Call Me By Your Game

Episode 29 – Spyro the Dragon with Erin Byrne Siskind

This week we are joined by a person who is a geyser of support, waterfall of joy, and hilarious improviser Erin Byrne Siskind to talk about one of the best 3D platformers of its time, Spyro the Dragon on the Sony PlayStation.
On this episode Conner and Erin discuss how as someone who didn’t regularly play games she developed her own methodical way to go about clearing levels in the game, how it captured her over a particular Christmas break from school, and talk about the eclectic career of Spyro’s first voice actor Carlos Alazraqui and the other iconic roles that he voiced. Without spoiling any of them we’ll just say, Yo quiero Spyro the Dragon.
Website: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Erin Byrne Siskind – @esbyrne (Twitter), Justice LA Now Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show, @ocarinaofcrime (Insta) @scaremyschmidt (Twit)

Episode 28 – XCOM: Enemy Unknown with Cody Ziglar

TV Writer, podcast phenom, and Twitter Juggernaut Cody Ziglar came on the show to talk about a number of things including the 2012 turn based tactical strategy game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown.
On this episode Zig discusses how he enjoyed customizing his XCOM teams and give them backstories, tells of the time when the game was a respite while working his first job in LA, and how the game allows the player the space to try different strategies throughout it.
Nintendo to stop using prison labor petition.Discover who your officials are, their voting and stance history, and how to communicate with them. For Los Angeles – Who Represents Me?End qualified immunity to hold police accountable. Bill proposed by congress.The Okra Project – helps bring Black Trans people healthy, nutritious, and culturally specific meals, especially those experiencing food insecurityWebsite: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Zig – @yayforzig (Instagram/Twitter), The Dark Weeb Podcast, ChristopherOdd (XCOM YouTube)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show, @ocarinaofcrime (Insta) @scaremyschmidt (Twit)

Episode 27 – Final Fantasy VIII with David Donnella

Improviser, writer, and the computeriest hunk ever David Donnella came on the show to discuss one of the more creative and weird games of all time, Final Fantasy VIII, and the former Philly improv king himself did not disappoint.
David tells Conner how he actually got this game by mistake when he was hoping for FFVII, how he shared the journey of this game with his sister Sarah, and gives a professor quality lesson of the junction system. The two dive into that and so much more on this great hang of an episode.
We’re continuing to encourage our listeners to take action for the Black Lives Matter movement, so below are the actions and resources for the week.
Write your own emails, and make your own calls.Links: Fight for Breonna – Justice for ElijahOrganize your resources and make time to review themSave posts to a collection on Instagram. Make a google doc. Carve out time to address your resources.Nintendo cannot say whether or not their policy to avoid the use prison labor is effective. PetitionLearn about and call for the defunding of policeDefund12.org – contact your city council members, research your cities budget, and call for the defunding of the policeThe Okra Project – helps bring Black Trans people healthy, nutritious, and culturally specific meals, especially those experiencing food insecurityWebsite: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)David Donnella – @davidlasoul (Instagram/Twitter)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show, @ocarinaofcrime (Insta) @scaremyschmidt (Twit)

Episode 26 – The Sims with Lizz Adams

To quote this episode’s guest, “The Sims walked so that Animal Crossing could run.” We welcome Los Angeles Actor, improvisor, and mother to our future king Mr. Potato Pup, Lizz Adams to the show to talk about the influential sandbox style life simulation franchise, The Sims.
On this episode Lizz tells Conner all about the online community of her and other “Sim-ers”, teaches how in The Sims 4 babies technically aren’t people, and talks about why she continues to return to the franchise at each and every new entry or expansion.
5 action items and resources for the week to support the Black Lives Matter movement.The End of Policing by Alex VitaleOrganizing: find your local BLM ChapterThe People’s Budget LA – led by BLMNintendo must stop using prison labor – petitionThe Okra Project – helps bring Black Trans people healthy, nutritious, and culturally specific meals, especially those experiencing food insecurityWebsite: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Lizz Adams – @lizzparty (Instagram) @lizz (Twitter)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show, @ocarinaofcrime (Insta) @scaremyschmidt (Twit)

