The Talking Place

Los

5.0 (2)
Hobbies
Updated Biweekly

It’s the place where we talk. About what? That depends on the week! Every show brings a new guest, and with them, a new topic to cover. And if there’s no guest, I’ll be going on by myself, speaking my thoughts and opinions on anything from gaming, dad stuff, and life in general. If you’re looking to talk, I know a place.

13h ago

Retro World Order Ep 02 - Sony Can't Take Away Retro Games

Episode two of Retro World Order is here! It’s been a while, so place your bets on how many new handhelds Mike is now holding captive in his basement! They’re catching up with a bunch of stuff that’s been going on over the summer. Los has been hard at work trying to maintain his sanity, while Mike keeps tabs on the developing hellscape that is the gaming industry. SO once they gain our bearings, they acknowledge the elephant in the room that is Sony and all their ruinous ways as of late. Yes, this is a retro show - and Mike will be going more in depth with it on On Second Thought with Mike & Matt - but it all ties up at the end, so stick through it! Once all the negativity is off our chests, they get into the good stuff. Los brags about living in his Steam Deck era, all thanks to the Steam Deck Mini, a.k.a. The AYN Thor. He’s been picking up a few retro games here and there but it’s mostly been playing Steam games on the Thor thanks to GameNative. He’s been digging into Mina the Hollower and Game Boy Color inspired visuals make it the absolute perfect device to play it on! Mike holds back and only talks about two devices this week! The ANBERNIC RG Rotate, and the AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini x Arcade Home Limited Edition. You can listen to Mike go into details on both devices, and of course, per usual, Los is now interested in buying both. The RG Rotate has such a small for factor, it is perfect for taking on the go, and the Pocket AIR MINI feels premium at a more affordable price. They continue to gush over Pico-8 gaming in hopes someone would listen, and tease upcoming devices in the Anbernic RG 55G1 and the Retroid Pocket Nova. And the first community challenge has been cast! If you’re listening to us, find a way to communicate back - whether it be Discords, show notes comments, carrier pigeons, whatever - and let us know what old school game should we play as our first community game? Until next time! Links and Info Discussed IGN - Cancelling PlayStation Plus Won’t Make a Difference Forbes - Sony Crawls Back to Social Media The Verge - Sony is Killing Discs and is Showing Us Why It’s a Bad Idea AYN Thor - Product Link PicPic - The first Pico-8 Emulator for iOS (and Android) WTF is Pico-8?! ANBERNIC RG Rotate - Product Link Retro Game Corps - RG Rotate Review AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini x Arcade Home Limited Edition - Product Link Retro Game Corps - Pocket AIR Mini Review TechEBlog - Anbernic’s RG 55G1 Brings Switch Lite Charm and Fresh Power to Retro Handhelds The Gadgeteer - Why the Retroid Pocket Nova Might Be the Best Retro Handheld of 2026 Where to Find This Week's Guest On Second Thought with Mike & Matt Here is Mike's show! The link is to his Linktree where you'll find the best ways to get in contact with the show or to subscribe. If you're looking for the show notes for this particular episode, or for previous episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here! If you're wondering everywhere you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head here to the information page for the show! Or, if you’re feeling frisky, just search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. Wondering what I’m currently reading? Check me out on The StoryGraph! Want to know what game I’m currently neglecti-uh, I mean, playing? Check me out on Backlogged! Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.com You can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here: https://linktr.ee/designingbyknight Or if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! Contact The Talking Place If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! Voicemail - 407.906.TALK Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat!

