Shows
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 268: A Podcast About A Podcast (Radical Candor's "Leading Through Chaos With Stephanie Chung")In another in our series of podcasts about other podcasts, Ari and Chris share their thoughts on a recent episode of the Radical Candor podcast with Kim Scott, featuring their guest Stephanie Chung. Chris recently started reading her book "Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You," which gets a great overview in the podcast, and gives us a chance to talk about the importance of curiosity, professionalism, "assuming good intentions," admitting your ignorance, and ways that we can all be better humans to each other. If you have a shout-out you’d like us...2025-06-0538 minThe TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 267: Observe, Interpret, Improve (with Joey Golden, Maryland Zoo)Ari and Chris are back together and excited to be joined by Joey Golden, Curator of Animal Behavior Programs at Maryland Zoo! Chris and Joey both attended the recent ABMA and ISZAW conferences, and we wanted to bring him on to chat about the great presentations he gave about his zoo's progress towards "24/7 welfare" for all their animals. We chat about the importance of leaning on innovators, how Hal Markowitz has influenced his thinking about the importance of automation in modern animal care, the new role of Microsoft's PowerBI in collecting and interpreting pretty much every kind of data...2025-05-2950 minThe TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 261: Is Your Animal Doing What You Want? (TEC Talk Throwback to The Official Chris Jenkins Super Simplified Guide to Behavior™)It's consulting time! Chris is back at the Little Rock Zoo working with a team of eight trainers from around the zoo to get everyone working with people and animals they don't normally get a chance to, with the hopes that it might help them be better "training trainers" for new staff in the future! This has meant a lot of conversations about how you should decide what to do next during training sessions, and so we're rolling back out an episode from 2022 (#115, for those counting) that helps people to make that decision based on a very simple question...2025-04-1743 minThe TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 255: Grab Your Trowel, We're Cultivating Trainers!With Chris busy being immersed in our Immersion Workshop, Ari is joined once more by Adam Geltz (Senior Trainer, Natural Encounters, Inc.) to discuss a listener email asking us to share some thoughts about cultivating great animal trainers. They start by talking about setting up strong antecedents to foster a safe environment for learning, move on to building training skills through offering and accepting valuable feedback, and finally chat about finding reinforcers that encourage more training and learning in the future. Come break it all down with us!If you have a shout-out you’d like us to...2025-03-0649 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 225: Morepork, Boobook, Mopoke, or Ruru?Despite being separated by 8,061 miles and a 16-hour time difference, Chris and Ari are back behind their microphones to chat about the aftermath of Hurricane Debbie and Chris' adventures consulting at Hamilton Zoo in New Zealand. Sweet as! If you have a shout-out you’d like us to share, a question or a topic you’d like us to discuss, or a suggestion for a guest we should have on the show, let us know at podcast@naturalencounters.com! 2024-08-0847 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 212: Big Fun at Little Rock (with Hannah Baker, Sydney Byrd, LeeAnn Goette, and Kate Neal, Little Rock Zoo)The state motto of Arkansas is "Regnat populus" - Latin for "the people rule" - and you know what? The people here DO rule! Chris sits down with Hannah Baker, Sydney Byrd, LeeAnn Goette, and Kate Neal from Little Rock Zoo to talk about all the fun training going on during Chris' 10-day consulting stint, the ways we've all learned to help build (and avoid degrading) trust with animals, fun stuff coming up for the zoo in the near future, and the awesomeness of pouched rats. Happy 100th birthday, Little Rock Zoo! If you have a suggestion f...2024-05-0945 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 196: 3-2-1...Ambush!Chris gives Ari some "daywork" by challenging her to follow the format of the "3-2-1 Thursday" weekly newsletter from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits (a great book that Chris reviewed in Episode 177) and come up with the following to share with our listeners: three short ideas, two quotes from other people, and one question for ponder for the week. If you have a suggestion for a question, topic, or guest you'd like to hear on a future episode of the show, let us know at podcast@naturalencounters.com! --------------------------------- The TEC...2024-01-1940 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 192: A "Dichotomous Key" for Control Inputs and Welfare OutputsAri and Chris are back in the office to discuss the following question that Chris posed on the ABMA Community online forum: does more control in an animal's life equal objectively better welfare?Joins us as we explore what one might generously call a dichotomous key (does it count if each question only has one answer?) to dive into the relationship between welfare inputs and behavioral outputs, the cognative dissonance that can result from seeing "a better way," the importance of celebrating the approximations made along on the way in the history of animals zoos and aquariums, and why...2023-12-2154 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 187: Humaning Revisited? Sweet As! (TEC Talk Throwback featuring Amy Fennell, Natural Encounters, Inc.)Ari and Chris play a bit of catch up on our lives at opposite sides of planet Earth, describing their past few weeks and individual experiences with New Zealand's Bird of the Century vote (aka "The Pūteke Situation") before throwing things back for a replay of an older episode about trust accounts, relationships, and communication featuring NEI Supervisor Amy Fennell! Wish Ari luck back home helping to keep things running smoothly in Florida! Wish Chris luck in being allowed to come back to America after being gone for so long! Wish Amy lu...2023-11-161h 57
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 161: Best. Zoom. Background. EVER!Ari is back in Orlando so Chris had to flee Florida again - too much podcasting power to keep in one city! Ari recounts her time at AZA Croc School, while Chris shares his adventures bopping around Lake Geneva in Switzerland and the his experinces with the questionable taxidermy of the UK as he tags along on his wife's work trip. Who, incidentally, is not a spy. Nope. Not at all. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to discuss on a future episode? Let us know at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2023-05-1842 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 149: Better Humans All Around (with Shelby Jecius, Bearizona Wildlife Park)Ari and Chris sit down for a chat with Bearizona's very own Shelby Jecius! Shelby shares the path through the animal field that lead to her current role as a Supervisor at the wildlife park, and (after getting "voluntold" to be a guest on the show by fellow Bearizona Supervisor, Kyle Alexander) to share how the book "Crucial Conversations" has helped her become a better leader, communicator, and animal trainer. Shelby is definitely someone who talks the talk and walks the walk, and we're so happy to finally have her on the show. Speaking of: next week (F...2023-02-231h 05
