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

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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

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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

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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 be of great value to you.

Run Time - 1:19:08

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 [email protected]

Run Time - 48:17