Tuff Shift!

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Eight-Nine: Sean Patrick welcomes the ridiculously talented and incredibly adorable Claudine Pierre-Louis.   Currently sharing the stage together, these two cast mates unpack the highs and lows of the service industry and paving their own paths as artists.   From temperamental chefs to snarky coworkers to setting boundaries tune in to hear about it all.

Follow Claudine @Claudinelove1214 or www.claudinepierrelouis.com

Check out Claudine and Sean Patrick in MAROONS at The Ford in Los Angeles.  Tickets available www.theford.com

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Eighty-Eight: Sean Patrick welcome (for a TUFF SHIFT! first) the EMMY Award-Winning producer extraordinaire, Tiffany Thomas!   Tiffany is currently producing the world premier presentation of MAROONS at The Ford Theater in LA, coincidentally starring Sean Patrick Murtagh.   From flying solo with no restaurant experience to celebrity run in to award-winning endeavors, the two unpack all the shifts that lead us to success and lessons learned.   Not to mention iced coffee in interviews... only serious topics here!

Follow Tiffany @talentedthomas or visit her website: www.talentedthomas.com to stay up-to-date.

MAROONS premiers on Oct...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Eighty-Seven: The time has come for yet another Pre-Shift-All-Shift with host Sean Patrick Murtagh.   Pull up a seat and let's catch up on everything Provincetown.  From Broadway legends to thirst trap waiters to live podcasts, Seanie boy is excited to share his adventures with you.

Learn more about the Provincetown Cabaret Fest by visiting: www.provincetowncabaretfest.org

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Follow TUFF SHIFT! everywhere @TuffShiftPodcast 

Follow host, Sean Patrick Murtagh, everywhere @SeanieBoySFNYC

Like what you hear? Find our virtual tip jar by visiting the...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Eighty-Six: Sean Patrick welcomes a fellow hustler, a mover and a shaker, singer, actor, stage, screen, you name it, the one and only Gil Torres.  From fake it ’til ya make it to boxing tables and surviving wedding season to performing dream roles in basement theaters, the two unpack it all in spite of technical difficulties.   Tune in and hear all about Gil’s adventures and determination on stage and in life.

Follow Gil @giltorresnyc or visit www.gil-torres.com

Outside of acting, Gil is also a Certified Personal Trainer, painter, and interi...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Eighty-Five: welcome back to part 2 of our visit with Ryan Harer.   From making the dream a reality to lazy sequel titles to keeping the creative spark alive.  It's no wonder this interview became a two-parter.

Follow Ryan @rharer or visit ryanharer.com

And for even more of Ryan's reviews check out his substack and sigh-up for his newsletter: rharer.substack.com

Check out Sean Patrick at the Post Office Cafe in Provincetown on June 12th at 4pm for the first ever TUFF SHIFT! LIVE!

Tickets are on sale no...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Eighty-Four: Sean Patrick welcomes one of his newest social media obsessions: writer, film-goer, substacker, and hilarious Ryan Harer.  From customer service to working in Hollywood to building an online following, Ryan shares his journey and a hot take or two.   As it tends to happen here, the conversation was too much fun for just one episode.

Follow Ryan @rharer or visit ryanharer.com

And for even more of Ryan's reviews check out his substack and sigh-up for his newsletter: rharer.substack.com

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Episode Eighty-Three: Buckle up and brace yourselves for another "Pre-Shift-All-Shift!" with host Sean Patrick.   A quick little wrap-up post Mother's Day service AND his first Mother's Day outside of the industry.   From bad service to bad tipping to bad management, he's unpacking it all for you off the cuff.

Check out Sean Patrick at the Post Office Cafe in Provincetown on June 12th at 4pm for the first ever TUFF SHIFT! LIVE!

Tickets are on sale now:www.provincetowncabaretfest.org

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Follow TUFF SHIFT! everywhere @TuffShiftPodcast 

Follow hos...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Eighty-Two: Sean Patrick welcomes one of the fiercests and most fabulous triple-threats in NYC.  From serving LEWKS on the high seas to slinging drinks in the heart of Hell's Kitchen to keeping up with auditions and bookings, the two unpack it all.   Tune in to hear a first time meeting that sounds like two old friends catching up.

Follow Gray @gray_mortier

Support the show

Follow TUFF SHIFT! everywhere @TuffShiftPodcast 

Follow host, Sean Patrick Murtagh, everywhere @SeanieBoySFNYC

Like what you hear? Find our virtual tip jar by...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Eighty-One: Sean Patrick and Chris are back for part 2 of their conversation in unpacking Chris's adventures and evolution in NYC.  From leaving the world of restaurants to finding a new journey in fitness- building a whole community by inspiring others to find their true strength.   And if that wasn't enough, Chris and his husband opened a shop in Narrowsburg, NY called Project Weekend.

