The Freelancers

The Freelancers Ep.112 - Season One Finale

thefreelancers — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:07:06 +0000

The season one finale is here and with it brings our first listener guest, Meghan Ventura. After discussing Ms. Ventura’s work and why she wants to be in the industry, Xav and Kyle discuss things they are looking forward to at E3 and do a quick What Are You Playing segment (since there is no upcoming BONUS episode).

Season One is over! We thank you for all your support. Please rate us on iTunes and the Zune Marketplace and stay tuned after E3 for some special announcements and SEASON TWO!

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Can’t Say No” by The Helio Sequence

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE NEW FREELANCERS WEBSITE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://www.FreelancersPodcast.com

TFL BONUS! - June 2, 2010

thefreelancers — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:33:15 +0000

Xav and Kyle return in the final bonus episode of Season One. This week Xav talks about the beginning of Crackdown 2, Kyle explores his speed demon side and talks Blur and Split/Second, and the guys discuss the pacing of Red Dead Redemption.

Aside from lengthy discussion about linearity and morality in games, the guys announce the “winner” of our “Be a Guest on the Final Episode of the Season” contest. Don’t miss another hand-delivered episode of The Freelancers!

What is TFL BONUS!, you ask? In an effort to keep your feed refreshed weekly — and since you’ve unanimously said you wanted it — “off” weeks will feature Xav and Kyle discussing what they’re working on and what they have been playing.

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Am I Awake” by They Might Be Giants

MAKE SURE TO VISIT OUR BRAND NEW SITE & EXPANDED COMMUNITY: http://www.FreelancersPodcast.com

The Freelancers Ep.111 - with John Davison

thefreelancers — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:26:10 +0000

John Davison, executive vice president of content at GamePro Media (and 1UP Yours alum), joins the team to discuss content creation, rebuilding the GamePro brand, exclusive reviews, and mistakes some freelancers make when starting out as a writer in the game industry.

Hosts Xav and Kyle also take time to discuss how to prepare for E3 2010 and give the last notice for listeners to submit their application to be featured on the final episode of the season.

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Can’t Say No” by The Helio Sequence

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE NEW FREELANCERS WEBSITE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://www.FreelancersPodcast.com

TFL BONUS! - May 19, 2010

thefreelancers — Thu, 20 May 2010 06:32:15 +0000

Red Dead Redemption and Lost Planet 2 discussion takes up most of this week’s The Freelancers Bonus! episode, along with mention of some new site features (like our episode guide) and the daunting task that is covering E3. Xav also mentions when you can read all about Crackdown 2 and tries to keep his sanity. Will he do it? It’s another enthralling edition of TFL BONUS!

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Am I Awake” by They Might Be Giants

MAKE SURE TO VISIT OUR BRAND NEW SITE & EXPANDED COMMUNITY: http://www.FreelancersPodcast.com

The Freelancers Ep.110 - with Robin Yang

thefreelancers — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:00:06 +0000

Robin Yang–Producer at Funtank and former Associate Editor at Aol GameDaily–joins the crew to discuss working in a male dominated industry, developing in-depth video game coverage, the realities of “Top Ten” lists scattered throughout gaming outlets and her decision for leaving the editorial space.

Xav and Kyle also answer listener email, discuss the future of the new site FreelancersPodcast.com and set a deadline for the “Be a Guest on The Freelancers” contest. There’s a whole lotta show going on this week, on The Freelancers!

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Can’t Say No” by The Helio Sequence

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE NEW FREELANCERS WEBSITE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://www.FreelancersPodcast.com

We now have comments on our site, jump in and let us know what you think!

TFL BONUS! - May 5, 2010

thefreelancers — Wed, 05 May 2010 05:00:55 +0000

We have a new website! FREELANCERSPODCAST.com!

There’s a reason this week’s TFL BONUS! is feeding into your iTunes and Zune directories so early in the morning. That reason is Alan Wake.

Following a lengthy discussion on the future of Sam Fisher and Xav and Kyle’s experience with Splinter Cell: Conviction co-op, Xav dishes dirt on Remedy Entertainment’slatest title . (Read his review on GamePro.com and in next month’s GamePro Magazine.) For those who don’t like surprises, here’s a hint: Xav was a huge fan.

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Am I Awake” by They Might Be Giants

MAKE SURE TO VISIT OUR BRAND NEW SITE & EXPANDED COMMUNITY: http://www.FreelancersPodcast.com

TFL BONUS! - April 21, 2010 (Throwback Edition)

thefreelancers — Sun, 02 May 2010 15:54:20 +0000

It’s the first (but perhaps not last) “Throwback Edition” of TFL BONUS! In this special installment Xav and Kyle jump into their Way-back Machine to bring you an episode recorded two weeks ago. Sadly, due to some busy schedules the editing of this episode was lost in the shuffle, but the discussion of the impending Halo: Reach beta and Deadly Premonition was entertaining enough to warrant this episode’s late release.

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Am I Awake” by They Might Be Giants

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE FREELANCERS ONLINE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com

We now have comments on our site, jump in and let us know what you think!

The Freelancers Ep.109 - with Danny ‘Godfree’ Pena

thefreelancers — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:34:06 +0000

Danny “Godfree” Pena from GamerTagRadio.com joins Xav and Kyle to discuss building an empire of your own, the trials and tribulations as a small website operator and the Miami gaming scene. The hosts also discuss the ongoing “contest” to have a listener guest-host a segment of the final episode of the season, playing Splinter Cell: Conviction cooperatively and the some of the work they’ve produced over the last few weeks.

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Can’t Say No” by The Helio Sequence

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE FREELANCERS ONLINE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com

We now have comments on our site, jump in and let us know what you think!

The Freelancers Ep.108 - with Ludwig Kietzmann

thefreelancers — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:01:58 +0000

Ludwig Kietzmann (Joystiq.com) joins Xav and Kyle to explain, how after three majors in completely unrelated fields, he became the senior editor of one of the industry’s biggest editorial brands. In this episode– also known as, the “ocho” — the crew discuss working remotely, the harsh realities of being a writer, things to avoid in your work, and sandwiches. Yes, sandwiches. It’s a complete show, rounded out by a slew of user submitted questions and a big announcement about the last episode of the season.

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Can’t Say No” by The Helio Sequence

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE FREELANCERS ONLINE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com

We now have comments on our site, jump in and let us know what you think!

TFL BONUS! - April 9, 2010

thefreelancers — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:44:22 +0000

It’s the latest installment of TFL BONUS! This week, Xav and Kyle discuss the trials and tribulations of Alan Wake (including info from a recent hands-on event in Toronto) and the well-documented griefing of the StarCraft II beta. It’s short, sweet and energetic this week!

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Am I Awake” by They Might Be Giants

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE FREELANCERS ONLINE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com

We now have comments on our site, jump in and let us know what you think!

The Freelancers Ep.107 - with Kevin Kelly

thefreelancers — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:36:25 +0000

Freelancer of film and gaming industry fame Kevin Kelly drops by in an episode of The Freelancers recorded just prior to PAX East 2010. A lot of work kept this one from finding a home in your favorite podcast listening device, but it’s well worth the wait. The trio discuss pitching to different outlets, breaking down feature ideas and Kevin’s unhealthy love of board games, all while attempting to ignore the somewhat shoddy audio quality infecting the episode.

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Can’t Say No” by The Helio Sequence

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE FREELANCERS ONLINE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com

We now have comments on our site, jump in and let us know what you think!

TFL BONUS! - March 23, 2010

thefreelancers — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:58:08 +0000

This week’s bonus episode features Xav and Kyle discussing reviews they’ve written for Just Cause 2 and Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising, respectively. Xav swoons over Super Street Fighter IV and Kyle dishes dirt on his memorable StarCraft II Beta moments. In WRUP, Kyle talks up the Dragon Age: Origins expansion Awakening while Xav discusses why he likes the changes made to Splinter Cell: Conviction after playing the demo.

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Am I Awake” by They Might Be Giants

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE FREELANCERS ONLINE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com

We now have comments on our site, jump in and let us know what you think!

The Freelancers Ep.106 - with Mike Schramm

thefreelancers — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:55:36 +0000

Freelancer for The Unofficial Apple Weblog and Joystiq (and co-host of The Incredible Podcast of Amazing Awesomeness) Mike Schramm regales Xav and Kyle with his epic tale of working in radio, public relations and — the medium we all love — video game journalism. The guys also discuss how moving around in the industry can drastically change the way you do your work. Also, Mike may or may not be responsible for a slew of restaurant fires throughout the Chicagoland area. We’re still trying to figure that one out. Can you blame us? We’re not detectives… we’re The Freelancers!

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Can’t Say No” by The Helio Sequence

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE FREELANCERS ONLINE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com

We now have comments on our site, jump in and let us know what you think!

TFL BONUS! - March 13, 2010

thefreelancers — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:35:42 +0000

What is TFL BONUS!, you ask? It’s the first bonus episode of THE FREELANCERS! In an effort to keep your feed refreshed weekly — and since you’ve unanimously said you wanted it — “off” weeks will feature Xav and Kyle discussing what they’re working on and what they have been playing.

This week’s (way too long episode, which we will tighten up in the future) features Xav discussing the GamePro article “Designing The Meta-Game” and Kyle talks about his Supreme Commander 2 (PC) review. In “What Are You Playing?” (WRUP), the guys talk about Bad Company 2, Final Fantasy XIII, God of War and get into A FEW SPOILERS for Heavy Rain. (Stop listening at 1:07:50 to avoid them!)

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Am I Awake” by They Might Be Giants

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE FREELANCERS ONLINE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com

We now have comments on our site, jump in and let us know what you think!

The Freelancers Ep.105 - with Nick Chester

thefreelancers — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:16:38 +0000

Destructoid Editor-in-Chief Nick Chester joins Xav and Kyle to discuss event coverage, insane fanboys/girls and building a brand. The hosts also pitch an idea to listeners: A bonus episode between “guest host” shows to discuss game’s we’re playing and what we’re currently writing. Like the idea? Hate it? Tell us on facebook.com/thefreelancers

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Can’t Say No” by The Helio Sequence

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE FREELANCERS ONLINE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com

We now have comments on our site, jump in and let us know what you think!

The Freelancers Ep.104 - with Philip Kollar

thefreelancers — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:04:59 +0000

Game Informer editor and 1UP alum Philip Kollar joins Xav and Kyle to discuss having the “will” and “faith” to continue being a freelancer, continue the never-ending “death of print” debate, and how to deal with negative response to articles you write.

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Can’t Say No” by The Helio Sequence

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE FREELANCERS ONLINE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com

We now have comments on our site, jump in and let us know what you think!

The Freelancers - Episode 103

thefreelancers — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:23:35 +0000

GamePro Magazine and GamePro.com previews editor Andy Burt joins Xav and Kyle to discuss print versus online, stepping outside comfort zones, and how YOU can get your byline in GamePro.

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro: “Can’t Say No” by The Helio Sequence

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE FREELANCERS ONLINE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES AND MORE INFORMATION: http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com

The Freelancers - Episode 102

thefreelancers — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:52:03 +0000

Joystiq.com reviews editor Justin McElroy joins Xav and Kyle, bringing with him a big, sweet sea of industry knowledge. Learn how a lost email address almost led Justin down a different (and most likely dark) path, Xav’s recent ordeal with a confused PR practitioner, and what the pair will do if Kyle even mentions the phrase “MMO.”

Hosts: Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner Special Guest: Justin McElroy (Joystiq.com) Email: thefreelancerspodcast [at] gmail [dot] com

Music: Intro/Outro - “Can’t Say No” by The Helio Sequence

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes or the Zune Marketplace via our website http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com/

The Freelancers - Episode 101

thefreelancers — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:47:38 +0000

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE FREELANCERS ONLINE: http://thefreelancers.tumblr.com

The Freelancers is a podcast hosted by Xav de Matos and Kyle Horner (of BigCast “fame”).

Besides being extremely charming, both hosts are video game journalists for a number of the industry’s biggest brands, including: Joystiq, Massively, GamePro and Asylum.

The bi-weekly program focuses on current projects, stories about getting into the industry, and tales of hilarious (and terrifying) moments reporting on the world of video games.

This week the pair fly solo in the first episode ever. Watch (or listen) as we stumble toward something!