Dual Comm Podcast

bbkdragoon

Welcome to the Dual Comm Podcast, hosted by bbkdragoon and EposVox, where gaming, tech, and life intersect in thoughtful and exciting conversations. As creators who grew up during the golden age of gaming, we dive into everything from nostalgic throwbacks and modern trends to the deeper connections games foster in our lives. Each show, we explore topics like multiplayer memories, the evolution of gaming culture, the latest in tech, and how games continue to shape the way we experience the world. Whether it’s debating old vs. new graphics, reliving LAN party glory days, or exploring the value of physical vs. digital media, we try to bring fresh perspectives to the table. Join us for casual chats, fun insights, and a celebration of what makes gaming and tech so impactful. Press start and listen now!

  1. 6D AGO

    Steam Deck LCD Is Gone, the FPS Shift, and Doing Things for Yourself

    Season 2 of the Dual Comm podcast has arrived. We discuss the Steam Deck LCD going away, likely due to RAM shortages. We talk about giving gaming less of yourself to enjoy the hobby more, and then dig into the self-help trend flooding YouTube around hobbies. We also talk about a PC Gamer article noting that the focus of major FPS releases is shifting away from competitive play and toward more relaxed co-op experiences. We wrap by talking about dopamine sensitivity, doing things for yourself, and creating. Thanks for watching. Dual Comm Party Chat Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMLyNxTXPdCKlZ9CMXkNPDMNNIKQARPd  Show Links: Welcome to the FPS Vibe Shift (PC Gamer) https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/welcome-to-the-fps-vibe-shift/  Chiral Drifter - Gaming Feels New Again (We Gave Gaming Smaller Pieces of Ourselves) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnIo2WWt848  Another video about giving gaming less of yourself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo4LUKi62jY  Epos new blog gamer.dad https://gamer.dad  Chapters: 00:00:00 - Season 2 Begins 00:01:48 - Finishing Horizon Zero Dawn and Starting Forbidden West 00:12:46 - Steam Deck Funded by Counter-Strike Skins 00:15:47 - The End of the Steam Deck LCD 00:20:53 - Launching the gamer.dad Blog 00:22:04 - Rediscovering RSS 00:23:27 - Giving Games Less of Yourself 00:31:24 - When Intentional Gaming Becomes the Default 00:51:21 - The FPS Vibe Shift 01:10:24 - YouTube, Algorithms, and Sensationalism 01:30:16 - Doing Things Just for Yourself 01:39:30 - Dopamine Sensitivity and Overstimulation Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219  Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE  Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321  Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc    Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc   Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

    1h 49m
  2. 12/08/2025

    One Year Anniversary Show!

    It's the one-year anniversary of the Dual Comm Podcast. Thank you for such an incredible year. In this episode we talk about the origin of the show with a cool surprise, then revisit some of our favorite topics from the first year and how our perspectives have shifted. We also dive into games that hit at the right place and right time, taking breaks before burnout even begins, and share some of our favorite games from the last year along with our goals for 2026. Thanks for making this such a great year. We appreciate you all. Disclosure: I received a free review copy of The Outer Worlds 2 from Xbox / Microsoft. Show Links: Taking a break from a certain type of gaming instead of being frustrated: https://demodisc.zone/t/taking-a-break-from-mainstream-gaming/251 Chapters 00:00:00 The Origin Of the Dual Comm Podcast + Surprise 00:05:35 Demo Discs Are Amazing & Should Return 00:19:40 Favorite Moments From Dual Comm Year 1 01:06:19 Games In The Right Place At The Right Time? 01:19:40 Taking Breaks Before Burn Out Sets In 01:27:45 Netflix Trying To Buy Warner Bros. 01:33:17 Surprise Topic #2 01:39:20 Free Prime & Epic Games 01:42:00 Favorite Game Of 2025 & Goals For 2026 Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc   Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

