Waypoint Radio

by VICE
1,894

What's good, Internet? Join Waypoint's Rob Zacny, Patrick Klepek, Renata Price, Natalie Watson, and Ricardo Contreras two times a week, as they break down the biggest stories in video games, talk about their favorite media, and unfairly compare everything to Dark Souls.


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Recent Reviews
  • Hlla
    LLWayPoint!!
    I am heart broken. I love you all so very much. FCGH!!
  • smcn
    Best of the best
    Here’s to living rent free in Palmer Luckey’s head for 7 years. FCGH
  • Suhfee
    fcgh
    vice, you messed up. long live waypoint.
  • jwspiess
    The 5 Star Podcast, 5 Star Runtime Era is ending
    Updated to reflect that I’m sad this going to come to an end soon.
  • OMGitsSEDDIE
    RIP to a real one🫡
    been rocking with Waypoint since 2017, via Friends at the Table. your work will be missed.
  • Joe La Zanya
    Vice
    R a bunch of pee pee poo poo pee pee poopypants
  • Wraithtek
    Five star podcast, five star runtimes
    They reported the news. FC;GH
  • Bookwurmneo
    The best video game podcast
    Fun podcast that balances levity with hard hitting questions and views on the industry. Sad to see it go
  • Sikapwach
    FCGH
    For being anti capitalist these folks sure do love indulging in the fruits of capitalism.
  • Jordy Joe Lee
    The best podcast ever made
    This review started as a long love letter, but i whittled it down until I realized the reason I couldn’t send it was because it didn’t have a title. But in a way, whittling down my takes is something this podcast has taught me. I’ve been listening to this podcast since episode 17. I’ve listened to many, many other podcasts because of this show. Not just ones that feature current/past hosts or guests, but their recommendations. When I had questions in life of how to gain foundational knowledge of engaging critically with games and media, how to develop leftist ideology and praxis, what it means to be a person who cares about making change when it seems so difficult - the people on this podcast had guidance. And through all of its seriousness, it makes people laugh, so deeply. Their intro banter and question buckets are so special. They provide running narratives, gags, and platforms for some of the most intriguing conversations about the most mundane topics. Their insight into video games is unmatched, and unflinching. The honesty of the takes and how they can develop or sharpen over time from each host is so insightful and refreshing. You can feel their energy when their having fun. It’s hilarious when the energy is punchy! I’ve not really engaged with any of the hosts. But they’ve been my friends thru some of the most difficult times of my life. I owe much of who I am to this podcast about video games, home repair, and food-based personality quorums. 5-Star Podcast. 5 Star runtimes. I have no episode recommendations because you should listen to the whole backlog. There’s a gem in each one. FCGH. Keep changing lives. Question: What’s everyone’s favorite style of beer? Extra points if you can give me an example (spoiler I know Rob loves stouts and one of his stories convinced me to try the founders barrel aged malt liquor and… I mean he hit the nail on the head.)
  • KeenIIDX
    Come for games stay for the leftist media criticism
    Love this pod for its weekly discussion of the latest games, and thanks to Way (more with a carrot) point Plus, they have many pods delving into all sorts of media. I especially recommend their spoilercasts on Riverdale, Prey, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Arcane, Natalie Watson’s Immortality, Chainsaw Man, Signalis, and Lost.
  • Downloader324
    The Most LIghthearted Pod in My Rotation
    I've been listening since this was called Vice Gaming's new podcast and have had a fantastic time through many shifts of website and crew alike. Curently, the pod has Patrick, a terrifyingly organized man with a long history covering the games industry; Rob Zacny, a man who has a vendetta against his appliances and a penchant for acquiring painfully expensive hobbies at a staggering rate; Cado, someone who is unfairly maligned for their perfectly fine opinions and excellent taste (the Cado supporters are out here, we see you friend!); and Ren, who will provide both all the little freak energy you need and profound philosophical analysis at a moment's notice. Do you want insightful discussion of the games industry, fantastic interviews, and more appliance talk, food opinions, and general chaos than you can shake a stick at? This is the pod for you. The username is one I made when I was 12, I no longer use Apple devices, but logged into my abandoned iTunes account on my PC to help the cause of 2000 reviews!
