Podcasts by Beyond the Metagame: A Smash Bros. Podcast
Two experienced competitive Super Smash Bros. players analyze and break down the unspoken psychological framework of the competitive scene.
Further podcasts by Abhi Vaidyanatha, Dane Hartog
Podcast on the topic Videospiele
All episodes
7-6 Do You Have Protagonist Syndrome? from 2023-01-26T18:17:44
AV and Peon tackle the concept of Protagonist Syndrome. How do we avoid the pitfalls of focusing solely on our own progress? How does one optimally track their own improvement?
S...
7-4: Current and Past Events from 2022-08-09T16:18
AV and Peon spend some time discussing the events of the past year. Contents may include: paleontology, a patented Ness down-air, cultural optimism, and why you should never downplay your own su...
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7-3: Sora and the DLC Retrospective from 2021-11-06T16:11
AV and Peon embark on a journey to talk about Sora, slowly descending into madness as they look back at all the DLC characters that have been released for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
7-2 Back in the Saddle, Again from 2021-10-15T14:14:53
Socials:
AV: @AVaidyanatha
Peon: @Peon_BTM
BTM: Listen
7-1: Starting Melee in 2021 from 2021-06-04T12:58:13
The dream team is back and ready... to play Super Smash Bros. Melee. The two discuss the joys of learning Melee in 2021 with the fewer matchups, plethora of training resources, and great online ...
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6-1: Some Guy Named Steve from 2020-10-10T13:00
AV and Peon wake up from their collective fever dream and realize that Steve from Minecraft has in fact been confirmed for Smash. Suspending their disbelief, they address this wild addition to t...
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5-16: The Art of Confidence ft. Coach Zeke from 2020-08-28T15:53
Coach Zeke, the legendary coach behind many top players' rise to prominence, comes on the show to teach AV and Peon a thing or two. Listen to the trifecta talk about the journey from expert to m...
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5-15: Why We Smash 2 from 2020-08-21T12:19:46
In the season finale, AV and Peon revisit the original premise of Beyond the Metagame. The two reflect on the benefits of pursuing competitive Smash as a hobby and explore what is preventing man...
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5-14: Patch 8.1 and Small Battlefield from 2020-08-07T18:19:01
Out of nowhere, the Smash community has been blessed with a new stage, upgraded online functionality, and updates to Elite Smash requirements. Listen to the BTM hosts interpret what these change...
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5-13: Pandemic Sitrep from 2020-07-31T14:00
As the dust slowly settles around our changed world, AV and Peon ponder the effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on competitive Smash, training routines, and their main characters.
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5-12: Patch 8.0 and Min Min from 2020-07-24T14:00
With AV and Peon having a few weeks to take in the patch, the fearless duo are ready to share their opinions on Sakurai's recent shake-up. Tune in to hear their thoughts on Min Min, character bu...
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5-11: The Eternal Student ft. Dabuz from 2020-07-09T13:00
The name Dabuz in the Smash community is synonymous with consistent, methodical, and intelligent. This week, listen in to hear us pick the brain of Smash's most studious player to find out how D...
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5-10: Min Min and Rollback Netcode from 2020-06-26T16:00
With Sakurai blessing us through another character reveal, AV and Peon take to the airwaves to discuss their first thoughts. After a long discussion about the new character, the hosts also share...
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5-9: Coaching Done Right ft. TSM Charles Thoren from 2020-06-18T17:30
Today the BTM hosts get the opportunity to speak with Korean, TSM's coach for Smash. Listen in to hear him drop knowledge about his coaching strategies with Tweek and Leffen, problems that he se...
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5-8: Talent vs. Hard Work from 2020-06-12T14:30
AV and Peon address the Smash community's obsession with the overblown question of nature vs. nurture in their attempt to end this conversation once and for all.
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5-7: Aggression from 2020-05-23T12:00
AV and Peon are all fired up due to one of the most notoriously abused concepts in the Smash community: aggression. Where is it useful? What is it? Are you too aggressive? Find out on this conte...
