Shows
Beyond the DJ BoothBeyond the DJ Booth: How Spotify Auto Mix Changes the GameSend us a messageWhat if Spotify’s Auto Mix feature could actually hold its own against a live DJ? We put it to the test (sorta)...and the results might surprise you.In this episode, Brian B and Joe Bunn break down how Spotify’s newest Premium feature blends transitions, keys, and BPM alignment in ways that feel surprisingly natural. From bar-length filter sweeps to smooth key-matched intros, Auto Mix delivers a level of polish that’s hard to ignore. But it’s not about replacement, it’s about opportunity. Learn how...
2025-11-1224 min
Beyond the DJ BoothWhen the Planner Disappears: DJ Stories and Boundaries That WorkSend us a messageThe dance floor is finally open and the planner vanishes. In this episode of Beyond the DJ Booth, Brian B and Joe Bunn pull back the curtain on a trend that can make or break an event: vendors leaving before peak moments hit.Joe vents, Brian offers fixes, and together they build a simple system for smoother weddings and private events - clear pre-dance expectations, quick text check-ins for logistic cues, and a friendly nudge for planners to stick around long enough to see the floor build...
2025-11-0540 min
Beyond the DJ BoothCrowd Control: Lessons From a Thursday WeddingSend us a messageA purple suit, a mansion party, and one question every DJ faces: how much does the room layout actually matter? Brian B and Joe Bunn open this week’s episode with full Halloween energy — yes, a Heath Ledger Joker outfit — to explore smart seasonal programming that stays fun without slipping into novelty. From candy experiments on the porch to dance-floor reads inside, it’s a study in human behavior and how small environmental cues shape big dance moments.The musical heart of the episode is an unexpected obsessio...
2025-10-2928 min
Beyond the DJ BoothDJ Economics 101: Rent Hikes, Heat, and Hit SongsSend us a messageAn email can change your month...and your mindset. Joe's arrived with a “pursuant to your lease” assessment that nearly doubled the rent on a 600-square-foot office in a 100-year-old building. We unpack what that clause really means, how to demand transparent line-item accounting, and why negotiating caps on pass-through costs might be the most valuable sentence in your next contract. If a landlord’s endgame is clearing tenants for redevelopment, we share the leverage plays and exit strategies that keep your business solvent instead of squeezed.Then the conversation cools (…barely...
2025-10-2234 min
Beyond the DJ BoothTravel DJ Chaos, Smart Buys, and the COGS Formula Every Pro NeedsSend us a messageWeddings in triple-digit heat, iPads overheating, and handheld fans aimed straight at the DJ’s face: sometimes the smallest tools make the biggest difference. In this episode, Brian B and Joe Bunn share real stories from the road, starting with outdoor summer weddings where even your tech needs shade. You’ll hear practical, field-tested ways to keep your setup cool, your sound consistent, and your head clear during marathon days in the sun.Then the conversation turns to gear buying mistakes every DJ can relate to. From “as-seen-online” gadgets that pro...
2025-10-1521 min
Beyond the DJ BoothDJ Gear Fails at 11,000 Feet: What Every Working DJ Should KnowSend us a messageA perfect set can’t save a broken signal path.. and that’s exactly where our night in Peru began. After a marathon climb to Cusco and a day at Machu Picchu, the after-party kicked off with the wrong rig, a cryptic “In Use” input, and five minutes on the clock. We walk through the split-second choices that kept music on and panic off: deploying a tiny travel controller, rethinking routing, and choosing simple and certain over fancy and fragile.If you play on the road or rely on provided gear, this bre...
2025-10-0841 min
Beyond the DJ BoothThe Five-Hour Dance Set Problem (and How to Fix It)Send us a messageWhat’s the hardest event you’ve ever played? And how did your body feel the next day? In this episode, we unpack the reality of five-hour dance sets: why they happen, how to design them smarter, and the recovery hacks that keep you in the game. Along the way we cover everything from music strategy (yes, even September), gear hacks, a Patreon announcement and a $69 foot massager that might just change your post-gig routine.Support the showRESOURCES & LINKSOur website. Please leave...
