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 enduring characters and what’s being lost in today’s race toward AI-driven content.

Fabian reflects on four decades in storytelling, from Marvel's golden era to transmedia’s unrealised promise, and shares the emotional weight of creating characters that help people navigate trauma, cancer, and loss.

He also dives deep into the creative and moral challenge AI poses to future generations of artists. This isn’t just an industry conversation, it’s a human one.

Whether you’re a writer, founder, or fan of good stories, this is the episode that challenges you to ask: What kind of world are we building?

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: From Marvel to Deadpool

04:32 – Deadpool’s origin and emotional impact

12:15 – The evolution of storytelling (simplicity to complex simplicity)

18:40 – The Deadpool effect: humour + trauma = healing

28:55 – AI and the end of creativity

43:00 – Transmedia: Dream vs. Reality

55:15 – How creatives should handle fandom backlash

01:02:30 – Can stories still survive without storytellers?

Guest Bio:

Fabian Nicieza is a legendary writer and editor known for his iconic work at Marvel Comics, including X-Men, X-Force, and co-creating Deadpool. With a career spanning 40+ years, he’s also worked with DC Comics, Mattel, Acclaim, and Starlight Runner. His novels Suburban Dick's and The Self-Made Widow received critical acclaim, including an Edgar Award nomination.

Resource Links:

Fabian’s book: Suburban Dick's (https://amzn.to/4kF17BD)

Purpose Made website: www.purposemade.uk

Listen on Spotify: Purpose Made Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/66hrGrtDSwBJUzIGF6f5eg?si=4d7031600d3c433e)

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on purpose, creativity & the future: https://www.youtube.com/@UCftFt-Pd7xe1f0XY0K-dX4w

Connect with Fabian Nicieza:

• Twitter/X: @FabianNicieza

• Website: fabiannicieza.com

#Deadpool #FabianNicieza #Storytelling #AIandCreativity #PurposeMadePodcast #Transmedia #Marvel #CreativeProcess #FutureOfArt

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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 childhood in 1960s NYC to becoming the pioneer behind transmedia storytelling for the world's biggest franchises. Discover how Jeff's early escape into Japanese media like Godzilla laid the foundation for his revolutionary approach to creating interconnected story worlds across multiple platforms. Jeff reveals the shift from the traditional hero's journey to what he calls "collective journey narratives" - a storytelling model designed for our interconnected world. He explains how this approach has not only transformed entertainment but has been applied to address real-world crises in Colombia, Mexico, and Afghanistan. Learn why Jeff believes AI will dramatically change how stories are created while potentially threatening authentic human connection. The conversation explores why world-building comes before character development in transmedia, why Hollywood often treats IP as a funnel rather than a framework, and how ethical considerations must guide immersive environments.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 The Power and Wisdom of Storytelling

00:21 Jeff Gomez: From Chaos to Creativity

01:49 The Birth of a Storyteller

04:40 Early Influences: Godzilla and Japanese Media

08:06 Dungeons and Dragons: A Gateway to Story Worlds

09:07 From Fanzines to Professional Storytelling

11:22 World Building in Magic: The Gathering

13:09 Transmedia Storytelling in Hollywood

23:32 The Collective Journey: A New Narrative Model

28:27 Transmedia for Social Change

32:49 The Evolution of Social Media Personas

34:15 Impact of Social Media on Emotional Well-being

34:33 Narrative in the Digital Age

36:07 Story World Architecture and World Building

37:58 Audience Interaction and Fan Engagement

39:07 Geosynchronous Storytelling and Content Discoverability

40:24 Video Games and Narrative Adaptations

42:11 Current Trends in Storytelling

45:40 The Role of AI in Human Relationships

50:29 Hope for the Future of Storytelling

52:41 Transmedia Storytelling: Origins and Evolution

57:09 Emotional Resonance in Story Worlds

59:03 Ethical Considerations in Immersive Content

01:00:33 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

ABOUT JEFF GOMEZ:

Jeff Gomez is the CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment and a leading expert in story world development and narrative design. His pioneering work in transmedia storytelling has shaped how major franchises expand across multiple platforms. Jeff has contributed to blockbuster properties including Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean, Avatar, Halo, and Men in Black. His innovative approach to narrative has been applied not only in entertainment but also in addressing sociopolitical challenges worldwide.

EPISODE SUMMARY:

This conversation explores how storytelling is evolving in our digital age, the shift from hero's journey to collective narratives, and why Jeff believes that "if we have the power of Gods, we require the wisdom of Gods to use that power - and wisdom comes out of narrative." Learn how proper story architecture creates emotional resonance, why Hollywood often mismanages IP development, and how AI is transforming both storytelling and human relationships.