Follow Chris @mrcrowthers or visit his website: www.chriscrowthers.com

Check out www.projectweekendny.com 

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Eighty: Sean Patrick welcomes a guest who unknowingly has been a part of his first hospitality memories in NYC; the adorable, the charming, the multi-talented and faceted human being that is Chris Crowthers.  From unpacking their time spent in THERAPY (the bar on 52nd) to working brunch as a gay man to the back and forth of it all, the conversation was too bountiful for just one episode.   Tune in this week for the highs and lows of hospitality and make sure you come back for next week's episode about Chris' journey into fitness and a sm...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Seventy-Nine: After a few weeks of reflection post his retirement from the world of hospitality, host Sean Patrick Murtagh is back with an all new episode unpacking what life is like on the other side of the table.  From figuring out what to do with his weekends to trying to not be "THAT GUY" that has to let everyone know he worked in a restaurant to juicy updates from his most recent restaurant job.   Tune it to hear all about his first full weekend and the rediscovery of simple joys.

Catch Sean Patrick in Pr...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Seventy-Eight:  fresh on the heels from teaching his first workshop to musical theatre majors in Iowa, Sean Patrick thought what better time that to revisit his interviews with the cast from PARADE.  Tune in to hear all the meltdowns, power outages, mommy meltdowns and more!

Follow Thomas Patrick Riley @thomaspatrickriley or visit his website: thomaspriley.com

Follow his fitness account @tprileyfit

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Follow Megan @meganlroddy

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Follow Bryce @brycehambat.

The Perfect Arrangement at The Main Theater in Santa Clarita, CA

April 24, 25, 26 tickets av...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Seventy-Seven: In honor of Women's History Month, Sean Patrick revisits some fierce, funny, strong, and amazing friends and past guests.   Each one of these guests has not just made an impact as a performer, but also as resilient hospitality veteran, moving mountains without breaking a sweat.  From #NegroniGate to 1,200 cover nights to ridiculous bosses, they unpack all that goes into surviving the job and living the dream.

April Leonard:

Follow April @aprilleonhard for her day to day shenanigans as well as @justgirlydrinks for the magic she mixes behind the bar.

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Seventy-Six: To celebrate his milestone of leaving hospitality after 20 years of service, Sean Patrick is revisiting some of his favorite conversations with past guests.  Part 1 features: Blake Lee, Nattalyee Randall, Matthew English, and the story of how it came to pass that Sean Patrick found himself in hospitality in the first place.

Follow Blake Lee @yogawithblakelee

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Follow Nattalyee @Nattalyee or visit her website: www.nattalyee.com

Check out Nattalyee's vocal studio: @nattalyeevocalstudio4youth

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Follow Matthew at @MatthewEnglishComedy

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F...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Seventy-Five: Sean Patrick welcomes a man of many talents and overflowing with charisma, Aidan Wharton.  From breaking with tradition and forging your own path to making your dreams come true and continuing to dig deeper, the two unpack all that goes into reinventing and more importantly rediscovering yourself.  Our first guest with a survival job outside of hospitality, but not out of customer service.  Tune in for his soothing voice and stay for the stories.

Follow Aidan @aidanwharton or on substack: gaybuffet.substack.com

Tune in to GETTING CLOSE, Aidan's podcast about bri...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Seventy-Four: Part two with the ridiculously talented, multi-faceted, and ever-evolving, Carly Ozard.  Sean Patrick and Carly continue to get back on track, and mostly get there, but more importantly they unpack so much along the way.   Find out how you can learn 24 Italian Arias and Art Songs and still have difficulty figuring out complicated tip out procedures!

Check out Carly's music streaming literally everywhere!  And consider joining her patreon or supporting her on bandcamp!

Follow Carly @carlyozardsings or visit www.carlyozard.com

Stream her latest album: CHAIN OF LOVE - A B...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Seventy-Three: Sean Patrick welcomes one of his oldest and most talented friend, Carly Ozard.   An international headliner and more talents than you could shake a stick at, Carly has sung everything from Opera to EDM to Musical Theatre to Cabaret.  The two unpack way too much for just one episode, which is bound to happen when you're interviewing friends.   Enjoy part 1!

