Podcasts about BBG

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Are you running your game studio fast, or are you actually moving it forward? In this episode, we break down one of the most destructive traps in modern game development: confusing efficiency with effectiveness. It's incredibly easy to measure velocity, count assets, or point to a rising graph on your screen. But if your team is flawlessly hitting its milestones and the game still isn't any fun to play, your chosen metrics are a farce. We explore why game dev is uniquely unsuited for pure manufacturing efficiency, how localized optimizations choke your pipelines, and why real organizational value requires the courage to slow down, leave room for messy learning, and build a clear, shared North Star. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The difference between efficiency and effectiveness How busy work and overproduction happen when teams execute without clear goals Ways to identify and eliminate bottlenecks through better cross-team collaboration Why prototyping, failing fast, and retrospectives drive long-term success If you're a leader in game dev who is tired of watching your team burn out to clear massive backlogs, only to realize the core game loop still isn't landing with players , this episode is for you. Connect with us:

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Is your release schedule a desperate race or a smooth commute? If every quarterly milestone feels like chaos and stress, you don't have a talent problem, you have a Bus Problem. In this episode, Ben explores "The Bus Problem," a concept inspired by the unpredictable transit systems of Egypt 20+ years ago versus the reliable cadences of the London subway. He breaks down why infrequent milestones actually create more work and higher stakes, and explains why the counterintuitive secret to a calmer studio is actually releasing more often. What you'll learn in this episode: What the "Egyptian Bus Problem" is and how scarcity drives risky decisions Why infrequent releases take longer and create more breakage and tech debt How frequent releases reduce stakeholder pressure and "big reveal" anxiety Why "no time for feedback" actually increases workload long-term How to apply the bus principle to reviews and retros for better feedback How to spot if your team is overloading milestones If you're a leader in game dev who is tired of the "last-minute jam" and feels like your team is constantly redlining just to hit a single, high-stakes milestone, this episode is for you. Connect with us:

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 What happens when your dream job becomes a political nightmare? Making games is hard, but leading the people who make them can be even harder, especially when you realize that "doing the right thing" isn't always going to get you accolades or even support. In this episode, Ben shares the raw details of his biggest game dev failure, a career-defining moment where he was ejected from a team after trying to fix systemic leadership issues. He breaks down the painful lessons learned about dehumanization, organizational politics, and why your self-worth should never be in the hands of your boss. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What it actually looks like to fail as a leader, even when your intentions are 100% about helping the team and the product Why "dehumanizing" your opponents—even the ones you think are the problem—is a dangerous path How to identify the "delta" between a company's explicit culture and its implicit reality Why you must stop "outsourcing your self-worth" to the studio to start leading with true confidence instead of leading scared If you're a leader in game dev who feels like you're bearing the burden of a struggling team alone and wondering if your "dream job" is starting to feel like a trap, this episode is for you. Connect with us:

Richie Allen with a unique and amusing take on the day's top news stories. On today's show: Is the end of the Iran war nigh? Who is advising asylum seekers to pretend that they are gay to boost their chances of staying in the UK? Is a top LBC radio presenter listening to your BBG? It looks like it. Plus much more. 

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 In a world where 5-year AAA production cycles often crash into 5-day culture cycles, shipping a great game is no longer the finish line. It is the opening bell of a survival race. In this episode, Ben sits down with Shahar Sorek, the Chief Marketing Officer at Overwolf, to talk about why the "ship and pray" model is broken and how User-Generated Content (UGC) has become the industry's most powerful "immortality engine." Shahar brings over 15 years of experience as a studio founder, technology leader, and even a Hollywood creative producer to the table, offering a unique perspective on the convergence of media, tech, and community. Together, they dive deep into the "Four Horsemen of the UGC Apocalypse"—the specific market pressures making traditional development obsolete—and why the creator has replaced the game itself as the new "atomic unit" of gaming relevance. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What the "Four Horsemen of the UGC Apocalypse" are and why they are forcing a total rethink of game business models Why the creator has replaced the game itself as the primary "atomic unit" of industry relevance How to build a "Holy Trinity" between the gamer, the creator, and the studio to drive compounded growth Why small indie teams should actually ignore UGC until they have mastered their core experience How to manage the "chaos" of opening your IP to the public while maintaining brand safety and quality If you're a leader in game dev who is tired of betting years of work on a market that changes before you ship, this conversation on building games that last is for you. Learn more about our guest:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 If you're making progress but losing the goal, you aren't leading. You're optimizing for stagnation. In this episode, Ben deconstructs the often-confused synonyms of authority in the games industry. Drawing from a GDC talk he was a part of, he explores why game development is currently "over-managed" and under-led. He provides a clear framework for deconflicting the roles of Leader, Manager, and Boss, while introducing five specific "stances" that allow you to develop your team's capacity and navigate the ever-shifting landscape of player preferences and market trends. What You'll Learn In This Episode: Leader vs Manager vs Boss: change driver, system optimizer, org advocate Why game dev's "management bias" leads to stagnation The 5 development stances: Directing, Teaching, Advising, Mentoring, Coaching How to choose the right stance based on urgency vs growth Why professional coaching is an underused (and powerful) tool If you're a leader in game dev who feels like you're constantly "chopping down trees" only to realize you might be in the wrong forest, this episode is for you. Connect with us:

The Greenest Block in Brooklyn competition is celebrating its 30th year. The contest, run by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, asks residential blocks, commercial blocks, and community gardens to work together to improve their greenspace. Awards are handed out for Best Street Tree Beds, Best Window Box, Best Community Garden Streetscape, and more. Applications are open through May. Jibreel Cooper, community program manager at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden discusses the competition. Plus, Shauna Moore, director of horticulture at the BBG, provides tips for making your block greener, and listeners share how they have improved the greenery on their own block. Crown Heights, Eastern Parkway between Bedford and Franklin; Photo by Jibreel Cooper

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Is Game Design a Science or Just "Making an Omelet"? Everyone has a "great idea" for a game, but having an idea is a far cry from the professional discipline of game design. In this episode, Ben sits down with veteran designer Alexander Brazie (World of Warcraft, League of Legends) to explore why being a designer is less about having all the answers and more about the rigorous process of turning ambiguity into action. We dive into how leaders can diagnose a struggling design process and some helpful analogies that help teams find the deepest fun without drowning in limited resources. What You'll Learn In This Episode: The difference between a real designer and a person with gameplay opinions Why great designers ask better questions instead of forcing solutions How to apply a Player-Centric Framework to every system How to tell if a designer is stuck or just in the creative process How to support a designer's mental health beyond work Learn more & connect with our guest:  

