Listener Console Special #2

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

#Tech #Video Games #Lifestyle #Simon Parkin #Leisure #Comedy #Interviews #Game History #Society #Videogame #Games

52:22

Season 3 of the smash hit FX/Hulu show “The Bear” roared to life just days ago, but Will Poulter (the actor who plays fan-favorite Luca) and 2014 F&W Best New Chef Dave Beran had been prepping for weeks. Poulter — like his co-star Jeremy Allen White — staged with Beran at his Santa Monica restaurant Pasjoli to learn how to accurately portray a professional chef onscreen. The lessons went so well, Beran says he’d hire Poulter as a cook — even despite a messy mishap with a pastry bag. The two dished all about getting kitchen culture right on and offscreen, what it takes to be at the top of your craft, and the pure magic of a great restaurant service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 54:15

MP3•Episode home

In this special episode, five My Perfect Console supporters share the games they would like to put on their ideal, fictional games machine, and the reasons behind their choices.

If you would like to share your console with the My Perfect Console audience, head to this post for more details.

Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

138 episodes

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

Listener Console Special #2

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

73 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

In this special episode, five My Perfect Console supporters share the games they would like to put on their ideal, fictional games machine, and the reasons behind their choices.

If you would like to share your console with the My Perfect Console audience, head to this post for more details.

Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

138 episodes

#Tech #Video Games #Lifestyle #Simon Parkin #Leisure #Comedy #Interviews #Game History #Society #Videogame #Games

All episodes

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Robbie Singh, streamer, studio founder (Omeda). 1:07:20

2 days ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Robbie is a studio head with one of the most unusual origin stories in the games industry. A former content creator and streamer, he fell in love with Paragon , the ambitious MOBA from Epic Games —so much so that when Epic closed the game in 2018, he refused to let it die. With no prior game development experience and no plans to enter the industry, he founded Omeda Studios and set out to rebuild and evolve the game alongside its passionate community. The result was Predecessor , a fresh take on the MOBA genre. In just a few years, the game has developed a vibrant fanbase, while the studio has transformed from a grassroots effort into a serious player in the industry, proving that a community-driven approach can take on even the giants. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Listener Console Special #3 49:18

7 days ago49:18

49:18

In this special episode, five My Perfect Console supporters share the games they would like to put on their ideal, fictional games machine, and the reasons behind their choices. If you would like to share your console with the My Perfect Console audience, head to this post for more details. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Elena Lobova, Ukrainian entrepreneur, game developer. 1:14:17

9 days ago1:14:17

1:14:17

My guest today is a Ukrainian game developer, entrepreneur, and one of the most respected community-builders in the video games industry. After graduating from East Ukrainian Volodymyr Dahl National University with a Master's in Computer Science she began her career in mobile game development. She founded initiatives such as Achievers Hub and Global Games Pitch , platforms that connect indie developers with publishers, investors, and collaborators around the world. Since then, she’s become a tireless advocate for emerging studios, a sought-after speaker at international conferences, and a passionate voice for the Ukrainian game dev scene—especially in the face of extraordinary geopolitical challenges. Whether mentoring new talent or championing indie creators on the global stage, she’s played a vital role in shaping a more connected, inclusive industry. Links: Global Games Pitch Game Dev Under Bombs Foyles Book Event for Orwell Prize Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Game Club (with Glenn Moore): Return of the Obra Dinn. 30:48

13 days ago30:48

30:48

Simon is joined by Glenn Moore for today's Game Club episode discussing the game we've been playing throughout May, former guest of the show Lucas Pope's Return of the Obra Dinn . Throughout the month, Glenn, Simon, and many of you, the listeners, have been playing through the modern classic puzzle game, as chosen by comedy writer Joel Morris on his episode of My Perfect Console. Glenn and Simon discuss their experiences with the game, why the board above Glenn's desk makes him look like a serial killer, Simon's experiences with Elden Ring: Nightreign, and much more. NOTE: This bonus episode is one of the benefits you receive for being a Patreon supporter. Sign up at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole to listen to all of the Game Club episodes, past and future. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Bennett Foddy, philosopher, game designer (QWOP, GIRP, Getting Over It). 1:19:49

16 days ago1:19:49

1:19:49

Bennett Foddy is a game designer, moral philosopher, and musician best known for creating challenging games that explore frustration, perseverance, and the nature of play. Originally from Australia, he played bass for the electronic group Cut Copy , then in 2008 came to global recognition with QWOP , a slapstick track-and-field simulation that became an internet sensation. He followed that success with the equally maddening Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy , which sparked viral streaming moments and intense discussions about game difficulty, patience, and our relationship with failure. He taught game design at NYU , and now works full-time as a designer, preparing for the release of an indie open world game, Baby Steps . Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Tomm Hulett, game designer (Silent Hill series, Contra, Bloodstained, River City Girls). 1:16:15

23 days ago1:16:15

1:16:15

Tomm Hulett is a game designer and director who has spent his career championing bold, narrative-driven experiences. While at Konami, he worked on multiple Silent Hill titles, including Book of Memories , a critically acclaimed reimagining of the franchise. On the internet, however, his name became linked with the struggles of later Silent Hill games. This made him the target of intense online harassment—even though many of the series’ creative decisions were out of his hands. Since he left Konami, more than a decade ago, he has worked on beloved cult titles like Contra: Operation Galuga and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night . Today he continues to push storytelling in games in new and unexpected directions as a direct at the California-based studio WayForward Technologies . Mythri GBC Soundtrack Mythri GBC Demo Rom Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Grentperez, musician. 1:07:08

4 weeks ago1:07:08

1:07:08

Grentperez is a 23-year-old Filipino-Australian singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences worldwide with his soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Born and raised in Sydney, he began sharing song covers on YouTube at the age of 13, soon amassing more than 100 million views. His 2021 debut single, Cherry Wine ” achieved gold certification and topped Spotify's Viral 50 chart in multiple countries. In 2024, he was honoured as Emerging Songwriter of the Year at the Australasian Performing Right Association Awards . Now, with his debut album, Backflips in a Restaurant , he continues to showcase his unique blend of indie pop and R&B. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Alex Kealy, comedian. 1:17:18

5 weeks ago1:17:18

1:17:18

Alex Kealy is an English stand-up comedian. Born in Hampshire, he studied history at Oxford University , where he assumed the role of music editor on the student newspaper. After graduating, he worked as a researcher for The Institute of Art and Ideas . But the call of the stage proved strong, and in 2016 he debuted his first Edinburgh show, titled “ Alex Kealy Is An Idea Whose Time Has Come .” In the years that followed, my guest has taken five more shows to Edinburgh, one of which was described by a critic for The Daily Telegraph as “sharply witty, almost sexily cerebral.” My guest has also worked as a writer for BBC Two's Mock the Week , Radio 4's T he News Quiz and The Now Show , and he co-presents the popular music podcast Gigpigs with his friend and fellow comic, Ivo Graham. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Liam Wong, photographer, director. 1:28:37

6 weeks ago1:28:37

1:28:37

Liam Wong is a Scottish photographer, art director, and game designer. Born in Edinburgh he began his career in the video game industry after graduating from Abertay University . After a stint at Crytek UK, he eventually join Ubisoft Montreal , and there became the youngest director at the company. His work on acclaimed titles like Far Cry 4 helped sharpen his visual storytelling skills, which later influenced his photographic style. While visiting in Tokyo, my guest developed a passion for nighttime photography, drawing inspiration from cyberpunk films as he documented the city’s vibrant yet haunting after-dark scenes. In 2019, he released his debut photobook, TO:KY:OO , a collection of cinematic images that showcase his signature style—rich contrasts, neon lights, and rain-soaked streets. The book was met with critical acclaim. It solidified his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary urban photography, whose instantly recognisable work blurs the lines between reality and fiction. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Guillaume Provost, studio director Compulsion Games (South of Midnight, We Happy Few). 1:23:17

