Learning From Failure & Mastering the Drop with Jeff Haldaczuk

This extra-long episode of Adventures in Design kicks off with Mark sharing an honest update on the podcast—and a story about failure at an epic scale that proves even the biggest names in entertainment face the same setbacks we all do. It’s a reminder that failure isn’t the end, it’s just part of the creative process.

In part two, Mark welcomes back Jeff Haldaczuk for a deep dive into the world of conventions, collectibles, and limited editions. Jeff gives us an insider’s look at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, the state of fan culture, and how his company Rucking Fotten has built a fiercely loyal following by perfecting the art of timed drops and sticking to their rules. From push notifications that cut through the noise to the discipline of wiping the slate clean between releases, Jeff breaks down the systems that keep fans coming back week after week.

Whether you’ve wrestled with creative setbacks or dreamed of building your own limited-edition empire, this episode is packed with lessons on resilience, strategy, and playing the long game.