Podcast Summary: "Stories Podchats: Video Games"
Podcast: Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Hosts: Amanda Weldon & Daniel Hines
Date: December 17, 2025
Overview
In this cozy, family-friendly "Podchats" episode, hosts Amanda and Dan dive into the world of video games—sharing their own childhood experiences, discussing the benefits of gaming for kids and families, and giving recommendations for cooperative "couch co-op" games that foster togetherness. They address common concerns about screen time and highlight how interactive, collaborative games can be a positive, social, and creative experience for children and parents alike.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Holiday Chat and Gift-Giving (02:31–04:50)
- Opening Conversation: Dan and Amanda start by chatting about last-minute holiday shopping. Amanda shares her efforts to be thoughtful and less consumeristic, even opting for homemade or repurposed gifts.
- Memorable Moment: Dan recounts his family's tradition of buying gifts for their pet dog, who enthusiastically unwraps presents.
- Quote:
- "[The dog] likes to open gifts...if you put it between his paws, he will rip it open to get the toy inside and then carry the toy away very happy." – Dan (04:20)
- Quote:
2. The Value of Video Games (04:50–06:32)
- Dan Advocates for Gaming: Dan explains why he sees video games as a powerful, interactive form of storytelling, similar to books and movies but more immersive.
- Screen Time Debate: Both hosts emphasize that not all screen time is equal, distinguishing between solitary, passive viewing and engaged, shared gaming.
- Quote:
- "Not all screen time is created equal...If you're sitting down playing a Mario game together, that is not the same as a kid with an iPad watching something independently." – Dan (05:29)
- Quote:
3. Childhood Video Game Memories (06:32–08:29)
- Amanda’s Experience: She grew up playing a Sega Genesis bought at a yard sale and a Nintendo 64, mentioning Goldeneye (which she found frightening) and Super Mario Brothers on Game Boy Color—always as Luigi.
- Quote:
- "I remember being stuck in a corner one day...I turned around and my brother was there. And then I died and it was really scary." – Amanda (07:45)
- Quote:
- Dan’s Favorites: Dan connects his love of stories with a lifelong enjoyment of games, especially playing with his daughter and partner.
4. What is “Couch Co-op”? (08:29–09:20)
- Definition: Dan introduces the concept of "couch co-op" games—collaborative games played in person, where players work together toward a shared goal.
- Quote:
- "Couch co-op is when you're on the same team...it’s a lot of problem solving, talking through things. You have to listen and resolve things to win." – Dan (08:34)
- Quote:
5. Family-Friendly Game Recommendations (09:20–21:38)
- Classic Nintendo Games:
- Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Mario Party: Interactive, accessible, and great for families across generations.
- Mario Character Preferences: Amanda loved being Kirby in Super Smash Bros. ("I like that you could...suck up the other people." – 10:04), while Dan leans toward Donkey Kong or Samus.
- Customization Appeal: Amanda loves games where you can dress up your character and create avatars (10:20).
- Stardew Valley & Animal Crossing: Dan highly recommends Stardew Valley as a collaborative, low-stress farming game with "couch co-op," ideal for families and relaxing shared play (10:29–11:56). Amanda expresses interest but worries about finding the time.
- Pokemon: Great entry-level for younger kids, particularly “Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee.” Dan notes how quickly children become obsessed with Pokémon (12:12–13:41).
- Sports Games: Whether Mario-themed (Mario Soccer, Mario Tennis) or traditional sports franchises, these are fun, competitive, and accessible to all ages (14:33–16:35).
- Quote:
- "In soccer, when you do Donkey Kong’s special, the ball turns into a giant banana and boomerangs into the [goal]." – Dan (16:36)
- Quote:
- Action and Puzzle Titles:
- Diablo (for older kids)—classic RPG with adjustable difficulty (17:11)
- Snipperclips, It Takes Two, and Split Fiction—co-op puzzle/platformer games that encourage teamwork (17:57–18:22)
- Overcooked & Heave Ho: Cooperative but high-stress, perfect for families that enjoy frantic teamwork—Amanda is unsure she could handle the pressure! (18:43–20:16)
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: Kid-friendly superhero action on Switch (20:33)
6. Broader Gaming Advice for Families (21:38–26:40)
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Amanda’s Perspective: Willing to try more games with her daughter as she grows, especially “racing games” or puzzles that don’t involve too much combat (21:38–21:55).
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Console Recommendations:
- Nintendo Switch/Switch 2: Praised for its library of family games and new features (virtual console for classic games, GameCube emulator, Wind Waker).
- PlayStation/Xbox: Great for sports games, co-op titles, and with features like Game Pass for a large variety of games (24:01–25:27).
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Value of Collaborative Gaming: Dan encourages parents not to dismiss video games. He sees them as opportunities for connection, teaching problem-solving, and navigating winning/losing gracefully.
- Quote:
- "Some of my best times with my kid were playing through games together..." – Dan (26:09)
- Amanda adds:
- "Games are a place where we do [problem-solving] in a really safe and appropriate way." (27:36)
- Quote:
7. Preview and Listener Involvement (27:46–29:42)
- Upcoming Episode Preview: Next week will feature a "Dog King Christmas" story involving Pickles, a cobbler elf, and some festive mischief—expect lots of high squeaky voices (27:56–28:54).
- Invitation to Listeners: The hosts invite families to share their favorite games for possible discussion and wish everyone happy holidays (29:13–29:42).
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
- On the value of gaming:
- "Not all screen time is created equal...If you're sitting down playing a Mario game together, that is not the same as a kid with an iPad watching something independently." – Dan (05:29)
- On nostalgia:
- "I remember being stuck in a corner one day...I turned around and my brother was there. And then I died and it was really scary." – Amanda (07:45)
- On the appeal of character customization:
- "Any video game that I actually like the most are the ones that you get to like dress up your character first...I like to create an avatar." – Amanda (10:20)
- On the benefits of cooperative play:
- "You have to communicate a lot...a lot of problem solving, kind of talking through things...to win." – Dan (08:34)
- On Overcooked:
- "It's very stressful...I've sometimes it ends in legitimate stressful fights." – Dan (19:48)
- On family connection:
- "Some of my best times with my kid were playing through games together, and then as she got older, playing through more advanced story games...I'm just a really big advocate for gaming with kids." – Dan (26:09)
- On safe problem-solving spaces:
- "Games are a place where we do that [problem-solving] in a really safe and appropriate way." – Amanda (27:36)
Recommendations List (by Age and Interest)
| Age/Type | Games | Notes | |------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Preschool/Younger| Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee, Mario Kart | Simple controls, familiar characters | | All Ages | Mario Kart, Mario Party, Super Smash Bros, Mario Wonder| Accessible, fun multiplayer | | Tweens/Teens | Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, Diablo | Cooperative, puzzles, deeper mechanics| | Families | Snipperclips, It Takes Two, Overcooked (high stress), Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 | Varying levels of team challenge | | Sports Fans | Mario Tennis/Soccer, Madden, other sports franchises | Accessible on Switch/PS/Xbox |
Conclusion
The episode is a warm, positive conversation about how video games can be a meaningful way for families to play, solve problems, and connect. Dan and Amanda offer both nostalgia and practical recommendations, reaffirming that the right kinds of screen time—especially when collaborative—can be just as valuable for family bonding as books, board games, or any classic pastime.