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New Dad Gaming

Trevor Alexander & Jeff Smalleynewdadgaming.com
A show about Gaming, Fatherhood, and New Fathers figuring out their gaming lives
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Episodes

DLC Bribes, Switch Repairs & Magic Cards | New Dad Gaming Ep. 363

What happens when exams meet DLC drops? This week on New Dad Gaming, Trevor and Jeff discuss using video games as parenting bribes—and whether it’s genius or dangerous. Jeff negotiates with his teen over a Hunter: Call of the Wild DLC, while Trevor deals with non-activated V-Bucks chaos after a birthday gone slightly wrong. We also revisit Jeff’s miraculously repaired Switch, uncover a save file survival guide, and share Father’s Day gaming gifts—including Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering ca...

Jun 17, 202531 minEp. 405

Switch 2 Temptation & Console Tragedies | New Dad Gaming Ep. 362

A surprise Switch 2 drop, a blue screen of death, and Father’s Day gift loopholes - this episode has it all. Trevor barely escapes the clutches of buying a brand-new Switch 2… but just barely. Meanwhile, Jeff’s aging Switch kicks the bucket in spectacular fashion, sparking a desperate race against time to recover lost Pokémon and Zelda saves. With Father's Day around the corner, could a little gaming “gift” be the loophole that lets these dads break their no-new-games vow? The dads dive into: Th...

Jun 09, 202531 minEp. 404

Night Rain Temptations & Switch 2 FOMO | New Dad Gaming Ep. 361

This week, Trevor and Jeff face their greatest challenge yet: resisting the urge to break their no-new-games vow. With the Elden Ring Nightreign expansion stealing the spotlight and rumors of a Nintendo Switch 2 release buzzing, the temptation is real. Meanwhile, one dad's teen dives headfirst into Dungeons & Dragons, sparking memories and hopes of future family campaigns. Plus: Elden Ring co-op fails, Fortnite struggles on old hardware, and the eternal dad debate - do you cave when that shi...

Jun 02, 202530 minEp. 403

Temptation Denied, Goat Madness, and Magic The Gathering Costs

After a brief break (no disasters—just dad life), Trevor and Jeff are back to talk about holding strong in their no new games challenge—sort of. Jeff’s been tearing up the zombie roads in Days Gone, teaching his kids how to shop smart with Goat Simulator 3, and even… dabbling in Magic: The Gathering for the first time ever (blame the Final Fantasy crossover). Trevor manages to resist Oblivion Remastered and the eternal temptation of Days Gone, but it’s clear the struggle is real. Also in this ep...

May 26, 202530 minEp. 402

Dad Court: Minecraft Mayhem, Backlog Betrayals, and the Temptation of Oblivion | New Dad Gaming Ep. 359

This week on New Dad Gaming, Trevor and Jeff hold a special session of Dad Court to determine if their backlog challenge has been broken—or if there’s still hope for their gaming honor. Spoiler: Jeff may have withheld some crucial evidence… Jeff confesses to a near-miss after buying (and refunding) Elite Dangerous over a cockpit color mod—but later drops the bomb that he bought the Oblivion Remaster. Can the court forgive a purchase that feels so right? Trevor also stands trial for getting dange...

Apr 26, 202538 minEp. 401

Minecraft Movie Madness, Missed Projects, and Surprise Nerf Birthdays | New Dad Gaming Ep. 358

This week on New Dad Gaming, Jeff and Trevor trade parenting war stories as they navigate teenage moods, missed school projects, and the absolute chaos of Minecraft movie culture. From last-minute movie plans to self-imposed consequences, the dads explore how to discipline with empathy—and hold the line when games are on the line. Jeff recounts how a missed project turned into a teachable moment (and a canceled Minecraft movie trip), while Trevor pulls back game time after surprise bad grades. B...

Apr 18, 202533 minEp. 400

The Switch 2 Switch-Up, Mario Kart Open World, and a Surprise Elden Ring Successor | New Dad Gaming Ep. 357

This week on New Dad Gaming, it’s all about the Nintendo Switch 2. Trevor and Jeff dive into Nintendo’s massive announcement, breaking down the upgraded hardware, surprising launch titles, and some truly unexpected exclusives—including Dusk Blood, a spiritual successor to Elden Ring that’s only coming to Switch 2 (!). Has Nintendo officially won over the dad gamers? The new Mario Kart World gets a lot of love too, with an open-world racing mode that mixes Burnout Paradise vibes with classic kart...

