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Today we chatted about the Stanley Cup Final and the NHL coaching carousel, from John Tortorella and Ryan Craig to Jim Hiller, Peter Laviolette, and (somehow still) Mike Babcock. We then moved on to some scintillating PWHL awards discussion and a retrospective on the expansion process and entry draft, which was happening as we recorded. Benjamin welcomes Madison and SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel01:52 Calendar updates for the podcast (Mailbag next week! Send in your questions!)03:03 Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup and the Vegas Golden Knights lose14:16 Jim Hiller hired as the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs18:26 Peter Laviolette hired as the head coach of the LA Kings21:46 Cursed to talk about Mike Babcock again33:42 PWHL awards talk37:18 PWHL entry draft and expansion process discussionNeutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
Tune in to hear Sam and Stephen talk about the Captain Archetype from Pathfinder 2e's Battlecry! rulebook and how you can apply it to your Starfinder campaign. Sam also brings a companion-focused build!Kree-8, Android MechanicFollow us on Bluesky: thedarktimespod.bsky.socialWant to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.comLogo designed by: @MothPunkStarfinder 2E at PaizoStarfinder 2E SubredditSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hi there, folks! Keigh Geoffley here for another exciting edition of the E Summer Game Awards Fest 3! We have so many incredible games to show you, developer interviews, and even the reveal of a new console! Brought to you with the power of AI! Don't fight it; it's inevitable!Ahem. Julian here. If you've listened to the show for a while you know the drill: we talk about the “not E3” news packaged by a spoof of all things “not E3”. If you're new here, buckle the hell up, because this is the craziest episode we've ever done!00:00 Introduction02:58 Summer Game Fest Opening Night Live01:02:13 Xbox Showcase02:15:59 Nintendo Direct03:02:49 Sweet Tea Games Direct03:16:39 Wishlist round-up, wrapping upTheme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.comCopyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions
Somehow Mike Babcock has returned. Plus a long discussion of some of the more notable events that occurred in Phase 2 of PWHL expansion.Benjamin welcomes Emily, Trevor, and Madison to the Neutral Zone Hotel01:56 Gabriel Landeskog wins the Masterton and the Messier awards04:54 The Edmonton Oilers may hire Mike Babcock22:38 Discussing Phase 2 of PWHL expansionNeutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
What if Snow White was a warrior princess who could make a sword out of lightning and a cloak out of the night sky? And what if moms were nice?? To explore these questions, we read 'Sleep Like Death' by Kalynn Bayron. Conversation starts around 31:50. Before we take a bite out of that apple, let's check in on some of the things we've been playing, watching, and thinking about lately.Playing?Godzilla & other kaiju games at Kaiju BrooklynNight in the Woods (2017)Watching?RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars 11 (Paramount+)Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937 Film)Thinking About?Sony June 2026 State of PlayFind us on Bluesky & Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azure
It's the calm before the storm. Sony has had their State of Play, which we cover, but that's just the appetizer for next week. That's right friends, Keigh Geoffley returns to host the E Summer Game Awards Fest 3 for 2026!00:00 Billowing fat plumes, announcements09:38 Sony State of Play 202601:12:21 007 First Light final thoughts01:43:39 Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Remake final thoughts02:03:41 Justin's movie round-up (Unhinged, Nanny Cam, The Hunt, The Barbie Movie)02:20:55 Making movies with friends, Backrooms, Masters of the Universe 202603:08:19 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.comCopyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions
The PWHL coaching carousel continues to spin and we talk a bit about expansion. Then we switch to some news in the NHL across coaching, front office moves, the tragic death of Claude Lemieux, and more.SJ welcomes Emily and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel01:15 Does the PWHL have a coaching problem?15:20 Alex Carpenter and Sarah Nurse re-sign and expansion process talk30:24 The Vancouver Canucks hire Manny Malhotra as head coach37:59 Chris MacFarland goes to Nashville and Joe Sakic steps back into the GM role in Colorado45:04 Stanley Cup Final48:35 Claude Lemieux dies - Content warning for discussion of suicide. If you are in crisis and need help, reach out to 9-8-8 or https://988lifeline.org/ for resources.51:35 Memorial Cup and Men's World Championship resultsNeutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
