Podcasts about Gaius

Gaming hosts Josh, Ryan, and Ace strap in for another Hijack a Host as Josh gets taken over for the highly anticipated Where Winds Meet! This time, Josh is in the driver's seat, pulling the crew into a sweeping open-world wuxia adventure packed with fluid combat, breathtaking landscapes, and enough swordplay to make your jaw drop. Is this stylish epic the next must-play in the action RPG space, or just another beautiful mirage in the modern gaming landscape? We break down everything from traversal and combat flow to narrative ambition and whether Where Winds Meet actually delivers on its massive promise. If you love video games that aim big and swing hard, this episode is absolutely for you. Plus, we talk about how this title fits into the broader gaming conversation and what it could mean for the future of historical fantasy in the genre. Don't miss this hijacked deep dive on the Video Gamers Podcast — one of those video games discussions you'll be quoting all week!   Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser, and Dettmarp   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S.   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/kKA7EMyM Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaius and Germanicus convene in winter Londinium to debate the American Emperor Trump's bold proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark, framing this ambition not as mere resource acquisition but as a demonstration of imperial authority in the manner of ancient conquerors. Germanicus argues that NATO's opposition to the scheme reveals deep fractures within the alliance, fractures the Emperor exploits through tariffs and economic coercion to enforce obedience among vassal states. The strategic calculus centers on the "GIUK gap"—the naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the United Kingdom—and the opening Arctic passages as polar ice recedes and Chineseambitions expand northward, circumstances they compare to World War II-era occupations designed to protect the Western Hemisphere from hostile powers. Germanicus posits that purchasing Greenland serves primarily as ritualistic display, for the Empire cannot presently risk actual war with major rivals like China or Russia, and must therefore project dominance through economic might and symbolic victories. The debaters conclude that while Denmark publicly resists, a face-saving "condominium arrangement" represents the most likely resolution, permitting the United States to maintain its status as dominant world power through the instruments of economic pressure and theatrical triumph rather than the spilling of legionary blood.1899 GREENLAND

Rebellion and Theater in MinnesotaThe dialogue turns to the rebellious American province of Minnesota, where local authorities and National Guard forces reportedly confront federal Department of Homeland Security agents over immigration enforcement in suburban streets. Gaius expresses alarm at combat-ready troops appearing in peaceful neighborhoods, while Germanicus identifies these confrontations as symptoms of potential civil war, drawing parallels to the radicalization that preceded the French and Spanish Civil Wars when ideological factions manufactured crises to justify violence. They dissect what Germanicus terms the "theater" of modern political conflict, wherein the Left imitates revolutionary Jacobins while the Right grows increasingly militant, both sides driving the nation toward artificial confrontation that serves partisan interests rather than public good. Germanicus notes the bitter irony of the Governor—referred to variously as Wallace or Waltz—who previously deployed what critics called "stormtroopers" during the plague years to enforce compliance, now mobilizing those same forces against the central government he once served. The debaters conclude that while much of this represents performative "authoritarian theater" designed for political consumption rather than genuine rebellion, such staged conflicts carry the grave risk of spiraling into authentic fratricidal violence and the catastrophic breakdown of imperial order that doomed previous republics.1902

Gaming hosts Josh, Ryan and Ace are throwing caution to the wind and unleashing their boldest predictions for what 2026 will bring. Which franchises soar, which ones stumble, and which surprises could redefine the video games of 2026 as we know them? From risky sequels to unexpected comebacks, we're calling our shots and daring the future to prove us wrong. We dig into industry trends, wild rumors, and the moves that could reshape the future of gaming, breaking down what feels inevitable and what sounds absolutely insane… until it happens. Whether you're here for the hot takes or the “I told you so” moments, this episode will deliver. Plus, we zoom out and look at how these predictions fit into the broader video games landscape and what it all means for players who live for pure gaming chaos. Strap in — this is one fearless episode of the Video Gamers Podcast you won't want to miss!     Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser, and Dettmarp   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S.   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/SKQvqrbT Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaming hosts Josh and Ryan are back with another can't miss episode. Join us as we chat the gaming trends that have gone extinct over the years. Things that were often the height of video gaming, but have gone the way of the dinosaurs and faded into video game nothingness. It's a little bit of nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun! It's another awesome video game filled episode from the Video Gamers Podcast! Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser, and Dettmarp   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S.   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/SKQvqrbT Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaming hosts Josh, Ryan and Ace are back with an Indie TWIG episode shining a spotlight on the most exciting under-the-radar releases you should have on your radar. This week we're talking Last Man Standing, Blind Descent, Duskfade, and more as we break down what makes each of these indie projects stand out. From bold mechanics to striking art styles, we dig into why these titles are catching attention and which ones might surprise players the most. If you're always hunting for fresh ideas and unique experiences in video games, this episode is packed with discoveries worth your time. Whether you're deep into video games already or just looking for something new to play, this gaming Indie TWIG is one you don't want to miss from the Video Gamers Podcast.   Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser, and Dettmarp   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S.   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/SKQvqrbT Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaming hosts Josh, Ryan, and Ace are back with TWIG (This Week in Gaming) to break down a wild week of news and nonsense. We dig into Code Violet launching to brutal reviews, unpack a bizarre story of a woman allegedly faking an esports career, and react to Steam Machine price leaks that have the internet buzzing. What do these headlines mean for the future of video games, consumer trust, and the industry at large? Plus, we hit even more rapid-fire stories shaking up the space, from surprise announcements to ongoing controversies, all while keeping an eye on how these moments shape the video games we play and talk about. It's a fast, opinionated TWIG episode packed with takes, laughs, and exactly the kind of gaming chaos you tune in for on the Video Gamers Podcast.   Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser, and Dettmarp   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S.   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/SKQvqrbT Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE CRISIS OF THE THIRD CENTURY AND AMERICAN PARALLELS Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 92 AD. Gaius and Germanicus explore Rome's "Crisis of the Third Century," where military coups and a fractured empire nearly caused total collapse. Germanicus draws parallels to the currently divided US elite and constitutional order, suggesting America might eventually require a "Tetrarchy"—a split management system—to survive its polarization. After debating historical alternatives like the US remaining a Britishdominion, they end with optimism. Citing Rome's miraculous recovery and the rise of Constantinople, they speculate America may eventually build a new, perhaps "space-based," fortress to ensure its longevity. NUMBER 31940

THE THEATER OF CHAOS IN PERSIA AND VENEZUELA Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 92 AD. From a wine bar in Londinium, Gaius and Germanicus analyze modern geopolitical tensions through a Roman lens. They discuss unrest in "Persia" (Iran) and Venezuela, noting that Roman armies traditionally fail in Persia. Germanicus argues the US administration employs a strategy of "Wagnerian" drama and "chaos"—similar to 19th-century British imperial meddling—to manage global transitions without direct war. They observe that while "theater" and subversive "wet work" are being used to shift US strategy away from Eurasia, these melodramas, particularly in Venezuela, lack a clear "Act Two" or resolution. NUMBER 11940

DOMESTIC MELODRAMA AND THE FOG OF RHETORIC Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 92 AD. Turning to domestic matters, the speakers discuss a controversy in Minnesota involving an ICE-related death, describing the situation as a "melodrama" obscured by a "fog of rhetoric." Germanicus contrasts this "theater" with the genuine violence of 19th-century labor strikes and the Spanish Civil War, warning that while current events are performative, the specialized training of opposing factions is dangerous. They conclude that these domestic battles follow a script of performative chaos similar to foreign policy, risking a slide into real insurrection if the "talk" ever crosses the threshold into actual violence. NUMBER 21953

Gaming hosts Josh, Ryan, and Ace are cracking open their ever-growing backlog and catching up on what they've actually been playing lately. From forgotten purchases to surprise obsessions, we talk about why our gaming libraries keep getting bigger while our free time shrinks, and which titles finally broke through the pile. We're sharing honest impressions, quick hits, and a few confessions about unfinished saves, burnout, and rediscovering why we love video games in the first place. Whether it's clearing classics, dabbling in new releases, or bouncing between genres, this episode is all about the joy and guilt of modern gaming. If your backlog is judging you from the home screen, you're not alone. Tune in for laughs, recommendations, and real talk about how we choose what to play next in today's video games landscape on the Video Gamers Podcast!   Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser, and Dettmarp   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S.   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/SKQvqrbT Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaming hosts Josh, Ryan, and Ace are diving deep into their all-time favorite levels and areas in video games. The unforgettable spots that define what makes gaming great. From haunting castles to neon-lit cityscapes, we're breaking down the zones that stuck with us long after the credits rolled. Which games nailed atmosphere, gameplay, and design all in one? And what makes a level truly iconic in the world of gaming? Whether you're a nostalgic fan or discovering these places for the first time, this episode is your map to some of the most legendary locations in video games. Buckle up for a nostalgia-packed ride on the Video Gamers Podcast Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser, and Dettmarp   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S.   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/SKQvqrbT Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaming hosts Josh, Ryan and Ace are locking in on the most exciting indie titles shaping 2026. From the surreal sci-fi mystery of MIO: Memories in Orbit to the brutal climbing survival of Cairn and the long-awaited chaos of Mewgenics, we're breaking down why these projects have the gaming community buzzing. We talk art direction, risky mechanics, and what makes these smaller teams stand out in a year packed with massive releases. If you love discovering bold ideas before they blow up, this episode is for you. We also explore how these standouts could influence the wider video games landscape and why indie creativity continues to push gaming forward. It's a passion-fueled deep dive into the most exciting video games you should already have on your radar from the Video Gamers Podcast.   Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser, and Dettmarp   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S.   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/SKQvqrbT Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaming hosts Josh, Ryan, and Ace are back for TWIG (This Week in Gaming), breaking down January's hottest releases and surprises. From potential breakout hits to early contenders, we dive into what's worth your time, what's overhyped, and how these launches shape the gaming landscape heading into the year. Are any of these titles instant classics, or just another flash in the pan? We check first impressions across multiple video games, while also touching on industry buzz that every fan should know. It's a fast-paced TWIG episode packed with opinions, debates, and must-know takes for anyone who loves games and can't stop talking about video games. Don't miss this essential start-of-the-year episode of the Video Gamers Podcast!   Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser, and Dettmarp   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S.   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/SKQvqrbT Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

VENEZUELA AS A POTENTIAL SINKHOLE AND THE END OF AMERICAN OMNIPOTENCE Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 91 AD. The speakers analyze a failed US"decapitation" strike in Venezuela intended to replace Maduro with Delcy Rodriguez, a move that resulted in confusion regarding the loyalty of Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino. They argue that the "omnipotence" the US displayed in Panama or during Desert Storm has vanished, leaving the empire unable to easily topple regimes. Venezuela is described as a potential "sinkhole" defined by complex terrain and heavily armed, "uncontrollable" guerrilla groups that would make intervention a "gigantic mess." The discussion concludes that the US is "hoist by its own petard," having relied on "military theater"—the illusion that waving a wand creates authority—which is now failing against a fractious reality. Unlike the 1990s, the US lacks the force capacity to manage such a conflict without facing an "impossible guerrilla war" that could destroy its remaining reputation. NUMBER 1 1954

TRUMP'S MORTALITY, EUROPEAN ALARM, AND THE BEAR TRAP Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 91 AD. Focusing on "Emperor" Trump, the speakers argue his recent threats against Venezuelan leadership display the "mortality" and "incoherence" of age, exacerbated by the office's "transmogrification" of the individual which detaches them from reality. This aggression alarms European allies, who view the extraction operation as "kidnapping" and a crime. The speakers warn that this behavior exposes the US to a "bear trap" set by Russia and China, who can inflict damage without direct escalation. Contrasting Putin's calculated "restraint" and "legalism" with Trump's "bull in a china shop" approach, they suggest the US is rapidly losing international authority. Consequently, the crisis may force a "quid pro quo," where the US might have to trade influence in Ukraine to resolve the situation in the Western Hemisphere, effectively accepting a bargain to escape the "brier patch." NUMBER 2 1953

