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In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Jonathan "Jags" Nee, a self-taught 3D generalist, cinematic trailer creator, and founder of Jags Studio, to explore one of the biggest challenges every creative faces: staying positive while pursuing mastery in an industry full of uncertainty. From losing over 100 pounds and transforming his health to building a successful freelance career creating cinematic trailers for board games and entertainment brands, Jags shares the mindset shifts that helped him overcome self-doubt, embrace discomfort, and continue growing as both an artist and entrepreneur.

Together they discuss why negativity is often our default setting, how artists can avoid burnout, why embracing discomfort is essential for creative growth, and how taking calculated risks can dramatically accelerate a career. They also dive into commercial art versus personal creativity, building a portfolio that attracts dream clients, investing in mentors, developing resilience, and why learning never stops for successful creatives.

• Why artists naturally struggle with negative thinking
• How Jonathan transformed his health and mindset after major weight loss
• Why discomfort is required for creative growth
• The connection between fitness, discipline, and artistic success
• How to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome
• Why embracing "the suck" leads to mastery
• Building confidence through repetition instead of talent
• Commercial art vs. personal creative fulfillment
• Why every artist needs creative play outside of client work
• Building a portfolio that attracts your ideal clients
• The importance of passion projects and spec work
• Safe ways to take career-changing creative risks
• Investing in mentorship, courses, and continuous learning
• Why calculated risks outperform comfortable decisions
• How successful creatives balance business systems with artistic freedom
• Financial habits every freelance artist should develop
• Books that helped reshape Jonathan's creative mindset
• Practical advice for staying motivated throughout a long creative career

🌐 Website

💼 LinkedIn

▶️ YouTube

A huge thank you to Jonathan "Jags" Nee for sharing such an honest conversation about mindset, resilience, creativity, and the realities of building a career in commercial art. Whether you're a designer, illustrator, animator, game developer, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical advice for navigating creative work with greater confidence and purpose.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, animation, game development, branding, entrepreneurship, AI, marketing, and the business behind great creative work, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with an artist, designer, animator, creative director, game developer, freelancer, or anyone building a creative career.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#JonathanNee #JagsStudio #CreativeMindset #ArtistLife #CreativeBusiness #MotionDesign #3DArtist #Freelancing #GameArt #CreativeEntrepreneur #PersonalGrowth #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Chris Do, founder and CEO of The Futur, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing creative professionals: how to confidently sell your work based on value instead of hours. Drawing from decades of experience building creative businesses, educating millions of designers, and transforming how agencies think about pricing, Chris shares the mindset shifts that help creatives stop competing on cost and start commanding premium fees.

Together they dive into value based pricing, the psychology behind great sales conversations, why most creatives struggle to communicate their worth, and how to use Chris's famous Baseline → Benchmark → Closing framework to quantify creative value. They also tackle the future of AI in creative work, why human craftsmanship is becoming even more valuable, how to adapt instead of fear technological change, and what it really takes to build a sustainable creative business in today's rapidly evolving economy.

• Why creatives consistently undervalue their work
• The biggest mindset shift behind value based pricing
• Why clients buy outcomes, not hours
• How reducing risk creates more value than producing deliverables
• Chris Do's Baseline → Benchmark → Closing pricing framework
• How to calculate the real business value of creative work
• The power of asking better questions during sales conversations
• Why diagnosing business problems beats pitching services
• Building confidence in pricing without feeling pushy
• How scarcity, confidence, and positioning affect sales
• Why premium clients aren't buying your time
• How AI is changing creative work (and why Chris isn't worried)
• Why handcrafted work is becoming the new luxury
• How creatives should embrace AI instead of fearing it
• The importance of staying adaptable as technology evolves
• Mentorship, business education, and building a long term creative career

🌐 The Futur

📸 Instagram

💼 LinkedIn

A huge thank you to Chris Do for sharing decades of experience helping creative professionals build more valuable businesses. From pricing psychology and sales conversations to AI, creativity, and entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to grow a creative career without compromising their craft.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, branding, animation, game development, entrepreneurship, AI, marketing, and the business behind creative work, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a designer, creative director, freelancer, agency owner, marketer, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to build a stronger creative business.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#ChrisDo #TheFutur #CreativeBusiness #ValueBasedPricing #Freelancing #CreativeEntrepreneur #AgencyLife #BrandStrategy #Sales #AI #DesignBusiness #CreativeLeadership #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Jay Prochaska, veteran game artist and art director with nearly 29 years of experience creating games across AAA studios, startups, and everything in between. From traditional hand-drawn animation to leading art teams on franchises like Halo, Counter-Strike, Team Fortress 2, and Shrapnel, Jay shares the lessons he's learned about creativity, leadership, and building visual worlds players never forget.

Together they explore what separates great game art from great game design, why startups often produce the industry's boldest ideas, how art directors establish a game's visual identity, and why understanding player experience matters more than creating beautiful assets. They also dive into Don Bluth's lasting influence on games, the future of Unreal Engine, the opportunities and risks of AI, and what aspiring artists need to thrive in today's rapidly changing industry.

• How Jay went from traditional animation to becoming an AAA game art director
• Behind-the-scenes stories from working on Halo, Counter-Strike, Team Fortress 2, and Left 4 Dead
• The biggest differences between AAA studios and scrappy indie startups
• What separates art that looks beautiful from art that creates better gameplay
• How art directors establish the visual heartbeat of an entire game
• Why brainstorming and visual worldbuilding are the most exciting stages of development
• Lessons modern game developers can learn from Don Bluth and classic Disney animation
• How Unreal Engine has changed independent game development
• Why small teams often innovate faster than large studios
• The opportunities and challenges AI brings to artists and game developers
• How AI should assist creativity instead of replacing it
• Advice for aspiring game artists, art directors, and creative leaders

🌐 Day One Creative Designs

💼 Connect with Jay Prochaska on LinkedIn

A huge thank you to Jay Prochaska for sharing nearly three decades of experience creating games, leading art teams, and helping shape some of the industry's most recognizable franchises. His insights into leadership, creativity, collaboration, and the future of game development offer valuable lessons for artists, developers, designers, and anyone building creative products.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, animation, game development, leadership, entrepreneurship, branding, AI, and the business of creative work, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, artist, animator, creative director, indie developer, studio leader, or anyone passionate about building incredible games.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#GameDevelopment #GameArt #ArtDirection #Halo #CounterStrike #Valve #UnrealEngine #AIArt #GameDesign #Animation #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Krystal Rose, Marketing and Partnership Leader at Asmodee and Office Dog Games, to explore what makes partnerships in the tabletop industry truly successful. With more than a decade of experience spanning marketing, events, strategic communications, and gaming, Krystal shares how authentic relationships, community building, and a passion for play are transforming the way games are marketed today.

Together they discuss the resurgence of board games, the differences between lifestyle games and standalone tabletop titles, why partnerships matter more than advertising, and how game companies can build communities that last. They also dive into Gen Con, the evolution of game marketing, mentorship, the importance of play in modern life, and why the future of tabletop gaming is brighter than ever.

00:00 Introduction

11:45 Meet Krystal Rose

12:45 What Makes Great Partnerships?

16:20 Why Play Matters

21:30 How Board Game Marketing Has Changed

23:00 Board Games vs Trading Card Games

27:30 Marketing Different Types of Games

31:30 Building Long-Term Creative Partnerships

36:30 Gen Con & Live Event Marketing

42:00 Everyone Is a Gamer

44:00 Mentorship in the Gaming Industry

50:15 The Future of Asmodee & Office Dog Games

53:30 Leadership Lessons & Career Advice

55:45 Where to Follow Krystal

🌐 Asmodee:
https://www.asmodee.com

🎲 Office Dog Games:
https://www.officedoggames.com

💼 Connect with Krystal Rose on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/moxkrystal/

A huge thank you to Krystal Rose for sharing her perspective on partnerships, marketing, leadership, and the power of play. Her thoughtful approach to building authentic relationships reminds us that the best marketing starts with genuine human connection and a passion for creating memorable experiences.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, animation, entrepreneurship, branding, game development, marketing, leadership, and the business of creative work, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, board game designer, tabletop creator, marketer, publisher, creative leader, or anyone passionate about building communities through games.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#BoardGames #TabletopGames #GameMarketing #Asmodee #OfficeDogGames #GenCon #MagicTheGathering #GamingIndustry #CreatorEconomy #CommunityBuilding #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Phil O'Connor, veteran game designer, co-founder of Big Dumb Games, and designer behind titles including Far Cry 3, Rainbow Six Siege, and Dying Light. After nearly three decades in AAA game development, Phil shares why he's betting on indie development, what today's gaming industry gets wrong, and why creativity, authenticity, and smaller teams may shape the future of games.

Together they explore the collapse of traditional AAA development models, why independent studios are thriving, how creativity and business intersect in modern game development, and what it really takes to launch a successful game today. They also discuss AI in creative industries, the realities of game funding, building communities before products, and why passion remains the most valuable asset any creator can have.

• Why Phil left AAA development to co-found Big Dumb Games
• The biggest differences between AAA and indie game development
• Why so many veteran developers are starting independent studios
• The hidden realities behind massive AAA budgets
• What today's game publishers misunderstand about creative risk
• Why authenticity matters more than ever in game design
• Building Starship Bloopers from concept to prototype
• The importance of community building before launching a game
• The future of Steam, indie publishing, and game discovery
• The opportunities and challenges facing modern game developers
• Phil's perspective on AI, creativity, and the future of interactive entertainment
• Advice for aspiring game designers entering today's industry

🌐 Big Dumb Games:
https://bigdumbgames.com

The Craft and Science of Game Design: A Video Game Designer's Manual
https://www.routledge.com/The-Craft-and-Science-of-Game-Design-A-Video-Game-Designers-Manual/OConnor/p/book/9780367556532

A huge thank you to Phil O'Connor for sharing nearly three decades of lessons from the front lines of game development. His perspective on creativity, authenticity, independent studios, and the future of interactive entertainment offers valuable insights for developers, entrepreneurs, artists, and anyone building something meaningful.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, entrepreneurship, design, game development, animation, leadership, and the intersection of business and art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, indie creator, designer, programmer, entrepreneur, studio founder, or anyone passionate about building great games.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#GameDevelopment #IndieGames #GameDesign #PhilOConnor #BigDumbGames #StarshipBloopers #FarCry3 #RainbowSixSiege #DyingLight #GameIndustry #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Delegate Jackie Hope Glass, Navy veteran, audio producer, community storyteller, and Virginia's 93rd District Delegate, to explore how creativity, storytelling, and authentic leadership can strengthen communities and reshape public service. From championing the creative economy to challenging outdated expectations of what leadership looks like, Jackie shares how showing up as your authentic self can inspire meaningful change.

Together they discuss the economic power of creativity, why storytelling is one of the most important tools in policymaking, building stronger communities through authentic leadership, and how artists, entrepreneurs, and creators play an essential role in shaping culture. Whether you're a creative professional, entrepreneur, civic leader, or simply someone who believes in building better communities, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration.

• Why authenticity is one of the greatest leadership strengths
• How creativity drives economic growth and community development
• The importance of recognizing the creative economy as real infrastructure
• What "Village Is a Verb" means for leadership and civic engagement
• Why storytelling often changes minds more effectively than statistics alone
• The role of artists and creators in shaping culture
• How Delegate Glass is advocating for Virginia's creative economy
• Why representation matters in public office
• Building stronger communities through education, advocacy, celebration, and legislation
• How creative entrepreneurship benefits local economies
• Why vulnerability and personal stories create better public policy
• Lessons from public service, military leadership, and community organizing

🌐 Official Website:
linktr.ee/jackie4norfolk

📱 Socials:
Delegate Jackie Hope Glass Instagram
Delegate Jackie Hope Glass YouTube

A special thank you to Delegate Jackie Hope Glass for sharing her vision of leadership rooted in authenticity, creativity, and community. Her passion for empowering artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens reminds us that storytelling isn't just about communication—it's about creating meaningful change.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, entrepreneurship, design, leadership, game development, and the intersection of business and art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a creative entrepreneur, public servant, community leader, artist, educator, policymaker, or anyone passionate about building stronger communities through creativity.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#JackieGlass #CreativeEconomy #Storytelling #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #PublicService #Virginia #Advocacy #CreativeLeadership #Entrepreneurship #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Carolin Vedder, multisensory designer, futures thinker, and motion designer, to explore why designing only for the eyes is no longer enough. Carolin explains how brands, museums, hospitality, retail, and cultural institutions can create unforgettable experiences by intentionally designing for sight, sound, scent, touch, texture, temperature, and even memory.

Together they discuss the science behind human perception, how multisensory experiences influence trust, emotion, and recall, and why tomorrow's designers must think beyond logos and visual identity. From MTV motion graphics to museum exhibitions and future-focused brand strategy, this conversation offers a fascinating look at where design is heading next.

• What multisensory design really is—and why it matters
• How motion design led Carolin into sensory experience design
• Why sight alone doesn't create memorable experiences
• The surprising relationship between scent, color, sound, and memory
• How restaurants, museums, retail, and hospitality already use multisensory design
• Why perception shapes brand value more than aesthetics alone
• The concept of a "sensory signature" for brands
• How museums can create deeper emotional connections through sensory storytelling
• Why future-focused design requires foresight, not just creativity
• How brands can intentionally design memorable customer experiences
• The role neuroscience plays in design decisions
• Why "Form Follows Foresight" may become the next evolution of design thinking

🌐 Multisensory Design:
https://multisensory-design.com

🌐 Design in Motion:
https://design-in-motion.com

🔗 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolin-vedder/

Special thanks to Carolin Vedder for sharing her groundbreaking perspective on multisensory design, perception science, and the future of brand experiences. This conversation offers a completely new lens through which designers, marketers, creatives, and business leaders can think about creating deeper emotional connections with the people they serve.

