Best MOD Network Podcasts (2024)

1
Summer Vacay 2024: Jim Morrison vs. The FBI! 53:42

9h ago53:42

53:42

This is a first-ever repeat of this original episode of the podcast! Released as #134 on 9/6/21! It has been remastered, but is otherwise as it was originally released, now, as episode #360. Our original episode notes: At the end of "Jim Morrison: 50 Years Gone" episode, Markus dropped a paper bomb in the form of The Doors, and Jim Morrison's FBI f…

1
Summer Vacay 2024: Do The Reggay! 52:29

5d ago52:29

52:29

Another previously, never-repeated episode for Week #2 of our #SummerVacation2024! Here's the original copy for the episode's first release in 2021: "In 2020 the Covid Pandemic took from us, Frederick Nathaniel "Toots" Hibbert. The man who coined the term Reggay, Toots was Reggae with soul. His depth, power, warmth and continual positive messages r…

1
How Pocket Worlds is Empowering Players and Changing the Games Industry 29:06

10d ago29:06

29:06

Building games is a challenge, but Pocket Worlds is taking a unique approach with their social platform Highrise. As CEO Anton Bernstein explains, the goal is to connect users through shared experiences. Rather than traditional models, Highrise focuses on rapidly iterating based on frequent and direct user feedback. Anton conducts weekly interviews…

1
Research Revealed: What Employees Want Rerun 4:50

10d ago4:50

4:50

This week Sara shares a rerun with us, "What Employees Want". Some recent leadership research provided by Osi Tanner to understand if managers actually knew what employees were interested in. 79% of leaders reported they had a good sense of understanding of what their employees want, while less than half of employees identified with that. What does…

1
Summer Vacay 2024: Under A Mediterranean Sky with Steve Hackett 40:46

18d ago40:46

40:46

Vacation for the Imbalanced History team means 5 classic, never-before-repeated, episodes from 2021, through the month of July!!! When Markus and Ray first talked to Steve Hackett, he and his wife Jo were in Covid lockdown, early in the pandemic. The reality of Covid is part of the discussion, but we've edited the original discussion, for current p…

1
From Gamer to Creator: How Modding Inspired a Passion for Game Development and Team Building 33:07

17d ago33:07

33:07

What games sparked a lifelong passion for development? For Zach Hooper, director of production at ProbablyMonsters, it was early PC titles like Morrowind and Wolfenstein that first drew him into gaming. As a kid modding those classic games, he discovered a knack for tinkering under the hood and learning development tools. That hands-on experience e…

1
Too Much Too Young: The 2-Tone Records Story 50:21

19d ago50:21

50:21

Before our July Summer vacation, a really great talk with author Daniel Rachel (Like Some Forgotten Dream, Don't Look Back In Anger, Walls Come Tumbling Down) to discuss his latest book, Too Much Too Young: The 2-Tone Records Story! The music of Ska was the next big thing in London, and in Coventry, where many of the bands percolated in a vacuum. T…

1
Building Worlds and Stories through Voice Acting & Directing 31:55

24d ago31:55

31:55

Why has voice direction become more important in the games industry in recent years? There are many ways to get into voice direction, as the skills needed have only recently been recognized as a special job. Kirsty Gilmore's journey began with experience in theatre and sound engineering, leading to work at the BBC before realising voice direction i…

1
Rod The Mod: Sir Roderick Stewart! 55:51

28d ago55:51

55:51

From his family roots to his dual career paths, taken simultaneously, Markus and Ray take the ride with you, musically, and historically! From London to L.A., we talk about his musical life, and all the twists and turns it took. Due to the risk of a 2+ hourlong episode, much of Rod Stewart's personal story is pretty much left out. So, it's football…

1
Game Design isn’t just for Programmers - Narrative Lead explains how Writing is a Gateway for a Gaming Career 30:11

1M ago30:11

30:11

How do you find your way into the fascinating world of narrative design for video games? As the Narrative Lead at Doborog, Geoffrey Golden has had an interesting journey to his current role. Geoffrey accidentally fell into game writing after starting his career in comedy writing. While he loved games as a child, programming proved a challenge, so w…

1
All You Need Is Love, A Candid Conversation With Author Steven Gaines 1:02:49

1M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

Sometimes when you do interviews, the discussion expands beyond the movie or book the subject came to promote. That's what happened when Markus & Ray talked with author Steven Gaines. But Gaines isn't just any Rock author, having been Alice Cooper's biographer & regular golf partner, writing books and penning columns, and interviewing all of The Be…

1
Finding the Right Frequency: How to Tune into Audio Talent 30:20

1M ago30:20

30:20

How can you break into a career in game audio? Gav Shepherd, Co-CEO at Rev Rooms, details his unique path working in the games industry. He took an unconventional route to the industry, gaining experience in TV and movies, including major Disney releases, before moving into the gaming industry. He also discusses the complex process of localization …

