Shows
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 135 - Vectors, Yo-yos, and Dating… OH MY!Ben STILL has too many review codes, so Aunt Norah is back to help him get through the backlog. Norah watches the trailer, Ben plays the game, and they discuss their impressions. This episode contains three conversations themed around the games Ben has been playing for review purposes. Topics and games covered this week include the following: the impact of vector graphics featuring Stratogun, the nostalgia of GBA-style adventure games with Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo, and exploring the dating sim concept in Date Everything!
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PART 1 - Vector graphics in the game Stratogun
...2025-07-211h 02The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 135 - Vectors, Yo-yos, and Dating… OH MY!Ben STILL has too many review codes, so Aunt Norah is back to help him get through the backlog. Norah watches the trailer, Ben plays the game, and they discuss their impressions. This episode contains three conversations themed around the games Ben has been playing for review purposes. Topics and games covered this week include the following: the impact of vector graphics featuring Stratogun, the nostalgia of GBA-style adventure games with Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo, and exploring the dating sim concept in Date Everything!
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PART 1 - Vector graphics in the game Stratogun
...2025-07-211h 02
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 134 - ImaginationChristian from Imaginary Game Studios joins Ben this week to talk about a word that is very dear to him. In addition to being a component in the name of Christian’s game development company, imagination is something that both of the hosts love to use in their day-to-day lives and in all of their creative endeavors because it brings them so much joy. As one would expect from the topic of imagination, the conversation goes many fascinating places—cooking, mixology, childhood toys and games, and imaginary friends… to name a few. In the video games-focused segment, they engage in a l...2025-07-051h 04The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 134 - ImaginationChristian from Imaginary Game Studios joins Ben this week to talk about a word that is very dear to him. In addition to being a component in the name of Christian’s game development company, imagination is something that both of the hosts love to use in their day-to-day lives and in all of their creative endeavors because it brings them so much joy. As one would expect from the topic of imagination, the conversation goes many fascinating places—cooking, mixology, childhood toys and games, and imaginary friends… to name a few. In the video games-focused segment, they engage in a l...2025-07-051h 04
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 133 - Mental Health and Animal ProtagonistsBen has TOO MANY game codes, so Aunt Norah is here to help! This back to back episodes… episode contains two conversations themed around the games Ben has been playing for review purposes. In the top half, they talk about the representations of the mental ailments in the games Next of Kin and RATSHAKER™. In the latter half, they talk about the handling of the animal protagonist in Spirit of the North 2.
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PART 1 - The portrayal of mental fitness topics in and opinions about Next of Kin and RATSHAKER™
00:00:20 - Going global-ish and an explana...2025-06-2758 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 133 - Mental Health and Animal ProtagonistsBen has TOO MANY game codes, so Aunt Norah is here to help! This back to back episodes… episode contains two conversations themed around the games Ben has been playing for review purposes. In the top half, they talk about the representations of the mental ailments in the games Next of Kin and RATSHAKER™. In the latter half, they talk about the handling of the animal protagonist in Spirit of the North 2.
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PART 1 - The portrayal of mental fitness topics in and opinions about Next of Kin and RATSHAKER™
00:00:20 - Going global-ish and an explana...2025-06-2758 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 132 - DerivativeErik joins Ben this week to chew the fat about… math? NOPE! We’ll just insert THAT version of the definition into the title graphic instead, thank you (sorry, Norah)! However, the fellas ARE going to discuss how the word "derivative" is used in positive and negative contexts, but first a warmup—talking about their “glory days” and high school experiences. In the obligatory “What Have They Been Up To" intro, Erik shares details about what’s going on in the development of Rogue Climber, and Ben offers details and opinions about the games Spacepunk Survival and Polterguys: Possession Party. FINALLY...2025-06-181h 05The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 132 - DerivativeErik joins Ben this week to chew the fat about… math? NOPE! We’ll just insert THAT version of the definition into the title graphic instead, thank you (sorry, Norah)! However, the fellas ARE going to discuss how the word "derivative" is used in positive and negative contexts, but first a warmup—talking about their “glory days” and high school experiences. In the obligatory “What Have They Been Up To" intro, Erik shares details about what’s going on in the development of Rogue Climber, and Ben offers details and opinions about the games Spacepunk Survival and Polterguys: Possession Party. FINALLY...2025-06-181h 05
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 131 - CultureBen’s long time friend Jen joins the podcast this week to talk about her bread making business called Worth Her Salt Sourdough, the challenges of understanding and navigating social media as a Generation X-er, her experiences teaching from primary school to community college, how video game culture has changed in the last 50 years, and the assorted video games her four daughters played in the 90s and 2000s.
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00:00:20 - Jen’s business, cooking school, pirates, and showing your value… through baking
00:04:39 - Post-layoff experiences, first jobs, the DQ Q, and the Subway vs. Dairy Queen f...2025-05-301h 08The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 131 - CultureBen’s long time friend Jen joins the podcast this week to talk about her bread making business called Worth Her Salt Sourdough, the challenges of understanding and navigating social media as a Generation X-er, her experiences teaching from primary school to community college, how video game culture has changed in the last 50 years, and the assorted video games her four daughters played in the 90s and 2000s.
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00:00:20 - Jen’s business, cooking school, pirates, and showing your value… through baking
00:04:39 - Post-layoff experiences, first jobs, the DQ Q, and the Subway vs. Dairy Queen f...2025-05-301h 08
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 130 - GrowthSky, one of the hosts of a men’s mental health podcast called Hey Man; It’s Ok, joins Ben this week to have a discussion about the word growth. After talking about the games they have been playing recently, they each open up a little bit and share their experiences with managing various mental health challenges and utilizing therapy. Next, they shift their focus to an exploration of how growing is handled in video games. Finally, they wrap it all up with some parting words of advice. Games mentioned by the hosts in the episode include Star Wars: Outl...2025-05-0552 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 130 - GrowthSky, one of the hosts of a men’s mental health podcast called Hey Man; It’s Ok, joins Ben this week to have a discussion about the word growth. After talking about the games they have been playing recently, they each open up a little bit and share their experiences with managing various mental health challenges and utilizing therapy. Next, they shift their focus to an exploration of how growing is handled in video games. Finally, they wrap it all up with some parting words of advice. Games mentioned by the hosts in the episode include Star Wars: Outl...2025-05-0552 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 129 - A Chat With Doug (from Small Rice Studios)VR and tabletop game designer from Small Rice Studios, Doug joins Ben this week to talk about the recently released cozy card game ROAST, which he designed along with his brother Nick (who Ben had the pleasure of meeting at PAX West 2024). Ben had some questions about the design, development, and testing of ROAST—all of which Doug is more than happy to elaborate on and discuss. They also spend some time reminiscing about the board, card, arcade, and video games of their youth. And don’t forget to stay tuned after the interview for an outtake followed by Ben’...2025-04-1748 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 129 - A Chat With Doug (from Small Rice Studios)VR and tabletop game designer from Small Rice Studios, Doug joins Ben this week to talk about the recently released cozy card game ROAST, which he designed along with his brother Nick (who Ben had the pleasure of meeting at PAX West 2024). Ben had some questions about the design, development, and testing of ROAST—all of which Doug is more than happy to elaborate on and discuss. They also spend some time reminiscing about the board, card, arcade, and video games of their youth. And don’t forget to stay tuned after the interview for an outtake followed by Ben’...2025-04-1748 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 127 - Two Reviews and a EulogyIt’s been a rough couple of weeks for Ben, but processing the death of his 21-year-old feline companion Bash has come with a bit of creative inspiration. He has written a lovely, heartfelt eulogy that he will be reciting for us at the end of the episode, but first he has got two game reviews to share: a cute, Norse mythology-inspired, casual strategy adventure game and a super-creepy, Taiwanese, first-person perspective horror adventure game.