  • My name is Juli
    Amazing Show with Great Content
    Waypoint has quickly become one of my favorite podcasts ever. I started listening two years ago and I wish I could have found this podcast sooner. Cado, Patrick, Ren, and Rob are all amazing. Waypoint has so much content that I always have something to listen to. If you want even more content, Waypoint+ is worth getting and is pretty affordable. Please give this show try if you have not already.
  • Eob193857281947472
    5 star runtimes but not perfect
    My biggest qualms with this podcast come down to some quality of listening issues. Don’t get me wrong, I like all the banter, and the tangents, and the glimpses into their home lives (I do wish we heard more from Ren and Cado on their day to day lives). Cados laugh is infectious and I enjoy it, but sometimes there is this gurgling in the back of their throat that I think would go away with a quick pause and drink of water. I think they also get distracted when giving their opinions on games and it takes FOREVER for them to say a coherent sentence. Hoping that gets better with time and as they get more comfortable? Or maybe they scribble down some notes before the podcast? The other thing that drives me a little crazy that Ren and Rob both do is that when they interview folks, it feels like they start every question with “I’m really curious about…”- this is quibbling I know but that that I’ve noticed it I can’t stop hearing it. Otherwise give it a listen- it’s worth it.
  • Astupidiot
    Not your average gaming podcast!
    I’ve been listening since forever ago when I somehow stumbled upon their discussion about the best toilets in video games. These folks not only discuss the latest and greatest in gaming but frequently delve deep into rabbit holes about the most random things. From top tier speakers to bottom end Kirkland signature purchases, this pod has you covered. All of the hosts have great insights on pretty much everything you need to be a decent human being, even though some of them happen to be Bears fans (we can’t all be perfect). In fact, because of one of their many political discussions I became a contributing member of the DSA! So yeah they lean left and talk about not just video games but everything in life, and may even change yours. I never thought play a souls game and enjoy it, let alone platinum it, but thanks to frequent reoccurring offscreen character MK, and their playing it as a spell caster (easy mode) I was able to do just that! So yes, they’ve got you covered and are worth a listen.
  • Mdryly
    It’s a Good Podcast
    I think this is a very fine podcast with very charming hosts, thoughtful discussions, and entertaining bits brought together by a core love of video games. Two examples to highlight the gamut to expect: First, there’s an insightful interview with some game devs that unexpectedly featured hot gos about the State Department. More regularly, the life updates from the King of Executive Function or his similarly Rob-shaped Court Jester of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are relatable and hilarious. (Glad he passed on the speakers that could do psychoacoustic fire damage.) FCGH
  • AustinCOLORADOtexan
    Pandemic FTW
    The only reason I miss the pandemic, is because you totally abandoned the “video games” podcast schtick and started talking about what everyone really wanted…. Stories of Rob plunging deeper into more and more niche hobbies… And hometown food feuds… My question is… Looking back through the years, what is your favorite hobby/interest that Rob has picked up and abandoned? FC;GH
  • Hobbesworth
    F C G H
    Frisky coin greased homonyms.
