Switchyard: Covering Chaos Conference
Live Podcast Production, Event Operations & Press Coordination
Switchyard Conference convenes journalists, authors, and cultural thinkers to examine how stories are shaped, challenged, and told in moments of uncertainty. The Covering Chaos edition was produced as a single-track conference recorded live as a podcast, bringing the entire audience together for one continuous program inside a highly activated venue.
I supported Switchyard as part of the event production team, working across event operations, digital systems, communications, and press coordination — helping translate an intentionally fluid, live-recorded format into an experience that functioned smoothly in real time.
The Concept
Covering Chaos wasn’t about resolving disorder. It was about acknowledging it — and creating enough structure for honest conversation to unfold.
The format reflected that intention:
A single-track program with no breakouts
Live podcast recordings throughout the day
Journalists rotating through one shared stage
An audience moving together through the entire experience
With no parallel sessions and no safety net, every transition mattered.
Journalists at the Center
The program featured nationally recognized journalists and writers whose work examines media, power, culture, and truth, including:
Ted Conover, journalist and author
Caleb Gayle, writer and reporter
Tracie McMillan, investigative journalist and author
Rebecca Nagle, journalist and activist
Jeff Sharlet, author and cultural critic
Molly O’Toole, reporter covering conflict and policy
Sterlin Harjo, filmmaker and storyteller
The event also included participation from Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols, reinforcing the conference’s connection to civic dialogue and place.
Together, these voices shaped a program that explored journalism not as a static profession, but as a living practice navigating constant change.
My Role
I worked across operations, systems, and experience coordination, focusing on the flow of information and people — from journalists and attendees to photographers, producers, and partners.
My role was equal parts planner, translator, and stabilizer: creating clarity behind the scenes so the live podcast experience could remain conversational, responsive, and human on the surface.
Scope of Work
Live Event Operations
Operational support for a single-venue, single-track live podcast conference
Timeline coordination and speaker transitions
Day-of execution support during live recording
Real-time troubleshooting in a high-visibility environment
Digital Systems & Communications
Creation and management of registration and intake systems
Website and platform updates as programming evolved
Centralization of schedules, speaker details, and live updates
Attendee, journalist, and stakeholder communications to reduce friction
Press & Media Coordination
Scheduling and coordination of travel and lodging for journalists and photographers
Planning and hosting curated experiences including museum tours, concerts, and hosted meals
Coordination of food, transportation, and AV needs
Acting as a central point of contact so media partners could focus on coverage rather than logistics
This work ensured the live format felt intentional, supported, and professionally hosted.
The Challenge
A single-track, live-recorded conference leaves little room for recovery.
The event required:
Precision without rigidity
Clear communication across journalists, production, and press
Calm coordination during live recording
A hospitality mindset for visiting media navigating an unfamiliar city
Rather than imposing heavy structure, the goal was to support flow — allowing conversation to remain authentic while keeping the program on track.
The Approach
My approach emphasized quiet structure:
Anticipating friction points before they surfaced
Designing systems that could adapt in real time
Maintaining clear, human-centered communication
Supporting journalists, hosts, and media with steady coordination
The goal wasn’t perfection.
It was resilience.
The Outcome
The Covering Chaos edition of Switchyard Conference delivered a cohesive, immersive live-podcast experience that stayed true to its concept while remaining operationally sound.
Behind the scenes, strong systems and coordination supported:
Smooth speaker transitions during live recording
Clear communication throughout the program
Positive, well-supported experiences for journalists and photographers
A unified narrative across the event and resulting coverage
The conference retained its experimental edge without sacrificing professionalism.
Why This Work Matters
Live, single-track events demand a specific kind of leadership.
Not rigid control — but:
Comfort operating without backup tracks
Systems that support conversation, not interruption
Coordination that disappears during live moments
Hospitality that respects both creative process and press needs
This project reflects the work I do best: supporting complex, high-stakes live events with structure that stays out of the way.
Call to Action
Planning a live, high-stakes event?
If you’re producing a conference, live recording, or cultural gathering that needs strong systems, thoughtful hosting, and calm execution behind the scenes, let’s talk.
