Just Talking Podcast

Dave Lang, CEO of Iron Galaxy Studios, is on the podcast this week. We cover Dave's extensive resume in the video game industry including his early work as a developer and transition from coding to management. Dave discusses the origins of Iron Galaxy Studios and the benefits of working in a supporting role in game development, developing the reputation of Iron Galaxy Studios, and Dive Kick and its reception within the Fighting Game Community. There's also talk about the "next generation" of video game consoles and something called the "Lang Zone". But I won't spoil that here. Enjoy. You can keep up with Dave on Twitter at @JosephJBroni and twitch.tv/irongalaxy @divekickgame @UncleSensei greenlightdivekick.com Run Time - 1:02:14 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Justin McElroy, Managing Editor at Polygon and co-host of My Brother, My Brother, and Me is my guest this week. We cover Justin's journalism background and discuss his 15 years of freelance work for various video game sites and publications. Justin also talks about his time at Joystiq, his role at Polygon, the benefits of working with remote staff, and the Skyrim "controversy" from a few years ago. We also cover his podcast, "My Brother, My Brother, and Me" and why recording that podcast has strengthened his relationship with his family. Enjoy. You can keep up with Justin on Twitter at @JustinMcElroy and polygon.com. And be sure to check out My Brother, My Brother, and Me at mbmbam.com. Run Time - 1:02:50 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Todd Zuniga, creator of Literary Death Match is my guest this week. We discuss the origins of 1UP's Sports Anomaly Podcast, why the podcast featured so much yelling, and the difficulties that came with recording a podcast when every co-host wasn't in the same room. Todd also talks about Opium Magazine and why money changed everything with how the magazine was produced and perceived. Finally, I learn all about the Literary Death Match, and how Todd has turned this idea into an international phenomenon. Enjoy. You can keep up with Todd on Twitter at @atzuniga and you can learn more about Literary Death Match at literarydeathmatch.com. Run Time - 58:43 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Nick Dawson, Chief Experience Officer for Frontier Health Consulting is my guest this week talking about the evolution of healthcare. We dig into Nick's background and how a chance internship eventually defined his career path. Nick share's his perspective on how technology has impacted and improved healthcare, the growth, adoption, and influence of social media on healthcare. And we talk about the rise of the fabled "ePatient" and what that means for future generations. Enjoy. You can keep up with Nick on Twitter at @NickDawson and nickdawson.net. Also, you can watch the Medicine X Google Hangout referenced at medicinex.stanford.edu. Run Time - 56:55 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Victor Fontanez, President of broadcasting and consulting firm Team Sp00ky is on the podcast this week to introduce me to the Fighting Game Community. We discuss his early endeavors in the world of streaming video games, the gradual expansion of his operations to forming Team Sp00ky, is involvement in the past two Evolution Tournaments and the logistics involved in operating a successful stream. We also discuss the dedication required to play these types of games at a high level and the role of the community in providing constructive criticism and feedback in a new game launch. Finally, we touch on the growing pains of the Fighting Game Community in the coming years. Enjoy. You can keep up with Victor and the rest of Team Sp00ky on Twitter at @TeamSpooky twitch.tv/teamsp00ky and youtube.com/teamspooky Run Time - 59:49 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Justine Marcus, Community Manager and Research Associate at Asthmapolis is on the podcast this week. We discuss Justine's background and how her college experiences made Asthmapolis the perfect fit for what she is passionate about. We also discuss the origins and impact of Asthmapolis, from the patient, doctor, and provider perspective. And, Justine breaks down the proper pronunciation of Asthmapolis - consider it a public service announcement. Enjoy. Justine manages the Asthmapolis Twitter account at @asmapolis. You can learn more about Asthmapolis at asmapolis.com. Run Time - 58:28 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Mark Coatney, Director and Media Evangelist at Tumblr is on the podcast this week. We cover Mark's career at Time and Newsweek including his unique opportunity for experimentation in the online space and how a simple typo landed his first job as Time Magazine. Mark also discusses his role at Tumblr, the popularity of the animated .gif, Tumblr's worldwide growth - particularly in Brazil, and the future of social media and Tumblr's role in that future. Enjoy. Follow Mark on Twitter at @mcoatney and markcoatney.com. And learn more about Tumblr at tumblr.com. Run Time - 1:04:34 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

