Just Talking Podcast

Episode 83 of Just Talking arrives with Breaking News. This week's guest is Giantbomb News Editor Patrick Klepek. Patrick has had quite the journey through the video game industry, from 1up to MTV, EGM to Whiskey Media. For those of you that follow the video game industry with any passion, you might remember Patrick's reporting on Infinity Ward, the layoffs, and the aftermath. We discuss the origins of that story and what drives him to be a genuine reporter. There's also talk about Lost (spoiler free), afros, and something called Evil Bong 3-D: Wrath of Bong. It'll make sense once you start listening. Enjoy. If you want to keep up with Patrick's adventures, be sure to follow: @PatrickKlepek @giantbomb and http://www.giantbomb.com Run Time - 54:34 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

About a month ago I received an offer for a free copy of "Not Dead Yet", a book written by Phil Southerland. My spider-sense tingled at the opportunity to get Phil on my podcast and after a few weeks of planning I am proud to present Episode 82 of Just Talking. Phil was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 7 months old. No, that is not a typo. Episode 82 covers Phil's early years with diabetes, his many years on a bicycle, the creation and current endeavors of Team Type 1 and of course, everything involved in getting his book "Not Dead Yet" from thought to published book. This was an inspiring conversation. Enjoy. After you've listened to Episode 82 keep up with all of Phil's activities by following: @PhilSoutherland @TeamType1 Finally, "Not Dead Yet" is available online and in bookstores starting May 10, 2011. Go check it out. Run Time - 36:55 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

My guest for Episode 81 would not call himself an "industry veteran." Jonathan Long would say that he has been part of the video game industry for a significant portion of his life, he would say that he has had his hand in nearly 60 distinct video games, and if you ask nicely he might even say that he has helped expand the culture of video game communities and community management. But only if you ask nicely. But Jon is a humble man. Sure, he's been around for a while, but a "veteran" is not a title he would apply to himself. After you've listened to Episode 81 be sure to follow Jon and his many side projects (listed below): @Weezul @15MinutesofGame @PopParley Run Time - 1:06:45 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

I had a serious problem with Episode 80. The conversation I had with Robot Entertainment Community Manager Justin Korthof was too much fun. It could have lasted for two hours. Quite frankly, I'm considering breaking my no-repeat-guest rule to get him back on my show. But enough about the future, let's get to the present. Episode 80 is about all facets of community management. From video games to major motion pictures. From Geocities to Twitter followers and Facebook 'Likes'. There's also a heavy dose of comic talk including but not limited to culture, entreprenuership, movies, and walking down Sunset Boulevard with Bryan Singer. Please excuse me as I pick up that name I just dropped. And please excuse the static that occasionally pops in this one, I had a few issues in the editing booth. If you'd like to keep up with Justin, Robot Entertainment or the CM List, pay attention to the bullet list below: @SixOkay @RobotEnt @theCMList Finally, if you stuck around through the outro, this post about Inception will

Episode 79 has arrived and with it, a fantastic conversation with Area 5 co-founder Jay Frechette. Jay has had quite the journey through the video game industry. We talk about his start at Electronic Gaming Monthly, his transition to the 1up Show, life as a community manager for Dead Space 2 and a variety of talking points about Area 5 including how the company was formed and the creative process behind what Area 5 does. We finish Episode 79 highlighting Atomix Magazine, the first Video Game Magazine designed exclusively for the iPad. If you'd like to keep up with Jay, Area 5 or Atomix Magazine I've got some links for you: @JayFrechette Area 5 @AtomixMag Run Time - 1:06:51 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Honestly, I tried my best to name this episode anything BUT 'Across the Pond.' I could have titled this one 'Instructions Not Included' because my guest Becky Thompson has a diabetes blog with that title. I could have titled the episode 'William Shakespeare' because Becky is dedicating her education and career to theater. I could have gone with 'Dancing with the Stars' as a reference to her particiaption in dance competitions and the surprisingly violent nature of the Waltz (trust me). Or, I could have used 'Awesome Accents' because, well, I think British accents are sweet. But I went with 'Across the Pond' because I think it's super cool that Becky was my first guest from the UK on my podcast...from the UK. Enjoy. Be sure to follow Becky on Twitter @instructionsni and check out her blog. Run Time - 50:22 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

