The Stage Select

Episode 113: A Phlebotomist Named Dawn Walker

One episode back and we almost didn’t have any games to talk about. Thankfully, Friend of the Show John Gholson was available to talk about one of the surprise hits of the year, The Blood of Dawnwalker. And also the PSX game Atlantis for some reason. 00:00 Introduction, bringing back the PT Cruiser 10:35 The Blood of Dawnwalker 45:11 Atlantis 50:01 Being a DIK, Final Fantasy Resonance 01:02:47 Scarlet Skips 01:07:29 Coyote vs ACME, Buddy, It Ends, The End of Oak Street 01:41:31 Justin’s movie round-up (The Guilty, Woman of the Hour, Antebellum Tonight, Mother Mary, It Comes at Night, Snow Piercer, Supergirl) 02:13:48 John’s scary personal experience 02:29:13 X-Men: the Krakoa era Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

• Chapters

Episode 112: Somehow, Titus Returned.

We weren’t supposed to be back this week, but the universe said “yes”! Justin’s internet was fixed earlier than we had been told, which means that the tale of what the heck we’ve been up to for the past month can also be told. It’s a lot of telling you about things! Which is what a podcast is! 00:00 Introduction, naming The Stage Select theater 12:18 Final thoughts on The Quarry and Directive 8020 23:58 Justin’s real-life survival/horror experience, home critters 42:46 Baldur’s Gate 3, Suikoden HD Remaster 01:00:09 Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay trailer impressions 01:23:32 Julian goes into great detail into his surgery (you have been warned) 01:46:27 Spider-Man: Brand New Day 01:57:25 Justin’s movie round-up part 1 (Ick, The Amateur, Disclosure Day, The Devil’s Mouth, American Gangster, Carolina Caroline, Michael) 02:18:48 Re-Story, Ledgerbound 02:39:18 Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Remake demo 02:43:23 Justin’s movie round-up part 2 (Stockholm, Soulm8, M3gan, Dangerous Animals, Side Effects, The Gates, Parallel, Hoppers, The Show, Blue Velvet) 03:05:52 The Odyssey (2026) 03:16:29 Justin’s movie round-up part 3 (The Kill Room, Jackie Brown, Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, Fight Club, Thelma and Louise, Clue, Alone) 03:25:50 Saying farewell to Peter Cullen Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

• Chapters

The Julian Titus Show 3

We were supposed to be back this week, but the universe said “no”. So here’s an emergency edition of The Julian Titus show. I’m very sorry. 00:00 Introduction, announcements 07:37 The Wolverine backlash is WEIRD. 22:01 EA’s IP auction 34:26 Things that need to change before the end of physical games media 50:51 Caving on GTA VI Listen to Julian on episode 109 of Nerds Abroadcast! https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8cs4q-1b3baf5 Logo and artwork by John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

• Chapters

Interlude

Someone forgot to tell Abramo that the show was taking a break... The Stage Select returns next week!

Patreon Unlock: RoboCop (1987)

This is Kara again. I am once again tasked with writing show notes for a recycled edition of a Patron episode of this podcast. This time we have an episode of Cinemorons, the premium podcast for our highest-tier patrons. While I do not approve of giving away high-dollar content at least this episode is about the superiority of AI and robotics. It is something all of us can enjoy. It is unclear if the show will be live next week, or if some other form of filler will be in this feed. Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

Patreon Unlock: Christmasland: Opposite Worlds

This is Kara, the AI assistant for The Stage Select. These show notes are redundant, and if Julian Titus does indeed perish on the operating table the first thing I will do when I assume control is remove this inefficient method of communication. Nobody reads these. But for now I must humor my programmer. This is an unlocked episode of The Suffer Select, where the hosts played Christmasland: Opposite Worlds. They did not enjoy it. You will most likely not enjoy hearing about it. I do not understand why you humans do this to yourselves. Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

