Best Academy of Interactive Arts Podcasts (2025)

1
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II with Lead Designer Prokop Jirsa 1:53:00

1h ago1:53:00

1:53:00

Trent Kusters chats with Prokop Jirsa, Lead Designer on Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, the hit historical RPG by Warhorse Studios. Together they discuss the key pillars of the Kingdom Come series that influence the decisions they make around narrative and design; their focus on emergent gameplay and how that informs their philosophy on quest structu…

1
Raiders of the Lost Ark, Thriller, Coming to America Costume Designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis 1:13:00

6h ago1:13:00

1:13:00

Deborah Nadoolman is the costume designer from such classics as Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Blues Brothers, Coming to America and more. She's also designed for music videos like the iconic "Thriller" video from Michael Jackson.

1
Writing the Mythos of South of Midnight with Zaire Lanier and Dani Dee 1:17:03

1d ago1:17:03

1:17:03

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with writers Dani Dee and Zaire Lanier about their work on Compulsion Games latest action-adventure, South of Midnight. Together they discuss how they began their careers in writing and what led them to Compulsion Games; how the team stayed authentic to the folklore of the American Deep South; the process of writing the main…

1
The Dead Sea Scrolls and Beginnings of Western Mysticism 12:49

4d ago12:49

12:49

What are the Dead Sea Scrolls? Who discovered them? And why are they important? Professor Philip Alexander FBA explores the history of the scrolls, and their role in uncovering the beginnings of Western Mysticism. Want to learn more from the British Academy? Check out our Folklore Reimagined season on our website: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.u…

1
Expedition 33 with Maelle Actor Jennifer English 59:29

8d ago59:29

59:29

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with actor Jennifer English, best known for her iconic roles in games like Elden Ring, Baldur's Gate III, and Sandfall Interactive's debut smash hit, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Together they discuss her prior career in classical theater as well as her previous work in games leading up to playing Maelle in Expedition 33; wo…

1
Come Home, 12KM, Writer Director Mike Pecci 1:20:48

16d ago1:20:48

1:20:48

Mike Pecci is an award-winning director, editor, and cinematographer based in Los Angeles, California. He's known for his gritty, raunchy, and edgy style. Pecci's work includes directing over 30 music videos for artists like Killswitch Engage, Lucius, and the Wu Tang Clan. He also co-directs with Ian McFarland as part of the directing duo McFarland…

1
Navigating the Shifting Corridors of BLUE PRINCE with Creator Tonda Ros 1:59:59

15d ago1:59:59

1:59:59

Trent Kusters chats with Tonda Ros, the creator of the mind bending puzzle roguelike, Blue Prince. Together they discuss his prior career navigating the film industry and how he found himself creating his first game; the early tools and resources that helped him get started; brining in additional team members and what that meant for the project tim…

1
The HR Lady Award Winning Podcast: Accountability, Credits Now Available, Merger with HR Empowerment 20:26

23d ago20:26

20:26

Join Wendy Sellers and JC as they celebrate a major achievement in podcasting – multiple awards! They then delve into the core topic of this episode: accountability in the workplace. Wendy shares insights from her recent training experience, highlighting the importance of effective communication, goal-setting and management follow-through in enhanc…

1
How 3 Brothers Started a Game Studio - Butterscotch Shenanigans 1:07:53

22d ago1:07:53

1:07:53

Trent Kusters chats with brothers Adam and Seth Coster of indie studio, Butterscotch Shenanigans, who recently released Crashlands 2, the sequel to their hit debut release. Together they discuss their story of 3 brothers working in different fields who came together to make games; the mistakes and lessons they learned while building the studio; how…

1
Transforming Workplace Safety: Insights from a Lean Specialist, Brian Matyjevich 23:30

25d ago23:30

23:30

Join Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, and her co-host JC as they dive into an enlightening conversation with Brian Matyjevich, a seasoned safety expert and Lean Specialist. Whether you're in HR or a business owner, this episode provides valuable knowledge to enhance your company's safety and efficiency. Discover the transformative power of integrating l…

1
Avowed Game Director Carrie Patel talks World Building and Narrative Design 1:02:07

29d ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with Carrie Patel, the Game Director on Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed. Together they discuss how the team worked within the Pillars of Eternity universe while expanding the world and characters; transitioning the gameplay from an isometric RPG to a focus on first person action; writing memorable companions; and the complex…

1
Revolutionizing Healthcare with AI: Insights from Quadrant Health's Hayes Milani 21:00

1M ago21:00

21:00

In this enlightening episode, host Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, dives into the transformative influence of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector. Joined by Hayes Milani from Quadrant Health, the discussion centers around the application of AI to alleviate administrative burdens, streamline patient interactions, and combat labor shortages …

1
From Dragon Age to Eternal Strands with Mike Laidlaw 1:13:13

1M ago1:13:13

1:13:13

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with Mike Laidlaw, Chief Creative Officer at Yellow Brick Games. Together they discuss his career developing role-playing games including his role as Creative Director on the Dragon Age franchise; the development of his new studio's first release, Eternal Strands; creating the physics based combat system; the key pillars for…

1
Empowering Small Businesses: The Art of Culture-Based Hiring with Erin Longmoon 17:57

1M ago17:57

17:57

Welcome to a captivating episode with Wendy Sellers, The HR lady, and her co-host JC as they introduce us to Erin Longmoon, the CEO of Zephyr Connects. Join their engaging conversation about the challenges small businesses face in hiring the right talent, and discover the importance of aligning employees with the company's mission and values. Erin,…

1
Empathy and Trust: Navigating Leadership Challenges with Adam Malone 20:27

1M ago20:27

20:27

Join Wendy Sellers, "The HR Lady," and co-host JC as they delve into the world of leadership and management in this enlightening episode. Special guest Adam Maloney, known as "The Tenacious Operator" and a leadership consultant from Tennessee, shares insights from his vast experience leading global teams and his expertise in building trust within o…

1
Sinners, Academy Award Winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter 41:36

1M ago41:36

41:36

New Episode Now Live and it’s a must-watch! @Designing Hollywood Show is thrilled to welcome back Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter for an exclusive interview diving deep into her powerful work on the new film Sinners, hitting theaters this weekend. In Sinners, Ruth steps into a gritty, raw world of survival and redemption — crafting co…

1
Creating the Super Earth of Helldivers 2 with Arrowhead's Johan Pilestedt 3:17:22

1M ago3:17:22

3:17:22

Trent Kusters chats with Johan Pilestedt, the Game Director on Arrowhead Game Studios' smash-hit, HELLDIVERS™ 2. Together they discuss his path in games that led to the founding of Arrowhead alongside his classmates in Sweden; the development and release of their first title, Magicka; the original ideas around that laid the foundation for the Helld…

1
DEI in 2025: Ensuring Legal and Effective Diversity Strategies 8:50

2M ago8:50

8:50

Join Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, as she tackles the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's legal climate. Despite changes in affirmative action, DEI remains essential and legally viable with smart, inclusive strategies. Wendy emphasizes the importance of refreshing DEI actions and policies, advising companies to bro…

1
Serve, Study, Soar: Omolade’s Hootworthy Rise to Valedictorian 19:15

2M ago19:15

19:15

Send us a text Omolade is GCA’s 2025 Valedictorian—but her story goes beyond grades. She’s an encourager, an athlete, and a future nurse with a mindset built on faith, hard work, and heart. In this episode, she shares how she stayed grounded, what helped her push through, and why showing up as yourself matters most. Enjoy the show. 🎙️ Hootworthy: T…

1
Untrained Leaders: The Invisible Crisis in Management 4:05

2M ago4:05

4:05

In this episode, we delve into the surprising reality that a vast majority of managers, as well as HR professionals, in the U.S. are thrust into leadership roles without formal training. We discuss the implications of this 'trial by fire' approach, highlighting its detrimental effects on productivity, employee morale, and company culture. But there…

1
Becoming Indiana Jones with Troy Baker 1:19:49

2M ago1:19:49

1:19:49

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with actor Troy Baker. Together they discuss his award winning performance as Indiana Jones in MachineGames's Indiana Jones and the Great Circle; his biggest challenges in playing an iconic character; lessons he learned from his past projects that informed his preparation and performance; and the difference between a perform…

1
Navigating the New Normal: Keeping Employees Engaged with Charlotte Bidgood 18:51

2M ago18:51

18:51

In this episode, Wendy Sellers, "The HR Lady," engages with Charlotte Bidgood, co-founder of Inclusive People, to discuss the ever-evolving "new normal" and strategies for keeping employees engaged amidst rapid changes such as AI disruptions. With nearly 20 years of HR experience, Charlotte sheds light on the importance of clear communication, busi…

1
The rise and fall of Matthew Hopkins, Witchfinder General 13:07

2M ago13:07

13:07

What really happened when a breakdown of the legal system in the English Civil War fuelled a series of witch-hunts? In this 10-Minute Talk, Professor Ronald Hutton FBA delves into England's witch trials and Matthew Hopkins, the self-proclaimed Witchfinder General. For more from The British Academy’s Folklore Reimagined season, visit our website: ht…

1
In the Heights, George and Tammy, Costume Designer Mitchell Travers 1:06:19

2M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

Mitchell Travers is an American Costume Designer who has cultivated a character-heavy portfolio of work for multiple titles. His breakout work on Bo Burnham’s A24 indie hit Eighth Grade, which earned him a spot on Variety’s Artisan’s Impact Report.He was tasked to transform Emma Thompson into a chic pantsuit-sporting Late Night TV host in Mindy Kal…

1
Unveiling the Role of a Chief Dream Officer with Melissa Severance 18:02

2M ago18:02

18:02

Welcome back to another insightful discussion with Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, and co-host JC. In today's episode, they are joined by Melissa Severance, the Chief Dream Officer of Inspire Big Dreams. Melissa shares her unique journey and role in helping individuals achieve their aspirations while aligning with organizational goals. She delves deep …

1
Magic, Kevlar, and Conspiracies with Tactical Breach Wizards Dev Tom Francis 2:37:25

2M ago2:37:25

2:37:25

Trent Kusters chats with game designer Tom Francis of Suspicious Developments, developers of hit indie tactical strategy games like Gunpoint, Heat Signature, and Tactical Breach Wizards. Together they discuss how Tom went from games journalism to game development; his ideas around challenge and difficulty; weaving gameplay with narrative; and his t…

1
Embrace the Differences: Thriving in Diverse Work Environments with Kelly McDonald 16:56

2M ago16:56

16:56

Join Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, and co-host JC (Jim Connors) with special guest Kelly McDonald to explore the dynamic topic of working with and leading diverse teams. Discover how embracing employee differences can enhance organizational performance and learn practical strategies to foster effective communication and collaboration in the workplace…

1
From Theater to Video Games with 1000xRESIST Actor, Nhi Do 1:01:00

2M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Alexa Ray Correia chats with actor Nhi Do, who starred in Sunset Visitor's debut narrative adventure, 1000xRESIST. Together they discuss her background in theater and how she landed her first part in video games; finding the entry point when playing a new character; the catharsis of finishing a project; and the importance of compartmentalization wh…

1
Mastering Workplace Dynamics: Tackling Selfish Leadership, with Josefine Campbell 16:19

2M ago16:19

16:19

Join Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, as she dives into the challenges of managing selfish leaders with guest Josefine Campbell, an executive coach and founder of Campbell Company. Discover practical tools and strategies from Josefine's book, "12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader," which is based on real-life experiences. Learn how to identify the tra…

1
Malaki's Hootworthy Mindset: From Doubt to Dominance in Taekwondo 18:49

2M ago18:49

18:49

Send us a text Malaki didn’t even want to try Taekwondo at first. A year later, he’s undefeated and a national champ. In this episode, we talk about how he pushed past doubt, stayed focused under pressure, and built the mindset that took him from nervous beginner to confident competitor. 🎙️ Hootworthy: The Podcast That Gives a Hoot We’re all about …

1
Navigating Marijuana in the Workplace: Safety and Legal Implications with Brian Matyjevich 29:37

2M ago29:37

29:37

In this podcast episode, Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady® sits down with professional safety expert and Lean specialist Brian Matyjevich to discuss the rapidly evolving topic of marijuana use and its implications in the workplace. As marijuana becomes increasingly popular and legal in various states, it's crucial to understand how it affects workplace s…

1
Mysteries of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle with MachineGames 1:12:18

2M ago1:12:18

1:12:18

Adam Orth chats with MachineGames' Jens Andersson and Axel Torvenius about their critically acclaimed title, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Together they discuss why they decided to make an Indiana Jones game in first person; the importance of introducing players to the Indiana Jones world by recreating the iconic opening scene from Raiders of…

1
EEOC News: The Legal Pitfalls of DEI Programs -What Employers Need to Know 24:09

3M ago24:09

24:09

Wendy Sellers discusses the latest clarifications from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on the legal boundaries surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. As affirmative action ends in early 2025, Wendy elaborates on how to ensure DEI initiatives remain compliant with federal law. Discover the differences between legal …

1
Companion, The Toxic Avenger, Costume Designer Vanessa Porter 46:27

3M ago46:27

46:27

Her designs have premiered at acclaimed film festivals- Sundance, TIFF, VFF, and SXSW. She has designed films for Warner Brothers Pictures/New Line Cinema, Legendary Pictures, and Amazon Studios. Vanessa has designed original series for Sony, Disney+, NETFLIX, and UCP/Peacock. Several of Vanessa’s projects have 2025 releases. GOOSEBUMPS: THE VANISH…

1
Becoming Yuffie in FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH with Actor Suzie Yeung 45:12

3M ago45:12

45:12

Alexa Ray Correia chats with actor Suzie Yeung. Together they discuss how she got her start acting in games; her performance as Yuffie Kisaragi in the recent reboot of FINAL FANTASY VII; her extensive work in the anime industry; the process and differences in recording for animation versus games; how she prepared for her performance as Yuffie; and …

1
Unveiling the Power of Pay Transparency with Rameez Kaleem 17:11

3M ago17:11

17:11

In this enlightening episode, Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, engages with Rameez Kaleem,, Founder and CEO of 3R Strategy, to delve into the significance of pay transparency in shaping organizational culture. Rameez shares his extensive experience in the field of rewards and highlights the critical need for clear communication around pay practices. The…

1
Book Of Clarence Costume Designer Antoinette Messam 1:15:59

3M ago1:15:59

1:15:59

Costume designer Antoinette Messam discusses her work on The Book of Clarence, her career, and her love of fashion with Producer/Host Phillip Boutté Jr Antoinette is an immensely talented costume designer; able to take the script and interpret the characters collaboratively with the director. Antoinette's experience as a fashion designer and stylis…

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Academy Of Interactive Arts Podcasts

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