B Smith's Second Sticks

In part 2 of a 2 part podcast, B Smith's Second Sticks and Jon "Sarge" Schneider delve into the Ru Paul's Drag Race phenomena, the culture surrounding the show, and the unique energy that allowed Sarge to be comfortable enough to allow himself to transform into the character "Wintergreen" during a makeover challenge. We also talk about his short foray as a postal worker, as we encounter the reality that many non-scripted workers are having to seek other job options in order to simply make ends meet. The gist is that we, as workers in a very creative and now-unpredictable-more-than-ever industry, must understand how lucky we are to get to do something we love, and to not take that for granted when we do get to do it. Ad notes:Take 30% off right now on Zivolife, the patented superfood, with our promo code!https://zivo.life/discount/STICKS20% off on all Big Fork Brands, delicious Chicago style meet and sauces with the promo code!https://bigforkbrands.com/discount/SSTICKS

B Smith's Second Stick's chops it up with friend of the pod Jon "Sarge" Schneider, in this two-part podcast! Sometimes it goes off the rails a little (like at the start) but it is a fun and in-depth ride as we dig into the origins of the name "Sarge", and his transition from Tank Commander in the military (for real!) to his short-lived radio career to ultimately his start in the non-scripted industry with The Real World. Throughout, Sarge maintains his sense of humor and fascination with the genre, and eventually finds his calling during the overnight production of these shows, getting an on-set education in the art of camera operating and story telling.Show correction: I refer to my girlfriend as "my wife" early in the podcast. We aren't married, not yet anyway :)Ad links:Click the link for 30% off on any delicious item with The Cumin Club!https://www.thecuminclub.com/discount/STICKSTake 15% off now on any item (totes, backpacks and more) at torrain.com by clicking the link!https://torrain.org/discount/STICKS

I'm always surprised as to how little that union members understand the inner workings of their unions. Therefore it is one of our goals at B Smith's Second Sticks to try and provide as much information from as many reliable sources as possible! We have a long talk with Selene Preston, Eastern Region Director of Photography/Camera Operator and National Assistant Secretary Treasurer of the International Cinematographers Guild (Local 600). Selene is a cameraperson through and through, and a champion of workers who has worked for years behind the scenes, rising to her current position in the Guild. We travel back to the time of the creation of the Unscripted Work Group, which has spent the last decade giving identity and a voice to unscripted union camera workers in the 600. We also touched on the situation with shows leaving our particular areas, and how the Eastern Region, and the New York/New Jersey area in particular, operates somewhat differently than things do on the West Coast. Ultimately, a strong union is going to be essential for us going forward in what will become the new normal, and Selene suggests ways that we can help make our unions stronger. If you have more questions (and there are no stupid questions), reach out to your union, it's essential!Ad links:Take 30% off your order with The Cumin Club! Delicious food delivered to your door!https://www.thecuminclub.com/discount/STICKSTake 15% off your order with Torrain! Backpacks, totes and more!https://torrain.org/discount/STICKS

In the mid 2010's (you can debate the timeline), increased film and television production inspired more than a few workers in our industry to pick up and move to Georgia, seeking a cheaper cost of living and more industry work. By 2023, the production boom in Georgia started to dissipate for a number of reasons, not the least being an exodus of productions moving out of the United States. With this possibly being the new norm, I have to ask for the sake of today's podcast: is Malta the new Georgia? B Smith's Second Sticks speaks with old friend Ryan Rude, who made the move to Malta a year ago with his partner, and is finding an interesting work market. We discuss our origins together on season one of Hell's Kitchen, consider the legend of Sweet Boy, and track Ryan's career, including passing up a job position on The Office. We ultimately land on his decision to move out of the states to the beautiful surroundings of a small Mediterranean country and a unique production landscape. We also discuss the film Ryan co-produced and DP'd, "Wilma, Wu, and a stripper named Lorraine,' an indie film playing this coming weekend at the Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles this weekend (links in show notes). This is a robust conversation and a must-listen for anyone considering the possibility of taking a big step to move outside the familiar confines of the United States.Show notes:Dances with Films festival:https://danceswithfilms.com/2026-wilma-wu-and-a-stripper-named-lorraine/See the trailer for the movie:https://vimeo.com/1190818506Information on the movie's Instagram account:https://www.instagram.com/wilmawulorrainemovieAd links:Get 30% off The Cumin Club now!https://www.thecuminclub.com/discount/STICKSGet 20% off LIQure gummies now!https://liqure.com/discount/STICKS