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00:00:20 - Intro
00:01:57 - MiceGard Review
00:06:32 - The Bridge Curse 2: the Extraction Review
00:12:30 - Eulogy - https://open.sub...2025-03-0729 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 127 - Two Reviews and a EulogyIt’s been a rough couple of weeks for Ben, but processing the death of his 21-year-old feline companion Bash has come with a bit of creative inspiration. He has written a lovely, heartfelt eulogy that he will be reciting for us at the end of the episode, but first he has got two game reviews to share: a cute, Norse mythology-inspired, casual strategy adventure game and a super-creepy, Taiwanese, first-person perspective horror adventure game.
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00:00:20 - Intro
00:01:57 - MiceGard Review
00:06:32 - The Bridge Curse 2: the Extraction Review
00:12:30 - Eulogy - https://open.sub...2025-03-0729 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 126 - FailureCheyenne joins Ben this week to talk about a word that gets a lot of bad press, but in reality, it is a necessity in most activities involving progress and self-improvement. After conversing about what games they are playing (and discovering Ben’s Hogwarts House), they dive right in to deep end and commence with the festivities. Topics explored: the “Epic Fail” meme, Tom Platz, CrossFit acronyms, the invention of Post-It Notes, John Cleese’s speeches and educational videos, corporate culture, points of failure in engineering, stories about successes and failures in the academic settings, the roguelike and roguelite labels...2025-02-111h 10The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 126 - FailureCheyenne joins Ben this week to talk about a word that gets a lot of bad press, but in reality, it is a necessity in most activities involving progress and self-improvement. After conversing about what games they are playing (and discovering Ben’s Hogwarts House), they dive right in to deep end and commence with the festivities. Topics explored: the “Epic Fail” meme, Tom Platz, CrossFit acronyms, the invention of Post-It Notes, John Cleese’s speeches and educational videos, corporate culture, points of failure in engineering, stories about successes and failures in the academic settings, the roguelike and roguelite labels...2025-02-111h 10
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 124 - CircuitousErik from Imaginary Game Studios joins Ben in HIS virtual studio this week to chat about all manner of things—his experiences as a sports writer, his love of literature, his creative process, and of course his philosophy of game design. After discussing what’s "under construction" in the world of Rogue Climber, what games they have been playing, and their odd experiences in Chicago (which in itself is a thematically appropriate path), they dive in to the topic at hand… the word circuitous! They follow the conversation through the unique topography of books, movies, games, and cultural references to its d...2024-12-261h 05The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 124 - CircuitousErik from Imaginary Game Studios joins Ben in HIS virtual studio this week to chat about all manner of things—his experiences as a sports writer, his love of literature, his creative process, and of course his philosophy of game design. After discussing what’s "under construction" in the world of Rogue Climber, what games they have been playing, and their odd experiences in Chicago (which in itself is a thematically appropriate path), they dive in to the topic at hand… the word circuitous! They follow the conversation through the unique topography of books, movies, games, and cultural references to its d...2024-12-261h 05
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 123 - IterationAron Koh from JOFSOFT joins Ben this week to talk about the development of their latest game Pizza Bandit AND one of his favorite words—rather appropriately, iteration. They start out talking about Aron’s childhood favorite PC games, how Sierra On-line games inspired him to work in the online gaming industry after he graduated, and his experiences working for the Korean game company Nexon on “games as service” games. Next, Ben and Aron share their thoughts and philosophies about how software is improved through incremental changes. Finally, Aron expounds upon Pizza Bandit’s development timeline and forthcoming genre blending pla...2024-12-011h 03The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 123 - IterationAron Koh from JOFSOFT joins Ben this week to talk about the development of their latest game Pizza Bandit AND one of his favorite words—rather appropriately, iteration. They start out talking about Aron’s childhood favorite PC games, how Sierra On-line games inspired him to work in the online gaming industry after he graduated, and his experiences working for the Korean game company Nexon on “games as service” games. Next, Ben and Aron share their thoughts and philosophies about how software is improved through incremental changes. Finally, Aron expounds upon Pizza Bandit’s development timeline and forthcoming genre blending pla...2024-12-011h 03
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 122 - NinjaAndrew joins Ben this week to talk about something which thanks to pop culture is turtle adjacent and thanks to an obscure martial arts publication is also peach adjacent… weird eh? They catch up on what has been going on in their lives—lots of writing for each! Andrew has been working on his ADHD focused book, and Ben has been playing Edge of Sanity for game review material on Substack. They explore an assortment of topics before moving to video games including the following: the Insane Clown Posse, the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, household appliances, motorcycles, the movie...2024-11-0959 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 122 - NinjaAndrew joins Ben this week to talk about something which thanks to pop culture is turtle adjacent and thanks to an obscure martial arts publication is also peach adjacent… weird eh? They catch up on what has been going on in their lives—lots of writing for each! Andrew has been working on his ADHD focused book, and Ben has been playing Edge of Sanity for game review material on Substack. They explore an assortment of topics before moving to video games including the following: the Insane Clown Posse, the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, household appliances, motorcycles, the movie...2024-11-0959 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 119 - Witch Spring R Review and PAX West 2024 InterviewsThis week we have an AMAZING episode for you! We received another PS5 review code compliments of the fabulously kind PR ninja Robert, but before Ben spills the entire cup of tea on his time KIWIWALKS’ latest remaster of the original WitchSpring game, he recounts his 7 days of experiences in Seattle when he wasn’t busy at PAX West 2024 proper. After the review, Ben shares his LIVE (at the time) “Podcast in a Bag” interviews from the Arch Building of the Seattle Convention Center. The first one is with The Behemoth’s co-founder, artist and game designer Dan Paladin; he “sits down...2024-09-1453 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 119 - Witch Spring R Review and PAX West 2024 InterviewsThis week we have an AMAZING episode for you! We received another PS5 review code compliments of the fabulously kind PR ninja Robert, but before Ben spills the entire cup of tea on his time KIWIWALKS’ latest remaster of the original WitchSpring game, he recounts his 7 days of experiences in Seattle when he wasn’t busy at PAX West 2024 proper. After the review, Ben shares his LIVE (at the time) “Podcast in a Bag” interviews from the Arch Building of the Seattle Convention Center. The first one is with The Behemoth’s co-founder, artist and game designer Dan Paladin; he “sits down...2024-09-1453 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 118 - The Imaginary Game Studios Interview EpisodeIn this special pre-PAX West 2024 edition of the Two Vague Podcast… does Ben have a couple of imaginary guests, the titular “Drop Dead Fred” perhaps? Nope! He’s got something far more engaging than a Phoebe Cates movie up his sleeve. Christian and Erik from Imaginary Game Studios join Ben to talk about their experiences in the AAA gaming space and their latest project Rogue Climber! It’s an episode that is guaranteed to be more exciting and interesting than driving a desert bus from Las Vegas to Tucson, Arizona.
