SSJ Blackarrot: Dragon Ball, Creative Director Life & Retro Gaming Roots | Retro Pioneers Podcast

In Episode 9 of the Retro Pioneers Podcast, BlackBoiJaye and Byron sit down with Chris — better known as SSJ Blackarrot — creative director, longtime podcaster, Dragon Ball fanatic, VR advocate, and the man behind Atlanta’s rising creative platform Atlanta Press Play.Chris breaks down the origin of the name SSJ Blackarrot: a riff on Goku’s Saiyan name “Kakarot,” fused with his own identity and love for the spirit, discipline, and positivity Goku represents.He shares his journey as a creative director, coordinating Atlanta events for artists, actors, and creators, helping talent network, perform, and build community. We dive into how he started podcasting back in 2011, long before podcasting was mainstream — learning everything through “YouTube University,” building shows like Tech Guru, S-Rank, Should I Watch That?, and his long-running gaming podcast Should I Play That?Chris opens up about the emotional impact of George Floyd’s death and why creators must sometimes pause entertainment to address real-world events, protect mental health, and speak on issues impacting Black communities. He breaks down how content creation kept him grounded through hard times and why “don’t let anyone dim your light” is his life philosophy.The episode also goes deep into the state of the gaming industry:• The myth that “no good games are out”• Pop culture trends in 2024 gaming• Helldivers 2 (500+ hours played!)• Marvel Rivals dominating hero shooters• AAA fatigue vs indie innovation• Nintendo, PlayStation & Xbox next-gen timelinesAnd then we jump into virtual reality, where Chris explains how VRChat, Oculus, and Horizon Worlds let him meet people globally, build friendships, and experience games in ways that feel like Ready Player One.Of course, we had to talk anime:• Dragon Ball Daima hype• Vegeta’s Super Saiyan 3 moment• Dandadan impressions• Watching Spanish-language Dragon Ball on Telemundo as a kid• Anime’s rise from niche to mainstream pop culturePlus a dose of retro gaming nostalgia — Sonic 3, N64, Mario Party, Destiny raids, and VR-only Resident Evil runs.This episode is a masterclass in creativity, gaming culture, anime roots, personal growth, and building community as a creator.⭐ Topics Covered• Origin story of the name SSJ Blackarrot• Atlanta Press Play and creative director work• Podcasts since 2011 (Tech Guru → S-Rank → Should I Watch/Play That?)• Networking, building community & uplifting creators• Mental health & the pressures of content creation• George Floyd era and genuine conversations• Gaming trends: Helldivers 2, Marvel Rivals, indie GOTY picks• Nintendo, PS5, Xbox future roadmap• VR evolution: Oculus, Horizon Worlds, social VR, puzzle AR• Dragon Ball Daima discussion + Vegeta hype• Old-school anime era: Telemundo DBZ, Toonami culture• Retro gaming: N64, Sonic, Mario Party, Destiny• VR gaming stories (Resident Evil 7)• Work-life balance, burnout, and recharging socially• Universal timing, creativity, and finding your niche🎮 About the Guest — SSJ Blackarrot (Chris)Creative Director • Anime fan • Veteran podcaster • VR enthusiast • Content creatorFounder of multiple shows including Should I Play That? and a lead figure at Atlanta Press Play.Follow him everywhere: @ssjblackarrot🎮 About the Retro Pioneers PodcastRetro Pioneers blends gaming nostalgia, anime culture, creator stories, Black voices, and unfiltered conversation — hosted by BlackBoiJaye & Byron Jackson.