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Is your "AI First" strategy actually a house of cards waiting to collapse? While CEOs are busy pumping the hype train, the practical reality of LLMs is looking a lot less rosy. In this episode, Ben explores why the current AI trajectory might be a "subprime crisis" in the making. We move past the Skynet fantasies to look at the four existential and human threats that LLMs pose to the games industry, from the "logarithmic curve of effectiveness" to the dangerous atrophy of our own ability to think deeply. What You'll Learn In This Episode: What the "subprime AI crisis" is and why the current investment stack might be unsustainable. Why relying on "generative slop" leads to a generational decline in the value of information. How to identify when AI is capitalizing on your own cognitive biases and "sycophantic" needs for ego validation. How to balance using AI as a force-multiplier without atrophying the "slow thinking" required for high-level game production. Reference Links:

1352. Si usas WordPress para la web de tu podcast, estás de enhorabuena ya que hoy traigo un plugin para las estadísticas OP3, una especie de continuación natural de aquel capítulo en el que os conté qué era Open Podcast Prefix Project y por qué me parecía una de esas soluciones interesantes dentro del mundo del podcasting cuando hablamos de estadísticas abiertas, privacidad de los oyentes y control de nuestros propios datos. Porque si recordáis aquel episodio, OP3 es un sistema de prefijos que permite monitorizar las descargas de un podcast de forma abierta, transparente y además completamente gratuita. Un servicio que me gusta describir como un BBB, o mejor dicho BBG: bueno, bonito y gratis. Pues bien, hoy quiero dar un pequeño paso más en esa misma línea, porque existe un complemento que permite integrar esas estadísticas directamente en nuestra propia web si utilizamos WordPress para alojar o gestionar nuestro podcast. Y aquí es donde entra en escena el plugin del que quiero hablaros hoy, llamado Podcast Analytics for OP3, desarrollado por alguien bastante conocido dentro del podcasting independiente: Miguel Ángel Terrón, más conocido como Materron. Materron es el creador del podcast Entératec, impulsor de iniciativas como las Podnights y un auténtico veterano dentro de este mundillo. Hace unos días me escribió por Telegram para enseñarme este nuevo desarrollo que había creado prácticamente por iniciativa propia. La idea del plugin es bastante sencilla de entender, pero al mismo tiempo muy útil para ciertos casos. Cuando hablamos de OP3 normalmente necesitamos que nuestro hosting de podcast nos permita añadir un prefijo a nuestro feed RSS para poder recopilar esas estadísticas. El problema aparece cuando el podcast está autoalojado en una web propia. Es decir, si alguien publica su podcast directamente desde WordPress o gestiona su feed desde allí, añadir ese prefijo puede no ser tan sencillo. Y precisamente ahí es donde entra este plugin. Lo que hace Podcast Analytics for OP3 es detectar cualquier feed RSS que tenga la etiqueta enclosure (la que utilizan los podcast para indicar el archivo de audio) y añadir automáticamente el prefijo necesario para que OP3 pueda empezar a recoger estadísticas. Una vez configurado el plugin y conectado con OP3 mediante un token, el sistema empieza a funcionar prácticamente solo. El prefijo se añade al feed, OP3 comienza a recopilar datos y además esas estadísticas se pueden consultar directamente desde el propio panel de WordPress. Esto tiene una ventaja bastante clara: en lugar de tener que entrar en la web de OP3 para consultar los datos, se pueden revisar rápidamente desde la administración de la propia web. De momento el plugin muestra información bastante básica, como el número total de descargas por episodio durante las últimas 24 horas, los últimos 7 días o el último mes. También permite exportar esos datos en PDF. Es cierto que todavía es un proyecto joven y que seguramente irá creciendo con el tiempo, pero precisamente por eso me parecía interesante traerlo al podcast. Este tipo de iniciativas demuestran algo que repito muchas veces cuando hablo de podcasting: si alguien detecta una necesidad dentro del ecosistema, muchas veces es la propia comunidad la que termina creando la solución.Descubre Podcast Analytics for OP3By Miguel Angel Terrón en el repositorio de WordPress entrando en este enlace: https://wordpress.org/plugins/podcast-analytics-for-op3/_____________ ¡Gracias por pasarte 'Al otro lado del micrófono' un día más para seguir aprendiendo sobre podcasting! Si quieres descubrir cómo puedes unirte a la comunidad o a los diferentes canales donde está presente este podcast, te invito a visitar https://alotroladodelmicrofono.com/unete Además, puedes apoyar el proyecto mediante un pequeño impulso mensual, desde un granito de café mensual hasta un brunch digital. Descubre las diferentes opciones entrando en: https://alotroladodelmicrofono.com/cafe. También puedes apoyar el proyecto a través de tus compras en Amazon mediante mi enlace de afiliados https://alotroladodelmicrofono.com/amazon La voz que puedes escuchar en la intro del podcast es de Juan Navarro Torelló (PoniendoVoces) y el diseño visual es de Antonio Poveda. La dirección, grabación y locución corre a cargo de Jorge Marín. La sintonía que puedes escuchar en cada capítulo ha sido creada por Jason Show y se titula: 2 Above Zero.  'Al otro lado del micrófono' es una creación de EOVE Productora.

Wie unterscheidet sich ein Arbeitgeber, der nicht auf Shareholder, sondern auf Mitglieder und Mitarbeitende ausgerichtet ist? Louisa aus dem Recruiting und Personalmarketing der Braunschweiger Baugenossenschaft gibt Einblicke in Arbeitsweise, Unternehmenskultur und Bewerbungsprozesse in einer Genossenschaft. Es geht um Sinn, Stabilität und die Frage, was wirklich zählt, wenn neue Mitarbeitende gesucht werden."Wir müssen keine Aktionäre glücklich machen, sondern in erster Linie unsere Mitglieder."Für wen ist das interessant?• Menschen aus Immobilienwirtschaft, Bauwesen und Wohnungswirtschaft• Fachkräfte im Recruiting, Personalmarketing und Employer Branding• Personen, die einen sinnorientierten Arbeitgeber suchen• Alle, die verstehen möchten, wie Arbeiten in einer Genossenschaft funktioniertDein nächster Schritt:Auf der

