John Wahl
@midlifesidequest.bsky.social
Host of the MIDLIFE SIDEQUEST podcast.
New episodes every Thursday morning.
Minneapolis💜Strong
Mail + Links: https://linktr.ee/midlifesidequest?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=ce3b1191-58fb-430c-b0
New episodes every Thursday morning.
Minneapolis💜Strong
Mail + Links: https://linktr.ee/midlifesidequest?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=ce3b1191-58fb-430c-b0
Pinned
John Wahl
@midlifesidequest.bsky.social
· Dec 17
MIDLIFE SIDEQUEST is the weekly gaming podcast to fit your busy day! Perfect for the morning commute or with that first coffee! ☕️☀️
Gaming impressions, industry news, and tales of a Gen X geek. All in just 15 minutes!
🎙️ audioboom.com/channels/508...
Gaming impressions, industry news, and tales of a Gen X geek. All in just 15 minutes!
🎙️ audioboom.com/channels/508...
Don’t forget, they rebranded President’s Day when it’s really just Washington’s Birthday. So all you other Presidents can eat shit, this is George’s day.
Imagine it was your birthday and someone at work said “Hey, maybe we should celebrate my birthday too and we’ll call today Office Workers Day!”
Imagine it was your birthday and someone at work said “Hey, maybe we should celebrate my birthday too and we’ll call today Office Workers Day!”
a man wearing a black hat and glasses is asking what are you f-kin nuts
ALT: a man wearing a black hat and glasses is asking what are you f-kin nuts
media.tenor.com
February 16, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Don’t forget, they rebranded President’s Day when it’s really just Washington’s Birthday. So all you other Presidents can eat shit, this is George’s day.
Imagine it was your birthday and someone at work said “Hey, maybe we should celebrate my birthday too and we’ll call today Office Workers Day!”
Imagine it was your birthday and someone at work said “Hey, maybe we should celebrate my birthday too and we’ll call today Office Workers Day!”
“I tried to use AI for this thing and when it didn’t work I tried to use AI to find out why and that didn’t work either so it just made up a bunch of bullshit.”
a cartoon of a man wearing a yellow shirt with a star on it
ALT: a cartoon of a man wearing a yellow shirt with a star on it
media.tenor.com
February 15, 2026 at 9:13 PM
“I tried to use AI for this thing and when it didn’t work I tried to use AI to find out why and that didn’t work either so it just made up a bunch of bullshit.”
The last game console from the big 3 that I did not own (not counting Pro models, OLED, etc) was the PlayStation 1.
But with the way pricing seems to be heading I genuinely wonder if I won’t bother with the PS6. It just might not make sense if we’re talking $800-$1000.
But with the way pricing seems to be heading I genuinely wonder if I won’t bother with the PS6. It just might not make sense if we’re talking $800-$1000.
February 15, 2026 at 5:59 PM
The last game console from the big 3 that I did not own (not counting Pro models, OLED, etc) was the PlayStation 1.
But with the way pricing seems to be heading I genuinely wonder if I won’t bother with the PS6. It just might not make sense if we’re talking $800-$1000.
But with the way pricing seems to be heading I genuinely wonder if I won’t bother with the PS6. It just might not make sense if we’re talking $800-$1000.
Maybe I’m 12 years old, but there will never be a better name for a video game.
Genius.
Genius.
February 15, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Maybe I’m 12 years old, but there will never be a better name for a video game.
Genius.
Genius.
Something I forgot to mention on this week’s episode is the art design in #Cairn from @mathieubablet.bsky.social. It is absolutely fantastic and SO MUCH MORE interesting than the hyper realistic style that so many studios are chasing.
February 14, 2026 at 3:06 AM
Something I forgot to mention on this week’s episode is the art design in #Cairn from @mathieubablet.bsky.social. It is absolutely fantastic and SO MUCH MORE interesting than the hyper realistic style that so many studios are chasing.
