Best Ecommerce Academy Podcasts (2025)

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Master Upselling With Accessories 1:04:18

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1d ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Are you ready to level up your post-campaign sales game? In episode 258 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Sean and Andrew, dive deep into the art of manufacturing, bundling, and distribution. Ever wondered how to maximize your returns after a successful Kickstarter? We've got you covered! Sponsored by HeroTime Manufacturing, we explore how to strategically pl…

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Strategy, Operations & Tactics 56:58

11h ago56:58

56:58

Ready to level up your game design and marketing strategies? In episode 255 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, hosts Andrew and Sean dive deep into the art of strategy, tactics, and operations. Ever wondered how military doctrines could inspire game design? Or how a clear strategic vision can revolutionize your marketing efforts? Join us as Sean sh…

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Addictive Gameplay Loops With Chris Cantero 50:38

7d ago50:38

50:38

How do you craft a video game that hooks players and keeps them coming back for more? Dive into Episode 256 of Crowdfunding Nerds, where Andrew along with special guest Chris Cantero, unravel the magic behind addictive gameplay loops and reward systems. Chris, who has worked on iconic titles like Doom Eternal, shares insights from his latest roguel…

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#364 - Cracking the Code on Retention: Recharge CEO Reveals What Best-in-Class Subscription Brands Do Differently 44:06

19d ago44:06

44:06

Oisin O'Connor is the CEO and co-founder of Recharge, the leading subscription management platform powering 75% of all Shopify subscriptions. Under his leadership, Recharge has become a critical infrastructure partner for over 30,000 brands, reaching 100 million subscribers and $100 million ARR. In this episode of DTC Pod, Oisin pulls back the curt…

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Highly Rewarding Game Loops 1:07:59

18d ago1:07:59

1:07:59

Ever wondered what makes a game truly addictive? Join us on this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds as Andrew and Sean, along with Deliverance playtester Evan Gilcrest, unravel the secret sauce behind captivating gameplay loops. From the indie darling Megabonk to the colossal World of Warcraft, we explore how balancing complexity and simplicity can …

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363 - Creating a Category Leader: The Absorption Company's Rise to Erewhon's #1 Functional Health Brand 37:20

29d ago37:20

37:20

Zeke Bronfman is the co-founder and CEO of The Absorption Company, a brand pioneering highly bioavailable supplements engineered for optimal nutrient absorption. With a background in health and wellness entrepreneurship—including a previous successful beverage exit—Zeke leads a team on a mission to address a major gap in supplement efficacy by focu…

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Facts: Your Brain Works Better Than Meta AI 59:01

26d ago59:01

59:01

Ever wondered why your Facebook ads aren't hitting the mark? In episode 254 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean unravel the mysteries of Meta advertising and share how to avoid costly pitfalls. Are you targeting the "lowest hanging fruit" in your marketing, or is Meta's AI leading you astray? We dive into the importance of manual control over ad…

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When to Say No! 1:06:27

26d ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Ever feel like your to-do list is running your life? In episode 253 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, we tackle the art of time management and the power of 'no' in business. Have you ever missed a crucial meeting because your schedule was bursting at the seams? Andrew and Sean share personal stories and strategies to help you avoid this pitfall. We dive i…

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TTRPG Discussion w/ Cody Pondsmith, Game Designer At R. Talsorian Games 55:25

1M ago55:25

55:25

Ever wondered how game designers breathe life into immersive worlds? Or how family dynamics shape creative processes? Join us on this captivating episode of Crowdfunding Nerds as Sean and Donnie sit down with Cody Pondsmith from R. Talsorian Games to explore these very questions. Dive into Cody's fascinating journey from his early days in game desi…

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Packaging Like the Pros: The Hidden Process Behind Your Favorite CPG Brands 51:19

2M ago51:19

51:19

Danielle Kidney is the founder of The Creative Pack, a Los Angeles-based agency specializing in packaging design for CPG and DTC brands. With over two decades of experience in the industry—including work with Tesco and a diverse portfolio of well-known consumer brands—Danielle brings a wealth of expertise in every aspect of packaging, from strategy…

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Game Design Discussion w/ Caleb Grace, Senior Game Designer of Fantasy Flight Games 1:22:10

2M ago1:22:10

1:22:10

How does a two-time world champion in Star Trek CCG transition to a senior game designer at Fantasy Flight Games? In episode 251 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Donnie sit down with Caleb Grace to explore this fascinating journey. Caleb, who once battled impostor syndrome, now crafts immersive experiences for iconic IPs like Lord of the Rings…

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#361 - From Ecuador to Your Table in 24 Hours: How UrbanStems Built a Time-Critical Supply Chain 45:01

2M ago45:01

45:01

Meenakshi Lala is the CEO of UrbanStems, an online floral gifting company that designs, sources, and delivers high-quality, curated bouquets and gifts across the U.S. She brings over two decades of operational experience from leading brands in fashion and retail such as Alice + Olivia, Juicy Couture, and Elie Tahari. Her expertise in scaling comple…

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How Game Dev Impacts Business Longevity 1:11:02

2M ago1:11:02

1:11:02

Ever wondered how the art of wordsmithing can make or break a game? In episode 250 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean delve into the fascinating world of game development, unravelling the secrets behind crafting the perfect rulebook. How can you ensure your game instructions are crystal clear yet thematically rich? Why is strategic depth more c…

1
Creating Memorable Experiences: My Solo Case Study 55:54

2M ago55:54

55:54

How do you transform a fan into a true fan? What does it take to create an unforgettable gaming experience? In this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew Lowen, flying solo today, dives deep into the art of delivering exceptional value to both his team and fans. We kick things off by addressing some recent tech hiccups and our temporary switch …

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BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: Are we all selling Game-Shaped Objects?! 49:39

2M ago49:39

49:39

Ever bought a game just because it looked cool? In Episode 248 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean explore the concept of "game shaped objects"—games that lure us with their aesthetics but might not see much playtime. Why do we sometimes buy games that end up as shelf trophies? Join us as we dive into the tension between art and marketability in…

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#360 - Supply Chain Lessons from Building Seed, Liquid IV, and Celsius 49:13

2M ago49:13

49:13

Natan Bershtel is the Director of Business Development at Pelagic, a fractional supply chain partner for growing brands and CPG companies. Before Pelagic, Natan spent nearly 20 years as a public school teacher before joining and eventually running his family’s contract packaging business—where he worked with iconic names like Seed, Liquid IV, Celsi…

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News & How AI Can Ruin Your Project 1:06:52

3M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

Crowdfunding Nerds Podcast episode 247 is here, and it's a rollercoaster of insights! Are GameFound's latest moves set to shake up the crowdfunding landscape? Can Kickstarter keep pace with its tech updates? Join Andrew and Sean as they dissect GameFound's acquisition of Indiegogo and what it means for creators and backers alike. Could this shift i…

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Overcoming Backer Objections: 2025 Edition 1:07:06

3M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

Ready to conquer the crowdfunding world of 2025? In Episode 246 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean unravel the secrets to overcoming backer objections in an ever-evolving landscape. Are stretch goals truly a double-edged sword? Can gameplay exclusives be more gimmick than game-changer? We dive into insights from Chris George of Room and Boa…

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$100k Game Secret with Marco Pecota 1:11:19

3M ago1:11:19

1:11:19

Ever wondered what it takes to launch a successful tabletop gaming company? In Episode 245 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, Andrew and Sean are joined by Marco Pecota from Raybox Games to unravel the secrets behind a $100,000 crowdfunding campaign and the art of world-building in gaming. How do you craft a modular game that appeals to diverse bud…

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Co-Design: Challenges & Strengths 1:04:35

3M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Ever wondered how sibling dynamics shape the creation of a board game? In episode 244 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, we dive deep with Brian and Michael Toth of Toth Games about their journey in crafting Legends of the Arena. Join Andrew and Sean as they explore the Toth brothers' collaborative process, starting from a shared childhood love for…

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Crowdfunding Low Priced Games 1:02:44

4M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

Ever wondered how to navigate the choppy waters of crowdfunding with finesse? In Episode 243 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Sean and Donnie are joined by Robin Stokkel, the mastermind behind the card game River Rats. Robin takes us on a riveting journey through his Kickstarter campaign, sharing the secrets behind his marketing magic and the lessons learned…

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Winning Cancelled Pledges Back With DMs 1:07:28

4M ago1:07:28

1:07:28

Ever wondered how to turn a canceled pledge into a success story? Join us for Episode 241 of Crowdfunding Nerds, where Sean chats with Chris Loizou from SBG Editions about the art of running a successful crowdfunding campaign. Dive into Chris's experience with his project, Ascendia, and discover how personal outreach can recapture those elusive can…

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How Crowdfunding Can Fix Trading Card Games 1:16:23

4M ago1:16:23

1:16:23

Ever wondered how trading card games (TCGs) are evolving in 2025? In episode 244 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Sean dives deep into the world of TCGs with guests Donnie Chase and Jacob Cecil. We tackle the hot issues of scalping, grading, and distribution, and explore how intellectual properties and marketing strategies are reshaping the industry. Jacob s…

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Ad Copy Secrets: Lessons Learned From Movie Covers 1:05:33

4M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

Ever wondered how a DVD cover could revolutionize your ad copy? In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean dive into the art of crafting compelling ads, drawing inspiration from the unexpected world of DVD and Blu-ray covers. Discover how these tiny marketing masterpieces can teach us to captivate audiences with concise, engaging text. …

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1000 True Fans: Crowdfunding Edition 1:09:33

4M ago1:09:33

1:09:33

Are you cultivating "true fans" or just collecting complainers? Join Andrew and Sean as they unravel the complex relationships between investors, consumers, true fans, and complainers, and how each group can make or break your business. Ever wondered how to distinguish genuine supporters from those who might harm your community? We dive into Seth G…

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#359 - Inside Bullish: Lessons from Backing Major DTC Winners (Peloton, Harry’s, Warby Parker) 47:57

5M ago47:57

47:57

Brent Vartan is Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Bullish, a unique hybrid combining a branding agency and a consumer-focused venture fund. With decades of experience in brand strategy, Brent and his team have been early investors and builders behind some of the most iconic DTC and consumer brands of the past decade, including Peloton, Warby Parke…

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How To Develop Impactful Influencer Relationships 1:02:10

5M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

How does sound transform your tabletop RPG experience? In Episode 238 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean are joined by Niki Wegscheider from TableTone, an app revolutionizing gaming audio. Dive into the world of adaptive audio that syncs with in-game events, creating a richer, more immersive experience. Discover how TableTone's dynamic soundsca…

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Kickstarter AMA: Your Questions Answered! 57:44

5M ago57:44

57:44

What happens when Kickstarter’s Head of Games steps into the Crowdfunding Nerds community for an AMA? Episode 237 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast is here to spill the beans! Join your hosts, Andrew and Sean, as they dissect the lively discussion with Asher McClinahan, exploring the 79 comments and 35 to 50 questions that kept the community buzzin…

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#358 - The AI Ad Strategy Every DTC Brand Needs in 2025 feat. Bestever CEO Apoorva Govind 52:05

5M ago52:05

52:05

Apoorva Govind is the founder and CEO of Bestever, a platform focused on helping brands and marketers generate ad creatives powered by real performance data and advanced AI models. With a background spanning technical roles at Apple, Uber, and Nvidia, Apoorva brings unique insights into the intersection of technology and growth marketing. In this D…

1
Reflections On Kickstarter Head Of Games Interview 1:14:33

5M ago1:14:33

1:14:33

Ever wondered how the crowdfunding giants stack up against each other? In episode 236 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, Andrew and Sean dive into the competitive dynamics of Kickstarter, GameFound, and BackerKit. How is Kickstarter's community engagement evolving under Asher McClanahan's leadership? And what does BackerKit's million-dollar equity …

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Interview with Kickstarter Head of Games: Asher McClennahan 1:26:30

5M ago1:26:30

1:26:30

Ever wondered what it takes to launch a successful game on Kickstarter? In Episode 235 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean sit down with Asher McClennahan, Kickstarter's head of games, to unravel the secrets behind a winning crowdfunding campaign. What are the "hygiene factors" you must nail on your campaign page? How can you leverage Kickstarte…

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Bob Rafei On Crafting Memorable Worlds 1:17:17

6M ago1:17:17

1:17:17

Ever wondered what it takes to create iconic games like Crash Bandicoot or Jak and Daxter? How about founding your own game studio from scratch? Join us in Episode 233 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast as Andrew and Sean sit down with the legendary Bob Rafei, the creative mind behind Big Red Button Entertainment and former art director at Naughty D…

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#357 - Product First, Creator Second: How 1Up Candy Hit $10M in 10 Months feat. VOID CEO Chris Koch 43:45

6M ago43:45

43:45

Chris Koch is the founder and CEO of VO/D, a venture studio that partners with massive talent celebrities to build enduring CPG brands across DTC, e-commerce, and retail. With a background in sports, investment banking, and talent management, Chris brings deep experience in identifying consumer needs, pairing them with the right creators, and execu…

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Rulebooks: The Real MVP 48:16

6M ago48:16

48:16

Ever wondered what makes a board game crowdfunding campaign truly successful? In Episode 231 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean sit down with Chris George from the World Series of Board Gaming and Room and Board YouTube channel to uncover the secrets! How do you attract the right backers while steering clear of those who might not enjoy your ga…

1
Luck, Preparedness, Opportunity, & Tariffs 1:05:31

6M ago1:05:31

1:05:31

Can you predict the unpredictable in business? How do poker strategies apply to managing unexpected challenges? Join hosts Andrew and Sean, along with guest Ryan Williams, as they explore these intriguing questions. In this episode, we dive into the delicate dance of skill, hard work, and luck in the gaming industry, highlighted by veteran insights…

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Can Board Games Go Pro? 1:03:03

6M ago1:03:03

1:03:03

Ever wondered if board gaming could be the next big spectator sport? In episode 230 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, Andrew and Sean dive into the world of competitive board gaming with Chris George, the creative mind behind the Room and Board YouTube channel and a key player in the World Series of Board Gaming (WSBG). Chris shares his fascinatin…

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#356 - 0 to $50M in 24 Months: The Explosive Growth Story of BRĒZ feat. CEO Aaron Nosbisch 48:16

6M ago48:16

48:16

Aaron Nosbisch is the founder and CEO of BRĒZ, a cannabis social tonic beverage designed as an alcohol alternative that offers a euphoric, feel-good effect without the downsides of alcohol. He built his expertise in e-commerce from an early age, launching multiple internet brands and scaling previous ventures like MONQ (portable aromatherapy diffus…

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Game Over, Start Again? with Ryan Williams 1:16:49

7M ago1:16:49

1:16:49

Ever wondered how to keep your audience hooked between game releases or the secret sauce to a successful crowdfunding relaunch? In Episode 230 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean sit down with Ryan Williams, the mastermind behind Starclash, to tackle these burning questions. Ryan spills the beans on building a thriving community, sharing his jou…

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#355 - The Truth About Scaling on Facebook: Lessons from $150M in Ad Spend 40:00

7M ago40:00

40:00

Marin Ištvanić is a partner at Inspire Brands, a boutique agency focused on paid social ads, primarily on Facebook and Instagram. He has personally spent over $150 million on Facebook ads for clients and internal brands, successfully scaling Inspire's own brand to $30 million in revenue by their third year. In this episode of DTC Pod, Marin shares …

1
Kickstarter Asked Me To Do A Webinar 1:02:44

7M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

Ever wondered what it takes to launch a successful Kickstarter campaign for a tabletop game? In episode 229 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, Andrew and Sean dive into the secrets of Kickstarter success, inspired by Andrew's recent experience speaking at a Kickstarter webinar. Invited by Asher McClanahan, Kickstarter's Head of Games, Andrew shares…

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#354 - Tariffs, Duty Drawbacks, and Building a Bulletproof Supply Chain Strategy feat. Justin Sherlock 55:48

7M ago55:48

55:48

Justin Sherlock is the co-founder and CEO of Caspian, an AI-native duty drawback platform designed to help brands navigate complex global trade and tariff environments. Prior to Caspian, Justin gained deep experience in finance and logistics at Flexport, where he led Flexport Capital, and previously had several years experience in private equity. I…

1
Mastering Board Game Pitches with Adam Porter 1:10:23

7M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

Are you ready to level up your board game design skills? In this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, join hosts Donnie and Sean as they dive into the world of board game pitching with the talented Adam Porter, a seasoned designer from Wales. Ever wondered how to catch a publisher's eye at conventions like Essen Spiel or UK Games Expo? Adam s…

1
Chinese Manufacturer Talks Tariffs 1:53:31

7M ago1:53:31

1:53:31

Ever wondered how tariffs shape the world of manufacturing and international trade? In Episode 227 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean dive deep with Hersh Glueck, a supply chain expert with boots on the ground in China. How do tariffs impact Chinese manufacturers, and what ripple effects do they have on global trade? Join us as Hersh sheds ligh…

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Tariff Advice & Tips You Need To Hear! 1:16:09

8M ago1:16:09

1:16:09

How do skyrocketing tariffs impact your crowdfunding project? Can you turn these challenges into opportunities? Join us, Andrew and Sean, as we dive deep into these pressing questions with our guest, Ryan Williams. In this episode, we dissect the recent tariff hike from 20% to 54% on Chinese goods and its profound impact on the board game industry.…

1
Thriving Amidst Giants 1:02:13

8M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Ever wondered how to keep your cool when your crowdfunding campaign is overshadowed by a big name like Blizzard Entertainment? In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, hosts Andrew and Sean dive deep into the emotional and strategic hurdles that creators face on their crowdfunding journey. We discuss the mindset needed to tackle demoralization and th…

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#353 - Meta Ad Secrets: How Top DTC Brands Spend $300K/Month Profitably 46:17

8M ago46:17

46:17

Peter Czepiga is the founder of Flighted, an agency that helps DTC brands profitably scale their advertising on platforms like Meta, TikTok, and Google. He also runs his own brand, Ando. Flighted has worked with some of the most popular DTC brands spending between $50-300k per month on ads. In this episode of DTC Pod, Peter shares his strategies fo…

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Case Study: When The Going Gets Tough 1:19:44

8M ago1:19:44

1:19:44

Are you ready to dive into the world of crowdfunding with a twist of strategy and resilience? In Episode 224 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, hosts Andrew and Sean team up with Ryan Williams, a fellow Nerd, to unpack the journey of his Kickstarter project, Starclash, inspired by the iconic StarCraft series. Ever wondered how to manage a Kickstart…

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ARGs: The Secret Sauce of Portal's Marketing with Jeep Barnett 56:13

8M ago56:13

56:13

Episode 221 of Crowdfunding Nerds is here, and it's a game-changer! Ever wondered how alternate reality games (ARGs) can skyrocket a game's success? Or how a viral phrase like "the cake is a lie" came to be? Join us as we dive deep into the world of game development with the legendary Jeep Barnett, known for his work on the Portal series at Valve. …

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Marketing Scams & How I Almost Lost $9500 1:19:22

8M ago1:19:22

1:19:22

Have you ever wondered how scammers craft their traps so convincingly? In this gripping episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, hosts Andrew Loewen and Sean take you on a harrowing journey through a sophisticated scam attempt that nearly cost Andrew $9,500 in Bitcoin! Andrew recounts how the scammers, posing as law enforcement, manipulated real-life events,…

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THE BEST COLLEGE LECTURE ON MARKETING EVER 1:00:30

9M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

Did you know game specialization can level up your marketing? Join us for Episode 221 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, where Andrew and Sean unravel the complexities of board game publishing and marketing. Sean shares insights from his recent lecture, guiding us through the three pathways for creators: self-publishing, partnering with a publisher…