Bitcoin in 2026 is a highly polarizing concept. For those who laud it with an almost religious fervor for its qualities of autonomy and decentralization, as well as for others who see it as akin to a global money-laundering scheme, Bitcoin is, nonetheless, volatile and fascinating. In this episode of B Smith's Second Sticks, we spend some time with Adrian Pruett, friend of the pod, long-time DP/Director/Producer, and Founder and CEO of BTCENT, his entertainment company that uniquely melds the qualities of storytelling and Bitcoin. We spend some time on his origins, with some additional emphasis on Lego Masters, a non-scripted competition show show with a huge fan base and some unique production challenges. Adrian also shares with us his detailed philosophy of storytelling, and how the promise and potential of Bitcoin both serves the concept of content creation, and benefits from it as well. We lighten it up at the end and discuss the prospects of the Miami Dolphins, a team that is rebooting itself with a major infusion from the Green Bay Packers(!). It's a fascinating and off-the-grid conversation that you need to hear!Show notes:Check out the BTCENT website, featuring the soon-to-be released flagship series "Dishing Up Bitcoin"www.btcent.coAd links:Click on the link for The Cumin Club for 30% off!https://www.thecuminclub.com/discount/STICKSClick on the link for Zivolife for 30% off!https://zivo.life/discount/STICKS

It would not be unusual, and perhaps even expected, that JD Roth would settle into a relatively isolated and restful retirement after a long and successful career in non-scripted television as a on-camera talent, producer and businessman who launched one of the most renowned non-scripted production companies in the 2000's. But he still continues to pass along the lessons of his legacy while serving as a professor at the University of Southern California, teaching the craft of reality television to the next generation. B Smith's Second Sticks caught up with Roth, as he shared his beginnings as a child actor who rode the bus alone into New York City every day to set as a teenager, to becoming the youngest host of a network tv show, to taking the advice of the legendary Dick Clark and transitioning from tv host to show creator. He went on to co-found 3 Ball Entertainment, one of the preeminent production companies in non-scripted television, launching shows such as The Biggest Loser, Endurance, and Bar Rescue. We also talked about the current state of affairs the non-scripted industry, when he saw the writing on the wall and sold his company to step away before the landscape changed for good. But Roth sees what the future in non-scripted could be, and the opportunities it can bring. No doubt he shares this vision with his students; now he shares it with us. A must-listen, must-watch for everyone in our industry.Ad links: The Cumin Club - save 30% on your order!https://www.thecuminclub.com/discount/STICKSZivolife - save 30% on your order!https://zivo.life/discount/STICKS

Despite the uncertain labor situation that we as non-scripted workers are facing, I think it's important to take a break, take a breath, and appreciate the historical importance of someone like David Nolte. B Smith's Second Sticks got to take a deep dive into Nolte's varied career as a musician and producer, as well as his time as an audio technician in Reality TV. Nolte is a friend, as decent and kind and modest as anyone you'll meet, which makes it even more fantastic to dig into his origins as, among other things, co-founder of the seminal punk band Descendants. Nolte was there at the very beginning of the now-historical origins of punk rock in Southern California. in the late 70's. We have fun touching all the bases, and he even turns around the interview mike on me (rascal!). We wrap up with thoughts about the current non-scripted environment, while Nolte suggests that it will take some DIY Punk inspiration to find our way to what's next. This is a fun one, grab your guitar and let's jam! Amazing interview with Joe Nolte, David's older brother, about the origins of punk rock music in the South Bay (and talks about David starting the Descendants)https://clrvynt.com/the-last-interview/Live version of The Last's "She Don't Know Why I'm Here", later on their influential album "L.A. Explosion"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNKk-Itin64&list=RDEMrbABJJEw1sq_6PF3GYXbDw&start_radio=1Ad LinksThe Cumin Club, take 30% offhttps://www.thecuminclub.com/discount/STICKSPrep Starts Now, take 15% offhttps://prepstartsnow.com/discount/STICKS

