GameWell
Kevin Scheepers
GameWell is the ultimate podcast destination for anyone navigating the intricate world of game development. Tailored for industry professionals, aspiring developers, and game enthusiasts alike, this show offers a deep dive into the heart of game creation. Listeners can expect a treasure trove of knowledge, from insider tips on enhancing creativity and productivity to vital discussions on mental health in the gaming industry. Each episode is packed with interviews from diverse experts, ensuring a well-rounded perspective that enriches both your professional skills and personal well-being. Tune in to GameWell, where each session is a step towards mastering the art and science of game development.
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Top 10 GameWell Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best GameWell episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to GameWell for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite GameWell episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
11/18/24 • 69 min
In this episode, Kevin speaks with Alexis Gresoviac, a seasoned professional in the gaming industry, about the evolution of management practices and mental health awareness within the sector. They discuss the historical context of crunch culture, the importance of company values, and the need for a long-term vision in gaming companies. Alexis shares insights on how cultural differences impact management styles and emphasizes the significance of fun in game design. The conversation highlights the role of leadership in fostering a healthy work environment and the necessity of prioritizing employee well-being for better productivity and creativity.
Find Alexis here:
https://aceconsultinggroup.biz/
08/24/23 • 38 min
Join us for an enlightening episode of "Gideon's War on Crunch" as we delve into the world of Stoicism with our esteemed guest, Jamie Ryder from Stoic Athenaeum. In this captivating conversation, Jamie shares profound insights and practical techniques from the realm of Stoicism, tailored to enhance the mental health of game developers.
Discover how the ancient wisdom of Stoicism remains relevant today, offering game developers invaluable tools to navigate the challenges of their craft. Jamie unravels the principles of "View from Above" and "Memento Mori," showcasing how these concepts can foster a sense of perspective, resilience, and gratitude in the midst of the dynamic game development landscape.
One of the cornerstones of Stoicism, journaling, takes center stage as Jamie underscores its role in self-reflection and personal growth. Dive into the power of self-examination and learn how journaling can be a transformative practice for managing stress and fostering emotional well-being.
Intriguingly, Jamie delves into the enduring legacy of Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor, whose thoughts continue to inspire and resonate with modern minds. Drawing parallels between Aurelius' teachings and the challenges faced by game developers, Jamie provides actionable advice rooted in ancient wisdom.
The conversation extends beyond practical techniques, exploring the philosophical implications of game character designs. Jamie examines how Stoic philosophy can illuminate the ethical considerations of portraying characters' struggles, choices, and moral dilemmas in virtual worlds.
Join us on "Gideon's War on Crunch" as we unlock the profound insights of Stoicism with Jamie Ryder. Elevate your understanding of mental resilience, gain practical tools to bolster your well-being, and discover how Stoic principles can enrich your journey as a game developer.
Follow:
Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowmade
X - https://twitter.com/Flowmadeltd
Website- https://www.flowmade.me/
Find more episodes on Gideons War on Crunch:
https://www.gideonswaroncrunch.com/
07/07/23 • 40 min
Join us for a thought-provoking episode of "Gideon's War on Crunch" as we explore embracing diversity in game development with our special guest, Maria Guðmundsdóttir, Founder and CEO of Parity Game Studio. Maria shares her invaluable insights and experiences in building a diverse team and managing employees with different work velocities in this enlightening conversation.
Diversity and inclusion are buzzwords for a thriving and innovative game development environment. Maria delves into the significance of creating a workplace that celebrates diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and talents. Discover how fostering diversity can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and overall team performance in the gaming industry.
In this episode, Maria opens up about the challenges and opportunities she has encountered while prioritizing diversity in her studio, Parity Game Studio. She shares practical strategies for recruiting and hiring a diverse team, addressing biases in the hiring process, and cultivating an inclusive company culture that values individual differences.
Furthermore, Maria provides valuable insights on managing employees with different work velocities. Learn how to leverage team members' strengths with varying paces and ensure a harmonious and productive work environment. Discover effective communication techniques, adaptability strategies, and ways to promote understanding and collaboration among team members.