Follow Carly @carlyozardsings or visit www.carlyozard.com

Stream her latest album: CHAIN OF LOVE - A Broadway Album

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Follow TUFF SHIFT! everywhere @TuffShiftPodcast 
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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Seventy-Two: Sean Patrick welcomes back his hilarious friend and maragrita-comadre, the multi-talented, Rachel Green!  (Not that one!). Rachel is back to unpack some more as well as promote her upcoming show, GREEN EGGS & WHAM!, with Mark Benjamin.   The two reminisce about their wild nights in Hell's Kitchen to creating stability and opportunities in this every changing entertainment industry.   Tune in to learn how to break the stereotype and make your own path.

Follow Rachel Green to find out where you can see her live and keep up with her comedy @the1rachelgreen and www.rac...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Seventy-One: Sean Patrick welcomes gay comedy icon and QUEERTY nominated podcaster and all-around mensch of a human, Eric Williams.  From serving celebrities to interviewing them; staying thirsty on the clock; and discovering happy endings along the way.   The two unpack surviving the job and rediscovering the dream(s).

Follow Eric Williams @EricWillz (@ericwillzTT on TikTok) or visit www.ericwilliamscomedy.com

Follow and stream Gay Ass Podcast @gayasspodcast everywhere!

WHY ALL THE DRAMA! Eric William's one man show is going on tour beginning March 4th in San Francisco at Cafe du No...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Seventy: Sean Patrick welcomes singer-songwriter Preston Scott Straus back to the show for a little more unpacking.   From knowing when it's time to move on to creating the healthy work environments to keeping your eye on the prize.  Tune in to hear all about Preston's music journey in Austin and his upcoming single, "Car Ride," debuting Feb 13th!

Follow Preston Scott Straus @prestonscottstraus and visit his website:
www.prestonscottstraus.com

Support the show

Follow TUFF SHIFT! everywhere @TuffShiftPodcast 

Follow host, Sean Patrick Murtagh, everywhere @SeanieBoySFNYC

Lik...

TUFF SHIFT!  Episode Sixty-Nine: Buckle up, it's "Dine LA," week and we are off and running with a series of TUFF SHIFTS!   Sean Patrick makes the most of the sh*tshow he calls work.  From liquor reps making a sales pitch during the rush to coworkers calling out to restaurants preparing to fail.  Burn out, party of one!

TUFF SHIFT! SHOUT OUTS!

Richard Skipper returns to Palms Springs: Wednesday, February 11th at 7pm the Revolution Stage Company.  RICHARD SKIPPER CELEBRATES tickets are on sale now: https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/revolution-stage-company/68798e956485510ff78786c5/tickets#/produ...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Sixty-Eight: Sean Patrick welcomes his brother in sequin attire and one of the most joyful men in show business, Richard Skipper!  From falling in love at work to life after hospitality, the two unpack it all and then some.   It's always a joy to chat with Richard. Tune in and you'll know why.

See Richard in Palm Springs in RICHARD SKIPPER CELEBRATES on Feb. 11 at 7pm at REVOLUTION STAGE COMPANY.

Tickets Available at: https://www.onthestage.tickets/revolution-stage-company

Follow Richard @Richard.Skipper.Celebrates, @call_on_dolly and check out www.ri...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Sixty-Seven: Happy 2026!  Host Sean Patrick returned from his Christmas stint in San Francisco just in time to close 2025 out with TUFF SHIFTS! And of course, there was no better way to begin 2026 than with a string of back to back SHHHT Show of TUFF SHIFTS!    Listen to the roller coaster that was his first handful of days back at work... and hear the determination in his voice to make this the year he officially hangs up the apron!

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Sixty-Six: The perfect episode to listen to as you prepare for the year ahead - magic, intention, cocktails, and gratitude.  Part two with Nikki Jobin explores the magical witchy world and manifestations that you can enjoy all year long, but especially this time of year.   

Wishing you all a wonderful 2026!

Follow Nikki @magickalmom  @whatonthemysticalhellpodcast    @goldenapplemetaphysical

Check out Nikki's online shop at www.goldenapplemetaphysical.com

Visit Martuni's Piano Bar on 4 Valencia Street in San Francisco (Valencia and Market).  Live music 7 days a week!

Check out my holiday favorit...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Sixty-Five: Sean Patrick welcomes the wonderfully withcy and wickedly talented, Nikki Jobin!  A conversation that is too much fun for just one episode.   From crowd control to working San Francisco Pride to channeling the inner hispanic mama- the two unpack it all!