As members of a much maligned genre as non-scripted, it's imperative that we arm ourselves with as much information as possible so as to understand the moment we are in now. B Smith's Second Sticks recently sat down with Denise Gutches, the CEO/COO/CFO of FilmLA, and we covered a lot of ground. We talked about FilmLA's role in the current landscape of production in Los Angeles and California, and the $750 million incentive package for productions in California, noting that non-scripted was for the most part left outside the picture. We also chatted about the gubernatorial and city mayoral races (on June 2; get out and vote or mail your ballot in!), and how one of the more useful proposals was coming from an unlikely source. We addressed the Baywatch fiasco, and how the bureaucratic process absolutely needs to be streamlined to help make Los Angeles a more viable place to shoot going forward. All that and much more! Much thanks to Denise for taking time out of her extremely busy schedule to speak with us. I hope you listen and learn something (I know I did).Show notes:Correction: I referred to Denise in the intro as a "CCO" when I should have said "COO."Promo codes:https://www.thecuminclub.com/discount/STICKShttps://prepstartsnow.com/discount/STICKS

In the intro for today's podcast, I refer to Jesse Krim as a "YouTube Creative Director", which in retrospect I think might not be accurate. I think she's more a YouTube "architect", in that she plans, designs, and oversees the various platforms she creates for her clients. With knowledge that belies her still relatively young age, she is sharing her insights (along with other creators) through The Industry Shift, a seminar that puts wanna-learn people in contact with those in the YouTube creator economy who are already successful in navigating that media space. On B Smith's Second Sticks, we get into all that, including a lengthy conversation about her past experience in non-scripted television with the show Project Runway, and how that gave her valuable experience, but also the realization that she wanted to forge a different path for herself. Inevitably, she found an environment rife with potential for people who are smart, savvy, and not afraid to work. We have a great conversation, one that many of us "traditionalists" should give a listen to.Click the link below for details and tickets for "The Industry Shift" seminar this Saturday, May 30th, 10 am - 6pm in Los Angeles. Jesse is committed to sharing the word with folks in our audience. You can DM her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-krim/ for possible discount information. For anyone curious about content creation outside the traditional means, this seminar is a must-see.The Industry Shifthttps://luma.com/84k17u6qPromo codes for this episode's ads:https://www.thecuminclub.com/discount/STICKShttps://prepstartsnow.com/discount/STICKS

It's been discussed on this very podcast that Assistant Directors are the engine that powers productions. But we've only had a former-AD-turned-Director on the pod... until now! B Smith's Second Sticks welcomes Corky Cronin, as we explore his beginnings from wanna-be-actor to stage manager at House of Blues to literally starting over in TV and movie production, working his way up the ranks to 1st AD on many notable projects both non-scripted and otherwise. Corky is a passionate individual whose philosophy is "leave no man (or woman) behind." While he is currently working, all his jobs are not only out of town, but out of the country, and we both agree that this current manifestation of runaway production needs to change.Promo codes:https://prepstartsnow.com/discount/STICKShttps://profbees.com/discount/STICKS

