You should be reading show notes, but Kyle's baby screwed everything up, and so now all you get is this pithy commentary.
Direct download: Animalcast0051.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 8:42 AM
Comments[0]

Holy half-century marks! The Animalcast has reached episode 50! Just like all those people who said we'd never be able to publish games in print, we have now proved wrong all the naysayers and haters who said we'd never make it to 50 episodes. With absolutely no fanfare, the guys spend this episode talking about online gaming. From play-by-email to play-by-bulletin board, the guys begin their discussion of the pros and cons of gaming via the internet. Some experiences have been great (Paranoia PBeM) and some have sucked (everything else done via board and email), and as one would expect, the horror stories are abundant. However, time runs out on this subject as the guys get distracted by various stories from their past. So they resolve to continue their discussion next week with IRC, WebRPG and speculation on Gleemax's pipedream.
Direct download: Animalcast0050.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 9:55 AM
Comments[0]

Kyle is tired and cranky.  Mike compensates.  The guys engage in banter for the entire episode.
Direct download: Animalcast0049.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 1:06 PM
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Mike is visiting me on vacation and I'm still up late at night with a creature that shits and cries a lot.  So we're taking this week off.  Next week we'll have never-before-heard outtakes and return with a new episode the following week.
Category: Announcements -- posted at: 10:12 AM
Comments[0]

In Episode 48 of the Animalcast, the guys get to the bottom of the controversy stirred up in Episode 47. Specifically, they get the real answer as to the similarities between Father Llymic in WotC's Elder Evil's supplemental book and Kyle's project, Gemini's Glade. It turns out it was a case of parallel development. In this indepth interview, the guys talk with Jason Bulmahn, who authored the Father Llymic portion of Elder Evils. Kyle offers a full apology and retraction to both Jason and Robert Schwalb. The guys then talk to Jason about his work on the Pathfinder RPG rules for Paizo with Monte Cook as a consultant. Jason talks about what it's like working with Monte, how good Monte smells and answers the burning question Kyle has been trying to get an answer to- does Monte ever ask about him? Jason also talks about working at Paizo, and they conclude the episode with a few choice words Kyle has for Nick Logue at Sinister Adventures. Jason predicts Kyle will be issuing a retraction and apology to Nick Logue in the near future.
Direct download: Animalcast0048.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 10:31 AM
Comments[0]

Kyle was "busy" attending the birth of his eighth child.  Mike was ready to go and fully prepared.  Clearly someone's priorities are screwed up.  New podcast next week with (hopefully) Jason Bulmahn of Father Llymic/Elder Evils fame and a statement by Robert J. Schwalb.
Category: Announcements -- posted at: 12:48 PM
Comments[0]

In Episode 47, the guys continue with the second part of their RPG pitch experiment, where they pitch to each other secret ideas they've developed for games and try to flesh them out. But first, Kyle reveals a shocking controversy that he has only just discovered. On a tip from an anonymous source... one of his brothers, but not Boner... Kyle learned that a recent WotC product contained an idea remarkably similar-- some would say identical-- to an idea he developed in March of 2004 and discussed publicly on the podcast last July. Kyle's lawyers have advised him not to make any accusations of intellectual property theft, so he is careful not to. But he does state a rather strong opinion about how the similarities between his idea of Gemini's Glade and the Father Llymic villain in WotC's Elder Evils could potentially be explained. Kyle then pleads for the book's author, Robert J. Schwalb, to come on the podcast to clear up the situation. So after half an hour of this nonsense, the guys pitch four ideas, two of which suck and two of which are awesome, but remarkably similar.
Direct download: Animalcast0047.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 12:03 PM
Comments[3]

In Episode 46, the guys dedicate the entire hour to pitching new RPG ideas to each other. Over the past two weeks they have individually tried to develop a handful of original RPG ideas and are revealing them to each other on the podcast, then working together to flesh the ideas out. Mike first pitches a supers game with a unique take on what being a hero means. Then, inspired by the Sinister Adventures podcast and his musings on Grand Theft Auto IV, Kyle comes up with a new Dungeons and Dragons supplement. Trying to develop a game that his kids can play, Mike pitches an idea based on cartoon premises and quasi-super powers. Finally, Kyle tries to make a fun, playable game that involves racism and genocide. Much to the guys' surprise, they both agree that he has.
Direct download: Animalcast0046.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 8:21 PM
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In Episode 45, the guys talk about the various games they have available for free download on the website. But first, Allen Varney, the author of the most recent iteration of Paranoia, makes a guest appearance and surprises Mike when he and Kyle turn the tables and subject him to the Animalball Hotseat.

