Bitfaced

Eric is both honored and surprised to be joined by Mike Zapcic and Ming Chen from the AMC powerhouse Comic Book Men this week in the Bitcave.  Along with special guest co-host the Aidan they talk about the state of the comic book industry and regale us with some fascinating stories from behind the scenes of the show.  Mike and Ming are extremely gracious and knowledgeable guests, you definitely don't want to miss this one.    

Apple TV's Ted Lasso came out of nowhere during last years pandemic and gave audiences a much needed warm and unexpected embrace. Starring Jason Sudeikis and featuring a relatively unknown although unforgettable supporting cast the show centers around a soccer team and their new coach who has a heart of gold but zero knowledge about life on the pitch. This week we break down one of our favorite shows of last year and relate it to the importance of taking care of our own mental health.

For the first time ever Eric and Doug are joined in the virtual Bitcave by comic book cognoscente and DC aficionado Carl Lundeen to reflect on the recently released Zack Snyder cut of Justice League. Carl is the type of guy who can identify all of the ingenious inventions in the Mr. Miracle universe by the sound they make when transported through a boom tube so we really think you'll enjoy hearing him lead an in depth discussion of the film. Chances are you've already sat through all 4 hours of questionable soundtrack choices and slow motion action sequences, but if you haven't, there will be major spoilers throughout the cast.

After an extremely strong showing last month from Sony, July was Microsoft's time to deliver the goods. This month Eric and Tyler will breakdown the highs and lows of the Xbox Games Showcase focusing on all of the title announcements from the show as well as a few unbridled opinions about what Microsoft's focus on Game Pass means for the future of the industry. Whether you were just looking forward to the newest Halo or you were really hoping Tell Me Why was the much anticipated Backstreet Boys anthology game there's something that you'll enjoy in this episode.

The dearth of skateboarding video games in the last decade has been startling, thankfully that is about to be remedied in the next few months with the upcoming release of Skater XL and the Tony Hawk 1 and 2 remasters. We Malto-manual from this over to a discussion about the prevalence of micro-transactions and the new 2K golf game. Thank you to everyone who has been coming out to the weekly Bitfaced game nights, they have been a beacon of sanity in these unsure times.

Well it certainly didn’t start with an earthquake, but as we inch ever closer to a potential Fallout: New Bitfaced, we wanted to check in with some of our personal experiences dealing with everything happening on the planet. What started as a traditional list episode turned into something a little more personal, and we figured addressing the Covid situation head on was better than trying to fumble our way around it during conversation. We hope you are healthy, safe, and spending these uncertain times with someone you love. As we all put “business as usual” in our rear view mirrors for the time being we felt it was important to let all of you Bitfacers know that we are all in this together.

Embark on a closer walk with Bitfaced this week as we pump fake our normal format and bring you an episode dedicated to a single film, Ron Shelton's 1992 basketball hustling classic White Men Can't Jump. From the courts of Venice Beach to the back-lot of Jeopardy we discuss both why the love the movie and the impact it has on pop culture even today. Don't worry, we'll be back to video games soon enough, but until then, grab your favorite food that starts with the letter Q and settle in to the best pick up game in podcasting.

As is Bitfaced tradition, putting 2019 to bed with an episode about our favorite games is the only proper way to close out a remarkable year. Just like 2018, our fans helped us decide on all the major awards, including the prestigious game of the year. Whether you escaped Racoon City, fifteenth tried a boss in Sekiro, or took a fourth wall breaking shower with Norman Reedus, with think there’s something that you’ll find to enjoy here.

Borderlands 3 was Rebecca's most anticipated title of 2019, and on this episode we not only discuss Gearbox's signature series at length but we also take a few laps around the living room with Ring Fit Adventure on the Switch. Pokemon Sword and Shield were also released this month, and everyone except Eric gives their opinion on the most recent installment in the highest grossing media empire of all time. Take care of yourself this holiday season Bitfacers, we are certainly thankful for all of you.

