Into the Aether - A Low Key Video Game Podcast - Podcast Rankings and reviews

In-depth discussions about old and new favorites, deep dives into retro game platforms that go far beyond the swath of “10 best [PSP/Dreamcast/etc] games” lists you find on the internet, and a delightful chemistry between the co-hosts…and a bop of a theme song! What more can you ask for?

Plus, no other podcast has a 15 hour-long episode that I listened to not just once but TWICE because it’s that good

The same way that certain video game comes into so many of our lives at the exact moment we need it most, I have found this podcast at a crucial time for my mental health. The hosts are incredibly optimistic and introduced me to Florence and other masterpieces that continue to prove that you don’t need a triple A budget to make a gorgeous art piece. As a full-time parent, a full-time worker, and a full-time student, the video games I adore continue to be out of my reach. Being able to have something tangible that allows me to not only stay knowledgeable in what I can look forward to with any ounce of free-time I can find, but creates the coziest environment while doing so—unlike most game related podcasts. Thank you for being the Celeste to my 2018 Stephen.

Found this podcast through a mention a on MinnMax! This podcast is perfect if you want light commentary on all variety of video games that balances fun and insightful opinions. As an adult in my early 30’s I find this podcast relatable as a lot of the references made have lined up with my own video game experience. Sometimes some podcast hosts are of a certain generation and I don’t get pop culture references but this one hits just right especially when it comes to games.

I’m so happy I found this podcast. Been listening to Stephen and Brendon since the summer but I have already managed to work my way through to their 2023 catalogue of episodes. I love their humorous and thoughtful analysis on games and the industry. Excited to figure out patreon to explore more of their backlog of content.

I’ve listened to over 50 episodes, so I obviously enjoy something about this show. But it needs to be acknowledged this is largely a midlife crisis podcast dominated by a man who is often incredibly childish. Not in the endearing way. Stephen leans on his experiences from middle school and high school in every single episode. His humor is steeped in references most men (yes, whether they want to admit it or not, this is a “boys” podcast) in their 30s will find faintly familiar but won’t quite remember because they’ve moved on decades ago. Brendan isn’t much better. Unfortunately this also means their thematic analysis is often hyperbolic at best or superficial at worst. You’d think sometimes they were discussing Brothers Karamazov and then you visit the game in question and find, well, yep, it’s just a video game. There’s some unresolved trauma going on here, so I have no ill will toward either of them. I just wish they would grow up a bit, as it’d only enrich their analysis. This is one of the few video game podcasts that at least attempts to explore the medium’s thematic territory. At least AJ is genuinely funny.

Been listening since the Chrono Trigger bonus episode. Unfortunately, Brendon and Stephen have gone the route of including politics far too often in their discussions. In their earlier episodes you could really feel their passion and dedication, but now, especially since signing to a network, they have become your typical cookie-cutter gaming podcast. Overly loud and obnoxious, high school jokes, and not taking feedback seriously.