1
Asking Permission to Give Feedback Rerun 9:29

1M ago9:29

9:29

In this special rerun episode, Sara brings on non profit leader Tiffany. Over time her response to feedback has grown from anxious to excited for the opportunity to make changes. Her approach is to learn the person before jumping to providing feedback. Once that relationship is built, it’s more comfortable to get to a place of candid conversation.…

1
Oldest Artists Still At It!!! 33:00

1M ago33:00

33:00

Someone had the idea to start a meme, in tribute if you will, to the elders. All genres, all artists, all that matters! Healthy discussions (lookin' at you, Facebook friends!) are a good thing, but try to be kind! What's cool is the variety of amazing artists, well past full retirement age, who've decided that playing on the back porch is "for old …

1
Balancing games industry hardship and hope in 2024 31:06

2M ago31:06

31:06

What challenges did studios face when launching new games in 2023? James Batchelor is Editor-in-Chief at GamesIndustry.biz and reports on the games industry during this time of economic uncertainty. James faces a balancing act to tell the full story; on one hand, James has a duty to report on all of the studio closures and layoffs that many develop…

1
5 Favorites: Albums That Make You Feel Like Summer! 32:50

2M ago32:50

32:50

"Summer, it turns me upside down! Summer, summer, summer!! It's like a merry-go-round!!!" Ahhhh, whatever it means to you, Summer is in the air! The Boys hit us with their most seasonal faves as we celebrate Memorial Day in the U.S. It's also the unofficial start of the Summer season in a lotta places! These albums, right here? They make the season…

1
The power of inspiration: how a LittleBigPlanet level creator became a Senior Environment Artist 20:43

2M ago20:43

20:43

What does it take to break into the exciting world of video game development? Tanner is an environment artist at Squanch Games and his interest in working in the games industry started from being inspired by games like LittleBigPlanet in his youth to studying art in college and persevering through over 100 job applications. He shares key advice for…

1
Intersection: Traffic & Blind Faith 37:52

2M ago37:52

37:52

When Markus told Ray about his love of Traffic, it sparked a conversation that spills into this episode. Proving we all have our own path, Markus notes When The Eagle Flies as his favorite, while Ray prefers Low Spark... That led to discussion of Blind Faith, a 1969 side project, which the Boys discuss as well. It's a different-angle perspective an…

1
Episode 20 - "Convertible Moon Buggy" w/ Matt Danger 1:34:12

2M ago1:34:12

1:34:12

Welcome to The Dock! This week: The Dock Is Back! We sit down with Matt Danger of Ninjas With Syringes to talk about aliens, the moon landing, J.F.K and punk rock! Linktree to everything: Shows, Socials & Stupidity & Podcasts! https://linktr.ee/comedychaosnetwork Wanna watch the podcast? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoaosAQS5jCAz Go Check Out: …

1
Why Networking is your Most Powerful Tool 25:06

2M ago25:06

25:06

Why should you always be networking in the gaming industry? Mike's journey through the gaming industry is as compelling a reason as any. From his early days in engine development to navigating through roles in studios of various sizes, Mike emphasises the importance of networking. Even when securely employed, he stresses the significance of staying…

1
The Joy and Challenge of Feedback Rerun 15:04

2M ago15:04

15:04

In this special rerun episode, Sara brings on Rene, Founder of a product innovation firm with extensive training and experience in industrial design. They discuss the joys and challenges of giving and receiving feedback. It can be challenging not to look at feedback with an anxious eye. It’s important to have context and do the information gatherin…

1
Johnny Dee: The Conshy-Frankfurt Connection 55:54

2M ago55:54

55:54

Even if your podcast guest is an old friend, you never know what might come up, or what you might learn! That's the case with Philly native (and killer drummer) Johnny Dee (Doro, Tyketto, Britny Fox, Waysted) who beams in from Germany, just as festival season is getting started! The Imbalanced Boys discuss his early days in the bands, leading up to…

1
Repair Technician to Studio Head - Forging Your Own Path in the Games Industry 28:18

2M ago28:18

28:18

How do you go from a repair technician to the studio head of your own gaming company? Francisco Bravo shares his fascinating career journey, starting from studying computer science and doing freelance repair work as a child, to working for various technology consulting firms throughout his education and early career. He discusses pivotal roles deve…

1
Business Bites: Rerun Emotional Intelligence Assessments 5:32

2M ago5:32

5:32

This week we hear a rerurn from Sara! She shares a business bite with us on Emotional Intelligence Assessments. A unique component that demonstrates how well an individual regulates emotions effectively. She shares the depths of Self Assessments, 180 Assessments and the 360 Degree Assessments. These can effectively develop tools to improve competen…

