Best Video Game Logic Podcast Podcasts (2025)

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Video Game Logic Episode 171: VGL Gameclub: Prey (update) 1:55:32

Play Pause

18h ago1:55:32

1:55:32

Jared was released from finishing his notice period this week and had to do a little scrambling and have a small existential crisis. He's fine, and we'll be back next week. Enjoy another classic gameclub episode!By Video Game Logic Podcast

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Will psychedelics revolutionize mental health treatment? | Matthew Johnson, Shayla Love, and Kevin Sabet 49:34

14h ago49:34

49:34

The psychedelic revolution Will LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA, and Ketamine treatments live up to the hype? For decades, psychedelics were derided as dangerous recreational drugs; now many claim they have the potential to revolutionise the treatment of mental health. With hundreds of clinical trials now taking place, the psychedelic therapeutic market is p…

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The illusion of separation | Jessica Frazier on the Monism of Hindu philosophy 24:39

4d ago24:39

24:39

Indian philosophy and the search for unity In our everyday lives we act as though we are all separate individuals, but is this really the case? Jessica Frazer argues that reality is ultimately unified, and that this shift in perspective can change the way we live our lives. It can help you lose your isolated ego and escape feelings of alienation fr…

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VGL Podcast Ep 354: Civ 6 Gameclub (Late Edition) 1:08:22

6d ago1:08:22

1:08:22

Good day folks! We finally recorded our gameclub for Civ 6 as well as discussed a number of other things in a freestyle franken type recording, but rest assured this is fresh content. We hope you enjoy!By Video Game Logic Podcast

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The limits of nothingness | Peter van Inwagen 27:44

10d ago27:44

27:44

From philosophy to science, metaphysics to psychology, the idea of 'nothing' is central to the universe, existence and experience as a whole. But the nature of 'nothing' is even more bewildering than we might first imagine. Parmenides argued that non-being is impossible because thinking about nothing is still something. Join philosopher Peter van I…

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(Update) Video Game Logic Episode 162: VGL Gameclub: Final Fantasy Tactics 1:56:45

13d ago1:56:45

1:56:45

Greetings! We have another classic episode update to put on the feed this week. If all goes well, Rage's work schedule is changing and will allow us a more guaranteed recording slot to utilize within in the next week or so.By Video Game Logic Podcast

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Is free will an illusion? The chemistry of freedom | Patrick Haggard, George Ellis, Jennifer Hornsby 40:10

18d ago40:10

40:10

The question of free will - and whether we have it or not - is age-old across philosophy, religion, and human thought in general. Having free will allows us to have meaning, responsibility, reward and punishment. Yet discoveries in neuroscience have put our ability to choose, outside of a set of neuronal reactions, in question. Do we have free will…

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19: Social Circle Expert Justin Marc Talks Promoter Game 53:47

17d ago53:47

53:47

By Austen Summers Podcast

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Video Game Logic Episode 178: VGL Gameclub: My Time at Portia (Update) 2:03:40

20d ago2:03:40

2:03:40

We have another one of these update/clean ups of a classic episode of ours to help account for the ongoing family disaster stealing Jared away from recording. We hope you have a good and safe weekend and we'll see you soon!By Video Game Logic Podcast

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Has the world gone to Hell? | Slavoj Žižek on fascism, shame, and dirty jokes 41:11

25d ago41:11

41:11

Žižek: "Trump did what The Left couldn't" As we look around at the state of the modern world, it's very easy to get disheartened - and that's putting it lightly! From pointless wars and endless suffering to the decline of social bonds and trustworthy institutions, there really is a lot to get you down. Fortunately, maverick philosopher Slavoj Žižek…

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Franken Episode: Drama Story Time 43:15

27d ago43:15

43:15

This week we recorded some franken style content telling Jared's clinic drama as he moves to start his own business. There's some other stuff here too, and we'll be getting to the game club in the next real episode!By Video Game Logic Podcast

