The Shift with Mike & Joe

Want to move from background bar sets to premium, repeat bookings? Americana artist Steve Boucher breaks down how he built a calendar of corporate, wedding, and listening-room gigs—plus the guitar tone & setlist strategies that keep clients calling.

What you’ll learn (fast, practical takeaways): • From bars to premium: using residencies and word-of-mouth to unlock higher-value shows (and say “no” more often). • Where the work i...

EPISODE 19 — Bobby Woolley (The Edge 360, Stevensville, MD)

How do you build a gym that becomes a community engine? In this conversation, Bobby Woolley of The Edge breaks down the evolution of Edge Training Academy, Edge Arena, and the Giving the Edge Foundation—collectively “Edge 360”—from athlete development to after-school programs and county-wide field days.

Bobby shares the playbook: hybrid training that blends skill and human...

In this episode of The Shift, we sit down with Dale Walls, a former Marine turned entrepreneur, leadership consultant, and host of The Lion’s Guide Podcast. Dale opens up about the lessons that shaped his journey—from boot camp to building a leadership consultancy—and how embracing discipline...

In this episode, we sit down with Nicholas Ray, a local alt-country artist and Army veteran who’s diving into his music career after recently returning home from Kosovo. He shares stories from his military service, what inspired his songwriting, and how he’s building a creative life post-deployment.

We talk about growing up homeschooled, rediscovering identity through music, and the beaut...

EPISODE 15 – Shea Springer of Sweetfoot Studios: DIY Recording, Studio Life & the Art of Sound

In this episode, Mike & Joe sit down with local musician, producer, and self-taught engineer Shea Springer — owner of Sweetfoot Studios in Easton, Maryland. From building a control room in his basement to running cables through the living room, Shea shares how he transformed a split-leve...

In this engaging episode of *The Shift with Mike and Joe*, the hosts welcome local musician Colby Sard for an in-depth conversation about his journey as a full-time musician, his experiences gigging around the Chesapeake Bay area, and his path to sobriety. The episode covers a wide range of topics, from the challenges and perks of performing live music to the realities of staying sober while working in the music scene. Key highligh...

🎙 Episode 14 – Steven Dunn | Fishing, Gigging & Figuring It Out

In this episode of The Shift with Mike & Joe, we sit down with local legend Steven Dunn—gigging musician, charter boat captain, and full-time hustler on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. From navigating the waters of the Chesapeake to playing shows across Delmarva, Steve shares what it’s like balancing two unorthodox careers, building a bus...

In this episode of The Shift, Mike and Joe sit down with Joey Mitchell, a seasoned upright and electric bass player deeply rooted in the Eastern Shore music scene. Joey shares his journey from touring in England to performing with bands like Swampcandy, Mixed Business, and the Joey Harkum Band. He discusses his unique perspective as a sideman who also excels in booking music venues, offering insights into the dynamics...

In Episode 11 of The Shift, Mike and Joe sit down (again) with Austin Smale, owner of Tiger Lily in Easton, MD, for a second—and even better—round of conversation after technical issues spoiled their first recording. Austin shares his entrepreneurial journey from blending birthday cakes at a senior home to running one of Easton’s most creative restaurant concepts. They dig into the realities of restaurant ownership, from staffing s...

In this episode of The Shift with Mike & Joe, singer-songwriter and local legend J. Coursey Willis joins us for a wide-ranging conversation filled with stories, laughs, and deep dives. We talk about his early musical influences (spoiler: La Bamba and a broom), his journey from NSA employee to full-time creative, and how he balances music, nonprofit work, and entrepreneurship. Josh shares insights into productivity...

In this episode of The Shift with Mike & Joe, the guys welcome special guest Rory Flood—musician, event mastermind, and marketing genius behind Kent Island’s iconic brewery and music venue, Cult Classic. The conversation takes a hilarious and insightful journey through Rory’s background in music, event planning, and the origin story of Hot Tub Limo and his current band Equals B. They dig into Rory’s philosophy on ...