7 weeks ago1:23:17

1:23:17

Guillaume Provost is a game designer, creative director, studio founder and CEO, with a passion for building immersive, story-driven experiences. After working as a programmer for games companies such as Pseudo Interactive and Arkane , in 2009 he founded his own independent studio, Compulsion Games . Under his leadership, the studio gained worldwide attention with its distinctive psychological game We Happy Few , celebrated for its evocative storytelling, unique art direction, and bold narrative choices. Now, my guest’s studio has just released South of Midnight , an action-adventure game set in a fantastical version of the American Deep South, exploring themes of family, healing, and self-discovery. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Correspondence Special #6: WarioWare: Idiom Edition, The Observer's future game coverage, and more. 32:32

8 weeks ago32:32

32:32

In this special correspondence edition, Simon reads out your correspondence and answers your questions. What's next for game coverage at The Observer newspaper following its sale to Tortoise? How can we invite fan-favourite guests back on the show? How should you respond when a dodgy man in a pub asks: "What's the damage?" All this and much more. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Celia Hodent, UX specialist (Ubisoft Montreal, LucasArts, Epic Games). 1:18:44

8 weeks ago1:18:44

1:18:44

Celia Hodent is a French author and former director of user experience at Epic Games . Born in France, she earned her doctorate in psychology in Paris, hoping to become a professional academic. Her childhood love of video games, however, drew her to the games industry, and in 2008 she joined Ubisoft to work on the editorial team. In 2010 she transferred to Ubisoft Montreal to work as user experience coordinator on Rainbow 6 series using her training in cognitive science to help guide the design teams. In 2012 she moved to the US, working as UX lead at LucasArts , then as Director of UX at Epic Games , overseeing user experience on Fortnite . Since 2017 my guest has worked as a UX strategy consultant, publishing several books including “The Gamer’s Brain: How Neuroscience and UX can Impact Video Game Design.” Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Joel Morris, comedy writer (Philomena Cunk, Black Mirror, Paddington). 1:31:27

9 weeks ago1:31:27

1:31:27

Joel Morris is a multi-award winning comedy writer, and a contributor to the widely beloved Paddington films. One of the best regarded comedic talents in Britain, during the past two decades he has written for everyone from David Mitchell to Miranda Hart to Ronnie Corbett. A long-time collaborator with Charlie Brooker, he was a key part of the BAFTA-winning Wipe shows, and co-creator of the comedy character Philomena Cunk , whose dim-witted documentaries are beloved around the world. A busy author, he wrote The Framley Examiner , a spoof on local British newspapers, as well as the multi-million selling series of Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups . In 2024 he published, ‘ Be Funny or Die: How Comedy Works and Why It Matters ,’ analysing everything from stand-up to slapstick. He has also worked as a writer for video games, collaborating on projects for Microsoft and Ubisoft. Whatever he turns his hand to, comedy remains at the core. As Richard Curtis, the writer of ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ once put it, my guest “gets to the heart of comedy.” Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Saraya Bevis, professional wrestler. 1:13:25

10 weeks ago1:13:25

1:13:25

Saraya is one of the biggest names in professional wrestling. Born into a successful wrestling family in Norwich, England, she left home at fifteen to forge her own path in the ring. Under the name Paige, she became the youngest WWE Divas Champion in history and was the subject of the hit 2019 film Fighting with My Family , written and directed by Stephen Merchant , in which she was portrayed by Florence Pugh . Now competing in All Elite Wrestling as Saraya, she has battled through injuries, personal struggles, and the intense pressures of the industry to become an icon of resilience and reinvention. Outside of wrestling, she is a fierce advocate for domestic abuse survivors and women’s health issues. Now, in a highly anticipated memoir, Hell in Boots , she’s ready to tell her story like never before. Links: Fighting with My Family (Channel 4 documentary), 2012 . Fighting with My Family Film Trailer . Saraya's Instagram Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Seamus Blackley, originator of the Xbox. 1:19:25

