Nerdpreneur

In this Talking Nerdy discussion, we explore the nuances of communication skills, emphasizing the importance of active listening, engagement techniques, and the art of storytelling. We discuss how communication has evolved in the digital age, the significance of asking the right questions, and understanding core values in interactions.

Nerdpreneur Blog

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Join the monthly Nerdpreneur Loot Bag (newsletter) you'll get...

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• Exclusive discounts and offers on cool nerd products
• Nothing that sucks!

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Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

@nerdpreneurpod / @nerdpreneurpodcast

@professorepicproductions

@frankbaileyiv

Original Music by Professor Epic and produced by Wyshmaster Beats. Beat names are Talk Down, Bad Seedz, and Mehicana

In this engaging conversation, Marc Alan Fishman from Un-Shaven Comics shares insights into the world of independent comic book publishing. He discusses the importance of collaboration among partners, the challenges of starting a comic book company, and the strategies that have led to their success at conventions. The conversation also highlights the significance of effective sales techniques and the necessity of believing in one's product to successfully ask for the sale. In this conversation, Marc Alan Fishman shares insights from his experiences at Comic-Con, discussing the evolution of selling comics, the importance of understanding business metrics, and the strategies for navigating conventions successfully. He emphasizes the need for product diversity and the exciting future of Unshaven Comics, including their upcoming video game venture. The discussion highlights the challenges and triumphs of being an independent comic creator in a competitive market. In this engaging conversation, Marc Alan Fishman shares insights on role-playing games, character development, and the unique flavors of life as reflected through ice cream. He discusses the narrative of life as a comic book, cultural references to Canadian brands, and participates in a fun rapid-fire question segment. The episode concludes with valuable advice for aspiring nerdpreneurs, emphasizing the importance of passion, research, and networking.

Key Topics:

• Independent comic book publishing viability

• Collaboration among partners

• The impact of sales strategies, especially at conventions

• How to ask for the sale

• Why you should track sales data

• Quality of the comic is important, but marketing can make a difference

• Building a strong pitch to capture attention quickly

• Trust among partners allows for healthy creative feedback

• And more!

To get the extended interview with Marc from Unshaven Comics, 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

In this conversation, Chris and Frank discuss the essential principles of communication that every business owner should understand, drawing insights from Dale Carnegie's classic book, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People.' They explore the significance of avoiding criticism, the power of sincere appreciation, and how effective communication can lead to personal growth and improved relationships in both business and personal life. In this conversation, Chris and Frank explore the importance of appreciation in team dynamics, the impact of recognizing contributions, and how to extend that appreciation to clients and collaborators. They discuss strategies for understanding and fulfilling the wants of others, emphasizing the need for unselfish service in business relationships. The dialogue highlights practical examples and insights from their experiences, providing valuable takeaways for listeners looking to enhance their professional interactions and foster a positive work culture.

Nerdpreneur Blog

For the FULL VERSION all our Interviews, Talking Nerdy's, plus lots of other bonuses, Click here to join the "Awesome Nerdpreneur Board!" *epic thunderclap* on Patreon!

Join the monthly Nerdpreneur Loot Bag (newsletter) you'll get...

• Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!
• Episode updates (including upcoming guests)
• Access to our live event pre-sales
• Exclusive discounts and offers on cool nerd products
• Nothing that sucks!

PEEK IN THE LOOT BAG

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

@nerdpreneurpod / @nerdpreneurpodcast

@professorepicproductions

@frankbaileyiv

Original Music by Professor Epic and produced by Wyshmaster Beats. Beat names are Talk Down, Bad Seedz, and Mehicana

In this episode of Nerdpreneur, host Chris Saunders and co-host Frank welcome artist Jenny Johnson (@jennyjohnsonart), who shares her journey from food service to becoming a full-time artist with a passion for Star Trek.

Jenny discusses the impact of conventions on her art business, the challenges of pricing and marketing her work, and the importance of community engagement. She also delves into the nuances of navigating IP issues in fan art, the significance of diversifying revenue streams, and her experiences with social media virality. Throughout the conversation, Jenny emphasizes the importance of taking action to overcome creative paralysis and shares her insights on balancing the artistic and entrepreneurial aspects of her career. In this engaging conversation, Jenny discusses her journey as an artist, the challenges of color printing, and the importance of quality control in her work. She shares insights on delegation, the balance between personal touch and efficiency, and the legalities of selling art at conventions. The discussion also touches on networking opportunities, the impact of AI on the art world, and the joys of pursuing one's passion as a nerdpreneur. Jenny emphasizes the significance of building connections and the fulfillment that comes from creating art that resonates with her audience.

