Game/life Balance U.s. Podcast

Cody talks about how he found himself watching Highlander in a movie theater in Wrigleyville as the Chicago Cubs won their first pennant since 1945. Plus: Jon has his annual Halloween love fest and recommends movies and games for the season, then discusses the Nintendo Switch with Cody. Show Notes: * The Chicago Cubs are in the World Series for the first time in over 70 years! Cody explains why he found himself in Wrigleyville the night they won the pennant at Wrigley Field * Cody gives a mini-review of Highlander, which he saw at an old-timey movie theatre with Nick Offerman… and yes, that’s a thing that actually happened for some reason * Life Stuff * Jon tells a story about the TV show American Horror Story, then talks Black Mirror with Cody * Continuing with his Halloween horror theme, Jon tells a ridiculous story about a video game called The Evil Within * In terms of movies still in theaters, Jon recommends Ouija: Origin of Evil, which is a great endorsement from a horror movie buff * Cod

Cody and Jon discuss their recent game/life balance, then Cody explains how commercial auditions and casting agencies work. He then engages Jon in a discussion on gamer stereotypes and how deeply they’ve permeated our culture. Show Notes: * Jon riffs on NPR pledge drives, and Cody makes fun of his stupid face * Cody has a stroke or something and starts screaming about perspiration and precipitation and religion * Jon disagrees with Cody’s assessment of how to tell when it’s time to start recording their podcast every week, especially regarding putting his son to bed * Balancing Act * Cody has been struggling to play Final Fantasy XIV because he burned his girlfriend out on it when he basically played nothing else for 2-3 months; how do you deal with that sort of situation? Jon provides insights from his MMORPG experience * Very briefly, Cody lauds the changes in Blizzard’s latest Hearthstone patch 6.1.3, which had made the game infinitely more playable… but then has to complai

Jon and Cody debate styles and merits of facial hair, Cody gets stuck in a creative rut, and Jon has a potty training nightmare. All in one explosive episode! Show Notes: * Jon explains why he’s trying to grow a beard, and Cody explains why some people just are not allowed to grow facial hair for any reason ever * Cody describes his creative rut and discusses creative outlets with Jon * Jon used to actually be really good at singing, but apparently is not driven by the same need for a creative outlet as Cody, who is floundering like an idiot not having any clue what to do with his life * Jon tells an incredibly long but somewhat informative and entertaining story about trying to potty train his son, who is basically trolling him for kicks * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Subterranean Kamikaze‘ by Sixto Sounds,zircon, via OverClocked ReMix (http://ocremix.org) * Game/Life Balance

Look, let’s just call this episode like it is: Cody and Jon don’t really have anything significant to talk about, so they just improvise comedy for a while. Listen to this episode, but expect hilarity in lieu of actual content! Show Notes: * Jon brings up Harambe McHarambeface, and Cody crushes his dreams by pointing out that the story is fake and stupid * What do you drink after you get home from the gym? Cody and Jon discuss why the answer probably should not be “cookie dough” * Cody rages because sports seasons are happening, and explains that sports seasons are dumb * Welcome to Dumb * In an unexpected twist of fate, Cody introduced himself to one of his neighbors, which Jon then both admits is a big deal and then berates Cody because he says it isn’t a big deal, mostly because Jon’s a jerk and can’t make up his mind * “Sorry, what were you saying? I was busy drinking water because my life is so interesting.” * Life Stuff * Jon visited Chicago an

Jon gives a glowing Kentucky Route Zero review and tries to help Cody understand how it’s like Twin Peaks. If you don’t know what to do in the gym or you’ve never stepped foot in one before, it can seem like a pretty scary place. What are all the machines for? How do I do use them? Is everyone looking at me? That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate gym guide for beginners, that covers everything from what to pack in your gym bag, right up to your very own beginner’s workout. Once you’ve read through this guide, you’ll know everything there is to know about working out in the gym and smashing your fitness goals. Show Notes: * Jon tells a story about how he used to own hermit crabs, which Cody refuses to believe * Debate on how to pronounce the word “route” in “Kentucky Route Zero” * Cody trashes L.A. Fitness, which is a garbage gym with garbage policies and nobody should ever go there, and then tells and epic (short) gym story about exercise, testosterone supplements and sleep