Ben’s interview with Christian
00:00:20 - Introducing Imagi...2024-08-301h 03The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 118 - The Imaginary Game Studios Interview EpisodeIn this special pre-PAX West 2024 edition of the Two Vague Podcast… does Ben have a couple of imaginary guests, the titular “Drop Dead Fred” perhaps? Nope! He’s got something far more engaging than a Phoebe Cates movie up his sleeve. Christian and Erik from Imaginary Game Studios join Ben to talk about their experiences in the AAA gaming space and their latest project Rogue Climber! It’s an episode that is guaranteed to be more exciting and interesting than driving a desert bus from Las Vegas to Tucson, Arizona.
Ben’s interview with Christian
00:00:20 - Introducing Imagi...2024-08-301h 03
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 117 - PlayNorah and Ben are excitedly hosting the pod this week. The topic word is one that most people associate with childhood, but the benefits for adults are well documented by psychologists. Ben talks about what he is playing (Wife Quest and Stellar Blade) and Norah talks about the weather before they get in to the meat and potatoes of the discussion and start playing with their fictitious food. Why are adults reluctant to use the word play in their day to day lives? Are hobbies a form of play? What was the origin of the Sony PlayStation? Our hosts explore...2024-08-221h 00The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 117 - PlayNorah and Ben are excitedly hosting the pod this week. The topic word is one that most people associate with childhood, but the benefits for adults are well documented by psychologists. Ben talks about what he is playing (Wife Quest and Stellar Blade) and Norah talks about the weather before they get in to the meat and potatoes of the discussion and start playing with their fictitious food. Why are adults reluctant to use the word play in their day to day lives? Are hobbies a form of play? What was the origin of the Sony PlayStation? Our hosts explore...2024-08-221h 00
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 116 - EllipsisAndrew joins Ben this week to talk about a particular piece of punctuation that isn’t a dinkus! People have strong opinions about when and where the ellipsis should and shouldn’t be used, so our hosts decided to investigate… for SCIENCE! Along the way they discovered a number of new words to share (including dinkus)! Fortunately there won’t be a vocabulary quiz at the end of the show, but there will be an exploration of the use of the ellipsis in the text and dialog of comics, manga, and video games. Finally, they close the show with a couple of...2024-08-1359 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 116 - EllipsisAndrew joins Ben this week to talk about a particular piece of punctuation that isn’t a dinkus! People have strong opinions about when and where the ellipsis should and shouldn’t be used, so our hosts decided to investigate… for SCIENCE! Along the way they discovered a number of new words to share (including dinkus)! Fortunately there won’t be a vocabulary quiz at the end of the show, but there will be an exploration of the use of the ellipsis in the text and dialog of comics, manga, and video games. Finally, they close the show with a couple of...2024-08-1359 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 115 - NewsLukas Eggen from gameonmedia.net is back in the virtual studio with Ben to do a proper show on a subject that he, as a seasoned journalist, is incredibly qualified to talk about. Before getting into “the news,” they talk about a few articles that Lukas has been working on for his new publication "Game On!" Then they discuss how the journalism landscape has changed with the advent of digital media and what games they have been playing recently. Following the definition, Ben and Lukas move on to their thoughts on the pitfalls of news delivery, maintaining journalistic integrity, the pot...2024-08-021h 00The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 115 - NewsLukas Eggen from gameonmedia.net is back in the virtual studio with Ben to do a proper show on a subject that he, as a seasoned journalist, is incredibly qualified to talk about. Before getting into “the news,” they talk about a few articles that Lukas has been working on for his new publication "Game On!" Then they discuss how the journalism landscape has changed with the advent of digital media and what games they have been playing recently. Following the definition, Ben and Lukas move on to their thoughts on the pitfalls of news delivery, maintaining journalistic integrity, the pot...2024-08-021h 00
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 114 - Ben's Review of TEVIThis week, Ben is joined by long time fan and “aunt of the pod” Norah for a game review episode. After a BIG thank you to a PR ninja and some miscellaneous chatter about the origin of the “bunny girl” archetype, Ben dives right in to his assessment of the platform / bullet hell shooter mashup, TEVI! Stay tuned after the show for the latest 2VP tee shirt advertisement, brought to you by Partly Robot Industries.
00:00:21 - Traffic on the 1’s and 7’s, a year of Norah, Alaska, and a smoked salmon monsoon
00:02:41 - Ben’s PAX West 2024 plans...2024-07-2248 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 114 - Ben's Review of TEVIThis week, Ben is joined by long time fan and “aunt of the pod” Norah for a game review episode. After a BIG thank you to a PR ninja and some miscellaneous chatter about the origin of the “bunny girl” archetype, Ben dives right in to his assessment of the platform / bullet hell shooter mashup, TEVI! Stay tuned after the show for the latest 2VP tee shirt advertisement, brought to you by Partly Robot Industries.
