Trade Secrets

Latest Episodes:

Trade Secrets-Steve Smith Jun 17, 2026

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Steve Smith is an award winning recording engineer, scoring engineer and mixer.

Today, Steve serves as Creative Director of Creatio, Northwest University’s Center for Technology, Media, and Design, where he has spent more than fifteen years preparing the next generation of creators, storytellers, and industry leaders. He also leads the C.A.S.E. (Communications, Arts, Sciences, and Entrepreneurship) program at Shawnigan Lake School on Vancouver Island, helping students develop innovative, interdisciplinary skills for a rapidly changing world.

He is talented ,brilliant and funny.

He's also my older brother, without whom I would not have had a career. Steve got me started as a studio manager at Take One Recording and has always been there to support me over the years.

I hope you enjoy hearing about his incredible career that spans 5 decades.

Trade Secrets-Clint Welander Jun 01, 2026

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Clint Welander is an amazing recording and mix engineer. He is a Grammy Winner, having won best Reggae album at the 55thAnnual Grammy Awards.

Clint has worked with many great artists including Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Clint is smart, funny and charming. I hope you enjoy our chat.

Trade Secrets-Gavin Lurssen-Making Mastering Matter May 15, 2026

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Gavin Lurssen is a multi Grammy winning Mastering engineer.

He absolutely cares about each artist's music and explains why mastering still matters.

We all agree that its a privilege to be able to bring an artists vision to life.

The people behind the scenes do this everyday and Gavin is no exception.

His dedication is evident in everything he does. I hope you enjoy our chat.

Trade Secrest-Brad Gilderman May 05, 2026

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Brad Gilderman has been my friend since the 80's... He's a very talented engineer, 4X Grammy winner. He also owns a studios in Burbank called Little Big Room, where he continues to work with artists of all genres and bring their music to life.

He is one of the funniest and smartest people I know.

I hope you enjoy our chat.

Trade Secrets- Gordon Bahary-Composer,arranger,producer, engineer and studio owner! Apr 15, 2026

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Gordon Bahary

Gordon Bahary is a multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, composer and producer. As one of the early synthesizer pioneers, Bahary got his start at the age of 15 working with Stevie Wonder as his synthesizer programmer in 1975. They collaborated on his album “The Secret Life of Plants.” Bahary’s blockbuster hip-hop/R&B hit “Electric Kingdom” reached number 7 on Billboard. Other collaborations include synthesizer programming for Herbie Hancock, producing jazz legend Ramsey Lewis and actor/singer Raven Symone, as well as Grammy recipients: soprano, Hila Plitmann and composer, Richard Danielpour. He is currently focusing on scoring for TV and film, and his electronic music projects.

He's a very talented and funny guy. Happy to call him a friend.

Trade Secrets-Jason Everly-Smart Funny and handsome! Apr 01, 2026

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Jason Everly- Growing up Everly...

Jason is the son of Phil Everly one half of the famous duo The Everly Brothers.

Jason Everly is a class act and a talented musician in his own right.

He's a star in the Phillipines!!

An entrepreneur and a podcast host. Jason has always believed music is a healing force in the world.

He is VERY witty and fun. Enjoy...

Trade Secrets-Katja Rieckermann-Beautiful and talented Mar 15, 2026

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Katja Rieckermann- an amazing saxophonist, producer, and author.

She has had a fascinating life as a successful touring musician with Rod Stewart, and she has a cool live band. Make sure to go see her play if you ever get a chance

She is a delight!

Trade SEcrets-Richard Smith-Veteran recording engineer,guitarist Mar 02, 2026

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Richard Smith began his recording career at the famed Record Plant Los Angeles in the early 70's.

Then owners Gary Kelgren and Chris Stone along with iconic studio manager Rose Mann Cherney helmed one of the most famous recording studios in the world.

Th record Plant was home to many well known recordings, including Steve Wonder's -"Songs In The Key Of Life",, Frank Zappa's Burnt Weenie Sandwich, and may more. Richard worked with many well known artists and producers of that time.

Gary Ladinsky also a Record Plant alum opened an audio gear rental company -Design FX where Rick worked alongside his best friend and well known Record Plant alum Lee Kiefer.

He then went on to live and work in Honolulu HI, working at studios throughout Honolulu and also working with the Honolulu Symphony.

Richard returned to his hometown of Charleston SC a few years ago where he continues to play guitar and delight the residents of Charleston.

AND btw he is also my older brother. Love you Rick!

Trade Secrets-Bradley Kohn-Producer/artist , coach Feb 15, 2026

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I met Bradley Kohn when he came to east West as a client a few years ago. Since then we have become great friends. he is a talented engineer, producer, artist, songwriter. He has helped many artists along their way to becoming very successful.

He has great ideas for modern production and has a deep appreciation of all music and the people who make it.

I hope you enjoy our chat.

John Van Nest-Studios Owner, Producer, Engineer Feb 04, 2026

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John Van Nest is an LA icon. He has been a studio owner for decades and has worked with the very best artists.

As a young engineer he learned from Bruce Sweiden...

He's no slouch and he's a nice guy. Funny and grateful for his career and the people in our industry.

I LOVE him