For more conversations about creativity, branding, storytelling, game development, design, animation, innovation, and the intersection of business and art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a designer, marketer, museum curator, creative director, brand strategist, architect, or anyone passionate about creating unforgettable experiences.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#CarolinVedder #MultisensoryDesign #BrandExperience #ExperienceDesign #SensoryBranding #CreativeStrategy #DesignThinking #MotionDesign #MuseumDesign #Neuroscience #BrandStrategy #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Melinda Powelson, Founder and CEO of MatchEngine.com, to explore how AI, search engines, and customer behavior are reshaping modern marketing. With more than three decades of experience navigating digital transformation, Melinda shares practical insights on adapting to Google's evolving algorithms, leveraging AI without losing the human touch, and why understanding customer data is the key to long-term business success.

The conversation dives into AI-powered demand generation, SEO strategy, customer language analysis, remote work, entrepreneurship, leadership, and how small businesses can survive—and thrive—through constant technological disruption. Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, agency owner, or business leader, this episode is packed with actionable ideas for navigating the future of business.

• Why Google's constant evolution continues to reshape digital marketing
• How AI search is changing SEO and customer discovery
• The importance of understanding customer language—not just keywords
• How Match Engine analyzes over 2,000 customer calls every day using AI
• Using AI to improve sales teams instead of replacing them
• Why good data still requires human interpretation
• How COVID permanently changed demand generation and customer behavior
• Why businesses must continually adapt or risk becoming obsolete
• The relationship between creativity, strategy, and data
• Building stronger company culture in hybrid and remote workplaces
• Why human connection remains a competitive advantage in the age of AI
• Leadership lessons from decades of navigating disruptive technology

🌐 Match Engine:
https://www.matchengine.com

🔗 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melpowelson/

A huge thank you to Melinda Powelson for sharing decades of experience in digital marketing, AI, demand generation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Her perspective on balancing technology with human expertise offers valuable lessons for businesses navigating today's rapidly changing landscape.

For more conversations about creativity, entrepreneurship, marketing, game development, storytelling, design, AI, and the business behind great ideas, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with an entrepreneur, marketer, agency owner, business leader, founder, or anyone interested in the future of AI and marketing.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#MelindaPowelson #MatchEngine #ArtificialIntelligence #AIMarketing #SEO #DemandGeneration #DigitalMarketing #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SmallBusiness #MarketingStrategy #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Trammell Isaac, veteran game developer, art director, and the creator of the iconic Vault Boy from the Fallout franchise. With more than 30 years in the games industry, Trammell shares the untold story behind one of gaming's most recognizable mascots, how Fallout evolved from a cult classic into a global phenomenon, and what it takes to build art that lasts for generations.

The conversation explores the creative process behind designing Vault Boy, the misconceptions surrounding the famous thumbs-up pose, leadership in game development, the impact of AI on creative work, building sustainable studios, and why investing in people matters more than ever. Trammell also shares his latest venture, BEEKDiPP, and explains how advanced photogrammetry is helping shape the future of games, film, and digital production.

• The true origin story behind Fallout's iconic Vault Boy
• Why the famous thumbs-up has been widely misunderstood
• How Fallout grew from a cult classic into one of gaming's biggest franchises
• The creative philosophy behind designing memorable game icons
• What makes great creative leaders different from great artists
• Why leadership—not artistic talent—is often the hardest skill to develop
• How AI is transforming game development and content creation
• The future of smaller, faster, more efficient game studios
• Building BEEKDiPP and bringing photogrammetry to modern game production
• Why mentoring others creates opportunities you never expect

🌐 BEEKDiPP:
https://beekdipp.com

🔗 LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tramell-isaac-bba5517/

Special thanks to Trammell Isaac for sharing the real story behind Vault Boy, decades of game development wisdom, and invaluable lessons on creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship, and building teams that last.

For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, design, creativity, and the business of art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, concept artist, art director, creative leader, Fallout fan, or anyone passionate about building unforgettable worlds.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#Fallout #VaultBoy #TrammellIsaac #GameDevelopment #GameArt #ArtDirection #GameDesign #BEEKDiPP #Photogrammetry #Leadership #CreativeLeadership #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Larry Kuperman, longtime games industry executive, founding member of Nightdive Studios, and one of the industry's strongest advocates for game preservation. After more than 25 years helping publishers, developers, and studios bring both new and classic games to audiences around the world, Larry shares the lessons, stories, and philosophy that shaped an extraordinary career.

Together they explore why preserving games matters just as much as preserving books and films, the business realities behind game development, what today's developers should be doing to protect gaming history, and how storytelling, personal branding, and community can shape a lasting career. Larry also shares behind-the-scenes stories from Nightdive Studios, Atari, Stardock, and the restoration of legendary classics, along with practical advice for anyone hoping to build a future in the games industry.

• Larry's journey from healthcare to a 25+ year career in gaming
• How Nightdive Studios became the leader in game preservation
• Why preserving classic games is more important than ever
• The surprising legal challenges behind remastering old games
• The history of Atari, Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, and early PC gaming
• What today's developers should archive for future generations
• Why storytelling is one of the most valuable skills in game development
• Building your personal brand as a developer or creative
• Advice for indie developers pitching publishers and investors
• The future of game preservation and why it affects everyone who loves games

🔗 LinkedIn

🔗 Nightdive Studios

🔗 International Game Developers Association (IGDA):
https://igda.org/

Special thanks to Larry Kuperman for sharing decades of industry knowledge, championing the preservation of gaming history, and reminding us that preserving games also means preserving the stories and people who created them.

For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, design, creativity, and the business of art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, retro gaming fan, game designer, historian, producer, or anyone passionate about the future of interactive entertainment.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#NightdiveStudios #GamePreservation #LarryKuperman #GameDevelopment #RetroGaming #Atari #Doom #Wolfenstein #IndieGames #Storytelling #GameHistory #IGDA #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with James L. Sanders III, veteran AAA VFX artist, whose career spans more than two decades creating unforgettable visuals for franchises like Borderlands, Days Gone, Ashes of Creation, and many more. Together they explore how iconic games are built, why great visual effects are about gameplay—not spectacle—and what it really takes to thrive in the modern games industry.

James shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from working through studio closures, mentoring artists, finding the "fun" in game development, and balancing creativity with technical performance. The conversation also explores AI in game development, leadership, mentorship, and why the best studios are built around passionate people—not just great technology.

• James' journey from QA tester to AAA VFX Director
• How visual effects influence gameplay and player experience
• Why finding the "fun" is the hardest part of game development
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Gearbox, Midway, and Sony Bend
• The role of mentorship in building a successful career
• AI's place in the future of game art and development
• Why soft skills often matter more than technical ability
• Advice for aspiring artists and game developers
• Building games that players remember for decades

Website: https://www.mobygames.com/person/138636/james-sanders/

❤️ Support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Special thanks to James L. Sanders III for sharing decades of hard-earned experience, incredible stories from the making of Borderlands, and thoughtful advice on creativity, leadership, mentorship, and the future of game development.

For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, design, creativity, and the business of art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, artist, VFX professional, technical artist, or anyone passionate about creating unforgettable interactive experiences.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#Borderlands #LarianStudios #GameDevelopment #GameArt #VFX #VisualEffects #GameDesign #AAA #UnrealEngine #AshesOfCreation #CreativeLeadership #GameDev #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with A. Khedron DeLeon, engineer-turned-writer and narrative designer, and one of the creative leaders behind Vampire: The Masquerade – Reawakened—an ambitious fan-made recreation of the cult classic RPG built entirely within Skyrim's Creation Kit. Together they explore what it takes to revive a beloved game, build a global volunteer development team, and balance storytelling, systems design, and technical limitations to create an unforgettable player experience.

Khedron shares how he evolved from voice actor to one of the project's creative leaders, why passionate communities can outperform traditional development teams, and the unique challenges of rebuilding a classic while respecting established lore and intellectual property. The conversation also dives into narrative design, voice acting, world building, and why great games are built by people who genuinely love what they're creating.

Editor's Note: During the conversation, the CD-Action Expo schedule is mentioned incorrectly. The event takes place Saturday, May 30, through Sunday, May 31, not beginning on Friday as stated in the recording.

• Building Vampire: The Masquerade – Reawakened inside Skyrim
• Why volunteer game development can produce incredible results
• The challenge of honoring classic RPG lore while creating something new
• Narrative design, dialogue systems, and world building
• How engineering influences storytelling and game mechanics
• Working with an international team of writers, artists, and voice actors
• Balancing fan expectations with creative innovation
• The future of the Reawakened and Chronicles projects

🌐 Website: akhedrondeleon.com/

🧛 Vampire: The Masquerade – Reawakened

Special thanks to A. Khedron DeLeon and the volunteer development team behind Vampire: The Masquerade – Reawakened for sharing their passion for storytelling, game preservation, and collaborative creativity.

For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, design, creativity, and the business of art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, writer, RPG fan, creative director, or anyone passionate about building unforgettable interactive experiences.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#VampireTheMasquerade #SkyrimMod #GameDevelopment #NarrativeDesign #Storytelling #IndieGames #RPG #WorldBuilding #GameDesign #CreativeLeadership #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with legendary graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister to explore why now is better than most people believe. From award-winning album covers for The Rolling Stones and Talking Heads to groundbreaking exhibitions, TED Talks, and his latest book Now is Better, Stefan shares how design can shape not just what we see—but how we think about the world.

Together, they discuss why modern media makes us believe everything is getting worse, how data tells a very different story, and why designers have a responsibility to communicate ideas that create meaningful change. Stefan also shares insights into his famous seven-year sabbaticals, designing exhibitions that challenge perspectives, and how AI may reshape the future of creativity without replacing the human spirit behind great design.

Whether you're a designer, artist, creative entrepreneur, marketer, or simply someone looking for a more hopeful perspective on the future, this conversation is filled with timeless creative wisdom.

• Why "Now is Better" became Stefan's latest creative mission
• How negativity shapes modern media and public perception
• Turning complex research into compelling visual storytelling
• Designing exhibitions that change how people think
• Why communication design is about creating change
• The value of seven-year sabbaticals for long-term creativity
• Keeping design a calling instead of just a career
• What AI means for the future of graphic design
• Why human creativity will always matter
• Lessons from decades of experimental design and storytelling

🌐 Website: https://sagmeister.com

📖 Now is Better

🎤 TED Talks

A special thanks to Stefan Sagmeister for sharing decades of creative insight and reminding us that great design isn't just about aesthetics—it's about changing perspectives and creating meaningful human experiences.

For more conversations about creativity, design, storytelling, animation, leadership, marketing, and the business of art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a designer, creative leader, marketer, artist, or anyone who could use a more optimistic perspective on creativity and the future.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#StefanSagmeister #GraphicDesign #Creativity #DesignThinking #CreativeLeadership #VisualStorytelling #NowIsBetter #TEDTalks #Happiness #AI #Design #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Eduardo Gonzalez, Head of Art at Super Evil Mega Corp, to explore what separates memorable game worlds from truly legendary ones. Having helped shape iconic franchises including League of Legends, Arcane, God of War, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, Eduardo shares how worldbuilding becomes the foundation for scalable, lasting IP.

Together, they discuss why great worldbuilding isn't the same as storytelling, how successful game studios create immersive universes with consistent rules, why art should always serve gameplay, and what creative leaders look for when building worldbuilding teams. Eduardo also shares lessons from Riot Games, Blizzard, and decades of experience creating worlds players don't just see—they believe.

Whether you're a game developer, artist, writer, creative director, or simply love incredible game worlds, this episode offers practical insights into building unforgettable interactive experiences.

• Eduardo's journey through more than 25 years in game development
• Building the world of Runeterra at Riot Games
• Why worldbuilding is different from storytelling
• The foundation behind scalable game IP
• What made League of Legends and God of War so immersive
• How great game art supports gameplay instead of distracting from it
• Creating characters that feel authentic and memorable
• Why consistent world rules matter
• Building creative teams that think beyond concept art
• Lessons from Blizzard's cinematic storytelling
• Leadership advice for creative directors
• Why happy teams create better games

🌐 Super Evil Mega Corp

🎮 Riot Games

💼 LinkedIn

A special thanks to Eduardo Gonzalez for sharing his experience building iconic game worlds and offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind some of gaming's most beloved franchises.

For more conversations about creativity, game development, storytelling, animation, design, leadership, and the business of entertainment, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, concept artist, creative director, writer, or anyone passionate about worldbuilding and interactive storytelling.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#EduardoGonzalez #LeagueOfLegends #Arcane #GodOfWar #Worldbuilding #GameArt #GameDesign #CreativeLeadership #GameDevelopment #RiotGames #SuperEvilMegaCorp #Storytelling #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Ryan Canuel, CEO and co-founder of Petricore, an award-winning game studio building innovative experiences across augmented reality, virtual reality, and emerging gaming platforms. Since founding the studio in 2015, Ryan has helped Petricore create immersive experiences for partners including Meta, Google, Scholastic, Bose, and Burger King while developing original games like Mythic Realms that push the boundaries of mixed reality.

