New Podcast: BEHIND THE DESK With Luke Linsteadt And Mel McSweeney

The new podcast, Behind the Desk, from performers Luke Linsteadt and Melanie McSweeney, is all about the actors life, and living the dream in NYC. Since November 2017, Luke and Mel have been tackling the issues of the audition hustle, and trying to figure out the casting director's thoughts as they judge from behind the desk.

Offering points of view from Equity and non-Equity worlds, Luke and Mel have tackled the many obstacles seen today with young performers. These two dish on showmances, representation in the arts, rejection, prepping for an audition and the struggles of dance calls for movers. They never shy away from a difficult situation, so these two hosts also offer commentary on the sensitive topics splashed across the headlines. With charming wit and comedic rapport, Luke and Mel tackle the ups and downs of the audition grind.

Listeners who have tuned in enjoy the fresh voice from completely unqualified actors; "It's nice to hear two people who are actively working to make it talk about the struggles we face daily" (iTunes Review, 2017, Taylor Thomson).

But these two friends definitely do not have all the answers, but feel better knowing their chatter could be what another actor needs to hear that day. The hosts also know they do not represent every type of aspiring performer, so have brought many other young artists on the show to give their perspective. These actors include Kevin Hippler, Robert Rice and Melinette Pallares, all with different experiences.

To build a community of listeners, these friends introduced a segment in their podcast since the beginning, called #auditionhorrorstories, where they welcome their friends and colleagues to share things that have happened in the audition room. If you have a crazy, awful, hilarious, insane or heartbreaking story that has happened to you, and you want to share to help other actors and become a part of the Behind the Desk family, submit to lukewarmmelon@gmail.com .

If you would like to listen to an honest, funny and relateable performing arts podcast by two unqualified by aspiring performers just trying to figure it all out, check out Behind the Desk, on iTunes, Spotify, Youtube, Castbox, or at lukewarmmelon.com .

Follow @lukewarmmelon social media handle to keep up with all the Behind the Desk news!

Artwork by Garret Marks.