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You Need More Variability w/ Andre Grandbois 1:03:48

28d ago1:03:48

1:03:48

You could always use more variability. We discuss game selection variety, injury prevention, differential learning, and aliveness. Other topics covered: * The value of some information processing concepts * Performance vs learning, instruction as a constraint, and how to measure learning * Did the research you’re using include representative design…

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Video games and the meaning of life | James Tartaglia 27:49

1M ago27:49

27:49

Video games are changing how we think. Many are so realistic that some argue they are becoming reality. In this talk by philosopher James Tartaglia, he uncovers the relationship between games and reality. James Tartaglia is Professor of Metaphysical Philosophy at Keele University. His latest book is Inner Space Philosophy: Why the Next Stage of Hum…

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Video Game Logic Episode 156: The Bonus Gameclub Goes Vroom (update) 2:46:31

1M ago2:46:31

2:46:31

Welcome back to another update/re-release of an old episode. This week Jared had some struggles that prevented a recording. We hope you enjoy, and in the next recording Jared will share the juicy details he canBy Video Game Logic Podcast

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The philosophy of literature SPECIAL | George Orwell, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Aldous Huxley, and more 44:01

1M ago44:01

44:01

How literature helps us to understand morality, totalitarian politics, and the life of Jesus Christ. Join the team at the IAI for four articles about great, classic literature, covering world-renowned authors such as George Orwell, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Clarice Lispector, to name but a few. These articles were written by Michael Marder, Emrah Atasoy, …

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How other species challenge our idea of consciousness | Peter Godfrey-Smith 21:13

1M ago21:13

21:13

In this IAI Studio interview, philosopher and science writer Peter Godfrey-Smith explores the evolution of consciousness and the enduring mystery of the mind–body problem. Drawing on his work with octopuses and other animals, he argues that consciousness emerged gradually through increasingly complex forms of sensory-motor interaction, rather than …

1
VGL Franken Episode: I can't fix it guys. 23:22

1M ago23:22

23:22

This week Rage had very bad work scheduling and so we knew from the start we'd have a Franken Episode. We hope you enjoy this one and will see you again soon.By Video Game Logic Podcast

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Why Details and Drilling Don't Work for Us w/ Andre Grandbois of Grappling Garden 49:15

1M ago49:15

49:15

It’s not a mystery at all why so many people quit jiu jitsu and martial arts generally, and coach Andre and I dissect why. Other subjects covered: * Praise the process, not the outcome (fostering intrinsic motivation) * Warmups * Athletic skills Bring your CLA coaching and ecological dynamics knowledge to the next level and upgrade to the premium c…

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Utopia and human nature | Paul Bloom 27:15

2M ago27:15

27:15

Human nature and the possibility of utopia The idea of utopia - of a perfect society devoid of suffering and inequality - is planted firmly in the human imagination and psyche. From pre-biblical times to Thomas More and communism and beyond, widely disparate groups have attempted to plan or create a utopia. But is it achievable? And if not, why not…

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VGL Podcast Ep 353: Fresh Franken Freestyle 1:10:35

2M ago1:10:35

1:10:35

This week, the two of us recorded some "franken" style content for an episode because it was very late when we started. We don't want to do this all the time, but it helps us stay a little more current when work is very much in the way. We hope you enjoy!By Video Game Logic Podcast

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More choice means less freedom | Psychologist Barry Schwartz 18:32

2M ago18:32

18:32

Why more is less We're surrounded by choice - an endless sea of possible paths we might take. However, does the overwhelming range of choices leave us better off or worse? In general, we tend to think that more is better, but Barry Schwartz, author of the ground-breaking book 'The Paradox of Choice', argues that this view is mistaken. More can lead…

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The limits of logic: Should we embrace the irrational? |Iain McGilchrist, Beatrix Campbell, Simon Blackburn 43:28

