Fire Escape Cast #112 – July 28, 2025
Hosted by Dan Ryckert, Mary Kish, and Mike Mahardy, Fire Escape Cast #112 brings a lively and engaging discussion filled with personal anecdotes, gaming insights, and humorous banter. Although Mike Mahardy is absent this episode, comedian and gamer Lisa Wallen joins the hosts to keep the conversation spirited and entertaining.
1. Introduction and Guest Welcome
Mary Kish opens the episode with her characteristic enthusiasm, taking the lead in Mike's absence.
Mary (00:07): "We're excited to get into lots of gaming stuff for you guys today."
Dan Ryckert humorously points out minor inconsistencies in their show’s naming conventions before introducing their guest.
Dan (00:28): "Technically it's Fire Escape Cast, but, you know, it's the Fire Escape cast."
Comedian and gamer Lisa Wallen joins the conversation, bringing her unique perspective to the table.
Mary (01:04): "So everybody please welcome comedian, gamer, cat enthusiast Lisa Wallen."
2. Dan's Dental Implant Experience
Dan shares a personal story about his recent dental surgery, highlighting unexpected discomfort from a screw implant.
Dan (04:22): "They put a big bolt screw thing in my face… you can feel every turn of the fucking screw."
Mary and Lisa empathize with his discomfort, lightening the mood with humor.
Lisa (05:57): "Oh, you're like a dog who got his teeth removed. That's so sweet."
3. Dead Mice Mystery and Pet Dynamics
Dan narrates his baffling experience of finding dead mice in his home, leading to a playful investigation into potential causes.
Dan (06:10): "So I went looking and found a dead mouse under my pimp suit."
The hosts discuss the roles of their pets in potentially addressing the mouse problem.
Mary (08:25): "I think they're killing the mice, I think."
Lisa (09:00): "My cats are sweeties. But, yes, they would be evil if I let them outside."
Dan reflects on his own struggles with trimming his cat’s nails, contrasting with Lisa’s ease.
Dan (10:24): "We're trying to, like, gabapentin and one of us holding it and it's…"
4. Cheese Curds and Local Delicacies
The conversation shifts to regional specialties, particularly Wisconsin's famed squeaky cheese curds.
Dan (20:35): "Wisconsin is like nothing but cheese curds…"
Mary shares her amusing experience with expired cheese curds and the company's refusal to refund.
Dan (21:04): "Bonk bit into it and she didn't act like it tasted weird or anything."
5. Shrooms, Microdosing, and Mental Health
The hosts delve into the topic of shrooms and microdosing, sharing personal experiences and benefits.
Mary (37:02): "Microdosing shrooms can take away all your anxiety, my dude."
Lisa (38:26): "I microdose shrooms, like for half the pandemic. It changed my life."
They discuss the advancements in shroom technology and the practicalities of microdosing in today’s context.
Mary (38:55): "They can microdose with full control…"
6. Video Game Recommendations and Reviews
The primary focus shifts to video games, with Lisa introducing "Wheel World," a new open-world bicycling game combining elements of Breath of the Wild and Burnout Paradise.
a. Wheel World
Dan enthusiastically recommends "Wheel World," praising its art style and gameplay mechanics.
Dan (56:13): "It's like Breath of the Wild Burnout Paradise. I love this art style…"
Mary echoes the sentiment, highlighting her excitement for the game's mini challenges.
Mary (60:12): "I love little mini challenges that change it up all the time."
b. Peak and Hell Divers
Mary introduces "Peak," a game she spent extensive time playing, and Dan discusses "Helldivers." The conversation touches on game longevity, multiplayer dynamics, and the integration of modding for enhanced experiences.
Mary (61:53): "It's really fun... you get to hang out with them until 3:30 in the morning."
Dan (67:54): "We just can't find the time to do it."
c. Elden Ring and JRPGs
The trio explores their experiences with "Elden Ring" and other JRPGs, discussing their varying levels of engagement and the impact of game design on their enjoyment.
Lisa (82:49): "Final Fantasy 6 was a passion project…"
Dan (84:01): "If my main party character dies, I can still use up my backup characters."
d. Metal Gear and Storytelling in Games
Dan and Lisa delve into the legacy of the Metal Gear series, comparing it with modern titles like "Death Stranding," and discussing the evolution of storytelling in video games.
Dan (131:17): "It was the first thing that made games cinematic…"
Lisa (134:07): "Zelda is the Blink 182 of games."
7. Listener Emails and Interactive Segment
The hosts engage with listener questions, discussing how they would teach video games in a classroom setting and their personal criteria for essential game titles.
Dan (136:14): "Mario 64 is one of those where it's like, this is one of the first big swings at 3D being gaming…"
Mary (139:09): "I would talk about Zelda and how it shaped gaming."
8. Closing Remarks and Promotions
As the episode winds down, Mary encourages listeners to support the podcast through Patreon and plugs Lisa's own projects, including her podcast "Dork Souls."
Mary (153:47): "Thank you for sharing your nerd culture with us. Everybody go check out Dork Souls…"
Lisa (151:41): "I have a podcast called Dork Souls. It's bi-weekly with my friend Hector Navarro."
Mary wraps up with a friendly reminder about supporting the podcast and highlights the adorable cats Lisa has, leaving listeners with a warm, humorous note.
Mary (154:06): "I'm Mary, the best host in the entire world. See you on the next one. Bye."
Notable Quotes:
- Mary (00:07): "We're excited to get into lots of gaming stuff for you guys today."
- Dan (00:28): "Technically it's Fire Escape Cast, but, you know, it's the Fire Escape cast."
- Dan (04:22): "You can feel every turn of the fucking screw going up there. And it turns out that's not an issue they need to stop for."
- Mary (37:02): "Microdosing shrooms can take away all your anxiety, my dude."
- Dan (56:13): "It's like Breath of the Wild Burnout Paradise. I love this art style…"
- Mary (60:12): "I love little mini challenges that change it up all the time."
- Lisa (82:49): "Final Fantasy 6 was a passion project…"
- Mary (139:09): "I would talk about Zelda and how it shaped gaming."
- Mary (151:08): "She was like, you have to give me a man with acne scars and like an aftershave."
Conclusion:
Fire Escape Cast #112 offers a blend of personal stories, humorous exchanges, and in-depth gaming discussions, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts looking to engage with relatable content and insightful game reviews. Whether you're intrigued by Dan's dental woes, fascinated by their culinary adventures with cheese curds, or eager to dive into their comprehensive game analyses, this episode delivers rich and engaging content that resonates with both regular listeners and newcomers alike.
For more content, additional discussions, and to support the hosts, visit fireescapecast.com and check out Lisa Wallen's podcast Dork Souls.