Jon returns from Las Vegas (one of his favorite travel destinations) and Cody returns from two weeks in Spain with some travel tips for listeners. Show Notes: * Jon explains what happened last week when his power went out, which abruptly ended last week’s episode * Cody and Jon discuss Jon’s guest appearance on Game/Life Gaiden, an offshoot of the Game/Life Balance brand that he co-hosted with AC of Game/Life Balance Australia * Full Gamer * It’s more like “Half Gamer,” as Cody discusses joining a Free Company in Final Fantasy XIV (which he only started playing a few months ago), but does so in a reasonably accessible way * Jon tells an amusing story about being left behind in a raid while he was watching a cut scene in Final Fantasy XIV * Cody explains why he loves the social aspect of the Free Company (FFXIV’s version of a “guild” as they’re known in other MMORPGs) and tells a similarly humorous story involving Power Rangers poses * Jon and Cody discu

Cody and Jon discuss the fantasy writing workshops, board games, and other geek culture they experienced at the world’s largest gaming convention: Gen Con 2016! Show Notes: * Jon and Cody discuss sharing a hotel room with 12 adult dudes, and how whiskey pouring can complicate sleep sometimes * Cody gives a high-level overview of the writing seminars offered at Gen Con 2016, some of the interesting takeaways from the authors on the panels he attended, and a little background about his writing interests and his first foray into writing a fantasy novel * Jon describes the huge difference between staying at a hotel directly connected to the Indiana Convention Center and staying at a hotel further away during Gen Con * Some of their favorite board games played at Gen Con 2016 were Eldritch Horror, Legends of Andor, and Seasons * Just as Cody and Jon start to pivot to another subject after their Gen Con 2016 talk, A GAME/LIFE BALANCE U.S. FIRST OCCURS! You won’t want to miss this UNIQUE YET CLICK-BAIT

Cody bit the bullet and started playing Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, his first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). He and Jon welcome special guest and FFXIV fanatic Brad to talk about the game, MMOs, and more. Show Notes: * Jon tries to trick Brad, this episode’s special guest, into thinking they’re actually going to talk about pro wrestling for an hour * Cody and Jon welcome special guest Brad to the program, since he’s been playing Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn since its inception and thus knows a ridiculous amount about the game and its extremely unique history * Full Gamer * Jon explains a bit about the massively multiplayer online RPG (MMORPG) genre and typical play styles of its players * Brad explains the history of Final Fantasy XIV and why its initial release was unsuccessful, including graphical limitations and experience point caps * Learn why Square Enix decided to try to re-launch the game and how they listened to fan feedback rather than simpl

In this special bite-sized podcast, Cody sits down with Kim Hansen of Signl.fm to discuss her podcasting platform and share some fun stories from her background in the video game industry. Show Notes: * Cody thanks Buzzsprout for letting him use their equipment at Podcast Movement 2016 * Cody introduces Kim Hansen, CEO of Signl.fm, and she talks a bit about Signl.fm and its features (“Twitch for podcasting”) * Learn about how Signl.fm can help with podcast monetization, live streaming and listener engagement, transcription with IBM Watson, and more! * Kim also used to work for Bioware, and has some cool stories about her time working on Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 (in addition to some other cool games that weren’t necessarily ever released) * Fun fact: Mass Effect 2 had the fewest launch bugs of any Bioware property (at the time it was launched) * Kim also tells an awesome story about the Xbox achievements in the first Mass Effect game and helping gamers with strategy * Cody throws

Jon and Cody discuss their Independence Day weekend, complete with illegal fireworks displays, The Book of Mormon, and the Guns N’ Roses “Not in This Lifetime…” tour. Plus, hear about a bizarre Anime called Belladonna of Sadness and a check-in with Summer Games Done Quick 2016. Show Notes: * Following a raucous Independence Day weekend, Jon and Cody reflect on their feelings about fireworks, which are strangely similar despite Jon being a cranky old man at this point in his life * Life Stuff * Cody saw The Book of Mormon in Chicago, and it was worth every penny * Cody also saw Guns N’ Roses perform at Soldier field on both Friday, July 1, and Sunday, July 3 * Oddities * Cody discusses Belladonna of Sadness, an obscure 1973 Anime with a highly sexual plot that he saw at the very hipster Music Box Theatre in Chicago * Jon discusses Summer Games Done Quick, a charity speedrunning marathon taking place July 3-9, 2016 * Cody will be attending Podcast Movement Chicago 2016, so