To get the extended interview with Jenny, 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

In this episode, we speak with Sienna, a scientific artist, who shares her unique art form called numberism, where she uses data and equations to create intricate, meaningful pieces She discusses how her journey through challenges in math and science, combined with her love for learning, shaped her artistic approach. Sienna opens up about blending art and science, her creative process, and the importance of self-care for artists. The episode is a deep dive into her insights on navigating the art world, building a supportive team, and fostering community, making this a fascinating listen for anyone interested in the intersection of art, science, and personal growth. If you aspire to be a professional artist or are interested in her process you'll find this interview fascinating.

Check out Sienna's Art and her Prints on her website https://siennaartstudios.com/

Join her Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/Numberism/

To get the extended interview with Sienna and WATCH the interview, along with loads of bonus Talking Nerdy 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

Chris and Frank reflect on their time at PAX West, if it's great for nerdy businesses, and discuss what they learned speaking with Nerdy Entrepreneurs.

This episode has a collection of wisdoms pooled from the different nerdpreneurs we met and the businesses they created. As well as tips for nerdpreneurs going to PAX.

Nerdpreneur Blog

For the FULL VERSION Emeka's interviews plus lots of other bonuses, Click here to join the "Awesome Nerdpreneur Board!" *epic thunderclap* on Patreon!

Join the monthly Nerdpreneur Loot Bag (newsletter) you'll get...

• Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!
• Episode updates (including upcoming guests)
• Access to our live event pre-sales
• Exclusive discounts and offers on cool nerd products
• Nothing that sucks!

PEEK IN THE LOOT BAG

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

@nerdpreneurpod / @nerdpreneurpodcast

@professorepicproductions

@frankbaileyiv

Original Music by Professor Epic and produced by Wyshmaster Beats. Beat names are Talk Down, Bad Seedz, and Mehicana

In this episode of Nerdpreneur. We sit down with the co-founders of Pocket Bard, an innovative app that's transforming the way tabletop RPG players experience music and sound during their sessions. We chat with Alex Berner, Chase Harris, and Jason Kowalski as they take us through their journey from being college roommates with a passion for video game audio to building a cutting-edge tool that enhances immersive storytelling.

They open up about the philosophy behind creating interactive audio, their experiences in the gaming and audio industries, and the challenges of launching a startup aimed at the nerd community.

Whether you're a DM looking to bring your sessions to life or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights, business lessons, and a behind-the-scenes look at creating an app for tabletop enthusiasts.

Download the Pocket Bard App: https://www.pocketbard.app/

The Pocket Bard app currently has a 4.45 rating based on 1,623 reviews on the Google Play Store​ and on the Apple App Store, it boasts an even higher rating of 4.8 from 40 reviews​!

Key Discussion Points:

• Pocket Bard's Origins: How Alex, Chase, and Jason transitioned from video game audio to developing interactive audio for tabletop RPGs.

• The App Explained: What makes Pocket Bard unique, including its adaptive music system, easy-to-use interface, and streamlined design for Dungeon Masters (DMs).

• The User Experience: The team shares their process for designing an intuitive app that enhances the storytelling experience without breaking immersion.

• Business Insights: The challenges of bootstrapping a tech startup, managing dynamic equity, and their decision to adopt a freemium model with a subscription service.

• Lessons Learned: Balancing creative roles with business responsibilities, the importance of limiting work in progress, and the value of a strong team dynamic.

• Future Plans: Teasers for upcoming features and content packs, including a new Tavern music pack and upgrades to the free fantasy essentials content.

Quotable Moments:

• "We wanted to create an experience where Dungeon Masters could focus on their story, not the music. One button-click, and you're back in the game." — Chase Harris

• "It's all about saving time and attention for the DM so they can deliver the best experience to their players." — Alex Berner

• "When you download our app, you get a full experience for free, and we're committed to making it the best it can be without any sneaky paywalls." — Jason Kowalski

Connect with Pocket Bard:

• Website: PocketBard.com

• Instagram: @PocketBardApp

• Twitter: @PocketBardApp

To get the extended interview with Pocket Bard and bonus Talking Nerdy 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.

