GameDads

About GameDads

Two dads get together on Sunday to talk about video games and pop culture while our kids mess up the audio.

Publisher

GameDads

Category

leisure · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 May 2023

Latest episode

20 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

43 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Jul 2026

   Gamedads - 45 - AI, Algorithms & Cuphead Obsession

   Hosts Aaron and Brett bring a loose, unfiltered Game Dads episode that mixes parenting life, pop-culture nostalgia and a long, heated conversation about AI and algorithms before diving into game talk. They open by trading stories about being sick, drive-up shopping habits post-COVID, and the difficulty of parenting while under the weather. That leads into light-hearted riffs on Austin Powers and a passionate case for bringing TRL back to revive cultural shared experiences. The episode pivots into a long, urgent discussion about algorithms and AI — covering dangerous real-world incidents (deepfake voice scams and an AI encouraging violence), social fragmentation from recommendation systems, AI-created influencers, and how unchecked platforms and businesses are accelerating societal problems. They debate responsibility, guardrails, economic impacts of big data centers and how current leadership seems disconnected from the risks. After the tech rant they shift to games: Aaron describes a massive Satisfactory run and resource logistics, Brett raves about finally platinum-ing Cuphead (including expert mode runs and co-op PTSD from chaotic co-op games), and both praise the visceral design and boss patterns that make Cuphead satisfying. They also discuss Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (its immersive-sim roots, Troy Baker’s voice dissonance), Metaphor: Fantasio (monster design and Persona influences), Star Fox’s new release (short rail-shooter expectations), and the Ocarina of Time remake leaks — a critique of spoiler culture and how leaks ruin surprise and joy. The hosts end by debating Xbox’s future (price increases, Xbox games on PlayStation like Halo), concerns about consolidation, and how competition keeps the industry healthy. They wrap with personal takeaways: Aaron’s reminder to take breaks and step back, a plea to work less when possible, and a promise for a future episode about Xbox’s management decisions and top-10 Xbox games. Expect candid banter, long rants about AI and culture, parenting anecdotes, strong opinions on nostalgia and leaks, and deep game talk about Satisfactory, Cuphead, Indiana Jones, Star Fox and more — all delivered in the blunt, conversational style Game Dads fans know.

2. 

   21 Jun 2026

   Gamedads - 44 - Swatting grannys and Snapped Discs

   On this episode of the Game Dad Podcast the hosts kick off with a hard-hitting conversation about a recent swatting incident targeting a Minecraft streamer known as Grandma Crackers — who streams to raise money for her grandson's cancer care — and deliver a blunt condemnation of swatting and online cruelty. Host and co‑host Brett Altmiller join the conversation alongside regular contributors (and family anecdotes) to discuss how toxic online behavior affects creators and communities.The discussion moves into games: Satisfactory’s incoming update (car fixes, randomizer and goal multipliers) and how that will change playthrough strategies; Final Fantasy VII Rebirth grind goals and proto relics; a Fresh start on Fire Emblem: Three Houses and the choice to play with permadeath; and a Borderlands 4 story involving a snapped disc courtesy of a toddler that leads to a talk about digital vs. physical ownership. They also share big Platinum trophy wins — Cyberpunk and Resident Evil Requiem — and impressions of replaying Jedi: Fallen Order while rewatching Star Wars movies.Beyond games the hosts tackle pop‑culture topics and industry trends: a Mortal Kombat movie review, thoughts about franchise fatigue (Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter), the commercialization of IP and why studios keep milking established properties. They debate creative risk versus safe universe building, referencing recent Hollywood flops and the pressure on shared cinematic universes to keep audiences engaged.Throughout the episode the hosts intersperse personal stories (weekend unplugging, family bonding over couch co‑op, chiropractors and self‑care), practical tips (drink water, unplug from devices) and honest takes about needing breaks from grindy games and social media. The tone oscillates between outraged, nostalgic, and pragmatic — a podcast for gamers who want unvarnished opinions on games, movies, family life and why sometimes stepping away from screens is the best play.Expect a mix of news, game talk, movie takes, family anecdotes and clear calls to be kinder online and to take time away from the endless scroll — a full episode that ranges from serious condemnation of dangerous online behavior to lighthearted gaming gossip and self‑care reminders.

3. 

   16 Apr 2026

   Gamedads - 43 - Traffic-Free Factories & Final Fantasies

   In this episode of the Game Dads podcast, the hosts—two dads who balance parenting and gaming—catch up on a chaotic few weeks of life. They share major personal updates: one host had adenoids removed, bought a Kia Telluride to fit a growing family, picked up a new TCL TV with playback quirks, and dealt with baby naps and shaving mishaps that surprised the kids. Between family stories they talk about the end of the school year, summer plans, and how parenting shapes when and how they play.On the gaming front, a major chunk of the show is devoted to Satisfactory: the hosts dig into the experimental update that overhauls vehicle navigation by routing vehicles to avoid traffic jams. They explain how the change will simplify logistics, remove pile-ups, and alter factory design decisions, and how this one tweak can dramatically reshape a veteran player’s late-game strategy.They also dive deep into Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, recounting experiences jumping into hard mode, adjusting loadouts and materia, and re-learning precision blocking, MP management, and stagger tactics. The hosts discuss Gilgamesh, proto-relic quests, character strengths (Tifa, Yuffie, Aerith, Cloud, Barret), and plans to revisit the game on other platforms and with performance patches.Other games discussed include a Hollow Knight playthrough and next-gen improvements, Resident Evil Requiem (classic-mode speedrun attempts and why one host ranks Resident Evil 9 highly), and brief mentions of Pocopia and Switch 2 performance expectations. They reflect on how games respect players’ time, offer different play styles, and provide ways to unwind after parenting duties.Family and kids gaming get spotlight time: both kids are making progress in Mario Wonder, one child can play multiple levels solo, while controller ergonomics keep the younger sibling from fully joining in. The conversation touches on device frustrations, multiplayer frustrations, and the small victories of getting kids to play independently.Expect a warm, conversational episode that moves between real-life parenting anecdotes and thoughtful game analysis—covering patch-driven gameplay changes, hard-mode strategy breakdowns, favorite moments from current playthroughs, and how family life intersects with their hobby. Perfect for parents who game and gamers who love hearing the human side of play.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.5 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

20

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32