00:00:21 - Traffic on the 1’s and 7’s, a year of Norah, Alaska, and a smoked salmon monsoon
00:02:41 - Ben’s PAX West 2024 plans...2024-07-2248 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 113 - VagueAndrew joins Ben for 2VP’s “leather” anniversary and a chat about things AND stuff! Andrew has been writing, playing with baby CJ, and preparing for a stand-up comedy show. Ben has been playing games, but instead of following the typical show segment order, he decides to call an audible. They take the scenic route on their way to talking about the games “Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key” from developer Gust and “Goddess of Victory: Nikke” from developer Shift Up. Topics discussed include: amateur stand-up comedy writing, the origin of the name of the show, the baby schema th...2024-07-091h 01The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 113 - VagueAndrew joins Ben for 2VP’s “leather” anniversary and a chat about things AND stuff! Andrew has been writing, playing with baby CJ, and preparing for a stand-up comedy show. Ben has been playing games, but instead of following the typical show segment order, he decides to call an audible. They take the scenic route on their way to talking about the games “Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key” from developer Gust and “Goddess of Victory: Nikke” from developer Shift Up. Topics discussed include: amateur stand-up comedy writing, the origin of the name of the show, the baby schema th...2024-07-091h 01
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 112 - AestheticCheyenne joins Ben in the studio this week for an episode a year in the making! They start off talking about a big move that Cheyenne is making this year and what games they are playing. Cheyenne has been playing a couple of Larian Studios game and romancing mostly vampires. Ben has finished Pacific Drive and is trying to figure out what he’s going to play next. The hosts discuss the definition, share their results from a wikiHow “What is your aesthetic” quiz, and talk about how the definition has changed in recent decades. They also take a peek at the...2024-06-231h 09The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 112 - AestheticCheyenne joins Ben in the studio this week for an episode a year in the making! They start off talking about a big move that Cheyenne is making this year and what games they are playing. Cheyenne has been playing a couple of Larian Studios game and romancing mostly vampires. Ben has finished Pacific Drive and is trying to figure out what he’s going to play next. The hosts discuss the definition, share their results from a wikiHow “What is your aesthetic” quiz, and talk about how the definition has changed in recent decades. They also take a peek at the...2024-06-231h 09
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 111 - AliquotAndrew joins Ben this week for a special request word (from a different Ben), but first the gents share what they are up to. For Andrew it’s growing his multimedia empire; for Ben it is playing video games… obviously. Then on to the word that they will divide, conquer, and put into …containers? Additional stream of consciousness thoughts and musings include: The Big Lebowski, what is the internet (according to a U.S. Senator), Peter Falk impressions, teaching through examples, science shows for kids in the 1980’s, a method for making sourdough bread, and a video game featuring the aliquot...2024-06-091h 01The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 111 - AliquotAndrew joins Ben this week for a special request word (from a different Ben), but first the gents share what they are up to. For Andrew it’s growing his multimedia empire; for Ben it is playing video games… obviously. Then on to the word that they will divide, conquer, and put into …containers? Additional stream of consciousness thoughts and musings include: The Big Lebowski, what is the internet (according to a U.S. Senator), Peter Falk impressions, teaching through examples, science shows for kids in the 1980’s, a method for making sourdough bread, and a video game featuring the aliquot...2024-06-091h 01
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 110 - An Interview with Andrea Alvarez from Joystick Ventures!This week Ben is excited to talk to Andrea about her role as a project manager at Joystick Ventures for the games “Star★Vaders,” “Big Boy Boxing,” and “Chicken Police: Into the Hive!” But first, Andrea and Ben have each been playing games with an abundance of atmospheric tension, suspense, and dare we say… creepiness. After sharing these experiences with each other, they dive right in and have a very interesting conversation about the funding, developing, promoting, and marketing of independently made video games!
00:00:20 - Rituals, runes, pools, Pacific Drive, weeping angels, and Andrea’s introduction
00:06:18 - A startup backgrou...2024-05-2848 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 110 - An Interview with Andrea Alvarez from Joystick Ventures!This week Ben is excited to talk to Andrea about her role as a project manager at Joystick Ventures for the games “Star★Vaders,” “Big Boy Boxing,” and “Chicken Police: Into the Hive!” But first, Andrea and Ben have each been playing games with an abundance of atmospheric tension, suspense, and dare we say… creepiness. After sharing these experiences with each other, they dive right in and have a very interesting conversation about the funding, developing, promoting, and marketing of independently made video games!
00:00:20 - Rituals, runes, pools, Pacific Drive, weeping angels, and Andrea’s introduction
00:06:18 - A startup backgrou...2024-05-2848 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 109 - BeatBen and Star host 2VP this week, so shake off that tired feeling, take a moment to collect yourself, and be cool… daddy-o! There are lots of definitions to cover before getting in to the conversation. From music to an artistic subculture movement to one of Ben’s favorite BMW “comercials,” there is much to talk about. Star teaches Ben about Taylor Swift and a couple of Generation Z phrases. Ben gets really excited about being able to do his oddly specific Bob Dylan impression, and bringing up his favorite movie director. Games discussed in this episode include “The Legend of Zelda...2024-05-161h 01The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 109 - BeatBen and Star host 2VP this week, so shake off that tired feeling, take a moment to collect yourself, and be cool… daddy-o! There are lots of definitions to cover before getting in to the conversation. From music to an artistic subculture movement to one of Ben’s favorite BMW “comercials,” there is much to talk about. Star teaches Ben about Taylor Swift and a couple of Generation Z phrases. Ben gets really excited about being able to do his oddly specific Bob Dylan impression, and bringing up his favorite movie director. Games discussed in this episode include “The Legend of Zelda...2024-05-161h 01
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 107 - TrendCeramicist and former fashion industry designer Jackie joins Ben this week to talk about a topic that impacts our physical AND digital lives. Jackie has a great deal of experience and interest in design, but now she is shifting her focus to digital. Ben shares his 90s / early 2000s fashion and Rory Gilmore’s boyfriend choices before getting to the definition. Other topics discussed include: fashion, digital trends, puzzle video games, commerce, the mobile gaming market segment, and video game trend predictions for 2024.
00:00:21 - Voices, a determined Mango, a Masters in a week, and ceramic artist burnout
0...2024-04-151h 13The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 107 - TrendCeramicist and former fashion industry designer Jackie joins Ben this week to talk about a topic that impacts our physical AND digital lives. Jackie has a great deal of experience and interest in design, but now she is shifting her focus to digital. Ben shares his 90s / early 2000s fashion and Rory Gilmore’s boyfriend choices before getting to the definition. Other topics discussed include: fashion, digital trends, puzzle video games, commerce, the mobile gaming market segment, and video game trend predictions for 2024.