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Is your job being replaced by an LLM, or are you just doing the wrong job? The claim has been made that AI can handle 85% of management tasks. For game producers, this sounds like a death knell, but only if you believe your value lies in shuffling Jira tickets and taking meeting notes. In this episode, we break down the fundamental misunderstanding of "productivity" in game dev. We explore why LLMs are masters of the "passing high school grade" and why the most vital, indirect value a producer provides remains entirely out of reach for even the most sophisticated AI. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why "being busy" can actually hurt your career How to find the invisible value you uniquely bring The risk of using AI without real expertise Why producers must evolve beyond task tracking Connect with us:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Is your corporate strategy killing your "Golden Goose"? It's the nightmare scenario for every creative leader: You catch the wave, your game is a runaway success, and then—the "adults" enter the room. In this episode, we react to Jeff Kaplan's candid interview with Lex Fridman, where he reveals the internal fractures that derailed Overwatch, from "miscommunication by PowerPoint" to the soul-crushing moment a CFO leveraged a thousand jobs against a revenue target. What you will learn in this episode: Why putting arbitrary dates in an executive deck hurts you How a money-focused lens creates efficient organizations that forget the player The danger of "bolting on" a league for monetization Why one bad decision by a senior executive can lose you twenty years of top-tier talent. Why leaning into live events and player happiness is often a better ROI than rushing a sequel You may listen to the full audio podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/493-jeff-kaplan-world-of-warcraft-overwatch-blizzard/id1434243584?i=1000754728791 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/44oTEHDZdB7ITCB5dx88mB?si=6d45a2506a794ee8 Lex Fridman's YouTube Channels:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Is your team busy working, or are they just walking slowly toward the abyss? It's a nightmare scenario: you're surrounded by world-class talent and burning through a budget in the 10s of millions, yet the game feels further away from shipping than ever . In this episode, Ben reacts to Lex Fridman's interview with Jeff Kaplan (former Overwatch Director) as they break down the "multifaceted failure" of Blizzard's Project Titan . We dive deep into the "hubris" that kills AAA projects, why "anticipatory hiring" is a trap, and the brutal courage it takes to tell your CEO to shut a project down.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why having a "cool idea" is actually waste How the "we can do no wrong" mentality after a hit like World of Warcraft leads to multifaceted failure Why overhiring creates "busy work" rather than progress. How to recognize when to inspire your team to think bigger and when to pull them back to focus on shipping Why every technical or art failure is, at its root, a failure of leadership If you're a game developer who has ever felt the soul-crushing weight of "anticipatory hiring" and busy work, or a leader of a game development company who needs the courage to admit when a project has become a "money hole" before it's too late, this episode is for you. You may listen to the full audio podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/493-jeff-kaplan-world-of-warcraft-overwatch-blizzard/id1434243584?i=1000754728791 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/44oTEHDZdB7ITCB5dx88mB?si=6d45a2506a794ee8 Lex Fridman's YouTube Channels:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Are we chasing unicorns into a graveyard, or is the "Black Hole" game the only way to survive 2026? The math of game development is no longer adding up. As budgets soar into the hundreds of millions, the traditional "hit-driven" model is reaching a breaking point, forcing studios to choose between low-risk IP or the near-impossible gamble of creating the next "forever game." In this episode, Ben sits down with Andrew Brownell, a veteran Game Director at Netflix with a pedigree spanning Blizzard's Warcraft III, Riot's League of Legends, and massive mobile strategy titles. Andrew pulls back the curtain on the "bleak" reality of modern development costs, the rise of hyper-efficient global competition, and how his own children's gaming habits have completely upended his philosophy on game design. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why a 4x return on a $200M blockbuster is now considered a dangerous gamble. How titles like Fortnite and Roblox act as "attention monopolies" that leave only 15% of the market for everyone else. Why it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify US-based development costs against global talent pools. How the next generation of gamers—who have never known boredom—is forcing a total rethink of game mastery and strategy. The reason we are seeing a flood of Marvel and Star Wars games, and why even "hits" like Hogwarts Legacy are changing the investment landscape . Learn More About Our Guest:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 What is the hidden pattern behind why world-class AAA studios, with hundreds of millions in budget, suddenly collapse? In the last 12 months, the industry has watched high-profile projects from Mind's Eye, Ashes of Creation, and High Garden lead to layoffs, shutdowns, and lawsuits. While many blame "the market" or "toxic leadership," the reality is often found in five specific failure patterns that haunt studios of every size. In this episode, we strip away the headlines to look at the structural fragility that kills games and provide five essential questions every leader must ask to keep their project grounded in reality. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why projecting confidence can actually blind you to a project's impending failure How to move past "theater" playtesting and get real signals from players What game visions should do for your organization Why treating launch as the finish line instead of a milestone is a $200 million mistake How to empower your team to prove you wrong before the market does If you're a leader in game dev who's ever protected the plan instead of facing reality, or felt pressure to project certainty when the game wasn't coming together, this episode is for you. Connect with us:

#335: In this months solo episode I'm kicking off our series for the month of March, The Business of You, by having a very real conversation about what it actually means to be the CEO of your life.I'm getting candid on where I actually am in my business right now — the uncomfortable questions I'm sitting with, the pressure of building something meaningful in a world that only seems to reward numbers, and what it feels like when your vision refuses to fit into a neat little content box. This episode is about identifying your real assets, cutting your liabilities, reclaiming your agency, and making CEO-level decisions for your life. Even when you're still in the messy middle and don't have it all figured out.Let's build the business of you intentionally and strategically.This episode is for you if…You've been building something quietly and you're wondering if it's enough.You feel the tension between staying authentic and doing what “works.”You know you're capable of more, but you've been waiting to be chosen instead of deciding to choose yourself.You're tired of being valuable to everyone else but unclear on how to value yourself.You've been focused on what you don't have instead of learning how to leverage the cards you do have.You want to stop moving like an employee in your own life and start thinking strategically about your assets, your liabilities, and your equity.You're ready to make at least one CEO-level decision this month. One that protects your peace, raises your standards, and moves you closer to your long-term vision.Keep in Touch with Les:Use code LES50 for $50 off of Botox at PeachyReady to apply what you hear? Subscribe to the She's So Lucky Newsletter to get weekly episode guides and journal prompts: https://shessolucky.kit.com/newsletterFollow Les on IG @lesalfredFollow She's So Lucky on IG @shessoluckypodFollow Les on TikTokFollow She's So Lucky on TikTokVisit our website at shessoluckypodcast.comSponsors:Osea: Give your skin a rest with clean, clinically tested skincare from OSEA. Get 10% off your first order site wide with code BBG at OSEAMalibu.com.ButcherBox: As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between organic ground beef, chicken breast or ground turkey in every box for a year, PLUS $20 off when you go to butcherbox.com/lucky.Rula: This year, make one change you can actually stick with. Visit Rula.com/lucky to get started with mental health care that's actually built to last. #rulapodRW Knudsen: With R.W. Knudsen, krush 100% of your day. Morning, afternoon, evening and all the moments in between — with 100% juice and no added sugar. Pick up a bottle at your local grocery store today.Nuuly: Upgrade your wardrobe by subscribing to Nuuly. Nuuly is an incredible value at $98 for any 6 styles, and right now you can get $28 off your first month when you sign up at nuuly.com and enter code LUCKY at checkout.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 If your day is nothing but back-to-back meetings, you might be busy, but are you really helping your team and game succeed. Senior leaders often grind 10–12 hour days yet still miss the most critical questions, such as: Are we building the right thing? What is the biggest risk we face? In this episode, Ben breaks down why we treat thinking as a luxury we can't afford, and why that's exactly what's causing misalignment and waste in your studio. What you'll learn from this episode: Why "fast thinking" habits are dangerous in a constantly evolving environment like game dev. The difference between "scraps of thinking" and structured, effortful "slow thinking". Three practical ways to build thinking back into your week. A 60-minute challenge to help you think about what matters instead of rushing into another one on one If you're a senior leader buried in meetings, stuck in reaction mode, and worried your team is moving fast in the wrong direction, this episode is for you. Connect with us:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Is your "culture fit" interview actually just a trap for hiring clones? We tackle the paradox of culture in game development. While many studios are abandoning "culture fit" to avoid echo chambers and bias, ignoring it entirely can lead to toxic hires that destroy trust and decision-making. Ben breaks down the two distinct types of culture—Taste vs. Operating System—so you can hire for high-stakes collaboration without sacrificing diversity of thought. In this episode, you'll learn: Why hiring "clones" feels good short-term, but creates blind spots that stall real problem-solving How to separate Taste Culture (optional vibes) from Operating System Culture (non-negotiables that ship work) How different decision-making and feedback models work, and how to choose the right one for your studio If you're a lead or founder torn between team diversity and everyone "just getting it," this episode gives you a clear framework to balance both—protecting your team's operating system without creating an echo chamber. Connect with us:  

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Stop treating your game dev estimates like a prophecy; you aren't a prophet. If your estimates keep failing, it's not because your team is bad at math; it's because you're using estimation as a fortune-telling machine instead of a decision-making tool. In this episode, Ben breaks down why "perfect" plans are a trap in the high-uncertainty world of game dev. He introduces a four-level framework—from "Priorities First" to "Relative Sizing"—to help you gain predictability, set external expectations, and find shared understanding across disciplines without killing your team's soul in meetings. What you'll learn in this episode: Why estimation isn't really about being accurate — and why predictability and velocity are only part of the picture. Why estimating work without clear priorities can actually slow teams down and lead to worse decisions How simple throughput tracking can outperform detailed estimates for forecasting — with less friction from the team When fast "blink" estimates are more useful than detailed sizing, and how they help Design, QA, and Engineering spot risk early Why the Fibonacci sequence exists in estimation — and how to avoid wasting time debating tiny differences that don't matter How to recognize when estimation isn't worth the cost, and when time-boxing is the smarter move If you're a producer or lead tired of watching your team polish a "beautiful plan" while the actual game feels like it's missing the mark, this episode is for you. Connect with us:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 If your team keeps promising that the game will be "fun later," you aren't suffering from a lack of effort—you're suffering from a lack of prioritization. Shipping a mountain of features means nothing if you haven't validated the experience with real players. In this episode, we break down why hiding behind a massive backlog or a 100-page GDD is a "red flag" that allows teams to avoid reality for months, or even years. We explore the transition from "plan-based task work" to true "knowledge work," where the goal isn't just to finish a list, but to discover what actually makes your game great. In this episode, you'll learn: Why waiting for a "magical moment" is the fastest way to ship nothing How the L-V-N Framework (Learning, Value, Neither) helps you cut dead tasks fast Which game loops matter right now—and how to prioritize proof over polish How to balance learning in pre-production with delivering value later on Why a clear game vision is the best defense against team failure If you're a leader in game dev struggling with prioritization and watching your team build features that don't "click," this episode is for you. Connect with us:

