Broadway performer and children’s book author L. Steven Taylor joins Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani to share his inspiring journey from the Midwest to the Broadway stage. Growing up in Indiana, L. Steven Taylor discovered his passion for performance with the help of mentors and teachers who encouraged him to find his voice. Now starring as Mufasa in The Lion King on Broadway, he reflects on his path to becoming a professional actor and how he uses his platform to uplift others. In this episode of Showing Off, L. Steven Taylor discusses: Growing up in Indiana and discovering theater Mentorship and finding confidence as a performer Life as a Broadway actor Playing Mufasa in The Lion King on Broadway Inspiring the next generation of artists Writing his children’s book Sammy and His Lion L. Steven also shares the story behind Sammy and His Lion, a heartfelt children’s book written to help kids big and small find their voices, courage,  or confidence. It was inspired by his son and his experiences as an educator. This episode is a moving conversation about creativity, mentorship, and giving back to your community. Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani is a backstage pass into the lives of musicians, performers, and creative professionals. Each episode explores the highs, the failures, and the real stories behind building a career in entertainment. Want to submit a question? Email us at ShowingOffPod@gmail.com! FOLLOW THE PODCASTShowingOffPod.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW ANGIEAngiePontani.comInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW BRIANBrianNewman.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook Credits Hosted by Brian Newman and Angie Pontani Produced by BASE Creatives, Scott Frederick, Ellis Frederick, and Samantha Fong Recorded at Brooklyn Podcasting Studios Sound Engineering by Josh Wilcox Production Coordination by Samantha Cunha Set Design by Steven Hammel Editing by Ricky Fernandez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary recording engineer and producer Dae Bennett joins Showing Off with Brian Newman and Angie Pontani to share stories from his remarkable career in music production, recording studios, and live performance. From playing drums in his early years to becoming a respected studio engineer and founder, Dae Bennett reveals how he built a career across multiple genres and roles in the music industry. As the son of iconic singer Tony Bennett, Dae discusses growing up around music, forging his own path, and eventually collaborating professionally with his father. In this episode of Showing Off, Dae talks about: Starting out as a musician and discovering studio production Building a career as a sound engineer and producer Working on influential recordings across genres Behind-the-scenes stories from the recording studio Lessons learned from decades in the music business Plus: Brian and Angie test Dae’s knowledge of vintage cars in Game Time! Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani is a backstage pass into the lives of musicians, performers, and creative professionals. Each episode explores the highs, the failures, and the real stories behind building a career in entertainment. Want to submit a question? Email us at ShowingOffPod@gmail.com! FOLLOW THE PODCASTShowingOffPod.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW ANGIEAngiePontani.comInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW BRIANBrianNewman.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook Credits Hosted by Brian Newman and Angie Pontani Produced by BASE Creatives, Scott Frederick, Ellis Frederick, and Samantha Fong Recorded at Brooklyn Podcasting Studios Sound Engineering by Josh Wilcox Production Coordination by Samantha Cunha Set Design by Steven Hammel Editing by Ricky Fernandez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celebrity caterer, entrepreneur, and author Mary Giuliani joins Showing Off with Brian Newman and Angie Pontani to talk about building a successful career in the food and events industry. From working in New York City restaurants in the 1990s to founding her own catering company, Mary shares how creativity, persistence, and community helped shape her journey. As the founder of Mary Giuliani Catering and Events, she has created unforgettable events for high-profile clients including Bradley Cooper and many others. In this episode of Showing Off, Mary Giuliani discusses: Starting out in the New York City restaurant world Launching a successful catering business Creative event design and food presentation Lessons from entrepreneurship Writing memoirs and a cookbook Her journey with IVF and starting a family Behind-the-scenes stories from celebrity events Mary also shares stories about her early love of performance, from childhood stage moments to building imaginative food displays—and offers advice for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs. Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani is a backstage pass into the lives of musicians, performers, and creative professionals. Each episode explores the highs, the failures, and the real stories behind building a career in entertainment. Want to submit a question? Email us at ShowingOffPod@gmail.com! FOLLOW THE PODCASTShowingOffPod.