Best Nick Calandra Podcasts (2025)

1
Time Is the Best (and Worst) Game Mechanic | Windbreaker Podcast 1:31:38

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6h ago1:31:38

1:31:38

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about the use of time as a central mechanic in video games. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

1
You Should Be Playing The Alters Instead of Watching This Podcast | Firelink Podcast 1:14:46

3d ago1:14:46

1:14:46

This week on Firelink, Marty and Nick chat about the WB restructuring their games division around four core franchises, the Gex Trilogy being literally unplayable on Switch 2, and why you should immediately play The Alters.Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at…

1
Are Games Better Now Than They Were in 2015? | Windbreaker Podcast 1:43:36

6d ago1:43:36

1:43:36

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about the highs, lows, and oddities of video games in 2015. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

1
What Does "Make FPS Great Again" Even Mean? | Dev Heads 2:03:56

9d ago2:03:56

2:03:56

This week on Dev Heads, JM8, Tina, and Mikee chat about the current state of the FPS genre. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

1
Switch 2 Soars, MindsEye Sinks, and Silent Hill 1 Is Being Remade | Firelink Podcast 1:52:37

10d ago1:52:37

1:52:37

This week on Firelink, KC, Marty, and Nick chat about the Switch 2's historic sales, the catastrophic launch of MindsEye, and the original Silent Hill's upcoming remake. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Catching Yahtzee Up on Summer Game Fest 2025 | Windbreaker Podcast 1:29:14

13d ago1:29:14

1:29:14

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about the big reveals from Summer Game Fest 2025. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

1
Nintendo Switch 2: Day One Impressions | Firelink Podcast 1:37:53

17d ago1:37:53

1:37:53

This week on Firelink, KC, Marty, and Nick chat about the Switch 2 launch, the steps they took to secure hardware, and early impressions of the launch lineup. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
What Even Is a "Cozy" Game? | Windbreaker Podcast 1:44:47

20d ago1:44:47

1:44:47

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty dig into the biggest sub-genre of the past few years, and try to figure out what separate as a good cozy game from a bland imitator.Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWin…

1
Summer Game Fest 2025 Hopes, Dreams, and Fears | Firelink Podcast 1:38:36

24d ago1:38:36

1:38:36

This week on Firelink, KC, Marty, and Nick chat about what they hope to see at next week's Summer Game Fest shenanigans. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

1
Game Advertising That Actually Worked on You | Windbreaker Podcast 1:34:36

27d ago1:34:36

1:34:36

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty celebrate the start of "E3" season by chatting about the advertising -- trailers, print ads, features, interviews, demos, and more -- that actually worked on them in the past. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as littl…

1
"If You're a Real Fan..." | Firelink Podcast 1:46:45

1M ago1:46:45

1:46:45

This week on Firelink, KC, Marty, and Nick chat about Randy Pitchford's ridiculous comments regarding the price of Borderlands 4, Lies of P getting easier, and surprising Street Fighter movie casting. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/Seco…

1
What Makes a Great Video Game Weapon? | Windbreaker Podcast 1:33:30

1M ago1:33:30

1:33:30

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about their favorite weapons in games, and what makes them memorable from a mechanical, visual, and audio perspective. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
What Does a 10/10 Actually Mean? | Firelink Podcast 1:50:12

1M ago1:50:12

1:50:12

This week on Firelink, KC, Marty, and Jess chat about what it means for a game to be a 10/10, another big game delay into 2026, and the impending release of the Persona 5 gacha game. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Where Have All the GTA Clones Gone? | Windbreaker Podcast 1:22:36

1M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about the new GTA 6 trailer, and use that to discuss the broader topic of GTA clones. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
From AAA to Indie Metroidvanias (ft. Alex Hutchinson) | Dev Heads 1:32:37

1M ago1:32:37

1:32:37

This week on Dev Heads, JM8, Tina, and Mikee are joined by Alex Hutchinson to chat about his journey from working on Assassin's Creed and Far Cry, to Revenge of the Savage Planet, and everything in between. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.co…

1
Grand Theft Auto VI Is Going to Sell Several Bajillion Copies in 2026 | Firelink Podcast 1:32:46

2M ago1:32:46

1:32:46

This week on Firelink, Nick, KC, and Marty chat about Clair Obscur's success, Mafia: The Old Country's modest ambitions, and the Grand Theft Auto VI delay + new trailer. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
The Best Musical Moments in Games | Windbreaker Podcast 1:39:41

