Shows
Beyond the DJ BoothRainstorms, Trolls, and Apple Store DJsSend us a textWhat do you do when the beach wedding you’re DJing turns into a muddy mess… and your booth is now on the dance floor?In this episode, Joe shares a behind-the-scenes story from one of the most weather-challenged weddings he’s ever worked...a rain-soaked celebration that could’ve been a disaster but turned into one of the couple’s most epic memories. From rerouting power cables to embracing the chaos, it’s a lesson in what real adaptability looks like on event day.But that’s just one storm....2025-07-0925 min
Beyond the DJ BoothWhy real DJs don't wear shorts and other unpopular opinionsSend us a textEvery DJ knows the struggle of balancing personal comfort with professional standards, especially during those sweltering summer gigs. This candid conversation between Brian B and Joe Bunn tackles this head-on with Joe's controversial hot take: "grown men should only wear shorts at the beach, at the gym, or if they're a child." Whether you agree or vehemently oppose this position, their passionate debate perfectly captures the hosts' authentic approach to all aspects of DJ life.The episode weaves through summer plans as Joe shares his impressive concert lineup spanning Avril Lavigne...2025-07-0223 min
Beyond the DJ BoothThe Gig Was Half Persian. Joe Was Full Keto.Send us a textWelcome to Season 4 of Beyond the DJ Booth ,where the weddings are wild, the carbs are canceled, and we’re just trying to survive both.This week, we open with a musical quiz no one asked for:Is “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” a real song title?(Somehow, yes. Thanks, Conway Twitty.)It spirals from there into a hall-of-fame list of song names that make you question how anything gets past quality control in the music industry.Then, things heat up as Jo...2025-06-2524 min
Beyond the DJ BoothThe Night The Laptop Froze And No One KnewSend us a textWhat happens when your DJ equipment completely fails during the peak of a wedding reception? Brian i takes us through his heart-stopping experience when his laptop froze mid-set, forcing him to create what we're now calling the "Oh S*** Playlist" - a collection of carefully selected tracks designed to keep the dance floor moving during technical emergencies.The perfect emergency song needs specific qualities: a natural cold ending or smooth fadeout, universal appeal to maintain energy, and enough length to buy precious troubleshooting time or one that has an immediately recognizable...2025-06-1826 min
Beyond the DJ BoothWould You DJ a Wedding at Chuck E. Cheese?Send us a textWould you take a celebrity wedding over your cousin’s…or DJ a full-pay gig at Chuck E. Cheese?This episode kicks off with real DJ dilemmas that blend humor, horror, and hard truths about reputation, branding, and where we draw the line in our careers.Then we flip the script and dive into something every DJ needs to master but few talk about:musical transitions.Those 30–50 second instrumental tracks can make or break the moments between moments — like corporate walk-ups, wedding toasts...2025-06-1125 min
Beyond the DJ BoothGen Z, Gear Hacks & the Death of Award ShowsSend us a textEver wonder how to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry where connecting with younger clients is crucial? In our latest episode, we tackle the language barrier head-on with a fun (and slightly humbling) exploration of current Gen Z slang. From "ratioed" posts to having a "Menty B," these linguistic insights might just save you from awkward miscommunications with your next twenty-something clients.The gear corner returns with a brilliant submission from listener Kevin Nichols - portable ramps that solve a problem every working DJ faces: navigating equipment over curbs. For...2025-06-0417 min
Beyond the DJ BoothThey Asked for You. You Referred Steve. Now What?Send us a textWhat do you do when a dream client reaches out for their big day… but you’re already booked?In this episode, Joe and Brian unpack one of the trickiest solo-op dilemmas: how to make referrals without damaging your brand. When someone hires you for your vibe, voice, and vision — is it even possible to pass the mic without losing trust?Prompted by a smart question from Jesse in Chicago, the guys dig into why referring the wrong DJ can do more harm than good, and ho...2025-05-2815 min