Apr 04, 202538 minEp. 399

AI Game Coaches, Elden Ring Redemption, and Letting Go of Teen Independence | New Dad Gaming Ep. 356

This week on New Dad Gaming, the dads are back in the saddle after a run of sickness, vacation, and dad exhaustion. Trevor returns to Elden Ring—this time without cheats—and finds himself rediscovering the magic of adventure, danger, and dumb deaths in FromSoftware’s punishing open world. But with limited dad time, he turns to an unexpected ally: AI game coaching. Using ChatGPT with a custom prompt, he gets real-time build advice, weapon comparisons, and leveling tips—all tailored to his skill l...

Mar 24, 202539 minEp. 398

Gaming Through the Plague, Steam Deck Saves the Day, and League of Legends Dad Challenge | New Dad Gaming Ep. 355

This week on New Dad Gaming, Jeff barely makes it back from the brink after being taken down by the dreaded dad plague—but thanks to the Steam Deck, he managed to game his way through recovery. Trevor and Jeff discuss how portable gaming is perfect for sick days, and why handheld gaming may be entering a new golden age. Speaking of challenges, Jeff officially steps into League of Legends after watching Arcane—but is immediately hit with new player overwhelm, 170 characters to choose from, and a ...

Mar 14, 202539 minEp. 397

Steam Deck Joins the Family, V-Bucks Bribery, and League of Legends Challenge | New Dad Gaming Ep. 354

This week on New Dad Gaming, Trevor and Jeff welcome a new gaming dad into the Steam Deck Brigade! A listener writes in about choosing between a gaming PC and a Steam Deck—did they make the right choice? Jeff shares his insights on why the Steam Deck continues to be a fantastic option for dads on the go. Meanwhile, V-Bucks have officially entered Trevor’s household—but not without some classic gaming dad negotiation. Did bribery finally break the gaming dad fortress? How do parents navigate the ...

Feb 14, 202536 minEp. 396

Backlog Progress, Balatro Controversy, and the Spider-Man Reality Check | New Dad Gaming Ep. 353

The dads are back with a backlog challenge update! Trevor thought he was nearly done with Spider-Man Remastered… until he realized he was only halfway through. Jeff, meanwhile, has to resist the temptation of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 while his son dives deep into Balatro—which brings up a discussion about gaming, gambling, and the importance of guiding our kids through digital experiences. Also, Trevor takes on UFO 50’s surprisingly brutal first game and Jeff actually finishes something! Key ...

Feb 07, 202539 minEp. 395

Tackling the Backlog Challenge | New Dad Gaming Ep. 352

The dads are taking on a gaming challenge for 2025—no new games, just tackling their massive backlogs! Inspired by a listener, Trevor and Jeff set out to finally complete the games they've collected over the years. They discuss their personal goals, the struggles of resisting new releases, and the surprising discovery that Fortnite has its own version of Roblox-style content. Will they stick to the plan? Tune in to find out! Key Topics Covered: The Backlog Challenge – no new games in 2025! Trevo...

Jan 24, 202538 minEp. 394

Switch 2 Revealed, Fortnite's Gaming Dad Takeover, and Baldur's Gate 3 Fails | New Dad Gaming Ep.351

This week on New Dad Gaming, the dads dive into the much-anticipated reveal of the Switch 2! Trevor and Jeff share their gaming dad perspectives on what this new console means for families and gamers alike, speculate on pricing, and discuss potential launch titles (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, anyone?). Fortnite has also taken over Trevor’s household, replacing Roblox as the go-to game for his kids. He shares insights into the joys of playing alongside them and the lessons learned in setting gamin...

Jan 17, 202538 minEp. 393

Gaming Dad Resolutions: More Family Time, Backlog Gaming, and No New Games! | New Dad Gaming Ep. 350

As the year draws to a close, the New Dad Gaming duo shares their heartfelt hopes and resolutions for the new year. Trevor and Jeff reflect on cherishing the precious moments with their kids while they’re still young and finding better ways to carve out time for their gaming hobby amidst the chaos of dad life. Inspired by listener and friend of the show Torey, the dads take on a bold new commitment: no new game purchases in the coming year. Instead, they’ll focus on tackling their ever-growing b...

