Midwest Gaming Classic Podcast

(S5, E6) Building a Community with the Cartridge Club

This episode features a panel discussion recorded live at the 2018 Midwest Gaming Classic in the Guys, Games, and Beers room, with members representing the Cartridge Club community — one of the most enduring and welcoming online communities in gaming. For more than a decade, Cartridge Club has brought together gamers and collectors of all ages through their monthly Game of the Month discussions, long-running podcast, and active Discord community. In this episode, Cartridge Club members share what they’ve learned about building and sustaining a positive, inclusive space — from encouraging meaningful conversation to creating shared experiences that keep people coming back. Whether you’re a longtime member or discovering Cartridge Club for the first time, this episode highlights why gaming communities are ultimately about the people who show up to play together. Original Panel Date: April 15, 2018 Filming Location: Baird Center | 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI Listen on the Platforms Below: YOUTUBE PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpdA0-1vpLQjpokGTTg0T5F7R_sgZLKOI TWITCH: https://www.twitch.tv/tvmgcSPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DKUBoR95qU2CnBZM7T3Dg?si=079961f5a0304ffb APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midwest-gaming-classic-podcast/id1723653911 WEBSITE: https://www.midwestgamingclassic.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MGCgaming/ TWITCH: https://www.twitch.tv/tvmgc YOUTUBE VIDEO: @midwestgamingclassic INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midwest_gaming_classic/ © Jason C. Gares, Dan Loosen, 249 Studios & the Midwest Gaming Classic. All Rights Reserved.

(S5, E5) ATARI Got a Raw Deal with the Retronauts, Kevin Bunch & Martin Goldberg

In this episode, we revisit one of gaming’s most infamous moments: the North American video game crash of 1983. Was Atari really to blame, or is the story more complicated? Recorded live at the 2018 Midwest Gaming Classic, this special segment features the Retronauts Podcast team of Jeremy Parish and Bob Mackey, alongside Atari historians Martin Goldberg and Kevin Bunch. Together, they challenge the myths surrounding the crash, examine the market forces that led to the industry’s collapse, and highlight overlooked Atari innovations that were lost in the fallout. Settle in and press start on a deeper, more nuanced look at a pivotal chapter in video game history. Original Panel Date: April 14, 2018 Filming Location: Baird Center | 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI TICKETS: https://www.midwestgamingclassic.com/attend/ WHEN: April 24-26, 2026 WHERE: Baird Center, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203 © Jason C. Gares, Dan Loosen, 249 Studios & the Midwest Gaming Classic. All Rights Reserved.

(S5, E4) Associated with Iconic Characters with Johnny Gioeli & Jon St. John

In this episode, we take a deep dive into what it means when your career — and your life — become forever tied to an iconic video game character. We’re joined by two legends from opposite sides of game culture. Jon St. John, one of gaming’s first true rock-star voice actors, is best known as the unmistakable voice of Duke Nukem, a role he’s defined since the 1990s. Sonic fans will also recognize him as Big the Cat and E-123 Omega. On the musical front, vocalist Johnny Gioeli brings a legacy just as iconic. As the lead singer of Crush 40 and longtime collaborator with Sega composer Jun Senoue, Johnny’s voice powers some of the most beloved Sonic the Hedgehog themes — from Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2 to Sonic Heroes, Shadow the Hedgehog, and more. Together, we explore what it means to be permanently linked to a character: how Jon brings a hard-edged action hero to life in the booth, how Johnny channels Sonic’s energy onstage and in the studio, and the similarities and differences in performing for a character with voice acting versus music. We also look at how fan expectations shape their work and what it feels like when a single performance becomes defining for an entire generation. Join us as we go behind the voices, behind the music, and into the reality of living in the shadow of iconic characters with Jon St. John and Johnny Gioeli. Original Panel Date: April 14, 2018 Filming Location: Baird Center | 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI TICKETS: https://www.midwestgamingclassic.com/attend/ WHEN: April 24-26, 2026 WHERE: Baird Center, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203 © Jason C. Gares, Dan Loosen, 249 Studios & the Midwest Gaming Classic. All Rights Reserved.

(S5, E3) All About Dungeons & Dragons with Rob Wieland

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most dynamic creators in the tabletop scene: writer, game designer, and longtime RPG veteran Rob Wieland.Rob leads us on an energetic journey through the realm of role-playing games — covering updates in the newest edition of Dungeons & Dragons, and exploring the many legendary franchises he’s contributed to, from Star Wars to Firefly and beyond. Whether you’ve been rolling dice for years, you’re a devoted Critter, or you’re just curious about the hobby, there’s something here for everyone.Dungeon Masters, you’re in for a treat as well. Rob tackles familiar GM hurdles, shares practical advice for crafting narratives and encounters, and offers insights drawn from decades of shaping memorable adventures.So grab your dice and get comfortable — Rob Wieland is ready to lead you deep into the world of tabletop role-playing! Original Panel Date: April 14, 2018 Filming Location: Baird Center | 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI TICKETS: https://www.midwestgamingclassic.com/attend/ WHEN: April 24-26, 2026 WHERE: Baird Center, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203 © Jason C. Gares, Dan Loosen, 249 Studios & the Midwest Gaming Classic. All Rights Reserved.

(S5, E2) A Journey Through SEGA's Past w/ Dr. Kenneth Horowitz

Last week we wrapped up our final 2017 panels—now it’s time to jump into 2018. In this week's podcast episode, author and historian Dr. Ken Horowitz (founder of Sega-16.com) explores the rise, legacy, and lasting impact of SEGA. From its 1960s arcade roots to the Genesis/Mega Drive boom and experimental hardware like the Sega CD, 32X, Game Gear, and Dreamcast, SEGA’s history is packed with innovation and bold ideas. Dr. Horowitz also breaks down the research behind his books—From Pinballs to Pixels, Playing at the Next Level, and The SEGA Arcade Revolution—and explains why preserving gaming history matters now more than ever. Join us as we dive into SEGA’s past and discover why documenting these stories is essential to keeping gaming’s legacy alive. Original Panel Date: April 14, 2018Filming Location: Baird Center | 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI TICKETS: https://www.midwestgamingclassic.com/attend/ WHEN: April 24-26, 2026 WHERE: Baird Center, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203 © Jason C. Gares, Dan Loosen, 249 Studios & the Midwest Gaming Classic. All Rights Reserved.