Michael Cohl

At a Glance

• The Challenges of Broadway and Film Production - “It’s much harder than being a promoter… It’s the hardest thing, well that in film. I’ve done a lot of films.” The conversation highlights the difficulties of producing on Broadway and in film, as opposed to promoting concerts.

• The Story of Hulkamania - “I did the first Hulkamania… And we’re at CNE Stadium, and it’s being broadcast worldwide, and we got Hulk fighting Andre the Giant for the title.” The story showcases the excitement and unpredictability of a live event, particularly one with wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant.

• A Unique Ticket Request - “Hello, this is Spock… No, this is Captain Bug Rogers aboard Air Force Two, and Vice President Gore would like to speak with you.” The conversation highlights the absurdity of some ticket requests and the importance of staying professional in unexpected situations.

What to Do

• ‘Don’t fight battles you can’t win’ - It’s important to recognize when a situation is beyond your control and to focus on areas where you can make a positive impact.

• ‘Learn from failures and keep moving forward’ - Failure is a part of the journey to success, and it’s essential to learn from mistakes and continue to progress.

• ‘Stay true to your passion and interests’ - Following your interests and staying connected to what you love can lead to fulfilling and successful endeavors.

• ‘Take calculated risks and be willing to adapt’ - Being open to taking risks and adapting to changing circumstances can lead to new opportunities and growth.

• ‘Value relationships and connections’ - Building strong relationships and connections can open doors to new opportunities and support in challenging times.

What to Get

• Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant wrestling gear/attire - Not specified, but implied to be worn by the wrestlers

• Buck Rogers novel/movie - Reference to a science fiction series/book that inspired a character used in the story

Summary

In this engaging podcast episode, Michael Cole shares his experiences as a promoter and producer in the entertainment industry, specifically in Broadway and concert business. He compares these roles to film production, highlighting the challenges of working with no pre-existing material like songs or albums, unlike films that can rely on established content. Interestingly, he mentions that achieving success is akin to doing slightly better than baseball legend Derek Jeter’s achievements.

One of the most captivating anecdotes shared by Michael Cole is about his involvement in professional wrestling, specifically the first Hulkamania event held at CNE Stadium. The story begins with a live broadcast of a match between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant, but it takes an unexpected turn when ticketing issues arise. Instead of panicking or trying to rectify the situation on the spot, Cole’s team simply tells attendees who were unhappy to ask for their money back. This clever move saved the night from becoming disastrous.

Another fascinating story revolves around a phone call Michael received from someone claiming to be Captain Buck Rogers (from a popular TV series) aboard Air Force Two. Initially taken as an April Fool joke, it turns out that this person is actually trying to book tickets for a Stones concert through Cole’s team. However, what makes this interaction amusing and embarrassing for Cole is the fact that he has to navigate this unusual request with tact while also trying not to give away his true identity.

What shines through in Michael Cole’s stories is his ability to think on his feet and manage unexpected situations. His experiences demonstrate how the entertainment industry can be unpredictable and require creative problem-solving, even under pressure.