Shows
Meeting Room DoctorChoosing the Right Microphone System: A Guide for Modern Meeting SpacesIn this episode of the Meeting Room Doctor podcast, the host discusses the critical role of microphones in enhancing meeting room productivity. The episode begins by explaining the basic function of microphones and their importance in capturing sound effectively, especially in conference room settings. The host emphasizes the need for microphones to minimize background noise, manage echo, and ensure clear audio for both in-person and remote participants.
The discussion covers various microphone technologies and formats commonly used in conference rooms, including video bars, ceiling and wall-mounted systems, wireless microphones, and wired tabletop microphones. Each format is analyzed...
2025-11-1119 minMeeting Room DoctorMulti-Camera Systems: The Future of Dynamic Video Conferencing ExperiencesIn this episode of the Meeting Room Doctor, Alex explores the evolution and current state of video conferencing technology, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. The discussion begins by reflecting on the peak of video conferencing in 2020, highlighting how remote work created a more equitable experience for participants through well-framed video interactions.
The episode delves into the key factors to consider when choosing video conferencing cameras, such as resolution, zoom capabilities, and field of view. The host explains the differences between video bars and standalone systems, weighing their advantages and disadvantages. The role of AI in...
2025-11-0420 minMeeting Room DoctorBYOD vs. Ecosystem Rooms: Which Meeting Setup is Right for You?In this episode of the Meeting Room Doctor podcast, the host delves into the concept of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) conference rooms, highlighting their flexibility and the ability for users to connect to virtual meetings using their personal devices. The discussion covers the advantages and disadvantages of BYOD technology, including its cost-effectiveness and platform agnosticism, which allows users to access various conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet without dedicated hardware.
The episode also explores the hardware considerations necessary for setting up a BYOD room, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate cameras, microphones, and...
2025-10-2813 minMeeting Room DoctorFundamentals Series - Ecosystem Video ConferencingIn this episode of the Meeting Room Doctor podcast, Alex discusses the importance of using dedicated meeting room software from major ecosystem vendors like Microsoft, Google, and Zoom to enhance the video conferencing experience in conference rooms. The episode explains what an ecosystem room is and how it integrates familiar software with specialized hardware to create an optimal meeting environment.
Alex outlines the essential components of ecosystem rooms, including touchscreen controllers, compute modules, and various peripherals such as cameras, microphones, and speakers. The discussion also covers the significance of selecting the right hardware based on room size...
2025-10-2115 minMeeting Room DoctorFundamental Series - Display Size MattersIn this episode of the Meeting Room Doctor podcast, we dive deep into the essential considerations for selecting the right display screen for meeting rooms. Host The Meeting Room Doctor explains why simply purchasing a large television isn't the best solution for commercial environments. Instead, he highlights the advantages of large format displays, which are specifically designed for extended use in professional settings.
Listeners will learn about the importance of screen size, resolution, aspect ratio, and brightness, as well as the various display formats available, including single, dual, and ultra-wide screens. The episode also covers the growing...
2025-10-1416 minMeeting Room DoctorFundamentals Series - Elevate Your ElevationsIn this podcast episode, Alex Smith, The Meeting Room Doctor, emphasises the critical importance of elevation drawings in the installation of audio-visual (AV) systems. The episode begins by explaining what elevation drawings are and how they serve as a communication tool for planning the installation of technology, including hardware locations, fixing points, and requirements from other trades like power and data cabling.
Alex walks the audience through a typical elevation, highlighting key components such as wall-mounted displays, video bars, and cable routes for touch panels and computer modules. The discussion includes the necessity of wall reinforcements to...
2025-10-0715 minMeeting Room DoctorThe Evolution of Meeting Room AV – From Flipcharts to AIWhat has been the biggest catalyst for change in how we use modern meeting rooms? Was it the rise of laptops, faster internet speeds, a digital-native workforce—or the pandemic? In this episode, we take a journey through the decades to see how meeting room technology has transformed from the 1990s to today, and what might be coming next.
From overhead projectors and VHS trolleys to hybrid-enabled spaces with AI-powered cameras and real-time transcription, meeting room AV has come a long way. We’ll unpack the cultural, technological, and workplace shifts that drove this change—and explore what e...
2025-09-3014 minMeeting Room DoctorDo You Really Need a Technology Consultant? - The Meeting Room Doctor - Our TeamAre technology consultants an expensive luxury—or an invaluable resource that can save your business time, money, and frustration? In this episode, we unpack the real value of consultancy and introduce the Meeting Room Doctor – On Your Team service.
From office relocations to large-scale refurbishments, AV projects only come around every few years. That makes it easy for internal teams to feel out of their depth when faced with complex technology decisions, vendor negotiations, and construction coordination. This is where having the right expertise on your side makes all the difference.
🔑 What You’ll...
2025-09-3013 minMeeting Room DoctorThe Meeting Room Doctor - SurgeryMost businesses only update their meeting room systems every five years or so—which means your team may not be familiar with the latest AV standards, requirements, and best practices. That’s where Meeting Room Doctor Surgery comes in.
In this episode, we explore how our professional consultancy service takes the guesswork out of meeting room design and technology. Whether you’re moving offices, refurbishing, or refreshing your AV setup, we provide practical, expert guidance so your spaces are designed right the first time.
🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why properly specified A...
2025-09-3010 minMeeting Room DoctorThe Evolution of Video Conferencing – From Boardrooms to AI-Driven MeetingsVideo conferencing reached its peak in 2020, when the world was forced online and tools like Zoom and Teams became household names. But how did we get here—and what comes next?
In this episode, the Meeting Room Doctor takes us on a fast-paced journey through the history of video conferencing. From its experimental beginnings in the 1870s, to the early corporate-only systems of the 1980s and 90s, to the explosion of consumer apps like Skype and FaceTime, and finally the pandemic-driven adoption of Zoom and Teams, we trace the technology’s evolution and the shifts in user expe...
2025-09-3015 minMeeting Room DoctorMeeting Room Doctor | TrailerThe Meeting Room Doctor is here to diagnose and fix the issues that make video-enabled meeting spaces frustrating—from poor audio and acoustics to awkward cameras and outdated tech. The result? More equitable, productive, and intuitive meetings.
Host Alex Smith brings decades of experience designing exceptional meeting and event spaces. Join him and the team for expert insights from AV innovators, workplace specialists, and exclusive events with top technology manufacturers.
Need hands-on support? Our Surgery and On-Your-Team services provide tailored guidance to ensure your spaces become Doctor Approved. Plus, our trusted Installation Partners are ready to...
2025-09-1101 min
The Publishing Performance ShowAlex Smith of Book Vault - Creating Stunning Special Editions for Indie Authors (Live at Author Nation 2024)[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Alex Smith, Technical Lead at Book Vault, shares insights on how the platform empowers indie authors to create high-quality, premium books through special editions and print-on-demand services. With unique customization options, direct sales capabilities, and a focus on maximizing author revenue, Book Vault is revolutionizing the indie publishing landscape.In this episode:Book Vault's print-on-demand and direct sales servicesUnique customization options for special editions (foiling, printed end papers, ribbons, sprayed edges)Targeting super fans with premium, collectible editionsCase studies of successful indie authors using B...
2024-11-1412 min
Nah Then PodcastEp. 1 - Alex NormanOn this episode, I catch up with Coventry native singer songwriter and events performer Alex Norman. We cover how he first got into music, how he developed as a live performer and his top 3 albums!I'm always on the look out for creative individuals to talk to to showcase their talents and work. So if you'd be interested in appearing on the podcast, please get in touch via our social media platforms!https://linktr.ee/nahthenpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-06-0235 min
It's Not About The MoneyManaging your equity compensation, with Alex CrouchIf you're a tech professional at a big company or a small startup, chances are good that you get at least some of your compensation in equity: stock options, restricted stock units, ESPPs, etc. All these forms of equity have their own nuances and tax implications, and figuring out how they fit into your larger financial picture can be confusing. Today our guest is Alex Crouch, CFP, the founder of Tech Financial Planning. His firm specializes in helping tech professionals answer these complicated questions in the way that best suits their financial goals. We...
2024-05-0239 min
Sell By Being HumanWhat's it Mean to Be Authentic in Sales? - Dee Acosta, Sr Sales Mgr - ModigieSummary:In this episode, host Alex Smith interviews Dee Acosta, a senior director of sales and strategic growth at Modigie. He's been a #1 seller at his company numerous times and very active in sales communities. We discuss the concept of selling by being human and the importance of authenticity in sales. Dee shares examples of authentic people in his life and how their authenticity has contributed to their success. We also talk about the challenges of being authentic and the importance of trying to let out your authenticity even when you're not feeling really positive.
2024-03-2038 min
2023-12-0101 minSell By Being HumanThe Salesperson in A Marketers Clothes - Will Aitken, Head of Social, LavenderSummary:Will Aitken is the head of all things Social Marketing/Content at Lavender and is one of the most creative content creators on Linkedin today. He boasts over 40,000 followers to his Linkedin pages and his content to viewed or shared by millions of people per year. This episode we talk about Will's journey from top sales rep to content marketer and what he's learned along the way. Will has a really unique framework to posting content on LinkedIN and stopping the scroll. He thinks about being helpful, being relatable, and being motivational. He'll also...
2023-05-1747 minSell By Being HumanActing Like A Trusted Advisor vs Being A Trusted Advisor - Brad Harmon, Industry Sales Executive, OracleSummary:Brad Harmon is the Industry Sales Executive at Oracle. Brad has a long history working as a strategic enterprise seller working with some of the largest companies in the world. He's had consistent success at being a #1 rep and in 2021, he achieved 300% of his annual quota. He is a dedicated, self-starter sales professional with various experience across many different industries.In this episode we talk about how to give more of yourself in the sales process to connect to buyers. We also discuss how you really exhibit how to show a customer that you...
2023-02-2346 minSell By Being HumanThe Story of Starting This Podcast - Alex Smith, Host, Stories of Selling HumanToday's episode is a solo episode with your host, Alex Smith. We're approaching 2 years in May and by podcast standards that's a huge milestone. I thought I'd share a brief episode of why I started this journey and why I'm still doing it two years later.This is a wild story that began with an elevator, a mop, and a New York Times Besdt Selling author. Listen to the full episode, I promise it'll be interesting. Also, I'm committing to asking all of my guests - What Does Selling By Being Human Mean to you...
2022-03-1609 min2021-12-0701 minSell By Being HumanGratitude Story + Sales, Alex Smith, Your HostSummary:This episode I'm sharing a personal story about me about gratitude. I thought with Thanksgiving this past week, it made me think of how I view gratitude and how powerful it is to help get hyou out of some really hard times. You can actually use it to create joy, not the other way around.I share a really personal glimpse about working through a layoff, cancer, and how it only got worse from there. It was gratitude that helped me not get defeated. It's something that isn't practiced always but it can help...
2021-12-0109 min
They Create WorldsStorytime with a Book 2TCW Podcast Episode 146 - Storytime with a Book 2
Alex reads and annotates a chapter of the book dealing with the founding of Activision! We cover not just the chapter but the thought process, and behind the scenes that went into the chapter. The story is helped with extra information that Alex was able to gleam from interviews, and trial transcripts. A larger perspective telling of the early formation of Activision, where the popular historical record needs to be corrected and more!
Atari Archive: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo_f7y6sBDmF...
2021-09-1555 minThey Create WorldsThe Console Market of the 70's and 80's Part 2TCW Podcast Episode 141 - The Console Market of the 70's and 80's Part 2
In our second part we look at the emergence of the programable consoles. We see how many companies kept falling into the same trap of FCC regulations, heat issues, and chip shortages. By the time most of these issues were sorted out, with the notable exception of the Apple II being classified as an "industrial computer", the industry was in the midst of a console transition led by the ColecoVision. However the video game crash caused it all to be reset, and many...
2021-07-011h 25
Average Sports NerdsJJ Watt to Arizona! Top 5 QBs in the NFL right now, Josh Allen vs Deshaun Watson, Alex Smith ReleasedChris & Derek are back with another QB debate, Watson or Allen?? The guys also give their takes on the biggest stories from around the NFL including JJ Watt, Dak Prescott and Alex Smith. If you enjoy this podcast you can really help us out by subscribing and leaving us a review wherever you listen to this podcast. Stay tuned because we've got so much more to come!
Follow us on IG: @avgsportsnerds
Music by Brecreation
Cover Art by Jonny Trappe
2021-03-051h 04They Create WorldsSir Clive of ZXTCW Podcast Episode 131 - Sir Clive of ZX
In our second part looking at Sir Clive Sinclair we pick up the story where we left off! We follow Sir Clive Sinclair as he reluctantly develops computers for the British market to fund his other project's. The wild popularity of the ZX line including the ZX 80, ZX 81, and ZX Spectrum led to a booming home computer market in Brittan. Sinclair even tried to go into the business market with the Sinclair QL, but was outshone by competitors. In the end Sir Clive Sinclair lost a fortune in d...
2021-02-011h 26They Create WorldsThe Crash That Almost WasTCW Podcast Episode 129 - The Crash That Almost Was
We look at the crash that almost was. Most people do not realize that in the mid nineties we came very close to another video game market crash. A difficult transition was at hand as companies tried to figure out how and if they embrace the third dimension in video games. Coupled with a declining arcade market. New hardware costing twice as much, if not more than current systems many companies were on the edge. The market forces between Japan and the US with currency exchanges ate in...
2021-01-011h 18They Create WorldsDreams of SegaTCW Podcast Episode 127 - Dreams of Sega
We look at the rapid decline of SEGA. A company mired in infighting between executives. This led to the disasterous launch of the Sega Saturn. Which was launched early as a panic move when faced with the competition from the SONY PlayStation. SEGA tried again with the Dreamcast, but was hindered by NEC only able to produce a quarter of the promised chips. Continued infighting and an exodus of middle management led to more problems. Resulting in the eventual merger, after a second attempt, with Sammy where SEGA currently...
2020-12-011h 38They Create WorldsThe Visions of Coleco Part 2TCW Podcast Episode 125 - The Visions of Coleco Part 2
In our second part look at Coleco we dive into the electronics and transition into programable consoles. We see how they influenced the post crash consoles of Nintendo and Sega. With the release of Colecovision we saw one of the most advanced consoles of the pre crash era. The system was able to do faithful recreations of many popular arcade games. This is most exemplified with the release Donkey Kong. Coleco tried to transition into computers with the release of ADAM. However this turned into a disaste...
2020-11-011h 33They Create WorldsThe Visions of Coleco Part 1TCW Podcast Episode 124 - The Visions of Coleco Part 1
We look at the Connecticut Leather Company otherwise known as Coleco! We see how a simple company starting with leather goods transformed into a toy company that spanned multiple generations. Coleco started exploring electronic toys with games like electric football. They found themselves uniquely suited to take advantage of the coming Pong on a chip craze. With their early entry allowing them to outpace the competition when the chip shortage struck. However due to complications Coleco decided to pull out of video games after the Pong fad st...
2020-10-151h 17They Create WorldsA Casual World Part 2TCW Podcast Episode 123 - A Casual World Part 2
In our continued exploration of casual games we see the rise of match three in popularizing the genre. Exemplified by games such as Klax, Columns, Bejewed, and Candy Crush. The continued development and migration to the web further fueled the popularization of casual games. Reaching the apex today with the help of casual games on Facebook. That apex exemplified with the company PopCap Games. Enjoy the casual world of games!
The Tetris God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alw5hs0chj0
Klax...
2020-10-011h 23They Create WorldsA Casual World Part 1TCW Podcast Episode 122 - A Casual World Part 1
We look at the changes in the industry, mindset, and accessibility of games that lead to the formation of casual games. The early groundwork is set with casual games like Shanghai, Rubix, Reversi, Solitaire, and Tetris. The development happened organically, almost by accident. The tales of some of the pioneers that opened the door to what is arguably the biggest segment of the modern gaming industry is a tale not well told. We start that tale in this episode!
Shanghai: https://www.youtube.com/wa...
2020-09-151h 00They Create WorldsThe Whole Video Game Industry Part 4TCW Podcast Episode 121 - The Whole Video Game Industry Part 4
In this, our conclusion of the whole video game industry, we start with a look at Xerox Park, and the technologies that came from their endeavors. We see the true formation, merging, and maturation of videogames as an entertainment fixture! This of course is not without the challenges that stand before any new industry, including infighting, a congressional hearing, and espionage! Enjoy our conclusion and look at the whole video game industry!
Livestream Recording Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApvgG...
2020-09-011h 34They Create WorldsThe Whole Video Game Industry Part 3TCW Podcast Episode 120 - The Whole Video Game Industry Part 3
This is our third part looking at the entire video game industry. We start with looking at the European PC industry, and then transitioning into the Arcade industry. We look at the arcades from both the United States, and Japanese standpoints. We then see the creation of the Famicom, and its debut in the west as the Nintendo Entertainment System. Next episode we will conclude our epic look at the whole industry!
Live Recording Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdAC0_F...
2020-08-151h 25They Create WorldsThe Whole Video Game Industry Part 2TCW Podcast Episode 119 -The Whole Video Game Industry Part 2
We continue our look at the entire video game industry! In the second part we start looking at the industry leading up to the crash! We continue the story where part 1 left off. We see the evolution of the industry along the three lines of arcade, home console, and PC. We see the pervasive influence of Dungeons and Dragons on the industry. Particularly the PC scene. A lot of crazy, and a lot of fun! Check out the companion video is you want to know how the orig...
2020-08-011h 32They Create WorldsThe Whole Video Game Industry Part 1TCW Podcast Episode 118 - The Whole Video Game Industry Part 1
This is part one of our four part series looking at the entire video game industry at a very macro level. We look at the start of computers all the way through to the early video arcades and beyond! We see the evolution of games on PC, the arcade, and the initial forays into the home. We even see a hybrid of sorts with games like Seawolf combining electro-mechanical and video elements. We did a live recording of four episodes, including this one, on June 28th, 2...
2020-07-151h 40They Create WorldsWing CommanderTCW Podcast Episode 117 - Wing Commander
We look at one of the great space flight simulators of the 90's! Wing Commander is largely attributed to Chris Roberts. However we find out in this episode the many other people who were instrumental in not just the story, but gameplay of Wing Commander. We can see the true potential of the Siliwood era with the live action cut scenes used in both Wing Commander III and IV. We of course look at the inspirations for Wing Commander, and take a look at the history of the people involv...
2020-07-011h 43They Create WorldsThe Return of the Sdraziw of Sir-TechTCW Podcast Episode 115 - The Return of the Sdraziw of Sir-Tech
Our second part look at Sir-Tech Software! The company continues to struggle with the release of wizardry V, but makes the transition away from the Apple II with the release of Wizardry VI. The Wizardry franchise is a major hit in the Japanese PC space. This leads to Wizardry anime, manga, and Japanese only games. Sir-Tech still continued to struggle to maintain a presence as the US PC industry continued to consolidate. Despite some success bringing foreign software to the states, Sir-Tech closed operations in the...
2020-06-011h 22They Create WorldsThe Wizards of Sir-TechTCW Podcast Episode 114 - The Wizards of Sir-Tech
We look at the company Sir-Tech. Known as "the Wizardry company", and founded by Norman Sirotek and Robert Woodhead. The company was originally founded to market Info Tree, a database program. The shift was made into video games starting with the release of Galactic Attack. With the heavy influences of the games on the PLATO system. Andrew Greenberg and Woodhead would meet, and would start collaboration on what would eventually be Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord. One of the best produced games at the time, it was...
