Forge and Foundry Podcast: Ellen Durkan & Derick Kemper: Where Fire Shapes Art

Forge and Foundry: Tools of the Trade with Foredom Tools CEO Richard C. Milici

In the world of blades and fine detail, where a fraction of a millimeter can make or break the work, the tools you trust aren’t just equipment—they’re part of your craft. On this episode of Forge and Foundry, Kerry Stagmer and Tony Swatton sit down with Richard C. Milici, CEO of Blackstone Industries and Foredom Tools, to talk about the machines behind the mastery—tools they rely on every day for their precision, durability, and accessibility—and the legacy and innovation that keep them at the heart of modern craftsmanship. To learn more about Foredom's line of precision hand tools, visit their website at https://www.foredom.net/ [https://www.foredom.net/].

Forge and Foundry Podcast: Jason Kingsley - Modern Knight and Medieval Creative

In this episode, Tony and Kerry welcome Jason Kingsley, the visionary co-founder of Rebellion, known for captivating worlds and compelling narratives in the gaming industry. Jason shares his perspective on the modern knight’s quest—a journey infused with the spirit of adventure, artistry, and relentless passion. As a creative director and author, he explores the intersections of tech and storytelling, revealing how imagination can forge new paths in both traditional and digital realms. Tune in as we dive deep into Jason's remarkable insights and experiences, and discover what it means to be a true knight in today’s creative landscape! To learn more about Foredom Tools, visit their website at https://www.foredom.net/ [https://www.foredom.net/]

Forge and Foundry Podcast: Fon Davis and the Art of Cinematic Craft

In this episode of The Forge and Foundry Podcast, Tony and Kerry sit down with legendary model maker and visual effects artist Fon Davis, whose craftsmanship has helped shape some of the most iconic worlds in film history — from Star Wars and The Matrix to Interstellar and The Nightmare Before Christmas. As the founder of Fonco Studios and a veteran of Industrial Light & Magic, Fon shares how his lifelong passion for building by hand continues to inspire a new generation of makers. We explore the artistry behind practical effects, the marriage of creativity and engineering, and what it means to bring imagination to life — one miniature at a time.

Forge and Foundry Podcast: Ellen Durkan & Derick Kemper: Where Fire Shapes Art

In this episode of the Forge and Foundry Podcast, Tony and Kerry sit down with Ellen Durkan and Derick Kemper to explore the artistry, discipline, and emotion behind their work in metal. Ellen, creator of Forged Fashion, shares how she blends blacksmithing with performance and sculpture to create wearable works that express vulnerability and empowerment. Derick, founder of Damselfly Forge and a Forged in Fire champion, discusses his journey as a bladesmith, the balance between precision and creativity, and how forging became both a craft and a calling. Together, they reflect on the physical and mental demands of working with metal, the importance of storytelling through design, and how the forge continues to shape their growth as artists and individuals.

Forge and Foundry Podcast: Ardeshir Radpour. Actor, stuntman, and polo player

In this episode of Forge and Foundry Podcast with Tony Swatton and Kerry Stagmer, we sit down with Ardeshir Radpour — a true modern-day renaissance man. Ardeshir is an actor, stuntman, polo player, and entrepreneur, whose life bridges the worlds of art, athleticism, and adventure. From galloping across the polo field to bringing cinematic battles to life on screen, Ardeshir’s journey is one of precision, passion, and purpose. Let’s dive in!