themes, we've seen the best and the worst. It's okay to have a theme, but...
2023-10-0239 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 20 - When things go wrong...people will never knowThis week we're talking with Natalie Hojnacki. Natalie is the Sales Manager and Coordinator at the Allure on the Lake in Chesterton. We talk about what it's like being a day-of coordinator at one of the top venues in the area.
On your wedding day the best laid plans can go inevitably wrong. Natalie talks about what she and her team do behind the scenes to make sure your day goes smoothly. She shares personal experiences from her history as an industry professional and gives insider advice on the best way to get the...
2023-09-2555 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 19 - Did You Get That on Camera?Thanks Maycen from Raycroft Recordings for joining us!!!
The life of a videographer has some very stressful moments that can be missed in an instant. From their first kiss at ceremony, to the behind the scenes moments, you have to capture it all! Since most people are not on in front of a camera often, it can be a very new experience. Maycen does a great job at making couples feel comfortable on camera, while also capturing the beauty of their wedding day.
2023-09-1854 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 18 - Putting 100% Into the Wrong ThingIn the final season of NBC's Parks and Recreation, Ron Swanson creates the company "Very Good Building and Development Co". Amplified Events strives for the exact motto of their business.
We do a very good job.
At the end of the day, that's it! We focus on making our dance floors lively, our MC skills sharp, and communication before the wedding clear and quick. It always surprises us to see DJs that focus on the wrong area. Having a huge speaker setup and giant light bar looks cool, but will it elevate the experience of...
2023-09-1125 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 17 - Going to Great LengthsWe constantly are working on becoming better wedding DJ's.
We obviously will provide what is offered in our DJ service that you book with us, but what about the extra work that we put in? Any opportunity we have to make your wedding day special we will take! Thanks Eric Jaeger for coming on the podcast this week to highlight some of the extremes he has gone to just to make the day even more amazing for a couple. One of the highlights of working with Eric is that he belives in collaboration over...
2023-09-0554 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 16 - Can you play this song, and next?!?Timing is everything.
A song placed at the exact right moment of the night will bring the dance floor alive. Played at the wrong time, and you have yourself a missed opportunity for success. A huge part of our job as professionals, is playing the music for the moment it fits best in. Amazing sing alongs like "Mr. Brightside" are meant for a crowd that has partied all night, and the night is coming to an end. "Turn down for what" played too early in the night will scare grandma RIGHT away.
2023-08-2833 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 15 - Sir, have you been dancing tonight?You have been charged with manslaughter.
On account of those dance moves being absolutely killer.
Thanks Joe from Arrested Sounds for joining us on this episode!
We loved having another perspective the wedding industry, and we can't wait to have more vendors on in the future! Maybe we will have another DJ coming soon...
2023-08-2152 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 14 - Environment MattersWe have dived deep into some things that can either make your wedding day stress free, or that can add stress. Today we cover some of the very specific factors that can impact the success of a dance floor and wedding day. Weather, lighting, venue layout, can all impact how well it goes, and how comfortable people are.
2023-08-1430 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 13 - What Kind Of Party Are We Going to?The energy of your dance floor and overall vibe will depend mostly on two factors.
1. The type of guests you invite
2. The music you pick for your dance floor
Today we cover many things you can do to have a successful dance floor, and a overall amazing party. As certain trends and traditions fade over the years, we try and cater towards what will work well for guests that were invited, while also sticking to the requests that couple has given us.
2023-08-0735 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 12 - What is possible, and what is likely?We are striving for perfection anytime we work a wedding.
All we can do as professionals is offer the advice and words of warning on what to do, and not to do. We want to make sure your dream is achieved with the day going as smoothly as possible, but also realistically. We and vendors along side us are united in the common goal of everyone happiness, and for the day to go as smoothly as possible. As long as you are open to fully putting your trust in the team making your wedding day possible, you...
2023-08-0132 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 11 - You Get What You Pay ForWe only get one chance at this.
There is a lot of pressure with our work to please, entertain, and make everyone around us happy. We work very hard to make sure that no mistakes are made. If not, we work even harder to make sure we recover from them immediately. What separates a professional from a amateur at this job is how they adapt to the day, and all the curve balls thrown their way.