Click Here to Listen.
Direct download: Animalcast0045.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 10:29 AM
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In Episode 44, the guys interview James Jacobs, the editor-in-chief of the Pathfinder adventure line at Paizo Publishing. The guys get into an indepth discussion of the ins and outs of the first Pathfinder adventure path, Rise of the Runelords including questions from Mike and Kyle's kids who are currently playing through the adventure arc. The guys try to figure out how exactly what it takes to try to coordinate the massive story lines and plot twists of Pathfinder's six-issue adventures. They also talk about the Pathfinder RPG, what James thinks about the dicks at Wizards of the Coast (our words, not his), how cool it is to get an adventure published in Dungeon at age 14, and how to exact your bitter revenge on Erik Mona. Finally, James undergoes the gauntlet of the Animalball Hotseat, answering the five hardest questions he's faced since taking the SAT.
Direct download: Animalcast0044.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 8:46 AM
Comments[0]

In episode 43, the guys get back to their gaming roots. In an effort to demonstrate just how out of touch they are with modern gaming, they decide to review the latest announcements in gaming news. It is a valiant effort, but Mike had to bail after 30 minutes so he could get into banter. But before the banter, they talk about a crazy sounding game called Sea Dracula, crappy press releases like the one for PCGen, the Fear the Boot interview with Erik Mona, The Lazy GM's book of 450 personalized Orcs, and Paizo's press release on the Pathfinder RPG. Mike had some stories too, but was too lazy to bookmark them, so they did not get included in the shownotes. Random banter then included how the guys once almost got kicked out of a theme park due to their Mom's foul mouth, and limitless stories of their childhood friend, Billy Light, and his adventures in bodily functions.
Direct download: Animalcast0043.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 3:42 PM
Comments[0]

In Episode 42, the guys examine their elaborate and juvenile April Fool's Day prank.  They name names and call people out as they laugh and laugh at who fell for it, and the dicks that didn't.  After spending waaay too much time patting themselves on the back, Kyle reads some scintilating accidental porn that he found this week, and the guys are joined by a special guest at the end-- drunk Mrs. Mike!
Direct download: Animalcast0042.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 7:27 AM
Comments[0]

In Episode 41 of the Animalcast, the guys list their top five movie badasses off all time. What constitutes a movie badass? Is it the sheer number of kills or is it something a bit more... badass? Is it possible that Judge Reinhold from Beverly Hills Cop made the list? As is typical with the list episodes, each of the guys gives their top five and then they bicker incessantly over each others' choices. Trying to increase their gaming street cred, the guys also tie the topic back into gaming, getting into a discussion of how badass players and villains work their way into their RPG sessions.
Direct download: Animalcast0041.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 5:24 AM
Comments[0]

This episode we talk about the five greatest single posts on the message boards. We also get into banter about nicknames as kids, my kid gaming at school with friends and other stuff.
Direct download: Animalcast0040.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 12:11 PM
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In Episode 39 of the Animalcast, the guys address more questions from the listening audience about gaming with small kids, whether D&D 3.5 is an appropriate starter system for kids, and differences between girls and boys in beginning gaming. As is becoming increasingly more common, they bicker about who is monopolizing the show time and Mike throws a hissy fit. After they get that sorted out, Kyle explains the mystery of why his entire house smells like urine every night, and Mike babbles about some boring stuff the intern could not remember to put in to the show notes. They both review the movie 1408 and talk about the last time either of them cried at a movie.
Direct download: Animalcast0039.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 7:43 AM
Comments[0]

In this Episode, the guys full well intend to answer some long winded questions from Nicephorus and ALMOST do. But unfortunately they only address about half of his questions before getting distracted by topics such as Oppenheimer, Buffy Season 8, Darkon and King of Kong. Sorry Nicephorus.
Direct download: Animalcast0038.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 5:45 AM
Comments[0]

In Episode 37, the guys have decided to go with the worst show idea ever.  In this episode, they have decided to each list the five Animalballers that they hate the most and give the reasons why.  Are you on the list?  Where does Tahlvin rank?  Do the guys actually have the balls to list people that they know listen to the show?  (Hint- yes, and we don't care if you're offended).

