Best Jesse Landers Podcasts (2025)

1
Not That Type of Freudian - With Deborah Hendersen! 1:25:20

7d ago1:25:20

1:25:20

Hey y'all, onboarding is hard... So this week Jess sits down with Xbox Principal User Researcher and onboarding expert Dr. Deborah Hendersen! They talk about the psychology behind onboarding for all types of games, Dark Souls being a bastard (but that's a good thing!), and the importance of playtesting, playtesting, playtesting. Then they play a St…

1
Troy Trailblazer: Garnet Douglass Baltimore 40:07

19d ago40:07

40:07

On this episode of the podcast, Devin and Lauren were able to attend the unveiling of the brand-new Garnet Douglass Baltimore historical marker at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy along with Bill Pomeroy himself. Garnet Douglass Baltimore was the first African American graduate of RPI and went on to a long and very successful care…

1
Drawing Outside the Lines - With Natalie Asport! 1:47:34

21d ago1:47:34

1:47:34

New episode alert! This week Jess sits down with the amazing Natalie Asport - former Avalanche hard surface and weapons artist and current senior prop artist making badass Mortal Kombat assets at NetherRealm Studios! She's also an adjunct professor at NYU Game Center teaching the next generation of 3D artists. They chat about predatory puzzle game …

1
Satellite Cattle Auctioning - With Jon Lander! 1:54:24

1M ago1:54:24

1:54:24

On this week's episode of Stupid Little Games, Jess welcomes former Bethesda and CCP games exec Jon Lander! They chat about the importance of networking (especially these days), crowd-surfing at Fanfest, and the quest to get the game industry to grow up, just a teeny little bit... Then during the Stupid Little Game they answer the question, "Would …

1
GDC Ya Later! 1:28:55

2M ago1:28:55

1:28:55

This week, Jess chats about her experience as a first-timer at GDC! Spoiler alert: It didn't go at all as originally planned... but it did include liquid choreography, so win-win? Then you'll hear a few Current Obsessions interviews with fellow game devs taken on-site. And finally, Jess gives a very specific (and not-at-all exhaustive) GDC Top 10 L…

1
Women’s History Month: Sojourner Truth and Her Groundbreaking 1828 Court Case 36:41

2M ago36:41

36:41

This episode of A New York Minute in History commemorates Women’s History Month by uncovering the groundbreaking 1828 court case of Sojourner Truth, a self-emancipated Black woman who took on a white slave owner to free her young son from bondage. Interviewees: Barbara Allen, author and Sixth-Great Granddaughter of Sojourner Truth and Taylor Bruck,…

1
Release the Kraken - With Orvar Halldorsson! 1:56:41

2M ago1:56:41

1:56:41

This week, Jess sits down with Minecraft creative lead and DigiPen senior lecturer Orvar Halldorsson! They chat about taking gaming classes at 3AM, rotoscoping Liam Neeson's beard, and how Orvar's team enables Minecraft players to craft their own experiences. Then they play a Stupid Little Game about *totally* real Minecraft mods. Shout out to Butt…

1
Achieving Total Clarity - With Mike Varley! 1:44:54

3M ago1:44:54

1:44:54

On today's very special episode of Stupid Little Games, Jess chats with true Brooklyn creative Mike Varley: video game producer, award-winning multi-media artist, and professional bagel eater! They discuss the latent political power of gamers, the traits that can make you a successful producer, and how to walk 7000 miles without dying. Then they pl…

1
Black History Month: Frederick Douglass in Rochester 30:42

3M ago30:42

30:42

In honor of Black History Month, this episode will delve into the life and work of Frederick Douglass during his time living in Rochester and discuss the legacy of Douglass today. To help us understand this important story, we welcome very special guest Hon. Malik D. Evans, Mayor of the City of Rochester, NY. Markers of focus: Douglass Home, Monroe…

1
QA is Game Dev - With Andre Coleman! 1:21:33

3M ago1:21:33

1:21:33

Hello friends old and new! Jess is back this week with Andre Coleman - a 10+ year Senior QA Engineer who has worked with EA, Experis, Microsoft, and Avalanche Studios! They discuss turning off "QA brain" when you're playing games for fun, what QA *actually* entails (spoiler alert: it's not just playing games all day), and Andre makes us all hungry …

