Grow Up Level Up

By Samson Li

A podcast network about how we stay connected to play, creativity, and curiosity as adults. From video games to movies, music, and more—we explore how entertainment fits into real life. Featuring seri... more

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FAQs about Grow Up Level Up:

How many episodes does Grow Up Level Up have?

The podcast currently has 99 episodes available.

Grow Up Level Up episodes:

November 17, 2025 Creating Our New Logo With The French Dip Design (Artist Interview)
In this episode of Grow Up, Level Up, hosts SamsonXP and SirDrJM chat with artist and designer Cameron French, known as The French Dip Design. Together, they unpack Cameron’s creative journey from early love of video games to building a career in art and design that bridges community, storytelling, and play.

Cameron shares how his passion for creativity reignited during the pandemic and how drawing every day helped him rediscover his artistic voice. The discussion explores the role of community in creative work, how games inspire imagination, and the rise of indie developers shaping the future of gaming.

They also dive into Cameron’s latest film project, *Pancake Skank*, a story that blends queer identity, personal growth, and visual storytelling. Along the way, the conversation touches on crowdfunding, collaboration in design, and the importance of staying curious and trying new things.

🎮 Topics Covered:
- The story behind The French Dip Design
- Growing up with video games as inspiration
- Creating *Pancake Skank* and exploring queer storytelling
- The importance of community support and collaboration
- How indie creators are redefining the gaming world
- Finding creativity in everyday life

Follow The French Dip Design: [https://www.instagram.com/thefrenchdipdesign/](https://www.instagram.com/thefrenchdipdesign/)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
02:57 Cameron French: The Journey of a Designer
24:31 The Magic of Gaming and Artistic Passion
34:52 The Renaissance of Gaming After Dark Times
36:39 Artistic Journeys and Personal Projects
47:13 Rediscovering Art During the Pandemic
49:03 Unveiling the New Brand Kit
51:01 Collaboration and Creative Process
55:08 Exciting Future Projects
01:00:00 Closing Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe!

Stay connected:
BlueSky: [https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social)
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/](https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/)
TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en](https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en)
Follow Samson:
BlueSky: [https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social)
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/](https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/)
Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠

Follow Jordan: [https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social)

Join our Discord: [https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b](https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b)

Subscribe and follow for more:
YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠
Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

...more
1h 5min
November 07, 2025 Jordan's 10 Games to Get to Know him!
Explore 10 iconic games that shaped Jordan's gaming journey and friendships on Sunset Selects. From World of Warcraft to Animal Crossing, Jordan shares his 10 games and why they shaped who he is!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sunset Selects
04:04 Jordan's Gaming Philosophy
05:59 Jordan's 10 Games
08:14 World of Warcraft Journey
20:07 Transition to Overwatch
24:35 Nostalgic Gaming Memories
30:43 The Impact of Spyro 2
35:46 Kingdom Hearts: A Gateway to RPGs
40:01 Persona 4 Golden: Emotional Connections
45:48 Call of Duty 4: A Game-Changer
56:18 Console Wars and Gaming Preferences
01:03:03 The Impact of Animal Crossing
01:08:03 Reflections on Gaming History
Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe!
Stay connected:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en
Follow Samson:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samsonxp_
Follow Jordan:
https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social
Join our Discord:
https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b
Subscribe and follow for more:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup

...more
1h 15min
October 31, 2025 Top 10 Games That Define Us | Part 1 - Samson Edition!
In this episode, hosts Samson and Jordan kick off a special two-part series revealing the games that define them. This week is all about Samson’s 10 defining games, with Jordan’s list coming in next week’s episode. From Overwatch to Pokemon Go, Samson dives into the titles that shaped his gaming journey. Don’t miss out—subscribe now so you’ll be the first to catch Jordan’s top 10 next week.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
06:02 What We've Been Playing
08:52 Upcoming Games
23:50 Games That Define Us
24:19 Overwatch
31:18 Pokemon Go
36:28 Pokemon Trading Card Game Live
39:37 Pokemon Black and White
42:26 Hearthstone
45:50 Marvel Snap
50:07 The Rest
58:46 Teasing Jordan's List for Next Week

