What if the best concert you’ll ever see… only has 50 people in the room?

This week on Entertainment Is Broken, Richard and Sarah explore the phenomenon of massive artists going small — from secret shows and fake band names to surprise appearances in tiny venues.

Inspired by stories like The Rolling Stones at the El Mocambo and recent pop-up gigs from Olivia Rodrigo, they unpack why these intimate performances often feel more powerful than arena spectacles.

Along the way, they share personal experiences, unforgettable moments with artists like Dr. John, and discuss what these small shows reveal about creativity, connection, and the true nature of performance.

Because sometimes… stripping it all back is what makes it unforgettable.

A new Michael Jackson biopic raises a familiar question… do audiences actually want the truth, or just a great show?

This week, Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon unpack the new film Michael and the growing trend of biopics that trade accuracy for spectacle. When a story as complex as Michael Jackson’s gets streamlined into a crowd-pleasing concert experience, what gets lost… and does it even matter?

They explore the art vs. artist debate, the power of nostalgia, and why some cultural icons remain untouchable—no matter how complicated their legacy becomes.

It’s a conversation about storytelling, memory, and the uncomfortable space where fact and entertainment collide.

This week, Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon explore the thrill—and fragility—of live performance.

From Broadway productions like Rocky Horror and Chicago to the high-wire act of Saturday Night Live, they ask: what makes live entertainment feel so different… and why does it matter now more than ever?

Richard shares a surreal night inside SNL during its 90s heyday—featuring Paul McCartney, Chris Farley, and an after-party encounter with Allen Ginsberg—while the hosts unpack the legacy of Lorne Michaels, the Canadian roots of SNL, and the challenge of staying relevant across generations.

They also debate the rise of SNL UK, the evolution of sketch comedy, and why audiences are often hardest on the shows that take the biggest risks.

A conversation about comedy, culture, and the irreplaceable magic of being there when anything can happen.