Barret Edelstein is the producer and host of a popular weekly podcast series called Celeb Savant, which is found on various platforms such as Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon, and YouTube. Barret has released over 250 episodes featuring interviews with well-known personalities like Macy Gray, UB40, Tyla, Kevin Hart, and many more. His work has contributed to the APVA award-winning Best Music Podcast – That ’80s Show.
With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Barret has been involved in movies, advertisements, and television programs. The Celeb Savant podcast has garnered a global audience, with a strong following in the UK, USA, Australia, and South Africa. It’s also ranked in the top 10 most popular podcasts on the Iono platform. Additionally, the podcast has been recognised as one of the top 5 entertainment podcasts on the African continent by APVA. On a different note, Barret’s TikTok profile has gained significant traction, with several videos going viral and racking up an impressive 13 million views under the #celebsavant. He also hosts a weekly entertainment segment on Nova, a renowned radio station in Namibia, alongside Ian F.
What sparked the idea to launch your podcast, and how has your experience as a host transformed since you first started?
“I was a collaborator on ‘That 80s Show’ interviewing artists from that decade ( having interviewed 30 artists from that decade in a year). I decided that I didnt want to be limited to only artists from that decade so decided to launch ‘Celeb Savant’. My hosting has grown from strength to strength. I have always been a natural and allowed the artists to feel comfortable, now it has developed into a 2nd skin.”
How do you select the individuals you interview, and what makes someone a fascinating interviewee?
“As long as the artist/s has a following and is in the creative space, I would be honoured to interview them. Everyone has a story and I love diving into those stories.”
Can you share a memorable moment or a significant learning experience from one of your interviews that has stuck with you?
“To let go of the questions, be present in the moment and trust myself. I used to have a list of questions to ask the guest with me as a safety net. Once I got rid of them, I just flew as I knew I could trust myself and the process.”
What influence do you aim for your podcast to have on your audience and the communities you connect with during your interviews?
“For the listening audience to know the artists and know a little about their story, their creativity and why they love they what they do. This in turn to motivate the audience to follow their passion – whatever that may be.”
With Celeb Savant nominated as The Best Entertainment/Lifestyle Podcast by APVA Awards 2023, how has this shaped your hosting style and content creation approach?
“I am grateful for the nomination, for me it pushes me to work harder and continue to release episodes that inspire, motivate and empower the audience.”
On Monday 26 August, Melbourne-based Singer Songwriter Jonathan Bufalino‘s interview will be live on the Celeb Savant Podcast.
Amongst a stellar lineup of talent performing at eXposure, Jonathan Bufalino shares, “Getting to perform at eXposure is so special to me. I performed at the very first event, so I’ve had the privilege of seeing the event grow from the beginning. It goes without saying that they just keep getting better and better!”
The opportunity to appear as a guest on Celeb Savant came about through eXposure, led by John Smallman, also known as “Johnno.” He is an Emcee and showman based in Melbourne, Australia, originally from Birmingham, UK. With a background in professional theatre in his hometown, Johnno has been passionate about entertaining and performing from a young age. Currently, he hosts “The Bizz With Johnno,” a show focused on the entertainment industry that originated from his radio and Instagram programs.
John Smallman has interviewed some of the biggest names in show business, including Katrina Leskanich (ex-Katrina & The Waves), Paul Lekakis, Dave Sterry (Real Life), Whigfield, Nell Campbell, Patricia Kelly (Gene Kelly Legacy), Nicholas Brendon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Bradley McIntosh and Tina Barrett (S Club 7), Michelle Heaton (Liberty X), Natasha Hamilton (Atomic Kitten), Kevin Richardson (The Lion Whisperer), Amy Sheppard (Sheppard), and RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Hannah Conda, Blu Hydrangea, Divina De Campo, and Bruno Alcantara (Pit Crew). John has also interviewed thousands of independent artists and creatives globally and now runs Melbourne’s premier live music networking event, eXposure.
Only a few tickets remain for eXposure, to be held at Pockets Moorabbin. As Melbourne’s premier live music and networking event, eXposure creates opportunity for the Australian music community to forge connections that lead to further opportunities within the music industry.
