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 th...

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?

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Here is the first part of our 2-part i...

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 earl...

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,
...

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. 

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In this engaging conversation, Marc Alan Fishman from Un-Shaven Comics shares insights into the world of independent comic book publishing. He discusses the importance of collaboration among partners, the challenges of starting a comic book company, and the strategies that have led to their success at conventions. The conversation also highlights the significance of effective sales techniques and the necessity of believing in one's...

In this conversation, Chris and Frank discuss the essential principles of communication that every business owner should understand, drawing insights from Dale Carnegie's classic book, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People.' They explore the significance of avoiding criticism, the power of sincere appreciation, and how effective communication can lead to personal growth and improved relationships in both business and personal li...

In this episode of Nerdpreneur, host Chris Saunders and co-host Frank welcome artist Jenny Johnson (@jennyjohnsonart), who shares her journey from food service to becoming a full-time artist with a passion for Star Trek.

Jenny discusses the impact of conventions on he...

In this episode, we speak with Sienna, a scientific artist, who shares her unique art form called numberism, where she uses data and equations to create intricate, meaningful pieces She discusses how her journey through challenges in math and science, combined with her love for learning, shaped her artistic approach. Sienna opens up about blending art and science, her creative process, and the importance o...

Chris and Frank reflect on their time at PAX West, if it's great for nerdy businesses, and discuss what they learned speaking with Nerdy Entrepreneurs.

This episode has a collection of wisdoms pooled from the different nerdpreneurs we met and the businesses they created. As well as tips for nerdpreneurs going to PAX. 

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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 ...

Tony landed a 6 figure deal before walking off the stage at Comic Con. And he hadn't even made one piece of clothing yet. In this episode of Nerdpreneur, Chris and Frank sit down with Tony B. Kim, the founder of Hero Within, a company that designs and sells sophisticated nerd wear. From his deep love of Star Trek and Marvel to the journey of launching Hero Within, Tony shares his inspirational story of turning his nerdy passions in...

Chris and Frank reflect on their interview with Emeka Ossai, his success in Kindle Direct Publishing, and his ability to think with the CEO Mindset. Emeka is known as the BlackNES guy in the world of Kindle Direct Publishing and My Self Publishing Blueprint on YouTube.  Listen to the original interview 

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In this episode of Nerdpreneur, hosts Chris Saunders and Frank sit down with JJ, the founder and CEO of Mythical City Games, an indie video game studio that's made half a dozen VR games. JJ shares his journey from working in the film industry to founding a video game development studio in Vancouver, Canada. The conversation dives into the intricacies of game development, particularly in the realm of virtual reality (V...

Episode Summary:

In this Nerdpreneur episode, hosts Frank and Chris talk nerdy about the latest news from Critical Role, deconstructing their new membership service, Beacon TV. We break down the offer strategy behind Critical Role's announcement and how other Nerdpreneurs could do it for their own business. This episode is packed with lessons that aspiring Nerdpreneurs can take away from Critical Role's approach to monetizing their...

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In this episode of "Nerdpreneur," Frank and Chris dive deep into their experience at the Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle. They explore a range of topics, from the effectiveness of different sales tactics to the overall atmosphere of the convention and how awesome Dune 2 was. The episode offers insights into the business side of attending cons, including booth costs and strategies for e...

In this episode, hosts Chris and Frank dive into a riveting conversation with the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum record producer Wyshmaster, known as "Wysh." This episode explores Wysh's journey from the early days of online beat selling to achieving mainstream success and navigating the challenges of the music industry. You can find him on social media as @wyshmasterbeats or on his website www.wyshmasterbeats.com th...

In this inspiring episode, Chris Saunders and Frank embark on a profound exploration of dreams and aspirations. They delve into the significance of not just dreaming, but actively pursuing those dreams with clarity and intention. Highlighting the transformative power of dreams, the conversation covers various categories, from personal to professional aspirations, emphasizing the importance of setting actionable goals and embracing ...