The Last of Us Season 2

Vince Gilligan (Pluribus) & Jason Connell (Ghost of Yōtei)

In this episode, two completely different worlds collide. Vince Gilligan (Pluribus, Breaking Bad) and Jason Connell (Ghost of Yōtei) discuss how stories are built, shaped, and told through their games & TV shows. They talk about drawing inspiration across genres and the trust that comes from working with the same collaborators year after year. You won't want to miss this inside look at how this fall's biggest stories are brought to life. Chapters: 00:00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw] Introductions 00:02:16 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=136s] For Vince, Character First or World First? 00:05:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=340s] For Jason, Character First or World First? 00:08:24 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=504s] Testing – Audience and Self 00:14:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=870s] Jason Kills His Darlings 00:18:07 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=1087s] Vince Kills His Darlings 00:20:50 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=1250s] Jason's Inspirations 00:21:59 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=1319s] Scale and Interactivity in Ghost of Yotei 00:24:55 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=1495s] Jason's Beginnings 00:27:28 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=1648s] Using MoCap Artistically 00:28:41 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=1721s] Western and Samurai Influences 00:30:12 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=1812s] Vince and ABQ 00:33:35 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=2015s] Vince's Showrunning Philosophy 00:36:52 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=2212s] The Value in Long-Term Collaboration 00:38:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=2295s] The Biome Team and Specialization 00:40:31 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=2431s] Akira Kurosawa 00:41:58 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=2518s] Approaches to Violence 00:47:07 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=2827s] Vince and Theme 00:49:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJWi6Pagmw&t=2965s] The Work Belongs to the Audience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Eric Kripke (The Boys) & Shawn Ryan (The Night Agent)

What does it take to run a hit TV series—and finish strong? On this episode of the podcast, two of TV’s most compelling storytellers – Eric Kripke (The Boys) and Shawn Ryan (The Night Agent) – come together to talk all things showrunning: the craft, the chaos, and the creative stakes behind the scenes. From launching high-stakes stories to landing emotionally satisfying finales, Kripke and Ryan break down the unique challenges of steering a series from the writers’ room to the final cut. They get candid about shaping complex characters, balancing studio expectations with creative instinct, and the pressure of sticking the landing when a show like The Boys reaches its end next season. Whether you're a fan of explosive action, or curious about how your favorite shows get made, this episode pulls back the curtain on the storytellers who make it all happen (and what keeps them up at night). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

The Last of Us Season 2

On this episode, the cast of The Last of Us Season 2 join series co-creator Craig Mazin to share stories from set, swap laughs, and reflect on what it’s like to bring this beloved world to life.    They discuss what it means to embody such complex characters, building chemistry, and continuing the emotionally charged story fans can’t get enough of. Whether you're here for the drama, the craft, or the fun of seeing this cast off-duty, this episode offers a fresh look at how The Last of Us keeps evolving, one collaboration at a time.  Featuring: Bella Ramsey, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Gabriel Luna and Craig Mazin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Neil Druckmann (The Last of Us) & Alex Garland (28 Years Later)

On this episode, two genre-defining creators realize they've been influencing each other all along. Neil Druckmann (The Last of Us) and Alex Garland (28 Years Later, Civil War) meet for a candid conversation on storytelling, pushing boundaries, and tackling the tough questions in the creative process. They dig into what it takes to create worlds that stick with people—and the curveballs that come with it. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when two storytelling masterminds get in a room together, this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Nicolas Doucet (Astro Bot) & Brian Fleming (Ghost of Tsushima)

On this episode, two influential PlayStation game developers Nicolas Doucet (Team Asobi, ‘Astro Bot’) and Brian Fleming (Sucker Punch Productions, ‘Ghost of Tsushima’, ‘inFAMOUS’, ‘Sly Cooper’) discuss their journey into gaming, how video games are made today, and the moments that inspire them. Creator To Creator is Sony’s award-winning conversation series that brings together some of the biggest Creators in entertainment for a unique discussion about the inspirations, struggles, and triumphs behind their craft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]