Together, Carl and Ryan dive deep into what it really takes to build a sustainable game studio in one of the fastest-changing areas of technology. They discuss why niching down beats chasing trends, balancing client work with original IP, how Meta supports mixed reality developers, the future of XR gaming, healthy studio culture, AI in game development, and why long-term success comes from building a business—not just making games.

Whether you're a game developer, studio founder, entrepreneur, XR enthusiast, creative leader, or someone curious about where immersive technology is headed, this episode is packed with practical advice and behind-the-scenes insights from a studio that's helping define the future of interactive entertainment.

• How Ryan founded Petricore immediately after graduating college
• Why niching into AR, VR, and XR helped the studio stand out
• Building a sustainable game studio instead of chasing trends
• The importance of passion when choosing a creative niche
• Lessons from developing games for emerging technologies
• Why mixed reality offers opportunities traditional gaming doesn't
• How Meta helps fund innovative VR and XR experiences
• Balancing client work with developing original game IP
• The biggest mistakes studios make when creating passion projects
• How to pitch original games that actually get funded
• Maintaining a healthy studio culture during long development cycles
• Why commerce often has to come before artistic perfection
• Emerging technologies that could shape the next generation of games
• How AI is improving production workflows inside game studios
• Leadership lessons for running a creative business over the long term

🌐 Petricore Games

💼 Ryan Canuel on LinkedIn

🎮 Learn more about Project Death Game and Petricore's latest VR projects on their website.

A huge thank you to Ryan Canuel for sharing his journey from college graduate to studio founder, along with practical insights into building sustainable creative businesses, developing immersive technologies, and navigating the rapidly evolving world of AR, VR, and mixed reality.

For more conversations about game development, creative leadership, storytelling, emerging technology, animation, marketing, design, entrepreneurship, and the business behind entertainment:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, XR creator, studio founder, entrepreneur, creative leader, or anyone fascinated by the future of immersive technology.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#RyanCanuel #Petricore #MixedReality #XR #VirtualReality #AugmentedReality #GameDevelopment #GameStudio #MetaQuest #IndieGames #CreativeLeadership #Entrepreneurship #GamingIndustry #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Trevor Davis, founder of Trevor Joey Development, a Roblox game development studio specializing in immersive experiences, scalable game systems, and branded virtual worlds. At just 20 years old, Trevor has already spent over 11 years building games on Roblox, transforming a childhood hobby into a thriving business working with brands and millions of players.

Together, Carl and Trevor explore what it takes to build successful games, why strong gameplay always beats flashy visuals, how brands can create meaningful experiences instead of intrusive advertisements, and why Roblox has become one of the most exciting business opportunities in gaming. They also discuss AI's growing role in development, entrepreneurship at a young age, hiring remote teams, learning through failure, and why the next generation of creators has more opportunity than ever before.

Whether you're a game developer, entrepreneur, marketer, Roblox creator, studio founder, parent of an aspiring developer, or simply curious about the future of gaming, this episode offers practical insights into building successful businesses inside virtual worlds.

• How Trevor started building Roblox games at just nine years old
• Turning a childhood hobby into a successful game development studio
• The business opportunities inside Roblox's massive player ecosystem
• How brands are using Roblox for immersive marketing
• Why gameplay systems matter more than beautiful graphics
• The biggest mistakes brands make when entering Roblox
• Lessons learned from hiring and leading remote development teams
• Building games that keep players engaged for years
• Why execution matters more than having great ideas
• Entrepreneurship, failure, and learning at a young age
• How AI is changing game development without replacing creativity
• Roblox's evolution into a serious business platform
• The future of immersive digital experiences and branded games
• Advice for young developers who want to build games professionally

🌐 Trevor Joey Development (Roblox): roblox.com/communities/TrevorJoey

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-daviz

A huge thank you to Trevor Davis for sharing his entrepreneurial journey, insights into Roblox development, and lessons on creativity, leadership, AI, and building businesses inside virtual worlds. His story is proof that passion, persistence, and execution can turn a childhood curiosity into a thriving career.

For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, creative leadership, marketing, design, technology, and the business behind entertainment:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, Roblox creator, entrepreneur, parent of an aspiring creator, marketer, or anyone interested in the future of gaming and immersive digital experiences.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#TrevorDavis #Roblox #RobloxStudio #GameDevelopment #GameBusiness #GameMarketing #Metaverse #AI #Entrepreneurship #CreativeLeadership #GamingIndustry #IndieGames #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Kay Gruenwoldt, co-founder of Magic Fractal and a veteran game industry executive with more than 30 years of experience building game studios across Europe and the United States. From creating Doom levels in the early days of PC gaming to leading teams at PlayStation and helping develop more than 50 games, Kay shares what it really takes to build studios that survive, adapt, and create unforgettable experiences.

Together, Carl and Kay explore the evolution of the video game industry—from the rise of MMORPGs like EverQuest and the mobile gaming revolution to today's AI-powered future. They discuss why leadership matters more than ever, how healthy studio culture is built, why creativity and business must work hand in hand, and what the next generation of game developers should understand about making games that stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

Whether you're a game developer, studio founder, creative leader, producer, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about the future of games, this conversation offers practical insights from someone who has spent decades helping great teams do their best work.

• How Kay went from General Electric to building game studios
• Why leadership is the hidden force behind successful games
• Lessons learned from over 30 years in game development
• The evolution of gaming from Doom to today's AI era
• What EverQuest, mobile gaming, and subscriptions changed forever
• Why AAA game development has become so expensive
• The future of consoles, indie games, and digital distribution
• How AI is changing game development without replacing creativity
• What makes a healthy studio culture actually work
• The three pillars of successful game studios
• Why adaptability is one of the most valuable leadership skills
• Marketing lessons for launching games in today's crowded market
• Building Magic Fractal alongside Jason Blundell
• Advice for aspiring game studio founders and creative leaders

🌐 Magic Fractal: https://magicfractal.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaygruenwoldt/

A huge thank you to Kay Gruenwoldt for sharing decades of hard-earned wisdom on leadership, studio culture, AI, creativity, and the future of game development. His thoughtful perspective on balancing people, process, and innovation offers valuable lessons for anyone building games—or building teams.

For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, creative leadership, marketing, design, technology, and the business behind entertainment:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, producer, studio founder, creative director, entrepreneur, or anyone passionate about building the future of games.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#KayGruenwoldt #MagicFractal #GameDevelopment #GameStudios #Leadership #PlayStation #AAA #IndieGames #AI #GameDesign #StudioCulture #GameBusiness #CreativeLeadership #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Eric Koziel, Director of Systems and Product at Azra Games, MIT engineer, cybersecurity researcher, speedrunning expert, and author of Speedrun Science, to explore the hidden systems that make video games work.

Eric shares how a lifelong fascination with understanding games evolved into a career designing them, revealing how reverse engineering, scientific thinking, and player behavior all intersect to create better gaming experiences. From uncovering impossible world records to breaking decades-old encryption hidden inside classic NES games, this conversation dives deep into the technical side of creativity.

Whether you're a game developer, designer, programmer, speedrunner, cybersecurity enthusiast, or simply curious about what happens behind the code, this episode offers a fascinating look at the science powering the games we love.

• How speedrunning changes the way we understand games
• Why reverse engineering is a powerful creative tool
• The science behind optimizing game systems
• What developers can learn from speedrunners
• How Eric transitioned from analyzing games to building them
• Designing better player experiences through data
• The story behind debunking the famous Dragster world record
• How MIT and cybersecurity shaped Eric's approach to game design
• Why seemingly impossible game secrets still exist decades later
• The mystery behind Treasure Master's hidden level
• Balancing creativity, mathematics, and player psychology
• What the future holds for game systems and optimization

📘 Speedrun Science: Eric's book on the science of speedrunning and game systems

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickoziel

🎮 X (Twitter): https://x.com/TheOmniGamer

A huge thank you to Eric Koziel for sharing his unique perspective on the intersection of science, engineering, creativity, and game development. His passion for understanding the hidden systems behind games continues to inspire developers, researchers, and players alike.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, game development, animation, design, technology, leadership, and building unforgettable experiences:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, programmer, designer, speedrunner, cybersecurity enthusiast, or anyone fascinated by how games really work.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#EricKoziel #SpeedrunScience #GameDevelopment #Speedrunning #ReverseEngineering #GameDesign #AzraGames #MIT #Cybersecurity #SystemsDesign #Gaming #VideoGames #CreativeTechnology #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Richard Foos, co-founder of Rhino Records and Shout! Factory, to explore how a small record store evolved into one of the most influential forces in preserving music, television, and film history.

Richard shares the unlikely journey from opening a struggling record store near UCLA in the 1970s to pioneering the reissue music business, helping revive legendary artists whose catalogs had disappeared from public access. Along the way, Rhino Records transformed how fans discovered music, proving that passion, curation, and community could be just as valuable as chasing the next big hit.

The conversation dives into the origins of Rhino Records, the rise of Shout! Factory, preserving cult television and film, serving niche audiences, and why fan-first thinking continues to outperform corporate trend chasing. Richard also reflects on entrepreneurship, creativity, philanthropy, storytelling, and the importance of preserving culture for future generations.

Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, storyteller, music lover, filmmaker, collector, or fan of pop culture history, this episode offers valuable lessons on building communities, protecting creative legacies, and staying connected to the audiences you serve.

• How Rhino Records began as a small independent record store
• The challenges of launching a business near UCLA in the 1970s
• Discovering the opportunity hidden in out-of-print music catalogs
• How Rhino helped pioneer the reissue music industry
• Why fan-first thinking became the company's competitive advantage
• Preserving forgotten artists and musical history
• The surprising story behind Rhino's first record release
• How punk rock culture influenced independent music distribution
• Meeting his wife through the early punk scene
• Building collectible music products for passionate fans
• Why major labels overlooked their own catalog treasures
• The evolution of compilation albums and curated music experiences
• How Rhino grew into an industry-defining brand
• The transition from Rhino Records to Shout! Factory
• Preserving cult television and film for future audiences
• Bringing Freaks and Geeks back to fans
• Working with Roger Corman and preserving cult cinema
• Why niche communities are often the most passionate audiences
• The future of media creation and decentralized storytelling
• How technology is changing entertainment production
• The role of storytelling in healthcare and human connection
• Why creativity and philanthropy remain deeply connected
• Lessons from more than 50 years in entertainment and media

🎵 Rhino Records: https://www.rhino.com

🎬 Shout Studios: https://www.shoutstudios.com/

📖 The Narrative Method: https://thenarrativemethod.org

A special thanks to Richard Foos for sharing his remarkable journey through music, film, television, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. His commitment to preserving culture, serving fans, and supporting meaningful storytelling continues to inspire creators and communities alike.

Special thanks as well to Fred Seibert for making the introduction and for his continued impact on creativity, storytelling, animation, and original content.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, animation, entrepreneurship, entertainment, gaming, technology, leadership, and building meaningful brands.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a creator, entrepreneur, music fan, filmmaker, collector, storyteller, media executive, or anyone passionate about preserving culture and building communities around great ideas.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#RichardFoos #RhinoRecords #ShoutFactory #MusicIndustry #PopCulture #Storytelling #CreativeLeadership #Entrepreneurship #MediaHistory #CultMovies #CultTV #MusicHistory #IndependentMedia #FanCommunities #CreativeBusiness #EntertainmentIndustry #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade #PreservingCulture #MusicFans

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Chris Hewish, gaming industry executive, strategist, and business leader whose career spans companies including Games Workshop, Activision, DreamWorks, and Xsolla. From starting in the mailroom at Games Workshop with an unforgettable Warhammer-inspired application letter to helping shape global game publishing, monetization, and platform strategies, Chris shares a unique perspective on how creativity and commerce work together to build successful games.

Together, they explore the evolving business of gaming, direct-to-consumer strategies, player engagement, game publishing, Web3, blockchain technology, and why the industry is entering one of its most transformative periods. Chris breaks down how developers can build stronger relationships with players, why ownership of customer relationships matters, and how emerging technologies may reshape game economies in the years ahead.

The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, creative leadership, passion-driven careers, and the importance of balancing art and business. Along the way, Chris shares lessons learned from decades in gaming and offers insights for developers, creators, and business leaders looking to navigate the future of interactive entertainment.

Whether you're a game developer, entrepreneur, publisher, marketer, investor, or lifelong gamer, this episode provides valuable perspective on where the industry has been and where it's heading next.

• How Chris landed his first job in gaming
• Why passion can outweigh experience
• Transitioning from tabletop games to video games
• The difference between game development and publishing
• Building a career on the business side of gaming
• Why direct player relationships matter
• The future of game commerce and digital ownership
• What Xsolla does for game developers
• Why great games still fail
• The realities of Web3 and blockchain gaming
• Balancing creativity with business strategy
• Advice for aspiring game industry professionals

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishewish

🎮 Xsolla: https://xsolla.com

A special thanks to Chris Hewish for sharing his experiences across game development, publishing, platform strategy, and emerging technologies. His insights into player relationships, business innovation, and the future of gaming provide a valuable roadmap for creators and companies navigating a rapidly evolving industry.

For more conversations about gaming, creativity, animation, storytelling, entrepreneurship, technology, leadership, entertainment, and building memorable experiences:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, entrepreneur, marketer, publisher, startup founder, investor, or anyone interested in the future of gaming and interactive entertainment.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#ChrisHewish #Xsolla #GameDevelopment #GamingIndustry #GamePublishing #Web3Gaming #BlockchainGaming #DirectToConsumer #GameBusiness #GameMarketing #InteractiveEntertainment #CreativeLeadership #Gaming #Entrepreneurship #DigitalOwnership #PlayerEngagement #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade #GameMonetization #FutureOfGaming

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Cameron Dayton, acclaimed creative and narrative director whose career spans more than two decades across some of the most influential franchises in gaming, including Overwatch, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, NBA 2K, and Infinity Blade. From helping found Chair Entertainment alongside future Fortnite creative director Donald Mustard to shaping narrative experiences at Blizzard, Activision, Scopely, and 2K, Cameron offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how great game stories are actually built.

