Best Entertainmentbusiness Podcasts (2024)

1
A Secutix super episode about technology, customer experience, and tickets... 1:12:39

2h ago1:12:39

1:12:39

I have two guests today: David Hornby and Michael McDermott. David is the Managing Director Northern Europe, UK, and Ireland for SecuTix and Michale McDermott is the General Manager of the Americas for SecuTix. We had a really great conversation that hit on a ton of really great ideas and concepts. In this episode, we talk about: Tech and change in…

1
Episode 176: Microsoft Holds a Knife to the Golden Game Pass Goose’s Neck (News Show) 1:17:50

21m ago1:17:50

1:17:50

Microsoft is making sweeping changes to Game Pass, seemingly to avoid bleeding out on Call of Duty sales. Also: Circana report for May 2024, SAG-AFTRA updates, more Embracer and Paradox cuts, out of control EA executive pay in the face of layoffs, and more. This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind, a supplement shot that includes ingredients to lowe…

1
Bonus Episode 10: A Conversation About Unionization with IATSE 1:03:41

5d ago1:03:41

1:03:41

With the video game industry in the midst of the worst labor crisis we've ever seen, collective action is crucial. We're joined by Chrissy Fellmeth, Kelly Larkin, and Andrew Buczacki to discuss how the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is supporting labor organization and unionization in the video game industry. Additionally, you…

1
Brian Hess explains "sports washing" to me and you! 38:22

6d ago38:22

38:22

Brian Hess is back! We are talking sports washing. I thought I had a better grasp on the subject than I did. But Brian discusses the many ways that sports washing presents a challenge to sports fans in America, outside of the obvious ones. We discuss the possibility of foreign investment in the NFL, LIV, and more. We also hit on the way that these …

1
Sabrina Carrazzo is a fantastic teacher, PR person, and leader! 46:51

13d ago46:51

46:51

I loved this conversation because I totally got Sabrina Carrazzo worked up about teaching, women's sports, and helping international soccer teams enter the US market. Sabrina and Asli Pelit teach a sports PR and communications class at NYU. They invited me to give a guest lecture earlier in the year. I loved the way that Sabrina nurtured, challenge…

1
Jason Velez sells baseball in NYC and isn't competing head to head with any of the bigger teams... 42:23

19d ago42:23

42:23

My guest today is Jason Velez from the Staten Island Ferry Hawks. I've known Jason for a long time. So long that he has one of the OG Dave business cards. So, it was great to catch up with Jason. We hit on 3 big topics in this episode: Selling based on value Competing with bigger brands and bigger teams Unique promotions We talk about the Ferry Haw…

1
Episode 175: Summer Game Fest Gets Closer to E3 Vibes (News Show) 1:54:09

1M ago1:54:09

1:54:09

E3 might be dead, but its spirit is clinging to life (even if just by sheer will of the industry and the JW Marriott lobby). We discuss the trends and big learnings from the showcases and a quick visit to SGF Play Days. Also: GameStop earnings, Circana report for April 2024, the latest labor report, and more. This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind…

1
Lauren Teague talks about 'second fan fashion' 39:10

2M ago39:10

39:10

Lauren Teague returns! Lauren is the CEO of FanWgn. She has created an idea that is called "Second Fan Fashion" and it is very cool. FanWgn ties together a few of Lauren's favorite things: Sports Fashion Tech Sustainability In this episode, we talk about Lauren's career path and how she went from an employee to a sole business to a founder. We hit …

1
Episode 174: The World’s Oldest Console War is Over (News Show) 1:15:59

2M ago1:15:59

1:15:59

Atari has finally driven its mortal enemy, Intellivision, and heard the lamentations of its pixels. Also: So. Many. Earnings. We’re covering Sony, Square Enix, Ubisoft, Take-Two, and Embracer. Also, a number of new studios were founded as the labor winter trudges on. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual E…

1
Chris Pantani teaches us that brand activations still matter 36:38

2M ago36:38

36:38

My guest today is Chris Pantani. Chris is the GM of the NY Mavericks of the Professional Bull Riders. We talk about bull riding and why there is now a professional bull riding team representing New York City. I find out that there is a long history of professional bull riding in NYC. We also talk about the makeup of bullriding, the history of the s…

1
Let's celebrate the 200th episode of 'The Business of Fun' 41:55

2M ago41:55

41:55

Today is the 200th episode of 'The Business of Fun' podcast! You didn't think I would not have something special prepared, did you? I will share some lessons learned and some things I'm thinking about and paying attention to. You can come work with me in NYC on September 4th, 2024...I've recreated 'Fans For Life' for the current world we live in. F…

1
Episode 173: Sony Didn’t Manage Democracy, Xbox Self-Immolates (News Show) 1:54:57

3M ago1:54:57

1:54:57

Sony dug a giant hole and dumped all the Helldivers 2 goodwill into the pit (while cutting off 177 countries). Microsoft lit itself on fire and burned player sentiment to the ground. Good times. Also: Take-Two layoffs target a BAFTA winner, Unity has a new CEO with a massive compensation package, the Circana report for March, and earnings, earnings…

1
Episode 172: Embracer Group Crumbles… And Friends (News Show) 1:10:02

3M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

The Embracer Group name is going away, splitting its mega-conglomerate into three in an attempt to move on from its destructive legacy. But with Lars Wingefors sticking around to lead the holding company, our expectations are tempered. Also: Meta loses billions more as it tries to become the Windows of MR and earnings season is here! You can suppor…

1
Episode 171: Why Layoffs? Because Everyone Else is Doing It! (News Show) 59:05

3M ago59:05

59:05

Two months after Take-Two said it wasn’t planning layoffs it has… well… by now you know. Also, we’re trying something new and fun with this episode. Join us for a lively discussion about keeping the industry healthy and a deep dive into what the heck differentiates III from AA! You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchas…

1
Solene Jimenez teaches us about the culture of sales in the arts... 50:08

3M ago50:08

50:08

My guest today is Solene Jimenez. She is Head of International Development for arenametrix. www.arenametrix.com This is Solene's first podcast appearance and we had a good time. Of course, she didn't tell me it was her first podcast until we'd finished recording. I like to make the first podcast appearance fun and easy for folks. We talked about cu…

1
Episode 170: Embracer Group Fire Sale Burns Labor (News Show) 1:42:12

4M ago1:42:12

1:42:12

We’ve come full circle. Embracer Group just took a massive loss to get some much-needed cash in hopes of filling a seemingly bottomless hole of debt. Saber is gone. Zen is gone. 4A is gone. Gearbox is gone. Also, SAG-AFTRA may strike against video game companies, some new studios are popping up, but many others are still laying off and closing. You…

1
Alasdair Crawley says sports business is at a crossroads... 1:05:16

5M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

I have a good conversation for you today with Alasdair Crawley from FanBase. We had a great time talking about sports business including: Why sports business is at a crossroads. The challenge of getting the basics right. Data v. research Balancing the short term and long term in fanbase building. The power of experience... And, much more. I'm going…

1
Dr. Bijoy John Teaches Us About Our Superpower: SLEEP! 57:24

5M ago57:24

57:24

I haven't always been a champion sleeper. Like a lot of my friends, I haven't always had a regular bedtime due to work, school, social life, whatever. In college, at the University of Alabama, I couldn't be torn from the things going on in my dorm. I was so excited to see everything...I didn't want to miss a thing. Later on, I was working 3 or more…

1
Episode 169: The AAA Video Game Industry is in Freefall (News Show) 49:07

5M ago49:07

49:07

Triple-A game development as we know it is unsustainable. It doesn't matter if a game succeeds or fails, the corporate machine is grinding developers up and spitting them out by the thousands. Things need to change. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:01:29] - Circana…

1
Episode 168: Switch 2 Switcharoo Could Thwart 2024 Recovery Hopes (News Show) 1:52:05

5M ago1:52:05

1:52:05

The console market is going through major changes as hardware prices stay high and first party needs to pivot audience strategy. Nintendo may be struggling to find a break-even for its Switch successor, prompting a later release than we anticipated. Also: Embracer Group woes continue, Hasbro loses a ton. This is episode is sponsored by Magic Mind, …

