Fire Escape Cast #85 Summary

Release Date: July 15, 2024

Hosts: Dan Ryckert, Mary Kish, and Mike Mahardy
Podcast Description: Fire Escape Cast serves as a platform for Dan, Mary, and Mike to continue their engaging conversations about video games, keeping the discussions alive from different locations across the country.

1. Welcome and Personal Updates (00:10 - 02:12)

The episode kicks off with Mike Mahardy welcoming listeners back to Fire Escape Cast with Episode 85. He introduces the trio—Dan Ryckert and Mary Kish—joining for the first time in two or three episodes via Zoom. The hosts humorously remark on their organized hiatus, likening it to a corporate vacation structure.

Notable Quote:
Mike Mahardy [00:28]: "Look at us, how organized we are."

2. Dan's Surgery and Recovery (02:12 - 06:27)

Dan Ryckert shares a detailed account of his recent sinus surgery, clarifying the medical procedures he underwent, such as sinus endoscopy and nasal septoplasty. He describes the challenging recovery period, including restrictions like not blowing his nose and dealing with post-surgery discomfort. Dan also humorously mentions sneezing strategies and the mental struggle of not being able to breathe through his nose.

Notable Quotes:
Dan Ryckert [01:39]: "They knocked me out, and they put a bunch of knives and cameras up my nose into my mouth..."
Dan Ryckert [02:12]: "I got headphones on my face comfortably here."

Mike inquires about adding support, leading to Dan expressing gratitude for his father's assistance during his recovery.

3. Travel Tales: Vegas and Area 15 (06:27 - 12:42)

Dan recounts a pre-surgery trip to Las Vegas with his partner, Bonk, celebrating his 40th birthday and their wedding anniversary. They visit Area 15 and Meow Wolf's Omega Mart, an immersive art exhibit resembling a surreal supermarket with hidden portals and interactive environments.

Notable Quotes:
Dan Ryckert [07:21]: "Portal to hell. Surreal thing."
Mary Kish [07:31]: "I think, like, this is the thing if you're in Vegas, this is what I recommend."

Mary elaborates on the experience, highlighting the immersive storytelling and interactive elements of Omega Mart, while Dan praises the venue's intricate design and gimmicks.

4. Unique Dining Experiences: Moonshiner and Blackout (10:39 - 14:26)

The conversation shifts to unique dining experiences Dan and Mary had during their travels. They visit Moonshiner, a well-established speakeasy in Paris known for its creative cocktails and hidden entrance behind a pizza shop. Mary describes the bar's innovative drink presentations, including cocktails with foam and cookies, enhancing the speakeasy's immersive atmosphere.

Notable Quotes:
Mary Kish [10:39]: "It just doesn't seem like something you should be walking into."
Dan Ryckert [13:10]: "So we're doing like game of the Year in the Raptor Den there, right?"

They also discuss Blackout, a restaurant where diners eat in complete darkness, heightening their other senses and encouraging adventurous eating.

5. Additional Travels: TwitchCon and Mallorca (14:26 - 22:20)

Mary Kish shares her experiences attending TwitchCon in Rotterdam and subsequent travels to Mallorca, Spain. She highlights Mallorca's stunning beaches and a humorous encounter with a Jurassic-themed park named "Jurassic Adventure Park." The park features animatronic dinosaurs and themed attractions that blend with real cave tours, creating a mixed reality experience.

Notable Quotes:
Dan Ryckert [17:34]: "You could tell they copied Jurassic Park."
Mary Kish [21:03]: "She was guarding the cheese, and then she would bring down the cheese and slice you the cheese."

The hosts laugh about the park's over-the-top themes and exaggerated dinosaur replicas, discussing its appeal despite its bootleg nature.

6. Scheduled Travel and Upcoming Events (22:20 - 30:04)

Looking forward, Dan mentions his upcoming trip to Oklahoma for a wedding, describing the unique setting of a farm Airbnb next to a rodeo and anticipating fun stories to share in the next episode. The conversation briefly touches on their favorite travel experiences and the challenges of balancing travel with personal commitments.

Notable Quotes:
Dan Ryckert [27:01]: "It's a pizza buffet on a farm? Yeah."
Mary Kish [27:54]: "Have you played anything else?"

7. Listener Engagement: Emails and Interactions (34:10 - 86:58)

The hosts engage with listener emails, discussing topics such as favorite games, nostalgic experiences, and humorous anecdotes. They share personal stories about interacting with friends and family during gaming sessions, highlighting moments of camaraderie and playful teasing.

Notable Quotes:
Dan Ryckert [52:19]: "It is like a stomach."

Mary Kish [85:58]: "In the roguelike video game Balatro, there's a common joker that's unlocked from the beginning called Gross Michael."

8. Gaming Discussions: Hollow Knight and Diablo 4 (46:22 - 84:00)

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to in-depth discussions about video games. Dan talks about his experience with Hollow Knight, describing it as one of the best Metroidvanias, praising its complexity and rewarding gameplay. Mary Kish and Mike Mahardy chime in with their own game recommendations and experiences, fostering a rich conversation about game mechanics, storytelling, and personal preferences.

Notable Quotes:
Dan Ryckert [52:26]: "It's like Syrup of the Night. It's super Metroid. It's this top tier."
Mary Kish [61:37]: "Roguelites have changed my perception of losing everything. It's just life. You'll get another one."

Mike discusses Diablo 4, sharing his evolving appreciation for the game's loot system and character progression, while Dan expresses renewed interest based on Mike's positive feedback.

9. Memorable Moments and Humor (86:17 - 120:57)

The hosts reminisce about memorable moments from past episodes, sharing humorous interactions and playful banter. They recall specific instances from their time at Giant Bomb, including funny game-related anecdotes and inside jokes about characters like Drew and Rory.

Notable Quotes:
Mike Mahardy [114:03]: "You've gotta know. Every time I fart, I text Bianca."
Dan Ryckert [113:09]: "How dare you call him nice. No, I threatened my life every week."

The lighthearted exchanges continue with jokes about game recommendations, personal quirks, and the dynamics between the hosts, showcasing their camaraderie and shared humor.

10. Closing Remarks and Promotions (120:57 - End)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts discuss merchandise, share final thoughts, and tease upcoming content. They encourage listeners to support the podcast through Patreon and merchandise purchases, maintaining the casual and engaging tone that defines Fire Escape Cast.

Notable Quotes:
Mary Kish [121:10]: "Precious Glue Mike Mahardi."
Dan Ryckert [121:03]: "Dungeon Clawer. It's a demo. It's early access, but it's very good."

Conclusion:

Fire Escape Cast Episode #85 offers a blend of personal updates, travel stories, in-depth gaming discussions, and lighthearted humor. The hosts' dynamic interactions and insightful conversations provide listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining overview of their lives and passions, particularly in the realm of video gaming. Through notable quotes and structured segments, the episode captures the essence of Dan, Mary, and Mike's camaraderie and their dedication to keeping gaming conversations vibrant and ongoing.