Geezers of Gear

FUTURETECH Featuring Pangolin

This episode traces Kvant’s rise from classroom laser demos and clunky gas-laser rigs to a world-class brand built on proprietary diode modules, smarter show control, and the Beam Brush. It also explores how partnerships with MA Lighting and Pangolin helped bring lasers into mainstream production workflows while scaling power from milliwatts to monster sky lasers.

Episode 358
In this episode, Patti Thurston shares her journey from a lighting designer and marketing executive to her thoughts on industry changes, the importance of networking, and the value of kindness. We explore how technology, AI, and industry shifts impact careers and community in the live event industry.

Patti shares her journey from theater lighting to becoming the first female IATSE stagehand in Philadelphia, her experiences in touring with major artists like Patty LaBelle, and her insights into the evolution of the industry, including the challenges and opportunities for women in technical roles.This episode is brought to you by ETC and Main Light

FUTURETECH - Featuring ETC

We dig into the high-pressure artistry of running a major comedy tour completely live, from manually firing 111-cue sequences to keeping split-second jokes locked in without timecode. The episode also explores creative preprogramming at home, lighting against giant LED walls, festival rig cloning, and why the desk was so intuitive a nine-year-old could run a set.

LEADING LADIES PODCAST

In this episode, Malle, CEO of Women in Live Music (WILM), shares her inspiring journey from sound engineer to founder of a global community supporting women and underrepresented groups in the music industry. She discusses industry challenges, the importance of community, and how to foster diversity and inclusion backstage.

Malle Kaas is a live sound engineer, certified nurse anesthetist, and the CEO and co-founder of Women In Live Music (WILM), the European organization dedicated to supporting professionals working behind the scenes in the live entertainment industry.Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Malle has spent more than 20 years mixing live sound for bands, festivals, venues, and rental companies across Europe and around the world.

In 2018, after witnessing the challenges and gender bias faced by women backstage, she co-founded WILM, which has grown into a thriving community of more than 7,500 live event professionals focused on networking, mentorship, education, and creating safer, more inclusive workplaces.

Alongside her work in live production, Malle is a certified nurse anesthetist, freelances throughout Scandinavia, and serves as a staff member with RoadieMedic, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership, and medical experience to the industry.

A passionate advocate for better working conditions, professional development, and greater diversity behind the scenes, Malle continues to tour while leading WILM's mission to help shape a stronger, more inclusive future for live entertainment.

This epsiode is brought to you by Lightswitch

FUTURETECH Featuring Pyrotecnico

We break down the jaw-dropping logistics behind a massive Washington, D.C. pyrotechnics display, from hazmat transport and federal oversight to the split-second control it takes to launch a historic show.

Then we explore how fireworks power the sports business, why corporate sponsors love them, and how drones are reshaping—but not replacing—the boom.