If more racist pricks would’ve got their ass beat in high school, we might not have as many problems right now.
over on x the everything app some Chicago high school kid named Danny Spud tried to disrupt his school's anti-ICE protest by yelling about how much he loves ICE and then filmed himself getting walloped by a fellow student lmao
the quote tweet making fun of him has 3x the likes
the quote tweet making fun of him has 3x the likes
February 14, 2026 at 2:31 AM
If more racist pricks would’ve got their ass beat in high school, we might not have as many problems right now.
If you’re business plan is that your live service game, a brand new IP from a brand new studio, needs to build a player base and be hugely successful IMMEDIATELY in order to survive, you’re probably doing it wrong.
www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/hi...
www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/hi...
Highguard didn't flop
Most games aren't massive hits, but publishers, developers, and investors remain exceedingly hopeful that they'll be the exception.
www.pcgamer.com
February 13, 2026 at 8:54 PM
If you’re business plan is that your live service game, a brand new IP from a brand new studio, needs to build a player base and be hugely successful IMMEDIATELY in order to survive, you’re probably doing it wrong.
www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/hi...
www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/hi...
Reposted by John Wahl
#Cairn is a nail biting, exhilarating, terrifying, and gorgeous experience unlike anything I’ve played before.
It’s the kind of experience that reminds you of why you love games so much. 🏔️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
It’s the kind of experience that reminds you of why you love games so much. 🏔️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
February 12, 2026 at 9:02 PM
#Cairn is a nail biting, exhilarating, terrifying, and gorgeous experience unlike anything I’ve played before.
It’s the kind of experience that reminds you of why you love games so much. 🏔️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
It’s the kind of experience that reminds you of why you love games so much. 🏔️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
Reposted by John Wahl
Good morning kiddos! ☕️
On today’s program I’m talking about an early GOTY contender! #Cairn from @thegamebakers.com. Plus a few thoughts on what we might see at today’s #StateOfPlay.
Have a great day and thanks for listening! ❤️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
On today’s program I’m talking about an early GOTY contender! #Cairn from @thegamebakers.com. Plus a few thoughts on what we might see at today’s #StateOfPlay.
Have a great day and thanks for listening! ❤️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
February 12, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Good morning kiddos! ☕️
On today’s program I’m talking about an early GOTY contender! #Cairn from @thegamebakers.com. Plus a few thoughts on what we might see at today’s #StateOfPlay.
Have a great day and thanks for listening! ❤️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
On today’s program I’m talking about an early GOTY contender! #Cairn from @thegamebakers.com. Plus a few thoughts on what we might see at today’s #StateOfPlay.
Have a great day and thanks for listening! ❤️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
Hmmm. I mean… there were definitely some good looking games there. Most of which we’ve already seen. Not too many big surprises that got me hyped. It was… okay.
#StateOfPlay
#StateOfPlay
an elderly man wearing glasses and a maroon sweater is smiling and saying eh .
ALT: an elderly man wearing glasses and a maroon sweater is smiling and saying eh .
media.tenor.com
February 12, 2026 at 11:16 PM
Hmmm. I mean… there were definitely some good looking games there. Most of which we’ve already seen. Not too many big surprises that got me hyped. It was… okay.
#StateOfPlay
#StateOfPlay
I’m not judging anyone that does them or watches them, but I cannot STAND live reaction videos.
I will gladly listen to your opinion of this thing later, but right now I just want to watch it without a bunch of wiseass jokes over the audio.
I will gladly listen to your opinion of this thing later, but right now I just want to watch it without a bunch of wiseass jokes over the audio.
a man in a yellow and white striped shirt with suspenders stands with his arms crossed
ALT: a man in a yellow and white striped shirt with suspenders stands with his arms crossed
media.tenor.com
February 12, 2026 at 9:48 PM
I’m not judging anyone that does them or watches them, but I cannot STAND live reaction videos.
I will gladly listen to your opinion of this thing later, but right now I just want to watch it without a bunch of wiseass jokes over the audio.
I will gladly listen to your opinion of this thing later, but right now I just want to watch it without a bunch of wiseass jokes over the audio.
#Cairn is a nail biting, exhilarating, terrifying, and gorgeous experience unlike anything I’ve played before.
It’s the kind of experience that reminds you of why you love games so much. 🏔️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
It’s the kind of experience that reminds you of why you love games so much. 🏔️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
February 12, 2026 at 9:02 PM
#Cairn is a nail biting, exhilarating, terrifying, and gorgeous experience unlike anything I’ve played before.
It’s the kind of experience that reminds you of why you love games so much. 🏔️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
It’s the kind of experience that reminds you of why you love games so much. 🏔️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
This is giving off big “Xbox doesn’t report hardware numbers anymore” vibes.
Gallup will no longer measure presidential approval after 88 years thehill.com/homenews/med...
February 12, 2026 at 5:52 PM
This is giving off big “Xbox doesn’t report hardware numbers anymore” vibes.
#1 The federal government lies about anything and everything, so I will not believe this until it’s clear that they’re gone.
#2 Leaving doesn’t change what happened. They kidnapped and murdered and terrorized a city. Those responsible need to pay.
#2 Leaving doesn’t change what happened. They kidnapped and murdered and terrorized a city. Those responsible need to pay.
Walz on when ICE agents will leave Minnesota: "I will come over and pack your damn bags if that's what it takes"
February 12, 2026 at 4:43 PM
#1 The federal government lies about anything and everything, so I will not believe this until it’s clear that they’re gone.
#2 Leaving doesn’t change what happened. They kidnapped and murdered and terrorized a city. Those responsible need to pay.
#2 Leaving doesn’t change what happened. They kidnapped and murdered and terrorized a city. Those responsible need to pay.
Good morning kiddos! ☕️
On today’s program I’m talking about an early GOTY contender! #Cairn from @thegamebakers.com. Plus a few thoughts on what we might see at today’s #StateOfPlay.
Have a great day and thanks for listening! ❤️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
On today’s program I’m talking about an early GOTY contender! #Cairn from @thegamebakers.com. Plus a few thoughts on what we might see at today’s #StateOfPlay.
Have a great day and thanks for listening! ❤️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
February 12, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Good morning kiddos! ☕️
On today’s program I’m talking about an early GOTY contender! #Cairn from @thegamebakers.com. Plus a few thoughts on what we might see at today’s #StateOfPlay.
Have a great day and thanks for listening! ❤️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
On today’s program I’m talking about an early GOTY contender! #Cairn from @thegamebakers.com. Plus a few thoughts on what we might see at today’s #StateOfPlay.
Have a great day and thanks for listening! ❤️
🎙️ audioboom.com/posts/886027...
Just because it’ll be able to fool a lot of people doesn’t mean it isn’t trash. Actors who appear in this crap should sue the ass off of anyone who uploads it. They did not consent and they should sick their fancy pants lawyers on them.
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ writer Rhett Reese reacts to viral AI video of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting:
“I hate to say it. It’s likely over for us.”
“I hate to say it. It’s likely over for us.”
February 12, 2026 at 3:03 AM
Just because it’ll be able to fool a lot of people doesn’t mean it isn’t trash. Actors who appear in this crap should sue the ass off of anyone who uploads it. They did not consent and they should sick their fancy pants lawyers on them.
Podcast uploaded and ready for tomorrow! Check it out to hear about an early GOTY contender!
audioboom.com/channels/508...
audioboom.com/channels/508...
a cartoon of a hand pressing a red button that says subscribe
ALT: a cartoon of a hand pressing a red button that says subscribe
media.tenor.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Podcast uploaded and ready for tomorrow! Check it out to hear about an early GOTY contender!
audioboom.com/channels/508...
audioboom.com/channels/508...
I just spent 45 minutes climbing in Cairn and then fell to my death 8 inches from my destination.
a man in a suit and tie is crying and saying `` i 'm fine , it 's fine `` .
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is crying and saying `` i 'm fine , it 's fine `` .
media.tenor.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:46 PM
I just spent 45 minutes climbing in Cairn and then fell to my death 8 inches from my destination.
I would’ve knocked the bitch’s teeth out for laughing. Balint has more restraint than I do.