One of our favorite guests and friend Michael T. Scott is producing a new animated short titled Curves based on the life of legendary pitcher Jackie Mitchell, and he brought baseball expert and professional card grader Andy Broome along to tell us all about this exciting project. Even if you're not familiar with Jackie or her story, you'll be delighted by the tale that Michael and Andy are presenting. Check out the episode and then round the bases to their Kickstarter and support this unique and impressive venture.

Robert Englund has been haunting our psyche since we were way too young to be watching his filmography, and the images from the Nightmare on Elm Street series of films are still burned into our insomnia laden retinas over thirty years later. Freddy Kruger will always be firmly embedded on the Mt. Slashmore of horror films, and Robert’s performance is inarguably one of the most iconic and original in cinematic history. We knew this panel would be the stuff that dreams are made of, and Robert fully exceeded every expectation possible.

George Lowe warned us before his panel that "moderating me will be absolute hell", but we were completely up for the challenge. Luckily for us that challenge consisted of laughing our asses off for forty-five minutes straight. If you've never had the opportunity to see the godfather of Adult Swim at a con you'll truly appreciate the unbelievable levels of hilarity and joyousness he brings into a room. Come for the free Pokemon at booth four, stay for the Adam West stories, we promise that you won't be disappointed in the slightest.

Our coverage of Colorado Springs Comic Con 2019 kicks off with two very prolific and impassioned guests, Power Ranger Anthony and Mike the Quad. You've heard Mike on Bitfaced recently, and you know Anthony from his YouTube channel as well as hosting many of his own panels and events at conventions. We talk everything from adaptability in gaming to making a positive impact in the community, and we manage to squeeze a little fun in between. If you're reading this or listening to the episode please consider helping out Magic Wheelchair and Warfighter Engaged however you can. Time, money, exposure, everyone has something that they can contribute to both of these wonderful organizations.

Our coverage of Denver Pop Culture Con 2019 arrives like a well timed pumpkin bomb with the Into the Spiderverse panel, featuring Marvel artists Laura Martin, Mark Morales, and Khary Randolph. We explore the universe of everyone's favorite webslinger and discuss the longevity of the character and why Spidey is making his biggest impact with the youth of today. A huge thanks to Thinking Outside the Longbox for setting us up with not only the hosting opportunity, but also for engineering this audio for us.

Before all of the panels, the conventions, and the events we were just two guys drinking beers and trying to get our voice out in the world. Our little podcast has grown a lot in the past 4 years, and in order to refocus, this week we are taking things back to the basics with someone we've trying to get behind the mic almost since the first month we started. You know Mike "The Quad" Luckett as one of the most active and vocal members of our community, and he finally sat down with us over a few beers to tell his story about how he is constantly striving to make gaming something that we can all enjoy together.

We're going to attempt to answer our title question this week by talking a little about what has been happening the last few months during our unfortunate hiatus from the studio and briefly hint at some of the exciting changes going forward. Consider this episode an acceptable placeholder while we prepare to flood your ears with the Bitfaced glory that all of you reading this truly deserve.

Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! We've waited eleven years and watched twenty-one movies in preparation for this episode and the day has finally come to reflect on Avengers: Endgame. The entire Bitfaced crew discusses our favorite moments from the film and the impact that the movie had on the Marvel cinematic universe as a whole. Please do not listen to this episode if you haven't seen the movie yet, you have been warned.

The independent comic book scene is obviously important to us here at Bitfaced, and getting to interview three of the most prestigious creators in the area right in the store where we cut our teeth was an especially honorable experience. Kapow's Comic Creator Panel featured Jennifer Swartwood (The Ferrokin), Michael Blickley (The Erinyes Project), and Erik Josephson and Kevin R. Smith (Morally Bankrupt) having a frank and honest conversation about what is involved in bringing their unique ideas to the page. A huge thanks to not only the creators but also for Kapow for asking us to host, we hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.