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 146: Multitasking to Talk About MultitaskingWhat better way to demonstrate the challenges of multitasking than to record a podcast at 70mph? While pursuing different alternate routes to a meeting at the Ranch, Chris and Ari keep their eyes on the road while chatting about multitasking: digging into why it's a bad idea, why it's not even really tackling multiple tasks at once, findings that suggest that it could lead to long term cognitive and developmental problems, some alternatives that are safer, more efficient, and more effective, and the importance planning, reducing distractions, and blocking off dedicated time for focused tasks. (Spoiler alert...2023-02-0228 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 131: Baby's First Midyear (with Scott Trauger, Natural Encounters, Inc.)Midyear? Mid year? Mid-year? However you spell it, Chris chats about his experience (so far) at his first midyear conference as an ABMA board member with NEI Supervisor Scott Trauger! Chris and Scott discuss how the first day went, reflect on how midyear conferences differ from annual conferences, and muse on the unique opportunities afforded to people who get to be a part of a organization that's not their full-time workplace. Do you have any questions ot topics you'd like us to discuss on a future episode of the podcast? Let us know at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2022-10-2023 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 123: Feathered Friends and FlightWhile Ari is away, Chris does his best to discuss one of the hottest topics in the companion parrot world: to free fly, or not to free fly? It's a big subject with a lot of moving parts, and it gives Chris the opportunity to discuss the challenges with dealing with absolutes, different views of what constitutes good animal welfare, the importance of flight in the early life of a bird, different definititions of what the phrase "free-flight" even means, and some things that we believe make a bird a good (or bad) candidate as a free-flier. W...2022-08-2545 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 122: Thoughts on Thoughts on TrainingDespite some challenges with our recording equipment (and we tested it and everything!), Ari and Chris sit down to review the feedback Chris has gotten from his peers and his vet-approved plan for dealing with "the Claude situation," and dig into an email about where to start when you're planning your training projects for the year. Stupid audio challenges! Do you have a question or a topic you'd like us to discuss on the show? Let us know at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2022-08-1848 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 121: Urine Big Trouble, Mister!Keeping it short and simple this week: Chris is alone in a hotel room somewhere in the Northeast and only has one thing on his mind - "how do I stop one of my cats from peeing all over the place???" In what we hope will be an interactive experience with our listeners, Chris gives some background on the history of the behavior, shares the steps his family has taken to deal with the issue thus far, and basically begs our audience to offer any advice they may have because, ya'll, we are OVER it. Whether or n...2022-08-1132 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 115: The Official Chris Jenkins Super Simplified Guide to Behavior™Greetings from the future! Due to challenges with the space/time continuum, we're once again Ari-less this week, but it gives Chris the chance to reflect on his time in New Zealand with the awesome staff and animals of Hamilton Zoo, to dig into the ins and outs of choice paralysis during training sessions, and to discuss a fun new flow chart he built to answer that most basic (but important) of behavior questions: Is the animal doing what I want? That's right, an audio discussion of a visual resource - woo hoo! Have a...2022-06-3039 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 114: On Mavericks and Martyrs (with Carrie Patel, Obsidian Entertainment)Recorded in Los Angeles, edited in Tahiti, and posted in New Zealand, it's a special two-part episode of the TEC Talk Podcast! For Part 1, Chris sits down to chat with Obsidean Entertainment's Carrie Patel about her role as a Game Director and the talk he saw her give at this year's Game Developers Conference, "No Mavericks, No Martyrs: Sustainable, Collaborative Production". Carrie shares the dangers of celebrating successes without acknowledging the costs that it took to achieve them, the increasing ability that managers have to disrupt their team's processes the higher up the chain of command they g...2022-06-2352 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 113: Catch-Up Mini-Sode (Live from... Taco Bell!)Chris and Ari catch each other up on their recently work travels in Minnesota and the Bahamas, discuss some special upcoming trips in the works for July, and share their go-to menu items from Taco Bell. Which Chris does from a Taco Bell parking lot. While eating Taco Bell. Life on the road, ya'll! Have a question or a topic you'd like us to discuss on the show? Let us know at podcast@naturalencounters.com! 2022-06-1624 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 99: Ya'll, It Has Been a Week (with Sukie Jenkins, Extremely Good Girl)Chris takes a pause from the madness of the week to walk his dog and share some of the details of what has been a very busy, very interesting week. Have something you'd like to ask us or have us discuss on the show? Let us know at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2022-03-0324 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 95: Don't Overshoot Your Joy (with Greg Peccie, Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens)While Ari braves the wilds of Texas, Chris is joined by Greg Peccie, Curator of Mammals at the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens! Greg shares how his animal career started (as it does for so many of us) with a moment of awe at Sea World, how his leadership skills grew during a long stretch at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (where he became the life-long mentor to Chris' wife, Bethany) and his excitement to work with the team at his new job. Greg talks about the importance of clear expectations and accountabiliy, the dangers of "overshooting your joy," his goal...2022-02-031h 16
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 84: Leveling Up Your Work Culture (with Joe Quadara, Video Game Consultant)In one of the best and most random episodes we're ever recorded, Chris and Ari are joined by game dev consultant Joe Quadara! After reading a bit about Joe's history in the video game industry, Chris reached out to see if he wanted to talk to a few bird trainers about building high-functioning teams and successfully sharing critical feedback with others. We talk about how healthy competition can breed camaraderie, the importance of replacing "no, and here's why..." with "yes, if...", and benefit of not being afraid to "kill your babies." Who knew that the video game and professional...2021-11-181h 20
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 56: I Appreciate You! (Live from the 2021 ABMA Conference)Live from the Happy Hour of the final day of the 2021 ABMA Conference, it's the TEC Talk podcast! Chris is joined by newly minted President Elect of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance, Scott Trauger, as we host folks from around the animal behavior world as they reflect on the first ABMA Virtual Conference and share some thoughts about who and what they appreciate in their lives during these crazy, crazy times. Special thanks go out to all the cool people who took the time to hang out and chat with us, and look out for special appearances...2021-05-0649 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 55: Everybody Has an Opinion on Ghosts (with Kat Donald, Keeper/Trainer)Ari and Chris are joined by elephant keeper/aquarium builder/horse enthusiast/dog trainer Kat Donald! Kat tells us about her journey to becoming the hardest working person in the animal field (seriously, you won't believe how many different things she does), and along the way we talk about logic puzzles, curly hair care, ghosts, and lizard people. Not bad for an "animal training podcast," huh? Got a question or a topic for us to discuss on the show? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com! 2021-04-291h 14
