Nerdpreneur

Nerdpreneur

Fun conversations with nerds making money with their nerdy passion. We find the strategies and tactics that work but also keep it real real nerdy

  1. You Might Also Like: The Story of Money

    11/18/2025 ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The Story of Money

    Introducing How ancient Mesopotamians solved runaway debt from The Story of Money. Follow the show: The Story of Money Long before modern economics, rulers such as Hammurabi in ancient Mesopotamia grappled with a political problem that still haunts our economies today: when people’s debts grow faster than their ability to repay them, the entire economic system can start to crack. Hammurabi adopted a radical solution: cancel debts entirely. Amanda H Podany, professor emeritus of history at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and a research affiliate at New York University, tells The Story of Money hosts, FT columnist Gillian Tett and FT Alphaville editor Robin Wigglesworth, what these debt jubilees say about how the ancient Mesopotamian economy worked and what it might teach us about debt today.  To enjoy future episodes, be sure to subscribe to The Story of Money wherever you get your podcasts, also on the show's dedicated YouTube channel here. Learn more at ft.com/tsom Want more? Check out Dr Podany’s book, Weavers, Scribes, and Kings: A New History of the Ancient Near East  Hosts: Gillian Tett and Robin Wigglesworth Producer: Lulu Smyth Senior Producers: Michela Tindera and Laurence Knight Executive Producers: Flo Phillips and Manuela Saragosa Original music and sound engineering: Breen Turner Broadcast engineers: Bianca Wakeman and Petros Gioumpasis Podcast Development: Laura Clarke FT Global Head of Audio: Cheryl Brumley Video editor: Kristen Kenton at Podcast Discovery Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  2. From Graphic Design to Imps and Monsters: Justin Hillgrove's Artistic Journey - Interview 36

    08/20/2025

    From Graphic Design to Imps and Monsters: Justin Hillgrove's Artistic Journey - Interview 36

    In this episode of Nerdpreneur, we dive into the creative world of Justin Hillgrove, a full-time artist known for his whimsical and imaginative art under the brand Imps and Monsters. With over 20 years of experience, Justin shares: His journey from graphic design to becoming a successful artist,  Creating everything from comic book covers to murals for major companies like Facebook, How to balance his passion for art with the business side, and unique ways to connect with his audience. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a fan of nerdy entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Justin's story and his dedication to doing what he loves. To get the extended interview with Justin from Imps and Monsters, along with loads of uncut episodes, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income. Don't want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…    Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!  Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects  Nothing that sucks!  Become a FREE Board Member HERE Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur  To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

    1h 17m
  3. Crowdfunding & Creativity with TTRPG Mogul Rick Heinz - Interview 35

    06/30/2025

    Crowdfunding & Creativity with TTRPG Mogul Rick Heinz - Interview 35

    In this episode of Nerdpreneur, hosts Chris Saunders and Frank chat with Rick Heinz, co-founder of Storytellers Forge, a long-time writer and game designer, about turning a nerdy passion into a thriving business. Rick shares his unique approach to game design, heavily influenced by metal music and coffee, and how he creates immersive tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) that blend storytelling with diverse multimedia elements. He also delves into the realities of crowdfunding and the strategies behind building a successful creative studio in the TTRPG industry. This interview offers a fascinating look into the dedication and innovative thinking required to transform a personal passion into a professional enterprise. The unexpected origins of a successful TTRPG studio. Integrating music and other media for enhanced player immersion. Key considerations for effective crowdfunding campaigns in the gaming world. The evolving landscape of audience engagement and community building for creative projects. To get the extended interview with Rick from Storytellers Forge, along with loads of uncut episodes, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income. Don't want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…    Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!  Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects  Nothing that sucks!  Become a FREE Board Member HERE Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur  To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

