Best Santa Monica Studios Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 93 - Akash Thakkar, Sound Designer 1:01:49

4d ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 93 where I speak with Akash Thakkar, where we talk about how they got into the industry, how they realized making game music was a possibility, their perfect game, games that didn't age well, their favorite recent trend in games, their life outside of games, and some lightning round questions! Before…

1
Episode 092 - Robert Bailey, Sony Santa Monica Technical Narrative Designer 1:12:08

18d ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 92 where I speak with Robert Bailey. In this episode we talk about how they got into the industry and words of wisdom from their experiences, games that made them want to get into the industry, games they feel didn't get enough credit, their life outside of gaming, some lightning round questions, as …

1
Episode 091 - Patrick Gauthier, Reky Studios' head 55:04

1M ago55:04

55:04

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 91 where I speak with Patrick Gauthier where we talk about how they landed on wholesome games, how they got into making games and words of wisdom, games that made them want to be a game dev, their favorite games, how Kickstarter works for them and the upcoming Cinnabunny, other influences for their g…

1
Episode 41 - Michele and Dave Barbee 49:41

1M ago49:41

49:41

Even though they claim to be simple country folk, in reality, dear old friends Michele and Dave Barbee are displaced city slickers who both are avid foodies. We discuss our mutual history together (Chicago theatre, naturally) as well as the fascinating childhood experiences that Michele had growing up in a restaurant-owning family. We examine their…

1
Episode 40 - Kathryn Schorr 59:35

2M ago59:35

59:35

A conversation with Kathryn Schorr is like zooming down a runway in a jetliner, so Kath and Jan strap in with their tray tables up for rollicking good time as we take a deep dive into Kathryn’s childhood, complete with E/R surgeon dad and deceased sibling and then move into her own grown-up life and how a meteor (or maybe two – we lost track!) land…

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Episode 090 - Brendan Steppig AKA Looloopaa, Pixel Artist 53:53

2M ago53:53

53:53

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 90 where I speak with Brendan Steppig, AKA Looloopaa where we talk about how they got into the industry, words of wisdom from their experiences, games that made them want to make games, their favorite games, upcoming games they are looking forward to, what they enjoy about games, their life outside o…

1
Episode 39 - Viva Krasinski 46:25

2M ago46:25

46:25

With a name like Viva Krasinski, you know things are going to be interesting. Thanks to our previous podcast guest Emily Vollmer, Viva was brought to our attention and we soon realized she had a lot to say about food and other topics, and we were delighted to meet her. A nurturer from a young age, Viva tells of helping out with her much younger sis…

1
Episode 089 - Conversation with Legendary Game Producer David Mullich 1:16:26

2M ago1:16:26

1:16:26

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 89 where I speak with the legendary game producer David Mullich where we talk about indie development in the early days vs today, how they got into the industry, words of wisdom from their experiences, their thoughts on the future of game development, trends they've enjoyed over the years, their life…

1
Episode 38 - Clara York 46:21

2M ago46:21

46:21

Kath and Jan have a new friend! The phrase “lovely and talented” gets used way too much, but in this case, it truly applies to our guest, Clara York. Coming in smokin’ hot off her successful play “The Jailbait Chronicles” at the Fanatic Salon (next show, August 4th!), Clara recalls her Maine-born-and-bred Mom’s love of lobster and oysters, her char…

1
Episode 37 - Elizabeth Cortell 1:01:00

3M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Elizabeth Cortell has stories. She has been entertaining Kath and Jan for decades with them, and today’s episode is no exception. A very unique childhood, a killer wit, a keen eye and a razor sharp mind all lead to Liz’s recounting of her Dad’s Christmas menus, her beloved Mom’s cooking, how her folks knew where to shop in Chicago and her own journ…

1
Episode 088 - Conversation with Crazy Viking Studio CEO Kris Durrschmidt 1:22:12

3M ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 88 where I speak with Kris Durrschmidt where we talk about topics like how their development story, words of wisdom from their experiences, making Volgarr, their favorite games, their life outside of gaming, and some lightning round questions. Before we get started, don't forget there are links in th…

1
Episode 087 - Conversation with Narrative Designer Nessa Cannon 1:09:29

3M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 87 where I speak with Nessa Cannon, where we talk about who they are, how they got into the industry, words of wisdom from their experiences, if they always wanted to write for games, their favorite or perfect game, what makes gaming enjoyable to them, their life outside of gaming, and some random qu…

1
Episode 086 - Conversation with Obsidian Entertainment Narrative Designer Conor Walsh 1:24:16

4M ago1:24:16

1:24:16

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 86 where I speak with Conor Walsh, where we talk about who they are, how they got into making games, words of wisdom from their experiences, their favorite games, their life outside of gaming, and some lightning round questions. Before we get started, don't forget there are link in the episode descri…

1
Episode 36 - Jennifer Stander 50:42

4M ago50:42

50:42

Jennifer Stander claims she is not a genius, but Kath & Jan suspect otherwise. The three of us do a deep dive into mysterious worlds: computer programing, coding, 8 hour work meetings, vegetarianism, Purple Carrot, train travel and the food in the western suburbs of Chicago. Jen reveals the reason she thought she hated food as a child and the relis…

1
Episode 085 - Conversation with Splash Damage Tech Design Director Giuseppe Navarria 1:28:28

4M ago1:28:28

1:28:28

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 85 where I speak with Giuseppe Navarria where we talk about how they got into making games, words of wisdom from their experiences, the games that made them want to be in the industry, their favorite games, their opinion on the current state of games preservation, their life outside of gaming, and so…

1
Episode 084 - Conversation with Studio Hybrid's Jack Breen 1:23:32

5M ago1:23:32

1:23:32

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 84 where I speak with Jack Breen. In this episode we talk about their game Giga Sword, how they got into making games, their favorite games, what they enjoy about gaming, their life outside of games, and a few lighting round questions. Before we get started, don't forget there are links in the episod…

1
Episode 35 - Mariann Sauvion 56:04

5M ago56:04

56:04

Mariann Sauvion has been cooking and feeding the world since the age of 5 and hasn’t stopped since! Kath and Jan enjoy an extremely convivial conversation with Mariann as she recalls her salad days (see what we did there?) as an 18-year old chef in Manhattan at the late great Paris Bistro, her Culinary Institute adventures, the Coffee House Club, h…

1
Episode 083 - Conversation with Project Feline developer Raymond Cripps 1:14:35

5M ago1:14:35

1:14:35

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 83 where I speak with Raymond Cripps, developer of Project Feline. In this episode we talk about how they got into game making, games they enjoy the most, a game they feel doesn't get enough credit, their life outside of gaming, and words of wisdom. We also run through 3 amusing lightning round quest…

1
Episode 082 - Conversation with Strange Scaffold's Xalavier Nelson Jr. 1:06:14

5M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 82 where I speak with Xalavier Nelson Jr, where we talk about who they are and what they enjoy doing outside of games, how they got into the industry and wisdom they can share from their experiences, their favorite and perfect games, and some wild lightning round questions. Before we get started, don…

1
Episode 34 - Frima Turns 95 26:02

5M ago26:02

26:02

A Bonus Episode as we once again re-visit Jan's mom Frima and her sister Barbara on Kath's patio to honor Frima on her 95th birthday! Amid the pastoral sounds of hummingbirds, wind chimes and our neighbor's incessant leaf-blower, we relay family tributes (more corn memories!), Barbara revisits an old forgotten cookbook, Frima talks about her famous…

1
Episode 33 - Emily Vollmer 52:31

6M ago52:31

52:31

Kath and Jan are joined by the delightful writer and teacher Emily Vollmer, but not before Jan tells a long contentious story about a tomato at a chic restaurant in Santa Monica. Kath initially sides with the restaurant (and the tomato) but suddenly changes her tune when sweet Emily pipes up and supports Jan. Typical Kath behavior. Meanwhile, Emily…

