One of the things I enjoy about listening to podcasts is that every now and then, someone says something that sticks with you. Not because it is some deep philosophical revelation, but because it makes you laugh and immediately think, “Yep, I get that.”

That happened recently while listening to Grant from Pushing Cardboard.

Now, if you’ve spent any time in the historical wargaming hobby, chances are you’ve come across Pushing Cardboard. Whether through his podcast, videos, or various discussions around the hobby, Grant has become one of the voices many of us enjoy listening to. His content is thoughtful, informative, and always seems to come from a place of genuine passion for the hobby.

During a recent discussion, Grant was talking about labels. Specifically, what exactly do you call someone who spends countless hours talking about wargames, interviewing people, recording podcasts, creating videos, writing articles, and generally helping keep the hobby alive?

For years, “podcaster” worked just fine.

But these days, that label doesn’t quite cover everything.

The problem is that the alternative label floating around the internet is “Content Creator.”

And Grant made it very clear that he is not a fan. Honestly, the way he described it nearly made me spit out my coffee.

If you want to hear it for yourself at about the 4:20 mark of his latest video podcast, Grant from Pushing Cardboard brought up something that apparently has been rattling around in his head for a while.

Back when he was producing an audio-only show, life was simple. People called him a podcaster. He was perfectly fine with that label. It fit what he was doing, and nobody really thought twice about it.

Fast forward to today and things have changed. Grant now produces livestreams, video content, podcast episodes, and regularly writes for his blog. Because of that, people have started referring to him as a “Content Creator.”

In fact, his description of the term nearly made me laugh out loud. He said being called a Content Creator sounds like “he works in a Gulag for Jeff Bezos or something.”

Being called a Content Creator sounds like “he works in a Gulag for Jeff Bezos or something.”

Say what?

He also said that it sounded Dead and soulless… IMHO that is a tad over dramatic. But that is just me.

Now, before Grant starts drafting my transfer papers to the Bezos Gulag, I should probably confess something.

I don’t actually mind the term “Content Creator.”

In fact, when I stop and think about it, the label fits what I do. I create podcasts. I create YouTube videos. I write blog posts. I make graphics and social media posts. Heck, some weeks I feel like I’m producing enough content to qualify for overtime pay.

So from a purely practical standpoint, “Content Creator” is accurate.

That said, I completely understand Grant’s point. The phrase does sound a little corporate and sterile. It lacks the personality that comes with labels like podcaster, writer, broadcaster, or even wargaming enthusiast.

At the end of the day, though, I won’t lose any sleep over it. If someone wants to call me a content creator, that’s fine. If they want to call me a podcaster, blogger, YouTuber, or historical wargaming troublemaker, that’s fine too.

I just hope nobody ever describes Cardboard Commander as dead and soulless.

If that happens, I may have to report for duty at the Bezos Gulag myself.

Fortunately, I think we’re safe. After all, a dead and soulless channel probably doesn’t spend this much time arguing about cardboard, dice, and whether a rules clarification from 1987 still applies.

At the end of the day, this was all meant in good fun. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Grant and what he has built with Pushing Cardboard. His podcast, videos, and blog continue to be some of the most thoughtful and informative content in the wargaming hobby.

That said, I am still laughing at the idea of a “Content Creator Gulag” somewhere in the frozen wastelands, with poor creators hunched over microphones and keyboards trying to meet their daily quota of podcasts, blog posts, livestreams, and social media updates for the algorithm gods.

Sorry, Grant. Once that image got planted in my head, there was no saving it.

Whether he’s a podcaster, blogger, livestream host, wargaming commentator, or a reluctant content creator, one thing is certain: he produces great stuff and is helping grow the hobby we all enjoy.

So if you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and check out Grant and Pushing Cardboard on YouTube. You’ll find great discussions, thoughtful commentary, and absolutely zero evidence that he is employed in a Bezos-run content camp.

At least none that he’s admitted to publicly.

Thanks for the laugh, Grant.

And check out Pushing Cardboard on YouTube.