CONSTANTINOPLE AS HELM'S DEEP AND THE LATIN-GREEK SCHISM Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 91 AD. The final segment eulogizes Constantinople as a "perfect," intentionally designed city that served as "Helm's Deep" for Western civilization, preserving law, credit, and military organization when the rest of the West was atomized. The speakers detail the tragic sack of the city in 1204 by Latin Crusaders, describing it as a betrayal driven by the enduring envy and "bipolar tension" between the Latin West and the Greek East. This event stripped the city of its "divine" status and gold, ending its role as a sanctuary. They conclude by linking this ancient schism to the modern world, positing that the current geopolitical conflict between the US (the inheritor of the Latin West) and Russia (centered in Moscow, the successor to the Greek East) is a continuation of this unresolved cultural and religious struggle. NUMBER 3 1954

Gaming hosts Josh, Ryan, and Ace are back with a bold video games draft episode, battling it out to select the most anticipated releases of 2026. From long-awaited sequels to risky new IP, the guys argue value, hype, and draft strategy as they build the ultimate lineup of must-play video games for the year ahead. This episode dives into predictions, studio expectations, and which picks could define the future of the industry. If you love friendly competition, hot takes, and deep dives into what's coming next, this is a can't-miss discussion for fans who live and breathe gaming. Set aside your backlog and tune in as the crew debates, steals picks, and pay far too much for GTA VI (again…) only on the Video Gamers Podcast, where gaming never stops.   Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser, and Dettmarp   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S.   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/dXdp8MJR Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When John wrote to Gaius, he wrote of that which is true. Gaius walked in the truth – he helped other Christian teachers continue to promote the truth – he lived as an example of how every Christian can walk in truth. The Christian gospel is true…and we can/should base our lives upon it! Apple: […]

John pastors Gaius to avoid bad leadership and follow after the humble. All In Gospel Podcast is a chapter by chapter, verse by verse, in depth bible study where we seek to understand God's Word.All In Gospel is recorded live at Calvary Chapel with Pastor Seann Dikkers. You can support this study at anchor.fm/allingospel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ccwhitebear.com.

Gaming hosts Josh and Ryan are back with another incredible video game filled episode. What ever happened to that gaming franchise? Remember Turok, or Splinter Cell? We dive into the video games and franchises that have been lost to time, discuss what made them memorable, and just why they aren't around anymore. It's another awesome gaming filled episode from the Video Gamers Podcast! Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S. and Dettmarp   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠⁠ Join our Gaming Community: ⁠https://discord.gg/dXdp8MJR⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠⁠  Follow us on X:⁠⁠ https://X.com/VideoGamersPod⁠⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Video Gamers Podcast is back and video game hosts Paul, Josh and Ryan are bringing you a hilarious Bonus Round episode. It's a video game bar brawl, and we're drafting a team of 4 video game characters… but there's a twist! The other host picks the theme you have to stick to with your team. Then we duke it out until only one video game character is standing. Who reigns supreme? Find out in this awesome gaming episode! Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S. and Dettmarp   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠⁠ Join our Gaming Community: ⁠https://discord.gg/dXdp8MJR⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠⁠  Follow us on X:⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, OPEN BORDERS, AND ELITE DETACHMENT Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 91 AD. The discussion turns to domestic turmoil, using H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds as a metaphor for the modern refugee crisis and the rejection of border enforcement by Western elites. Gaius argues that the recent election results served as a mandate to halt undocumented migration, questioning the logic of those who vilify ICE while romanticizing open borders as if invaders were victims. Germanicusidentifies this opposition as stemming from the "Equites" or ruling class, who profess a "universalism" that views all people as identical labor units while hypocritically insulating themselves in gated communities. He describes this elite mindset as a "fictive reality" akin to Marie Antoinette's detachment, where actual consequences are ignored in favor of a self-destructive, anti-nationalist "religion." The speakers contrast this elite "bubble," characterized by cognitive dissonance regarding the sources of their own wealth, with the harsh reality of global migration. They conclude that the ruling class's refusal to acknowledge cultural borders threatens the nation's cohesion, comparing the situation to the Martians in Wells' novel overwhelming the established order. NUMBER 2 1906 WAR OF THE WORLDS

THEATER, BATTLESHIPS, AND THE ILLUSION OF AMERICAN POWER Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 91 AD. Gaius and Germanicus discuss the theatrical nature of American imperial power under Donald Trump, positing that the administration utilizes military displays—such as missile strikes on empty targets in Nigeria or Venezuela—as symbolic rituals to assert authority without risking the failure associated with actual combat. Germanicus argues that Trump possesses the insight that "theater is the best way to assert American authority," drawing a parallel to Reagan's "Star Wars" initiative, which defeated the Soviets through the illusion of technological superiority rather than its reality. They debate the strategic utility of battleships; while Trump envisions massive vessels for their psychological hold on the "collective imagination," Germanicus predicts the construction of guided missile cruisers that merely project that image of invincibility. The conversation shifts to the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, where Germanicus characterizes the Kyiv government as a "gangster racket" protracting the war for financial gain while Russia solidifies its military reputation. They conclude that the US is transitioning into a phase of empire relying on "demonstration and display" to maintain global dominance, warning that an actual military defeat could be a fatal blow to the system. NUMBER 1 1942 BB58 USS MARYLSND IN ACTION.

