Best 8 Bit Steve Podcasts (2025)

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#137 : The Worst Game Ever For The Atari 2600 19:05

4h ago19:05

19:05

In the final episode of "Worse Than E.T. ?" we attempt to, once and for all, find the "worst Atari 2600 game", even if we have to make it ourselves...so we do. Here is the itch.io page for the game when you can download it, get the code, see the box-art, etc. All free, of course. https://intotheverticalblank.itch.io/worst-game #worst #atari #atari2…

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#136: What Does It Mean To Finish A Game? 1:01:58

5d ago1:01:58

1:01:58

What Does It Mean To Finish A Game? Atari 2600, 400/800, 520/1040 ST A lost tape from 2022, finally released. Inspired by an episode of The Retro Hour, We discuss all the games we "finished" for Atari platforms. With gobs of new video for each game. #atari #atari2600 #atari800 #atari400 #atarist Late night fuel support appreciated but not demanded …

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Episode #481 - Guinevere Drabik (Lucky) 1:13:41

5d ago1:13:41

1:13:41

We have such an interesting guest this week. Guinevere Drabik, or Lucky. She thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2023 and found a community that she had been looking for. She shares great stories about her time on trail and recalls several people who influenced her hike, with a dry wit that really made me laugh. You can see more of Guinevere on Ins…

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#135: Live from The Tarriff Bunker, April 2025 29:45

10d ago29:45

29:45

We get together live and in person to talk about the state of Atari and play victim to the C64, NES, and the Amiga. Whoa is us, as Atari fans. Late night fuel support appreciated but not demanded : https://www.buymeacoffee.com/intotheverticalblank Thanks for support from: BCB, Atari Legend, Atari Crypt, ED Possible, Tony Longworth Daniel Beasley, B…

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NES Fanatics - 012 - Super Mario Bros. 2 41:25

12d ago41:25

41:25

Send us a text Nate and Steve talk for way too long about their recent visit to the Midwest Gaming Classic convention in Milwaukee. If you had the burrito they had, you would understand why! Steve calls Nates face stupid, and Nate as usual disagrees with Steve's rating. There is some talk about Super Mario Bros 2. Oh, there are Zelda tips and trick…

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Episode #480 - Anna McKinney Smith (Magic) 1:08:39

12d ago1:08:39

1:08:39

Anna McKinney Smith, a 2021 thru-hiker, is our guest today. Anna found her people out on trail and, more significantly, she also found her person, who became her husband. Anna referred to having a “common purpose of forward momentum” that appealed to her, and she has since been a writer for the Trek and opened her own blog about hiking, called Magi…

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#134 Atari ST Special: SSI on the ST and a STOS STE game engine 40:30

16d ago40:30

40:30

#134 Atari ST Special: SSI on the ST and a STOS STE game engine Welcome to episode 134 of the Into The Vertical Blank Podcast. Today we have a special treat. It’s the 40th anniversary of the Atari ST this year, so we will be confusing most of the audio and video channels on the Atari computers and especially the ST. First up we have a segment focus…

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Episode #479 - Melanie Wood (Aphrodite) 1:16:07

19d ago1:16:07

1:16:07

Melanie Wood is our guest this week. She hiked SOBO last year, running into the devastation of Helene with about 700 miles to go, having to prematurely end her hike. She is still recognized as a thru-hiker because, quite rightly, she hiked the trail that was available. Melanie went on to write about her experiences on the trail, giving a positive o…

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Episode #478 - Annika Ananias (Ravenclaw) 1:16:50

24d ago1:16:50

1:16:50

We have a German hiker on the podcast this week. Annika Ananias recently flew into the US to hike the Arizona Trail with her American boyfriend, when she was pulled out of line, harshly interrogated, deported, and banned from re-entering the country for five years. This, despite having a ten-year visa. She has a compelling story. I wanted to hear f…

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NES Fanatics - 011 - Kid Icarus 52:19

26d ago52:19

52:19

Send us a text This episode consists of Steve point out every glaring flaw of Kid Icarus while Nate try's to defend the game (unsuccessfully) and ultimately agrees with Steve more than he ever has. There is also a high score controversy explained. Zelda tips and tricks at the end. Oh... if you are reading this. Listen after the outro. Text the show…