Eric's Father Dr. Gregory Hollis has guested on Bitfaced multiple times since its inception, and fortunately they got to sit down again over the holidays and talk about a show that is near and dear to both of them, the stone cold classic M*A*S*H*. A frank (Burns) discussion about the impact that the show had on not only them but also on the rest of the world, please enjoy the genuine candor that only a father and son can produce.

Now that gaming is out of the way it's time to officially finish 2018 with our pop-culture favorites. Nothing is off the monitor in this traditional top ten elimination that we love doing for you guys when it's time to reflect on the previous year. Movies, comics, music, a skate video, and maybe even a podcast get some love from the entire Bitfaced crew. Settle in with a cold beer or that boring drive to daily employment, we're like the blanket that you leave one foot hanging out of every night.

For the first time ever we are proud to present the Bitfaced Game Awards! Moving away from our traditional top ten format and shoring everything into convenient categories, the entire Bitfaced crew is on hand to discuss and mercilessly dissect all of our favorites from last year. The best part though is that all of our listeners voted for four of the awards, truly making this an event that we will proudly continue well into the future. Thank you to all who participated in the voting and the extensive discussion, you are the reason this episode exists.

It feels like forever since we've done an episode all about video games, and it's also been forever since our close friend and gaming expert Matt Dawkins joined us in the Bitcave, so we're going to knock out both of those things this week. Rockstar's epic Red Dead Redemption is our main focus, we promise you that we have some tips and tricks this week that you haven't heard anywhere else. We also talk about Sony's Spiderman, Dead Cells, and a few other titles that we've been playing lately.

Happy Halloween from all of us here at Bitfaced! We've got some professional costuming tips from Rebecca and Karl this week to help not only make your last minute Halloween costumes astonishing but also help with any characters you've decided to bring to a con. We also get into a little of our favorite things about the season, scary movies and games, and our favorite candy.

Our coverage from Colorado Springs Comic Con finishes with the legendary Carl Weathers, and he doesn't disappoint in the slightest. Carl gives us insight into his entire career from Force Ten From Navarone all the way to teaching us how to make stew in Arrested Development. Whether you loved him in Rocky, Predator, or even Happy Gilmore, we promise that Carl has a unique story about how he brought these legendary roles to life.

Like a devastating moonsault off the top ropes WWE Hall of Famers Trish Stratus and Lita dominated their panel at Colorado Springs Comic Con. (Just don't ever call them divas) Trish and Lita are the best of friends outside of the ring and it shows in their effortless banter and love for their sport. Even if you aren't into professional wrestling we think this a great place to learn just how much dedication, raw skill, and sheer talent goes into getting onto the WWE stage every week.

Eric busted his ass (literally) to host one of the most sidesplitting panels at Colorado Springs Comic Con: The Revenge of the Nerds Reunion. With seven of the cast members from the legendary movie joining the fun including Robert Carradine, Curtis Armstrong, Brian Tochi, Larry B. Scott, Julia Montgomery, Donald Gibb, and Andrew Cassese, this episode brings you right into the living room of the Tri Lambda house. A huge thanks to Project Nerd, GregRon Geeks, Thinking Outside the Longbox, Moviecamp, and Colorado Springs Comic Con!

Our coverage of Colorado Springs begins with a panel Eric only thought would happen in his wildest dreams, cinematic and cult legends Brian O'Halloran and Shannon Elizabeth. Brian gives us a little insight into what would have happened in Clerks 3, Shannon shares her heartfelt passion for her charity The Shannon Elizabeth Foundation, and both regale us with humorous tales from some of our favorite films. Part one in a four part series of episodes you wont believe happened with our little podcast. A huge thanks to Project Nerd, GregRon Geeks, Thinking Outside the Longbox, Moviecamp, and Colorado Springs Comic Con!

After a lengthy but much needed hiatus the entire Bitfaced crew is back (including actor extraordinaire and panel guru Karl Brevik) to tell some stories about Denver Comic Con. We've got panels running late, a very successful weekend for Cap for Kids, Eric meeting DMC and a whole lot more in this week's Bitfaced. We appreciate all of your patience while we get our sea legs back and strive to bring you excellent content on a more frequent basis.

Artist extraordinaire Daniel Crosier is bringing his post-apocalyptic web series Camp Crash into your home, but he needs a little help from the community. He joins Eric and Doug in the virtual cave this week to talk about the Camp Crash Kickstarter and all of the things you can do to help this one of a kind production succeed. If you haven't already watched the first episode of Camp Crash you are truly missing out on something special. Check out the link below and let's keep Camp Crash open for business this summer!Camp Crash Kickstarter

Eric and Tyler sat on their respective asses for the past three days watching every presentation from E3 2018 just so that they could record this episode for you. They talk about all of the big reveals, exclusives, confirmations, and utter disappointments from the biggest video game conference of the year.

Eric and Doug are back behind the mic this week to discuss Solo: A Star Wars Story. They also get into a spoiler-filled discussion about Cobra Kai, a show that has exceeded almost every possible expectation. Fear does not exist on this podcast, and even if they change your first name from Keisuke to Nariyoshi you'll still find something to enjoy here.

SPOILERS! Hopefully by now you've had the pleasure, wonder, and horror of seeing Infinity War for yourself. The original Bitcrew and Captain K reunite to bring you part two of our review and it's as thrilling and emotional as the topic itself. Sometimes you lose heroes to Thanos, and sometimes to California. We're not worried though, we know that heroes don't stay gone for long fictional or otherwise!

We've been waiting over eighteen years to see a sequel to the cult classic Super Troopers. We talk about the newest Broken Lizard gem as well as the Sony exclusive God of War. Oh and some movie called Infinity War. Consider this an appetizer for the full Avengers episode coming much sooner than you think.

Ed Greenwood is the type of guy that wouldn't give you shit about taking over half an hour to write copy for a podcast, but that's not the only reason you should love him. Creator of the Forgotten Realms, a universe every gamer worth his salt has experienced in either role playing, video game, or novel form since the 1980's, Ed showers us with insight on how he passionately paints a world we all continue to breathe in. Take a ride in a carriage careening down a mountainside while a goblin shivs you in the back mid-coitus, the journey will have zero regrets.

The polarizing pirate adventure Sea of Thieves is our main topic this week, and it's definitely not all praise for Rare's highly anticipated return to publishing. We also chat with our guest and official streamer Zach "Freak That Bitch Out" Thoma about Far Cry 5 and MLB The Show 2018. Thanks to David Frizzell, Scott Berryman, Mike Luckett, Adam Gumbert, Brad Allen, Tim Stebbins, and Jacob Edwards for joining us this week on the high seas!

Musician Norman Hittle beams into the Bitcave this week to talk about his new project Cyberkraken, check out the impressive video below. We've been singing Forest Planet, Prime 88 all week long. Eric's AA sponsor Karl Brevik sits in for Tyler, and we talk about Star Wars, Star Trek, and the lingering impact of Final Fantasy 7. Cyber Kraken Forest Planet, Prime-88

Why would someone ever attempt to fabricate a video game record?  If we were better journalsits, we might attempt to answer that question, instead we discuss the recent controversy surrounding Twin Galaxies.  If you aren't interested in video games, then we have more of that with Tyler's take on Monster Hunter.  Special thanks to Apollo Legend for all of his meticulous research.      

It's always a mavelous time in the Bitcave when we receive a delivery from The Saucy Mailman, normally we only get to see him streaming and commenting on a plethora of titles from the comfort of our living room. We travel down way too many rabbit holes in this episode, but we explicitly cover the Tide Pod challenge and the multitude of idiots that frequent the internet. Tune in to our favorite stream on the internet here: Saucy Mailman

Here at Bitfaced we certainly play a lot of games, but we don't have the intelligence to create them, luckily we're able to have a studio like Live in the Game on the cast to give us insight into the intricacies of game development.  Benjamin Pope and Joe Yates join us to talk about their passion for making games, and they also talk in detail about their upcoming title Wry Reveries, a modern point-and-click adventure set in the world of Edgar Allen Poe.  

Last week we were all about the games, and this week we’re giving some love to all our favorite pop culture from 2017.  Join us as we discuss our favorite movies, music, stand-up, and literature from 2017.  Certainly we left out something here that you couldn’t do without in 2017, give it a mention here and we’ll give you a shout out on a future cast.    

Putting 2017 to sleep one episode at a time, we talk about our favorite games from last year.  A measure of predictability combined with a few surprises, we run down our individual top ten lists for the year and discuss at length.  2017 has to be one of the best years ever when it comes to gaming, you'll definitely find something here you missed that we consider a must-play.  

We've never done a tribute episode before on Bitfaced, but who is more perfect to start with than Weird Al Yankovic, the proverbial Cuisinart of pop culture and comedy.  Eric is joined by Karl Brevik (as himself) and Rebecca for this heartfelt tribute to a man that continues to both skewer and enhance our lives by taking our favorite musical genres and injecting them with an unparalleled level of hilarity.  So put on your Hawaiian shirt and grab a can of Spam, we're heading down to Spatula City in style this week.   

Wishing you the warmest holidays from the Bitcave. How do you send a Hallmark card every year?  Does it read to you like bad fan fiction written by the next Barbara Robinson? Don't go all Imogene Herdman on our asses, it's all about giving this year,  so this is our gift to you. This episode is best enjoyed without a tired running gag at the end of the description.

The Denver Nickel + Dime Animation Extravaganza is Saturday December 9th at The Bug Theater in Denver at 7:00pm, and the director of this amazing event Michael T. Scott stopped by to tell us all about it!  A writer and animator in his own right, Michael was wonderful to speak with not only about the festival that he spearheaded but also about his favorite comedians and animated properties.  This episode is best enjoyed in the car on your way to this once in a lifetime event.  (Unless Michael decides to do another one next year)  https://www.facebook.com/DenverAnimationFest/

If you saw the video footage from our Tacticon coverage you are already familiar with the work of this week's guest James Britt.  The uber-talented filmmaker sits down with us talk about his experiences behind the camera and his passion for the VR game Wands.  Eric also gets to ask him some questions about growing up on tour with the Grateful Dead.  This episode is best enjoyed with your new friend who is the spitting image of Jeff Goldblum in The Big Chill.     

Grab a plate and pull up a chair, this week we're celebrating Thanksgiving on Bitfaced.  As we reflect back on another amazing year in the cave we all have a lot to be grateful for, especially all of you who support our little podcast.  This episode is best enjoyed in a tryptophan induced coma.  

After an extended but much needed absence from the mic Tyler and Eric triumphantly return with an old-fashioned dissection of current pop culture.  Thor: Ragnarok, The Orville, Star Trek: Discovery, and Stranger Things: Season 2 all get the Bitfaced treatment this week, hopefully sea legs will come quickly and this episode won't prove to be an anomaly.  Enjoy this one with a cold beer and some creative regrets.   

Prolific artists Daniel Crosier and Joe Oliver are working hard on a new comic book called Wen Dayglo, they stop by our table at Tacticon to tell us all about it.  Inspired by their new series, the conversation quickly shifts towards our favorite horror movies to watch this time of year, and we also get an update on Dan's upcoming movie Camp Crash.  This episode is best enjoyed drinking beer for charity while hanging out with new friends.  

The only episode that will have more conspiracies than Polybius, Dale Gribble aka Rusty Shackelford briefly sits down with Eric to discuss all of his theories surrounding pop-culture conventions.  Fortunately, many new developments are brought to life and no pocket sand is thrown.  This episode is best enjoyed with a lollipop and a pack of Manitobas.