Best Nick Calandra Podcasts (2025)

1
Silksong Is Causing Other Games to Flee Its Orbit | Firelink Podcast 1:33:02

Play Pause

3d ago1:33:02

1:33:02

This week on Firelink, Marty, KC, and JM8 chat about the impact of Silksong's release date on other indies, as well as all sorts of games they'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…

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Making a Video Game Developer Alignment Chart | Windbreaker Podcast 1:32:32

7d ago1:32:32

1:32:32

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 attempt to make a D&D-esque alignment chart for video game developers, ranging from Lawful Good to Chaotic Evil. 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
Hollow Knight: Silksong Is Real, and It's Out Very, Very Soon | Firelink Podcast 1:38:32

10d ago1:38:32

1:38:32

This week on Firelink, Marty, KC, and Nick chat about Silksong's imminent release, the big trailers out of Gamescom, and all the stuff they'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…

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The Good, the Bad, and the Weird Kinds of "Yellow Paint" | Windbreaker Podcast 1:03:13

14d ago1:03:13

1:03:13

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 chat about all different kinds of ways that games help guide the player towards their destination. 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 a "Good Enough" Game Good Enough Anymore? | Firelink Podcast 1:52:01

17d ago1:52:01

1:52:01

This week on Firelink, Marty, KC, and Nick chat about Mafia: The Old Country, and whether a game that's "good enough" is good enough for folks 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…

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Letting Franchises Die With Dignity | Windbreaker Podcast 1:40:02

21d ago1:40:02

1:40:02

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 chat what the best course of action is for a franchise that has seemingly lost its way. 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
There Are SO MANY Games, and We Have Been Playing Them | Firelink Podcast 1:41:12

21d ago1:41:12

1:41:12

This week on Firelink, Marty, KC, and Nick chat update their Fantasy Critic League, and chat about a ton of stuff they've been playing, including Battlefield 6, Final Fantasy X, and a bunch of new indies. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at patreon.com/Secon…

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The Point in a Game That Kills the Replay | Windbreaker Podcast 1:28:26

28d ago1:28:26

1:28:26

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 chat about the moments in games that grind a replay to a halt. 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
Can Battlefield 6 Still Deliver the Juice? | Firelink Podcast 1:04:50

1M ago1:04:50

1:04:50

This week on Firelink, Marty and Nick chat about today's big Battlefield 6 reveal, the underwhelming Nintendo Partner Showcase, and what they'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
Annoying Design Choices in Games | Windbreaker Podcast 1:33:10

1M ago1:33:10

1:33:10

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 chat about the design decisions in games that really irk 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
Chatting DK Bananza + Predicting 2025's GOTY Nominees | Firelink Podcast 1:15:31

1M ago1:15:31

1:15:31

Hey hey! Marty and Jack are going to gab about Donkey Kong Bananza, predictions for the the six games that will be nominated for GOTY at the Game Awards, and some Summer 2025 anime reccos. 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 State of Nintendo in 2025 | Windbreaker Podcast 1:38:17

1M ago1:38:17

1:38:17

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, JM8 is off on assignment, so Yahtzee, Marty, and Jack are chatting about the current state of Nintendo in the wake of the Switch 2. 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
Donkey Kong Bananza First Impressions | Firelink Podcast 1:10:45

2M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

This week on Firelink, Marty and Nick chat about first impressions of Donkey Kong Bananza, the Legend of Zelda movie casting news, and updates on the Krafton/Subnautica 2 drama. 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…

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Let's Have a Kojima Conversation | Windbreaker Podcast 1:11:45

2M ago1:11:45

1:11:45

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, JM8 is on vacation, so Yahtzee, and Nick are chatting about Hideo Kojima, his impressive library of games, and how he stands out amidst other video game developers. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/…

1
What Makes an Open World Actually Fun? | Windbreaker Podcast 1:20:43

2M ago1:20:43

1:20:43

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Marty is on vacation, so Yahtzee, JM8 and Nick are discussing open world games and what makes them actually fun to be in. 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 the Future of Xbox Look Like? | Firelink Podcast 1:30:11

2M ago1:30:11

1:30:11

This week on Firelink, KC and Nick chat about the massive layoffs at Xbox, including game cancellations and studio closures. 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
Learning to Love the Backlog | Windbreaker Podcast 1:58:43

2M ago1:58:43

1:58:43

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee is on vacation, so JM8 and Marty are joined by Jack to chat about their own personal gaming backlogs, especially in the face of the current Steam Summer Sale.Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com…

1
Western vs Eastern Game Development (ft. Laura Shiraishi) | Dev Heads 1:42:16

2M ago1:42:16

1:42:16

This week on Dev Heads, JM8, Tina, and Mikee are joined by developer Laura Shiraishi to chat about the differences in development between studios across the world.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…

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A Deluge of Good New Games Is Upon Us | Firelink Podcast 1:35:16

2M ago1:35:16

1:35:16

This week on Firelink, KC, Marty, and Nick chat about a flood of good new games, including Death Stranding 2, Rematch, Ruffy and the Riverside, and Persona 5: The Phantom X. 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
Time Is the Best (and Worst) Game Mechanic | Windbreaker Podcast 1:31:38

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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
Nintendo Switch 2: The Good, the Bad, and the Pricey | Firelink Podcast 1:44:10

5M 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
Is AAA IP 'Creatively Bankrupt'? | Dev Heads 1:26:37

5M 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
Do ‘Good Graphics’ Even Matter in 2025? | Windbreaker Podcast 1:33:44

5M 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

5M 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…