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Pixel Retentive Podcast

Pixel Retentive Podcast

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 This is Pixel Retentive podcast where we, an Artist and a Business Owner, discuss the art of business and the business of art.Pixel Retentive (c) 2023 Management & Leadership Marketing & Vertrieb Ökonomie
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  • Stop Pitching. Start Inviting: The Smart Way to Grow Your Network with Dr. Jeremy Weisz

    Stop Pitching. Start Inviting: The Smart Way to Grow Your Network with Dr. Jeremy Weisz
    Feb 17 2026
    Episode Summary This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I connected with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, founder of Rise25, longtime podcaster, and one of the people directly responsible for this show existing in the first place. Jeremy's journey is anything but linear. He started in biochemistry, became a chiropractor after witnessing the impact it had on his father's health, and accidentally stumbled into podcasting before it was even called podcasting. What began as a way to build relationships and avoid writing blog posts turned into interviewing thousands of founders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs, and eventually into Rise25, a company that helps B2B brands turn podcasts into a real relationship and growth engine. At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful idea: stop pitching and start inviting. Instead of chasing people with sales messages, Jeremy breaks down how podcasts, systems, and genuine generosity create long-term relationships that naturally lead to business, partnerships, and referrals. We dig into how systems make generosity sustainable, why giving without agenda works, and how podcasting becomes an unfair advantage when used the right way. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: How Jeremy accidentally built an agency by helping people with podcastsWhy podcasting works better for relationship building than cold outreachThe mindset shift from pitching to inviting and giving value firstHow to approach sales calls without pressure or anxietyWhy generosity needs systems to scale sustainablyThe concept of the Dream 200 and relationship-first growthHow CRM pipelines can be reframed as "columns of giving"Creative ways to stay top of mind without sellingWhy social proof matters more than downloadsLessons learned from interviewing thousands of entrepreneursThe common thread of grit, pivots, and resilience behind successful foundersHow to build content systems that drive ROI without taking over your life "If you stop thinking about what you want and start thinking about how you can help, everything changes." – Dr. Jeremy Weisz This quote perfectly captures Jeremy's philosophy. When conversations are driven by curiosity and service instead of self-interest, pressure disappears. Sales stops feeling like sales. Relationships deepen. Opportunities emerge naturally. Jeremy's approach reframes growth as something built through trust, generosity, and consistency, not tactics or manipulation. Overview Talking with Jeremy felt like both a masterclass and a mirror. We explored how relationships are the real foundation of business, why podcasting sidesteps traditional gatekeeping, and how systems make generosity repeatable instead of exhausting. What stood out most was how intentional Jeremy is about staying in touch, adding value, and tracking relationships without turning them into transactions. This episode is especially valuable for creatives, freelancers, and service-based founders who struggle with self-promotion or sales. Jeremy's approach proves that you do not need to pitch harder to grow. You need to care more, show up consistently, and build systems that support long-term human connection. A special thanks to Jason Swenk for introducing me to Dr. Jeremy Weisz, and huge thanks to Dr. Jeremy Weisz for not only joining the show but for being a mentor, connector, and catalyst behind the Pixel Retentive Podcast itself. Resources & Mentions Rise25 (Jeremy Weisz's Company): rise25.comInspired Insider Podcast (Jeremy's Podcast): https://inspiredinsider.comIan Garlick: videocasestory.comJason Swenk: Smart Agency MasterclassTony Horton: P90XNoah Alper: Noah's Bagels (Sold to Einstein Bros. Bagels)Chris Ategeka: Founder of multiple nonprofitsMobileye: Advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS)Alexander Landa: co‑founder/CEO of AkivaBooks Mentioned: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (memoir about how he started and built Nike) Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Influence by Robert Cialdini Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely Made to Stick by Chip and Dan HeathProtein Bars: RX, Quest Nutrition, IQ, Jimmy, Zing bar If you found value in this episode, subscribe and share it with someone who needs a better way to grow their network. Pixel Retentive explores the intersection of creativity, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at getepicmade.com. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl
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    47 Min.
  • From Sketch to Shelf: The Collision of Industrial Design, Marketing, and Manufacturing with Michael Prince

    From Sketch to Shelf: The Collision of Industrial Design, Marketing, and Manufacturing with Michael Prince
    Feb 10 2026

    Introduction

    This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I connected with Michael Prince, founder of Beyond Design and a veteran industrial designer with more than four decades of experience bringing ideas from sketch to shelf. Michael's career spans iconic brands like IBM, Sony, and Thomson Consumer Electronics, and over the last 32 years, he's built Beyond Design into a trusted partner for inventors, startups, and companies navigating the realities of manufacturing.

    Our conversation lives at the collision point of industrial design, marketing, manufacturing, and emerging technology. From rapid prototyping and 3D printing to crowdfunding and AI-assisted ideation, Michael shares what it really takes to turn an idea into a viable product—and why understanding the entire ecosystem matters more than ever.

    A major thread of the episode centers on Card Mill, a Magic: The Gathering card sorting machine that raised over $2.3 million on Kickstarter in just hours. Using this project as a case study, Michael breaks down the leap from working prototype to manufacturable product, the risks hidden behind successful crowdfunding campaigns, and the trust required between designers, engineers, and inventors.

