Niko Stratis and Alex Steed rewatch The O.C. and unpack the early Aughts along the way.
…
continue reading
Alex Steed Podcasts
Los Angeles Demystified is a podcast about alternative, esoteric and off the wall goings on—historic and contemporary—in Los Angeles.
…
continue reading
Who was your first pop culture crush? Siri Dahl interviews friends, entertainers, comedians, actors and other folks about town to find out.
…
continue reading
Talking with the folks who live, work, agitate and make art in Nashville, TN
…
continue reading
Film critic Kristen Lopez and author Emily Edwards honor and celebrate Old Hollywood, the films and stars that continue to shine brightly for audiences today. With special guests brought along for the ride, the duo hope to celebrate the movies they love, and bring a new generation into an appreciation for classic film.
…
continue reading
Uncle Big Tim Murphy hosts a weekly show about chicken sandwiches and tanks and movies and fighter jets and childhood trauma and more.
…
continue reading
Sit down at the table, and put your mind at ease. Each week, JV is joined by a guest and reads their Tarot Cards. With the help of their "The Wild Unknown" and "The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit" decks, they dive deep into a special 6 card reading, and of course, go on related tangents. So grab your wand, light a candle, and let's spill that Tea. XOXO Podcast art by Faye Constant.
…
continue reading
Amanda Smith believes that not every disaster movie is a disaster. Whether it’s an A-List actor trying to outrun a lava flow, or a C-List actor punching a mutant shark in the face, Amanda will find something to love - or to laugh about. Join her every Wednesday as she breaks down the highs and lows of a beloved (or under appreciated) entry in the disaster movie canon.
…
continue reading
Trying to scale your eCommerce business? We've been there! Sharehouse are a community of eCommerce professionals coming together to share knowledge with each other. Each episode we dive into eCommerce specific topics that apply to your business. We cover marketing, operations, finance, and more! Whether you're a founder or an operator, you'll level up your skills and scale your brand.
…
continue reading
Whether you're just starting out with an idea for a product, or you are years into your business and looking to take it to the next level, we are here to help you get to the next level. From marketing to operations and product design to management, we'll cover it all! We interview founders and operators of successful brands, giving you actionable, up-to-date information that you can quickly apply into your business. Now, let's powerup!
…
continue reading
The podcast where 3 intersectional feminists examine gaming and games through a feminist lens. New Episodes every Thursday. Alex, Jem and Matt believe gaming is good. Gaming is good for relaxation, for learning, for bringing people together and for your mental health. But like all media, there is both good and bad and we want to address how we make gaming a safe and healthy environment for women and minority groups (although lets not forget that people of colour are the global ethnic majorit ...
…
continue reading
📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast …
…
continue reading
1
"The Showdown" (S2E22) This is our Nedisode.
1:16:02
1:16:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:02In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Showdown, the 22nd episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Also! We're joined by Ned Brower of Rooney! Support the show on Patreon! And now on Apple Podcast Subscriptions! You can find the trailer for Los Angeles Demystified here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563359/episodes/18309419 You can find Niko St…
…
continue reading
1
Nicole Vaunt thirsted for Trent from Daria
55:22
55:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:22Nicole Vaunt is an art model and adult performer. Support Free Speech Coalition here. Siri Dahl is an adult film star, content creator, powerlifter and activist known for her authentic performances, inclusive content, and strong online presence.By Siri Dahl
…
continue reading
Hello and welcome! Happy Yule, everybody. Thanks for being here. What follows isn’t an official episode of Los Angeles Demystified. Thanks for being here by the way. This is a companion episode. Links and sources for all of the news stories mentioned in this episode can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/los-angeles-holy-146624154 When it…
…
continue reading
We all made it to the end of 2025! This podcast did a lot to keep me sane this year. Chatting with Emily about these movies has meant a lot, and the fact that many of you stuck around for our hiatus...I can't say what it means to us. As we prep for the new year we're doing an old standard: a top 5 on our favorite Christmas movies. We share the ones…
…
continue reading
1
Xmas special : Playing in the Dark: Light, Shadow, and Seasonal Gaming (Episode 257)
36:35
36:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:35As the year moves toward the winter solstice, this episode of Gaming the System explores how light and darkness function as both technical tools and emotional languages in games. Jem, Alex and Matt reflect on how lighting shapes atmosphere, tension and meaning, and how the darker months influence how we play. Games including Alan Wake 2, Little Nig…
…
continue reading
1
Ryan Keely's first thirst was named Martha
39:18
39:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:18Ryan Keely is a legendary adult film star, and she is one of the co-hosts of I Seduced the Dragon. Support Free Speech Coalition here. Siri Dahl is an adult film star, content creator, powerlifter and activist known for her authentic performances, inclusive content, and strong online presence.By Siri Dahl
…
continue reading
1
"The Return of the Nana" (S2E21) Kiki and Carter sitting in a tree...