Georgia was the new production frontier in the late teens and early 20's; the state tax incentives and growing infrastructure made it too attractive for production companies to pass up. Then, strikes and growing costs rendered Georgia into just another expensive American location, and networks started taking their shows out of the state and country. Carrie Dufresne, (former) camera operator talks with B Smith's Second Stick's about the sudden changes that forced her into another career option. We wonder what's in store for the future workers as we sort through Carrie's career arch before and after the gold rush. Give a read to Savannah Sicurella's excellent article about the production slowdown in Georgia featuring an interview with Carrie (gift link in show notes); although written in late 2024, it thoroughly outlines the state's journey from feast to famine, which continues to this day.https://www.ajc.com/news/business/how-the-slowdown-in-tv-and-film-production-hurts-georgia-workers/RLRBWUDNTNFRDFHTK5Y2CLDLQI/?gift_article_code=NlkxX3M3RlFuTks5QS1ndXF3TVdHRjN6LUM1cmh0b0dxSEoxbXd5RWNrZzoxNzgxMjI4OTY3OmQyZTE1ODA5MzkxY2MyMWQ&utm_campaign=articlegifting???? LiQure - Gummies that help prevent hangovers???? Get 20% OFF | Promo Code: STICKShttps://promocode.to/liqure/sticks-w2m???? The Cumin Club - 5-Minute Indian Meals???? Get 30% OFF | Promo Code: STICKShttps://promocode.to/the-cumin-club/sticks-mp0

Everyone works hard on a non-scripted TV show, but probably no group of people work harder than the Art department. Constantly under the gun, dealing with near-impossible asks and pressing deadlines, the Art department coalesces to always deliver. B Smith's Second Sticks talks with prop master Scottie DeSantis (Scottie D to those in the know) about working together on classic reality cooking shows Hells Kitchen and Master Chef, and what it's like to be the right-hand prop-man to the legendary Gordon Ramsey. We talk about the current shifting seas of production in Los Angeles, and get wistful as Scottie D talks about getting the call to empty out the prop room at the Master Chef stage for the last time. Maybe a little bitter-sweet but there's hope, there's always hope! Give it a listen!Sponsors:LiQure - Gummies that help prevent hangovers: use this link for 20% off!https://liqure.com/discount/STICKSThe Cumin Club - 5 minute Indian meals: use this link for 30% off!https://www.thecuminclub.com/discount/STICKS

Filmmaker, shapeshifter, chameleon, survivor: all and more could describe Director/Producer/Cinematographer Mark Jacobs, who joined B Smith's Second Sticks recently for an look at his career, both past and present. We do a deep dive into the show "Breaking Bonaduce", a short-lived but groundbreaking non-scripted show that re-shaped both the reality genre and Mark's career in the mid 2000's. We also touch on numerous non-scripted shows and documentaries that Jacobs either directed or produced over the past 20 years, including the various projects in which he is currently involved. Our thoughtful conversation includes Mark's message to non-scripted alumni, a message inspired by equal parts faith, endurance, discovery and, primarily, hope. The message is one that workers in the reality genre need to hear at this moment in time.

The path to success is inherently unique to every single individual, and comes with its own specific challenges. For director Anna Moulaison, she advanced herself from a very successful career as an assistant director by, simply speaking, putting in the work. On the strength of one directing gig, Anna knocked on doors, made calls, sent hundreds of emails, and virtually pushed her way through the glass ceiling to her current position as a successful non-scripted director. B Smith's Second Sticks caught up with her (no small act; she's very busy) to discuss her career arc, the many freebie jobs leading up to her finally breaking through as an AD, to her current position as a director and multi-faceted content creator. We also have honest conversations regarding the non-scripted industry, as Anna shares her thoughts as to what the new version of the non-scripted genre might look like. An energetic and inspiring listen, join us!

