Game Jam

In this episode of Game Jam , Max sits down with Vanessa Lane, founder of BetterPlay Studios, to unpack how cozy games are reshaping the way we think about mental health, emotional regulation, and community connection. Vanessa brings a rare perspective — part game developer, part educator, and full-time mom — on why play is a vital part of adult well-being, how BetterPlay curates therapeutic games...

What do Duolingo, Roblox, and Ray-Ban Meta glasses have in common? They’re all proof that brands are being built in places most marketers aren’t even looking . In this episode, Max sits down with Michael Miraflor — independent brand strategist, former CMO, and trusted advisor to VC firms, startups, and Fortune 500s — for an unfiltered conversation on where modern marketing is headed. They cover: W...

Moody Mattan, Founder and CEO of BrandXR, joins Max Albert to break down where augmented reality is actually working—and where it’s just hype. From activating 3-minute ad experiences in Miami to building military-grade training tools and retail tech for tattoo parlors , Moody walks through real-world AR use cases that are solving real business problems today. This isn’t a conversation about the me...

Is the future of game publishing being built in the Midwest? In this episode, Game Jam host Max Albert sits down with Ben Kvalo, founder of Midwest Games and former Netflix Games executive, for one of the most honest, insightful, and eye-opening conversations about the state of game publishing today. Ben is not just building a new publisher. He’s rebuilding the entire model—with a developer-first...

Is the gaming industry broken—or just evolving? In this wide-ranging episode, Max Albert sits down with Justin Berenbaum, VP Strategic Planning at Xsolla & GM Xsolla Funding Club, to unpack the massive shifts happening across game development, funding, publishing, and player behavior. Whether you’re building your first indie game, fundraising for your studio, or just trying to make sense of th...

In this episode, Max Albert sits down with Sean Hall, the founder of wellious, a wellness-focused protein powder brand that went from a $3,000 side hustle to a multi-million dollar business—without raising a dollar of venture capital (yet). Sean shares the full behind-the-scenes of building Wellious: 🏋️‍♂️ How he developed the product in just 3 months 💡 Why taste & brand matter more than hype...

Gaming is evolving. It’s no longer just about entertainment—it’s becoming a powerful tool for personal growth, wellness, and community building. In this episode, Max Albert sits down with Alina Matson, CEO & Founder of Glossbird, to discuss how gaming is shifting from escapism to empowerment. From launching Fitment, an exercise game inspired by Animal Crossing, to developing Nudes, a desktop t...