Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff DePaoli.
Hi Jeff, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Woburn, Massachusetts with an innate love of the entertainment industry. It’s the only industry I’ve ever wanted to be a part of. My childhood was full of absorbing and studying as much entertainment as possible. I fell particularly in love with live entertainment. I graduated with a BFA in theatre from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and decided to move to Los Angeles in 2006 in order to pursue my entertainment goals. But not before producing and performing in a one-man cabaret act entitled “My Obsession with TV” at Boston’s Improv Asylum. Once arriving in L.A., I immediately began working at Universal Studios Hollywood as a scareactor for the relaunch of their successful Halloween Horror Nights event. This was a huge thrill for me considering Halloween is my favorite day of the year. This theme of Halloween and horror would later return in my career trajectory. My first full time gig in Los Angeles was as a tour guide at Warner Bros. Studios. I ended up working at Warner Bros. in various studio facility roles for approximately twelve years. While there I was featured on an episode of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and was cast in a small speaking role in Clint Eastwood’s film, “Jersey Boys”, based on the hit Broadway musical. As I’ve always had a love of hosting, I began podcasting in 2014 with my flagship podcast “Dizney Coast to Coast”. Through the years I’ve interviewed numerous Disney Legends and folks who have worked in many aspects of The Walt Disney Company, all with rose-colored glasses removed. My “voice” was discovered through the podcast, eventually landing me the gig as host of Disney Trivia on the Amazon Echo Dot Kid’s Edition for Alexa. I eventually created the DePodcast Network where I could host more podcasts. The second to launch was “That Halloween Podcast” in 2020 as part of a mission to save the greatest day of the year (Halloween) during the pandemic. In 2018 I began working with Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention. There, I produced and hosted a panel celebrating the 25th anniversary of Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” with a lot of the talent who made the movie. I’ve continued working with Midsummer Scream as a Segment Producer every year since. In 2023 I began working with Creep It Real OC as part of their Halloween and holiday mashup events. With them I’ve moderated celebrity panels and have produced several museum exhibits as a Contributing Creative Producer each year. My hosting skills have given me the honor of moderating and hosting at places including TEDxCulverCity, SAG-AFTRA Foundation, San Diego Comic-Con and beyond. Independently I’ve gone on to produce and host “An Oogie Boogie Afternoon” at the Frida Cinema in Santa Ana, California with talent from Disney Live Entertainment all about the creation of Disneyland Resort’s Oogie Boogie Bash. This was the first panel and event of its kind done with permission from Walt Disney Imagineering. I’ve continued producing live events under my depaolEVENTS label on both coasts. In 2024, I produced the “I Put a Spell on You Masquerade” at a “Hocus Pocus” shooting location in Salem, Massachusetts. And just this year I launched an annual halfway to Halloween festival in Salem, Massachusetts entitled Wicked New England. Additionally, I’m a writer and SoCal correspondent for Attractions Magazine where we cover themed entertainment from all around the world. I write a monthly column with Attractions Magazine called DePaoli on DeParks where I share my thoughts on theme park news and history. Overall, my undying passion for entertainment has put me in a lot of delightfully unexpected situations and has led me on a journey I couldn’t have predicted.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. When I decided to leave my full time gig at Warner Bros. Studios, I certainly wasn’t in a financial situation where it was easy for me to do so. But I knew I didn’t move to the opposite coast away from my family to do what I had been doing. I knew it was time to take another leap of faith and start making new opportunities for myself. It’s not always the easiest, but doing the kind of work I do now is fulfilling as my work continues to grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I absolutely love podcasting for a number of reasons. As previously mentioned, I just love hosting and discussing topics me and my guests are passionate about. One of my favorite things to do is speak with people about topics that excite them. I’ve always done this with a positive but realistic look at things. I believe that just because you’re a fan of a certain product or brand, it doesn’t mean you can’t be critical of it. My podcast listeners have come to know and trust me as a passionate yet honest host, no matter the topic.
When it comes to producing live events I always have the same goal in mind. I hope that at least one person in attendance has the best day of their week, month or year at one of my events. If I accomplish that I consider it a success. I’m a fan first and I know how exhilarating a live experience can be. I want to give that feeling to as many people as possible.
I’m really proud to work and collaborate with the people I’ve surrounded myself with. The thing that continuously surprises and shocks me is the connections I’ve made. I’ve established real friendships and relationships with folks I looked up to as a kid as well as extremely talented people at various stages of their careers. We all help each other out by knowing each others strengths.
I believe what sets me apart from a lot of people is that I’m not afraid of the word “no”. Very often I’m asked, “How did you…” The answer is typically the same each time. I reached out and I asked. In an industry of “no”, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, since you will hear “no” a lot, just get used to it and don’t let it affect you too much. Second, people will say “yes” more than you think. Third, don’t let the possibility of a “no” stop you from asking. You’re no worse off than you were prior.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you’ve been wanting to do something but have been afraid of a “no” response, take the fact that you’re reading this as a sign to go ahead an do it. If you’d like to learn more about me, feel free to visit www.JeffDePaoli.com or follow @JeffDePaoli on social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.depodcastnetwork.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffdepaoli
