Best Cody Gough and Jonathan Martin Podcasts (2024)

1
Steam Deck Review and Halloween Christmas Special 1:02:39

2y ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Jon reviews his new Steam Deck in our 2022 holiday special! …but probably not the holiday you’re thinking of. Plus: Cody lost his expensive headphones but WON a brand-new gaming PC, and he and Jon discuss whether it should become part of a new VR rig. They also recount their recent experience at a friend’s wedding in Wisconsin with some of the best…

1
Alcoholic Mountain Dew and Cosmopolitan Bottle Service 1:06:56

2y ago1:06:56

1:06:56

Cody reviews alcoholic Mountain Dew and Jon recaps his Allegiant Stadium and Cosmopolitan bottle service experiences. They also discuss disgusting malt beverages, $1,500 bottles of vodka, and Las Vegas vibes. Plus: Cody went to another symphonic performance of Distant World: Music from Final Fantasy, and Jon has returned to Eorzea to play criticall…

1
House-Destroying Kids and an Assassin’s Creed Origins Review 1:02:27

2y ago1:02:27

1:02:27

Jon helps Cody talk through his home gaming setup and explains how kids destroy houses. Plus: Jon’s basement cricket and escape artist dog; a FULL GAMER review of Assassin's Creed Origins; a debate about movies that are more than 3 hours long; and trading time for loot in “sit back” versus “lean forward” video games such as critically acclaimed MMO…

1
Gaming Around Kids and Hades Revisited 1:13:18

2y ago1:13:18

1:13:18

Hear how Hades holds up in 2022 and how Cody and Jon handle gaming around their kids. In their first episode from a 3-year hiatus, you'll also hear about where they've been, why they're back, and whether a sound effects soundboard can make the show even worse than it already was in the first place. Intro music credit: Subterranean Kamikaze by Juan …

1
Literally The Only Podcast Ever Made in All of 2019 (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 060) 1:34:52

5+ y ago1:34:52

1:34:52

Cody and Jon record their first episode together in 2019, and hilarity ensues. Also in this jam-packed episode: Cody dives into Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers, and Jon reviews Hollow Knight and Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden. They also talk about Xbox Game Pass, Risk of Rain 2, the TV shows Silicon Valley and Star Trek: The Next Generation, and …

1
Elliot Callighan Talks “Unlock Audio” and Sound Design for Media (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 059) 46:10

5+ y ago46:10

46:10

Elliot Callighan, composer and sound designer for media and adjunct professor at DePaul University, joins Cody to discuss his new project, Unlock Audio. It’s a tool for re-framing game audio to make it developer-centric from both a creative and business perspective. They also talk game design education, sound design, and — of course — what video ga…

1
Author Blake J. Harris Talks Oculus, Facebook, and the Virtual Reality Revolution (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 058) 15:41

5+ y ago15:41

15:41

Blake J. Harris, the best-selling author of “Console Wars,” has turned his attention to virtual reality with a new book. In “The History of the Future: Oculus, Facebook, and the Revolution That Swept Virtual Reality” Harris dives into the dramatic, larger-than-life true story behind the founding of Oculus and its quest for virtual reality. In this …

1
Favorite Video Games of 2018 (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 057) 1:19:29

6y ago1:19:29

1:19:29

Cody and Jon go FULL GAMER and review their favorite video games played over the past year, in addition to discussing what they learned about balancing video games with real life. Plus: a look ahead at what’s to come in 2019!People can also check out here if they need help with video games. Show Notes: * Cody discusses Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood…

1
Balancing Not One, But TWO Kids: Jonathan Martin Returns to the Podcast (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 056) 1:05:13

6y ago1:05:13

1:05:13

Jon returns from an extended hiatus to talk about what it’s like balancing games and life now that he has not one, but TWO, kids. He and Cody also give updates on what video games they’ve been playing over the last several months. Show Notes: * Jon explains why he took multiple months off from the podcast, briefly recounting the story of his new ba…

1
Dave Wishnowski Changed His Life On A Dare and Ended Up Creating A Legendary Video Game (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 055) 44:16

6y ago44:16

44:16

In 2002, Dave Wishnowski quit his job and set out to make his own wrestling game. More than 15 years later, he’s still at the helm of Pro Wrestling X, one of the most ambitious independent game projects in modern video game history. In this podcast, he tells his story and gives an update on the game that by all rights shouldn’t exist — and how he’s…

1
Gen Con 2018 Board Game Review Special (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 054) 59:40

6y ago59:40

59:40

In a special solo episode, Cody discusses his favorite games from Gen Con 2018 and offers some buying recommendations if you’re looking for the latest and greatest in strategy board games. Plus, learn a little about the role-playing game worlds of Starfinder, Arcanis: The World of Shattered Empires, and Savage Worlds. Show Notes: * Cody discusses h…

1
Board Game Review Special: Martin Con 2018 (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 053) 1:18:55

6+ y ago1:18:55

1:18:55

Cody and Jon recap their favorite board games of “Martin Con” 2018, the annual Memorial Day Weekend board game gathering hosted at Jon’s house in Minnesota. This year’s games include but are not limited to: Avalon, Near and Far, Chaos in the Old World, Terraforming Mars, Arkham Horror, Mystic Vale, Sid Meier’s Civilization: A New Dawn, Rising Sun, …

1
Interview with “The Minds Behind the Games” author Patrick Hickey, Jr. (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 052) 45:07

6+ y ago45:07

45:07

You know who directed your favorite films and wrote your favorite screenplays… so why don’t you know the names behind your favorite video games? On this episode, host Cody Gough interviews Patrick Hickey, Jr, author of “The Minds Behind the Games: Interviews With Cult and Classic Video Game Developers,” about his conversations with the creators of …

1
F-Zero: Can you be nostalgic for a bad game? (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 051) 1:08:17

6+ y ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Cody and Jon attempt to explain F-Zero after playing it on the SNES Classic, despite not really caring at all about racing games. They also finally give an update on what’s going on in their lives, for once! Show Notes: * Cody and Jon try to stumble through a review of F-Zero, despite the fact that racing games aren’t their “thing” * Jon is curious…

1
Is it too late for EarthBound? (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 050) 1:03:02

6+ y ago1:03:02

1:03:02

Jon reviews EarthBound, one of his favorite games ever, and Cody asks: is it too late for EarthBound to find a new audience? Show Notes: * The hard question gets put out there: is it too late for EarthBound? * After an in-depth discussion, play along with EarthBound trivia! * Jon gives an update on his quest to play through every Final Fantasy game…

1
Is Super Metroid A Perfect Game? (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 049) 1:08:50

6+ y ago1:08:50

1:08:50

Is Super Metroid a perfect video game? Cody poses the question and Jon tries to come up with answers, as they review the classic Nintendo title on the SNES Classic — 24 years after it was first released. Show Notes: * Cody asks the hard question: is Super Metroid a perfect video game? * Jon reveals why he has SO MUCH HAIR on his head right now, and…

1
Yoshi’s Island: When Optional Content Determines A Game’s Fun (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 048) 1:06:45

6+ y ago1:06:45

1:06:45

Can optional content determine the playability and fun factor of a video game? Cody discusses how this happened as he and Jon review Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island for the SNES Classic, arguably the best platformer ever made. Show Notes: * Cody explains that he has upgraded to “gigabyte internet” but has no idea what that actually means (and p…

1
Pacing and Active Participation in Role-Playing Games with Super Mario RPG (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 047) 1:14:35

6+ y ago1:14:35

1:14:35

Cody and Jon delve into the history of Nintendo’s unique collaboration with Square-Enix (Squaresoft, at the time) and review Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars on the SNES Classic. Show Notes: * Cody and Jon discuss the incredibly unique circumstances of Nintendo and Squaresoft (known today as Square-Enix) working together to create a game …

1
The Relationship Between Fun and Difficulty with Contra III: The Alien Wars (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 046) 1:01:05

7y ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Cody and Jon review the run and gun game Contra III: The Alien Wars on the SNES Classic. Show Notes: * Cody and Jon discuss whether the game is too difficult or they just don’t like playing games that hard! Plus: why is 2-player mode completely broken and literally unplayable? * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next epis…

1
What Makes A Good Platformer? Super Castlevania IV SNES Classic Review (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 045) 1:02:47

7y ago1:02:47

1:02:47

Cody and Jon review Super Castlevania IV, one of many remakes of the original Castlevania, on the SNES Classic. Plus: first impressions of the board game Sid Meier’s Civilization: A New Dawn! Show Notes: * Hear how Cody was gilded on Reddit with an unlikely comment related to Triple H’s entrance music. * Cody and Jon set the stage for their discuss…

1
When Do Outdated Graphics Break A Game? Star Fox and Star Fox 2 SNES Classic Reviews (Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 044) 1:05:19

7y ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Cody and Jon review both Star Fox and Star Fox 2 on the SNES Classic, then discuss the history of the Star Fox franchise. Plus: trivia! Show Notes: * Somehow, both Cody and Jon got their hands on an SNES Classic Mini, and they’re going to review a game on every episode of the podcast for the next 20 episodes! * Hear about the history of the Star Fo…

1
Final Fantasy RETROspective Review (Podcast Episode 1) 18:01

7y ago18:01

18:01

Jonathan Martin reviews the original Final Fantasy for the Nintendo Entertainment System as part of his ongoing RETROspective retro video game review series. Show Notes: * Share your thoughts about this review with Jonathan Martin on Twitter at @eatplaygame * Connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, our YouTube channel, and more! * Game/Life Balan…

1
We’re back! Weddings, Extra Life, and SNES Classic Plans: Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 043 1:28:20

