Danielle Letayf is the powerhouse founder and CEO behind Badassery HQ, a podcast guest booking agency that champions bold visionaries. With a background in community building, marketing, and events spanning over a decade, Danielle’s journey from AOL corporate life to full-time founder showcases her deep commitment to personal branding and authentic connection. Since 2018, she’s taken fearless strides through multiple pivots - speaker bureaus, membership platforms, and now a dynamic mix of podcast guest booking and personal brand development. Her work is rooted in helping individuals step into their voice and visibility with confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to fall in love with the problem and not just the solution
• Why fluidity is the most underrated superpower in entrepreneurship
• The importance of candor in client relationships and business growth
• How Danielle successfully pivoted her business model to meet client demand
• Why being “too resilient” can sometimes be a sign to reassess your direction
• The psychological toll - and liberation - of letting go of control
• Why founders should always stay students of the game, no matter their stage
• Building a business around what actually fuels your passion, not just what pays
• The underestimated value of **genuine, fun client relationships
• How corporate beginnings can be an incredible sandbox for future founders

“You genuinely have to fall in love with the people you’re serving - and not particularly even the solution.” - Danielle Letayf

This quote cuts right to the heart of sustainable entrepreneurship. Danielle isn’t just talking about product-market fit here; she’s describing a mindset. The people you’re building for become your anchor in moments of uncertainty. If your love for the solution outweighs your empathy for the people, you’re more likely to cling to a failing idea than pivot to a successful one. It’s that relationship with your audience, their needs, habits, and evolutions, that helps you stay grounded when the business itself keeps changing.

Overview:
Hey friends, it’s Carl here. This episode was a conversation that flew by because it was so real, honest, and deeply useful. Danielle and I talked about what it means to bet on yourself - not just as a founder but as a whole human being navigating the unpredictable currents of creative business. From her early days in corporate America to the calculated leaps that built Badassery HQ, Danielle reminded us that success doesn’t come from stubbornness but from fluidity, introspection, and straight-up love for your people. She’s not just building a business, she’s building momentum for the voices of tomorrow. If you’re looking to get unstuck or feel seen in your struggle, this one’s for you.

Stay gritty, stay curious, and most importantly, stay you.

Until next time,
Carl

This week, I had the pleasure of talking with the endlessly creative Jon Kane, founder of Optic Nerve and an early trailblazer in the MTV visual revolution. Jon has spent over four decades at the bleeding edge of motion graphics, editing, and multimedia experimentation. From shaping the visual identity of MTV and Nickelodeon to helping legendary directors bring their visions to life, Jon’s career reads like a love letter to the intersection of art, instinct, and innovation. And now, in his 60s, Jon’s wisdom hits harder than ever.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Jon became a creative force in the early days of MTV - without any formal film training
• Why he turned down high-paying jobs to stay aligned with what made him happy
• His reflections on the balance between striving and being content
• The importance of knowing your personal “currency” and living in alignment with it
• How building \$20M companies can still leave you creatively empty if you lose your compass
• The power of “refilling your creative cup” through personal projects, rock stacking, and fatherhood
• Insights into the evolving accessibility of creative tools, from \$1,200/hr edit bays to today's \$15K home studios
• Stories of wild DJ nights, creative partnerships, and intentionally stepping out of the spotlight
• Practical advice for young creatives on identifying passion and staying out of soul-draining jobs

“When things balance, no matter what the objects are, they look good.”

This beautiful metaphor from Jon captures the essence of creative harmony, not just in sculpture or design, but in life. Whether you’re editing a film, structuring your career, or deciding how to spend your day, there’s a moment when everything just clicks. Jon’s obsession with physical balance in objects mirrors his pursuit of emotional and professional balance. It’s not about perfection, it’s about listening to gravity, literally and metaphorically, and letting it guide you toward alignment.

Overview:

This episode was one of the most relaxed, free-flowing conversations I've had on the podcast. Jon’s journey is a powerful case study in creative autonomy. We traced his path from the scrappy VHS edits of his college days to building and intentionally downsizing a $20 million company. He’s done the high-end production thing, the art-for-art’s-sake thing, and everything in between. And through it all, he’s stayed grounded by asking himself one question: "Am I happy doing this right now?" His answer shaped a life full of purpose, balance, and meaning, and it’s a reminder that you get to choose your story. Whether you’re a striver or a soul searcher, there’s gold in here for everyone.