2020-05-151h 25They Create WorldsAnd Landing on it!TCW Podcast Episode 112 - And Landing on it!
We continue our dive into platforming games. We look at the three main "schools" of thought brought about in the 2-D era. We start with the fast platforming pioneered by Sonic with Crash Bandicoot. The cinematic platformer of Prince of Persia is continued with Tomb Raider. Nintendo, makes its shift into 3-D with Starfox, and the development of the N64. This culminates with the release of Super Mario 64. These early transitions continue to evolve into the modern action platformers of Uncharted, and Super Mario Sunshine.
Ho...
2020-04-151h 20They Create WorldsJumping to It!TCW Podcast Episode 111 - Jumping to It!
We leap around to the myriad of games that were influential in the development of platformer genre. Starting with an evolution from Space Invaders into Heiankyo Alien; the concept was thrown onto its side with Space Panic. Further refinement brought in jumping with Donkey Kong. Platformers were not as suited for the arcade scene, and ended up truly finding a place in the home on consoles and computers.
Load Runner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWwyhymcDxI
Space Invaders: https://www.youtube.com/wa...
2020-04-011h 17They Create WorldsBooks of HistoryTCW Podcast Episode 110 - Books of History
We look at the many books dealing with video game history. Starting off with books that were primarily strategy guides, and had tidbits of historical interest woven in. As time progressed journalists, and industry insiders started to write books that included more history and even interviews with the people involved. As time moved on more comprehensive books, written by journalists, tried to capture the entire history in a complete narrative. However because of the near complete reliance on oral accounts, limited ability to fact check, and time of the a...
2020-03-151h 15They Create WorldsAdventuring with LucasArts Part 2TCW Podcast Episode 109 - Adventuring with LucasArts Part 2
This our second half looking at LucasArts adventure games. We look at a company that for a time could do no wrong! Innovative storytelling, and gameplay with Monkey Island 2, Day of the Tentacle, and Sam & Max hit the Road being prime examples. However due to retail outlets, competition, and the continuing technological advancement of the computer industry; LucasArts was unsuccessful in transitioning into the 3-D space. The commercial flop of Grim Fandango, and Escape from Monkey island was the last attempts at adventure games using 3-D.
2020-03-011h 27They Create WorldsAdventuring with LucasArts Part 1TCW Podcast Episode 108- Adventuring with LucasArts Part 1
We look at LucasFilm games, AKA LucasArts. Not the company as a whole, but their influence on adventure games. Not only were they instrumental in advancing adventure games, they were able to affect the industry as a whole. We look briefly at the formation of the company, and get into some of their early projects. A young contractor, Ron Gilbert, joined the team by helping to convert some early games to the Commodore 64. Gilbert was later the driving force in creating an adventure game that was not full o...
2020-02-151h 06They Create WorldsStorytime with a BookTCW Podcast Episode 107 - Storytime with a Book
We read from chapter 18 of "They Create Worlds: The People and Companies that Shaped the Video Game Industry Vol. 1," which discusses the impact of Breakout on Japan. There are some tangents, other story times, and we bring a lot of things discussed over the years into a more complete perspective. We also learn about the mysteries of magnets.
Steve Wozniak's Blue Box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHZnvN_JCas
Breakout & Super Breakout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5xo-IzERu0
2020-02-011h 14They Create WorldsThe Small Voice of MagnavoxTCW Podcast Episode 106 - The Small Voice of Magnavox
Magnavox continues to strive for survival as an axillary of Philips. While people close to the video game division continue to be optimistic about their offerings; management at Philips was not so. The company continued to be plagued with production shortfalls with new chips, FCC approval problems, and new competition. They were able to make a few games of note developing some interesting ideas on where to take home consoles. Ultimately Magnavox faded into just a brand name for Philips after the video game crash.
2020-01-151h 21They Create WorldsThe Big Voice of MagnavoxTCW Podcast Episode 105 - The Big Voice of Magnavox
We look at the company of Magnavox. Started around the turn of the century getting into electronics with voice amplification, and eventually radios. Magnavox continued with home electronics in televisions and stereo systems. Unfortunately their visionary leader died unexpectedly, and with the rise of non-American television manufacturers put a lot of pressure on the company. With all this pressure Magnavox is bought by Philips in 1974 to expand the Dutch company's holdings in the United States. The video game division continued to fight for survival and relevance as the d...
2020-01-011h 15They Create WorldsA Holistic View of ETTCW Podcast Episode 104- A Holistic View of ET
The game that has become so shrouded in myth and legend is brought to light in this holiday episode! We look at how E.T. was thrust upon Atari by Warner in a bid to bring Stephen Spielberg in to makes movies for Warner. With a massive royalty overhead, a short five week production time, and a massive brain drain at Atari Howard Scott Warshaw stepped up to the challenge. He took the ambitious task of programing E.T. for Atari, having done Raiders of the Lost...
2019-12-151h 25They Create WorldsElite SystemsTCW Podcast Episode 103 - Elite Systems
We look at one of the British software companies Elite Systems. The company was originally named Richard Wilcox software, and was founded as a collaboration between two brothers with the encouragement of their father. Owing to Richard still being a teenager, had schooling, and could not make programing a full-time career at the time the decision was made to rebrand the company. Steve renamed the company to Elite Systems in 1984, and hired bedroom coders to produce software for the company. The company continued to be one of the industry leader...
2019-12-011h 15They Create WorldsStern ElectronicsTCW Podcast Episode 102 - Stern Electronics
We look at the short history of Stern Electronics. A company that has influenced and been influenced by multiple other companies through its people. We cover the paths of many of these people including the founder Gary Stern. During the transition to video games in the late 70's and early 80's Stern was the American arm for Konami bringing over many of their games. With financial difficulties from having to buy out one of the major investors, once they became mired in legal trouble, and the collapse of the video...
2019-11-151h 14They Create WorldsInfocomTCW Podcast Episode 101 - Infocom
We look at the short life of Infocom. A company that fell into the videogame sphere. Best known for their text adventure games, including the renowned game Zork. They started off as a company to keep creative minds together from MIT, and brought forth unique developments including using virtualization for video games. Due to lack of innovation, combined with its acquisition by Activision, the failure of their database Cornerstone, and saturating the market with a niche product; the company was closed down in the late 1980's. With a dedicated fan base in text a...
2019-11-011h 28They Create WorldsThe 100 Most Influential Games Part 3TCW Podcast Episode 100 - The 100 Most Influential Games Part 3
And at long last, TCW Episode 100! To celebrate our 100th episode, we finish our countdown of the 100 most influential video games of all time. This time, we look at only 20 games, but these are the games we have deemed the absolutely most essential for shaping the video game industry as it exists today. We present these final twenty games in chronological order by original release date. Now that we have made all our picks, what do you think? Let us know on Twitter!