Through her extensive experience in the industry, Maria highlights the positive impact that diversity and inclusive practices can have on the success and sustainability of game development projects. Gain actionable advice and inspiration to drive positive change in your game development endeavors.
Tune in to "Gideon's War on Crunch" and join us in this eye-opening conversation on embracing diversity in game development. Let's work together towards a more inclusive and vibrant gaming industry that thrives on diverse voices and experiences.
Follow:
Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowmade
X - https://twitter.com/Flowmadeltd
Website- https://www.flowmade.me/
Find more episodes on Gideons War on Crunch:
https://www.gideonswaroncrunch.com/
05/30/23 • 33 min
Step into the extraordinary world of game development as we dive deep into the experiences of Dave Ranyard, CEO of Dream Reality Interactive. Join us as we explore the industry's past, present, and future, gaining valuable insights from a true visionary. Discover how Dave and his team have navigated challenges, improved their craft, and embraced innovation. Get ready to level your knowledge and be inspired by this captivating interview!
Follow:
Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowmade
X - https://twitter.com/Flowmadeltd
Website- https://www.flowmade.me/
Find more episodes on Gideons War on Crunch:
https://www.gideonswaroncrunch.com/
05/24/23 • 4 min
Welcome to the highly anticipated first episode of "Gideon's War on Crunch" hosted by Kevin! In this captivating solo cast, Kevin introduces the podcast's mission to explore the demands of game development and tackle the industry's crucial topic of mental health and well-being. Discover how this podcast will empower you with practical advice rooted in positive psychology, breathwork, stoicism, and flow theory. Get ready to unlock your true potential and thrive in the dynamic world of games!
Follow:
Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowmade
X - https://twitter.com/Flowmadeltd
Website- https://www.flowmade.me/
Find more episodes on Gideons War on Crunch:
https://www.gideonswaroncrunch.com/
09/29/23 • 45 min
In this episode of Gideon’s War on Crunch, join us for an insightful and inspiring discussion as Maria, a well-being and performance lead, dives deep into the importance of work-life balance, rest, and recovery. Discover how MetaCore’s unique approach to cultivating a supportive and empathetic culture can create a positive and thriving work environment. Throughout the episode, Maria provides practical advice on evaluating and improving the employee experience, focusing on communication, treatment of new hires, support, and integration into the company culture. Don’t miss out on the valuable advice Maria offers for both individuals and companies aiming to enhance their organisational culture.
Maria Tornroos
LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariatornroos
Follow:
Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowmade
X - https://twitter.com/Flowmadeltd
Website- https://www.flowmade.me/
Find more episodes on Gideons War on Crunch:
https://www.gideonswaroncrunch.com/
10/27/23 • 43 min
In this episode of Gideon's war on crunch host Kevin Scheeper's welcomes guest Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, a doctor and MD from the US specialising in burnout and stress. Dr. Sapna shares her passion and mission regarding burnout and stress, emphasising the importance of understanding and addressing these issues to create a healthier work environment.
The discussion delves into the different stressors individuals face, regardless of profession, and how the human system perceives stress as a threat to our survival. The episode explores the physical symptoms that can arise from chronic stress and offers valuable insight on the importance of implementing protective measures and creating a psychologically safe workplace.
Dr. Sapna Shah-haque
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sshahhaque/
Follow:
Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowmade
X - https://twitter.com/Flowmadeltd
Website- https://www.flowmade.me/
Find more episodes on Gideons War on Crunch:
https://www.gideonswaroncrunch.com/
08/07/24 • 58 min
In this conversation, Kevin interviews Donato Helbling, a computer engineer and creator of an integrative living model. They discuss Donato's work with Open Seed, a meditation pod and technology platform, and the potential for integrating wellness into the gaming industry. Donato shares his perspective on the importance of incorporating breaks and wellness initiatives into gaming to prevent burnout and promote overall well-being. They also discuss the ethical considerations of working in the gaming industry and the potential for regulation in the future. In this conversation, Donato Helbling discusses the importance of integrating wellness practices into the gaming industry. He emphasizes the need for game developers to regulate excessive and immersive game design to prevent addiction and overstimulation. Donato also introduces the concept of the integrative living model, which focuses on creating harmony in various aspects of life, including rest and relaxation, proper nutrition, presence, harmony with the environment, and movement. He encourages individuals to cut out external stimulations, develop awareness of their patterns and stories, and make changes to live a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Find Donato Here:
Donato Helbling
https://donatohelbling.com/
08/07/24 • 57 min
Leigh Brandon, a functional medicine practitioner, explains that functional medicine is about becoming a health detective and gathering as much information as possible to understand a person's health. Functional lab tests, such as blood tests and stool tests, play an important role in this process. The main focus of functional medicine is to treat the person, not just their symptoms. Leigh also introduces the concept of the check system, which looks at a person from a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level. He emphasizes the importance of building strong foundations for optimal health and performance. The conversation covers two main themes: water and nutrition. Regarding water, tap water is generally not recommended due to toxins and contaminants such as chlorine and bleach. Spring water is an alternative, but plastic bottles can be problematic. A good filtration system, such as reverse osmosis, is another option. Additionally, structured water, which mimics the natural process of water, is gaining attention. In terms of nutrition, the focus is on individuality and finding the right diet for each person through metabolic typing. The advice is to eat whole foods, avoid processed foods, chew properly, and create a relaxed environment for eating. The conversation with Leigh Brandon focused on the six foundation factors for optimal health: nutrition, movement, sleep and rest, stress management, hydration, and mindset. Leigh shared his personal experience with knee pain and how he discovered that his diet, specifically porridge oats, was causing the pain. He emphasized the importance of food quality and sourcing organic produce to avoid toxins. Leigh also discussed the significance of movement for maintaining muscle and bone health, as well as its impact on mental health. He highlighted the importance of balancing exercise intensity with the body's ability to handle stress. Lastly, Leigh emphasized the crucial role of sleep and rest in the body's repair and recovery process.
Find Leigh here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbrandon/
08/07/24 • 77 min
In this conversation, Gary Simonds, a former neurosurgeon turned writer, discusses the therapeutic benefits of playing musical instruments, the neuroscience of music, and the importance of creativity and self-reflection in preventing burnout. He emphasizes the role of music in providing an escape and promoting mental health. Simonds also highlights the fragility of life and the need to appreciate it, drawing from his experiences in the medical field. He shares insights on building resilience and self-compassion to combat burnout, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's energy and attention with personal values and goals. In this conversation, Kevin and Gary discuss the concept of burnout and how it affects individuals. They explore the fluctuating nature of burnout and the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection. They emphasize the need for individuals to understand themselves and their motivations in order to prevent burnout. They also discuss the role of the system in contributing to burnout and the need for both individual and systemic changes to combat it. Practical steps include periodic debriefing, self-compassion and self-care, discussing stressors with trusted individuals, collecting uplifts, and fostering meaningful connections with others.
Takeaways
Playing musical instruments can provide an escape and promote mental health.
- Music engages various areas of the brain and affects mood and reward systems.
- Engaging in creative activities, such as playing music, can help prevent burnout and promote brain health.
- Self-reflection and understanding one's values and goals are essential in building resilience and combating burnout.
- Burnout is not a permanent state and individuals fluctuate in their levels of burnout.
- Self-awareness and self-reflection are crucial in preventing burnout.
- Both individual and systemic changes are necessary to combat burnout.
- Practical steps include periodic debriefing, self-compassion and self-care, discussing stressors with trusted individuals, collecting uplifts, and fostering meaningful connections with others.
Find Dr Gary Simons here:
https://garyrsimonds.com/
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FAQ
How many episodes does GameWell have?
GameWell currently has 12 episodes available.
What topics does GameWell cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Management, Games, Mental Health, Productivity, Game Development, Podcasts, Self-Improvement and Education.
What is the most popular episode on GameWell?
The episode title 'Stoic Wisdom for Game Developers: Enhancing Mental Health with Jamie Ryder' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on GameWell?
The average episode length on GameWell is 49 minutes.
How often are episodes of GameWell released?
Episodes of GameWell are typically released every 28 days.
When was the first episode of GameWell?
The first episode of GameWell was released on May 24, 2023.
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