Follow Nikki @magickalmom  @whatonthemysticalhellpodcast    @goldenapplemetaphysical

Check out Nikki's online shop at www.goldenapplemetaphysical.com

Support the show

Follow TUFF SHIFT! everywhere @TuffShiftPodcast 

Follow host, Sean Patrick Murtagh, everywhere @SeanieBoySFNYC

Like what you hear? Find our virtual tip jar by visiting the Tuff Shift...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Sixty-Four: Sean Patrick welcomes the kind-hearted, insanely talented, and incredibly sincere, Thomas Patrick Riley.  From toxic bosses to royal bombshells to finding balance, to two unpack all that goes into getting through all kinds of shifts.

Follow Thomas Patrick Riley @thomaspatrickriley or visit his website: thomaspriley.com

Follow his fitness account @tprileyfit

TUFF SHIFT SHOUT OUTS!

Follow Music Director Extraordinaire, Ge Enrique @iamgeenrique

Follow Singer, Actor, Writer, Lyricist Justin Anthony Long @justinanthonylong

Follow Singer, Music Director, Arranger Jordan Wolfe @jordanbarronwolfe

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Sixty-Three: Sean Patrick and Josh Bardie continue their conversation on self-sustainability in the restaurant world during the holiday season, along with a whole bunch of silliness, and how they honor the memories of their loved ones this time of year.   It's always a good time when Josh is here, so expect some laughs, some tears, and some "ah-ha!" moments.

Follow Josh @joshbardier or visit: www.joshbardier.com

Support the show

Follow TUFF SHIFT! everywhere @TuffShiftPodcast 

Follow host, Sean Patrick Murtagh, everywhere @SeanieBoySFNYC

Like what you hear? Fi...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Sixty-Two:  Sean Patrick welcomes back the guest that has as many opinions as he does TALENTS!  From espresso martinis to canned food drive to sobriety and self-care this holiday season, the two unpack frustations and game plans for getting through this holiday season in hospitality!

Don't miss Josh in his appearance in ANTHONY FETT "GAYER THAN CHRISTMAS":TENTH ANNIVERSARY!  Live at the Triad Theatre in NYC on Sunday, December 7 at 7pm.  Tickets are available www.triadnyc.com

Follow Josh @joshbardier or visit: www.joshbardier.com

Support the show

Foll...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Sixty-One: Sean Patrick welcomes his friend and former co-bartender, Christian Neal!   A talented mixologist, charming soul, and culinary artist with so many stories and reflections to share.   From dishwasher to shaking cocktails to private chef, tune in to hear all about Christian's journey in hospitality and his new business SIMPLETON.

Check out Christian's private chef portfolio and learn more about what he's got cooking: Simpleton.setmore.com

Holiday Gift Ideas the Support Artists and Small Business:

NEUROLOGY OF PRESENCE: neurologyofpresence.com

Jessica Raaum Foster of...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Sixty: Seanie's Favorite Things - Holidays in Hospitality!  The Holidays are here, ready or not, and Sean Patrick is unpacking his favorite things this year!  This episode is packed with tips on how to behave/survive in a restaurant this time of year, his favorite holiday binges, a holiday cocktail tutorial, artists you can support as part of your gift giving, and of course...some TUFF SHIFTS!

Gift Giving Ideas:

MIDWEST FAMOUS: Shamelessly Weird. Famously Fancy. THC Cocktails and Edibles From the Midwest.   Visit their online shop: midwestfamous.com<...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Fifty-Nine: Sean Patrick welcomes back the one and only, Tim Connell for another TUFF SHIFT! first- our first return guest.  Coming back to the table with more hospitality highlights and exciting new creative projects!  The two unpack finding motivation, creating opportunities, and lessons learned.

Follow Tim on Instagram & Threads: @connelltimothy, YouTube:  @timothyconnell3187 or check out his website www.timconnell.net to find out what he's up to next.

See Tim Live in NYC at The Green Room 42 in his holiday show, 'TIS THE SEASON.  11/28/25 & 12/27/25

https://thegreenroom42.venuetix.com/

Supp...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Fifty-Eight: Sean Patrick welcomes his on-stage rival and off-stage new friend and castmate, Kyle Caldwell!  In true TUFF SHIFT! fashion, this episode was recorded on their lunch breaks!  From adventures in bartending to throwing in the towel and TUFF SHIFTS outside of restaurants, the two unpack it all!  A bro-fest-love-fest of an episode that will leave you wanting more of Kyle's hot takes.

Follow Kyle @kylecaldwell2 on TikTok and @KyleGCaldwell on Instagram

Support the show

Follow TUFF SHIFT! everywhere @TuffShiftPodcast 

Follow host, Sean Patrick Murtagh, everywhere @SeanieBoySFNYC

Li...

TUFF SHIFT: Episode Fifty-Seven: Sean Patrick debuts our first ever GOLDEN GIRLS inspired flashback episode!   In honor of hitting the 1 year mark as well as an ever growing audience, we are excited to take a look back at some our earlier guests and hear their stories again.   Whether you're a day one listener or newly joined, you're in for a treat!  Featuring Jessica Raaum Foster, Richard Skipper, Noland King and our very first guest, Zak Edwards.

Don't forget to go back and listen to their whole episode and of course follow their adventures on social media!

J...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Fifty-Six: Sean Patrick welcomes anaother amazing castmate and new friend from the upcoming production of PARADE, The Musical at /the Electric Lodge, Megan Roddy.   Megan unpacks her journey from the midwest to trying on as many hats as possible within the industry as she moved to LA.   An extremely talented individual with so much to share.

Follow Megan @meganlroddy or https://meganlroddy.wixsite.com/website

PARADE at The Electric Lodge in Venice, CA October 23 - November 2, 2025

Tickets on sale: PARADETICKETS.EVENTBRITE.COM 

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Fifty-Five: Sean Patrick welcomes yet another triple-threat, yet another charmer, yet another co-star and new friend, Adam Fried.   East coast, West Coast, Stage and Film...the two volley back and forth on shared experiences and parallel journeys.   Adam shares cultivating and maintaining longevity in hospitality to support his career as an artist.

Follow Adam @adamfriedla or visit www.adamfried.net

PARADE at The Electric Lodge in Venice, CA October 23 - November 2, 2025

Tickets on sale: PARADETICKETS.EVENTBRITE.COM 

Support the show

Follow TUFF SHIFT! everywhere @TuffShiftPodcast 

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TUFF SHIFT: Episode Fifty-Four: Sean Patrick welcomes his newest leading lady and current boss, Bryce Hamilton!  From the host stand to the hotel lobby to the rehearsal studios, the two unpack the theatrics of our survival jobs and dream roles.   Bryce shares her journey on the stage and how she came to role up her sleeves and try her hand as a producer.

Appearing in PARADE at The Electric Lodge in Venice, CA October 23 - November 2, 2025, as Lucille Frank along side TUFF SHIFT! host, Sean Patrick Murtagh as Governor Jack Slaton.

Tickets on sale: https://ww...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Fifty-Three: Sean Patrick welcomes the online bartending sensation that is Matty Rangel!  As TUFF SHIFT! celebrates it's one year anniversary, we could not have asked for a better guest to help us ring in this milestone!   From mental health to crowd control to becoming a social media star, the two unpack the ups and downs and creating opportunities of it all.

Follow Matty @therealmattyrangel on instagram, on Facebook: Matty Rangel and of course where it all started, TikTok: @therealmattyr 

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Fifty-Two: Sean Patrick welcomes his friend, former coworker, and comrade in jazz hands, April Leonhard.   This brassy, bawdy chanteuse-bartender extraordinaire brings her charm and art from the stage, to behind the bar, and really anywhere she goes.  From fast food to speakeasies to running the show, the two unpack it all.

Follow April @aprilleonhard for her day to day shenanigans as well as @justgirlydrinks for the magic she mixes behind the bar.

Support the show

Follow TUFF SHIFT! everywhere @TuffShiftPodcast 

Follow host, Sean Patrick Murtagh, eve...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Fifty-One: Sean Patrick welcomes the sensation, the phenomenon, the hilarity that is heart and soul behind "The Bitchy Waiter," Darron Cardosa.   Truly a dream come true to have this incredibly talented and thoughtful guests.  From the dish pit to Times Square to the blog that started the brand, the two unpack every "bitchy" detail.

Follow Darron @BitchyWaiter (TikTok: @OfficialTBW) or visit thebitchywaiter.com for merch, cameos and all the updates.

Don't miss WE'RE SO DEAD starring Darron.   Premiering September 22nd at The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA.

weresodeadmovie.com

S...

TUFF SHIFT! Episode FIFTY: Sean Patrick welcomes the hilarious soprano wonder, et al. Eden Casteel to the show to unpack her four month stint as a waitress.  From earning the nickname "Pitch B**ch" to getting out of restaurants to pursue her performance career to ultimately ending back up in hospitality as part of her career as an entertainer.  It's obvious these two had a great time sharing stories, and you will too!

Follow Eden @edencasteelmusic everywhere (@edencasteel on TikTok)

Eden is bringing her show, KAHN ARTIST: Madeline and Me, to San Francisco at Martuni's Se...