John Armstrong loves the outdoors, always has. The Harvard grad was a documentarian early on, creating multiple films for outlets such as National Geographic. John also worked for years in the non-scripted genre as a cameraman, shooting (often handheld) on such rugged shows as Eco Challenge, Survivor, The Amazing Race, American Ninja Warrior, and Tough as Nails. Working on these shows helped cause debilitating injuries that ultimately forced John into retirement, and subsequently lead to a lawsuit in order to reach a settlement regarding his injuries. B Smith's Second Sticks caught up with John as he stepped off the slopes at a location in Utah (only a slight lag in our transmission; technology!) and we discussed his career, the lawsuit, and the injuries that he will carry with him as a reminder of a job that was more physically demanding, with long-term ramifications, than one would think. This is a must listen to workers who have been dealing with their own work-related injuries.John is willing to talk to anyone about his situation regarding his injuries and lawsuit. Please email him at [email protected] out this article on John's documentary work: https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2025/07/harvard-john-armstrong-adventure-documentariesSponsors:Strong Coffee Company: Use this link for 20% offhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/STICKSLiQure: Use this link for 20% offhttps://liqure.com/discount/STICKS

I think it's ok to characterize what's happening to those of us working in the non-scripted genre of production as a failure to the American Worker. When unprotected jobs leave the state (and the country), workers are left in stasis: waiting for the phone to ring, not knowing if it will ever ring. Ultimately it can affect our mental health, as well as those of our partners and our families. We talk with German Abarca, who has worked in reality TV since the 90's as a Camera Operator, DP, and a Director, about the difficulties of such a dilemma. German discusses his own journey in straddling the line between a production career he loves but which exists in limbo, and a plan B which requires its own time and commitment. A must watch (and listen) for those who are at a similar crossroads.

B Smith's Second Sticks gets to catch up with an old friend, Ronnie Ali, who has made a successful transition out of the non-scripted television world into his Softball Catchers Academy. Ronnie and I touch on his early years working at Location Sound in North Hollywood and his transition into audio and audio supervising, starting with The Apprentice, early in his career. We recount his decision to opt for a different plan for his life around the time of of his liver transplant in 2021. Ronnie saw (and heard) the signs of the business changing before then (audio supervisors hear EVERYTHING), and opted out. Our industry right now feels a little like when the auto industry shifted manufacturing overseas, and Ronnie uses that to draw a metaphor which leaves us wondering: when will the workers who built the industry matter again? It's a poignant and thoughtful time on the pod!

B Smith's Second Sticks catches up with a rare commodity- an production person with a actual production job! Mario Panagiotopoulos (hard "G") joins us on the pod to talk about his origins that ultimately brought him to World of Wonder, and the iconic Ru Paul's Drag Race. We reminisce about Reality Bites Back, a show that parodied reality shows that featured some of the (now) heavier hitters in comedy and deserved a better fate. We also peruse the myriad of complications that have lead us to this current production state in time, and ponder whether one of the solutions for the malaise may be vertical. And we answer the ultimate question: what do you do with two Mario P's? It's a rollicking good time on the pod!

B Smith's Second Sticks is joined by a long-time friend and colleague, TV's Nick Murray! The two-time Emmy winning director joins the pod today to discuss a myriad of subjects. We get deep into Nick's origin story, when as a teenager, he knew right away he wanted to be a director. We chat about his career ascent overseas, including a stint on the original Big Brother. And we of course spend some time talking about the iconic Ru Paul's Drag Race, and how Nick formed the team that he still mostly utilizes to this day. Finally we get into the current environment and ask the question, "Is there still room for Brett and Nick?" It's a good chat with a talented bloke!

Lighting Director and Emmy multi-nominee Gus Dominguez joins B Smith's Second Sticks on the pod! We travel back in time to Gus' humble beginnings, pivoting from work in a Mexican restaurant to climbing the production ladder, to yet another disciple of the Stu Segall Production Company in San Diego. Vendors are facing unique circumstances in this current market, and Gus outlines the challenges of working with ever-shrinking budgets. We talk about his artistic vision, and the need to be versatile, especially in present conditions. A must listen for anyone dealing with these dual complications.

