What does it take to spend three and a half years building a video game from scratch?

This week, Ben and Richard sit down with local game developer Joe, creator of The Edge of Allegoria, to talk about growing up in Barrie, discovering a passion for game development, and turning a side hobby into a full time career.

Joe shares the incredible story of teaching himself game design, building a community online, landing a publishing deal in Germany, launching a successful Kickstarter campaign, and navigating the highs and lows of releasing an independent game. The conversation also explores creativity, entrepreneurship, parenting, chasing ambitious goals, and why having the right partner in your corner can make all the difference.

Whether you're a gamer, entrepreneur, creative professional, or someone with a dream you're trying to bring to life, Joe's story is a reminder that success rarely happens overnight and that persistence often matters more than talent.

Plus, Ben explains why he currently has a scab on his head, Richard reminisces about childhood gaming, and the guys discuss the surprising connection between raising kids and pursuing big goals.

Listen now and meet the Midland developer behind a game that's reaching players around the world.

Ben's Donation Page

https://support.campfirecircle.org/diy/bens-pain-for-a-good-cause

Joe's Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/its_avg_joe/

DONATE TO BEN'S SUFFERING FOR A GOOD CAUSE

https://support.campfirecircle.org/diy/bens-pain-for-a-good-cause

What happens when you combine a chocolate entrepreneur, a community builder, a mother of three under three, and one half of one of Midland's most beloved local businesses?

In this episode, we sit down with Lesley Tripp of Test Batches Brewery for a conversation that goes far beyond beer and chocolate.

Lesley shares the story of growing up in Kleinburg, meeting Jamie Tripp at National Sports Centre, spending a year working in the Australian Outback, building a chocolate business that started with handmade moulds and grew into a local favourite, and navigating the emotional journey of adoption, parenthood, and entrepreneurship.

Along the way, we talk about raising children, finding balance between work and family, the importance of community, investing in people over résumés, and why some of the most meaningful opportunities in life come from someone simply believing in you.

This is a heartfelt conversation about family, resilience, purpose, and creating spaces where people feel welcome. Whether you're a parent, business owner, community advocate, or just someone who enjoys a great story, you'll find plenty to connect with in this episode.

Listen in as Lesley shares the experiences, lessons, and perspective that have helped shape one of the most welcoming businesses in our community.

From butter tart-fuelled marathon talk to CrossFit competitions across Europe, this episode of the open house dives deep with Megan Marchildon, the founder of MegaMindful. Megan shares her journey from growing up in Texas and competing as a high-level track athlete, to discovering veganism on a beef farm in England, and eventually helping build one of downtown Midland’s most unique wellness-focused restaurants.

The conversation covers entrepreneurship during COVID, the dream behind lifestyle medicine, the realities of running a small business, CrossFit culture, local community building, and why supporting local businesses matters more than ever. Also: butter tart strategy, marathon suffering, and why Ben may or may not survive a 15 butter tart challenge.