The Talking Place

Talking to Myself about Solo Shows

OH LOOK, A MIDLIFE CRISIS, RIGHT ON SCHEDULE
Alright peeps! If I were crazy enough to do seasons on my podcast, I would say this is the beginning of a new one. After sitting on this feed for so long, and much hesitation and skepticism, I'm finally going to try my hand at publicly talking to myself lol. 
I get into the details in this episode, but look forward to bi-weekly shows from now on. Heck, maybe even weekly if I plan it right. No music so far, maybe I'll save it for the main show with guests. But for now, here's an intro for what I'm planning. 
Until next time!
Links and Info Discussed
As mentioned, here is the YouTube channel for that dude. It USED to be called Caffeine & Consoles? But at some point he changed it over. I get into my thoughts on the episode so whatever. 
 
Head over to https://themanthechefthedad.com/links/ where you'll find a bunch of different ways to help me out via affiliate links and referrals. Remember, all you have to do is get to Amazon via one of my links for it to register to me. 
Also, I opened up an Etsy Shop! https://designingbyknight.etsy.com is it. There's nothing crazy on there yet, but hopefully I'll keep it updated with some cool stuff. 
 
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
Instagram - @ManChefDad
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 links and we'll chat! 

Talking with Cap'n Mike about Podcasting and Gaming

Invoking the right of parley with the Cap'n!
After so many years of listening to each other's shows, our paths have finally crossed! Cap'n Mike has been the host of a handful of popular podcasts since the Xbox 360 era. And now, after a brief 2.5ish year retirement, he's back behind the mic! 
During the show we dig into how we're both old farts and have been in the podcast game for a long time. Talking about the way it has changed so much, how we have now adapted and changed compared to how we were when we started. We discuss a few gaming related topics too, in particular the Steam Deck and how it has become my savior. 
For all the info on Mike and where to find him and his podcast, check out all the links below!
Until next time!
Links and Info Discussed
I don't think there were any links?! There were a few handheld gaming devices discussed but if those are things that interest you then I'm fairly certain you already know where to find them. If I listen and hear anything that stands out, I'll update the links below.
Head over to https://themanthechefthedad.com/links/ where you'll find a bunch of different ways to help me out via affiliate links and referrals. Remember, all you have to do is get to Amazon via one of my links for it to register to me.  
https://designingbyknight.etsy.com -- Here is my Etsy Sticker Shop! I'm updating it every so often, with various designs spanning books, gaming, and more. Check out my Instagram for the shop over at @designingxknight to see what I have available and what I'm working on!
Where to Find This Week's Guest
On Second Thought with Mike & Matt
Here is Mike's show! The link is to its Linktree where you'll find the best ways to get in contact with the show or to subscribe. Be sure to subscribe so you can listen to the infamous Episode 5 where I'll be joining as a guest. 
Mike is also on Twitter (I am still refusing to call it X), you can follow him there @CapnMikeM
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
Instagram - @ManChefDad
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 links and we'll chat!