Jan 03, 202531 minEp. 392

Gaming Dad Christmas Poem, Year in Review, and the Games We Loved (or Quit) | New Dad Gaming Ep. 349"

This week on New Dad Gaming, Trevor surprises Jeff (again!) with a heartfelt and hilarious Gaming Dad Christmas poem to kick off the holiday season. Tune in as the dads dive into a year-end review of the games that defined their parenting and gaming lives in 2024. Jeff seeks to create a Christmas memory gifting his family a Meta Quest, Trevor discusses dabbling in Marvel Snap (and ultimately walking away), watching the kids dominate Roblox, and enjoying Final Fantasy Rebirth, to exploring quirky...

Dec 27, 202427 minEp. 391

Gaming with Dads: Path of Exile 2, WWE 2K24, and Christmas Quandaries | New Dad Gaming Ep. 348

This week on New Dad Gaming, Trevor and Jeff reflect on their first-ever live gaming stream with Path of Exile 2. Spoiler alert: Jeff carried the team while Trevor embraced the role of "revive practice dummy." They discuss the quirky pay-to-play beta model, their impressions of the game, and whether it's a good pick for gaming dads. Trevor shares how WWE 2K24 became a surprise hit in his household, complete with championship belt drama and a nod to the power of demos. Meanwhile, Jeff recounts a ...

Dec 20, 202428 minEp. 390

Beer Advent Calendars, Sim Racing, and Path of Exile 2 with Kids | New Dad Gaming Ep. 347

This week on New Dad Gaming, Trevor and Jeff explore the world of gaming dads with holiday-themed advent calendars, from beer to Pokémon cards. They share insights on navigating gaming card stores with kids and finding the right vibe for family fun versus hardcore collectors. Jeff dives into Path of Exile 2 with his 11-year-old, breaking down its infamous skill tree and why it might just be the perfect Diablo alternative for dads and teens. Meanwhile, Trevor debates the dream of VR racing sims a...

Dec 13, 202431 minEp. 389

Gaming Dads on Black Friday Finds, Space Games, and Nintendo Night | New Dad Gaming Ep. 346

In this episode of New Dad Gaming, Trevor and Jeff share their Black Friday and Cyber Monday gaming hauls, from the thrilling depths of space games like Elite Dangerous and Everspace 2 to the joy of snagging Spider-Man on sale. They recount their epic Nintendo Dad's Night, highlighting upcoming releases and the timeless magic of the Nintendo Switch. The dads also dive into parenting challenges, including how to motivate kids with creative rewards like cookie bribes and the unintended stress of s...

Dec 06, 202438 minEp. 388

Gaming Dads Unite: Balancing School, Christmas, and Roblox Chaos | New Dad Gaming Ep. 345

In this episode of New Dad Gaming, Trevor and Jeff dive into the challenges of parenting while gaming. They share hilarious stories about bribing kids with stuffed cookies to boost school grades, debate the pros and cons of Roblox’s updated parental controls requiring ID verification, and brainstorm creative Christmas gift ideas for gaming-savvy kids. The dads also explore gaming setups, from broken Switch controllers to budget-friendly gaming chairs, and discuss how they balance family life wit...

Nov 29, 202435 minEp. 387

Ep. 344 - Gaming Dads Go Hot: Game Awards 2024 Predictions and Debates

In this episode of New Dad Gaming, Trevor and Jeff dive into the Game Awards 2024 nominations with no prep and plenty of hot takes. From debating the merits of Elden Ring DLC in the "Game of the Year" category to championing underdogs like Manor Lords and UFO 50, the dads bring their unique gaming perspective to the table. Plus, they share thoughts on family-friendly titles, VR innovations, and why Fortnite might deserve yet another trophy. Tune in for laughs, bold predictions, and some surprise...