1
Brian Hess doesn't put much validity in the numbers of the proposed new Northern VA arena. 48:53

5M ago48:53

48:53

Today's episode is personal because it is about the proposed arena in Northern VA. My guest is Brian Hess from I Street Advisors. Like me, Brian lives in the area. We discuss the arena at length: The nature of the market and where attendance comes from. Public subsidies. The 50/50 bet at the heart of the deal. Whether or not the District's offer to…

1
Episode 167: Did Microsoft Trigger the FTC’s Trap Card? (News Show) 1:41:22

6M ago1:41:22

1:41:22

Microsoft’s layoffs have sent the FTC into a tizzy, adding fuel to the ongoing fire. Also: It’s earnings season, with EA, Microsoft, Capcom, Nintendo, Square Enix, Paradox, Take-Two, Sega, and Meta reporting. We also cover the latest in the layoff storm that continues to drown the industry and Disney’s $1.5B investment in Epic. This is episode is s…

1
Episode 166: We Were Wrong About Microsoft and Activision (News Show) 1:01:04

6M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

In the wake of 2020’s bombshell revelations about Activision’s miserable culture and history of defending sexual abusers, we hoped that Microsoft would be a better steward for the company’s 13,000 employees. With 1,900 laid off post-acquisition, we are disappointed and saddened at how wrong we were. This is episode is sponsored by Magic Mind, a sup…

1
Jeffrey Shaw teaches me how selling eggs explains positioning... 53:02

6M ago53:02

53:02

Jeffrey Shaw, author of The Self-Employed Life, teaches me some great lessons about positioning, strategy, marketing, branding, and sales. Listen and find out how selling eggs explains all of this. I'm hosting a FREE strategy webinar on 31 January 2024 at 11 AM Eastern called 'Beyond Boom and Bust'. Join the 'Talking Tickets' Slack Channel. Send me…

1
I teach you how to plan for 2024 16:20

6M ago16:20

16:20

This is a me episode with a recording of my 'First Wednesday with Dave' session from December where we talk about planning for 2024. I'm hosting a FREE strategy webinar on 31 January 2024 at 11 AM Eastern called 'Beyond Boom and Bust'. Join the 'Talking Tickets' Slack Channel. Send me your questions about driving attendance in 2024. I'm going to us…

1
Episode 165: So… 2024, Huh? (News Show) 1:35:50

6M ago1:35:50

1:35:50

It’s been less than one month, and the industry has already suffered more than 3,500 lost jobs. Also: The Circana report for December 2023 and the full year, a few investments, and a discussion about some challenging changes to the U.S. tax code. Oh, and a bit about that weird Palworld game. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi an…

1
Episode 164: The Game Awards Needs to Change (Season Finale) 1:24:43

7M ago1:24:43

1:24:43

It’s been a hard year, folks. As we say goodbye to 2023 and turn our attention to a (hopefully) brighter 2024, we’re recapping recent gaming events, November’s Circana report, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:02:17] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spe…

1
What Do Brokers Really Want to See When a Ticket Goes On Sale? 55:04

7M ago55:04

55:04

"What do scalpers really like to see when a ticket goes on-sale?" That question popped up in my inbox about a week ago. It got me thinking about the questions that people ask me when they want to know how to "stop" the secondary market or whether or not to work with the secondary market. So, I had Martin Haigh from Total Tickets come on to discuss …

1
Episode 163: Embracer Group Claims Layoffs are How “We Will Win” (News Show) 1:38:57

8M ago1:38:57

1:38:57

Embracer Group gorged itself during the pandemic when debt was cheap. Now, it’s scrambling to lay off hundreds of people to “win.” Also, Circana report for October, Epic wins against Google, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:04:03] - Embracer Group Q2 Earn…

1
Episode 162: The Stark Contrast Between Positive Earnings and Gruesome Layoffs (News Show) 1:30:54

9M ago1:30:54

1:30:54

We’re in the thick of earnings season, and it’s hard to swallow positive financial news amid an avalanche of heartbreak labor stories. On this week’s show: Sony EA, Nintendo, Take-Two, Remedy, Sega, and Square Enix earnings. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:02:35] …

1
Episode 161: Phil Spencer is Bobby Kotick’s Daddy Now (News Show) 1:35:14

9M ago1:35:14

1:35:14

With Microsoft’s Activision acquisition closed, the Xbox leadership team has reorganized in some unexpected ways. Also: Microsoft and Capcom earnings, more layoffs, Paradox says goodbye to Harebrained Schemes, Unity boots John Riccitiello, and we have the latest Circana report on U.S. Game spending. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our …

1
Episode 160: A Bad Year for Game Creators is a Bad Year for Games (News Show) 1:34:00

10M ago1:34:00

1:34:00

The industry’s labor situation is reaching a boiling point, as Epic Games sacrifices employees on the altar of its fight against Apple and Google. Also: Unity has burnt its goodwill to the ground, voice actors prepare to strike, a leadership shake-up at PlayStation, and Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard now seems like a sure thing. You ca…

1
Bonus Episode 9: The State of Indie Publishing with Z from Serenity Forge 31:44

10M ago31:44

31:44

At PAX West, we spoke with Serenity Forge founder and CEO Z about the risks, challenges, and opportunities in the indie publishing world. With brutal macroeconomic headwinds and massive consolidation, the pressure is on for small publishers. Find out how Serenity Forge is weathering the storm.

1
Have You Ever Worried That Your Website or Experience Isn't Accessible Enough? 40:39

10M ago40:39

40:39

My guest today, Caspian Turner, helps me answer that question and shows us how you can take some easy steps to solve the problem for yourself. I want you to be more a part of 'The Business of Fun'. What does that mean? Send me your questions about strategy: Is there an issue you are constantly struggling with? Is there something going on in your bu…

1
Episode 159: Unity Says, “Nice Game You’ve Got There… It’d be a Shame if Something Happened to It” (News Show) 1:55:25

11M ago1:55:25

1:55:25

Unity couldn’t have made a bigger mess of its reputation in the game development community. Also: Microsoft’s big leak, GameStop earnings, Circana report for August, SAG-AFTRA fires a shot at video game publishers, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:02:45] …

1
Episode 158: Microsoft, Activision, and Ubisoft are a Thrupple Now (News Show) 1:04:31

11M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

The Microsoft/Activision deal is still alive. And now, Ubisoft has been folded into the conversation with control of cloud streaming rights. Also: Earnings (Square Enix, Sony, Take-Two, Embracer Group), The July 2023 Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending, Xbox’s new moderation system, and a listener question about the Xtra Small Small. You can…

1
Episode 157: The ESRB Is Getting Weird (News Show) 1:29:58

12M ago1:29:58

1:29:58

The Entertainment Software Ratings Board wants to use facial scanning to keep your kids from playing GTA and other adult-focused games. Also, it’s earnings season, with Microsoft, Capcom, Sega, and EA kicking us off. We also cover two more instances of the dreaded “payoffs for layoffs,” and a heap of listener questions! You can support Virtual Econ…

1
Episode 156: Xbox Live is Dead, Long Live Xbox Game Pass (News Show) 1:35:05

1y ago1:35:05

1:35:05

The FTC is down for the count after losing in court and seeing an emergency injunction denied. We discuss where things go from here as the UK CMA stands alone. Also, a bunch of new studios were announced, Bungie wins a big victory against a toxic troll, and Xbox works to make it harder for harassers online. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth …

1
Episode 155: FTC Cage Match (News Show) 1:29:18

1y ago1:29:18

1:29:18

This week saw the long-awaited showdown between the FTC and Microsoft, as the U.S. Government seeks an injunction to prevent the Activision acquisition. Also; new studios opening amidst an otherwise grim labor report, the latest Circana U.S. spending report, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual …

1
Episode 154: What Happens When a $2B Deal Evaporates Overnight? (News Show) 1:34:16

1y ago1:34:16

1:34:16

On the eve of its earnings announcement, Embracer Group saw a nearly-signed $2B deal fall apart. We discuss the potential impact. Also: GameStop back in crisis, a huge number of layoffs, and the strange tale of Disco Elysium continues. Note: We discuss Cyberpunk 2077 and the Phantom Liberty DLC during this episode. While we were confused that Phant…

1
Episode 153: The UK CMA Throws a Temper Tantrum Over the Activision Acquisition (News Show) 1:17:12

1y ago1:17:12

1:17:12

One day we’ll be free of the Microsoft/Activision deal, but that day is NOT today. Also: Nintendo, EA, Starbreeze, Square Enix, Capcom, and Take-Two Earnings, acquisitions, the Circana US Video Game Spending report for April 2023, more layoffs, and a Double FAFO. Support Miranda Due, former Unity employee, who is looking for work. You can support V…

1
Episode 152: Sega’s Angry Birds Acquisition and Life After Microsoft/Activision (News Show) 1:20:23

1y ago1:20:23

1:20:23

After years of stumbling in the mobile space, Sega decided to throw $775M at the problem with the acquisition of Rovio. Also: Lots of layoffs, some acquisitions, a bunch of earnings, and the March Circana report on U.S. video game spending. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME ST…

1
Bonus Episode 8: The UK CMA Murdered the Microsoft/Activision Deal 42:15

1+ y ago42:15

42:15

It's a very special, very weird episode from sunny Dubrovnik, Croatia! We're thrilled to have the one, the only ANDY PAN join us for a discussion about the UK Competition and Markets Authority's decision to deny Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard on the basis of the cloud gaming business. You can read the full decision here: Microsoft /…

1
GDC 2023: I Fought the Law 2 - Legal Rumble in the Bay 1:12:03

1+ y ago1:12:03

1:12:03

At GDC 2023, we got the gang back together for another down-and-dirty legal issues conversation. We're grateful to Brandon Huffman, founder of Odin Law & Media, and Ryan Black, partner at DLA Piper, for joining us again this year. On the docket for this year: The Rise and Fall of Web3 at GDC (Good riddance!) The state of mergers and acquisitions in…

1
The TiqAssist guys teach us about how understanding fans' pain can lead to opportunity! 40:53

1+ y ago40:53

40:53

I've got the TiqAssist guys on today. Chris Babu and Jamie Zimmerman. www.tiqassist.com We got into a bunch of stuff like: How feeling pain as STHs led them to start TiqAssist. Jumping careers to get into sports. The "strain" of resale for season ticket holders. The cash offer that TiqAssist makes to help make people have a bit more "peace of mind"…

1
Episode 151: E3 Can’t Claw Itself Out of the Grave (News Show) 1:14:03

1+ y ago1:14:03

1:14:03

The new ReedPop-run E3 died before it could live… or was it… MURDERED?! (Spoiler: It was murdered.) Also: GameStop leans on cost cutting to finally turn a modest profit, Microsoft is one step closer to closing its Activision deal, established studios expand, while layoffs also run rampant. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and …

1
Drew McManus says "one size fits none" is a bad idea... 41:52

1+ y ago41:52

41:52

My guest today is Drew McManus from UpStage CRM: www.upstagecrm.io We had a great time catching up in Seattle at INTIX and now we've gone and done a podcast! We hit on a lot of topics like what led Drew to start UpStage. I put Drew on the spot and make him define "one size fits none". We discuss where he gets his ideas from. Why focusing on the min…

1
Episode 150: Square Enix Says No Flippin’ Thanks to its Web3 CEO (News Show) 51:12

1+ y ago51:12

51:12

Square Enix is having a time of it, as its Web3-loving CEO is leaving and Luminous Productions is no more. Also: Ubisoft and Activision messing up labor issues again, and the US is investigating extremism in online games. Also, Manda is going to talk to you about The Lord of the Rings, and Mike will do his best Gollum impression. Maybe. You can sup…

1
Brain Bump will make you smarter... 35:24

1+ y ago35:24

35:24

I have Mark Herschberg back today to talk about his new app, Brain Bump. This is a really cool tool that lets you bring learning with you wherever you are. I've been taking part in the launch and it enables me to provide bite sized nuggets and insights to you so that you can access the ideas that you want to use when you need them. Check out my fri…

1
Paul Bailey teaches me how to make Brand Purpose meaningful and not BS... 58:25

1+ y ago58:25

58:25

I'm talking with Paul Bailey from Halo in Bristol, UK today. We are discussing brand and this is a great one because we set out to hit on a few really important topics: Research Brand Purpose Top of Funnel Activity Paul was kind enough to come on to be the first guest to talk about brand exclusively so that I would have some conversations that I di…

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