Games...
2019-10-151h 30They Create WorldsHello Big BlueTCW Podcast Episode 096 - Hello Big Blue
We look at Big Blue and their continuing development of computers in both business, and the home. We see how IBM had to deal with the eye of the government still looking at them for monopolistic practices. Eventually IBM found out they needed to enter the micro-computer market. They spun off a group that had a mandate to get a computer together in a year. However because of this it led to the rise of the PC clones. Compaq, for instance, computers started off with a laptop computer clone o...
2019-08-151h 45They Create WorldsHello Little BlueTCW Podcast Episode 095 - Hello Little Blue
A sorted history involving scams, monopolies, and acts of petty revenge predate the company the world would see dominate the computer industry in the 70's and 80's. What started as an umbrella company became, under Tom Watson St's leadership, a tabulating company that grew to prominence in the great depression. Later on his son Tom Watson Jr would lead the company forward in the transition from punch card tabulation machines into computers that IBM would become famous for!
Herman Hollerith Punch Card Machine: https://www...
2019-08-011h 31They Create WorldsEpyx not EpicTCW Podcast Episode 094 - Epyx not Epic
This is an epic story about Epyx. But don't confuse it with Epic! We look at the computer game company, and the many bits of software that had influences at the dawn of home computing. Everything from the first RPGs to action games that are remembered fondly, especially in Europe. Not to mention the worldwide appeal of the Games series featuring Olympic events. Sadly the company lost sight of its goals with management changes, and was gone by the early 90's. However employees of Epyx continued to influence the vide...
2019-07-151h 26They Create WorldsBooks-B-WareTCW Podcast Episode 093 - Books-B-Ware
We look at what was largely a footnote in video game history. However it is notable as an early attempt at the integration of traditional media and the computer revolution. There are parallels between bookware and the Siliwood era that came after. Many of the games were stifled by the limitations in hardware at the time. Still there are some notable collaborations between programmers and writers that provide an interesting take on what was to come.
The Digital Antiquarian - Bookware: https://www.filfre.net/2013/09/bookware/
...
2019-07-011h 24They Create WorldsCiting ApologiesTCW Podcast Episode 092 - Citing Apologies
A filler episode, with some updates on upcoming podcast items, and Alex's first book. Due to Alex trying to meet a deadline for the book we were unable to record until a few days before release. Nothing really historical covered, however a few interesting tidbits in this short episode!
Simpsons "Brownest of the brown liquors": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n39897a9hNk
Nokia Snake Game from the 90's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9Rk4JQwtL4
Overview of Chic...
2019-06-1530 minThey Create WorldsBally: The Road to FitnessTCW Podcast Episode 091 - Bally: The Road to Fitness
In our continuing look at Bally we see the shifting landscape ad they evolve and develop gambling machines. This is not to mean that pinball was neglected. Bally, with an eye to innovation and technology, introduced some of the first sold state pinball machines! They were also, through some luck, brought in with licensing deals with The Who, and Elton John. This led to some of the most popular pinball machines in the post WWII era. We did have to see the departure of Bill O'Donnell from Ba...
2019-06-011h 43They Create WorldsThe Dawn of Computers and GamingTCW Podcast Episode 089 - The Dawn of Computers and Gaming
We look at the dawn of computers. Not just people; but analog, electronic, and digital computers! We look at how the early games on the computer were not so much games as demonstration programs or simple AI to play games like tic-tac-toe, NIM, checkers, and, of course, chess. We look at how the work done during WWII around RADAR played a role in how both computers and computer games developed. Next we look at some of the fear in the popular psyche of computers and AI as...
2019-05-011h 30They Create WorldsGotta Go Fast!TCW Podcast Episode 088 - Gotta Go Fast!
Since we covered Mario a few episodes ago, it is only fair that we cover his great rival, not Bowser, but Sonic! We go at not quite sonic speed over the creation of the character and franchise. Sonic's interesting inception was brought about through a character submission process. Sonic is the melding of a rabbit, a character called "Mr. Needlemouse," and Michael Jackson! Yes, this is true. Look there is a music video referenced below. Though Sonic suffered from rapid over exposure he is still beloved by many fans. ...
2019-04-151h 21They Create WorldsItsa Me Marioooo!TCW Podcast Episode 086 - Itsa Me Marioooo!
Itsa the most iconic character in video game history: Mario. We explore the origins of Mario and examine how his entire design was born of necessity. We discuss how the character evolved through the Donkey Kong series and Mario Bros. before taking a deep dive into the design of Super Mario Bros. Then it’s a quick tour through the rest of Mario's NES and SNES adventures, setting the stage for his transition into 3D worlds.
Nintendo Radar Scope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kb...
2019-03-151h 43They Create WorldsComputer Game BASICsTCW Podcast Episode 085 - Computer Game BASICs
Now that we have explained how timesharing works, it's time to discuss games! In the 1960s, students and professional programmers alike created computer games that were played by dozens, if not hundreds of their peers on timeshared computers. In the early 1970s, some of these programs began to spread across the country thanks to the efforts of early pioneers in computer book and magazine publishing like Bob Albrecht and David Ahl. By the time the first microcomputers appeared in the late 1970s, these games were so widespread that t...
2019-03-011h 33They Create WorldsTime SharedTCW Podcast Episode 084 - Time Shared
We lay the groundwork of computer development that led to some of the earliest influential games that would shape the industry. We cover how computers were one-program-at-a-time systems, and it was only through experimentation that were computers developed that could handle multiple inputs at once. We see how Sputnik scared the USA into spending a lot more in the sciences in order to keep up with Russian space development, which benefited computer-based education initiatives. We finish up looking at the proliferation of computers with remote terminals in universities, high scho...
2019-02-151h 14They Create WorldsAn Unlikely Pairing of SiliwoodTCW Podcast Episode 082 - An Unlikely Pairing of Siliwood
We take a look at the circumstances and leadup to what become known as the Siliwood Era. We discuss how changing technology and an increased focus by certain video game companies on emulating blockbuster movies attracted the attention of the major media companies and set the stage for an unlikely alliance of Hollywood and Silicon Valley. This pairing led to the interactive movie fad and also led to changes in retail that would alter the course of the video game industry forever.
TCW...
2019-01-151h 23They Create WorldsThe Meeting of SpacewarTCW Podcast Episode 081 - The Meeting of Spacewar
We go over the history of Spacewar, and the event at the Smithsonian. We take a close look at the people involved in bringing Spacewar into existence. We also look at some of the systems that were the predecessors to the PDP-1 that was used for Spacewar. We also discuss why games were used to demonstrate the capabilities of computers. In short an interesting look at one of the first video games.
