Shows
PlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 28: Gamify the Aisle: In-Store Retail Gamification That WorksAfter a brief hiatus, the PlayAbly Podcast is back — and Angelo’s hitting the road. From LA to New York, he’s meeting with brands IRL to show how retail gamification isn't just for your Shopify store — it works just as powerfully in-store. We dive into PlayAbly's latest interactive retail activation with Central Perk, blending shoppable games and live trivia for discounts in a real-world Friends café.From the psychology behind blind box mechanics like Pop Mart and Labubu, to Disney’s physical scavenger hunts and JetBlue’s 25-city loyalty challenge, this episode explores how today’s most engaging b...2025-07-0912 min
The Future of BizTechEp. 92: How PlayAbly CEO John Cheng Is Using Gamified Commerce to Engage Every Type of ShopperIn this episode, host JC Granger sits down with John Cheng, founder and CEO of PlayAbly — a gamification platform that’s redefining the online shopping experience through personalized, shoppable games powered by AI.Born from a team of ex-Unity veterans, PlayAbly blends behavioral science, AI personalization, and interactive design to help e-commerce brands boost engagement, loyalty, and sales — all without relying on discounts. From swipe-to-shop denim quizzes to leaderboard-driven product discovery, PlayAbly transforms static storefronts into playful, memory-making brand destinations.John shares how he went from Wall Street to the gaming industry — and ultimately launched PlayAbly...2025-06-1641 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 27: How Gamification Boosts Conversions: Behind the PsychologyIs your ecommerce store blending into the Shopify sea of sameness? In this episode of The PlayAbly Podcast, we’re joined by PlayAbly CEO and founder John Cheng to uncover the science, psychology, and serious ROI behind ecommerce gamification.From his early days at Unity to the founding of PlayAbly during the COVID-era ecommerce shakeup, John shares how game mechanics—built on behavioral psychology and user interactivity—can radically increase conversions, customer engagement, and brand recall.We unpack:🎯 Why gamification taps into core human psychology and drives more meaningful interactions👖 How a “Tinde...2025-04-2222 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 26: Why Brand Ads Flop in Games—and What Actually WorksDOWNLOAD THE PLAYABLY SHOPIFY APPBrand ads in games? They’ve been called the Holy Grail of digital marketing… and yet, most have failed spectacularly. In this episode of the Playably Podcast, our host Kajal Ford sits down with Playably CEO and founder John Chang to unpack why traditional in-game brand advertising never took off—and why the solution isn’t squeezing ads into games, but instead bringing games into brands.John shares his insider perspective from his days building Unity Ads—a multi-billion dollar in-game ad network—and explains why even major p...2025-04-0922 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 25: From App Stores to Shopify: What DTC Brands Can Learn from the Mobile Gaming BoomIn this episode of the Playably Podcast, co-founder Angelo joins to break down a major parallel between two digital revolutions: the mobile gaming explosion of the 2010s and today’s Shopify store boom. What does Flappy Bird have in common with high-fiber candy brands? More than you think.We explore how platforms like Unity and Shopify democratized access—lowering the barrier to entry while flooding the market with copycats and competition. For ecommerce founders and marketers, it’s not enough to launch a store—you need to hook your audience fast, onboard them thoughtfully, and make that first im...2025-04-0214 min
Omni Talk RetailShoptalk 2025 Key Takeaways Live PodcastThe Shoptalk 2025 Key Takeaways Podcast is here! Recorded live on stage, this fast-paced episode features Omni Talk's Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton with Shoptalk's content team — Marielle Bobo, Ben Miller, HG O’Connell, and the live conference audience — as they spin the wheel to hit the hottest themes of the show.🎯 Key Moments & Topics:(00:54) Introduction of the “Shoptalk Dream Team”(03:00) Tariffs: Shein’s surprising openness to regulation(05:01) Data: AI, personalization, and retail transformation with DoorDash, Hanes, and SoulCycle(10:14) Retail Media: Growth slowing or just evolving?(13:52) Quote of the Show: Creativity, authenticity, and CVS’ traffic drivers(18:50) Demand Creation: Stores...2025-03-2840 min
Omni Talk RetailShoptalk 2025 Key Takeaways Live PodcastThe Shoptalk 2025 Key Takeaways Podcast is here! Recorded live on stage, this fast-paced episode features Omni Talk's Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton with Shoptalk's content team — Marielle Bobo, Ben Miller, HG O’Connell, and the live conference audience — as they spin the wheel to hit the hottest themes of the show.