Beyond the DJ BoothBooked Solid, Burned Out, and Battling Sugar WithdrawalSend us a textEver feel like the daily grind is getting more expensive? You're not alone. Brian B kicks off this episode sharing how he's been booking double gigs in Florida's sweltering heat to keep up with rising mortgage payments and private school tuition costs. The financial reality of today's economy has many DJs pushing their limits, forcing tough decisions about travel schedules and family time.The conversation takes a sharp turn when Joe recounts his recent run-in with a particularly difficult wedding planner. Despite the bride and groom planning their wedding date around...2025-05-2135 min
Beyond the DJ BoothBeyond the Booth: DJs Who Inspire UsSend us a textEver wonder which DJs have shaped today's wedding and event entertainment landscape? In this enlightening episode, Joe Bunn and Brian B pull back the curtain on their professional influences in a candid conversation about the figures who've transformed their approach to both music and business.The discussion reveals how pioneers like Mike Walter set the standard for professionalism in private events, while Jason Jani showed there are multiple paths to success that don't require following a rigid formula. When it comes to musical inspiration, both hosts credit DJ AM as the...2025-05-1423 min
Beyond the DJ BoothHot Sauce and Hot Tracks: A Spicy DJ Cinco de MayoSend us a textGrab your sombreros and questionable life choices—this is a LIVE Cinco de Mayo episode of Beyond The DJ Booth, where Joe Bunn and Brian B. celebrate the only Latin holiday they truly connect with… because, well, they both really love Mexican food.Broadcast straight from a virtual live audience session, the heat gets turned up—literally—as Brian takes on a hot sauce challenge that may or may not require medical intervention. Meanwhile, the duo dives into the hilariously honest reality of DJing Latin music as two white guys wit...2025-05-0747 min
Beyond the DJ BoothImmigrant Ingenuity and DJ Dilemmas: Navigating Long ToastsSend us a textHandshakes, heritage stories, and handling awkward reception moments take center stage as Joe Bunn and Brian B share valuable insights for DJs navigating the professional and personal side of event entertainment.The conversation kicks off with a discussion about making strong first impressions. Joe shares his father's wisdom about proper handshakes—never the dreaded "dead fish"—and the importance of introducing yourself with both first and last names in professional settings. This segues naturally into when DJs should use their stage names versus their legal names depending on the context and audi...2025-04-3017 min
Beyond the DJ BoothCreating Magic Moments: The Timeless Power of Perfect Ballad SelectionSend us a textBrian B takes us back to his origin story as a teenage karaoke host with frosted tips in late-90s California, revealing how this unlikely start built the foundation for his DJ empire. With disarming honesty, he explains the perfect karaoke host paradox: "You can't suck, but you can't be so good that people are intimidated." This delicate balance created the stage presence and crowd reading skills that would later positively impact his career.The conversation shifts to practical business strategies as Brian and Joe break down the economics of weeknight...2025-04-2329 min
Beyond the DJ BoothWhen Everything Goes Wrong: Power Outages, Pollen Season, and Professional PrideSend us a textEver wondered what happens when the music suddenly cuts out during the most crowded moment on the dance floor? In this remarkably candid episode of Beyond the DJ Booth, Joe Bunn and Brian B pull back the curtain on the messy realities professional DJs face at high-end events.The conversation dives deep into situations rarely discussed in public forums – from Joe's recent technical nightmare with custom-wired cables that caused power failures during peak dancing time, to strategies for gracefully managing unexpected challenges without clients ever sensing trouble. These war stories serve as...2025-04-1624 min