FERGUSON'S ANALYSIS, THE EMPEROR SYSTEM, AND AUGUSTAN AUTHORITY Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 91 AD. The speakers critique historian Niall Ferguson's recent characterization of Donald Trump as a composite of Andrew Jackson, William McKinley, P.T. Barnum, and Richard Nixon. Germanicus dismisses Ferguson's analysis as a cynical attempt to force a conventional republican narrative onto what is actually a systemic shift toward an "emperor system." He argues that the Americanpublic has embraced this imperial transition due to the "ruin" and dysfunction of the traditional republic caused by a corrupt elite. While Ferguson attempts to minimize Trump's significance by linking him to past politicians like the "salesman" Barnum or the "aristocratic" Jackson, Germanicus asserts that the "gold leaf" aesthetic of the Trump era correctly signals a return to Augustan authority. The conversation concludes by contrasting the necessary "dignitas" of future American emperors with the degradation of the office under Bill Clinton, whom Germanicus describes as ethically "worse than Tiberius" due to his association with the Epstein scandal. They finish by reflecting on the resilience of the Byzantine emperors, such as Basil II, who successfully maintained imperial continuity for centuries through strong leadership. NUMBER 3

THE PROSECUTION OF VERRES Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero takes on the corruption trial of Gaius Verres, the governor of Sicily who looted art and money from the province. Although Cicero usually defended clients to earn favors, he prosecuted Verres to align with political shifts demanding reform. Verres was backed by the Senateestablishment and Sulla's followers, making Cicero's move a bold attack by an outsider against a "crooked establishment" to cleanse the government. NUMBER 2 1464 YOUNG CICERO

Gaming hosts Josh, Ryan and Ace are putting on their grumpy gamer hats for this episode of the Video Gamers Podcast! From broken launches and overpriced DLC to endless live service updates and unfinished releases, the guys are venting about everything that drives them crazy in the gaming world. Is modern gaming losing its soul, or are we just becoming those “back in my day” gamers? We break down the biggest frustrations in video games today, what trends we wish would stop, and why some classics still do it better. If you ever rage-quit video games or rolled your eyes at yet another battle pass, this is one video game packed episode you don't want to miss from the Video Gamers Podcast!   Thanks to our MYTHIC supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps, NorwegianGreaser and Dettmarp. Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder and Bobby S. Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠⁠ Join our Gaming Community: ⁠⁠https://discord.com/invite/Dsx2rgEEbz⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠⁠  Follow us on X:⁠⁠ https://x.com/VideoGamersPod⁠⁠ Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Come prepared to give a brief contextual overview of each books - don't summarize each book, share any details we need to know about author, audience, and main themes. Then be ready to answer the following: 1. In 3 John, we see a contrast between Gaius, who shows hospitality to gospel workers, and Diotrephes, who refuses them. What does this teach us about the role of hospitality in advancing the mission of the church? 2. Jude urges believers to ‘contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints' (v. 3). What does it look like to contend for the faith without becoming quarrelsome or divisive? 3. Jude ends with one of the most powerful doxologies in the New Testament—God is able to keep us from stumbling. How does that promise encourage believers in the face of both personal weakness and external opposition? (Please make sure to include a personal example in at least one of the questions) D-Town Registration Hebrews 13:2; John 13:34-35; 1 Peter 3:15 Link Judges episode Link D-Town Registration You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

Gaming hosts Ryan and Ace are joined by indie dev Devin Santi to dive into Mr. Sleepy Man! This unique and charming game delivers a dreamlike adventure filled with surprises. We chat with Devin about the title's development, artistic vision, and what it takes to bring an indie video game to life. It's a video game packed episode that's a must-listen for indie gaming fans! All the gaming news you need, every week from the Video Gamers Podcast! Thanks to our MYTHIC supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps, NorwegianGreaser and Dettmarp. Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder and Bobby S. Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠⁠⁠ Join our Gaming Community: ⁠⁠⁠https://discord.com/invite/Dsx2rgEEbz⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠⁠⁠  Follow us on X:⁠⁠⁠ https://x.com/VideoGamersPod⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠⁠⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 2759 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2759– A Confident Life – Balancing Truth and Love – 3 John 1:1-15 Putnam Church Message – 11/16/2025 Sermon Series: 1, 2, & 3 John “Balancing Truth and Love"   Last week, we explored the letter of 2 John and Learned how to have “A Confident Life: Balancing Love and Truth.” This week, we will focus on the letter of 3 John, and as we explore the fine art of “Balancing Truth and Love” from 3 John 1:1-15 in the NIV, found on page 1907 of your Pew Bibles.   1 The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters,[a] even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth. 9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil / but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15 Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name. Opening Prayer Sometimes I hear Christians talk about returning to the simplicity, innocence, and purity of the early church. Before doctrinal decline. Before moral corruption. Before power-hungry leaders started wrangling over position. Before the sun set on the golden age of the apostles. The idea seems to be that the first generation of Christians could focus their attention on preaching the gospel without constantly dealing with problems in the...

THE ACTOR-EMPEROR AND THE SHIFT FROM DIGNITAS TO INTIMACY Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 91 AD. In this session, set against the backdrop of a cold winter in Londinium, Gaius and Germanicus explore the evolution of the imperial persona, drawing sharp parallels between the Roman Emperor Nero and modern American figures Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. Germanicus argues that the essential skill of the modern "emperor" is the capacity to create an intimate emotional connection with the populace, a transformation that began with Teddy Roosevelt's dramatic speeches but was fully realized by Franklin D. Roosevelt's "fireside chats." While Roman emperors like Augustus relied on dignitas, stoicism, and an aura of divinity, the American tradition demands that the leader embody the "passions and authenticity of the people." Donald Trump is identified as the culmination of this trend, possessing an "intense capacity to connect emotionally," which allows him to survive overwhelming opposition, unlike Clinton, whose "genius is fled" in his later years. NUMBER 1 1888

