- 18
- Episodes
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2020
- First episode
About Gaming For The Culture
We talk to the people that make the gaming industry happen, past & present. From casual players to industry CEOs. Gaming for the Culture is for the people by the people. Gaming mobile to VR! Powered By Gifted Sounds Network
- Publisher
- Gifted Sounds Network
- Category
- leisure · leisure
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 25 Apr 2020
- Latest episode
- 23 Dec 2025
Latest episodes
18 episodes in the feed.
23 Dec 2025
The Level-Up Episode (ft. Lowco)
Kacey “Lowco” Shields on Going from Creator to Product Leader at RivrStream. (00:00) - Introduction and Today's Topic (00:53) - Guest Introduction: Loko the Streamer (01:18) - Loko's Streaming Journey (03:37) - Early Streaming Setups and Challenges (04:54) - Finding Community and Streaming Evolution (10:25) - Streaming as a Career Path (15:39) - Representation and Challenges on Twitch (34:28) - Twitch's Evolution and Future (37:00) - The Power of Clout in the Gaming Industry (37:25) - The Significance of Verification and Blue Checks (40:10) - Navigating Inclusivity in the Gaming Industry (43:42) - Challenges and Performative Activism (53:23) - The Role of Charity Streams and Authenticity (56:52) - The Evolution of Streaming Practices (01:00:40) - The Dangers of Unsafe Streaming Practices (01:06:46) - Creating Family-Friendly Content (01:12:49) - Twitch's Evolution and Just Chatting (01:13:17) - Transition to Just Chatting and Creator Education (01:16:12) - Consistency in Content Creation (01:22:15) - The Importance of Niching Down (01:29:54) - Starting Out as a Streamer Today (01:37:26) - Collaborate and Find Your Community (01:38:52) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
16 Dec 2025
The Solo Dev Episode (ft. Notes of Harmony)
Stephen Ddungu on teaching Music Theory, Game Design & Solo Development Journey. You'll hear: Music theory (evolution of classical music) How to solo develop a game Law in game development Listen to this episode wherever you get podcasts. Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne (http://linktr.ee/junaebenne (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3JhcGloa0NWV0lNLVgtYl9DdU5VeHhpN19XUXxBQ3Jtc0ttZm56WkJXUDNLVzFVSFpfcVlSa2hUT19OY25ua1VjcGdBYkl4aWFqTnJzMklwQWE3WUZ5TGNhRDZUOFRGdndCdHRKdDZ2UUJKVnZDUEpFTGlXQ1JOblI0ekZBY0ZtVFFGSHNMUnBwZTNlb2s5VWdLOA&q=http%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fjunaebenne&v=njadE8Hn1y8)) | Substack (https://junae.substack.com/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0t4eklDUElremV4Rk9UR2NHaGxzV3hwSFh2Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttOWVzWVBiX2lneEhnT0ctRVU1UzBuWkNlYnQ5bjRGZFJaRmN1Mms1aUlXU0VvOUFFYXo3T2pmTGN3ZEs5UDBza2hwN3ZZczVTQ3dWYWUtRDNrUW1VbGJlcDNucDY4allNQThaX2JmdGFMT2M4NGo3aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fjunae.substack.com%2F&v=njadE8Hn1y8)) | Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/JunaeBenne) Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming. 👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel: / @junaebenne (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5YJIRN5L9P42i5IIb7ISDA) Let’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:54 Steven's Musical Journey 07:10 From Music to Game Development 11:34 The Birth of 'Sort of a Symphony' 13:34 Challenges and Success on TikTok 19:41 Solo Development vs. Teamwork 36:23 From Game Development to Cybersecurity 36:52 Learning Through Application 38:00 The Journey of Mastering Skills 47:28 The Role of Classical Music in Modern Media 53:41 The Evolution of Classical Music 57:13 Indie Game Development Challenges 01:10:08 Understanding Non-Compete Clauses in Game Development 01:11:20 Investor Faith and Contract Termination 01:12:25 Surviving Clauses and Revenue Sharing 01:16:05 Licensing and Protecting Indie IP 01:19:01 Publisher Negotiations and Revenue Agreements 01:23:09 The Role of Publishers and Self-Financing 01:28:07 Contractual Obligations and Revenue Recovery 01:31:26 Artistic Challenges and Preferences 01:35:11 Game Development Insights and Marketing Strategies 01:41:17 Educational Potential of Game Mechanics 01:44:26 Final Thoughts and Farewell 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming. 👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel: / @junaebenne (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5YJIRN5L9P42i5IIb7ISDA) Let’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮
11 Dec 2025
The Professor Episode (ft. Princeton University)