This week I'm joined by Adriel Hampton, Vice President of Community at NationBuilder. Our conversation is social media-heavy, but largely focused on the relationship between social media and government. We discuss Adriel's decision to announce his Congressional campaign on Twitter and how social media use in and by government officials has evolved over the past four years. We also cover NationBuilder and how it can be utilized by a wide range of campaigns, candidates, and advocates looking to make a difference. Enjoy. Follow Adriel on Twitter at @adrielhampton and wiredtoshare.com. And learn more about NationBuilder at nationbuilder.com. Run Time - 32:32 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

This week I'm joined by Robert Bowling, President and Creative Strategist of Robotoki and former Creative Strategist at Infinity Ward. We spend the hour talking about his life before the video game industry, his work at Infinity Ward including how his roles and responsibilities grew and expanded year after year. Robert also opens up about his time after leaving Infinity Ward and why starting his own studio was the only choice that made sense for him. Finally we talk about Robotoki, what it means to run an independent development studio, and the importance of fostering creativity in multiple projects. Enjoy. Follow Robert on Twitter at @fourzerotwo. And keep up with the latest from Robotoki at robotoki.com and their latest Kickstarter campaign adventuresofdash.com. Run Time - 1:01:13 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

At 17, Ryan Reed was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. At 19, Ryan signed with Roush Fenway to drive the No. 16 Ford in NASCAR's Nationwide Series. Ryan and I spend an hour discussing all aspects of professional racing including the physical requirements, the mental preparation, and the exhilaration of driving at those speeds. We also cover Ryan's diabetes diagnosis and how he manages his blood glucose while racing. Finally, Ryan opens up about the Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign and the incredible advocacy opportunities that have come, and will come his way. Enjoy. Follow Ryan on Twitter at @driverRyanReed and drivetostopdiabetes.org. Run Time - 57:15 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Dr. Natalie Strand, winner of Season 17 of the Amazing Race, is on the podcast this week. We discuss her life with diabetes and how her diagnosis didn't slow her down. To that point, we cover her journey to and through The Amazing Race including the proper bolus amount for boiled sheep's brain, conquering a fear of heights, and the advocacy opportunities that came from her victory. Nat also talks about her decision to become a doctor and how her life with diabetes helps relate to some of her patients. Enjoy. Follow Natalie on Twitter at @DrNatStrand and her Facebook Page. Run Time - 29:50 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Kellee Santiago, former President of thatgamecompay and founding partner of Indie Fund is on the podcast this week. We discuss Kellee's education at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts and how a class she took her freshman year laid the foundation for her career in video game development. Kellee also talks about the creative inspirations and motivations behind each of the games developed by thatgamecompany. We also get to the whole "games are art" conversation, starting with her TED Talk. Finally, Kellee talks about the origins of Indie Fund and how a 3-year experiment has evolved into an indefinite opportunity for independent developers. Enjoy. Follow Kellee on Twitter at @KelleeSan and keep up with the latest from Indie Fund at indie-fund.com. Run Time - 1:00:54 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

I'm joined this week by Sarah, the Afternoon Napper - as she calls herself. Our conversation revolves around her life with fibromuscular dysplasia, her lengthy diagnosis story, what it means to live with a rare disease, and how she's been able to leverage social media to form a community around a disease that impacts a small number of people in the country. We also talk about Sarah's dual identities (online) and how these identities are merging. Finally, we discuss Rare Disease Day and the importance of awareness before action. Enjoy. Follow Sarah on Twitter at @AfternoonNapperand keep up with her many endeavors at: afternoonnapsociety.blogspot.com fmdchat.org medicinex.stanford.edu and rarediseaseday.org Run Time - 1:01:12 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