THE GILDED AGE, GROVER CLEVELAND, AND THE ASSERTION OF SOVEREIGNTY Colleagues Gaiusand Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 91 AD. The second segment pivots to a historical comparison involving Grover Cleveland, the only American president prior to Trump to serve non-consecutive terms, using his presidency to illustrate parallels between the "Gilded Age" and the 2020s. The primary focus is the Venezuelan Crisis of 1895, where Cleveland asserted that the United States was "practically sovereign on this continent" and its "fiat is law," forcing the British Empire to submit to American arbitration rather than fight. Germanicus draws a direct line to the present, noting that just as the 19th-century crisis was driven by gold mines near the Orinoco River, modern conflicts are driven by oil, while the US now contends with encroachments from China and Russia. The speakers suggest that the partisan press of the Gilded Age was even more vicious than today's media, and that the railroad bubbles of that era mirror current AI and tech bubbles. NUMBER 2 1885

THE REIGN OF THE EMPEROR AND THE PROBLEM OF SUCCESSION Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 91 AD. In the final segment, Gaius and Germanicus analyze the New York Times characterizing the Trump presidency as a "reign," a term Gaius embraces as historically accurate for the current state of the American executive. Germanicus argues that the American presidency has evolved into a system indistinguishable from the Roman imperial court, complete with "imperial mausoleums" (presidential libraries) and vast building programs intended to project power, similar to Hadrian rebuilding Athens or FDR building the Pentagon. The conversation turns to the 2028 election, with Germanicus comparing Joe Biden and potential successor Gavin Newsomto Roman emperors who inherited the throne, such as Titus or Commodus, viewing them as weak because their elevation was orchestrated by elites rather than won through personal struggle. In contrast, figures like Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Trump are described as possessing a "will to power" that imbues them with natural authority that "selected" leaders lack. NUMBER 3 1793 VIRGIL READING AENEID TO AUGUSTUS

Gaming Hosts Josh, Ryan and Ace are going head to head to draft the ULTIMATE Game Night. Two video games, two epic snacks and an iconic beverage are the criteria for us to craft the best night of gaming EVER. Who's team will reign supreme and which iconic video games and snacks would YOU pick? We answer it all in this awesome gaming packed episode! Thanks to our MYTHIC supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps, NorwegianGreaser and Dettmarp. Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder and Bobby S Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/videogamerspod Join our Gaming Community:⁠ https://discord.gg/Dsx2rgEEbz⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X: ⁠https://x.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠ Visit us on the web: ⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠  Follow us on Twitch: ⁠https://www.twitch.tv/videogamerspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW 12-18-25 THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT THE POTUS AT YEAR'S END... 1951 BALD EAGLE ALASKA CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that some members resist. While the US proposes using these funds for post-war rebuilding, current plans risk spending the capital on immediate warfare, potentially undermining international financial trust. NUMBER 1 NATO AND EU SEEK DEFENSE FUNDS AMID FEARS OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION Colleague Anatol Lieven. European nations like Finland are demanding funds to counter perceived Russian threats, despite a lack of historical aggression toward them. Lieven argues that plans to spend billions on tanks are misguided, as the Ukraine war demonstrates that expensive armor is easily destroyed by cheaper drones and defensive lines. NUMBER 2 CALIFORNIA JOB LOSSES AND CHINA'S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AMID RETAIL SEASON Colleague Chris Riegel. California's new wage mandates have triggered significant job losses in the fast-food sector, forcing operators to move to lower-tax states. Internationally, while China boasts of leads in AI and EVs, these sectors rely on unsustainable subsidies, masking a deep consumer recession and deflation in the property market. NUMBER 3 SPAIN'S GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS TIES WITH VENEZUELA DESPITE OPPOSITION Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady. The Spanish government under Pedro Sanchez maintains ideological and economic alliances with the Maduro regime, prioritizing political agendas over democratic ideals. Opposition figure Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo accuses former Prime Minister Zapatero of acting as an international agent for Maduro, facilitating the dictatorship's survival despite mass migration. NUMBER 4 CHINA'S SURREPTITIOUS SUPPORT KEEPS THE MADURO REGIME AFLOAT Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. China sustains the Maduro regime through loans, surveillance technology, and military equipment while bypassing sanctions to import Venezuelan oil. The state oil company, PDVSA, collapsed due to the purging of technical experts and lack of investment, forcing Venezuela to rely on Iranian engineers to maintain minimal production. NUMBER 5 VENEZUELA'S TRAGIC DECLINE FROM PROSPERITY TO AUTHORITARIANISM Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. Historical imagery reveals Venezuela's transformation from a prosperous, modern nation in the 1950s to a ruined state today. Deep inequality and corruption in the pre-Chavez era alienated the poor, allowing Hugo Chavez to capitalize on their frustration and dismantle the free market system, leading to the current crisis. NUMBER 6 ELECTIONS IN CHILE, PERU, AND HONDURAS SIGNAL REGIONAL SHIFTS Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. In Chile, José Antonio Kast's rise reflects a rejection of progressive policies and crime, favoring order and investment. Meanwhile, Peru faces political fragmentation and violence, Honduras struggles with electoral disputes, and Costa Rica appears poised to elect a pro-US candidate who aims to limit Chinese influence. NUMBER 7 ARGENTINA'S CREDIT RATING RISES AS BRAZIL FACES POLITICAL POLARIZATION Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. S&P upgraded Argentina's credit rating following Javier Milei's austerity measures, which have stabilized the currency and reduced inflation despite social costs. In Brazil, the reduction of Jair Bolsonaro's prison sentence and his son Flavio's candidacy signal a continued, polarized struggle against Lula da Silva's agenda for the 2026 election. NUMBER 8 ROMAN KINGSHIP: FROM CITIZEN SELECTION TO THE IDEAL OF SERVICE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Early Roman kings were selected by citizens based on merit rather than heredity, but figures like Servius Tullius began bypassing this consent. Conversely, Cincinnatus exemplifies the Roman ideal of service; he accepted absolute dictatorial power to save the state during a crisis, then immediately resigned to return to his farm. NUMBER 9 APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLITICAL GENIUS Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Appius Claudius Caecus transformed the Roman censorship office into a power base by building the Appian Way and appointing wealthy Italians to the Senate. As a blind elder statesman, he shamed the Senate into rejecting peace with Pyrrhus, insisting Rome must fight to maintain its dominance and ancestral legacy. NUMBER 10 ROME VS. CARTHAGE: DESTINY, TRAGEDY, AND THE CONSENSUS FOR WAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The conflict between Rome and Carthage is symbolized by the tragedy of Dido, representing the incompatibility of their powers. Despite Hannibal's devastating victories, the Roman Republic prevailed through a political system that prioritized consensus and collective sacrifice, allowing them to endure immense losses without surrendering. NUMBER 11 THE GRACCHI BROTHERS AND THE RISE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ROME Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The Gracchi brothers introduced political violence to Rome, with Tiberius using populism to revive his career and Gaius acting as a true believer in reform. Their assassinations by the Senate marked a departure from peaceful republican norms, as the elite used violence to protect entrenched economic inequality. NUMBER 12 DISCOVERY OF GIANT RADIO GALAXIES AND SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Astronomers have discovered 53 giant radio galaxies, some 75 times larger than the Milky Way, powered by active supermassive black holes emitting radio jets. These ancient objects offer insights into galactic evolution, contrasting sharply with the Milky Way's smaller, dormant black hole that allows life to exist safely. NUMBER 13 INVESTING IN HUMAN INTELLECT OVER ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Given an unlimited budget, Dr. Pal would prioritize human resource development over new telescopes, proposing a space study institute in Africa to train experts. He argues that while AI is a useful tool, education is essential for humans to interpret data and appreciate the machinery rather than being replaced by it. NUMBER 14 EUROPE SCROUNGES FOR FUNDS AMID RUSSIAN ASSET DISPUTES Colleague Michael Bernstam. The UK threatens to seize proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC for Ukraine aid, while the EU struggles to finance a $135 billion shortfall for Kyiv. European leaders propose leveraging frozen Russian assets for loans, but financial markets remain skeptical of the EU's ability to guarantee such debt. NUMBER 15 CONGRESSIONAL SPENDING AND THE REVERSE MIDAS TOUCH Colleagues Dave Hebert and Peter Earle. Hebert and Earle argue that Congressional spending exacerbates problems in education and healthcare by subsidizing demand while restricting supply through regulations. They contend politicians prefer "showy" supply-side interventions, like drug busts, over effective policies because the politics of appearing effective outweigh the economics of actual affordability. NUMBER 16