Jon and Cody discuss the epic tale of the Mighty No. 9 launch, plus other Kickstarter projects they’ve backed in the past. Then, Cody launches into a tangent about the Tremors movie series, Jon talks about Father’s Day, and Cody shares some tips and tricks for booking international travel online. Show Notes: * Jon tells the sad tale of the Mighty No. 9 launch, which underwhelmed and under-delivered in more ways than thought possible * Cody shares his history backing video games on Kickstarter and why he doesn’t closely follow Kickstarter campaigns after he’s funded them (especially after the Mighty No. 9 launch going the way it did after so much hype) * Jon and Cody briefly discuss Exploding Kittens briefly, which is one of the most successful Kickstarter projects of all time * Somehow Cody gets on the topic of Tremors 5, a fifth movie in the Tremors film series that actually happened in 2015 * Cody refuses to let Jon change the subject, instead launching into a brief ranking of

Cody and Jon played a ton of board games at “Martin-Con” 2016 in Minneapolis, and they have a lot to say about them! Hear them delve into several board game reviews, then review X-Men: Apocalypse and talk a little Jessica Jones on Netflix. Show Notes: * Cody and Jon explain the legacy of “Martin-Con,” the annual tradition of Jon hosting their friends to play a bunch of board games, and how it has grown over the years * A serious discussion of “root brews,” involving mason jars, cans, pints, drafts, and obviously Cody not having literally any idea what he’s talking about (hear also something about blokes) * Cody pitches some ideas for growing Martin-Con in the future, regardless of how Jon feels about it * Cody attempts to open the next segment dramatically, and it goes hilarious wrong * Full Gamer * Board game reviews abound as Cody and Jon discuss several games they played! * Chaos in the Old World: Cody played this game last year, but Jon played it without him th

Jon bares his soul in this riveting episode, featuring his first 5k (did an injury hold him back, or did he run through the burn?) and a terrifying story of parenting that a lot of parents should be able to relate to. Show Notes: * Life Stuff * Jon ran his first 5k—or did he? Hear his exciting tale of how it all went down * To “run through the burn,” or not to run through the burn? That is the everlasting question among athletes! * Joy of Parenting * Jon has a scary parenting story regarding childhood development, which is both educational and provides a rare serious side look at the hosts of Game/Life Balance U.S. (well, mostly Jon) * Cody is headed to Minneapolis for Martin Con this weekend, and really hopes that he and Jon get to stream live to Twitch.TV via Darrel TV * Cody is hype about going to see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra this week * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro c

Why is there so much hate surrounding the new Ghostbusters movie, despite the fact that only one trailer has been released? Jon discusses the dark psychology of the Internet, and Cody plays devil’s advocate when it comes to maintaining the integrity of storied franchises. It’s a back-and-forth discussion you won’t want to miss! Show Notes: * Cody talks about the format of Game/Life Balance Australia, plus why they are kind of stealing their format, and also talks about fire tornadoes * Cody and Jon had a fascinating discussion over Google Hangouts regarding the new Ghostbusters film, and launch into a podcast about it with a quote from Jon * Current News * Jon argues that people online are too hyperbolic to have any meaningful discussion * Cody defends people who defend a franchise’s integrity, and how that applies to old Ghostbusters versus new Ghostbusters * Jon asserts that original works can’t “become worse” because a sequel or additional intellectual property

Budweiser wants to change its name for the summer, and Jon thinks it is utterly ridiculous. Then, learn why Cody has Star Fox Zero commitment anxiety following his triumph over The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD. Plus: Jon’s big birthday was so big, he literally forgets how old he is, and Cody does a quick hit on Captain America: Civil War. Show Notes: * This summer, for a limited time, Budweiser wants to change the name of its beer to… “America” * Cody and Jon search for various things on Google, including what you get when you mix a beer with orange juice, plus the top search results for both America and Europe * Balancing Act * Cody beat The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, talks a little bit about the gameplay and how much he enjoys playing games at 60 frames per second * The first 3 dungeons in the game are great, and then the game opens up to a ridiculous amount… but then there isn’t much left in the last half of the game, at least according to Cody *

