Best Showtime Networks Podcasts (2025)

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Composers, It’s Time to Leave SoundCloud 30:29

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14h ago30:29

30:29

In this episode, I talk about why SoundCloud just might be too risky for production music composers. From AI policy concerns to publishers turning away cues hosted there, is it time to pull the plug? Plus, I share Optimist Prime – a dramedy cue written without a single pizzicato string. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/y7BWQ5ZiuIc Oth…

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Michael Cooper on Lakers & Celtics Future, BIG 3 & NBA Finals 59:24

2d ago59:24

59:24

Lakers legend Michael Cooper goes LIVE on Showtime w/ Coop with CLNS Media’s Nick Gelso to break down the future of the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, the state of the BIG3, and his thoughts on the 2025 NBA Finals. Coop shares unfiltered takes on roster moves, front office dynamics, and whether either franchise can stay at the top. 0:00 EPI…

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Ask Dave Anything (LIVE)! 1:10:43

7d ago1:10:43

1:10:43

In this episode, I’m answering your questions live – from piano mixing and cue layering strategies to how many libraries you should pitch to at once. We also cover reversion clauses, B sections in dramedy and sports cues, and pitching etiquette. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/OOW6O_b9ims Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-p…

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Why Your Metadata (Probably) Sucks (with Mrs. 52 Cues) 1:05:08

15d ago1:05:08

1:05:08

In this episode, I’m joined by Mrs. 52 Cues (Shannon Kropf) to talk about the one thing composers love to avoid: metadata. We’ll unpack why it matters, where we go wrong, and how to stop sabotaging our own discoverability. Plus I feature a brand new playful dramedy cue with no pizzicato strings! Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/Rqhy-n…

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Pomp and Circumstance – Composer Quest LIVE! 53:17

21d ago53:17

53:17

In this episode, we host a live listening party for our latest Composer Quest: Pomp and Circumstance, where 52 Cues community members were challenged to reimagine the classic graduation march in any genre they wanted – from orchestral to ska, cinematic trailer to chipmunk glitchcore. Vote for your favorites at https://52cues.com/vote! Watch this ep…

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Even More Inconvenient Truths About Production Music 44:35

29d ago44:35

44:35

From rejection to relationships, I unpack five more hard truths every production music composer needs to hear, but probably hasn’t. Plus I feature a recent Indian-infused world hip-hop cue! Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ef1lMcXViHo Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-paced program with over 6.5 hours of video content, discu…

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Mychal Thompson says Jerry West is Greatest Sports Executive EVER 29:22

1M ago29:22

29:22

Michael Cooper and Mychal Thompson React to Lakers 1st Round Exit Join us for an exciting episode of "Showtime w/ Coop" featuring former Laker Mychal Thompson. The duo look back on the arrival of Mychal to Los Angeles and have a great conversation about Jerry West. The guys wrap up playing a game of start, bench, cut. 0:00 - Welcome 0:08 - Top 5 La…

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Michael Cooper and Mychal Thompson React to Lakers 1st Round Exit 18:03

1M ago18:03

18:03

Join us for an exciting episode of "Showtime w/ Coop" featuring former Laker Mychal Thompson. The two react to the Lakers first playoff exit at the hands of the Timberwolves. 0:00 - Welcome in Guest 1:05 - Lakers lose to Timberwolves in Round 1 5:22 - JJ Redick Plays Starters whole 2nd Half in Game 4 7:54 - What do Lakers do this offseason? 10:10 -…

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The Four "C's" of Success 48:49

1M ago48:49

48:49

In this episode, I break down the Four C’s of Success – a practical framework to help composers stay clear, creative, and on track from start to finish. Plus I feature a new investigation tension cue and give my thoughts on a psychedelic rock cue from 52 Cues member, Fraser Macdermid. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/9tmb-sy3Qps Join…

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These 5 Small Choices Can Mean Huge Growth 49:56

1M ago49:56

49:56

In this episode, I’m sharing five small daily choices, plus a bonus one, that can quietly shape your growth and long-term success as a production music composer. Plus I feature one of my cues that I KNOW you've heard before, and I give my thoughts on a soft tension cue from 52 Cues member, keschkau. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/M…

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Showtime w Coop w/ Basketball Historian Josh Schnitman 54:48

2M ago54:48

54:48

Join us for an exciting episode of "Showtime w/ Coop" featuring basketball historian Josh Schnitman as we dive into the Los Angeles Lakers' recent playoff battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves. We explore the challenges the Lakers faced in the first round, the need to regain momentum, and the critical defensive strategies needed to contain stan…

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An Editor Tells Why Great Cues Get Cut! (with Biagio Messina)! 1:46:03

2M ago1:46:03

1:46:03

In this episode, veteran TV producer and editor Biagio Messina joins me to talk about how cues actually get used in real-world productions – and what composers can do to make their music easier to work with. Plus I feature a new uplifting corporate rock cue and give my thoughts on a TV Drama cue from 52 Cues member, James Oakden. Watch this episode…

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These Climbers Made the Summit of Expedition 52! 1:21:37

