The Creative Juice Podcast

Philipp Batura, founder of Topcat , joins me to share how he went from failing at his first Roblox game to building a 7-figure digital fashion business featured in Forbes . We talk about the rise of Roblox UGC, scaling to over a million avatar items sold per month , why digital fashion matters more than ever, and how Topcat became one of the biggest names in virtual streetwear. Connect with Philip...

Michael Herriger, co-founder of Atlas Creative , joins me to talk about building the OG Fortnite map with UEFN, working with brands like the NBA and Microsoft, and expanding into Roblox with hits like Arcade Basketball. We cover player-first design, pitching brands the right way, lessons from billions of plays, and what’s next for Atlas. Connect with Michael: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/...

On this episode of The Creative Juice Podcast , Matt Zanazzo sits down with Ethan Guest , co-founder of Bloom Creative and one of the masterminds behind Zombie Escape , a Fortnite Creative map that exploded with millions of players. We talk about:  • The scariest moment of publishing their first map  • How Zombie Escape became addictive and impossible to copy  • What playtesting every single day t...

Dylan “SirRifty” Benn is the 18-year-old CEO of Genesis Studios, the Fortnite UEFN team behind some of the platform’s most ambitious projects. From building Squid Game with over 1M players in a single day to recreating Fortnite’s iconic live events, Genesis is setting new standards for creative studios. In this episode, we cover:  • SirRifty’s journey from Roblox to Fortnite UEFN  • How Genesis St...

Adam Starr is a video game lawyer helping UGC creators navigate the complex world of platform policies, contracts, mods, and IP rights across Fortnite, Roblox, and beyond. In this episode, we cover:  • Who actually owns your Fortnite/UEFN map • Brand usage rules (LEGO, NFL, Nike, music, etc.) developers usually get wrong • What types of mods and copyrighted assets can get you in trouble • How to s...

Zak Phelps helped the early evolution of Fortnite Creative while at Epic Games, shaping the tools and systems that now power millions of player-made maps. In this episode, we cover:  • How Fortnite’s most viral game modes started with broken tools  • The real reason “Steal a Brain Rot” and “Grow a Garden” exploded  • Why discovery is more math than magic  • What brands get wrong when launching in...

Hannes Van der Haegen (aka UtaSmoota) went from full-time dad and software architect to building one of Fortnite's most successful studios: Team Unite . In this episode, we cover:  • How Hannes built a 10M-player Oral-B game • Creating viral Fortnite maps for LEGO, Adidas, and Gillette • The real strategy behind discovery, retention, and brand work in UEFN • Why modular Verse code is the secr...

This week on Creative Juice , I’m going solo to share the full story of how I left a stable 6-figure job in the oil field to go all in on Fortnite Creative and content creation. No guests, just raw truth about the risks, sacrifices, and wins along the way. I talk about: Why I almost didn’t take the leap How I built 50+ games before one took off What it really takes to go full-time in UEFN The hard...

Curious how a Fortnite Creative game becomes a viral sensation? In this episode, Enrique Fuentes, CEO of Terravision and creator of Havoc Hotel, shares the secrets behind some of the most successful maps in Fortnite UEFN. Learn real strategies for player retention, sequels, brand collaborations like The Walking Dead, and what it takes to stand out in the competitive Fortnite Creative scene. Hear E...

Thanks to Epic Games for sponsoring this episode!  #EpicPartner #StateofUnreal How did Snoop Dogg, Creed III, and Rocket League end up in Fortnite? JJ Armstrong of Team 404 shares how to land major brand deals, integrate IP into your maps, and stand out as a creator. Get real tips, industry stories, and creative strategies in this can’t-miss episode. Connect with JJ Armstrong:  X (Twitter): https:...

Get the inside scoop on the wildest brand collabs ever built in Fortnite! In this episode, Mack Jack breaks down how Alliance Studios brought Doritos, SpongeBob SquarePants, Prime Energy, and Kid Laroi to life inside Fortnite Creative. Hear the untold stories behind each map, the creative chaos, and what it’s really like working with global brands in the gaming space. Plus, Mack Jack shares advice...

In Episode 4 of the Creative Juice Podcast , we sit down with MustardPlays to uncover the real story behind how the biggest Battle Royale in the world got its start — from a simple dinner table conversation to a 3-week prototype that changed gaming forever. We dive into:  🔹  How Fortnite + UEFN on iOS could spark a second boom for creators   🔹  Why building fast and testing early still drives hi...

Creative Juice Podcast • Episode with Kevin Marciano of Future Trash Matthew “Immature Gamer” Zanazzo sits down with Kevin Marciano, CEO and co-founder of Future Trash, the studio behind Boom Tycoon, Mr Beast Games, and several of Fortnite’s most polished custom experiences. Kevin shares how his background producing the hit animated series Miraculous Ladybug (now streaming on Netflix and Disney) g...

Welcome to Creative Juice Podcast Episode 2 featuring Tom Jank. In this episode Tom shares his journey from working at Pixar to creating unforgettable Fortnite maps. Watch him reveal how making a map in 3 hours taught him that perfection is overrated and why embracing the jank is the secret to creative success. He discusses turning challenges into viral moments, the power of daily warm ups, and th...

The Creative Juice Podcast - Ep. 1 w/ Birdo Join us for an in-depth conversation with Birdo – the former Microsoft engineer who made 300% more money after QUITTING to dive into Fortnite Creative. In this episode, Birdo shares his journey into game development, revealing the viral Fortnite hacks that are setting new trends in the gaming world. Discover how his bold career move transformed his life,...