    1h 51m
  3. 11/14/2025

    Take Back Your Digital Freedom & Privacy

    This episode dives into why digital freedom and ownership matter more than ever. We quickly revisit the value of the PS4 in 2025, the importance and benefits of physical media, how to back up your PC games, and the smart TV settings you should turn off right now. From there we talk about Xbox trying to compete with TikTok, Windows 11 frustrations pushing people toward Linux, and practical ways to take back your digital freedom and build healthier tech habits. We also explore whether there are simply too many games to keep up with now, talk about Amazon’s failed attempt to rival Steam, and share Prime Gaming titles worth downloading today. Later we get into how everything online is starting to feel like advertising, then wrap up with TimeSplitters Rewind, fresh PS5 news, and the reveal of the new PlayStation gaming monitor. Thanks for listening.   Chapters 00:00:00 PS4 Is Still Awesome 00:11:00 Physical Media Mega Discussion Begins 00:13:00 How To Make Physical Copies Of Your PC Games 00:18:00 Your Smart TV Is Spying On You, Turn This Off Now 00:30:00 Xbox Competing With TikTok?! 00:39:00 Windows 11 Issues Motivating Linux Movement 00:48:00 Take Back Your Digital Freedom, Empower Your Tech Usage 01:00:28 Are There Too Many Games Now? 01:20:58 Amazon Failed To Compete With Steam 01:25:05 Prime Games To Download Now 01:25:50 Amazon Gaming Did Not Understand Steam 01:33:54 Everything Is Advertising 01:45:43 TimeSplitters Rewind Looks Awesome 01:48:00 PS5 News and PlayStation Monitor Preview Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking Show Links: Lost Save's PS4 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkCloXWp378  EVERYONE is misunderstanding "Xbox has to compete with TikTok": https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2025/10/29/satya-nadellas-plan-to-take-on-tiktok-with-xbox-makes-no-sense/  Your TV Is Spying On You. Turn These Settings Off: https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/privacy/how-to-turn-off-smart-tv-snooping-features-a4840102036/  Are There Too Many Games?: https://bsky.app/profile/benjedwards.com/post/3m5aa2a3alc2f  Amazon Lays Off Entire Gaming Division: https://bsky.app/profile/catacalypto.bsky.social/post/3m4cbunnsss2j  https://bsky.app/profile/letitmelo.bsky.social/post/3m4bxweqs3k2u  Everything Is Advertising: https://bsky.app/profile/lukeplunkett.com/post/3m5adneejhs2h  TimeSplitters Rewind: https://www.timesplittersrewind.com/  PS5 PC Cross-Buy Discovery: https://insider-gaming.com/a-ps5-pc-cross-buy-option-has-been-discovered-verified/  PlayStation Store Dynamic Pricing Reports: https://www.reddit.com/r/playstation/s/lXW7qPfGDY  https://twistedvoxel.com/playstation-experimenting-with-dynamic-game-pricing/  https://www.notebookcheck.net/PlayStation-Store-dynamic-pricing-criticized-as-sale-prices-on-PS5-games-vary-by-account.1156025.0.html  The New PlayStation Gaming Monitor: https://blog.playstation.com/2025/11/11/first-look-at-playstations-27-gaming-monitor/    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219  Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE  Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321  Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc

    2h 9m
  4. 10/24/2025

    PS4's HUGE Value, When to Let Go, Critical Reflection

    This week in the Dual Comm Podcast we discuss the games we've been playing recently, and the TV & movies we've been watching. We then shift to discussions about the PlayStation 5's unique features and why PlayStation 6 may be facing an uphill PR battle to earn buy in. Then we talk about the absolute immense value the PlayStation 4 offers players right now. Finally we talk about gaming nostalgia and the current algorithm trends, finishing with the discussion of reflection and third places and memories. Thanks for listening.     Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro - 1 Year Of Dual Comm Almost   00:04:31 What Games & Media Have You Been Playing And Watching   00:16:33 PlayStation 5 Graphics Discussion   00:28:57 Does PlayStation 6 Have Perception Challenge?   00:39:11 The Amazing Value Of The PS4 00:46:54 Are Creators Turning Nostalgia Into A Meme?   01:04:17 We Leave A Part Of Ourselves Behind Dual Comm Party Chat Episode 2:   https://youtu.be/-1dOITdMaOk?si=IQL5Pzqb6qQyvUOQ    We leave a part of ourselves behind:   https://youtu.be/vejSywwFq7Q?si=wTyOAtv8MeuWqhi6    Links discussed in today's show:   https://insider-gaming.com/ea-shuts-down-call-of-duty-inspired-battlefield-6-portal-maps/    https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/10/ps5-has-been-special-thanks-to-ssd-dualsense-features-rather-than-visuals    https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/10/even-i-cant-tell-the-difference-shuhei-yoshida-thinks-ps6-needs-something-other-than-just-more-power    Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

    1h 32m
  5. 10/07/2025

    Game Pass Price Hike Reveals Value of Ownership

    On this episode we talk about the Xbox Game Pass subscription price increase and subsequently we then talk about what happens when you start ditching subscriptions and actually own the things you love again. From Jellyfin to physical media, there’s a real sense of freedom that comes with taking back control of what you watch and play. We dig into why old games feel so good right now, how subscription fatigue is shaping modern gaming, and why shorter, more personal play sessions might be the best thing you can do for yourself. Then we answer some great viewer comments. Thanks for listening! Chapters: 00:00:00 New Show "Party Chat" 00:03:54 Xbox Removed From Retailers 00:14:00 Ditching Subscription Services – Taking Ownership Back with Jellyfin and Physical Media 00:31:00 Game Pass Price Hike and the Future of Access-Based Gaming 00:34:00 Why Old Games Feel So Good Right Now 00:42:00 The Power of Personal Choice in Gaming 00:45:00 How Daydreaming Died – Escaping Peripheral Hobby Burnout 00:52:03 Epos’ Steam Sale Recommendations 00:56:52 Secret Topic – Game Difficulty and Player Expectations 01:04:00 Relearning How to Just Play and Stop Optimizing the Fun Out 01:07:04 The Power of Short Sessions and Rediscovering Flow 01:18:50 Viewer Comment – Gears of War: E-Day and Franchise Stagnation 01:35:53 Viewer Comment – Live Service Games Are the TikTok of Gaming Video we discussed regarding old games and personal connection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rae6dQ18E4Q Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