Stay connected:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en

Follow Samson:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samsonxp_

Follow Jordan:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social

Join our Discord:
https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b

Subscribe and follow for more:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup

...more
1h 4min
October 30, 2025 BEST VIDEO GAME CONSOLE OF ALL TIME?! Building the Museum of Gaming - Floor 2 [RE-UPLOAD]
Originally uploaded October 17 2025
Samson is gone for the third week in a row so this time we've got special guest Gianni DiCrosta on to settle the debate, once and for all: Which video game console is the best?In this week's episode it's the return of SirDrJM's favourite game where we build the Museum of Gaming. Tune in to see which consoles deserve to be featured on the second floor of Grow Up Level Up's Museum of Gaming.Don’t forget to thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=enFollow Samson:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠Follow Jordan: https://www.instagram.com/sirdrjm/Follow Gianni:Twitch: https://twitch.tv/giannidicrostaTwitter: https://x.com/giannidicrostaYoutube: https://youtube.com/@giannidicrostaJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5bSubscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠
...more
1h 45min
October 24, 2025 I Went to Japan and Spent WAY Too Much on Games 😂 (HAUL TIME!)
Samson's back and he's ready to yap about his unforgettable journey through Japan, sharing about the vibrant gaming culture — from the bustling streets of Tokyo to hidden retro game shops. Samson shows off his top gaming finds, unique souvenirs, and the thrill of exploring Japan's gaming scene. From plushies to rare consoles, don't miss this one!
👍 Don’t forget to give a thumbs up and subscribe!
Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back from Japan
03:06 Gaming Adventures During the Trip
06:02 Exploring Pokémon Centers
08:59 Shopping for Retro Games
12:10 Universal Studios and Nintendo World
14:57 THE HAUL
49:12 Tokyo Game Show Experience
52:42 Pokémon Legends ZA Launch Event
01:12:21 Cards?!
01:17:45 Reflections on Gaming and Travel
01:20:50 Outro
Stay connected:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup
Follow Samson:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samsonxp_
Follow Jordan:
https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social
Join our Discord:
https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b
Subscribe and follow for more:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup
...more
1h 28min
October 11, 2025 Parents Who Game - Two Dads Talkin' Games
Are you a gaming parent? Perhaps you're a parent with kids who game! This week’s episode sees these two dads talk about all about having a kid and gaming. How do you control those rug-rats and keep their gaming in line when you also love to game? Tune in, to find out!Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=enFollow Samson:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠Follow Jordan: https://www.instagram.com/sirdrjm/Catch Up with Chris: https://lyteforce.ca/Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5bSubscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠
...more
1h 2min
October 04, 2025 Ghost of Yotei Impressions - With highscoreweekly!
Ghost of Yotei has released and Jordan has been playing it since it dropped! This week, Highscoreweekly's Josh joins Jordan as they dive into everything Ghost!If you're debating picking up Ghost of Yotei, take a look!
Follow Highscoreweekly: https://www.instagram.com/highscoreweekly?igsh=MWMxcDY2Y3NvcWcyZg== @HighscoreWeekly C
Don’t forget to thumbs up and subscribe!
Stay connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=enFollow Samson:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠Follow Jordan: https://www.instagram.com/sirdrjm/Follow Josh: https://www.instagram.com/highscoreweekly/https://www.instagram.com/highscorebites/Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5bSubscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠
...more
1h 17min
September 24, 2025This RPG About Growing Up Hit Me Hard
This RPG about growing up hit us harder than we expected. In this Consume Me game review, Samson shares his thoughts on the life sim RPG that blends gameplay, storytelling, and cultural representation in a powerful way.
Consume Me explores themes of self-image, relationships, and choices that shape a character’s life. The game features comic-inspired art, mini-games that mirror real challenges, and multiple endings based on decisions. It also carries the personal touch of the developer’s own experiences, which makes the story even more meaningful.
In this video, we cover:
What makes Consume Me stand out among indie RPGs
How the soundtrack and art style shape the experience
The emotional impact and cultural relevance of the story
Our take on whether it’s worth playing
If you enjoy indie games, life sims, or story-driven RPGs, this review is for you.
Have you played Consume Me? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
#ConsumeMe #GameReview #IndieRPG
Thank you to Popagenda, and the team at Hexecutable (Jenny and AP Thomson), for an early review copy of the game!