A few episodes ago I was joined with (at the time) EA Sports Senior Community Manager Will Kinsler. Since that episode was published Will moved on to Epic Games (Congratulations!) and I was contacted by one of Will's partners from his days at MaddenNation.com, Fred Villarruel. Naturally after exchanging emails with Fred I knew I had to get him on my podcast. Which brings me to Episode 77. Fred and I spend the bulk of this podcast discussing various aspects of the development and growth of Madden Nation. The difficulties in dealing with the early success, the relationship that developed with EA Sports, and the closing years of Fred's involvement with the site. It's a fascinating story. There's also talk of Chicago sports. Between Devin Hester, Scottie Pippen, the Blackhawks Stanley Cup run, we cover it all. Enjoy. Run Time - 1:08:47 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

A funny thing happened on the way to finishing Episode 76: I forgot to ask more questions. Literally, my guest from Texting My Pancreas - Kim V. and I were Just Talking for most of the show you are about to listen to. Sure, we spent some time talking about her experience at the JDRF Gov Day, her perspective on the Diabetes Online Community, the value of blogging and starring in a B movie. But there were plenty of times where the conversation became so much fun that I forgot that I was recording a podcast. I had a blast with this one, and so will you. Enjoy. Oh, and about the title of this episode. You'll just have to listen to understand the meaning. You wouldn't believe me if I told you here anyway. Follow Kim's hijinks on Twitter @txtngmypancreas. Run Time - 1:03:04 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

A few weeks ago I was on my way to a Washington Capitals game. Outside the arena was a food truck, 'Eat Wonky'. Half way through my 'Wonky Dog' I decided to ask the owner if he would like to come on my podcast. These types of sequences are a common occurance these days - I find someone new I think would make for an interesting guest and see if a recording is likely. Jeff Kelley, owner of Eat Wonky, joins me for Episode 75. We discuss the ins and outs of his food truck, the menu, the early hurdles encounted when starting his business, his approach to building a relationship with customers and more. There's also some talk about Washington sports; because that's what two locals inevitably talk about. This is a good one. Enjoy. Follow Eat Wonky on Twitter to keep up with where he will be serving next @EatWonky. Run Time - 52:01 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

One step closer to One Hundred, Episode 74 of Just Talking has arrived. Sixuntilme.com's Editorial Assistant Abby Bayer joins me for the latest entry into to archives. Our time is spent talking about her work on Sixuntilme, her experiences at Diabetes Camp, and the time and energy required to become a Registered Nurse. Side conversations include the extreme pain felt when you break a bone in your body, why Lucky Charms is the best cereal and the New York Yankees. Enjoy. You can find Abby, her words, and her feline doppleganger at sixuntilme.com. Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com Run Time - 48:17

I'm happy to report I received my first "no comment" in the history of Just Talking in Episode 73! I suppose that's burying the lead, so let's not get too distracted. My guest this week is Eli Reihman from DexCom, Inc. Those of you that frequent my personal blog know that DexCom plays a vital role in my diabetes management and it was a real honor to have someone from this company on my podcast. We spend the bulk of the show diabetes-heavy, talking about the DexCom system, Eli's impressions of the device (as a person without diabetes), the future of continuous glucose monitors and how vital the diabetes community is to this company. There's also talk of scuba diving, face-planting on a bike, and returning to work after receiving ten stitches. Enjoy. If you have any questions about the DexCom Seven Plus Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, you can contact Eli at ereihman@dexcom.com. Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com. Run Time - 49:21

I hope you're ready to geek out over magazines because Episode 72 of Just Talking is more than ready for guest Kelly Rawlings and all her geekery. Her work at Diabetic Living Magazine is discussed along with her experiences as a person with diabetes raising a teenager. Her perspective on the International Sensation 'Blunt Lancet' is also part of our talk. Finally, we talk about a chicken that laid an egg with a diameter of six inches. Trust me, this is one conversation you do not want to miss. Enjoy. You can follow Kelly on Twitter @kellyrawlings. Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com Run Time - 1:02:01

It turns out that I have a lot in common with my guest on Episode 71, Robert Cortez. We are both big fans of Halo, his involvement with Podtacular can testify to that. We are both big fans of podcasts, especially since we each have our own to manage. And we consume a high volume of entertainment news. Robert, however, also produces entertainment news with his group of friends at Sodapop Journal. Along with podcasting, and his website, we spend a good portion of this episode talking about the troubles print media is facing with the digital age. You're in for a fantastic conversation. Enjoy. Run Time - 1:20:29 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com

In an exclusive behind the scenes opportunity with Blunt Lancet roadie Jeff Mather, I bring you Episode 70 of the Just Talking podcast. Jeff opens up about his blog, his diabetes, his love of photography, and his hatred (not really) of certain cupcake shops. There's also talk about Motorhead, software development, and of course, the international phenomenon that is Blunt Lancet. Enjoy. If you want to learn more about Blunt Lancet's escapades, check out their VH1 "Behind the Music" episode here, and the Rolling Stone interview here. Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com Run Time - 55:22

Sometimes planning a podcast doesn't go as expected and I have to scramble for a guest. Luckily I've met some pretty awesome people in my short podcasting life that will respond to my SOS if needed. One such person is Video Game Freelancer Raychul Moore, my guest this week. This episode of Just Talking is filled with talk about video game collections, action figure collections, cosplay, what defines a humbling experience in the gaming industry (and in life) and embracing your sexuality. We also answer the classic hypothetical question of what item or items do you grab first if your home is on fire, because that's normal conversation for a podcast. All these topics and more await you in Episode 69. Enjoy. Run Time - 1:02:06 Send any feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com

With the Super Bowl right around the corner, I got a little lucky with the timing on Episode 68 of Just Talking as Will Kinsler, EA Sports Senior Community Manager, was kind enough to spend 90 minutes of his evening with me. Part of the conversation talking about MaddenNation.com, his origins with the site, how he helped manage its growth and ultimately how that site helped him get his current job at EA Sports. Another part focuses on his job at EA, how he uses social media to interact with the community and Will offers up his opinions on what it takes to succeed at his position. Finally, we talk about the Washington Redskins and why you should always check for trees in close proximity to a new home. If you stick around after the final musical interlude there is some talk about fantasy football and I open up a bit about what makes my podcast...my podcast. Enjoy. Run Time - 1:28:03 Send any comments to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com

I bring a southern charm to this week's episode of Just Talking as I welcome Sarah, from http://igotthasuga.com. We talk about Sarah's memories from her diagnosis at age 4 and her perspective on her teenage self. The highlight of this podcast revolves around Sarah's pregnancy, the intense diabetes management leading up to her pregnancy and the challenges that she faces now that her child is on the way. There's also talk about accents, Matthew McConaughey, and doctors that wag fingers. Enjoy. Run Time - 1:00:45 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com

Fun fact: The Headquarters for ThinkGeek.com are literally down the street from my newly purchased home. Up until a few weeks ago I did not know that. Lucky for me, Think Geek PR Manager Shane Peterman was willing to sit down and have a conversation with me for Episode 66 of the Just Talking Podcast. Our talk is naturally quite geeky, covering PR for Think Geek, PR for geeks, what it means (and meant) to be a geek, the continuing rise of geek culture. We also talk about the challenges of starting your own record store, why John Cusack's life isn't too bad, and we put the vinyl vs. digital audio debate to rest. (Not really, but it made for an interesting talk). Enjoy. Run Time - 1:00:34 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com

Episode 65 is marked by a spectacular conversation with Mandy, or as she is known in her co-hosting role on Gamertag Radio: Ladyluck34. As the one female host of that well known, and respected podcast, I took the opportunity to ask Mandy about her origins with Gamertag Radio, what it's like podcasting with a personality like Gamertag Radio founder Godfree, her perspective on gaming culture as a woman and most importantly, why you should pack extra gloves when traveling abroad. A special thanks goes to Mandy for being willing to participate this week on very, very short notice. Sit back and relax, this is a good one. Enjoy. Run Time - 1:02.42 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com

Welcome to 2011! My journey to collect all of the hosts of the Talking About Gamers podcast is almost complete, as Kyle Orr joins me for an hour of awesome. As expected, we spend a good portion of the podcast talking about the world of video games, including his role on the podcast, his best practices for post news stories to Talking About Games, how he came to writing reviews and why Game Dev Story is worth your money. Outside of gaming, we also discuss unemployment, the Minnesota Vikings, and 155" televisions. I'm looking forward to what the new year will bring for my podcast, hopefully you'll be along for the ride. Enjoy. Run Time - 1:14:10 Send your feedback to feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com