THE GRACCHI BROTHERS AND THE RISE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ROME Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The Gracchi brothers introduced political violence to Rome, with Tiberius using populism to revive his career and Gaius acting as a true believer in reform. Their assassinations by the Senate marked a departure from peaceful republican norms, as the elite used violence to protect entrenched economic inequality. NUMBER 12 SULLA COING 81? BCE

Gaming Hosts Ryan and Josh are back again with another fantastic gaming filled episode. In this episode, we take a look at our extensive backlog of games and make some interesting video game discoveries. We talk the games we're most excited to try, which ones are must plays, and realize we might just have some hidden gems waiting for us. It's video game chat with your friends, from the best gaming podcast around! Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S. and Dettmarp Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠⁠ Join our Gaming Community: ⁠ https://discord.gg/FQyaKQwfyP Visit us on the web:⁠⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tis' the season! Gaming hosts Josh and Ryan are back and we're celebrating the holiday season by giving gifts to some of the most iconic video game characters. The goal is to give the best gift for that character and we're competing to see who's got the chops to be the best. Join us for a hilarious and fun gaming filled episode from the best gaming podcast on the planet! Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S. and Dettmarp   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠⁠ Join our Gaming Community: ⁠https://discord.gg/dXdp8MJR⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠⁠  Follow us on X:⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

War-War: NATO Provocations and American Detachment from Europe — Gaius & Germanicus — Gaius reports on escalating aggressive rhetoric from NATO and fortification initiatives throughout the Baltic region, questioning whether these military deployments constitute "false flag" provocations deliberately designed to entrap the United Statesin direct warfare with Russia. Germanicus contends that European elites are systematically manufacturing an external Russian crisis to maintain institutional power and governmental legitimacy against ascending populist movements and deep-seated fear of abandonment by the new American "Emperor." Germanicus draws a historical parallel to the permanent schism of the Roman Empire in 395 AD, characterizing the United States as the prosperous, militarily secure Eastern Empire (Byzantine Constantinople) and contemporary Europe as the economically weak, militarily collapsing Western Empire facing irreversible institutional decay. Germanicus argues that just as Constantinople eventually ceased attempting to save the disintegrating Western Empire from Vandal invasions and territorial collapse, the United States is strategically detaching from European geopolitical failures, recognizing that continued military commitment represents strategic wastage of American resources without corresponding security benefit. Germanicus emphasizes that European strategic incompetence and political cowardice render European salvation impossible through Americanmilitary intervention, making strategic withdrawal the rational American policy response. 1944 GOLD BEACH H-HOUR

Migration: Assimilation Crisis and the Collapse of Western Civilization — Gaius & Germanicus — Gaius and Germanicus analyze the destabilizing strain generated by mass migration flows from the economically depressed Global South to the wealthy industrialized North, documenting escalating violence in Australia, social unrest throughout Europe, and institutional strain within the United States. Gaius highlights the new American "Emperor Trump's" political mandate to enforce border security and immigration restrictions, contrasting this with the "woke elite's" previous advocacy for polyglot multicultural societies without national identity boundaries or assimilationist expectations. Germanicus argues that successful historical migration requires genuine desire for cultural assimilation into host societies, citing the Roman-era Franks and Visigoths who adopted Roman culture, language, and institutional frameworks, thereby integrating into Roman civilization. Germanicus contrasts these assimilationist populations with groups like the Vandals and contemporary observant Sunni Muslim communities, who systematically resist cultural integration and instead establish cohesive, ethnically and religiously homogeneous societies paralleling their original homelands. Germanicus warns that Europe is reaching a "boiling point" due to systemic resistance to assimilation, surging crime rates, and political backlash against uncontrolled immigration, comparing this civilizational instability to the circumstances precipitating the destruction of the Western Roman Empire by non-assimilating tribal invasions that progressively fragmented Roman institutional coherence and territorial control. 1775 BOUDICA RALLIES

