Best Abhi Vaidyanatha Podcasts (2025)

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7-6 Do You Have Protagonist Syndrome? 1:39:05

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3y ago1:39:05

1:39:05

AV and Peon tackle the concept of Protagonist Syndrome. How do we avoid the pitfalls of focusing solely on our own progress? How does one optimally track their own improvement? Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to join our Discord! Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5 Beyond the Metagam…

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7-4: Current and Past Events 1:43:23

3+ y ago1:43:23

1:43:23

AV and Peon spend some time discussing the events of the past year. Contents may include: paleontology, a patented Ness down-air, cultural optimism, and why you should never downplay your own successes. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to join our Discord! Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/…

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7-3: Sora and the DLC Retrospective 1:41:50

4y ago1:41:50

1:41:50

AV and Peon embark on a journey to talk about Sora, slowly descending into madness as they look back at all the DLC characters that have been released for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to listen to the Smash Bros Cast Episode with Peon and AV. Check out Fraymakers here! Suppor…

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7-2 Back in the Saddle, Again 1:16:34

4y ago1:16:34

1:16:34

Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord! Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5 Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and en…

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7-1: Starting Melee in 2021 1:21:38

4+ y ago1:21:38

1:21:38

The dream team is back and ready... to play Super Smash Bros. Melee. The two discuss the joys of learning Melee in 2021 with the fewer matchups, plethora of training resources, and great online support. Additionally, they discuss the state of Smash Ultimate and what it will be like to return to local tournaments in the upcoming months. Socials: AV:…

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6-1: Some Guy Named Steve 1:23:18

5y ago1:23:18

1:23:18

AV and Peon wake up from their collective fever dream and realize that Steve from Minecraft has in fact been confirmed for Smash. Suspending their disbelief, they address this wild addition to the already stacked roster. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame …

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5-16: The Art of Confidence ft. Coach Zeke 1:14:40

5y ago1:14:40

1:14:40

Coach Zeke, the legendary coach behind many top players' rise to prominence, comes on the show to teach AV and Peon a thing or two. Listen to the trifecta talk about the journey from expert to master, key aspects holding your play back mentally, and how to approach re-contextualizing coping mechanisms. Socials: Zeke: @ZekeHere AV: @AVaidyanatha Peo…

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5-15: Why We Smash 2 1:14:38

5+ y ago1:14:38

1:14:38

In the season finale, AV and Peon revisit the original premise of Beyond the Metagame. The two reflect on the benefits of pursuing competitive Smash as a hobby and explore what is preventing many community members from leveraging these lessons learned. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Support us on Patreon: https://ww…

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5-14: Patch 8.1 and Small Battlefield 1:20:05

5+ y ago1:20:05

1:20:05

Out of nowhere, the Smash community has been blessed with a new stage, upgraded online functionality, and updates to Elite Smash requirements. Listen to the BTM hosts interpret what these changes mean for the online Smash scene! Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthem…

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5-13: Pandemic Sitrep 1:27:42

5+ y ago1:27:42

1:27:42

As the dust slowly settles around our changed world, AV and Peon ponder the effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on competitive Smash, training routines, and their main characters. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch!…

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5-12: Patch 8.0 and Min Min 1:27:49

5+ y ago1:27:49

1:27:49

With AV and Peon having a few weeks to take in the patch, the fearless duo are ready to share their opinions on Sakurai's recent shake-up. Tune in to hear their thoughts on Min Min, character buffs, and Peon's new dangerous hobby! Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Patch notes: https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/a…

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5-11: The Eternal Student ft. Dabuz 1:16:18

5+ y ago1:16:18

1:16:18

The name Dabuz in the Smash community is synonymous with consistent, methodical, and intelligent. This week, listen in to hear us pick the brain of Smash's most studious player to find out how Dabuz got these qualities, what he recommends for students of the game, and where his famous food opinions came from! Socials: Dabuz: @DabuzSenpai Dabuz's Yo…

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5-10: Min Min and Rollback Netcode 1:24:07