1
Pour Yourself a Drink - With Thomas Klingstrom! 1:32:07

3M ago1:32:07

1:32:07

Hello friends old and new! We made it to February. Good job, us! We're back with an exciting new episode this week as Jess chats with veteran AAA Art Director Thomas Klingstrom! They discuss entering the game industry as a new artist, how to not stray from your vision during production, and why if you see a celebrity in New York, no you didn't. The…

1
Patriot Burial Markers: Ormsbee Cemetery and the First Rhode Island Regiment 48:31

4M ago48:31

48:31

Our new season kicks off with an episode that highlights the war experiences of the legendary Rhode Island Regiment, a multiracial combat regiment that served through the entirety of the American Revolution, from the Siege of Boston to the disbanding of the Continental Army in 1783. The regiment saw action at the battles of Red Bank and Rhode Islan…

1
There's No Such Thing as a Straight Line - With Scott Smalley! 1:25:50

4M ago1:25:50

1:25:50

Repost Alert! Jess was very smart and accidentally erased this episode a few weeks ago. Did we mention she's very smart? So we're reposting so that it can be discovered all over again! Please enjoy this banger from a few months back. See you next Tuesday with a brand new episode. _____________________ Hello friends old and new! On this week's episo…

1
The Definition of Squonder - With Matthew Laurence! 1:46:36

4M ago1:46:36

1:46:36

Hello friends old and new! On this week's episode, Jess sits down with Matthew Laurence; *nearly* 20 year games industry veteran formerly of Crowdstar, Rovio, Megazebra, Embark, and Ubisoft. Currently he's the Engagement and Narrative director (yes both!) at Avalanche studios. He's also a HUGE nerd (affectionate). They chat about being a garbage hu…

1
WTF is a Lambanana? - With Alison Lacy 1:39:00

4M ago1:39:00

1:39:00

Hello friends old and new! This week Jess is joined by Alison Lacy, Chief Operating Officer of Radical Forge and Co-Chair of Liverpool GameChangers! They talk about video game towns, the importance of inter-studio coalition building, and the myth of the genius asshole. Then they play a Stupid Little Game all about knitting in video games (and Weeze…

1
Two Grown Women Talk About Lazytown - With Stefanía Guðrún Halldórsdóttir 1:35:40

4M ago1:35:40

1:35:40

Happy New Year Stupid Little Gamers! We're back with a banger this week as Jess sits down with Stefanía Guðrún Halldórsdóttir, current CEO of Avalanche Studios Group, former GM of CCP games (of Eve Online fame), and perhaps most importantly, accomplished Sportacus mustache artist! They chat about the best mobile games to disassociate to, the wonder…

1
And the Stupid Little Game Award Goes to... - With Hamish Young! 2:22:53

5M ago2:22:53

2:22:53

In this very special episode, Jess welcomes back Hamish Young (our first repeat offender!) for a comprehensive chat about The Game Awards from an insider game dev perspective. We go through every upcoming announcement (yup, ALL of 'em) and then give out a few Stupid Little Game Awards of our very own. Is this a long episode? Yes. Is this episode st…

1
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation: For History, For Life | A New York Minute in History 28:58

6M ago28:58

28:58

In this episode, Devin and Lauren sit down with William G. Pomeroy, founder of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, and Bill Brower, the new Executive Director of the Foundation, to discuss the origins of their shared love of history and how the Pomeroy Foundation is increasing its marker program presence in New York and beyond. Interviewees: William…

1
The True Mayor of the Pit - With Anya Combs! 1:43:21

6M ago1:43:21

1:43:21

This week, Jess sits down with video game, TTRPG, and board game crowdfunding expert Anya Combs! They chat about Dragon Age: The Veilguard, sexism in the world of music (and games!), "riding the cow to get to the horse" when trying to fund your passion projects, and Anya's amazing gig as a professional punk saxophonist. Then they play a Stupid Litt…

