Groove Jones is officially 10 years old, and in this milestone episode, host Doug Hogan sits down with the original co-founders—Dale Carman, Gary Banks, and Dan Ferguson—to look back at a decade of creativity, chaos, and unforgettable experiences. From the first sparks of inspiration that brought them together to the groundbreaking VR projects that helped define immersive storytelling, the trio shares how friendship, trust, and a shared love for the “wow” moment built one of the most innovative studios in the industry.
Expect stories of wild problem-solving, late-night breakthroughs, favorite projects that blended tech and magic (Smell-O-Vision, anyone?), and a candid look at what it really takes to sustain a creative company for 10 years. Whether you’re in tech, design, or love a good origin story, this episode offers both heart and behind-the-scenes grit.
What They Cover
- How Dale, Gary, and Dan first crossed paths and realized their complementary strengths
- The story behind naming Groove Jones and what “Groove Jones” really means
- Early breakthrough projects like the American Horror Story VR experience and multisensory campaigns
- Why solving client problems is always at the heart of adopting new tech
- Reflections on the culture of Groove Jones: no egos, no “that’s not my job,” just all-in teamwork
Key Highlights
- The hilarious (and hair-raising) origin stories of Groove’s earliest VR experiments
- Why Gary’s culinary background made him the perfect producer and even food stylist on set
- Dan’s “Elf Bowling” viral game days and what they taught him about keeping things simple and fun
- Dale’s philosophy of always chasing the “wow” factor and being fully present in each project
- Real stories of projects breaking down and the Apollo 13-style fixes that turned disaster into magic
Why It’s Worth Watching
If you’ve ever wondered how a small idea can grow into a decade-long journey, fueled by trust, hustle, and creativity, this episode is both a celebration and a masterclass. It’s not just about immersive tech—it’s about building something meaningful with people you’d want in the trenches with you.
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