  • weaponthane
    An Amateur Profile on Rob Zacny
    Actual title: “Gods Hands Made Wonders, Gods Hands Made Thee: Rob Zacny, Our Hero Among Men.” (It’s 2023. I’m worried the kids these days, they don’t know the landscape of games media juggernauts anymore. Patrick Klepek, Austin Walker, the Giant Bomb lineage, the investigative journalism, the fact I was single handedly radicalized by these guys — no, I mean to focus down the unsung amongst titans, the little guy.) I’m here to introduce you to Rob Zacny. Rob Zacny, previously incredibly prolific and likely unbearably stressed freelancer is here uplifted to the position he deserves status post the golden days of the blogosphere. Appearing in his iconic position as a psychoacoustic speaker (painstakingly positioned) and thus thundering with all the gravitas intended regarding such subjects as: common sense leftist labor politics, breakthroughs in the strategy video game space, and his myriad forays into condominimum ownership, nay, Stewardship. With a resume boasting strategy game specialist, here we have the former Three Moves Ahead sweetheart, and you’ve never heard a man grapple with war and space and politics and kitchen appliances quite like this guy. Which is to say: well. A twinned host to Patrick Klepek that is nevertheless a perfect counter; like any strategist worth their salt, he stubbornly adheres to what works (unions! perhaps you’ve heard of them!) and efficiently cuts through the cover some subjects have enjoyed far past their welcome (cover: condo infrastructure; subject: field mice.) If you’re anything like me then Rob is here to be, among other things, your problematic high revolving credit to debt fave. For all you may aspire to be Patrick (kid journalist) or Austin (the one who got away and god bless him, love you Austin) it’s more likely you actively *are* some version of our lad Rob: formerly a smoker, presently ADHD, a devoted husband and dog father, and armed with just enough credit limit to be dangerous. Who amongst us is not regularly growing accustomed to a certain lifestyle you’ll subsequently fight tooth and FDIC to maintain — and defend. Rob is the blooded emperor and my favorite counterpoint to the most practical man alive — nothing but respect for my MVP. Lean in. FC, GH, and briefly a question: I think Rob was supposed to buy a “good” telescope with his parents money once for use on their return visit and, well, hopefully it’s cloudy that day because I’m pretty sure he never did. Please remind everyone of that story, thanks! (Also Patrick thank you for watching Jennifer’s Body, I still see the success of that DM campaign as a personal victory.) For those interested please search 3MA with Austin and Rob’s names and see the early interactions we have recorded. Also be sure to check out Shift-F1, the space where the most indulgent man (plus Danny and Drew) reflects on the most indulgent sport. Thanks for reading.
  • MilkTeaNoBoba
    5-star run times
    Five star podcast! Five star run time! I miss Austin “The Underscore” Walker but the dream lives on. Ren’s gen z energy gives me life. I can’t wait to hear what Rob breaks next in order to upgrade his life. Be good, and be good at it.
  • LittleBigBen01
    Everything’s incredible except Ren’s whispering.
    I’ve been consuming video game podcasts since I was a high school freshman listening to GFW Radio and the 1UP Show. I consider this podcast among the pantheon of greats. The only thing that prevents me from giving the full 5 stars is because Ren occasionally mumble whispers (“Hey… Hey Rob… Hey hey Rob…”) that is *really hard* to understand. Thanks so much for the content. FCGH.
  • maff_c
    good podcast
    good podcast
  • DonnellyK
    It’s Pronounced NAS
    Me: Life is brief, wondrous, and you will suffer. All words are made up. Who cares if you mispronounce something. Live your life. FC;GH. Also Me: Its NAS, not NOS. Its NAS, not NOS. Its NAS, not NOS. Its not Networking “Ottached” Storage.
  • Khmeire
    A fantastic podcast!
    Good talks, appointment listening. I love that Patrick has woven a slow-burn, anxiety-ridden horror story out of Rob’s finances. Also, Ren rocks and has been a wonderful addition to Waypoint!
  • Schiappa-What?!
    Come for the video games, stay for the stories
    Cado’s laugh. Ren’s joy. Rob’s speakers. Patrick’s dad stories. Also video games. All are amazing reasons to listen. Please take my money and hire Billy Boyd to read the incredible text about imagination and RPG’s. Shout out to Jacob & Lucas who got me into the pod. Let’s never stop playing RPG’s together.
  • Abandoned Rocketship
    The best video game podcast for people who also like other things
    I like to listen to funny and smart people talk about video games and also other stuff as it naturally comes up in conversation, and so I like Waypoint Radio. I was worried when Austin left, but then I wasn't because I kept listening. It was the best show, and also it still is. I laugh out loud every episode, and I think I learn somethng every episode, too. The whole crew is insightful and hilarious, and to be specific, Ren has added a great deal to the vibe and it rules. I keep telling my friends to listen and maybe someday they'll listen to me and stop being chumps. By the way, do y'all have any recommendations for other RTS games for someone who really only likes Pikmin when it comes to that genre? I need colors and funny little guys or else I don't really care. Anyway, FCGH.
  • Lovick
    New Waypoint content is always the best part of my week
    It used to be the case that Austin Walker could make me want to play any game he talked about on the podcast, but he moved on. Worry not! Now Ren manages to make me want to play every game she talks about, even when it’s not even close to a genre I typically enjoy. This podcast is always a high point of my week, from insightful discussion of new games to life lessons on how not to use tools on your glass stovetop.
  • Gigawattconduit
    Fun ‘Cast, Great Hosts
    I’ve been listening to WPR since it first started in 2016, and it’s been a great listen from the jump. On Spotify it’s been in my top podcasts for the last 2 or 3 years, and I’ve listened to multiple episodes several times (Cado I’m one of those folks who relistens to BGRI every handful of months!). The discussions are fun and funny, the conversations are insightful, and I’ve loved listening to the different games that the waypoint quartet have made a part of their lives. To Rob, Cado, Patrick (*pause….*), Ren, and the folks who’ve been a part of WPR over the years, you’ve all done great work and the show’s a delight. FCGH
  • Iznaut
    five star podcast, five star pod cast
    love the show, love everyone on it. the only podcast i stay current with these days my question: marry/f/kill - Gex, Bubsy, and Glover
  • Fennmeister626
    More than just Gaming
    If I could only choose one podcast to listen to for the rest of my life, it would be Waypoint Radio. Not only does the Waypoint Crew provide deep, critical, and entertaining analysis of video games, but they also tackle gaming and wider news with a sophisticated, progressive understanding of society. The hosts have great chemistry, and it’s a joy to hear them hang out each week!
  • Coldmarcus313
    Top Tier since Day 1
    I came here because of Austin and Patrick only to find rob who I had been listening to on 3ma and gamers with jobs. And just like that the first nba like Big Three was made. The greatness of the pod can just been seen through them hiring better talent than themselves (Watson and ren). And Kato is the glue that holds the thing together. I’d listen to these people talk about anything.
  • Lemonbones
    An all-time fave
    I temporarily re-downloaded apple podcasts just to finally give this show the 5 stars it deserves. 5-star runtimes, 5-star podcast! Cado, Patrick, Ren, and Rob are so much fun to listen to. Hopeful we'll get some guest eps and spend another 18 hours diving into Jane Austen adaptations with the old crew soon.
  • Logan the Allusionist
    5 Star Podcast, 5 Star Runtime!
    Speaking frankly, Waypoint Radio has been my lifeline to games and and culture for several years now. Rob talking about food at the end of an episode never ceases to make me feel better on my worst days. And if Patrick talks about a Kirkland version of that same food? Perfection.
  • TheHouseofSlam
    Check It Out!
    Been listening for a couple of years and this podcast definitely keeps me informed about cool games and (cool levels vary) news surrounding them. Also just a bunch of the best tangents that aren’t about games. Maybe at all. Each of the hosts past and current are a delight! Keep on doing your thing and you know I’ll be listening to these 5-star runtimes. FCGH
  • JorshRod
    A River to Us All
    Any podcast born after Austin Walker Can't Cook, All they Know is Costco, Charge their Sonos, Speakers, Be Bisexual, Play card game and Lie! Can't belive I didn't find this podcast until the Beastcast ended, but I cannot get enough. Please never stop doing this. Ever.