🎯 Key Moments & Topics:
(00:54) Introduction of the “Shoptalk Dream Team”
(03:00) Tariffs: Shein’s surprising openness to regulation
(05:01) Data: AI, personalization, and retail transformation with DoorDash, Hanes, and SoulCycle
(10:14) Retail Media: Growth slowing or just evolving?
(13:52) Quote of the Show: Creativity, authenticity, and CVS’ traffic drivers
(18:50) Demand Creation: Stores still rule; digital discovery...2025-03-2740 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 24: Revolutionizing Rainy Days: How Brella Shoppe is Disrupting the Umbrella MarketTurning Rainy Days into Runway Moments: How Brella Shoppe is Redefining an Untapped Market with Shauna CowitIn this episode of the Playably Podcast, we sit down with Shauna Cowit, founder of Brella Shoppe, to explore how she’s transforming umbrellas from boring afterthoughts into must-have fashion accessories. Shauna shares how her "toxically optimistic" mindset helped her create a design-forward, high-quality umbrella brand — and why consumers are finally ready to care about what they carry on rainy days.We dive into her product development journey (hint: 30+ samples and...2025-03-1126 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Episode 23: Better Customer Journeys and Better SEO with Easy On-site EngagementGamification isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the future of e-commerce engagement and SEO strategy. In this episode of the Playably Podcast, we explore how incorporating interactive experiences can transform your online store into a high-performing powerhouse.Our Account Director, Gabi, joins us to break down how gamification enhances user engagement, reduces bounce rates, and increases dwell time—key factors that search engines like Google reward. We discuss real-world examples, including a fashion retailer leveraging interactive games to understand customer preferences and an eco-friendly brand using quizzes to boost repeat purchases and social sharing.Tune in...2025-02-2114 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 22: How Tariffs Are Reshaping E-Commerce: Strategies for Staying CompetitiveTariffs are back in the spotlight, and e-commerce brands are feeling the impact. In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we break down what tariffs really mean, who pays the price, and how they’re shaking up global trade. Join our host and PlayAbly CEO, John, as we explore how brands can navigate rising costs, diversify supply chains, and leverage strategies like customer loyalty programs and ecommerce gamification to stay competitive.We also dive into the power of shoppable games, segmentation, and retention marketing—because in an unpredictable market, your best bet...2025-02-1425 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 21: Gamifying Growth – How Playfield Created a Viral DTC Brand with Engagement & CommunityIn this episode of the Playably Podcast, we sit down with Ivana, founder of Playfield, the pet accessories brand behind the viral Bailey Kit. We dive into her journey from Google to launching a DTC brand, the challenges of bootstrapping, and how she’s building a community-driven brand with playful, engaging experiences.We also discuss the Playfield x PlayAbly partnership and how we worked together to create a gamified advent calendar—a fresh take on customer engagement that brought Playfield's brand to life. Check out the case study h...2025-02-0721 min
The Predictable Revenue Podcast375: Gamifying Engagement & Conversions with Angelo FerroStartups always pivot, but the best pivots happen when a clear customer demand meets the right expertise. That’s precisely what happened to Angelo Ferro and his team at Playably. The team initially built an AI-powered landing page product. It gained traction, but working with direct-to-consumer brands presented challenges. Customers often requested endless edits, slowing down launch times. Even when engagement metrics were strong, brands prioritized short-term conversion wins over long-term improvements. Highlights include: Before the Pivot (02:23), Was that Enough Validation? (03:53), Where did the First Customers Come From? (05:38), Validating Product-Market Fit at Conferences (07:27), And more… 2025-02-0616 minThe Predictable Revenue Podcast375: Gamifying Engagement & Conversions with Angelo FerroStartups always pivot, but the best pivots happen when a clear customer demand meets the right expertise. That’s precisely what happened to Angelo Ferro and his team at Playably. The team initially built an AI-powered landing page product. It gained traction, but working with direct-to-consumer brands presented challenges. Customers often requested endless edits, slowing down launch times. Even when engagement metrics were strong, brands prioritized short-term conversion wins over long-term improvements. Highlights include: Before the Pivot (02:23), Was that Enough Validation? (03:53), Where did the First Customers Come From? (05:38), Validating Product-Market Fit at Conferences (07:27), And more… 2025-02-0616 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 20: Designing Play: Why Every Brand Needs a Game Designer (and What Makes a Game Great!)What does a game designer really do, and why does it matter for your brand? In this episode, we sit down with Seema, our Head of UX and Game Design, to uncover the psychology behind great game design and its impact on customer engagement. From building shoppable games