2M ago1:39:41

1:39:41

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about their favorite moments in games where the music takes the spotlight to help create something memorable. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Xbox Just Got More Expensive and Corps Ruin More Games Outlets | Firelink Podcast 1:41:22

2M ago1:41:22

1:41:22

This week on Firelink, Nick, KC, and Marty chat about Xbox's increased prices, the axing of both Polygon and Giant Bomb, and of course the games we've been playing. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
The Strange State of AA Games | Windbreaker Podcast 1:31:54

2M ago1:31:54

1:31:54

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty use the massive success of Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 as a jumping off point to discuss the current state of AA games. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
How Do You Tackle an Indie Immersive Sim? (ft. Brendon Chung and Priscilla Snow) | Dev Heads 1:58:12

2M ago1:58:12

1:58:12

This week on Dev Heads, JM8, Tina, and Mikee chat with Brendon Chung and Priscilla Snow about their new immersive sim Skin Deep. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

1
Happy RPG Week (Oblivion Remastered + Clair Obscur: Expedition 33) | Firelink Podcast 1:45:34

2M ago1:45:34

1:45:34

This week on Firelink, Nick, KC, and Marty chat about Switch 2 preorders, Ghost of Yotei's release date, and the two big RPGs of the week in Oblivion Remastered and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindG…

1
The Joy of Solving Mysteries in Games | Windbreaker Podcast 1:16:16

2M ago1:16:16

1:16:16

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty use Blue Prince as a jumping off point to discuss what makes a good video game mystery. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Oblivion Remaster and the State of Bethesda in 2025 | Firelink Podcast 1:32:16

2M ago1:32:16

1:32:16

This week on Firelink, Nick, KC, and Marty chat about the worst-kept secret of the Oblivion remaster, and how Bethesda as a whole looks in 2025. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
The Double-Edged Sword of Roguelikes and Roguelites in 2025 | Windbreaker Podcast 1:33:51

2M ago1:33:51

1:33:51

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee is feeling under the weather, so Nick steps in to chat about roguelikes and roguelites with, JM8 and Marty. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Why Are Game Devs Layoffs Still Happening? | Dev Heads 1:50:46

2M ago1:50:46

1:50:46

This week on Dev Heads, JM8, Tina, and Mikee chat about the never-ending bad news of layoffs across the industry. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

1
We've Got Ourselves a GOTY Contender in Blue Prince | Firelink Podcast 1:42:25

2M ago1:42:25

1:42:25

This week on Firelink, Nick, KC, and Marty chat about the excellent new puzzler Blue Prince, which is sure to be a GOTY contender when December rolls around. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Sometimes 'Good' Is Good Enough | Windbreaker Podcast 1:15:36

3M ago1:15:36

1:15:36

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about the importance of "good graphics" in 2025, and whether they're enough to carry an entire game. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Is AAA IP 'Creatively Bankrupt'? | Dev Heads 1:26:37

3M ago1:26:37

1:26:37

TThis week on Dev Heads, JM8, Tina, and Mikee chat about the current state of AAA gaming, and whether the majority of them feel "creatively bankrupt." Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Nintendo Switch 2: The Good, the Bad, and the Pricey | Firelink Podcast 1:44:10

3M ago1:44:10

1:44:10

This week on Firelink, Nick, KC, and Marty dive deep into the big Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

1
Do ‘Good Graphics’ Even Matter in 2025? | Windbreaker Podcast 1:33:44

3M ago1:33:44

1:33:44

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about the importance of "good graphics" in 2025, and whether they're enough to carry an entire game. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Amidst Industry Chaos, Japan's AAA Scene Is Thriving | Firelink Podcast 1:28:10

3M ago1:28:10

1:28:10

This week on Firelink, Nick and Marty chat about the (last?) Switch Direct, Nick's trip to GDC, and why the Japanese AAA scene seems to be thriving amidst the chaos of the industry. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
The Peaks of Every Genre | Windbreaker Podcast 1:36:25

3M ago1:36:25

1:36:25

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about which games they personally think represent the "peak" of each of the major genres. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Early Assassin's Creed Shadows Impressions + News on Amazon's God of War Series | Firelink Podcast 1:48:33

3M ago1:48:33

1:48:33

This week on Firelink, KC and Marty chat about early Assassin's Creed Shadows impressions, as well as some news that came out about Amazon's upcoming God of War adaptation. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Do 'One-Hit Wonders' Exist in Games? (ft. Jack Packard) | Windbreaker Podcast 1:34:43