TX-0 Mouse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0QTTYJv0Yw
P...
2019-01-011h 21They Create WorldsVector LightsTCW Podcast Episode 080 - Vector Lights
We look at the arcade industry and the circumstances that led to the use of vector monitors in arcade games. While not as well remembered today, and with fewer systems still around, vector played an important role in the development of video games. Vector provided the detail and capabilities that were not yet available in traditional raster-based systems. However in due time Raster met, and then exceeded, the capabilities of vector systems, and with the lower cost of maintenance for raster vector has faded into history.
Slo...
2018-12-151h 37They Create WorldsThe Six Children of EATCW Podcast Episode 079 - The Six Children of EA
We take a closer look at the six launch titles from EA. We cover each in more detail going into the background of the creators, as well as the development of each game. We take a look at how the games were received both commercially, and historically. Today Archon, Pinball Construction Set, and M.U.L.E. are the games that are best remembered from the initial six titles. Worms, Axis Assassin, and Hard Hat Mack are not well remembered today.
TCW 006 - The...
2018-12-011h 22They Create WorldsInvading Taito Part 2TCW Podcast Episode 078 - Invading Taito Part 2
We go into part two of Taito. We start off looking at Space Invaders which is arguably the highest point of success and fame for the company. The company continued on with many notable hits in the following years. They continued to survive despite not having a succession plan with the death of Michael Kogan. The company was hurt by their delay in transitioning to 3d, and a lack of direction in regards to the home market. Taito still lives today as a wholly owned subsidiary of Square-Enix.
...
2018-11-151h 23They Create WorldsInvading Taito Part 1TCW Podcast Episode 077 - Invading Taito Part 1
We look back at the history of the company Taito. Started by a Russian who through unique circumstances in World War II managed to grow up, and become educated in Japanese society. The name Taito means "Far East", and the company went through three iterations before it became the icon we know it today. We wrap up part one just before the release of the iconic Space Invaders in 1978.
Pachi-Slot in Japan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5LIgutUeig
Sky Fighter 2: https://www.youtube.com/wat...
2018-11-011h 18They Create WorldsA Fairchild StoryTCW Podcast Episode 076 - A Fairchild Story
We cover the history of the Fairchild company and their console the Fairchild Channel F. It is a fascinating journey of how a company was thrust into a role where they could get in on the ground floor of the new video game industry. Although through bad experiences in other industries, an epic struggle to ger FCC approval, and observations on the turmoil of the video game industry, Fairchild was defeated. Fairchild's exit from the scene was not so much the initial hurdles they faced, but their lack of will to...
2018-10-151h 22They Create WorldsThe Japanese PC IndustryTCW Podcast Episode 074 - The Japanese PC Industry
We cover the Japanese PC industry from the initial pioneers up to the mid 1980's. The early innovators on the PC, while never having many international successes, laid the groundwork for games that would later be seen on the Famicom, and other platforms. It is further interesting to note the people who got their start in the video game industry through computer clubs in college, and by programing at department stores. With the computer industry coming from two sides, hobbyist and professional, they merged together to create an interesting tak...
2018-09-151h 13They Create WorldsAdventuring in the ArcadeTCW Podcast Episode 073 - Adventuring in the Arcade
We look at the British PC Software market, specifically the Arcade Adventure genre. With the popularity of the ZX Spectrum as a home computer, and its hardware limitations lent itself to the development of the Arcade Adventure. With multiple influences the Arcade Adventure enjoyed side scrolling, top down, and isometric gameplay. We also see the start of the career of Tim and Chris Stamper with Sabre Wulf, Knight Lore, and Alien 8. We end looking at the panicle games of the genre with Dizzy, and Head over Heels. Unfort...
2018-09-011h 10They Create WorldsThe MYSTeries of Brøderbund!TCW Podcast Episode 072 - The MYSTeries of Brøderbund!
We cover the later years of Brøderbund looking at their "evergreen" products. Print Shop being the first one to really put them on the map. We then look at the series of successes, and challenges that the company faced throughout the 80's and 90's. We then see how the meteoric success of MYST ultimately dead to the downfall of Brøderbund in 1998. Still Brøderbund was a fascinating company which was willing to take risks on some of the influential games, and software that built the PC in...
2018-08-151h 41They Create WorldsA Story of Brøderbund!TCW Podcast Episode 071 -A Story of Brøderbund!
We cover the founding of Brøderbund by the Carlston brothers. We delve into their initial forays into the PC game market. The used a unique business model that supported developers, and creators, but did not bring them on as employees. However they did retain staff to assist in polishing up games that showed potential. Brøderbund even started exploring consoles with a few of their games until they decided to transition to evergreen products.
Galactic Trader: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waxrpG-19jM
Alie...
2018-08-011h 22They Create WorldsSega VS Nintendo Round 3TCW Podcast Episode 070 - Sega VS Nintendo Round 3
The fight heats up with the 16 bit era in the United States. Sega being first to market was able to take control, and dominate the market for a few years. However this short lived victory was bought at a price. With the low margins on consoles Sega was unable to sustain the growth once things started to change in Europe. Nintendo meanwhile was always able to turn a tidy profit even without a controlling market share. Nintendo's control of the handheld market, Japan, and the 8-bit consoles allowed them to ha...
2018-07-151h 46They Create WorldsSega VS Nintendo Round 2TCW Podcast Episode 069 - Sega VS Nintendo Round 2
We cover Nintendo and Sega entering the US Market with their 8-bit consoles. With the early release, marketing, and connections Nintendo dominated the market. Sega tried to break in with a technologically superior system, but due to lack of third party software, due to Nintendo's exclusivity contracts, they were unable to make a significant impact. Briefly partnering with Tonka, of Tonka trucks, they tried to get a larger penetration onto store shelves. However Tonka overextending themselves, and were unable to properly market the Sega Master System like both companies hopp...
2018-07-011h 15They Create WorldsSega VS Nintendo Round 1TCW Podcast Episode 068 - Sega VS Nintendo Round 1
Recorded live in front of fans on YouTube Live! Alex and Jeffrey start the dive into the Sega VS Nintendo rivalry. We lay the groundwork of how Sega came to enter the console market in Japan. We see the first clash with Nintendo, and the reasons that Nintendo won the first round cementing their hold on Japan in a way that would not be broken until the PlayStation era. Sega was able to convert their home computer hardware into a console, and was only able to get the sales numb...
2018-06-151h 33They Create WorldsThe Magnavox Odyssey
TCW
Podcast Episode 026 The Magnavox Odyssey
We delve
into the Magnavox Odyssey the first home console video game system created by
Ralph Bear.