    1h 23m
  4. We Were Almost Canceled - Part 2

    06/17/2025

    We Were Almost Canceled - Part 2

    Back in March of 2024, hundreds of angry nerds came after our growing podcast because of someone we interviewed and we were nearly canceled. In part 2, we take a closer look at the macro level events around these events. Rick Heinz graciously reached out during these events and brought context for the industry as a whole. ----- Here is the first part of our 2-part interview with Satine Phoenix: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4hGak3xi9REIwQjp4ebMuB?si=c480d8149a0b4658 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/satine-phoenix-controversy-cancel-culture-and/id1613873191?i=1000649048772  This is a link to the twitter post that blew up: https://x.com/Nerdpreneurpod/status/1767987839214776744  And this was our response on twitter the day after the explosion: https://x.com/Nerdpreneurpod/status/1773805681487098203  ----- To get part 2 right now, along with loads of uncut interviews, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income. Don't want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…    Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!  Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects  Nothing that sucks!  Become a FREE Board Member HERE Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur  To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

    1 hr
  5. From Garage to Convention, with Ryan at Hexwood Forge - Interview 34

    05/31/2025

    From Garage to Convention, with Ryan at Hexwood Forge - Interview 34

    In this interview we spoke with Ryan, co-owner of Hexwood Forge. He runs the business with his wife Kess, who started the operation years before it came to be known as Hexwood Forge. Hexwood Forge is a small business that makes tabletop accessories. It's run by just the two of them out of their garage with several laser machines, their hands, and creative minds. They started to really ramp things up during the pandemic and since then have scaled up to running two booths during PAX West. And that's no small feat! We talked with Ryan about a lot of topics, including: Challenges of running a goods-based business out of their garage Effective elements for creating an inviting booth at shows Product ideation and testing and collaborating with other nerdy entrepreneurs to share lessons learned. To get the extended interview with Ryan from Hexwood Forge, along with loads of uncut episodes, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income. Don't want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…    Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!  Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects  Nothing that sucks!  Become a FREE Board Member HERE Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur  To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

    1h 15m
  6. 05/15/2025

    We Were Almost Canceled - Part 1

    Back in March of 2024, hundreds of angry nerds came after our growing podcast because of someone we interviewed and we were nearly canceled. In this two-part exploration, we explore the micro and macro level events that contributed to making these people so mad. - Did we deserve it? - Are we what they called us: "Godless Couch F*cks"? - Or did these hundreds of voices have other motives? ----- Here is the first part of our 2-part interview with Satine Phoenix: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4hGak3xi9REIwQjp4ebMuB?si=c480d8149a0b4658 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/satine-phoenix-controversy-cancel-culture-and/id1613873191?i=1000649048772  This is a link to the twitter post that blew up: https://x.com/Nerdpreneurpod/status/1767987839214776744  And this was our response on twitter the day after the explosion: https://x.com/Nerdpreneurpod/status/1773805681487098203  ----- To get part 2 right now, along with loads of uncut interviews, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income. Don't want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…    Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!  Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects  Nothing that sucks!  Become a FREE Board Member HERE Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur  To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

    56 min
  7. Making Board Games with Chris from TinkerHouse Games - Interview 33

    04/30/2025

    Making Board Games with Chris from TinkerHouse Games - Interview 33

    In this conversation, Chris Marshall, co-owner of Tinker House Games, shares his journey from a childhood passion for building and creating to establishing a successful business in the tabletop gaming industry. He discusses the unique aspects of their pre-printed flat-pack terrain for RPGs, lessons in the manufacturing industry, and reflects on his early experiences that led him to this nerdy business. Here's just some of what we discussed:  How to understand your audience for product success The benefits of live events Utilizing the power of Kickstarter Navigating the manufacturing process To get the extended interview with Chris from TinkerHouse Games, along with loads of uncut episodes, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income. Don't want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…    Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!  Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects  Nothing that sucks!  Become a FREE Board Member HERE Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur  To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

    1h 16m
3.3
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Fun conversations with nerds making money with their nerdy passion. We find the strategies and tactics that work but also keep it real real nerdy