1:13:26
1:13:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:26In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Return of the Nana, the 21st episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Support the show on Patreon! And now on Apple Podcast Subscriptions! You can find the trailer for Los Angeles Demystified here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563359/episodes/18309419 You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nik…
…
continue reading
1
Death in Games, Part 3: Grief, Memory, and Meaning (Episode 256)
41:25
41:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:25In the final part of our series on death in games, we shift from mechanics to meaning. We explore how modern games use grief, memory, and emotional pacing to create more honest depictions of loss than many linear stories can manage. From Spiritfarer and Edith Finch to Journey, Hellblade, and God of War, we look at how interactive storytelling allow…
…
continue reading
1
220: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
59:20
59:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:20The Christmas movie we'd planned to discuss last year finally gets its due as we're talking about the Rankin-Bass classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It's just us this week and you know what that means: expect the unexpected. We go down some paths with this episode, from talking about the LGBTQ community this has fostered, to its disability sto…
…
continue reading
1
"The OC Confidential" (S2E20) This is the Deathcab episode!
1:08:15
1:08:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:15In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The OC Confidential, the 20th episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Support the show on Patreon! And now on Apple Podcast Subscriptions! You can find the trailer for Los Angeles Demystified here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563359/episodes/18309419 You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikost…
…
continue reading
Los Angeles Demystified is a podcast about alternative, esoteric and off the wall goings on—historic and contemporary—in Los Angeles. Alex Steed is co-host of You Are Good: A Feelings Podcast About Movies and The OC, Again. He is the creator of Los Angeles Demystified. Music by Chaki Funk Wizard. Mastered by Carolyn Kendrick. Come to our launch eve…
…
continue reading
1
Death in Games Part 2 Learning to Die Better: How Games Shape Our View of Death (Episode 255)
30:20
30:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:20In this second episode of our three-part series on Death in Games, Jem, Alex, and Matt dig deeper into how death is portrayed across gaming, and what that means for how we understand grief, resilience, and the human condition. We explore whether repeated, low-stakes death in games desensitises players, or whether the real issue lies in hyperreal sh…
…
continue reading
1
"The Rager" (S2E19) Surfer Bros is the Trapper John, MD of the OC-iverse
1:19:28
1:19:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:19:28In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Rager, the 19th episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Support the show on Patreon! And now on Apple Podcast Subscriptions! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-ma…
…
continue reading
1
219. Gable & Lombard (1976 with Robert Matzen)
1:00:34
1:00:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:34An episode literally four years in the making! Maybe even five. Who knows how long Kristen has been promising this episode but the day has finally arrived! It was one of the most that ushered in the death knell for Old Hollywood biopics, and Carole Lombard biographer Robert Matzen joins Kristen and Emily to separate fact from fiction in Gable & Lom…