This week on Pixel Retentive, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Nico Fara - an accomplished product leader, strategist, marketer, and engineer whose career has spanned over a decade of groundbreaking work in AI, XR, gaming, and digital fashion. Nico’s entrepreneurial vision is rooted in empowerment, and she’s built and led innovative ventures that bridge tech and community in powerful ways. With a network of over 16,000 professionals and an unwavering dedication to inclusion, mentorship, and tech-driven experiences, Nico represents what’s best about the future of creative technology. From fashion DAOs to Web3 innovation, she’s been ahead of the curve, not just building tech - but building the people around it.

What You'll Learn:

• Why “followers” don’t equal community, and what really does
• The role of two-way conversations in authentic community building
• How gaming and Web3 communities laid the foundation for modern digital collaboration
• Why fun and aligned values are essential to sustaining communities
• How decentralized structures like DAOs can either empower or implode - depending on leadership
• Real talk on tough love, and why authentic feedback is vital for growth
• The importance of AI in automating tasks to unlock deeper human connection in community spaces
• Practical steps for researching, vetting, and aligning with digital communities
• A fresh perspective on modern mentorship - from high school physics teachers to Adam Grant tweets

"If you don’t know the truth of your path, you’re going to fail." – Nico Fara

This hit home. Nico doesn’t just talk about community in a feel-good, fuzzy kind of way - she brings hard-earned lessons from the trenches of entrepreneurship. Her quote speaks to the power of clarity and authenticity. Whether you're building a business, leading a DAO, or just trying to grow a creative circle, you’ve got to be real with yourself and others. Pretending everything is fine, or building on shaky ground, only delays the inevitable. Nico reminds us that being direct - even when it's uncomfortable - is an act of leadership, not judgment.

Overview:
Hey friends, Carl here. This episode with Nico really stuck with me - mostly because we didn’t just talk about technology, we talked about people. Community isn’t a buzzword for Nico; it’s her mission. We explored how online relationships - on platforms like LinkedIn or in VR worlds - are just as real and meaningful as in-person ones. Nico challenged the idea that decentralization means disorganization and made a strong case for aligned values, incentives, and structure. We also bonded over our shared experiences in Web3 and gaming communities - those places where people come alive with ideas and just want to build something cool. If you’re growing a brand, launching a product, or even mentoring someone - you’ll find a ton of real talk and actionable wisdom in this episode.

Follow Nico on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nicofara (Look for the red photo with the mic!)

Don’t forget to subscribe to Pixel Retentive for more conversations at the intersection of art, tech, and community.

Until next time, Carl Cleanthes.

Aron Nels Steinke is a celebrated Eisner Award-winning cartoonist best known for his best-selling children’s graphic novel series Mr. Wolf's Class and his latest work, Speechless. Formerly an elementary school teacher, Aron channels his experiences into stories that resonate with young readers and inspire literacy through visual storytelling. His creative journey spans over two decades, marked by persistence, growth, and a steady passion for comics. Now a full-time author based in Portland, Oregon, he continues to visit schools, sharing his love for comics and encouraging the next generation of readers and artists.

What You'll Learn:

• Aron's transition from animation school to teaching and eventually to full-time comics creator
• How Speechless was crafted over three years and why it’s his proudest work yet
• The unique production process behind Mr. Wolf's Class and why he still draws large
• Insight into working with colorists and learning to let go of control in creative collaborations
• Practical advice for aspiring graphic novelists: start small, focus on storytelling, and iterate
• How style naturally emerges from repeated practice and experimentation
• Why motivation and support from mentors like Marv Newland can be transformative

“You can't be afraid of failure. Making mistakes and failing aren't exactly the same thing... but you have to be willing for it to all go wrong.” - Aron Nels Steinke

The fear of failure often blocks people from ever starting. Aron's reminder that mistakes are part of the process - and not synonymous with failure - encourages creators to persist, take risks, and let growth happen through doing, not just planning.