Professor Akil Fletcher on Teaching Video Games & Culture at Princeton. You’ll hear: • Teaching Video Games & Culture at Princeton. • Blackness in games • Gaming industries hot takes Listen to this episode wherever you get podcasts. Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne (http://linktr.ee/junaebenne (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3JhcGloa0NWV0lNLVgtYl9DdU5VeHhpN19XUXxBQ3Jtc0ttZm56WkJXUDNLVzFVSFpfcVlSa2hUT19OY25ua1VjcGdBYkl4aWFqTnJzMklwQWE3WUZ5TGNhRDZUOFRGdndCdHRKdDZ2UUJKVnZDUEpFTGlXQ1JOblI0ekZBY0ZtVFFGSHNMUnBwZTNlb2s5VWdLOA&q=http%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fjunaebenne&v=njadE8Hn1y8)) | Substack (https://junae.substack.com/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0t4eklDUElremV4Rk9UR2NHaGxzV3hwSFh2Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttOWVzWVBiX2lneEhnT0ctRVU1UzBuWkNlYnQ5bjRGZFJaRmN1Mms1aUlXU0VvOUFFYXo3T2pmTGN3ZEs5UDBza2hwN3ZZczVTQ3dWYWUtRDNrUW1VbGJlcDNucDY4allNQThaX2JmdGFMT2M4NGo3aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fjunae.substack.com%2F&v=njadE8Hn1y8)) | Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/JunaeBenne) Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming. 👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel: / @junaebenne (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5YJIRN5L9P42i5IIb7ISDA) Let’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮 Timestamps: 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU) Introduction and Host Welcome 00:55 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=55s) Guest Introduction: Professor Akil Fletcher 01:28 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=88s) Teaching Gaming Blackness at Princeton 03:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=184s) Experiential Learning in Tokyo 04:24 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=264s) Engaging with Blackness in Japanese Gaming Culture 05:14 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=314s) Historical Context and Black Representation in Japan 08:59 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=539s) Challenges and Stereotypes in Gaming Academia 17:13 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=1033s) GTA: A Parody or Problematic Representation? 34:07 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=2047s) Bioshock Infinite: A Critique of Utopian Ideals 47:25 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=2845s) Analyzing Representation in Media 49:40 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=2980s) Donald Glover's Writing Experience 50:59 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=3059s) Black Famous vs. White Famous 58:05 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=3485s) The Impact of Layoffs in the Gaming Industry 01:09:59 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk73-qcAtU&t=4199s) Unionization in the Gaming Industry 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming. 👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JunaeBenne Let’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮
2 Dec 2025
The Producer Episode (ft. Sweet Baby Inc)
Maria Beck, Producer at Sweet Baby Inc, on Narrative Development & Representation in Games. She talks about being in the industry and in one of the most influential companies to hit the gaming scene. Along with what it’s like to be targeted by potential gamer gate 2. You’ll hear: • Gamer Gate • What’s it like inside Sweet Baby Inc • New game plus in real life Listen to this episode wherever you get podcasts. Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne (http://linktr.ee/junaebenne) Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming. 👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel: / @junaebenne Let’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮 Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne | Substack https://junae.substack.com/ | Patreon https://www.patreon.com/JunaeBenne Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode — your support keeps the culture growing. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Experience 00:59 Producer and Gamer Background 01:32 Gaming Preferences and Experiences 03:26 Challenges and Enjoyment in Gaming 06:07 Using Walkthroughs and Game Strategies 08:18 Role of a Producer in Game Development 12:43 Client Communication and Project Management 19:23 Personal Journey and Career Path 24:44 Fitness Industry Insights 32:14 Struggles in the Gaming Industry 32:37 Entering the Gaming Industry During a Downturn 33:12 Working with Sweet Baby Inc. Amid Industry Changes 34:05 Navigating Layoffs and Industry Uncertainty 38:02 The Role of a Producer in Game Development 38:51 Technical Skills and Adaptability 41:06 Empathy and Communication in Production 42:22 Balancing Personal Interests and Professional Work 50:25 Console vs. PC Gaming Preferences 59:37 Challenges and Harassment in the Industry 01:08:23 Navigating Racism and Classism in Gaming 01:09:16 The Strategy of Outrage in Media 01:11:17 Challenges of Representation in Gaming 01:12:48 The Complexity of Inclusivity 01:21:54 Critiquing Art vs. Artist 01:27:30 Personal Reflections on Gaming 01:33:07 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming. 👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JunaeBenne Let’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮
25 Nov 2025
The Producer Episode (ft. Invincible Fight Girl) Pt. 2