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 54: Greetings from NEI West! (with Katie Bello, Amy Zimmerman, and Kyle Alexander, Bearizona Wildlife Park)It's a cross-country matchup of "Bearizona East" (aka NEI) and "NEI West" (aka Bearizona) as Chris sits down with NEI Senior Trainer Katie Bello and Bearizona Program Animal Supervisors Amy Zimmerman and Kyle Alexander! We talk about how our project at Bearizona has evolved since its inception, how things are coming together now that our East Coast birds have been out west for about a month, and what everyone's most excited about for the future of this cool joint project. Thanks to Katie, Amy, and Kyle for letting me steal them on our lunch break to record this...2021-04-2237 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 53: Why Does This Audience Hate Us???It's "Tales from the Trailer" time! Ari and Chris share a mic and grab some lunch to discuss that oh-so-wonderful experience of audience interactions that just do...not...go...well. Can you win them back? How can you change things? What can you learn from it? Those of us who do programs have all been there, but what do you do when it's happening in the moment? This is a real peak behind the curtain for show stuff! Have a question for us or an idea for a show...2021-04-1542 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 52: Happy Podcast-iversary!Happy Birthday, TEC Talk!! Ari and Chris reflect on learnings from a year of change, growth, and innovation. Big thanks goes out to everyone that's followed us on this journey - here's to the next 52 weeks! Have a question or topic that you'd like us to discuss during YEAR TWO of the show? Drop us a line at podcast@naturalencounters.com! 2021-04-081h 23
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 51: Cocktails and Conversations (with NYC AAZK)This time we're the guests! Ari and Chris join John Scott and the NYC chapter of AAZK to talk about guest interaction, improving relationships and communication, and the importance of creating "defining moments." Do you have a question, topic, or podcast invite for us? Drop us a line at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2021-04-011h 36
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 50: The "Falcondry" Episode (with Abbey and Joe Krumrie, River Valley Raptors, Inc.)50 episodes, woo hoo!! Ari and Chris are joined by the founders of River Valley Raptors Inc., Abbey and Joe Krumrie, to talk all things birds of prey! We discuss how they met through work, their experiences with and passion for falconry and wildlife education, running a non-profit organization with your significant other, and how their long-time associate of IAATE has informed their training and animal care decisions. To read the IAATE Position Statements on things like the use of tethering and jesses with birds, please visit IAATE.org. Have any questions about falconry or raptor t...2021-03-251h 46
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 49: Monkey High Five! (with Erik Montgomery, Natural Encounters Conservation Fund)Chris sits down with the Natural Encounters Conservation Fund's Director of Operations Erik Montgomery to talk about his background working with elephants in the circus, his current role as a "jack of all trades" with NECF and NEI, our shared history as podcast hosts outside of the animal field, and the many hoops and hurdles he helped us navigate as one of the founders of the NEI TEC initiative (and all the 10,000 things involved in starting an online learning platform from the ground up)! To learn more about the Natural Encounters Conservation Fund (NECF) and the many i...2021-03-191h 19
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 48: The Great "Four 10s" DebateAri and Chris put their heads together to discuss the pros and cons - and their personal experiences and feelings - related to one of the great debates of the professional animal care field: five 8s, or four 10s? 2021-03-1155 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 47: What's Your Gyprock? (Live from the 2021 IAATE Conference)Happy virtual conference week! Chris and Ari are joined by dozens of wonderful animal people from around the world for a Zoom happy hour, live from the virtual hospitality suite of the 2021 IAATE Conference. As everyone shares their current passions, we learn a lot about 17-year cicadas, carnivorous plants, Australian gin, insect jewelry, and alpine cheese. This was super fun to record; with zero sarcasm: thanks 2020! Have a question or a topic for the show? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com! 2021-03-051h 21
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 46: From Gator Wrestling to Jurassic Park (with Marco Zeno, San Diego Zoo Safari Park)Ari and Chris (who will learn to check his mic settings one day) are joined by one of their favorite people, Marco Zeno! Marco talks about his crazy history in the animal field, starting with his experience as a WORLD CHAMPION alligator wrestler, through to his foray into bird training with NEI, and up to the present with his amazingly unique position with the Northern White Rhino Initiative at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. If this guy doesn't inspire you, we have no idea what will!
To see more of the fun stuff Marco and the...2021-02-251h 21
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 45: The Motivation ConversationAri and Chris are back together, socially distanced of course, for another episode! This week we dig into the NEI archives to discuss Steve Martin's paper "What's the Motivation?" We talk about how it's influenced the way we look at behavior, and the great outline it provides for how we can be better trainers, caretakers, and teammates. What's the Motivation? by Steve Martin; presented at the 2015 IAATE Annual Conference Have a paper you'd like us to discuss, or a question or topic for the show? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2021-02-181h 13
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 43: Everyone's A Mentor (with Adam Geltz, Natural Encounters, Inc.)Live, from Arizona, it's TEC Talk Nights! Chris is joined on location by NEI Senior Trainer Adam Geltz to talk about his history in the animal field, our experience working together to build a new show from the ground up on a tight timeline, the importance of disagreeing well, the lessons he's learned on his journey as a mentor, and the excitement of starting a new project with the awesome folks at Bearizona Wildlife Park. Have a question or something you'd like us to discuss on the show? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com! 2021-02-0400 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 42: The Problems with LabelsIt's another "Tales from the Trailer" episode as Ari and Chris discuss the problems with labels! This one touches on a lot, including anthropomorphism, problems solving, team communication, and functional assessments - so much good behavior stuff! Articles referenced in the show: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Looking Past the Labels by Miguel Santos The Struggle for Dominance: Fact or Fiction? A Bird's Eye View by Dr Susan Friedman and Bobbi Brinker Don't Say Don't: Moving Past "How Do I Stop My Animal From..." by Chris Jenkins A Framework for Solving Behavior Problems: Functional As...2021-01-281h 08
