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
43 episodes
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...
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Episode 42
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31:45
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...
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Episode 41
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25:14
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...
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Episode 40
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29:18
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...
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Episode 39
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28:32
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...
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Episode 38
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26:21
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 ...
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Episode 37
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31:49
Shealyn Angus - Building Organic Friendships in the Competitive Event Planning Industry
In this episode, Shealyn Angus discusses how she built meaningful friendships with her competitors in the event planning industry. She explains how these relationships began organically through shared values of community over competition and ho...
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Episode 36
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27:40
Levelling Up Your Brand Strategy with Kristi Drago-Price
In this episode, host Michael Coombs welcomes Kristi Drago-Price, the founder and creative director of Editor's Edge, a New York City-based boutique creative agency. They discuss the nuances of branding, highlighting the importance of a strateg...
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Episode 35
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26:36
Matthew Myhrum - From Theater to Luxury Events: The Journey of a Concept Artist
In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Matthew Myhrum, a concept artist specializing in luxury weddings and events. Matthew shares his career journey, starting as a set designer in theater and transitioning to the event industry, working wi...
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Episode 34
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29:07
From Halloween Party to Successful Entrepreneur: Sasha Ulyanov
In this episode, Sasha shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, co-founding multiple businesses including Purple Tree Photography, Indigo Events, August Media, Mint Room Studios, and Preto Loft Studio. He discusses the serendipitous start o...
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Episode 33
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29:25
Unveiling Creativity and Authenticity: A Conversation with Nadia Colella of Nadia & Co.
In this engaging episode, Nadia Colella of Nadia & Co. discusses how scaling back has enhanced her creativity and allowed her to explore other artistic ventures. Nadia shares her approach to custom wedding cake design, emphasizing the impor...
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Episode 32
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28:34
The Future of Wedding Content Creation with Sarah Singleton of Hype Gal Media
In this episode, Michael Coombs welcomes Sarah Singleton from Hype Gal Media to discuss the evolving role of content creation in weddings and events. Sarah explains how content creators complement traditional photo and video services, the chall...
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Episode 31
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27:26
Behind the Scenes at TIFF: In Conversation with Mariangel Urdaneta, Director of Event Experience and Hospitality
In this episode of the show, host Michael Coombs interviews Mariangel Urdaneta, the Director of Event Experience and Hospitality at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Mariangel, who was recently recognized by BizBash Magazine as on...
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Episode 30
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32:21
Navigating Legalities: From Wedding Planning to AI-Generated Lawsuits
In this episode of the Michael Coombs Show, Michael Coombs welcomes Leah Weinberg of Weinberg Legal. They discuss Leah's dynamic career journey from being a lawyer to a wedding planner and back to a lawyer serving the events community. The epis...
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Episode 29
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32:30
Transforming Health and Photography: Julian Ribinik’s Journey
In this episode, host Michael Coombs welcomes wedding photographer and health coach Julian Ribinik. Julian shares his personal transformation story, detailing how he lost 90 pounds by changing his diet and lifestyle, which improved his health d...
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Episode 28
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33:48
From Blogger to Event Producer: A Deep Dive into Wedding Planning with Melissa Baum
In this episode, host Michael Coombs sits down with Melissa Baum, who transitioned from a wedding blogger to a full-time wedding and event producer. Melissa shares her unconventional journey into the wedding industry, starting with a blog that ...
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Episode 27
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25:30
Blossoming Success: Becky De Oliveira on Floral Design, Business, and Personal Transformation
In this episode, Michael Coombs chats with Becky De Oliveira from Blush & Bloom about her journey into floral design, her unique approach to creativity, and the evolution of her career from delivering flowers in a small town to running a su...
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Episode 26
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32:43
Balancing Business and Marriage: The Journey of Rachel A. and David Clingen
In this episode, Rachel and David Clingen, co-owners of separate but supportive companies, Rachel A. Clingen Designs and Eventure share how their businesses have grown and evolved over the years. They discuss the importance of distinguishing be...
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Episode 25
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41:48
The Art of Hospitality with Nicole Pieckenhagen of Graydon Hall Manor
In this episode, Michael Coombs hosts Nicole Pieckenhagen , founder and managing director of Graydon Hall Manor and Couture Cuisine. They discuss the 25-year journey of transforming the historic 90-year-old mansion from a dilapidated st...
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Episode 24
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30:06
Building Brands with Trust: Insights from PR Expert Natalie Denyse
In this episode, Michael Coombs discusses the intricate relationship between PR and marketing with Natalie Denyse, founder of In Good Company PR. Natalie emphasizes that clients buy trust, not just brands, and elaborates on the importance of bu...
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Episode 23
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37:47
The State of the Wedding / Event Industry with Sean Low
In this episode, Michael Coombs talks with Sean Low about the current state of the wedding and event industry as of May 14, 2025. They cover the challenges posed by tariffs, economic uncertainty, and the rise of AI. Sean emphasizes the importan...
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Episode 22
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30:36
Planning Perfection: Inside the World of Fab Fête with Michelle and Tamara
In this episode, host Michael Coombs talks with Michelle and Tamara from Fab Fête about the intricacies of planning weddings and events. They break down the importance of honest client communication and share insights on managing realistic budg...
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Episode 21
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28:26
Cirque Revolution: The Art and Business of Cirque Entertainment
In this episode, host Michael Coombs interviews Julie, Elisa, and Samantha of Cirque Revolution about their unique journey in the event industry. They discuss the value and impact of events, the essential nature of building trust within a team,...
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Episode 20
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27:45
The Power of Prioritizing Yourself with Terrica
In this episode, host Michael Coombs welcomes wedding industry educator and coach Terrica to discuss the concept of valuing one's energy, the importance of self-care, and the necessity of setting strategic priorities. Terrica emphasizes the ide...
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Episode 19
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34:01
The Relevance of SEO in the Age of AI: Insights from Sara Dunn
In this episode, host Michael Coombs welcomes Sara Dunn from 'Sara does SEO' to discuss the ongoing relevance of SEO in today's digital marketplace, including its impact on AI and the current significance of blogging. Sara highlights the essent...
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Episode 18
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32:57