Episode 25 – The Lost Vikings with Fernanda Perez

LA based writer, improviser, and wonderful person Fernanda Perez joined us to talk about her experience with The Lost Vikings (1993). At the top of the episode Conner addresses the audience with a statement and some information about supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement. Conner and Fernanda discuss the importance of speaking out even if they do not represent Black voices. Fernanda was a delight and while we’re happy to escape for a brief moment to talk about video games, we understand that is a luxury and privilege to do so. Join us in supporting BLM. Below are just a few helpful resources that we recommend to help educate ourselves.
List of Informational Podcasts1619, The Nod, Code Switch, Still Processing, Higher LearningList of Helpful ResourcesBlack Lives Matter Global, Black Lives Matter LA, Movement for Black Lives, Showing Up for Racial Justice, “The End of Policing” Free Book DownloadList of Black made Video Game Developers collected by Screen RantList of Black History DocumentariesI am Not Your Negro, 13th, LA 92, The Black Power Mixtape: 1962-1975, The Black Panthers, Vanguard of the Revolution, Happy Birthday, Marsha!A Message From the Kings – Culture Kings
Website: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Fernanda Perez – @gummybananas (Instagram)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show, @ocarinaofcrime (Insta) @scaremyschmidt (Twit)

Episode 24 – Myst with Courtney Vineys

If you have ever clicked through a slideshow and thought, “This is how video games should be” then this episode is for you! Voice actor, improviser, and video game advocate Courtney Vineys joined us to talk about the legendary CD-Rom game Myst (1993).
On this episode we discuss fighting with siblings for time on the family computer, the novelty of the videos in the game, and how the world kept drawing Courtney back when she wasn’t playing it. This epsidoe is so great that you’re gonna want to point and click your way through this it multiple times! …Is that how a podcast works?
Website: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Courtney Vineys – twitch.tv/courtenberryConner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show, @ocarinaofcrime (Insta) @scaremyschmidt (Twit)

Episode 23 – The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time with July Diaz

You’re gonna want to play the Song of Time and listen to this one again. The legitimate heir to the throne of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and host of the Inside Video Games Podcast July Diaz came on the show to talk about one of the greatest games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
On this episode we shout out a few local video game stores in Game Realms, World 8, and Game Dude. July recounts getting hooked on the game after watching his downstairs neighbor play it, discusses the problem of finally having the money for games as an adult but less time to play them, and how this game was able to act as a gateway to other genres.
Website: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)July Diaz – Inside Video Game, @julydiaz (twitter) @julyisthefuture (instagram)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit)Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show, @ocarinaofcrime (Insta) @scaremyschmidt (Twit)

Episode 22 – Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty with Jacquis Neal

On this episode we are joined by actor, improvisor, podcast host, and honorary 26th man of the Chicago Cubs, Jacquis Neal as we discuss one of the greatest games on the PlayStation 2, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001).
Conner and Jacquis make temporary peace between the Cardinal and Cub nations to introduce the obligatory baseball talk segment of the podcast, discuss games that are intriguing enough that you’ll just sit and watch a friend play, and Jacquis appreciates how this game benefits from telling such an engaging story in an earned and grounded reality.
Website: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Jacquis Neal – @jaquisneal (Twitter/Instagram) Podcasts: Culture Kings, The DeliberationConner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit)Jeremy Schmidt – @ocarinaofcrime (Insta) @scaremyschmidt (Twit)

Episode 21 – Ducktales with Joan Ford

We’re diving into a mountain of coins for this one! That’s right, we’re doing our best Scrooge McDuck imitation as we talk Ducktales (1989) for the NES with comedic gem, Joan Ford.
This week Joan and Conner have more than a ball of fun. Joan recalls the stakes that came with choosing the lone game that she and her siblings would rent for the weekend and hoping it was a good choice, renting Ducktales at Video World enough times that her parents eventually caved and bought it, and how sometimes that finding a great property tie in game like Ducktales means wading through the turds first.
Website: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Joan Ford – @joanhaleyford (Twitter/Instagram) twitch.tv/joanhaleyfordConner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit)Jeremy Schmidt – @ocarinaofcrime (Insta) @scaremyschmidt (Twit)

Spring Gaming Memories

The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, and the kids are not having any of that mother nature crap because they’re inside making the best use of their time by playing video games.
On this special seasonal episode of the show, producer Jeremy Schmidt joins Conner as they reminisce about their favorite Spring gaming memories. This one is a grab bag of nostalgia as we talk about Super Smash Bros., the Animaniacs Game Pack, Halo, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Animal Crossing New Leaf, and Pokémon Soul Silver. Grab yourself a glass of lemonade, get on your good weather clothes, and pop in those earbuds because this episode brings you back to Mother Nature’s finest hour: Spring.
Website: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit)Jeremy Schmidt – @ocarinaofcrime (Insta) @scaremyschmidt (Twit)