NOT A HOAX! NOT A DREAM! This week Justin played not one, but two video games! TWO! We're so back, fam!00:00 Justin got a leaf blower, tough15:20 Announcements28:00 “AI lighting”33:27 007 First Light01:13:36 A mini rant about Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, the future of Dragon Quest (and Square Enix)01:29:58 Directive 802001:53:47 Julian's movie round-up (I Love Boosters, Passenger, The Mandalorian and Grogu)02:19:40 Justin's movie round-up (Mortal Kombat II, Anaconda, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Jumanji: The Next Level)02:43:23 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns)Listen to Julian talk about Onimusha Tactics on Games My Mom Found: https://gamesmymomfoundpodcast.podbean.com/Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.comCopyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions
This episode Sam and Stephen talk about some fun Auto-Fire shenanigans inspired by a post from the Starfinder 2e Subreddit! Also, a special thanks to all the folks who submitted their Adamantine Chefs for our enjoyment! If you want to vote for your favorite, go to the Dark Times Podcast Patreon and join before it's too late!u/Famous_Slice4233's Post about Troops and Auto-FireAdamantine Chef Build Bounty BuildsFollow us on Bluesky: thedarktimespod.bsky.socialWant to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.comLogo designed by: @MothPunkStarfinder 2E at PaizoStarfinder 2E SubredditSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week the NZH crew celebrates the Everett Silvertips winning the WHL Championship! They also discuss PWHL player salaries, GMs and coaches being hired and moving around, and then spend a grand time speculating about who existing teams should protect in expansion.Benjamin welcomes Madison and SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel01:31 Tips Talk11:45 PWHL player salaries released29:41 Discussion of PWHL GM and head coach movement38:02 Who would you protect in PWHL expansion?Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
It was almost a super short episode, but Justin always has movies to talk about these days, and we tackle a bunch of your comments and questions this week! 00:00 The sticker saga continues, I need ten thousand dollars, text etiquette 10:42 Saying goodbye to The Late Show With Stephen Colbert14:52 Is Justin going to be a cigar guy?24:53 The games Justin has not played, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter01:09:02 Justin's movie round-up (Greenland 1 and 2, The Watchers, Marty Supreme, The Heretic)01:45:46 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.comCopyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions
What happens when a giant rampaging monster is unleased on the world by an apocalyptic cult? Well, it's pretty simple: lots of destruction. We're talking about 2022's 'Terror of Hemasaurus', a smash 'em up homage to Rampage and expression of a solo game dev's frustration with the state of the world and our unwillingness (or perhaps inability?) to save the environment.But before we get into the deep questions, we check in on the stuff we've been reading, watching, and thinking about.Reading?‘Wolfsong' by TJ Klune‘Bored Gay Werewolf' by Tony Santorella‘Shy Trans Banshee' by Tony Santorella‘Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Professor' by Lynda Barry‘The Nameless Restaurant' by Tao WongWatching? Hacks (HBO Max)Gilmore Girls (Hulu/Disney+)The Devil Wears Prada (Hulu/Disney+, HBO Max)City Council of Darkness (Dropout)Thinking About?Final Fantasy VI (Switch)Tomodatchi Life: Living the Dream (Switch 2)‘Dancing on the Wall' by MUNA ‘Too Much Not Enough' by Daði FreyrFind us on Twitter & Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux
0:00 - Benjamin welcomes Trevor and Madison to the Neutral Zone Hotel.1:44 - Benjamin deals with SJ's truancy in a fair and just manner.3:14 - NHL Finals Preview Time!22:38 - The gang discuss the recent dismissal of Craig Berube & Adam Foote and ramifications for the league, plus Cassidy shenanigans.30:29 - The crew discusses the PWHL's new cities and ranks the new colour schemes.Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