Together, they explore why storytelling in games is fundamentally different from film, television, and books. Cameron shares lessons from working on Blizzard's ambitious Project Titan (which eventually evolved into Overwatch), developing stories for Call of Duty Nazi Zombies, collaborating with legendary creators, and navigating the unique challenges of building narratives inside massive AAA franchises.

The conversation dives deep into player agency, collaborative creativity, world building, game design, team culture, and why some of gaming's most memorable moments happen because of constraints rather than despite them. Cameron also explains why the best game stories aren't written by a single person, but emerge from passionate teams working together across design, art, music, engineering, and narrative.

Whether you're a game developer, writer, designer, creative leader, or simply someone who loves great games, this episode offers valuable insights into the art and craft of interactive storytelling.

• Cameron's journey from pre-med to game development
• Founding Chair Entertainment with Donald Mustard
• The making of Infinity Blade and its impact on mobile gaming
• Behind the scenes of Blizzard's Project Titan and the birth of Overwatch
• What makes storytelling in games unique
• How player agency transforms narrative design
• Environmental storytelling in AAA games
• Creating memorable stories within established franchises
• Why production constraints can fuel creativity
• The importance of collaboration across art, design, music, and narrative
• Lessons from Call of Duty: Nazi Zombies
• Advice for aspiring game developers and storytellers

💼 LinkedIn

🎮 Cat Daddy Games

📚 Etherwalker: Available through major book retailers

A special thanks to Cameron Dayton for sharing his experiences from some of gaming's most iconic franchises. His insights into collaborative storytelling, player agency, creative leadership, and world-building provide a fascinating look at what it takes to create games that stay with players long after they've put down the controller.

For more conversations about gaming, storytelling, animation, creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship, entertainment, and building meaningful experiences:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, writer, designer, producer, creative director, student, or anyone passionate about the future of interactive storytelling.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#CameronDayton #GameDevelopment #NarrativeDesign #Overwatch #CallOfDuty #WorldOfWarcraft #InfinityBlade #NBA2K #InteractiveStorytelling #GameWriting #CreativeLeadership #AAA Games #BlizzardEntertainment #GameDesign #Storytelling #GamingIndustry #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade #etherwalker #VideoGames

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Andrey Evdokimov, Facility Animation Supervisor at CG Factory, whose remarkable career spans nearly three decades and some of the world's most recognized entertainment projects. From teaching himself animation in post-Soviet Russia with virtually no resources to working on blockbuster films and major game franchises, Andrey shares a candid look at the realities of building a career in animation, leadership, and creative production.

Inspired by Toy Story and driven by relentless curiosity, Andrey navigated an industry that barely existed in Russia during the late 1990s. Without schools, mentors, tutorials, or even English-language resources, he taught himself 3D animation through experimentation, persistence, and countless hours of trial and error. That determination eventually led him to projects including Detective Pikachu, Aquaman, Destiny 2, major VFX productions, animated series, music videos, and game cinematics.

Throughout the conversation, Andrey breaks down the evolution of animation pipelines, the growing accessibility of education, the importance of mentorship, and why technical skill alone is not enough to succeed. He also shares hard-earned lessons about leadership, imposter syndrome, communication, creative constraints, and the delicate balance between artistic excellence and production realities.

Whether you're an aspiring animator, creative leader, game developer, filmmaker, or artist trying to level up your craft, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from someone who has successfully navigated nearly every corner of the animation industry.

• How Toy Story inspired Andrey's journey into animation
• What it was like learning 3D animation in Russia during the late 1990s
• The challenges of being a completely self-taught animator
• Why modern animation education is dramatically different from the early days of CG
• Lessons learned working across games, television, films, music videos, and VFX
• The biggest changes in animation production pipelines over the last 30 years
• Why younger artists today are entering the industry at higher skill levels than ever before
• Managing imposter syndrome while leading teams on major Hollywood productions
• The role of mentorship in developing creative talent
• Why self-taught artists often spend years reinventing solutions that already exist
• How animation education accelerates growth and skill development
• The importance of mastering animation fundamentals before chasing advanced work
• Why a bouncing ball exercise remains one of animation's most valuable lessons
• How music, acting, observation, and storytelling contribute to great animation
• The difference between technical proficiency and artistic expression
• Why communication skills matter as much as artistic talent
• Hiring lessons from leading animation teams across multiple industries
• How soft skills can outweigh technical skills during the hiring process
• Balancing artistic quality against deadlines, budgets, and production realities
• Finding the sweet spot between perfectionism and project completion
• Advice for aspiring animators entering today's competitive market

💼 LinkedIn: in/evdokimov

🎬 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com

📸 Instagram: @_lazy__boi

A special thanks to Andrey Yevdokimov for sharing his incredible journey through the evolution of modern animation. His story is a reminder that curiosity, persistence, and continuous learning often matter more than perfect circumstances. From self-teaching animation in an era with almost no educational resources to leading teams on major international productions, Andrey's career demonstrates what is possible when passion meets discipline.

For more conversations about animation, game development, creative leadership, storytelling, entrepreneurship, entertainment, design, and the future of creative industries:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with an animator, game developer, artist, creative director, student, educator, or anyone pursuing a career in animation. The lessons Andrey shares about learning, leadership, communication, and creative excellence are valuable no matter where you are in your creative journey.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#AndreyYevdokimov #Animation #CGFactory #GameDevelopment #VFX #3DAnimation #Pixar #ToyStory #DetectivePikachu #Aquaman #Destiny2 #AnimationCareer #CreativeLeadership #AnimationMentor #UnrealEngine #EpicGames #VisualEffects #CharacterAnimation #Storytelling #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this special episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with creative power couple Fred Seibert and Robin Seibert for an intimate conversation about creativity, reinvention, parenting, partnership, and building a meaningful life. Together, they reflect on more than three decades of marriage, groundbreaking careers in animation and music, and the lessons they've learned while navigating success, failure, family, and creative fulfillment.

Fred Seibert is one of the most influential figures in modern animation, helping launch cultural phenomena through MTV, Nickelodeon, Hanna-Barbera, Frederator, and beyond. Robin Seibert built an extraordinary career in the music industry, working with artists ranging from the Gypsy Kings to Nirvana and helping shape the visual identity of some of the most iconic musicians of her generation.

Together, they explore what it means to support each other's ambitions, reinvent yourself at every stage of life, and stay true to your creative instincts in industries that often reward conformity. From Robin's experiences working with Kurt Cobain to Fred's philosophy of empowering creators rather than controlling them, this episode is packed with wisdom for artists, entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone searching for purpose in their work.

The conversation also dives into raising independent children, overcoming financial setbacks, finding fulfillment beyond career success, and why the most important thing in life is having a reason to get out of bed every morning. Whether you're building a creative business, navigating a long-term relationship, or considering a major life reinvention, this episode offers a rare and honest look at what truly matters.

• How Fred and Robin built a thriving 32-year marriage while pursuing demanding creative careers
• The surprising story of how their relationship began
• What Robin learned from working alongside Kurt Cobain during the Nevermind era
• Why Fred believes creativity thrives when leaders empower artists instead of controlling them
• The importance of reinvention throughout every stage of life
• Lessons from MTV, Nickelodeon, Hanna-Barbera, Geffen Records, and DreamWorks
• How creative leaders can avoid becoming obstacles to great work
• Why authenticity matters more than following industry formulas
• The difference between technical skill and true creative expression
• How audience connection creates lasting cultural impact
• Building communities around creative work
• Why some creators become cultural icons while others fade away
• What Fred learned from investing in Tumblr during its earliest days
• Raising independent, self-reliant children in a privileged environment
• Supporting your children through career pivots and unconventional paths
• The role of failure, resilience, and recovery in long-term success
• Why money should never be the primary reason for choosing a career
• Lessons on parenting, partnership, and shared values
• The qualities they see reflected in their children today

🌐 Fred Films: https://fredfilms.com

💼 Fred Seibert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredseibert

📸 Robin Seibert on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinseibert

✍️ Robin Seibert on Medium: https://medium.com/@robinseibert

A special thanks to Fred and Robin Seibert for sharing their wisdom, vulnerability, and decades of experience navigating creative careers, entrepreneurship, marriage, and parenthood. Their perspectives on authenticity, reinvention, resilience, and supporting others serve as a powerful reminder that success is not defined by titles or accomplishments, but by the impact we have on the people around us.

For more conversations exploring creativity, storytelling, animation, entrepreneurship, gaming, entertainment, leadership, and business:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a creative professional, entrepreneur, artist, parent, mentor, business owner, or anyone navigating a major life transition. The lessons Fred and Robin share about purpose, reinvention, and building a meaningful life are too valuable to keep to yourself.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#FredSeibert #RobinSeibert #Animation #Nickelodeon #MTV #DreamWorks #GeffenRecords #CreativeLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Storytelling #Parenting #Marriage #CreativeCareers #KurtCobain #Nirvana #CreatorEconomy #PersonalGrowth #Reinvention #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Chris Overlay, founder and CEO of GetHoptimized, to unpack the science and strategy behind turning marketing spend into measurable ROI. Chris shares lessons from more than a decade in digital marketing, helping craft beverage brands, breweries, and small businesses build high-performing advertising systems that drive real business outcomes.

From niche positioning and audience targeting to conversion tracking and creative experimentation, Chris breaks down what separates successful marketing campaigns from expensive guesswork. He explains why understanding your audience matters more than chasing trends, how data informs better creative decisions, and why small businesses can often move faster and innovate more effectively than large corporations.

Carl and Chris also explore the unique challenges of marketing craft beer brands, the intersection of art and commerce, ethical considerations surrounding AI in marketing, and how community, masterminds, and mentorship have helped shape their entrepreneurial journeys. Along the way, they share practical insights for agency owners, marketers, creatives, and business leaders looking to build stronger systems and better results.

Whether you're running a brewery, leading a marketing team, building a creative agency, or trying to make sense of modern advertising, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas you can put to work immediately.

• Why niching down can create a significant competitive advantage
• How craft beverage brands use creativity and design to stand out
• The difference between creative art and functional design
• Why successful marketing requires both creativity and data
• How to define and track meaningful ROI metrics
• The importance of conversion tracking before launching campaigns
• Using Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, TikTok Pixel, and Tag Manager effectively
• How heat maps and session recordings improve website performance
• Strategies for driving foot traffic to brick-and-mortar businesses
• Creative ways breweries can measure event marketing success
• The role of geo-targeting in local advertising campaigns
• Why experimentation often beats expensive market research for SMBs
• Lessons from major marketing campaigns that missed the mark
• How AI is changing marketing operations and small business support
• The value of masterminds, mentorship, and peer communities
• Building systems that consistently produce measurable results

🌐 Website: https://gethoptimized.com

📧 Email: chris@gethoptimized.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chr-overlay

🎙️ GetHoptimized Podcast: https://gethoptimized.com/podcast

A special thanks to Chris Overlay for sharing his expertise on digital advertising, conversion tracking, niche marketing, creative operations, and building sustainable systems that help businesses grow. His practical approach to combining data, creativity, and community offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, marketers, and agency leaders alike.

For more conversations exploring creativity, marketing, entrepreneurship, technology, gaming, storytelling, and business:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a marketer, entrepreneur, agency owner, brewery operator, creative professional, or business leader who wants to improve their marketing performance and better understand how great creative work drives measurable business results.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#ChrisOverlay #GetHoptimized #DigitalMarketing #MarketingStrategy #ROI #Advertising #CraftBeerMarketing #CraftBeverage #CreativeOperations #PerformanceMarketing #SmallBusinessMarketing #Entrepreneurship #AgencyLife #MarketingAnalytics #GoogleAnalytics #MetaAds #BusinessGrowth #CreativeStrategy #PixelRetentivePodcast #MarketingLeadership

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Corbin Reeves, game designer, educator, and founder of Azure Ravens Entertainment, to explore what it really takes to build a sustainable indie game studio in an industry known for volatility, uncertainty, and relentless competition.

Over the past decade, Corbin has built Azure Ravens into a thriving co-development studio that has survived where many indie studios have disappeared. Through a combination of disciplined financial management, community engagement, mentorship, contract work, and an unwavering commitment to people-first leadership, he has created a studio model designed to weather the industry's toughest storms.

Carl and Corbin dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, pricing creative services, managing risk, building sustainable teams, mentoring emerging developers, and maintaining optimism when everything seems uncertain. Along the way, Corbin shares hard-earned lessons from nearly losing the studio, finding opportunity at the last possible moment, and creating a workplace culture that keeps talented people invested in a shared vision.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom for game developers, creative entrepreneurs, studio founders, freelancers, educators, and anyone building something meaningful in an unpredictable industry.