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5-6: What's Your Problem? ft. The People from 2020-05-16T13:30
This week, AV and Peon take some calls from the BTM community. We chat with each caller about a problem they may be having, and we get to the bottom of it.
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5-5: Cheating on Smash from 2020-05-02T15:55
This week, AV and Peon talk about cheating on Smash. At what point is spending time with other games or other hobbies detrimental to Smash goals? How do we best leverage time away from Smash to ...
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5-4: Camping and You from 2020-04-17T11:00
AV and Peon talk camping. What about defensive play makes it so frustrating to deal with? What does this say about our mid-match psychology? When can camping be best utilized to win an important...
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5-3: Should You Play Project+? from 2020-04-10T14:30
AV and Peon breakdown the newest iteration of Project M, "Project+." Who is this game for, what are our impressions, and is it worth your time?
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AV: Listen
5-2: Are You Carried? from 2020-03-27T12:00
This week, AV and Peon discuss whether the concept of being carried is something we should give any credence to, and if so, how to know if you are carried. The team dives into the weeds, examini...
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5-1: Flying Solo from 2020-03-21T12:00
With the recent global pandemic, your home is now the main venue for improving at Smash! In this topical season opener, AV and Peon dive into getting the most out of playing Smash alone, analyzi...
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4-18: Switching Mains from 2020-02-13T22:30
Thinking about switching mains? What's gonna be different? What will stay the same? AV and Peon tackle all the hard questions for you in your journey to make one of the hardest changes to your S...
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4-17: Patch 7.0 and Byleth from 2020-02-06T14:05
Byleth and their arsenal have been deployed to the Smash battlefield. Join AV and Peon as they discuss the new addition to the smash roster, the gamut of balance changes made to the game, and a ...
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4-16: Let Byleths be Byleths from 2020-01-17T14:50
Peon and AV react to the newest addition to the roster, Byleth! Who is this character for? What will their place in the meta be? All will be answered and more in this week's episode.
4-15: Slumpbusters from 2020-01-09T14:40
Peon hits the therapy couch again as AV walks him through his recent slump. Through this, the two lay down a game plan for diagnosing, accepting, and treating rough patches in your gameplay. Listen
4-14: Smash Through the Decade from 2020-01-03T15:25
Our co-hosts take on the challenge of producing a retrospective on the narratives, development, and highlights of Super Smash Bros. through the last ten years. In this episode, they break down t...
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4-13: Demystifying Cheese from 2019-12-19T14:55
This week, AV and Peon discuss GimR's new technology and its relevance to the metagame. Later, the two breakdown the concept of cheese, and debate when and if it is worth complaining about.
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4-12: 1 Year of Smash Ultimate from 2019-12-12T13:15
Beyond the Metagame celebrates Smash Ultimate's one year anniversary with a retrospective on expectations, lessons learned, and game experience highlights.
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4-11: Thankful for Smash from 2019-11-28T12:35
This week, Peon and AV have some fun with their second annual Thanksgiving special. The hosts give thanks regarding their favorite aspects of Smash Bros in and out of the game.
So...
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4-10: Performing Under Pressure ft. Sports Psych Steve from 2019-11-21T14:20
Today, Sports Psych Steve returns to share his wisdom regarding how to bring your "A" game even when the pressure is at its highest. The hosts and Steve also explain the benefits of applying Spo...
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4-9: Patch 6.0 and Terry Bogard from 2019-11-11T14:35
Terry Bogard has entered the building, and with him arrive a slew of low tier buffs. AV and Peon give their initial feedback on the character roster's newest addition, while also reacting to the...
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4-8: Crossing the Chasm ft. Toph from 2019-11-04T12:15
AV and Peon open their minds up to new perspectives as they are joined by famed Melee player, commentator, and smash icon Toph! Through the episode, the hosts leverage Toph's vast culmination of...
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4-7: Climbing the Summit from 2019-10-24T13:25
AV and Peon discuss the upcoming Smash Ultimate Summit tournament, diving into their expectations of each event and reigniting their old gambling habits.
Socials:
A...
