Pixel Retentive Podcast

Hosted by Epic Made

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119

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Jun 2026

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About the show

This is Pixel Retentive podcast, where Colorful Carl, an Artist and a Business Owner, discusses the art of business and the business of art. Here, we explore the intersection of creativity, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship with some of the leading minds in the space.

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June 16, 2026Episode 1201 hr 0 min

The Future of Game Art in the AI Era | James Marcus

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. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: 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 Guest Links 🎮 Snail Games USA: https://snail.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmarcus3d Special Thanks 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. Connect with Epic Made 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

June 11, 2026Episode 11948 min

The Strategy Behind Viral Visibility (It's Not What You Think) | Jennifer Magley

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-6a1f5352-e0a4-8328-b407-8087437b6fff-2" data-turn-id-container= "request-6a1f5352-e0a4-8328-b407-8087437b6fff-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-22" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> 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. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: 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 Guest Links 🌐 Website: https://jennifermagley.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifermagley 🏀 The Basketball League: https://thebasketballleague.net Special Thanks 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. Connect with Epic Made 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

June 9, 2026Episode 11855 min

Why Sports Media is Changing Forever | Andrew Perlmutter

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

June 2, 2026Episode 11752 min

From Escape Rooms to Escape Mail: Building a Tabletop Brand with Paul Harvey

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. Key Topics Discussed 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 Guest Links 🌐 Escape Mail: https://theescapemail.com 📸 Instagram: @escapemail 📘 Facebook: mobileescaperoom Special Thanks 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

May 26, 2026Episode 11647 min

Designing Authority: How Branding Earns Media Attention with Veronica Z Kido

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

May 19, 2026Episode 11553 min

From Corporate to Creator, with Chris Zukowski

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

May 12, 2026Episode 11454 min

From Hobby to Hardware: Building CardMill and Bootstrapping a Physical Product with Jonathan Domanus

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

May 5, 2026Episode 11352 min

Stop Hiring Designers. Start Scaling Creativity with Johnathan Grzybowski

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

April 30, 2026Episode 11252 min

Editing the Internet: Early Video, AI, and Midwest Hustle with Justin Johnson

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. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-697cdde6-cc64-832f-847a-d739ad84892e-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-108" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> 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

April 28, 2026Episode 1111 hr 2 min

Revolution Thinking: Scaling Creativity Without Selling Out with Tim Thompson

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