Talking with Sara about Book Subs & Discords

It's not hoarding if it's pretty books!
This is a show many months in the making! Turns out coordinating a podcast with someone in Australia is not as simple as you would think. But it finally worked out and here we are! 
I wanted to talk to Sara because she runs a fairly awesome bookish community that would've been wiped from existence if she didn't raise it from the ashes. And now, it's alive and thriving and about 200 people strong. 
In this episode, we're talking about monthly book subscription boxes, special edition books and how they appeal to the collectors in us, and of course, the discord that brings it all together.  
Check out below for all the info we discussed! If I missed anything, reach out and let me know and I'll update it. 
Until next time!
Links and Info Discussed
Here are the links where you'll find the top 4 monthly book subscriptions we discussed. If you're really curious, every site has a catalog/past book database where you can see the offerings they've had in the past. If you want to really dive into it and have more questions, the link to the discord is below. Every subscription is going to have a waitlist you have to sign up for, some of which could be as short as a few weeks to as long as 10 months. So keep that in mind!
Fairyloot
Illumicrate
Owlcrate
The Bookish Box
Fourth Wing was brought up a lot. So you can find more info on the book itself right here. 
If you want to check out all the absolute madness that happened when it first came out, along with the first run copies that were going for over $500 (you know, the one I could've bought for $15 but I cancelled it..) Then go ahead and check that out right here. 
Bonus: Here's a really good round up on all the special editions of Fourth Wing that are out there! (For reference, the 3 that I have are the holiday edition, Waterstones', and Fairyloot's)
And here is Sara's Fourth Wing collection! 
Sara mentioned a copy of Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan that she just HAD to have, despite it being in Italian, a language that she does not even SPEAK. If you want to check out La figlia della dea della luna and see if it's worth it, you can do so here. 
We discussed Sword Catcher by  and how superior Illumicrate's version of the book was (the version Sara has) when compared to Fairyloot's version (the one I had). If you want to see the difference, then here is Illumicrate's, and here is Fairyloot's. 
Here are our Top 5 Books of the Year! After editing the show, I realized that maybe I should've gone with books that actually came out this year, as oppose to books I've read since some are a few years old. But too late now! Here they are, along with the books that we did not like!
Sara
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (by S.A. Chakraborty)
Bonesmith (by Nicki Pau Preto)
Sword Catcher (by Cassandra Clare)
Divine Rivals (by Rebecca Ross)
Yellowface (by R.F. Kuang)
Silver in the Bone (by Alexandra Bracken) (did not like)
Los
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (by S.A. Chakraborty) (freaking READ IT!)
A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking (by T. Kingfisher)
Legends & Lattes (by Travis Baldree)
Fourth Wing (by Rebecca Yarros)
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (by V.E. Schwab)
The Jasad Heir (by Sara Hashem) (did not like)
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow (by Gabrielle Zevin)  (did NOT like)
 
Lastly! Here is the invite link for the main topic of our conversation, the Fairyboot Discord! Remember, do not be a jerk. Sara WILL cut you. 
Fairyboot Discord invite link
 
Head over to https://themanthechefthedad.com/links/ where you'll find a bunch of different ways to help me out via affiliate links and referrals. Remember, all you have to do is get to Amazon via one of my links for it to register to me.  
https://designingbyknight.etsy.com -- Here is my Etsy Sticker Shop! Now updated with holiday designs, bookmarks, and magnets! It's leaning more towards book centric stuff, but I'm looking to focus on gaming a lot more next year. 
Where to Find This Week's Guest
You can follow Sara on Instagram @OldKingdomandBeyond
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
Instagram - @ManChefDad
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 links and we'll chat!

Talking with Matt about Starfield on Xbox

FOR ALL, INTO THE STARFIELD
The time is finally upon us! After years of development and hype, fans of Bethesda  Game Studios are getting their hands on Starfield! I sit down with Matt (Ve6a5, in Future Monkey lore) and talk about the excitement and expectations we have for the game! He also gives us his impressions on his first hour of play time, discussing space combat, character creation, and more! 
As of this episode, Starfield is live with early access that can be granted by purchasing an upgrade or a premium edition. You can play it on release day (September 6th) by purchasing a standard copy on Xbox or PC, or with day one access on Xbox Game Pass.
Stay tuned to future episodes where I'll invite Matt back along with other guests and maybe even some voice mails where we'll follow up with our time spent in the game after a few weeks! 
Until next time!
Links and Info Discussed
Starfield main page
Starfield reviews on YouTube
Starfield Metacritic Scores
Check out the EZFM Discord (my home away from home) where we'll have a channel dedicated to Starfield.
The following are Amazon Affiliate links that when clicked on will help me out with a percentage of the purchase! Physical edition of the upgrade comes with a steelbook and other goodies, but you can also purchase it digitally to get early access before it's official September 6th release date!
  