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4-6: Owning Your Gameplay from 2019-10-17T12:45
AV and Peon explore the idea of taking responsibility for one's own gameplay, strolling down memory lane to find the memories that evolved their perspective on owning up to their mistakes. The B...
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4-5: Hot or Not from 2019-10-10T13:30
For once, AV and Peon get the chance to fire off their many hot takes with reckless abandon as they get together to decide what's hot and what's not. Watch the duo square off in a few rounds of ...
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4-4: Bracket Demons from 2019-09-26T12:00
In a classic BTM adventure, AV and Peon take a trip to the spirit world to classify the many different types of "bracket demons." In doing so, they look into their past, present, and future to f...
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4-3: Back in the Saddle from 2019-09-19T13:00
This week, Peon dives into analyzing his long break from Smash; it's not pretty. In turn, AV helps Peon form a plan of action to shake off the rust, spawning a discussion about the benefits from...
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4-2: Elite Entertainment ft. The Phenomenal EE from 2019-09-12T13:40
This week, AV and Peon are joined by none other than the Phenomenal EE, famed Super Smash Bros. caster known for his enthralling performances on the mic. The BTM duo uncovers EE's thoughts about...
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4-1: Banjo-Kazooie, Terry Bogard, and a Nintendo Direct! from 2019-09-05T12:00
In the Season 4 opener, AV and Peon are blessed with a content-filled Nintendo Direct, a brand new patch, and a new addition to the roster! The BTM boys unpack the release of Banjo and react to ...
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3-17: Community Appreciation from 2019-08-22T12:55
In the Season 3 finale, AV and Peon recall some of their favorite experiences in the Smash community, talk about what brings us all together, and play back some wholesome stories from listeners ...
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3-16: Character Crisis 2 from 2019-08-12T08:00
In the inevitable sequel to Peon's character dilemma, AV starts to question his loyalty to Donkey Kong. On this episode, Peon talks AV through his quest to find a notable replacement or companio...
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3-15: The Hero's Journey from 2019-08-05T12:00
On this week's episode, the BTM squad analyzes Hero, the brand new Smash Ultimate DLC character! The two go over their initial thoughts of the character, his general viability, and whether or no...
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3-14: A Rookie's Guidebook ft. N64Josh&Nightcrawlr from 2019-07-26T00:35
AV and Peon catch up with their fellow podcast creators, N64Josh and Nightcrawlr, hosts of the Smash Bros Cast. In a wonderful fireside chat, the BTM co-hosts find out what Josh and Crawlr have ...
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3-13: Community in Crisis from 2019-07-18T19:25
With recent events displaying unbecoming behavior from members of the Smash community, AV and Peon stop to reflect on the values that they stand for, the true nature of the Smash community, and ...
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3-12: Why Play a Low Tier? from 2019-07-11T12:00
In an uncharacteristic change of heart, the BTM duo reconsiders the value behind playing low tier characters.
Socials:
AV: Listen
3-11: Smash's Rival ft. Dan Fornace from 2019-07-04T12:00
AV and Peon crossover between universes as they are joined by none other than Dan Fornace, creator of the indie platform fighter, Rivals of Aether. On the show, Dan paints the picture behind the...
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3-10: The Hero, Banjo, and You from 2019-06-27T12:10
This week, AV and Peon react to the announcement of The Hero and Banjo-Kazooie. How will these characters distinguish themselves? Will these characters play to your strengths? What do these anno...
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3-9: Smash Ultimate Burnout from 2019-06-20T12:00
With AV and Peon's respective burnouts from parts of the Smash community, the two get down to business and figure out how to proactively combat this enduring issue.
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3-8: The Loyal Scientist ft. Fatality from 2019-06-06T12:00
AV meets his match as the casting duo are joined by introspective master and Captain Falcon extraordinaire, Fatality! To learn more about how we can optimize our brain for success, we pick Fatal...
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3-7: Patch 3.1 from 2019-05-31T13:15
This week, AV and Peon discuss the most recent balance patch in Smash Ultimate's development life cycle. Who are the biggest winners and losers? What does this say about the balance philosophy g...