1
Episode 32 - Maiya Sykes 1:03:29

6M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

The phenomenally talented Maiya Sykes is the real deal – an artist who actually makes a living at it. Once you hear her sing, it all makes sense. She joins Kath and Jan in a lively discussion about food, music, living with her Mom, Michael Jackson’s glove origins, underpaying gigs, who cooks in her house, life on the road, what exactly is in her ca…

1
Episode 081 - Conversation with the ever-versatile Jared R Bair 1:26:42

6M ago1:26:42

1:26:42

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 81 where I speak with Jared R Bair. In this episode we talk about who they are, the upcoming 100 Acre Woods and how it got started, content creation and the state of the industry, wisdom learned from his experiences, words of reassurance to the Pooh fans, what made them want to make games, life outsi…

1
Episode 080 - Conversation with Sound Designer Emily Meo 1:03:17

6M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 80 where I speak with Emily Meo. In this episode we talk about how she got into the industry and some words of wisdom from her experiences, the games that made her want to make games, her favorite games, and what makes gaming enjoyable to them. We also talk about her hobbies outside of gaming, and he…

1
Episode 31 - Keli Garrett 59:18

7M ago59:18

59:18

Back in the Golden Age of Chicago Theatre ™ Kath and guest Keli Garrett were working in tandem as heads of a Women’s Collective and an African American Collective (respectively) for a theatre company. Given our shared history with words, it’s no wonder we embark on a fascinating conversation with Keli as we discuss her PhD studies in London and wha…

1
Episode 30 - Heidi Bauer 58:47

7M ago58:47

58:47

Heidi Bauer’s creativity is off the charts, whether it’s running her company Rock Scissor Paper with her sister Susie (www.rockscissorpaper.com), entertaining, cooking, baking, designing or just looking at the world in a different way than most people. Kath and Jan both share memories of legendary milestone celebrations, vintage Los Angeles houses,…

1
Episode 079 - Conversation Bungie Sr. Concept Artist Janice Chu! 53:25

7M ago53:25

53:25

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 79 where I speak with Janice Chu. In this episode we speak about how she got into the industry and some words of wisdom learned from her experiences; the games that made her want to get into the industry; her favorite games, and how she has enjoyed gaming with her family and friends. We also discuss …

1
Episode 078 - Conversation with Tomas Guinan - Game dev at Spoony Bard Productions 1:07:17

7M ago1:07:17

1:07:17

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 78 where I speakwith Tomas Guy-nan. In this episode we talk about the usual like how he gotinto the industry, words of wisdom based on hisexperiences, the games that made them want to make games, what makes gamingenjoyable, and their current comfort games. As well as a bunch of NES centricthings such…

1
Episode 29 - James Sie and Douglas Wood 59:53

8M ago59:53

59:53

The last time Kath saw the married couple James Sie and Douglas Wood, they had not yet adopted their new baby from Viet Nam – who is now 22. Picking right up where they left off (quite literally!), James delights Kath and Jan with homemade blueberry maple scones, which Jan has to force herself not to eat on the air. In a far-ranging discussion on m…

1
Episode 76 - Conversation with Osama Dorias - Lead gameplay designer at Brass Lion Entertainment 1:09:53

8M ago1:09:53

1:09:53

0:00 Intro 15:30 Words of wisdom from their experiences 37:30 Games that made him get into the industry 50:00 Games that don't get enough credit 57:00 Life outside of games 1:01:30 Wrap up Check Osama out on Twitter at https://twitter.com/osamadorias To see more of what Osama has worked on, check them out on Linked In https://ca.linkedin.com/in/osa…

1
Episode 077 - Conversation with Vince Miller - 3D Realms Brand Manager 1:55:57

8M ago1:55:57

1:55:57

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 77 where I speak with Vince Miller, also known as Vince Steel, brand manager at 3D Realms where we talk about the standard questions such as their journey into the industry, words of wisdom from their experiences, the game that made them want to be part of the industry, their favorite trend over the …