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Consume Me
03:05 Gameplay Mechanics and Structure
05:57 Character and Story Overview
08:50 Themes of Self-Image and Growth
11:55 Resource Management and Game Dynamics
14:50 Replayability and Multiple Endings
18:06 Personal Reflections and Relatability
28:17 Exploring Religion
35:36 Life Lessons and Personal Growth
38:29 Art Style and Music in the Game
40:10 Tension and Discomfort in Gameplay
43:57 Critiques and Suggestions for Improvement
47:54 Final Thoughts
Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe!
Stay connected:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en
Follow Samson:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samsonxp_
Follow Jordan:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social
Join our Discord:
https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b
Subscribe and follow for more:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup
...more
56min
September 19, 2025 Henry Halfhead Is Not What You Think – Indie Gem Reviewed!
Are you sleeping on Henry Halfhead? In this episode of Grow Up Level Up: Sunset Selects, we jump (possess?) into one of the most unexpectedly joyful indie games of 2025: Henry Halfhead. 🎮✨ Thank you to our friends at Popagenda for providing a review copy of the game!

We explore how this charming title tackles aging, joy, and play, and why it might just be the game you didn’t know you needed. Plus, we talk Pokémon Let’s Go as a gateway game, and wrestle with the beautiful frustration of Silksong.

🕹️ What We Cover:
🎭 Themes of growing old in Henry Halfhead
🧠 Mental health in games like Psychonauts 2
⚔️ Our pain with Silksong
💡 Pokémon Let’s Go: Best intro for new players

#HenryHalfhead #IndieGames #GameReview #GrowUpLevelUp

📝 Developed by Zürich-based Lululu Entertainment and co-published by Popagenda, Henry Halfhead launched Sept 16, 2025 on Steam, Epic, PS5 & Switch. A $12.99 indie gem where you become everyday objects to solve life’s quirky puzzles. Get the game here: https://henrygame.com/

Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe!
00:00 Introduction
06:49 Review of Henry Halfhead Game
22:59 Pokemon Let's Go Discussion
41:01 Diving into Psychonauts 2
50:04 Silksong Check-In
Stay connected:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en
Follow Samson:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/
Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠

Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b

Subscribe and follow for more:
YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠
Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

...more
1h 2min
September 12, 2025 Silksong One Week Later: Brutal, Beautiful, and Worth Your 5–9 After Your 9–5?
We’ve spent one week with Hollow Knight: Silksong, and now we’re asking the big question: is it worth your 5–9 after your 9–5? 🎮
In this episode, we share our first impressions of Team Cherry’s long-awaited Metroidvania sequel. From stunning art and music to brutally tough boss fights and frustrating exploration, we cover what makes Silksong both unforgettable and unforgiving.
If you’re debating whether Silksong deserves your free time after work, this review is for you.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hollow Knight Silksong
02:54 First Impressions and Gameplay Experience
06:02 Game Mechanics and Challenges
08:54 Art Style and Visuals
11:52 Sound Design and Music
15:05 Exploration and Map Mechanics
17:59 Gripes and Suggestions for Improvement
33:28 The Hunter's March Challenge
38:59 Exploration and Upgrades
46:05 MORE Gripes and Accessibility
56:22 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
👍 Don’t forget to like and subscribe!
🌐 Stay Connected
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en
🎙️ Follow Samson
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samsonxp_
🎙️ Follow Jordan
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social
💬 Join the Community
Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b
📺 Subscribe & Follow for More
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup
...more
1h 6min

FAQs about Grow Up Level Up:

How many episodes does Grow Up Level Up have?

The podcast currently has 99 episodes available.