1h 29m
May 12

Retro World Order Ep 01 - Love for the AYN Thor

Remember when I said last episode was the official first episode? Yeah, well, I lied. THIS is the first episode! So welcome to the Retro World Order! Mike (On Second Thought with Mike & Matt), and Los (The Talking Place), are hyper focused this week! They only get distracted for about 20 minutes! But after trying to figure out why Los is the way he is with customizing his handhelds, and then talking up his Etsy shop where he’s selling skins, they get into the meat and potatoes of this episode. The AYN Thor is now officially owned by both Mike and Los! Well, Mike had his for a few months, but Los just received his a few weeks ago. After a few days of having way too much fun customizing, his new handheld is finally set up. And spoiler alert: it is AMAZING. Listen to the show to hear all about Los & Mike’s impressions of the Thor, what Mike thinks is the best handheld of them all (shhhh don’t tell the others!), and even a hands on impression of the brand new Steam Controller! All of this, and more, so enjoy! Links and Info Discussed Retro Game Corps YouTube Channel - Russ, the retro Jesus lol AYN Thor - The handheld Mike has, and that Los has been waiting for since he ordered it a month ago. This is the current hotness that many are considering "the endgame handheld" because it's so loved and versatile. Where to Find This Week's Guest On Second Thought with Mike & Matt Here is Mike's show! The link is to his Linktree where you'll find the best ways to get in contact with the show or to subscribe. Mike is also on Twitter (I am still refusing to call it X), you can follow him there @CapnMikeM If you're looking for the show notes for this particular episode, or for previous episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here! If you're wondering everywhere you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head here to the information page for the show! Or, if you’re feeling frisky, just search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. Wondering what I’m currently reading? Check me out on The StoryGraph! Want to know what game I’m currently neglecti-uh, I mean, playing? Check me out on Backlogged! Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.com You can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here: https://linktr.ee/designingbyknight Or if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! Contact The Talking Place If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! Voicemail - 407.906.TALK Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat!

1h 24m
May 4

The Future Monkeys Strike Again! Books & Games with Beardy

When the world is bananas, count on seeing some monkeys! It's finally happened! The joining of two powerhouses has occurred after YEARS! Literally years, I had no idea it was so long! But here we are, The Future Monkeys back together again! It might be for one night only but eh, I'll take what I could get. Los is joined by his retired partner in crime, Beardy McWhiskey! They catch up on old times, like old people do. And get mad at social media, like old people do. And talk retro games... like old people do. Good time to bring up this week's sponsor: Metamucil Fiber Supplement! Made with 100% psyllium husk, now you too can use the bathroom like normal humans who eat healthy for every meal. Take it regular, to keep you regular! Topics up for discussion (links below contain affiliate links where I receive a kickback if you wind up using them, thank yoooooou!): The woes of keeping up with social media Retro gaming - Super Mario Bros 1-3, Super Mario World, Link's Awakening, The Legend of Zelda, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap Modern gaming - Expedition 33, Fortnite (how many skins do you think Los owns?!) Books they're reading/read - Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman, Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (check out this sweet Deluxe Edition coming out in December!), Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown, The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann Shows and movies - Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Interstellar And more! Come for the conversation, and stay to see how crazy Los' cat is. Adios until next time! Links and Info Discussed The Talking Place ep 13 | Vaccinated Living (from June 2021!) The Talking Place ep 14 | Pre-E3 Game Talk (from June 2021!) If you're looking for the show notes for this particular episode, or for previous episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here! If you're wondering everywhere you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head here to the information page for the show! Or, if you’re feeling frisky, just search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. Wondering what I’m currently reading? Check me out on The StoryGraph! Want to know what game I’m currently neglecti-uh, I mean, playing? Check me out on Backlogged! Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.com You can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here: https://linktr.ee/designingbyknight Or if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! Contact The Talking Place If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! Voicemail - 407.906.TALK Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat!

1h 31m
Apr 21

Movie Review: Project Hail Mary (Spoiler Free!)

