Hidden Role: The Brains Behind Your Favorite Games
Jenga? Twister? Bop It? There's at least one toy or game there that has brought a little joy to your life. But who makes them? How do they materialize on the shelf? Whether you're a child at heart or someone who works in the toy and games industry, come along with hosts David and Branson to hear from the superstar creators behind some of your favorite toys and games. Pick the brains of the creators of Jenga, Twister, Bop-It, and many, many more. Learn from their highs and lows, their unique creative process, and their best advice in this series of personal interviews that answer the question: who the heck made that?
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Connie Vogelmann designed Apiary & Wyrmspan!
04/24/2024
Connie Vogelmann designed Apiary & Wyrmspan!
Connie Vogelmann is lightning in a bottle! Apiary & Wyrmspan were both among the top 20 hottest games on Board Game Geek... and they are her first games! In today's episode she shares her game design process, shines a light on the magic of bee waggle dances, and gives some excellent advice for new game designers. --- Hidden Role Podcast is also available on most major podcast networks! --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: --- Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Paul Andersen turned his classroom into a video game!
04/17/2024
Paul Andersen turned his classroom into a video game!
Teacher of the Year, Paul Andersen, taught science for 20 years and has been an educational consultant for a decade. In today's episode, he discusses running a successful Kickstarter for his product, Switch-Its; turning his classroom into a video game to excite kids about learning; and the secrets to teaching through play. --- Paul Andersen's YouTube Channel, Bozeman Science: Check out Switch-Its: Check out The Wonder of Science: --- Hidden Role Podcast is also available on most major podcast networks! --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: --- Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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JM Duparc: Playing for a Living
03/27/2024
JM Duparc: Playing for a Living
JM Duparc, Chief Creation at Identity Games, gives us insights into collaborative design, creative ways to pass the time, the story behind Who's the Dude, and much, much more! --- Check out Identity Games: --- Hidden Role Podcast is also available on most major podcast networks! --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: --- Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Scott Rogers: Game Designer, Author, & Former Imagineer
03/20/2024
Scott Rogers: Game Designer, Author, & Former Imagineer
In this episode, we dive into the world of game design with Scott Rogers, award winning video game and board game designer behind games like Pantone the Game and Alien: Fate of the Nostromo. Scott unveils the secrets of crafting engaging video and board games, gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of being an Imagineer, guides us through the art of writing a game design book, and dishes out game-changing advice for aspiring designers. Check out Scott's new book, Your Turn!: The Guide to Great Tabletop Game Design: --- Hidden Role Podcast is also available on most major podcast networks! --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: --- Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Kim Vandenbroucke Talks Her Inventing Career
03/13/2024
Kim Vandenbroucke Talks Her Inventing Career
In this episode, we speak with Kim Vandenbroucke, Game Designer of the Year winner and inventor of games like Pigs on Trampolines, Split, Scattergories Categories, and countless more. She shares her story, insights into the industry, and the secrets to becoming a successful serial inventor. --- Check out Brainy Chick, Inc. --- Hidden Role Podcast is also available on most major podcast networks! --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: --- Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Bob Fuhrer talks Love, KenKen, and Robots!
03/08/2024
Bob Fuhrer talks Love, KenKen, and Robots!
Once again we visit with Robert "Bob" Fuhrer, who dives into the story of the international puzzle sensation, KenKen... and you'll never expect where this one goes! --- Learn more about Bob: --- Check out Nextoy: --- Hidden Role Podcast is also available on most major podcast networks! --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: --- Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Bob Fuhrer... Is THE Crocodile Dentist!
02/23/2024
Bob Fuhrer... Is THE Crocodile Dentist!
Robert "Bob" Fuhrer is for the toy industry what a producer is for the film industry; a mastermind who brings together creatives, engineers, and business minds to put out incredible toy products. In today's episode, he shares stories from his incredible career and advice for anyone who wants to succeed in the industry. --- Check out Nextoy: --- Hidden Role Podcast is also available on most major podcast networks! --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: --- Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Adam Hocherman... talks breaking into toy and game trends!
11/08/2023
Adam Hocherman... talks breaking into toy and game trends!
Adam Hocherman, AKA “Hock,” shares his journey from tech, to business owner, to the toy and game industry. Hock has done it all, from invention, to product development, to manufacturing, to inventor relations. He’s got his finger on the pulse of toys and games and gives us expert insights into how the industry has changed... and where it might be heading. --- Adam can be reached at his LinkedIn profile: --- Check out People of Play! --- Hidden Role Podcast is also available on most major podcast networks! --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: --- Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at: ---
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Dougal & Keith Grimes on AI in game design and the importance of play (and sibling rivalries)!
10/30/2023
Dougal & Keith Grimes on AI in game design and the importance of play (and sibling rivalries)!