Alex's Blog Post: https://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/1tl200-a-magnavox-odyssey/
Ralph Bear's
Website: http://www.ralphbaer.com/
Magnavox Odyssey
Manuals: https://archive.org/details/magnavoxodysseymanuals
Elliott Avedon
Virtual Museum of Games - Odyssey Home Entertainment System: http://gamesmuseum.uwaterloo.ca/VirtualExhibits/electronic/console/odyssey/index.html
Magavox Odyssey on
'What's my line?': https...
2016-09-151h 27They Create WorldsThe Project and Others in the Field
TCW
Podcast Episode 024 - The Project and Others in the Field
We cover
the developments in Alex's work, and others doing research into video game
history. We delve into history in general and question how accurate can it
really be? Even though the work done now will be superseded by work done in the
future it is still valuable, and we are in a unique time of being able to
record historical figures give accounts in their own words.
Ethan AKA George Henson : http://bit.ly/2aLUMGk
The...
2016-08-151h 06Ecoshock Show NotesDark Climate - Now and ComingSeas rising much faster, super storms in the coming decades, doubling and re-doubling of polar ice melt - new Hansen paper. We talk with co-author Isabella Velicogna, and with Ottawa climate scientist Paul Beckwith. Also: the Canadian super fire at Fort McMurray: can the tar sands burn? Radio Ecoshock 160511 WELCOME It's about 90 degrees, or 29 Celsius, outside my door, in the early Canadian spring. Crazy weather, the same super heat that set northern Alberta on fire. We'll talk about the the climate connection, and ask the question: "can the tar sands burn?" - later in this program.
2016-05-1200 minEcoshock Show NotesCLIMATE MYTHSThis week: why knowing more about climate change could help you stall doing anything about it. Decision expert Joe Arvai joins us. We'll end with a voice from the first refugees from rising seas. But first, an industry insider says recycling is a myth that just postpones the inevitable collapse. Listen to or download this Radio Ecoshock show in CD Quality (56 MB) or Lo-Fi (14 MB) Or listen on Soundcloud right now. HOT NEWS (not in this show) FORT MCMURRAY FIRE REACTION: WHAT DID THEY THINK WAS GOING TO HAPPEN?
2016-05-0500 minEcoshock Show NotesEarthquake Time Bombs!UK Geo-hazards expert Dr. Bill McGuire ("Waking the Giants") on recent quakes & links to climate change. Oregon Professor Robert Yeats new book "Earthquake Time Bombs" - most cities at risk from quakes or mega-tsunamis. About 12,000 years ago there was a period of "volcanic storms", so many erupted. The Earth was unstable, rocking and rolling with Earthquakes. Geologists know climate change destabilized the Earth's crust. Bill McGuire wrote an influential article in the Guardian newspaper about this in 2012. Does that sound too fantastic? The weight of ice miles thick poured into the sea as that latest ice...
2016-04-2700 minEcoshock Show NotesWAKING UP TO ABRUPT CLIMATE CHANGESigns climate has entered abrupt shift. Includes Dr. James Hansen's video abstract of new science. Special report on smoke pollution from Indonesian peat fires by correspondent Yew Jin Lee, with 3 experts. Sample from "Unwelcome Guests" #726 "The Flight from Death". Radio Ecoshock 160420 Download or listen to this Radio Ecoshock show in CD Quality (56 MB) or Lo-Fi (14 MB) You can watch this 3 minute video summary of this program. Or listen to the program right now on Soundcloud! BECOMING AWARE OF ABRUPT CHANGE (again)
2016-04-2100 minEcoshock Show NotesGREEN SEX OR HOT WORLDWith what we know about climate change, should anyone add another child into that future? We'll get two points of view from women who write about it: Madeline Ostrander and Alisha Graves. Then we hear recent science from Dr. Marcus Donat proving extreme rainfall events, and extreme drought will continue and get worse as the planet warms. I'm Alex Smith. Buckle up, and off we go, in this week's Radio Ecoshock. Download or listen to this Radio Ecoshock show in CD Quality (56 MB) or Lo-Fi (14 MB) What's in this program? Check out...
2016-04-1400 minEcoshock Show NotesCLIMATE WARSUMMARY Humans pumping more carbon, faster, than in last 66 million years. Lead author Dr. Richard Zeebe from U of Hawaii. From The Center for Climate and Security, Shiloh Fetzek on origins of Syrian conflict, Ret. Brigadier General Gerald Galloway, on what the Pentagon knows about climate threats. Radio Ecoshock 160330. Humans are tossing more carbon into the atmosphere ten times faster, and in much greater quantities, than at any time in the last 66 million years. We'll talk with the lead author of that study, Richard Zeebe. Then, with the turmoil of the Middle East spreading...
2016-03-3100 minEcoshock Show NotesHEAT JOLTSUMMARY: Global heat Jan & Feb hits hard, worries scientists. Bob Henson from Weather Underground explores the loss of normal. Australian scientist Ben Hankamer on new study: world will warm faster than you think. Radio Ecoshock 160323 The jolt. That's what scientists are calling the absolute heat records set around the world in January and February of 2016. Expert meteorologist and climate science writer Bob Henson takes us on a tour of the new normal. But hang around too for our second interview, with Australian scientist Ben Hankamer. He's co-author of a new peer-reviewed paper that says...
2016-03-2400 minEcoshock Show NotesDo-It-Yourself God PowerHey kids, let's go out to the garage and make some new life forms! Get ready, because it's already happening. We'll talk with Pat Mooney, founder of the ETCgroup about crazy new technology on the loose. Then well-known journalist Steven Kotler takes us on a tour of ecopsychology in ten easy steps. Is it a diversion for comfortable coffee shops or "the answer". Radio Ecoshock 160316 I'm Alex Smith. Welcome to Radio Ecoshock. Download or listen to this Radio Ecoshock show in CD Quality (56 MB) or Lo-Fi (14 MB) Or listen on Soundcloud right...
2016-03-1700 minEcoshock Show NotesEXTREME ARCTIC FEARSUMMARY: Abrupt warming in Arctic could lead to catastrophic consequences says top scientist Dr. Peter Gleick, ICCI Director Pam Pearson, and the founder of Paleoceanography, Dr. James Kennett. Three must-listen interviews. "What is happening in the Arctic now is unprecedented & possibly catastrophic." That's the Tweet heard around the world at the end of February. It was picked up by the Independent newspaper in the UK, and many other places in the alternative and climate-savy media. Robert Hunziker did a strong piece about it in CounterPunch called "The Arctic Turns Ugly". The Tweeter...
