Health Bar Half Full is the podcast that makes you feel good about loving games. Join hosts Randy Fluharty and Adam McDermott as they shine a positive light on all things video games, celebrating the joy, creativity, and connection that gaming brings. If you’re looking for a bright spot in the video game podcasting landscape, you’ve found it!
New episodes every other Thursday.
We talk about the slow death of classic games media—Giant Bomb, Polygon, 1UP, and what comes after. Are we witnessing the end of thoughtful game coverage, or just a new era being born?💲Keep the Lights On and Feed My Children (if they're good): https://ko-fi.com/RandyFluharty💬 Join the DISCORD early so I remember you when I'm famous: https://tinyurl.com/Randy-Discord🔔 SUBSCRIBE while you can still say you "discovered" me.🎵 Theme music by Evan VathCheck out his Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kEeCskXRX5hURlyNexS8l?si=N5efDMKjSY6-wqE9kzz0dA&pi=fMQTYu2ZQ3aO1&nd=1&dlsi=af56979534f6441d#GiantBomb #Polygon #GamesMedia #GamingCoverage #GameJournalism #VideoGameLayoffs #PositiveGaming #HealthBarHalfFull #RetroGaming #GamesIndustry
25 Apr 2025
The Silver Lining of Overpriced Games
Games are getting more expensive—but is there an upside? In this episode, we talk about the price of modern gaming, why Nintendo and others can charge more, and what that actually means for us as players. Adam also tells us about living in Laos, and Randy gives an update on his content creation and male pattern baldness.💲Keep the Lights On and Feed My Children (if they're good): https://ko-fi.com/RandyFluharty💬 Join the DISCORD early so I remember you when I'm famous: https://tinyurl.com/Randy-Discord🔔 SUBSCRIBE while you can still say you "discovered" me.🎵 Theme music by Evan VathCheck out his Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kEeCskXRX5hURlyNexS8l?si=N5efDMKjSY6-wqE9kzz0dA&pi=fMQTYu2ZQ3aO1&nd=1&dlsi=af56979534f6441d#OverpricedGames #NintendoSwitch2 #GamingPodcast #RetroGaming #GamingWithBrains #VideoGameDebate
11 Apr 2025
Can I Stay Positive Without Lying to Myself (or You)?
What happens when the host of a gaming positivity podcast… isn’t feeling very positive? In this episode, Randy wrestles with the challenge of staying hopeful when times are tough—without slipping into denial or toxic optimism. It's a real, honest look at trying to keep the health bar half full, even when it feels like it's flashing red.💲Keep the Lights On and Feed My Children (if they're good): https://ko-fi.com/RandyFluharty💬 Join the DISCORD early so I remember you when I'm famous: https://tinyurl.com/Randy-Discord🔔 SUBSCRIBE while you can still say you "discovered" me.🎵 Theme music by Evan VathCheck out his Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kEeCskXRX5hURlyNexS8l?si=N5efDMKjSY6-wqE9kzz0dA&pi=fMQTYu2ZQ3aO1&nd=1&dlsi=af56979534f6441d#PositivityPodcast #MentalHealth #GamingCommunity #Burnout #ContentCreatorLife #StayPositive #AuthenticityMatters #RealTalk #HealthBarHalfFull #CreativeStruggles #RetroGaming #LetsPlay #GamingPodcast #GameStreamer #YouTubeGaming
28 Mar 2025
9 - Remakes & Remasters: Good or Bad?
Are remakes and remasters good for games, or are they a sign of creative stagnation? In this episode of Health Bar Half Full, we dig into the pros, cons, and business realities behind the flood of remade and re-released games.We talk about which updates work, which don’t, and how they impact everything from player expectations to studio layoffs. Plus, we open with some recent gaming news and industry chatter.Let us know in the comments: What’s your favorite remake or remaster—and which one should’ve stayed buried?💲Keep the Lights On and Feed My Children (if they're good): https://ko-fi.com/RandyFluharty💬 Join the DISCORD early so I remember you when I'm famous: https://tinyurl.com/Randy-Discord🔔 SUBSCRIBE while you can still say you "discovered" me.🎵 Theme music by Evan VathCheck out his Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kEeCskXRX5hURlyNexS8l?si=N5efDMKjSY6-wqE9kzz0dA&pi=fMQTYu2ZQ3aO1&nd=1&dlsi=af56979534f6441d#GamingPodcast #Remakes #Remasters #SilentHill2Remake #RetroGaming #GameDevelopment
13 Mar 2025
8 - What makes a game company "good" or "bad"?
