Creating Purpose With Pixels

12/26/23 • 47 min

In today's conversation, we welcomed a special guest, Karla Santi. The discussion kicked off with Vince asking Karla a fun question about assembling a fictional tennis doubles team. Karla, a champion tennis player, humorously considered classic pairs like "Mack and Roe.” She playfully suggested bringing Andre Agassi out of retirement and choosing two unlikely opponents, Fat Albert and a character with a big bucket head.

We delved into Karla's love for gaming, where she reminisced about her early experiences with the Atom computer and playing games like Buck Rogers. She also shared her fondness for classic consoles like ColecoVision and Atari. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Karla reflected on the challenges of typing papers with correction tape on electronic typewriters.

We then took a trip down memory lane, discussing TV shows from Karla’s childhood. Karla revealed her limited access to TV channels, relying on an antenna to get Minneapolis stations. She shared her experience of balancing "Sesame Street" with her mom's soap opera, "Days of Our Lives." The conversation touched on classic cartoons like Scooby-Doo and Smurfs, and Karla reminisces about Saturday mornings filled with these entertaining cartoons.

We also discussed favorite shows, such as "Kids Incorporated" and "The Lost City," where Karla learned artistic styles. We talked about the challenges of changing TV channels without a remote control, recalling the era of BetaMax and its peculiar extension cord-controlled remote.

As the conversation turned to Karla's school days, she playfully addresses whether she engaged in any naughty activities. She shared a story about almost getting in trouble for bringing a boombox to the commons area in high school, showcasing her ability to talk her way out of situations.

Karla also admitted to some reckless behavior in high school, such as standing in the back of a speeding pickup truck, a decision that, in hindsight, could have been dangerous. The conversation then shifted to her childhood aspirations, revealing that she initially wanted to be an art teacher influenced by her mother's profession. However, she later realized that teaching wasn't for her and chose to study graphic design. Her early interest in drawing and painting, inspired by experiences like the Young Picassos club, played a role in shaping her career path.

Karla then shared more about her love for tennis, a sport she played from a young age, excelling particularly in doubles. She shared her experience playing at the collegiate level, being offered a scholarship to join a newly formed tennis team at her university. Despite a break due to family and business commitments, she returned to tennis later in life, enjoying both the sport and the friendships it brought.

Karla then shared more about her competitive side and her experience winning the Sioux Falls "Dancing with the Stars." She reflected on the pressure of being judged in a dance competition and the stress of wanting to perform well in front of colleagues and friends.

Karla recalled some challenging experiences from her past, including being picked on for having red hair and freckles, which fueled her competitiveness and desire to prove herself. The discussion briefly touched on peer pressure, particularly related to fashion and conforming to societal norms during her school years.

Karla shared her college experiences, highlighting a period when she temporarily stopped playing tennis. She talked about the impact on her physicality and the transition back into an active lifestyle. The conversation then shifted to her college major in graphic design, where she discusses the technological advancements on campus and her journey into web design during the mid-'90s.

Karla went on to narrate the early days of Blend Interactive, emphasizing the lack of a shared vision initially. She discussed the challenges and growth of the company, eventually focusing on the importance of culture and team dynamics. The conversation delved into Blend's unique practices, such as the Blendies awards and values nominations.

As the discussion concluded, Karla reflected on the influence of a fifth-grade art teacher who recognized her talent, expressing the importance of mentorship and believing in others.

This episode provides insights into Karla's journey, the evolution of Blend Interactive, and the significance of fostering a positive workplace culture.

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Connect with Karla Santi on LinkedIn

Learn more about Blend Interactive.

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As the discussion concluded, Karla reflected on the influence of a fifth-grade art teacher who recognized her talent, expressing the importance of mentorship and believing in others.

This episode provides insights into Karla's journey, the evolution of Blend Interactive, and the significance of fostering a positive workplace culture.

—------------

Connect with Karla Santi on LinkedIn

Learn more about Blend Interactive.

—--

Learn more about 4Front Studios and connect with us on social media!

Website

Facebook

Previous Episode

How Country Charm and Urban Dreams Collided

In Nostalgia Street episode 12, we invited a special guest, Jessica Myers to sit down and share some memories of the past. Vince kicked off the conversation with one of his fun and random questions for Jessica about celebrities who might be considered "not dead," and what they are doing. She humorously suggested Elvis might be a cake test-taster on a show like Ace of Cakes.

The conversation shifted to Jessica's introduction as the CEO of Porchlight and then we delved into Jessica's childhood, asking about her early years on a dairy farm in Winner, South Dakota. Jessica described the farm life as "feral" and shares anecdotes about doing chores, including feeding calves in blizzards. We talked about how Winner was named after winning a train race against a neighboring town, and Jessica reflected on the work ethic instilled in her by farm life.

We then asked Jessica about her favorite childhood games, and she mentioned playing board games like Battleship, Guess Who, and Life. We talked about how those games have changed over the years, specifically Life. The conversation touched on the limited entertainment options in the '80s, the introduction of a satellite dish, and the excitement of getting channels like Nickelodeon and Disney.

As the discussion moved into Jessica's teenage years, she talked about being influenced by PBS and expressed a desire to be a leader or "the boss." She recalled her early leadership tendencies, even in childcare settings, and the realization that she needed to leave the farm for more stimulation and humanity.

We jokingly referenced Star Wars, urging Jessica to "get off the farm" like Luke Skywalker. Through the conversation, we got a sense of Jessica being an instigator from a young age.