2M ago43:28

43:28

Our culture prizes logic and rationality, if not above all else, as two of the most fundamental social traits. But are we missing out by overlooking the irrational? Can logic explain everything, or what is it missing? And is it possible to live (and enjoy) a life led by logic? Logic, in philosophy and beyond, seems to always to be self-evidently ri…

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VGL Podcast Ep 352: GTA 5 (July Gameclub) 1:46:31

2M ago1:46:31

1:46:31

Topics list: For Show Date: 07/03/2025 June Gameclub: GTA 5 Next Gameclub: Civilization 6 Online Piracy's Great Comeback Anthem isn’t dead… yet News Items and sources: Online Piracy's Great Comeback https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwuXF1AyKak Anthem Game Update https://www.ea.com/games/anthem/news/anthem-game-update…

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Consciousness begins in the body | Antonio Damasio 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

We tend to believe consciousness is purely mental. And since Descartes' "I think therefore I am", we've privileged the mind as the centrepiece of thought and consciousness. But such a view is mistaken argues award-winning neuroscientist Antonio Damasio. Feelings, long dismissed as secondary to thinking, are where consciousness begins, and are deepl…

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Coach Firas Zahabi's Big Dumb Oopsie 8:59

2M ago8:59

8:59

I didn’t watch the debate, but I know it sucked. What I found in the comments is embarrassing. Snort. A study lol. Why would scientists call a neurological phenomenon “muscle memory?” Doesn’t even pass the smell test. The article states that muscle memory is making muscles remember movements, but then Zahabi says it’s neurological. Sloppy, sophomor…

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Road to Gloriously Bad HS Experience 17:04

2M ago17:04

17:04

High school sports present a great opportunity in sports gaming to mold your career mode player into the college & professional players we all dream of but MLB the Show & EA College Football plan on speeding us through those formative years. Video Verison: https://youtu.be/d3anVvvMweUBy stateofthefranchise

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Franken Episode: Magical Horse Girls 1:09:27

2M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

We did in fact record this week, and it was an intentional Franken style episode. Things went a little awry and we got a very late start, but we did start! There is a smattering of topics such as a brief glimpse into what the franken episode might look like, some steam summer sale talk, and magical adventure to some anime horse girls. Yes. That is …

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The Selfish and The Selfless SPECIAL | JD Vance, Pope Francis, and the 10 Commandments 45:09

2M ago45:09

45:09

What can JD Vance's arguments with Pope Francis teach us about selfishness, altruism, and the morality of the modern world? Join the team at the IAI for four articles about egoism, self-sacrifice, and everything in between, analysing a range of subjects, including: Friedrich Nietzsche and his rivalry with former maestro Arthur Schopenhauer; the 10 …

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Being mindful in a mindless world | Ellen Langer 22:46

2M ago22:46

22:46

The mindful body with Ellen Langer Can mindfulness be contagious? Ellen Langer's research certainly seems to suggest that's the case. As Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and the author of 'The Mindful Body', Ellen has racked up decades of experience and numerous awards during her investigations into the impact of mindful living. In thi…

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VGL Franken Episode: It's MIssing the intro sound! 27:06

2M ago27:06

27:06

This week the episode goes up late. Jared had a very serious plague, and was more or less out of commission until this morning. Where he promptly forgot to do the franken edit until late in the afternoon. He will be severely punished in a way he isn't into, and will get back to you next week. Enjoy!By Video Game Logic Podcast

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The beautiful in philosophy | Babette Babich, Paul Ernest, Ankhi Mukherjee, Sarah Wilson 42:00

2M ago42:00

42:00

The good, the bad, and the beautiful What is beauty? Why are we so drawn to it? And should we be - or is it a distraction? The philosophy of aesthetics and beauty has a long and fascinating history. Over the millennia, while we mostly agree on the essential nature of this ephemeral thing, "beauty", we disagree on the reasons why it is important, on…

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Ep. 5 This Podcast Episode Is Shareware 1:22:30