1
Sneaking Around a Park at 2AM - With Jason Kanter! 1:23:28

6M ago1:23:28

1:23:28

On this week's episode of Stupid Little Games, Jess sits down with video game audio guru Jason Kanter! He's done sound design, audio direction, and voice direction on franchises such as League of Legends, Bioshock, and the Just Cause series. They chat about games making you feel stupid, advice for sound designers old and new, and Jess says the word…

1
Joyfully Killing the Floss - With Kay Purcell! 2:20:39

6M ago2:20:39

2:20:39

On this week's episode, Jess sits down with Kay Purcell, Community Manager and games industry journalist extraordinaire. They talk about working at Deviant Art during the wild west days of the internet, making the Floss too cringe to continue (Thanks Kay!), and the irresistible pull of tabletop role-playing games. Then they play a supersized Stupid…

1
Everything You've Ever Sucked Into Your Hole - With Ben Jaekle! 1:33:00

7M ago1:33:00

1:33:00

On this episode of Stupid Little Games, Jess chats with Benjamin Jaekle - narrative and game designer, indie game dev, and culinary hobbyist - about voluptuous pixels, the difficulty of writing jokes for video games, and working on your own game every day, even when life happens... Then they play a Stupid Little Game about cooking mechanics that Be…

1
Going 145mph on the Autobahn - with Hamish Young! 1:24:13

7M ago1:24:13

1:24:13

On our premiere episode of Stupid Little Games, Jess sits down with Hamish Young, former game director, producer, and programmer on franchises such as Burnout, Need for Speed, and Just Cause (just to name a few). They chat about the olden days of game dev, getting lost in Leipzig in a borrowed Porche, and Jess quizzes Hamish on *mostly* Need for Sp…

1
New York and the War of 1812 | A New York Minute in History 29:35

8M ago29:35

29:35

This episode delves into New York State’s role in the War of 1812, which is often considered America’s “second war of Independence.” With a particular focus on the State Historic site at Sackets Harbor, we learn the particularly important role that New York, and New Yorkers, played in the war. Marker of Focus: War of 1812, Village of Sackets Harbor…

1
Hungry for History: Culinary and Foodways History | A New York Minute in History 29:17

9M ago29:17

29:17

This episode focuses on culinary history and the Pomeroy Foundation’s Hungry for History program. We discover that the history of what we eat, and how we eat it, can tell us much about ourselves and our shared pasts. Markers of Focus: Hungry for History Interviewees: Elizabeth Jakubowski, Senior Librarian, New York State Library. You can follow the…

1
Summer at the Fair: A History of Agricultural Fairs in New York State | A New York Minute in History 29:34

10M ago29:34

29:34

As New York State prepares to host the oldest state fair in the nation, this episode tells the history of the summertime tradition of agricultural fairs and how they developed from gatherings of learned societies into the popular attractions that we all know today. Markers of Focus: County Fairgrounds, Ballston Spa, Saratoga County. Interviewees: R…

1
Lady Acland’s Voyage: A First-Hand Account of the Battles of Saratoga | A New York Minute in History 29:30

11M ago29:30

29:30

This episode tells the story of Lady Christian Henrietta Caroline “Harriet” Acland, aristocratic wife of Major John Dyke Acland, who commanded the British 20th Regiment of Foot during the Burgoyne campaign of 1777. When Major Acland was wounded and taken prisoner, Lady Harriet risked her own life and freedom to nurse him back to health. She would g…

1
Ronek Park: Postwar Non-discriminatory Housing on Long Island | A New York Minute in History 29:31

12M ago29:31

29:31

This episode tells the story of Ronek Park, a non-discriminatory housing development built in 1950 in the village of North Amityville. Unlike the many housing developments created in the post-WWII U.S. that followed the practice of redlining and did not allow African American or Jewish people to buy homes, Ronek Park specifically marketed itself as…

1
Chinatown Community History | A New York Minute in History 29:35

1y ago29:35

29:35

May is Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month and in celebration this episode highlights the community history of Manhattan’s Chinatown, one of the oldest and largest Chinese and Chinese American communities in the United States. The episode tells the story of how during a time of change in the late 1970s the Chinatown community moved …

1
Grace Leach Hudowalski | A New York Minute in History 29:30

1y ago29:30

29:30

In celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode tells the story of Grace Leach Hudowalski, the first woman to summit all 46 of the Adirondack High Peaks. Besides being an accomplished mountain climber, Grace was also the first president of the Adirondack 46ers Club as well as its historian for over 50 years. As historian, Grace answered thous…

1
La Amistad | A New York Minute in History 29:36

1y ago29:36

29:36

In honor of Black History Month, this episode tells the story of the 1839 La Amistad Rebellion, in which 53 illegally enslaved Africans rose up against their Spanish captors off the coast of Cuba, took over the ship, and attempted to sail it to freedom. They eventually reached Long Island, where they were arrested by U.S. officials. Aided by New Yo…

1
Confederate Spies at the Canadian Border | A New York Minute in History 29:41

1+ y ago29:41

29:41

On this month's episode, Devin and Lauren uncover a system of Confederate spies, guerillas, and terrorists attempting to wreak havoc on Western New York during the final years of the American Civil War. Marker of Focus: Escape Prevented, Niagara County Guests: Anton Schwarzmueller (Project Coordinator) and Jim Ball (Board President) of the Niagara …

1
Plymouth Freeman and Unfinished Revolutions | A New York Minute in History 29:39

1+ y ago29:39

29:39

On this month’s episode, Devin and Lauren explore the story of Plymouth Freeman, a black Patriot who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and discuss how disenfranchised communities have harkened back to the promises outlined in the Declaration of Independence as a strategy for inclusion in those foundational principles of…

1
Centering Authentic Indigenous Voices | A New York Minute in History 29:33

1+ y ago29:33

29:33

For our first episode of this new season, we're celebrating Native American Heritage Month with a conversation regarding how historians can center authentic indigenous voices and work with Native American communities across the state in planning for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Marker of Focus: Native Voices, Chemung C…

1
The Fox Sisters and the "Great American Hoax" | A New York Minute in History 29:27

1+ y ago29:27

29:27

For our season finale, Devin and Lauren tell the story of the Fox sisters, who rose to fame as early practitioners of modern spiritualism in the 19th Century. Margaretta and Catherine Fox were able to convince many people that they could commune with the dead, though they later admitted to making their stories up. Despite this, their form of “rappi…

1
The Florence Farming Association | A New York Minute in History 29:57

2y ago29:57

29:57

On this episode, Devin and Lauren tell the story of the Florence Farming and Lumber Association, a settlement of free African Americans in Oneida County beginning in 1846. The Association was the creation of abolitionists Gerrit Smith and Stephen Myers, and it developed on land given by Smith, who at the time was New York's largest landowner. The o…

1
Las Villas | A New York Minute in History 29:27

2y ago29:27

29:27

On this episode, Devin and Lauren learn about an enclave of restaurants, bars and resorts that catered to predominately Latin American clientele near the Catskill Mountains. As more and more Latinos immigrated to New York City for work, they began to look to places outside the city for recreation and to connect with other Spanish-speaking tourists.…

1
Radio Cloak and Dagger | A New York Minute in History 29:57

2y ago29:57

29:57

On this episode, Devin and Lauren tell the recently declassified story of a covert radio station built by the FBI on Long Island to deceive the Nazis during World War II. From 1942-1945, double agents worked in secret from a remote home in Suffolk County on the major operations "Bodyguard" and "Bluebird," and dug up information that some believe co…

1
New York's Anti-Rent Wars | A New York Minute in History 29:27

2y ago29:27

29:27

On this episode, Devin and Lauren delve into the history of the Dutch patroon system in New York state, and tell the story of the anti-rent movement of the 19th Century, during which tenant farmers banded together to (sometimes, violently) oppose the outdated system. In the Albany County town of Berne, tenant delegates from 11 counties gathered for…

1
The Persistence of Dr. Mary Walker | A New York Minute in History 29:27

2y ago29:27

29:27

For Women's History Month, Devin and Lauren tell the story of Dr. Mary Walker: physician, heroine of the Civil War, and the only woman in history ever to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Born to progressive parents in western New York, Walker would defy the odds to become a surgeon, spy for the Union Army during the Civil War, and go toe-to-toe with …