1
Episode 28 - Joe and Pepper Edmiston 54:00

8M ago54:00

54:00

We’re back! It’s been a minute. Kath and Jan start 2024 off with a bang (okay, a few weeks late) with Los Angeles power couple Joe and Pepper Edmiston, our beloved engineer Will’s parents, who graciously come to the studio en route to the symphony for a free-wheeling, often hilarious and spirited talk about marriage, food, children, grandchildren, …

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Episode 075 - Conversation with Audi Sorlie & Seth Fulkerson; Making Arzette Jewel of Faramore 1:36:17

9M ago1:36:17

1:36:17

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 75 where I speak with both Audi Sorlie and Seth Fulkerson, who are both working on Arzette The Jewel of Faramore. We talk about the staples such as how both Audi and Seth got into the industry and some words of wisdom they can share, their favorite video games, games that don't get enough credit, and…

1
Episode 27 - Peggy Dunne 49:46

9M ago49:46

49:46

Kath and Jan close out the year with a visit from the luminous Peggy Dunne, where we discuss far-ranging topics, such as Peggy’s many careers, health and nutrition, depression, acting, blue-green algae and how she somehow managed to marry a guy who was an amazing cook and astonishingly, in the ultimate ‘way to work it’, continues to cook for her ev…

1
Episode 26 - Maripat Donovan 48:29

9M ago48:29

48:29

When Kath and Jan met their pal Maripat Donovan, it was during the run of “The Good Times Are Killing Me” in Chicago, which was supposed to run for six weeks and ran for a year and half. Right after that, Maripat originated her one-woman show “Late Nite Catechism” which was also supposed to run for six weeks…thirty years ago (it’s still running – i…

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Episode 074 - Conversation with Niklas Hallin, creator of Molly Medusa Queen of Spit 1:11:32

9M ago1:11:32

1:11:32

Hey Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 74 where I speak with Niklas Hallin, creator of Yono and the Celestial Elephants and Molly Medusa Queen of Spit. We talk about the staples such as how Niklas got into making games, words of wisdom they can share, favorite games, the game that made him want to make games, and what they do outside of g…

1
Episode 073 - Conversation with developer Phillip Woytowitz, currently making Olliefrog Toad Skater 53:20

10M ago53:20

53:20

Hey, Link here, thanks for joining me for episode 73 where I speak with Phillip Woytowitz, also known as Mr.Thee, developer of the upcoming game Olliefrog Toad Skater. We talk about the staples such as Olliefrog Toad Skater, how he got started in the industry and some words of wisdom; The game that made him want to get into development; His favorit…

1
Episode 25-Jan's Mom Frima and Aunt Barbara 55:50

10M ago55:50

55:50

It’s a Thanksgiving Special Family Event as our beloved menschy engineer Will makes the trek to the LAX area with all his equipment (and his two dogs!) so we can interview Jan’s Mom Frima and Jan’s Aunt Barbara in person on Kath’s patio! It’s a sizzling holiday extravaganza as the ladies wax nostalgic on what food was like in the old days. We talk …

1
Episode 072 - Conversation with SizeFive Games founder Dan Marshall 55:04

10M ago55:04

55:04

Size Five Games. Dan answers the staples like how he got into making games, his childhood favorites, and also talks about how to bully a Valve employee into getting your game onto Steam, the genres that influenced him, and things he enjoys outside of gaming like screwing off to the seaside to relax! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe and …

1
Episode 24-One Year Anniversary with Nick Sheist 59:39

10M ago59:39

59:39

Happy Podcastaversary….to US! Kath and Jan celebrate one whole YEAR of podcasting with our original beloved engineer Nick Sheist in what we hope will be an annual tradition with him, being our pre-Thanksgiving guest! We discuss far-ranging topics beyond food, but of course…food too. Nick brings homemade pumpkin bread to start us off, which Jan imme…

1
Episode 23-Shari Zinn-Hoorn 50:51

11M ago50:51

50:51

Kath and Jan do their first Zoom interview ever (with a little spotty sound quality) and travel virtually to Portland, Oregon where Kath’s adopted daughter Shari Zinn-Hoorn lives. Okay, she isn’t really Kath’s daughter, but if Kath *did* have a daughter, she would want one like Shari. We discuss how they met and how Shari’s mango-avocado combo won …