There have been a number of people who have helped advance the cause of reality workers in the past 25 years; prominent among those people would be Mande Whitaker. B Smith's Second Sticks caught up with Mande for a lengthy talk. We dipped into her origin story and long career in non-scripted, where a flyer intended for origami became her entry into The Real World Seattle. We recounted her desire to serve, both as a outspoken advocate for operator rates and safety, and her activism which has lead to her present position on the National Executive Board of the International Cinematographers Guild. We also discussed the current state of production, and how a collective effort is needed by all guilds if we are to resuscitate a non-scripted genre that once again is in danger of being left behind.

B Smith's Second Sticks chops it up with Jon Dockery, an assistant cameraman and old co-worker from the Hell's Kitchen days. We check in to see what's up with Doc, reminisce about the old days of HK (long seasons and two-day episodes), and try to figure out what's next. Doc gives us an honest appraisal of where he sees himself now, as well as for the immediate future. He is ready to work, in case anyone is looking for a charismatic, hard working AC. Thanks, Doc!

B Smith's Second Sticks gets a shot of adrenaline with our guest today, Jeff "Bone" Hamby! The surfer-for-life joins us to talk about his illustrious history in the business, from starting as a fight coordinator for films and tv to working as a Grip to his eventual transition behind the camera. Jeff speaks candidly and energetically with us about relationships on sets, his feelings about the union, and his transition to work in law enforcement. We wrap up with an emotional conversation regarding some personal news. To that end, Jeff asked me to remind everyone to live with the goal of spreading love, and "If the Bone can do it, you can too."

We had a great chat with audio person Christina Chin on B Smith's Second Sticks! Christina and I got into the current production environment, talked about her beginnings in the music biz, and her long engagement with both the Survivor and the Bachelor franchises. Christina is choosing hope as way out of the current malaise; we have a frank and earnest conversation about that. And we take a pause mid-show for a maybe-job: Hope!Correction: in the introduction I mistakingly refer to Christina's first foray into film as her "first job in reality" when in fact it was a low-budget film- whoops! Sorry about that, but still...$25 a day, wrap your head around that.

Ru Paul's Drag Race 1st AD/Associate Director Tori Himes joins the pod! We get into her origin story and mercurial rise to stage managing the Emmy-award winning show, talk about overcoming stigmas and other people's prejudices, and winning over the iconic Ru Paul. We also chat the challenges of the present work environment, and her resolve to "hold on to the bitter end", should it come to that (editor's note: it won't, fingers crossed).Show note: there are spots in the episode where the audio is tricky to hear. Prepare to ride the volume dial, or if you are watching the YouTube version, read lips. Thanks for your patience.

Rich Kim, one of the preeminent Directors in the non-scripted genre, joins us today on B Smith's Second Sticks. We are in the midst of a production shake-up in the reality world, to say the least, and Rich is at the forefront of these mercurial times. We talk about where all the production on the west coast disappeared to, and whether it might come back again. We also cover ground regarding our shared past, some of Rich's own created content, and I finally get around to asking where my Girls' Scout cookies are (editor note: all in good fun!)

B Smith's Second Sticks chops it up with Rob Cammidge, west coast-based DP and camera operator. We discuss the current state of non-scripted production in the Los Angeles area, cover some well-worn territory about our shared past, and Rob talks about his painting, his vast work T-shirt collection, and the craft service that sadly got away.

We launch our podcast with a conversation with New York-based Camera Operator/DP Jeff Canfield. We discuss the current state of non-scripted in the north eastern region of the United States, and why most people refer to him simply as \"Canfield.\" We also dip into the sandwich arts, and talk about our dogs.

Welcome to Second Sticks! It's a podcast! We will be having interesting conversations with some of the people who are and have been behind the creative process of most or all of your favorite reality shows.The industry is in a period of tumult, and we dig into what these workers are feeling, how they are coping, and what is happening next for the industry. Please check out our Introduction, as we explain a little about what we will be all about.Intro song "Hit and Run (rough)" by The Sluts With Nuts is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.