3M ago1:34:43

1:34:43

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, and Marty are joined by Jack to chat about the concept of "one-hit wonders" in music and movies, and whether that exists in games as well. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Why Do Multiplayer Shooters Keep Dying? | Dev Heads 2:14:48

3M ago2:14:48

2:14:48

This week on Dev Heads, JM8, Tina, and Mikee dig into multiplayer shooters, and why it seems like so many recent attempts like Spectre Divide have stumbled out of the gate. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
The Latest Death Stranding 2 Trailer is Peak Kojima in the Best Way | Firelink Podcast 1:34:58

3M ago1:34:58

1:34:58

This week on Firelink, KC, Nick, and Marty chat about Split Fiction, Silent Hill F, and the new Death Stranding 2: On the Beach trailer. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

1
The Four Mario Games We’d Save If All the Rest Had To Be Destroyed | Windbreaker Podcast 1:30:35

4M ago1:30:35

1:30:35

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty celebrate March 10th, aka Mario Day, by choosing which four games featuring the iconic mascot that they’d choose over all others. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGr…

1
Stop Rereleasing Games (Unless It's Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3) | Firelink Podcast 2:08:50

4M ago2:08:50

2:08:50

This week on Firelink, KC, Nick, and Marty chat about the news of Tony Hawk 3+4 Remastered, Monster Hunter Wilds' massive sales numbers, and answer a bunch of Patreon questions. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
The Worst Kinds of Levels in Games | Windbreaker Podcast 1:34:17

4M ago1:34:17

1:34:17

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about their least-favorite kinds of levels in games, from forced stealth sections to FromSoft's beloved poison swamps. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
BioShock Changed the FPS, Will Wartorn Do the Same for RTS? | Dev Heads 1:52:25

4M ago1:52:25

1:52:25

This week on Dev Heads, JM8, Tina, and Mikee are joined by Paul Hellquist, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Stray Kite Studios, to chat about his work on BioShock, Borderlands 2, and the upcoming Wartorn. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patre…

1
We've Played Over 40 Hours of Monster Hunter Wilds, and... | Firelink Podcast 1:48:42

4M ago1:48:42

1:48:42

This week on Firelink, KC, Nick, and Marty are joined by Javed to chat about Second Wind's big new Animal Well documentary, news coming out of WB Games and The Pokemon Company, and KC's time so far with Monster Hunter Wilds. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month …

1
Why Are Pirate Games So Damn Good? | Windbreaker Podcast 1:36:20

4M ago1:36:20

1:36:20

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about why pirate-themed games, no matter the genre, seem to resonate so strongly with them. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
Make Some Time for Avowed and Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii | Firelink Podcast 1:34:25

4M ago1:34:25

1:34:25

This week on Firelink, KC, Nick, and Marty chat the layoffs from the Marvel Rivals dev, as well as impressions of Avowed and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
How to NOT Do a Video Game Merchant | Windbreaker Podcast 1:28:16

4M ago1:28:16

1:28:16

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about what separates a memorable video game merchant from a forgettable one. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠…

1
How Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Balances Realism and Fun | Dev Heads 1:39:14

4M ago1:39:14

1:39:14

This week on Dev Heads, JM8, Tina, and Mikee are joined by Ondřej Bittner, Senior Designer on Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, to chat about how the new game straddles the line between authenticity and fantasy.Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/S…

1
PlayStation State of Play Reactions | Firelink Podcast 1:48:33

4M ago1:48:33

1:48:33

This week on Firelink, KC, Nick, and Marty chat all the reveals from today's PlayStation State of Play Showcase.Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup

1
Gaming Is the Most Complicated Hobby (ft. Jack Packard) | Windbreaker Podcast 1:28:55

4M ago1:28:55

1:28:55

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Jack chat about the various ways that gaming is the most complicated hobby they have. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup

1
Developing Outside Your Comfort Zone (ft. Hillfort Games) | Dev Heads 1:39:00

5M ago1:39:00

1:39:00

This week, the Dev Heads crew are joined by folks from Hillfort Games, the devs behind 2024's Ten Bells, to chat about the highs and lows of venturing outside your creative comfort zone.Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup…

1
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Is 2025's First Massive Hit | Firelink Podcast 1:51:29

5M ago1:51:29

1:51:29

This week on Firelink, KC, Nick, and Marty chat about the big release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, as well as the rocky news coming out of BioWare.Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup…

1
The Five Games We'd Take With Us on a Desert Island | Windbreaker Podcast 1:34:07

5M ago1:34:07

1:34:07

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty discuss which five games they'd pick as their personal desert island discs. Think of it as a kind of companion to last week's episode on the video game syllabus.Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month a…