AMAZE AMAZE AMAZE! Time to warm up those jazz hands and give a big 👎🏽 because we're talking Project Hail Mary! The movie was... well, I guess I'll leave that for you to listen to. Something I will say is that this review is coming from someone who considers Project Hail Mary to be his favorite book since the day he first read it back in 2022! That he is me, you know, in case that got confusing. But whatever! I'm excited! Finally getting to talk about this and having it documented somewhere! I've mentioned in my most recent blog post how much I fall behind when it comes to getting stuff posted on the blog. And it stinks because if anything deserved to be on there written in stone, is how much I adore Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. And just to add to that, it is also the top spot for my favorite audiobook thanks to the world class narration by Ray Porter. I know, I know, nothing to do with the movie, but it's not like I'm going to tell you everything I thought here! That's what the show is for! So get to it! Remember! These are the bare bone show notes. Go check out the official show notes on my blog where this post will be much more detailed with videos and pictures. So go check it out! LASTLY! Check out my sticker shop on Etsy! I have some Project Hail Mary stickers and bookmarks that I had a blast creating and recreating! Adios until next time! Links and Info Discussed Andy Weir interview with Penguin Random House. If you're a fan of the movie or the book, check this out as there is a ton of cool things discussed! Matt Damon discussing how Netflix is dumbing down movie plots thanks to viewers attention spans. Ryan Gosling wanted to make this movie from day one. The hero we don't deserve. More insight on how movies don't feel real anymore (and in turn, how Project Hail Mary is so superior in contrast) Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller interview with Collider and talk all about the movie! If you're looking for the show notes for this particular episode, or for previous episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here! If you're wondering everywhere you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head here to the information page for the show! Or, if you’re feeling frisky, just search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. Wondering what I’m currently reading? Check me out on The StoryGraph! Want to know what game I’m currently neglecti-uh, I mean, playing? Check me out on Backlogged! Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.com You can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here: https://linktr.ee/designingbyknight Or if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! Contact The Talking Place If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! Voicemail - 407.906.TALK Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat!

31 min
Apr 11

Getting Back on the Horse

Where have I been?? WHAT DAY IS IT?! It's been a minute! But here I am, once again, sitting in the chair and hitting record! This is my traditional getting back on the horse show. So instead of it being something substantial to listen to, it's really just a 20 minute warm up to get my sea legs back. I have to get used to talking to myself on the mic, seeing as how I typically just do it under my breath to myself. I recently did the same exact thing for my blog, where I jumped on and just typed out whatever it was that was going on in my head. I gave an update on what I've been up to that was completely generalized and had zero details, but still, it was an update nonetheless. So this show is basically the accompaniment to that blog post. So enjoy! NEXT WEEK! Much more focused and detailed! I go on for 30 minutes talking all about Project Hail Mary, which is long overdue! Adios until next time! Links and Info Discussed Humpday Update 4.8.26: WHAT DAY IS IT?! - Here is my first blog update that I've done in nearly a year. Come see how bad I am! Review | Killswitch by dbrand & Various Nintendo Switch 2 Cases - One of the two blog posts I have dedicated time to in the past year. Analyzing "Hi Ren" by Ren - Mental Health Awareness Month - The other blog post I wrote. Super proud of this one, can't wait for this year's. A Review of Babel: #4 of My Top Reads of 2023 - Here's one that doesn't count because I actually wrote it like 1.5 years ago! Just never posted it. UGH, I need to finish my top reads of 2023 so I can work on my top reads of 2024 LOLOL. Retro World Order Ep 1: Retro 4 Life! - The new retro/emulation handheld podcast venture I'm on with CapnMikeM from On Second Thought with Mike & Matt! Can't wait to keep this one going, it should be a fun ride! If you're looking for the show notes for this particular episode, or for previous episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here! If you're wondering everywhere you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head here to the information page for the show! Or, if you’re feeling frisky, just search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. Wondering what I’m currently reading? Check me out on The StoryGraph! Want to know what game I’m currently neglecti-uh, I mean, playing? Check me out on Backlogged! Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.com You can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here: https://linktr.ee/designingbyknight Or if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! Contact The Talking Place If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! Voicemail - 407.906.TALK Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat!

