Hip Squared

In this episode of Hip Squared, we enter two realms of magic and adventure. First, John talks about Baldur’s Gate, a series of PC role-playing games released in the late 90’s and early 2000’s by Black Isle Studios. These games revolutionized Dungeons & Dragons by letting players pause and issue commands to all their characters, allowing real-time gameplay instead of turn-based combat. Gorgeous hand-painted isometric graphics, music, sound and voice-acting lent the game rich detail and charm. This makes Baldur’s Gate John’s favorite computer role-playing game ever.

Then Troy tells us about Planescape: Torment, another Black Isle Studio D&D computer game developed with the same engine that gave Baldur’s Gate its distinctive gameplay and visual style. Instead of a traditional fantasy setting, this game takes place in a dark underworld populated by the dead and other entities. The player takes the role of the Nameless One, a zombie with no memories of his former life. Alongside his companion Mort, a floating, wise-cracking skull, they must solve the mystery of their own existence. With metaphysical philosophy and dark humor woven throughout, this game is a distinct volume in the C-RPG canon.

Produced by Maplex Monk.

Thanks for listening to Hip Squared! You can now subscribe to Hip Squared on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts (please subscribe, rate, and review). To help the show, you can share this episode with a friend (or enemy), like us on Facebook, share us on social media and become a member on Patreon for as little as $1 a month.

Toodles…

LOVE DEATH AND ROBOTS

In this episode of Hip Squared, we beam into two different sci-fi worlds. Troy talks about the recent Netflix series, Love, Death and Robots. This is an anthology series with 18 different stories that are about 10 to 20 minutes long. As you may have guessed from the title, each episode involves love, death and/or robots. Each episode also has its own animation style. Troy warns us that some of the episodes can be intensely sad, but that didn’t take away from his enjoyment of the series. John says that for his own emotional well-being, he wouldn’t want to end on one that’s a “downer”. Listen for some specifics about a few different episodes. If you enjoy anthology series and sci-fi, this may be one for you.

Then John talks about the novel Star Trek Section 31: Rogue written by Andy Mangels and Michael A. Martin. This novel follows the Next Generation crew of the Enterprise on a diplomatic mission to the planet Chiaros IV. Seemingly in the midst of an election to choose to become a part of the Federation or Romulan Star Empire, this world soon becomes the setting of espionage and adventure. Did these last two sentences make little sense to you? We get it. That’s why John breaks it down for the initiated and uninitiated alike. The novel draws parallels between the Star Trek universe and our own world’s rule bending and rule breaking intelligence agencies. Dive into this book at warp speed if you’re a Star Trek fan or like science fiction spy stories.

Produced by Maplex Monk.

Thanks for listening to Hip Squared! You can now subscribe to Hip Squared on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts (please subscribe, rate, and review). To help the show, you can share this episode with a friend (or enemy), like us on Facebook, share us on social media and become a member on Patreon for as little as $1 a month.

Toodles…

A HARD DAY’S NIGHT

In this episode of Hip Squared, we peek into the past and step into the future. John gains a new appreciation of the early era of the Beatles by watching the film A Hard Day’s Night. Released in 1964 at the height of Beatlemania, this musical comedy follows a fictional version of the fab four as they take a train from London to Liverpool, run from mobs of screaming fans, and perform some of their biggest hits. They also help create the form of what would someday become the music video: their own music playing as their antics showcase and celebrate their personalities. For anybody with even a mild appreciation of the Beatles and those interested in the early evolution of the music video, this film is very entertaining and extremely enlightening.

Then Troy talks about the novel Artemis by Andy Weir. Weir is best known for his novel The Martian, about a man who must survive after being marooned on Mars, adapted into a hit movie starring Matt Damon in 2015. In his sophomore novel, Weir focuses instead on a moon colony, and a smuggler, Jazz, who operates within its complex system of technology and commerce. Instead of focusing on another white male character, Jazz is a Muslim but not devout, one who disappoints her father but lives to fulfill her own dreams. Troy’s verdict is that it’s not quite as good as The Martian, but still very good and well worth a read for fans of science-fiction, especially those who enjoy speculative technology.

Produced by Maplex Monk.

Thanks for listening to Hip Squared! You can now subscribe to Hip Squared on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts (please subscribe, rate, and review). To help the show, you can share this episode with a friend (or enemy), like us on Facebook, share us on social media and become a member on Patreon for as little as $1 a month.

Toodles…

THE WALK

In this episode of Hip Squared, we walk through the neighborhoods of a couple different podcasts. Troy tells us about The Walk, a 1st person podcast that adds a new twist to the audio genre. Instead of experiencing a story being told to the listener, The Walk makes the listener the main character. Everything the listener hears reflects what’s happening to them in the story. Troy tells us what works and what doesn’t work with this new form.

John talks about two paranormal podcasts, Mysterious Universe and Astonishing Legends. Both of these tell “true” stories of the strange and supernatural, with the personalities of the hosts infused throughout. Mysterious Universe is an Australian podcast with two hosts that have a darkly funny sense of humor. Astonishing Legends is an American podcast by an older pair of gentlemen who are more genial, and present a profanity-free experience. John recommends both.

Produced by Maplex Monk.

Thanks for listening to Hip Squared! You can now subscribe to Hip Squared on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts (please subscribe, rate, and review). To help the show, you can share this episode with a friend (or enemy), like us on Facebook, share us on social media and become a member on Patreon for as little as $1 a month.

Toodles…

RARE CANDIES BY DR DUNDIFF

In this episode of Hip Squared, we drop the needle on some excellent music we’ve experienced in the last couple years. John talks about a couple musicians in the orbit of Louisville hip-hop artist and producer, Dr. Dundiff. First, John talks about Otis Jr., a soulful, earnest singer whose melodies are laid over the Dr. Dundiff’s beats. Then, John goes into Touch AC and his darkly comic album death. Last but not least, John gets into Dr. Dundiff’s own music, talking about his sharp humor and grandiosity presented by his rhymes.