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3-5: The Traveler from 2019-05-10T01:00
Join AV and Peon on their journey in breaking down the experience of traveling to other regions! Along the way, they highlight the pros and cons of competitive environments, the variety of regio...
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3-4: Crossing the Plateau from 2019-05-02T22:05
As we move past the early days of Smash Ultimate, AV and Peon approach the concept of the dreaded plateau. In this episode, they talk about figuring out whether you're in one, learning how to mo...
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3-3: The "Low" Tier Hero ft. Maister from 2019-04-25T17:05
This week, we are joined by Maister, one of Mexico's best players and the best Game & Watch player in the world. He joins AV and Peon to talk about pushing the metagame of an unpopular chara...
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3-2: Patch 3.0 and Joker from 2019-04-18T12:00
Nintendo pulls a fast one on AV and Peon, releasing the patch with almost no warning! In this episode, the duo goes over their first impressions of Joker, balance changes, new content, and the p...
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3-1: Smashing Tournament Nerves ft. PhD Louie from 2019-04-11T12:00
In the season 3 premiere, AV and Peon discuss mental health with PhD Louie, a veteran of the Smash scene and studied academic. Dr. Louie goes into depth about how to calm tournament nerves and o...
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2-15: The State of the Ultimate Address from 2019-03-28T22:05
In true finale fashion, AV and Peon take on addressing the Smash community about the developments in the first quarter of Smash Ultimate. Join them as they talk about how characters, players, an...
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2-14: Victory from 2019-03-21T12:00
This week, AV and Peon talk about what victories mean for your progress as a competitor, how to go about contextualizing them, and what to do when you think you've won it all.
Soc...
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2-13: Community Building from 2019-03-14T12:00
In another solo mission, AV provides insight into how his dedication for serving the community supplied the motivation for creating a Smash Bros. podcast. Through the narrative, he takes us thro...
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2-12: The Ultimate Summit from 2019-03-07T12:00
The very first Smash Ultimate Summit is happening this weekend! AV and Peon discuss the history of Summit, their expectations for the event, and what it means for competitive Smash Ultimate. Listen
2-11: The Pursuit of Happiness from 2019-02-28T09:00
This week, Peon flies solo, questioning whether or not it's healthy to look for fulfillment outside of traditional day to day life. In this fireside chat, we learn about his struggles, why we lo...
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2-10: Fundamentals from 2019-02-21T21:00
AV and Peon host a crash course on the mystical concept of fundamentals to give you a clear path on what they are and how to improve them.
Socials:
AV: Listen
2-9: Ego Trip from 2019-02-14T12:00
Is ego affecting your ability to improve at Smash? AV and Peon get to the bottom of how an unchecked ego can hinder growth in all areas of the Smash community.
Socials: Listen
2-8: Genesis Stories and Ultimate 2.0 from 2019-02-07T12:00
This week, AV and Peon retell their Genesis stories, discuss about what they took away from the experience, and break down what the recent patch means for you as a player and competitor.
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2-7: The Unbreakable Mind ft. Sports Psychologist Steve from 2019-01-31T12:00
This week we are joined by Sports Psychologist Steve, an industry professional known for his ability to connect his foundations in applied psychology with his gaming domain knowledge. In true BT...
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2-6: Progress Check from 2019-01-24T12:00
AV and Peon take a step back to acknowledge their progress as Ultimate competitors, wrangling with their biggest roadblocks to improving before Genesis 6.
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2-5: Character Crisis from 2019-01-17T17:05
This week, AV becomes Peon's psychiatrist, talking him through his character crisis. Through this journey, they provide the framework for choosing a main and what should motivate this incredibly...
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2-B1: The Crossover Episode ft. The Smash Bros. Cast from 2019-01-15T01:00
What's this, a crossover episode? Enjoy our rebroadcast of our appearance on the Smash Bros. Cast where we talk with N64Josh and NightCrawlr about jumping into the competitive scene.