2M ago1:21:37

1:21:37

In this episode, I’m joined by composers who completed the 2024 Expedition 52 composer quest – a year-long challenge to write one cue and give one piece of feedback every single week. We talk about what they learned, how they stayed motivated, and how consistency helped them grow! Plus, I’m sharing a new positive ambient drone cue and I'm reviewing…

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They Went From Returns to Real Placements (with Michael Reschke)! 1:16:40

2M ago1:16:40

1:16:40

Michael and Yuka Reschke were doing everything right… but still felt stuck. In this episode, we talk about what changed, how they found their lane, and how they pushed through when quitting seemed easier. Plus, I’m sharing a new epic rock collaboration and I'm reviewing an emotional cinematic cue from 52 Cues member, Simon Armitage. Watch this epis…

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Coop REACTS to Celtics City HBO Documentary EP 4 • Larry Bird, Magic Johnson 47:40

2M ago47:40

47:40

Join us as for the latest episode of Showtime with Coop. Lakers 5x champion & basketball HOF’er Michael Cooper and co host Nick Gelso, dives into the current state of the Los Angeles Lakers and their championship aspirations in the NBA! In this episode, we discuss the impact of recent trades and player performances, especially following LeBron Jame…

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This Dramedy Cue Gets Placed Over and Over! 58:44

2M ago58:44

58:44

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of my most placed cues to show what makes a great dramedy cue – and why this quirky genre continues to deliver consistent placements. Plus, I’m sharing a new introspective piano cue and reviewing a modern electro funk cue from 52 Cues neighbor, Corey Dee! Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/MmAFNkR…

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Tatum vs Worthy vs Pippen in Start, Bench, Cut 22:08

3M ago22:08

22:08

Join us for an exciting episode of Showtime with Coop, where the Michael Cooper dives deep into the fun "Start, Bench, Cut" debate featuring some of the NBA's biggest stars! In this episode, they analyze the careers of Kyrie Irving, Luka Dončić, and Damian Lillard, sparking a lively discussion about their unique strengths and weaknesses. The conver…

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Stop Overthinking Chords with This Simple Tool! 1:07:32

3M ago1:07:32

1:07:32

Struggling with chord choices or feeling overwhelmed by music theory? I’m sitting down with Chordii co-founder Ian McClellan to talk about how this simple tool can help take the guesswork out of harmony. Plus, I’m sharing a new intrigue with hope cue and reviewing a pulsing tension cue from 52 Cues Family member Daniel Rose. Watch this episode on Y…

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Can Samples Save This Hip-Hop Cue? 49:57

3M ago49:57

49:57

Sometimes a cue just needs a little extra something, so in this episode, I’m jumping into the DAW, opening up Splice and Serato Sample, and showing my real-time process for using loops, one-shots, and sample chopping to enhance a hip-hop cue. Plus, I feature my last Modern Comedy cue and I share my thoughts on a reflective piano cue from 52 Cues Fa…

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7 Keys to Great Collaborations 1:20:26

3M ago1:20:26

1:20:26

Teaming up with other composers not only lightens the workload, it pushes you creatively and can open doors to opportunities you wouldn’t have on your own. But collaboration only works when it’s done right, so today we’re talking about seven keys to successful co-writing and how to make sure your next collab is a win-win. Plus, we listen to another…

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Michael Cooper REACTS to NBA All Star Disaster 30:12

4M ago30:12

30:12

Join Michael Cooper and Nick Gelso as they react to the NBA All-Star Weekend disaster in this. Coop and Nick dive into the highlights and lowlights of Saturday night, including the Rising Stars game, the Three-Point Contest, and the Slam Dunk Contest and the All Star Game. They critique the All-Star Game's lack of defense and its shift towards cate…

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Reworking, Repurposing, and Reinventing Your Cues with SCAMPER 1:18:47

4M ago1:18:47

1:18:47

Feeling like all your cues are starting to sound the same? In this episode, we’re talking about the SCAMPER model, a simple but powerful creativity tool that can help you rethink, reshape, and repurpose your music so you can work smarter and keep your ideas fresh. Plus, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on an epic trailer cue by 52 Cues Friend David Gate…

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Do Sync Composers Need Branding? (with Andy Gesner) 1:05:53

4M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

In this week's episode, I’m joined by Andy Gesner of HIP Video Promo to talk about why personal branding is becoming harder to ignore – and how production music composers can build a presence without feeling like they have to become content creators. Plus, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on an electronic disco/funk cue by 52 Cues Friend Darko Malcevic …

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Coop Reacts: Could the Lakers Win it All with Luka? 51:59

4M ago51:59

51:59

Michael Cooper and Nick Gelso discuss the latest trends with the Los Angeles Lakers, including Luka Doncic's debut in purple and gold. With the Slovenian superstar on board, could LA make it all the way? Could they face off against the Celtics in the finals? Plus, was Coop's jersey retirement a catalyst for the Lakers' success? Showtime with Coop i…

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Production Music Q&A – LIVE! 1:14:47

