In this eclectic and geek-fueled episode of AwesomeCast, Michael Sorg and Katie Dudas (with a quick cameo from Dave Podnar) dive into everything from espresso martinis and new podcasts to the latest in airport infrastructure and retro gaming. Plus, get a firsthand review of Google’s experimental AI fashion app and marvel at micro-sized McDonald’s nostalgia. This week’s Chachi Says Video Game Minute also brings a science twist to gaming’s effects on stress and autism research. From Lego X-Files to Denver’s Eye of Sauron, it’s an awesome mix of tech, nostalgia, and the downright bizarre.

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🟣 Katie’s Awesome Thing:

Pittsburgh Her Podcast launch party: A biweekly podcast from 5 prominent Pittsburgh women covering topics from menopause to mental health and therapy. Produced with YaJagoff Media and Pittsburgh Magazine.

🛫 Dave’s Awesome Thing:

Pittsburgh Airport Modernization Beta Testing: Volunteers can sign up to roleplay airport passengers in September to stress-test the $1.7B redesigned terminal—promising faster baggage, better layout, and improved security.

🎮 Sorg’s Awesome Thing:

Antstream Arcade on Xbox Game Pass: Retro gaming fans rejoice with a huge catalog of classic Activision and Sierra titles, including MechWarrior 2 and Pitfall, now accessible through cloud streaming.

🧠 Chachi Says Video Game Minute:

Science shows gaming reduces stress across genres.

A new racing game, Hafty Kart, aids autism research by analyzing how children learn through motor skills and cues.

🕹️ New Tech & Weird News:

A Computer & Video Game Museum is relocating to Penn Hills, PA from Baltimore, promising a permanent collection of retro tech.

Google Labs’ Doppel App lets users try on digital outfits via AI from just one full-body photo—fun, creepy, and a little finicky.

McDonald’s launches miniature Happy Meal collectibles and a mobile AR game for a nostalgia overload.

Lego X-Files Set coming soon featuring UFO scenes and Mulder’s office—plus Wallace & Gromit kits.

🏙️ Urban Oddities:

Denver’s new proposed Eye of Sauron-style tower stirs debate and potential for city icon status.

Reddit’s Skyscraper sub highlights global architecture innovation.

Erie, PA rebrands Seawolves as the Moon Mammoths with help from John Oliver and an actual woolly mammoth bone discovery.

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