Nov 22, 20241 hrEp. 386

Ep. 343 - Christmas PS5s and Dad Health Dives

This week Trevor enters death saving throws as he powers through an illness to record, appropriate as Jeff is back in some D&D mechanics with Baulder's Gate 3. A gaming dad wrote in to ask for PS5 game recommendations for his kids as he's pulled the greatest Gaming Dad move, new console for Christmas! Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-dad-gaming/id1107330772 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/434cj9ksKBnX6aY2aBZ6Uw Others on Our Website: ...

Nov 17, 202429 minEp. 385

Ep. 342 - A Brothership 100 Feet Wide

This week Jeff dips his toes into Gwent, the dads both try out Mario and Luigi Brothership, and the Trevor walks through is new VR gaming setup that has revealed some wild results from NHL 17 and NHL 24. Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-dad-gaming/id1107330772 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/434cj9ksKBnX6aY2aBZ6Uw Others on Our Website: https://newdadgaming.com/...

Nov 09, 202437 minEp. 384

Ep. 341 - Piles Of Candy And Virtual Realities

Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-dad-gaming/id1107330772 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/434cj9ksKBnX6aY2aBZ6Uw Others on Our Website: https://newdadgaming.com/

Nov 02, 202435 minEp. 383

Ep. 340 - When The Party Is A Jamboree

The New Dads review the recently released Mario Party Jamboree (spoiler - amazing family fun). Jeff laments the lack of deep RPGs his kids play, and Trevor comes to terms with perhaps being done with Marvel Snap. Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-dad-gaming/id1107330772 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/434cj9ksKBnX6aY2aBZ6Uw Others on Our Website: https://newdadgaming.com/...

Oct 25, 202438 minEp. 382

Ep - 339 - Zelda Whispers And Dunkin Side Quests

This week Trevor and Jeff review The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which brings all the fun chaos and creativity of Tears of the Kingdom to Zelda's first starring role. Trevor also describes his side quest to motorcycle down to the United States for some Dunkin donuts, and the dads lament the risks of broken controllers with kids. Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-dad-gaming/id1107330772 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/434cj9ksKBnX6aY...

Oct 04, 202431 minEp. 381

Ep. 338 - Gamers of Culture - FF7 Rebirth Symphony

For only the 2nd time in the history of the show, The New Dads are recording in the same room! They attended the FFVII Rebirth Orchestra World Tour and captured their immediate take right after the show. This week, the dads discuss the announced PS5 Pro and it’s wild pricing, along with a the great PS5 title Astro Bot. Trevor struggles with a potential professional athlete in his house, and Jeff shows off his NES Pro moves with NES World Championship. Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: ht...

Sep 27, 202427 minEp. 380

Ep. 337 - PS5 Pro / NES Pro / Gymnast Pro

This week, the dads discuss the announced PS5 Pro and it's wild pricing, along with a the great PS5 title Astro Bot. Trevor struggles with a potential professional athlete in his house, and Jeff shows off his NES Pro moves with NES World Championship. Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-dad-gaming/id1107330772 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/434cj9ksKBnX6aY2aBZ6Uw Others on Our Website: https://newdadgaming.com/...

Sep 13, 202435 minEp. 379

Ep. 336 - Concord And Power In Your Hands

This week Trevor unlocks more power in his Retro Handheld with PortMaster (Balatro and Stardew Valley on a portable?), Jeff dives into Astro Bot, and the dads review the sad fate of Concord. Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-dad-gaming/id1107330772 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/434cj9ksKBnX6aY2aBZ6Uw Others on Our Website: https://newdadgaming.com/...

Sep 06, 202435 minEp. 378

Ep. 335 - Coach Dad and The 3DS

This week, Trevor assumes the role of coach for his son and asks Jeff for some Pokemon advice, while Jeff declares the 3DS the G.O.A.T. of consoles while applying a dad mod to Alien Isolation. Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-dad-gaming/id1107330772 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/434cj9ksKBnX6aY2aBZ6Uw Others on Our Website: https://newdadgaming.com/...

Aug 30, 202431 minEp. 377

Ep. 334 - Dad Days of Summer

This week, the dads lay down a pre-recorded podcast as they both wrap up their family adventures. Are their topics topical to the week? Tune in to find out! Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-dad-gaming/id1107330772 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/434cj9ksKBnX6aY2aBZ6Uw Others on Our Website: https://newdadgaming.com/...

Aug 23, 202438 minEp. 376
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