that drive conversions to creating immersive ecommerce gamification strategies and interactive ecommerce quizzes, we dive into how thoughtful design can transform your brand experience.Welcome to the PlayAbly Podcast, where we dive into the art and science of gamification, customer engagement, and driving conversions. At P...2025-01-3122 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 19: NRF 2025 Recap: How Playably Stood Out and What’s Next for RetailIn this episode, we dive into the excitement of the NRF conference, where over 6,200 global brands gathered in New York City to explore the future of retail. Join us as the Playably team reflects on their experience, including:Insights from showcasing shoppable games and engaging with industry leaders.Behind-the-scenes moments, from assembling our booth to memorable conversations.Key takeaways on personalization, gamification, and leveraging data for retail success.Whether you're curious about innovative strategies or gearing up for your next conference, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and fun stories. Plus, a sneak peek at our...2025-01-2522 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast 18: Breaking the Bounce- More Sales Through EngagementBounce rates have been a persistent pain point for websites, but why do so many visitors leave before engaging? In this episode of the Playably Podcast, our CEO John Cheng dives deep into the psychology behind bounce rates and what makes websites "sticky."We explore:🎯 Why bounce rates remain high despite advancements in eCommerce.🧠 The psychological and behavioral drivers behind engagement.📊 How testing, interactivity, and Shoppable Games can radically transform site performance.💡 Real-world examples of brands improving engagement by over 100% using personalized, interactive experiences.Whether you’re a brand owner, marketer, or just curiou...2025-01-2126 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 17: From Monopoly to McDonald’s: What Board Games Teach Us About Customer EngagementWhat do Monopoly, UNO, and McDonald's Monopoly all have in common? They’ve mastered the art of engagement by tapping into human behavior, nostalgia, and fun.In this episode, we’re joined by Seema, PlayAbly’s Head of UX and Design, to explore the timeless principles behind the games we grew up loving. From competitive moments (hello, UNO reverse card!) to simple rules that stick in our brains, we break down how these games create lasting emotional connections—and how brands can apply these strategies to digital experiences in e-commerce gamification.🎮 Learn why gamification works, how to bala...2025-01-0924 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 16: Stop Putting Spinners on Your WebsiteEver felt personally victimized by a discount spinner? You know, those flashy wheels of disappointment promising 50% off but always landing on a measly 10%? Seema, our UX and game design guru, is here to spill the tea on why spinners are the awkward middle child of eCommerce gimmicks.In this episode, we unpack:🎡 Why spinners are the digital equivalent of a rigged carnival game💡 How brands can turn spinners into interactive, trust-building goldmines🛑 Why losing customer trust is the ultimate no-no 🍬 Gummy bear debates, surprise marketing wins, and why Reddit is the internet's complaint department...2025-01-0315 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 15: Gamification, Taylor Swift, and the Eras of E-Commerce: How to Build a Brand Fans LoveWhat do Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and ecommerce gamification have in common? Turns out, everything. In this episode of the Playably Podcast, we dive into how Taylor Swift has mastered gamification to build unmatched fan loyalty, from surprise songs to Easter eggs and fan-driven experiences.We explore:🎤 The gamified strategies behind the Eras Tour’s massive success.🎮 How fan-created games and interactions keep the Swiftie community engaged.🛍️ Lessons DTC brands can learn to build brand loyalty, leverage first-party data, and create memorable customer experiences.Whether you’re a Swiftie, a marketer, or a brand lookin...2024-12-1316 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast 14 - Gamification Everywhere: Lessons from Temu and BeyondIn this episode of the Playably Podcast, we sit down with CEO and founder John Cheng to deconstruct how gamification has become a cornerstone for global success stories like Temu. From interactive spinners and loyalty programs to personalized engagement strategies, we explore how brands are using gamification to hook customers, drive loyalty, and gather invaluable insights.We discuss the psychology behind gamified experiences, their widespread impact across industries—from eCommerce gamification to airline loyalty programs—and actionable steps brands can take to start integrating gamification in ecommerce today. Whether you’re new to gamification or looking to refine...2024-12-1017 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 13: Crafting the Perfect Interactive Experience with PlayAbly’s Head of UXIn this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, we’re joined by Seema, PlayAbly’s Head of UX and Game Design. Seema works directly with customers to help them shape the games and interactive experiences that boost engagement. Today, she shares insights into balancing client ideas with best UX practices, designing games that work for different customer