“When did you know you were a show off?”
Brian Newman and Angie Pontani are partners onstage and off. He’s a renowned trumpet player, bandleader, and composer; she’s an award-winning burlesque dancer, choreographer, and nightlife icon. They’ve spent decades performing and shaping the show-business world.
On Showing Off, Brian and Angie pull back the velvet curtain to reveal what really happens behind the scenes in music, dance, nightlife, and entertainment. Ever wondered how artists build their careers, survive the grind, and create magic night after night? This is your show. Expect insider stories, industry secrets, creative inspiration, and honest talk about the highs, lows, and beautiful chaos of entertainment.
Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani is your all-access pass to the showbiz lifestyle, proof that the magic doesn’t stop when the curtains close.
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Tony & the Kiki: From NYC Nightlife to Viral Fame to Non-Stop Touring
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 • Duration 01:07:34
Tony & the Kiki are back in the studio! This high-energy episode of Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani features the electrifying duo Tony Alfaro and Rodney Bush of Tony & the Kiki. With an in-depth discussion and a stellar musical performance, you don't want to miss this fabulous interview.
Tony and Rodney take us back to their formative years, from small-town beginnings and early musical inspirations to their fateful meeting and creative chemistry that would evolve into Tony & the Kiki. With influences ranging from piano legends to genre-defying icons, the conversation explores how their shared (and sometimes wildly different) tastes merged into a bold, uncategorizable sound. It’s a love letter to artists who transcend genre, break rules, and follow instinct over industry labels.
With Brian and Angie steering the ship the episode also celebrates the hustle behind the glamour, with years of grinding, gigging, and refining their craft before stepping into the spotlight. Now, with sold-out shows, growing buzz, and a rapidly expanding fanbase, Tony & the Kiki are proving that authenticity, talent, and a little theatrical flair can take you all the way.
This episode includes:
Tony and Rodney’s “showoff” origin stories and early musical breakthroughs
How Tony & the Kiki formed, and what makes their partnership work
Influences from iconic artists and how they shaped their sound
A candid look at artist development, hustle, and life pre-success
Touring, selling out new markets, and building a loyal fanbase
How great music artists transcend genre
Showing Off is a backstage pass into the lives of musicians, performers, and creative professionals. Each episode explores the highs, the lows, and all of the beautiful chaos in between.
Want to submit a question? Email us at ShowingOffPod@gmail.com!
Brian Newman is on Cameo! Angie Pontani is on Cameo!
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The World Famous Pontani Sisters: How the Dance Troupe Redefined Burlesque Forever
Season 3 · Episode 1
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • Duration 01:26:06
The World Famous Pontani Sisters take center stage in this episode of Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani! Diving headfirst into the rise of Neo-Burlesque and their role in shaping the movement, Angie joins her sisters, Helen Burkett and Tara Pontani Schad, in the hot seat as Brian asks the questions. From their early days performing on the Coney Island Boardwalk to becoming global dance icons, The Pontani Sisters share the real story behind the glamour, grit, and hustle that built The World Famous Pontani Sisters legacy.
This episode is a deep dive into Neo-Burlesque history through the lens of The Pontani Sisters, covering their explosive rise during the late ‘90s and early 2000s revival. Hear how The World Famous Pontani Sisters booked tours before social media, performed across the country with The Straightjackets, and created unforgettable moments on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. If you want the inside story of Neo-Burlesque from the artists who lived it, The Pontani Sisters deliver.
Whether you're discovering The World Famous Pontani Sisters for the first time or you're a longtime fan of the dance troupe, this episode is packed with wild stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and the DIY spirit that defines The Pontani Sisters.
In this episode:- How The Pontani Sisters were formed- How Neo-Burlesque went from the 90s club scene to a global movement- Touring stories and DIY showbiz hustle- Behind-the-scenes moments from Conan O’Brien- Building a lasting brand in Neo-Burlesque- The legacy of The Pontani Sisters in modern burlesque
Showing Off is a backstage pass into the lives of musicians, performers, and creative professionals. Each episode explores the highs, the lows, and all of the beautiful chaos in between.
Want to submit a question? Email us at ShowingOffPod@gmail.com!
Brian Newman is on Cameo! Angie Pontani is on Cameo!
