Episodes

Send us a text Ever 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 drin...

Send us a text Ever 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 class...

Send us a text What 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 ca...

Send us a text Ever 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. ...

Send us a text What’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 comp...

Send us a text Every 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...

Send us a text Is 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 wir...

Send us a text What 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 ju...

Send us a text Every 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...

Send us a text Welcome 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 Joe recounts DJ'ing ...

Send us a text What 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 mainta...

Send us a text Would 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, wed...

Send us a text Ever 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 ...

Send us a text What 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 how to approach ...

Send us a text Ever 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 particula...

Send us a text Ever 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 requi...

Send us a text Grab 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 ...

Send us a text Handshakes, 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. Th...

Send us a text Brian 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 ...

Send us a text Ever 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 strategi...

Send us a text Ready 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...

Send us a text What 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 u...

Send us a text Wedding 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 Wan...

Send 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 th...