personas, and solving specific business challenges through gamified solutions. From casual game mechanics to detailed customer feedback, Seema gives us a look at how PlayAbly creates personalized interactive journeys that customers love.Welcome to the PlayAbly Podcast, where we dive into the...2024-12-0318 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 12: How AI and Personalization are Transforming E-commerce: Insights from Playably CEO John ChengIn this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, I’m joined by Playably CEO and founder John Chaeg to dive into the transformative power of AI and personalization in the e-commerce industry. John shares insights from his extensive experience building companies focused on personalization, discusses how AI is being used to enhance the customer journey, and explores the importance of empathy and authenticity in crafting personalized shopping experiences.We also cover the basics every e-commerce brand should implement today, how to prepare for the future of AI, and the key role of data in powering personalized interactions. Tune in...2024-11-1914 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 11: Black Friday Strategy Part 3In the latest episode of the Playably Podcast, Kajal and Gabi dive into a key Black Friday Cyber Monday strategy: maximizing engagement with playable ads. With BFCM season fast approaching, brands are vying for shoppers’ attention in a shorter-than-usual holiday window. Gabi explains why ecommerce gamification is critical for driving meaningful connections with customers this season. Learn how gamification in ecommerce through interactive ads can elevate user engagement, increase conversions, and create memorable brand experiences. From Friends trivia games to advent calendars, this episode is packed with actionable insights to make your brand stand out th...2024-11-1312 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 10: Black Friday Strategy Part 2In this second episode of our Black Friday series, CEO and Founder John Cheng breaks down how advent calendars can drive customer engagement and boost holiday sales. Discover the psychology behind these calendars and why they’re an effective tool for capturing customer attention in a high-competition season. John shares examples of how brands can leverage ecommerce gamification and incorporate gamification in ecommerce to introduce product features, build brand affinity, and gather valuable customer insights through interactive, gamified experiences. Tune in for actionable tips to make advent calendars a core part of your holiday strategy!Welcome to th...2024-11-0818 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 9: Black Friday Strategy Part 1Black Friday Episode 1 of a 3 Part SeriesIn this episode, Angelo and Kajal dive into practical ways brands can harness gamification to boost holiday sales and engagement. From advent calendars to streaks, learn how interactive experiences and themed content keep customers returning. Discover how ecommerce gamification can help your brand stand out this season and why creating an experience beyond the sale is key. Plus, hear insights from recent client projects and the trends coming out of ShopTalk for Black Friday and beyond.Welcome to the PlayAbly Podcast, where w...2024-11-0611 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 8: Landing Pages, Turning Clicks into ConversionsIn this episode, we're unlocking the secrets behind landing pages—those crucial first impressions that can make or break your conversions. We'll dive into everything from design and messaging to optimization tips, transforming your landing page into a true conversion powerhouse. For eCommerce brands, we'll also discuss how ecommerce gamification, such as gamification quizzes and interactive ecommerce elements, can elevate customer engagement and drive faster conversions.Ready to learn more? Visit us at Playably.ai for details on boosting digital engagement through gamification e-commerce strategies!Welcome to the PlayAbly Podcast! This episode is brought to yo...2024-11-0413 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 7: ShopTalk Fall RecapIn PlayAbly Podcast 7: ShopTalk Fall 2024 Recap, we chat with Seema and Angelo from PlayAbly, fresh from their ShopTalk Fall experience. They share key highlights, including engaging conversations about gamification, exciting trends, and unique insights from their meetings with top brands. Seema discusses the growing demand for gamified shopping experiences, while Angelo reflects on how PlayAbly’s personalized games stood out in the crowd.Missed the event? Catch up on the latest trends in eCommerce and gamification! Check out more about PlayAbly at PlayAbly.AI and explore the next ShopTalk event at ShopTalk.Tune in...2024-10-2517 min