📱 CONNECT WITH JEFF:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgomez/

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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 declining theatre attendance and rising production costs, gaming properties are creating the most successful adaptations in history. Entertainment lawyer Simon Pulman breaks down exactly why this is happening and how it's transforming deal structures across the industry.

In this eye-opening conversation, Pulman reveals how individual incentives are driving risk-aversion across studios, why original scripts have been replaced by IP acquisitions, and the shocking truth about how "Hollywood created Netflix" through short-term financial decisions that destroyed their long-term business model.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to Simon Pulman's expertise

02:14 Why original scripts dominated in the 90s vs franchise dominance today

04:35 The audience shift: Why people won't leave home for cinema anymore

07:18 How international content (Squid Game, anime) is reshaping Hollywood

10:47 Snow White remake failure: Budget vs ROI analysis

13:30 Community: The undervalued asset Hollywood ignores but gaming understands

17:42 The Holy Trinity of successful adaptations: Last of Us, Fallout, Mario

21:36 Why honoring IP is non-negotiable for successful adaptations

26:55 How transmedia success drives game sales - the feedback loop

30:10 The weekly episode model vs. binge culture for deeper engagement

33:22 Netflix's gaming strategy: Can they leverage their IPs effectively?

39:08 BioWare's storytelling potential beyond games

43:15 The new deal paradigm: How game companies flipped Hollywood's ownership model

49:40 Roblox's untapped potential: Why it's creating tomorrow's entertainment moguls

56:28 AI's complex entertainment industry implications

57:45 Entertainment predictions for next 12 months

About Simon Pulman:

Simon Pulman is an entertainment attorney with Prior Cashman in New York City, specialising in deals across television, motion pictures, podcasts, video games, and publishing. He helps companies develop, produce, and finance media projects during a period of unprecedented technological and audience behaviour change.

The Transmedia Revolution:

This episode explores how successful properties like The Last of Us have created a virtuous cycle where shows drive game sales and games build audience anticipation for new seasons - all while maintaining the core emotional elements that connected with audiences originally.

Join the Conversation:

What gaming property do you think deserves the Last of Us treatment next? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Connect with Simon:

Find Simon Pulman on LinkedIn for more insights on entertainment law and industry trends.

Subscribe for more industry insights:

🎮 YouTube:‪@PurposeMadePodcast‬

🎧 Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/66hrGrt...

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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 over two decades of experience leading and training top performers (including founding the SEALs' "Mind Gym"), Rich breaks down how anyone can harness uncertainty as an advantage rather than a liability. We explore how Navy SEALs develop mental toughness, make decisive decisions under extreme pressure, and leverage their innate human capabilities to excel in chaotic environments.

Rich shares practical strategies to:

Transform uncertain moments into opportunities

Tap into your body's natural performance engine during difficult challenges

Maintain composure under pressure

Improve performance when stakes are highest

Understand your "raw self" to determine optimal actions in any scenario

Avoid the traps causing 95% of teams to underperform

Build the four domains of trust essential to high-performing teams

Whether facing uncertainty in your personal or professional life, this conversation provides actionable insights to develop the mindset of an elite operator.

As Simon Sinek says about Rich's work: "Easy to understand and simple to implement, Masters of Uncertainty is essential for any person or team that wants to operate even better than they do now."

As Andrew Huberman writes in the foreword to Rich's latest book, and the focal point of today's podcast, Masters of Uncertainty: "This book is a practical guide for how to wake up and be the most effective version of yourself, how to bring that to all your life's challenges, and (most importantly) how to perpetually bounce upward and forward when pushed back or under pressure... and in so doing, exceed your previous self and performance—over and over and over."

"People like Rich Diviney are rare: because of what they know, for what they have proved capable of doing, and for their ability to teach it to others... This book will powerfully shift how you view and approach life—its challenges and its less challenging moments too—for the better."

Grab a Copy of The Books Here:

- Masters of Uncertainty: https://amzn.to/41RdlB1

- The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance: https://amzn.to/42aEdLh

Special Offer:

Unlock Your Leadership Potential. Use the code PETERBELL15 to get a 15% discount on The Attributes Assessment at theattributes.com.

Enjoyed the podcast? Subscribe now!