• Why most indie studios underestimate how difficult entrepreneurship really is
• The realities of building a sustainable game studio in today's market
• How co-development and contract work can fund long-term creative goals
• The importance of community building and industry relationships
• Why underpricing can actually hurt your business
• Lessons learned from raising rates and creating financial stability
• How mentorship accelerated Azure Ravens' growth
• Building a people-first culture that retains talent
• Why Corbin calls interns "apprentices"
• Creating pathways for emerging developers to enter the industry
• Managing uncertainty, risk, and near-business failures
• The power of optimism combined with operational realism
• Why founders need to understand every dollar in their business
• How strong systems create opportunities when luck arrives
• The importance of asking for help and seeking mentorship
• Why sustainable leadership matters more than ever in gaming

🌐 Azure Ravens Entertainment: https://www.azureravens.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corbinreeves

🎮 Azure Ravens on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azure-ravens-entertainment

A special thanks to Corbin Reeves for sharing his insights on entrepreneurship, sustainable game development, mentorship, leadership, and building resilient creative businesses. His commitment to helping developers enter the industry while creating a people-first studio culture serves as a powerful example of what modern leadership can look like in gaming.

For more conversations exploring creativity, gaming, technology, storytelling, entrepreneurship, and business:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, entrepreneur, creative professional, educator, student, or anyone working to build something meaningful in a rapidly changing world.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#CorbinReeves #AzureRavens #IndieGameDev #GameDevelopment #GameStudio #Entrepreneurship #GameDesign #GamingIndustry #CreativeLeadership #StartupLife #IndieGames #Mentorship #GameDeveloper #BusinessGrowth #PixelRetentivePodcast #CreativeBusiness #Leadership #GameIndustry #IndieStudio #SustainableBusiness

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Cheryl Platz, founder of Idea Platz, author, strategist, game development leader, and one of the industry's most respected voices on sustainable game development and player experience.

With a career spanning Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Amazon, Riot Games, Disney Parks, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Carnegie Mellon, and The Pokémon Company International, Cheryl brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of work across gaming, technology, user experience, and creative leadership.

Together, Carl and Cheryl explore one of the biggest questions facing the gaming industry today: How do we rebuild game development in a sustainable, ethical, and human-centered way after years of layoffs, crunch culture, and industry disruption?

The conversation dives into the future of gaming, the shifting landscape of consoles and platforms, the rise of player-driven experiences, ethical monetization, community building, AI, Web3, digital ownership, and why strong creative communities may be the key to helping the industry navigate its next chapter. Cheryl also shares lessons from her career working on iconic franchises like The Sims and leading large-scale initiatives at Riot Games, Microsoft, and beyond.

Whether you're a game developer, designer, creative leader, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about the future of interactive entertainment, this episode is packed with practical insights and thoughtful perspectives from someone who has helped shape products used by billions of people around the world.

• Cheryl's journey from Carnegie Mellon to Electronic Arts and beyond
• The lessons she learned working on The Sims franchise
• Why the gaming industry needs sustainable development practices
• How crunch culture can be eliminated without sacrificing quality
• The future of console gaming and platform disruption
• Why digital ownership remains a complicated challenge
• AI, Web3, and the realities of emerging technologies
• Ethical monetization and what players actually want
• How self-expression drives modern gaming communities
• Why Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and The Sims changed player expectations
• The role of community in surviving layoffs and career transitions
• Building meaningful professional relationships before you need them
• Leadership lessons from decades of experience in gaming and technology
• Why the next wave of innovation may come from independent creators

🌐 Website: https://www.cherylplatz.com

🎮 Game Development Strategy Guide: https://www.gamedevelopmentstrategyguide.com

🎙️ Enduring Play Podcast: https://www.cherylplatz.com/podcast

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylplatz

🦋 BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/funnygodmother.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnygodmother

A special thanks to Cheryl Platz for sharing her expertise on game development, sustainable leadership, player experience, ethical monetization, and the future of creativity in the gaming industry. Her commitment to helping developers build healthier careers and stronger communities is exactly the kind of leadership the industry needs right now.

For more conversations exploring creativity, gaming, technology, storytelling, and business:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, designer, creative leader, entrepreneur, educator, or anyone interested in the future of games and interactive entertainment.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#CherylPlatz #GameDevelopment #GameDesign #GamingIndustry #TheSims #PlayerExperience #CreativeLeadership #GameDev #UXDesign #SustainableDevelopment #VideoGames #IndieGames #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalOwnership #PixelRetentivePodcast #GameDevelopmentStrategyGuide #EnduringPlayPodcast #Leadership #GamingCommunity #GameIndustry

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with James Marcus, Art Director and Creative Leader at Snail Games USA, to explore the future of game art, creative careers, and what it means to thrive in an industry being reshaped by AI.

Drawing on experience across gaming, immersive media, and teams connected to Sony, Riot, Technicolor, Blur Studio, and Snail Games, James shares his perspective on creative leadership, mentorship, and navigating an industry that feels more uncertain—and more full of opportunity—than ever before.

Together, Carl and James dive into the realities of AI in game development, the challenges facing artists entering the industry, and how creators can adapt without losing their artistic integrity. They discuss ethical AI, creative ownership, personal branding, community building, leadership, and why the most successful artists and studios will be the ones that embrace change while staying true to their craft.

The conversation also explores Nintendo's enduring success with franchises like The Legend of Zelda, the future of indie game development, and how smaller teams are using new tools to compete in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

Whether you're a game developer, artist, creative leader, studio founder, or someone curious about the future of creativity in the AI era, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest perspectives from two people living through the industry's transformation.

• How AI is changing game art and creative production
• Why artists should think of AI as a tool, not a replacement
• The challenges facing emerging artists and game developers
• Building a personal brand in a crowded creative marketplace
• The importance of mentorship and creative leadership
• How small teams can compete with larger studios
• Ethical AI, intellectual property, and creator rights
• Why Nintendo continues to innovate after 40 years of Zelda
• Lessons from studios like Blur, Riot, Sony, and Snail Games
• How great leaders build trust instead of micromanaging
• The future of game development and creative careers
• Why adaptability is becoming the most valuable creative skill

🎮 Snail Games USA: https://snail.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmarcus3d

A special thanks to James Marcus for sharing his insights on creative leadership, game development, mentorship, and navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI in the creative industries.

For more conversations at the intersection of creativity, art, business, gaming, and storytelling:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, artist, creative leader, entrepreneur, or anyone interested in the future of creativity and technology.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#JamesMarcus #GameDevelopment #GameArt #CreativeLeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #AIArt #VideoGames #GameDesign #GamingIndustry #CreativeCareers #ArtDirection #PixelRetentivePodcast

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Jennifer Magley, Chief Brand Officer of The Basketball League, former professional athlete, and creator of one of the most ambitious personal branding campaigns in recent memory.

Jennifer shares the story behind her viral quest to land a spot on The Pat McAfee Show and how a simple idea evolved into a 365-day ambush marketing campaign, a growing community movement, and an upcoming documentary.

Together, they explore personal branding, audience engagement, the psychology of the mirror exposure effect, and the role of storytelling in creating opportunities. Jennifer also discusses her philosophy of "kayfabe marketing," lessons from sports entertainment, and why the best brands invite people to become part of the story.

Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, marketer, speaker, or business leader, this conversation is packed with insights on standing out, building momentum, and pursuing ambitious goals with creativity and persistence.

• How Jennifer's Pat McAfee campaign started
• The psychology behind the mirror exposure effect
• Why consistency creates visibility
• Turning criticism into a competitive advantage
• The concept of kayfabe marketing
• Building a community around a personal mission
• Jennifer's goal of speaking on 100 stages in 365 days
• Why storytelling is the foundation of great branding

🌐 Website: https://jennifermagley.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifermagley

🏀 The Basketball League: https://thebasketballleague.net

A special thanks to Jennifer Magley for sharing her insights on personal branding, storytelling, and audience engagement. Special thanks to Robert for his support behind the scenes and Duncan Alney for making this conversation possible.

For more conversations at the intersection of creativity, art, business, and storytelling:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a creator, entrepreneur, marketer, speaker, or business leader who would find value in the conversation.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#JenniferMagley #PersonalBranding #AmbushMarketing #Storytelling #MarketingStrategy #CreatorEconomy #AudienceEngagement #BrandBuilding #Entrepreneurship #PatMcAfee #PixelRetentivePodcast

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Andrew Perlmutter, CEO of NBA Take-Two Media (NBA T2), to explore how some of the world's most recognizable brands are transforming fan engagement, community building, and sports entertainment through participation.

Andrew shares his journey from helping launch groundbreaking media ventures like Quartz and Stat News to leading NBA T2, a culture-first media company operating at the intersection of basketball, gaming, storytelling, and audience engagement.

Together, they discuss why modern audiences no longer want to simply consume content—they want to be part of it.

From building fan communities through NBA 2K to creating content that blends sports, fashion, music, travel, and gaming culture, Andrew explains how NBA T2 is rethinking fan engagement for a generation that expects interaction, ownership, and meaningful connection with the brands they love.

They dive into the power of first-party data, the future of sports marketing, creating unforgettable fan experiences, and why participation has become one of the most valuable assets in modern media and brand building. Along the way, Andrew shares lessons from developing innovative content platforms, building audience loyalty, and creating experiences that turn fans into lifelong advocates.

Whether you're building a brand, creating content, leading a community, or simply curious about where entertainment is headed, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of audience engagement, storytelling, and culture-driven marketing.

Guest Links

🌐 NBA Take-Two Media: https://nba.com

🏀 NBA 2K: https://nba.2k.com

Special Thanks

A special thanks to Andrew Perlmutter for sharing his insights on the future of fan engagement, storytelling, sports marketing, and culture-driven media.

Connect with Epic Made

For more conversations at the intersection of creativity, art, business, and storytelling, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend, colleague, marketer, creator, entrepreneur, sports fan, or business leader who would find value in the conversation.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Paul Harvey, co-founder of Escape Mail, to explore what it really takes to pivot a hands-on escape room business into a global tabletop brand.

Paul shares how Mobile Escape began as physical escape rooms built inside 30 foot trailers serving schools and corporate events, only to have the business shut down overnight when COVID hit. With just months of cash left, Paul and his team adapted fast, transforming their puzzle design expertise into Escape Mail, a subscription-based tabletop escape experience delivered straight to players' homes.

They dive into the realities of creative pivots, shifting from a local service business to global e-commerce, selling through Amazon and distributors like Asmodee, and redesigning packaging to succeed in retail stores. This is an honest look at adaptability, focus, entrepreneurship, and building a sustainable creative brand in an unpredictable market.

• Pivoting from physical escape rooms to tabletop games during COVID
• Turning simple paper puzzles into immersive mail-based experiences
• Building recurring revenue through subscription models
• Selling on Amazon and working with distributors like Asmodee
• The psychology of packaging and perceived value in retail
• Why adaptability is the core skill of entrepreneurship
• Lessons from pitching on Dragon's Den
• The decision to sell Mobile Escape and focus fully on Escape Mail
• Marketing realities with Meta ads, influencers, and conventions
• Designing shorter, lighter tabletop experiences for modern players
• The importance of having a strong support system in business

🌐 Escape Mail: https://theescapemail.com

📸 Instagram: @escapemail

📘 Facebook: mobileescaperoom

Shout out to Paul's dad for being a steady mentor and champion throughout his entrepreneurial journey, and to Jags for making the original introduction that sparked this connection.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who would find value in the conversation.

For more conversations at the intersection of creativity, art, and business, visit
https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Veronica Kido, award-winning publicist and founder of Kido Communications, to explore how strategic brand positioning earns real media attention.

Veronica shares how her background in journalism shaped her approach to PR, why most companies misunderstand how media actually works, and how validation testing transforms branding from subjective opinion into objective strategy. From mapping market white space to building what she calls a "single sharp nail" message, this conversation dives deep into how brands can connect emotionally and convert rationally.

They also unpack the intersection of brand strategy and visual execution, why research-backed messaging makes creative production stronger, and how AI is unexpectedly increasing the value of earned media and press releases.

This episode is a masterclass in credibility, authority building, and why strategy must come before design.

Key Topics Discussed

• What strategic brand positioning actually means in B2B environments
• The three-circle market mapping process for finding brand white space
• Validation testing and removing subjective opinions from branding
• Why companies struggle with "I showed this to my wife" feedback
• The concept of the "single sharp nail" message
• Emotional connection first, rational conversion second
• How visual design translates research into brand experience
• What most brands misunderstand about media coverage
• Relationship-driven PR versus spray and pray pitching
• How AI engines now rely heavily on press releases and earned media
• Building authority through LinkedIn, podcasts, and owned content
• The difference between getting coverage and becoming a credible industry voice

Guest Links

🌐 Kido Communications: kidocommunications.com
💼 Veronica Kido on LinkedIn: in/veronicakido

Special Thanks

Shout-out to Doug Fox, brand strategist and longtime collaborator of Veronica's, for his influence on the validation-driven positioning framework discussed in this episode.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who would find value in the conversation.

For more conversations at the intersection of creativity, art, and business, visit
https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl connects with Chris Zukowski, game marketing researcher and creator of howtomarketagame.com to unpack what it really takes to build a sustainable creative business without chasing social media vanity metrics.

Chris shares his journey from corporate UX leadership roles at IBM, American Airlines, and Solera Health to becoming a full-time creator in 2019. After years of shipping his own indie games and consulting for developers, he realized he had rebuilt the very meeting-heavy lifestyle he left behind. The turning point? Packaging his expertise into scalable products, building a mailing list, and refusing to let platforms like YouTube sit between him and his audience

This conversation is a high-energy, unfiltered breakdown of ownership, mailing lists, monetization, and why "being boring" might be the most radical move a creative can make.

