Best Shaffer Creative Podcasts (2025)

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78. Beauty in the Built Environment: Jon Carloftis on Garden Design, Restoration, and the Spirit of Kentucky 42:43

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5d ago42:43

42:43

In this episode of DevelopLex, Weston and Ross sit down with legendary garden designer Jon Carloftis at his restored downtown Lexington home - known locally as “The Botherum”. From humble roots in Eastern Kentucky to designing rooftop gardens in New York City, Jon shares his journey of passion, intuition, and preservation and the importance of beau…

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Bonus: Ernest Cline's Stinker (Part 2—the Movie!) 1:10:45

6d ago1:10:45

1:10:45

We conclude our discussion of Ready Player One with an updated review of the movie. In pondering this mid movie, we leave no stone unturned... and no critically-acclaimed director forgiven. Come for the movie critique, stay for the poetry! Find part 1 of the discussion, Ernest Cline's Stinker (Part 1), here. Find our original review of the movie on…

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77. Retail That Sticks: Kyle & Tom Jameson on Creating Successful Shopping Centers w Compass Capital 53:01

19d ago53:01

53:01

In this episode of DevelopLex, Weston and Ross sit down with the father-son duo behind Compass Capital - Tom and Kyle Jameson - for a deep dive into Lexington-based retail real estate. From buying Lexington Green out of receivership at a 12-cap to running a successful campaign to legalize alcohol sales in Jessamine County (yes, really), the Jameson…

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Bonus: Ernest Cline's Stinker (Part 1) 1:31:59

20d ago1:31:59

1:31:59

We’re pulling an unaired episode from the archives this week! We talk about Ready Player One, the dystopian virtual-world novel that took the world by storm over a decade ago. We each completed the book independently, then came together in this conversation to share our thoughts with each other (and the world). In part 1 we discuss the novel, in pa…

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Creative and Intentional Worship Planning Using AI with Adam Stinespring 36:10

22d ago36:10

36:10

This month’s episode is a conversation I had with Adam Stinespring, worship leader, realtor, and designer of CreativeWorshipFlow.com, a worship planning tool using AI to assist worship leaders in putting together intentional times of worship for their congregations. I’ve known Adam for about 7 years, first as a music and worship student at Liberty …

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The Realest Place on Earth 1:57:59

1M ago1:57:59

1:57:59

Happy Design Doc episode 100! In this special episode, we take a field trip with our game Escape from Wonderland. Trapped in an amusement park with a half-finished game, we explore liminal spaces, shuttered VIP lounges, and mind-bendingly long queues. To escape Six Flags New England, we must first fix our broken larp. Creepy circus music is ⁠Creepy…

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When We Sing with Jon Azzarello 40:22

2M ago40:22

40:22

As I was finishing up my doctoral studies in worship a couple of years ago, I came across a book called “The Greatest Worship Leader,” by author and worship pastor at Mercy Hill Church in North Carolina, Jon Azzarello. I loved the book so much that I began to follow Jon on Instagram. His carousels with tidbits of encouragement for worship leaders w…

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76. Knee-Deep in Town Branch: Ross & Weston Wade Through Where Lexington Began and Where It’s Going 54:48

2M ago54:48

54:48

In this episode of DevelopLex, we go creekside with hosts Ross Boggess and Weston Lockhart at Town Branch Creek, the literal birthplace of Lexington, to talk about where the city began and where it’s going. What starts as a reflection on Lexington’s founding waterway flows into a wide-ranging conversation about real estate, infrastructure, populati…

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Game Design Grab Bag 58:46

2M ago58:46

58:46

In an impromptu recording, we decided to take turns setting a 6-minute timer and sharing whatever topics came to mind. The result was a series of compressed design conversations and a snapshot of our current ambitions and troubles. 1 - Sandbox exploration (chicken) 2 - Questlandia audio drama (cow) 3 - Traits & Conditions accounting (duck) 4 - Maki…

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75. Why Lexington SC Is More Than Soccer: Steven Dawahare on a Playbook for Community-Driven Development 44:22

2M ago44:22

44:22

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Stephen Dawahare, longtime Lexington entrepreneur and real estate developer, to talk about the bold vision behind Lexington SC and how it’s become one of the most impactful developments in Central Kentucky. What started as a soccer project has grown into a $100M+ privately funded ecosystem on Lexingto…

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Roleplaying in the Park 54:17

3M ago54:17

54:17

We're going back to the park and taking Wonderland with us! To get the game off the table and into the real world, there are a number of changes we'll have to make. We talk fanny packs, waterproof paper, coordinated outfits, and ditching friends. You can listen to our previous episode about Six Flags here. Links: Join the Turtlebun Discord: https:/…

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BONUS: Season 2 Train of Thought 27:16

3M ago27:16

27:16

At the end of each episode, I asked every guest to continue the train of thought from the last episode. Starting from the beginning of the season, each guest had to connect the themes of their episode with the themes of the last one. At the end of the second season, we had the full train of thought ready. Links to Each Episode: Find all episodes he…

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Important Questions to Ask When Choosing Songs for Coprorate Worship with Dalton Shaffer 31:16

3M ago31:16

31:16

This month’s episode is a conversation I had with Dalton Shaffer, Music Ministry and Liturgy Director at Candeo church in Cedar Falls, Iowa. I’ve followed Dalton for a while on Instagram, and his inspiration for worship leaders is always ROCK solid. A few weeks ago, he had a post titled “Stop Singing this song in your church,” and it got my attenti…

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74. Donald Miller, Ben Shaffer, Carter Bishop, & David Dean: Making Gatton Park a Reality 29:10

3M ago29:10

29:10

In this episode, we partnered with Downtown Lexington Partnership to host another Downtown Deep Dive, presented by Dean Builds. This time, with the visionaries behind Gatton Park on the Town Branch - Lexington’s most ambitious public space project to date. Recorded overlooking the park’s soon-to-be-unveiled amphitheater, this conversation dives int…

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Creative Disagreements 40:28

3M ago40:28

40:28

Even after years of working together, there are times where we just can’t agree. The work grinds to a halt, and we end up frustrated and confused. When there’s a breakdown in collaboration, how do you diagnose what went wrong, repair the rift, and move forward together? Links: Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support ou…

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73. Rebecca Burnworth on Airbnb Economics, Adaptive Reuse, and Lexington’s Dining Renaissance 57:18

4M ago57:18

57:18

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Rebecca Burnworth - architect, code-wrangler, and the visionary force behind The Stave and District 7. From navigating building permits with tenacity to breathing new life into Kentucky’s bourbon-country landmarks, Rebecca delivers an insider’s look at how design thinking, culinary creativity, and dee…

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The Game Takes Shape 44:26

4M ago44:26

44:26

In the early stages of a game's design, it's hard to even know what questions to answer. We've hit a turning point with Escape from Wonderland where we can see the shape of the game taking form. Big, abstract questions are getting small and specific. Now that the game has real structure, what comes next? Links: Join the Turtlebun Discord:⁠⁠⁠ https:…

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AI and the Worship Leader with Travis Doucette - PART 2 24:47

4M ago24:47

24:47

My guest on this month’s episode is an experienced worship pastor, educator, and songwriter who has provided oversight to one of the largest multi-campus churches in Virginia. I knew I wanted to pull from his expertise and finally got a chance to talk with Canadian native, Travis Doucette, the creator of a brand new training resource for worship le…

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72. Lessons from Madison: Recapping Commerce Lexington's Leadership Visit 34:18

4M ago34:18

34:18

This special episode of DevelopLex was created in partnership with Commerce Lexington to capture the biggest takeaways from the 2025 Leadership Visit to Madison, Wisconsin - and bring them home to Lexington. Every year, Commerce Lexington organizes one of the largest and longest-running intercity leadership trips in the country. Presented by Centra…

101
The Rules Tell a Story 40:31

4M ago40:31

40:31

After you’ve made the rules, you need to decide how you’re going to tell them. The right rule in the wrong order can make all the difference! In this unscripted episode, we share our initial thoughts about how we want our next rulebook to start, how to include immersive writing without sacrificing clarity, and (for some reason) reminisce about spoo…

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71. Burgess Carey on Ecotourism, Flex Space, and Why Lexington Needs Creative Developers 46:37

5M ago46:37

46:37

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Burgess Carey, a multi-generational Lexingtonian, developer, and visionary behind some of Central Kentucky’s most forward-thinking real estate and recreation projects. From pioneering self-storage development to reclaiming a forgotten gorge to launch Boone Creek Outdoors, Burgess shares a rare blend o…

101
Epilogues in Games 47:27

5M ago47:27

47:27

Story endings are hard! The epilogue of a game not only has to logically wrap up the story and tie up any loose ends—it’s also the moment to reflect on how your character has grown over many sessions, and a moment for you as the player to feel like the time spent playing was worthwhile. In this episode, we talk about what makes roleplaying game epi…

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AI and the Worship Leader with Travis Doucette - PART 1 24:23

5M ago24:23

24:23

My guest on this month’s episode is an experienced worship pastor, educator, and songwriter who has provided oversight to one of the largest multi-campus churches in Virginia. I knew I wanted to pull from his expertise and finally got a chance to talk with Canadian native, Travis Doucette, the creator of a brand new training resource for worship le…

101
Balancing the Pendulum 52:27

5M ago52:27

52:27

This week, we talk about the unpredictable mechanical swings that can happen between different versions of a game. Small tweaks to mechanics can trigger a cascade of unintended effects, causing the game design pendulum to swing from too many choices to too few and back again. We talk through examples of how we've managed these swings in Escape from…

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70. Dallas Rose on Mileta, Midland Station, and the Making of a Modern Lexington 42:23

5M ago42:23

42:23

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Dallas Rose, a Lexington native whose bold approach to real estate and hospitality is helping redefine what’s possible for the city. From launching Mileta, one of Lexington’s most ambitious new restaurants, to co-developing Midland Station, a transformative downtown housing project, Dallas shares his …

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Now You're the Bad Guy 38:13

6M ago38:13

38:13

We’re introducing a new dynamic to our latest roleplaying game! You all came to this amusement park as friends, but one of you started serving the park’s demonic forces. And things are about to get mean. How can characters become enemies while players remain friends? When the rules ask you to clash with you peers, care and consideration needs to be…

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69. Building for Impact: President Eli Capilouto on the Evolution of UK and Lexington 34:21

6M ago34:21

34:21

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Dr. Eli Capilouto, the 12th President of the University of Kentucky, to explore how UK’s campus transformation is more than bricks and mortar — it's a purpose-driven mission to advance Kentucky’s future. Since taking office in 2011, Dr. Capilouto has overseen more than $7 billion in campus development…

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Don’t Stop Making Art! (Feat. Joshua A.C. Newman) 1:00:10

6M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Hannah had to get a full time office job. Since then, finding the time and energy for creative work has been an uphill battle. In this episode, Hannah sits down with close friend and fellow game designer Joshua A.C. Newman to talk about life, art, and staying true to your values in trying times. Support Joshua’s work! https://www.patreon.com/joshua…

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EP 0024: Art, Technology, and Immersive Storytelling w/ Josh Maldonado 52:45

6M ago52:45

52:45

In this conversation, Bailey Parnell and Josh Maldonado explore the evolution of media production, technology, and immersive storytelling. They discuss Josh's journey from media production to virtual reality, the impact of location-based VR experiences, and the significance of emerging technologies like AI and Web3 in the creative landscape. The co…

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Worship Song Contextualization with Dr. Ryan Loche of the Church Collective 28:32

6M ago28:32

28:32

My guest on this month's episode was long overdue! I got a chance to talk with Dr. Ryan Loche, the co-founder of The Church Collective https://www.instagram.com/thechurchcollective/. If you’re unfamiliar with this non-profit that encourages and resources worship leaders, you need to check it out on Instagram. I’ve known Dr. Loche for about 10 years…

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68. From Racehorses to Real Estate: Price Bell’s Vision for a Better Lexington 1:01:10

6M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Price Bell, a lifelong Lexingtonian, thoroughbred farm operator, and passionate community builder. From managing his family's historic Mill Ridge Farm to leading neighborhood redevelopment efforts in North Limestone, Price brings a unique lens to the intersection of land, legacy, and leadership. We di…

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It’s My Playtest and I’ll Cry If I Want To 45:39

7M ago45:39

45:39

Hannah and Evan discuss Wonderland's first four-player playtest. When a playtest goes wrong, it can be tricky to diagnose the cause. How much is due to the rules, and what's connected to the more subtle influence of mood and flow? Links: Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Website: turtlebun.com Credits: …

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EP 0023: Medicine, Motherhood, and Being Unlike the Rest w/ Dr. Chika Oriuwa 1:04:19

7M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

In this engaging conversation, Bailey Parnell and Dr. Chika Oriuwa explore themes of identity, self-care, and the journey to becoming a psychiatrist. Chika shares her multifaceted identity as a mother, doctor, and public speaker, emphasizing the importance of hobbies and self-care in a hyper-capitalistic society. They reflect on their experiences g…

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67. Clay Waller on Spotting Hidden Opportunities in Real Estate and the Challenges of Development in Lexington 52:30

7M ago52:30

52:30

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Clay Waller, a Lexington-based real estate investor and developer, to talk about his journey into the industry - one that started with a trial by fire. When his grandfather suddenly handed him the reins to a struggling business, Clay had to learn fast. Today, he’s built a thriving portfolio spanning r…

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Pacing 55:51

7M ago55:51

55:51

Slow and steady wins the race... but does it work in a one-session RPG? From what we've seen in Escape from Wonderland, not quite. In this episode, we discuss pacing in roleplaying games: from the moment players arrive at the table to leaving everyone feeling satisfied with the story's twists and turns. We dig into the challenge of building uncanny…

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EP 0022: Neuro-Life Coaching, Ancestral Wisdom, and Psychological Challenges in Corporate Environments w/ Karlyn Percil 1:11:59

7M ago1:11:59

1:11:59

In this engaging conversation, Bailey Parnell and Karlyn Percil explore themes of cultural identity, the meaning of wealth beyond monetary value, and the psychological challenges faced in corporate environments. Karlyn shares her experiences growing up in St. Lucia, the richness of her upbringing, and how it contrasts with her experiences in Canada…

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66. Kathryn Kaufman and David Dean: The Vision to Revitalize 325 West Main Street 29:47

7M ago29:47

29:47

In this episode, we partnered with Downtown Lexington Partnership to host a live panel discussion at 325 West Main, formerly known as the Festival Marketplace. Joined by visionary Katie Kaufman and the general contractor on the project, David Dean, we discuss the redevelopment of this historic Lexington property. Kaufman, a former U.S. Defense poli…

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Colossians 3:16 - An Biblical Guide to Corporate Worship with Spencer Cormany from Leading Worship Well 27:13

7M ago27:13

27:13

Colossians 3:16 not only guides the Church in WHY we should sing but WHAT we should be singing and WHY we should be singing it.By Cliff Lambert

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Insights and Secrets 52:45

7M ago52:45

52:45

Sometimes a secret is worth more than gold. But how do you make concrete rules for something intangible? Hannah and Evan talk about the secrets of Wonderland and what to do when the rules are out of step with the story. Links/Credits: Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Website: turtlebun.com Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghos…

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EP 0021: Travelling for Empowerment, Resilience, and Wealth Creation w/ Huda Alvi 1:03:31

7M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

In this engaging conversation, Bailey Parnell and Huda Alvi explore Huda's entrepreneurial journey, her commitment to empowering women, and the transformative power of travel. Huda shares her personal experiences, including her early marriage, divorce, and the challenges of navigating her career. They discuss the importance of community, authentici…

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65. Didi Caldwell and Jeff Bischoff: Inside the World of Site Selection and Economic Development 42:37

8M ago42:37

42:37

In this episode, Ross and Weston sit down with Didi Caldwell and Jeff Bischoff during the Commerce Lexington Regional Summit. Didi Caldwell is the President and CEO of Global Location Strategies, a leading site selection and incentive negotiation firms for manufacturing and industrial companies. Jeff Bischoff is the Chief Sales Officer as Gray Cons…

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Rewards and Prizes 44:33

8M ago44:33

44:33

Even when things are going wrong for your characters, you as a player might feel rewarded by narrative twists and turns. In this episode, Hannah and Evan discuss the ways that games can reward both players and characters, and do some live game design about claw machine prizes... Links/Credits: Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Website: turtlebun.com D…

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EP 0020: Everyday Inclusion, Community, & Connecting Kids to Their Heritage w/ Akeisha Lari 1:16:11

8M ago1:16:11

1:16:11

In this thoughtful and engaging episode, Bailey Parnell and Akeisha Lari explore the intricacies of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work, focusing on Akeisha’s personal journey as a first-generation student, her career in DEI, and her role as a mother raising multiracial children. The conversation highlights the importance of intentional par…

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64. Weston, Ross, and Logan Jones Kickoff Season 5 39:24

8M ago39:24

39:24

We are back for season 5! We’ve spent the off season hard at work and have some fun updates to share, along with some exciting news from the team. Today, we welcome Logan Jones onto the podcast. You might know Logan from Middle Tech - our sister brand - but recently, Logan has decided to go full time to help us grow both brands. We’re incredibly ex…

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The Art of Perfect Art 55:03

8M ago55:03

55:03

When people decide what art is worth looking at, they look for the very best. In a world that demands creative endeavors be perfect, how do we find the confidence to make and share our own art? Episode mentions: Olga Smirnova / Dutch National Ballet: https://www.operaballet.nl/en/dancers/olga-smirnova Toki Pona: https://tokipona.org/ A Mathematicia…

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EP 0019: Technology, Leadership Identity, and Work-Life Integration w/ Zak Hemraj 1:08:31

8M ago1:08:31

1:08:31

In this episode, Bailey Parnell and Zak Hemraj discuss various aspects of leadership, identity, and personal development. Zak shares his journey as a tech entrepreneur and the lessons he has learned about leadership, including the importance of cultural context, emotional intelligence, and resilience. They explore the concept of culturally relevant…

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What Makes a Good Playtest? 53:28

9M ago53:28

53:28

Is playtesting more of a science, or more art? How prepared should you be for a playtest if you're testing rules that might change on the fly, never to be seen again? In this episode we talk about playtesting our newest game, Escape from Wonderland, and how that went! Links/Credits: Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Website: turtlebun.com Design Doc i…

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EP 0018: Veterans, PTSD, and Psychedelic Therapy w/ Lt. Col. Jeff Wozencraft (EdD Candidate) 1:14:55

9M ago1:14:55

1:14:55

In this engaging conversation, Bailey Parnell and Jeff Wozencraft discuss a range of topics from personal choices regarding alcohol consumption to the challenges and motivations behind pursuing higher education. Jeff shares his journey of quitting alcohol and embracing healthier alternatives like kombucha, while also reflecting on the cultural impl…

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EP 0017: Loneliness and Learning, Focus Strategies, and Ethical Entrepreneurship w/ Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer 1:09:41

9M ago1:09:41

1:09:41

EP 0017: Loneliness and Learning, Focus Strategies, and Ethical Entrepreneurship w/ Dr. Deena Kara ShafferIn this engaging conversation, Bailey Parnell and Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer explore the transition from academia to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of relationships in learning and the concept of ethical business. They discuss the sig…

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When Mechanics Don't Match 44:44

10M ago44:44

44:44

Our newest game, Escape from Wonderland, began as a hack of Questlandia. But what happens when the mechanics of an old game don't work with the story you want to tell? In this episode we talk about hacking games to do what we want them to do. Links: Support Design Doc on Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Find our games at: turtlebun.com Credits: Desig…