Ceremony: The Emperor as Collective Focal Point and Sacred Kingship — Gaius & Germanicus — In the "freezing darkness of Londinium," Gaius and Germanicus reflect philosophically on the spectacle of the new American"Emperor" (Donald Trump) attending the Army-Navy football game, with Gaius describing the theatrical pageantry of Trump's entrance flanked by enormous military officers and the overwhelming orchestrated cheers from assembled military cadets. Gaius argues that for a transcendent moment, the United States embodied the full confidence, unified purpose, and absolute power characteristic of the Roman Empire at its zenith. Germanicus analyzes this ceremonial moment through historical lens, positing that the Emperor functions as a "collective focal point" for national identity and institutional legitimacy, embodying "sacred kingship" roles that unify the entire nation in ways that republican governance structures fundamentally cannot achieve. Germanicus compares this modern ceremonial spectacle to Roman imperial tradition wherein the Emperor's physical presence at the Coliseum or the Hippodrome served vital ritualistic functions transcending mere entertainment, instead melding the Emperor, the Senate, and the populace into a singular apotheosis of unified national identity and sacred authority. Germanicus suggests that this ceremonial gathering simultaneously demonstrated American military strength while affirming the psychological necessity of embodied leadership and collective ritual in maintaining national cohesion and ideological purpose.

Gaming hosts Josh, Ryan and Ace are back for our biggest episode of the year: the Video Gamers Podcast GAME AWARDS! This is where we celebrate the highs, call out the surprises, and argue over the moments that defined gaming in 2025. From Best Indie to Biggest Disappointment, we break down the nominees, the winners, and the debates that got heated behind the scenes. Which video games truly earned their praise, and which ones rode hype a little too far? We look at the trends that shaped the year, the studios that overdelivered, and the releases that had everyone talking across the gaming community. Whether you agree with our picks or not, this awards show is all about passion for video games and what made this year unforgettable for fans everywhere.   Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S. and Dettmarp   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/dXdp8MJR Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaming Hosts Ryan, Ace and Josh are back in court to argue another hot topic in gaming! Which are more important to the video game world - Indie games or AAA titles? On this episode of Game Court, Ace and Ryan go head to head to stand up for their cause and argue their cases to see which video game developers and games are most important. It's a fun, zany video game packed episode from your favorite gaming podcast! Thanks to our MYTHIC supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius and Phelps Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro and Patrick Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/videogamerspod Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/Dsx2rgEEbz Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/ Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1 Visit us on the web: https://videogamerspod.com/ Follow us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/videogamerspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaming hosts Josh and Ace are kicking back this week as Ryan gets officially hijacked and thrown headfirst into the wacky, dimension-hopping madness of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake! In this special Hijack a Host episode, we're breaking down whether this bizarre, bubbly platformer is secretly one of the most joyful surprises in video games or just another trip to Bikini Bottom chaos. From jellyfishing mayhem to wild alternate universes, we cover everything this game gets right, everything it absolutely does not, and why its Saturday-morning-cartoon energy might be exactly what the gaming world needs right now. If you love video games that go all-in on style, color, and pure nonsense, you're in the right place. Plus, we talk about where The Cosmic Shake fits into today's gaming landscape—and whether Ryan survived the glittery nightmare intact. Another can't-miss episode of the Video Gamers Podcast!   Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S. and Dettmarp   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/vgp Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

he Caudine Forks and the Dangers of Half-Measures — Gaius & Germanicus — Germanicus and Gaius center their discussion on the instructive Roman historical lesson of the Caudine Forks: a victor must either completely annihilate the enemy or embrace them as genuine allies; choosing the treacherous middle path of ritual humiliation and subordination ensures future vengeance and perpetual instability. Germanicus applies this ancient strategic principle to contemporary geopolitics, arguing that the United States consistently fails this historical test by demanding submission—symbolized by forcing nations beneath the ritualistic "yoke"—without achieving total conquest that transforms hostile nations into obedient subordinate "bricks" within a durable imperial structure. Gaius and Germanicus cite the Treaty of Versailles and the post-Cold War treatment of Russia as prime historical examples where deliberate humiliation without comprehensive conquest bred lasting resentment rather than durable peace, establishing the foundation for subsequent conflicts and nationalist backlash. Germanicus characterizes this approach as reflecting American "narcissism," the desire for dominance without willingness to wage total war, thereby explaining systemic American failures in Iraq, Afghanistan, and contemporary tensions with Iran. Germanicus and Gaius warn against applying this "halfway yoke" framework to emerging challenges with Venezuela or Russia, instead counseling that it is strategically safer to permit regimes to decay internally through entropy rather than provoke nationalist backlash through external military or political pressure. Gaius concludes by characterizing current European leaders as "aggressive dependents" psychologically clinging to the Ukraine conflict to artificially preserve their own fragile domestic political authority and suppress internal dissent regarding failing governance.