2025-10-0137 min
Beyond the DJ BoothWedding DJ Tips and Stories: Branding, Gear, and the Impact of Iconic SongsSend us a messageWhat’s the secret sauce that keeps your wedding DJ sets unforgettable and your podcast thriving? Join hosts Joe Bunn and Brian B as they dive deep into the vibrant world of DJs in this engaging episode of Beyond the DJ Booth. From the nuances of maintaining momentum in podcasting to the excitement surrounding the upcoming DJ Collective event, this episode is packed with insights that every wedding DJ and private event DJ needs to hear. Have you ever wondered how songs like 'Mr. Brightside' and 'Don't Sto...
2025-09-2427 min
Beyond the DJ BoothWedding DJ Style Tips, K-Pop Influence, and Our Season Four Celebration RecapSend us a messageWhat do K-pop, wedding DJs, and stylish suits have in common? They're all part of the vibrant tapestry that makes up the DJ life, and in this season finale of Beyond the DJ Booth, hosts Joe Bunn and Brian B. dive deep into the nuances of the private event DJ industry. As they wrap up Season Four, they reflect on their journey, the challenges they've faced in podcasting, and how the growth of the podcasting industry parallels the evolution of the DJ scene. Excitement fills the air as they g...
2025-09-1725 min
Beyond the DJ BoothNavigating DJ Life: Nightmare Stories, Gear Tips, and How to Handle Photo Requests During Dance SetsSend us a messageWhat would you save if your DJ gear was engulfed in flames? This episode of Beyond the DJ Booth dives deep into the heart of the wedding DJ experience, where hosts Joe Bunn and Brian B. share their own personal anecdotes and invaluable DJ tips and tricks that every DJ should know. We kick things off by urging our listeners to spread the word about the podcast, highlighting the unique challenges we face in the podcasting world compared to the instant gratification of social media. Your support helps us...
2025-09-1028 min
Beyond the DJ BoothDJ Tips for Corporate and Wedding Success: Handling Event Challenges and Family Drama Like a BossSend us a messageWhat happens when the dance floor is threatened by family drama and a gatekeeping wedding planner? Join hosts Joe Bunn and Brian B. as they navigate the often tumultuous waters of the wedding DJ experience in this riveting episode of Beyond the DJ Booth. With a focus on wedding DJs, they share invaluable DJ tips and tricks that can help you thrive in the private event DJ industry. Throughout the episode, Joe and Brian dive deep into the various scenarios DJs face, particularly when it comes to wedding planning and client i...
2025-09-0326 min
Beyond the DJ BoothPre-Workout Vows and an FBI Agent Mic DropSend us a messageEver wondered what goes on behind the scenes at weddings when traditions take unexpected turns? Brian B and Joseph Bunn pull back the curtain on some of the most bizarre wedding rituals they've witnessed throughout their careers as private event DJs.The episode kicks off with a jaw-dropping story about fitness enthusiasts who skipped the traditional beach wedding sand ceremony in favor of mixing their pre-workout supplement powders together – which they then proceeded to drink! This unprecedented moment perfectly illustrates how modern couples are personalizing their ceremonies in increasingly unique ways. Th...
2025-08-2722 min
Beyond the DJ BoothShould You Still Open with “September”?Send us a messageEver wonder why so many DJs open the dance floor with "September"? We're pulling back the curtain on dance floor strategy with a candid conversation about song selection that can make or break your event's momentum.When the photographer co-hosts of The Vendor Table podcast called out DJs for predictable opening tracks, we decided to share our tried-and-tested approach to kicking off memorable dance parties. From James Brown's "Get Up Offa That Thing" to cleverly remixed classics like The Spinners' "I'll Be Around," we reveal how strategic first song choices establish...
