Libsyn Directory

How Three Friends Created Pocket Bard, a Game Changing RPG Audio App - Interview 28

Release Date: 09/17/2024

Sustainable Wargaming: Inside Bear Cavalry Paints with Dan Zehner - Interview 37

Nerdpreneur - Grow Your Nerdy Business

In this interview with Dan Zehner, the visionary behind Bear Cavalry Paints, we discuss how Dan is revolutionizing the miniature wargaming industry with eco-friendly paints that don't compromise on quality. Dan is passionate about sustainability and works on finding that balance between a day job while building a business. In our talk, Dan shares insights on how to use your day-job skills to enhance your nerdy business the hurdles of creating an eco-friendly sustainable product ways you can engage with your community and create partnerships how sustainability fits into the mess of...

From Graphic Design to Imps and Monsters: Justin Hillgrove's Artistic Journey - Interview 36

Nerdpreneur - Grow Your Nerdy Business

In this episode of Nerdpreneur, we dive into the creative world of Justin Hillgrove, a full-time artist known for his whimsical and imaginative art under the brand Imps and Monsters. With over 20 years of experience, Justin shares: His journey from graphic design to becoming a successful artist, Creating everything from comic book covers to murals for major companies like Facebook, How to balance his passion for art with the business side, and unique ways to connect with his audience. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a fan of nerdy entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with...

Crowdfunding & Creativity with TTRPG Mogul Rick Heinz - Interview 35

Nerdpreneur - Grow Your Nerdy Business

In this episode of Nerdpreneur, hosts Chris Saunders and Frank chat with Rick Heinz, co-founder of Storytellers Forge, a long-time writer and game designer, about turning a nerdy passion into a thriving business. Rick shares his unique approach to game design, heavily influenced by metal music and coffee, and how he creates immersive tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) that blend storytelling with diverse multimedia elements. He also delves into the realities of crowdfunding and the strategies behind building a successful creative studio in the TTRPG industry. This interview offers a...

We Were Almost Canceled - Part 2

Nerdpreneur - Grow Your Nerdy Business

Back in March of 2024, hundreds of angry nerds came after our growing podcast because of someone we interviewed and we were nearly canceled. In part 2, we take a closer look at the macro level events around these events. Rick Heinz graciously reached out during these events and brought context for the industry as a whole. ----- Here is the first part of our 2-part interview with Satine Phoenix: Spotify - Apple Podcasts - This is a link to the twitter post that blew up: And this was our response on twitter the day after the explosion: ----- To get part 2 right now, along...

From Garage to Convention, with Ryan at Hexwood Forge - Interview 34

Nerdpreneur - Grow Your Nerdy Business

In this interview we spoke with Ryan, co-owner of Hexwood Forge. He runs the business with his wife Kess, who started the operation years before it came to be known as Hexwood Forge. Hexwood Forge is a small business that makes tabletop accessories. It's run by just the two of them out of their garage with several laser machines, their hands, and creative minds. They started to really ramp things up during the pandemic and since then have scaled up to running two booths during PAX West. And that's no small feat! We talked with Ryan about a lot of topics, including: Challenges of running a...

We Were Almost Canceled - Part 1

Nerdpreneur - Grow Your Nerdy Business

Back in March of 2024, hundreds of angry nerds came after our growing podcast because of someone we interviewed and we were nearly canceled. In this two-part exploration, we explore the micro and macro level events that contributed to making these people so mad. - Did we deserve it? - Are we what they called us: "Godless Couch F*cks"? - Or did these hundreds of voices have other motives? ----- Here is the first part of our 2-part interview with Satine Phoenix: Spotify - Apple Podcasts - This is a link to the twitter post that blew up: And this was our response on twitter the...

Making Board Games with Chris from TinkerHouse Games - Interview 33

Nerdpreneur - Grow Your Nerdy Business

In this conversation, Chris Marshall, co-owner of Tinker House Games, shares his journey from a childhood passion for building and creating to establishing a successful business in the tabletop gaming industry. He discusses the unique aspects of their pre-printed flat-pack terrain for RPGs, lessons in the manufacturing industry, and reflects on his early experiences that led him to this nerdy business. Here's just some of what we discussed: How to understand your audience for product success The benefits of live events Utilizing the power of Kickstarter Navigating the manufacturing...

