An interview with Chris Masucci, creator of Crystallum

Brush Wielders Union

#Lifestyle #Hobbies #Brush Wielders Union #Games and Gambling

23:28

My guest today has been keeping us up to date with the current state of hiring for marketers on a quarterly basis, which has taken us on quite a roller coaster ride. Today we’re going to look at how marketing and communication execs are responding to the latest developments in the world while still needing to get their work done. To take a look at the latest here, I’d like to welcome back to the show Sue Keith, Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. About Sue Keith Sue Keith is Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. With deep expertise in navigating complex labor markets, Sue has a front-row seat to the evolving dynamics of marketing roles, hiring trends, and the broader implications of AI and economic uncertainty. RESOURCES Landrum Talent Solutions: https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com This episode is brought to you by Landrum Talent Solutions, a national recruiting firm specializing in marketing and HR positions. https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

3 years ago 40:26

MP3•Episode home

This month I was joined by game developer, Chris Masucci, creator of Crystallum: 15mm Epic Battles in the Far Future, currently on Kickstarter. Chris was kind enough to get into the nitty gritty of what makes this game of combined arms combat compelling in terms of its, game play, miniature sculpts, and background material. Crystallum is Chris' first professionally published game and I'm really excited to get my hands on it.

As usual, this episode was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to the general public.

Union Strong!

—Simon Berman

General President, Brush Wielders Union

74 episodes

An interview with Chris Masucci, creator of Crystallum

Brush Wielders Union

published 3 years ago

MP3•Episode home

As usual, this episode was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to the general public.

Union Strong!

—Simon Berman

General President, Brush Wielders Union

74 episodes

#Lifestyle #Hobbies #Brush Wielders Union #Games and Gambling

All episodes

Brush Wielders Union

1
An interview with "Burky" of Gametoppers! 46:09

15 days ago46:09

46:09

My guest this month is Kevin "Burky" Burkhardsmeier, founder and owner of Gametoppers ! I backed their Kickstarter back in 2020 for their 6x4' table topper, the "Mycroft" and it's since become my most-used gaming peripheral. I really love this product so I was excited to get the chance to speak with its creator on the podcast. Burky was kind enough to talk about the background of their company, what goes into making their game toppers, neoprene mats, and other accessories. He also gave us a few exclusive teases about some really cool stuff that will be available through their next Kickstarter, estimated to launch on June 10th. Find Game Toppers at their own website , on Facebook , Instagram , and s ign up for their newsletter to stay informed on their upcoming Kickstarter launch. As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
Andy Chambers and Gav Thorpe return to talk Zeo Genesis! 51:46

7 weeks ago51:46

51:46

Returning to the podcast this month are miniatures war gaming royalty, Andy Chambers and Gav Thorpe, here to talk about the imminent release of their game Zeo Genesis ! Zeo Genesis s a scalable skirmish miniatures battle game of big armor suits locked in kinetic action. You may remember their l ast appearance on this podcast in 2023 but the game has come a long way since then and will be crowdfunding on Game Found in just a few days, on April 29th . Andy and Gav were kind enough to chat with me about how the game has developed over the past two years, their plans for the game's initial two player starter set, how they're navigating the tricky waters of a tariff uncertainty, their efforts to manufacture plastic miniatures in the United States, and how the game will be supported as an ongoing retail product with physical models as well as STLs. I had the chance to take a look at prototypes of the game last month at Adepticon and I'm very excited to see it all coming together. As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
An Interview with Kelsey Canaga of Found Family Adventurecrafts 48:32

12 weeks ago48:32

48:32

This month I was pleased to welcome my new friend and fellow Union Member, Kelsey Canaga as our podcast guest! Kelsey and I met earlier this year at OrcaCon where she was representing her company, Found Family Adventurecrafts . I was really taken with the unique and joyful sculpts she produces and her enthusiasm for the quirkier corners of tabletop adventure gaming. Kelsey shared her background in gaming and how her career as a collectibles developer at Funko informs her work. She was also kind enough to offer a discount for BWU members, so stay tuned in the coming days for a post with more info on that! Find Found Family Adventurecrafts at their main site but also, on Tribes , Patreon , and Bluesky . As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
Beyond the Base Coat — Women Shaping the Miniature Painting Hobby 1:20:04