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 40: The Joy of Being AloneWith Chris on a top secret mission for NEI, Ari goes solo to reflect on the insanity of the last week, to share some things she's excited about, and to reflect on the joy (and importance) of being alone. Oh, and she does some dog training at the same time! Do you have a question, idea for a show topic, or want to be on the podcast so we're not too lonely? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2021-01-1432 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 38: 2020 Can Go Kick RocksAri and Chris kick 2020 to the curb with our final episode of the year! We talk about some changes coming to the show in 2021, some wrap up thoughts on the inaugural of the podcast, and reflect on our hopes for the future. Thanks for joining us, this show has been a joy and it's because of YOU, dear listeners! Have a question? Something you'd like us to discuss? Do you want to be on the show?? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com! 2020-12-3137 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 37: Q and A and Q (with Hardy Kern, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium)Ari and Chris are joined by long-time TEC Talk supporter Hardy Kern to talk about his role at the Columbus Zoo, his connection to both current and former NEI staff members, working alongside Jack Hanna, and the joy with creating "defining moments" for zoo guests. He also talks about how he became known as "The Wig Guy," and turns the tables on the hosts by interviewing them. Hey, only seems fair when you've submitted as many questions to the show as he has! Have a question or topic of discussion for the show? Email us at podcast...2020-12-241h 47
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 35: The 16 Personalities of NEI (with Scott Trauger, Natural Encounters, Inc.)Chris (INFP-A) and Ari (ENFP-A) sit down with NEI Supervisor Scott Trauger (ESTJ-T) to discuss the ins and outs of the "personality types" survey at the website 16Personalities.com. We discuss and compare the results of our personal surveys (and discuss a special 4th survey result at the end), and reflect on how our differences can make us all stronger. Have a question, idea for a future topic, or want to share the unexpected results from your own survey? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2020-12-101h 30
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 34: Merry Enrichmas!So long GROWvember, hello Enrichmas! Chris and Ari reflect on last month's emphasis on staff growth and discuss the start of Enrichmas, our annual tradition of working together to recognize the things we appreciate about the people at NEI. This leads to a greater discussion about environmental enrichment and the steps we've taken at NEI to get better at it. Do you have a question, suggested show topic, or favorite way to recognize others? Let us know at podcast@naturalencounters.com! 2020-12-031h 18
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 32: Show Performance Review (in Review)Chris and Ari (aka "Bill") sit down between shows for a "Tales from the Trailer" episode where we discuss working with Len Austrevich, a writer and comedian from Chicago who came out to watch our shows at "that park" and to facilitate a workshop about using the skills at the basis of comedy and improv to create engaging shows and presentations. Stick around for the end of this one, it's pretty special. Have a question or something you'd like us to discuss on the show? Make Ari happy by emailing us at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2020-11-1943 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 31: Breaking Glass Ceilings (with Erin Katzner, The Peregrine Fund)Chris is on vacation so Ari is joined by Erin Katzner, Director of Global Engagement at The Peregrine Fund and Past-President of IAATE! Get to know more about an amazing woman in our field, her thoughts on why women need to be in the room whenever decisions are being made, and her feedback on an email about the use of "sob stories" about animals during programs. Have a question or something you'd like discussed on the show? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com! 2020-11-121h 24
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 30: Welcome to Growvember!Ari and Chris sit down for our 30th episode to discuss a very special time at NEI - Growvember! We give some backstory on this month-long commitment to staff growth and development, share some examples of little things that our team does to help keep each other engaged and learning, and introduce everyone to the greatest game ever: Dragon's Talon! Have feedback, a question, or a topic for a future episode? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2020-11-051h 21
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 29: A "Macarena"-Dancing Bigfoot Underneath a BridgeHappy Spooky Season! Chris and Ari throw caution to the wind and invite the whole world to be guests on the show, and what results is nothing short of amazing! We're joined by Dr. Kat Gregory, Erik Montgomery, Marco Zeno, Kasey Richards, and Scott Trauger as we all discuss some of our favorite traditions and memories of Halloween. There's singing, laughing, and a "Macarena"-dancing Bigfoot under a bridge. You're welcome. Have a question or a topic for the show? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com! 2020-10-291h 19
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 28: Everything We (Don't) Know About EmpathyChris returns from the dead to chat with Ari about empathy, a topic which it turns out is a lot more complicated than you might think. It's a fun chat that touches on a lot of TEC Talk staples - communication, assuming good intentions, making connections...so many good things! Special thanks to our good friend and mentor Cassie Malina for the feedback that inspired this episode! Do you have a question or topic that you'd like us to discuss? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2020-10-221h 13
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 27: GIRLCAST!!! (with Ray Minchey, Natural Encounters, Inc.)Chris is away, so the ladies get to play as Ari takes over as host and - by popular request! - sits down with NEI's own Ray Minchey to talk about mental health and work-life balance. This episode also features our show's first live tarot card reading - Happy Spooky Season! Do you have a question, requested guest, or suggested topic for the show? Let us know at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2020-10-1554 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 26: Space Giraffe at Animal World (with Amy Fennell, Natural Encounters, Inc.)Ari and Chris are joined by NEI Supervisor and resident Renaissance Woman Amy Fennell to talk about her background with birds, her reflections on helping us create NEI TEC from the ground up, and the secrets to building kick-butt teams that can take on any challenge. Also, stained glass and video games! Have a question or something you'd like us to discuss on the show? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com! 2020-10-081h 00
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 25: Rhinos and Roshams (with Lisa Haggadone, Natural Encounters, Inc.)We made it to episode 25 - woo hoo! Ari's on special assignment, so Chris sits down with NEI Senior Trainer Lisa Haggadone to talk about her history in the field, her experiences helping us build several new shows at "the park which must not be named," and the cool stuff she does helping to lead up AAZK's Bowling for Rhinos program. Also, SUPER fun question at the end about NEI: The Movie! Have a question or something you'd like us to discuss on the show? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2020-10-0155 min
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 24: Zen and the Art of Lawn CareOh boy, we are all over the place in this one! After a detailed chat about the challenges of summertime lawn care in Orlando, Chris and Ari discuss our personal and professional strategies for preventing burnout in our ourselves and others, and respond to some great prompts our listeners sent in about future podcast topics (which somehow leads into an in-depth conversation about ice cream and sweets). Do you have a question or something you'd like us to discuss? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2020-09-241h 15
The Used GamersEpisode 67: New Gen Deets!Mike and Chris sit down for a relaxing evening of discussing games both old and new. We talk about a LOT of games we've been playing (Shadow of War, Fall Guys, Chimera Squad, Gears Tactics, Wasteland 3, Super Mario Bros All-Stars, Donut County, Little Nightmares, Close to the Sun, Control, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Mortal Shell), as well as our thoughts about the newly announced release dates, prices, and offerings for the Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series S, and the PS5s. "PS5s" sounds dumb, but it's accurate, so we're sticking with it. 2020-09-181h 18
The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.Episode 20: Gators and Ramen and Feedback - Oh My!Chris and Ari sit six feet apart and talk about Ari's visit to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Chris' first trip to a restaurant since the beginning of the pandemic, and discuss your questions and feedback from email and Facebook! Do YOU have a question or something you'd like us to discuss on the show? Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com!2020-08-2759 min
The Used GamersEpisode 66: No More Console Wars?The boys play catch up as Mike discusses the strategy games of the day, Chris gives a spoiler-free review of the Last of Us Part II and discusses his favorite demos from the recent Xbox Summer Games Fest, and they both offer their thoughts about the summer's games events from both Xbox and Sony on the eve of the launch of new consoles. So much game-y goodness! Theme Song: "White Knighting" by Comptroller (http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk)2020-08-061h 20
The Used GamersEpisode 65: We Review ReviewsMike and Chris are BACK and gamier than ever! If you like games, we've got a lot of 'em for ya that we touch on: Hard Luck, Call of Duty: Warzone, CIV 6, Divinity Original Sin 2, Shadow Tactics: Blade of the Shogun, The Surge 2, Assassin's Creed Syndicate, and Death Stranding all get their time in the Podcast Sun. And if that weren't enough, we round things out with a beefy discussion about the good and the bad of modern video game reviews. Do YOU have a question or something you'd like us to discuss on the show? Reach o...2020-07-031h 19
The Used GamersEpisode 64: The Controversy ControversyWe're back! Chris sinks his teeth into the Surge 2 and mourns the loss of his DOA Xbox One X, Mike makes his way through The Banner Saga Trilogy in record time, and we wrap things up with a discussion about the "controversy" surrounding the Assassin's Creed Valhalla reveal, and what it says about the current state of games journalism and general internet outrage. Theme: "White Knighting" by Comptroller (http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk)2020-05-1757 min
The Used GamersEpisode 63: The Pandemic SpecialSocially-distanced co-hosts Chris and Mike discuss video games in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, how their gaming habits have changed with their new work-from-home lifestyles and how the industry has been affected. Take care out there everyone: stay at home, wash your hands, and come help us take back Washington, DC in The Division 2. Theme: "White Knighting" by Comptroller (http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk)2020-04-0454 min
The Used GamersEpisode 62: Pasta is PastaMike replays Pillars of Eternity for the umpteenth time, Chris spends otherwise perfectly good money on a Wii U and a bunch of dead Gameboys in 2020, and the boys have a spirited discussion about video game pre-orders. Also, pasta. Theme: "White Knighting" by Comptroller. http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk2020-02-261h 02
The Used GamersEpisode 61: All of the BestsAfter a long hiatus, Chris and Mike are back with a (slightly) new format for all your gaming enjoyment. We catch up on the many, many games we've been playing since our last episode, and share our picks for Game of the Year for both 2019 AND 2018 (thought we forgot, didn't you?). We wrap up with a discussion of our personal choices for the Top 5 games of the decade. And yes, a certain Commander with a favorite shop on the Citadel gets a LOT of praise. Theme Song: "White Knighting" by Comptroller (http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk...2020-01-151h 24
The Used GamersEpisode 60: The E3 Calm Before the Next Gen StormHas it been 4 months since our last episode? Really? Well, then we've got some catching up to do. Mike and Chris blaze through their myriad gaming experiences since the beginning of the year before diving into all the big announcements from this year's Gamer Christmas: E3 2019. Lots of opinions here about the future of game streaming, game difficulty, and the coming console arms race. Oh, and Keanu Reeves. And a dog. Video games are rad. Theme: "White Knighting" by Comptroller (http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk) 2019-06-131h 31
The Used GamersEpisode 59: Catch Up and Clean UpMike and Chris catch up on what they've been playing for the past 4 months (!) before launching into some longer discussions about the Pillars of Eternity II DLC, Civilization 6, Immortal: Unchained, Apex Legends, and the VIP and Public Demos for BioWare's shiny new baby, Anthem. Yes, Mike talks a lot about strategic RPG combat. Yes, Chris gushes about Dark Souls. But hey, that's why you love us, right? Theme Song: "White Knighting" by Comptroller (http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk)2019-02-071h 19
The Used GamersEpisode 57: Metroidvania ManiaMike and Chris return to fight through allergies to bring YOU all the video game goodness you've come to expect from The Used Gamers. Topics covered in this episode include: Jurassic World Evolution Pillars of Eternity 2 DLC Beast of Winter Money Puzzle Exchanger No Man's Sky The NES Classic Fun with new Nintendo controllers (BASSTOP's DIY D-Pad Joy-Con shell and 8BitDo's SN30 Pro) Overwatch (new character Hammond and 2018 Lucioball) Owlboy Hollow Knight Death's Gambit Dead Cells Our most anticipated games of the next 6-12 months The genius of the new XBox All Access program Hit u...2018-08-301h 29
The Used GamersEpisode 54: Putting the Baby to BedThe trio is back! Mike and Jared review Batman: The Telltale Series and the recent happenings in Overwatch, Chris details his early steps into Xbox One ownership, and we wrap things up with both spoiler-free and spoiler-rrific reviews of the film adaptation of Ready Player One. Theme song: "White Knighting" Artist: Comptroller (http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk)2018-04-251h 53
The Used GamersEpisode 53: So Many Cups of TeaWe're down a host (Jared will be back for the next one, we promise), but not short on things to talk about. Mike makes a return to Pillars of Eternity and Mass Effect: Andromeda, but also give us his thoughts on his new adventures with the Frozen Wilds DLC for Horizon Zero Dawn and the super-happy and not-at-all depressing This War of Mine. In between tinkering with microswitches and power supplies on arcade cabinets, Chris dives into Bayonetta on the Switch, continues his stabby tour through Egypt in Assassin's Creed: Origins, and shares his new found love of carving...2018-03-011h 30
The Used GamersEpisode 52: DLC Fun, Souls-y Samurais, and 2017 Year in Review2017, you were something else. Jared and Mike discuss Bungie's first big DLC drop for Destiny 2, The Curse of Osiris, Chris and Jared get super stab-happy with Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, Chris single-handedly kills everyone in feudal Japan in Nioh, and the boys offer their thoughts, disappointments, and personal picks for Game of the Year during our 5th Annual Year in Review. Will Jared update us on Pokémon Go? (Is the Pope Catholic?) Will Chris find a reason to compare something to Dark Souls? (Is water wet?) Will Mike hold out hope fo...2018-01-181h 38
The Used GamersEpisode 51: Chris Plays Every Game EverSee, this is why we shouldn't take breaks between episodes - too many games to talk about, and yet we talk about them anyway! This episode we tackle Destiny 2, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, Pillars of Eternity, Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire, Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, Metroid: Samus Returns, Splatoon 2, SteamWorld Dig 2, Injustice 2, Wolfenstein 2... and that's BEFORE we get to the reviews (for games that aren't even all sequels)! Chris shares his thoughts on Jason Schreier's new book Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, Jared works hard to not spoil too much about Life Is Strange, Chris jumps through major technological hoops...2017-11-271h 58
The Used GamersEpisode 50: Happy Anniversary, Guardians!Yes, Jared has his mobile games and PS+ experiments (Clash Royale and Life is Strange). Yes, Chris has gone a little Nintendo crazy (Sonic Mania, Metroid: Samus Returns, Golf Story and the SNES Classic). And yes, Mike continues to buy up every isometric CRPG he can get his hands on (too many to name, at this point). But for this very special 50TH EPISODE OF THE USED GAMES PODCAST (woot woot!), we dive deep into the time sink that's left us with dark rings under our eyes and neglected spouses: Destiny 2. Thank you for putting u...2017-10-061h 18
The Used GamersEpisode 48: Too...Many...Games...As Mike is sidelined by his daughter's teething (we miss you, buddy!), Jared and Chris soldier on by talking about WAY too many games: Pokemon Go, Tales From the Borderlands, Marvel Heroes, Clash Royale, The Witcher 3, Dark Souls 2, Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap, Type:Rider, Nioh, Slain... and that's all before we even get to the reviews! Lotsa good stuff there too: Chris shortens his lifespan with the Switch release of the "rhythm violence" title Thumper, Jared gushes over the incredible wonders of Horizon Zero Dawn, and Chris lives, dies, and repeats with the very unusual (and highly recommended...2017-07-061h 25
The Used GamersEpisode 46: OMG MEA DS2 P80 PoE FFXV DLC LOLIn our longest "whatcha been playin?" segment ever, Mike and Chris offer more thoughts in the wake of Mike beating Mass Effect Andromeda, Jared conquers Dark Souls 2 and begins a very pretty journey into Horizon Zero Dawn, and Chris does an unplanned hardware review for a pair of GameCom P80 wireless gaming headphones that he's preeeeetty sure were stolen. Mike goes all "PC Master Race" on us with his a deep dive into Pillars of Eternity, and Jared takes a FFXV side trip with the Episode Gladiolus DLC. The theme? Oh, it's just "White Knighting" by Comptroller. It...2017-05-111h 15
The Used GamersEpisode 45: It's Pronounced "Ann Dro May Duh"2017 is trying to kill us with awesome games, and we couldn't be happier! Jared and Chris say goodbye to Dark Souls with The Ringed City, and Mike and Chris say hello to a new galaxy with Mass Effect Andromeda. Theme song: "White Knighting" by Comptroller. (http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk)2017-04-161h 23
The Used GamersEpisode 44: Of Switches and Sword CoastsWith Mass Effect: Andromeda looming large on the horizon, the boys share their most recent experiences before drowning in space-y goodness. Chris becomes the proud new owner of a Nintendo Switch and shares his thoughts on the excellent Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mike rolls for initiative with Sword Coast Legends, and Jared explores the end of the world with Everyone's Gone to the Rapture. Also, Pokemon Go. Always Pokemon Go. Until the end of time. Our theme song "White Knighting" is courtesy of Comptroller - check him out at http://w...2017-03-161h 33
The Used GamersEpisode 43: Witcher'n While We WaitGames aplenty! After our normal round of catch-up (including our hot take on the current state of PS4 Remote Play), we take part in some future-casting and discuss our most anticipated games of 2017. Chris digs into the old Pile of Shame and finally tackles The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Mike schools us on the finer points of the Gwent closed beta and the current goings on in Overwatch, and Jared and Chris reminisce over the end of their co-op adventures in Bloodborne: The Old Hunters. If you like awesome things, like our theme song "White Knighting" by Comptroller, ta...2017-02-081h 16
The Used GamersEpisode 42: FFXV, Dishonored 2 and 2016 Year in ReviewA couple of big games to round out a big year for gaming! Jared reviews the much anticipated Final Fantasy XV, Chris dons his assassin cap once more to review Dishonored 2 and we wrap up with a review of the things we loved, the things that disappointed us, and our Games of the Year for 2016. Theme song is "White Knighting" by Comptroller. http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk2017-01-141h 07
The Used GamersEpisode 41: Two Groins Are Better Than OneRobot buddies go head-to-head as Chris simultaneously reviews the single player campaigns of Titanfall 2 and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (spoiler: they're both really great!), Jared and Chris get giddy about their co-op adventures in Dark Souls 3's multiplayer and the recent Ashes of Ariandel DLC, Mike gives us the rundown of the new character and features of the recent update to Overwatch, and everyone gets excited over N7 Day's new info on Mass Effect: Andromeda. Our theme song is "White Knighting" by Comptroller (http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk) and we love it. If you do...2016-11-241h 33
The Used GamersEpisode 39: A New Era in Podcast TechnologyWe've lost a man (for the moment - don't panic), but we've gained a glorious new system of recording! Jared and Chris harness the power of YouTube to record a 2-man episode covering all the games that have been burning our retinas and making us neglect the outside world: Neverwinter, Journey, Pokemon Go, No Man's Sky, Severed and The BioShock Collection all get their time in the sun, followed by an in-depth discussion of the state of Final Fantasy, an accounting of all the adorable reasons why everyone should play Tearaway on the PlayStation Vita, and our impressions of...2016-09-241h 30
The Used GamersEpisode 38: Addressing the Gyarados in the RoomAfter another of our trademark multi-month breaks, the boys are back! After catching up on life since our last episode, the boys tackle some of the biggest releases of the year: Mike gets kill-streaky with Overwatch, Jared witnesses a thief's end with Uncharted 4, and Chris gets another From Software butt-kicking courtesy of Dark Souls 3. Things wrap up with our government mandated discussion of the biggest bad game ever made, the infamous Pokemon Go. Side note: "Infamous Pokemon Go" is a crossover that someone needs to make. Now. Our theme song, "White Knighting" by Comptroller, continues to...2016-09-031h 19
The Used GamersEpisode 37: MGS, V.A.T.S., CoD and 2015 in ReviewBig games and a very big year for gaming! Chris spends waaaaaay too much time with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Mike spends even more time with Fallout 4, and Jared pulls a Goldilocks and spends an amount of time with Call of Duty: Ghosts that's juuuuust right. We wrap things up by putting a pretty bow on 2015 with our biggest surprises, disappointments, and personal picks for Game of the Year. Will The Used Gamers maintain their unbroken streak of having 2 people pick the same game while another disagrees?
Yes. Yes they will.
...2016-01-201h 02
The Used GamersEpisode 36: Broken Transformers and the Destiny of BattlefrontAdventure games, beat 'em ups, MMOs and Stormtrooper murder - we're all over the place with this one! Jared breaks his brain with Broken Age, Chris gets a hearty dose of nostalgia with Transformers Devastation, Mike gives even more of his life and his wallet to Bungie with Destiny: The Taken King, and we all dive in (and have mixed reactions to) the Star Wars Battlefront beta.
