The Michael Coombs Show
Welcome to The Michael Coombs Show, where we'll be having conversations with tastemakers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in the wedding and event industry. So sit back and enjoy The Michael Coombs Show.
Episodes
62 episodes
Josh Spiegel of Birch Events: Listening as Luxury, Surviving Debt, and Scaling Creativity
Host Michael Coombs interviews Josh Spiegel, founder and chief creative officer of Birch Events, about his path from selling florals in his dad’s Brooklyn balloon shop to producing 200+ events a year. Spiegel says Birch’s foundation is service ...
Mo Govindji of Mango Studios - Wedding Photography with Systems, Trust and a Visual Planning Process
Host Michael Coons interviews Mo Govindji of Mango Studios, a wedding photography company founded in Toronto in 2005 that now shoots globally with a boutique team across Toronto, Miami, and destination markets. Mo attributes 20+ years of consis...
Kathy Romero on Certainty, Alignment, and Building a Premium Event Planning Brand
Host Michael Coombs interviews global event planner and brand strategist Kathy Romero following her surprise talk at Toronto’s client appreciation party, The Interlude. Romero explains that reaching high-profile work required complete self-trus...
Behind the Scenes of TIFF's 50th with Mariangel Urdaneta
Toronto International Film Festival isn’t just a festival—it’s a cultural force. TIFF’s Director of Special Events, Mariangel Urdaneta, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to bring it to life. At its core, TIFF operates as a ch...
Why the Human Touch Is the Future of Luxury: Scaling Wedding Creative Businesses with Katie Hendricks
Host Michael Coombs interviews Katie Hendricks, founder of Masterfully Managed and Forma, about supporting wedding creatives through operations and representation. Katie explains that Masterfully Managed, an eight-year-old 17-person team, acts ...
DJ MOS on Becoming the Oscars’ Official DJ, NYC Nightlife Roots, Social Media Growth, and AI in DJing
Host Michael Coombs interviews DJ MOS, an NYC and LA nightlife veteran and, with his wife DJ Kiss, the Academy Awards’ official DJ. MOS recounts how he manifested the Oscars gig and met an assistant to the Academy president who helped connect h...
Tyler Speier on Carefully Executed Restraint and Executing Luxury Events at Scale
Host Michael Coombs interviews Santa Barbara planner, designer, and florist Tyler Speier, creative director for Engage! Santa Barbara, about executing luxury at scale under industry scrutiny, short turnarounds, and high expectations. Speier exp...
Manifesting Success: Ashley Pigott and the Art of Event Planning Excellence
In this episode, Ashley Pigott shares her insights on the power of manifestation, the importance of obsession with excellence, and the personal costs of growth in the event planning industry. She discusses the calculated risks involved in...
Brandee Gaar on Confident Selling: Consultation Frameworks, Pricing Transparency, and Closing Wedding Clients
Brandee Gaar, founder of Wedding Pro CEO, explains that many wedding professionals undercharge and avoid leading clients to a decision because they fear sounding pushy, which leaves couples confused about next steps. She outlines a four-part co...
Resilience and Reinvention: The Journey of Bridal Designer Hayley Paige
In this episode, renowned bridal designer Hayley Paige, shares her inspiring journey from loving dresses as a young girl to navigating a tumultuous legal battle over her own name. Hayley discusses her early influences, including her grandmother...
Maximizing Visibility and PR Strategies in the Wedding Industry with Meghan Ely
In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Meghan Ely, a renowned expert in wedding and event PR. They discuss the importance of maintaining a strong digital presence and the role of PR in achieving credibility, bookings, and growth. Meghan emp...
Navigating Wedding Planning's Worst-Case Scenarios with Wassal Seddiqi of Petals and Pearls
In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Wassal Seddiqi, the founder and creative force behind Toronto-based planning and design boutique Petals and Pearls. They discuss the challenges of wedding planning, including a worst-case scenario wher...
Blending Creativity and Intention: An Interview with Lisa Zachery of Papered Wonders
In this episode of the show, host Michael Coombs interviews Lisa Zachery, the CEO and creative director of Papered Wonders. Known for her custom stationery work for brands like BET, Essence Magazine, and Mary J. Blige's Strength of a Woman Tour...
Aligning Creative Business Strategies with Sean Low
In this episode, host Michael Coombs talks with Sean Low, the founder and president of the Business of Being Creative. They discuss the importance of emotional connection, value, and alignment in running creative businesses. Sean emphasizes the...
Mastering Modern Media Strategies with Natalie Denyse from In Good Company PR
In this episode, Michael Coombs converses with Natalie Denyse, the founder and director of In Good Company PR. They delve into the evolving landscape of media strategy for luxury wedding and hospitality brands, emphasizing the importance of tar...
Unlocking Brilliance and Resilience with Simon T. Bailey
In this episode, Michael Coombs welcomes Simon T. Bailey, an award-winning keynote speaker, success coach, and bestselling author. They discuss the importance of resilience and brilliance in both business and life, and offer practical advice on...
From Mechanical Engineer, Personal Trainer to Leading Wedding Filmmaker: Modern Frame Media's Journey
In this episode, we hear from Phong, who shares his remarkable path from being a mechanical engineer and personal trainer to becoming a successful wedding filmmaker with his company, Modern Frame. Phong discusses how his diverse background in e...
The Art of Wedding Photography: A Conversation with Raphaëlle Granger, A Global Rising Star
In this episode, Michael Coombs speaks with acclaimed International Wedding Photographer Raphaëlle Granger, who shares her journey through two major rebrands. Starting as an adventure elopement photographer, Raphaëlle found herself disconne...
Blending Cultures and Managing Expectations In Multicultural Destination Weddings - Fidan Ismayilova
In this episode of the Michael Coombs Show, Michael talks with a multicultural and destination wedding specialist Fidan Ismayilova, from Designed Dream Events. Fidan discusses the unique challenges and strategies involved in planning weddings t...
Balancing Business and Motherhood - International Wedding Planner Michelle Cundari
In this episode of The Michael Coombs Show, Michael interviews Michelle Cundari, an international wedding planner and founder of Sincerely Yours Events and Fancy Puffs. Michelle shares insights on how she juggles the responsibilities of being a...
The Creative Approach to Event Design: A Conversation with Todd Kjargaard
In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Todd Kjargaard, the Creative Director of Jackie O Floral Affairs and Event Design. They discuss Todd's unique approach to collaborating with a wide variety of designers, the importance of maintaining c...
Navigating the Wedding Industry: Insights from Sara Lam of August in Bloom
In this episode, host Michael Coombs interviews Sara Lam from August in Bloom on her unexpected journey from executive roles to wedding planning. Sara shares how her passion for pastry led her to start a sweet table company, which eventually ev...
Behind the Magic: Unveiling the Journey of Ethereal Creators with Abdul and Hafsa
In this episode, host Michael Coombs welcomes Abdul and Hafsa, the sibling co-founders of Ethereal Creators. They share their fascinating journey from crafting DIY home events to founding a renowned event design company. Abdul recounts his stru...
The Artistry and Hospitality Behind High-Touch Wedding Cinematography with Derek & Cece from DC Film Co.
In this episode hosted by Michael Coombs, Derek and Cece from DC Film Co. dive into the balance between artistry and high-touch service in the wedding cinematography industry. They discuss the importance of collaboration, hospitality, and metic...
From Interns to Owners: The Journey of Estera Events with Bianca and Erica
Bianca and Erica, co-owners of Estera Events in Chicago, share their inspiring journey from starting as interns in 2010 to taking over the business in 2019. They discuss key moments and challenges that shaped their leadership, the influence of ...