2025-08-2038 min
Beyond the DJ BoothBeach Setups, Mic Mishaps, and Videographers Gone RogueSend us a messageWhat happens when drummers and Whitney Houston collide? In our latest podcast adventure, we dive into the unexpected rhythmic challenge that has swept through social media – hitting the perfect drum beat during "I Will Always Love You." This seemingly simple task proves hilariously difficult even for a seasoned music professional (Joe) who claims he has "perfect timing".Beyond the drumming antics, we explore essential mobile DJ gear with an in-depth look at the Grip N Gaff carrying system. Originally designed for film industry professionals but perfectly suited for DJs, this durable so...
2025-08-1329 min
Beyond the DJ BoothFans, Fallacies, and AK-47sSend us a messageEver wonder if those viral social media "hacks" are actually legitimate? In this eye-opening episode, Joe and Brian put popular online claims to the test with their own hands-on experiment. Using three Starbucks cups and some freshly brewed coffee, they debunk a widely circulated video suggesting you're getting scammed when buying larger sizes. Their real-time experiment reveals the truth behind this viral claim and sparks a broader conversation about social media skepticism.The duo then challenges each other with the fascinating "One-Note Challenge," where they attempt to identify popular songs from...
2025-08-0624 min
Beyond the DJ BoothOverstepping MOHs, Karaoke Bros, and Towel-Warmed RecoverySend us a messageWhat’s worse: a best man belting Creed karaoke for five minutes…or a maid of honor hovering in your booth for an hour, vetoing every song you play?This week, Joe and Brian tackle a real-life “Would You Rather” scenario that no DJ should ever have to face and somehow come up with a solution that’s actually genius. (Hint: it involves psychology, not power plays.)From there, the episode slides into luxury mode as Brian reveals his latest splurge: a towel warmer that’s completely changed his p...
2025-07-3036 min
Beyond the DJ BoothWordplays, Surprise Drops, and Dance Floor ChaosSend us a messageEvery DJ lives for that moment: you drop the unexpected track and the crowd loses it.In this episode, Brian and Joe dive into the art of musical left turns; those surprise selections and clever transitions that flip the energy of a set and burn the moment into people’s memories.Brian shares how he recently cracked an EDM-heavy wedding by dropping a custom edit of Toto’s “Africa”, skipping the extended intro and going straight into the chorus. The result? A packed room singing at full volume...
2025-07-2328 min
Beyond the DJ BoothShould DJs Ditch Headphones?Send us a messageIs it time to hang up your over-ear headphones for good?In this episode, Joe and Brian dive into the growing shift toward in-ear monitoring systems and how it’s changing the way DJs mix, monitor, and show up at events. Joe shares his full switch to custom-molded in-ears...a $1,000+ investment that’s paid off with better hearing protection, a cleaner look, and no more broken headbands or flaking ear cups.Brian, on the other hand, explores a middle path using modular AIAIAI wireless head...
2025-07-1628 min
Beyond the DJ BoothRainstorms, Trolls, and Apple Store DJsSend us a messageWhat 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....
2025-07-0926 min
Beyond the DJ BoothWhy real DJs don't wear shorts and other unpopular opinionsSend us a messageEvery 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...
2025-07-0224 min
Beyond the DJ BoothThe Gig Was Half Persian. Joe Was Full Keto.Send us a messageWelcome 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...
2025-06-2525 min
Beyond the DJ BoothThe Night The Laptop Froze And No One KnewSend us a messageWhat 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...
2025-06-1828 min
Beyond the DJ BoothWould You DJ a Wedding at Chuck E. Cheese?Send us a messageWould 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...
2025-06-1126 min
Beyond the DJ BoothGen Z, Gear Hacks & the Death of Award ShowsSend us a messageEver 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...
2025-06-0419 min
Beyond the DJ BoothThey Asked for You. You Referred Steve. Now What?Send us a messageWhat 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...
2025-05-2817 min