We were lucky to catch up with Craig Price recently and have shared our conversation below.

Craig, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In the mid-nineties, I packed up my truck and moved to Texas. I didn’t have a job lined up, and I didn’t know a single person in the city—I just knew I had to get out and start fresh. I was tired of the snow, tired of the cold, and ready for something different. Moving to a big city was a leap, but one I felt I had to take.

Once I arrived, everything felt unfamiliar. The culture was different, the food was new, and even the way people spoke took some getting used to. It was nothing like back home. I had to adjust to a new way of life without the safety net of friends or family, but that challenge was part of what made the experience worthwhile.

I did the same thing a few years later when I moved to New York City. The experiences I gained gave me the confidence to endure most of the difficult situations Id encounter in my life. I don’t suggest everyone do that, my support system isn’t as robust as people who stick around in one spot but for me it’s been about learning about the world we share.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Craig Price, a podcast host, panel moderator, and professional facilitator who’s made a career out of asking the right questions and keeping the chaos in check—whether I’m on stage at a pop culture convention or leading a training session in the corporate world. My podcast, *CONversations with Craig*, features recorded panels from fan conventions across the country, highlighting candid, funny, and insightful moments with actors, artists, and creators from across the entertainment spectrum. It’s not just Star Wars—though we’ve had our share of Jedi—it’s everything from cult classics and comic books to animation, horror, and beyond. If it draws a fandom, I’ve probably hosted a panel on it.

Before I ever touched a podcast mic, I was deep in the trenches of corporate training and talent development. I’ve run onboarding sessions, facilitated leadership workshops, and helped employees navigate everything from compliance to customer service—with way more humor and far less boredom than you’d expect. What sets me apart is my ability to guide a room, live or virtual, with focus, flexibility, and just enough sarcasm to keep things real. I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built—whether it’s from an audience of 5000 at a con or a team of 3 in a breakout room. If you’re looking for someone who shows up prepared, listens hard, and makes sure people stay engaged start to finish—I’m your guy.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing non-creatives might struggle to understand is that the experiences themselves—moderating panels with iconic actors, being part of live, unscripted moments, and connecting with passionate fans—are often more valuable than the paycheck. Those moments stay with you in a way money doesn’t. That said, loving what I do doesn’t mean I don’t want to be paid fairly for it. Passion is great, but it doesn’t keep the lights on. Balancing meaningful experiences with financial sustainability is a constant part of the creative journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the connection I make with people—even though, truth be told, I’m not much of a people person. Being on stage or behind the mic gives me the structure and control I need to thrive, especially compared to the chaos of being in the audience. I want everyone to enjoy the experience, mostly because I’ve been in their shoes. I’ve sat through the awkward panels, the off-topic rambles, the ones that felt like a waste of time—and I never want my audience to feel that way. I get real joy from watching them laugh, lean in, and leave feeling like it was worth showing up. That’s the payoff.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://moderatorcraigprice.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matineeheroes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matineeheroes
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigprice/
• Twitter: @matineeheroes
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@matineeheroes