Starfield standard edition: Xbox  |  PC
Premium Edition Upgrade: Xbox  
Xbox Limited Edition Wireless Headset
 
Head over to https://themanthechefthedad.com/links/ where you'll find a bunch of different ways to help me out via affiliate links and referrals. Remember, all you have to do is get to Amazon via one of my links for it to register to me. 
https://designingbyknight.etsy.com -- Here is my Etsy Sticker Shop! I managed to get it up and going in the time between posting this show and the last one. Go me! Check it out and favorite it to see updates. I'm focusing on more gaming centric designs next. 
Where to Find This Week's Guest
3thoughtcreative.com - Is Matt's company he co-founded. Go check it out to see what he and his talented team are capable of. If you're interested in hiring them, they have a contact form on their site.
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
Instagram - @ManChefDad
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 links and we'll chat!

Talking with Al about Podcasting and VR

Another show, another Al, part 2... or 3?
It's been sooooo long, I figured it'll be cool to have Al on again. We talked a little about podcasting and what it's like to handle the technical stuff about recording. And after a sweet, sweet interlude, we got into some VR talk. The main focus was children and how they are not supposed to be using VR headsets. But are they? Who knows! Not me, but I may have some ideas here.
Until next time!
Links and Info Discussed
The American Journal of Ophthalmology put out this article back in 2020 about VR headsets being safe for children. This is the rundown of it, the full article is linked at the bottom of that page.
Assessing the impact of VR headsets on kids under 13 is another in-depth look at how much no one has really gone in-depth on this.
I'll update this bullet point with the link we researched which led to the decision of letting our kid use a VR headset.
For the record, I'm not here saying you should let your kid use VR headsets. If you as the parent do not feel comfortable, then don't let them use one. Be a responsible grown up and monitor what your kid Is doing with time limits and parental controls.
Xbox Family Settings App
Nintendo Switch Parental Control App
 
 
Head over to https://themanthechefthedad.com/links/ where you'll find a bunch of different ways to help me out via affiliate links and referrals. Remember, all you have to do is get to Amazon via one of my links for it to register to me. 
https://designingbyknight.etsy.com -- Here is my Etsy Sticker Shop! I managed to get it up and going in the time between posting this show and the last one. Go me! Check it out and favorite it to see updates. I'm focusing on more gaming centric designs next. 
Where to Find This Week's Guest
@RetroRentsAl - Al's Twitter
@TheRetroRents - Al's podcast on Twitter
Where to find/download The Retro 'Rents
The latest episode of The Retro 'Rents
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
Instagram - @ManChefDad
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 links and we'll chat!

Talking with Al about Life and Books

Another show, another Al
Look, I'm not going to gloat or make a big deal here, but this show is out EXACTLY when I said it would be out! And it's right on time with when my player said to expect my next episode. Sorry, this may seem like small potatoes to people but it's a big deal in my book! But enough about me, what is going on this week?!
I had the pleasure of having Al back for another show! He is one half of The Retro 'Rents, and if you don't know him, the links are below.
This episode we were both catching up with a lot of off time. Both his and my show were on hiatus' and we discussed the reasons behind that. How life has just been relentless with keeping us busy and away from the microphones. But if I had to choose a central theme for the show, it would be books.
We got into the conversation about reading and it just went on from there. Lots of recommendations were given (and linked below) and I have zero regrets. It was a great time as always when chatting with Al and I'm glad he stuck around for another show.
Which btw, I know I said in the intro I'm going to put together his episodes, but I back tracked on that and now you'll be getting two shows with Al instead of one. You're welcome!
Until next time!
Links and Info Discussed
The Book of Choyer - YouTube channel featuring Total War cinematic battles and Warhammer lore.
Total Warhammer 3 - Al's current gaming obsession
Who is Brandon Sanderson?
Great article about Brandon Sanderson, his secret projects and how they shattered the record for the highest contributed Kickstarter, and why he refused to sell them on audible.
More on why Brandon Sanderson is such a force in the fantasy genre.
From Sanderson's site - What is The Cosmere? (This is what Al was talking about currently reading)
Books Discussed (Amazon affiliate links):
The Sundering (Warhammer Chronicles) - The omnibus Al mentioned he was reading. 
The Cosmere (nearly 40 books! More info here) by Brandon Sanderson
Tress of the Emerald Sea (Book 1 of Sanderson's Secret Projects) by Brandon Sanderson (after more research, I'm totally jumping in here. Particularly, these editions of the secret projects)
A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Storm Front (The Dresden Files book 1) by Jim Butcher
Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles book 1) by Kevin Hearne
Hounded: By the Fae's Fated Mate (The North Shore Fae book 1 by A. S. Green 
Head over to https://themanthechefthedad.com/links/ where you'll find a bunch of different ways to help me out via affiliate links and referrals. Remember, all you have to do is get to Amazon via one of my links for it to register to me. 
Lastly, I opened up an Etsy Shop! https://designingbyknight.etsy.com It has a bunch of digital things on there, but I am currently in the process of adding a bunch of stickers that I'll be printing AT HOME! I'm excited and I'll definitely be doing a show talking about it once they go up.
 