00:00:21 - Voices, a determined Mango, a Masters in a week, and ceramic artist burnout
0...2024-04-151h 13
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 104 - Lukas Eggen Interview AND Quilts and Cats of Calico ReviewWe have a special episode this week hosted by Ben and Norah! After dispensing with the formalities, Ben has a great interview with journalist Lukas Eggen from the Las Vegas Review-Journal to share. Lukas has a new Kickstarter project that he is working on that will hopefully reinvigorate games journalism by going back to a traditional investigative reporting philosophy… “Game On!” Ben’s interview style is very conversational, but he does have a couple of thought provoking questions up his sleeve. Following that, Ben and Norah talk about their experiences with the game Quilts and Cats of Calico from Monster Couc...2024-03-141h 00The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 104 - Lukas Eggen Interview AND Quilts and Cats of Calico ReviewWe have a special episode this week hosted by Ben and Norah! After dispensing with the formalities, Ben has a great interview with journalist Lukas Eggen from the Las Vegas Review-Journal to share. Lukas has a new Kickstarter project that he is working on that will hopefully reinvigorate games journalism by going back to a traditional investigative reporting philosophy… “Game On!” Ben’s interview style is very conversational, but he does have a couple of thought provoking questions up his sleeve. Following that, Ben and Norah talk about their experiences with the game Quilts and Cats of Calico from Monster Couc...2024-03-141h 00
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 103 - RhythmDance teacher Star joins Ben this week to discuss rhythm! After Ben wishes everyone happy VD, Star talks about the festival where she is performing in a few weeks. This is not a show about laser tag, so after a brief LARP-er diversion, they drop some sick beats and start the definition portion of the program. Star tells stories about her vast dancing, choreography, teaching, and art school experiences. Ben references a Star Trek: TNG episode involving tap dancing, makes Star watch a ballet scene from the movie Top Secret, and shares information about one of his favorite musical arti...2024-03-061h 05The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 103 - RhythmDance teacher Star joins Ben this week to discuss rhythm! After Ben wishes everyone happy VD, Star talks about the festival where she is performing in a few weeks. This is not a show about laser tag, so after a brief LARP-er diversion, they drop some sick beats and start the definition portion of the program. Star tells stories about her vast dancing, choreography, teaching, and art school experiences. Ben references a Star Trek: TNG episode involving tap dancing, makes Star watch a ballet scene from the movie Top Secret, and shares information about one of his favorite musical arti...2024-03-061h 05
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 102 - NarrativeEver since Ben applied for a job as a Narrative Lead at a game company he’s been contemplating the differences between narrative and story, so he’s invited his good friend Andrew from partlyrobot.com to help him navigate toward a satisfactory conclusion… and hilarity ensues. Other topics visited in this episode: Cult of the Lamb’s new DLC, crispy Japanese snacks, Instagram trends and scammers, defunct mall stores and search engines, story structures, reality television, the games of Vanillaware Ltd., AI art fails, Atari 2600 games, differences between Marvel and DC comics, and THE Guttenberg!
00:00:21 - Awesome b...2024-02-201h 16The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 102 - NarrativeEver since Ben applied for a job as a Narrative Lead at a game company he’s been contemplating the differences between narrative and story, so he’s invited his good friend Andrew from partlyrobot.com to help him navigate toward a satisfactory conclusion… and hilarity ensues. Other topics visited in this episode: Cult of the Lamb’s new DLC, crispy Japanese snacks, Instagram trends and scammers, defunct mall stores and search engines, story structures, reality television, the games of Vanillaware Ltd., AI art fails, Atari 2600 games, differences between Marvel and DC comics, and THE Guttenberg!
00:00:21 - Awesome b...2024-02-201h 16
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 101 - Quilts and Cats of Calico Beta Soliloquy
Ben is flying solo this week, but he still has lots to talk about (and one cat to apologize for). After letting us know what he’s up to, he moves on to his experiences with the “Quilts and Cats of Calico” online multi-player beta test! A big thank you goes out to Monster Couch for inviting us to beta test! You had us at cats!
00:00:21 - ”That which does not kill you…” and why is South Korean fried toothpicks trending?
00:02:31 - On a more positive note… Star★Vaders news and Ban’s minimalist advertising
00:03:53 - Ben has...2024-02-0218 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 101 - Quilts and Cats of Calico Beta Soliloquy
Ben is flying solo this week, but he still has lots to talk about (and one cat to apologize for). After letting us know what he’s up to, he moves on to his experiences with the “Quilts and Cats of Calico” online multi-player beta test! A big thank you goes out to Monster Couch for inviting us to beta test! You had us at cats!
00:00:21 - ”That which does not kill you…” and why is South Korean fried toothpicks trending?
00:02:31 - On a more positive note… Star★Vaders news and Ban’s minimalist advertising
00:03:53 - Ben has...2024-02-0218 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 100 - ReviewThis week Ben is dealing with some critic’s remorse, but Andrew is here to help him process his thoughts and improve his video game assessment method. After talking about what’s new for each of them, they get right into the definition. From unwanted Instagram solicitations to well-known Chicagoan movie reviewers… the conversation goes to some strange destinations before settling down upon the task at hand. Andrew provides his input on Ben’s plan of attack, Ben learns a cool new word to add to his vocabulary, and they end the show with some advice and a silly drink name...2024-01-211h 02The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 100 - ReviewThis week Ben is dealing with some critic’s remorse, but Andrew is here to help him process his thoughts and improve his video game assessment method. After talking about what’s new for each of them, they get right into the definition. From unwanted Instagram solicitations to well-known Chicagoan movie reviewers… the conversation goes to some strange destinations before settling down upon the task at hand. Andrew provides his input on Ben’s plan of attack, Ben learns a cool new word to add to his vocabulary, and they end the show with some advice and a silly drink name...2024-01-211h 02
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 98 - InkAndrew is in his studio this week… joining Ben via satellite to talk about what is arguably his favorite artistic medium. But first, some encouraging news about Andrew narrowly avoiding the robot / AI takeover, and how his new daughter is keeping him positively occupied during a period of union drama. Then Ben shares his experiences with what he has been playing lately: Thirsty Suitors by OuterLoop Games, and Dead Island 2 by Dambuster Studios. Be warned… there are a few DI2 spoilers in the conversation, so if you want to play this game at some point, you might want to conside...2023-12-251h 16The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 98 - InkAndrew is in his studio this week… joining Ben via satellite to talk about what is arguably his favorite artistic medium. But first, some encouraging news about Andrew narrowly avoiding the robot / AI takeover, and how his new daughter is keeping him positively occupied during a period of union drama. Then Ben shares his experiences with what he has been playing lately: Thirsty Suitors by OuterLoop Games, and Dead Island 2 by Dambuster Studios. Be warned… there are a few DI2 spoilers in the conversation, so if you want to play this game at some point, you might want to conside...2023-12-251h 16