The Courtiers' Pivot and the Failing Imperial Narrative — Gaius & Germanicus — Gaius and Germanicus, in their metaphorical 91 AD Londinium dialogue, critique the Western foreign policy establishment, dismissively labeled "courtiers," regarding their systematic narrative repositioning on the Ukraine war as military circumstances deteriorate catastrophically. Germanicus argues that these elite advisors prioritize preservation of institutional status and access to executive power over accountability and honest assessment; as the military situation turns decisively against Ukraine, these courtiers seamlessly pivot from predicting Ukrainian victory to blaming European allies for failing to "step up" with additional military commitment. Germanicus draws historical parallels to the fall of the Soviet Union, noting that elites systematically rewrite their past positions retrospectively to claim they foresaw inevitable geopolitical collapses, a psychological mechanism enabling survival without disgrace or professional consequences. Gaius and Germanicuscontrast successful empires possessing unified narratives aligned with coherent strategy against the current Americanapproach, characterized as "predatory opportunism" driven by electoral manipulation requirements. Germanicuscontends that strategic failures in Ukraine—where population and material resources mathematically determine victory—expose the U.S. as a "weak and venal empire" relying upon a "pastiche" of propagandistic lies rather than the solid convergence of vision that characterized American dominance during World War II. 1918 UKRAINE

The Three Archetypes of American Global Strategy — Gaius & Germanicus — Gaius and Germanicus analyze the prospective American National Security Strategy for 2025–2026, framing it as a deliberate return to the "Trump corollary" of the Monroe Doctrine emphasizing hemispheric supremacy and regional sphere-of-influence arrangements. Germanicus categorizes American foreign policy history into three religious-like ideological visions: Washington'sisolationist "beacon on the hill," the Monroe-Adams "realm of liberty" (defensive empire protecting American interests), and the Jacksonian "Prometheus unbound" (universalist ideological expansion spreading democratic values). Germanicus argues the incoming administration systematically rejects the "Wilson to Biden" lineage of global interventionism and messianic crusading in favor of Theodore Roosevelt-style "flexible realism" emphasizing power, national interest, and transactional diplomacy. Gaius details this shifted strategy as consolidating American dominance in the Western Hemisphere and Pacific region while according Russia respect and a recognized sphere of influence in Eurasia, explicitly rejecting Cold War confrontationalism. Gaius documents that Kremlin leadership has explicitly welcomed this "flexible realism," viewing it as a geopolitical departure from perpetual adversarial Cold War mindset. Germanicus contrasts this transactional approach with the "Manichaean" moral crusades characterizing recent American foreign policy, suggesting the American public now explicitly favors strategy avoiding military entanglement while prioritizing domestic prosperity and economic reconstruction, mirroring isolationist sentiments following World War I. 1911 USS MAINE IN HAVANA HARBOR

2/3. The Civic Communion Debate — Gaius observes that despite ceremonial declarations of national strength, the United States remains profoundly fragmented domestically. Germanicus presents French philosophical recommendations for "Civic Communion," emphasizing shared, major institutions—Religion, Military, Education, Healthcare—where citizens belong to each other transcending immutable background characteristics. Germanicushighlights that the US prioritizes enshrining individual rights and liberty but neglects fraternity, the concept providing implicit kinship and reciprocal obligation among citizens. Gaius articulates French exceptionalism, which embraces those joining the French civilizational sphere; the French concept of laïcité requires that kinship to France supersede sectarian and identitarian attachments. Germanicus emphasizes that the US has failed to cultivate the idea of constituting a "people" and lacks emotional bonds necessary for sustained national unity. Gaius notes this fragmentation was temporarily healed during the World Wars but is now fully developed, resembling divisions of the 1840s-1850s. Germanicus describes contemporary American society as characterized by "bile and rancor," where citizens are rewarded for denouncing American institutions, rendering reestablishment of "imagined kinship" extraordinarily difficult and requiring fundamental reconceptualization of national identity and shared purpose. 1908 FRENCH GRAND PRIX

1/3. The Peace Debate — In a Londinium wine bar during a storm in 91 AD, Gaius and Germanicus philosophize about service and contemporary geopolitics, centering on the modern concept of "peace," particularly regarding Ukrainedespite ongoing conflicts in Venezuela and Hezbollah rearmament. Germanicus asserts that "peace" functions as a euphemism for defeat, deployed by the side facing inevitable submission to avoid public humiliation. Germanicus argues that Russia's protracted attrition strategy is culminating, evidenced by recent media reports of meteoric desertions and massive irrecoverable casualties exceeding 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers monthly, suggesting Ukraine approaches structural collapse. Gaius emphasizes that Europe lacks deployable military capacity and sustained fighting capability, necessitating a negotiated peace settlement to avoid the humiliation of military defeat. Germanicus notes that neoconservatives remain unusually silent, lacking control of the current administration, establishment Democraticinfluence, and weakened by collateral damage from Israel's Gaza campaign to their "endless war" doctrine. Gaiuscontends that the United States' only viable leverage for Russia involves promises of economic investment, reestablishing European energy linkages, and modernizing resource extraction through joint ventures. Germanicusidentifies three conditions for a viable treaty: Ukrainian neutrality, Russian reintegration, and attractive arrangements regarding Donbass, coupled with Ukraine affirming non-discrimination toward Russian-speaking populations. 1968

3/3. The Regicide Debate — Gaius and Germanicus examine the history and implications of killing monarchs and emperors, particularly regarding modern political leadership. Germanicus uses the execution of Charles I in 1649following the English Civil War as the seminal regicide precedent; Charles I was executed publicly after refusing to defend himself in court. Gaius explains that regicide recurs throughout imperial history because the sacred monarch's authority embodies the totality of society itself; metaphorically, the monarch's body represents the body of all citizens collectively. Germanicus distinguishes between legitimate regicide—eliminating a king who betrayed his societal mission (like Caligula)—and capricious execution like Charles I's, Louis XVI's, or Nicholas II's, which constitutes ritual delegitimation. Gaius notes that Charles I's execution ultimately delegitimized the regicides themselves, causing the nation to reject them and resulting in Cromwell's short-lived Protectorship. Germanicus warns that contemporary opposition entertaining regicidal ideas against "Emperor Trump" appears unaware they are entering this long historical tradition of regicide, which invariably triggers general conflict among factions, since millions of faithful supporters embrace the emperor. Gaius emphasizes that while individual men may be killed, opposition attempting to slay the high office itself confronts an institution that is undying, all-powerful, and ultimately indestructible, creating structural conditions for catastrophic escalation and societal fragmentation reminiscent of cracked mirrors that cannot be adequately mended without the binding emotional adhesive of fraternity and shared national purpose. 1649