    What You'll Learn

    • What industrial design actually looks like from concept to manufacturing
    • How 3D printing transformed rapid iteration and product development
    • Why crowdfunding has unlocked a new generation of independent inventors
    • The real story behind the Card Mill Kickstarter success
    • The difference between a prototype that works and a product that can scale
    • How designers collaborate with electronics, engineering, and manufacturing partners
    • The tradeoffs between U.S. manufacturing and overseas production
    • How AI is disrupting design careers—and where it genuinely adds value
    • Why AI works best as a tool for ideation, communication, and exploration
    • The long-term importance of staying adaptable as technology evolves

    Quote of the Week

    "If you stop keeping up with the technology, it doesn't wait for you. It just moves on." – Michael Prince.

    Michael's perspective comes from decades of watching entire industries shift from manual drafting and typesetting to CAD, 3D printing, and now AI. His point isn't fear-based; it's pragmatic. Tools will change, roles will evolve, and some jobs will disappear. The designers who endure aren't the ones clinging to the past; they're the ones who learn, adapt, and integrate new tools without losing judgment, craft, or intent.

    Overview

    Talking with Michael felt like a behind-the-scenes look at how ideas actually become products in the real world. We explored the realities of manufacturing, the risks hidden behind viral Kickstarter campaigns, and how trust and collaboration shape successful outcomes. What stood out most was Michael's grounded optimism, his belief that while AI and automation are disruptive, they also open doors for smaller teams, independent inventors, and specialists to collaborate in powerful new ways.

    Whether you're a designer, engineer, founder, or creative thinker with a product idea in the back of your mind, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to move from inspiration to execution—without shortcuts, hype, or illusions.

    Shout-Out to Card Mill, a Magic: The Gathering card sorting machine created by independent inventor Jonathan, and a standout example of what's possible when great ideas meet the right design and engineering partners.

    Resources & Mentions

    • Beyond Design (Michael Prince's Studio): startbeyond.com
    • Card Mill (Magic: The Gathering Card Sorting Machine): cardmill.com
    • MHub Chicago (Innovation & Maker Space): mhubchicago.com
    • 3D Printing Tools
      • Ultimaker Cura (Slicing Software)
      • Ender 3 V2 (3D Printer)
    • AI & Creative Tools
      • ChatGPT
      • Midjourney
    • Community & Platforms
      • Kickstarter
      • Discord

    Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at epicmade.net. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it.

    Until next time, ✌️ -Carl
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    42 Min.
  • What 23 Years in Motion Design Teaches You About Creativity and Change with Kalika Sharma

    What 23 Years in Motion Design Teaches You About Creativity and Change with Kalika Sharma
    Feb 3 2026
    Introduction This week I had the incredible honor of talking with Kalika Sharma, a creative director, NYU professor, and founder of AntidoteFX, now in its 23rd year. Kalika's journey through the creative industry is nothing short of epic, spanning from hand-drawn animations on a 16mm Oxberry animation stand to leading high-end global campaigns for brands like Marriott Bonvoy and Brooks Brothers. Her ability to combine artistry with strategy has positioned her at the top of her field — all while mentoring others and staying on the edge of new technology. Oh, and did I mention she produced the iHeartRadio Music Festival while five months pregnant with twins? Absolute legend. What You'll Learn What it was like to animate frame-by-frame using a chalkboard and filmHow Kalika landed her first gig at Nickelodeon through relentless portfolio iterationWhy working on "Little Bill" revealed her love for variety and led to a pivot into commercialsThe scale and creative challenge of producing 30 bespoke videos in 15 languages for Marriott BonvoyHow to keep your artistic spark alive while pivoting alongside evolving tech like AIThe ethical implications and copyright challenges creatives face in the AI eraBalancing the use of AI tools while preserving originality and storytelling craftThe importance of mentorship and creative community for career longevity Quote of the Week "Bad art is its own form of tragedy." – Kalika Sharma Kalika hits a nerve with this one. In a world flooded with fast content and AI-generated shortcuts, we sometimes forget the slow burn of mastering a craft. This quote is a reminder that art — real, intentional art — requires patience, fundamentals, and humanity. When we lose that, the result might look good on the surface, but it often lacks the soul that connects with people. And that disconnect? That's the tragedy she's talking about. Overview Talking with Kalika felt like stepping into a masterclass on adaptability, creativity, and grounded leadership. We explored her roots in traditional animation, her evolution into commercial work, and how she's facing the challenges of AI with both skepticism and curiosity. What stood out most was her unwavering commitment to creative integrity — even in a time when shortcuts are celebrated. Whether you're a student, seasoned artist, or someone trying to find your footing amid rapid tech changes, Kalika's story is a testament to the power of showing up, pivoting with purpose, and always keeping your craft sharp. Huge thanks to Sherene Strausberg (87th Street Creative) for connecting us with Kalika and making this episode possible. Resources & Mentions AntidoteFX (Kalika's Studio): antidotefx.comMarriott Bonvoy Campaign: Marriott BonvoyBrooks Brothers: brooksbrothers.comiHeartRadio Music Festival: iheart.com/music-festivalGraphic Artists Guild: graphicartistsguild.orgPricing & Ethical Guidelines Book (17th Edition): Order here graphicartistsguild.orgZack Arnold's Optimizer Academy: zackarnold.comAustin Saylor – Project 200K: fullharbor.comJake Bartlett (Jake in Motion): https://www.youtube.com/@jakeinmotion87th Street Creative (Sherene Strausberg): https://www.87thstreetcreative.com Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at getepicmade.com. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl
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    47 Min.
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