Key Topics Discussed

• Why marketing is not advertising — and why choosing what to build is your biggest marketing decision
• From corporate director to full-time creator (and why meetings almost pulled him back in)
• Turning consulting knowledge into scalable courses and conferences
• Why Chris refuses to rely on YouTube subscribers
• The difference between owning your audience and borrowing a platform
• Why every creative needs their own domain and mailing list
• The 1,000 True Fans framework and how 2% conversion changes everything
• Why chasing social metrics is a distraction from real revenue
• Selling directly vs. tipping, Patreon, or AdSense models
• Building a middle-class creative business without going viral

Guest Links
🌐 How to Market a Game: https://howtomarketagame.com
📘 Free Book: https://howtomarketagame.com/free
🎮 Pro Game Marketing Conference: progamemarketing.com

• Newsletter: howtomarketagame.com/free
• Festival Tracker: howtomarketagame.com/festivals

Special Thanks
Shout out to Mario Kroll of Uber Strategist for the introduction and for supporting so many creators in the gaming space.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who would find value in the conversation. For more conversations at the intersection of creativity, art, and business, visit https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

#GameMarketing #IndieGameDev #CreatorEconomy #MailingListMarketing #SteamAlgorithm #CreativeEntrepreneur #OwnYourAudience #PixelRetentivePodcast

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Jonathan Domanus, founder of CardMill, to explore what it really takes to turn a personal frustration into a funded hardware startup.

Jonathan shares how a lifelong love of Magic the Gathering led him to build an automated trading card scanner and sorter after realizing the only existing solutions cost upwards of $10,000. Armed with a Raspberry Pi, LEGO bricks, and a software background, he built a prototype that eventually raised over $2 million on Kickstarter.

They dive into the realities of bootstrapping a physical product, managing 5,000 backers, navigating manufacturing shifts, and betting $28,000 of personal ad spend to prove the idea would work. This is a raw, honest look at risk, community building, and what it takes to ship hardware in an unpredictable global economy.

Key Topics Discussed

• Building CardMill from cardboard and LEGO prototypes
• Raising $2.4M on Kickstarter without VC funding
• Spending $28K on ads and betting on yourself
• The power of direct community engagement and Discord
• Why 63% of Kickstarters fail and how to beat the odds
• Manufacturing pivots and scaling beyond the original team
• Locking in factory pricing amid global economic volatility
• Hardware certification and international shipping challenges
• Balancing affordability with business sustainability
• Supporting a startup with the right partners (Beyond Design, DMC Inc., Product Evolution)
• The importance of having a strong partner in entrepreneurship

Guest Links

🌐 CardMill: https://cardmill.com
💬 Join the community on Discord via the website
📩 Contact Jonathan Social Links:

• Social links: linktr.ee/cardmill 
• Facebook: facebook.com/mycardmill
• Instagram: instagram.com/mycardmill
• YouTube: youtube.com/@CardMill 
• Media Kit: cardmill.com/media

Special Thanks

Jonathan also shares a heartfelt shout-out to his wife, Lindsay, whose graphic design expertise, strategic grounding, and unwavering support made CardMill possible. Carl gives a special thanks to Michael Prince of Beyond Design for the introduction and industrial design partnership.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who would find value in the conversation.

For more conversations at the intersection of creativity, art, and business, visit epicmade.net/podcast.

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

In this episode, Carl sits down with Jonathan Grzybowski, CMO and co-founder of Penji, to unpack what it really takes to bootstrap and scale a global creative company without outside funding.

With over 15 years in the industry, Jonathan shares his journey from launching a digital marketing agency in his early 20s to building Penji into an Inc. 5000 creative subscription service with 500+ team members serving clients in 80+ countries. Along the way, he embraced grit, risk, and relentless problem-solving, proving that solving real problems beats chasing money every time.

Jonathan also reflects on launching Working Dads, his upcoming podcast focused on fatherhood and ambition, and why building community as an entrepreneur is essential. A special thanks to LinkedIn for sparking the connection and bringing this conversation together.

Guest Links

🌐 Penji: https://penji.co
💼 Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: Search Jonathan Grzybowski
🎙 Working Dads Podcast (launching soon)

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building something meaningful.

For more conversations at the intersection of creativity, art, and business, visit epicmade.net.

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Justin Superstar Johnson — Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, founder of BMP Creative, and creator of the AI-powered editorial tool Spooky Cutter.

From editing wedding videos on stacked VHS decks in the late 90s to producing over 2,000 videos annually for Netflix, Justin shares how showing up on time, having a good attitude, and refusing to burn bridges built a 30-year creative career.

They dive deep into scaling post-production without losing creative soul, building team culture with intention, and why systems and automation are not the enemy of art — they are what protect it.

Justin gives a shout out to BMP Creative President Anthony Deptula for helping scale the company with a people-first mindset and strategic clarity. Carl also appreciates Fred Seibert for making the introduction and for continuing to connect great creative minds.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

BMP Creative – https://bmpcreative.com
Justin Superstar – https://www.bmpcreative.com/about
Spooky Cutter – https://spookycutter.com
Email Justin directly – justin@bmpcreative.com

This episode is brought to you by Epic Made.

Epic Made creates memorable animation, digital art, and graphic design to elevate brands. From entertainment campaigns to social content systems, Epic Made helps companies tell stories that resonate with imaginative audiences.

If this episode resonated with you, write a review and share it with someone in your creative orbit.

For more conversations at the intersection of creativity, art, and business, visit EpicMade.net

Until next time,
Carl

In this episode, Carl sits down with Tim Thompson, Founder and Chief Revolution Thinker at RevThink, to unpack what it really takes to build a sustainable creative business without losing the soul of the work.

With nearly 30 years in the industry, Tim shares his journey from going door to door in Burbank to landing three job offers in a single day , to becoming a founding member of Imaginary Forces and later collaborating during the Beeple NFT era. Along the way, he developed frameworks like the Seven Ingredients, the Factors Method, and the Value Pyramid to help creative entrepreneurs scale with clarity.

This conversation explores:

• The difference between commodity, service, strategy, and vision driven businesses
• Why creative companies are "prima donna" businesses and what that actually means
• Fame, fortune, and freedom as drivers for creative founders
• How to mature from selling time to selling influence
• Technology shifts, AI, and what "future native" creativity might look like
• Longevity, burnout, and finding purpose beyond the work

Tim also shares personal reflections on stepping away from the industry to attend seminary, the importance of perspective, and how creative leaders can embrace change rather than fear it. A special thanks to Shireen Strasberg for originally connecting Carl with RevThink and helping spark this conversation.

Guest Links

🌐 RevThink: https://revthink.com
🤝 Rev Community: https://revthink.com/community
✉️ Connect directly: Tim@RevThink.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a creative founder, studio owner, or entrepreneur building their own long game.

For more conversations at the intersection of creativity, art, and business, visit  epicmade.net.

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Debbie Millman — designer, author of eight books, educator, branding expert, and host of the legendary Design Matters podcast — for a deeply honest conversation about mastery, reinvention, and building a creative life that lasts.

With over 40 years in design, Debbie reflects on rejection, detours, launching a podcast at 43, collaborating with NASA, and why the most meaningful work often comes from boredom, struggle, or desperation.

At the center of this conversation is a powerful idea:
Your best work should never be behind you.

• Why Debbie's proudest work is with the Joyful Heart Foundation
• How branding can create real social impact
• The story behind her NASA Europa Clipper collaboration
• Why she launched Design Matters by paying for it herself
• How rejection shaped her career instead of defining it
• Why mastery takes longer than we expect
• The difference between making for meaning vs. making for accolades
• Why boredom can spark your next creative breakthrough
• How teaching and mentorship fuel long term growth
• Why you should never want to "peak" too early

"I don't want to peak until the day before I die." – Debbie Millman

For Debbie, creativity is not about arriving. It is about evolving. The goal is not to build a highlight reel of past achievements. It is to keep making, questioning, and pushing forward so that your most meaningful work is still ahead of you.

In a world obsessed with overnight success and viral fame, Debbie offers a radically different perspective. Mastery takes time. Craft takes decades. Reinvention often comes from discomfort.

From helping launch the "No More" campaign to sending design into space with NASA's Europa Clipper mission, Debbie shows how creativity can move beyond commerce and into culture, science, and social change.

This episode is especially powerful for creatives in their 30s and 40s who feel like they have not "arrived" yet. Debbie proves that longevity, curiosity, and persistence matter far more than early accolades.

Debbie honors:

• Professor Helen Reguero Elam for believing in her early
• Karen Lippert for taking a chance on her work
• Steve Heller, her "fairy godfather," for shaping her publishing and teaching career

Carl also gives a shout out to Kenneth FitzGerald for the introduction.

• Debbie Millman
• Design Matters Podcast
• Joyful Heart Foundation – Joyfulheartfoundation.org
• "No More" campaign
• NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory – Europa Clipper Mission
• Love Letter to a Garden - by Debbie Millman
• Louise Fili
• Graphic Artists Guild – Pricing & Ethical Guidelines Handbook (17th Edition)
• School of Visual Arts (SVA) – Masters in Branding
• AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts)

Website: https://www.designmattersmedia.com
Instagram: @debbiemillman

If this episode sparked something for you, share it with a designer, entrepreneur, or creative in your orbit.

And if you want to appear on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, apply here:
👉 epicmade.net/podcast

Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of creativity, art, branding, and business.

Until next time, ✌️ – Carl

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Thor Odinsson — creative polymath, experience architect, and former business development leader in the games industry — for a deep conversation on world building, experience design, and the accelerating impact of AI on creative business.

Thor's career spans fine art, music production, record labels, large scale events, theater, film, and game studios. From working on major productions to shaping strategy at the intersection of games, culture, and commerce, he defines his work through one core principle: he is in the experience industry.

Together, Carl and Thor explore what it really takes to build worlds that resonate, why businesses should focus on solving real human pain instead of chasing disruption, and how overproduction in games and media is colliding with the limits of human attention.

At the heart of this episode is a powerful truth: the medium does not matter. The outcome does. If your audience does not feel something, nothing else matters.

• Experience design in gaming, live events, and entertainment
• World building as a long term business strategy
• The rise of AI in game development and creative production
• Why AI shifts bottlenecks instead of eliminating them
• Overproduction in games, comics, and digital content
• Solving customer pain versus chasing unicorn valuations
• Creative reinvention and avoiding stagnation
• The balance between structure and chaos in creativity
• Apollo vs Dionysus as a framework for creators
• Why human emotion remains the ultimate metric of success

"If you cannot design with your mind, a tool is not going to help you."

This insight from Thor's late professor, Guðmundur Róttar, captures the essence of the conversation. Tools evolve and technology accelerates, but imagination, taste, and lived experience remain irreplaceable. True world building starts in the mind, not in the software.

Thor honors his late professor Guðmundur Róttar for shaping his philosophy on creativity, discipline, and imagination.

Carl gives a shout out to Mario Kroll for the introduction and continued collaboration within the games and entertainment community.

• Thor Odinsson on LinkedIn
• Mario Kroll – UberStrategist
• Nordic Games Institute
• Icelandic Games Industry Coalition
• Unreal Engine

If you enjoyed this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a creative founder, game developer, or world builder in your network.

For more episodes on creativity, art, gaming, and business strategy, visit epicmade.net/podcast.

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with David Gallaher, transmedia storyteller, writer, and creative executive whose career spans Marvel Comics, DC, Ubisoft, and immersive live experiences.

From breaking into Marvel with a hand-drawn comic strip resum to pioneering early interactive "cyber comics" and developing narrative systems for games and live events, David's journey is anything but conventional. With a background in neuroscience and a deep love for comics, old time radio, and role-playing games, he has built a career exploring how stories evolve across platforms.

At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: your brand is not a campaign. It is a universe.

We explore immersion, audience agency, transmedia storytelling, and how meaningful participation turns consumers into co-authors.

• How David broke into Marvel by faxing a comic strip resume
• What early interactive comics taught him about digital storytelling
• Why comics and old-time radio are inherently participatory mediums
• How video games blend multiple storytelling formats into one immersive experience
• The psychology of choice and why meaningful decisions matter in narrative design
• How to design stories specifically for the platform they live on
• Why immersion breaks the moment friction interrupts flow
• How Creatures and Cocktails blends live theater, Dungeons and Dragons, and hospitality
• The power of physical artifacts in a digital world
• Why brands that create universes build deeper fandom

"Your brand isn't a campaign. It's a universe." – David Gallaher

David reframes storytelling as something expansive and interconnected. When narratives stretch across comics, games, live experiences, and digital platforms, audiences stop being passive viewers and become participants. That participation builds ownership, emotional investment, and long-term loyalty. The more immersive and intentional the design, the stronger the connection.

David gives a heartfelt shout-out to Kurt McClung, Co-founder of Taliespin, whose mentorship and visionary leadership in immersive storytelling and business innovation opened the door to bolder narrative experiments and creative growth, and he recognizes Alistair Barrett, his collaborator on Creatures and Cocktails, whose creativity and enthusiasm infuse every immersive experience they build together. Last but not least, he acknowledges Steve Ellis, artist of High Moon.

• David Gallaher on LinkedIn
• Taliespin
• Creatures and Cocktails: David Gallaher & Allistar Barrett
• Academy Center of the Arts
• Steve Ellis: High Noon
• Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
• Old-time Radio (OTR): Era when broadcast radio was the dominant form of home entertainment in the United States, roughly from the early 1920s through the 1950's
• Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
• Bluefishing by Steve Sims

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a storyteller, game designer, or brand builder in your orbit. 

