Art Openings, Comedy Chaos & the “Splenda Friend” Reality Show That Almost Happened
Welcome to Episode 3 of Two Drink Minimum — the show where we crack drinks, talk art + comedy, and let the conversation go wherever it wants.
This one’s recorded in New Orleans with Gabriel Schaefer (Mortal Machine Gallery) and Chris Trew (Open Mic From Hell / Hell Yes Creative) — and it gets beautifully unhinged in the best way.
We’re joined by two guests who meet for the first time on mic:
🎨 Rachael Bridge — featured in Mortal Machine’s current 3-person show “Mood Lighting” alongside Alex Garant and Ruby Roth. Rachel talks about her painting process (shooting her own references, directing models, building atmosphere with lighting), what makes a great opening night, and the weird realities of showing work in non-art venues.
🎤 Catie Santos — New Orleans comedian + producer (and Open Mic From Hell regular) who’s approaching her one-year anniversary producing shows in the city. Katie breaks down what it’s like building comedy from scratch, producing “shows in places that shouldn’t have shows,” and the difference between producing for ego vs producing for the experience.
And then… Catie drops an all-timer story:
She almost became the lead of a cruise-based reality dating show with her online “Splenda Friend” — complete with a proposed on-camera engagement storyline, big money, and a 12-episode order that she ultimately walked away from.
She almost became the lead of a cruise-based reality dating show with her online “Splenda Friend” — complete with a proposed on-camera engagement storyline, big money, and a 12-episode order that she ultimately walked away from.
Also in the mix:
- Urban South beers and judging beer by the can like it’s gallery art
- Reality TV debates (Rock of Love supremacy, Jersey Shore, Love Island, Big Brother)
- Comedy vs art: what gets thrown at you (beers vs paintings), and why it hits different
- Why galleries don’t accept submissions (and how curation really works)
- Social media’s impact on artists and galleries — and why “follower stats” can be a red flag in both art and comedy
If you’re into New Orleans culture, creative hustle, behind-the-scenes art world talk, or comedy producer brain, this episode is for you.
Guests:
Rachel Bridge — IG: @raechelbridge | rachelbridgeart.com
Catie Santos — IG: @casuallycatie
Rachel Bridge — IG: @raechelbridge | rachelbridgeart.com
Catie Santos — IG: @casuallycatie
Mortal Machine Gallery: mortalmachine.nola.com
Visit in the French Quarter: 940 Royal Street
Visit in the French Quarter: 940 Royal Street