…
continue reading
1
Casey Calvert, Ify Nwadiwe and Mimi Landru join Siri live on stage
45:29
45:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:29From Siri's Live event back in April, recorded at the Elysian Theater. Join Siri for FIRST THIRST LIVE at Los Angeles' Elysian Theater on December 8th! She'll be joined by Little Puck, Hayden Johnson and Big Tim Murphy! Support Free Speech Coalition here. Siri Dahl is an adult film star, content creator, powerlifter and activist known for her authe…
…
continue reading
1
Death in Games Part 1 - Between Story and Respawn (Episode 254)
30:26
30:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:26In this episode, hosted by Jem, the GTS team explores how games use death as a storytelling tool, a gameplay mechanic, or a cheap shot. From emotional companion deaths to endless respawn loops, we dig into what death actually means in games, and why some deaths hit hard while others barely register. Death throws We discuss the difference between na…
…
continue reading
1
218. Coming Home (1978 with Lawrence Carter-Long) - Films of Resistance
1:08:51
1:08:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:51Viva la resistance! We're closing the book on our Films of Resistance series as well celebrating the release of Kristen's latest book, Popcorn Disabilities, by talking about a movie looking at disabled activism. The 1978 feature Coming Home attempted to tell an authentic story about the struggles disabled Vietnam War vets were experiencing. Along t…
…
continue reading
1
"The Risky Business" (S2E18) Why are all cartoon cats portrayed as scumbags?
1:25:06
1:25:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:25:06In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Risky Business, the 18th episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Support the show on Patreon! And now on Apple Podcast Subscriptions! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-roc…
…
continue reading
1
253 - Crunch Culture: MindsEye Disaster - Part 02
37:39
37:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:39Gaming Industry Crunch Culture: Deadlines, Management, and Misogyny In this episode of 'Gaming the System,' Alex, Gem, and Matt dive deep into the challenges of the gaming industry, addressing the pressure of deadlines, the impact of poor management, and the pervasive issue of toxic masculinity. The discussion also touches on larger systemic proble…
…
continue reading
1
217. Hair (1979 with Alex Steed) - Films of Resistance Series
57:35
57:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:35Viva la resistance! Over the next four episodes we'll be looking at how Old Hollywood talks about politics, independence and democracy and we're looking at the end of the 1970s with this counterculture musical. Hair shook up Broadway but how did it come off in the movies? Special guest Alex Steed joins Emily to discuss hippiedom and more. Be sure t…
…
continue reading
1
Inka Winter's first pop culture crushes are especially unique
51:05
51:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:05Inka Winter is a certified sex and relationship counselor, who specializes in healing trauma. She is also an award-winning, independent, feminist porn producer. Join Siri for FIRST THIRST LIVE at Los Angeles' Elysian Theater on December 8th! She'll be joined by Little Puck, Hayden Johnson and Big Tim Murphy! Support Free Speech Coalition here. Siri…
…
continue reading
1
"The Brothers Grim" (S2E17) Welcome to the OC, Trey!
