Grow Up Level Up

Samson Li
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Games
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast network about how we stay connected to play, creativity, and curiosity as adults. From video games to movies, music, and more—we explore how entertainment fits into real life. Featuring series like How We Play and Sunset Selects.

  1. 2d ago

    Is a Riftbound Regional Worth It If You Only Play Side Events?

    What’s a Riftbound regional like when you’re there for the side events instead of the main tournament? Samson just got back from the Los Angeles Riftbound Regional Qualifier, and he’s joining Jordan to unpack the weekend: playing Rengar, trying Team Sealed Trios and 2v2, meeting Jimmy Wong and Custa, earning prize tickets, and making friends along the way. We also talk about how Riftbound compares with Pokémon TCG and Magic: The Gathering, what it’s like attending an event solo, and why enjoying a card game doesn’t have to mean chasing the meta or winning every match. 💬 Would you travel to a regional just to play side events? Tell us below. Subscribe for more conversations about gaming and adult life, plus Samson’s upcoming RQLA vlog. 00:00 Welcome to How We Play 07:22 Why Samson got into Riftbound 13:24 From Vancouver regionals to a creator pass 15:20 Riftbound vs. Pokémon and Magic 16:20 How Riftbound works 20:45 The Rengar deck and the cost of playing 25:32 Going to a regional for side events 28:09 Metal cards and the Best Of system 31:59 Tickets, demand, and getting into RQLA 34:46 Arriving in LA and exploring the event 38:59 Meeting Jimmy Wong, Custa, and the community 43:59 Sealed events and Super Nexus Night 50:31 How on-demand events work 52:04 Team Sealed Trios: the weekend favorite 58:20 Trying 2v2 1:00:46 Cashing in prize tickets 1:05:01 Comparing RQLA with Pokémon events and PAX 1:08:50 Enjoying card games without the grind 1:10:27 Going solo and making friends 1:16:16 Long lines and event growing pains 1:18:09 The upcoming LA vlog 1:19:05 Burnout, casual hobbies, and final thoughts Stay connected: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en Follow Samson: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠ Follow Jordan: https://www.instagram.com/sirdrjm/?hl=en Follow Jordan: https://twitch.tv/sirdrjm/ Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b Subscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠ Disclosure: Riot provided Samson with a creator pass and complimentary event entries. Travel was not covered. #Riftbound #RiftboundTCG #GrowUpLevelUp

  2. Sep 17

    These Are the Games of Our Lives... FEAT. Heroic Headgear!

    Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en Follow Samson: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠ Follow Jordan: https://www.instagram.com/sirdrjm/?hl=en Follow Jordan: https://twitch.tv/sirdrjm/ Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b Subscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

  3. Sep 10

    Pokémon XP 2026 Was AMAZING… But Also a Mess

    Pokémon XP 2026 was a huge celebration of 30 years of Pokémon, and in a lot of ways, it absolutely delivered. Samson is back from San Francisco to tell Jordan all about Pokémon XP and the Pokémon World Championships 2026. The weird ticketing process, Pokémon Center chaos, Championship Sunday, side events, and of course, the infamous Pin Rally. Twelve pins! Massive lines! Closed stations! Rumours of the fire marshal getting involved! Somehow, we still got the full set. Despite the chaos, the weekend was an amazing reminder of what makes Pokémon special. Friends from around the world, generations of fans coming together, and a whole lot of Pokémon. Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en Follow Samson: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠ Follow Jordan: https://www.instagram.com/sirdrjm/?hl=en Follow Jordan: https://twitch.tv/sirdrjm/ Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b Subscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

  4. Sep 8

    GTA VI Goes to Sesame Street

    We're talking all about GTA VI and the new information we can learn from the recent reveal trailer! Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en Follow Samson: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠ Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social Follow BlasterGoblin: https://blastergoblin.com/en-cad Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b Subscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

  5. Aug 26

    The ABCs of GTA 6: Breaking Down the Leaks & Rumors

    The GTA 6 leaks and rumors are getting wilder by the day—so we’re breaking them down from A to Z. On this episode of Sunset Selects, SirDrJM is joined by  @BlasterGoblin  to explore the reported GTA VI details, including the map, open-world activities, police system, vehicles, RPG mechanics, enterable locations, fuel and damage systems, Lucia and Jason, and some of the strangest footage circulating online. Which rumored feature do you most want to see in GTA 6? Drop your letter, and your prediction, in the comments. Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en Follow Samson: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠ Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social Follow BlasterGoblin: https://www.youtube.com/@UC00xRNgcNOWhA2BXwCtVJYA Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b Subscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠ Note: This discussion covers alleged leaks, rumors, and speculation. Unannounced details may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. #GTA6 #GTAVI #GrandTheftAuto6

  6. Aug 19

    If You Love Indie Games, Don’t Sleep on Big Walk + Duskfade

    Big Walk "review" and Duskfade impressions for indie game fans who want something worth playing after work. In this episode of Grow Up Level Up, we share our latest Big Walk impressions, talk about finishing the game and why it lands around a 9/10 despite still having plenty left to discover, and break down what makes its co-op puzzle-solving feel so special. We also dive into our Duskfade impressions, why it’s caught our attention, and share more indie game recommendations for those precious gaming hours after work. Plus, Samson gives an update on his upcoming travels, where he’ll be over the next couple of weeks, and what’s coming up for Grow Up Level Up while he’s on the move. Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en Follow Samson: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠ Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b Subscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

  7. Aug 13

    Big Walk: Actually Worth Playing?

    Big Walk is one of the most interesting co-op puzzle games to drop recently, and we put it to the test. In this episode, we dive deep into Big Walk’s gameplay, puzzle design, proximity chat, and whether it’s actually worth your time. Featuring ⁨ @KozibearLive  and  @samhallofgames  we break down our Big Walk experiences, favorite moments, and the co-op teamwork that makes or breaks each run. We talk about how Big Walk handles cooperative gameplay, how it compares to games like Untitled Goose Game and Peak, and why playing with a big group of friends can turn this into pure multiplayer chaos. From clever puzzle mechanics and physics syncing to frustrating jumping and navigation, we go through our roses, thorns, and buds for the game. Huge thank to our guests. Please follow them! Sam Hall of Games YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@samhallofgames Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/samhallofgames.bsky.social Kozibear YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KozibearLive Bluesky: https://kozibear.bsky.social Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en Follow Samson: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠ Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b Subscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠ #BigWalk #GamingPodcast #CoOpGames #IndieGames #gamereview

  8. Aug 5

    Spider-Man: Brand New Day Is Peak MCU

    Spider-Man: Brand New Day delivers one of the most exciting, emotional, and visually sharp Spider-Man experiences in the MCU so far. In this spoiler-free review, Samson and Jordan break down the movie’s strongest moments, from the incredible action choreography and suit design to the character development, friendships, and audience reactions that make this film feel bigger than expected. We also talk about Destin Daniel Cretton’s direction, why the theater experience matters for a movie like this, and how Brand New Day compares to past Spider-Man and Marvel films. Later in the episode, we dig into spoilers and discuss Jean Grey, X-Men implications, Florence Pugh’s MCU role, Hulk’s future, and the evolving dynamics between Spider-Man and the people around him. Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en Follow Samson: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠ Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b Subscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A podcast network about how we stay connected to play, creativity, and curiosity as adults. From video games to movies, music, and more—we explore how entertainment fits into real life. Featuring series like How We Play and Sunset Selects.

Information

  • Creator
    Samson Li
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    140
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Samson Li
  • Show Website
    Grow Up Level Up