60 Hours Straight as an Event Pro with Sandra Kelley
Episode Summary: In this episode of Beats Working, Sandra Kelley shares what it really takes to last 25 years in the event industry. From her early days hiding behind lighting rigs to leading massive 15,000-person productions, Sandra pulls back the curtain on the grit, kinship, and recovery rituals that keep
From Event Chaos to Ovation with Dr. Poison Waters
Episode Summary: What makes an event unforgettable isn’t the spotlight — it’s stewardship. In this wildly smart (and hilarious) episode of Beats Working, legendary drag icon and philanthropic powerhouse Dr. Kevin Cook, aka Dr. Poison Waters, shares four decades of hard-earned event wisdom. From reading the room before doors open
High-Stress, High-Trust Leadership Lessons for Live Events
Episode Summary: In this episode of Beats Working, Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren break down one of the most referenced leadership books in the event world: “Leaders Eat Last.” Through laughter, real talk, and a surprisingly memorable broccolini metaphor, they unpack why leadership in events isn’t about titles or perks
Why the Best Event Brands Aren’t Playing It Safe Anymore
Episode Summary: What if creativity — not perfection — was your most powerful event strategy? In this episode of Beats Working, Libby Sundgren sits down with Michael Huynh, founder of Seattle-based bakery Macadons, to explore how risk-taking, community-first thinking, and a willingness to try (and sometimes fail) can transform a
Trust Your Palate: How Confidence Creates Better Events
Episode Summary: What if the secret to unforgettable events isn’t perfection — but trust? In this episode of Beats Working, hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren sit down with April Wachtel, founder and CEO of Cheeky Cocktails, to explore how trusting your palate, your instincts, and your people can transform
Winning the Game of Events with Unreasonable Hospitality
Episode Summary: Service gets you in the game — but hospitality is how you win it. In this book-review episode, Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren dive into “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara and unpack why unforgettable events aren’t built on flawless logistics alone. From budgeting for joy to empowering teams
Event Pro Highlights 2025: Wins, Wisdom & Runway-Level Magic (Part 2)
Episode Summary: In Part 2 of our Event Pro Highlights 2025 series, Alysse and Libby spotlight the wins, wisdom, and runway-level magic that shaped this year in events. From story-driven swag to DJs who read a room like a language, this episode celebrates the creative thinkers and chaos tamers who
Event Pro Highlights 2025: Creativity, Chaos & Community (Part 1)
Episode Summary: In this energetic year-in-review, Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren revisit the standout conversations that shaped Beats Working in 2025. From Lisa Schulteis’ brain-first approach to event design, to Virginia Frischkorn’s reminder that gathering is a human necessity (not a luxury), to Stuart Butler’s superpower of connecting humans like
Figgy Pudding at 40: How Seattle’s Biggest Holiday Tradition Brings Community to Life
Episode Summary: BEATS WORKING celebrates the 40th anniversary of Seattle’s iconic Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition with guest Pamela Hinckley, executive director of the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank. From inflatable pig costumes to school choirs pouring through the streets of Pike Place Market, this episode reveals the joy,
Two Hours, Big Impact: Event-Pro Tips for Small Gatherings
Episode Summary: What happens when two event pros put Nick Gray’s “The 2-Hour Cocktail Party” to the test? Alysse and Libby break down the simple systems that make small gatherings shine: smart invites and day-of reminders, better name tags (that don’t ruin your outfit), how to handle the early birds
A Decade of The Residency: Hip-Hop, Youth Power, and Event Magic in Seattle
Episode Summary: Ten years. Hundreds of young artists. And a community that shows up. Executive Director Olisa Enrico joins hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren with youth artists Maia Gaia and Sonatta to unpack The Residency’s journey from a two-week summer intensive partnering with MoPOP/Arts Corps and Macklemore & Ryan
Turning Bites into Bonds: How Culinary Tours Build Stronger Teams
Episode Summary: Chef-guided food tours hit differently. Founder Liz Philpot of Eat Seattle Tours shares how movement, tasting and chef stories transform groups from strangers to teammates — especially across Pike Place Market and Seattle Center. We dig into vendor partnerships, designing “fast-casual” tour flows, the reality of on-the-fly pivots