Foreign Founders#50 Angelo Ferro, Co-Founder of PlayAbly AIMake Engaging Shopping Experiences For Your Customers with PlayAblyAngelo is the co-founder of PlayAbly, a gamification platform that drives deeper customer engagement. Online brands generate excitement and curiosity using our playable ads and onsite games. Founded by veterans from mobile gaming and e-commerce marketing, PlayAbly's mission is to make shopping fun again.In this episode, we talk about:Angelo’s immigrant background from Philippines to the USCareer transition from economic litigation consulting to E-commerce SaaS founderBuilding a startup based on learnings from a big company, and how that was a PMF trap...2024-10-2430 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 6: Boosting Paid Media with SEO: How Strategic Blogging Can Transform Your eCommerce ROIIn this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, we sit down with Gabi, the main point of contact for our major accounts, to explore how aligning your blog content with paid media strategies can significantly impact your eCommerce performance. Discover why relying solely on ad spend can limit your growth and how a strategic SEO approach using blog posts can give you the flexibility and conversions you need.Gabi shares real-world examples of brands that shifted their focus to optimizing blog content, leveraging high-traffic but low-conversion keywords, and saw remarkable improvements in their user engagement and conversion rates...2024-10-1711 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Episode 5: Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Shopify Migrations: Insights from PlayAbly’s CEOIn this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, CEO John Cheng joins us to dive into the complexities of website migration, particularly for ecommerce brands transitioning to Shopify. Drawing on his background from Unity and years of experience in the gaming industry, John shares insights into the most common pitfalls ecommerce businesses face when migrating platforms—especially when moving from WooCommerce or WordPress to Shopify.Listen as John discusses real-life horror stories from brands that underestimated the technical intricacies and explains why a well-planned migration strategy is essential to avoid losing SEO, conversion rates, and more. Learn how to...2024-10-1418 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 4: Creating Games That Fit the Brand and Why Discount Spinners are Never the AnswerIn this episode, we sit down with Seema Rao, Head of UX and Game Development at PlayAbly, to explore the art and strategy behind creating engaging games for brands. Seema, with over 20 years of experience in game development, shares her insights on why it’s essential to align games with a brand’s identity and target audience, and why generic solutions like discount spinners often fall short.Discover how PlayAbly designs interactive experiences tailored to different customer personas and how testing and analytics play a crucial role in delivering impactful results. Seema also discusses how even high-end bran...2024-10-1016 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 3: Beating Algorithm Changes and Optimizing Paid Social AdsIn this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we dive into the ever-evolving world of digital advertising with our special guest, Ray, a seasoned ad tech expert with nearly a decade of experience at top companies like Google and TikTok. We explore the complexities of optimizing ad campaigns across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and uncover the reasons behind the recent downturn in ad performance that many ecommerce brands are facing.Ray shares valuable insights on the common mistakes businesses make when running ad campaigns—especially small and mid-sized brands—and offers actionable advice on how to n...2024-10-0716 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 2: Lessons from Barry’s BootcampIn this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, we explore how Barry’s Bootcamp integrates gamification into fitness to create a highly engaging workout experience. Angelo, a Barry’s veteran with over 1,900 classes under his belt, shares insights into how the brand’s challenges, loyalty programs, and community-building tactics keep members coming back for more. We discuss how Barry’s leverages player archetypes like achievers and competitors to motivate attendees, and Angelo offers suggestions for how the brand can elevate its app experience through further gamification.Curious how gamification can take your fitness...2024-10-0305 minPlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the FuturePlayAbly Podcast Episode 1: Taylor Swift and the Gamification of Friendship BraceletsIn our debut episode, we explore the gamified world of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour TikTok challenge, where fans completed weekly missions to earn friendship bracelets representing different eras of her career. We discuss the campaign's strengths and areas for improvement, from collectible digital rewards to the potential for more impactful incentives, and how gamification transforms passive fans into active participants.Tune in as we examine how Taylor’s challenge reflects broader trends in marketing and customer engagement. Learn more about gamification at Playably.ai.Get your first month of PlayAbly free by mentioning this podc...2024-09-2514 min
Wargames To GoWargames To Go 14.3 - French & Indian War (Martin Wallace interview) This month's episode brings my French & Indian War topic to a close. As always, it's been very rewarding to dig a bit deeper into a piece of history I thought I knew something about...only to find more layers and connections to the past & present. Even though my time living in Paris is six months behind me, I knew that picking this topic would be a great transition from my somewhat deliberate French-focused outlook of 2016-2017 into the broader world again. That's exactly how it worked. In learning about the F&I War, I chose to focus on the...2017-12-311h 25