5+ y ago1:24:07

1:24:07

With Sakurai blessing us through another character reveal, AV and Peon take to the airwaves to discuss their first thoughts. After a long discussion about the new character, the hosts also share their thoughts on Melee's upgraded netplay service: Project Slippi. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame How to try out Melee ne…

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5-9: Coaching Done Right ft. TSM Charles Thoren 1:04:02

5+ y ago1:04:02

1:04:02

Today the BTM hosts get the opportunity to speak with Korean, TSM's coach for Smash. Listen in to hear him drop knowledge about his coaching strategies with Tweek and Leffen, problems that he sees in all mid level players, and hear his take on recognizing potential. Socials: Korean: @Korean808 AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame …

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5-8: Talent vs. Hard Work 1:00:36

5+ y ago1:00:36

1:00:36

AV and Peon address the Smash community's obsession with the overblown question of nature vs. nurture in their attempt to end this conversation once and for all. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Paper on ADHD and reaction times: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1601-183X.2010.00645.x Paper on genetic …

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5-7: Aggression 1:24:13

5+ y ago1:24:13

1:24:13

AV and Peon are all fired up due to one of the most notoriously abused concepts in the Smash community: aggression. Where is it useful? What is it? Are you too aggressive? Find out on this contentious episode! Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame Click here …

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5-6: What's Your Problem? ft. The People 1:25:47

5+ y ago1:25:47

1:25:47

This week, AV and Peon take some calls from the BTM community. We chat with each caller about a problem they may be having, and we get to the bottom of it. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord!…

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5-5: Cheating on Smash 59:21

5+ y ago59:21

59:21

This week, AV and Peon talk about cheating on Smash. At what point is spending time with other games or other hobbies detrimental to Smash goals? How do we best leverage time away from Smash to fulfill our improvement goals? Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetag…

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5-4: Camping and You 1:11:50

5+ y ago1:11:50

1:11:50

AV and Peon talk camping. What about defensive play makes it so frustrating to deal with? What does this say about our mid-match psychology? When can camping be best utilized to win an important set or to tilt your opponent past the edge? Tournament Sign-Up: https://smash.gg/btm Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Suppor…

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5-3: Should You Play Project+? 1:00:27

5+ y ago1:00:27

1:00:27

AV and Peon breakdown the newest iteration of Project M, "Project+." Who is this game for, what are our impressions, and is it worth your time? Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord! Or follow t…

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5-2: Are You Carried? 1:09:51

5+ y ago1:09:51

1:09:51

This week, AV and Peon discuss whether the concept of being carried is something we should give any credence to, and if so, how to know if you are carried. The team dives into the weeds, examining if this concept is only meant to be derogatory, or if there deeper implications that we may leverage to improve. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_B…

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5-1: Flying Solo 1:12:56

5+ y ago1:12:56

1:12:56

With the recent global pandemic, your home is now the main venue for improving at Smash! In this topical season opener, AV and Peon dive into getting the most out of playing Smash alone, analyzing the pitfalls of solo play, their thoughts about WiFi, and if online tournaments are worth your time. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @bey…

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4-18: Switching Mains 1:28:22

6y ago1:28:22

1:28:22

Thinking about switching mains? What's gonna be different? What will stay the same? AV and Peon tackle all the hard questions for you in your journey to make one of the hardest changes to your Smash Bros gameplay. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord! Or fol…

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4-17: Patch 7.0 and Byleth 1:42:08

6y ago1:42:08

1:42:08

Byleth and their arsenal have been deployed to the Smash battlefield. Join AV and Peon as they discuss the new addition to the smash roster, the gamut of balance changes made to the game, and a recap of their respective Genesis experiences. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here …

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4-16: Let Byleths be Byleths 1:27:55

6y ago1:27:55

1:27:55

Peon and AV react to the newest addition to the roster, Byleth! Who is this character for? What will their place in the meta be? All will be answered and more in this week's episode. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord! Or follow this link: https://discorda…

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4-15: Slumpbusters 1:15:51

6y ago1:15:51

1:15:51

Peon hits the therapy couch again as AV walks him through his recent slump. Through this, the two lay down a game plan for diagnosing, accepting, and treating rough patches in your gameplay. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord! Or follow this link: https://…