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133: Beautiful Disaster: An Ode to Fry's Electronics 19:17

1M ago19:17

19:17

Beautiful Disaster: An Ode to Fry's Electronics A story about technology change from generation to generation and the importance of feeling useful with DIY See video version here: https://youtu.be/r78tcGiIzP4 #diy #atari #motorcycles #pcgames #fryselectronics #southbay #memoir Music licenses: Soundstripe Full Throttle: Code: UKYZGYCBOZ5E6MSB 1 Up: …

1
NES Fanatics - Friday the 13th 1:06:46

1M ago1:06:46

1:06:46

Send us a text Nate and Steve talk way too long after a three week podcast break. Nate explains a new strategy he found in Friday the 13th while both hosts speak deeply about speedrunning the game. Steve discuss reasons why he believes the game was not well received and other information about what makes the game difficult. www.8bitsteve.com https:…

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Episode #477 - Bill Zyckowski (Big Willy Dawg) 1:28:03

1M ago1:28:03

1:28:03

This week, we meet Bill Zyckowski, or Big Willy Dawg. Bill is a retired police officer who truly needed a walk in the woods to bring some meaning to his life. As you’ll hear, he embraced it thoroughly, forming a strong bond with his fellow hikers, the majority of whom were decades younger. He emerged changed, as many of us do. You can learn more ab…

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NES Fanatics - 009 - Jackal 49:14

1M ago49:14

49:14

Send us a text Nate and Steve talk about the struggle having to many projects and how much work being a public facing content creator can be. As usual the Fanatics duo breaks down Jackal from every angle that their experience and Steve actually gets Nate to change his mind and agree with him on including hidden items in NES games. www.8bitsteve.com…

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Episode #476 - Nicole Markovich (Droplet) 1:30:42

1M ago1:30:42

1:30:42

Nicole Markovich joins us on the podcast to tell us about her 2022 AT thru-hike, the drastic changes to her life that ensued, and the ultimate formation of a business that encompassed both her teaching and backpacking experience. As if that wasn’t enough, she also met the man who would become her boyfriend at Springer Mountain the first night on tr…

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Episode #475 - Nick Panetta 1:29:55

2M ago1:29:55

1:29:55

Nick Panetta is our guest this week. He is an avid section hiker on the Appalachian Trail, and a stickler for detail. He attempted a southbound thru-hike back in 2012, was woefully ill-prepared, and only made it part of the way through the 100 Mile Wilderness. Undeterred, perhaps even more determined, Nick went away and started to understand the re…

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132: Finding Our Story at Vintage Computer Fest So. Cal. 2025 43:09

2M ago43:09

43:09

There were as many stories as there were people at Vintage Computer Fest So. Cal. 2025. This is Ours Video version of the main story here: Finding Our Story at Vintage Computer Fest So. Cal. 2025 #retrogaming #vintacomouting Links, etc. Panel Attendees: → David from Usagi Electric - youtube.com/@UsagiElectric → Jeri from Tilt Five - tiltfive.com → …

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Episode #474 - Shelley Harris (Hopscotch) 1:25:38

2M ago1:25:38

1:25:38

I saw a great Facebook post on one of the Appalachian Trail pages recently. Shelley Harris (Hopscotch) wrote her reflections after her thru-hike, offering common sense solutions to those contemplating such an adventure. Basically, Shelley suggested that you can figure it out as you go along, and you shouldn’t stress the details. Our over-cautious, …

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131: The First Atari 2600 Homebrew Cartridge? Ed Federmeyer And The Story of Sound-X and Edtris 1:13:15

2M ago1:13:15

1:13:15

In the 1994, when retro gaming wasn't even really a thing yet, Ed Federmeyer decided he wanted to make his own Atari 2600 software. His drive to actually bring this dream to fruition may have sparked the modern are of retro games. Includes a new 2025 interview with Ed Federmeyer. Late night fuel support appreciated but not demanded : https://www.bu…

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Episode #473 - JC Van Etten (Catmando) Triple Crowner 1:29:51