FOLLOW THE PODCASTShowingOffPod.comYouTubeInstagramFacebookTikTok
FOLLOW ANGIEAngiePontani.comInstagramFacebookTikTokYouTube
FOLLOW BRIANBrianNewman.comInstagramFacebookTikTokYouTube
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Garo Sparo: Designing for Club Kids, Project Runway, and Superstars
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 • Duration 01:28:05
Step into the glittering world of fashion, nightlife, and fearless creativity on Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani as they welcome legendary designer and corsetry master Garo Sparo. Known for crafting jaw-dropping looks on Project Runway and for icons like Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Amanda Lepore, and Sabrina Carpenter, Garo shares the wild, inspiring journey that took him from a kid sewing outfits for stuffed animals to becoming one of New York’s most distinctive costume and fashion designers. With roots in a garment-making family and a lifelong obsession with dramatic silhouettes, Sparo reveals how early influences like Barbie dolls and classic Hollywood glam shaped his signature aesthetic.
Brian and Angie dive into Garo’s formative years in New York’s legendary nightlife scene, where club culture, drag, and avant-garde performer Amanda Lepore became both his muse and collaborator. From designing iconic looks for nightlife personalities to launching boutiques in the East Village and later pivoting into bridal design after the cultural shift of the early 2000s, Sparo discusses the hustle, reinvention, and relentless creativity required to survive (and thrive) in fashion.
Packed with showbiz stories, fashion history, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode celebrates the artistry behind costume and couture. Garo also opens up about building his brand, mentoring the next generation of designers, and collaborating with his studio partner Troy to expand the label’s creative vision. It’s a fabulous, funny, and inspiring conversation about originality, resilience, and staying true to your style in the ever-changing world of entertainment and fashion.
In this episode:
Garo Sparo’s early obsession with costumes, dolls, and character creation
Growing up in a garment-making family and discovering fashion as a calling
Breaking into New York’s club kid and nightlife fashion scene
Designing for celebrities including Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Amanda Lepore, and Sabrina Carpenter
The influence of corsetry, vintage silhouettes, and theatrical fashion
Opening East Village boutiques and navigating the fashion industry’s ups and downs
Pivoting to bridal design and reinventing his career
Collaborating with his studio partner and co-designer Troy
Advice for creatives building a career in fashion and costume design
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!
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Credits
Hosted by Brian Newman and Angie Pontani
Produced by BASE Creatives, Scott Frederick, and Ellis Frederick
Recorded at Brooklyn Podcasting Studios
Sound Engineering by Josh Wilcox
Production Coordination by Samantha Cunha
Set Design by Steven Hammel
Editing by Ricky Fernandez
00:00:00 Mailbag + Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl
00:07:20 Garo Sparo: Growing Up on Long Island, Finding Himself in North Carolina
00:22:39 Joining the Club Kids, Amanda Lepore in NYC
00:33:24 Burnout & Reinvention: From East Village Nightlife to Bridal Dresses
00:39:05 How Angie & Garo Started Working Together
00:51:31 Joining Project Runway as an Established Designer
01:01:57 Troy Allen, Garo's Creative Partner
01:09:51 Game Time: The Lookbook!
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Craig & Jenna Robinson: Styling for Broadway, TV, and Family Life
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 • Duration 01:14:26
In this episode of Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani, the hosts welcome creative power couple Craig Robinson and Jenna Robinson for a fun and insightful conversation about life behind the scenes in show business. From custom suits and styling to working on major late-night television productions, Craig and Jenna share what it takes to build lasting careers in creative industries.
The episode dives into their early inspirations (punk fashion and DIY style, namely) and how those instincts evolved into successful careers. They also open up about the realities of freelancing, navigating uncertainty, and balancing creative work with family life, including raising twins while working unpredictable showbiz schedules.
Filled with humor and honesty, the conversation explores relationships, parenting, and the importance of partnership in both life and business. From playful couples-game moments to real talk about resilience, Craig and Jenna emphasize a core message: work hard, stay humble, treat people well, and never give up—a mindset that’s helped them thrive in competitive creative fields.
