Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani

RAEGAN: Fusing Her Musical Theater and Alt-Pop Influences

Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani welcomes rising alt-pop powerhouse RAEGAN, a bold new voice blending musical theater, dark pop, and unapologetic self-expression into her signature “RAEGAN CORE" sound. From going viral on TikTok as a teenager to producing her own music and redefining her artistic identity, RAEGAN shares the journey of finding her voice... and owning every version of it. She dives into growing up in Miami, moving to New York in the middle of a pandemic, navigating the music industry as a young independent artist, and building a creative world that reflects who you truly are. It’s a conversation about evolution, individuality, and what it means to create culture while staying rooted in your community and vision. In this episode: * Raegan’s viral breakout moment and the story behind her sound- Blending musical theater with alt-pop to create “Raegan Core” * Growing up outside the industry, and becoming your own creative force * Moving to NYC and finding inspiration in the city’s culture and energy * The importance of rebranding, reinvention, and artistic growth * Producing your own music and building a career as an self-made artist 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 [showingoffpod@gmail.com]⁠! Brian Newman is on Cameo! [https://www.cameo.com/briannewmanny] Angie Pontani is on Cameo! [https://www.cameo.com/angie_pontani] FOLLOW THE PODCAST ShowingOffPod.com [https://showingoffpod.com] YouTube [https://youtube.com/@showingoffpod] Instagram [https://instagram.com/showingoffpod] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/showingoffpod] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@showingoffpod] FOLLOW ANGIE AngiePontani.com [https://angiepontani.com] Instagram [https://instagram.com/angiepontani/] Facebook [https://facebook.com/OfficialAngiePontani/] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@angie.pontani] ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@angiepontani6378] FOLLOW BRIAN BrianNewman.com [https://briannewman.com] Instagram [https://instagram.com/briannewmanny/] Facebook [https://facebook.com/BRIANNEWMANMusic] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@briannewmanny] YouTube [https://youtube.com/@briannewmanmusic] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Brian Newman: The Lonely Lovers Interview

This week on Showing Off with Brian Newman & Angie Pontani, the spotlight turns inward as Brian Newman himself takes the hot seat to unveil his long-awaited new album, Songs for Lonely Lovers. Listeners are in for an intimate conversation about heartbreak, longing, and the beautifully bruised soul of the Great American Songbook. Brian shares the emotional DNA behind Songs for Lonely Lovers, a double LP steeped in the darker corners of love songs. Drawing from personal experience, past heartbreaks, and years of hustling through the New York music scene, he reveals why the sad songs hit hardest... and how they help us heal and move on. Angie and Brian riff on the paradox of melancholy in music: how longing, regret, and loneliness can actually lift us up, reminding us we’re not alone in the mess and magic of it all. With their signature chemistry and sharp humor, the duo delivers a conversation that’s as entertaining as it is heartfelt. From track selection and studio process to the raw, live recording style that defines the album, this episode is a love letter to music that dares to feel deeply. So dim the lights, pour something strong, and let Songs for Lonely Lovers sweep you into its late-night reverie. Sometimes, it's the saddest songs that make us feel most alive. This episode includes: * The inspiration behind Songs for Lonely Lovers and its focus on darker love songs * Brian Newman’s personal connection to heartbreak, longing, and storytelling through music * A deep dive into the emotional power of the Great American Songbook * Behind-the-scenes insight into recording a live-feel, studio album * The balance between joy, struggle, and artistic expression in showbiz life * Playful candid moments between Brian and Angie (of course!) 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 [showingoffpod@gmail.com]⁠! Brian Newman is on Cameo! [https://www.cameo.com/briannewmanny] Angie Pontani is on Cameo! [https://www.cameo.com/angie_pontani] FOLLOW THE PODCAST ShowingOffPod.com [https://showingoffpod.com] YouTube [https://youtube.com/@showingoffpod] Instagram [https://instagram.com/showingoffpod] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/showingoffpod] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@showingoffpod] FOLLOW ANGIE AngiePontani.com [https://angiepontani.com] Instagram [https://instagram.com/angiepontani/] Facebook [https://facebook.com/OfficialAngiePontani/] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@angie.pontani] ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@angiepontani6378] FOLLOW BRIAN BrianNewman.com [https://briannewman.com] Instagram [https://instagram.com/briannewmanny/] Facebook [https://facebook.com/BRIANNEWMANMusic] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@briannewmanny] YouTube [https://youtube.com/@briannewmanmusic] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Tony & the Kiki: From NYC Nightlife to Viral Fame to Non-Stop Touring

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 [showingoffpod@gmail.com]⁠! Brian Newman is on Cameo! [https://www.cameo.com/briannewmanny] Angie Pontani is on Cameo! [https://www.cameo.com/angie_pontani] FOLLOW THE PODCAST ShowingOffPod.com [https://showingoffpod.com] YouTube [https://youtube.com/@showingoffpod] Instagram [https://instagram.com/showingoffpod] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/showingoffpod] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@showingoffpod] FOLLOW ANGIE AngiePontani.com [https://angiepontani.com] Instagram [https://instagram.com/angiepontani/] Facebook [https://facebook.com/OfficialAngiePontani/] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@angie.pontani] ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@angiepontani6378] FOLLOW BRIAN BrianNewman.com [https://briannewman.com] Instagram [https://instagram.com/briannewmanny/] Facebook [https://facebook.com/BRIANNEWMANMusic] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@briannewmanny] YouTube [https://youtube.com/@briannewmanmusic] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The World Famous Pontani Sisters: How the Dance Troupe Redefined Burlesque Forever

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 [showingoffpod@gmail.com]⁠! Brian Newman is on Cameo! [https://www.cameo.com/briannewmanny] Angie Pontani is on Cameo! [https://www.cameo.com/angie_pontani] FOLLOW THE PODCAST ShowingOffPod.com [https://showingoffpod.com] YouTube [https://youtube.com/@showingoffpod] Instagram [https://instagram.com/showingoffpod] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/showingoffpod] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@showingoffpod] FOLLOW ANGIE AngiePontani.com [https://angiepontani.com] Instagram [https://instagram.com/angiepontani/] Facebook [https://facebook.com/OfficialAngiePontani/] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@angie.pontani] ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@angiepontani6378] FOLLOW BRIAN BrianNewman.com [https://briannewman.com] Instagram [https://instagram.com/briannewmanny/] Facebook [https://facebook.com/BRIANNEWMANMusic] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@briannewmanny] YouTube [https://youtube.com/@briannewmanmusic] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Garo Sparo: Designing for Club Kids, Project Runway, and Superstars

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 [showingoffpod@gmail.com]! FOLLOW THE PODCAST ShowingOffPod.com [https://showingoffpod.com] YouTube [https://youtube.com/@showingoffpod] Instagram [https://instagram.com/showingoffpod] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@showingoffpod] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/showingoffpod] FOLLOW ANGIE AngiePontani.com [https://angiepontani.com] Instagram [https://instagram.com/angiepontani/] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@angie.pontani] Facebook [https://facebook.com/OfficialAngiePontani/] FOLLOW BRIAN BrianNewman.com [https://briannewman.com] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@briannewmanmusic] Instagram [https://instagram.com/briannewmanny/] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@briannewmanny] Facebook [https://facebook.com/BRIANNEWMANMusic] 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]