Our theme song, "White Knighting," is made possible by Comptroller (http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk), The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and viewers like you. 2015-11-231h 07
The Used GamersEpisode 33: Hardware, Small Games, New Gen Kicks to the GroinWe're all over the map with this one, kids! Chris gives yet another piece of his soul to Sony by picking up a PlayStation TV, Mike decides who dies now and who dies later with Telltale's Game of Thrones, Chris and Jared do an indie game review speedround (Olli Olli 1 and 2, Never Alone, Transistor and Axiom Verge), Jared and Mike discuss the many tweaks and changes of Destiny's House of Wolves expansion and Chris is as giddy as a murderous schoolgirl talking about his adventures beating Bloodborne.
The fine theme song you here there? That's "White Knighting" b...2015-07-201h 28
The Used GamersEpisode 32: Late to the 2014 PartyYou know all those big games of 2014 that we missed out on? Well, we finally played 'em, and now's our chance to tell ya all about it! Mike crossed generational barriers with Assassin's Creed Rogue and Assassin's Creed Unity, Jared gets attacked by wild animals in Far Cry 4, Chris gets big, dumb, loud and fun with Wolfenstein: The New Order and Mike FINALLY gets to tell us all about how much of his lift he lost to Dragon Age: Inquisition.
The theme song is "White Knighting" by Comptroller. It's the bestest! http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk.2015-07-201h 12
The Used GamersEpisode 31: The Order: 1886The two-man fun continues as Mike and Chris recount their time with The Order: 1886 in a spoiler-filled podcast that's almost as long as The Order: 1886. We'll give you fair warning when the time comes, but know ahead of time that we leave no stone (or useless piece of paper) unturned.
Our theme continues to be "White Knighting" by Comptroller. Get up on that at http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk. 2015-03-181h 18
The Used GamersEpisode 30: Man Down, Part 2!With Mike busy playing the game called "Life", Chris and Jared take time out of a busy week and sit down to discuss The Swapper, Brutal Legend, Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, and Destiny's first expansion, The Dark Below.
(Bonus content that didn't actually get recorded: Chris falling asleep on with his Vita on his chest while Jared beat the final boss of Infamous: Second Son. That's dedication to the hobby, people!)
Our theme song is "White Knighting" by Comptroller. For Pete's sake, please go listen to more at http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk. What...2015-03-181h 07
The Used GamersEpisode 27: Because Comic BooksThe boys return from a work-induced hiaitus to bring video gamey goodness to YOU! Mike dives head-first into the current generation with Infamous: Second Son, Chris falls down a deep DC rabbit hole with Injustice: Gods Among Us, Batman: Arkham City and Batman: Arkham Origins, and Jared grinds for levels in Brave Frontier.
Our theme song rocks. It's by Comptroller. It's called "White Knighting." For more information, make your way over to http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk.2014-11-0452 min
The Used GamersEpisode 26: Everything's Better with MechsIt's another Triple Tech episode as our hosts combine forces to tackle the Destiny beta on PS3! After a significant amount of gushing we jump to Used Gamers Future (i.e., the present) as Mike tells us all about his shiny new PS4. We wrap things up with a segment we like to call "Why Do You Hate Me???" wherein the hosts discuss games that we've forced each other to play. Mike finally chokes down Portal and Portal 2, Chris rots his teeth with Eternal Sonata, and Jared starts a journey down a deep rabbit hole with Dark Souls. We've...2014-08-191h 35
The Used GamersEpisode 24: Everything Old is...Still OldTonight we're gonna party like it's 2008-2011! In this all-games-all-the-time episode, the boys dive into a bevy of titles that are new...to us. Chris barely avoids motion sickness with Mirror's Edge, Mike tries to pay back the state of Rhode Island in his own way by buying a $5 copy of Kingdoms of Amaleur: Reckoning, Jared braves the zombie apocalypse in Deadlight, Mike discovers his secret love for Kayne West with Saints Row: The Third, and Chris marathons the pseudo-retro Shovel Knight.
Remember kids: old games will love you with an adult-dog kind of affection th...2014-07-1046 min
The Used GamersEpisode 23: They Can't All Be Gems...The boys sit down for a good old fashioned American podcast wherein Chris discusses the retro charm of Wayward Souls, Mike tells us whether or not Watch Dogs lives up to the hype, Jared waxes nostalgic over the recent Thief reboot, and Chris beats the system and offers his thoughts on the controversial Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes.
One of these games gets a lot of love. The others? Well, they can't all be gems, now can they?
Our theme song, "White Knighting", has been graciously provided by Comptroller. No, ser...2014-06-251h 00
The Used GamersEpisode 21: Man Down!With Jared out on baby-birthing duty (congratulations buddy!) and Chris sidelined by spinal surgery, Mike and Chris harness the magic of the Internet to record an episode that dives deep into our obsession with the Dragon Age series, discuss our experiences with the single player DLC for The Last of Us and Bioshock Infinite, and dig into recent updates to Microsoft's online and Games with Gold policies and their announcement of a Kinect-less XBox One.
Our theme music "White Knighting" by Comptroller, and it's better than your theme music. Actually, if you have theme music, w...2014-05-171h 18
The Used GamersEpisode 20: Ghost Panther AssaultNo news. No small talk. Just games.
Chris bathes in the wonderous glory of Puppeteer, Jared takes advantage of Games With Gold and digs into Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, Mike goes back to The Old Republic once more with the recent release of the Galactic Starfighter expansion, Chris gets (Mine)crafty with Terraria, and Jared sticks to the shadows (most of the time) with Splinter Cell: Blacklist. Some old, some new, all fun. That's kind of our thing, no?
Theme song is "White Knighting" by Comptroller. More musical go...2014-03-1938 min
The Used GamersEpisode 19: 2014 and Why We Don't Get Steam MachinesThe numbered episodes continue as the gentlemen play catch up on all the nifty games we've been playing: Final Fantasy XIII, Heroes of Dragon Age, A Link Between Worlds, Bravely Default, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, and Sleeping Dogs all get their moment under The Used Gamers Microscopetm. Chris announces a ridiculous plan involving a certain alliterative JRPG series, we look ahead to games we're looking forward to in 2014, and we wrap up with a head-scratching discussion of Valve's entry into the PC/console market via Steam Machines.
Our theme is "White Knighting" by Comptroller. It pl...2014-03-021h 01
The Used GamersBonus Stage: State of Nintendo with Nick and Gabe!We welcome back Chris' nephews Nick and Gabe for a very special Nintendo-centric episode of the Used Gamers Podcast! Chris and the boys check in on the Big N with a discussion of the 3DS, Wii U, and our wishlist for the company's recently teased new console/handheld hybrid hardware. We dive deep into the new batch of Miiverse titles, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Wind Waker HD, and the Wonderful 101.