#331: In this unfiltered solo episode, I break down why February is about claiming what's yours and what it really takes to get what you want. Not the aesthetic version. Not the “manifest and wait” version. The real version: with clarity, courage, discipline, and having that dog in you.From recognizing your unfair advantage, to building the capacity to hold bigger dreams, to shooting your shot even when you're scared, I walk you through how luck is actually built through bold decisions, uncomfortable growth, and choosing yourself even when it feels risky✨ In this episode:I share personal stories about how early conditioning and outside voices can plant desires in us that aren't actually oursWhy it's crucial to get honest about what you truly want (not what you've been told to want)I tell you the truth about “being humble” and why it makes you smallLeaning into your real gifts instead of copying others and why that alignment is keyWhy the people closest to you may struggle the most with your growthHow to protect your dreams without cutting everyone offHow to unlock your unfair advantage, shoot your shot and get louder about your desiresIf you've been feeling a pull toward something bigger but haven't given yourself full permission to be honest about what you want, this episode is your wake-up call.Keep in Touch with Les:Ready to apply what you hear? Subscribe to the She's So Lucky Newsletter to get weekly episode guides and journal prompts: https://shessolucky.kit.com/newsletterFollow Les on IG @lesalfredFollow She's So Lucky on IG @shessoluckypodFollow Les on TikTokFollow She's So Lucky on TikTokVisit our website at shessoluckypodcast.comSponsors:Osea: Give your skin a rest with clean, clinically tested skincare from OSEA. Get 10% off your first order site wide with code BBG at OSEAMalibu.com.RW Knudsen: With R.W. Knudsen, krush 100% of your day — morning, afternoon, evening and all the moments in between — with 100% juice and no added sugar. Pick up a bottle at your local grocery store today.Rula: This year, make one change you can actually stick with. Visit Rula.com/lucky to get started — mental health care that's actually built to last. #rulapodLeesa: Go to Leesa.com for their President's Day Early Access Sale through February 9th to get 25% off mattresses, plus get an extra $50 off with promo code LUCKY, exclusive for my listeners.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 The game industry is undergoing a massive shift. Between the rise of "black hole games" that consume all player attention and the skyrocketing costs of AAA development, the old playbooks for leadership are breaking. In this episode, Ben is joined by Andrew Brownell, a veteran Game Director at Netflix Games. Andrew brings over 20 years of experience from industry titans like Blizzard (Warcraft III) and Riot Games (League of Legends). Together, they unpack why the "unicorn" development model is failing and why the next generation of leaders must master a new set of "soft" skills to build resilient, high-performing teams in a bleak market. What you'll learn in this episode: What Aggressive Gratitude really is and how to use it to build trust How to lead confidently when the direction isn't clear Why conflict can create clarity when handled one-on-one Why character often matters more than skill when hiring If you're a game dev leader trying to level up performance without burning people out, this episode is for you. Learn More About Our Guest:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 When leaders say they're "raising expectations," teams often hear one thing: work more. That gap between intent and impact is why so many game dev organizations feel terrible to work at—and why "raise the bar" messages often land as threat, not motivation. In this solo episode, Ben unpacks the tragedy of perspective between senior leaders who believe they're inspiring change and developers who feel cynical, burned out, or unheard. He explains why experienced seniors are the first to push back on buzzwords, how leadership unintentionally passes pressure downward, and what it actually takes to challenge a team without breaking trust. In this episode, you'll learn: How to earn the right to challenge your organization What teams really hear when leaders use vague language like "excellence" Why people matter more than tools, systems, or AI when trust is on the line How to sanity-check your messaging If you're a game dev leader trying to level up performance without burning people out, this episode is for you. Connect with us:  

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Stop adding meetings to fix your game. In this episode, Ben Carcich sits down with Glenn Paul Gray, Production Director at PeopleFun, to dismantle the "more syncs = more alignment" myth. They explore how piling on well-attended meetings often creates overhead rather than clarity and why your work system must adapt to the specific stage of development your team is actually in. Glenn Paul brings a unique "hardware-to-software" perspective to game production. Starting his career in the Silicon Valley semiconductor industry, he transitioned into gaming in 2017, holding pivotal roles at Wargaming, Wooga, and AppLovin before joining PeopleFun. His background in complex systems engineering informs his pragmatic approach to "de-risking" games through aggressive prototyping and early-funnel testing. What You'll Learn in this Episode: How to treat meetings as a "cost to align" What it means to shift from a discipline-centric matrix to a high-agency, general manager-led team structure Why testing for D1 retention can be inefficient for weeding out bad ideas How to build a "startup within a studio" environment Why your work system (from spreadsheets to Jira) must "mode shift" as your project moves from R&D to production Learn more about Glenn & his company:

#329: If you need confirmation that it's okay to follow a path that isn't linear, this episode is it. In this week's installment of the Breaking the Rules series, I chat with entrepreneur, investor, and creative multi-hyphenate Hannah Bronfman about rewriting timelines, releasing perfection, and trusting the turns that lead you exactly where you're meant to be.From building businesses and investing in women's health to evolving publicly and creating a life beyond rigid five-year plans, Hannah shares what it really means to break out of the boxes you were placed in—and design your own blueprint.This episode is for you if:You're feeling like you want to make a change, but you're scared to let go of the identity or path you originally planned.You no longer wants to live by linear timelines or traditional ideas of success.You want to build wealth, invest in, and support women-owned businesses but don't know where to start.You're ready to embrace evolution as part of creating your next chapter.You want to become more comfortable in unfamiliar spaces.Episode Links:Follow Hannah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahbronfman/Follow Hannah on Substack: https://substack.com/@hannahslistCheck out the CEO Club on Amazon Prime, airing on February 23rd: https://press.amazonmgmstudios.com/us/en/original-series/the-ceo-club/1Sponsors:Durable: Durable is your AI partner that creates your website, writes your content, and helps you grow online. Visit durable.com/balanced and get started with Durable for free today. When you're ready to publish your website, use code BALANCEDLES for 30% off all plans.RW Knudsen: With R.W. Knudsen, krush 100% of your day — morning, afternoon, evening and all the moments in between — with 100% juice and no added sugar. Pick up a bottle at your local grocery store today.Quince: Visit quince.com/BALANCEDLES to get free shipping and 365-day returns.Equip: You deserve a life that isn't ruled by food stress, shame, or constant overthinking. To learn more about Equip and see if it's right for you, visit equip.health/lucky.Osea: Give your skin a rest with clean, clinically tested skincare from OSEA. Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code BBG at OSEAMalibu.com.Hungryroot: Take advantage of this exclusive offer: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/lucky and use code LUCKY.Keep in Touch with Les:Ready to apply what you hear? Subscribe to the She's So Lucky Newsletter to get weekly episode guides and journal prompts: https://shessolucky.kit.com/newsletterFollow Les on IG @lesalfredFollow She's So Lucky on IG @shessoluckypodFollow Les on TikTokFollow She's So Lucky on TikTokVisit our website at shessoluckypodcast.comThis episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emmanul Casasola, newly named Vice President, Lab Operations in QualTex, talks about his new role, his career journey at BBG and, of course, the Spurs.

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 If you disappeared for a week, would your team lose their momentum—or just their note-taker? Most game producers are stuck in a "checklist trap"—spending their days managing tickets, booking meetings, and taking notes without ever understanding the actual goal. In this episode, Ben breaks down why production is fundamentally a leadership role based on influence, not just project management software. If you feel like your team is "drifting" despite hitting every milestone, you might be failing at the one thing that actually matters: moving the organization towards a valuable goal. What You'll Learn: The importance of shifting from a "task-doer" to a big-picture leader who influences the entire studio Why specific tools like Jira and sticky notes aren't the "point" of your job Why shipping a "good enough" game to pass a milestone is a dangerous trap that can break your team How prioritizing towards the goal outperforms doing what worked last time Connect with us:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 30,000 Layoffs. Solid prototypes can't get funding. Western Game Dev Is Breaking. In this episode, Rich Vogel explains why Western game development isn't in a downturn, it's in a reset. Fresh off fundraising conversations in 2025-2026, Rich breaks down why funding for large-budget games has nearly disappeared, why publishers and VCs are pulling back from North American teams, and how leadership decisions, not creativity, are sinking studios. Rich is a 30-year industry veteran who's founded and led four major studios, including BioWare Austin and Sony Online Entertainment Austin, which have generated over $3B in revenue. As producer on Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies, and Star Wars: The Old Republic, he's seen every cycle, and knows exactly why this one is different. We cover: Why investors see Western studios as high-risk How salary inflation and entitlement narratives are reshaping where games get made Why unproven big bets are no longer survivable How small, shippable wins are the new path to scale This episode is a wake-up call for studio heads, producers, and game leaders still playing by outdated rules. Learn more about our guest:

The point of technology in sport officiating is to eliminate howlers, not create them. The company in charge of 'snicko' has admitted its team incorrectly saved Alex Carey from dismissal, allowing the Australian to score a hundred. Now, confidence in the umpiring tool is unravelling. Can cricket trust 'snicko'? Featured: Ben Cameron, Executive Producer, ABC Cricket.Subscribe to the ABC Sport Newsletter

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 You're doing the work, fighting for your team, but your ideas stall in meetings and people with less context somehow have more influence than you. It can feel like the only way to win is to become the political operator you hate. In this episode, Ben breaks down the simple, three-part system for influence—the Influence Trifecta—so you can drive change for your team and career without selling your soul. Organizational influence is not just about who's right or what's logical; it's about understanding the social fabric of your organization. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What influence without authority looks like Why trust is so important to your long-term success Why being "right but not helpful" stalls careers What to watch for so you don't become the "political animal" You're always playing politics. If you choose not to play, you cap your influence and allow others to set the direction. Learn how to deliberately build influence for the benefit of your game, your team, and your own advancement in an ethical way. Connect with us:

Welcome to The Wealthy and Well-Known Podcast — hosted by Rory Vaden and AJ Vaden, co-founders of Brand Builders Group. This is the show for mission-driven messengers who want to build reputation and revenue at the same time. Whether you're launching a book, scaling a business, or trying to become a recognized expert in your space, you'll learn how to craft a Monetized Personal Brand™ that drives massive impact. Each episode features real coaching, case studies from our 1-on-1 clients, and insider strategies from 8-figure entrepreneurs, viral speakers, New York Times bestselling authors, and trusted BBG partners. You'll hear directly from the minds behind some of today's most influential personal brands. Subscribe and turn on notifications — because your message matters, and the world needs to know your name.

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Leadership in game dev is hard, but choosing to ignore the biggest technological shift of our generation is a high-stakes gamble. In this episode, we talk with Benjamin Chevalier, Chief AI Officer at Mighty Bear Games, who has a uniquely informed perspective as an Art Director turned tech leader who has spent two decades building games for Ubisoft, Disney, LucasArts, and King. Ben Chevalier outlines his pragmatic, principled approach to embracing AI: using it to cut through market saturation, accelerate team output, and manage risk without compromising creative integrity. From the moral and legal controversies surrounding AI training data to the cultural shifts required for engineers and artists to build their own tools, this conversation reveals the mindset and strategies a leadership team needs to not just survive but thrive in the new AI-accelerated development landscape. What You'll Learn In This Episode: Why AI may be an existential business decision Why governments won't halt AI development How "agentic" tools are reshaping studio culture How game dev leaders can get team buy-in on AI What others might think of you just for using AI If you're a game dev leader thinking about how AI might help your team, this episode gives you a pragmatic playbook for adopting AI. Ben Chevalier lays down clear ethical guardrails and shows how AI can speed up prototyping, live ops, and decision-making—so you can level up your leadership and accelerate your team, game, and career. Connect & learn more about Ben Chevalier: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminchevalier/ Medium: https://medium.com/@benjamin.chevalier Studio Website: https://www.mightybeargames.com/ GOAT Gaming Platform Website: https://goatgaming.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mightybeargames Connect with us:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Are you leading a team that has plenty of people but can't seem to get moving? You care deeply about your team and your game, but projects crawl and decisions drag in the. It's almost never just a talent problem. Instead, it's three quiet leadership mistakes that choke momentum. In this episode, you'll learn what those three mistakes are, how they're showing up in your studio, and what you can do instead so you can move faster and see real progress on your game. We break down the mistakes one by one with simple shifts you can start immediately. What You'll Learn: The Velocity Trap: Why any speed you have is "pretend" if your team doesn't share a clear North Star (Vision). The Cart in the Mud: The four specific foundational elements you must have in place to earn the right to scale , and what to do when you realize you've scaled too fast. The Crunch Lie: Why overwork and extended crunch quickly make you slower than if you never crunched at all, and how to operate at a sustainable pace. A Simple Reality Check: How to rate your studio's Vision, Scale, and Workload (1-5) to identify your biggest blocker and immediately focus your leadership energy. GameDeveloper.com Article: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/addressing-crunch-the-games-industry-s-worst-practice-2 Connect with us:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 You can't just test quality into a game at the end. You have to build it in from the start. Ignoring your Quality Assurance team's full value is a fast way to lose millions. The state of game development is at a challenging inflection point, characterized by high-risk live service ambitions and a brain drain of senior talent. Host Ben Carcich sits down with Nathan Tiras, former Game Dev veteran (Riot Games, Singularity 6), to dissect this instability and dive deep into the discipline seen as an "entry-level" role: Quality Assurance (QA). Nathan, who worked his way from a QA Analyst at Riot to the Director of QA and Live Service at Singularity 6 (makers of Palia), argues that QA is not just "testing" but a critical quality function that represents the voice of the player. This deep-dive explores how leaders must move beyond the "QA as tester" stereotype to unlock the massive subjective value and risk-prevention only highly skilled, respected QA professionals can provide. What You'll Learn in this Episode: What "quality" really means in 2025, and why the best QA teams shape player experience How bringing QA in at pre-production saves time, money, and your launch day sanity Why bug counts don't define QA's worth The human edge of judgment, creativity, and tribal knowledge that no tool can replicate How great leaders build quality teams that protect business continuity and deliver real returns Learn more about Nathan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-tiras-he-him-8a45754/ Company: https://www.whatnot.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathantiras/?hl=en Board Game Geek: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/95100/nathan-tiras Check his other YouTube appearances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2mmERgh19c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyt3bnBgNqk Connect with us:

This week I sit down with Makeiba Winclas — founder of the global luxury travel network Bougie Black Girls — to talk about visibility, access, and elevating the Black woman travel experience. Makeiba shares the story behind BBG and her mission to place Black women in spaces where we've historically been excluded, overlooked, or told we didn't belong. From private villas and yachts to Michelin-star dining and curated international adventures, Bougie Black Girls isn't just about travel — it's about expansion, liberation, and rewriting the narrative of who gets to experience luxury. We dive into the power of community, identity, and seeing women who look like us thriving across the globe. This is an invitation to dream bigger, elevate unapologetically, and take up space — passport in hand.If you're ready to enter rooms, countries, and levels you once thought were impossible, this conversation is your boarding pass.To learn more about Bougie Black Girls, visit: https://form.jotform.com/253086900011446?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnaDQ5QxKcmm7n2qrTGHgpHgDRBPbZny_P0_020rwmg1QRernz-M3Q6eurLJc_aem_dl0CJrOXeC_iJjzo9i4q9g

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Are you inadvertently forcing your team to serve a tool, instead of letting your tools serve your team and game? In a recent conversation with Clinton Keith, Ben asked how Clint would help all of game development. Clint's response? "Delete Jira" - and Ben laughed to keep from crying. Jira is a powerful tool, but in the hands of uninformed game development leadership, it often becomes a weapon against the very teams it's meant to help. Ben, who has used Jira and other tools as a producer within large studios, dissects the common, catastrophic misuses of Jira. While you might be better off deleting the tool, the real work is about fixing the broken cultural and organizational patterns that turn a simple work management system into the "boss" of your game studio. Learn the four cascading failure patterns that are draining your team's effectiveness and how to correct them, making collaboration and player outcomes your true north. What You'll Learn In This Episode: Why senior leaders keep breaking Jira without realizing it How Jira causes centralization and decision bottlenecks What Jira DOESN'T tell you, and why that makes it dangerous How perverse incentives emerge from overreliance on Jira and other tools like it The reason you end up feeling like a slave to the tool How to avoid the traps Jira leads you into Connect with us:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 How much is your bad code costing you, and how much is your team's suffering just a ritual of amateur theatre? In this episode, Engineering and Agile expert Tim Ottinger and Ben challenge the core belief systems that plague software development, from the focus on individual productivity to the self-inflicted wounds of long release cycles. They break down the shocking truth about what slows software projects down, the high cost of errors in a complex system, and why doing work when it's easy is the only way to avoid the crushing complexity of doing it when it's hard. What you'll learn in this episode: ● Why teams might refuse to change and improve the way they work ● The importance of finding problems now, rather than waiting till later ● Why "crunch time" is killing your output, not boosting it ● When to be throwing work away and when to be making things real Bibliography: https://www.industriallogic.com/blog/faster-and-more-predictable/ Paired Programming Illuminated by  Lori Williams and Robert Kessler: The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt More about our guest: Tim Ottinger is a legendary figure in software development, having programmed since 1979 and been active in the early days of Extreme Programming and Agile. As a Senior Consultant at Industrial Logic, co-author of Agile In A Flash and a contributor to Clean Code, Tim brings decades of practical experience to dissect what goes wrong in most software development and how you can start doing better. Accolades and Publications: ● Co-Author: Agile In A Flash (with Jeff Langr). ● Contributor: Clean Code. ● Writing Credits: C++ Report, Object Magazine Online, Pragmatic Bookshelf magazine, Software Quality Connection. ● Recognized for: Compassionate and patient approach to working with individuals, sincerely interested in helping people reach their goals. Social Media and Websites: ● Website (Blog): https://agileotter.blogspot.com/ ● Company Blog: https://www.industriallogic.com/blog/ ● Twitter/X: @tottinge. ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agileotter/ ● Email: tottinge@gmail.com ● Other: https://randsinrepose.com/welcome-to-rands-leadership-slack/ Connect with us:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 How do you save weeks of thrash when your team is busy and perhaps even crunching, but your key goals aren't moving? This solo episode with Ben reveals the hidden cost of avoiding difficult conversations and the simple, 20-minute fix that can unblock your entire game development team. The problem isn't your process, your backlog, or lack of effort—it's failure to pause and actually talk to each other. You'll learn: 5 signs you need to stop trying to outwork the problems Why pushing every problem to standup or retro isn't working How the right conversation can be worth more than weeks of work Don't let denial or the fear of one more meeting cost you months of development time. It's time to stop wasting effort and have the one real conversation you need. Connect with us:

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 What happens when doing the right thing could get you fired? Every game dev leader faces this nightmare: being held accountable for results but not empowered to make the decisions needed to achieve them. That tension creates chaos, burns out teams, and kills great games. In this powerful episode, Ben sits down with Clinton Keith, author of Agile Game Development and one of the pioneers of Agile in the games industry. Clinton shares raw, unfiltered stories from real studio crises, including the moment a CEO threatened his team's lives to force change. This isn't a lecture; it's a candid look at what happens when pressure spikes, trust erodes, and leaders have to choose between survival and integrity. Together, Ben and Clinton break down the industry's most toxic patterns, from “efficient waste” caused by rapid scaling to the trust issues that cripple creative freedom. They also explore how proven frameworks from the military and medicine, like the OODA Loop, can help game studios move faster, safer, and with more clarity.

Angelica Sandoval talks with Susan Smith about how the organization's altar at Muertos Fest helps connect the community with the BBG team.

Stop leaving reality behind and ship better games! If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Is your studio living in a delusion that will only end in pain? Seemingly great teams burn millions of dollars only to shut down because they left reality behind. This episode breaks down the five game dev delusions that kill studios, which I've seen in well-funded, 100+ person teams, unfunded indies, and VC-backed startups. If you lead a team or want to avoid losing touch with reality, this is for you. We cover five "Ps" of delusional failure: Play, Planning, People, Players, and Purpose AND provide the concrete actions you must take to stay grounded, align your team, and ship a game that makes a difference. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✔ Why chasing “the first fun” is a mistake ✔ How to spot vapor estimates before they sink you ✔ Why “best people” hiring puts the cart before the horse ✔ The “audience size” trap (and what to do instead) ✔ Why more work isn't getting you over the line ✔ What gives leaders an edge in staying grounded Connect with us:

POTUS suggested there will be India tariff talks until things are resolved; Bessent said China tariffs can be on the table "at some point".Trump appointed CEA Chair Miran as a temporary replacement to fill Kugler's seat at the Fed; BBG reported that Waller is now favourite for Chair.European futures point to a firmer cash open, APAC handover mixed amid earnings and into tariff updates.DXY firmer with G10s mixed/flat, USTs weak following a poor 30yr tapCrude remained near Thursday's lows with newsflow since the Putin-Trump updates light, gold indecisive, copper firmerLooking ahead, highlights include Canadian Jobs Report (Jul), Japanese LDP Joint Plenary Meeting, Speakers including BoE's Pill & Fed's Musalem, Earnings from fuboTV, Tempus AI, Wendy's, AMC Networks, Munich Re & Bechtle.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Send us a textIn this episode of BBG, I break down why my NYC adventure turned into a ROOMMATE NIGHTMARE while also bestowing some Broken Bitch Wisdom I collected along the way.  I also read YOUR most jaw-dropping, hilarious, and downright unhinged roommate stories. From chain-smoking, dread head drama to boyfriends gifting stolen underwear (yes, really), we're spilling it all, and then breaking it down! Catch up on my NYC Journey:  1."Big Apple News"2."Goodbye Florida" 3."Goodbye Comfort Zone" 4."NYC Apartment Tour"5."I Can't Believe this is Happening"6."She Doesn't Know It Yet..."7. "Plot Twist!" 8. "My NYC Nightmare Story"MORE BBG: * Free Ebook - Broken Bitches Guide to a HIGHER VIBE! * BBG Merch - "I'm a F*cking Delight" Coffee Mug * Follow - @BrokenBitchesGuide on Instagram! Submit a question, or story to: BrokenBitchesGuide@MandyBrooke.comFOLLOW ME! @MandyBrookeOfficialInstagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Spotify My Amazon Store Affiliates: HelloShade Stylish UV Protection: MANDY10 for 10% off Theme music mixed & produced by Lynz Munich

Episode 388Taking you back to May 20, 2014 - Featuring BBQ HOF'er, MIM legend, BBQCS Guest HOF'er…and the list goes on…Chris Lilly from Big Bob Gibson BBQ. We discussed a then 4th overall world GC at MIM…has since notched a 5th one as we know…this one is specifically interesting because it was the year that BBG won shoulder and the overall GC…with frozen pork butts…a great listen if you didn't hear it back in 2014…a great recounting of this bizarre tale by Chris himself.Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 5/20/2014Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

Get Your FREE Copy of the Wealthy & Well Known Audiobook! Book a Free Brand Strategy Call!If you're an entrepreneur, coach, or service provider trying to grow your business online, but your message isn't connecting—or you're not attracting the right clients—this episode will show you exactly why your brand might be the missing piece.We're joined by Reshia, our personal brand strategist at Brand Builders Group (BBG)—the coaching company that has helped top thought leaders like Lewis Howes, Amy Porterfield, and now, us.

EP #752: Bryan gets up close and personal with Tom Papa! (But not too close because...it's Bryan and he is bad at being a regular human). After an invite to Tom's Atlanta Grateful Bread Show, Bryan can't decide whether or not to say hi. He has a panic attack and bails on the simple act of speaking to someone he already knows! Plus, it's a weekend full of flavor, frights and fun for both the TCB hosts. Krissy goes to SmokeSlam in Memphis to party at the country's largest BBG contest but doesn't get to taste the BBQ. Bryan takes the kids to the Zoo scarring and scaring his children in the process. Then, it's a daddy-daughter day with lizards, gizzards and Sonic (a) hedgehog! Catch up on the mundane lives of your favorite mediocre comedy podcast...or take a nap. Taking a nap would be nice. TCB Clip: Knock Three Times! Watch EP #752 on YouTube! Text us or leave us a voicemail: +1 (212) 433-3TCB FOLLOW US: Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thecommercialbreak⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/thecommercialbreak⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tcbpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tcbpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CREDITS: Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bryan Green⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ &⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Krissy Hoadley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Executive Producer: Bryan Green Producer: Astrid B. Green Voice Over: Rachel McGrath TCBits / TCBits Music: Written, Voiced and Produced by Bryan Green To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

EP #752: Bryan gets up close and personal with Tom Papa! (But not too close because...it's Bryan and he is bad at being a regular human). After an invite to Tom's Atlanta Grateful Bread Show, Bryan can't decide whether or not to say hi. He has a panic attack and bails on the simple act of speaking to someone he already knows! Plus, it's a weekend full of flavor, frights and fun for both the TCB hosts. Krissy goes to SmokeSlam in Memphis to party at the country's largest BBG contest but doesn't get to taste the BBQ. Bryan takes the kids to the Zoo scarring and scaring his children in the process. Then, it's a daddy-daughter day with lizards, gizzards and Sonic (a) hedgehog! Catch up on the mundane lives of your favorite mediocre comedy podcast...or take a nap. Taking a nap would be nice. TCB Clip: Knock Three Times! Watch EP #752 on YouTube! Text us or leave us a voicemail: +1 (212) 433-3TCB FOLLOW US: Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thecommercialbreak⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/thecommercialbreak⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tcbpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tcbpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CREDITS: Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bryan Green⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ &⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Krissy Hoadley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Executive Producer: Bryan Green Producer: Astrid B. Green Voice Over: Rachel McGrath TCBits / TCBits Music: Written, Voiced and Produced by Bryan Green To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#WHATSHAPPENING / #STRANGESCIENCE – Flamingo Vortexes. BIZ SHOUTOUT – Long Beach BBQ Festival, Axiom Kitchen.

#270: Let's plan for 2025 together!In this workshop-style episode, we'll reflect on 2024—celebrating wins, learning from lessons, and crafting a clear game plan for the year ahead.I'll share practical ways to set goals, build habits, and prioritize rest to stay balanced and motivated.Your best year yet starts with a solid strategy—let's make it happen!Resources:Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesEpisode 253: How to Win at Life: The Mindset Shift You Need to Level UpEpisode 278: The Journaling Practice That Changed My Life: Best Case Scenario JournalingKeep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSponsors:Shopify | Get your online business up and running with Shopify. Sign up for $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.YNAB | YNAB is a life-changing budgeting app that helps you do what you want with the money you have. Visit www.ynab.com/balanced to get an exclusive three-month trial.Oura Ring | Oura Ring | Oura Ring is the revolutionary smart ring that delivers personalized health data, insights, and daily guidance. Visit www.ouraring.comVionic Shoes | Use code BBG for 15% off your first order at vionicshoes.com.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.