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

Join our tribe and lets grow together https://plus.acast.com/s/purpose-made-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 delve into the complex, often controversial legacy of Donald J. Trump—far beyond the headlines. This is not just the story of one man; it's the story of an entire system transformed. Together with criminologist Gregg Barak, we trace Trump’s trajectory from his early years in real estate, through his strategic use of legal loopholes, to his profound reshaping of the Republican Party.

We’ll also explore the Russian collusion investigation, The Mueller Report, and Trump's landmark Supreme Court appointments, each of which continues to shape America's political and legal future. And we dive into the GOP's 'Project 2025'—a blueprint that could steer the country down an authoritarian path.

This conversation is more than just about Trump—it's a deep exploration of the state of American democracy and the forces that could determine its future.

Key Questions:

1). How has Trump’s influence fundamentally altered the Republican Party’s DNA?

2). What can history teach us about the fragility of democracy under rising authoritarianism?

3). Is there still time to protect and reform America’s governance, or have we reached a tipping point?

As we approach November's critical presidential election, this episode invites you to reflect on the lessons of the past, understand the present political climate, and—most importantly—consider the urgent steps needed to safeguard the future.

About Our Guest:

Gregg Barak, author of Criminology on Trump and Indicting the 45th President: Boss Trump, the GOP, and What We Can Do About the Threat to American Democracy, brings decades of expertise in criminology, law, and justice. His insights are essential for anyone wanting to understand the intersection of law, politics, and criminal justice—and what it means for America's future.

Don’t miss this timely, eye-opening conversation that goes beyond the headlines, right into the heart of America’s political crossroads.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Trump

07:46 Trump’s Early Life and Influences

13:08 Trump’s Political Ascent and Legal Tactics

16:25 Weaponizing the Law and Campaign Finance

23:41 Trump’s Impact on the Republican Party

26:18 Legal Battles and Public Perception

27:55 Supreme Court and Presidential Immunity

31:42 January 6th: Key Events and Consequences

37:01 Project 2025 and Republican Platform

45:56 Proposed Reforms for American Democracy

49:06 Future of American Democracy

51:23 Final Thoughts and 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: Gregg Barak

Produced by: Purpose Made

Join our tribe and lets grow together https://plus.acast.com/s/purpose-made-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 navigate the brutal realities of the care system, Fatima’s early years were a battle against neglect, trauma, and profound loneliness. But from the ashes of her childhood emerged something remarkable: an iron will and a resilience that would not be crushed.

Fatima opens up about the inner demons she faced, the darkness that nearly consumed her, and the life-changing influence of two incredible women—Auntie Ray and, later, Margaret Whitbread—who gave her the family she never knew. This isn’t just a sports story; it’s a testament to the power of the human spirit. It’s about how, when pushed to the edge, we can rise not only for ourselves but for those generations who follow.

From setting world records to standing on countless podiums and becoming a world champion, Fatima reflects on her greatest battles, which were not fought on the athletic field but within herself and traumas faced. Today, through her advocacy, she’s using her platform to champion the rights of children in the care system—children, like her, who deserve a chance to rewrite their own stories.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Where It All Began

01:28 – Life Beyond Sport

02:52 – Inside the Children’s Homes

05:48 – The Power of Love

09:42 – Confronting Trauma

15:47 – Discovering Javelin

21:11 – Becoming a Whitbread

23:30 – Campaigning for Change

29:16 – Early Training

29:43 – Breaking Barriers

30:26 – World Records & Olympic Dreams

31:09 – The Weight of Triumph

31:47 – Facing Mental Health Challenges

33:48 – Navigating the Darkest Moments

34:34 – The Pressure of Media & Writing Her Story

39:07 – The Olympic Journey

44:45 – Making Her Voice Count

45:04 – From Athlete to TV Star

51:43 – Legacy

56:46 – Final Thoughts

This isn’t just a story of sporting success—it’s an exploration of what it means to persevere, to push through adversity, and to transform suffering into strength. Fatima’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and her insights into overcoming trauma and turning pain into purpose will resonate long after the episode ends.

If you want to witness the real person behind the medals, watch the full conversation on YouTube. Or, listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered how to turn their own pain into power. Fatima Whitbread shows us the way.

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

Host: Peter Bell

Guest: Fatima Whitbread

Produced by: Purpose Made

Join our tribe and lets grow together https://plus.acast.com/s/purpose-made-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.