Fire Escape Cast Episode #110 Summary

Release Date: June 30, 2025
Hosts: Dan Ryckert, Mary Kish, and Mike Mahardy
Description: Formerly known for their engaging conversations about video games, Dan, Mary, and Mike continue their discussions from across the country on the Fire Escape Cast.

1. Introduction and Weather Banter

The episode kicks off with the trio humorously lamenting the scorching weather:

• Mike (00:39): "It is so goddamn hot here."
• Mary (00:42): "We're in a bubble."
• Dan (00:44): "Is that the start?"

Their playful exchange sets a lighthearted tone as they transition into the main discussions.

2. Reflections on Game Reviewing and Integrity

The hosts delve into their experiences and challenges in game reviewing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity despite external pressures.

• Mike (02:24): "There are times when reviews go from a 6 out of 10 to a 9.5 out of 10 because everyone else likes it."

Dan shares anecdotes about peers who doubted their initial negative reviews, only to see the game's ratings soar once released.

• Dan (04:36): "I think they realized they might have been going too hard into the negative direction."

Mary adds insights from her time editing video reviews, highlighting the meticulous effort to ensure reviews are well-supported visually.

• Mary (06:01): "It's always really interesting to me when I'm searching through the footage to make sure that I could support your points."

3. Mary's Experience at Cannes and Fun with Self-Tanning

Mary recounts her trip to Cannes, France, where she worked at a Twitch booth, leading to amusing mishaps with self-tanning lotion and tooth gems.

• Mary (14:55): "I drove up through all of them. I shot a sign for champagne, and I didn't pull over."

Her humorous story about unintentionally using self-tanner provides a relatable and entertaining segment.

• Mary (18:02): "I bought soap that looked like Dove soap, and I bought lotion that was, like, in a brown bottle."

The conversation continues with jokes about her over-tanned appearance and the temporary tooth gems she acquired.

• Mary (24:38): "I went to an afterparty... there was a lady in the corner doing tooth gems. And I was with the CEO of our company, Twitch."

4. Travel Recommendations and Experiences

The hosts share their travel experiences, particularly focusing on Ireland and offering recommendations for listeners.

• Mike (41:00): "We started... Dublin, drove down to Cork City, and then drove up the Wild Atlantic Way to Galway."

Dan expresses his admiration for Galway's beauty and the efficiency of Dublin's public transportation.

• Mike (41:53): "Galway felt more like a vacation where people from Ireland were going there for the weekend. Super gorgeous beaches around there, pubs. The whole trip was amazing."

Mary emphasizes the culinary delights they experienced, recommending specific pubs and restaurants.

• Mary (43:32): "It's perfectly, like, brown top to this, like, braided pie. Unreal."

They also discuss plans for future meetups and the joy of connecting with listeners in unexpected locations.

5. In-Depth Gaming Discussions

The core of the episode revolves around detailed discussions of various games, including "Death Stranding 2," "Expedition 33," and "Pipistrello."

a. Death Stranding 2

Dan provides an extensive review of "Death Stranding 2," highlighting its improvements and unique features.

• Dan (49:43): "It is fantastic. It is more of a big fun toy sandbox than ever. And I adore it."

He praises the game's mechanics, narrative surprises, and the seamless integration of personality throughout the gameplay.

• Dan (60:03): "It drops you in really, really quick. I remember the first one had a lot of exposition, but this one just gets into it."

Mike echoes Dan's enthusiasm, noting the game's engaging weather effects and the balance between technical prowess and creative vision.

• Mike (55:39): "There's so many weird items and aesthetic pieces that you can equip. There's just a lot of surprises in this game."

b. Expedition 33

Mike shifts focus to "Expedition 33," commending its evolving gameplay and character systems.

• Mike (64:16): "The game is pretty content to let you just fly through if you're not interested in talking to every townsperson."

Dan concurs, appreciating the game's creative world design and the freedom it offers players.

• Dan (72:07): "This is the RPG I could get into. It's a turn-based RPG that seems very special."

Mary shares her positive experience, emphasizing the game's whimsical and engaging dialogue.

• Mary (78:10): "It's really calm... this is probably one of the chillest games."

c. Pipistrello

Mary introduces "Pipistrello," describing it as a cozy fishing game with stunning visuals.

• Mary (87:09): "It's a very simple, cozy fish game. There's no must, there's no fuss."

She elaborates on the game's mechanics, upgrade systems, and the relaxing nature that helped her unwind during stressful times.

• Mary (88:27): "Freddy wine breeding systems are quite similar to Hollow Knight. You can have different skills that enhance your playstyle."

6. Listener Emails and Interactions

The hosts respond to listener emails, offering advice and sharing personal stories.

a. Metal Gear Solid Inquiry

Tim from Baldwin asks about starting "Metal Gear Solid" for the first time.

• Dan (98:29): "Get the Master Collection Volume 1 on Steam. It should have the PS1 version."

Mike adds details about the collection's compatibility and suggested versions.

• Mike (97:29): "It's Blue Point, right?"

b. Near-Death Experiences

Doc Hensla shares a personal story of a threatening situation in New Orleans, prompting a discussion on near-death experiences and their impact.

• Mary (98:39): "Have y'all ever had a near-death experience or times you did a hard retrospective on your life after a major thing happened to you?"

The hosts exchange their own experiences, ranging from sports injuries to severe turbulence on flights, highlighting the introspective moments such events can bring.

• Mike (100:07): "The first thing that went through my mind was I want to make sure the people who were really meaningful in my life know."

7. Additional Recommendations and Closing Remarks

Towards the end, Mary and Mike provide travel recommendations for Portland and New York City, suggesting must-visit spots and local favorites.

• Mary (109:14): "For pizza, I like Pizza Shoals. There's like five dozen different types of pizza. Homemade ranch."

• Mike (115:30): "My personal favorite is LA Company On Center Street. Wear a Hawaiian shirt on Fridays for a discount."

Dan praises Minneapolis, sharing his favorite eateries and attractions, while Mike adds insights into New York's diverse neighborhoods.

• Dan (114:05): "Pasta place in Northeast. It's so fucking good. They have the Doppio, which is incredible."

The episode concludes with a humorous exchange as Mike struggles to recall a specific game he enjoys, leaving listeners with a teaser for the next episode.

Highlighted Quotes

• Mike (02:24): "There are times when reviews go from a 6 out of 10 to a 9.5 out of 10 because everyone else likes it."

• Mary (18:02): "I bought soap that looked like Dove soap, and I bought lotion that was, like, in a brown bottle."

• Dan (49:43): "It is fantastic. It is more of a big fun toy sandbox than ever. And I adore it."

• Mary (87:09): "It's a very simple, cozy fish game. There's no must, there's no fuss."

• Dan (98:29): "Get the Master Collection Volume 1 on Steam. It should have the PS1 version."

Conclusion

Episode #110 of Fire Escape Cast offers a blend of insightful gaming discussions, personal travel anecdotes, and engaging interactions between the hosts. From deep dives into "Death Stranding 2" and "Expedition 33" to lighthearted stories about dental gems in France, the trio ensures a captivating listening experience. Listener emails add an interactive dimension, allowing for personalized advice and shared experiences. Whether you're a gaming enthusiast or someone looking for travel tips, this episode provides a comprehensive and entertaining overview of topics that resonate with a diverse audience.