In this episode, Byron and Steve change things up by having a casual conversation about the gaming industry and virtual production. Byron shares his experience working in virtual production and they discuss the future of the industry as well as how the opportunities available.

Frontiertrainings: https://booking.frontiertrainingsevents.com/ptw2

Byron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-beasley-jr-1451a4146/

Steve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeim/

In this episode, Byron and Steve bring on special guest Matthew Sanchez. Matt is an Associate Producer with Activision and was previously in a similar role with game studio Deck Nine. Matt shares his insights into what it's like working in the gaming industry and how it differes from what he initially expected. He coins the term: Check Your Fandom At The Door, and speaks on the importance of advocating for yourself in your career.

Matt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcsanchez-27/

Byron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-beasley-jr-1451a4146/

Steve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeim/

In this episode, Byron and Steve bring on audio professional Michael Spicer. Michael has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the music industry and currently freelances while teaching at University of Las Vegas. Michael goes into detail on what tools he uses in the field of game audio and also sprinkles in some life advife. He ahres that there is no shame in having a "day job" while pursuing your creative career on the side.

Michael Spicer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-spicer-music/

https://www.michaelspicermusic.com/

Byron Beasley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-beasley-jr-1451a4146/

Steve Meim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeim/

In this episode, Byron and Steve discuss the importance of having personal projects and how they can benefit from lessons learned in a professional environment. Byron provides insight into a VR project currently in development and how important it is to consider UI/UX when working in AR and VR.

Byron Beasley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-beasley-jr-1451a4146/

Steve Meim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeim/

In this episode, we bring on Lead Game Designer Alexia Mandeville. Alexia is a seasoned pro currently working at Niantic(Pokemon Go). She shares her insights into the benefits of being a generalist in the industry and the differences between AAA games and Indie. She also goes into why it's so important to have experience working with others and some the softer skills that aren't always learned in the classroom.

Alexia Mandeville LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiamandeville/

Byron Beasley LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-beasley-jr-1451a4146/

Steve Meim LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeim/

In this episode, special guest Roselynn Conrady shares her thoughts on VR/AR/XR and the "Metaverse". Roselynn is currently a PHD student at Iowa State University studying the cutting edge of this field and shares her insights into the future of the Metaverse.

Roselynn Conrady LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roselynn-conrady/

Byron Beasley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeim/

Steve Meim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-beasley-jr-1451a4146/

In this episode, special guest Preston Dennis shares his insights on moving laterally into the gaming industry. He has a strong background in art and animation but had a difficult time landing a game industry job. He highlights a very important concept: a no is a not right now. He had faith that he would eventually get in as long as he had patience.

Preston Dennis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestondennis/

Byron Beasley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-beasley-jr-1451a4146/

Steve Meim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeim/

In this episode, Byron and Steve talk with Jacob Travis, an environment artist at Sony Interactive Entertainment(PlayStation). Jake speaks about his his experience and what led to him getting the job at Sony. Jake also expresses the importance of having a work-life balance as the industry can be difficult to manage at times. For JAke, this was channeled through a "bag of rocks" given to him by his sister. To his family, the bag of rocks is kind of a family staple for luck. Lastly, we also conver topics like working while in school and how to effectively manage your time.

Jacob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-travis-a5a108114/

Byron's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-beasley-jr-1451a4146/

Steve's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeim/

In this episode, Byron and Steve bring on music composer Chel Wong. Chel is an accomplished video game composer who shares her experiences in the gaming industry. She speaks on what it takes to make it in game audio specifically. Her career primarily revolves around contract and freelance work and she breaks down how she gains new clients.

Chel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelwong

Website: chelwongaudio.com

Byron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-beasley-jr-1451a4146

Steve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeim

In this episode, Byron and Steve bring on special guest Donovan Alcones. Donovan is a junion in college studying music composition. In this episode, he asks questions and provides insight into what it's like to get into the industry from his perspective. Donovan expresses the importance of keeping an open mind; he thought he just be doing music, but learned about the other slew of skills that are equally important.

Donovan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovan-alcones-219602196

Donovan Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dalconesmusic

Byron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-beasley-jr-1451a4146

Steve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeim

In this episode, Byron and Steve chat with Daniel Alcas Jr. Daniel is an eSports Product Developer at Upper Deck and brings a breadth of experience regarding business, gaming, and organization. We discuss topics such as networking effectively and problem solving. Daniel can be found on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-alcas-jr-bb507a99

He can also be found on most social media platforms as SERIOUS YO (all caps).

Lastly, Daniel is also promoting an event at the end of November 2021 that will benefit patients at Rady’s Children’s Hospital. More information can be found here: https://meetups.twitch.tv/san-diego/

In this episode Byron and Steve discuss the differences in mindset between an amateur and a professional. Byron shares experiences from his life to help demonstrate this, while Steve shares what qualities he looks for most in his candidates. Many resources are shared throughout the episode to help hammer home the point being made. Some of these resources include: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcom Gladwell, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter and more.

Byron Beasley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-beasley-jr-1451a4146

Steve Meim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeim

In this episode, Byron and Steve interview Cristopher Mora as well as Jason Villareal. Cristopher is a QA Analyst at Sony Interactive while Jason does QA at Gunfire Games. They share an interesting dynamic due to the fact that Jason recently received his job offer thanks to Cristopher's mentorship. We go over a variety of topics ranging from resume tips to gaining relevant experience.

Jason can be found on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-villarreal-a05528212

Cristopher can be found on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristopher-mora-b86726146

In this episode of the EmpowerUp Podcast, Byron and Steve bring on special guest Barry Evans. Barry is currently a technical artist at Naughty Dog and has a very inspirational story on how he got there. Barry discusses the importance of putting in the work consistently and also provides a few resources that he uses to keep his skills sharp.

Barry can be found at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrypaulevans/

In this episode, Byron and Steve bring on special guest Jomar Mateo. Jomar is currently a Production Coordinator with Amazon and has a strong backgroun in quality assurance within the gaming industry. He brings in a unique perspective on what it takes to be successful in the industry. Jomar discusses topics such as having the confidence to put oneself out there when an opprtunity arises. He also discusses his approach to meeting new people in the industry.

Jomar can be found on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jomar-mateo-011198100/

In this episode, Byron and Steve bring on special guest Catherine York. Catherine is a QA Tester at Gearbox Software with aspirations to work as a concept artist. She comes with a breadth of experience that has helped her land her position at Gearbox. Catherine believes strongly in work-life balance and discusses the importance of mental health and taking care of yourself. Catherine can be found on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kteaofyork/

Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kteaofyork/

And Artstation at: https://www.artstation.com/kteaofyork

In this episode, Byron and Steve welcome Kain Shepard to the podcast. Kain is a recent graduate as well as Technical Artist at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Kain shares some insight into what he thinks contributed to him landing an industry job directly after college. Kain can be found online at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kainshepard

In this episode, Byron and Steve discuss what it means to show your worth in the professional world. Steve mentions strategies that younger workers can apply in the workforce for cases such as salary negotiation.

In this episode, Steve and Byron discuss what it takes to get into the industry. There was a specific focus on game design but the ideas apply to many different disciplines. They talk about the best approach to take in regards to portfolios and how to best approach the job search.

In this episode, special guest Carlos Noguez shares his perspective on what it means to give back to the community. Carlos is a game dev enthusiast with strong ties to both San Diego and Tijuana. He aims to unite both regions and also give a leg up to the youth of Tijuana. He supports many initiatives such as Build A Miracle. Carlos can be found at: LinkedIn under Carlos Noguez and Twitter under CANworkshop