Best Academy of Interactive Arts Podcasts (2024)

1
Creating Diverse Characters in Video Games with Jaclyn Seto and Christal Rose Hazelton 1:17:35

2h ago1:17:35

1:17:35

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with writers Christal Rose Hazelton and Jaclyn Seto. Together they discuss the process and nuance of creating characters; the differences between creating for traditional narrative titles versus live service games; the importance of having a diverse group of voices in the writer's room; what it's like to work with a large de…

1
Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Birth of Americans for Prosperity with Alan Cobb 30:20

7m ago30:20

30:20

Join host Jeff Crank for a special milestone episode of American Potential as we celebrate our 200th episode! In this commemorative episode, Jeff sits down with Alan Cobb, the very first state director for Americans for Prosperity (AFP), to delve into the origins and early years of the organization. Discover how AFP was born from a split with Citiz…

1
Transforming Incarceration: Education and Hope for a Better Future 20:25

7h ago20:25

20:25

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Kentucky Jailer Teddy Lacy and Deputy Jailer Cory Graham to discuss their innovative program aimed at transforming the lives of inmates. By partnering with a local college, they offer incarcerated individuals three educational pathways: earning a GED, pursuing a career path, or l…

1
Making Animal Well as a Solo Game Developer with Billy Basso 3:44:49

1h ago3:44:49

3:44:49

Trent Kusters chats with Billy Basso about his solo-developed debut title, Animal Well. Together they discuss how the ideas and development of Animal Well first began; how he was able to work as a solo developer and the tools he created to help him along the way; how he went about designs the game's countless puzzles and animals; when he recognized…

1
Unveiling the Surveillance State: Protecting Your Privacy Rights from U.S. Government Overreach 34:46

2d ago34:46

34:46

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with James Czerniawski to delve into the controversial and often misunderstood realm of U.S. government surveillance. They explore the implications of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), specifically Section 702, which allows the U.S. government to collect and analyze co…

1
Foundations of Freedom: The Declaration of Independence and Its Legacy with Dr. Tom Krannawitter 56:20

4d ago56:20

56:20

In this compelling episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes back Dr. Tom Krannawitter for an in-depth discussion on the philosophical and historical foundations of the Declaration of Independence. Dive into the revolutionary ideas that shaped America's founding documents and explore the enduring impact of natural rights on modern s…

1
Harold Halibut with Slow Bros' Onat Hekimoglu & Ole Tillmann 1:32:12

9d ago1:32:12

1:32:12

Trent Kusters chats with Onat Hekimoglu and Ole Tillmann from Slow Bros. Together they discuss the 14 year journey of their debut title, Harold Halibut; the history of the Slow Bros and how they went from college friends to a full-time game studio; the homemade photogrammetry technology they created to craft the stop-motion inspired look; and what …

1
Dr. Tom Krannawitter on America's Founding Principles 51:59

17d ago51:59

51:59

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, host Jeff Crank is joined by guest Dr. Tom Krannawitter. They engage in a deep and insightful discussion about the Founding Fathers of the United States and the pivotal events that led up to the Declaration of Independence.Their conversation takes us back to the roots of American history, shedding light …

1
American Potential NOW: Reeling Back the Administrative State 31:41

19d ago31:41

31:41

In this episode of American Potential NOW with host Jeff Crank, we delve into a recent Supreme Court case that has far-reaching implications for the administrative state and the interpretation of the term "reasonable". Our guests, fisherman Wayne Reichle and Cause of Action Institute Council Ryan Mulvey, were both directly involved in this landmark…

1
A Queen's Crusade: Kelly's Haser Pickens Fight for Her Son's Justice 44:22

20d ago44:22

44:22

Join us on American Potential with host Jeff Crank. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Kelly Haser Pickens, a mother of five and a pageant queen who transformed a personal tragedy into a powerful platform for change.Kelly's story is one of resilience and determination. From enduring a childhood marked by abuse to finding solace…

1
Episode Re-release: Hades with Supergiant Games' Amir Rao and Greg Kasavin 1:16:16

12d ago1:16:16

1:16:16

We're on a break from new content this week, but check out one of our past episodes with Supergiant Games' Amir Rao and Greg Kasavin! Originally released in Dec 20, 2020, Amir and Greg sit down with Ted Price to discuss creating Hades, and how launching in early access helped during development, the difficult task of tuning the complex game systems…

1
Fighting Injustice: Sam MacRoberts and the Battle Against Civil Asset Forfeiture 26:44

24d ago26:44

26:44

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank delves into the controversial practice of civil asset forfeiture with Sam MacRoberts, General Counsel and Litigation Director for the Kansas Justice Institute. MacRoberts shares the compelling story of his client, Dewanna Goodridge, whose SUV was seized by law enforcement after her son was pull…

1
Music and Values: Daniel Christopher's Path to Patriotism 37:03

26d ago37:03

37:03

In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank interviews singer-songwriter Daniel Christopher, who shares his journey of becoming a musician and the influence of his patriotic values on his music. Daniel discusses growing up in a musical family, with a piano-teaching mother and a traveling singer father, and how these experiences shaped hi…

1
The Story of 'Potions: A Curious Tale' with Renee Gittins 1:16:16

21d ago1:16:16

1:16:16

Adam Orth chats with Stumbling Cat CEO and Creative Director, Renee Gittins. Together they discuss her journey to game development from starting in biotech engineering to working in VR; how work began on Potions: A Curious Tale as a side project; creating games that appeal to younger audiences rather than target them; her work with the IGDA and the…

1
Bidenomics: Jezree Friend on How Inflation is Hurting Small Businesses 38:57

1M ago38:57

38:57

In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank and guest Jezree Friend, Vice President of External Relations for the Manufacturer and Business Association, delve into the harsh realities of Bidenomics and its detrimental impact on small businesses in Pennsylvania. Jezree highlights how the administration's policies have fueled inflation, …

1
The Power of Perseverance: Jon Lueth on Family, Struggle, and Achievement 42:08

1M ago42:08

42:08

In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank sits down with Jon Lueth, Kansas Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity, who shares his inspiring personal story. Jon recounts his challenging upbringing in a small coal town in Illinois, where his grandmother played a pivotal role in his life. Raised in a family of teen moms, Jon…

1
Writing for RPGs with Narrative Designer Whitney Beltrán 1:02:02

26d ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with writer and narrative designer Whitney Beltrán. Together they discuss her background in environmental law and mythological studies that led to her work writing for RPGs; what it means to write inside the Dungeons & Dragons universe; focusing on what players feel after they put the controller down; the emergence of India …

1
Fleeing Communism: Janisset Rivero's Quest for Freedom 45:23

1M ago45:23

45:23

In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank sits down with Janisset Rivero, who shares her compelling family history of escaping oppressive regimes. Born in Cuba, Rivero's family fled to Venezuela in search of freedom, only to witness similar authoritarian patterns emerging there. Her father's foresight and determination led them to th…

1
Turning Setbacks into Strategy: Genevieve Collins on Texas ESA Advocacy 29:44

1M ago29:44

29:44

In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank talks with Genevieve Collins, the Texas State Director for Americans for Prosperity, about the strategic shift following the failure to pass Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) in the last legislative session. Genevieve discusses how this setback fueled their efforts to elect policy champions i…

1
Game Preservation with Digital Eclipse's Mike Mika 1:22:10

1M ago1:22:10

1:22:10

Adam Orth chats with legendary game developer Mike Mika of Digital Eclipse. Together they discuss his long career developing titles across multiple console generations; finding his creative spark at a young age and developing his first game on a store kiosk Commodore 64; the profound influence Atari had on his life; and how game preservation is an …

1
Energizing Ohio: Mike Chadsey on Fueling Prosperity 31:19

2M ago31:19

31:19

In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank dives into a discussion with Mike Chadsey, Director of External Affairs for the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, exploring the vital role of the energy sector in Ohio's economy. Chadsey provides an insider's look into the industry's transformation, from its historical roots as a major oil produc…

1
Empowering Education: How Wyoming's New ESA Bill Changes the Game 30:34

2M ago30:34

30:34

In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank brings together Rep. Ken Clouston and Vanessa Gemar to discuss the groundbreaking passage of Wyoming's Education Savings Account (ESA) bill. Clouston and Gemar delve into the specifics of the legislation, which aims to provide families with more educational choices based on income levels, cat…

1
From Actor to Game Developer with Abubaker Salim 58:18

1M ago58:18

58:18

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with actor turned game developer Abubakar Salim. Together they discuss his career including how he got his first gig in games with Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed: Origins; wanting to make his own game and starting his own studio; the lessons he learned from working with Ridley and Luke Scott that he applied to game development; …

1
Breaking Barriers: David Casas' Journey from Immigrant Roots to Georgia Statehouse 40:45

2M ago40:45

40:45

In this inspirational episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank interviews David Casas, who shares his remarkable journey from being born in Spain to Cuban immigrants, to becoming the first Hispanic elected to state office in Georgia. Casas delves into his early experiences in the United States, his family's struggle for freedom, and how the…

1
Video Game and Comics Writer Evan Narcisse 1:09:49

2M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with writer Evan Narcisse. Together they discuss his work across video games and comic books; how starting as an outsourcer helped him get his start in the industry; how outsourcing let him observe game development practices across many different studios; how his game Dot's Home explores historical practices that made home o…

1
A Memorial Day Tribute: Honoring the Fallen with John Byrnes 30:53

2M ago30:53

30:53

In this moving episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes John Byrnes, whose military career spans both the Marines and the Army National Guard. Byrnes shares poignant stories about his time in service and the brothers-in-arms he lost. He reflects on the deep bonds formed in the line of duty and the heavy cost of war, not only for th…

1
Navigating Healthcare Reform with Mary Katharine Ham 35:52

2M ago35:52

35:52

Mary Katharine Ham on Personal Healthcare Challenges and Policy Reform In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank engages Mary Katharine Ham, a political commentator who shares her personal challenges navigating healthcare following her husband's tragic death. Ham discusses the deep flaws in the insurance system that became apparent d…

1
Turning History into Action: Cade Yates' Path from Mississippi to Advocacy 41:06

2M ago41:06

41:06

In a thought-provoking episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank delves into the life of Cade Yates, a man whose upbringing in Mississippi was deeply colored by the civil rights movement's legacy. Growing up in a town marked by historical racial violence, Cade was inspired by his mother's experiences and teachings on equality and human digni…

51
Making a Sci-Fi First-Person Driving Survival Game with Alex Dracott & Seth Rosen 2:17:44

2M ago2:17:44

2:17:44

Trent Kusters chats with Ironwood Studios' Alex Dracott and Seth Rosen about their hit sci-fi first-person driving survival game, Pacific Drive. Together they discuss their journey including their work on AAA games; what led to them creating their own studio and the hurdles they had to jump through to get started; the origin of Pacific Drive and wh…

1
Brewing Freedom: Ted Mitzlaff's Legal Challenge Against Government Overreach 28:06

2M ago28:06

28:06

In this gripping episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank sits down with Ted Mitzlaff, CEO of Goodwood Brewing and Spirits, who shares his intense battle against governmental overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ted recounts his legal fight against the Kentucky governor's extended emergency powers, which he argues were used to unjustly s…

1
Penny's Big Breakaway with Hunter Bridges and Dave Padilla 2:03:19

2M ago2:03:19

2:03:19

Trent Kusters chats with Hunter Bridges and Dave Padilla from Evening Star. Together they discuss their studio's debut title, Penny's Big Breakaway. Additionally they discuss their journeys into development and how the openness of developers helped get them started; how working with SEGA helped them prepare for future projects; the importance of do…

1
From Military Service to Political Ambition: Pat Harrigan's American Journey 43:44

2M ago43:44

43:44

In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Pat Harrigan, a West Point graduate and former Green Beret, who shares his unique transition from military service to running for Congress in North Carolina. Harrigan recounts his experiences from serving in Afghanistan to starting a successful business, emphasizing how these shaped …

1
Advancing Veteran Care: Senator Marsha Blackburn's Commitment to Reform 13:20

2M ago13:20

13:20

In this enlightening episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn to discuss her legislative efforts aimed at transforming healthcare for America's veterans. Senator Blackburn shares the motivations behind her advocacy for the Veterans Healthcare Freedom Act, designed to simplify and expedite access to med…

1
From Oppression to Opportunity: Ted Trzeniowski's Journey to American Freedom 54:31

3M ago54:31

54:31

In a compelling episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Ted Trzeniowski, who shares his gripping journey from growing up under communist rule in Poland to embracing freedom in the United States. Ted recounts the intense propaganda and censorship he experienced during his youth, and the profound influence of historical events like …

1
The Craft of Writing for Games with Insomniac Games Senior Narrative Director, Jon Paquette 1:15:38

2M ago1:15:38

1:15:38

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with Senior Narrative Director at Insomniac Games, Jon Paquette. Together they discuss the craft of writing and working together on a writing team; how writers and designers collaborate to craft gameplay systems that fit within a game's narrative; and what it takes to create a dual protagonist story like that of Marvel's Spi…

1
Navigating the Energy Crossroads: A Crucial Conversation on America's Future 31:25

3M ago31:25

31:25

In this pivotal episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank engages with Mark Caskey, a veteran of the energy sector with over 25 years of experience. Caskey shares insights from his extensive background in both coal and natural gas industries, discussing the significant shifts he has witnessed and the challenges that lie ahead. As the founder…

1
Two Decades of Impact: The Journey of Americans for Prosperity 42:20

3M ago42:20

42:20

In this special 20th-anniversary episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank invites AFP veterans Derrick Sontag and Annie Patnaude to reflect on the organization's evolution and their personal journeys within it. Starting from grassroots beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in advocacy across all fifty states, they share behind-the-scenes stor…

1
Outcast Composer Lennie Moore 1:30:00

3M ago1:30:00

1:30:00

Austin Wintory chats with Composer Lennie Moore. Together they discuss his work on the original Outcast and its sequel Outcast: A New Beginning which came recently, 25 years later; the ins and outs of the business of composing music for video games including tips for young composers entering the industry; and the profound effect Lennie had on Austi…

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