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 97 - AnimatronicAndrew joins Ben to discuss a word that is the sliver of overlap in the Venn diagram of the previous two episodes: animate and robot. Ben brings up a (very) minor controversy for Geoff Keighley’s “The Game Awards” independent game nominees this year involving Mint Rocket’s “Dave the Diver.” Andrew goes on an exotic adventure with a Pringles flavor all the way from Japan! After a very quick definition segment, Andrew shares a traumatic event from his youth involving an animatronic alien at Universal Studios, and then more 70s and 80s movies are discussed. Ben drops a quick Hall of Pr...2023-12-141h 03The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 97 - AnimatronicAndrew joins Ben to discuss a word that is the sliver of overlap in the Venn diagram of the previous two episodes: animate and robot. Ben brings up a (very) minor controversy for Geoff Keighley’s “The Game Awards” independent game nominees this year involving Mint Rocket’s “Dave the Diver.” Andrew goes on an exotic adventure with a Pringles flavor all the way from Japan! After a very quick definition segment, Andrew shares a traumatic event from his youth involving an animatronic alien at Universal Studios, and then more 70s and 80s movies are discussed. Ben drops a quick Hall of Pr...2023-12-141h 03
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 96 - RobotBen is joined by Andrew (insert mechanical transformation sound) to form this week’s hosting duo! What’s new with them? Ben’s still playing “Dave the Diver,” but is having trouble getting through the grind. Andrew is adjusting to a “new baby schedule,” and working toward the completion of his second novel set in the “Larry-verse.” After the obligatory definition proceedings, Andrew shares the origin of his Partly Robot moniker. Then they dive in to a conversational exploration of memorable robots in assorted forms of media. Andrew talks about watching the movie “Robot and Frank,” and then Ben excitedly talks about his ex...2023-11-301h 06The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 96 - RobotBen is joined by Andrew (insert mechanical transformation sound) to form this week’s hosting duo! What’s new with them? Ben’s still playing “Dave the Diver,” but is having trouble getting through the grind. Andrew is adjusting to a “new baby schedule,” and working toward the completion of his second novel set in the “Larry-verse.” After the obligatory definition proceedings, Andrew shares the origin of his Partly Robot moniker. Then they dive in to a conversational exploration of memorable robots in assorted forms of media. Andrew talks about watching the movie “Robot and Frank,” and then Ben excitedly talks about his ex...2023-11-301h 06
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 95 - AnimateMartin from Soupmasters, the lead designer of Big Boy Boxing joins Ben this week to talk about game development as it relates to this week’s word! First the hosts talk about what they are up to. Martin is moving offices, coding facial expressions, and not playing recently purchased games (but maybe next week). Ben… he is trying to contain his excitement about his recent pre-order for a game inspired by a Paul Verhoeven cult movie classic! Then it’s on to the definition and coincidentally learning two Swedish words in the process. Next, Ben has lots of questions for Martin...2023-11-1856 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 95 - AnimateMartin from Soupmasters, the lead designer of Big Boy Boxing joins Ben this week to talk about game development as it relates to this week’s word! First the hosts talk about what they are up to. Martin is moving offices, coding facial expressions, and not playing recently purchased games (but maybe next week). Ben… he is trying to contain his excitement about his recent pre-order for a game inspired by a Paul Verhoeven cult movie classic! Then it’s on to the definition and coincidentally learning two Swedish words in the process. Next, Ben has lots of questions for Martin...2023-11-1856 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 94 - NatureBen is joined this week by Star★Vaders developer Eddie for their chosen, dare we say, philosophical word! Ben gets right down to business asking Eddie questions about the recent kerfuffle surrounding the game engine Unity. After dispensing with that subject, the hosts move on to nature. Ben talks about an argument (which to a scientist, is actually a question), and Eddie shares some of the their favorite outdoor activities. On the subject of games, the hosts discuss Geometric Interactive’s “Cocoon,” Teyon’s “RoboCop: Rogue City,” Maxis’ “Spore,” Niantic Inc.’s “Monster Hunter Now,” Mojang Studios’ “Minecraft” (hold the suspicious stew), Nintendo’s “Th...2023-11-091h 02The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 94 - NatureBen is joined this week by Star★Vaders developer Eddie for their chosen, dare we say, philosophical word! Ben gets right down to business asking Eddie questions about the recent kerfuffle surrounding the game engine Unity. After dispensing with that subject, the hosts move on to nature. Ben talks about an argument (which to a scientist, is actually a question), and Eddie shares some of the their favorite outdoor activities. On the subject of games, the hosts discuss Geometric Interactive’s “Cocoon,” Teyon’s “RoboCop: Rogue City,” Maxis’ “Spore,” Niantic Inc.’s “Monster Hunter Now,” Mojang Studios’ “Minecraft” (hold the suspicious stew), Nintendo’s “Th...2023-11-091h 02
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 93 - PremiseAndrew joins Ben this week for a spork-tacular show (in cover art only); and here is your Halloween surprise… a no candy, prank-less, normally dressed, scare-free episode… that is the PREMISE! After voicing his focused excitement about a forthcoming child and how it has impacted his short term view of his job, Andrew tries Hot Honey flavored Pringles. Ben talks about the many games he has been playing as of late, but also drops a few hints about the Pringles roadmap he has devised for Andrew. Then the hosts move on to the word at hand. Ben has lots of ques...2023-10-311h 07The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 93 - PremiseAndrew joins Ben this week for a spork-tacular show (in cover art only); and here is your Halloween surprise… a no candy, prank-less, normally dressed, scare-free episode… that is the PREMISE! After voicing his focused excitement about a forthcoming child and how it has impacted his short term view of his job, Andrew tries Hot Honey flavored Pringles. Ben talks about the many games he has been playing as of late, but also drops a few hints about the Pringles roadmap he has devised for Andrew. Then the hosts move on to the word at hand. Ben has lots of ques...2023-10-311h 07
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 92 - LogicThis week Ben and Andrew are channeling their inner Vulcans and to a lesser extent androids. Andrew kicks the show off with a sensory adventure... "French Fries and Ketchup" flavored Pringles! After the (kids) definition of the word logic, they move on to their very different first thoughts. For Andrew it’s Star Trek, and for Ben it’s a joke Norm Macdonald told on Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 1996. Andrew lists a few of his favorite logical fallacies before Ben talks a little bit about boolean (not bullion) logic. Most games include some sort of logic, but the hos...2023-10-211h 11The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 92 - LogicThis week Ben and Andrew are channeling their inner Vulcans and to a lesser extent androids. Andrew kicks the show off with a sensory adventure... "French Fries and Ketchup" flavored Pringles! After the (kids) definition of the word logic, they move on to their very different first thoughts. For Andrew it’s Star Trek, and for Ben it’s a joke Norm Macdonald told on Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 1996. Andrew lists a few of his favorite logical fallacies before Ben talks a little bit about boolean (not bullion) logic. Most games include some sort of logic, but the hos...2023-10-211h 11