    1h 51m
  6. 09/16/2025

    How To RELAX With Video Games Again

    In this episode we dig into why Souls games feel so challenging when life gets stressful, and how frustration can shape the way we approach gaming. We also talk about the end of console uniqueness, why Steam quietly won the console war, and what it means for how we choose platforms going forward. From there we get into the question of whether games are really relaxing or if they’re actually stimulation, and why that matters for how we spend our free time. We react to the new Switch 2 Direct and the familiar pull of FOMO, while trying to keep things grounded in what really matters. We share thoughts on the different types of gamers out there, and how our identities around competition and casual play have changed over the years. Finally, we wrap on why intrinsic fun is worth chasing over external rewards, and how that shift might be the healthiest way to keep enjoying games as adults. Thanks for listening! Chapters: 00:00:00 The Challenge of Souls Games & Finding Joy in Difficulty 00:21:18 Steam Won the Console War – Consoles Feel the Same Now 00:41:00 Choosing Your Platform: What Matters Most Going Forward 00:57:00 Games as Stimulation, Not Passive Relaxation 01:01:00 Switch 2 Direct Reactions & Handling FOMO 01:05:25 What Kind of Gamer Are You? 01:15:45 Playing for Fun: Intrinsic Rewards Over External Pressure Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

    1h 48m
  7. 08/06/2025

    Why You’ve Lost Your Focus and How to Get It Back

    Why does it feel like our focus is constantly under attack—and what can we actually do about it? In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dig into the quiet, everyday battles for our attention, from endless phone scrolling to multitasking ourselves into brain fog. We talk about the lost joy of doing one thing at a time, the value of being bored, and how simple habits—like listening to an album start to finish or playing a game without a second screen—can help restore our attention span. We also get into the comeback of physical media, why buying CDs and ripping DVDs has become unexpectedly satisfying, and how infinite streaming choice might be making us less happy. Later in the episode, we talk Halo 3 playlist design, why modern FPS games miss the mark on fun, and a productivity warning signal to watch out for. It’s part nostalgia, part reflection, and part reminder that the best way to protect your focus might be to slow down, log off, and embrace the quiet moments. #gaming #gamingvideos Links to: Hutch's Florence & The Machine Montage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft4oAPA6DQY Bnet Archive: https://bnetarchive.haloman30.com/contente5a6.html?type=topnews&link=h3matchmaking Chapters: 00:00:00 AAA Gaming Has Hit a Wall 00:12:30 Blanding: Why Everything Looks the Same Now 00:26:33 Why We're Buying Physical Media Again 00:31:50 The Joy (and Value) of Being Bored 00:43:30 The Lost Art of Truly Focusing on One Thing 01:15:00 Halo 3’s Magic and Why Older FPS Games Gave Us More 01:58:00 Brain Fog: Symptom or Something Bigger? Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

    2h 13m
  8. 07/18/2025

    The Truth About What Gamers Actually Play

    What do gamers actually play—and why does it feel like the industry doesn’t want you to know? In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dig into real player numbers from Steam and talk about how the myth of “dead genres” doesn’t match reality. StarCraft II, Age of Empires, Stardew Valley, Cyberpunk 2077—these games are thriving, but you'd never know it from industry press releases or marketing cycles. We also get into the hardware side of gaming: Why are $70 controllers still built to fail? Why won’t Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft use Hall effect sticks when $40 third-party options already do? And is modern hardware becoming disposable by design? Later in the episode, we dive into Steam sale pickups, how we actually find good games in a sea of noise, and why the Steam review system might be better than YouTube or Metacritic. We also talk about what we’ve been playing—Tomb Raider, Guardians of the Galaxy, Stardew Valley, Horizon Zero Dawn—and how personal taste still matters more than algorithmic trends. Finally, we wrap with a discussion about intentionality, tech FOMO, and resisting the pressure to chase new hardware. Do we really want a Steam Deck or Switch 2, or are we just dreaming about time we don’t have? Thanks for listening. Chapters: 00:00:00 What Steam Charts Reveal About Real Gamer Behavior 00:30:00 The Steam Review System Might Be Better Than YouTube 00:46:45 What We Bought (and Learned) in the Steam Summer Sale 01:19:19 $70 Controllers vs. $40 Fixes – Why Hall Effect Isn’t Standard 01:40:00 Tech FOMO and the Struggle to Game Intentionally Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

    2h 11m
5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Dual Comm Podcast, hosted by bbkdragoon and EposVox, where gaming, tech, and life intersect in thoughtful and exciting conversations. As creators who grew up during the golden age of gaming, we dive into everything from nostalgic throwbacks and modern trends to the deeper connections games foster in our lives. Each show, we explore topics like multiplayer memories, the evolution of gaming culture, the latest in tech, and how games continue to shape the way we experience the world. Whether it’s debating old vs. new graphics, reliving LAN party glory days, or exploring the value of physical vs. digital media, we try to bring fresh perspectives to the table. Join us for casual chats, fun insights, and a celebration of what makes gaming and tech so impactful. Press start and listen now!

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