Host: Peter Bell

Guest: Rich Diviney

Pete's Socials:

Website ▹ https://www.purposemade.uk/

LinkedIn ▹ https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-george-bell/

Instagram ▹ https://www.instagram.com/thepeterbell/

Rich's Socials:

Website ▹ https://theattributes.com/all-attributes/

LinkedIn ▹ https://www.linkedin.com/in/richdiviney/

Instagram ▹ https://www.instagram.com/rich_diviney/?hl=en

This podcast was recorded and produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to helping you achieve your highest potential.

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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 representing comic book creators to building billion-dollar transmedia franchises. With 30+ years of experience developing IPs like Five Nights at Freddy's, Twilight Saga, and Angry Birds, Russell provides unprecedented insights into how gaming communities are transforming Hollywood and gaming's approach to storytelling, merchandising and entertainment.

"When I started in the business, there were the five families, Warner's, Disney, Universal, Sony, and Paramount, and they were generally the gatekeepers of the big IPs," Russell explains. He reveals the strategies behind turning Five Nights at Freddy's from an indie game to a global phenomenon through community cultivation: "The virality of these jump scares and watching people play this game introduced this property to a massive social audience across YouTube, across Instagram... you didn't have to play the game to get excited about Five Nights at Freddy's."

Russell also shares candid stories about working with industry legends: "If you ask me what I love about my job, as much as I love movies, as much as I love video games, the people I've had the pleasure to work with, Steven Spielberg, Sean Levy, Guillermo del Toro, like some of the coolest storytellers and filmmakers..." His insights on what makes an IP truly transferable are invaluable: "If you look at what works in horror, it's iconic. It's Freddie, Jason, Michael Myers in the film business. In gaming, Five Nights at Freddy's and Poppy and Bendy... Iconic characters that translate multi-directionally."

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Russell Binder and Striker Entertainment

05:32 The Twilight Saga

18:17 Transitioning to Video Games: Angry Birds and Five Nights at Freddy's

25:43 Future of Transmedia and Cross-Platform Content

34:27 The Challenges of Transmedia Projects

34:54 Disney's Transmedia Mastery

35:17 Amazon's Potential in Transmedia

36:47 The Evolution of Gaming and Hollywood

37:29 Criteria for Successful Transmedia Ventures

40:15 High on Life: A Transmedia Success Story

41:36 The Future of Transmedia Adaptations

51:09: Working with Steven Spielberg

59:42 The Future of Transmedia and Entertainment

Guest Biography:

Russell Binder is the founder of Stryker Entertainment, an IP accelerator specialising in transmedia development, licensing, and production. With over 30 years in the entertainment industry, Russell has managed blockbuster IPs including The Twilight Saga, The Hunger Games, TheWalkingDead, Pacific Rim, Five Nights at Freddy's, Preacher, KickAss2, TED and TED 2, Terminator Salvation, Terminator Genisys, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, The BFG, Powers, Ender's Game, and others. His unique approach combines consumer products expertise with film/TV development, helping creators maximise their IP's potential across multiple platforms.

Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/I3WAJiz82Hk?si=quh3xArWI_3B9h_P

Connect with Russell Binder:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-binder-19a3791/

Website: https://www.strikerentertainment.com/

Connect with Pete:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-george-bell/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeterbell/

Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/before-5-on-friday-7244349280012886020/

Website: https://www.purposemade.uk

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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 journey through multiple life-altering challenges. From reaching the pinnacle of athletic achievement to facing cancer, paralysis, and a complete identity transformation, David's story is a masterclass in human resilience and post-traumatic growth.

🎯 KEY MOMENTS:

00:00 Olympic Journey & Early Success

12:45 Confronting Cancer & Life's Fragility

25:30 Navigating Paralysis & Identity Crisis

35:15 The Power of Post-Traumatic Growth

48:20 Transforming Through Loss of Ego

59:30 Finding Peace in Present Moment

ABOUT DAVID SMITH MBE:

David Smith is a multi-sport phenomenon who has represented Great Britain in rowing, cycling, and Paralympic sports. After being paralysed from a spinal tumour surgery in 2016, he embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation. Today, he inspires others through speaking and coaching, sharing invaluable insights on resilience, purpose, and peak performance.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

- How facing mortality can unlock deeper purpose

- Transforming trauma into personal growth

- Building resilience through adversity

- Redefining identity after life-changing events

- Finding strength in vulnerability

- Achieving peak performance through alignment

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with world-class performers, thought leaders, and inspiring individuals who share their wisdom on purpose, performance, and personal growth.

