Cheat Codes: A Podcast Powered by WIGI
by Women in Games International
Level Up your career with these Cheat Codes powered by Women In Games International. Cheat Codes change the way a game is played by unlocking features, skipping levels, gaining valuable resources, and more. We built our Cheat Codes podcast around the same concept. Each episode of Cheat Codes features interviews with games industry experts, insights to power listeners to the next level of their careers, and an in-depth understanding of the global tabletop, video game, and esports industries.New episodes every third Wednesday of the month.
Episodes
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Building for Kids: Safety, Imagination, and the Future of Social Play
TaSh Elzie sits down with Karin Johnson, Chief Product Officer at Magic Potion Games and one of the builders behind Imagine Island, a social gaming world designed for kids under 13. Karin's path winds through Disney's Club Penguin, Epic Games, and Fortnite before landing her at Magic Potion…
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From 115 to The Source: Worldbuilding Through Music
In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Elena Siegman, the metal vocalist and game developer whose work helped define a generation of gaming music. Best known as the voice behind some of the most iconic songs in Call of Duty Zombies, including the gold-certified anthem "115" which has…
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Cozy and Culturally Specific: Building Raahi
In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Mannat Jain, Co-Founder of Kalp Studio, where she leads business, operations, and narrative. A lifelong gamer with a background in Data Science from IIT Madras, Mannat combines business acumen, storytelling, and creative strategy to build culturally…
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From Builder to Product Leader: Career Moves, Safer Online Experiences, and What Indie Devs Need to Hear
In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Rupali Sharma, Group PM at k-ID and product leader with over a decade of experience building safe, ethical, family-focused digital experiences across EA, Take-Two Interactive, and beyond.This conversation covers two things that belong together: what the...
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Safe Spaces, Smart Business
In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Claire Rozain — CEO of Rzain, founder of SisterSoundFR, and the community architect behind a 900+ member network of gaming leaders spanning 40+ countries. Claire has scaled user acquisition past $1M/month for top gaming and AI companies, held leadership...
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The Space of Care
We took the Women in Games International Power Leveling series offline for our very first in-person session at GDC. Joined by co-host Mike Knox and an incredible group of individuals, we skip the standard networking advice and discuss the reality of navigating this industry. We break down the...
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The Crowdfunding Reality — Strategy, PR, and Burnout
In this episode of Cheat Codes, TaSh Elzie sits down with PR and marketing veteran Elizabeth Olson to discuss the reality of crowdfunding. Elizabeth brings her years of industry experience to a conversation that moves past the hype and into the actual work required to run a campaign. Having…
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More Than Story: The Art of Game Writing
In this conversation, TaSh Elzie and Mayanna Berrin explore the intricacies of game writing, discussing the transition from animation to video games, the importance of improvisation, and the collaborative nature of game development. Mayanna shares insights on writing for games, tips for solo...
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The Heart of Your Game: Community & Connection with Victoria Tran
Join host TaSh as she chats with Victoria Tran, a renowned voice in the gaming world, known for her incredible work in community and marketing, and author of a new book. This episode dives into the power of efficient community management for marketing your game, how we can foster truly supportive...
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The Witchcraft of Game Dev: From Idea to Game Release
Join host TaSh as she dives into the world of game creation with Renee Gittins, CEO and Creative Director of Stumbling Cat. This episode is for the curious and anyone looking for a place to begin their own game-making adventure. Renee shares insights on sparking game ideas, building your…
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May is for Mental Health: You Are Not Alone
In this episode, TaSh discusses the intersection of mental health and the gaming industry, sharing personal experiences with anxiety and the challenges of feeling both overworked and underpaid. She emphasizes the importance of community and connection in navigating these challenges, encouraging...
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Wicked Saints “World Reborn” Gaming is my Superpower
This episode of Cheat Codes dives into the power of gaming as a force for good! Host TaSh sits down with Savannah Badalich and Jessica Murrey to explore World Reborn, an innovative game that blends storytelling, behavioral science, and a whole lot of heart. Get ready for a conversation that...
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Leveling the Field: GDC Chat on Community and Changing the Game
This episode of Cheat Codes dives into the powerful community of women in the gaming industry. TaSh shares insights from GDC, where she connected with over 20 leaders, and explores their experiences, challenges, and the impact of community support. This isn't your typical industry chat; it's a…
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Breaking the Code of Community: From URL to IRL
Ever wondered how to turn online connections into real-life friendships and opportunities? On this episode of Cheat Codes, we're cracking the code with Parker, the communications mastermind from Women in Games International and IGDA. We'll explore the secrets to building inclusive online spaces,...