Next Episode Preview: Don't miss next episode where Chris and Frank will talk to Sienna Art Studios a Scientific artist based out of Portland. Hit follow so you don't miss it!

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

Tony landed a 6 figure deal before walking off the stage at Comic Con. And he hadn't even made one piece of clothing yet. In this episode of Nerdpreneur, Chris and Frank sit down with Tony B. Kim, the founder of Hero Within, a company that designs and sells sophisticated nerd wear. From his deep love of Star Trek and Marvel to the journey of launching Hero Within, Tony shares his inspirational story of turning his nerdy passions into a successful business.

Order Clothes from Tony at https://herowithinstore.com/

Instagram: Hero Within

Quotes:

• "Let's make sure that history never forgets the name Enterprise."
• "A hesitant trapeze artist is a dead trapeze artist." - Tony B. Kim quoting Seth Godin

Connect with Nerdpreneur:

• Website
• Twitter
• Instagram

To get the extended interview with Tony and bonus Talking Nerdy 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.

Next Episode Preview: Don't miss next episode where Chris and Frank will talk to Pocket Bard! They are a start-up that's revolutionizing the world of Music for your D&D game. Hit follow so you don't miss it!

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

Follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

Chris and Frank reflect on their interview with Emeka Ossai, his success in Kindle Direct Publishing, and his ability to think with the CEO Mindset. Emeka is known as the BlackNES guy in the world of Kindle Direct Publishing and My Self Publishing Blueprint on YouTube. Listen to the original interview

Nerdpreneur Blog

For the FULL VERSION Emeka's interviews plus lots of other bonuses, Click here to join the "Awesome Nerdpreneur Board!" *epic thunderclap* on Patreon!

Join the monthly Nerdpreneur Loot Bag (newsletter) you'll get...

• Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!
• Episode updates (including upcoming guests)
• Access to our live event pre-sales
• Exclusive discounts and offers on cool nerd products
• Nothing that sucks!

PEEK IN THE LOOT BAG

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

@nerdpreneurpod / @nerdpreneurpodcast

@professorepicproductions

@frankbaileyiv

Original Music by Professor Epic and produced by Wyshmaster Beats. Beat names are Talk Down, Bad Seedz, and Mehicana

In this episode of Nerdpreneur, hosts Chris Saunders and Frank sit down with JJ, the founder and CEO of Mythical City Games, an indie video game studio that's made half a dozen VR games. JJ shares his journey from working in the film industry to founding a video game development studio in Vancouver, Canada. The conversation dives into the intricacies of game development, particularly in the realm of virtual reality (VR), and explores the challenges and rewards of turning a nerdy passion into a successful business.

Episode Links:

• Mythical City Games
• Follow JJ on Twitter

Key Takeaways:

1. Transitioning Careers:
   • JJ transitioned from film production to game development due to a lack of creative fulfillment in his film career.
   • The skills and processes from film production, such as pre-production, production, and post-production, translated well into game development.
2. Starting Mythical City Games:
   • JJ founded Mythical City Games in Vancouver after moving from the United States.
   • The studio focuses on VR games, but also develops PC and mobile games.
3. VR Game Development:
   • VR offers a unique, immersive experience where players use their bodies as controllers.
   • JJ highlighted the accessibility of VR, making it easier for non-gamers to engage with games.
4. The Importance of Feedback:
   • Getting early feedback from testers is crucial, even if the game is not yet polished.
   • Understanding and parsing feedback helps improve the game and cater to the target audience.
5. Funding and Industry Insights:
   • Various funding options include publishers, investors, grants, and crowdfunding.
   • The VR industry is stable but needs more big AAA titles to drive headset sales and user engagement.
6. Innovations and Challenges in VR:
   • Form factor and motion sickness remain significant challenges in VR.
   • JJ emphasized the importance of VR experiences and the potential for business applications.

Connect with Nerdpreneur:

• Website
• Twitter
• Instagram

To get the extended interview with JJ and bonus Talking Nerdy 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.

Next Episode Preview:

Don't miss next episode where Chris and Frank will talk to Pocket Bard! They are a start up that's revolutionizing the world of Music for your D&D game. Hit follow so you don't miss it!

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

Follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv