CASE STUDIES

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Spencer Cook, co-founder of Continuum and creator of the breakout VR game UG, for a candid conversation on resilience, risk, and the long road to meaningful success in the virtual reality gaming industry.

Spencer shares the six-year journey behind building UG into one of the top-performing titles on MetaQuest, unpacking the lessons learned through failed VR games, missed payroll, and the pressure of leading a startup through uncertainty. From experimenting with augmented reality and VR development to finally achieving product market fit in the gaming space, his story highlights what it really takes to build a successful VR game and scale a business in an emerging market.

Together, Spencer and Casey explore entrepreneurship, leadership under pressure, and the mindset required to fail forward. They also dive into VR game design, monetization strategy, and how community-driven gameplay helped UG become a breakout success.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, founders, and anyone interested in VR gaming, startups, and building something meaningful through persistence and smart pivots.

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In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Justin Juntunen - founder of Cedar and Stone Sauna - to explore why the ancient practice of sauna bathing is finding new life in the heart of modern wellness. What starts as a conversation about custom craftsmanship and cardiovascular benefits quickly unfolds into something deeper: a dialogue on slowing down, creating meaning, and pursuing a business with soul.

Justin shares his journey from building saunas with his grandfather in Minnesota to leading a company that crafts world-class sauna experiences, from private homes to luxury resorts. More than just heat and steam, his mission is about reconnecting people to their bodies, their breath, and each other. Together, they unpack the science, cultural traditions, and spiritual rituals behind the sauna movement, and why it's resonating with high performers and families alike.
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In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Seth Jenson, Executive Director of the Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute at UVU, to explore what it really takes to build a world-class program from the ground up. Fresh off a PhD at Oxford and a global study of elite innovation ecosystems, Seth shares how he was given a blank canvas to reimagine entrepreneurship education and why outcomes, not optics, became his north star.

Together, they unpack the power of experiential learning, the importance of industry-specific pathways, and how UVU is helping students graduate not just with degrees, but with revenue-generating businesses. Seth also breaks down the mindset shift required to see entrepreneurship as a skillset, not a title, and why resourcefulness is the ultimate advantage.

The conversation expands into the future of higher education, the disruptive force of AI, and what institutions must do to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. For entrepreneurs, builders, and leaders, this episode offers a compelling look at how the next generation is being equipped to create value at scale.
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In this episode of Case Studies, Casey is joined by Stephen M.R. Covey; bestselling author of The Speed of Trust and one of today’s most respected thinkers on leadership and credibility. Together, they explore the one leadership trait that multiplies everything it touches; and the silent killer when it’s missing: trust.

Stephen reveals why trust isn’t just a soft skill, but the core of every high-performing team and thriving organization. He breaks down his legendary Four Cores of Credibility; integrity, intent, capabilities, and results; and shows how this framework can diagnose and transform relationships, leadership effectiveness, and organizational culture.

From elite sports to billion-dollar businesses to moments of parenting and personal growth, Stephen and Casey unpack how trust scales performance, attracts talent, and builds enduring influence. They also dive deep into stories from Stephen’s upbringing as the son of Stephen R. Covey; giving a behind-the-scenes look at the principles that shaped a global legacy.

If you lead, influence, or build; this conversation will challenge and elevate how you think about the most underestimated force in leadership.

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In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Brigham Taylor, longtime Disney film executive and producer behind iconic films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Tron Legacy, and The Jungle Book, for a thoughtful conversation on building a career without a clear roadmap.

Brigham shares how an uncertain start at BYU, paired with a deep love for film, led him to pursue opportunities others might overlook. Through early scrappy work, curiosity, and a willingness to stay close to the action, he found himself inside Disney, learning the business from the ground up and eventually helping shape some of the most successful films of a generation.

Casey and Brigham explore the role of timing, trust, and relationships in career growth, and why being prepared matters more than having a perfect plan. They also reflect on the mindset required to navigate high-stakes creative environments and evolve beyond a single chapter of success.

This episode is a powerful lesson in embracing the unknown and building something meaningful over time.

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