#7: Stephen Machuga (Stack Up)

Captain Stephen Machuga is the founder and CEO of Stack Up, a non-profit organization that supports veterans' mental health by bringing people together around a shared love of gaming. In this episode, we explore the therapeutic power of gaming for veterans transitioning back to civilian life, and the meandering path that eventually led him to create a nonprofit. Stephen also discusses Stack Up's charity programs, including recreational supply crates for soldiers, peer support groups, suicide prevention teams, and their Los Angeles headquarters that serves as a community center for veterans. The conversation touches on the many challenges of leading a veteran-focused nonprofit, and the importance of providing safe spaces for authentic conversation in our increasingly difficult world. For more information on Stack Up, visit their website at: www.stackup.org or on social media: Discord, BlueSky, YouTube, or Twitch. ========== Join us on a challenging quest to discover how we can make the industry a better place for everyone who loves to play. In each episode, we'll speak with industry professionals to learn how we can resolve conflicts and bridge divides between players and game developers. We are always looking for more speakers! Contact us if you're interested in applying to be a guest.  ============ LinkedIn: @DanielJLipson Twitter/X: @danjlipson Web: bettergamesbettergamers.com Discord: https://discord.gg/y2YdjENnPS