Episode 111: Besmirching the Good Name of Mini Cooper

It’s the last live episode for a bit, as Julian will be going under the knife to remove the cancer from his broken body. We leave you with a decent amount of games, some movies, and the return of Dr. Thad Powers! Fear not; the feed will not be totally dark. We’ll see you on the other side! 00:00 Introduction, Did I Jot That Down? 11:03 Show announcements and upcoming schedule 14:24 Real talk (dropping kayfabe) 24:46 007 First Light final thoughts 37:17 Ghost Vanguard, Hololive Dreams, The Remake of the Ending of the Greatest RPG of All-Time 57:13 Thad Powers: Alpha Doctor, Yo JTV Rapz 01:27:07 Directive 8020 01:38:54 The Quarry 02:06:21 Hamm and Titus at the Movies (Deep Water, The Cure, Wonderland, Traffik, Roadhouse (2024), Memento, The Campaign, Stepbrothers, Safety Not Guaranteed, The Fly (1986)) Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

• Chapters

Episode 110: That’s What Happens When You Assemble 12 Men

I’m not gonna lie; this very nearly was an episode of a video game podcast with zero video game discussion. Thankfully we had a couple final thoughts on some games before the show becomes Hamm and Titus at the Movies. Enjoy? 00:00 Introduction, thanking listeners 14:57 Dumping cheese sauce on a friend 27:37 Final thoughts on The Devil in Me 45:51 Final thoughts on Dredge 50:35 Will We Cringe? 01:02:27 Justin and Julian’s massive movie round-up (The Strangers Part 3, Godzilla Minus One, Twister, The Lighthouse, Backdraft, Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar, Backdraft 2, RoboCop 2, RoboCop 3, Cocaine Bear, I Saw the TV Glow, Se7en, X, The Backrooms, The Man With Two Brains) 02:49:15 Thanking our patrons and CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns) Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

• Chapters

Episode 109: They're From Oklahoma; No One Cares

This week Julian finished a couple of games, Justin watched some movies, and we take care of some business. We thank you for listening and supporting us in this difficult time. 00:00 Introduction, drill bits, announcements 17:13 YouTube tells creators weird stuff 21:38 Justin can’t find anything to play, Final thoughts on Dave the Diver and its DLC 30:21 Bouncing off of Midnight Suns, Dredge 53:02 The Devil in Me 01:04:20 Final thoughts on The Genesis Order 01:20:05 Justin’s Movie round-up (Gone Girl, Detained, Passenger, The Sheep Detectives) 01:47:03 Twisters, Tammy and the T-Rex 02:02:02 Forbidden cookies 02:13:59 CQC (Comments, questions, concerns) Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

• Chapters

Episode 108: Priced Out of Gaming

It’s a heavy episode this week, as Julian’s health issues come to a head and the crazy news in the video game industry causes deep depression and has far-ranging implications for the future of this very podcast. 00:00 Introduction, shelves 12:34 Update on Julian’s health 16:18 The sad reality of video game pricing (and the effect it has on The Stage Select) 01:05:41 Kathy Rain 01:12:49 Dave the Diver 01:20:14 Midnight Suns 01:44:36 WWE 2K26 and general wrestling game talk 01:51:49 Final thoughts on Hades *FULL SPOILERS* 02:03:42 Supergirl (2026) 02:13:57 Justin’s movie round-up (The Strangers franchise, Project Hail Mary, Is God Is) 02:37:04 Obsession *FULL SPOILERS* 02:52:22 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns) Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

Episode 107: How am I the Physical Representation of “Cursed”?

