The EventTalk Podcast
Hot Mics, Cold Drinks, & Untold Disasters
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Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe cringe a little as Dave and Rachel dive into the wild world of events! From epic planning wins to total event fails, nightmare clients, vendor chaos, dream venues, and everything in between—they’re spilling all the behind-the-scenes dirt.
Expect fun, real-talk conversations and special guest appearances from event pros sharing their own unforgettable stories. Whether you're an event junkie or just love a good story, you won’t want to miss the fun!
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Stay up to date with the latest episodes of The EventTalk Podcast—check back here regularly for new releases and insights.
Dave Forman
Pour Masters Bar Service has proudly served the Valley for 33 years, with our sister company, Simply Servers, offering professional event staffing for catering, festivals, and private parties. We uphold top hospitality standards through ongoing training and a real-time scheduling system that keeps our team informed and guest-ready.​
Always open to new connections and partnerships.
Rachel Martin
Rachel launched The EventTalk to bring event planners together to learn, connect, and grow. She curates expert-led panels on industry topics, hosted at standout venues across the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.
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With over 20 years of experience in events spanning collegiate and professional sports, non-profit, corporate, and wedding industries, Rachel brings a well-rounded perspective and deep industry insight to every gathering she creates.
The Hosts
Episode 1: Meet Dave and Rachel
Event pros Dave and Rachel spill behind-the-scenes stories, hilarious mishaps, and unexpected wins from the wild world of events—Hot mics, cold drinks, and untold disasters included.
Episode 4: Joy & Eddie Johnson Part 2
Part 2 of The EventTalk Podcast with Joy & Eddie Johnson is here! Joy shares how she first got into events, the role Eddie plays in supporting her journey, and some of her all-time favorite events. It’s a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes look at passion, partnership, and the power of events and fun stories with an event she roasted her husband on stage. Don’t miss this one!”
Episode 7: No Surface is Safe
In this episode of The EventTalk Podcast – Hotics, Cold Drinks & Untold Disasters, we chat with artist and engraver Cameron Meyer, who showcases her creative skills on various surfaces. She shares the artistry behind her craft and recounts a funny story about a nib and a quick call that saved the day during an event setup. Join us for a lively discussion filled with creativity and memorable moments.
Episode 2: Surviving Crazy Event Weather with Hannah
In this episode of The EventTalk Podcast, we sit down with event pro Hannah Ward to talk about the unpredictable world of outdoor events—from freak weather that rolled in out of nowhere to the not-so-sunny side of working with a less-than-ideal client.
Episode 5: Let's Ride: KORN, Camp Stories, and Comebacks at Arizona Bike Week
What a ride with Lisa Cyr, co-owner and producer of Arizona Bike Week, on The EventTalk Podcast! From legendary bands like KORN to camping stories and the first big post-COVID concert, Lisa gave us a wild behind-the-scenes look at this iconic event.
Episode 3: Joy & Eddie Johnson Part 1
In this episode of The EventTalk Podcast, She plans, he attend. We sit down with powerhouse duo Joy Johnson—event planner —and Eddie Johnson—NBA veteran, sports broadcaster, and dynamic speaker.
Episode 6: Balloons Gone Wild
From freeway balloon mishaps to 8-foot balloon dogs, Elisabeth shares the artistry, chaos, and creativity behind her work—plus her dream of decorating a jet and Nordstrom’s Christmas trees. Big ideas, bold color, and plenty of laughs in this one!
Episode 8: Emily Brings the Class With a Little Bit of Sass
Episode 8 of The EventTalk Podcast – Hot Mics, Cold Drinks & Untold Disasters features Emily Sadler, whose journey started with her working for a restaurant doing MLB spring training catering and when the restaurant how Dave first supported her early in her career change. When that chapter closed, Emily carved her own path into the business she thrives in today. From her commitment to sobriety as a cornerstone of her work, to wild buffet-line stories, to navigating interesting government job requests as a team, Emily shares it all with class—and just the right amount of sass.
Episode 9: Event Life at UA: Traditions, Trophies & Wildcat Stories
Episode 9 of The EventTalk Podcast – Hot Mics, Cold Drinks & Untold Disasters takes us back to the University of Arizona with Jill Hall, Rachel’s very first mentor in events. From epic tailgates and Hall of Fame celebrations to laugh-out-loud moments with Wilbur the Wildcat (and even a time when cat litter saved the day), Jill and Rachel reminisce about the unforgettable UA family. They also dive into the Territorial Cup—the oldest rivalry trophy in college football—and the chaos of seating charts that only event pros can truly appreciate.
Episode 10: Backstage Pass: From Radio to Rock Legends with Tommy
Episode 11: From Finish Lines to Foster Hearts
Episode 12: Through the Lens
Tommy Nast shares how storytelling, sound, and timing have shaped every chapter of his career—and how he’s had a front row seat to some of the most unforgettable moments in live entertainment. From tech mishaps and backstage chaos to witnessing pure magic on stage, his stories capture the heartbeat of what makes this industry so electric. It’s music, mayhem, and major inspiration for anyone who loves the world of live events.
On this episode of The EventTalk Podcast, we sit down with Jess McClain, an Olympic-level marathon runner who also is the Executive Director of the #LoveUp Foundation, where she creates life-changing experiences for foster children. Jess shares her journey from competing at the highest levels of sport to designing meaningful events that leave lasting memories. From improving the attendee experience at large-scale events to crafting moments of joy and connection for children in foster care, she gives us an inside look at how passion, purpose, and planning come together to make every experience unforgettable.
In this episode of tThe EventTalk Podcast, Tyler Garlej gives us a behind-the-lens look at the world of event photography—sharing what really happens when the lights, the chaos, and the unexpected moments collide. From capturing the magic of live events to navigating surprises no photographer could plan for, Tyler dives into stories that are equal parts insightful and hilarious—including one unforgettable moment where the best shot was the one nobody wanted to remember… or have photographed at all.