Part 2 of the Producer ft. Bryan Newton Bryan Newton on Producing and Creative Direction in Animation & Games, focusing on Invincible Fight Girl, a show about a young girl named Andy, living in Wrestling World, endeavors to become the best pro-wrestler ever and takes on the alias of "Fight Girl." You’ll hear: • Plot of Invincible Fight Girl • What it really takes to become a TV show producer • What's next for Invincible Fight Girl Listen to this episode wherever you get podcasts. Guest Links: Bryan Newton: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1186997/ https://x.com/DarkKingZoro Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne (http://linktr.ee/junaebenne) | Substack (https://junae.substack.com/) | Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/JunaeBenne) Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming. 👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JunaeBenne Let’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮
25 Nov 2025
The Producer Episode (ft. Invincible Fight Girl) Pt. 1
Part 1 of the Producer ft. Bryan Newton Bryan Newton on Producing and Creative Direction in Animation & Games, focusing on Invincible Fight Girl, a show about a young girl named Andy, living in Wrestling World, endeavors to become the best pro-wrestler ever and takes on the alias of "Fight Girl." You’ll hear: • Plot of Invincible Fight Girl • What it really takes to become a TV show producer • What's next for Invincible Fight Girl Listen to this episode wherever you get podcasts. Guest Links: Bryan Newton: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1186997/ https://x.com/DarkKingZoro Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne (http://linktr.ee/junaebenne) | Substack (https://junae.substack.com/) | Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/JunaeBenne) Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. 🎧 Enjoyed the conversation? Hit Subscribe to join the Gaming for the Culture community — where gamers, creators, and industry pros share real stories from every corner of gaming. 👇 Watch more episodes, drop your thoughts in the comments, and connect with our host Junae Benne over on her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JunaeBenne Let’s keep building the culture, one game at a time. 🎮
18 Nov 2025
The Streamer Episode (ft. Lady Infamous)
What does it take to build a thriving community? In this episode of Gaming for the Culture, host Junae Benne sits down with one fourth of the Grown Women Gaming Podcast, streamer, wig snatcher, smack talker, content creator, Lady Infamous. You’ll hear: • How she started streaming • What it really takes to keep up with a gaming community • Advice for women and marginalized streamers Listen to this episode wherever you get podcasts. Guest Links: Lady Infamous (https://www.twitch.tv/lady_infamous415) Grown Women Gaming Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/@GWG_Podcast) Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne (http://linktr.ee/junaebenne) | Substack (https://junae.substack.com/) | Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/JunaeBenne) Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode — your support keeps the culture growing.
11 Nov 2025
The Schell Games Episode (ft. Women Behind the Screens)
Inside Schell Games with Kathryn De Shields-Moon: Sr. PR Manager & Carmen DeMint: Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Schell Games | Kathryn De Shields-Moon: Sr. PR Manager & Carmen DeMint: Senior Talent Acquisition What does it take to build one of the most respected studios in educational and VR gaming? In this episode of Gaming for the Culture, host Junae Benne sits down with Kathryn De Shields-Moon, Senior PR Manager, and Carmen DeMint, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Schell Games, to discuss what it means to grow a people-first studio in an ever-evolving industry. You’ll hear: • How Schell Games cultivates creative culture and diversity behind the scenes • What it really takes to recruit and retain talent in gaming • Advice for women and marginalized voices building careers in games Whether you’re a recruiter, developer, or storyteller, this episode offers insider insight into how studios like Schell Games stay innovative, inclusive, and authentic. Watch this episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get podcasts. 🔗 Guest Links: Kathryn De Shields-Moon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-de-shields-moon-mfa-35412143/) Carmen DeMint (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendemint/) Newsletter: Behind the Code (https://substack.com/inbox/post/163064160?r=5mxr3h&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false&triedRedirect=true) Connect with Host: @JunaeBenne (https://www.linktr.ee/junaebenne) | Substack (https://junae.substack.com/) | Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/JunaeBenne) Gaming for the Culture brings authentic conversations with the creatives, producers, and innovators redefining gaming culture from the inside out. Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode — your support keeps the culture growing.