  • ThePauletariat
    My experience with Waypoint Radio
    Back when I worked at Vice I had a meeting scheduled with the Waypoint crew to discuss ways of promoting Waypoint Radio. The crew did not show up to the meeting because they had run overtime recording an episode of Waypoint Radio. 0 out of 5 for meeting attendance 5 out of 5 for quality discussions, critical thought, and great laughs
  • Ashetaka
    A Gaming Broadside
    Always entertaining, often informative, Waypoint Radio is my favorite way to make it through a day of labor. The crew has been since instrumental in my leftward shift of politics since I started listening, and I’ve been always happy to follow them down any rabbit hole they decide to spelunk. Question: Any movie y’all would recommend with fun or accurate naval combat? (Pre or Post Dreadnoughts)
  • PhX Kaboose
    FCGH
    I would rate this podcast an entire universe of stars, but sadly I can only give it five. P.S. I started bringing my Corgi Stein to doggy daycare instead of trying to bring him to my office and I’m going to need Rob to help cover that monthly expense! -RazgrizTwo
  • LookoutaKraken
    Only Love for Y’all
    I enjoy every moment of Waypoint Radio I get to listen to. I usually learn something new in each episode and that’s a wonderful feeling. Thanks to all the hard work everyone at Waypoint puts in. It does not go unnoticed nor unappreciated.
  • uhhhthanksiguessnot
    this one’s real good
    great hosts, great pod. This podcast has consistently convinced me to try out games that aren’t something I would normally play, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how much I’ve enjoyed them!!(I’ve spent 10 whole hours in last call bbs just making gundam…) Though I’m sure only like one of you can answer this, who is your favorite legend of the galactic heroes character??
  • Cladmir
    Entertaining, Endearing, and Enlightening— the true E3
    Being a software engineer at a startup and a dad of three girls (age 11, 8, and 4), finding time to play video games is exceedingly difficult. But while I may not be able to enjoy all the exciting games I can still live it vicariously through the hosts of this podcast, and then pick and choose the one that truly speaks to me based on the discourses in this podcast. And boy do they have them some discourses! Besides discussion about games there’s also discussion about labor, economics, politics, history, sci-if, kitchenware, the kitchen itself, speaker, animals that are pets, animals that are pests, animals that are too small to see, food, culture, sports, movies, TV shows, and so much more. Truly a wonderful podcast that teaches as much as it entertains! Question: Seeing that some magical algorithm is responsible for inserting ads to the podcast, and seeing that there’s definitely been some cringe adverts in the past. If we assume that one day the waypoint crew would have no control whatsoever on what ad would play, and ALL ads have the potential to be played on the podcast, what would be the absolute worst ad that could be played? FCGH!
  • Alkorion
    On our WAY to review 2K
    I’ve been listening to this pod for the last 5 years, and even though I miss Austin dearly, I keep tuning in week after week to enjoy thoughtful discussion and ridiculously long tangents on the most interestingly banal topics possible! I’m so glad my friend recommended me this pod many years ago, and I hope I can pay forward the favor to some lost soul out there looking for a “gaming” podcast (even though it’s SO much more than just that!) 5-star runtime, 5-star podcast. Keep up all the good vibes! FCGH P.S. if Cado happens to see this: check out the song “Caro” by Wizkid, I feel like it could be their theme song!
  • Hortesque
    Not just for pinkos!
    You know what I like? Capitalism! You know what else I like? This podcast! Equal parts hilarious and insightful, Waypoint provides pointed media criticism while providing an intelligent and educational view into a different way of looking at the world. I still think Capitalism is mostly awesome, but this crew has helped me understand that there might be a FEW problems with it. Give it a listen, even if you don’t consider yourself a member of the ultra left. Capitalism is great, actually. Get back to work.
  • KidSpanner
    Thank for the knuckle tat idea, previous reviewers
    I’ve been listening since that very early episode which Austin accidentally uploaded with the unannounced name for Vice’s new games podcast “Waypoint Radio” and it’s been a constant companion ever since. If you want in-depth discussions on video games, movies, culture, appliances, politics, and wasp eggs, from a crew of smart and charismatic weirdos then you couldn’t ask for a better show than this. Now onto the real business; I was gonna ask if “FCGH” should be on my left or right knuckles, but that felt too easy. Thankfully Patrick mentioned Malort recently, a beverage I tried once in the latter half of 2019 when visiting Chicago for a wrestling show, and I’ve been cursed ever since with an unceasing craving for that weird “licking rubbing alcohol off a grapefruit rind” taste. Have y’all got any foods or drinks that are definitely disgusting but that you absolutely want more of? Thanks for all the good times, FCGH PS: Can’t believe you’re allowed to write “cranking hog” in these reviews. <3 Dev Patel
  • ziewvater
    Hey has Rob read Heat 2 yet?
    It’s got Al in it
  • sudojamie
    The video game podcast my non-gaming partner tolerates
    Waypoint radio is a show where you can enjoy hearing people be deeply passionate about something, and sometimes that thing is video games. Roguelike deck builders, Kirkland brand products, the work of Jane Austen, dialectical materialism — there’s something for everybody. I look forwards to the 3-6 hours of runtime every week and learn about an interest I never knew I had every time. FCGH
  • thebeatleswereruinedbykidsbopandtheyneedtodienow
    (Mario voice) love a da podcast!
    It’s incredibly difficult to take myself seriously on this platform when I have a name that I gave myself when I was 11 years old but please look past it and take me seriously when I say this is a podcast worth listening to if you are a person with any interest in video games. There is thoughtful discussion, joyful ribbing over one particular host’s home maintenance woes, holiday specific discussion of one large skeleton, and compelling interviews with the developers of the games we all love.
  • anleda
    A podcast about games? No, a podcast about LIFE!
    I’ve never reviewed a podcast before, but upon hearing that Waypoint Radio was within 2000 reviews, I knew that I had to (temporarily) download the Apple Podcasts app to get them over that 2K line. When I learned about WR back in 2017, I was told it was a podcast about video games. But it’s so much more. Do you want to hear a group of intelligent, witty, and slightly goofy people talk about: *Misadventures in home repair *Labor rights *Why the ending of the TV show LOST is great, actually *The wonders of Costco *The lore of the Kingdom Hearts series, which slowly drives most of them mad while one rises up and becomes a Keyblade Master *Chicago sports *The works of Jane Austen for an extremely long time *A very specific scene from the 2015 Joe Wright film Pan Then this show has you covered! And yes, there is plenty of games coverage, ranging from the new AAA hits to lesser-known indie weirdos. (Also, Patrick, I feel I must apologize to you for a Mario Maker level I made that you found yourself in while streaming one day. I don’t know why I thought it was a good idea to put a checkpoint flag in the same room as a boss fight, requiring you to respawn IN THE BOSS ROOM if you died after it. Look, I’m not a game designer, I don’t know what else to say.)
  • DwmCA
    FCGH
    The Waypoint crew finds a way to make the foreign seem familiar whether it is the nuances of Chicago sports, labor relations, Twitter (mastodon?), Kirkland products or a wide assortment of video game content. This group goes with me everywhere and has some genuinely fantastic approaches to doing the job, even after 700+ episodes. Rate the pod here, go sign up for waypoint plus and slide into the world of five star content and five star run times.
  • Draxxlith
    Pronounced like “Fuggedaboutit”
    Since its inception, Waypoint has been a must listen in my weekly rotation. While the members have changed over time, the insightful discussion, genuine curiosity and great critical analysis have remained steadfast. And with the powers invested in them by Waypoint Plus, they have been increasingly able to dive in to each of their own passions. This kind of true enthusiasm is infectious and makes everything they do that much more engaging. Whether appliance shopping after misadventure, explaining sports concepts to the uninitiated, or giving an honest left perspective on the often terrible machinations of the game industry, I am here for it. I had to grab a Kirkland crop of stars for these 5 star run times, five star staff, five star podcasts and five star capital C Content. Fuggapitalism, go home!
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