The Here's Waldo Podcast

Lizzie Mintus
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This is The Here's Waldo Podcast where we sit down with top visionaries and creatives in the video game industry. Together, we'll unravel their journeys and learn more about the path they're forging ahead.

  1. 03/25/2025

    Navigating Compliance and Building Safer, Kid-Friendly Gaming with Kieran Donovan of k-ID

    Kieran Donovan is the CEO and co-founder of k-ID, the first-of-its-kind global compliance engine designed to make online safety and privacy seamless for kids, teens, game developers, and parents alike. With a decade of experience at the forefront of data protection and online safety, Kieran has advised major online platforms and been named Privacy Lawyer of the Year multiple times. In this episode, he shares his journey from leading privacy lawyer to entrepreneur, the challenges game developers face in creating engaging yet compliant experiences, and how AI is transforming the landscape of child safety online. Whether you're a game developer, parent, or simply curious about the future of online safety, be sure to tune in to this week's episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast!

    39 min

  2. 02/25/2025

    Revolutionizing Gaming Highlights into Playable Content with Zero Friction | Asaf Gazit of Ludeo

    Asaf Gazit is the co-founder and CEO of Ludeo, a groundbreaking platform that's reshaping the way players engage with video games. Founded alongside his brother, Ludeo was built with a bold vision: to remove the friction in gaming and make discovering and jumping into new games as seamless as scrolling through TikTok. Drawing on their lifelong passion for gaming and a deep understanding of industry challenges, they transformed a simple elevator pitch into one of the most exciting drivers of growth in the gaming industry. Tune in to discover how Ludeo is transforming gameplay highlights into playable moments. Players can jump straight into iconic scenes without the hassle of downloads or installs- just pure, frictionless play. Their goal? To become the "Playable YouTube" for games, bridging the gap between content consumption and interaction.

    34 min

  3. 02/11/2025

    Burnout, Feedback, and Leadership Growth in Gaming with Zoe Curnoe of Lumina Leadership

    Zoe Curnoe is the founder and executive coach at Lumina Leadership, a boutique executive coaching and training firm. With over 20 years of leadership experience at companies like Electronic Arts, Riot Games, The Coalition (an Xbox studio), and co-founding Timbre Games, Zoe specializes in helping leaders navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change. In this episode, Zoe shares lessons learned from burnout while leading Gears of War 4 at The Coalition and how coaching helped her build self-awareness. She discusses current leadership trends in high-pressure environments, the importance of feedback, and staying aligned with company values. Tune in for advice on finding the right coach, leading with empathy, and managing crises while staying true to your values.

    36 min

  4. 02/04/2025

    Reinventing Remote Work with the Ultimate "Smart" Virtual Workspace with Vishal Punwani of SoWork

    Vishal Punwani is the CEO and co-founder of SoWork, the world's first generative AI-enhanced virtual workplace platform. Founded at Harvard's Innovation Labs, SoWork transforms team productivity and collaboration by seamlessly integrating work tools, social spaces, and gamification. As businesses adapt to hybrid and remote-first environments, Vishal discusses how SoWork bridges the gap between traditional office settings and the evolving needs of modern workforces. In addition to his leadership role at SoWork, Vishal is a medical doctor, Entrepreneur-in-Residence with Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs, and a mentor at Oxford, MIT, and Hollywood startups. He has also worked at the World Health Organization and was one of Khan Academy's highest-rated teaching fellows in health and medicine. Tune in to learn how SoWork is revolutionizing remote work dynamics by reducing costs, boosting productivity, and enhancing workplace culture with exciting new features, such as in-app gaming and immersive team-building experiences!

    37 min

  5. 01/28/2025

    Authentic D2C Strategies for Sustainable Growth in Gaming with David Vogelpohl of FastSpring

    David Vogelpohl is the Chief Marketing Officer at FastSpring, a platform enabling direct-to-consumer (D2C) monetization for video games and digital products. With over two decades of experience in digital strategy and e-commerce, David offers valuable insights into creating meaningful player relationships, navigating platform regulations, and building sustainable revenue models in the gaming industry. In this episode, David discusses driving growth through direct player engagement and crafting a successful D2C strategy. He covers balancing value across platforms, discounts, and webshops while staying authentic to the player experience. Listeners will also hear his thoughts on app store openness, new regulations, and their impact on game publishers. Tune in for actionable insights on building a monetization strategy that resonates.

    33 min

  6. 01/21/2025

    Pushing Fashion's Potential in Gaming with Nicola Mizon of VIZTA DGTL

    Nicola Mizon is the co-founder of VIZTA DGTL, a Berlin-based game studio on a mission to reshape the intersection of gaming, fashion, and commerce. She is passionate about creating engaging, inclusive experiences that redefine industry norms. In this episode, she discusses the evolution of fashion gaming, opportunities for brand collaborations, and the impact of user-generated content. She also shares insights into VIZTA DGTL's flagship platform, Kutur Runway, which aims to be the leading and largest digital fashion hub, and invites you to join the Alpha test.

    37 min

  7. 01/14/2025

    The Secrets Behind Iconic MMOs, Strong Remote Culture, & AI's Impact with Rich Vogel of T-Minus Zero Entertainment

    Rich Vogel is an award-winning executive producer with over 25 years of experience in the gaming industry. Today, he is the founder and studio head of T-Minus Zero. Before this, Rich built and led three major studios—Sony Online Entertainment Austin, Bioware Austin, and Bethesda Game Studio Battle Cry—together generating an impressive $3 billion in revenue. He's also been a key player in running live operations for critically acclaimed MMORPGs like Meridian 59, Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies, and Star Wars: The Old Republic. In this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast, Rich takes us through the journey of founding T-Minus Zero and the experience of running a remote-first studio. He talks about the importance of building a strong company culture, shares his insights from live game operations, and explores how AI is transforming the future of game development. From overcoming the challenges of creating efficient content pipelines to understanding the vital role of community management in a game's success, Rich offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to thrive in the world of online games.

    47 min

  8. 01/07/2025

    Building Cultures That Power Great Games Post-Pandemic with Daryl Ogden of Valued Cultures

    Daryl Ogden is the co-founder of Valued Cultures, a startup dedicated to building healthy, sustainable, and innovative cultures in the gaming industry. With over a decade of experience advising leaders from top Fortune 500 companies and iconic game studios, Daryl is an expert in aligning leadership, investing in talent, and navigating critical transitions—all while safeguarding a studio's unique identity. In this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast, Daryl shares actionable insights and real-world examples on the role of intentional culture-building in driving creative and operational success. Topics include challenges faced by game studios, adapting to remote work dynamics, fostering cohesive teams, and the tangible impact of culture transformation on game development outcomes.

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

This is The Here's Waldo Podcast where we sit down with top visionaries and creatives in the video game industry. Together, we'll unravel their journeys and learn more about the path they're forging ahead.

Information

  • Creator
    Lizzie Mintus
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Here's Waldo Podcast (c) 2023
  • Show Website
    The Here's Waldo Podcast