1
Aaron Mossell and the Struggle to Integrate Lockport's Schools | A New York Minute in History 29:27

2y ago29:27

29:27

On this episode, Devin and Lauren discuss a William G. Pomeroy marker recognizing the contributions of the Mossell family in western New York, and their efforts to successfully integrate the Niagara County city of Lockport’s public schools in the late 19th century — nearly 80 years before legal segregation ended nationwide. Marker of Focus: Aaron M…

1
Hell's Acres: Bare Knuckle Boxing in the Taconic Mountains | A New York Minute in History 29:27

2+ y ago29:27

29:27

On this episode, Devin and Lauren tell the forgotten story of Boston Corners, which once belonged to Massachusetts, but was ceded to New York state by an act of Congress in 1855. The area, now part of the Town of Ancram, was remote in the mid-19th century and hard to access from Massachusetts, while New […]…

1
Preparing for the 250th | A New York Minute in History 29:27

2+ y ago29:27

29:27

Believe it or not, the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is right around the corner. On this episode, Devin and Lauren discuss how some state agencies and communities are preparing for the big event (from 2025-2033), and how local historians can make the most of the commemoration. We also highlight a pair of William G. Pomeroy Foundation…

1
Ithaca's Tuskegee Airman | A New York Minute in History 29:27

2+ y ago29:27

29:27

On this episode, Devin and Lauren tell the story of Verdelle Louis Payne from Ithaca in Tompkins County, who joined the Army Air Forces during WWII and became a pilot. During the war, Payne served in the 99th Fighter Squadron, which became part of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, an all-Black group of pilots serving in the then still-segregated U.S. …

1
Live From the APHNYS | A New York Minute in History 29:27

2+ y ago29:27

29:27

In this live, special episode of A New York Minute in History, Devin and Lauren visit the annual Association of Public Historians of New York State (APHNYS) conference in Kingston, New York. What is it like to work in history? We'll discuss how today's public historians are striving to expand the narrative, engage with their communities, and learn …

1
Discovering the Nation's "Founding Fossils" | A New York Minute in History 29:26

2+ y ago29:26

29:26

It's a new season of A New York Minute in History! In this episode, Devin and Lauren dig into the 19th Century discovery of a mastodon skeleton in Orange County. The "Orange County Mastodon" was one of the earliest, if not the first, complete mastodon skeletons discovered in the U.S. As our hosts will learn, these large fossils captured the attenti…

1
The Fulton County Courthouse: 250 Years of Legal History | A New York Minute in History 29:30

3y ago29:30

29:30

On this episode, Devin and Lauren visit New York’s oldest continuously operating courthouse, located in the City of Johnstown in Fulton County. Built in 1772 by Sir William Johnson, the Fulton County Courthouse has seen the transition from British colonial rule to the establishment of the United States, and 250 years of legal history. Among the imp…

1
Georgia O'Keeffe and Her Visit to Wiawaka | A New York Minute in History 29:00

3y ago29:00

29:00

On this episode, Devin and Lauren discuss how the poor conditions of female textile workers in Capital Region cities led to the creation of a retreat where women could “escape” the cities. Wiawaka was founded by Mary Fuller, an advocate for women workers in Troy, and the wealthy philanthropists Katrina and Spenser Trask. Wiawaka originally included…

1
Early Auto Racing in New York | A New York Minute in History 29:27

3y ago29:27

29:27

On this episode, Devin and Lauren discuss a William G. Pomeroy marker recognizing a 1900 auto race in Suffolk County, New York, and the importance of racing in automobile history. Was that race to Babylon really the first of its kind in the U.S.? And how did Watkins Glen International get its start?By WAMC

1
Margaret Hastings, the “Shangri-La WAC” | A New York Minute in History 29:30

3y ago29:30

29:30

In honor of Women's History Month, Devin and Lauren highlight a Pomeroy marker in Tioga County and tell the story of Corporal Margaret Hastings, a member of the Women's Army Corps who survived 47 days in a New Guinea jungle during World War II. Marker of Focus: World War II, Owego, Tioga County Guests: Mitchell Zuckoff, author of Lost in Shangri-La…

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