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Inside Schell Games with Kathryn De Shields-Moon: Sr. PR Manager & Carmen DeMint: Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Schell Games | Kathryn De Shields-Moon: Sr. PR Manager & Carmen DeMint: Senior Talent Acquisition What does it take to build one of the most respected studios in educational and VR gaming? In this episode of Gaming for the Culture, host Junae Benne sits down with Kathryn De Shields-Moon, Senior PR Manager, and Carmen DeMint, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Schell Games, to discuss what it means to grow a people-first studio in an ever-evolving industry. You’ll hear: • How Schell Games cultivates creative culture and diversity behind the scenes • What it really takes to recruit and retain talent in gaming • Advice for women and marginalized voices building careers in games Whether you’re a recruiter, developer, or storyteller, this episode offers insider insight into how studios like Schell Games stay innovative, inclusive, and authentic. Watch this episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get podcasts. 🔗 Guest Links: Kathryn De Shields-Moon  Carmen DeMint Newsletter: Behind the Code Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne | Substack | Patreon Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode — your support keeps the culture growing.

What does it take to build a thriving community? In this episode of Gaming for the Culture, host Junae Benne sits down with one fourth of the Grown Women Gaming Podcast, streamer, wig snatcher, smack talker, content creator, Lady Infamous.  You’ll hear: • How she started streaming • What it really takes to keep up with a gaming community • Advice for women and marginalized streamers Listen to this episode wherever you get podcasts. Guest Links: Lady Infamous Grown Women Gaming Podcast Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne | Substack | Patreon Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode — your support keeps the culture growing.

Part 1 of the Producer ft. Bryan Newton Bryan Newton on Producing and Creative Direction in Animation & Games, focusing on Invincible Fight Girl, a show about a young girl named Andy, living in Wrestling World, endeavors to become the best pro-wrestler ever and takes on the alias of "Fight Girl." You’ll hear:• Plot of Invincible Fight Girl  • What it really takes to become a TV show producer • What's next for Invincible Fight Girl  Listen to this episode wherever you get podcasts. Guest Links:Bryan Newton: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1186997/https://x.com/DarkKingZoro  Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne (http://linktr.ee/junaebenne)  | Substack (https://junae.substack.com/)  | Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/JunaeBenne)  Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming.👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JunaeBenneLet’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮

Part 2 of the Producer ft. Bryan Newton Bryan Newton on Producing and Creative Direction in Animation & Games, focusing on Invincible Fight Girl, a show about a young girl named Andy, living in Wrestling World, endeavors to become the best pro-wrestler ever and takes on the alias of "Fight Girl." You’ll hear:• Plot of Invincible Fight Girl  • What it really takes to become a TV show producer • What's next for Invincible Fight Girl  Listen to this episode wherever you get podcasts. Guest Links:Bryan Newton: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1186997/https://x.com/DarkKingZoro  Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne (http://linktr.ee/junaebenne)  | Substack (https://junae.substack.com/)  | Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/JunaeBenne)  Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming.👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JunaeBenneLet’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮

Maria Beck, Producer at Sweet Baby Inc, on Narrative Development & Representation in Games. She talks about being in the industry and in one of the most influential companies to hit the gaming scene. Along with what it’s like to be targeted by potential gamer gate 2.  You’ll hear:• Gamer Gate • What’s it like inside Sweet Baby Inc • New game plus in real life Listen to this episode wherever you get podcasts. Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne (http://linktr.ee/junaebenne)  Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming.👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel:    / @junaebenne  Let’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮 Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne| Substack https://junae.substack.com/ | Patreon https://www.patreon.com/JunaeBenne Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode — your support keeps the culture growing. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Experience00:59 Producer and Gamer Background01:32 Gaming Preferences and Experiences03:26 Challenges and Enjoyment in Gaming06:07 Using Walkthroughs and Game Strategies08:18 Role of a Producer in Game Development12:43 Client Communication and Project Management19:23 Personal Journey and Career Path24:44 Fitness Industry Insights32:14 Struggles in the Gaming Industry32:37 Entering the Gaming Industry During a Downturn33:12 Working with Sweet Baby Inc. Amid Industry Changes34:05 Navigating Layoffs and Industry Uncertainty38:02 The Role of a Producer in Game Development38:51 Technical Skills and Adaptability41:06 Empathy and Communication in Production42:22 Balancing Personal Interests and Professional Work50:25 Console vs. PC Gaming Preferences59:37 Challenges and Harassment in the Industry01:08:23 Navigating Racism and Classism in Gaming01:09:16 The Strategy of Outrage in Media01:11:17 Challenges of Representation in Gaming01:12:48 The Complexity of Inclusivity01:21:54 Critiquing Art vs. Artist01:27:30 Personal Reflections on Gaming01:33:07 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming.👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JunaeBenneLet’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮

Professor Akil Fletcher on Teaching Video Games & Culture at Princeton. You’ll hear:• Teaching Video Games & Culture at Princeton. • Blackness in games • Gaming industries hot takes Listen to this episode wherever you get podcasts. Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne (http://linktr.ee/junaebenne) | Substack (https://junae.substack.com/)  | Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/JunaeBenne) Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming.👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel:    / @junaebenne  Let’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome00:55 Guest Introduction: Professor Akil Fletcher01:28 Teaching Gaming Blackness at Princeton03:04 Experiential Learning in Tokyo04:24 Engaging with Blackness in Japanese Gaming Culture05:14 Historical Context and Black Representation in Japan08:59 Challenges and Stereotypes in Gaming Academia17:13 GTA: A Parody or Problematic Representation?34:07 Bioshock Infinite: A Critique of Utopian Ideals47:25 Analyzing Representation in Media49:40 Donald Glover's Writing Experience50:59 Black Famous vs. White Famous58:05 The Impact of Layoffs in the Gaming Industry01:09:59 Unionization in the Gaming Industry 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming.👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JunaeBenneLet’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮

Stephen Ddungu on teaching Music Theory, Game Design & Solo Development Journey. You'll hear:  Music theory (evolution of classical music)How to solo develop a gameLaw in game development Listen to this episode wherever you get podcasts. Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne (http://linktr.ee/junaebenne)| Substack (https://junae.substack.com/)  | Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/JunaeBenne) Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming.👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel:    / @junaebenne Let’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:54 Steven's Musical Journey07:10 From Music to Game Development11:34 The Birth of 'Sort of a Symphony'13:34 Challenges and Success on TikTok19:41 Solo Development vs. Teamwork36:23 From Game Development to Cybersecurity36:52 Learning Through Application38:00 The Journey of Mastering Skills47:28 The Role of Classical Music in Modern Media53:41 The Evolution of Classical Music57:13 Indie Game Development Challenges01:10:08 Understanding Non-Compete Clauses in Game Development01:11:20 Investor Faith and Contract Termination01:12:25 Surviving Clauses and Revenue Sharing01:16:05 Licensing and Protecting Indie IP01:19:01 Publisher Negotiations and Revenue Agreements01:23:09 The Role of Publishers and Self-Financing01:28:07 Contractual Obligations and Revenue Recovery01:31:26 Artistic Challenges and Preferences01:35:11 Game Development Insights and Marketing Strategies01:41:17 Educational Potential of Game Mechanics01:44:26 Final Thoughts and Farewell 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming.👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel:    / @junaebenne Let’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮

Kacey “Lowco” Shields on Going from Creator to Product Leader at RivrStream. (00:00) - Introduction and Today's Topic (00:53) - Guest Introduction: Loko the Streamer (01:18) - Loko's Streaming Journey (03:37) - Early Streaming Setups and Challenges (04:54) - Finding Community and Streaming Evolution (10:25) - Streaming as a Career Path (15:39) - Representation and Challenges on Twitch (34:28) - Twitch's Evolution and Future (37:00) - The Power of Clout in the Gaming Industry (37:25) - The Significance of Verification and Blue Checks (40:10) - Navigating Inclusivity in the Gaming Industry (43:42) - Challenges and Performative Activism (53:23) - The Role of Charity Streams and Authenticity (56:52) - The Evolution of Streaming Practices (01:00:40) - The Dangers of Unsafe Streaming Practices (01:06:46) - Creating Family-Friendly Content (01:12:49) - Twitch's Evolution and Just Chatting (01:13:17) - Transition to Just Chatting and Creator Education (01:16:12) - Consistency in Content Creation (01:22:15) - The Importance of Niching Down (01:29:54) - Starting Out as a Streamer Today (01:37:26) - Collaborate and Find Your Community (01:38:52) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Gaming for the Culture podcast host, Junae Benne talks to Jamaican Developer Glen Henry, founder of game studio SpriteWrench. Follow Glen here:https://spritewrench.com/https://x.com/SpriteWrenchhttps://www.instagram.com/spritewrench/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClaedbcOFAi9JY8Afp9Vulwhttps://spritewrench.itch.io/ Follow Junae here: Linktr.ee/JunaeBenne Want to support the show? Subscribe to the Patreon.com/JunaeBennePatreon gets episodes first & it's livestreamed so you can participate and ask our guest any questions

Gaming for the Culture host talks to Aerial Knight, indie developer of the latest game We Never Yield releasing July 16, available on Steamhttps://store.steampowered.com/app/2804740/Aerial_Knights_We_Never_Yield/https://twitter.com/aerial_knight Follow Junaelinktr.ee/JunaeBenne Want to ask the guests questions? Join the livestream via Patreon. I film an episode every week sometimes thrice a week! Don't miss out. Patreon.com/JunaeBenne

Host Junae Benne speaks with supervisor of longform content The Score Esports, Danielle RosenWe go through making an esports game, the state of games journalism, and how to cover a competitive gameplay Follow Danielle at https://x.com/_DanielleRosen  Support the podcast by subscribing to the Patreon Linktr.ee/GFTCPodcast

Talking to the talented engineer copsplayer, and hostess, Giselle about her experience growing up in the US, as a Black cosplayer, and being a professional engineer in the gaming industry -phew- she had a lot to say and it's all good stuff! https://www.tiktok.com/@giselleiumhttps://x.com/giselleiumhttps://www.instagram.com/giselleium Support the podcast by subscribing to the Patreon. Subscribers get the episode first & get to ask questions to the guestshttps://linktr.ee/gftcpodcast Follow the hostess with the mostess - Junae Bennehttps://linktr.ee/JunaeBenne

Award winning journalist, Jeffrey Rousseau talks about being in the technical journalism space in the gaming industry. Technical and business journalism differs from reviews and interviews. He deals with numbers, watches stocks, and other client facing data. Games journalism is usually consumer based.  Follow Jeffrey R at https://x.com/JRpotential  Support the podcast by subscribing to the Patreon Linktr.ee/GFTCPodcast Follow the host Junae linktr.ee/JunaeBenne

Keith Mitchell, founder out the video game media publication, The Outer Haven, talks bout being an outlet in the time where many video game publications that have been around for years like, Game Informer, PitchFork, Edge, Aftermath, etc are closing. Follow Keith & his publicationhttps://x.com/TheOuterHaventheouterhaven.nethttps://x.com/Shadowhaxor Support the podcast by subscribing to the Patreon. Subscribers get the episode first & get to ask questions to the guestshttps://linktr.ee/gftcpodcast Follow the hostess with the mostess - Junae Bennehttps://linktr.ee/JunaeBenne

Glen Henry talks about the Jamaican Game Development Societyepisode 1 of season 2