4M ago1:14:47

1:14:47

In this week's episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, we're doing a live Ask Me Anything session! I answer questions about sync licensing, production, and composition! We talk about the US Copyright Office's AI ruling, the importance of adding human elements to cues, and what genres are in demand. I also share my approach to mastering stems, how much you …

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Three Keys to Kobe Bryant Mamba Mentality with Lakers Legend 20:45

4M ago20:45

20:45

Join us as Michael Cooper shares an unforgettable story about the legendary Kobe Bryant and dives into an NBA Legends edition of Start Bench Cut! In this video, we explore the three defining qualities that made Kobe a basketball icon: his unparalleled passion for the game, exceptional awareness on the court, and unwavering professionalism. From his…

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The State of AI in 2025 (with Timothy Andrew Edwards) 51:02

4M ago51:02

51:02

In this week's episode, I’m welcoming back Timothy Andrew Edwards to talk about how AI is already affecting gigs, contracts, and the production music industry – and what composers need to do to protect their careers. Plus, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on a cinematic tension cue by 52 Cues Friend Russ Westfield and featuring a new modern comedy cue I…

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Michael Cooper Reacts to Lakers Retiring His Jersey 34:23

4M ago34:23

34:23

Join Michael Cooper in this heartfelt episode of "Showtime with Coop" as he reflects on the monumental moments of his basketball journey, including the recent retirement of his jersey by the Los Angeles Lakers and his induction into the Hall of Fame. Dive into his memories of the fierce rivalry with the Boston Celtics, celebrating the 40th annivers…

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How to Stay Grounded When Sync Feels Overwhelming 34:24

4M ago34:24

34:24

Today we’re talking all about how the ancient philosophy of stoicism can help production music composers stay grounded, focused, and resilient in the unpredictable world of sync licensing. Plus, I share my thoughts on a dark fantasy cue written by OG 52 Cues member, Enrico Caporale and feature an intrigue with hope cue of my own. Watch this episode…

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Sync Trends for 2025 (with Timothy Andrew Edwards) 1:26:30

5M ago1:26:30

1:26:30

This week, I’m joined by production music heavyweight, Timothy Andrew Edwards ,to talk about the trends shaping 2025 – from the growing demand for vocal cues to why tension music still reigns supreme and how composers can stay ahead of the game. Plus, I share my own ominous crime tension cue, “Read Between the Crimes,” and give feedback on a neocla…

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How To Work Smarter, Not Harder 43:22

5M ago43:22

43:22

In this episode, I’m sharing six practical strategies to help you streamline your workflow, save time, and stay creative – from reusing sounds and organizing your library to simplifying your mix and using reference cues for structure. Plus, I review Timothy Ackerman’s cyberpunk cue, "Circuit Breaker!" Do you want to have your cue reviewed on the po…

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Byron Scott & Coop Sound Off on NBA Ratings Crisis, JJ Redick vs Charles Barkley & More 31:08

5M ago31:08

31:08

Join us for a special New Year edition of "Showtime with Coop," where host Michael Cooper sits down with NBA legend, and former Lakers teammate, Byron Scott to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their iconic 1985 championship victory over the Boston Celtics. In this fun conversation, Scott shares his insights on the fierce rivalry that defined their…

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Looking Back on 2024 and What's Ahead for 2025 40:41

5M ago40:41

40:41

On this final episode of the year, I’m reflecting on 2024 – the milestones, lessons learned, and highlights from both my personal journey and the 52 Cues community. Plus, I’ll share a sneak peek into what’s coming in 2025 and the goals I’m setting for the year ahead! Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/nlpIut1QVlY Join the 52 Cues Album…

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The 3 Keys to a Long (and Happy!) Career 23:08

6M ago23:08

23:08

Feeling stuck on what you should be writing? This week, I’m unpacking three keys to building a sustainable and fulfilling career in production music. Plus, I’ll break down my latest NuDisco-inspired cue, Funk Salad Annie! What this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/8Wv4nxo1v-w Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-paced program with over 6…

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Tony Campbell on the Bad Boy Pistons and Showtime Lakers Legacy 46:28

6M ago46:28

46:28

Join us for an exciting episode of "Showtime with Coop," where former NBA player Michael Cooper sits down with Tony Campbell, a standout scorer and former teammate. In this candid conversation, Campbell shares his journey from a diverse suburban upbringing in New Jersey to being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1984. He reflects on the fierce comp…

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Why Does it Take So Long to Get Paid? 25:19

6M ago25:19

25:19

From concept to cash, I’m breaking down the complete timeline of a production music cue so you’ll know exactly what to expect on your path to those sweet royalty checks. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/vVyK-ZvJ20s Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-paced program with over 6.5 hours of video content, discussion threads, arti…

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Coop Sounds Off on LeBron? JJ Redick & the Lakers Nightmare Stretch 25:59

6M ago25:59

25:59

In this episode of Showtime w Michael Cooper, we dive deep into the current struggles of the Los Angeles Lakers as they grapple with a disappointing five-game stretch. With head coach JJ Redick under pressure and the team reeling from a particularly tough loss to Miami, we explore the urgent need for change as the trade deadline approaches. Join us…