Beyond the DJ BoothNavigating Event Season: Personal Stories, Travel Tips, and Business AutomationSend us a textReady for event season? Top DJs Brian B and Joe Bunn share what they're most looking forward to as their calendars fill with diverse celebrations. Joe anticipates a beach wedding for the third sister in a family where he's already created unforgettable experiences for the other siblings. These repeat clients have become true fans, attending his events and engaging with his content—the dream scenario for any service professional.Meanwhile, Brian prepares for an eclectic lineup: a Sangeet featuring traditional Dola drummers, a high-end private school auction in Florida, and a we...2025-04-0916 min
Beyond the DJ BoothWhen DJs Become the A-holes: Real Stories from the Wedding CircuitSend us a textWhat do you do when the CEO's nephew wants to commandeer your DJ booth mid-event? How about when a client expects free services because you "have a connection"? These real-world ethical dilemmas plague professional DJs, and Brian B and Joe Bunn are tackling them head-on.Drawing from Reddit's notorious "Am I The A-hole" threads, we dissect five scenarios that reveal the complex moral territory DJs navigate at every gig. From wedding planners demanding last-minute changes to the uncomfortable territory of overtime requests, we share our combined decades of experience to help...2025-04-0223 min
Beyond the DJ BoothThe Heater Playlist: Elevating Your Wedding's First ImpressionSend us a textWedding cocktail hours set the tone for the entire reception, yet finding that perfect musical sweet spot between ambient background and engaging atmosphere remains an elusive challenge for many DJs. In this season opener, Joe Bunn and Brian B reveal their secret weapons: tracks that consistently make guests approach the booth asking, "What is this song?"The hosts share carefully selected gems ranging from Sylow's smooth R&B cover of "Dilemma" to Jazzy D's reimagined "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" that delivers the perfect groove for guests still transitioning...2025-03-2629 min
Beyond the DJ BoothDJ Dream Teams & Volcanic VacationsSend us a text"What would your ultimate DJ crew look like?" We kick off our season finale with a fantasy draft where we build our dream teams – from hype men like Lil Jon and DJ Kool to security (Taylor Swift's $1.3 million bodyguard, anyone?) and tech support that could save your event from disaster.Fresh off his European adventure, Joe takes us behind the scenes of his strategic vacation through Iceland and Paris. The journey delivered unexpected celebrity sightings (Leonardo DiCaprio at the Blue Lagoon!), otherworldly landscapes, and luxury experiences at the Louis Vuitton-owned Cheval Bl...2025-03-1923 min
Beyond the DJ BoothThe Ultimate DJ Dilemmas: Mixing and MusingSend us a textStep into the world of DJing with our latest episode, where we explore hilarious and relatable "Would You Rather" scenarios designed just for DJs. Join hosts Brian B. and Joe Bunn as they navigate through wild hypothetical situations, from last-minute playlist changes to handling the unconventional requests of excited wedding guests. This episode merges laughter with real-world experiences in the unpredictable realm of DJing, offering both entertainment and valuable tips for navigating common issues.We delve into the importance of preparation in DJing, sharing personal stories that highlight the challenges professionals...2025-03-1219 min
Beyond the DJ BoothBuffalo Sauce Head Sweats, DJ Quotes, and Insurance ThoughtsSend us a textEver wondered why your head starts sweating just from a splash of buffalo sauce? Join us on this entertaining episode of Beyond the DJ Booth Podcast, where Brian B and Joe Bunn Jr. take a humorous look at this peculiar phenomenon. We kick things off with a laugh-inducing game of "Who Said It?", as we try to decipher if DJ philosophies come from A-List DJs or just some random social media users. We sprinkle in some travel tips, including a favorite gadget of Brian's—the AirFly Bluetooth adapter, a game changer for wireless hea...2025-03-0518 min
Beyond the DJ BoothMuseum Galas, Faith-Based Proms, and YouTube Sales StrategySend us a textPicture this: you're DJing a museum gala, trying to keep the energy high, but you have to pause for painting unveilings. Sounds like a nightmare, doesn't it? Join Joe Bunn and Brian i as they share their wild rides through the unpredictable world of private event DJing. Joe recounts his recent streak of challenging gigs, including a lackluster rehearsal dinner and that unforgettable museum gala. Meanwhile, Brian offers insights from DJing a Tim Tebow Foundation event, where he faced the unique task of spinning tunes for a diverse, faith-based crowd at a "prom"...2025-02-2613 min