2023-07-2435 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 10 - Someone's Gotta Take the BlameWhen something goes wrong, it is very easy to point fingers at the person who looks the most in charge.
Typically at the weddings we work, that is us! We have control of the room with a microphone, and we help coordinate the wedding day. Plenty of times there are things that are completely out of our hands, and plenty more going on behind the scenes than you think. 99.9% of vendors we work with have one ultimate goal in mind. To have the best wedding day we can possibly imagine. The vendors that work...
2023-07-1735 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 9 - I'll tell you what you want, what you really really wantI wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha)I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha)I wanna really, really, reallyWanna zigazig, ah
Sometimes you know exactly what you want to hear on the dance floor. Our job is to play the songs you don't even know you want to hear. This is the fundamental that divides a good DJ from a great DJ. 2023 has been an absolutely killer wedding season so far, and we cannot get enough of the parties we have been a part of.
2023-07-1134 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 8 - Don't Be That Guy!You have been around them at a party, bar, and/or family event.
No matter what you do, there will always be someone that will make it about them. With being at a wedding nearly every weekend of the year, this is something that is unavoidable for us. Today we share advice on what not to do as a guest to make the wedding day as fun as possible, for EVERYONE!
2023-07-0328 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 7 - Wedding or Game Show?There is only so much you can fit into a wedding day.
You will be limited to the time you can eat, socialize with guests, and relax. In today's episode we discuss what we have found to be worth doing at your wedding, or things we think should be skipped overall. Obviously, we want to do whatever we can to make your day the most enjoyable. We hope our insight will alleviate future headache and help make your wedding day run as smooth as possible.
2023-06-2731 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 6 - What Should You Look For In a Wedding Vendor?Leaving a review for a business is a powerful thing. Seeing that a business has any reviews is the indicator we all look for initially.
Sharing these experiences we have had with one another will impact if a consumer decides to go with a businesses services. The entire "idea" of good reviews is a very complex matter. Although a business may have "5 stars (89 reviews)", I will go with "4.7 stars (212 reviews)" any day. People are not perfect, a business cannot be as well.
2023-06-1934 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 5 - Expect the UnexpectedNo matter how much time is put into planning your wedding, curve balls will still fly your way. It is our job as a vendor to make sure that we are there to catch them for you! We have been to hundreds of weddings, so our relationship with a wedding day is vastly different than most. All we want is to share our perspective to provide insight, and give you as much creative control over your big day as possible.
2023-06-1434 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 4 - The Details MatterWith only one chance at doing your wedding...hopefully...you got to get
it RIGHT.
The more time you put into the details of your wedding day, no matter
how small, will elevate it from amazing to unforgettable. Take your
time, enjoy every second of it, and turn the stress into creativity.
2023-06-0636 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 3 - Red and Green FlagsHindsight is always 20/20.
If you have the ability to look for all the good and bad in a relationship, you should do the same with your vendors. An ex may haunt your past for a short while, but a bad vendor for your wedding day is unforgettable.
2023-06-0534 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 2 - Oh, Should I Not Have Said That?Weddings bring all loved ones together for such an unforgettable day. New bonds are formed, and love can be found that didn't exist previously. Suffice to say, ANYTHING can happen at a wedding.
An amazing speech can set a awesome tone for the night. Awkward, uncomfortable, and exhausting speeches can make things quite interesting.
We hope our advice and stories guide you into the light of what makes a "Great Speech".
2023-06-0527 minThe DJ Insider PodcastEpisode 1 - You Can Never AssumeThank you for tuning in to our first episode!
Although a lot of wedding days may run very similarly, they are all so different in their own way. We always try to predict what a dance floor or guest vibe will be like throughout the night. Many times we are right, sometimes we are taken by surprise.
2023-06-0543 min
The DJ Insider PodcastAmplified Events Podcast Teaser #1Here is a quick clip of our soon to be Amplified Events Podcast! We have loved
talking about our amazing, crazy, wild, and shocking wedding stories
over the years, why not record it for all to see? We look forward to
having other DJ's from our company, as well as other vendors on in the
future!
2023-05-1601 min