2M ago1:29:51

1:29:51

JC Van Etten, or Catmando returns to the show. We first met him on the Appalachian Trail a few years ago, I seem to have missed him on the PCT, but caught up with him again after his Continental Divide Trail thru-hike last year to complete his Triple Crown. Cat is a great raconteur, sharing plenty of advice through our conversation, as well as reco…

1
NES Fanatics - 008 - Castlevania 49:00

2M ago49:00

49:00

Send us a text Slackanater punts the intro into outer space and Steve discusses his burnout regarding beating the NES library. The Fanatics read their first fan text comment and sadly ran out of time for Zelda tips and tricks. www.8bitsteve.com https://www.twitch.tv/slackanater Intro and outro music by Emily S. Behar: https://emilysbehar.bandcamp.c…

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Episode #472 - David Alan Lane (Squarepeg) 1:18:40

2M ago1:18:40

1:18:40

We meet David Alan Lane, aka Squarepeg, today. David has been sharing his trail experience extensively over the past few years on Facebook. He helps with all sorts of advice, including gear and what to eat out on trail. It’s a cherished resource for hikers. Now, David has put together another Facebook page that is ambitious in its scope. He has for…

1
NES Fanatics - 007 - Mike Tyson's Punch-out!! 53:00

3M ago53:00

53:00

Send us a text There a few games more iconic or memorable than the Legend of Zelda. Mike Tyson's Punch-out is one of them. The Fanatics talk strategies and accomplishments, but also discuss the depth of complexity. After a short fanboy session both Steve and Nate about speed runner and all around cool guy Jay_cee, Steve reveals his sadness about th…

1
130 : The Curious Case Of Atari 2600 Action Pack For Windows 3.1 1:02:49

3M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

What started as simple "crack the seal" to open and play a 30 year old Windows game, became journey to discover, what might be, the origins of retro gaming itself. Many Thanks to Eclectic Lee for creating the archive page used in this story. See Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_Sge_pELco&feature=youtu.be Music: All Systems Go by use…

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Episode #471 - Tina Tempest (Chunky) 1:12:44

3M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

We have Tina Tempest on the show today. Tina, or Chunky, completed a SOBO thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2009. The trail had such an impact upon her life, that she and her husband, Brett, ultimately opened the Quarter Way Inn, a hostel near Marion, Virginia. Tina’s breakfast at the hostel is the stuff of legend! But it is one of her side bus…

1
NES Fanatics - 006 - Ninja Gaiden 48:11

3M ago48:11

48:11

Send us a text Steve had microphone issues so he had to record the episode on a Fisher Price Microphone from 1980. The show must go on! Slackanater talks about his Flawlessness completion of all three Ninja Gaiden games on the NES and our friend The Retro Runner gets mentioned and praised yet again as we dissect and critique everyone's favorite Nin…

1
Episode #470 - Nick Thatcher (Hotfoot) 1:05:23

3M ago1:05:23

1:05:23

Our main guest today is Nick Thatcher, who I found when he posted an epic Katahdin summit picture on Facebook. I hoped there would be more to his story than a December summit, so I reached out to him. He shared a story of determination and drive, culminating in that epic picture on the top of Katahdin. Nick made some intelligent choices for his hik…

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NES Fanatics - 005 - Double Dragon 45:40

3M ago45:40

45:40

Send us a text Steve goes full fan boy about NES High Score legend Tom Votava and Slackanter's old age shows when he doesn't remember Steve telling him about the Double Dragon high score numbers he asked for. Listen in for secrets revealed about the stone pillars (file cabinet of doom) and the machine gun boss at the end of Double Dragon. www.8bits…

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Episode #469 - Dr Lydia Kuhn (Tetris) 1:20:30

3M ago1:20:30

1:20:30

Dr Lydia Kuhn joins us this week to talk about both her Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2020, and her CDT thru-hike last year, proving herself to be a “true badass.” She reminds us of the need to live your life on your terms, and not to be constrained by how others might want you to live your life. Lydia also shares some information on wilderness me…

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NES Fanatics - 004 - Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde 50:43

3M ago50:43

50:43

Send us a text Steve and Slack talk about the highly controversial NES game Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. Why was this game made? Who got this approved? Will Steve or Nate save this game from being the first double turd? Listen to find out! Links below for media that was referenced in this Episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRW90lKwz4M - AVGN TOP 10…