Dougal Grimes, the President of Inventor Relations and Innovation at Spin Master, has a vast knowledge of the toy and game space. Keith Grimes, Digital Health & Innovation Consultant, is an expert panelist on Artificial Intelligence. United, they are the "Brothers Grimes!" Though they're experts in different fields, they've come together to discuss their lifelong bonding over play and competition, and how artificial intelligence might change game development in the very near future.... --- Check out People of Play! --- Hidden Role Podcast is also available on most major podcast networks! --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: --- Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at: ---
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Karri Bean... Brings the Magic of Disney to LEGO!
09/29/2023
Karri Bean... Brings the Magic of Disney to LEGO!
Karri Bean, Senior Manager, LEGO at Disney Consumer Products, shares the secret of leading with empathy, hilarious stories from her travels to Denmark, and how she oversees all the Disney franchises to transform them into iconic LEGO sets. --- Check out People of Play! --- Hidden Role Podcast is also available on most major podcast networks! --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: --- Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Elizabeth Hargrave... Created Wingspan!
09/08/2023
Elizabeth Hargrave... Created Wingspan!
In today's episode, Elizabeth Hargrave, the award-winning game designer behind Wingspan (the international sensation!), shares her game design philosophy, the story of the game's development, as well as the science behind her upcoming game, Undergrove. --- The Kickstarter for Undergrove launches in early November. Learn more and follow the launch: --- Elizabeth is speaking at Hasbro's Women Innovators of Play on September 12. Register to attend the free virtual event: --- Visit Elizabeth's website and sign up for her newsletter: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Tom Dusenberry... Bought Atari, Wizards of the Coast, and Avalon Hill!
09/05/2023
Tom Dusenberry... Bought Atari, Wizards of the Coast, and Avalon Hill!
When Tom Dusenberry was the CEO of Hasbro Interactive, he negotiated the purchases of some of the today's biggest toy and game brands, from companies like Atari, Wizards of the Coast and Avalon HIll, to video games like Rollercoaster Tycoon. In today's episode, Tom gives us his insight from decades in the industry, including the secret of what makes a successful toy or game.... --- Dusenberry Entertainment: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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JT Smith... Manufactures YOUR GAMES with The Game Crafter
08/15/2023
JT Smith... Manufactures YOUR GAMES with The Game Crafter
Dive into the world of print on demand board game publishing with JT Smith, the wizard behind The Game Crafter. From prototyping to playtesting to publishing, JT gives us insights into the creator economy and how The Game Crafter is a powerful tool for both new and veteran game designers. --- Check out The Game Crafter: --- Design game assets using automation with Component Studio: --- Learn more about Protospiel: --- Follow The Game Crafter on their socials: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Scott Brown and Tim Swindle... are Launching a New Sport!
10/04/2022
Scott Brown and Tim Swindle... are Launching a New Sport!
After many years in the toy and game industry, Scott Brown and Tim Swindle have teamed up to bring a brand new sport into the world... PaddleSmash! In this episode, we gain some fantastic insight into the challenges and thrills of launching a brand new product from inception to launch. --- Check out PaddleSmash: Follow PaddleSmash: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Daryl Andrews says... "GO TO CONVENTIONS!"
06/23/2022
Daryl Andrews says... "GO TO CONVENTIONS!"
Daryl is well known for traveling to most Toy and Game conventions every year, and in today's episode he tells us why attending conventions has been integral to his career as a board game designer. He breaks down why both inventors and companies benefit from attending conventions and gives advice on traversing the convention circuit to pitch your toy and game idea. Keep up with Daryl: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Ed Gartin is... the Evel Knievel of Inventor Relations!
03/31/2022
Ed Gartin is... the Evel Knievel of Inventor Relations!
Ed Gartin is an expert in inventor relations, bringing together Toy & Game companies and the creatives want to bring their inventions to the world. In today's episode, he shares what he looks for in a pitch as well as crazy stories from his twenty years in the industry. Check out Paper Bag Creative: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Nicholas and Rebecca are BlueMatter Games!
02/24/2022
Nicholas and Rebecca are BlueMatter Games!
Nicholas Cravotta and Rebecca Bleau are the creative minds behind over a hundred games and puzzles. From cooperative Escape Rooms to party games like Pickwits, these two tell us how to work together to create a really good game! Check out BlueMatter Games: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Tanya Thompson is Hasbro's Game Scout!
01/06/2022
Tanya Thompson is Hasbro's Game Scout!
Tanya Thompson, Senior Director of Design Innovation and Inventor Relations at Hasbro, gives incredible insights on how to pitch your toy or game and stand out in a sea of ideas. Anyone can pitch an idea to Hasbro! Check out Spark: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Matt Nuccio took over the "Family Business"... of Toys!
12/20/2021
Matt Nuccio took over the "Family Business"... of Toys!