1:19:25
1:19:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:19:25In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Brothers Grim, the 17th episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Support the show on Patreon! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/21762…
…
continue reading
1
"The Blaze of Glory" (S2E16) So long, Alex (Olivia Wilde)
1:21:06
1:21:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:06In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Blaze of Glory, the 16th episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Support the show on Patreon! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/2176…
…
continue reading
1
252 - Crunch Culture: MindsEye Disaster - Part 01
42:59
42:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:59Examining Crunch Culture in the Gaming Industry | Gaming the System Podcast In this episode of Gaming the System, hosts Alex, Gem, and Matt delve into the pervasive issue of crunch culture in the gaming industry, sparked by a recent controversy surrounding the game 'Mind's Eye' by Build a Rocket Boy studio. They explore the detrimental working cond…
…
continue reading
1
216. Dr. Strangelove (1964 with Jeff Ewing) - Films of Resistance Series
1:06:02
1:06:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:02Viva la resistance! Over the next four episodes we'll be looking at how Old Hollywood talks about politics, independence and democracy and we jump into the Cold War 1960s with this Stanley Kubrick satire. Dr. Strangelove is the de facto movie about the Cold War, though it's presented alongside a spate of movies specifically in 1964 looking at nucle…
…
continue reading
1
251 From Sparks to Steeds: AI Companions in Video Games
44:32
44:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:32Join us for part three of our artificial intelligence in gaming series as we explore the fascinating world of companion characters in video games. In this episode, we delve into various types of AI companions, including both human and animal characters, and discuss their roles, functions, and impact on gameplay. We share our earliest memories of AI…
…
continue reading
1
215. Born Yesterday (1950 with Nell Minow) - Films of Resistance Series
1:10:02
1:10:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:02Viva la resistance! Over the next four episodes we'll be looking at how Old Hollywood talks about politics, independence and democracy starting with this George Cukor comedy. Born Yesterday isn't a movie associated with any political group, but it celebrates the joys of being an informed person and our country's history of freedom. Plus, Judy Holli…
…
continue reading
1
"The Mallipsode" (S2E15) Julie Cooper is a homunculus of lifestyle ideas.
1:38:26
1:38:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:38:26In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Mallipsode, the 15th episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Support the show on Patreon! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/21762522…
…
continue reading
1
Autumn Orchid had feelings for bisexual kings Jaffar and Scar
49:28
49:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:28Autumn Orchid is an all around delight. Support Free Speech Coalition here. Siri Dahl is an adult film star, content creator, powerlifter and activist known for her authentic performances, inclusive content, and strong online presence.By Siri Dahl
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Script: Can AI Make NPCs Real? (Ep 250)
36:25
36:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:25In the second half of our AI in gaming discussion, we turn to the rise of intelligent NPCs – and what happens when they start to think for themselves. Could AI make game worlds richer and more believable, or would it destroy the structure and chaos we love? The team explore how realism can both enhance and break immersion, from the comedic unpredic…
…
continue reading
1
"The Rainy Day Women" (S2E14) We can't wait for the Travis Barker Hotdog Dick 5K!
1:20:34
1:20:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:20:34In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Rainy Day Women, the 14th episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Support the show on Patreon! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/217…
…
continue reading
1
249 AI in Gaming Part 1 – The Co-Pilot Conundrum
47:49
47:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:49In this first of two episodes exploring AI and gaming, Jem, Matt, and Alex discuss the arrival of AI co-pilots — new tools from Microsoft and Google designed to sit within your game and offer real-time hints, walkthroughs, and quest support. The team examine whether these helpers could make games more accessible and inclusive, or if they risk takin…
…
continue reading
1
214. A Bucket of Blood (1959 with Rodman Flender)
54:30
54:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:30The Halloween season comes to a close with director Rodman Flender talking to us about Roger Corman's A Bucket of Blood. Flender actually worked with Corman and lays out what he was like. We also talk the beatnik movement on-screen! Be sure to follow us via social media at @ticklish_biz on X and @ticklishbiz everywhere else. Also like and subscribe…
…
continue reading
1
The Father Knows Best (S2E13) The outercourse of it all
1:29:38
1:29:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:29:38In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Father Knows Best, the 13th episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Support the show on Patreon! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/2…
…
continue reading
1
Mimi Landru had feelings for Jordan Knight and was haunted by Bon Jovi
39:19
39:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:19Mimi Landru is a comedian and co-host of Match My Freak podcast. Support Free Speech Coalition here. Siri Dahl is an adult film star, content creator, powerlifter and activist known for her authentic performances, inclusive content, and strong online presence.By Siri Dahl
…
continue reading
In this episode, we explore a more positive topic by listing our top favorite gaming franchises of all time. Each of us shares three of our most beloved game series, highlighting what makes them special and impactful. We discuss the classic Spyro trilogy, the groundbreaking Call of Duty series, the iconic Resident Evil games, the exploratory Assass…
…
continue reading
1
The Lonely Hearts Club (S2E12) Did big Mad Libs pay for this episode?