7y ago1:28:20

1:28:20

Cody and Jon return from a 6-month hiatus to talk weddings, classic Star Trek, the Extra Life video game marathon, Super Mario Odyssey, retro gaming, and their SNES Classic plans for the future of the podcast! Show Notes: * After a 6-month hiatus, Cody and Jon discuss what they’ve been up to and why they’ve resurrected their podcast * Cody raves ab…

1
Cody Gough presents Curiosity: Game/Life Balance U.S. Special Podcast 11:35

7+ y ago11:35

11:35

Cody gives one more quick update as the 2017 Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Hiatus continues. Show Notes: * You can find Cody’s new podcast, the Curiosity Podcast, on iTunes or Stitcher, or add the RSS feed to any podcast player. Please leave a review if you have a minute! * While you’re waiting for new episodes, check out our hilarious and still a…

1
Hiatus 2017: Game/Life Balance U.S. Special Podcast 7:10

7+ y ago7:10

7:10

Following a prolonged absence, Cody gives an update on the mostly-dormant state of Game/Life Balance U.S. Show Notes: * No show notes. I ain’t got time for that!By Podcasts – Game/Life Balance U.S.

1
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo Switch Review (Game/Life Balance Gaiden Special Podcast) 1:39:27

7+ y ago1:39:27

1:39:27

This week, Cody Gough of Game/Life Balance U.S. is joined by special guests Andrew “AC” Yoshimura of Game/Life Balance Australia and Chris Ferrell of the All Things Good and Nerdy and Official GonnaGeek.com Podcasts for a VERY SPECIAL REVIEW of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch. Will you like this game even if you aren’…

1
Defenders of the Triforce Real Escape Game and Trevail Kitchen: Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 042 1:05:23

7+ y ago1:05:23

1:05:23

Cody reviews his experience playing The Legend of Zelda themed Real Escape Game “Defenders of the Triforce,” and Jon explains why his birthday meal at Trevail Kitchen was one of the most unique dining experiences he’s ever had. Plus: a SPECIAL SURPRISE ENDING! Show Notes: * Cody has accepted a new position as the director of the FBI, and is legally…

1
Jon’s layover fail and Cody’s weight loss win: Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 041 1:01:53

7+ y ago1:01:53

1:01:53

Jon explains why he will never risk flying with a layover while in the company of a small child ever again, and Cody shares his weight loss success story and the secret to how he lost 18 pounds in 6 weeks. Show Notes: * Jon tells a tender heartwarming story about singing an Australian lullaby to his kid, because the only American lullaby he can thi…

1
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII review (Game/Life Balance U.S. FULL GAMER Podcast) 1:02:45

7+ y ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Jon gives a very thorough Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII review… 3 years after Cody reviewed the game on their old podcast, Unqualified Gamers. Hear how the game withstood the test of time, including Jon’s specific recommendations for the best way to enjoy playing it for the first time. Show Notes: * Cody reviewed Lightning Returns: Final Fa…

1
Special edition video games: ripoffs or worth it? Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 040 59:10

7+ y ago59:10

59:10

The collector’s edition of Final Fantasy XII has been announced, and the price is STEEP. Cody and Jon debate the value of special edition video games, then give an update on their recent game/life balance. Show Notes: * Current News * FINAL FANTASY® XII THE ZODIAC AGE COLLECTOR’S EDITION is for sale on the Square-Enix store, and… it costs $200, whi…

1
Cody got engaged and Jon nearly died: Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 039 1:01:29

7+ y ago1:01:29

1:01:29

In this EXTREMELY EVENTFUL EPISODE: Cody got engaged! Hear him retell the story of how he popped the question, then catch up with Jon and learn how he nearly died last week (like, kinda not joking). Show Notes: * Cody and Jon argue about whose story should go first in this podcast episode, which somehow turns into a tangent about Omega Virus * Cody…

1
Final Fantasy XV review: Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast 1:06:27

7+ y ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Cody gives a feature-length Final Fantasy XV review. Spoiler alert: he didn’t love it. Hear Cody explain exactly why he takes issue with this game as a main entry in the series, then judge for yourself whether it’s worth buying at full-price. Show Notes: “No sense of wonder. No plot. Poorly structured. Egregious flow and play control issues. A melo…

1
Overwatch first impressions and board game strategy: Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 038 56:03

7+ y ago56:03

56:03

Jon finally got the chance to play Overwatch, the video game that literally everyone seems to be talking about! Hear his first impressions, plus Cody’s take on strategy board games and the best ways to play with friends. Show Notes: * Jon explains why he thinks he’s “the gross guy” at the gym every morning * Cody and Jon went to Madison last weeken…

1
Gamers on global politics, activism, and the billionaire class: Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Ep. 037 1:01:26

8y ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Following Cody’s recent international travels, he and Jon have a frank discussion about global politics, activism, and the billionaire class, including a conversation on why people should approach politics from the perspective of strategy gamers. This mostly non-partisan podcast is full of unique perspectives from a couple of Millennials trying to …