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW ANGIEAngiePontani.comInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW BRIANBrianNewman.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook Credits Hosted by Brian Newman and Angie Pontani Produced by BASE Creatives, Scott Frederick, Ellis Frederick, and Samantha Fong Recorded at Brooklyn Podcasting Studios Sound Engineering by Josh Wilcox Production Coordination by Samantha Cunha Set Design by Steven Hammel Editing by Ricky Fernandez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travel influencer, content creator, and media personality Eric Goldie joins Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani to share how he built a career in social media, entertainment, and lifestyle branding. From growing up in Ohio and performing in show choir to working as a theater usher in New York City, Eric Goldie talks about the unexpected path that led him into television and digital media. With encouragement from Carole Radziwill, Eric landed a role in the prestigious NBC Page Program, which helped launch his career in media and entertainment. In this episode of Showing Off, Eric discusses: Starting out in New York City theater Breaking into television and media Growing a social media following Becoming a travel and lifestyle influencer Monetizing content and building a personal brand Life behind the scenes as a content creator Showing Off with Brian Newman and Angie Pontani features performers, creators, and industry professionals sharing how they got their start, their biggest successes, and the challenges along the way. Eric also talks about viral moments, building an audience online, and how sharing his personal life helped connect with followers around the world. Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani is a backstage pass into the lives of musicians, performers, and creative professionals. Each episode explores the highs, the failures, and the real stories behind building a career in entertainment. Want to submit a question? Email us at ShowingOffPod@gmail.com! FOLLOW THE PODCASTShowingOffPod.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW ANGIEAngiePontani.comInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW BRIANBrianNewman.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook Credits Hosted by Brian Newman and Angie Pontani Produced by BASE Creatives, Scott Frederick, Ellis Frederick, and Samantha Fong Recorded at Brooklyn Podcasting Studios Sound Engineering by Josh Wilcox Production Coordination by Samantha Cunha Set Design by Steven Hammel Editing by Ricky Fernandez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

International jazz bassist Russell Hall joins Showing Off with Brian Newman and Angie Pontani to share his global musical journey and the inspirations that shaped his career. Born in Kingston, Russell Hall discovered music at a young age with encouragement from his grandfather, who inspired him to find creativity through nature and community. Although he first moved to New York to pursue acting, Russell eventually found his true calling as a professional musician. In this episode of Showing Off, Russell discusses: Growing up in Jamaica and discovering music Moving to New York to pursue the arts Transitioning from acting to music Developing a unique musical voice Collaborating with other musicians Creative inspiration and artistic exploration A frequent collaborator with Brian, Russell talks about their shared musical philosophy and the idea of being artistic “pirates,” constantly exploring new creative territory. Plus, Angie tests Russell’s pirate knowledge in this week’s Game Time segment. Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani is a backstage pass into the lives of musicians, performers, and creative professionals. Each episode explores the highs, the failures, and the real stories behind building a career in entertainment. Want to submit a question? Email us at ShowingOffPod@gmail.com! FOLLOW THE PODCASTShowingOffPod.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW ANGIEAngiePontani.comInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW BRIANBrianNewman.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook Credits Hosted by Brian Newman and Angie Pontani BASE Creatives Production by Scott Frederick, Ellis Frederick, Arielle Nissenblatt Studio engineering by Wolf Taylor Recorded at Wolff Island Studios Editing by Ricky Fernandez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani, actor and New York restaurateur Emilio Vitolo of the world-famous Emilio’s Ballato comes to visit us on set!Raised in Little Italy’s restaurant scene, Emilio is a true New York Italian-American character, from his wingtip shoes to the red sauce on every dish at Ballato. This episode delves into the colorful world of hospitality and just how much it has in common with showbiz — you might be surprised!This week’s Game Time segment is all about luxury watches, a favorite of Brian and Emilio. It’s a true New Yorker episode, with the kind of attitude that can only come from people who live and breathe the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani, we welcome choreographer to the stars Olivia Cipolla to our studio!Olivia has danced professionally and choreographed for stars like Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, and Cher, but her career goes further than that. She’s also appeared on Broadway, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and the film adaption of In the Heights. How did she go from being a dancer to a choreographer, and what’s it like working for superstars like Beyoncé?Olivia and Angie bond over growing up with learning disabilities and how that shaped them into the artists they are today. Our guest also opens up about her beginnings in opera, her unique relationship with music as a dancer, and her recent singing projects. Plus, Brian gets a dance lesson fit for a pop star—and the results are nothing short of hilarious. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sideshow performer and Coney Island mainstay Adam RealMan joins Showing Off with Brian Newman and Angie Pontani to talk about the thrilling world of sideshow performance and the history of Coney Island entertainment. Known for feats like fire eating and sword swallowing, Adam RealMan shares what it was like growing up around sideshow performers and how he became part of this unique performance tradition. He also discusses the rich history of American sideshows and what it takes to keep these classic performance arts alive today. As Artistic Director of Coney Island USA in Coney Island, Adam works to preserve and celebrate the area’s vibrant cultural history through performances, exhibitions, and community events. In this episode of Showing Off, Adam discusses: Growing up in the sideshow world Learning fire eating and sword swallowing The history of American sideshows Life as a professional sideshow performer Preserving Coney Island’s artistic legacy Community arts and live performance Adam also talks about the Coney Island Museum and major events produced by Coney Island USA, including the famous Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani is a backstage pass into the lives of musicians, performers, and creative professionals. Each episode explores the highs, the failures, and the real stories behind building a career in entertainment. Want to submit a question? Email us at ShowingOffPod@gmail.com! FOLLOW THE PODCASTShowingOffPod.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW ANGIEAngiePontani.comInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW BRIANBrianNewman.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook Credits Hosted by Brian Newman and Angie Pontani BASE Creatives Production by Scott Frederick, Ellis Frederick, Arielle Nissenblatt Studio engineering by Wolf Taylor Recorded at Wolff Island Studios Editing by Ricky Fernandez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Experimental synth-pop artist Sophia Urista joins Showing Off with Brian Newman and Angie Pontani to talk about creativity, music, and balancing art with family life. Sophia shares how she always felt destined to perform and why she chose to leave a path toward medical school to pursue a career in music. From early influences to major career milestones, she discusses the journey that led her to compete on The Voice and contribute music to the soundtrack of The Matrix Resurrections. In this episode of Showing Off, Sophia discusses: Choosing music over a traditional career path Developing a unique synth-pop sound Competing on The Voice Recording and performing as an independent artist Creative influences and collaborations Balancing parenthood and a career in entertainment Sophia, Brian, and Angie also have a candid conversation about raising children while working in show business — including how artists share their creative lives with their families and encourage the next generation’s creativity. Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani is a backstage pass into the lives of musicians, performers, and creative professionals. Each episode explores the highs, the failures, and the real stories behind building a career in entertainment. Want to submit a question? Email us at ShowingOffPod@gmail.com! FOLLOW THE PODCASTShowingOffPod.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW ANGIEAngiePontani.comInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW BRIANBrianNewman.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook Credits Hosted by Brian Newman and Angie Pontani BASE Creatives Production by Scott Frederick, Ellis Frederick, Arielle Nissenblatt Studio engineering by Wolf Taylor Recorded at Wolff Island Studios Editing by Ricky Fernandez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Singer and performer Tony & The Kiki joins Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani to talk about building a unique voice and style as an independent artist. In this episode, Angie and Brian sit down with Tony to explore the creative journey behind Tony & The Kiki — from discovering a passion for singing to developing a bold personal style in both music and fashion. As always, the conversation begins with the big question: when did Tony realize they were a true “show off?” Tony shares stories about performing and hustling through the COVID-era shutdowns, growing as an artist, and carving out a distinctive identity as a live performer. In this episode of Showing Off, Tony discusses: Discovering their voice as a singer Building a career as an independent performer Developing a signature musical and fashion style Performing during the COVID lockdown era Lessons learned from live performance Finding confidence on stage Plus, Angie and Brian put Tony to the test in The Supreme Diva Challenge! Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani is a backstage pass into the lives of musicians, performers, and creative professionals. Each episode explores the highs, the failures, and the real stories behind building a career in entertainment. Want to submit a question? Email us at ShowingOffPod@gmail.com! FOLLOW THE PODCASTShowingOffPod.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW ANGIEAngiePontani.comInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW BRIANBrianNewman.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook Credits Hosted by Brian Newman and Angie Pontani BASE Creatives Production by Scott Frederick, Ellis Frederick, Arielle Nissenblatt Studio engineering by Wolf Taylor Recorded at Wolff Island Studios Editing by Arielle Nissenblatt Post production by David Woje of Pinwheel Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedy legend Murray Hill is the very first official guest on Showing Off with Brian Newman and Angie Pontani, sharing stories from a groundbreaking career in comedy, performance, and drag. Known as a comedian, host, actor, writer, producer, and pioneering drag king performer, Murray Hill talks about the origins of the Murray Hill persona and what it really means to be a “show off.” From performing in unconventional venues to building a lasting career in entertainment, Murray shares hilarious and heartfelt stories from decades in show business. In this episode of Showing Off, Murray discusses: Creating the Murray Hill character Early influences in comedy and performance Building a career in live entertainment The history and culture of drag kings Behind-the-scenes showbiz stories Staying authentic as a performer Murray also shares stories about working alongside legendary performer Paul Reubens, best known as Pee-wee Herman, and reflects on his impact within the drag king community. This episode is a lively and inspiring conversation about creativity, identity, and building a career on your own terms. Want to submit a question? Email us at ShowingOffPod@gmail.com! FOLLOW THE PODCASTShowingOffPod.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW ANGIEAngiePontani.comInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW BRIANBrianNewman.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook Credits Hosted by Brian Newman and Angie Pontani BASE Creatives Production by Scott Frederick, Ellis Frederick, Arielle Nissenblatt Studio engineering by Wolf Taylor Recorded at Wolff Island Studios Editing by Arielle Nissenblatt Post production by David Woje of Pinwheel Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the premiere episode of Showing Off, hosts Angie Pontani and Brian Newman take the spotlight themselves, sharing the stories behind their careers in show business and the creative lives that inspired this podcast. Before interviewing performers, artists, and creators from across the entertainment world, Angie and Brian sit down to introduce themselves and explain why they started Showing Off. Through candid conversation and plenty of laughs, they talk about their beginnings in entertainment, memorable performances, and the experiences that shaped them as artists. In this episode of Showing Off, you’ll learn about: How Angie and Brian first met Their early experiences in show business Angie’s first and worst gigs Brian’s journey as a working musician The creative hustle behind a life in the arts Why they started the podcast What guests and stories are coming in future episodes Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani is a backstage pass into the lives of musicians, performers, and creative professionals. Each episode explores the highs, the failures, and the real stories behind building a career in entertainment. Want to submit a question? Email us at ShowingOffPod@gmail.com! FOLLOW THE PODCASTShowingOffPod.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW ANGIEAngiePontani.comInstagramTikTokFacebook FOLLOW BRIANBrianNewman.comYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook Credits Hosted by Brian Newman and Angie Pontani BASE Creatives Production by Scott Frederick, Ellis Frederick, Arielle Nissenblatt Studio engineering by Wolf Taylor Recorded at Wolff Island Studios Editing by Arielle Nissenblatt Post production by David Woje of Pinwheel Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When did you know you were a show-off? That’s the question hosts Brian Newman (musician, bandleader, trumpet player) and Angie Pontani (dancer, choreographer, event producer) ask their friends, peers, and fellow performers from across the creative world on this show. Showing Off is a backstage pass to the lives of musicians, artists, and creatives... All the people who make showbiz happen. From the big wins to the total flops, Brian and Angie pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a life in the arts. Every episode brings stories, lessons, and a whole lot of laughter with their friends and fellow performers. It’s honest and insightful, and it’s showbiz, baby. Showing Off with Brian & Angie launches in November 2025! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices