Best Jam Dev Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 407 - How Game Mechanics Can Transform How We Learn with Micah Greenleaf 56:39

Play Pause

2d ago56:39

56:39

Leveling up in real life takes more than just discipline, passion and trying to level up others, it takes smart design. In this episode, we explore how game design principles can help us, devs and creators, develop practical life skills, reframe personal challenges, and even learn more effectively from that process. To today, we’re going unpack how…

1
Ep 407 - How Game Mechanics Can Transform How We Learn with Micah Greenleaf 56:39

2d ago56:39

56:39

Leveling up in real life takes more than just discipline, passion and trying to level up others, it takes smart design. In this episode, we explore how game design principles can help us, devs and creators, develop practical life skills, reframe personal challenges, and even learn more effectively from that process. To today, we’re going unpack how…

1
Ep 406 - Building Games and Community with Purpose with Riad Djemili 58:48

9d ago58:48

58:48

Indie devs often wear too many hats, making it hard to give each area, like production, marketing, and community the attention it deserves. But what happens when you're stretched too thin? How does that affect your game, your message, and the trust you've built with players? In today’s discussion, we’ll look at the real-world challenges of running …

1
Ep 406 - Building Games and Community with Purpose with Riad Djemili 58:48

9d ago58:48

58:48

Indie devs often wear too many hats, making it hard to give each area, like production, marketing, and community the attention it deserves. But what happens when you're stretched too thin? How does that affect your game, your message, and the trust you've built with players? In today’s discussion, we’ll look at the real-world challenges of running …

1
036 — Pedal to the Metal 13:24

12d ago13:24

13:24

Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rLRNnlzIOQM I connected with Vercel this past week to discuss how I could both optimize and try to control the costs that https://www.starterpacks.net was accumulating. I did walk away with some techniques that I will try on the next site I launch on Vercel where I need to try to maintain a consistent bi…

1
Ep 405 - How to Spot and Support Viral Games with Sam De Boeck 40:34

17d ago40:34

40:34

Many developers dream of going viral, but few understand what it actually takes to get there. While focusing on virality isn’t everything, it can help build momentum. So today, we’re going to talk about how to identify, shape, and publish games with viral potential, all without chasing trends or sacrificing originality, by learning what early signa…

1
Ep 405 - How to Spot and Support Viral Games with Sam De Boeck 40:34

16d ago40:34

40:34

Many developers dream of going viral, but few understand what it actually takes to get there. While focusing on virality isn’t everything, it can help build momentum. So today, we’re going to talk about how to identify, shape, and publish games with viral potential, all without chasing trends or sacrificing originality, by learning what early signa…

1
035 — $800 Gorilla in the Room 10:20

20d ago10:20

10:20

Unfortunately I missed my milestone of getting an early release of https://www.skylounge.social deployed during Release Day. But, it wasn’t for a lack of trying. It’s kind of hard to run when it feels like you have a knife in your stomach and you don’t know how to stop the bleeding. I dig into what attempts I made to optimize the NextJS App for htt…

1
Ep 404 - Redefining the Publishing Landscape with Ben Kvalo 1:05:26

24d ago1:05:26

1:05:26

The publishing model most indie devs face is outdated and often stacked against them. Rigid contracts, hidden expectations, and a lack of real partnership force devs to choose between full independence or giving up too much. But thankfully, a new approach is emerging. In this episode, we explore what a modern publishing model looks like, one that’s…

1
Ep 404 - Redefining the Publishing Landscape with Ben Kvalo 1:05:26

23d ago1:05:26

1:05:26

The publishing model most indie devs face is outdated and often stacked against them. Rigid contracts, hidden expectations, and a lack of real partnership force devs to choose between full independence or giving up too much. But thankfully, a new approach is emerging. In this episode, we explore what a modern publishing model looks like, one that’s…

1
Ep 403 - Winning at PR Without a Big Budget with Shanté Micah & Josh Moody 1:05:02

1M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Many indie studios feel locked out of traditional PR, feeling like you need an agency and big budget just to get noticed. In this episode, we break down how to earn meaningful media coverage with a story worth telling and how to create a system to share it. Learn how a strategic approach to visibility can build credibility, attract players, and dri…

1
Ep 403 - Winning at PR Without a Big Budget with Shanté Micah & Josh Moody 1:05:02

1M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Many indie studios feel locked out of traditional PR, feeling like you need an agency and big budget just to get noticed. In this episode, we break down how to earn meaningful media coverage with a story worth telling and how to create a system to share it. Learn how a strategic approach to visibility can build credibility, attract players, and dri…

1
034 — Who’s ready to Jam!? 8:34

1M ago8:34

8:34

A quick update on this glorious hump day, just in time before I head out to the Atlanta PHP meetup (https://phpxatl.com). Tomorrow, May 21st at 11:30am EDT I’ll be chatting with Brian Casel (https://briancasel.com) about his recent launch of Instrumental Components (https://instrumental.dev). Join us in the stream and if you have any questions for …

1
Ep 402 - Making Sense of Game Marketing Attribution with Matthias Mirlach 1:11:16

1M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

Attribution often feels like a black box for indie devs, but ignoring it can cost you time, money, and momentum. In this episode, we break down what attribution really is, why it matters, and how small teams can start tracking what counts while learning how to avoid misleading metrics, balance data with creative instincts, and make smarter marketin…

1
Ep 402 - Making Sense of Game Marketing Attribution with Matthias Mirlach 1:11:16

1M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

Attribution often feels like a black box for indie devs, but ignoring it can cost you time, money, and momentum. In this episode, we break down what attribution really is, why it matters, and how small teams can start tracking what counts while learning how to avoid misleading metrics, balance data with creative instincts, and make smarter marketin…

1
033 — Just Oil the Chair 5:31

1M ago5:31

5:31

I listened to a podcast episode back on January 30, 2025, and there are 3 little words that have been bouncing around in the back of my head ever since whenever I turn on the mic to stream or record, "oil your chair". The podcast episode was from Justin Jackson (https://justinjackson.ca) and Jeremy Enns (https://jeremyenns.com) on their Podcasting …

1
Ep 401 - How to Turn Jams into Plans and Opportunities with Juliana Brito 53:39

1M ago53:39

53:39

When it comes to game jams, too many projects get shelved before they reach their full potential. In this episode, we’re going to explore how jams and small projects can become launchpads for long-term opportunity with the right support. From mentorship and incubation to funding access and marketing guidance, learn how structured programs are helpi…

1
Ep 401 - How to Turn Jams into Plans and Opportunities with Juliana Brito 53:39

1M ago53:39

53:39

When it comes to game jams, too many projects get shelved before they reach their full potential. In this episode, we’re going to explore how jams and small projects can become launchpads for long-term opportunity with the right support. From mentorship and incubation to funding access and marketing guidance, learn how structured programs are helpi…

1
032 — Streaming Developments: Breaking ground on skylounge.social 12:53

2M ago12:53

12:53

Some quick updates on the status of https://www.starterpacks.net and announcing the new project that I am working on! Since the last update, the crawlers have been crawling—HEAVILY—accessing the site over 24M 👀 times. Needless to say, my Vercel bill is going to be a little higher this month, but 🤞 it will be worth it. Since the last update where th…

1
Ep 400 - A Practical Guide to Smarter Crowdfunding with Thomas Bidaux 53:12

2M ago53:12

53:12

From trailers to reward tiers, creators often stress over the wrong things when preparing for a Kickstarter launch. So in this episode, our guest challenges common misconceptions and shares hard-earned insights from analyzing numerous campaigns. We’ll cut through the noise and offer practical, proven strategies that anyone would be confident to bac…

1
Ep 400 - A Practical Guide to Smarter Crowdfunding with Thomas Bidaux 53:12

2M ago53:12

53:12

From trailers to reward tiers, creators often stress over the wrong things when preparing for a Kickstarter launch. So in this episode, our guest challenges common misconceptions and shares hard-earned insights from analyzing numerous campaigns. We’ll cut through the noise and offer practical, proven strategies that anyone would be confident to bac…

1
Stuart Maine on 28 Years in Game Development: Starting a Studio, Building Great Teams, Career Advice & Lessons for Aspiring Devs & His New Books 50:23

2M ago50:23

50:23

In this interview, veteran game designer Stuart Maine shares his 28-year journey in the gaming industry, detailing his humble beginnings in a cyber café to becoming a senior designer at Two Desperados, a mobile games company in Serbia. Stuart recounts his early days at Bullfrog and his time at renowned companies like Acclaim and Blitz, working on n…

1
031 — Appeasing the SEO Gods 10:19

2M ago10:19

10:19

You can also watch the video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ENFM-pQK5iM A quick update about some recent updates I pushed out on https://www.starterpacks.net. In the last episode, I announced the addition of the Quick Starter Pack Editor to the site. Since then, I have rolled out a few tweaks to make it nicer, like preventing duplicate entries t…

1
Ep 399 - What It Really Takes to Launch a Game Studio with Colin McInerney 1:06:15

2M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

A lot of developers dream of starting their own studio, but the reality is far from glamorous. In this episode, we dive deep with our guest to unpack the overlooked, gritty, and often emotional process of building a studio from scratch. From pitching to production pipelines, they're going to share what aspiring founders need to prepare for, emotion…

1
Ep 399 - What It Really Takes to Launch a Game Studio with Colin McInerney 1:06:15

2M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

A lot of developers dream of starting their own studio, but the reality is far from glamorous. In this episode, we dive deep with our guest to unpack the overlooked, gritty, and often emotional process of building a studio from scratch. From pitching to production pipelines, they're going to share what aspiring founders need to prepare for, emotion…

1
Ep 398 - Why Insurance Matters for Game Devs with Phil Wildman 51:01

2M ago51:01

51:01

The game industry is full of risks, IP disputes, cyberattacks, contract issues, even failed crowdfunding campaigns. And while we never anticipate these things happening to us...sometimes, they surface when we least expect it, inviting all sorts of chaos. So today, we explore how devs can avoid the hassle of the unknown by understanding how insuranc…

1
Ep 398 - Why Insurance Matters for Game Devs with Phil Wildman 51:01

2M ago51:01

51:01

The game industry is full of risks, IP disputes, cyberattacks, contract issues, even failed crowdfunding campaigns. And while we never anticipate these things happening to us...sometimes, they surface when we least expect it, inviting all sorts of chaos. So today, we explore how devs can avoid the hassle of the unknown by understanding how insuranc…

1
030 — New Starter Packs Features 12:14

2M ago12:14

12:14

After a few weeks away I am back with some fresh updates that have been deployed to Starter Packs (https://www.starterpacks.net). The first—and best feature, imho—is the Quick Starter Pack Editor. This feature makes it easy to add people to your existing Bluesky Starter Packs in as little as 3 clicks (maybe more if you want to add them to multiple …

1
Ep 397 - Debunking Steam Algorithm Myths with Chris Zukowski 43:15

2M ago43:15

43:15

Steam’s algorithm is the engine that powers visibility on the platform, but understanding how it works is often a big mystery. So today, we’re going to bust some of the most common and persistent myths indie developers believe about how the algorithm functions, getting to the bottom of which signals actually matter, so you can stop worrying and foc…

1
Ep 397 - Debunking Steam Algorithm Myths with Chris Zukowski 43:15

2M ago43:15

43:15

Steam’s algorithm is the engine that powers visibility on the platform, but understanding how it works is often a big mystery. So today, we’re going to bust some of the most common and persistent myths indie developers believe about how the algorithm functions, getting to the bottom of which signals actually matter, so you can stop worrying and foc…

1
Ep 396 - The Power of Player-Centric Marketing with Greg Posner 52:09

3M ago52:09

52:09

Traditional marketing methods often struggle to cut through the noise, leaving indie developers searching for better ways to reach their audience. But what if the key isn’t just better tactics or bigger budgets, but a deeper understanding of players themselves? In this episode, we dive into how player-centric design principles can transform marketi…

1
Ep 396 - The Power of Player-Centric Marketing with Greg Posner 52:09

3M ago52:09

52:09

Traditional marketing methods often struggle to cut through the noise, leaving indie developers searching for better ways to reach their audience. But what if the key isn’t just better tactics or bigger budgets, but a deeper understanding of players themselves? In this episode, we dive into how player-centric design principles can transform marketi…

1
Ep 395 - It’s Not the Event. It’s You: GDC Takeaways with Andrew Pappas 42:54

3M ago42:54

42:54

In this episode, I share my GDC recap: a quarter-zip pullover, a virus, and a powerful reminder that change comes from within, not the event itself. I dive into how our intentions shape our relationships, why meaningful connections outshine superficial networking, and how the true impact of any event hinges on the mindset you bring to it. Episode S…

1
Ep 395 - It’s Not the Event. It’s You: GDC Takeaways with Andrew Pappas 42:54

3M ago42:54

42:54

In this episode, I share my GDC recap: a quarter-zip pullover, a virus, and a powerful reminder that change comes from within, not the event itself. I dive into how our intentions shape our relationships, why meaningful connections outshine superficial networking, and how the true impact of any event hinges on the mindset you bring to it. Episode S…

1
Ep 394 - Navigating the Transition from Mobile to PC with the Jackson Bros 58:19

3M ago58:19

58:19

Designing for mobile and PC might seem like a simple transition, but the reality is very different. Everything from screen sizes to monetization models requires a completely different approach. So today, for the first time ever on the podcast, we’re talking with a team of four brothers who’ve been through this firsthand. We’ll dive into what makes …

1
Ep 394 - Navigating the Transition from Mobile to PC with the Jackson Bros 58:19

3M ago58:19

58:19

Designing for mobile and PC might seem like a simple transition, but the reality is very different. Everything from screen sizes to monetization models requires a completely different approach. So today, for the first time ever on the podcast, we’re talking with a team of four brothers who’ve been through this firsthand. We’ll dive into what makes …

1
Ep 393 - Why Smaller Devs Are Driving the Next Big Industry Shift with Chris Wood 1:01:52

3M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

The gaming landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and it’s indie developers who are leading some of the most exciting innovations. But what challenges do they still face, and how can small teams carve out success in an increasingly competitive market? In this episode, we explore how shifts in technology, business models, and industry t…

1
Ep 393 - Why Smaller Devs Are Driving the Next Big Industry Shift with Chris Wood 1:01:52

3M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

The gaming landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and it’s indie developers who are leading some of the most exciting innovations. But what challenges do they still face, and how can small teams carve out success in an increasingly competitive market? In this episode, we explore how shifts in technology, business models, and industry t…

1
029 — Wrestling with SaaS Pricing: Building Value to Justify Prices 12:22

4M ago12:22

12:22

Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WNmupzrWcAA What goes into setting and justifying your SaaS (Software as a Service) pricing? I had the goal of getting subscription plans setup for https://www.starterpacks.net before a queued job I had running to backfill data that I needed to support those plans was done processing. I ultimately did ge…

1
Ep 392 - Lessons from a Decade in Indie Dev with Leonard Stuart 52:11

4M ago52:11

52:11

Developing an indie game is never a straight path as it's often a long road filled with challenges and unexpected twists. So today, we're goign to explore one person's journey in how they tackeled all sorts of obstacles and sucesses all while keeping momentum alive and fostering a dedicated community. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing…

1
Ep 392 - Lessons from a Decade in Indie Dev with Leonard Stuart 52:11

4M ago52:11

52:11

Developing an indie game is never a straight path as it's often a long road filled with challenges and unexpected twists. So today, we're goign to explore one person's journey in how they tackeled all sorts of obstacles and sucesses all while keeping momentum alive and fostering a dedicated community. Episode Shownotes Link:…

1
Ep 391 - How Indie Studios Can Build Transmedia Worlds with Christopher Mifsud 46:02

4M ago46:02

46:02

Indie studios often focus solely on their game, but what if their world could extend beyond the screen? So in today's epsidoe, our guest shares his expertise on transmedia storytelling—how indie developers can expand their IP across multiple platforms like comics, books, and film to build stronger brands and deeper player engagement. Episode Showno…

1
Ep 391 - How Indie Studios Can Build Transmedia Worlds with Christopher Mifsud 46:02

4M ago46:02

46:02

Indie studios often focus solely on their game, but what if their world could extend beyond the screen? So in today's epsidoe, our guest shares his expertise on transmedia storytelling—how indie developers can expand their IP across multiple platforms like comics, books, and film to build stronger brands and deeper player engagement. Episode Showno…

1
Building a Successful Indie Studio with No Industry Experience, Betting on Steam, Game Jams, Finishing Crashlands 2, Recording 500+ Podcasts, Stacking the Dice, and Storefront Featuring—Adam Coster, CEO ... 1:19:45

4M ago1:19:45

1:19:45

In this episode, Adam Coster, CEO of Butterscotch Shenanigans, shares his unique journey of joining and growing the indie studio with his brothers Sam and Seth. Adam discusses their beginnings in 2012, the steep challenges they faced, and how a personal family crisis redefined their mission to bring joy through games. He then shares insights into t…

1
Ep 390 - How Game Music Shapes the Player Experience with Tyler Mire 48:25

4M ago48:25

48:25

Game music isn’t just background noise—it’s a storytelling tool that enhances gameplay and player engagement. In this episode, composer and game designer Tyler Mire shares how he crafts soundtracks that complement battle mechanics, amplify emotional moments, and make indie games stand out. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/390…

1
Ep 390 - How Game Music Shapes the Player Experience with Tyler Mire 48:25

4M ago48:25

48:25

Game music isn’t just background noise—it’s a storytelling tool that enhances gameplay and player engagement. In this episode, composer and game designer Tyler Mire shares how he crafts soundtracks that complement battle mechanics, amplify emotional moments, and make indie games stand out. Episode Shownotes Link:…

1
Ep 389 - The Power of Branding in Game Development with Hilary Goldstein 1:00:26

4M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

Great games don’t just happen—they’re built on strong branding that resonates with players. But how do you convince a development team that brand matters just as much as gameplay? In this episode, we're going to break down how branding impacts everything from marketing to player engagement, and how developers can integrate branding into their creat…

1
Ep 389 - The Power of Branding in Game Development with Hilary Goldstein 1:00:26

4M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

Great games don’t just happen—they’re built on strong branding that resonates with players. But how do you convince a development team that brand matters just as much as gameplay? In this episode, we're going to break down how branding impacts everything from marketing to player engagement, and how developers can integrate branding into their creat…

1
Ep 388 - Leveraging Resources and Validating Game Concepts with Neil Edwards 59:27

5M ago59:27

59:27

Indie game development is a constant balancing act, espeicially when it comes to deciding where to invest our most important resources: time and money. So today, we'll explore the relationship we have with these resources, find creative ways to increase them and... how we should use them. But we don't stop there, as we'll discuss the role they play…

1
Ep 388 - Leveraging Resources and Validating Game Concepts with Neil Edwards 59:27

5M ago59:27

59:27

Indie game development is a constant balancing act, espeicially when it comes to deciding where to invest our most important resources: time and money. So today, we'll explore the relationship we have with these resources, find creative ways to increase them and... how we should use them. But we don't stop there, as we'll discuss the role they play…