In this very special episode, members of the GonnaGeek Network from across the U.S. join Cody at WGN Radio in Chicago to discuss their podcasting panel at C2E2, nerd convention highlights, what they’ve been watching on Netflix lately, and more. Show Notes: * Jon takes a birthday week off, so Cody welcomes several members of the GonnaGeek Network to the studios at WGN Radio for a podcast featuring several podcasters from across the U.S.! * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Cody and Jon have a Netflix extravaganza, prompted by Cody’s choice to watch Marvel’s Daredevil Season 1 on Netflix almost exclusively on his cell phone. Hear them discuss everything from Black Mirror to horror movies to various versions of Star Trek, then get Cody’s aggressive thoughts on the newest Hearthstone expansion, Whispers of the Old Gods. Show Notes: * Jon agrees to discuss the podcast only in terms of emoji from now on (Cody does not actually agree to this at any point, but he rolls with it) * Jon gets a text message from THE WEATHER because he is INCREDIBLY RUDE * Balancing Act * Cody explains how the GonnaGeek Network tricked him into wanting to watch geeky TV shows, so he watched the first season of Daredevil on Netflix * For some reason, Cody’s girlfriend doesn’t like mindless excessive violence or superhero things, so Cody decided to watch the entire first season on his phone * Cody and Jon debate which films or shows would be best to watch on a phone versus on

Cody shares some exciting news coming from Illinois, just in time for the 4/20 “holiday.” Then, Jon discusses his child’s hilarious sleeping habits and his own personal battle with becoming a runner, and Cody shares his favorite hidden gems in the world of video game music arrangements and radio drama podcasts. Show Notes: * Jon accuses Rob from Game/Life Balance Australia of being well-read and cultured, because he reads books * “Buying a bunch of games and not playing them is not nearly as impressive as buying a bunch of books and not reading them” * Jon makes jokes about a book called The Assassins: A Radical Sect in Islam, which is a callback to Episode 4 of Game/Life Balance Australia * Cody introduced Jon to introduce himself, after Jon introduces himself several times * Current News * This episode was recorded on April 20, also known as 420, also known as marijuana, weed, pot, etc. * Jon complains about the internet on 4/20 because he is butthurt that Reddit wasnR

Cody reveals his #1 pet peeve in the entire world, which happens to involve podcasting technical difficulties that occur both before and after this episode’s recording.  Then, Jon explains why he rage uninstalled a mobile game for the first time in his life, and some of the pros and cons of Clash Royale. Show Notes: * Cody visits the bomb dot com, which we aren’t going to link to in our show notes because it’s such an atrocious click-bait website * Jon raises the important question: why isn’t Game/Life Balance Australia this podcast’s “brother show?” “Sister show” doesn’t seem to make sense to him * On a related note, Cody and Jon debate Australian slang, all of which Cody is pretty sure is completely wrong * Cody compares himself to Rob of Game/Life Balance Australia, based on stuff he heard in their third episode * While elaborating on his biggest pet peeve on the planet, Cody makes a brilliant Legend of Zelda analogy, which Jon somehow doesn&

Cody describes his experience shopping at recreational Colorado marijuana dispensaries, where recreational marijuana use has been legalized. Learn about the laws and the culture in one of America’s first states to legalize weed! Show Notes: * Jon shows a shred of humanity by wishing Cody a belated happy birthday! * Joy of Parenting * Jon’s son has transitioned from a crib to a bed, and while the proposition was terrifying, the results have been hilarious * Life Stuff * Cody went on “spring break” in Colorado and had a chance to visit a number of recreational marijuana dispensaries * Learn about the regulations in place for legally buying weed in Colorado, the ridiculous variety of products and edibles you can purchase, what the implications are for the state (and its budget), and how it has affected the culture in Colorado * Also don’t miss Cody rave about The Green Solution, which he firmly believes is the future of marijuana in the United States * Learn how to connect w