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4-14: Smash Through the Decade 1:35:21

6y ago1:35:21

1:35:21

Our co-hosts take on the challenge of producing a retrospective on the narratives, development, and highlights of Super Smash Bros. through the last ten years. In this episode, they break down the stories told through the game to underline the importance of narrative in a burgeoning esport. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmet…

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4-13: Demystifying Cheese 1:27:31

6y ago1:27:31

1:27:31

This week, AV and Peon discuss GimR's new technology and its relevance to the metagame. Later, the two breakdown the concept of cheese, and debate when and if it is worth complaining about. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord! Or follow this link: https://d…

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4-12: 1 Year of Smash Ultimate 1:35:59

6y ago1:35:59

1:35:59

Beyond the Metagame celebrates Smash Ultimate's one year anniversary with a retrospective on expectations, lessons learned, and game experience highlights. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord! Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5 Beyon…

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4-11: Thankful for Smash 1:22:57

6y ago1:22:57

1:22:57

This week, Peon and AV have some fun with their second annual Thanksgiving special. The hosts give thanks regarding their favorite aspects of Smash Bros in and out of the game. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord! Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com…

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4-10: Performing Under Pressure ft. Sports Psych Steve 1:14:48

6y ago1:14:48

1:14:48

Today, Sports Psych Steve returns to share his wisdom regarding how to bring your "A" game even when the pressure is at its highest. The hosts and Steve also explain the benefits of applying Sports Psychology to gaming, and reframe the importance of motivation. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Steve: @SportPsychNYLI C…

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4-9: Patch 6.0 and Terry Bogard 1:33:40

6y ago1:33:40

1:33:40

Terry Bogard has entered the building, and with him arrive a slew of low tier buffs. AV and Peon give their initial feedback on the character roster's newest addition, while also reacting to the buffs that came packaged with 6.0. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our…

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4-8: Crossing the Chasm ft. Toph 1:27:55

6y ago1:27:55

1:27:55

AV and Peon open their minds up to new perspectives as they are joined by famed Melee player, commentator, and smash icon Toph! Through the episode, the hosts leverage Toph's vast culmination of smash knowledge to build out dialogue around crossing between different smash games, writing compelling narratives around smash players, and understanding …

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4-7: Climbing the Summit 1:18:29

6y ago1:18:29

1:18:29

AV and Peon discuss the upcoming Smash Ultimate Summit tournament, diving into their expectations of each event and reigniting their old gambling habits. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord! Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5 Beyond …

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4-6: Owning Your Gameplay 1:14:19

6y ago1:14:19

1:14:19

AV and Peon explore the idea of taking responsibility for one's own gameplay, strolling down memory lane to find the memories that evolved their perspective on owning up to their mistakes. The BTM duo dive into what it takes to accept loss, how we can re-frame our poor experiences, and why caring about things is not just for tryhards. Socials: AV: …

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4-5: Hot or Not 1:21:02

6y ago1:21:02

1:21:02

For once, AV and Peon get the chance to fire off their many hot takes with reckless abandon as they get together to decide what's hot and what's not. Watch the duo square off in a few rounds of debate around some relevant and controversial topics in the Smash scene such as Doubles vs. Squad Strike, Lylat Cruise, Mr. Game & Watch, and much more. Soc…

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4-4: Bracket Demons 1:22:31

6y ago1:22:31

1:22:31

In a classic BTM adventure, AV and Peon take a trip to the spirit world to classify the many different types of "bracket demons." In doing so, they look into their past, present, and future to formulate battle plans for the different challenging players that may come your way. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click he…

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4-3: Back in the Saddle 1:07:03

6y ago1:07:03

1:07:03

This week, Peon dives into analyzing his long break from Smash; it's not pretty. In turn, AV helps Peon form a plan of action to shake off the rust, spawning a discussion about the benefits from breaks in your play and how to best return to form. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click…

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4-2: Elite Entertainment ft. The Phenomenal EE 1:14:44

6y ago1:14:44

1:14:44

This week, AV and Peon are joined by none other than the Phenomenal EE, famed Super Smash Bros. caster known for his enthralling performances on the mic. The BTM duo uncovers EE's thoughts about his own commentary style, the state of esports, and the path he took to the top. Socials: EE: @ThePhenomenalEE AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyo…