Overview:

Hey friends, Carl here. I had an incredible time talking with Aron Nels Steinke on this episode of Pixel Retentive. Aron walked us through his creative journey - from aspiring animator to self-published cartoonist to Scholastic author - and dropped some seriously grounded wisdom along the way. We talked about his process, the challenges of balancing multiple careers, and what it really takes to make a graphic novel that sticks. If you’re a creator navigating the path from idea to execution (especially in comics), this one’s packed with gold. Let’s get inspired to keep drawing, keep writing, and keep showing up.

Today on Pixel Retentive, I had the privilege of chatting with the talented Alex Krokus - an established cartoonist in comics and animation whose work has appeared in Vice, BuzzFeed, and The New York Times. His recent collection Loud and Smart in Color and In Color debuted in February via Silver Sprocket, and his deeply personal, watercolor-illustrated graphic novel Talking to My Father’s Ghosts is set for release from Chronicle Books in August. Over our one-hour conversation, we dive into the profound role of creativity in healing, especially in the aftermath of loss.

What You’ll Learn:

• How channeling grief into art can become a powerful healing tool.
• The emotional and logistical shift from quick gag comics to a 200-page graphic novel.
• The importance of structure, pacing, and consuming the medium when switching creative formats.
• Alex’s journey from early webcomics to securing a literary agent and a traditional publishing deal.
• The value of agency representation and clear communication in negotiating projects.
• How collaboration, whether with family or guest artists, nurtures creativity and emotional processing.

“It doesn’t have to be 200 pages… It probably shouldn’t be. Whatever it takes, right? Get it all out.”

Alex’s words remind us that art - no matter the format - is primarily about emotional truth. It doesn’t need to be long or polished; it only needs to be real. What matters is the release and honesty you bring to it.

Overview:

I’m Carl, and let me tell you - this chat hit me right in the heart. Alex and I, both sons who lost our fathers, shared deeply resonant stories: mine about posthumous watercolor collabs and synchronicities that nearly brought me to tears; his about using structured seasonal vignettes to tell the first year of mourning. We explored how our dads’ encouragement shaped our artistry, and how stepping from three - four panel webcomics into a traditional, 200‑page format requires both discipline and reverence for process. Alex’s journey - from an online webcomic creator to securing an agent and launching a debut graphic novel - is packed with lessons about creative pivots, mentorship, and giving yourself grace in long-term projects. It was a raw, real, and uplifting conversation about using art to heal and hold onto memory.

Nam Nguyen is the founder of Supervillain, a creative agency known for its sharp aesthetic, distinct narrative edge, and refusal to play by anyone else’s rules. After a defining chapter at Intel - where he built and led a global creative team - Nam chose principle over prestige, walking away when his team was let go. That decision became the foundation of Supervillain, a studio formed by camaraderie, creative guts, and a passion for disruptive storytelling. In just five years, Nam has built an agency that’s garnered the attention of brands like Mythical Games and EA, all while preserving the soul of a tight-knit, values-driven crew.

What You’ll Learn:

• How walking away from corporate safety can become the spark for a creative revolution
• Why loyalty to your team is a foundational principle in leadership
• The story behind building Supervillain from scratch and maintaining its swagger
• The power of restraint in branding: Why sometimes less is more (especially online)
• Balancing creative mystique with clarity of capabilities
• Why being a mission-driven creative partner outlasts being “just another agency”
• Real talk about burnout, business resilience, and staying in the game

“If you’re wiping out my team, you’re wiping out me.” - Nam Nguyen

That’s leadership. Nam’s refusal to abandon his team when Intel made cuts wasn’t just a statement - it was a cornerstone. That kind of ride-or-die mentality isn’t common in the creative world, especially when it comes at personal cost. But it’s exactly what makes Nam’s story - and his agency - so compelling. Supervillain isn’t built on buzzwords or business jargon. It’s built on loyalty, principle, and a shared sense of creative purpose.

Overview:
Hey everyone, Carl here. This week I sat down with Nam Nguyen, the brain behind Supervillain, and man, it was like catching up with a long-lost creative cousin. Nam’s journey from big corporate (Intel) to launching a wildly original agency had me hooked. We vibed on everything from the challenges of leading during tough times, to why keeping your brand mysterious can actually *work* if your work backs it up. His whole vibe is a blend of humility and confidence, and I loved hearing about the storytelling behind Supervillain’s formation - and why they’re not afraid to say “we’re different, and that’s the point.” You’re gonna walk away from this one with a big shot of inspiration and probably a few ideas for how to stay true to your own brand.