Beyond the DJ BoothGrammys Revelations, Super Bowl Showdowns, and DJ Business InsightsSend us a textStep into the vibrant world of the Beyond the DJ Booth Podcast, where we unpack the intricacies of music awards, entertainment spectacles, and the DJ business landscape. Do you think a Super Bowl performance and industry dynamics could sway Grammy winner picks? Join us as we celebrate hitting the 5,000 download milestone across 22 episodes, with heartfelt thanks to our dedicated listeners. We unravel the mystery behind "Record of the Year" versus "Song of the Year," sharing our surprise at some of the winners in various categories.Switching gears, we explore the bold...2025-02-1925 min
Beyond the DJ BoothHeart-Shaped Pizzas, Wedding Dinner Tracks, and the Banger Calculator IdeaSend us a textWho knew a simple Valentine's Day tradition at a pizza joint could make for such a heartwarming tale? Brian B and Joe Bunn kick off this episode of Beyond the DJ Booth Podcast by sharing their favorite February 14th rituals, from comforting slices to homemade meals with the family. Moving on from heart-shaped pizzas to the perfect playlist, we tackle the art of selecting tunes that resonate deeply with couples. The age-old debate between ballads and love songs comes alive with mentions of classics like Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" and E...2025-02-1223 min
Beyond the DJ BoothFrom Goats to Gadgets to Unpacking DJ RidersSend us a textWhat’s the craziest thing you’ve ever asked for on your tour rider? In our latest episode of Beyond the DJ Booth Podcast, we uncover the quirkiest and most practical items artists demand on their riders, from Van Halen's green M&Ms to the peculiar charm of a baby goat requested by Blink-182. We share our own rider requests, revealing the odd but essential comforts we'd love on the road, including fresh ankle-high socks, the finest Alani energy drinks and VOSS water (premium) to name a few. Whether it’s ensuring free Wi-Fi...2025-02-0514 min
Solful Soundtrack of LifeEpisode 5 -“Iris”: The rhythms that add soulful textures to the ebb and flows of lifeIn this episode, we’re diving deep into the rhythms that have shaped a global musical storyteller off the dance floor. Joining me is the one and only DJ Brian B, a master of creating custom evergreen soundtracks for clients who want to connect music to their most important life moments.Growing up in a deeply musical family, DJ Brian B shares how music has shaped his life’s journey, reflecting on the ebbs and flows of life. We explore how rhythm enriches our experiences and how one song instantly transported him back to the moment he over...2025-02-0346 min
Beyond the DJ BoothS 2, Ep.6: Wedding Woes, Storage Struggles, and Financial DJ PlanningSend us a textWhat happens when your final wedding gigs of the year don’t go quite as planned? Join us as we share candid stories from the trenches, where the unpredictable world of DJing throws curveballs like vanishing dance floor energy and equipment storage chaos. Joe retells a wedding where the crowd mysteriously lost its groove despite them being happy clients, while Brian B recount the logistical nightmare of battling broken elevators to retrieve gear. We pull back the curtain on the hidden pressures DJs face, providing a rare peek behind the DJ booth.2025-01-2921 min
Beyond the DJ BoothS2, Ep.5: NYC Lingo, DJ Insurance Tips, and Interactive DJ TrendsSend us a textAre you ready to navigate the world of private event DJs with a dash of humor and a touch of New York City flair? Join us as Joe navigates post-surgery recovery while Brian B challenges him with a New York City vernacular quiz. From iconic street pronunciations to the labyrinth of NYC abbreviations, you'll get a taste of Joe's southern assimilation and a light-hearted connection to New York culture. Meanwhile, we tackle the importance of individual DJ insurance, a shift from the traditional umbrella policy, ensuring you're adequately covered when event season starts.2025-01-2223 min