Tiny Products and Big Lessons with Patrick from Lethal Shadows - Interview 32

Nerdpreneur - Grow Your Nerdy Business

Our guest, Patrick Rami from Lethal Shadows Premium Miniatures, talks about his journey in the miniature gaming industry. Patrick shares his passion for creating high-quality miniatures, the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how he turned his hobby into a successful business. We covered a lot of ground, but some of the topics were: the importance of quality in manufacturing, the leap into entrepreneurship, managing fear and uncertainty, the significance of investing in oneself and planning for success. To get the extended interview with Patrick from , along...

Level Up Your Communication Skills - Part 2 - Talking Nerdy 37

Nerdpreneur - Grow Your Nerdy Business

Level Up Your Communication Skills - Part 1 - Talking Nerdy 36

Nerdpreneur - Grow Your Nerdy Business

In this Talking Nerdy discussion, we explore the nuances of communication skills, emphasizing the importance of active listening, engagement techniques, and the art of storytelling. We discuss how communication has evolved in the digital age, the significance of asking the right questions, and understanding core values in interactions. For the FULL VERSION of all our Interviews, Talking Nerdy's, plus lots of other bonuses, Click here to join the Join the monthly Nerdpreneur Loot Bag (newsletter) you'll get... Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool! ...

More Episodes

In this episode of Nerdpreneur. We sit down with the co-founders of Pocket Bard, an innovative app that's transforming the way tabletop RPG players experience music and sound during their sessions. We chat with Alex Berner, Chase Harris, and Jason Kowalski as they take us through their journey from being college roommates with a passion for video game audio to building a cutting-edge tool that enhances immersive storytelling.

They open up about the philosophy behind creating interactive audio, their experiences in the gaming and audio industries, and the challenges of launching a startup aimed at the nerd community.

Whether you're a DM looking to bring your sessions to life or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights, business lessons, and a behind-the-scenes look at creating an app for tabletop enthusiasts.

Download the Pocket Bard App: https://www.pocketbard.app/

The Pocket Bard app currently has a 4.45 rating based on 1,623 reviews on the Google Play Store and on the Apple App Store, it boasts an even higher rating of 4.8 from 40 reviews!

Key Discussion Points:

Pocket Bard's Origins: How Alex, Chase, and Jason transitioned from video game audio to developing interactive audio for tabletop RPGs.
The App Explained: What makes Pocket Bard unique, including its adaptive music system, easy-to-use interface, and streamlined design for Dungeon Masters (DMs).
The User Experience: The team shares their process for designing an intuitive app that enhances the storytelling experience without breaking immersion.
Business Insights: The challenges of bootstrapping a tech startup, managing dynamic equity, and their decision to adopt a freemium model with a subscription service.
Lessons Learned: Balancing creative roles with business responsibilities, the importance of limiting work in progress, and the value of a strong team dynamic.
Future Plans: Teasers for upcoming features and content packs, including a new Tavern music pack and upgrades to the free fantasy essentials content.

Quotable Moments:

"We wanted to create an experience where Dungeon Masters could focus on their story, not the music. One button-click, and you're back in the game." — Chase Harris
"It's all about saving time and attention for the DM so they can deliver the best experience to their players." — Alex Berner
"When you download our app, you get a full experience for free, and we're committed to making it the best it can be without any sneaky paywalls." — Jason Kowalski

Connect with Pocket Bard:

Website: PocketBard.com
Instagram: @PocketBardApp
Twitter: @PocketBardApp

To get the extended interview with Pocket Bard and bonus Talking Nerdy Episodes sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur

New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income.

Next Episode Preview: Don't miss next episode where Chris and Frank will talk to Sienna Art Studios a Scientific artist based out of Portland. Hit follow so you don't miss it!

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To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

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