Some game studios are beloved, others are notorious—but what actually makes a game company "good" or "bad"? In this episode, we debate where major studios stand and what separates a great developer from a greedy one.🔗 Links & Shoutouts:
Subscribe to Randy's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/RandyFluhartySubscribe to Adam’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/AdamMcDermottRandy’s Discord: https://tinyurl.com/Randy-Discord🎵 Theme music by Evan VathCheck out his Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kEeCskXRX5hURlyNexS8l?si=N5efDMKjSY6-wqE9kzz0dA&pi=fMQTYu2ZQ3aO1&nd=1&dlsi=af56979534f6441d👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share—it really helps the channel grow!
28 Feb 2025
7 - Can You Game as a Parent?
Randy goes solo and talks about his struggles with finding time to play games while parenting.
Subscribe to Adam’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/AdamMcDermott (https://youtube.com/AdamMcDermott)
Randy’s Discord: https://tinyurl.com/Randy-Discord (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTBVQmQwUWFFdURDOUlpQjlnYnRRb2Y5aC13Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttNUdrWThPS01QQ051NjBpcjdQX19TVVNEaFBmOVN4Yy03SWl2dGhmNy11VWRCQzYtN2hmcU5CMERJbnFCSUliZ1ZiZFdoNUI3VGQ1U3NJUk1CRlVPNVQ0dWtxRTI2Q3l1clVSUm5YNGlORkwxbnlKNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FRandy-Discord&v=uLZjcUq1kIE)
Wishlist Randy’s game In Corporeal: https://tinyurl.com/In-Corporeal (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbE5WQkt3ODR4bGxvN2NQLUZUa3F3Y3Y1eUZYQXxBQ3Jtc0tsRHFwOV94Znk3NkxfMnRveWdYY2p1clNfQmZwOVhCOXhQUVpuWWlmZGcza3l4SDh6aXBUOGVpUmFzX3ZjOGJZd21JSFZnRVB5TEV5U1lxYWg3YWF0UmxHWGJnemNxT2MybVRDLUUwbjM0ZU94WTljVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FIn-Corporeal&v=uLZjcUq1kIE)
🎵 Theme music by Evan VathCheck out his Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kEeC... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazNiRjlKaGNFRXphbnE1RG5wMVVKbjFaTDhqUXxBQ3Jtc0tsMW54VS1aRW1vRkRONWplUkVUWk1GbWxHekt5WDlJVTU4ZW9PMmVkSGdGQzJJUnV5ZUNLdGUtV0U2b2hIRlN6a1NvbWw2VUFkZXozN3ByVFNhQjFuNmRQYXJLeEd5eVFmSkhLeVh3dEtlcWRLQW1BQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fartist%2F6kEeCskXRX5hURlyNexS8l%3Fsi%3DN5efDMKjSY6-wqE9kzz0dA%26pi%3DfMQTYu2ZQ3aO1&v=uLZjcUq1kIE)
👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share—it really helps the channel grow!
