PODCAST · leisure
The Purpose Made Podcast
by Purpose Made
The Purpose Made Podcast explores where games, entertainment and ideas become worlds. Hosted by Pete Bell, founder of Purpose Made and former Head of Strategic Transformation and Growth at Electronic Arts, the show features candid conversations with the people building, running, funding and shaping the future of entertainment. Games are our starting point. We go deeper into the IP we know and love, and into the ideas that make those worlds last. Many of the most important entertainment experiences of the next decade will begin as video games, then travel across film, television, publishing, sport, technology and culture. We look beyond the game itself: at the worlds underneath it, the franchises that can carry many stories, the businesses that bring them to audiences, and the choices that determine what lasts. Guests include Shawn Layden (former Chairman of SIE Worldwide Studios and President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment Am
Episodes
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Ep 99. The Truth About Saudi Arabia’s $70B+ Gaming Push
Benjamin Kratsch has spent four years inside Saudi Arabia's push to build the world's biggest games and esports publisher. As Chief Business Development Officer at Levelz Gaming Group in Riyadh, he explains what the kingdom wants from its $55bn buyout of EA, why distribution is king, and where…
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Ep 98. "Making games is 10x harder than making films"
"Making games is 10 times harder than making films." Danny Bilson, Chair of USC Games, has spent 50 years doing both: The Rocketeer, The Flash and Da 5 Bloods on screen, then The Sims, Medal of Honor, Harry Potter and James Bond at EA, and Saints Row and Darksiders at THQ. He explains what makes...
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Ep 97. Platform or Publisher, "You Can't Do Both"
Former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden spent 32 years inside Sony, from writing founder Akio Morita's speeches at 29 to running Worldwide Studios. He explains why Xbox must choose between being a platform and being the biggest publisher in the world, and why data-driven greenlighting is producing...
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Ep 96. "It's In Dire Straits" — 38 Years In Gaming, What's Actually Breaking | Richard Browne
Richard Browne has spent 38 years in the video game business. He ran production at Universal Interactive, ran external development at THQ for the best part of a decade, and spun up the publishing operation for Digital Extremes alongside Warframe. Now he advises studios on funding and survival, he...
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Ep 95. 82 Marvel Covers. Two Heart Surgeries. One Universe.
After 30 years at the top of entertainment, Marko Djurdjevic reached a point where nothing in client work excited him anymore. So he shifted his focus to building an entire transmedia universe, funding it out of pocket while his wife runs the outsourcing side of SIXMOREVODKA. The Kickstarter...
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Ep 94. 2025 Year In Review: The Shows, Games & Films Actually Worth Your Time
Why 2025 proved gaming matters more than ever and the shows that reminded us what great storytelling looks like. In this conversation, also available on YouTube (https://youtu.be/8XgCmQOtb2w?si=o4qIDtZTglgW9EW-) Russell Binder and I reveal: ➡️ Why Severance was 2025’s most relevant show ➡️ The…
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Ep. 93 "My Atari Was My Best Friend"
BioShock creator KEN LEVINE reveals why he spent 10 years building his most personal game yet - where relationships are living systems that track hundreds of your choices and genuinely change how characters feel about you. Ken Levine is the creative director of Ghost Story Games and legendary...
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Ep. 92 The Man Who Was Minecraft's First Advisor Reveals Why GTA 6 Will Completely Reshape Gaming
Stefan Lampinen has been gaming's secret weapon for 40 years. He launched Xbox 360 in Russia when everyone said it was impossible. He watched the rise and fall of Nokia. He was in the room when Minecraft turned down buyers flying in with blank checks. Now he's breaking his silence on what's…
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Ep 91. Why Game Movies Flop & Story Kitchen’s Secret Sauce
“There was never a video game curse. Just bad producers who didn't play or respect or appreciate games.” – Dmitri M. Johnson, Story Kitchen Hollywood’s video game curse? Total myth! Sonic and The Last of Us show adaptations thrive when creators respect games. With 3 billion gamers worldwide,...
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Ep 90. Fabian Nicieza: Deadpool’s Co-Creator on AI, Storytelling & Saving Creativity
Deadpool’s co-creator Fabian Nicieza on storytelling's future, AI’s threat to creativity, and why characters still save lives. In this powerful and wide-ranging episode, Deadpool co-creator Fabian Nicieza joins Peter Bell on the Purpose Made podcast to talk about what it really means to build...
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Ep. 89 Jeff Gomez: The Hidden Genius Behind Avatar & Spider-Man Success
Jeff Gomez, CEO of Starlight Runner & architect behind Marvel, Spider-Man, & Pirates of the Caribbean transmedia universes and more, reveals how storytelling is evolving in the digital age & why narrative shapes reality. In this profound conversation, Jeff shares his journey from a traumatic...
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Ep 88. Simon Pulman: The REAL Reason Hollywood Only Makes Sequels Now
Entertainment attorney Simon Pulman (Prior Cashman, NYC) reveals how to build billion-dollar transmedia franchises without risking studio collapse. Learn the formula top 1% of adaptations use. The entertainment industry faces its biggest paradigm shift in decades. While Hollywood struggles with...
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Ep 87. Rich Diviney: Learn how to deal with uncertainty as a Navy SEAL!
In this episode, I sit down with retired Navy SEAL commander and performance expert Rich Diviney who reveals the revolutionary "Mastering Uncertainty Method" - a science-backed approach that elite military operators use to thrive under pressure when things don't go according to plan. Drawing from...
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Ep 86. Russell Binder - The SECRETS behind Transmedia
Russell Binder, the IP accelerator behind Five Nights at Freddy's, Twilight, and The Hunger Games, reveals how gaming communities are reshaping Hollywood's and gamings approach to franchise building. In this conversation, Russell Binder, founder of Stryker Entertainment, shares his journey from...
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Ep 85. "Cancer Was the Best Teacher" - David Smith on Life After Paralysis
Olympic & Paralympic champion David Smith MBE shares his extraordinary journey through cancer, paralysis, and transformation. A powerful story of resilience and purpose. In this profound conversation, Olympic gold medalist and Paralympic champion David Smith MBE opens up about his remarkable...
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Ep 84. Peter Levin: Want to Know the FUTURE of Gaming? Listen To This Now!
From MMA in Japan to investing billions in gaming, Peter Levin shares the untold story of how gaming will transform entertainment forever. * Learn the future of gaming most investors miss * Discover emerging market opportunities worth billions * Get insider insights on Netflix's gaming strategy…
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Ep 83. I Spent 20 Years in the Gaming Industry and Here's What I Learned
In this episode, Peter sits down with Adolf Kristjansson, a commercial visionary and former strategist behind some of EA’s most iconic AAA titles, to explore his extraordinary journey through the gaming industry. From an early fascination with arcade games in Iceland to leading blockbuster...
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Ep 82. Gregg Barak: The SHOCKING Reality of Trump's America
What if the future of American democracy is already unraveling, and we’re all too distracted to see it? How did we get here—what forces have shaped the volatile political landscape we’re navigating today? And more importantly, can we still turn it around before it’s too late? In this episode, we...
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Ep 81 Fatima Whitbread: From Abandonment to Olympic Glory – A Masterclass in Resilience
What if the toughest battles aren’t fought in stadiums, but in the shadows of a broken childhood? In this profoundly moving episode, Fatima Whitbread shares a story that goes far beyond athletic triumph—it’s one of survival, courage, and an unyielding spirit. Born into abandonment and forced to...
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Ep. 80 Jo Tanner: Broken Britain And Finding Rainbows
When the streets of Britain erupted into chaos, it wasn't just a moment of unrest—it was an earthquake, shaking the very foundations of society and exposing deep, underlying fractures. As the nation grapples with these turbulent times, understanding the forces that brought us here is crucial. In...
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Ep. 79 Rich Diviney: The Attributes
What separates those who conquer challenges from those who stumble? Do you have what it takes to succeed in any situation? According to retired Navy SEAL Commander Rich Diviney, true optimal performance goes beyond just skill. It's all about THE ATTRIBUTES. In the latest episode of the Purpose…
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Ep 78. Tom Davidson: Incredible Story of 100-Year-Old RAF Veteran
Imagine living through the most intense, history-defining moments of the 20th century and emerging with a wealth of wisdom and an unshakeable spirit. Tom Davidson, at 100, brings these experiences to life, recounting his daring WWII raids and the harrowing experiences that tested his mettle. This...
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Ep 77. Katy Talikowska: Ending Disability Exclusion
In this episode, Katy Talikowska, CEO of the Valuable 500, discusses the state of disability representation in advertising and businesses, which remains significantly low despite 20 percent of the global population living with a disability. Highlighting her own journey from the advertising…
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Ep 76. The Power of Introjection
In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of stories and how they shape our lives. We explore a critical conversation between Rich Roll and Andrew Huberman on the concept of 'interjection'—the idea that consuming certain types of content can subconsciously influence our…
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Ep 75. Question Time: What is it that you really want to do?
In this episode of the Purpose Made Podcast, Peter delves deep into the fundamental question: What is it that you really want to do? This isn't about superficial job titles or daily tasks, but rather an exploration of our true motivations, passions, and visions for the future. Peter answers...
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Ep 74. Dr Nicola Headlam: ** General Election Special **
Who could have believed it? On a cold, wet night in Westminster, Rishi Sunak stunned the nation with an unexpected announcement: a General Election for July 4th. Today's podcast couldn't be more timely as we dive into an in-depth analysis of the UK's political and economic landscape over the past...
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Ep 73. Grace Blakeley: Vulture Capitalism
In this thought-provoking episode, we sits down with Grace Blakeley, renowned author of "Vulture Capitalism," to dismantle the myth of free markets and expose the deep-seated inequalities and corporate manipulations that shadow our economic systems. Grace eloquently unveils the realities of...
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Ep 72. 105 Ironman Triathlons in 105 Days: The Story of Sean Conway
What inspires people to embark upon seemingly impossible challenges? How do they prepare both mentally and physically? And what are the secrets to completing 105 Ironman Triathlons in 105 days? Welcome to this week's podcast, featuring Britain's Most Inspiring Maniac, Sean Conway! Sean…
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Ep 71. Dr Lara Boyd - Neuroplasticity
Is it ever too late to learn? What is the science behind how to change your brain? And what if the key to reshaping our brains and altering our perspectives lies within our grasp, regardless of our years? This is the fascinating life’s work of today’s esteemed guest, Dr. Lara Boyd. Dr. Lara Boyd…
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Ep. 70 Peter Geoghegan: Democracy for Sale
Are we witnessing the end of democracy? In this compelling episode of the Purpose Made Podcast, we're joined by Peter Geoghegan, an esteemed investigative journalist, author, and the mind behind groundbreaking investigations into the murky waters of political financing. Geoghegan's work has...
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Ep. 69 Andrea Rasca: The Future of Food
In this enlightening episode, the future of food, we sit down with Andrea Rasca, the visionary CEO and founder of London's pioneering sustainable community market and cultural hub, Mercato Metropolitano, and the driving force behind Movimento Metropolitano. Andrea shares his extensive 25-year...
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Ep. 68 Jeffrey Burrell: Riot Games
This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of gaming and social impact with Jeffrey Burrell, Head of Social Impact at Riot Games. Known for iconic titles like League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and Valorant, to cross over sensations like Arcane which is taking @Netflix by storm,...
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Ep. 67 Aragorn Meulendijks: OpenAI Decoded
Dubbed 'The Craziest Week in Tech', these few days have been a whirlwind. We witnessed the surprising narrative of Sam Altman, beginning with his unexpected exit from OpenAI on November 17th. Barely catching our breath, we then saw him align with Microsoft, led by Satya Nadella, on November 19th,...
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Ep. 66 Paul Zak: Exploring Morality
Have you ever wondered what drives our desire to behave morally? The Yin and Yang of Morality. Neuroeconomist Paul Zak believes he has uncovered the answer. By delving into the fascinating realm of neurology, Zak introduces us to oxytocin, a chemical he affectionately refers to as "the moral...
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Ep. 65 Louis Rosenberg: The AI Revolution
In this insightful conversation, we dive deep into the AI revolution with Louis Rosenberg, PhD, a respected pioneer in the fields of augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. With a PhD from Stanford University and over 300 awarded patents for VR, AR, and AI technologies,...
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Ep. 64 Joe Nickolls - Timbre Games
In the innovative world of games—where narratives intertwine and the stories we craft engage and inspire—we eagerly welcome Joe Nickolls, a prodigious titan in the games industry. Joe, boasting over two decades of experience, has sculpted, refined, and reshaped AAA Video Game development,...
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E63 - Tim Cain: Fallout & Beyond
In the intricate mosaic of narrative-led gaming and interactive storytelling, we weave tales that redefine and elevate player experiences. Today, we're thrilled to journey through a landscape shaped by none other than Timothy Cain, the brilliant mind behind the iconic Fallout series. Recognised…
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Simon Alexander Ong: Energise
"With so many pulls and strains and stresses, Simon offers us simple steps for every one of us to indeed energise!' Simon Sinek, optimist and New York Times bestselling author of Start With Why. In the intricate maze of personal development and energy management, we're illuminating paths that...