2-4: Elite Smash and You from 2019-01-03T12:00
Does Elite Smash or GSP matter? AV and Peon explore this topic in this week's episode to figure out the things we can take away from this controversial Smash Ultimate feature.
Soc...
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2-3: The Comfort Zone from 2018-12-27T21:30
This week, AV and Peon explore their personal comfort zones to learn about their origins, how to break out of them, and how to apply these strategies as a person and player.
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2-2: Facing the Community ft. CONEY from 2018-12-20T12:00
AV and Peon are joined by community mainstay CONEY! In this episode, we explore the historical development of the scene, what it takes to succeed at any iteration of Smash, and how we can change...
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2-1: First Steps from 2018-12-13T17:10
In the first episode of Season 2, AV and Peon dive into their experiences with the game so far, impressions of characters/mechanics, and ultimately what the best practices are in the new game. Listen
1-15: Ultimate Launch Spectacular from 2018-12-06T12:00
In the final episode of Season 1, AV and Peon celebrate the launch of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Socials:
AV: @AVaidyanat...
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1-14: Handwarmers ft. Dr. Cait McGee from 2018-11-29T12:00
This week, we are joined by Dr. Caitlin McGee, notable esports physical therapist. In this episode, AV and Peon try to keep up as she brings her extensive knowledge/experience about injury preve...
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1-13: Appreciation from 2018-11-22T12:00
For the show's Thanksgiving Special, AV and Peon talk about why it's important to be thankful and what they appreciate about different parts of the Super Smash Brothers community.
1-12: Preparation from 2018-11-15T12:00
Are you ready to take on any challenge? This week, AV and Peon talk about preparation, discussing the ins and outs of tackling bracket demons, matchups, and tournament anxiety.
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1-11: Living the Game ft. Max Ketchum from 2018-11-08T12:00
This week, AV and Peon are joined by Max Ketchum, notable community figurehead, caster, competitor, and event organizer. In this episode, we showcase Max's evident devotion to the game to set a ...
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1-10: Direct Breakdown from 2018-11-02T12:00
In their 10th episode special, AV and Peon spend an evening discussing the contents of the recent Nintendo Direct and the effects that it will have on you as a casual or competitive player.
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1-9: The Warrior's Path ft. SSBProTips from 2018-10-25T12:00
AV and Peon are joined by community veteran and content creator SSBProTips. In this episode, we learn about defining the path to greatness, how to walk it, and where we're often led astray.
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1-8: The Ultimate Speculation from 2018-10-18T12:00
AV and Peon put their thinking caps on to speculate about the changes that the upcoming Smash game will bring for you as a competitor, inside and outside the game.
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1-7: Lose Yourself from 2018-10-11T12:00
What's so great about losing? AV and Peon talk about defeat, analyzing how to learn and grow from our lows to reach even higher highs.
Socials:
AV: Listen
1-6: Social Commentary ft. GPik from 2018-10-04T16:45
AV and Peon are joined by GPik, a commentator known for his work in Smash 4 and Rivals of Aether. This week, we break down what it means to be a good commentator, analyze the development of the ...
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1-5: Identity Crisis from 2018-09-27T12:00
To what level does our personality cross over into our playstyle in game? AV and Peon uncover the key elements to analyzing the boundary between player and character.
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AV:
1-4: No Tech Zone from 2018-09-20T12:00
How much should we practice on our own? How useful are advanced techniques? AV and Peon break down how to maximize your time to see results.
Socials:
AV: Listen
1-3: Learning to Learn ft. Jtails from 2018-09-12T22:40
AV and Peon are joined by Jtails, expert smash competitor and teacher, who goes into depth on how to explore a new smash game.
Socials:
Jtails: @J1tails
AV: Listen
1-2: Burnout from 2018-09-12T22:35
AV and Peon discuss the concept of burnout in competitive smash. What is it, what causes it, and how can we prevent it?
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AV: Listen
1-1: Why We Smash from 2018-09-12T21:00
Hosts Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) discuss the very basics in their pilot episode. Why do we play Super Smash Brothers?
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AV: Listen