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

Connect with Us on 

• Epic Made on Instagram
• Epic Made on Facebook 
• EM on Youtube
• EM on Linkedin
• Epic Made's Website

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Kenneth R. FitzGerald — educator, designer, artist, curator, writer, and Professor of Design at Old Dominion University.

From starting out as a ceramics major to becoming a self described "accidental" design critic, Ken's journey is anything but linear. What began as a letter to the editor of Emigre Magazine turned into a decades long career shaping conversations around graphic design, culture, and criticism. Along the way, he built a life balancing teaching, writing, personal creative work, and cultural commentary.

At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: design is not neutral. It never was.

We explore design as culture, design as responsibility, and why timidity is one of the greatest threats to creative growth.

Quote of the Week

"Design is 100 percent culture. You cannot avoid it." – Kenneth R. FitzGerald

Ken dismantles the myth that design is purely objective problem solving. Outside of basic technical execution, design lives entirely within culture. Every visual decision communicates values, priorities, and narratives. Whether commercial or artistic, design participates in shaping society. The question is not whether it has cultural impact. The question is what kind of impact it has.

This conversation dives deep into the intersection of art, commerce, criticism, and responsibility.

Ken reflects on discovering Emigre Magazine in the early 1990s and realizing that design could be intellectually vibrant rather than corporate and rigid. A single letter to the editor led to an invitation to write, which led to a career in design criticism that he never planned.

We unpack the idea that courage in design is not about aggression, but about clarity. Ken argues that designers must avoid timidity — whether in creative expression, critique, or professional negotiations. Standing behind your ideas, signing your name to your opinions, and owning your perspective builds both respect and community.

The conversation also explores the ethical tension designers face when balancing economic viability with cultural responsibility. Ken challenges the false binary of "sell out or starve," arguing instead for a spectrum of agency and intentional choice.

For creatives navigating the space between art and business, this episode is both grounding and galvanizing.

Ken gives a heartfelt shout out to Rudy VanderLans, founder of Emigre Magazine. A simple response to Ken's letter to the editor opened the door to writing, mentorship, and a lifelong role in design discourse. Rudy's willingness to give a young designer a platform shaped the trajectory of Ken's career.

Kenneth FitzGerald

Old Dominion University – Department of Art

Emigre Magazine

AIGA – American Institute of Graphic Arts

Graphic Artists Guild

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a designer or creative thinker in your orbit.

And if you have a story worth telling, apply to be a guest at epicmade.net/podcast.

 Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

Connect with Us on 

• Epic Made on Instagram
• Epic Made on Facebook 
• EM on Youtube
• EM on Linkedin
• Epic Made's Website

This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I sat down with Mario Kroll, founder of UberStrategist and a 30 year veteran of the video game and entertainment industry.

From launching WarGamer.com in the early days of online gaming to building a multi-award-winning PR and marketing agency, Mario has seen every hype cycle, platform shift, and industry reinvention you can imagine. He has navigated retail-to-digital distribution, pre-social media journalism to influencer dominance, and the post-COVID turbulence that reshaped gaming media and PR.

At the core of this conversation is one big idea: hype alone will not save your product.

With over 20,000 games launching every year, attention is the real battleground. Mario breaks down why discoverability is harder than ever, why community building must start early, and why even the best PR strategy cannot fix a mediocre product.

If you are a founder, marketer, creative, or game developer trying to stand out in a noisy market, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom.

• How Mario built WarGamer.com to over 1.1 million users before social media existed
• The biggest shifts in gaming PR from retail to digital to influencer driven ecosystems
• Why COVID changed the industry and why the "new normal" was a myth
• The real challenge of discoverability in a market flooded with new releases
• Why community building must begin long before launch
• The dangers of waiting until the last minute to think about marketing
• Why Kickstarter campaigns fail without a pre-built audience
• How to balance vocal minority feedback without breaking your game
• Why great trailers and video assets are critical in 2026
• The difference between product-driven launches and brand-driven longevity
• Why resilience and reinvention are essential for agency survival

Quote of the Week

Mario makes it clear: PR amplifies quality. It does not manufacture it.

Too many creators rely on hype, paid ads, or last-minute publicity to compensate for unfinished thinking. But in a crowded marketplace, audiences can tell. Strong fundamentals, clear positioning, and genuine community support are what make marketing efforts work. Without that foundation, hype burns fast and fades faster.

This conversation covers three decades of evolution in gaming, PR, and entrepreneurship.

Mario shares how he transitioned from gaming journalist to agency founder, the lessons he learned managing 50 contributors across the world in the early internet days, and how UberStrategist grew through grit, layoffs, pivots, and constant reinvention.

We also unpack the myth of job security versus entrepreneurship, the false comfort of corporate stability, and why founders must stay agile in volatile industries.

One of the most powerful through lines in this episode is the importance of building a brand, not just launching products. Studios that invest in reputation, community, and long -term trust create sustainable success. Those who chase hype cycles struggle to survive.

Whether you are launching a game, a tech product, a film, or a creative service, the principle remains the same:

Hype is a tactic. Strategy is long-term.

• UberStrategist: uberstrategist.com
• Email: workwithus@uberstrategist.com
• War Gamer
• Nightdive Studios Atari
• Bethesda: Elder Scrolls Series
• PAX East

Mario gives a special shout-out to Larry Kuperman, a gaming industry veteran known for leadership, mentorship, and advocacy work around toxicity and anti-Semitism in gaming. Larry has played a key role in shaping Nightdive Studios' trajectory and is a strong example of relationship-driven leadership in the entertainment industry.

Pixel Retentive explores the intersection of creativity, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at Epic Made. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it.

If this episode sparked something for you, share it with a friend or colleague.

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

Connect with Us on 

• Epic Made on Instagram
• Epic Made on Facebook 
• EM on Youtube
• EM on Linkedin
• Epic Made's Website

How do you generate billions of views without losing your humanity?

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes connects with Anthony Deptula, President of BMP Creative, one of Netflix's agencies of record. Anthony's team has produced thousands of social-first videos across major titles, blending culture, speed, and storytelling at scale.

But this conversation goes deeper than metrics.

Anthony shares his nonlinear path from Ohio University to USA Network, independent filmmaking, and eventually building creative teams that serve some of the biggest entertainment brands in the world. Along the way, we explore leadership, burnout, AI, synchronicity, and why nurturing your personal creativity is essential for long-term success.

We also dive into Anthony's passion project, TAG The Magazine (use coupon code Epicmade25 at checkout), an interactive print publication designed to empower kids to create offline in a world dominated by screens.

If you are a creative entrepreneur, agency leader, filmmaker, or marketer navigating the future of content, this episode is a must-listen.

• How BMP Creative generates billions of views for Netflix
• Why creative leaders must protect their team's personal projects
• The connection between grief, purpose, and storytelling
• Lessons from GoldieBlox and scaling YouTube channels
• Why AI will reward unique voice, not homogeneity
• How to avoid burnout in high-output creative environments
• The power of synchronicity in building a creative career
• Why paper might be more revolutionary than digital

Anthony Deptula is the President of BMP Creative, one of Netflix's agencies of record. His career spans television, film, digital media, and branded storytelling. He also wrote, produced, and acted in a feature film that premiered at Sundance.

Beyond commercial work, Anthony launched TAG The Magazine, a tactile, interactive publication designed to give kids their creative voice back.

• Justin Johnson: BMP Creative
• TAG The Magazine -use coupon code Epicmade25 at checkout 
• Epic Made
• The Artist's Way – Julia Cameron
• GoldieBlox
• Mom & Dad's Nipple Factory (Official Trailer)
• Graphic Artists Guild

If this episode sparked something for you, share it with a fellow creative.

Pixel Retentive explores the intersection of creativity, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at Epic Made. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it.

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I connected with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, founder of Rise25, longtime podcaster, and one of the people directly responsible for this show existing in the first place.

Jeremy's journey is anything but linear. He started in biochemistry, became a chiropractor after witnessing the impact it had on his father's health, and accidentally stumbled into podcasting before it was even called podcasting. What began as a way to build relationships and avoid writing blog posts turned into interviewing thousands of founders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs, and eventually into Rise25, a company that helps B2B brands turn podcasts into a real relationship and growth engine.

At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful idea: stop pitching and start inviting. Instead of chasing people with sales messages, Jeremy breaks down how podcasts, systems, and genuine generosity create long-term relationships that naturally lead to business, partnerships, and referrals. We dig into how systems make generosity sustainable, why giving without agenda works, and how podcasting becomes an unfair advantage when used the right way.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• How Jeremy accidentally built an agency by helping people with podcasts
• Why podcasting works better for relationship building than cold outreach
• The mindset shift from pitching to inviting and giving value first
• How to approach sales calls without pressure or anxiety
• Why generosity needs systems to scale sustainably
• The concept of the Dream 200 and relationship-first growth
• How CRM pipelines can be reframed as "columns of giving"
• Creative ways to stay top of mind without selling
• Why social proof matters more than downloads
• Lessons learned from interviewing thousands of entrepreneurs
• The common thread of grit, pivots, and resilience behind successful founders
• How to build content systems that drive ROI without taking over your life

This quote perfectly captures Jeremy's philosophy. When conversations are driven by curiosity and service instead of self-interest, pressure disappears. Sales stops feeling like sales. Relationships deepen. Opportunities emerge naturally. Jeremy's approach reframes growth as something built through trust, generosity, and consistency, not tactics or manipulation.

Talking with Jeremy felt like both a masterclass and a mirror. We explored how relationships are the real foundation of business, why podcasting sidesteps traditional gatekeeping, and how systems make generosity repeatable instead of exhausting. What stood out most was how intentional Jeremy is about staying in touch, adding value, and tracking relationships without turning them into transactions.

This episode is especially valuable for creatives, freelancers, and service-based founders who struggle with self-promotion or sales. Jeremy's approach proves that you do not need to pitch harder to grow. You need to care more, show up consistently, and build systems that support long-term human connection.

A special thanks to Jason Swenk for introducing me to Dr. Jeremy Weisz, and huge thanks to Dr. Jeremy Weisz for not only joining the show but for being a mentor, connector, and catalyst behind the Pixel Retentive Podcast itself.

• Rise25 (Jeremy Weisz's Company):
  rise25.com
• Inspired Insider Podcast (Jeremy's Podcast):
  https://inspiredinsider.com
• Ian Garlick: videocasestory.com
• Jason Swenk: Smart Agency Masterclass
• Tony Horton: P90X
• Noah Alper: Noah's Bagels (Sold to Einstein Bros. Bagels)
• Chris Ategeka: Founder of multiple nonprofits
• Mobileye: Advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS)
• Alexander Landa: co‑founder/CEO of Akiva
• Books Mentioned:
  Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (memoir about how he started and built Nike)
  Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
  How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
  Influence by Robert Cialdini
  Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
  Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath
• Protein Bars: RX, Quest Nutrition, IQ, Jimmy, Zing bar

If you found value in this episode, subscribe and share it with someone who needs a better way to grow their network.

Pixel Retentive explores the intersection of creativity, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at getepicmade.com. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it.

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

Introduction

This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I connected with Michael Prince, founder of Beyond Design and a veteran industrial designer with more than four decades of experience bringing ideas from sketch to shelf. Michael's career spans iconic brands like IBM, Sony, and Thomson Consumer Electronics, and over the last 32 years, he's built Beyond Design into a trusted partner for inventors, startups, and companies navigating the realities of manufacturing.

Our conversation lives at the collision point of industrial design, marketing, manufacturing, and emerging technology. From rapid prototyping and 3D printing to crowdfunding and AI-assisted ideation, Michael shares what it really takes to turn an idea into a viable product—and why understanding the entire ecosystem matters more than ever.

A major thread of the episode centers on Card Mill, a Magic: The Gathering card sorting machine that raised over $2.3 million on Kickstarter in just hours. Using this project as a case study, Michael breaks down the leap from working prototype to manufacturable product, the risks hidden behind successful crowdfunding campaigns, and the trust required between designers, engineers, and inventors.

What You'll Learn

• What industrial design actually looks like from concept to manufacturing
• How 3D printing transformed rapid iteration and product development
• Why crowdfunding has unlocked a new generation of independent inventors
• The real story behind the Card Mill Kickstarter success
• The difference between a prototype that works and a product that can scale
• How designers collaborate with electronics, engineering, and manufacturing partners
• The tradeoffs between U.S. manufacturing and overseas production
• How AI is disrupting design careers—and where it genuinely adds value
• Why AI works best as a tool for ideation, communication, and exploration
• The long-term importance of staying adaptable as technology evolves

Quote of the Week

Michael's perspective comes from decades of watching entire industries shift from manual drafting and typesetting to CAD, 3D printing, and now AI. His point isn't fear-based; it's pragmatic. Tools will change, roles will evolve, and some jobs will disappear. The designers who endure aren't the ones clinging to the past; they're the ones who learn, adapt, and integrate new tools without losing judgment, craft, or intent.

Overview

Talking with Michael felt like a behind-the-scenes look at how ideas actually become products in the real world. We explored the realities of manufacturing, the risks hidden behind viral Kickstarter campaigns, and how trust and collaboration shape successful outcomes. What stood out most was Michael's grounded optimism, his belief that while AI and automation are disruptive, they also open doors for smaller teams, independent inventors, and specialists to collaborate in powerful new ways.

Whether you're a designer, engineer, founder, or creative thinker with a product idea in the back of your mind, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to move from inspiration to execution—without shortcuts, hype, or illusions.

Shout-Out to Card Mill, a Magic: The Gathering card sorting machine created by independent inventor Jonathan, and a standout example of what's possible when great ideas meet the right design and engineering partners.