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Level Up! Celebrating 20 Years of WIGI
Join host TaSh in a celebratory episode marking the 20th anniversary of Women in Games International (WIGI). Special guest Joanie Kraut, CEO of WIGI, shares her insights on the organization's journey and impact on the gaming industry. They delve into WIGI's mission, highlighting the importance of...
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Community Matters
In this episode, host TaSh interviews Charmaine Duff, founder of Women-Led Games and producer at Pancake Game Studio. They discuss the challenges women face in the gaming industry, the importance of visibility and representation, and the role of community support. Charmaine shares her journey in...
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Boss Battles and Side Quests
The gaming industry's recent layoffs have hit us hard. It's time to talk about bias in hiring and how we can fight back. Join your host,TaSh, and industry veteran Christina-Marie Drake as they unpack the challenges, share stories of resilience, and equip you with tools to navigate this tough...
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Troll Be Gone
Join our host, Tash and Rachel Vrabec, CEO of Kanary, as they discuss challenges of being safe online. Show resources: https://www.kanary.com/ To stay in the know with Women in Games International, please visit us at getwigi.com and subscribe to our newsletter. You can also find us on multiple...
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M is for Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month’s episode is a mental health check-in and a reminder that there is safety and support in the community. Show Resources: https://projectawr.com/ https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month/act
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The Call is Coming from Inside of the House
What is Women In Games International? Why do we do what we do? For this week’s episode, TaSh sits down with WIGI’s Communications Manager, Chantelle Ouano, to talk about the passion behind our mission and the driving force that keeps us pushing forward. Show resources:...
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Who Runs the World?
Happy Women’s History Month! To quote Beyoncé, Who Runs the World? GIRLS! This episode features Marie Ablaza, the fairy job mother and cozy games queen. We discuss some tips to stay true to yourself while navigating the gaming industry, staying encouraged during layoffs, women who inspire us…
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Are you a leader?
Being a leader involves inspiring and guiding others towards a common goal, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within a team. Are you a leader? The only correct answer is YES! Join us as we chat with Mike Knox about how to step into a leadership role and how to be an effective leader....
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Can We Build It? Fear and AI
Understanding AI requires us to analyze where it is and guide where it can go. Let's talk about algorithmic bias and some steps can can take to mitigate the damage it has caused. Some sites mentioned in the show: https://www.credo.ai/ https://www.ajl.org/ https://www.codedbias.com/ Show sources:...
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Can We Build It? Representation in Gaming
In 2004, actor Geena Davis founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. It works to mitigate unconscious bias and fosters inclusion and equality in entertainment and media. It is one of the top global research-based organizations. Data-driven research educates others and empowers people...
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Can we build it? Increasing accessibility in gaming
Increasing accessibility removes many barriers to entry. How do we build innovation in accessibility into the very foundation of what we are creating? Is this a question of empathy or resources? Quote from Ana Teresa Mota, recruiter from RedCatPig Studio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-teresa-mota/
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Five Cheat Codes to Get Over a Hump
With the recent news of layoffs in the gaming industry, it is tough not to feel discouraged - especially if you are currently seeking a job. So what can we do when it all feels so big? Where do we even begin? Here are five tips to help you find where to start and keep going.
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The Healthy Gamer Pt. 3
Neurodivergent brains in the gaming space
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Identity in the Gaming Space [Episode 26]
How can we advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation and safe spaces?
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The Healthy Gamer Pt 2 [Episode 25]
In this episode of Cheat Codes, we are joined by the Head of Talent Acquisition at thatgamecompany, Christine Chua, to discuss how to navigate through the positive and negative discourse on social media and the internet as a whole.
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The Healthy Gamer Pt 1 [Episode 24]
In this episode of Cheat Codes, we will be navigating parasocial relationships in the gaming space with guest MamaTamago and host TaSh.
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Storytelling in the Gaming Space Pt 3 [Episode 23]
Let's take a deep dive into narrative design with guest Kate Welch and host TaSh.
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Cheat Codes: Storytelling in the Gaming Space Pt 2 [Episode 22]
In this episode of Cheat Codes, the second part of last month's episode "Storytelling in the Gaming Space", another important question arises, what is the first step in designing interactive stories? This topic is covered with guest speaker Athena Peters and host TaSh.
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Cheat Codes: Storytelling in the Gaming Space Pt 1 [Episode 21]
How do we plant the seed that grows into a videogame? In this Episode of Cheat Codes we discuss this with guest Speaker Pauliina Tornqvist and host TaSh
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Cheat Codes: End of Year Special [Episode 20]
In this holiday special , we are joined by of Women In Games International's Communications Manger, Chantelle Ouano, and Senior Production Coordinator, Maxy Linazco, who discuss some of the most impactful episodes of Cheat Codes during 2022, their personal experience with these topics, and a...