1
That Kid From Freehold - Bruce Springsteen - REDUX 49:28

2M ago49:28

49:28

When the Imbalanced Boys were 25 episodes into this podcast, they made the move to Pantheon! The occasion fell on the same day as Bruce Springsteen's 70th birthday, so it was a natural to feature his story. In the 325 episodes since then, Markus & Ray have covered so many topics and artists, with many more to come! 350 down! 350 to go? Time will te…

1
How to Break Into the Games Industry Without AAA Experience 24:20

3M ago24:20

24:20

What does it take to break into the competitive gaming industry? Just ask Trevor Wernisch, UX Director at Unbroken Studios. With over 20 years of experience in visual design and interfaces, Trevor has seen his fair share of ups and downs. In our conversation, he shares how passion and perseverance helped him land that coveted first gaming job despi…

1
From Joy Division To New Order 50:49

3M ago50:49

50:49

To understand the story of Joy Division, and how they became New Order requires some patience, and much more. The "why?" in the equation is also discussed, including the lack of support in the area of mental health in that era. The suicide of Ian Curtis might have crashed most bands, but the survivors carried on with a New Order! The impact of Joy …

1
Supporting Game Creators with Data Tools and Community Resources 24:36

3M ago24:36

24:36

How can gaming studios better support developers when working with new technologies? While gaming studios are increasingly investing in data analytics and security to gain insights from players and protect sensitive information, it's important that developers are also equipped with the skills and resources to leverage these new areas. Studios must …

1
Consultant Insights Rerun: Talent Development 22:54

3M ago22:54

22:54

In this special rerun episode, we are joined by Sarah Eppink, principal and founder of Aisling Group. Sara and Sarah dive into the practice areas of leadership, talent development, and coaching. They discuss how the boundary lines have shifted since COVID and how many leaders are adapting to the challenges. Hear more in this full episode available …

1
Steely Dan: Two Against Everything 52:09

3M ago52:09

52:09

This episode delves into the world of Steely Dan, with a passion for their music and the times, one of the Imbalanced Brothers has more "prime exposure" to the band, but both of them show their understanding and love for the band, the boys, and their music! Sure, it's a story about Donald and Walter, but it's also a look inside the studio sessions,…

1
The Future of Blockchain Gaming and Immersive Education 30:06

3M ago30:06

30:06

How will cryptocurrency and blockchain technology continue to evolve within the gaming industry over the next few years? The current focus for blockchain games is shifting away from crypto elements towards simply making high quality games. Where crypto is involved, the technology will likely become more seamlessly integrated in the background while…

1
Feedback Rerun: Specificity and Clarity for Detailed Feedback 10:45

3M ago10:45

10:45

In this special rerun episode, Sara is joined by James who has extensive experience in athletics and team development. In either setting, feedback has to be constant and specific. While in a professional setting, feedback provided with examples and details are very important. No matter the territory, for feedback to be meaningful it has to come fro…

1
Takin' An Imbalanced Walk With Buzz Knight 42:33

3M ago42:33

42:33

When former co-workers, now podcasters, get together to discuss their podcasts, the conversation is wide-ranging and filled with discussion of radio past, and future. We discuss infusing artists, new and old, into the podcasts we host, our overall experiences as podcasters, and of course, THE MUSIC! It's a fun visit with an old friend, and now, top…

1
Defying the Odds: Getting Hired Straight Out of College and Rising to Lead Major Projects 22:25

3M ago22:25

22:25

Is it possible to get a gaming job straight out of college and still rise to lead major projects? David McDonough got his start by landing a job at Firaxis Games straight out of college, despite still having a semester left to complete. This opened the door to over a decade of experience working on major franchises, such as Civilization. Through pe…

1
Business Bite Rerun: Gantt Charts and Project Timelines 6:38

3M ago6:38

6:38

In this special rerun episode, Sara gives us a Business Bite on Gantt Charts and Project Timelines. Project timelines help us think about dates that are critical. A Gantt chart is typically a horizontal representation of a project with line items and overlapping bars, showing how long each task is going to take. It’s important to know how much work…

1
Profiles In The Blues: Bessie & The Wolf - REDUX 1:10:32

3M ago1:10:32

1:10:32

This is a re-release of our #ProfilesInTheBlues episode, Bessie & The Wolf! Originally released 9/27/21: "Profiles In The Blues is a new umbrella concept on the podcast! In the initial episode, the Imbalanced Brothers delve deeper into the subjects of Bessie Smith, The Empress Of The Blues, (who's been mentioned before), and Chester Burnett's alter…

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