The Initiative
The Initiative is a student powered podcast that brings listeners into the world of modern creativity and STEAM innovation. Our guests include developers, artists, producers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and people who build to inspire us. We ask real questions, learn from real stories, and highlight real pathways that help young people find their place in the tech and creative industries.
Episodes
Manny Hagopian has had one of the more unusual paths into the gaming industry. Before writing for video games, he worked in music, comedy, and a variety of creative fields. That winding journey eventually led him to Respawn Entertainment, where he helped shape the stories behind Titanfall and Titanfall 2, including one of the most acclaimed single-player campaigns in modern gaming.
In this episode, Manny shares stories from ...
Unlock the hidden truths behind a career in game design and development—stories from industry insiders reveal how passion, resilience, and networking turn dreams into reality. If you've ever wondered what it’s like to work at studios like Naughty Dog or Sucker Punch, or how to navigate burnout and industry shifts, this episode is your essential guide.
Tyvik Stallworth, a seasoned game developer with experience from Naugh...
Discover how gaming is revolutionizing human performance with Sarah Kneller, CEO of August Interactive. This episode delves into how esports are used to understand stress, decision-making, and emotional resilience, transforming AI and societal growth. Learn how games support veterans, build communities, and enhance skills, offering insights into the future of AI-driven human potential. Perfect for tech enthusiasts, educators, and g...
Most people think makeup is just about looking pretty — but for Jordan Dowdy, it’s a journey through art, storytelling, and transforming not just faces but careers. In this episode, Jordan reveals how discovering her passion for special effects, editorial, and film makeup shifted her from hesitant beginner to a seasoned artist working with stars like Ellie Kemper and Courtney Kardashian.
You’ll discover:
- The sec...
Hannah Myers joins us on The Initiative and talks about working as a costume designer in TV and Film. We get some insight on her career path, tips on how to follow in her footsteps and awesome information about her day-to-day work!
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.