Episodes

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...

Send us a text Step 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 navig...

Send us a text Ever 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 Blue...

Send us a text Picture 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 fac...

Send us a text Step 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 su...

Send us a text Who 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 me...

Send us a text What’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 na...

Send us a text What 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 hid...

Send us a text Are 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 t...

Send us a text Ever found yourself tongue-tied trying to pronounce town names in North Carolina? Join us on a hilarious adventure as Brian B bravely attempts to master the unique sounds of Southern living, all while drawing amusing comparisons to regions like New York and Florida. As we share in the laughter, we also bring you a sneak peek into a nifty gadget that will forever change the way you capture selfies and videos using your phone's back camera. On to the art of crafting unforgettable w...

Send us a text Ever wondered what an airport lounge noise isolation booth sounds like or what a DJ's Amazon cart reveals about their personal life? Join us as we share the quirky details of our latest shopping escapades, including why Joe returned his Elgato teleprompter and his ongoing quest for the perfect Star Wars man cave accessory. We promise you’ll get a peek behind the curtain of our private lives as DJs, full of laughter and amusing dilemmas. Our musical journey continues as we uncover...

Send us a text This is our first episode of our second season on Beyond the DJ Booth Podcast. We look back at our journey, rating our debut season a B plus. Listener feedback has been invaluable, pointing us towards longer episodes and more playful banter. Just like building an unforgettable DJ set, we explore how to keep our podcast fresh and engaging by resetting the energy and uncovering those forgotten tunes that make for memorable moments. In this episode, we're turning our attention to th...