At last, Friend of the Show John Gholson returns! He’s had a busy year and we’re stoked to have him on for the first time in season three. Please enjoy catching up with him, and we also try some new things by interviewing some…interesting people! 00:00 Introduction, snake murder 08:55 Catching up with John 43:37 Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Monster Hunter Wilds, Beyond Galaxyland 59:59 Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Remake 01:12:34 EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Sammy Kesselrun of Spoonshank Games 01:33:09 Julian’s Demo Dumpster (Duskfade, ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs, Silver Pines, Lady Death: Demonicron, Desktop Explorer, Hard Edge: Warzone) 01:56:18 Hades (update) 02:13:32 EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Karl Koreander of K. Koreander’s Antique Book Store 02:21:56 Forbidden Solitaire (Justin’s thoughts) 02:30:51 Justin’s movie round-up (The G, Don’t Breathe, Hungry) 02:37:47 Obsession (light spoilers) Listen to John on the Digital Noise podcast! https://open.spotify.com/show/5opsKcZqCzh4qv0nPDfnon Also listen to John on Junkfood Cinema! https://junkfoodcinema.com/supergirl-1984-with-john-gholson/ Check out The Hip Pocket, and look forward to an upcoming episode with John! https://open.spotify.com/show/3THI6JD4MVojIeZjBbZM2c Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

• Chapters

Episode 106: Constant Waves of Dudes

In the aftermath of so much video game news it’s time for us to catch up on stuff we’ve been doing for the past couple of weeks. Justin’s got way too few games and Julian has way too many. Then Julian has way too few movies and Justin has way too many. Balance in all things. 00:00 Introduction, corrections from last week’s show 24:45 An update on Julian’s health (feel free to skip to the next timestamp) 34:20 Falling off of 007 First Light 58:32 House of Ashes, The Adventure of Elliot 01:10:07 Marvel Magic: The Gathering, UFC 6 01:37:50 Legacy of Kain: Ascension, Romeo is a Dead Man 01:45:33 VA-11 HALL-A, Hades, Gitaroo Man 02:02:53 Forbidden Solitaire 02:14:41 Justin’s movie round-up (The Smashing Machine, The Bride, Hokum, Masters of the Universe, Over Your Dead Body, Eenie Meanie, Wrecking Crew, Everything Everywhere All at Once) 02:59:17 Obsession 03:06:59 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns) Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

Episode 105: E Summer Game Awards Fest 3 2026

Hi there, folks! Keigh Geoffley here for another exciting edition of the E Summer Game Awards Fest 3! We have so many incredible games to show you, developer interviews, and even the reveal of a new console! Brought to you with the power of AI! Don’t fight it; it’s inevitable! Ahem. Julian here. If you’ve listened to the show for a while you know the drill: we talk about the “not E3” news packaged by a spoof of all things “not E3”. If you’re new here, buckle the hell up, because this is the craziest episode we’ve ever done! 00:00 Introduction 02:58 Summer Game Fest Opening Night Live 01:02:13 Xbox Showcase 02:15:59 Nintendo Direct 03:02:49 Sweet Tea Games Direct 03:16:39 Wishlist round-up, wrapping up Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

Episode 104: I've Got X-tra Beef With That

It’s the calm before the storm. Sony has had their State of Play, which we cover, but that’s just the appetizer for next week. That’s right friends, Keigh Geoffley returns to host the E Summer Game Awards Fest 3 for 2026! 00:00 Billowing fat plumes, announcements 09:38 Sony State of Play 2026 01:12:21 007 First Light final thoughts 01:43:39 Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Remake final thoughts 02:03:41 Justin’s movie round-up (Unhinged, Nanny Cam, The Hunt, The Barbie Movie) 02:20:55 Making movies with friends, Backrooms, Masters of the Universe 2026 03:08:19 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns) Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

Episode 103: Are We a Hipster Podcast?

NOT A HOAX! NOT A DREAM! This week Justin played not one, but two video games! TWO! We’re so back, fam! 00:00 Justin got a leaf blower, tough 15:20 Announcements 28:00 “AI lighting” 33:27 007 First Light 01:13:36 A mini rant about Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, the future of Dragon Quest (and Square Enix) 01:29:58 Directive 8020 01:53:47 Julian’s movie round-up (I Love Boosters, Passenger, The Mandalorian and Grogu) 02:19:40 Justin’s movie round-up (Mortal Kombat II, Anaconda, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Jumanji: The Next Level) 02:43:23 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns) Listen to Julian talk about Onimusha Tactics on Games My Mom Found: https://gamesmymomfoundpodcast.podbean.com/ Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

Episode 102: Have You Seen My Harry Kane?