In this episode, Matt Nuccio shares stories from his many years as a toy designer, from joining the "family business" as a kid, to Pogs, to Texas Hold'em, to researching his family's history with the New York mafia.... Check out Design Edge: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Matt Leacock talks Game Design
11/19/2021
Matt Leacock talks Game Design
What goes into a great game? There's no easy answer, but Matt Leacock, creator of Pandemic and master game designer, might just know the answer! Join us as he dives into game theory, good feedback, crafting the play experience, and much more! Learn when Daybreak launches: Keep up with Matt Leacock: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Matt Leacock created Pandemic... the game!
10/15/2021
Matt Leacock created Pandemic... the game!
When master game designer Matt Leacock started out, it wasn't about the money, it was about making the best game possible! In part one of this two parter, we go deep into the creation of the hit boardgame, Pandemic. Learn Matt's design philosophy and get a glimpse at how a big success can grow from a really solid game. In Part 2, we'll be discussing best practices in game design and much, much more! Learn when Daybreak launches: Keep up with Matt Leacock: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Marjorie Spitalnik's success story, Little Rebels!
09/24/2021
Marjorie Spitalnik's success story, Little Rebels!
Listen to Marjorie Spitalnik, activist and Founder & CEO of Little Rebels, details her journey to make her toy line a reality; fighting sexism, highlighting lack of awareness of mental health, and spotlighting heroic women of history. Keep up with Little Rebels: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Josh West is a Game Scout!
09/16/2021
Josh West is a Game Scout!
When an inventor pitches to a game company, a Game Scout picks what ideas stay and go! Josh West is that person, and using his two decades in the industry, he lets us know the secret to an awesome pitch! Keep up with ThinkFun: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Egils Grasmanis Co-Invented ICECOOL!
09/03/2021
Egils Grasmanis Co-Invented ICECOOL!
For nearly two decades, Egils Grasmanis has turned game publisher Brain Games into an international success, and he co-invented the worldwide hit ICECOOL. What does it take to be the first successful game publisher in Latvia? Learn that and more in today's episode! Check out Brain Games' upcoming Kickstarter, Iron Forest: Follow Brain Games: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Aaron Muderick Invented Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty!
08/12/2021
Aaron Muderick Invented Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty!
Creating a business from scratch is hard enough - but manufacturing the product, distributing it, AND running the company, all after quitting your job to pursue a dream? Sounds pretty crazy... but Aaron Muderick is an expert in crazy. He's here to share his journey from the smallest inkling of an idea to a worldwide success. Keep up with Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty: Follow Aaron Muderick: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at: https://www.hiddenrolepodcast.com/suggestions
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Rory O'Connor Invented Rory's Story Cubes!
08/05/2021
Rory O'Connor Invented Rory's Story Cubes!
Rory O'Connor, game designer and creative, dives into the tale of Rory's Story Cubes, his creative process, making the world a better place through imagination and play, inclusivity in game design, and much more! Check out Hub Games: Keep up with Rory O'Connor: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at: https://www.hiddenrolepodcast.com/suggestions
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Tim Walsh invented Tri-Bond!
07/29/2021
Tim Walsh invented Tri-Bond!
What makes a good name for a game? Where do good ideas come from? How do you make a game accessible? Tim Walsh, writer and inventor of Tri-Bond, Mega Mouth, and Blurt! has some theories and stories that shed some light on those questions and more. --- Visit Tim's website: Check out Tim's Youtube channel, Seize the Play, where he presents the wild history of famous toys and games in small segments: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Randy Klimpert Invented Battle Armor He-Man!
07/22/2021
Randy Klimpert Invented Battle Armor He-Man!
In this episode, Randy Klimpert, toy inventor and Chief Creative Officer at Creata, tells us how he invented Hot Wheels Crack Ups and Battle Armor He-Man while working at the legendary design firm Marvin Glass & Associates. --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: --- Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Matthew Lillard makes Dungeons & Dragons loot!
07/22/2021
Matthew Lillard makes Dungeons & Dragons loot!
Actor and entrepreneur Matthew Lillard knows how to turn a passion into a fulfilling career. He's best known for his roles films like Scream, Scooby Doo, and SLC Punk, but in recent years he's also become a tabletop roleplaying game darling, co-founding Beadle & Grimm's to make premium editions of Dungeons & Dragons books. Check out Beadle & Grimm's: Follow Matthew Lillard: Twitter: Instagram: --- Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to get a sneak peak at our upcoming guests: Have an idea for someone who should appear on the show? Leave a comment below OR make a suggestion at:
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Dan Klitsner Invented Bop It!
07/02/2021
Dan Klitsner Invented Bop It!
Dan Klitsner breaks down his creative process and takes us on a Bop It journey. The beloved toy is fast approaching its 25th anniversary (at the time of this release). How did he take Bop It from an idea bopping around in his head to a real product that has resonated with people for a quarter century? Follow Dan Klitsner: Check out the Uni-Bop and Bop-It for Good:
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