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NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Please Like, Follow, Share, and Enjoy!!!

In this powerful and unfiltered episode, the hosts sit down with Bryce Eckwall, founder of Q29 Productions, for a deep conversation about the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, healing, and self-worth.

The episode opens with a behind-the-scenes look at how real conversations are sparked—before the mics even turn on. The trio discusses the balance between structure and spontaneity in podcasting and how authenticity builds trust and connection. Bryce shares how podcasting became a gateway to deeper relationships and business opportunities, even calling it "the new business card" for entrepreneurs.

What follows is a raw and inspiring story of transformation. Bryce recounts how a chance encounter with Daymond John of Shark Tank led to one of the most pivotal moments in his creative career. But the story goes far beyond that—it’s about the grind, the waiting, the follow-ups, and the quiet self-belief it takes to break through.

The conversation deepens into themes of sobriety, addiction, and how the obsessive nature that once fueled destructive habits can be redirected into creative success. All three participants open up about their journeys with substance use, routine, anxiety, and overthinking—highlighting the mental toll that high-performance creative work can take.

They explore the line between ego and intention in content creation. Is sharing your story self-promotion or service? How do creators navigate the blurred boundary between personal healing and public storytelling? Bryce speaks candidly about building his personal brand, facing criticism, and realizing that showing up consistently—and imperfectly—is often more valuable than going viral.

As the conversation unfolds, topics range from:

• Mindset, routines, and mental health
• The power of storytelling in branding
• Authenticity vs. clickbait in social media
• Fear of failure in both business and personal relationships
• How content creation becomes therapy

The episode culminates in a powerful exchange on self-worth, vulnerability, and the pressure to be seen. The hosts also share personal reflections—on fatherhood, imposter syndrome, growth, and how podcasting has become a meaningful act of service in their own lives.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creator, or someone navigating your own transformation, this episode is a reminder that behind every success is a story of struggle—and that your story is worth telling.

Big thanks to Bryce ( https://www.instagram.com/brycewallll/ ) for both hosting us and joining us on this episode. Be sure to check out Bryce and the team at Q29 productions at their website:

https://www.q29productions.com/

and their instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/q29video

Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions

https://app.grouped.com/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Join Whoop with our promotional code and get your first month free!

https://join.whoop.com/us/en/Whothoughtwedbeherepod/

Sign up for online therapy with our referral link.
Get 20% off your first month with our podcast's link:

Shout out to our favorite neighborhood screen printer JOKER INK https://www.jokerink.com/

NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Please Like, Follow, Share, and Enjoy!!!

This week we sit down with Steve Strong of the Dungeons in the Attic podcast for a deeply honest conversation about personal transformation. Steve opens up about his experiences with trauma, mental health, and the emotional weight he carried from childhood into adulthood. We explore how stubbornness shaped him, how tabletop role-playing games became a space for healing and connection, and the unexpected lessons found in the restaurant industry and fantasy storytelling alike. It’s a raw, reflective, and ultimately hopeful conversation about becoming the person you needed when you were younger.

0:00 our guest this week is Steve Strong, part of the “Dungeons in the Attic” podcast

3:30 Steves thoughts on the current state of mental health

5:50 Steve’s love for Kid Cudi

10:00 the value of asking yourself and others important questions

12:00 the power of connecting with people through the service industry

17:00 Atlas from Greek mythology and carrying the burdens of others on your shoulders

19:30 “The person I am now is all the things that I was never given as a child”

23:00 the traumatic and isolating events in Steve’s life that forced him to fix himself or kill himself

27:00 lessons in humility and stubbornness

32:00 a transforming compliment from his stepfather

35:00 You can always work a little bit day by day on yourself

36:30 “my thing now is trying to elevate people, not bury them”

43:45 Steve’s origin in the restaurant industry

48:00 getting addicted to being around other people and avoiding loneliness

51:00 Breaking down Dungeons and Dragons and other story based tabletop RPGs

54:00 escaping reality through these games

57:00 describing the cinematic world of “Dungeons in the Attic”

1:06:00 these games are about the journey, not a winner or loser

01:12:00 prioritizing story over rules in a rules-like game

1:19:00 Steve’s council

1:27:00 Be sure to check out

Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions

https://app.grouped.com/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Join Whoop with our promotional code and get your first month free!

https://join.whoop.com/us/en/Whothoughtwedbeherepod/

Sign up for online therapy with our referral link.
Get 20% off your first month with our podcast's link:

Shout out to our favorite neighborhood screen printer JOKER INK https://www.jokerink.com/

NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Please Like, Follow, Share, and Enjoy!!!