CONNECT WITH DAVID:

Website: https://www.davidsmithathlete.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-smith-mbe-108a0719/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidsmithmbe

CONNECT WITH PETER:

Website: https://www.purposemade.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeterbell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-george-bell/

READ THE NEWSLETTER:

Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7244349280012886020

#Paralympics #PostTraumaticGrowth #Resilience #OlympicAthlete #PersonalDevelopment #MentalHealth #PurposeMadePodcast #PeakPerformance #Inspiration #Mindset

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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

📺 Watch Noe on YouTube

Subscribe for conversations with industry leaders transforming the world of entertainment, sport and more.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ TIMESTAMPS ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Peter's Journey from MMA to Gaming

05:32 The Birth of Modern Gaming Investment

12:45 Transforming Gaming: Fallout's Success Story

18:20 The $200B Gaming Opportunity

24:15 Why Netflix is Betting Big on Gaming

31:40 The Truth About VR Gaming

38:50 Future of Gaming: Emerging Markets

45:30 What Most People Miss About Gaming's Future

🎯 TODAY'S INSIGHTS:

* Peter's unique career journey from managing top MMA fighters to becoming a leading investor in the global gaming ecosystem.

* Inside story of Fallout's journey from game to streaming hit

* Why emerging markets will reshape gaming's future

* Netflix's strategic moves in gaming revealed

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

* Gaming is larger than film, music, and publishing combined

* 3.4 billion people play games for an hour daily

* Why VR gaming isn't ready for prime time

* The untapped potential in Middle East and Indian markets

🔗 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:

Griffin: https://griffingp.com/

Peter Levin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-y-levin-8109a811/

🤝 CONNECT WITH PETER & PURPOSE MADE:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeterbell/

Website: https://www.purposemade.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-george-bell/

📝 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

What's your take on the future of gaming? Share your thoughts below!

Use #PurposeMade #GamingFuture to join the discussion

Dive deep into the future of gaming with Peter Levin, Co-founder and Managing Director of Griffin, one of the world's leading gaming investment firms. From his early days revolutionising MMA promotion to transforming major gaming franchises like Fallout, Peter shares invaluable insights about gaming's evolution, emerging market opportunities, and why traditional media is being reshaped by gaming culture. Learn why gaming has become the world's most influential entertainment medium and how it's reshaping everything from streaming services to global entertainment.

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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 franchises like FIFA, Star Wars, Apex Legends, and Battlefield at Electronic Arts, Adolf shares insights into the highs and lows of a two-decade career shaping digital worlds.

We journey through the pivotal shifts in gaming, from the decline of physical goods to the rise of digital content, exploring how monetisation models like FIFA’s Ultimate Team revolutionised the industry. But Adolf’s reflections reach beyond tactics. He speaks candidly about the art of leadership in high-stakes environments, the role of innovation in staying relevant, and how AI, subscriptions, seamless experiences, and immersive tech promise to redefine what gaming can be.

In a field that constantly reinvents itself, Adolf’s story is one of adaptability, resilience, and vision. He offers practical wisdom on fostering teams that thrive amid rapid change and emphasises the importance of balancing long-term ambition with the demands of a highly competitive market. Throughout, he reflects on the mentors and challenges that have shaped his approach and shares his outlook on gaming's future as it continues to expand beyond the console.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Background of Adolf Kristjansson

01:42 Early Days and Passion for Gaming

03:34 Building a Career in the Gaming Industry

07:43 Transition to EA and Digital Strategy

18:10 Leadership and Team Building Insights

22:27 Defining Commercial Strategies for Major Franchises

26:29 The Evolution of Games

27:07 Cross-Pollination in Entertainment

27:35 Community Engagement and Long-Term Thinking

29:32 Impact of COVID on the Gaming Industry

32:05 The Role of AI in Gaming

34:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Gaming

49:12 Final Thoughts and Industry Outlook

51:00 The Future of Consoles and Streaming

Gaming today is about creating worlds that don’t just entertain but evolve—where every choice, every play is part of a greater story.

Join us as Adolf reflects on the lessons learned from his time at EA and casts a hopeful eye toward the future of gaming—a future that will continue to push the boundaries of technology, storytelling, and community. Whether you’re passionate about gaming, curious about industry transformation, or simply seeking insight into the art of resilient leadership from one of gaming's brightest minds, this conversation offers invaluable takeaways.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Enjoyed the podcast? Subscribe now to stay informed on the issues that matter.

Host: Peter Bell

Guest:Adolf Kristjansson

Produced by: Purpose Made

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