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 90 - Ben at PAX West Day 3PAX West 2023 part 3 of 3... it is the bow on the present, the cherry on top of the sundae, the other bookend, the roof on the… I digress. On day 3 Ben met Azusa, Creason, Eddie (Axolotl), Ludvig, Martin, and Bartosz. Games he played and other video game related items he saw include: “TrinityS,” “Sky the Scraper,” “Never Awake,” “Extremely Powerful Capybaras,” “StarVaders,” “Big Boy Boxing,” “The Gap,” and the Playdate handheld. Ben’s stream of consciousness associations include: the 1980 arcade game “Crazy Climber,” the largest living rodent, the axolotl, Boxing Day, the largest US clothing retailer, and a trip to the first Starbucks. Ben wraps up the...2023-10-0243 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 90 - Ben at PAX West Day 3PAX West 2023 part 3 of 3... it is the bow on the present, the cherry on top of the sundae, the other bookend, the roof on the… I digress. On day 3 Ben met Azusa, Creason, Eddie (Axolotl), Ludvig, Martin, and Bartosz. Games he played and other video game related items he saw include: “TrinityS,” “Sky the Scraper,” “Never Awake,” “Extremely Powerful Capybaras,” “StarVaders,” “Big Boy Boxing,” “The Gap,” and the Playdate handheld. Ben’s stream of consciousness associations include: the 1980 arcade game “Crazy Climber,” the largest living rodent, the axolotl, Boxing Day, the largest US clothing retailer, and a trip to the first Starbucks. Ben wraps up the...2023-10-0243 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 89 - Ben at PAX West Day 2This week… no time for pleasantries (Kyle)… Ben gets right into it! On day two he met Hollie, Johnson, Daniel, Cory, Sawyer, Andrew, Natalie, Chris G., Chris R., and Chris S…. all of whom he hopes will consider being a guest on 2VP in the future. Games he played, demos he experienced, and other video game related items he saw include: “PixelJunk Eden 2,” “PixelJunk Scrappers Deluxe,” “A Corgi’s Cozy Hike,” the VArmchair, “Castle Doombad,” the Pokémon card game, the VR game “Journey to Foundation,” “Animal Well,” and “Roman Sands RE:Build!” Ben’s stream of consciousness associations include: the word pixel, Ikea’s Poäng cha...2023-09-2343 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 89 - Ben at PAX West Day 2This week… no time for pleasantries (Kyle)… Ben gets right into it! On day two he met Hollie, Johnson, Daniel, Cory, Sawyer, Andrew, Natalie, Chris G., Chris R., and Chris S…. all of whom he hopes will consider being a guest on 2VP in the future. Games he played, demos he experienced, and other video game related items he saw include: “PixelJunk Eden 2,” “PixelJunk Scrappers Deluxe,” “A Corgi’s Cozy Hike,” the VArmchair, “Castle Doombad,” the Pokémon card game, the VR game “Journey to Foundation,” “Animal Well,” and “Roman Sands RE:Build!” Ben’s stream of consciousness associations include: the word pixel, Ikea’s Poäng cha...2023-09-2343 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 88 - Ben at PAX West Day 1Ben is back from Seattle and incredibly excited to talk about it! On day one he met Becky, Ty, David, Haylee, Rob, and Brandon… all of whom he hope will consider being a guest on 2VP in the future. Games he played or saw demos of include: “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,” “Wild Country,” “Cuisineer,” “Sail Forth,” “World of Horror,” and “Demonschool.” Of course it wouldn’t be Two Vague without diversions. Ben talks about his college PC, cooking in games, the origin of yacht rock, Junji Ito, and Mortal Kombat’s friendliest finishers.
00:00:20 - Intro and a brief history of the Penny...2023-09-1642 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 88 - Ben at PAX West Day 1Ben is back from Seattle and incredibly excited to talk about it! On day one he met Becky, Ty, David, Haylee, Rob, and Brandon… all of whom he hope will consider being a guest on 2VP in the future. Games he played or saw demos of include: “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,” “Wild Country,” “Cuisineer,” “Sail Forth,” “World of Horror,” and “Demonschool.” Of course it wouldn’t be Two Vague without diversions. Ben talks about his college PC, cooking in games, the origin of yacht rock, Junji Ito, and Mortal Kombat’s friendliest finishers.
00:00:20 - Intro and a brief history of the Penny...2023-09-1642 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 87 - ControlIt may not seem like it at first, but Andrew and Ben are absolutely in this week’s word. They start out with what Andrew has been doing, and then Ben is a voyeur on Andrew’s flavored crisps adventure. First thoughts on the word include a life lesson, a pop singer’s breakout album, a trilogy of books by Jeff VanderMeer, and controlling the weather. On the subject of video games, the hosts discuss Starcraft, tower defense games, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, the Atari 2600 joystick, and 3 games by Remedy entertainment.
00:00:21 - Andrew’s geographical clues, Ghostbuster A...2023-09-011h 12The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 87 - ControlIt may not seem like it at first, but Andrew and Ben are absolutely in this week’s word. They start out with what Andrew has been doing, and then Ben is a voyeur on Andrew’s flavored crisps adventure. First thoughts on the word include a life lesson, a pop singer’s breakout album, a trilogy of books by Jeff VanderMeer, and controlling the weather. On the subject of video games, the hosts discuss Starcraft, tower defense games, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, the Atari 2600 joystick, and 3 games by Remedy entertainment.
00:00:21 - Andrew’s geographical clues, Ghostbuster A...2023-09-011h 12
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 86 - GratitudeMadison and Ben are excited to get philosophical with this week’s word which has a simple definition but a uniquely nuanced meaning, but first… what’s new with the hosts? Madison is reading American Dirt and Ben is playing Tango Gameworks’ “Ghostwire: Tokyo.” They take turns reflecting on what they are grateful for: experiences, trips, connections, books, and more. Before closing out the show, Madison teaches Ben about the “five love languages.”
00:00:21 - Tattoos, leg sleeves, cummerbunds, and Madison does not support the torso-pants
00:03:27 - Ben’s sphere, playing “Ghostwire: Tokyo,” and it’s actually called etherial weaving
0...2023-08-241h 03The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 86 - GratitudeMadison and Ben are excited to get philosophical with this week’s word which has a simple definition but a uniquely nuanced meaning, but first… what’s new with the hosts? Madison is reading American Dirt and Ben is playing Tango Gameworks’ “Ghostwire: Tokyo.” They take turns reflecting on what they are grateful for: experiences, trips, connections, books, and more. Before closing out the show, Madison teaches Ben about the “five love languages.”
00:00:21 - Tattoos, leg sleeves, cummerbunds, and Madison does not support the torso-pants
00:03:27 - Ben’s sphere, playing “Ghostwire: Tokyo,” and it’s actually called etherial weaving
0...2023-08-241h 03
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 85 - Italy (part 2)Continuing the conversation about Italy… sort of… Andrew and Ben discuss Pringles flavors from around the world . Ben adds a little bit of trivia about their brand mascot before the conversation switches to video games. Street Fighter 6 has introduced a new character from Italy named Marisa (secretly Ben’s new waifu)! As promised in the airplane episode, Ben reluctantly played Assassin’s Creed 2 which he describes as a “game out of time,” and he shares his thoughts from his first 10 (and only) hours of play. To close out the show… Andrew’s recommendation and irony.
00:00:21 - The Pringles display at the...2023-08-1543 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 85 - Italy (part 2)Continuing the conversation about Italy… sort of… Andrew and Ben discuss Pringles flavors from around the world . Ben adds a little bit of trivia about their brand mascot before the conversation switches to video games. Street Fighter 6 has introduced a new character from Italy named Marisa (secretly Ben’s new waifu)! As promised in the airplane episode, Ben reluctantly played Assassin’s Creed 2 which he describes as a “game out of time,” and he shares his thoughts from his first 10 (and only) hours of play. To close out the show… Andrew’s recommendation and irony.
00:00:21 - The Pringles display at the...2023-08-1543 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 84 - Italy (part 1)Andrew from Partly Robot Industries ( https://partlyrobot.com/ ) joins Ben this week to share his vacationing experiences with his family in Italy! After Ben delivers the obligatory definition along with a side of geographic facts, they dive right in to the storytelling festivities. Andrew talks about the interesting history of Vatican City, his experience driving a Fiat 500L, staying at a farmhouse in Tuscany, a feast catered by a gaggle of nonne, and literally being “star crossed” the morning of a music festival in the Italian city of Lucca.
00:00:21 - Ben’s dad humor… with panna, and Andrew’s re...2023-08-0754 minThe Two Vague PodcastEpisode 84 - Italy (part 1)Andrew from Partly Robot Industries ( https://partlyrobot.com/ ) joins Ben this week to share his vacationing experiences with his family in Italy! After Ben delivers the obligatory definition along with a side of geographic facts, they dive right in to the storytelling festivities. Andrew talks about the interesting history of Vatican City, his experience driving a Fiat 500L, staying at a farmhouse in Tuscany, a feast catered by a gaggle of nonne, and literally being “star crossed” the morning of a music festival in the Italian city of Lucca.
00:00:21 - Ben’s dad humor… with panna, and Andrew’s re...2023-08-0754 min
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 83 - ExperienceThis week Ben and Norah contemplate the questions “are you… or have you ever been…,” but first they talk about what they have been up to. Surprising nobody, Norah has been watching plays and Ben has been (GASP!) playing his PS5. After the definition ceremonies they discover that they each have very different first thoughts, but they both agree that experience can be vastly different for an individual. They take a detour through the philosophical before moving on to games. Finally, Ben talks about the origin of experience points in games, how video games utilize XP, and a few terms for Nor...2023-07-301h 03The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 83 - ExperienceThis week Ben and Norah contemplate the questions “are you… or have you ever been…,” but first they talk about what they have been up to. Surprising nobody, Norah has been watching plays and Ben has been (GASP!) playing his PS5. After the definition ceremonies they discover that they each have very different first thoughts, but they both agree that experience can be vastly different for an individual. They take a detour through the philosophical before moving on to games. Finally, Ben talks about the origin of experience points in games, how video games utilize XP, and a few terms for Nor...2023-07-301h 03
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 82 - Airplane!This week Ben is joined by Andrew from Partly Robot Industries for an appropriately timely conversation about a vehicular method for domestic and international travel… with OR without the exclamation point! Andrew’s going to Italy (and on a side quest or two), so Ben wants to assist in his mental preparation and support him in any way he can. What’s the best way to prepare for the perils of air travel… is the answer watch airplane themed movies? Who’s to say? The hosts discuss the movies they watched to get themselves in the flight headspace, so to speak: Snak...2023-07-151h 09The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 82 - Airplane!This week Ben is joined by Andrew from Partly Robot Industries for an appropriately timely conversation about a vehicular method for domestic and international travel… with OR without the exclamation point! Andrew’s going to Italy (and on a side quest or two), so Ben wants to assist in his mental preparation and support him in any way he can. What’s the best way to prepare for the perils of air travel… is the answer watch airplane themed movies? Who’s to say? The hosts discuss the movies they watched to get themselves in the flight headspace, so to speak: Snak...2023-07-151h 09
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 81 - LoopNorah joins Ben this week for a discussion about recursion, and speaking of… Happy Second Anniversary to us! Norah has just seen another loud musical, and Ben is champing at the bit to talk about the game he’s been playing lately. They start their circuitous loop with some Canadian music industry trivia, a correction for the dystopia episode, the definition, and unintentionally making fun of the Scottish. More loop centric topics include… making jewelry, an area of downtown Chicago, digital music, computer programming languages, rollercoasters, mathematics, Norah’s Summer job in college, and “time loop” movies. On the topic of video g...2023-07-021h 07The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 81 - LoopNorah joins Ben this week for a discussion about recursion, and speaking of… Happy Second Anniversary to us! Norah has just seen another loud musical, and Ben is champing at the bit to talk about the game he’s been playing lately. They start their circuitous loop with some Canadian music industry trivia, a correction for the dystopia episode, the definition, and unintentionally making fun of the Scottish. More loop centric topics include… making jewelry, an area of downtown Chicago, digital music, computer programming languages, rollercoasters, mathematics, Norah’s Summer job in college, and “time loop” movies. On the topic of video g...2023-07-021h 07
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 80 - ChildhoodIn this storytelling-heavy episode, Madison joins Ben to reminisce about the days of their youth. The hosts compare their experiences as children and reflect upon how these events have impacted their lives. Ben and Madison grew up in very different households, yet they share some common personality traits… aside from being “birthday twins!” Madison has minimal experience and interest in video games, but she still has thought provoking questions for Ben about how his hobby shaped him as a person. As an added bonus, we get to hear a genuine laugh from Madison when she is educated about the “hot girl wal...2023-06-181h 13The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 80 - ChildhoodIn this storytelling-heavy episode, Madison joins Ben to reminisce about the days of their youth. The hosts compare their experiences as children and reflect upon how these events have impacted their lives. Ben and Madison grew up in very different households, yet they share some common personality traits… aside from being “birthday twins!” Madison has minimal experience and interest in video games, but she still has thought provoking questions for Ben about how his hobby shaped him as a person. As an added bonus, we get to hear a genuine laugh from Madison when she is educated about the “hot girl wal...2023-06-181h 13
The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 72 - ArtThis week, Norah joins Ben to talk about a subjective… subject. The word is art, so prepare yourself for a more philosophical episode than you're used to. The hosts share their love of observing, appreciating, making, and talking about art. Ben tells a few stories, Norah brings her research, and they both drop many artist and architect names. For details about the episode’s "video game bookends," see below!
Video games mentioned or discussed (albeit briefly) in this episode include:
Mahjong Dimensions - by Arkadium
Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! - GAME FREAK
The Grand Theft Auto franc...2023-02-241h 10The Two Vague PodcastEpisode 72 - ArtThis week, Norah joins Ben to talk about a subjective… subject. The word is art, so prepare yourself for a more philosophical episode than you're used to. The hosts share their love of observing, appreciating, making, and talking about art. Ben tells a few stories, Norah brings her research, and they both drop many artist and architect names. For details about the episode’s "video game bookends," see below!
Video games mentioned or discussed (albeit briefly) in this episode include:
Mahjong Dimensions - by Arkadium
Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! - GAME FREAK
The Grand Theft Auto franc...2023-02-241h 10