1:30:12
1:30:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:30:12In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Lonely Hearts Club, the 12th episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Support the show on Patreon! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/…
…
continue reading
In this episode, we create a round-robin list of our top 9 most disappointing games. Each of us shares three games that failed to meet our expectations for various reasons, from clunky gameplay and poor expansions to soulless sequels and childhood heartbreaks. Join us as Gem, Matt, and Alex recount their frustrating experiences with games like 'The…
…
continue reading
1
213. Nosferatu (1922 with Charles Bramesco)
57:49
57:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:49We're kicking off spooky season with the OG vampire movie: 1922's Nosferatu. Author of Vampire Movies, Charles Bramesco, joins Kristen and Emily to break down the movie's unfortunate flaws, the benefits of stealing its source material, what the hell happened to F.W. Murnau's skull? You can buy Charles's book Colors of Film: The Story of Cinema in 5…
…
continue reading
1
The Second Chance (S2E11) In which we try to wish the Luis Guzmánaissance into existence
1:16:32
1:16:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:32By Alex Steed
…
continue reading
1
Breaking News: EA Bought Out — What Does It Mean for Gaming?
29:12
29:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:12By Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast
…
continue reading
1
Ariel Demure loves it when a guy is a little gay
38:00
38:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:00By Siri Dahl
…
continue reading
1
246 Gaming Together: The Potential of Board Game Cafés
30:36
30:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:36In this episode of Gaming the System, we continue our exploration of community gaming, focusing on the world of board game cafés. What makes these spaces so appealing, and what role can they play in bringing people together? Jem, Alex, and Matt share their personal experiences of cafés such as Dice Box and Wayfarers Rest and the Herefordshire Board…
…
continue reading
1
Alex Steed's first thirsts include Jem and other animated new-wavers
37:34
37:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:34Alex Steed is co-host of You Are Good: A Feelings Podcast about Movies and The OC, Again. He is the co-founder, with Siri, of Corn Telethon. Support Free Speech Coalition here. Siri Dahl is an adult film star, content creator, powerlifter and activist known for her authentic performances, inclusive content, and strong online presence. Join us for C…
…
continue reading
1
The Accomplice (S2E10) Jealous Jeffrey Jean Jorgan is in Jail
1:26:04
1:26:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:26:04In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Accomplice, the 10th episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Support the show on Patreon! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/21762522…
…
continue reading
In this episode, we dive into the joys and challenges of gaming in person. From the thrill of collaborative board games like Pandemic Legacy to the immersive world of Warhammer 40K and the rise of welcoming board game cafés, we explore how playing together face-to-face builds connections, sparks conversation, and helps us find community. What We Ta…
…
continue reading
1
The Ex-Factor (S2E9) "There's a little microphone on their butts."
1:43:38
1:43:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:43:38In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Ex-Factor, the 9th episode of the 2nd season of The OC. Support the show on Patreon! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/21762522 Y…
…
continue reading
1
212: Amadeus (1984 with Richard Kirkham)
1:10:47
1:10:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:47Our unintentional Musical Month in September ends by going classical, to the original OG of music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! Special guest Richard Kirkham joins Kristen and Emily to talk about this Milos Forman classic, the way this became an '80s classic, and who the hell is Tom Hulce? Be sure to follow us via social media at @ticklish_biz on X and…
…
continue reading
1
244 - Exploring Split Fiction Part 2: Unpacking Themes of Trauma and Grief
51:10
51:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:10Split Fiction Story and Character Analysis | Deep Dive with Spoilers Join us for another episode as we continue our deep dive into the game 'Split Fiction'. This episode is heavily focused on the story and character development of protagonists Zoe and Mio. Expect spoilers ahead as we discuss the game's narrative themes, including mental health, tra…
…
continue reading