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

    AUG 20

    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
  2. Crowdfunding & Creativity with TTRPG Mogul Rick Heinz - Interview 35

    JUN 30

    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
  3. We Were Almost Canceled - Part 2

    JUN 17

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

    MAY 31

    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
  5. MAY 15

    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
  6. Making Board Games with Chris from TinkerHouse Games - Interview 33

    APR 30

    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
  7. Tiny Products and Big Lessons with Patrick from Lethal Shadows - Interview 32

    MAR 31

    Tiny Products and Big Lessons with Patrick from Lethal Shadows - Interview 32

    Our guest, Patrick Rami from Lethal Shadows Premium Miniatures, talks about his journey in the miniature gaming industry. Patrick shares his passion for creating high-quality miniatures, the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how he turned his hobby into a successful business. We covered a lot of ground, but some of the topics were:  the importance of quality in manufacturing, the leap into entrepreneurship, managing fear and uncertainty, the significance of investing in oneself and planning for success.  To get the extended interview with Patrick from Lethal Shadows, 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 3m
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