Pro tip: towards the end of the episode the boys reveal the secret to button-mashing mastery. The m...2014-02-171h 02
The Used GamersEpisode 17: The Easy ButtonReviews galore, because SO MANY GAMES! Chris makes the 1991 version of himself happy playing The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Mike and Jared get back on the Borderlands 2 train with the recent Headhunter DLC releases, Chris does his best to talk about Gone Home without actually talking about Gone Home, and Mike and Jared return to Thedas with Heroes of Dragon Age. We close things out with a lengthy discussion about whether or not games have gotten easier in recent years (consensus: they have, that's not necessarily a bad thing, and we are old).
2014-01-051h 19
The Used GamersEpisode 16: No Town Portal Scrolls NecessaryWe...still...function! It's been over three months but the boys are back with a vengeance to give YOU a barrage of gaming goodness. Mike runs us through the recent VGX Awards, Chris gives his early impressions of the PS4 and the XBox One, and we discuss the relative strengths and merits of PlayStation Plus and XBox Games with Gold. We then dive into our reviews, covering just about every last gen platform we can: Mike gets all strategic with X-Com: Enemy Within, Jared avoids microtransactions with Knights & Dragons, Chris keeps the 3D slider turned up for Steamworld Dig...2013-12-291h 49
The Used GamersEpisode 14: Triple Letter Score (3DS and MMOs and PS4 vs XB1)The boys jump into a discussion about some of the smaller releases of late: Chris gushes over the Nintendo's recent eShop release of GBC Zelda titles Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, all three of us scratch our heads and try to make sense of the grid-based insanity of Capcom's 3DS title Project X Zone, Mike gives us updates on Neverwinter and Marvel Heroes, and we continue our march towards the new generation with updates on both the PS4 (good news!) and the XBox One (good news?).
Our theme? "White Knighting". Its author? Comptroller (w...2013-07-251h 07
The Used GamersEpisode 13: Fungus = Bad, Girls = RadChris plays host to a discussion of some of the bigger titles that we've been playing lately: The Last of Us, Tomb Raider, and the latest DLC for Borderlands 2: Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep. All this dovetails nicely into a discussion of the changing face of female characters in games, from the helpless damsel sprites of yesteryear to the fully-rendered 3D badasses of today. Girl power!
"White Knighting" by Comptroller is our theme. Rocking your face off is his mission. http://www.cmptrllr.co.uk.2013-07-191h 17
The Used GamersEpisode 10: The Calm Before the Next-Gen StormWe're back - did you miss us? Jared plays host to a discussion of some of the smaller games of the first half of 2013. We drool over the ginormous skill tree of Path of Exile, and marvel at the ambitious and impossible to pronouce upcoming XBLA game Mars War Logs (say it five times fast). Chris and Mike recount their first co-op stab at the adolescent wish-fulfillment title Fuse, Jared gets all mobile with The Simpsons: Tapped Out, and Mike starts down a deep rabbit hole with the open beta of Neverwinter. We discuss the on-going legal battle between...2013-06-2048 min
The Used GamersEpisode 9: Spoilers!So much gamey goodness in one little episode! The boys speculate wildly on the eve of the reveal of Microsoft's successor to the XBox 360, express disappointment with Gearbox's handling of the latest Borderlands 2 DLC, and Mike's review of the latest update to Star Wars: The Old Republic leads to a conversation about free-to-play games, pre-orders, DLC, and season passes. Chris' review of the exceptional PSN-exclusive Guacamelee! turns into a gush-fest over "Metroidvania" games, and we wrap up by having Jared and Chris SPOIL THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS out of BioShock Infinite.
Seriously, don't listen past the 36 m...2013-05-201h 07
The Used GamersEpisode 8: Great New Games vs Terrible New Gaming IdeasIt's a great time to be a gamer! Mike plays host as Chris shares his thoughts on the early hours of BioShock Infinite (it's really, really good!!), Jared and Mike get really excited about the long-awaited level cap increase for Borderlands 2 (more better guns to make more better explosions!!), Jared makes a pitch for why you should play Natural Selection 2 (it's like Aliens: Colonial Marines, only it's good!!), we mourn the passing of LucaArts and discuss Star Wars' video game future (let's all pretend that Mike didn't say "LucaArts didn't really make that many great video games"), and finally...2013-04-3059 min
The Used GamersEpisode 7: Where's My Horde Mode?Returning from a 7 week hiatus (our little show now has 50% more spouses - congratulations Mike!) the boys sit down to discuss X-Com: Enemy Unknown, Gears of War: Judgment, Injustice: Gods Among Us, and the recently revealed PlayStation 4. Mike waxes poetic about the minutiae of turn-based, alien-blasting strategy, Jared defends the merits of OverRun mode and a more naive Baird, and Chris remembers way too much off the top of his head about the details of Sony's next gen console. Also, we all think Batman slamming dumpsters into himself is fantastic.
"White Knighting" by Comptroller continues its run...2013-04-101h 06
The Used GamersEpisode 3: We're back! And we brought guests!The men are back from a short hiatus to discuss Wreck-It Ralph (we liked it!), to review the new Borderlands 2 DLC "Mr Torgue's Campaign of Carnage" (Jared and Mike loved it!!), to sing the praises of The Walking Dead by Telltale Games (maybe the best game Chris has ever played!!!), and welcome our show's first guests - Chris' young nephews Nick and Gabe - to discuss their experiences with the newly lauched WiiU. We wrap things up with a discussion about cooperative versus competitive multiplayer gaming (spoiler alert: we play well with others, but not against them).
2012-12-011h 22
The Used GamersEpisode 2: Game movies, boss battles, and bad endings...oh my!This week's release of Assassin's Creed III and Wreck-It Ralph inspire a discussion about game-to-movie adaptations, the importance of boss battles, and our picks for some of the most disappointing game endings of recent years. Jared gets angry at Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Chris fawns over Metroid for the NES, and Mike finally says something critical about a Bioware game.
Once again our show's theme song is "White Knighting" by Comptroller. Check out more bleepy-bloopy awesomeness at www.cmptrllr.co.uk.2012-11-041h 20
The Used GamersEpisode 1: It Begins...Your hosts - Chris, Jared, and Mike - sit down at the mic for the first time to discuss our personal gaming histories, review Borderlands 2 and Dishonored, and chat about the upcoming free-to-play update for Star Wars: The Old Republic.
This episode's theme song is "White Knighting" by Comptroller. For more great music, check out his website at www.cmptrllr.co.uk.2012-10-291h 08