Best Academy of Interactive Arts Podcasts (2024)

1
From Quake to Space Marines with Saber's Tim Willits 1:30:02

2h ago1:30:02

1:30:02

This episode is supported by Xsolla Adam Orth chats with Tim Willits, Chief Creative Officer at Saber Interactive. Together they discuss Tim's long tenure at id Software and his work on the Quake series; why after 23 years he decided to leave and join Saber; the development of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2; the importance of "finding the fun" ea…

1
What does a neuropsychologist do? 6:58

2h ago6:58

6:58

What exactly is the work of a neuropsychologist? In this 10-Minute Talk, Professor Barbara Sahakian FBA unpacks some of her key work over the years and more recent ventures – from developing early models of memory testing to now transforming psychological tests into game apps. Speaker: Professor Barbara Sahakian FBA, Professor of Clinical Neuropsyc…

1
Beyond Polarization: Teaching the Art of Conversation 54:30

3d ago54:30

54:30

Join the conversation on Beyond the Bell as educational leaders dive into the crucial role of civil discourse in today’s polarized world. Head of Providence School Scott McLarty, with guest Allan Carey from the Cato Institute, explores how early education, honest conversations, and intellectual humility can bridge ideological divides. Discover why …

1
A Scary New Tax: Oregon’s Universal Basic Income is No Treat for Families 39:25

2h ago39:25

39:25

This Halloween, we’re digging into one of the scariest policy proposals haunting Oregon: Universal Basic Income (UBI). Guest host Andy Hooser and AFP’s Western Regional State Director Heather Andrews discuss the terrifying reality behind Oregon’s UBI measure, which would impose a 3% gross receipts tax on businesses. With impacts that could drive up…

1
Eco-Regulation Gone Wrong: The Unintended Costs of Colorado’s Climate Laws 27:59

15h ago27:59

27:59

In this eye-opening episode of American Potential, guest host David From and AFP Colorado Director Jesse Mallory expose the unintended consequences of Colorado’s recent carbon emission policies and climate-focused bills. Jesse highlights how these restrictive measures, inspired by California's aggressive regulations, threaten Colorado’s working fam…

1
Marvel Games Executive Producer, Eric Monacelli 1:50:49

7d ago1:50:49

1:50:49

This episode is supported by Xsolla Trent Kusters chats with Eric Monacelli, an executive producer at Marvel Games. Together they discuss his career working on the marketing and community side of some of gaming's biggest franchises including Bioshock, The Last of Us, and Call of Duty; the process of how development studios come to work with Marvel …

1
Traditional Japanese theatre and audience interaction 9:31

5d ago9:31

9:31

Japanese theatre has, from its beginnings, encouraged audience participation – from formal fan-clubs to lessons on dancing and chanting. Hear Professor Drew Gerstle FBA take us through the key characteristics of Kabuki, Bunraku and Noh theatre and the ways viewers interacted with these 14th-17th century performances, both as patrons and amateur pra…

1
From Haiti to the American Dream: Wiz Rouzard’s Inspiring Journey 47:54

6d ago47:54

47:54

In this powerful episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Wiz Rouzard, Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity in Nevada, to hear his inspiring story of resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of the American Dream. As the son of Haitian immigrants, Wiz shares how his parents' incredible journey from Haiti to America …

1
Inflation Crisis: How Biden’s Policies Are Hurting American Families 36:07

8d ago36:07

36:07

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Kurt Couchman, Senior Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity, to dive into AFP’s hard-hitting report, the "Bidenflation Blame Game." As Americans continue to suffer from soaring inflation, Bidenomics has shifted the blame onto businesses, but is that really the root cause? Kur…

1
Finding Creativity within Constraint with Composer Jon Everist 1:49:17

11d ago1:49:17

1:49:17

This episode is supported by Xsolla Austin Wintory chats with composer Jon Everist. Together this discuss how he transitioned from a career path in economics to composing music; his work with Harebrained Schemes across their library of games and his most recent contributions on Star Wars Outlaws; and how the concept of constraint can lead to creati…

1
What are empires, nation states and colonialism? 9:53

12d ago9:53

9:53

How do we understand empire in the modern age? In this 10-Minute Talk, Professor Gurminder K Bhambra challenges the idea that modern nation-states emerged as a result of the break-up of empire, and instead invites us to rethink what defines empire entirely. By considering different colonial processes and the impact these have on how we understand e…

1
Fighting for School Choice: Tera Myers' Journey to Empower Special Needs Students 35:48

13d ago35:48

35:48

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Tera Myers, a passionate advocate for school choice and the mother of a son with Down Syndrome. Tera shares her inspiring journey of navigating the education system to ensure her son, Samuel, received the best possible education. Despite early challenges, Tera became a powerful voi…

1
Government Overreach in AI: James Czerniawski and Thomas Kimbrell on Misusing the Defense Production Act 40:35

15d ago40:35

40:35

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank dives into the implications of the Biden-Harris administration’s decision to use the Defense Production Act to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). Joining him are James Czerniawski, Senior Policy Analyst at Americans for Prosperity, and Thomas Kimbrell, an Analyst with AFP Foundation, to dis…

1
Creating an Impact: How to Deliver Real Transformation To Your Students Lives 41:57

16d ago41:57

41:57

Are you ready to turn your online course into a life-changing experience for your students? In this episode of the Teaching Mastery Academy Podcast, we dive deep into the secrets of delivering real transformation in your digital courses. You’ll learn how to design lessons that go beyond information sharing, guiding your students toward tangible out…

1
Scoring the Witcher and Beyond with Composer Mikolai Stroinski 1:14:23

16d ago1:14:23

1:14:23

This episode is supported by Xsolla Austin Wintory chats with award winning composer Mikolai Stroinski. Together they discuss his extensive work on the Witcher franchise for CD PROJEKT RED; his work on various projects both in and outside of games; the various influences that helped him score games across different genres; how his work on TV and fi…

1
Books in wartime: innocent victims or guilty parties? 9:32

19d ago9:32

9:32

While books are often thought of as victims of war, looted or burned in libraries, in this 10-Minute Talk Professor Andrew Pettegree suggests an alternative narrative: books are essential in the waging of war. Sharing insights from his recent publication, ‘The Book at War’, Pettegree explores the active role of books in wartime from the Napoleonic …

1
Overcoming Historic Preservation Barriers: Stephen Chacko on Developing in Fort Worth 37:26

20d ago37:26

37:26

In this episode of American Potential, guest Stephen Chacko, a real estate developer from Texas, joins host Jeff Crank to share his story of navigating unexpected challenges after purchasing a property in Fort Worth. Chacko discovered that his multifamily apartment complex had a historical overlay—something he wasn’t aware of when he bought the pro…

1
Tackling the Fiscal Cliff: Megan Novak on the Importance of Permanent Tax Cuts 14:31

25d ago14:31

14:31

In this episode of American Potential, guest host Drew Klein, Regional Vice President for Americans for Prosperity, speaks with Megan Novak, State Director of AFP Wisconsin, about the looming fiscal cliff and the critical need to make the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent. Novak shares the profound impact these tax cuts have had on small businesses a…

1
Talking Southeast Asian Game Dev with Kris Antoni, Toge Productions 1:19:54

23d ago1:19:54

1:19:54

This episode is supported by Xsolla Xbox's Jun Shen Chia chats with Kris Antoni, Founder of Toge Productions. Together they discuss the history of Toge including the release and reception of their hit indie game, Coffee Talk; what's next for the studio; the burgeoning development scene in Southeast Asia; and how Toge is working with studios in the …

1
What was the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings? 9:14

26d ago9:14

9:14

Expanding on her book, ‘Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy’, Professor Annette Gordon-Reed unpacks the evidence around this contested relationship and the role of historians in erasing the narratives of enslaved people. Exploring the ‘American dilemma’, this talk investigates the contradiction between Jefferson’s commitment…

1
Fiscal Cliff and Grassroots Advocacy: Tyler Lindholm on Reining in Reckless Spending 27:47

1M ago27:47

27:47

In this episode of American Potential, guest host Ross Connolly, Northeast Regional Director for Americans for Prosperity, speaks with Tyler Lindholm, the State Director for AFP Wyoming and a self-proclaimed “crypto cowboy.” They dive into the looming fiscal cliff facing America in 2024 and the importance of grassroots efforts to hold lawmakers acc…

1
Tackling the Fiscal Cliff: Henry Kriegel on Taxes, Spending, and Montana's Fight for Freedom 26:44

1M ago26:44

26:44

In this episode of American Potential, guest host David Thompson speaks with Henry Kriegel, Deputy State Director of Americans for Prosperity in Montana, about the impending "fiscal cliff" and its potential impact on Americans. Kriegel breaks down the key deadlines and provisions within the fiscal cliff, including the expiration of the Tax Cuts and…

1
Writing for Live Service Games with Destiny 2 Narrative Director, Alison Lührs 1:05:17

30d ago1:05:17

1:05:17

This episode is supported by Xsolla Alexa Ray Corriea chats with Alison Lührs, Narrative Director on Bungie's Destiny 2. Together they discuss her approach to writing for fantasy in the Dungeons & Dragons universe and now sci-fi for Destiny 2; the unique aspects of writing for live service games; how to start projects effectively; and how theater a…

1
Two Decades of Fighting for Freedom: Brent Gardner on the Journey of Americans for Prosperity 32:26

1M ago32:26

32:26

Two Decades of Fighting for Freedom: Brent Gardner on the Journey of Americans for Prosperity Description: In this milestone episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank interviews Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), as the organization celebrates 20 years of grassroots-driven impact. Brent shares th…

1
Shakespeare in popular culture 7:42

1M ago7:42

7:42

What is it that makes great works from the past endure in the present? In this 10-Minute Talk, Professor Sir Jonathan Bate FBA explores Shakespeare’s legacy and his continued cultural presence over time. From influencing Jane Austen’s writing, to inspiring modern-day TV and film adaptations like 1999’s ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ and 2023’s ‘Anyon…

1
Grassroots Impact: Brad Stevens on AFP's Role in Shaping Policy and Building Communities 36:51

1M ago36:51

36:51

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Brad Stevens, former Americans for Prosperity (AFP) employee and current State Director for U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts. Brad reflects on his 14-year journey with AFP, sharing stories of grassroots victories, policy change, and the power of community activism. From memorable door-…

1
How to Get Rave Reviews for Your Digital Course | Course Design Secrets 31:55

1M ago31:55

31:55

Can you imagine transforming your digital courses into engaging experiences that cater to every type of learner? This episode promises to arm you with the secrets to doing just that! We start by uncovering the unique needs of visual learners, delving into how charts, videos, and infographics can simplify complex ideas. With practical tips on using …

51
Navigating the Business of Indie Games with Dan Adelman 3:02:36

1M ago3:02:36

3:02:36

This episode is supported by Xsolla Trent Kusters chats with indie gaming business guru, Dan Adelman. Together they discuss his time at Xbox and Nintendo helping to start their digital content marketplaces; transitioning to working independently with game developers to help them launch and market their games; how he decides which developers and pro…

1
What have sign languages taught us about human language development? 11:19

1M ago11:19

11:19

Sign language and how we use it and implement it into society has developed rapidly in the last 50 years, from little-to-no representation in education in the 1970s to the British Sign Language (BSL) Act 2022 and a new British Sign Language GCSE to be taught from 2025. In this 10-Minute Talk, Professor Bencie Woll FBA unpacks her research and invol…

1
Want To Boost Student Motivation for Your Digital Course? 27:46

1M ago27:46

27:46

What if low completion rates in your online courses could be a thing of the past? We promise you'll walk away with actionable strategies to keep your students engaged and motivated from the first lesson to the final exam. Our latest episode is packed with insights on boosting student engagement, exploring everything from the art of storytelling and…

1
Dr. Marty Makary on 'Medical Blindspots' and When Medicine Gets It Wrong 38:18

1M ago38:18

38:18

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank welcomes Dr. Marty Makary, a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and author of the new book, Medical Blindspots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong and What That Means for Our Health. Dr. Makary dives into the challenges within the medical industry, discussing how groupthink, outdated recomm…

1
My Top Teaching Tips for Emerging Course Creators 28:16

2M ago28:16

28:16

Transitioning to online teaching or thinking of creating a digital course, but have never taught before? We’ve got you covered. Learn how to tackle the unique challenges of digital classrooms with four key principles: understanding your audience, planning for engagement, scaffolding learning, and establishing a personal connection. Get practical ti…

1
Yuval Levin on the Constitution's Role in Bridging Political Divides 43:38

2M ago43:38

43:38

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Yuval Levin, Director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute and author of the new book, American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation and Could Again. Levin delves into how the Constitution was designed to manage conflic…

1
From Portal to Counter-Strike 2 with Valve Composer Mike Morasky 2:01:35

2M ago2:01:35

2:01:35

This episode is supported by Xsolla Austin Wintory chats with longtime Valve composer and music designer, Mike Morasky. Together they discuss how he started his career outside of music in the visual effects industry working on film series such as The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings; how he found himself pursuing music and then joining Valve; and h…

1
Aesthetics and emotions in pre-modern India 14:25

2M ago14:25

14:25

In the West, emotions are often understood through the philosophy of cognition and experimental psychology – separated from the world of art and aesthetic. However, in pre-modern India, aesthetic and emotion were deeply intertwined. In this 10-Minute Talk, Professor Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad FBA discusses how the aesthetics of drama and literature we…

1
New Vehicle Emission Standards: Matt Keenan on Consumer Choice and the Future of Automobiles 45:04

2M ago45:04

45:04

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank speaks with Matt Keenan, Federal Affairs Liaison for Americans for Prosperity, about the upcoming changes to vehicle emission standards and how they will impact consumer choice. Set to go into effect in 2027, these new regulations, pushed by the Biden-Harris administration, could lead to a sign…

1
Defending Educational Choice: Alaska's Correspondence Program with Kirby West & Andrea Moceri 34:55

2M ago34:55

34:55

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Kirby West, an attorney from the Institute for Justice, and Andrea Moceri, a parent using Alaska's correspondence program, to discuss the legal battles surrounding educational choice in Alaska. The correspondence program, designed to meet the unique needs of Alaskan families—especi…

1
Generating Human Stories with RimWorld Creator, Tynan Sylvester 2:05:26

2M ago2:05:26

2:05:26

This episode is supported by Xsolla Trent Kusters chats with Tynan Sylvester, creator of RimWorld and author of Designing Games: A Guide to Engineering Experiences. Together they discuss his ideas around development concepts and processes; how crystalizing those ideas in book form led to the creation of RimWorld; his ideas around core systems and h…

1
Freud, Hollywood and the male gaze 15:19

2M ago15:19

15:19

In this 10-Minute talk, Laura Mulvey FBA responds to three key questions regarding her 1975 essay ‘Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema’. Returning to the origins of the essay and the concept of the ‘male gaze’, Mulvey explores the cultural climate of feminism and Hollywood which drove the conception of this now-cult term and the newer, controversi…

1
Jeb Hensarling on Government Overreach, the Economy, and Conservative Principles 27:12

2M ago27:12

27:12

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank welcomes former Texas Congressman Jeb Hensarling to discuss the critical issues of government overreach, the economy, and the differences between big government conservatism and classic liberal conservatism. Hensarling, who served as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, shares hi…

1
From Nintendo's Snipperclips to Crow Country with Adam & Tom Vian 1:57:22

2M ago1:57:22

1:57:22

This episode is supported by Xsolla Trent Kusters chats with brothers and co-founders of SFB Games, Adam & Tom Vian. Together they discuss how they began creating games in the early days of Flash and Newgrounds; transitioning to console development and working with Nintendo on the multi D.I.C.E. Award winning Snipperclips; the inspirations and deve…

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Academy Of Interactive Arts Podcasts

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