17 weeks ago1:20:04

1:20:04

This month's podcast is something a little different. About a year ago I was casually chatting with my friend (and regular podcast guest), Shoshie Bauer. We were discussing some of the challenges and frustrations she was facing as woman and professional in the miniatures field. This podcast is the ultimate fruit of that conversation. This month, I'm turning the podcast over to Shoshie as guest host along with three returning guests; Elizabeth Beckley, Jamie Daggers, and Em "ElectricEve" Durrant. Shoshie led her guests through a fantastic round table discussion on a number of topics which was in turn challenging, enlightening, and occasionally, very funny. Liz, Jamie, Em, and Shoshie herself are all pillars of the contemporary miniatures painting community and I hope you enjoy their discussion as much as I did! Shoshie Bauer Bluesky: @Shoshiesminis.bsky.social Web Shop: https://www.shoshiesminis.com/shop Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ShoshiesMinis/posts Elizabeth Beckley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miniature_mistress Jamie Daggers Twitch: www.twitch.tv/jamiedaggers Patreon: www.patreon.com/jamiedaggers Lyctor: www.lyctor.com Em "ElectricEve" Durrant Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/electriceve Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electriceve/ Bluesky: @Electriceve.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electricevepainting As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
Graham Davey returns to talk Guards of Traitor's Toll! 48:24

19 weeks ago48:24

48:24

For our first podcast of 2025 I was joined by BWU podcast alumni, Graham Davey, creator of Test of Honour and 0200 Hours, to talk about his newest game, Guards of Traitor's Toll . I'm really excited about this upcoming game in which players control squads of city guards in a fantasy city who must investigate crimes, break up disputes between duelling wizards, and capture assassinations when they're not patrolling the streets. Graham shared some of his inspirations for the game, discussed top level game play, and we talked about the joys of kitbashing the upcoming kits for the game from Wargames Atlantic, as well as the already available pre-painted terrain kits from Sarissa Precision . He even gave a few hints about what perils may come to lurk the streets of Traitor's Toll in the not-too-distant future... Guards of Traitors Toll will be available for pre-order in the coming weeks with an expected early spring release. In the meantime you can check out a free overview of the game, join the official group on Facebook (where you can download a PDF gameplay overview in the Files section) and sign up for the Grey for Now Games email list . As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
An interview with Union Member, Nick Lawson! 48:45

23 weeks ago48:45

48:45

For the final BWU podcast of 2024 I was joined by my old friend and founding BWU member, Nick Lawson! Nick and I chatted about the old days of the Privateer Press Gang, what goes into founding a gaming community and with everyone's hobby pledges looming in the New Year, we talked about how to create workable hobby goals and keep yourself motivated to meet them. Nick is writing a book related to this subject, so be sure to f ollow him on social media and sign up for his mailing list for news on what's sure to be a great project! As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
An interview with Eric Benson and Jerry "Tycho" Holkins of Penny Arcade! 1:07:18

28 weeks ago1:07:18

1:07:18

My guests this month are from a website that needs little introduction , Eric Benson and Jerry "Tycho" Holkins ! Penny Arcade has been a force in gaming for decades, and while it had its start in the realm of video games, it's become a powerhouse in tabletop gaming. Eric and Jerry joined me ostensibly to hype up their upcoming convention PAX Unplugged , but instead we mostly just talked about the wargames they love (we did get to chat a bit about the con towards the end, including an exclusive reveal of the Official Sandwich of PAX Unplugged), but mostly we blathered about why we love different miniatures games like Warhammer 40k , The Horus Heresy , Saga , and board games like War Room , and Jerry's passion for Command & Colors , and the different itches scratched by different games. As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
An interview with Washington Secretary of State, Steve Hobbs 53:22

34 weeks ago53:22

53:22

In this month's podcast I spoke with fellow gamer, Washington State Secretary of State, Steve Hobbs! Steve and I spoke about his love of gaming, his time serving in the army in both Kosovo and Iraq, his work as a politician here in Washington State, and how gaming has intersected with all of those parts of his life and career. Steve shared some fascinating stuff about Washington's table top gaming industry and how he's worked with that industry on trade missions to Japan and state legislation that affects gamers, game stores, and even therapeutic roleplaying games for prisoners. We wrapped up with some discussion of how wargamers reinvent small unit tactics and finally the BWU gives its first ever political endorsement! Check out Steve's campaign page here and learn more about the T abletop Game Alliance now. As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
An interview with Doug Wheeler, owner of Terracrux Games 47:21

37 weeks ago47:21

47:21

My guest this month was Doug Wheeler, owner of my favorite friendly local gaming shop, Terracrux Games , right here in Tacoma, WA! Doug was kind enough to give me part of his Friday night to talk about the trials and travails of running a successful game shop and how he's managed to succeed in a challenging field. We talked about business planning, community building and more. Be sure to check out Terracrux Games online, even if you're not in the Tacoma area, and join their community on Discord . As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
An interview with Andy Hobday for the Baron's War Fantasy Skirmish 42:04

41 weeks ago42:04

42:04

Regular friend of the BWU podcast, Andy Hobday, returns to talk all about the current Kickstarter for The Baron's War Fantasy Skirmish miniatures range ! Currently on Kickstarter and knocking down stretch goals, this campaign will help launch this line of miniatures and a classic fantasy setting for the Baron's War but will also help establish Andy and Paul Hick's new company, Hobday and Hicks. Andy shared their inspiration for the line and dropped some juicy teasers about their future army plans including some very cool hints about the undead... Back the Kickstarter now and join their Facebook community to learn more about the future of their game. As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
An interview with the founding staff of Rascal News 54:20

47 weeks ago54:20

54:20

This month's podcast guests are the founders of Rascal News , Lin Codega , Rowan Zeoli , and Chase Carter . Rascal is a new reader supported a tabletop roleplaying game and culture outlet striving to sustainably publish voicey journalism that is compelling, deeply-reported, and fearlessly honest. Lin, Rowan, and Chase were kind enough to spend their time talking with me about the state of tabletop games media, why they feel journalism is important even in the arena of hobbies and gaming, the challenges of organizing labor in gaming, and what they hope to accomplish with a wholly independent reporting platform. Rascal media is currently running a pledge drive and I hope you'll join me in supporting their endeavors. Their ethos is very much in tune with that of the BWU and I'm looking forward to seeing their work for many years to come. As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
An interview with painter and dioramist, Bjarni Dali 53:17

50 weeks ago53:17

53:17

My guest on this month's podcast, Bjarni Dali joined me all the way from the Faroe Islands to talk about his grimdark masterpieces. I first became aware of Bjarni's work on his fantastic Howling Gryphons diorama few years ago and have since come to appreciate all of his gritty, narrative driven dioramas and minis. We talked about where he finds inspiration, how he avoids burnout, and what it takes to paint a model as big as a 28mm Warhound titan! Find Bjarni on Patreon , Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube and be sure to check out his book, The Art of Bjarni Dali , available now. As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
An interview with Roman Lappat, instructional painter 51:10

1 year ago51:10

51:10

Joining me this month on the BWU podcast is one of the true titans of miniatures painting, Roman Lappat! Roman's work helped redefine how we viewed miniatures painting not just as a hobby, but as an art form in its own right. Roman's work is being featured in the latest volume of The Art of' now on Kickstarter and we spoke about that book but first chatted about his journey as a painter and illustrator and his philosophy of art. Back The Art of Roman Lappat on Kickstarter now. Follow Roman's work on Facebook and Instagram and visit his own site , as well as his contributions as a founder to Massive Voodoo . As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
An interview with creator of Mordheim and Trench Crusade lead developer, Tuomas Pirinen 1:00:42

1 year ago1:00:42

1:00:42

My guest this month was legendary game designer, Tuomas Pirinen! Tuomas was the creator of Mordheim, the lead developer of Warhammer Fantasy Battle 6th Edition, Warhammer Siege, and countless other miniatures games as well as video games, having worked at EA, Ubisoft and other companies. Most recently, Tuomas has signed on to create the rules for the upcoming Trench Crusade miniatures game and he was kind enough to talk to me about all of the above, including why he thinks Mordheim's popularity has endured for a quarter of a century, and most of that time unofficially supported! We also talked at length about the gameplay of Trench Crusade and what he loves most of all about this upcoming gritty and bleak skirmish game. Follow Tuomas on Facebook and learn more about Trench Crusade , take part in their open playtest , and join their community on Facebook . As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com…

Brush Wielders Union

1
Sean Sutter returns to talk Relicblade: Cursebreaker! 54:29

1 year ago54:29