BONDI: You didn't ask Merrick Garland anything about Epstein
BALINT: Weak sauce
BONDI: And with this antisemitic culture right now, she voted against a resolution--
BALINT: You want to go there! Really? Talking about antisemitism to a woman who lost her grandfather in the Holocaust! *storms off*
BALINT: Weak sauce
BONDI: And with this antisemitic culture right now, she voted against a resolution--
BALINT: You want to go there! Really? Talking about antisemitism to a woman who lost her grandfather in the Holocaust! *storms off*
February 11, 2026 at 7:25 PM
I would’ve knocked the bitch’s teeth out for laughing. Balint has more restraint than I do.
Reposted by John Wahl
The headlines may have gotten distracted, but the violence, brutality, and lack of accountability have persisted within our community. Minnesota is still under occupation.
This is the aftermath of an ICE kidnapping a few blocks from my home in St. Paul—an hour ago. A quiet street full of broken glass and at least three wrecked cars. The target of the kidnapping was taken away by ambulance. He was on a stretcher and covered by a sheet, though a cop said he was alive.
February 11, 2026 at 5:11 PM
The headlines may have gotten distracted, but the violence, brutality, and lack of accountability have persisted within our community. Minnesota is still under occupation.
They over complicate things. It should just be this:
Game Pass Basic: FREE
Online play, cloud streaming, small selection of rotating free games.
Game Pass PC/Console
Full catalog of games of either platform.
Game Pass Ultimate
PC, Console catalogs. Plus EA/Ubisoft selections.
Done.
Game Pass Basic: FREE
Online play, cloud streaming, small selection of rotating free games.
Game Pass PC/Console
Full catalog of games of either platform.
Game Pass Ultimate
PC, Console catalogs. Plus EA/Ubisoft selections.
Done.
Microsoft is reportedly exploring a merger of two of its Game Pass tiers, uniting the service’s PC and console offerings.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microso...
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microso...
Microsoft could reportedly merge Xbox Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass | VGC
It’s claimed that Microsoft will pair down some of its tiers…
www.videogameschronicle.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:29 PM
They over complicate things. It should just be this:
Game Pass Basic: FREE
Online play, cloud streaming, small selection of rotating free games.
Game Pass PC/Console
Full catalog of games of either platform.
Game Pass Ultimate
PC, Console catalogs. Plus EA/Ubisoft selections.
Done.
Game Pass Basic: FREE
Online play, cloud streaming, small selection of rotating free games.
Game Pass PC/Console
Full catalog of games of either platform.
Game Pass Ultimate
PC, Console catalogs. Plus EA/Ubisoft selections.
Done.
I’m no lawyer, but it’s wild to me how many games out there just unapologetically rip off Minecraft.
Microsoft has withdrawn its copyright claim against indie developer Unomelon
www.gamesindustry.biz/microsoft-wi...
www.gamesindustry.biz/microsoft-wi...
February 11, 2026 at 2:14 PM
I’m no lawyer, but it’s wild to me how many games out there just unapologetically rip off Minecraft.
Played some of this over the weekend and it is supremely weird. I’ll do an episode on it in a week or two, but if you like Suda’s brand of nonsense you’ll probably dig it.
ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN - Launch Trailer www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHcb...
February 10, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Played some of this over the weekend and it is supremely weird. I’ll do an episode on it in a week or two, but if you like Suda’s brand of nonsense you’ll probably dig it.
Age verification?
When I was born, Disco was still very much alive.
When I was born, Disco was still very much alive.
Age verification?
I'm bald
I'm bald
Age verification?
Super Mario Bros was released the same year I was
Super Mario Bros was released the same year I was
February 10, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Age verification?
When I was born, Disco was still very much alive.
When I was born, Disco was still very much alive.
Can I just say that the gaming community can be truly awesome? Over the years whether I’ve been raising money for children’s hospitals, LGBTQ+ youth, or awareness for important issues like gun violence and ICE. I have always gotten tremendous support both from friends and strangers. ❤️
a man in a suit and tie is giving a thumbs up with the words know what you 're awesome below him
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is giving a thumbs up with the words know what you 're awesome below him
media.tenor.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:29 AM
Can I just say that the gaming community can be truly awesome? Over the years whether I’ve been raising money for children’s hospitals, LGBTQ+ youth, or awareness for important issues like gun violence and ICE. I have always gotten tremendous support both from friends and strangers. ❤️