Topics in this episode include:
Building a career in fashion, tailoring, and styling
Working behind the scenes in TV, Broadway, and entertainment
Freelancing and running a creative business
Balancing show business careers with family life
Creative self-expression and personal style
Relationships, communication, and partnership
The importance of persistence and work ethic
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, and Ellis Frederick
Recorded at Brooklyn Podcasting Studios
Sound Engineering by Josh Wilcox
Production Coordination by Samantha Cunha
Set Design by Steven Hammel
Editing by Ricky Fernandez
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Christine Buzan: How She Found Her Power in Posing
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 • Duration 01:10:46
In this episode of Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani, the hosts welcome posing expert and content creator Christine Buzan, founder of Look Good in Photos! With millions of followers across social media, Christine has become known for teaching people how to feel confident and camera-ready with simple posing techniques that anyone
can learn.
Christine shares her journey from growing up with a love for performance and self-expression to building a massive online following by helping people look and feel their best in photos. The conversation dives into how posing is actually a learnable skill like dance or spots... and why understanding body lines, posture, and confidence can transform the way you show up on camera and on social media.
The episode also explores the rise of her Look Good in Photos courses, how the pandemic helped her reach a global audience, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into growing a successful social media brand. From viral posing tips to confidence-boosting advice, Christine shares practical insights that creators, influencers, and everyday photo-takers can use
immediately.
Topics in this episode include:
How to pose confidently in photos
Building a social media brand from scratch
The psychology of confidence on camera
Viral posing tips for Instagram and TikTok
Creating the Look Good in Photos brand
Social media growth during the pandemic
Influencer marketing and content creation
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, and Ellis Frederick
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
Julie Mollo: Designing for Pop Stars and Creating Her Bag Line
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 • Duration 01:18:03
In this episode of Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani, the hosts sit down with fashion designer and handbag creator Julie Mollo for an energetic conversation about creativity, hustle, and building a bold brand in the fashion world.
Julie shares her incredible journey from growing up in a small town in Massachusetts to studying fashion design at Pratt Institute and launching her own business while still in college. She explains how DIY fashion experiments, thrift-store creativity, and early inspiration from pop culture icons like Gwen Stefani shaped her colorful, retro aesthetic and passion for design.
The conversation also dives into Julie’s breakout moment when she boldly emailed Katy Perry during the early days of her career, leading to custom designs worn on the Warped Tour, The Today Show, and the VMAs. From sewing garments in her dorm room to dressing pop stars and building a globally recognized brand, Julie’s story is packed with inspiration for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing big dreams. Plus, Brian and Angie talk about how they unwind, stay motivated, and balance life in show business.
This episode includes topics like:
Building a fashion brand from scratch
DIY fashion and creative experimentation
Studying design at Pratt Institute
Dressing pop stars and working with Katy Perry
The hustle behind launching a creative business
Early career breakthroughs and networking
Turning passion for fashion into a career
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, and Ellis Frederick
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
Ab Sesay: How an Aspiring Computer Scientist Became an Editorial Photographer
Season 2 · Episode 5
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 • Duration 01:18:45
In this episode of Showing Off, Brian and Angie sit down with world-class photographer, creative director, and producer Ab Sesay for a lively conversation about creativity, career pivots, and building a life in the arts.
Ab talks about his unexpected journey from studying computer science to becoming a professional photographer, sharing how picking up a camera in college completely changed his path. He reflects on learning photography on film, developing a love for portrait and street photography, and the mentors who helped shape his creative vision.
The conversation is filled with hilarious stories and behind-the-scenes insights from Ab’s life and career—including photographing a chaotic family marriage proposal and documenting everyday life with a camera always in hand. If you’re interested in photography, creative careers, and the real journey behind artistic success, this episode is packed with inspiration and humor.
This episode covers topic like:
Handling rejection in the entertainment industry
Building a creative career in photography
Transitioning from computer science to art
Learning photography on film cameras
Street photography and portrait work
Creative mentorship and artistic growth
Funny behind-the-scenes stories from a working photographer
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!
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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
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L. Steven Taylor: Broadway’s Mufasa on Acting and Inspiration
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 • Duration 01:13:12
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
Dae Bennett: Creating His Own Sound
Season 2 · Episode 3
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 • Duration 01:14:59
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
Mary Giuliani: Catering to the Stars and Writing About Her Life
Season 2 · Episode 2
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • Duration 01:20:33
Celebrity caterer, entrepreneur, and author Mary Giuliani joins Showing Off with Brian Newman & 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 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
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