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Duke Stump: Bonfire with Soul
In the vibrant tapestry of emotive branding and transformative storytelling, we're threading together narratives that shift perspectives and inspire innovation. Today, we welcome to our podcast the phenomenal Duke Stump, a game-changer in the realm of emotive branding and a master craftsman in…
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Dev Patnaik: Wired to Care
What unifies Nike, AI, and empathy in an intriguing trilogy of transformation? Answering these questions is the life’s work of today’s guest, Dev Patnaik, a visionary leader whose impact reverberates in the corridors of the world's most admired companies. Nurtured in the dynamic incubator of...
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Doug Griffin: Mastering Innovation
Welcome, as we journey into the life of Doug Griffin, a technology pioneer whose influence pervades the spheres of gaming, cinema, & digital storytelling. Griffin, forged in the fiery crucible of 1990s innovation, has a legacy extending from bringing to life the legendary Star Wars universe for...
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Johnny Ward: Conquering the Globe
Welcome to the extraordinary life of Johnny Ward—an adventurer whose tenacity knows no limits. From humble beginnings to the world's farthest corners, his story is a testament to courage and resilience. Rejecting the notion of an ordinary rags-to-riches tale, we delve into the extraordinary…
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Dr. Lisa Miller: 'The Awakened Brain'
Spirituality has often been dismissed by skeptics —but what if I told you it holds the key to unlocking the full potential of the human brain? Revolutionary advancements in neuroscience, genetics, and epidemiology reveal a fascinating fact: humans are innately wired for spirituality. More...
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Andy Billings: Electronic Arts
Ever wondered what it's like to shape the future of the gaming industry? Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the extraordinary journey of Andy Billings, Ph.D., the brains behind EA's ascendancy in this sensational episode. Andy's a living legend who's spent 25 years at EA, helping transform...
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Mike Wardian: The Unstoppable Ultra
Curious about the secret to success for a world-record-holding 2:17 marathoner who also expertly manages family and a full-time job? Look no further than this unmissable episode of the Purpose Made Podcast, where we reveal the captivating story of ultra-running legend Michael Wardian, The...
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Rowan Adams: Tate & Lyle
Can a company with over 160 years of history truly transform itself into a catalyst for positive change in the world? This burning question inspired our exploration into the captivating story of Tate & Lyle. Join us in this riveting episode, featuring Rowan Adams, Executive Vice President of...
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Simon Jeffries: The Natural Edge
Embrace the challenge and conquer the impossible. This is the unwavering spirit of the Royal Marines, encapsulated in the famous motto, "No cuff too tough." It's a creed that inspires the bravest and boldest to push beyond their limits, to improvise, adapt, and overcome any obstacle in their…
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Jill Heinerth: Into the Planet
Imagine being one of the very few people in history to descend deep into an Antarctic iceberg and come face-to-face with the mysteries hidden beneath the ice. Imagine then being trapped inside this underwater abyss whereby the split-second decisions you make determine whether you live or die.…
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John Blakey: The Trusted Executive
Tired of leaders who prioritize power over trust? You're not alone. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer 2023, a lack of faith in societal institutions triggered by economic anxiety, disinformation, mass-class divide, and a failure of leadership has brought us to a deeply and dangerously...
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Bob Gower: Radical Alignment
In this episode, we're exploring the crucial relationship between power and diversity with our exceptional guest, Bob Gower. Bob is a New York-based author, speaker, and consultant who is passionate about creating organisation's that make a positive impact on the world. In this episode, he takes…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Purpose Made Podcast explores where games, entertainment and ideas become worlds.
Hosted by Pete Bell, founder of Purpose Made and former Head of Strategic Transformation and Growth at Electronic Arts, the show features candid conversations with the people building, running, funding and shaping the future of entertainment.
Games are our starting point. We go deeper into the IP we know and love, and into the ideas that make those worlds last. Many of the most important entertainment experiences of the next decade will begin as video games, then travel across film, television, publishing, sport, technology and culture. We look beyond the game itself: at the worlds underneath it, the franchises that can carry many stories, the businesses that bring them to audiences, and the choices that determine what lasts.
Guests include Shawn Layden (former Chairman of SIE Worldwide Studios and President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment Am
HOSTED BY
Purpose Made
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Purpose Made Podcast have?
The Purpose Made Podcast currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Purpose Made Podcast about?
The Purpose Made Podcast explores where games, entertainment and ideas become worlds. Hosted by Pete Bell, founder of Purpose Made and former Head of Strategic Transformation and Growth at Electronic Arts, the show features candid conversations with the people building, running, funding and shaping...
How often does The Purpose Made Podcast release new episodes?
The Purpose Made Podcast has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Purpose Made Podcast?
You can listen to The Purpose Made Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Purpose Made Podcast?
The Purpose Made Podcast is created and hosted by Purpose Made.
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