2M ago1:22:30

1:22:30

In this episode, we’re talking shareware, those free game demos that showed up on every family computer in the ‘90s. We look back at the ones we played the most, the random CD-ROMs we somehow ended up with, and whether anyone actually sent a check to a PO Box to unlock the full version. Then we swapped childhood favorites and each tried three share…

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A world without values | Janne Teller, Dale Turner, Robin van den Akker, Isabel Hilton 44:37

2M ago44:37

44:37

Once values such as justice and equality were agreed upon by all. Now they are identified by some as vehicles to entrench or overturn power. On the left, 'justice' as a means to sustain and impose privilege, 'truth' as an attempt to claim enduring authority. On the right, 'diversity' and 'equality' as means to undermine the status quo in favour of …

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VGL Podcast Ep 351: Juno New Origins (May Gameclub) 1:08:10

3M ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Topics list: For Show Date: 06/12/2025 May Gameclub: Juno New Origins Next Gameclub: GTA 5 As The Outer Worlds 2 hits $80, director says "we don't set the prices for our games" and wishes "everybody could play" Obsidian's new RPG Showing accessibility support to Steam users As The Outer Worlds 2 hits $80, director says "we don't set the prices for …

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The challenge to optimism | Angus Deaton 21:34

3M ago21:34

21:34

The economy is a vital part of the way we understand our lives and our politics more generally. But after years of growth, development, and progress, on the surface everything is rosy. But as Nobel Laureate Angus Deaton argues, behind the big picture many people have been left behind by the modern economy, and this is precisely because of the blind…

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VGL Franken Episode: Shrink Fly's Solo 26:32

3M ago26:32

26:32

This week scheduling conflict got in the way again, but I recorded a little something about a several games I have been playing that won't make into the main show at some point. Enjoy! and we'll keep trying to schedule ourselves correctly to record a new show.By Video Game Logic Podcast

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Searching for the purpose of life |Babette Babich, Frank Tallis, Jonathan Webber, Sandra Laugier 45:53

3M ago45:53

45:53

The journey in search of the destination Does life have a purpose? Is that what gives life meaning? Or is it the journey that matters the most? Join our four speakers - Nietzschean philosopher Babette Babich, clinical psychologist Frank Tallis, existentialist philosopher Jonathan Webber, and linguist philosopher Sandra Laugier - as they explore the…

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(Update) VGL Podcast Ep 243: A Normal Lost Phone, Another Lost Phone 1:56:12

3M ago1:56:12

1:56:12

This week we needed to do another re-upload. Work schedules and tech issues prevented us from getting together with enough solid time to record an episode. We hope you enjoy this episode, chosen because May is Mental Health Awareness month, which is an update and re-upload of the gameclub episode covering A Normal Lost Phone, and Another Lost Phone…

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Nietzsche, the birth of tragedy, and the technology trap | Babette Babich 24:19

3M ago24:19

24:19

Nietzsche, the birth of tragedy, and the technology trap with Babette Babich Babette Babich discusses Nietzsche, the importance of tragedy, and the danger of technology interfering with our judgement. Babette Babich is a world renowned Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University in New York. In this in-depth interview, she looks to Nietzsche's Bi…

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VGL Franken Episode: A lil shortie 7:47

3M ago7:47

7:47

This is a small snippet of franken episode from the last recording. We were unable to record this week due to a tornado tearing through Jared's location. He's fine, but the infrastructure was down for a few days of recovery. So we were unable to record or do a larger franken piece this week. We hope you enjoy none the less!…

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The philosophy of fun | Myriam François, Freya India, James Tartaglia 50:35

3M ago50:35

50:35

The essential philosophy of fun Do we need to have fun or is it an unnecessary excess? Are we living in an age of fun's decline, what with the moralism and strictures of Gen Z, or is there something else going on? On this panel, our three guests - philosopher James Tartaglia, film-maker Myriam François, and writer Freya India - dive into the idea o…