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Cheat Codes: Big Bad Internet [Episode 19]
In this Cheat Codes Episode we chat about the world wide web. It can be a scary place, from Gamer Gate to the bias of AI. Where are we and where are we going? We will be discussing all of this and more with host TaSh and guest Speaker Angelina Montanez UX Designer at UX DesignerUX Designer at...
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Cheat Codes: Thinking Outside The Console Pt. 2 [Episode 18]
In this Cheat Codes Episode we'll be discussing how gaming concepts have changed the landscape of engineering, medicine, and other industries, with host TaSh! Part II
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Cheat Codes: Thinking Outside the Console [Episode 17]
In this Cheat Codes Episode we'll be discussing how gaming concepts have changed the landscape of engineering, medicine, and other industries, with host TaSh!
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Cheat Codes: Changing The Game [Episode 16]
We’re so excited for our upcoming Cheat Codes episode featuring WIGI board member: Alexander Fernandez (@starveup)! We’ll be discussing actionable allyship and how it makes long term systemic change, with host TaSh
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Cheat Codes: Gaming, Arts, and Activism [Episode 15]
On this episode we are joined by Betsy Aoki (Microsoft) and Elisa Camahort Page (ElisaCP Consulting) to discuss the correlation between Gaming, Arts, and Activism, with host TaSh Elzie.
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Cheat Codes: Identity in the Gaming World [Episode 14]
We are joined by The Coalition's technical director, Kate Rayner, to discuss Identity in the Gaming World, in this episode of Cheat Codes with host, TaSh Elzie.
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Cheat Codes: Mental Health & Gaming [Episode #13]
We sit down with the Elf of Mental Health, a licensed therapist and adjunct professor, Darshawn Hooker and game's researcher as well as founder and host of "Not Your Mama's Gamer" podcast, Samantha Blackmon, to discuss mental health and gaming in this month's episode of Cheat Codes, with host…
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Cheat Codes: Gamer Rights and the Evolution of Online Gaming with TL Taylor
We are joined by Author, Professor, co-founder of AnyKey and all around gaming industry luminary T.L. Taylor to discuss the evolution of online gaming, the rise of online gaming and streaming and the fundamental rights of gamers as the industry evolves!
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Cheat Codes: Introducing our new host TaSh!
Introducing our Cheat Codes family to our new host, TaSh!
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Cheat Codes: Resolutions for 2022
We sit down with Kim Shatzner from Onward Play to discuss what recruiters are looking for in this new professional climate in 2022. Wondering what companies are looking for? Unsure what to focus on on your resume? Want to keep up with the hiring trends coming up this year? We have you covered in...
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Cheat Codes: Educating on NFTs & Fintech
Jay and Jelyn from eternal.gg are here today to teach us about NFTs! Check out the first Eternal.gg / Women In Games International NFT pack!
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Cheat Codes: Self Advocating Tips and Tricks
Today we are joined by Amanda Solomon, CRO of Women in Games International to talk about how to communicate your boundaries effectively in different social settings.
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Cheat Codes: How To Be an Ally
Alexander Fernandez of Streamline Media Group is here to chat about allyship and how to be an ally in the gaming space.
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Cheat Codes: Crying is Cool
In this episode Christina Wolfgram, founder of Crying is Cool @ https://cryingiscool.shop/, joins us to talk about setting healthy boundaries with ourselves.
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Cheat Codes: Explaining Phenotype
In today’s episode I sat down with Dr. Jenn Noble, a family psychologist specializing in mixed race identity to talk about phenotype, a word everyone should have in their vocabulary. Dr. Jenn works with families to help them understand the importance of mixed race identity, along with living the...
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Cheat Codes: The Benefits of Roleplaying
In today’s episode we sat down with Grace Collins of Snowbright Studios to talk about Role-playing. Grace started their career in the Department of Education within the gaming space under multiple presidential administrations before founding SnowBright Studios, an LGBTQ+ game studio dedicated to...
About this show
Level Up your career with these Cheat Codes powered by Women In Games International. Cheat Codes change the way a game is played by unlocking features, skipping levels, gaining valuable resources, and more. We built our Cheat Codes podcast around the same concept. Each episode of Cheat Codes features interviews with games industry experts, insights to power listeners to the next level of their careers, and an in-depth understanding of the global tabletop, video game, and esports industries.New episodes every third Wednesday of the month.
Hosted by
Women in Games International