22 min
Apr 7

Retro World Order Ep 0 - Retro 4 Life

Welcome to the first episode of Retro World Order! This is a joint endeavor featuring CapnMikeM from On Second Thought with Mike & Matt, and Los from The Talking Place! Their love for tinkering, shiny new handheld devices, and talking games brought them to this station, so we'll see how far the train goes! This first episode has them introducing what the Retro World Order is. Spoiler: it's something we all need. The gaming world today has become such a clouded and messy space with indie games releasing to more praise and adoration than most AAA titles. It's obvious a lot of us have lost our way, clinging to the hope that whatever the next big thing they're throwing at us doesn't flop into the mud, but it’s been happening more often than not. On top of that, this hobby of ours that we hold so near and dear is meant to be an escape. The world is a terrible, horrible place these days and sometimes the current gaming scape is not enough to keep our worried minds at bay. Hyper-realism, paywalled progression, more bugs than a swamp at sunset. Sometimes, we need the comfort and warmth that only a nice warm mug of nostalgia can provide to keep us happy and level headed. Or maybe it’s not even nostalgia, and you’re experiencing things for the first time. Either way, a simple, easy to pick up and play 30 year old game is enough to put a smile on your face. Anyway, there will be plenty of rambling in the coming episodes! Many opportunities to explain and show why this is the way for times like this. Until next time! Links and Info Discussed Retro Game Corps YouTube Channel - Russ, the retro Jesus lol Techdweeb YouTube Channel Anbernic RG34XXSP - Mike's latest addition to his collection (a really awesome homage to the clamshell Game Boy Advance SP) Anbernic RG35XX+ - Los' only handheld currently. Made to feel like an original Game Boy. (This model is no longer being made, the current version of it is the New Anbernic RG35XX) AYN Thor - The handheld Mike has, and that Los has been waiting for since he ordered it a month ago. This is the current hotness that many are considering "the endgame handheld" because it's so loved and versatile. Where to Find This Week's Guest On Second Thought with Mike & Matt Here is Mike's show! The link is to his Linktree where you'll find the best ways to get in contact with the show or to subscribe. Mike is also on Twitter (I am still refusing to call it X), you can follow him there @CapnMikeM If you're looking for the show notes for this particular episode, or for previous episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here! If you're wondering everywhere you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head here to the information page for the show! Or, if you’re feeling frisky, just search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. Wondering what I’m currently reading? Check me out on The StoryGraph! Want to know what game I’m currently neglecti-uh, I mean, playing? Check me out on Backlogged! Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.com You can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here: https://linktr.ee/designingbyknight Or if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! Contact The Talking Place If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! Voicemail - 407.906.TALK Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat!

27 min
11/27/2025

I Want My Black Friday Back

Oh, Black Friday, where art thou?! Here is my walk down memory lane. Where my feet are being guided by fond recollections of the past and pure discontent for the present. Seriously, what in the coal-filled stocking has happened to Black Friday?! It used to mean something! You were proud to give someone a gift if you went out and fought someone's grandmother for it. It made it mean even more! In this episode I get into my thoughts on what has happened to this shopping holiday, and why it's a month long event compared to the two day spree it used to be. I also get into some memories and good times we used to have breaking night and trying to get good deals on things! Sacrificing a night of sleep for $5 movies was a no-brainer and no one from this day and age will understand that if they weren't there. Also, apologies for the background noise! I was working on shop stuff while recording. If you're curious, here's the thank you note I put in every order I get. Is it excessive? My wife thinks so! But I get nothing but compliments on my packaging so maybe she's just jealous! Bwahaha Adios until next time! Links and Info Discussed Here's my Mercari sign up link again! Been getting cheap games again and you can too! Sign up with my link and we'll both get free money, c'mon, what are you waiting for?! ---- It's easy to buy and sell on Mercari. Get up to $20 when you get started. Use code WWHENQ when you sign up with my link: https://merc.li/cgrJes6Jb Here's some Black Friday videos that I kids these days will swear it's A.I.. But real ones know what it was like. Be sure to check out my Amazon Store Front!! It's a few things that I have linked up that I think you should check out. But even just clicking on the link will still help me out and give me a kick back on anything you buy, even if it's not on the list. It's a good time to subscribe to Audible too! Up until December 1st, When you sign up, you'll get 3 months of Audible (3 credits = 3 audiobooks) for 99 cents each! After that it goes back up but you can cancel if you want. AND AND AND you'll get a bonus $20 credit to buy more audiobooks! Go get on it! Be sure to use my link here to help me out and give me a kickback! If you're looking for the show notes for this particular episode, or for previous episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here! If you're wondering everywhere you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head here to the information page for the show! Or, if you’re feeling frisky, just search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. Wondering what I’m currently reading? Check me out on The StoryGraph! Want to know what game I’m currently neglecti-uh, I mean, playing? Check me out on Backlogged! Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.com You can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here: https://linktr.ee/designingbyknight Or if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! Contact The Talking Place If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! Voicemail - 407.906.TALK Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat!

44 min
11/21/2025

Be Thankful Without Consent

Hey look, it's Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I know, it's been a weird few years and all with everyone realizing what actually took place to cement Thanksgiving as a holiday. It seems like a collective agreement happened to take this once chill and cozy holiday and cover it up with garland and lights. I get it! But... hear me out... Why can't we just, you know, still be thankful for things? That's what this show is about. It's me remembering what Thanksgiving is. Recalling some of my earlier years, like what I used to do every Turkey Day, and whatever traditions we did. Funnily enough, I don't really talk about food! This is just me talking out loud about the day. For a while now, I've been glossing over it and just trying to get to Christmas ASAP. Which, don't get me wrong, I still do lol. But I'm trying to still enjoy Thanksgiving this year, and I feel like we all should. Not sure if I'll put out another show before this holiday weekend, but if I don't, I hope everyone finds something to be thankful for! Until next week! Links and Info Discussed Here are some of my perfect for Fall recipes that would be great on Turkey Day! The Wife's Sweet Potato Gratin - my FAVORITE. Seriously, make double. The Wife's Baked Mac and Cheese Honeyed Chicken (A Game of Thrones recipe) - I'd imagine the sauce made here would be PERFECT for a turkey dressing. Garlic Mashed PO-TA-TOES Pumpkin Doughnuts with Salted Caramel Glaze Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread - This is my go-to banana bread! I'm most likely eating some right now as you're reading this. Oatmeal Cinnamon Chip Cookies - Yes, they're great. Spiced Cinnamon Cookies - But, these are better. Praline Pumpkin Cake - Legit, if Thanksgiving were a cake, it would be this. Pumpkin Pie Cookie - This is it! THE ONE COOKIE TO RULE THE FALL! If you're looking for the show notes for this particular episode, or for previous episodes of The Talking Place, be sure to check out my archive right here! If you're wondering everywhere you can subscribe and download The Talking Place, head here to the information page for the show! Or, if you’re feeling frisky, just search up "The Talking Place" wherever you find your podcasts. Wondering what I’m currently reading? Check me out on The StoryGraph! Want to know what game I’m currently neglecti-uh, I mean, playing? Check me out on Backlogged! Here is everywhere to find me, gaming wise! Steam - The1llusiveMan | PlayStation - xThe1llusiveMan Nintendo - The1llusiveMan | Xbox - xThe1llusiveMan I opened up an Etsy Shop! Check it out and help support everything I do! https://designingbyknight.etsy.com You can find all my links pertaining to my shop right here: https://linktr.ee/designingbyknight Or if you just want to support me without getting stickers, you can go ahead and buy me a coffee! I would appreciate it beyond belief! Contact The Talking Place If you'd like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! Voicemail - 407.906.TALK Email - TalkingPlacePod@gmail.com If you're looking to join me for an episode, don't be shy and get at me at the above email and we'll chat!

29 min

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

It’s the place where we talk. About what? That depends on the week! Every show brings a new guest, and with them, a new topic to cover. And if there’s no guest, I’ll be going on by myself, speaking my thoughts and opinions on anything from gaming, dad stuff, and life in general. If you’re looking to talk, I know a place.

Creator

Los
Years Active

2019 - 2026
Episodes

55
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Copyright 2025 The Talking Place. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.
Show Website

The Talking Place