Shop Talk is a collaborative podcast hosted by Calvin (Next-Gen Escape) and Jax (Crazy Squirrel Game Store). Based at the intersection of First and Nees in Fresno, California, the show offers a behind-the-scenes look at the "nerd-adjacent" business world in the Central Valley.

By bridging the gap between a tabletop gaming retail hub and immersive escape room design, Shop Talk dives into the mechanics of running community-focused enterprises. The series serves as a resource for entrepreneurs and fans alike to discuss the real-world problems and lessons.

Whether you are a fellow business owner, a local Fresno gamer, or a fan of immersive storytelling, Shop Talk provides an honest, unfiltered look at what it takes to turn a passion for games into a thriving local business.

Shop Talk

A Random Redditor Appears!

A Random Redditor Appears!

Calvin Kammer

In this episode, Calvin anhttps://youtu.be/eiAWAraR6Zgd Jax trade their usual industry deep-dives for a cautionary tale from the front lines of social media. After they coincidentally spot a post on the...

A Random Redditor Appears!

Calvin Kammer

In this episode, Calvin anhttps://youtu.be/eiAWAraR6Zgd Jax trade their usual industry deep-dives for a cautionary tale from the front lines of social media. After they coincidentally spot a post on the...

Business-Life Balance

Business-Life Balance

Calvin Kammer

In this episode of Shop Talk, the discussion centers on one of the most elusive goals for any entrepreneur or creative professional: Business-Life Balance. While the dream is often to "be...

Business-Life Balance

Calvin Kammer

In this episode of Shop Talk, the discussion centers on one of the most elusive goals for any entrepreneur or creative professional: Business-Life Balance. While the dream is often to "be...

Marketing

Calvin Kammer

In this episode of Shop Talk, hosts Calvin (NextGen Escape) and Jax (Crazy Squirrel Game Store) discuss the evolving landscape of marketing and advertising for small businesses, comparing their experiences in...

Marketing

Calvin Kammer

In this episode of Shop Talk, hosts Calvin (NextGen Escape) and Jax (Crazy Squirrel Game Store) discuss the evolving landscape of marketing and advertising for small businesses, comparing their experiences in...

Biggest Mistakes

Biggest Mistakes

Next-Gen Escape

In this episode of Shop Talk, Jax of Crazy Squirrel Game Store and Calvin of Next-Gen Escape get candid about the financial and operational pitfalls they encountered while building their...

Biggest Mistakes

Next-Gen Escape

In this episode of Shop Talk, Jax of Crazy Squirrel Game Store and Calvin of Next-Gen Escape get candid about the financial and operational pitfalls they encountered while building their...

Actual FAQS

Actual FAQS

Calvin Kammer

In this episode of Shop Talk, Jax (Crazy Squirrel Game Store) and Calvin (NextGen Escape) move past the surface-level questions to discuss the real-world experiences of owning "nerd-adjacent" businesses in Fresno....

Actual FAQS

Calvin Kammer

In this episode of Shop Talk, Jax (Crazy Squirrel Game Store) and Calvin (NextGen Escape) move past the surface-level questions to discuss the real-world experiences of owning "nerd-adjacent" businesses in Fresno....

Shop Talk Intro

Shop Talk Intro

Next-Gen Escape

In the series premiere of Shop Talk, entrepreneurs Calvin (Next-Gen Escape) and Jax (Crazy Squirrel Game Store) explore the intersection of the tabletop gaming and immersive entertainment industries. Operating from...

Shop Talk Intro

Next-Gen Escape

In the series premiere of Shop Talk, entrepreneurs Calvin (Next-Gen Escape) and Jax (Crazy Squirrel Game Store) explore the intersection of the tabletop gaming and immersive entertainment industries. Operating from...