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Checkpoints & Choices: Bureaucracy, Borders, and Playing Through Deportation Machines 11:41

4M ago11:41

11:41

As immigrations tensions escalate and policy grows ever more dehumanizing, what can indie games teach us about the systems behind the suffering? In this episode, we examine how Papers, Please, North, and Borders use gameplay—not just storylines—to simulate the moral deadlocks and mechanical cruelty of U.S. deportation politics. Drawing from academi…

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VGL Podcast Ep 350: No More Starfield Support 1:26:44

4M ago1:26:44

1:26:44

Topics list: For Show Date: 05/13/2025 Games We Played World of Warcraft Is Getting a One-Button Option That Will Automatically Cast the Ideal Next Spell — but at a Cost Microsoft Reportedly to Lay Off 3%(~6,800) of Its Total Employees Blizzard's Overwatch Team Just Unionized: 'What I Want To Protect Most Here Is The People' Even Starfield's commun…

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Neoliberalism: A Soviet nightmare | Abby Innes 31:25

4M ago31:25

31:25

There is an old Soviet joke, ‘Capitalism is the exploitation of man by man. Communism is its exact opposite.’ On the surface, neoliberalism, with its emphasis on free markets, competition and privatisation, is as far removed as possible from the Soviet Union. But behind the policies, could they be guided by the same false utopianism? Abby Innes, pr…

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Borderlines & Backstories: Can Games Teach Us to Empathize With Immigrants? 16:04

4M ago16:04

16:04

What happens when players step into the shoes of immigrants—not just to win, but to understand? In this episode, we explore how video games like Citizenship Quest, Everyday Racism, and Escape from Woomera attempt to foster empathy and cross-cultural awareness through gameplay. Drawing on studies that analyze classroom role-play, online discussions,…

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Playing for Papers: How Video Games Expose the Cruel Logic of U.S. Deportation 16:38

4M ago16:38

16:38

As deportation politics in the U.S. grow ever more punitive and chaotic, what can a video game reveal that headlines can’t? In this episode, we explore how games like Papers, Please, Tropico, and ICED! simulate the immigrant experience—and critique it. Drawing on recent academic insights, we unpack how these digital worlds use frustration, limited …

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Well Played: Growing Older, Gaming Deeper 10:34

4M ago10:34

10:34

Drawing from observations of the well-cited research, J.P. Gee, we discuss what happens when the goal of gaming shifts from beating the boss to contemplating the journey? In this thoughtful and moving episode, we follow Aiden, a lifelong gamer, as he shares with James Paul Gee how the meaning of “well played” has evolved over time. No longer about …

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Jobs, Masks, and Mastery: How RPG Systems Shape Our Stories 11:10

4M ago11:10

11:10

What do medieval bards, fantasy job classes, and 16th-century Italian improv have in common? In this episode, we explore the deep connections between RPG class systems and the theatrical traditions of Commedia dell’arte. From Pool of Radiance to Final Fantasy Tactics, we uncover how structured game mechanics—like choosing a job class or role—create…

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Falling Blocks, Enduring Love: The Timeless Magic of Tetris 9:24

4M ago9:24

9:24

What makes a game with no characters, no story, and no ending one of the most beloved of all time? In this episode, we dive into the deceptively simple brilliance of Tetris—a game born in 1985 Soviet Russia that took the world by storm when it was bundled with the Game Boy. Through a personal lens of family obsession and homemade code, our guest un…

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The dark side of chasing rewards | Paul Bloom, Nancy Sherman, and Dan Ariely 46:48

4M ago46:48

46:48

Something for nothing Do rewards and incentives damage our humanity? In much of our personal and professional lives, we receive rewards for good behaviour and carrying out our responsibilities. But, evidence now suggests there are risks to this approach. Studies show rewards can damage wellbeing, fostering dependence and undermining our own sense o…