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4-1: Banjo-Kazooie, Terry Bogard, and a Nintendo Direct! 1:07:41

6y ago1:07:41

1:07:41

In the Season 4 opener, AV and Peon are blessed with a content-filled Nintendo Direct, a brand new patch, and a new addition to the roster! The BTM boys unpack the release of Banjo and react to the reveal of the latest character in development, Terry Bogard! Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM …

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3-17: Community Appreciation 52:54

6+ y ago52:54

52:54

In the Season 3 finale, AV and Peon recall some of their favorite experiences in the Smash community, talk about what brings us all together, and play back some wholesome stories from listeners like you. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord! Or follow this l…

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3-16: Character Crisis 2 1:06:18

6+ y ago1:06:18

1:06:18

In the inevitable sequel to Peon's character dilemma, AV starts to question his loyalty to Donkey Kong. On this episode, Peon talks AV through his quest to find a notable replacement or companion to the king of the jungle. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to join our Discord! Beyond the Metagame is a Super …

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3-15: The Hero's Journey 1:22:52

6+ y ago1:22:52

1:22:52

On this week's episode, the BTM squad analyzes Hero, the brand new Smash Ultimate DLC character! The two go over their initial thoughts of the character, his general viability, and whether or not he's a healthy addition to the competitive metagame. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM SLEP: @SLEP_GCE BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchas…

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3-14: A Rookie's Guidebook ft. N64Josh & Nightcrawlr 1:29:17

6+ y ago1:29:17

1:29:17

AV and Peon catch up with their fellow podcast creators, N64Josh and Nightcrawlr, hosts of the Smash Bros Cast. In a wonderful fireside chat, the BTM co-hosts find out what Josh and Crawlr have been doing lately, their reasons for ending the show, and their best tips for improving as a new player. Socials: N64Josh: @n64josh NightCrawlr: @Nightcrawl…

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3-13: Community in Crisis 1:10:18

6+ y ago1:10:18

1:10:18

With recent events displaying unbecoming behavior from members of the Smash community, AV and Peon stop to reflect on the values that they stand for, the true nature of the Smash community, and the things you can do to make the ecosystem a more positive place. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BT…

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3-12: Why Play a Low Tier? 1:21:26

6+ y ago1:21:26

1:21:26

In an uncharacteristic change of heart, the BTM duo reconsiders the value behind playing low tier characters. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord! Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5 Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podca…

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3-11: Smash's Rival ft. Dan Fornace 1:25:46

6+ y ago1:25:46

1:25:46

AV and Peon crossover between universes as they are joined by none other than Dan Fornace, creator of the indie platform fighter, Rivals of Aether. On the show, Dan paints the picture behind the inspiration for the game, why its characters are so vibrant, and why it's way more than Smash's younger brother. Socials: Dan Fornace: @danfornace AV: @AVa…

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3-10: The Hero, Banjo, and You 1:25:29

6+ y ago1:25:29

1:25:29

This week, AV and Peon react to the announcement of The Hero and Banjo-Kazooie. How will these characters distinguish themselves? Will these characters play to your strengths? What do these announcements say about the future of Smash character DLC? Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Cli…

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3-9: Smash Ultimate Burnout 1:09:25

6+ y ago1:09:25

1:09:25

With AV and Peon's respective burnouts from parts of the Smash community, the two get down to business and figure out how to proactively combat this enduring issue. Socials: AV: @AVaidyanatha Peon: @Peon_BTM BTM: @beyondmetagame Click here to purchase BTM merch! Click here to join our Discord! Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3…

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3-8: The Loyal Scientist ft. Fatality 1:11:12

6+ y ago1:11:12

1:11:12

AV meets his match as the casting duo are joined by introspective master and Captain Falcon extraordinaire, Fatality! To learn more about how we can optimize our brain for success, we pick Fatality's brain on his self awareness, methodical practice routines, and dedication to the F-Zero hero. Socials: Fatality: @FatalityFalcon AV: @AVaidyanatha Peo…