2016-03-1000 minEcoshock Show NotesFood ShockSummary: British & American scientists, including Joshua Elliot from Chicago, warn climate could bring "food shock" by hitting key crop areas. Will famine return? Maria Gillardin hosts reports from nuclear engineer Arnie Gundersen from Fukushima Japan, site of world's worst nuclear accident. Don't say you haven't been warned. Download or listen to this Radio Ecoshock show in CD Quality (56 MB) or Lo-Fi (14 MB) Or listen on Soundcloud right now. If you can support this radio show, I can use your help now. Radio Ecoshock is developing new...
2016-03-0300 minEcoshock Show NotesSCIENCE OF CATASTROPHESUMMARY: Coming up on Radio Ecoshock two heavy hitters. We have the expert on past mass extinctions, and maybe the present one, scientist Peter Ward. Then climate scientist Paul Beckwith joins me. There is serious news about plankton, the tiny ocean plants that feed the seas, and provide most of the oxygen you are breathing right now. I'm Alex Smith. Welcome to Radio Ecoshock. Listen to/download this Radio Ecoshock show in CD Quality (56 MB) or Lo-Fi (14 MB) Or listen on Soundcloud right now. A NEW WEB...
2016-02-2400 minEcoshock Show NotesHARD NEWS, TROUBLED PLANETSummary: Australia fires climate scientists while expanding coal. Ellen Roberts of GetUp! reports. From Netherlands, scientist Arjen Hoekstra finds 4 billion people in water scarcity. From Hong Kong, Stuart Heaver on nuclear fear next door. Radio Ecoshock 160217 A new paper by Australian scientists find that that the number of bushfires in Australia is up 40 percent just since 2007. Find that study here. Another hot summer is just ending in Australia, with another round of fires. Meanwhile, Tasmania is burning, with fires so hot they create their own lightning - self-sustaining fires. What does the...
2016-02-1800 minEcoshock Show NotesIS OUR FUTURE POSSIBLE?SUMMARY: "Reality 101" with Nate Hagens, our minds, our world, the fossil trap. Scientists Alexander "Sandy" MacDonald of NOAA and Chris Clack of CIRES: yes we can power America with solar and wind power. This week on Radio Ecoshock we'll see how hard it is, and how possible it is, to get out of the matrix. Resilience expert Dr. Nate Hagens talks about his college course "Reality 101". Then we visit with two top American scientists whose recent study was published by the government-funded National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A detailed study of sun and wind...
2016-02-1100 minEcoshock Show NotesTHE DEATH OF NUCLEAR POWERSUMMARY: Lead author of "World Nuclear Industry Status Reports" Mycle Schneider on new Nuclear Leap Forward in China. Famous activist Helen Caldicott on plan to make S. Australia a world nuclear dump; and dangerous nuke waste in St. Louis, Missouri. Radio Ecoshock 160127 A tiny but powerful number of scientists, applauded by a few famous greens, urge us to accept nuclear power. They see it as the salvation of our civilization, our climate, our future. It isn't happening. As you'll hear, nuclear power is shrinking, not expanding. World-wide, major nuclear companies are going bankrupt, or...
2016-01-2700 minEcoshock Show NotesMore Stifle Than DrownSUMMARY: Swedish anthropologist Alf Hornborg says economic crash could empower change to save climate. UK scientist Sergei Petrovskii on new paper: warming die-off of oxygen-making plankton. Robert Shirkey gets climate warning labels on Canadian gas pumps. Radio Ecoshock 160120 WELCOME TO RADIO ECOSHOCK THIS WEEK It sounds impossible. An expert with decades of experience says global warming between 4 to 6 degrees could lead to mass die-off of the plankton that produces up to 70% of the world's oxygen. Forget rising seas Sergei Petrovskii says, we are more likely to...
2016-01-2100 minEcoshock Show NotesTHROUGH A DARK PORTALSummary: Moving with top scientists & religious leaders, Stuart Scott: can we save the climate in time? Or will mass die-off come? Betsy Teutsch on low-tech to help women around the world. Song "2060" by Finian Makepeace. Listen to or download this Radio Ecoshock show in CD Quality (56 MB) or Lo-Fi (14 MB) Or listen on Soundcloud right now! RAPID CLIMATE CHANGE: MASS MURDER OR MASS SUICIDE? "If we have the kind of climate future that many scientists are saying we are heading directly and quickly towards...
2016-01-1400 minEcoshock Show NotesCLIMATE HOPE & TRAGEDYSUMMARY: First net-zero city fights off giant fracking leak in California.; Vancouver aims fossil free; 1st Nations vs. pipelines. Mayors & activists report. Scientist Paul Beckwith & RAN Exec Dir Lindsey Allen wrap up Paris climate talks. Carolyn Baker's seminar on how to cope. WELCOME TO RADIO ECOSHOCK THIS WEEK Reactions to the Paris climate agreement are all over the map. Unexpectedly, our correspondent Paul Beckwith suggests this may be a tipping point in human affairs, after extreme weather all over the planet. Lindsey Allen from RAN isn't so sure. Before we...
2015-12-2200 minEcoshock Show NotesRETURN OF ECONOMIC COLLAPSEExtreme rainfall events are cropping up around the world. In England, once in a thousand year floods have repeated 3 times now, in five years. Records are falling in many countries. In a warmer world, we've gained 7 percent more water vapor in the atmosphere. It has to come down somewhere. The short news clips about extreme rainfall events around the world came courtesy of BBC, Reuters, Fox, ABC, CBS, Euronews. WASDELL VINDICATED A few weeks ago, our guest David Wasdell suggested the outcome of our current path of emissions would eventually be a...
2015-12-1700 minEcoshock Show NotesParis Climate Vs. A Real FutureWelcome to Radio Ecoshock. I have lots for you in this program. Two reports direct from Paris, plus an interview on the best, maybe the only, way to really save the future. But first I want you to hear 10 minutes from the former NASA scientist who warned us all about climate change, back in 1988. Here is Dr. James Hansen speaking December 2nd, at a press conference at COP21, the big climate summit in Paris, as posted on You tube by envirobeat.com Dr. James Hansen Statement by Dr. James Hansen, at...
2015-12-0900 minEcoshock Show NotesKEVIN ANDERSON: Untold Climate Truth"The future will be radically different from the present. It will either be radically different because we have significantly - we've grasped the nettle and we'd be prepared to make the sorts of changes that would initially be quite challenging socially and politically, to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions. Or... A little bit further down the line, we will be faced with huge social and political repercussions because of a very significantly changing climate." -Dr. Kevin Anderson That is Dr. Kevin Anderson. As one of the world's top climate scientists, he says...
2015-12-0200 min