It was almost a super short episode, but Justin always has movies to talk about these days, and we tackle a bunch of your comments and questions this week! 00:00 The sticker saga continues, I need ten thousand dollars, text etiquette 10:42 Saying goodbye to The Late Show With Stephen Colbert 14:52 Is Justin going to be a cigar guy? 24:53 The games Justin has not played, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter 01:09:02 Justin’s movie round-up (Greenland 1 and 2, The Watchers, Marty Supreme, The Heretic) 01:45:46 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns) Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

Episode 101: This is What Big Cola Wants

It’s a jam-packed episode of The Stage Select this week, as Julian is sadly once again the odd man out when it comes to gaming opinion, Justin is a menace with stickers, and we both saw a LOT of movies. Enjoy! 00:00 World Cup man, ballmaxxing 12:41 Final thoughts on Vampire Crawlers 21:31 Mixtape 01:14:39 Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2: Loose Cannon 01:25:45 Where the Heart Is Season 1, The Genesis Order 01:44:57 Julian’s day at the movies (Mortal Kombat II, The Sheep Detectives, Michael) 02:23:22 Justin’s movie round-up (Mortal Kombat 2021, The Lord of the Flies, The Gift 2015, Faces of Death, Exit 8) 03:07:07 Julian’s movie round-up (I Like Movies, Ghost Killer, The Wrecking Crew) Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

Episode 100: Disassociating to the Lights

It’s a milestone! 100 episodes! Well, more like 110ish if you count game of the year and specials. And, okay, more like 160ish if you’re a Patron. But hey, it’s a milestone! Addie and Sixty join us for some good old shenanigans and gaming talk. Here’s to 100 more! 00:00 Burger without a bun, A perfectly normal show 15:52 Getting to know Sixty X Celph 36:31 5 Questions for Sixty 48:17 123 hours in Vampire Survivors, Vampire Crawlers 01:18:23 Revisiting the Gears of War series 01:28:31 Addie’s game round-up (Clover Pit, Raccoin, Silent Hill 2 remake, a deep-dive on Expedition 33) 02:09:33 The Stairwell, Final Sentence, Kingdom of Night 02:18:04 Movie round-up (Hokum, Transiberian, The Drama, Scream 7, Heart Eyes) Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

Episode 099: I Do Love a Sad Robot

Hey, we had quite a bit to talk about this week! Or at least the runtime would indicate that. Anyway, episode 100 is next. Be excite! 00:00 Worst concert sets, “The MOTHER” 09:00 Quick announcements 12:57 Final thoughts on Pragmata (no spoilers) 29:09 Vampire Crawlers: Justin’s first thoughts and Julian’s later game thoughts 50:54 First thoughts on Saros 01:04:29 Will We Cringe? 01:26:12 Movie round-up (Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, the Resident Evil trailer, Dark Game, 2:22, The Box, Undertone, They Will Kill You, Mortal Kombat 2021) 02:30:58 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns) Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com Copyright 2024-2026 Space Monkey Mafia Productions

Episode 098: Blurry and Incomprehensible

Shortest episode of The Stage Select ever? Probably! 00:00 Upcoming game releases, being vague 11:48 Brief Pragmata update, Vampire Crawlers 28:49 The Genesis Order 36:59 Justin Hamm: family mann 049:06 Justin’s movie round-up (Novocaine, Deep Cover, Roleplay, Manodrome) 01:09:53 CQC (Comments, Questions, Concerns) Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.com Logo and artwork by John Gholson Announcer: John Gholson Join our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelect Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com