Every leader in this industry is being asked to change something right now. Most of us hold steady, because holding steady feels safe. Almost nobody asks what it costs.

Angela Alea sits down with Steve Tanruther, Vice President of Rock The House Entertainment Group, and Jason Spencer, Vice President of Event Operations and Strategy at Webb Production — two leaders rewriting their entire operational playbooks, both mid-change and neither one finished.

They get into the mirror question they each had to ask before blaming the team, why the real pushback shows up weeks after everyone agreed, the difference between resistance that's worth listening to and resistance that just needs a firm answer, and how to tell when listening has quietly become a substitute for doing.

Also in this episode: what they'd each do differently, what they refuse to change no matter what, and why "we'll wait and see" is the most expensive call on the table.

Seventeen years into running a successful audio company, Ryan Amen stopped and asked himself a question most event leaders never make time for: why am I actually doing this?

In this episode of Corralling the Chaos, Ryan — General Manager of Design Sound in Southern California — talks with Angela Alea about the year he spent looking inward instead of outward. He gets into the junkyard afternoon that started his career in sound, the book that gave him a roadmap, the realization that his company was still stuck in the first stage of business, and the anonymous team survey that came back a lot less rosy than he expected.

If you're heads-down on the next load-in and the next deadline, this one's a good reason to stop for 30 minutes.

Ever wonder what it takes to create the magic of a live NFL game? In this episode of "Corraling the Chaos," Angela Alea sits down with Laura Johnson, the senior director of game presentation and live events for the San Francisco 49ers, to unveil the secrets behind the stunning experiences that captivate 70,000 fans at Levi's Stadium. If you’ve ever been awed by the precision of a game day performance, this episode is a must-listen.

Laura shares an insider's perspective on her 19-year journey in live events, overseeing a colossal 275-person team that transforms a football game into a seamless live spectacle. She breaks down the meticulous planning and real-time decision-making that goes into producing each game, ensuring that the experience feels effortless for the fans. You’ll learn about her responsibilities from the moment gates open to the final whistle, including how she manages everything from video boards to fireworks, all while adapting to the unpredictable nature of live sports.

You’ll discover:
- The surprising challenges of coordinating a live event with multiple stakeholders, including security and broadcasters.
- How Laura’s obsession with timing and detail ensures that every element hits its mark, creating a flawless experience for fans and viewers alike.
- The evolution of game presentation over the last two decades and how new technologies are reshaping fan engagement.
- Insights on the importance of online scripting versus traditional paper rundowns, and why Laura advocates for modern approaches in live event production.

In a world where live experiences are becoming increasingly essential, understanding the intricate behind-the-scenes work can deepen your appreciation for what happens at these monumental events. This episode is essential listening for sports fans, aspiring event producers, and anyone curious about the art and science of game day magic.

Join Angela and Laura for a captivating conversation that reveals the unseen efforts that create unforgettable moments, and find out why the stakes are higher than ever in the world of live sports production.