1
Episode 071 with Pixel Art Artist Matt Martinez 1:07:28

11M ago1:07:28

1:07:28

In this episode I speak with Pixel Art Artist that has contributed to Vernal Edge and Pseudoregalia, Matt Martinez 0:00 Introductions 7:30 How Matt got started making games and wisdom they can share from their experiences 15:30 The game that made Matt want to work in the industry 21:30 Favorite Games 46:15 Game that doesn't get enough credit 53:30 …

1
Episode 22-Will Edmiston 54:06

11M ago54:06

54:06

It's Burger Day as Kath and Jan finally wrangle our engineer Will Edmiston into talking about his burger obsession and we definitely get more than we bargained for! Be sure and book his space for your studio needs at www.peerspace.com (search podcast studio Santa Monica). We talk about his Mom's surprise pet pigs, dogs, burgers and how you really c…

1
Episode 21-Paula Ayala 51:13

11M ago51:13

51:13

Kath and Jan are blown away by the gorgeous and generous Paula Ayala who shows up with a towering red velvet cake adorned with BAF beads! Kath quickly realizes that she could neither bake that cake nor make those beads if someone had a gun to her head. Jan immediately renounces giving up sugar. Paula talks about her Argentine roots and how her mom …

1
Episode 70 Conversation with game programmer Robert N Brown 1:25:47

11M ago1:25:47

1:25:47

In this episode I speak with game director and lead developer on the upcoming Kingpin Reloaded Robert N Brown 0:00 Start 9:30 How and why Robert got into game development 16:00 Words of Wisdom 22:00 Game that made Robert want to make games 39:30 Favorite games and why 56:15 What Robert does outside of Games 01:12:30 Where to find more info about Ro…

1
Episode 20-Michael Shepperd & Hutchins Foster 54:02

12M ago54:02

54:02

Kath and Jan are joined by old theatre pals and long-time married couple, Michael Shepperd and Hutchins Foster. We reminisce about the old days in Chicago when Kath, Jan and Michael were in “The Good Times are Killing Me” at City Lit, which was supposed to run for 6 weeks and ended up running for over a year, and is considered by all of us to be a …

1
Redtunic Podcast 069 - Conversation with Voice Actor Gianni Matragrano 1:20:42

12M ago1:20:42

1:20:42

Nice In this episode I speak with Gianni Matragrano, voice actor who has contributed to numerous anime titles, video games, and boom shoots 0:00 - Introductions/Who Gianni is and how he got into VA 16:30 - Words of wisdom from experience 26:15 - What Gianni enjoys about games and which games he enjoys 31:15 - Most enjoyed boom shoot 53:15 - What Gi…

1
Actor John Ford talking technique with Arthur Mendoza, Self Taping and Stella Adler's Method of Script Breakdown - Part 1 3:57

12M ago3:57

3:57

Actor John Ford talking technique with Arthur Mendoza, Self Taping and Stella Adler's Method of Script Breakdown - Part 1. He shares how self taping and script analysis has helped his career both in Los Angeles and South Caroline in order to get more roles as an actor. Subscribe to More and Visit the Website!…

1
Episode 19-Daisy Kate Jacobson 47:54

12M ago47:54

47:54

Kath and Jan welcome the powerful dancer Daisy Kate Jacobson to the podcast as we parse the meanings of lissome, lithe and willowy as it relates to dancers. Like a true dancer, however, Daisy prefers to concentrate on strength, rather than patriarchal labels. We talk about Daisy's evolution from being a tiny child chorus member in The Nutcracker to…

1
Episode 068 - Conversation with 3D Character Artist Rui-Rou Teo 59:00

1y ago59:00

59:00

In this episode I speak with Rui-Rou Teo, 3D Character Artist at Riot Games 0:00 Start 9:00 How Rui got into the industry and words of wisdom from her experiences 15:00 Games that made Rui want to be in the industry 38:00 Favorite Games 45:30 Hobbies outside of gaming 56:00 Where to find Rui and wrapping up Check Rui out on Twitter at https://twitt…

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