7 Aug 2024
Keith Mitchell Indie Publication Ep.6 Trailer
Keith Mitchell, founder of The Outer Haven and Junae Benne talk about trying not to sell out while trying to make a living off of games journalism. Listen to the full episode airing, Wednesday 8/7/24 Keith Mitchell https://x.com/Shadowhaxor theouterhaven.net (https://t.co/3o3e5ZHjR1) https://x.com/TheOuterHaven Support the podcast by subscribing to the Patreon. Subscribers get the episode first & get to ask questions to the guests https://linktr.ee/gftcpodcast Follow the hostess with the mostess - Junae Benne https://linktr.ee/JunaeBenne
7 Aug 2024
What’s it like having an indie gaming media outlet?
Keith Mitchell, founder out the video game media publication, The Outer Haven, talks bout being an outlet in the time where many video game publications that have been around for years like, Game Informer, PitchFork, Edge, Aftermath, etc are closing. Follow Keith & his publication https://x.com/TheOuterHaven theouterhaven.net (https://t.co/3o3e5ZHjR1) https://x.com/Shadowhaxor Support the podcast by subscribing to the Patreon. Subscribers get the episode first & get to ask questions to the guests https://linktr.ee/gftcpodcast Follow the hostess with the mostess - Junae Benne https://linktr.ee/JunaeBenne
31 Jul 2024
What's it like being a technical games journalist?
Award winning journalist, Jefferey Rousseau talks about being in the technical journalism space in the gaming industry. Technical and business journalism differs from reviews and interviews. He deals with numbers, watches stocks, and other client facing data. Games journalism is usually consumer based. Follow Jefferey R at https://x.com/JRpotential Support the podcast by subscribing to the Patreon Linktr.ee/GFTCPodcast Follow the host Junae linktr.ee/JunaeBenne
25 Jul 2024
What it's like being an Engineer in the Gaming Industry?
Talking to the talented engineer copsplayer, and hostess, Giselle about her experience growing up in the US, as a Black cosplayer, and being a professional engineer in the gaming industry -phew- she had a lot to say and it's all good stuff! https://www.tiktok.com/@giselleium https://x.com/giselleium https://www.instagram.com/giselleium Support the podcast by subscribing to the Patreon. Subscribers get the episode first & get to ask questions to the guests https://linktr.ee/gftcpodcast Follow the hostess with the mostess - Junae Benne https://linktr.ee/JunaeBenne
17 Jul 2024
What's it like working in esports?
Host Junae Benne speaks with supervisor of longform content The Score Esports, Danielle Rosen We go through making an esports game, the state of games journalism, and how to cover a competitive gameplay Support the podcast by subscribing to the Patreon Linktr.ee/GFTCPodcast
10 Jul 2024
What's it like making a sequel indie game? Aerial Knight
Gaming for the Culture host talks to Aerial Knight, indie developer of the latest game We Never Yield releasing July 16, available on Steam https://store.steampowered.com/app/2804740/Aerial_Knights_We_Never_Yield/ https://twitter.com/aerial_knight Follow Junae linktr.ee/JunaeBenne Want to ask the guests questions? Join the livestream via Patreon. I film an episode every week sometimes thrice a week! Don't miss out. Patreon.com/JunaeBenne
8 Jul 2024
Jamaican Indie Dev Glen Henry
Glen Henry talks about the Jamaican Game Development Society episode 1 of season 2
3 Jul 2024
S2 Ep1: What's it like being a Game Dev in Jamaica? Guest: Glen Henry
Gaming for the Culture podcast host, Junae Benne talks to Jamaican Developer Glen Henry, founder of game studio SpriteWrench. Follow Glen here: https://spritewrench.com/ https://x.com/SpriteWrench https://www.instagram.com/spritewrench/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClaedbcOFAi9JY8Afp9Vulw https://spritewrench.itch.io/ Follow Junae here: Linktr.ee/JunaeBenne Want to support the show? Subscribe to the Patreon.com/JunaeBenne Patreon gets episodes first & it's livestreamed so you can participate and ask our guest any questions
2 May 2020
Can You Ban Racism and Transphobia?
IG: KevinFair3, JunaeBenne, Mccray_at_work, NeSMithJr.Charles
25 Apr 2020
Corona Be Gona
Show Notes And if you are wondering where we got the title check out this link https://youtu.be/QTpRPTtzq5o (https://youtu.be/QTpRPTtzq5o) Guest: Kevin Fair @kfair_IPG
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