11 weeks ago1:19:25

1:19:25

Seamus Blackle is a physicist, game designer, and technology visionary best known as the originator of the Xbox . After studying physics at Tufts University , he began his career in high-energy physics before pivoting to the video game industry. He worked on titles including System Shock and Flight Unlimited . In the late nineties, while an employee at Microsoft , he led the development of a bold new console project. The Xbox revolutionised the video game landscape, introducing hit series including Halo, Gears of War and Forza. Since he left Microsoft, my guest has worked across entertainment, venture capital, and even experimental archaeology, famously recreating ancient Egyptian bread using 4,500-year-old yeast. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Keith Burns, artist. 1:19:44

12 weeks ago1:19:44

1:19:44

Keith Burns is an award-winning aviation artist and illustrator. As a student he dreamed of becoming a comic book artist but after his teachers at art college discouraged him from the career path, he dropped out and became a bus driver. Ten years later he received an email inviting him to submit a comic strip to a talent finding project. His submission led to a meeting with Dave Gibbons , co-creator of Watchmen . Gibbons encouraged my guest to pursue his gift, which eventually led to a long-standing collaboration with renowned comic book writer Garth Ennis . In 2012 he joined the Guild of Aviation Artists , in 2015 won the Messier Dowty award for Best Acrylic Painting, and in 2016, the Aviation Painting of the Year. In 2023 in collaboration with James Holland he published The Second World War: An Illustrated History , for which my guest produced nearly 300 illustrations during the course of five years. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Marjolein Robertson, comedian. 1:23:08

13 weeks ago1:23:08

1:23:08

Marjolein Robertson is a Scottish comedian, improviser, and storyteller. Born in Lerwick, on the Shetland Isles, she first started performing with Shetland Youth Theatre at the age of 13. After graduating from the University of Edinburgh , she was working as a town planner, saving for a mortgage, when she and her partner decided to move to Amsterdam on a whim. A series of catastrophes followed. Marjolein lost her home and her job, then landed in a Dutch improvisational comedy class, and began studying improvised comedy and stand up. Since then, she has become one of Scotland’s most exciting young talents, reaching the finals of the BBC New Comedy Award s in 2022 and Channel 4's Sean Lock Comedy Awards in 2024. Her solo show ‘Marj’ was nominated for two awards at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 and released as a comedy special , and she is about to embark on a UK-wide tour with her new show 'O'. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Steffan Powell, BBC's Gaming and Culture Correspondent. 1:27:03

14 weeks ago1:27:03

1:27:03

Steffan Powell is a reporter, television and radio presenter. Born in the Amman Valley in South Wales he joined the BBC while in his twenties, soon working his way up to the position of senior broadcast journalist for Radio One’s Newsbeat . In 2021 he became BBC News’ first ever Gaming and Culture Correspondent , appearing across the broadcasters’ news programmes whenever a video game-related story hit the headlines. Currently, he hosts the behind-the-scenes programme, Doctor Who: Unleashed , as well as the recently re-launched podcast Press X to Continue . For that show he has interviewed celebrities including Keanu Reeves, Usain Bolt and Bukayo Saka about their love of video games. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

1
Dr. Greg Zeschuk, co-founder Bioware. 1:26:17

15 weeks ago1:26:17

1:26:17

Greg Zeschuk is the co-founder of Bioware . While a medical student at the University of Alberta he told his future wife that, if he could, he’d make video games for a living. After he graduated, the dream came true when, in 1995, he and two friends founded Bioware in his basement. The following year the trio released Shattered Steel and, two years after that, Baldur’s Gate , which revolutionised the world of computer role-playing games. In the years that followed Bioware released a string of blockbuster hits, including Mass Effect , Dragon Age , and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic . In 2007, just 12 years after its founding, the company was sold to Electronic Arts as part of a deal worth $860 million. In recent years, my guest started a brewing company, Blind Enthusiasm , and today runs two microbreweries and a restaurant in Edmunton, where he has spent most of his life. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

27 weeks ago35:44