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Episode #468 - David Kibiloski (Texas) 1:10:13

3M ago1:10:13

1:10:13

David Kibiloski is our guest today. What starts as a story about his Appalachian Trail thru-hike, tracks his evolution into an AT hostel owner, then a 501(c)(3) with AT Kids, followed by Stumble Inn 2.0. It is a fascinating journey. You can follow David on his website, at The Stumble Inn and AT KIDS - A Perfect Partnership. We also started what I h…

1
NES Fanatics - 003 - Metroid 43:52

3M ago43:52

43:52

Send us a text Slackanter turns 111 years old and forgets he invented the "Turd to Perfect" rating system, but redeems himself with the creation of "recess rumors". 8-BitSteve complains about speedrunning like an old crotchety grandpa and the two hosts discuss the iconic space adventure game Metroid. www.8bitsteve.com https://www.twitch.tv/slackana…

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Episode #467 - Al Marriott (Lookout) Triple Crowner 54:47

3M ago54:47

54:47

Today, we welcome back a friend of the show, a fellow Brit, Al Marriott. Al has already been on for his AT and PCT adventures, but last year he went and completed the CDT to complete his Triple Crown. He is always good value, with some wry observations about these trails and stories to share along the way. Here, you can check out his last day on th…

1
NES Fanatics - 002 - Super Mario Bros. 45:31

4M ago45:31

45:31

Send us a text 8-Bit Steve and Slackanater talk about their experiences and memories of Super Mario Bros. the game that started it all on the NES. We tackle the game from many different aspects, institute a turd to perfect rating system, and ultimately find a dark secret about Slackanater's opinion of the game. www.8bitsteve.com https://www.twitch.…

1
Episode #466 - Collyn Nielsen (Doc) Hiker Trash Radio 54:21

4M ago54:21

54:21

We have a fellow hiking podcaster on the show today. Collyn Nielsen, known as Doc to his listeners, is the host of Hiker Trash Radio. The show was originally the John Freakin' Muir Podcast, but Doc extended its remit by re-branding to reach a wider audience, speaking to climbers, kayakers and others who spend their time in the outdoors. You can fin…

1
NES Fanatics - 001 - Introductions 41:18

4M ago41:18

41:18

Send us a text In this pilot episode, co-hosts 8-Bit Steve and Slackanater discuss the who, what, when, where, and why of the NES Fanatics podcast and let their personality flags fly. www.8bitsteve.com https://www.twitch.tv/slackanater Intro and outro music by Emily S. Behar: https://emilysbehar.bandcamp.com/…

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Episode #465 - Wyly O'Brien (Calamity Jane) 1:05:01

4M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Wyly O’Brien, or Calamity Jane, is our guest today. Wyly attempted her thru-hike in 2007, researched the trail and her gear to give herself the best chance ot completing the hike, and began with a self-confidence that was ultimately shattered when she quit the trail after more than 1600 miles. Wyly shares her story of what happened and what she lea…

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Episode #464 - Beth Bakke Stenehjem and Dave Santi (Mighty Blue Class of 2025) 1:01:28

4M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Today, we meet the two members of the Mighty Blue Class of 2025, with Beth Bakke Stenehjem and Dave Santi under the spotlight. Beth is my friend, having hiked twice with her, enjoying her sunny smile and encouraging manner. She’s heading out there at the end of March, with her stepson, Andrew. The two of them will make a terrific couple as they plo…

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Episode #463 - Daniel Shaw (Team Whimsy) 1:05:14

4M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

Daniel Shaw, of Team Whimsy, give us his view of some of the Hurricane Helene clean up and recovery, meeting people where they are, on their worst day ever, when they need someone to show up and help. It is a fascinating model for a 501c3 that can have countrywide effect, with a sign up to help within your own community and beyond. I hope that list…

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129: The Best *#@! Christmas Ever: An Atari 8-bit Journey Into The Vertical Blank 1:10:56

4M ago1:10:56

1:10:56

The final, definitive version of the story we've been trying to tell for the past 6 years. Christmas 1983, the Atari 8-bit computer Christmas was, for many reasons, the best *#@! Christmas ever. This new version gives a rounder picture, explains The Vertical Blank, obsesses over Star Wars, and tries to explain the actual result of Christmas 1983, o…