I'm joined by Brian Quinn this week to talk about shoes with crazy colors, ultimate frisbee, living with diabetes and, for most of the podcast, life as a priest. I didn't anticipate the Pope announcing his retirement prior to our recording, but we touch on that, the thought process behind Brian's decision to become a priest, the similarities between going to a seminary and a more traditional college, and the surprising moments of humor that can be found while he's working. Enjoy. Follow Brian on Twitter at @notmycell, and notmycellphone.com. Run Time - 48:58 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Continuing the conversation with Patrick Klepek, News Editor for Giant Bomb, we discuss the future of the Chicago Bears, Molyjam 2012 (and 2013?), married life, the passing of his father, and The Evil Dead remake. Most of our conversation, naturally, revolves around Giant Bomb including how Patrick interacts with the community, how constructive criticism has improved his work, how he deals with less-than-constructive criticism, and finally we discuss the upcoming and highly anticipated announcements about the next generation of console gaming. Enjoy. Follow Patrick on Twitter at @patrickklepek, on his Q&A Tumblr at patrickhatesformspring.tumblr.com and giantbomb.com. Run Time - 55:59 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Scott Benner is on the podcast this week talking about his book, "Life is Short, Laundry is Eternal." But before we cover the book we talk about his daughter's diabetes diagnosis, his early blogging motivations, and his creative writing inspirations. We also talk about how he has learned from the diabetes community as a parent, and as a person. Finally we spend the last portion of the podcast discussing his book, and why it's difficult to summarize in a simple elevator pitch. Enjoy. Follow Scott on Twitter at @ArdensDay and keep up with the latest from Scott, including upcoming book details, at ardensday.com. Run Time - 1:06:28 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Stone Chin, Ubisoft's Public Relations Manager for the Assassin's Creed is my guest this week. We discuss the emergence of Russell Wilson on the Seattle Seahawks, the potential relocation of the Sacramento Kings to Seattle, attending the past two Presidential Inaugurations, and the benefits of having three last names to choose from. Naturally, we spend the majority of the podcast talking business, as Stone has spent his professional career in PR from Edelman, to Microsoft, and now Ubisoft and I ask about the complexities of marketing a sequel, particularly in an industry with multiple big-name titles. Enjoy. Follow Stone on Twitter at @GreatWallofChin and keep up with the latest from Assassin's Creed at assassinscreed.com. Run Time - 1:01:53 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Meri Schuhmacher is on the podcast this week to talk about what it takes to be a super hero. Meri is raising four (4) sons, ages 18 to 9 (as of this recording) and three of her sons have type 1 diabetes. Naturally, there's plenty to talk about right there. We also discuss the value of the diabetes community when it comes to her sons, and when extra support was needed during her husband's battle with cancer. Finally, and much to my amazement, I learn that Brigham Young University has campuses outside of Utah. Enjoy. Follow Meri on Twitter at @our3Dlife and check out her blog at ourdiabeticlife.com. Run Time - 57:20 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Continuing the conversation with Alfred Printup. We cover the origins of GamerHusbands Radio, the drive to perfect his podcast, motivations for retiring, and life beyond podcasting. Enjoy. Follow Alfred on Twitter at @GHR_Maverick. And be sure to check out the GamerHusbands Radio Podcast on iTunes. Run Time - 55:15 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Britt Johnson is my guest this week. Britt was one of the featured ePatients at Medicine X last year, so we naturally spend some time talking about her experiences there including the pressure of a five-minute speech. I learn that warm weather is the only thing that can cancel school in Alaska. We discuss, at length, her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis story. And we also put the word and the meaning of "pain" in a proper context. Enjoy. Follow Britt on Twitter at @HurtBlogger and thehurtblogger.com. And be sure to check out Britt's presentation at Medicine X. Run Time - 56:30 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.