Where to Find This Week's Guest
@RetroRentsAl - Al's Twitter
@TheRetroRents - Al's podcast on Twitter
Where to find/download The Retro 'Rents
The latest episode of The Retro 'Rents
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
Instagram - @ManChefDad
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 links and we'll chat!

Talking to Myself About Books, Games, and Life

NEW INTRO MUSIC, WHO DIS?
Welcome to the unofficial beginning of season 2 lolol. I mean, it's dumb, but I feel like that's where I'm at here. New intro music, updated and ridiculously awesome art, it's like a breath of fresh air being blown in to get the *checks watch* nine months worth of dust off everything.
NINE MONTHS! Nine freaking months since my last show. Almost to the day. I mean, technically, yeah, this CAN be considered the 31st of June if that were a thing. But it's not a thing. It's JULY 1st OMG it's almost Christmas!! Ok ok ok, I know, I know. Halloween is first, but whatever! ANYWAY. What's up, how ya been? That's good, that's good. Look, I know it's been a while so I got you a little somethin'.
It's a NEW SHOW! YESSSSSsssSSsSss everyone so happy happy! No, I haven't lost it. I've been busy and going on little sleep for the past week so I think I'm feeling it now. But anyway, let's get to the actual show notes. Geeze, I hope you weren't really reading all of this mess. I'm sorry. 
Look, here's what I talked about in this episode. I went on about how much I absolutely adored Hogwarts Legacy. How it was enough to remind me why I loved gaming since I had taken another break from it. Then I got into The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for the first time of many I'm sure. And peppered throughout all of that was life talk. What I've been doing and not doing. How I pretty much gave up social media, and some other stuff. 
There you go! You probably don't even have to listen to the show now, huh! Hahahahaha no that was a joke, please listen.
Oh yeah! Coming down the line, you will definitely hear Al from the Retro Rents returning for an episode or two, so look forward to that! And I have a few others penciled in after so here's to trying to do this thing again! 
Until next time!
Links and Info Discussed
Look, I'm going to be completely honest, I totally forgot if there was anything worth linking. But hey! If you want to help support me, You could do a few things now:
Head over to https://themanthechefthedad.com/links/ where you'll find a bunch of different ways to help me out via affiliate links and referrals. Remember, all you have to do is get to Amazon via one of my links for it to register to me. 
Also, I opened up an Etsy Shop! https://designingbyknight.etsy.com is it. There's nothing crazy on there yet, but hopefully I'll keep it updated with some cool stuff. 
 
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
Instagram - @ManChefDad
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 links and we'll chat! 

Talking with Ken about Living in Salem

THIS IS HALLOWEEN
HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE! This episode is going to be all about Ken Turner! I thought Ken would be a great reason to dust off the ol' podcast because he lives in historic Salem, Massachusetts! We went on about how it is to live there throughout the year, the craziness of Halloween, and so much more! 
Fun bonus! Check out the links below and you'll find not only Ken on twitter, but also the brand new Delvin Cox Experience Halloween Specials! 
In these specials, I wrote/directed/produced the fun little skits throughout the shows. There are 4 skits in total: A Sea Creature (this is the one featuring Ken!), a Vampire, a Werewolf, and a Zombie. Go check out the shows! They are awesome and fun to listen to during halloween. Maybe use headphones though during a few skits lol.
Links and Info Discussed
A tweet showing the absolute madness of Halloween time in Salem
Episode of The Delvin Cox Experience where I chatted all about the fun of creating and editing his famous Halloween Show!
The Delvin Cox Experience Halloween Special Part 1 (2022)!
The Delvin Cox Experience Halloween Special Part 2 (2022)!
Ken Turner on Twitter!
 
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
Twitter - @TheTalkingPlace, @The1llusiveMan
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 links and we'll chat! 

Talking to Myself About Games, Movies, and Books

Solo, round 2
Solo show numero 2 and I feel much more organized! Let it be known though, I recorded an entire OTHER show before I recorded this one. It was so all over the place and unorganized, I decided to ditch it and start over. I'm glad because it's amazing how much more focused you get when you write yourself a little plan to stick to. Organization. Who knew?!
Things Discussed
I talked numerous topics in the 30 minutes I allowed myself. I'm quite pleased, and you should be impressed if you know me! Anyway, here's a rundown in case you want to know what you're getting yourself into. 
Games - Pokémon Legends Arceus, Horizon Forbidden West, Animal Crossing, and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Books - (briefly talked about) The Humans by Matt Haig (Book | Audiobook), The Midnight Library also by Matt Haig (Book | Audiobook), and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (Book | Audiobook)
Movies - Ron's Gone Wrong (Disney+), Encanto (Disney+), Free Guy (Disney+), and The Adam Project (Netflix)
No. I don't believe that I talked about all this stuff either! But I guess I did.
 
Links Discussed
Crystal Storm's Twitter - @WriterStreamer
Her website where you can check out all her work, books, etc.
The project she is heading!
A 2 minute promo to the Star Wars audio drama!
 
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
Twitter - @TheTalkingPlace, @The1llusiveMan
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 links and we'll chat! 

001 | Talking to Myself About Games and Life

It's Not My Ffff
I've been having this itch to record something, but at the same time, I didn't really want to commit to a date with someone. And so, my first solo show is born!
Will there be more? Maybe. Only time, and my laziness, will tell. 
I went on about a few things I've been meaning to talk about. And I feel like it would've been a much greater discussion with...myself... If I would have planned it out better. I rambled a few times, but I had fun editing so it should be an interesting listen. Next time I do this I'll definitely have more of a plan, and maybe, just maybe, a little more confidence.
Things Discussed
While talking to myself I went off course a tad. But I think I stuck to the main thing I wanted to bring up. Gaming has been a part of me for a very, very long time. I always want to make time for it, I always get excited for advances in the industry, I still love the hobby and don't plan on quitting. Buuuuut, that doesn't mean I have to always be excited about stuff. I went on talking about my struggles with finding time to game, and when I do find the time, how hard it is to be excited for new games these days. 
This is a subject I KNOW I'll bring up again. And I look forward to being much more prepared next time
Music Heard 
Artist: Mikel (Twitter, Instagram, YouTube)Song: Ocarina of TimeAlbum: Zelda and Chill 
Mikel is a wizard with his beats, bringing the music from some of our beloved games to a whole new level (haha! Get it?!) All the purchasing info is there in the links above. I implore you to check out some of his other albums as well. You won't be sorry!
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
Twitter - @TheTalkingPlace, @The1llusiveMan
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 links and we'll chat!