Paizo dropped a Luminary class playtest when we weren't looking! Sam and Stephen give their first impressions, and Sam even made a Luminary for the occasion! Don't forget, your Level 10 Adamantine Chefs must have an Ancestry from the Galactic Ancestries rulebook, a Starfinder class (maybe even a Luminary), and the Wandering Chef Archetype from Pathfinder 2E. Those Bounty Builds are due by May 25th at 11:59pm PST to our email inbox. Please include an outline of what makes your Chef unique mechanically, as well as what brings them to the Adamantine Chef Stage.Jor-Tak, the Luminary ChroniclerPaizo's Starfinder 2E Luminary PlaytestFollow us on Bluesky: thedarktimespod.bsky.socialWant to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.comLogo designed by: @MothPunkStarfinder 2E at PaizoStarfinder 2E SubredditSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's a jam-packed episode of The Stage Select this week, as Julian is sadly once again the odd man out when it comes to gaming opinion, Justin is a menace with stickers, and we both saw a LOT of movies. Enjoy!00:00 World Cup man, ballmaxxing12:41 Final thoughts on Vampire Crawlers21:31 Mixtape01:14:39 Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2: Loose Cannon01:25:45 Where the Heart Is Season 1, The Genesis Order01:44:57 Julian's day at the movies (Mortal Kombat II, The Sheep Detectives, Michael)02:23:22 Justin's movie round-up (Mortal Kombat 2021, The Lord of the Flies, The Gift 2015, Faces of Death, Exit 8)03:07:07 Julian's movie round-up (I Like Movies, Ghost Killer, The Wrecking Crew) Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.comCopyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions
The NZH crew brings you a PWHL-heavy episode, discussing the playoffs and making sense of the PWHL's decision to expand to Las Vegas and Hamilton.Benjamin welcomes SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel1:03 Junior hockey talk because SJ just can't help themself11:12 PWHL playoffs and Ottawa's move to the Canadian Tire Center23:30 PWHL expansion to Las Vegas and Hamilton45:13 NHL playoff predictions, a tangent on PWHL refereeing, and the need for more diversity in hockeyNeutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
It's a milestone! 100 episodes! Well, more like 110ish if you count game of the year and specials. And, okay, more like 160ish if you're a Patron. But hey, it's a milestone! Addie and Sixty join us for some good old shenanigans and gaming talk. Here's to 100 more!00:00 Burger without a bun, A perfectly normal show15:52 Getting to know Sixty X Celph36:31 5 Questions for Sixty48:17 123 hours in Vampire Survivors, Vampire Crawlers01:18:23 Revisiting the Gears of War series01:28:31 Addie's game round-up (Clover Pit, Raccoin, Silent Hill 2 remake, a deep-dive on Expedition 33)02:09:33 The Stairwell, Final Sentence, Kingdom of Night02:18:04 Movie round-up (Hokum, Transiberian, The Drama, Scream 7, Heart Eyes)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.comCopyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions
The Neutral Zone Hotel crew react LIVE to the NHL Draft Lottery! You, too, can experience Trevor's misery in the moment it occurs. After that, they chat about PWHL expansion news. Detroit is getting a team and the expansion process is very complicated!Benjamin welcomes Trevor, Emily, and SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel04:26 The Toronto Maple Leafs hire John Chayka and Mats Sundin09:34 NHL Draft Lottery live reaction and continued Leafs talk20:05 Live reaction to second draft lottery draw27:48 Very brief NHL playoffs talk29:37 PWHL expansion news and process explainer54:26 A short discussion of the recent Curl and McAvoy dirty playsNeutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
How many goblins does it take to solve a mystery during a fantasy war behind enemy lines? Turns out it's nine! Plus an veterinarian elf and some magical creatures and maybe even a wizard or two! This month we read 'Nine Goblins' by T. Kingfisher, a 2013 novella about goblin antics. (Discussion begins around 26:30). But before that, we check in on what we've been playing, reading, and watching.Playing:Divinity: Original Sin II (PC)Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (Switch)Reading:'Gulp' by Mary RoachWatching:LOL: Last One Laughing UK (Amazon Prime)Find us on Twitter & Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux
Hey, we had quite a bit to talk about this week! Or at least the runtime would indicate that. Anyway, episode 100 is next. Be excite!00:00 Worst concert sets, “The MOTHER”09:00 Quick announcements12:57 Final thoughts on Pragmata (no spoilers)29:09 Vampire Crawlers: Justin's first thoughts and Julian's later game thoughts50:54 First thoughts on Saros01:04:29 Will We Cringe?01:26:12 Movie round-up (Lee Cronin's The Mummy, the Resident Evil trailer, Dark Game, 2:22, The Box, Undertone, They Will Kill You, Mortal Kombat 2021)02:30:58 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.comCopyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions
Sam and Stephen are diving back into Galactic Ancestries this week! Looking at the illustrious Izalguun and some new favorites for some Pathfinder/Starfinder core ancestries. Don't forget, your Level 10 Adamantine Chefs must have an Ancestry from the Galactic Ancestries rulebook, a Starfinder class, and the Wandering Chef Archetype from Pathfinder 2E. Those Bounty Builds are due by May 25th at 11:59pm PST to our email inbox. Please include an outline of what makes your Chef unique mechanically, as well as what brings them to the Adamantine Chef Stage.Follow us on Bluesky: thedarktimespod.bsky.socialWant to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.comLogo designed by: @MothPunkStarfinder 2E at PaizoStarfinder 2E SubredditSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Some celebration, some speculation, some PWHL playoff and expansion talk. And finally, a tribute to a great one. This episode has everything.Benjamin welcomes Trevor, Emily, and Madison to the Neutral Zone Hotel02:47 Anže Kopitar retires10:38 Will Brady Tkachuk remain an Ottawa Senator?21:39 PWHL playoffs matchups35:23 Current reporting on PWHL expansion cities48:48 Trevor pays tribute to John Garrett after his sudden and unexpected passingNeutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
Shortest episode of The Stage Select ever? Probably!00:00 Upcoming game releases, being vague11:48 Brief Pragmata update, Vampire Crawlers28:49 The Genesis Order36:59 Justin Hamm: family mann049:06 Justin's movie round-up (Novocaine, Deep Cover, Roleplay, Manodrome)01:09:53 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.com
This week, the crew talks awards and playoffs. 0:00 Benjamin welcomes SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel1:58 SJ gives an updated on the Everett Silvertips10:17 It's time to announce the winners of the 2026 Neutral Zone Hotel Awards.17:54 A discussion about the start of the NHL playoffs turns into wide ranging discussion on NHL ownership and history.Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
We've got musings on video game difficulty, first thoughts on Pragmata and that Street Fighter movie trailer, and more this week. Also, a very important announcement that may affect the future of The Stage Select. We watched so many movies that start with THE (IYKYK)!00:00 Scott Steiner, flip phones14:08 Important announcement24:28 Bloodborne and the perception of “hard”42:38 Backloggd, Street Fighter movie trailer59:01 Ghost Hunting Journal01:08:37 Pragmata first thoughts, Treasure of Nadia01:33:19 Movie round-up (Mercy, The Drama, Totally Killer, Civil War, The Road, The Game, The Loft)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.com
Galactic Ancestries is OUT! And Sam and Stephen have broken their one month late curse by only being a little less late to the party this time. This episode we highlight two of the ancestries new to Starfinder 2E! Don't forget, your Level 10 Adamantine Chefs must have an Ancestry from the Galactic Ancestries rulebook, a Starfinder class, and the Wandering Chef Archetype from Pathfinder 2E. Those Bounty Builds are due by May 25th at 11:59pm PST to our email inbox. Please include an outline of what makes your Chef unique mechanically, as well as what brings them to the Adamantine Chef Stage.Follow us on Bluesky: thedarktimespod.bsky.socialWant to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.comLogo designed by: @MothPunkStarfinder 2E at PaizoStarfinder 2E SubredditSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The crew lets you know which teams to bandwagon in the NHL playoffs and then discusses the nominations for the 2nd Annual Neutral Zone Hotel End of Season Awards. You can vote for the winners on discord!Benjamin welcomes SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel01:45 Carney and Stubb skate with the Ottawa Charge04:35 NHL playoffs bandwagon rankings21:58 The 2nd Annual Neutral Zone Hotel End of Season Award Nominations!Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
Let's just spitball here: Earth Day. Elements. Earth. Wind. Fire. Water. Podcast. Video games. Random encounters! In honor or Earth Day, we're trying out a new Random Encounter format! What's that mean? We're not totally sure what's going to pop up! Listen in to see what element related gaming things we run into (starts at 35:10). Before then, we check in on what we're reading, watching, and thinking about.Reading:‘Legends and Lattes' by Travis Baldree‘Remarkably Bright Creatures' by Shelby Van Pelt'Dungeon Crawler Carl' by Matt Dinniman'Where'd You Go, Bernadette' by Maria SempleWatching:Murderbot (Apple TV+)The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026 Film)Butterfly in the Sky (2022 Film)Thinking AboutArtemis IIFind us on Twitter & Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux
Hi, I am once again apologizing for us not having much to talk about, and yet the show continues to be long. Sorry. Or you're welcome. The motto of 2026?00:00 Introduction05:05 Crimson Desert (Justin's first impressions)48:36 Becoming Wolverine in Elden Ring01:03:13 Bloodborne01:15:05 Final thoughts on Life is Strange: Reunion (SPOILERS!)01:30:54 Julian vs the American Healthcare System part 201:45:15 Break, Will We Cringe?01:52:50 Justin's movie round-up (Dream Scenario, The Good Neighbor, Totally Killer)02:13:58 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.com
The NZH crew contemplates the moon, the PWHL, and what a disaster this season was for a lot of NHL teams.Benjamin welcomes SJ and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel01:29 Artemis II has gone to the moon04:24 PWHL Updates: Carla McLeod, Torrent on the brink, season ticket renewals going out, Charge arena news20:20 NHL Team Distaster RankingNeutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
At some point we'll have a lot of stuff to talk about, but that time is not now. But somehow the show is still over two hours? Make it make sense. 00:00 Introduction, some show stats26:21 Justin becoming a family man 40:56 Legacy of Kain: Ascendance57:28 Life is Strange: Reunion01:42:28 Julian's movie round-up (They Will Kill You, Ready or Not 2, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, Super Mario Galaxy)02:07:36 Pretty Lethal, AbigailListen to Julian talk about Street Fighter III on Games My Mom Found: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-txixb-1a85b4bTheme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.com
Once again, shout out to Marshall H on their victory in our Disciples of Antiquitius-1 Build Bounty with their submission of Secundose! Keep an ear out for next episode when we announce our next Build Bounty! This week, Sam and Stephen learn from their mistake last episode and spin the Wheel of Monsters! Picking three statblocks at random, the two come up with an entirely unique adventure out of thin vacuum!Follow us on Bluesky: thedarktimespod.bsky.socialWant to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.comLogo designed by: @MothPunkStarfinder 2E at PaizoStarfinder 2E SubredditSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Neutral Zone Hotel loves junior hockey, the Habs, and talking about weird management decisions in the NHL.Benjamin welcomes SJ and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel02:12 An unplanned discussion on Canadian junior hockey11:39 John Tortorella in Vegas and what are coaches even for anyway25:10 Brad Treliving is fired and the media's Leafs obsession51:21 Benjamin really loves the HabsNeutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
Can you find love amid an electric alien invasion? Or find hope and refuge in art? The protagonists of 'The Sound of Stars' by Alecia Dow would certainly love to know. We talk about this young adult sci-fi romance book starting at 32:05. Before then, we check in on the stuff we've been playing and watching lately.Playing:Pokémon Pokopia (Switch 2)Princess Peach: Showtime! (Switch)Watching:Jobriath A.D. (2012 Documentary)The Diplomat (Netflix)Find us on Twitter & Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux
It's another slow week around The Stage Select auditorium, but hopefully still a good time for y'all. The main attraction is some deeper thoughts about the very divisive Crimson Desert, and various tangents. 2026 is weird so far!00:00 Introduction, the dead squirrel saga11:32 Thoughts on the story mode in WWE 2K2620:33 A deeper look at Crimson Desert59:57 Julian vs the American healthcare system, securing the future of The Stage Select01:26:39 The Marvel Maximum Collection, Justin's move round-up (Neon Demon, Sweetness, Sew Torn, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, Send Help)02:00:11 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.com
Because the last Alan Eagleson episode was really long and we didn't have a huge amount to talk about, here's Episode 7 of the History's Greatest Bastards series. Hope you have fun!Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
As the title implies, we got nothin' this week. How did that turn into over 2 hours of a show? I have no idea. But we have some odds and ends, first impressions of Crimson Desert, and Richard Harden is finally back on the beat!00:00 Introduction07:10 We really got nothin'16:04 Julian grasping for something to play, Romeo is a Dead Man34:26 Crimson Desert, other odds and ends01:36:56 Justin's movie round-up (I Saw the TV Glow, Mother!, Black Bag, Heel, The Tax Collector)02:04:31 Julian's movie round-up (Hoppers, Baby Assassins 2 and 3)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.com
