Lurk Here welcomes Jihan Johnston-McGlotten , M.Ed., a global culture strategist, creative technologist, and entertainment visionary reshaping how we think about tech, storytelling, and community! As the founder of BeatBotics and Jihan J. The Collective, she designs soulful strategies that create real-world impact through culture and innovation.

From the entertainment industry to global stages, Jihan leads with mindfulness, human design, and deep cultural insight to build experiences that feel like home. She is a voice for the overlooked and a blueprint for what is possible. A mom, a visionary, and someone who never waited for permission to shift the room.

Follow Jihan Johnston-McGlotten , M.Ed.

Instagram: @therealjihanj

X: @therealjihanj

In this episode, we sit down with Bec Godsey, an innovative educator and leader shaping the next generation of game and esports professionals. Bec developed the Portfolio 1 curriculum for Full Sail University's Game Business & Esports degree program and is the co-curriculum writer and teacher for the DC3 for Content Creation. From curriculum design to Co-Owner of Bad Guys Studios, Bec brings intentionality and heart to every inch of her work.

In this episode of Lurk Here, we sit down with the incomparable Verta Maloney—a powerhouse in the gaming and DEI space, and Co-Founder of 45 Lemons. Verta opens up about her journey as an educator, disruptor, and joy-seeker, and how she's been radically reclaiming space for communities to thrive.

We dive deep into what it means to lead with love, the role of intentional community building, and how Verta balances vulnerability and strength in an industry that often overlooks both.

In this episode of Lurk Here, we sit down with Melissa Burns, a national award-winning educator and the founder and CEO of Esport Canada. As a key advocate for esports in education, Melissa shares insights into building a thriving Canadian esports ecosystem through K-12 programs, post-secondary initiatives, and competitive opportunities.

We explore her role as a founding member and North American executive committee director of the Pan-American Esports Coalition (PEC), discussing how global collaboration can unlock new pathways for young learners in gaming and STEAM careers. Melissa also delves into her work in equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA), highlighting programs that create opportunities for equity-deserving students.

From her experience as the inaugural chair of the Manitoba School Esports Association (MSEA) to her contributions as a published author and guest lecturer, Melissa offers a compelling perspective on the future of esports education. Tune in as we discuss the challenges, opportunities, and the evolving role of esports in shaping the next generation.

Ana Oliveras Davi has been in the game since the early days—literally. From competing in Quake to carving out her place in esports history, she’s seen it all. In this episode of Lurk Here, we go back in time with Ana to hear about what it was like to compete when esports was just getting started, the challenges she faced as a woman in the scene, and how she’s still pushing the industry forward today. 

What does it take to perform at the highest level—whether in sports or esports? Olympian Simona Castro Lazo joins Lurk Here to break down the grit, discipline, and mental game behind elite competition. From training for the Olympics to coaching the next generation, she shares what it means to push limits, adapt under pressure, and why esports might be closer to the Olympic stage than we think. Tune in for a conversation on resilience, performance, and the future of competition. 

In this episode of Lurk Here, we sit down with Jorrel Batac—an esports professional, community leader, and advocate for diversity in gaming. Jorrel shares his journey navigating the industry, breaking down barriers for marginalized voices, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We dive into the importance of mentorship, the evolving landscape of esports, and what it truly means to create space for others when building community.

In this episode of Lurk Here, we sit down with Madeline Gilbert— the dedicated Collegiate Player Support Coordinator and student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Madeline has been making waves in the world of collegiate athletics by leading a groundbreaking initiative to support marginalized genders in their collegiate program.

In this episode of Lurk Here, we sit down with Katie Pantaleo — a chef and gamer. Her unique approach to crafting dishes that cater to the gaming community continues to cultivate immersive and exciting experience that keep folks coming back for more. We chat about her perspective for building and maintaining safe spaces that are accessible for everyone.

In this episode of Lurk Here, we sit down with Emma —a loud proud transgender woman from Northern Ireland and winner of a gold medal from the inaugural Commonwealth Esports Championships in eFootball. She's a gamer and creator focused on promoting women and under represented communities within esports.