If you’re in the gaming, fantasy, or storytelling space and looking for collaborators who give a damn, this episode’s a must-listen.

Catch you next time,
- Carl Cleanthes

This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jack Siler, a creative director and design strategist whose career spans over 15 years in the tech, gaming, and consumer brand spaces. Jack’s journey from marketing analyst to creative director has gifted him with a rare perspective that bridges strategy and execution. He’s worked with giants like Sony during the PlayStation 2 era and continues to lead creative efforts for brands like Lexar. Beyond his professional creds, Jack is a fellow comic book and sci-fi nerd, which made this conversation all the more fun.

What You'll Learn:

• How to give better creative feedback by starting with the "why"
• Why it’s just as important to define what *not* to do as what to do
• How storytelling can turn a simple product into a compelling campaign
• The danger of presenting only one solution in creative work
• How collaboration between youth and experience creates the strongest outcomes
• Why “I’ll know it when I see it” is the bane of creative direction
• How humility and openness are secret weapons in the design process
• Tips on making brainstorms actually productive (hint: don’t brainstorm after the briefing)

“All of us together are smarter than any one of us alone.” - Jack Siler

Jack nailed this one. It’s easy in creative leadership to fall into the trap of believing you need to have all the answers. But true innovation comes from collaboration - whether that’s between client and agency, old pros and rising stars, or between strategists and designers. When everyone contributes their piece of the puzzle, the outcome is stronger, smarter, and more resonant. It’s not about ego - it’s about impact.

Overview:

Man, what a ride this episode was. Jack brought the perfect mix of hard-earned wisdom and laid-back storytelling that made the hour fly by. We dove deep into the do’s and don’ts of creative feedback, where Jack shared some amazing insights about clarity, direction, and why good design starts with good communication. I especially appreciated his openness about aging in the industry and how staying humble and collaborative is key to staying relevant. Whether you're a creative lead, a project manager, or someone who gives or receives feedback regularly - this episode is packed with gold.

On this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I sat down with Cynthia Huang, an absolute powerhouse at the intersection of Web3, travel, and innovation. As the cofounder and CEO of DTravel, Cynthia is reimagining how vacation rentals can thrive in a decentralized world. She’s no stranger to the startup grind, having launched Altcoin Fantasy, a crypto trading game with over 350,000 users, and the Airhost Forum, now the largest community of Airbnb hosts globally. Her work has been recognized with the Plug and Play Travel Startup Award and the 2024 Shorty’s Rising Star Award and trust me, those accolades are well earned.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why stablecoins, not NFTs, may be the true path to crypto mass adoption
• The difference between algorithmic and fiat backed stablecoins and why Luna collapsed
• How crypto enables financial sovereignty, especially in countries facing economic instability
• The role AI agents will play in transacting with each other using blockchain• What meme coins reveal about democratizing finance and flipping the power dynamic
• How DTravel is decentralizing vacation rentals and cutting out platforms like Airbnb
• What open distribution and tokenized stays mean for the future of booking travel
• Insights on building your own custom GPTs for life, business, and therapy

“Crypto really democratizes access to the financial system.” – Cynthia Huang

This simple yet powerful observation cuts to the heart of what Web3 is about. In a world where traditional banking systems are gatekept, slow, and centralized, crypto offers a permissionless alternative. It’s more than tech. It’s a paradigm shift that enables people in underbanked regions or anyone locked out of traditional finance to participate in the global economy. Cynthia isn’t just talking theory. Her work with DTravel is helping people own their listings, data, and income without the interference of centralized giants.

Overview:
This conversation was a fun deep dive into how crypto and AI are no longer fringe technologies. They are quietly becoming infrastructure. Cynthia brought a level of clarity and practicality to Web3 that’s rare. From explaining stablecoins’ real world use in hyperinflated economies to the mind bending potential of AI agents owning wallets and transacting autonomously, this chat left me energized. We also explored how DTravel is empowering short term rental hosts to control their data, pricing, and relationships with guests, moving away from the platform as overlord model. This one’s for anyone who wants to understand the real utility behind the hype and where we’re headed.