Resources & Mentions

• Beyond Design (Michael Prince's Studio): startbeyond.com
• Card Mill (Magic: The Gathering Card Sorting Machine): cardmill.com
  
• MHub Chicago (Innovation & Maker Space): mhubchicago.com
• 3D Printing Tools
  • Ultimaker Cura (Slicing Software)
  • Ender 3 V2 (3D Printer)
• AI & Creative Tools
  • ChatGPT
  • Midjourney
• Community & Platforms
  • Kickstarter
  • Discord

Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at epicmade.net. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it. 

Until next time, ✌️ -Carl

Introduction

This week I had the incredible honor of talking with Kalika Sharma, a creative director, NYU professor, and founder of AntidoteFX, now in its 23rd year. Kalika's journey through the creative industry is nothing short of epic, spanning from hand-drawn animations on a 16mm Oxberry animation stand to leading high-end global campaigns for brands like Marriott Bonvoy and Brooks Brothers. Her ability to combine artistry with strategy has positioned her at the top of her field — all while mentoring others and staying on the edge of new technology. Oh, and did I mention she produced the iHeartRadio Music Festival while five months pregnant with twins? Absolute legend.

What You'll Learn

• What it was like to animate frame-by-frame using a chalkboard and film
• How Kalika landed her first gig at Nickelodeon through relentless portfolio iteration
• Why working on "Little Bill" revealed her love for variety and led to a pivot into commercials
• The scale and creative challenge of producing 30 bespoke videos in 15 languages for Marriott Bonvoy
• How to keep your artistic spark alive while pivoting alongside evolving tech like AI
• The ethical implications and copyright challenges creatives face in the AI era
• Balancing the use of AI tools while preserving originality and storytelling craft
• The importance of mentorship and creative community for career longevity

Quote of the Week

"Bad art is its own form of tragedy." – Kalika Sharma

Kalika hits a nerve with this one. In a world flooded with fast content and AI-generated shortcuts, we sometimes forget the slow burn of mastering a craft. This quote is a reminder that art — real, intentional art — requires patience, fundamentals, and humanity. When we lose that, the result might look good on the surface, but it often lacks the soul that connects with people. And that disconnect? That's the tragedy she's talking about.

Overview

Talking with Kalika felt like stepping into a masterclass on adaptability, creativity, and grounded leadership. We explored her roots in traditional animation, her evolution into commercial work, and how she's facing the challenges of AI with both skepticism and curiosity. What stood out most was her unwavering commitment to creative integrity — even in a time when shortcuts are celebrated. Whether you're a student, seasoned artist, or someone trying to find your footing amid rapid tech changes, Kalika's story is a testament to the power of showing up, pivoting with purpose, and always keeping your craft sharp. 

Huge thanks to Sherene Strausberg (87th Street Creative) for connecting us with Kalika and making this episode possible.

Resources & Mentions

• AntidoteFX (Kalika's Studio): antidotefx.com
• Marriott Bonvoy Campaign: Marriott Bonvoy
• Brooks Brothers: brooksbrothers.com
• iHeartRadio Music Festival: iheart.com/music-festival
• Graphic Artists Guild: graphicartistsguild.org
• Pricing & Ethical Guidelines Book (17th Edition): Order here
  graphicartistsguild.org
• Zack Arnold's Optimizer Academy: zackarnold.com
• Austin Saylor – Project 200K: fullharbor.com
• Jake Bartlett (Jake in Motion): https://www.youtube.com/@jakeinmotion
• 87th Street Creative (Sherene Strausberg): https://www.87thstreetcreative.com

Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at getepicmade.com. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it.

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

Introduction

On this week's episode of Pixel Retentive, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Seth Waite—a powerhouse in consumer psychology and strategic brand growth. With nearly two decades of experience working with both global CPG giants and bold early-stage founders, Seth has developed a unique framework for uncovering why people actually buy. This guy doesn't just talk theory—he's helped brands scale by 8x just by identifying their true customer. Whether you're in retail, branding, or just trying to understand your audience better, Seth's insights cut through the noise.

What You'll Learn

• Why most brands are optimizing funnels filled with the wrong people
• How a $300 meat brand 8x'd their revenue by finding their real buyer
• The importance of customer motivation over demographics
• A breakdown of the "Why People Buy" pyramid (think Maslow's hierarchy meets marketing)
• The overlooked emotional layers that drive consumer decision-making
• How challenger brands like Fishwife and Liquid Death build cultural resonance
• Why focusing on values first makes your brand more powerful and targeted
• When and how to use demographic data (hint: it's not at the start)
• Lessons in brand longevity from Coca-Cola, Red Bull, and others
• The dangers of building personas on assumptions rather than behavior

Quote of the Week

"Most marketing and brand teams get caught up optimizing a funnel full of the wrong people." — Seth Waite

Let that sink in. We often obsess over tweaking headlines, polishing conversion paths, and running endless A/B tests—without realizing we're speaking to the wrong audience entirely. Seth's point here reminds us that real marketing power lies in alignment. Are you talking to the people who actually want what you're selling? If not, all the optimization in the world won't help. Start with who you are, then figure out who that resonates with—not the other way around.

Overview

Hey friends, Carl here. This conversation with Seth was one of those deep dives that left me buzzing with new ideas. We jammed on everything from meat marketing to tinned fish to Lord of the Rings fandoms (yes, really). Seth broke down exactly why brands win when they focus on motivations over demographics, and how understanding human behavior at a deeper level leads to explosive growth. Whether you're building a brand from scratch or recalibrating your message, this episode is packed with clarity and real-world strategy. Honestly, this one's required listening for anyone in creative, branding, or product development. Big love to Crystal Lee Beck for connecting us!

Resources & Mentions

• Seth Waite's Website: schaefer.co
• Connect with Seth on LinkedIn: Seth Waite
• Fishwife Tinned Seafood: fishwifeseafood.com
• Liquid Death (Water): liquiddeath.com
• Olipop Soda Alternative: drinkolipop.com
• Poppy Prebiotic Soda (by Coca-Cola): drinkpoppi.com
• Simon Sinek's Start With Why: startwithwhy.com
• Crystal Lee Beck (Comma Copywriters): commacopywriters.com
• Lord of the Rings (because yes): lotr.fandom.com

Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at getepicmade.com. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it.

Until next time,
✌️ – Carl

This week on Pixel Retentive, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Robin Seibert (formerly Sloane). She is a creative force behind some of the most iconic moments in modern music. With a career spanning over 20 years, Robin began her journey at Philo and Epic Records and eventually became VP of Music Video at Elektra. She later led the creative imaging departments at Geffen, DGC, and DreamWorks Records. Robin helped shape the visual identities of legendary artists like Nirvana, Counting Crows, and Weezer. Today, she is an accomplished classical pianist and is working on a memoir titled From Motley Crue to Mozart.

• How Robin helped create Nirvana's iconic "Nevermind" album cover and the video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

• The process behind artist imaging and creative direction before the concept of branding became mainstream

• What it was like navigating a male-dominated music industry in the 1980s and 1990s

• The rise of MTV and its influence on record sales and artist visibility

• Behind-the-scenes insights into working with Tracy Chapman, Counting Crows, and Weezer

• How Spike Jonze got his big break and what made his work on early music videos stand out

• The importance of creative instinct and trusting your gut

• Thoughts on the evolution of music formats, from vinyl to streaming

"For me, the biggest indicator is that that thing comes from inside you and not from here... This is the enemy of making things: your brain." — Robin Sloane

Robin's words are a powerful reminder that true creativity originates from within. She encourages us to stop letting our rational minds get in the way of creative exploration. Overthinking can sabotage inspiration before it ever gets a chance to grow. Her advice to follow what stirs your soul, no matter how small or odd it seems, is the kind of wisdom that only comes from living it. Whether it's painting a room, making a video, or picking up a new instrument at 45, the key is to just start.

This episode was a ride through music history told from the perspective of someone who helped shape it. Robin shared vivid stories from her time working with Nirvana, including how a simple idea from Kurt Cobain became one of the most recognizable album covers ever made. We talked about the evolution of artist branding, the cultural shift created by MTV, and what it took to push creative boundaries in a corporate structure. Robin's journey shows how trusting your instincts and refusing to be boxed in can lead to truly legendary work. Her story is as much about rebellion as it is about creativity, and I am incredibly grateful she shared it with us.

Zoe Hawkins, Director of Content Marketing and Thought Leadership at Sumo Logic, is what I like to call the Queen of Content, and for good reason. With over a decade of experience that spans gaming journalism, B2B tech marketing, and a deep love for sci-fi and video games, Zoe brings a refreshingly creative perspective to everything she touches. She's lived on three continents, lifts heavy things for fun, and still finds time to be a gamer mom and a content powerhouse. Our conversation explored creativity, burnout, AI, and what it really takes to keep content future-focused without losing its soul.

• Why content optimization means more than updating for SEO, and how voice, tone, and human relevance matter just as much

• How to breathe new life into old blogs and avoid letting valuable content decay on your site

• What creative resilience really looks like in fast-paced marketing environments

• Why making space for quiet moments can supercharge your creativity

• How Zoe's background in gaming and journalism helps her translate complex technical topics into accessible content

• The difference between content that's actually useful versus content that's just trying to ride the AI wave

• Practical ways to nurture your creative health on a daily basis

• Why journaling, long walks, and good pens might be your best productivity hacks

"Sometimes it's not about the output, it's just the act of doing it that releases whatever that creative health output might be."
— Zoe Hawkins

This quote really hit home. So many of us spend our days chasing outcomes, deliverables, or numbers, forgetting that the creative process itself is where the real magic often happens. Zoe reminded me that writing something just because it feels good or walking in the woods just because it clears your head can be the spark that brings your best ideas to life. If we treat creativity like a resource, then investing time into it should be non-negotiable.

This episode with Zoe Hawkins was one of those conversations that made me feel like I could talk for three more hours without missing a beat. We explored what content looks like today, what makes it meaningful, and how to maintain your creative edge when the grind of work threatens to dull it. From optimizing legacy content to maintaining joy in what you create, Zoe brought a mix of strategy and soul that really resonated. If you care about content, creativity, or just not burning out in your work, this one is for you.

Hey friends, Carl here. This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Danielle LeCourt. She's the founder of De LeCourt, a voice-first content studio that helps experts turn conversations into strategy. Danielle's journey started as a professional volleyball player, then shifted to writing and ultimately found its home in audio. She's worked with institutions like Harvard, NASA, and Roche, all through the lens of voice as an art form. If you've ever felt that great conversations can shape the world, this one's for you.

• How Danielle transitioned from professional athlete to voice-first strategist

• Why conversations, not content, are at the heart of powerful storytelling

• The importance of staying open and curious during interviews

• How "attention as art" can change the way you approach your craft and life

• Why audio reaches people when and where other mediums can't

• Danielle's unique take on voice as a medium for human connection

• The value of following creativity through uncertainty

• The difference between structuring a conversation and letting one unfold

• How archiving voices and stories creates a deeper legacy

This quote stuck with me. Danielle's perspective shifts the way we think about presence. Rather than treating interactions as checklists or transactions, she invites us to slow down and actually see and hear what's right in front of us. That kind of openness is where the real magic lives, not just in creativity but in how we relate to people, solve problems, and build trust. It's a mindset shift that creatives especially can appreciate, because we know inspiration doesn't follow a script.

This episode was a reminder of why I started the podcast in the first place. Danielle's story is a mix of creative pivots, personal passion, and a deep respect for the human voice. We explored what it means to hold space for others, to show up with curiosity instead of assumptions, and to let conversations shape themselves instead of trying to force a narrative. I also got to share a bit about my own creative journey, including the legacy of my dad and how art helped me process grief. Danielle and I connected on a deep level around creativity, healing, and embracing the unknown. I think you'll walk away from this one feeling inspired to listen a little differently.

Until next time,

Carl Cleanthes

This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Crystalee Beck, the powerhouse founder of Comma Copywriters and mother of four. She's someone who has built a thriving content agency from the ground up while intentionally designing her business to fit her family life. That alone is impressive, but pair it with the fact that she traveled to all 50 states and a dozen countries by the age of 25, and you start to understand the drive behind her success. Crystalee brings empathy, listening, and service into the sales process. This episode felt less like a sales tutorial and more like a masterclass in authentic connection. She is the kind of leader you want in your creative circle.

• Why removing sales pressure can lead to better client relationships

• How to approach discovery calls with service-first thinking

• Simple and human ways to follow up without sounding pushy

• How Crystalee uses "pilots" to secure long-term clients and build trust

• The value of strong contracts, kill fees, and setting clear expectations

• Knowing when a client is the wrong fit and having the confidence to walk away

• Lessons about pricing, cash flow, and why having margin matters

• Insights for mom entrepreneurs and the story behind Crystalee's High Five Grant

This quote hit me hard. It probably will for many of you, too. We, as creatives, are the people behind the stories that turn brands into status symbols, help billion-dollar campaigns succeed, and shape the very culture we live in. Yet when it comes to recognizing and articulating our own value, we often fall short. Kevin puts a spotlight on that contradiction and challenges us to take that same brand-building power and apply it inward. Not just for our own good, but for the health of the entire creative industry.

This quote struck a chord with me. Crystalee reminds us that business is ultimately about human connection. If you show up with sincerity and leave someone better than you found them, you build something more valuable than a one-time sale. You build trust. That kind of approach leads to referrals, long-term clients, and a reputation that speaks for itself. It's a powerful reminder that generosity and authenticity are business strategies too.

Until next time,

Carl Cleanthes