Why would Mike and Kyle do a show that will achieve nothing more than the alienation of their entire audience?  For the reason they go through with every bad idea-- it made them laugh really hard when they first thought of it.  So go ahead and find out where you land on the list, jackass.  And if you think we forgot anyone or disagree with our choices, post up your responses on the boards.
Direct download: Animalcast0037.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 6:08 PM
Comments[0]

In this episode, the guys talk rampant speculation about the fourth edition of Dungeons and Dragons.  Before that, however, Mike describes a fight and near arrest from his last night driving a cab, and Kyle gives an update on his necrotic dog.  Mike then mysteriously drops off the recording, giving Kyle an opportunity to get some things off his chest.
Direct download: Animalcast0036.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 5:45 AM
Comments[0]

In Episode 35- Kyle introduces more never-before-heard outtakes.  Mostly about how Mike was a giant dick and used to hurt Kyle when they were kids.
Direct download: Animalcast0035.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 5:20 AM
Comments[0]

In Episode 34, the guys conclude their discussion of gaming with kids.  Kyle also gives a review of Teeth, and Mike explains the problems with large men going down water slides.
Direct download: Animalcast0034.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 3:45 PM
Comments[0]

In Episode 33, Mike and Kyle talk about the intricacies they have experienced while gaming with their kids.  That's right, faithful listener!  The Animalcast is regaining its street cred with a bit of gaming talk!  Their kids range in age from 6 to 13 and they talk about the ways to keep them interested and adjust to the complexities of the game.  In other news, the guys talk about the new format and weekly recording schedule as well as the new theme music.  Even though Mike and Kyle can't agree on the value of SDQ, they both concur that Raygun is awesome.  Opening theme courtesy of Raygun.
Direct download: Animalcast0033.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 7:00 PM
Comments[0]

Due to technical difficulties and general laziness, this episode was recorded in December and is only now being released. But what an episode! The guys start with a fervent discussion of Heroscape. They discuss wave 6 and 7 expanions and Kyle reveals how he finally broke the back of the ever present "Team Up Against Dad" Alliance. The guys then talk about Instant Game finally getting completed and being released for free download. As one would expect, they then bicker about which of them did more work on the game with Kyle pulling the "I Pay for the Website" card and winning the argument. Kyle gives a short review of World War Z by Max Brooks, and Mike talks about his mancrush on Monte Cook after reading a free pdf about Ptolus. Kyle also raves about his Marvel Digital Comics subscription and geeks out about his past reading comics. Continuing the hodgepodge discussion, the guys also talk about good games to play with your kids like Apples to Apples or any Cranium games.
Direct download: Animalcast0032.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 12:12 AM
Comments[0]

Well we really screwed the pooch on our last listener mail episode.  Due to a technical glitch which we don't understand (Mike's audio was actually echoing a half second BEFORE he spoke-- how's that happen?)- the viewer mail episode was a total loss and unfixable.

But due to popular demand-- here's the voicemails themselves!

As a testament to our listeners, we had almost ten minutes in just voicemails.  You guys must really, really like us.  You would think that would somehow motivate us to buy some real recording equipment so these things wouldn't happen... but let's not get crazy or anything.
Direct download: Voicemails.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 10:28 PM
Comments[0]

Due to technical difficulties with the already-recorded viewer mail episode, that episode is being delayed to try to fix some of the audio bugs.  Instead of leaving everyone high and dry, we've put out these never-before-aired outtakes.  Enjoy!
Direct download: Animalcast0031.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 6:05 AM
Comments[0]

In Animalcast Episode 30, Mike and Kyle interview independent horror movie writer/director Scott Phillips. Scott wrote and directed the cult movie classic Stink of Flesh, which the guys first discussed in Episode 23. Scott's getting ready to release his newest horror flick, Gimme Skelter.

The guys talk to Scott about his experience getting into script writing, his first major script for the movie Drive, and his experience with a failed Steven Seagal project (spoiler alert-- we think Seagal is a bit batshit... our words, not Scott's). They also get into an indepth discussion of Stink of Flesh and all its zombie greatness, including the controversial nature of filming a movie based on alternative sexual lifestyles in a post-apocalyptic zombie world. Scott also talks about working with Gunnar Hansen (Leatherface) in Gimme Skelter and the obstacles of low-budget filmmaking versus studio productions. The guys also wax poetic over their favorite horror movie Icon-- MATOOL!

Finally, Scott graciously participates in the Animalball Hotseat and answers the ever-dangerous f/marry/kill question, among other things. Scott was a great sport about this.

If you want to purchase Gimme Skelter, visit Scott's website (www.edpmovies.com) to get your copy of this violent, story-driven gem of a horror movie.

Note: This podcast was recorded telephonically using talkshoe teleconferencing services, so the quality of the recording is below our usual standards, however the substance of the interview is our best stuff yet.
Direct download: Animalcast0030.mp3
Category: podcasts -- posted at: 2:21 PM
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