Windbreaker - podcast cover

Windbreaker

Second Windsecondwindgroup.com
Windbreaker is Second Wind's premier gaming podcast hosted by Yahtzee Croshaw, Marty Sliva & JM8. Join the trio (and occasional guests) weekly to discuss everything industry wide from current news, to recent releases and wider trends.

Episodes

The Four Mario Games We’d Save If All the Rest Had To Be Destroyed | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty celebrate March 10th, aka Mario Day, by choosing which four games featuring the iconic mascot that they’d choose over all others. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

Mar 11, 20252 hr 31 minEp 65Transcript available on Metacast

The Worst Kinds of Levels in Games | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about their least-favorite kinds of levels in games, from forced stealth sections to FromSoft's beloved poison swamps. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

Mar 04, 20252 hr 34 minEp 64Transcript available on Metacast

Why Are Pirate Games So Damn Good? | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about why pirate-themed games, no matter the genre, seem to resonate so strongly with them. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

Feb 25, 20252 hr 36 minEp 63Transcript available on Metacast

How to NOT Do a Video Game Merchant | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about what separates a memorable video game merchant from a forgettable one. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠

Feb 18, 20251 hr 28 minEp 62Transcript available on Metacast

Gaming Is the Most Complicated Hobby (ft. Jack Packard) | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Jack chat about the various ways that gaming is the most complicated hobby they have. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup

Feb 11, 20251 hr 29 minEp 61Transcript available on Metacast

The Five Games We'd Take With Us on a Desert Island | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty discuss which five games they'd pick as their personal desert island discs. Think of it as a kind of companion to last week's episode on the video game syllabus. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup

Feb 04, 20252 hr 34 minEp 60Transcript available on Metacast

Building the Video Game Syllabus | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about the five games that each of them would pick to help represent the medium to someone who'd never even heard of video games before. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at patreon.com/SecondWindGroup

Jan 28, 20252 hr 42 minEp 59Transcript available on Metacast

There’s Nothing Wrong With Cheating in Games | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about their history with cheat codes, unlockable cheats, exploits, modern QoL features, and all that jazz Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup

Jan 21, 20252 hr 38 minEp 58Transcript available on Metacast

At What Point Does It Become Stealing? | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty discuss how all great artists steal, but at what point does that become a genuine problem? Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at patreon.com/SecondWindGroup

Jan 14, 20251 hr 20 minEp 57Transcript available on Metacast

Our 2025 Gaming Resolutions | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty kick off the new year with some gaming resolutions and predictions. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at patreon.com/SecondWindGroup

Jan 07, 20252 hr 35 minEp 56Transcript available on Metacast

Digesting the Game Awards Results | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and KC share their thoughts on last weeks Game Awards winners, losers, and reveals. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Dec 17, 20242 hrEp 55Transcript available on Metacast

THIS Is How You Start Off a Game | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about notable video game openings, and what separates the good from the bad. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Dec 10, 20242 hr 32 minEp 54Transcript available on Metacast

A Tour Through Handheld History | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about their own personal histories with handheld gaming, from the Game Boy to the Steam Deck. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Dec 03, 20242 hr 35 minEp 53Transcript available on Metacast

In Defense of Janky Games | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week’s episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about the good kind of jank, the bad kind of jank, and every kind of jank in between. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Nov 26, 20241 hr 25 minEp 52Transcript available on Metacast

Breaking Down the Game Award Nominees | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about the nominees for 2024's Game Awards. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Nov 19, 20241 hr 28 minEp 51Transcript available on Metacast

Are Games Better Than They Were A Decade Ago? | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about the games of 2014, and how the modern landscape compares to a decade ago. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Nov 12, 20242 hr 43 minEp 50Transcript available on Metacast

The Best, Worst, and Weirdest Video Game Leaders | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about the best, worst, and weirdest leaders in video games. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Nov 05, 20242 hr 30 minEp 49Transcript available on Metacast

Horror Game Deep Cuts to Play For Halloween | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, JM8, and Marty chat about some of their favorite horror games from throughout the years that are bit off the beaten path. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Oct 30, 20242 hr 43 minEp 48Transcript available on Metacast

The Best Video Game Music (ft. Miracle of Sound) | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee and Marty are joined by Miracle of Sound (Gavin Dunne) to chat about the past, present, and future of video game music. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Oct 22, 20242 hr 3 minEp 47Transcript available on Metacast

The Joy of Simple Games | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 use UFO 50 as a bouncing off point to chat about the joy of simple games. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Oct 15, 20242 hr 30 minEp 46Transcript available on Metacast

Yes, the Original Silent Hill 2 is the Best Horror Game Ever, Shut Up | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 chat why the original Silent Hill 2 remains such a classic, and some early thoughts on the new Remake. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Oct 08, 20242 hr 44 minEp 45Transcript available on Metacast

Characters Who Deserve Their Own Game | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 chat about characters who deserve the spotlight of their own video games. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Oct 01, 20242 hr 36 minEp 44Transcript available on Metacast

How to Ruin a Perfectly Good Franchise | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 chat the moments that our favorite franchises took a wrong turn. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Sep 24, 20242 hr 45 minEp 43Transcript available on Metacast

Realism is Overrated | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 chat about realism in games, and whether or not that goal is overrated. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Sep 17, 20242 hr 44 minEp 42Transcript available on Metacast

How to (Not) Do a 3D Platformer | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 use the release of Astro Bot on PS5 as a jumping off point to discuss the current state of 3D platformers across AAA and indies. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Sep 10, 20242 hr 50 minEp 41Transcript available on Metacast

Making Failure Feel Good | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 chat about how failure is used successfully (and unsuccessfully) in games, both narratively and mechanically. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Sep 03, 20242 hr 41 minEp 40Transcript available on Metacast

Making Games Harder For Ourselves | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 chat about our favorite emergent and self-imposed challenges in gaming history. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Aug 27, 20242 hr 30 minEp 39Transcript available on Metacast

The Movies That Influenced Games the Most | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 take a look at some of the movies throughout history that've had the biggest influence on video games. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Aug 20, 20242 hr 33 minEp 38Transcript available on Metacast

An Alternate History of Video Game "What Ifs?" | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Yahtzee, Marty, and JM8 go look back at some of the biggest "what ifs?" in video game history, including Silent Hills, Starcraft: Ghost, and the Nintendo PlayStation. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Aug 13, 20242 hr 47 minEp 37Transcript available on Metacast

The Gaming Magazines, Media, and Spaces That Defined Us | Windbreaker Podcast

On this week's episode of Windbreaker, Marty, Jack, and JM8 go nostalgic on the gaming magazines, media, and spaces that defined us growing up. Second Wind is fully independent, employee-owned and fan-funded. Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/SecondWindGroup⁠⁠

Aug 06, 20242 hr 53 minEp 36Transcript available on Metacast