14 Feb 2025
6 - Optimism About AI, Layoffs, GTA VI, Switch 2, Ubisoft, and More
We catch ourselves up on the news and look at the bright side (as best we can). We go deep on the ongoing game industry layoffs, AI's role in game development, how Grand Theft Auto VI might change things up, and much more!🔗 Links & Shoutouts:Subscribe to Adam’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/AdamMcDermott (https://youtube.com/AdamMcDermott)
Randy’s Discord: https://tinyurl.com/Randy-Discord (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTBVQmQwUWFFdURDOUlpQjlnYnRRb2Y5aC13Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttNUdrWThPS01QQ051NjBpcjdQX19TVVNEaFBmOVN4Yy03SWl2dGhmNy11VWRCQzYtN2hmcU5CMERJbnFCSUliZ1ZiZFdoNUI3VGQ1U3NJUk1CRlVPNVQ0dWtxRTI2Q3l1clVSUm5YNGlORkwxbnlKNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FRandy-Discord&v=uLZjcUq1kIE)Wishlist Randy’s game In Corporeal: https://tinyurl.com/In-Corporeal (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbE5WQkt3ODR4bGxvN2NQLUZUa3F3Y3Y1eUZYQXxBQ3Jtc0tsRHFwOV94Znk3NkxfMnRveWdYY2p1clNfQmZwOVhCOXhQUVpuWWlmZGcza3l4SDh6aXBUOGVpUmFzX3ZjOGJZd21JSFZnRVB5TEV5U1lxYWg3YWF0UmxHWGJnemNxT2MybVRDLUUwbjM0ZU94WTljVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FIn-Corporeal&v=uLZjcUq1kIE)🎵 Theme music by Evan VathCheck out his Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kEeC... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazNiRjlKaGNFRXphbnE1RG5wMVVKbjFaTDhqUXxBQ3Jtc0tsMW54VS1aRW1vRkRONWplUkVUWk1GbWxHekt5WDlJVTU4ZW9PMmVkSGdGQzJJUnV5ZUNLdGUtV0U2b2hIRlN6a1NvbWw2VUFkZXozN3ByVFNhQjFuNmRQYXJLeEd5eVFmSkhLeVh3dEtlcWRLQW1BQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fartist%2F6kEeCskXRX5hURlyNexS8l%3Fsi%3DN5efDMKjSY6-wqE9kzz0dA%26pi%3DfMQTYu2ZQ3aO1&v=uLZjcUq1kIE)👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share—it really helps the channel grow!
31 Jan 2025
5 - Why the PS1 Hit Different (And Still Does)
It's a PS1 Love Fest! "Micro$oft CEO" Adam McDermott and "President of Nintendo" Randy Fluharty gush over their competitor's inaugural console, reminisce about their memories of it, discuss why the PS1 introduced a cultural shift in games, and geek out over their favorite PS1 games. We're old!
🔗 Links & Shoutouts:
Subscribe to Adam’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/adammcdermott
Join Randy’s Discord: https://tinyurl.com/Randy-Discord
Wishlist Randy’s game In Corporeal: https://tinyurl.com/In-Corporeal
🎵 Theme music by Evan VathCheck out his Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kEeCskXRX5hURlyNexS8l?si=N5efDMKjSY6-wqE9kzz0dA&pi=fMQTYu2ZQ3aO1
👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share—it really helps the channel grow!
16 Jan 2025
4 - Our Most Anticipated 2025 Games & Adam's Hostile Micro$oft CEO Takeover
Adam McDermott and Randy Fluharty geek out over the most anticipated 2025 games, while Adam fantasizes about taking over Microsoft as CEO, revealing the gaming industry's most exciting releases and trends.
3 Jan 2025
3 - Fell in a sewer; still liked 2024
Randy and Adam reminisce about their respective 2024s and talk about what they'd like to do in 2025. Somehow, they're able to remain positive.
🔗 Links & Shoutouts:
Subscribe to Adam’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/adammcdermott
Follow Randy on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/randyfluharty.bsky.social
Join Randy’s Discord: https://tinyurl.com/Randy-Discord
Wishlist Randy’s game In Corporeal: https://tinyurl.com/In-Corporeal
🎵 Theme music by Evan Vath
👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share—it really helps the channel grow!
19 Dec 2024
2 - In Defense of The Game Awards (and 2024 Review)
Randy and Adam defend what The Game Awards does for the gaming community, and then take an exhaustive look at everything announced before discussing some of the awards themselves.
Theme song by Evan Vath.
5 Dec 2024
1 - Elden Ring and The Game Awards hype
Randy and Adam gush over Elden Ring and get hyped for The Game Awards.
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
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56
Social presence
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YouTube
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Engagement
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