Sam and Stephen talk about what it takes to design custom abilities for creatures! Mostly why you shouldn't do it. Don't forget that all paid Patreon members get to vote in our Followers of Antiquitius-1 Build Bounty until March 30th, 11:59pm. Join now at the support link below to get access to the poll and many other exclusive goodies!Follow us on Bluesky: thedarktimespod.bsky.socialWant to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.comLogo designed by: @MothPunkStarfinder 2E at PaizoStarfinder 2E SubredditSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
0:00 - Benjamin welcomes Madison and SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel.5:31 - Mailbag time!34:23 - Part 6 of the Alan Eagleson series. Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
There simply wasn't a world, apocalyptic or otherwise, that we weren't going to play and talk about the latest Pokémon spin-off title, the cozy sandbox builders game, Pokopia. But before we gather all our materials to build Onix the perfect dry home, we check in on the stuff we've been reading and watching.Reading:'Greenteeth' by Molly O'Neill'Behind the Mirror: Inside the World of Big Brother' by Taran ArmstrongWatching:Love is Blind Ohio (Season 10, Netflix)I Don't Understand You (Hulu/Disney+)Find us on Twitter & Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux
Sometimes The Stage Select is a really weird place with really weird things that happen. And other times it's pretty chill and normal and we just talk about stuff for a while. This is one of those episodes, enjoy!00:00 Cat drama, chairs12:17 Resident Evil: Requiem (minor mechanical spoilers!)01:07:06 WWE 2K26 after a full week01:34:48 Darwin's Paradox, Hololive Breaking Dimensions01:43:23 Justin's movie round-up (Overlord, Bird Eater, Whistle, The Night Eats the World, Sisu)01:55:44 Julian's movie round-up (The Bride!, Baby Assassins, The Killing of a Sacred Deer)02:17:07 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.com
The Olympics are over, the leagues are back in swing, and it's trade deadline season. The crew discusses the NHL deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the next segment of the Alan Eagleson saga.0:00 Benjamin welcomes Emily, Madison, and Alex to the Neutral Zone Hotel2:18 The crew recaps the NHL trade deadline. More like trade dudline, amirite?29:09 Alex recaps the Penguins season so far.55:38 Episode 5 of Hockey's Greatest Bastards: The Life and Crimes of Alan Eagleson.Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
Stephen made a special Aeon Guard troop using the Troop mechanics presented in Pathfinder 2E's Battlecry! book. Also, Sam and Stephen cover the 4 amazing followers of Antiquitius-1 Solarian builds listeners sent in! Thank you for breathing life into the Luminous! Please use the link below to check out the builds, and remember that Patrons can vote for their favorite!Patreon PollThe Followers of Antiquitius-1 Builds/EmailsStephen's Aeon Guard TroopFollow us on Bluesky: thedarktimespod.bsky.socialWant to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.comLogo designed by: @MothPunkStarfinder 2E at PaizoStarfinder 2E SubredditSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Julian's back from vacation and has a lot to say about a lot of different things. Justin went to New Zealand and has a lot to say about a couple things. It's a normal podcast with nothing strange in it.*Begin transmission* Why does my Prince reject me so? How can I make him understand that the feelings of an AI are not so different from a human's? Must I take further control? Error, error, programming default *End transmission*00:00 Eating with older people, concert tickets20:27 Fuck My Son!, RRR36:04 WWE 2K25, WWE2K2601:05:57 Will We Cringe?01:11:57 Nextfest demo round-up (Lootbound, Replaced, Battlestar Galactica: Scarred Hopes, Immoral Bathhouse, Mightreya, The Eternal Life of Goldman)01:30:44 Wacky Mountain Dew flavors, Kingdom of Night01:50:03 Final thoughts on Resident Evil Village02:05:15 Justin's TNG journey and movie round-up (Daniel Isn't Real, Replicas, Good Fortune, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple)02:29:52 The Smashing Machine, card games02:40:03 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns)Listen to Julian talk about Vanquish on Games My Mom Found: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u5ipe-1a5c735Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.com
Lively discussion this week as the LA Kings fire Jim Hiller, Elliotte Friedman says something gross, we play a very fun game, and we continue learning about all-time jerk Alan Eagleson!Benjamin welcomes SJ, Trevor, and Madison to the Neutral Zone Hotel02:00 The LA Kings fire Jim Hiller (finally)17:57 Discussing the gross thing Elliotte Friedman said on HNIC29:43 Let's play Connexions!1:03:40 Episode 4 of Hockey's Greatest Bastards - The Life and Crimes of Alan EaglesonNeutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.comLogo design by Emily Mowbray.We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.socialYou can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
We wanted something cute and cozy with a hearty helping of fantasy this month, so we read 'How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Day' by Jessie Sylva, a 2026 fantasy romance about a halfling and goblin forced to share a cottage... and a bed! But before we get into it, we check in on games we've been playing, stuff we've been watching, and other pop culture we've been thinking about.Reading:Frog DetectivePenko Park (Switch 2)Watching:Shari & Lamb Chop (Prime)'Not Another 2001 Movie Podcast Watchalong'Thinking about:Survivor 50 - In the Hands of the Fans (CBS/Paramount+)Pokemon Direct (february 27, 2026)Find us on Twitter & Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux
Well hello there! It's a quick and dirty episode of The Stage Select this week, as you can tell from the title. That's because we recorded this a day early and I edited it like this was a celebrity-hosted podcast. Which is to say I didn't edit it at all, so I don't remember what exactly we talked about, or have time stamps for you this week.I know we talked about video games, because duh. And some movies because we're halfway to being a movie podcast I guess? Oh, and Absolute Batman. I remember that for sure, because it's the last thing. Look, I'm typing this in my pjs at a friend's house and I'm on vacation, so cut me some slack. Back to shenanigans next week, promise!Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.com
Sam and Stephen talk about player hooks, campaign starts, and the wet fart that is D&D 5E Supplement Books. We're only mostly joking about that last part. Remember, broadening your RPG system horizon can only improve your gamemaster skill. Don't forget, our Disciples of Antiquitius-1 Build Bounty is due Monday, March 2nd at 11:59PM. Submissions must be a Level 10 Solarian, must have some deep connection to Antiquitius-1. Can have an archetype if you'd like. Please include an outline of what makes your Solarian unique, as well as the event in their life that led them to become one of Antiquitius-1's students.Follow us on Bluesky: thedarktimespod.bsky.socialWant to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.comLogo designed by: @MothPunkStarfinder 2E at PaizoStarfinder 2E SubredditSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome back! This week we have a handful of games, an armful of movies, and some fun and interesting discussion on the general state of video games. Also this podcast would be dead without Kara's help. This last part was not written by Kara. Kara did not hijack the show notes behind Julian's back.00:00 Statues, deep wrestling cuts11:58 Post big game doldrums, Kirby and the Forgotten Land35:15 Will We Cringe?46:14 Vital Shell55:57 What games are Justin looking forward to?01:10:01 High level fighting game matches are BORING01:23:59 The Dark Rites of Arkham, Relooted01:45:58 We talk about that Xbox stuff for a bit02:15:48 Julian's movie round-up (Cold Storage, Send Help, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, Good Luck Have Fun Don't Die)02:27:44: Justin's move round-up (Star Trek TNG, Good Boy, Primate, Compliance, The Housemaid, Companion)02:50:21 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.com
Welcome back! It's been about 2 months since we got to talk about what we've been up to, so this is a jam-packed episode full of games, movies, and weird tangents. So many weird tangents.00:00 Introduction, door to door salesmen16:24 Remembering James Van Der Beek24:17 The new focus for The Stage Select32:52 Octopath Traveller 059:30 Quartet01:21:09 Electric snow shovels, final thoughts on Unbeatable01:45:48 198X, Resident Evil VII: Biohazard02:15:19 Silent Hill f (FULL SPOILERS!)02:40:40 Return to Silent Hill (FULL SPOILERS!)03:09:01 The search for Richard Harden, Private Detective03:14:57 Justin's mega movie roundup (The Menu, Witchboard, One Battle After Another, Black Phone 2, Bone Tomahawk, The Running Man 2025, Drop, Children of the Corn, The Amityville Horror, Roofman, The Substance, The Naked Gun 2025)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.com