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Episode #462 - Jessica and Largo Sueiro (Sunshine and Captain) 1:05:16

5M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

We’ve got a couple of free spirits on the show today, who happen to be mother and son. Jessica and Largo Sueiro, went on a big adventure this year; taking on the Appalachian Trail. As a family, they have lived unconventional lives, yet this half-year of mother and son bonding must have been precious to them both, combining their hiking, Largo’s sch…

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128: The Legend Of SwordQuest: Is This The Best Atari Podcast Ever created? 10:59

5M ago10:59

10:59

There is a new Atari related limited podcast out there that blew us away! The Legend Of SwordQuest from iHeartRadio Atariage Thread: Legend of Swordquest podcast - Atari 2600 - AtariAge Forums iHeartRadio Podcast Page: The Legend of SwordQuest | iHeart Jamie Loftus Page: Jamie Loftus School Of Humans: The Legend of SwordQuest — School of Humans Lat…

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Episode #461 - John Turner (Raven) 58:27

5M ago58:27

58:27

John Turner is an avid listener to our HRN podcasts and is a board member of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club–and a trail ambassador. John completed a five-year section hike in 2022, and is here to share his story with us. We have a wide-ranging chat; not only about his hike, but his work with GATC, and his new book, Killing the Buddha on the App…

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Episode #460 - Dave Fleischman (J.I.F.) 57:01

5M ago57:01

57:01

This week, we welcome back Dave Fleischman, a trail maintainer and a newly minted Triple Crowner. Dave already had the PCT and the AT under his belt, after hikes back in the 90s. Suddenly, the opportunity arose to do the CDT, so he headed back out. On this Thanksgiving Day, it is worth being grateful for so many things, yet Dave personifies the sel…

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127: The Essential: Atari ST Michtron’s Time Bandit from 1986. 43:31

5M ago43:31

43:31

Late night fuel support appreciated but not demanded : https://www.buymeacoffee.com/intotheverticalblank On the Into The Vertical Blank’s The Essential #atari ST, we investigate, discuss and evaluate #atarist Computers games and try to uncover titles worthy of play by all who are interested in the platform. I will be giving you a history of #timeba…

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Episode #459 - Katie Westling (Phoenix) 59:08

5M ago59:08

59:08

We’ve got a bit of a change of pace this week, with previous AT thru-hiker, Katie Westling, sharing her past year of adventures, with hikes in France, Ireland, and England. Katie started with the Tour du Mont Blanc last year, then headed over to Ireland for the Dingle Way this year, followed by Hadrian’s Wall Path soon after. Katie shares her hike …

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Episode #458 - Frank Mularcik (Snowman) 52:24

6M ago52:24

52:24

Frank Mularcik, who recently completed a 100-day SOBO thru-hike, is our guest today. Frank reached out to me a few weeks before he finished, then followed up once he reached Springer Mountain. You’ll be impressed by Frank’s can-do attitude, bringing a practicality to his hike that stood him in good stead. He discovered on the trail–as we all do–tha…

1
Episode #457 - George Eshleman (Keeper) 56:21

6M ago56:21

56:21

It’s a slightly shorter show than usual this week, but it is about as powerful as any of my interviews have ever been. Our guest is George Eshleman, or Keeper, who hiked the Appalachian Trail with 363 nametags of military personnel who have committed suicide. George chose to do this in honor of his own friend and hiking partner, who had committed s…

1
#126 : RANT: The Incident At The Retro Game Store 21:06

6M ago21:06

21:06

In this 20 minute rant, we loudly discuss an incident we recently had at a retro game store, and then talk about how the retro game store experience could be improved for all. https://retrogamesplus.com/ Late night fuel support appreciated but not demanded : https://www.buymeacoffee.com/intotheverticalblank Thanks for support from: BCB, Atari Legen…

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Episode #456 - Hunter and John Rud (Hunter & JR) 1:07:26

6M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Another former guest returns to the show today, this time with his hiking partner, and Dad. Hunter and John Rud completed the CDT this year. For Hunter, it was the second leg of his own Triple Crown, but for John, it was his completed Triple Crown. They share their awesome experience. There is a lot of wisdom, both in hiking and in life, from these…

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