The Goth Boss Podcast

Growing up, I thought ADHD meant you had to be a hyperactive boy who couldn't sit still. I was the quiet, A* student, so it never crossed my mind that my burnouts, working memory issues, sensory overwhelm and a constant need for novelty were all part of the same picture. In this episode, I walk through everything that led me to seek an ADHD diagnosis in my 40s, what the private assessment process...

Got something you know you need to do, but you just... don't? Maybe it's asking someone out, changing career, starting a business, or finally admitting that your job title doesn't fit you any more. In this episode I dig into why our brains cling to "better the devil you know" even when it’s making us miserable. I share my own fears and leaps of faith, and walk you through the questions that will h...

Hands up if you ever get that creeping feeling on a Sunday evening that the weekend's over and Monday's lurking on the horizon. Most of us know that feeling, but if it's happening every single week, it's worth figuring out what it's actually telling you. In this episode we dig into what could be causing your Sunday dread, how to identify the specific things draining your energy and some small prac...

If you've ever called yourself lazy or had someone else say it to you, this episode is for you. Chances are, you're probably not lazy at all. You're likely depleted, overworked, burning out and running on empty. In this episode we talk about where that horrible label comes from and what we do when we're low energy that makes things worse. I remind you why rest isn't a reward & how it...

The podcast is back! And it's had a bit of a makeover (or a make-under as I’ve stopped doing video, at least for now). In this update episode, I explain why I've been away for so long, why I've renamed the podcast and what you can expect going forward. If you're someone who looks fine on the outside but is quietly struggling underneath, this is for you. It’s good to be back! Key topics: burnout, s...

Dan Pinchbeck is the co-founder of The Chinese Room, the award-winning studio behind many wonderful games including Dear Esther, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, Little Orpheus, Still Wakes The Deep and most recently Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2. In this episode, we talk through Dan’s incredible journey with the studio. From its early days making Half-Life 2...

The game industry might be unpredictable, but your career doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I share ten practical tips to help you stay strong while working through these really tough times. Chapters: 00:00 10 Practical Tips to Future-Proof Your Career 02:00 Tip 1: Focus on What You Can Control 03:04 Tip 2: Be Ready for Change 05:25 Tip 3: Lift Others Up 07:23 Tip 4: Stay Visible 09:41 Tip 5: P...

What if the key to solving the climate crisis, social inequality and even human behavior wasn’t found in policy papers, but in games? In this episode, I sit down with Trevin York , founder of Dire Lark , to explore how Games for Change are reshaping the way we tackle global challenges. From climate action and healthcare to finance and education, Trevin reveals how playful design can turn complex,...

Unity has had a rough few years including PR disasters, project cancellations, layoffs, a now-cancelled runtime fee policy and a recent security flaw. Many developers have switched engines in the last few years as a result. But is Unity still the right engine for your next game? In this episode, I break down Unity’s recent challenges, compare it to Unreal, Godot and GameMaker, and explain why many...

In this episode, I discuss the current challenges facing the games industry, including significant job losses, studio closures and the impact of rising costs and market saturation. I share insights from conversations with industry veterans and offer practical advice for navigating these turbulent times. The discussion also touches on the future of the industry, including potential recovery and the...

Will Freeman's 20 year career spans many areas of the games industry. He's a freelance journalist, mock reviewer, copywriter and so much more. He's worked with a huge list of notable brands and publications including The Guardian, BAFTA, Epic, the BBC, EA, Vice and PC Gamer. While we do talk about games journalism, this episode quickly turned into an honest and authentic conversation about his car...

In today's episode of The Goth Boss Podcast I sit down with my friend Cinzia Musio a leading voice in diversity and inclusion in games. We unpack the challenges and the myths of diversity and inclusion. We also discuss the practical steps that leaders can take to build truly inclusive spaces. Empathy and collaboration is going to make the games industry a much better place for everybody and Cinzia...

Join me for an insightful conversation with Lee Kemp from Tea Imp Games as we delve into the world of game design. Discover the nuances of a game designer's role, the challenges of balancing creative projects with consultancy and his journey of developing the indie game Thingamajigs. Whether you're a studio leader or an aspiring designer, Lee's experiences and tips offer valuable lessons for anyon...

Do you feel like you're “always on”? Are you constantly checking emails, LinkedIn and social media? Do you find yourself looking at work accounts or posting to Slack outside of office hours?  In this episode of The Goth Boss Podcast, I’ll share practical strategies to break the habit of constantly checking apps and emails, and help you set digital boundaries. Learn how to protect your focus a...

In this episode of The Goth Boss Podcast, I speak with marketing expert Haley Uyrus about how indie and AAA game developers can effectively market their games. We discuss strategies ranging from defining business objectives and understanding audiences, to making the most of social media, mailing lists, events, and store pages like Steam. Haley also shares insights on current trends and future pred...

Should You Keep Going… or Walk Away? In this episode of The Goth Boss Podcast I talk about one of the toughest calls you’ll ever have to make: knowing when to stick with something and when it’s time to pivot. I share my own experiences that led to me starting Goth Boss Studios and a simple framework to help you figure it out, inspired in part by Seth Godin’s The Dip. We’ll explore how to spot the...

In this episode of The Goth Boss Podcast, I sit down with Charlotte Pook to talk about what it really takes to land a job in the games and creative industries. We dig into the value of strong portfolios, how to navigate career gaps and where AI is starting to show up in recruitment. Charlotte shares her perspective on attracting diverse candidates, the changing balance between remote and on-site w...

Feeling stuck or unsure what’s next in your career or business? In this episode, I walk you through the 4 key elements of ikigai: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This process will help you find clarity and purpose. If you're planning a career change, starting a business, or just craving more fulfilment in your day-to-day this episode will hel...

Feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or disconnected from the work you once loved? You might be burned out, and you’re not alone. In this episode, I dive into what burnout really is (hint: it’s not just being tired), the most common causes (like perfectionism, overwork, and people-pleasing) and how to recover. Whether you’re a founder, freelancer, or full-time employee, this is an honest look at burnou...

Today's pep talk is for anyone who’s been suffering from imposter syndrome, self doubt or feeling like you're just not good enough. I'll help you understand why it happens and give you some tips for how to power through it and build your confidence. Send me your stories or questions for future episodes at gothboss.co.uk/podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This pep talk is for anyone who’s been putting off a project, waiting for the perfect time, setup, or mindset. I share my own messy journey to finally launching this podcast, talk about why perfectionism holds us back, and offer some real encouragement to start your thing even if it’s not perfect (especially if it’s not perfect). Send me your stories or questions for future episodes at gothboss.co...

Welcome to the podcast! In this short intro, I’m sharing what this show is about, who it’s for, and what you can expect from future episodes. If you’re building something creative whether it’s a career, a game, or your own company, you’re in the right place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.