About Bree & Awkward Sage Media
I never set out to become a podcast producer.
For over 25 years, I worked professionally in theater — as an actor, director, educator, and eventually as an executive and artistic director. I spent decades in rehearsal rooms and performance spaces, teaching professionals how to find truth in their dialogue, how to let a beat breathe, how to know when silence says more than words.
My work was shaping narratives that moved audiences, directing productions that changed how people saw the worl, and building sustainable theater programs from the ground up.
Then a colleague asked me to help edit their podcast. Just a favor. One episode.
I was hooked.
Because here's what I realized: Podcasting is theater for the ears. It's all the same skills I'd honed over decades — pacing, tension, knowing when to cut and when to let a moment land. Except instead of a stage, the show lives in someone's earbuds during their morning commute. And instead of opening night applause, you get reviews that say "This changed how I think about everything."
That was almost a thousand episodes ago.
What Makes Awkward Sage Different
Most podcast editors see themselves as technicians. Click here, fade there, export, done.
I see myself as your creative collaborator.
I'm not just removing "ums" (though I do that too). I'm asking: Does this section drag? Should we cut to the good stuff faster? Is this the moment that makes someone subscribe?
I bring a theater director's ear to your audio. After 25 years of shaping performances, I hear story structure instinctively. I feel pacing in my bones. I know when something's almost great — and what tiny tweak will make it land.
Who I Work With (And Why They Choose Me)
My clients are coaches, educators, healers, and mission-driven business owners who:
Care more about their message than perfection
Want a podcast that builds their business (not just their ego)
Need someone who "gets it" without needing to explain everything
Value transparency over hype
Are tired of sounding amateur (or burning out doing it themselves)
They choose me because:
I bring decades of professional storytelling experience. This isn't a side hustle or something I taught myself on YouTube. I spent 25 years mastering narrative craft, and I apply that expertise to every episode I produce.
I don't gatekeep. You want to know what something costs? I'll tell you. You want to understand why I'm suggesting a change? I'll explain it with the same clarity I used when directing actors.
I actually care about your show. You're not a ticket number. I've cried during clients' episodes. I've texted them ideas at 10pm. Your wins feel like my wins—because after decades in collaborative art forms, I know: your success is my success.
I know what I'm doing. I’ve edited 800+ episodes for dozens of satisfied clients. Shows that grew from 200 downloads to 10,000/month. I've seen what works, and I have the experience to know why.
Our Values
Authenticity Over Perfection
In theater, I learned that truth beats technique every time. Your "ums" and pauses and laughs? That's you. I clean up what's distracting, but I never make you sound like you're performing someone else's script. Real beats polished every time.
Clarity Over Complexity
After decades of translating director-speak for actors, I'm fluent in making technical concepts accessible. Podcasting shouldn't feel like learning a foreign language. I explain things in plain English, answer your questions (there are no dumb ones), and make the technical stuff invisible so you can focus on the conversation.
Your Time is Precious
You didn't start a podcast to become a sound engineer. You started it to share your expertise and grow your business. My job is to give you back those 5-10 hours per week so you can do what you actually love—just like I used to free up actors to focus on performance instead of blocking.
Great Podcasts Build Real Relationships
Downloads are nice. Five-star reviews are great. But the real magic? When a listener emails to say your show helped them through a hard time. When they book a call because they trust you. When your voice becomes part of their weekly routine. That's what we're building. That's the same transformation I saw happen in darkened theaters, now happening through headphones.
The Awkward Sage Origin Story
"Why 'Awkward Sage'?"
Because I've always been both. And maybe you have too…
The awkward part: I spent 25 years in an industry that celebrates vulnerability, deep questions, and meaningful conversation over small talk. I'd rather discuss character motivation than chat about the weather. I embrace the uncomfortable truths that make for compelling stories.
The sage part: After decades of directing, teaching, and leading theater companies, people kept asking me for guidance. About storytelling, about finding their voice, about how to stop second-guessing themselves. Turns out, 25 years of helping people tell authentic stories gives you some wisdom worth sharing.
Awkward Sage Media is for people who:
Don't fit the traditional business mold (and stopped trying)
Have something meaningful to say (even if it's not "marketable")
Want to build something real (not a personal brand facade)
Understand that the best stories embrace vulnerability, not perfection
If you're ready to bring the same depth and authenticity to your podcast that you bring to your work—welcome. You're exactly where you belong.
What We Actually Do
Podcast Production
Full-service editing, mixing, mastering, show notes, distribution, and everything else between "hit record" and "your episode is live." I bring the same attention to detail I brought to opening nights (because every episode drop is your opening night).
Launch Support
Starting from scratch? We'll help you figure out your format, set up your tech, record your first episodes, and launch with confidence (not chaos). Think of it as your pre-production process, theater-style.
Strategic Partnership
This isn't a "hand off your files and never hear from us" situation. We collaborate. We strategize. We help you grow your show into the business asset it should be. After decades of artistic collaboration, I know: the best work happens in partnership.
The Secret Sauce
Professional-level craft applied with personal care. I bring the rigor of 25 years in professional theater and the dedication of someone who actually cares about your success.
Let's Work Together
Ready to start (or grow) your podcast?
Book a Free 30-Minute Strategy Call
We'll talk about:
What you want your podcast to accomplish
Where you're stuck (or what you're avoiding)
Whether we're a good fit (no pressure, no pitch)
What your next steps should look like
Not ready to book a call yet?
Check Out Our Services & Pricing
Read The Awkward Edit Blog
Email Me: bree@awkwardsage.com
Just want to say hi?
I love getting messages from people who are thinking about podcasting, wondering if it's for them, or just want to talk audio and storytelling. Hit reply anytime.
P.S. If you've made it this far, you're probably overthinking whether you should start a podcast. Here's my unsolicited advice from 25 years of watching people hesitate before stepping on stage: Start it. Imperfectly. With whatever mic you have. Your message matters more than your production quality (though I can help with that part too).
Bree Luck
Founder, Awkward Sage Media
Theater Professional Turned Podcast Producer
25 Years of Storytelling Craft | 800+ Episodes and counting