Savepoint Stories is a podcast where host Kurosh Jozavi sits down with guests to explore the games that shaped their lives. Each episode dives into a video game that means a lot to that guest, exploring personal memories, unexpected connections, and the lasting impact video games can have. Whether it’s a childhood favorite, a competitive obsession, or a game that came along at just the right moment, Savepoint Stories is all about the emotional journeys we take through gaming.
New episodes every week for each season of 10 episodes. Follow and subscribe to never miss a story!
Chase Bethea on Composing Like a Game Designer - Savepoint Stories
In this episode of Savepoint Stories, I’m joined by award-winning video game composer and technical music designer Chase Bethea for a deep dive into what makes game music unforgettable — and how it can react to the way we play.Chase shares the origin of his love for game soundtracks (including a classic “wait… there’s a whole soundtrack on this disc?!” moment), how he forged his path without traditional mentorship, and why he approaches every project as a player first, composer second. We also get into the craft behind dynamic music systems — where instrumentation, intensity, and themes shift based on your actions, your progress, and even how well you’re doing in a fight.If you’ve ever felt a game’s music guiding your emotions without you realizing it, this conversation is for you.Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HereComesTheNerd Shop for 20% off your first purchase.
4 Jan 2026
Behind the Magic Celebrating GeekGirlCon (Interview with Emily Gitelman)
Kurosh Jozavi interviews Emily Gitelman about GeekGirlCon's mission to empower women in gaming and technology through community and inclusivity, highlighting the challenges and unique moments of convention planning.
13 Aug 2025
I'm Me And It's This Game's Fault | San Diego Comic Con 2025 (Full Panel)
Kurosh Jozavi interviews Lisa Wallen, Ronell Crawford, Hannah Hillam, Thomas Craig, and Kaveh Taherian about how video games shape identity and personal growth.
26 Jun 2025
Meet the Rendering Engineer shaping the future of Disney Imagineering (Megan Friedenberg Interview)
Rendering engineer Megan Friedenberg discusses her path from childhood gaming to crafting immersive experiences at Walt Disney Imagineering with host Kurosh Jozavi, revealing how she blends artistic vision with technical expertise in this interview.
29 May 2025
Meet the Gaming Recruiter Shaping the Future of the Gaming Industry (Steve Meim Interview)
Gaming recruiter Steve Meim discusses the hiring process, offering insights into what studios seek in candidates and how aspiring developers can successfully enter the gaming industry in this interview.
22 May 2025
Adventure & Cheese Wheels in Skyrim with Hannah Hillam
Few games capture the magic of open-world adventure like Skyrim. Hannah Hillam (500 Tabs/Author) joins Kurosh Jozavi to talk about the legendary RPG, from crafting bizarre characters to getting lost in side quests. They explore the game’s immersive world, hilarious glitches, and why Skyrim still draws players in years later.
🔮 Fus Ro Dah your way into this episode!
Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HereComesTheNerd Shop for 20% off your first purchase. (https://here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com/)
15 May 2025
Catching Nostalgia in Pokémon Red & Blue with JPG
It all started with 151 Pokémon and a choice between Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur. JPG (Intermyth) joins Kurosh Jozavi to reminisce about Pokémon Red & Blue, the franchise’s explosive beginnings, and how it became a lifelong phenomenon. From battling friends with link cables to the heartbreak of releasing your first Pokémon, we explore the game’s unforgettable impact.
⚡ Choose your starter and let’s go!
Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HereComesTheNerd Shop for 20% off your first purchase. (https://here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com/)
8 May 2025
Finding Comfort in Animal Crossing: New Horizons with Alix Galit
Before we begin today's episode, we want to give a content warning for sensitive topics.
This discussion includes themes related to pregnancy challenges, pregnancy loss, mental health struggles, and grief.
We recognize these subjects can be difficult, and we encourage you to prioritize your well-being. If you need to skip this episode or come back to it at a later time, please do.
These topics take place between 11min and 15min in the episode
A game that brought people together during uncertain times, Animal Crossing: New Horizons became more than just a cozy life sim—it was a virtual escape. Alix Galit (The Welcome Party) joins Kurosh Jozavi to reflect on how the game created connections, sparked creativity, and provided a sense of home when the world felt distant. From island designs to favorite villagers, we’re diving into everything ACNH.
🐻✨ What’s your favorite island memory?
Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HereComesTheNerd Shop for 20% off your first purchase. (https://here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com/)
1 May 2025
The Culture of Madden with Danreb Victorio
Football and video games—few things are as deeply linked as Madden. Danreb Victorio (Smashpad) sits down with Kurosh Jozavi to talk about the game’s evolution, its role in sports gaming, and the memories he's made playing this series throughout his life. Whether you’re a die-hard Madden fan or a casual player, this episode dives into the game’s legacy and why it remains a sports gaming juggernaut.
🏆 Game on! Who’s ready for some football?
Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HereComesTheNerd Shop for 20% off your first purchase. (https://here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com/)
24 Apr 2025
Yoshi’s Island with Myles Obenza – The Nostalgic Masterpiece
Yoshi’s Island with Myles Obenza isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s a powerful look at how game design, creativity, and storytelling collide. In this special episode of Savepoint Stories, journalist and critic Myles Obenza joins us to dive deep into the charm, emotional resonance, and unexpected innovation of Yoshi’s Island.Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HereComesTheNerd Shop for 20% off your first purchase. (https://here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com/)
21 Apr 2025
The Art of UX Design in Video Games with Aslanta Chen
In this special bonus episode of Savepoint Stories, host Kurosh Jozavi sits down with Aslanta Chen, a game developer and UX designer, to explore how thoughtful design shapes how we connect with games. From menus and mechanics to emotion and accessibility, Aslanta shares insights on creating experiences that feel just right—even when players don’t consciously notice.
We talk player psychology, UI pitfalls, and what it means to design with empathy. Whether you’re a developer, designer, or just someone who loves games, this one’s for you.
🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful look behind the screens.
Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HereComesTheNerd Shop for 20% off your first purchase. (https://here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com/)
17 Apr 2025
Episode 5: The Thrill of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 with Ronell Crawford
Few games bring the energy like Marvel vs. Capcom 3! Ronell Crawford (8BitClosedFist) joins Kurosh Jozavi to talk about the thrills, heartbreaks, and legendary matchups that make MvC3 a game that he has strong memories with. From team composition to high-level tournament play, they break down the mechanics, community, and why this game holds such a strong place in Ronell's heart.
💥 We are going to take you for a ride!
Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HereComesTheNerd Shop for 20% off your first purchase. (https://creators.spotify.com/pod/dashboard/episode/e31bivh/here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com)
10 Apr 2025
Episode 4: Running & Gunning Through Contra with Kaveh Taherian
Up, up, down, down… You know the rest! Kaveh Taherian (500 Tabs/Permafriends) joins Kurosh Jozavi to relive the brutal, fast-paced action of Contra. They talk about the game’s legacy, the thrill of co-op chaos, and how it shaped the run-and-gun genre. Plus, we dive into the impact of the Konami Code and why ‘80s arcade-style difficulty still has a place in gaming today.
🚀 Lock and load—this one’s a wild ride! (here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com)
Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HereComesTheNerd Shop for 20% off your first purchase. (here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com)
3 Apr 2025
Episode 3: Tactical Mastery in Final Fantasy Tactics with Jay
Strategy, storytelling, and political intrigue—Final Fantasy Tactics is a masterpiece of tactical RPGs. In this episode, Jay B. (Towel Cape Brigade) joins Kurosh Jozavi to discuss his connections and save points with the game and it's many themes. From job system favorites to unforgettable moments, we’re breaking down why one of the greatest tactical games of all time resonates so much with Jay.
♟️ Ready your units and step onto the battlefield with us!
Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HereComesTheNerd Shop for 20% off your first purchase. (https://here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com/)
27 Mar 2025
Episode 2: Unmasking Majora’s Mask with Derick McDuff
What makes Majora’s Mask one of the most unique and haunting entries in the Legend of Zelda series? In this episode, Derick McDuff (Underrated Films) joins Kurosh Jozavi to talk about his connection with the game that means so much to him. They explore how Majora’s Mask left a lasting impression, influenced Derick’s appreciation for unconventional storytelling, and why it continues to stand out decades later.
⏳ The moon is falling—don’t miss this deep dive into a Nintendo masterpiece!
Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HereComesTheNerd Shop for 20% off your first purchase. (https://here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com/)
Man vs Mask by Derick McDuff (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DyvQuiB3H4)
27 Mar 2025
Episode 1: Revisiting Final Fantasy 7 with Joanna
In the debut episode of Savepoint Stories, host Kurosh Jozavi sits down with Joanna Leack (Here Comes The Nerd) to discuss the legendary RPG Final Fantasy 7. From its unforgettable story and iconic characters to its lasting impact on gaming culture, Joanna shares her experiences and connection with the characters and game. Grab your Buster Sword and join us for a journey through nostalgia, materia, and the power of games to inspire!
Whether you’re Team Aerith or Team Tifa, this episode is a limit break of nostalgia!
Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HereComesTheNerd Shop for 20% off your first purchase. (https://here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com/)
24 Mar 2025
Welcome to Savepoint Stories
"Where memories meet the games that shaped us." Host Kurosh Jozavi introduces Savepoint Stories, a podcast where guests revisit the games that shaped their lives. In this episode, Kurosh shares what inspired the show and what listeners can expect for season 1! His mission is to share heartfelt stories and personal connections to the games that left a lasting impression on our lives.
Use code SAVEPOINT20 at HCTN Shop for 20% Off Your Purchase (https://here-comes-the-nerd.myshopify.com/)
Who has been a guest on Savepoint Stories
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Emily Gitelman
Lisa Wallen
Ronell Crawford
Hannah Hillam
Thomas Craig
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
4,657,709,572
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
49
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
32
Contact Savepoint Stories
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Savepoint Stories
Who hosts Savepoint Stories?
Kurosh Jozavi host the show. Published by Kurosh Jozavi.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Savepoint Stories take guests?
The show does not typically feature guests, based on episode analyses.
Host of Savepoint Stories?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