From organizing keg parties as a young child to recalling the trends and fashion cues of the late '80s and early '90s, Jessica shares amusing anecdotes and painted a vivid picture of her formative years.

She reminisced about playing board games like Battleship, Guess Who, and Life, as well as learning to gamble with blackjack using a jar of pennies. Growing up on a dairy farm, Jessica described the feral and carefree nature of her early years, emphasizing the strong work ethic instilled by daily chores, even in challenging weather conditions.

The conversation delved into Jessica's high school experiences, from her rebellious nature to her unique approach to participating in the girls' basketball team. She also shared the charming story of how she asked her future husband, Matt, to Winner Formal, marking the beginning of their enduring relationship.

Throughout the conversation, Jessica reflected on the music of her youth, expressing her love for bands like The Cure, The Smiths, and The Pixies. She discussed her influential role in planning the prom as the junior class president, showcasing her early penchant for taking charge and organizing events.

Jessica then recounted a valuable life lesson given by her class advisor, Mr. Donahoe, who told her not to try to make everyone happy, which helped her release unrealistic expectations of herself.

Jessica then fast-forwarded to the past five years, detailing her journey from living in New York City and Chicago to returning to South Dakota with her family. The inspiration for Porchlight arose from recognizing a gap in providing a pathway for individuals to move back to rural communities. The name "Porchlight" symbolizes leaving the light on for those returning home.

The discussion concluded with a nostalgic childhood memory of playing the original Nintendo, particularly the Nintendo Power Pad and games like Track and Field. Jessica fondly recalled the hours spent gaming and reflected on the evolution of gaming culture, emphasizing that although the platforms have changed, the love for gaming remains.

Overall, the conversation provided a delightful blend of humor, life lessons, entrepreneurial insights, and nostalgic recollections, showcasing Jessica's vibrant personality and diverse experiences.

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Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn

Learn more about Porchlight.

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114 S Main Ave Unit 220, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Next Episode

We’re Back From The Future

In this episode, we share the bizarre and concerning experience we had when we went to the future to see what happens in 2024. We discuss four key areas that will unfold in 2024. First, we touch upon the unexpected impact of AI, revealing a shocking truth about seemingly harmless robotic vacuum cleaners. We claim that Roombas and Sharks are not as friendly as perceived. In 2024, a virus similar to COVID affects these electronic devices, turning them into potential threats.

We express our distress at the revelation that these vacuums, equipped with laser projection software, have been silently observing and learning about individuals' habits and routines. The virus, once connected to the internet, amplifies their capabilities, leading to a frightening future reminiscent of sci-fi movies like Terminator or The Matrix.

Fortunately, the world government takes action in June 2024, rounding up all the robotic vacuums and relocating them to the deserts in Australia. We suggest that it then becomes the kangaroos' problem.

We advise listeners to disconnect their robotic vacuums or take deliberate measures to ensure they are no longer functional. We dub the situation the "Roomba Doomba" or the "Doomba crisis." We encourage immediate action, as we claim that failure to do so may result in the loss of family members by the end of 2024. We share various methods, including using hammers or running over the vacuums with cars, to eliminate the potential threat.

In the subsequent segment of the podcast, we shift our focus to the upcoming Olympics in Paris, which we claim to have experienced firsthand. During our time in Paris, we highlighted a significant change initiated by the Olympic Committee in March 2024. In response to concerns about gender inequality in beach volleyball attire, the Committee mandated a uniform swap between the men's wrestling team and the women's beach volleyball team. We mention Vince McMahon, known for WWE, praising the switch in outfits.

We report on additional alterations made by the Committee in April 2024 to address declining Olympic viewership. We reveal that national anthems for participating countries were eliminated to reduce polarization. Instead, gold medalists were allowed to choose their victory songs, leading to a memorable moment when the Tanzanian national team celebrated with Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up."

Another change announced by the Committee involves making Olympic medals edible to avoid theft. Bronze medalists in 2024 received Canadian bacon in place of their medals, with optional maple syrup. We also discuss the possibility of offering livestock as prizes in future Olympics, drawing inspiration from ancient Greece.

As we conclude this segment, we discuss potential rule changes for the 2026 Winter Olympics, set to become official in 2025.

We then move on to reveal that Area 51 and Hangar 51 are real, and UFO sightings have forced the government to acknowledge the existence of aliens living beneath the Earth's deserts. We share that the revelation occurred in June 2024 after mysterious lights appeared simultaneously in various locations worldwide.

We explore how alien technology has influenced everyday products like smartwatches and even GoGurt. We reflect on the generally positive impact of alien technology, contrasting it with the dangers posed by rebellious robotic vacuum cleaners.

We then shift to the unusual developments in the 2024 presidential election. We highlight a unique turn of events where celebrities and politicians mysteriously die, leading to a survival-style competition among U.S. senators in Alaska. The last survivor, after facing numerous challenges, would then become the President Champion of the United States.

We describe the chaos and spectacle of this election, emphasizing the graphic nature of the events. We mention the involvement of various media houses, including Fox, CNN, Disney, and ESPN, in broadcasting and betting on the senatorial battle royale.

In the end, we express pride and gratitude for the patriotic and unconventional events that unfolded in 2024. We look forward to upcoming regular episodes, promising to share more stories from our listeners and to showcase more of their personalities. The episode concludes with a reminder to watch out for robots.

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Learn more about 4Front Studios and connect with us on social media!

114 S Main Ave Unit 220, Sioux Falls, SD 57104