Troy talks about concert he went to by Anderson East, a rock musician influenced by gospel and country. He also talks about the Madison Theater in Covington, KY, a classic movie theater that’s since been turned into a music venue. The best (well, only) concert he’s been to in years, Troy was impressed by East’s vocals and passion. A good night on the town, to say the very least..

Produced by Maplex Monk.

Thanks for listening to Hip Squared! You can now subscribe to Hip Squared on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts (please subscribe, rate, and review). To help the show, you can share this episode with a friend (or enemy), like us on Facebook, share us on social media and become a member on Patreon for as little as $1 a month.

Toodles…

In this episode of Hip Squared, we dig into the green earth as we adventure into the wilderness and tend a humble farm. First, Troy talks about the PC game Stardew Valley designed by Eric Barone. This loveable and satisfying farming sim has simple, charming gameplay. After inheriting their uncle's farm, the player must tend to it however they see fit—whether keeping it small and tidy, or expanding as far as their efforts take them. Troy describes how his gameplay style differs from his wife Abby's (beware of cave monsters) and John imagines how a video game farm could inspire a real-life vegetable garden.

Then John talks about Wildwood, a children's adventure novel written by Colin Meloy (also the lead singer of the Decemberists) and illustrated by Carson Ellis. This married pair weave a story that begins in Portland, Oregon but soon moves into the Impassable wilderness, a wild and magical forest just outside the city. When Prue's baby brother is kidnapped by crows and taken into these woods, she and her friend Curtis embark on an adventure to rescue him. Including talking, anthropomorphic animals, forest magic and a complicated tale. John recommends this book for both children and adults who enjoy young adult literature. It's also the first book of a trilogy.

Produced by Maplex Monk.

Thanks for listening to Hip Squared! You can now subscribe to Hip Squared on Apple Podcasts (please subscribe, rate, and review). To help the show, you can share this episode with a friend (or enemy), like us on Facebook, share us on social media and become a member on Patreon for as little as $1 a month.

Toodles…

In this episode of Hip Squared, enter a dark world of adventure and mystery. First, John talks about The Stranger Things soundtrack, composed by Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon of the band survive. Their haunting synth melodies create a perfectly creepy soundtrack for the Netflix show, and are also excellent albums on their own. Including the soundtrack for Stranger Things Season 2, three volumes have been released. John also talks about the Stranger Things mobile game, a retro throwback to old school 8-bit and 16-bit adventure games like The Legend of Zelda.

Then Troy reviews the 3rd and final season of A Series of Unfortunate Events on Netflix. Based on a children’s book series, the show wraps up as you would expect from the title. With strong performances by Neal Patrick Harris and the three child stars, the show still has a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion.

Maplex Monk is on the ones and twos.

Thanks for listening to Hip Squared! Please share this episode with a friend (or enemy), like us on Facebook, share us on social media and become a member on Patreon for as little as $1 a month.

Wolverin: The Long Night/Nixonland

The Dragon Prince

In this episode of Hip Squared, we balance the realms of science and fantasy. First, John talks about The Dragon Prince, an animated series on Netflix made by part of the team responsible for Avatar: The Last Airbender. Created by Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond, it tells the story of a pair of human princes and a rogue elf that must keep the last egg of the dragons safe to prevent a war. Its excellent animation and quality story-telling make it a series worth watching.

Then Troy illuminates us with information about the kilogram and how scientists have redefined it. He breaks down how its new measurement is tied to the speed of light and the atomic make-up of different elements. Troy explains these details in a way that’s rich but easily understood.

Produced by Maplex Monk.

Thanks for listening to Hip Squared! Please share this episode with a friend (or enemy), like us on Facebook, share us on social media and become a member on Patreon for as little as $1 a month.

Toodles…

The best bad Christmas movie? Arguably so.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukka! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Solstice! Fearsome Festivus! It’s the holidays, and Hip Squared is celebrating with our very first Christmas special (sorry other holidays, maybe next year).

Kelly Shiflet comes back to talk about the He-Man & She-Ra Christmas Special from 1985 (available for free on Youtube). This is the tale of Orko, one of He-Man’s sidekicks, who accidentally travels to Earth to learn about Christmas. She-Ra helps him return with the children he meets, and then she joins He-Man and their friends in a battle against Skeletor and Horde Prime to save Christmas and Eternia. Kelly also talks about the Rankin Bass Christmas specials of the 1960s and 70s including Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

Then John talks about The Kinks’ “Father Christmas”, a rock song from 1978 about a department store Santa who is mugged by a group of kids. They tell him to give him his money, and to save his toys “for all the little rich boys”. This song attacks the season’s over-consumption, but also contains a message of compassion and generosity for the poor. Then John talks about Santa Claus: the Movie, a 1985 film starring Dudley Moore and John Lithgow. It’s about an elf who leaves the North Pole and meets an evil toy-maker (played by Moore and Lithgow respectively). The toy-maker wants to use Christmas magic for evil, and plans his own Christmas 2. Can Santa and his friends save Christmas? Of course they can.

Finally, Troy talks to us about the Great British Bake-Off (or Baking show as it’s known in America). He talks about the humor and gentleness of the show. Then he describes the newest Christmas specials, including the current season of the Great American Baking Show and Great British Bake-Off holiday specials starring some of its former contestants. Listen for some splendid flavors. This episode has no soggy bottom!

Produced by Maplex Monk.

Thanks for listening to Hip Squared! Please share this episode with a friend (or enemy), like us on Facebook, share us on social media and become a member on Patreon for as little as $1 a month.