B Smith's Second Sticks

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.