The incomparable Ashley (Episode 3) returns to the Heavily Pixelated studios for a heavy duty conversation with host Scott C. Jones about her personal methods of self-care. Ashley is, as always, incredibly forthright about the ways that she’s still vulnerable — and she opens up about the practices that reliably keep her on the healthiest path possible. Also: There is lots of video game talk, a bit of nose-blowing (frown!), a smattering of animal-petting, and a wisp of stand-up comedy. PODCAST BONUSES: Gaze upon the opulent jewel that is Pancake. (*In this photo, Pancake is imagining you rubbing his belly.)…

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We’re dropping a bold, brand new segment into the show, folks. It’s called “How To Feel Great,” a.k.a. HTFG. In HTFG segments, Scott talks to gamers about their best practices for finding balance in their lives. For the inaugural episode, Scott speaks to the happiest man on the planet – the legendary Victor Lucas – who always seems to find a way to keep on smiling, despite the selfish machinations of the U.S. president, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the lack of a proper sequel for 2010’s Vanquish. Press that magical play button and learn exactly what Victor Lucas does to…

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Ah, the open roads of the old midwest. No bluer sky in the world than the sky in Ohio, I tell you. This week, a young big rig driver and gamer named Aaron tells Scott his story while he’s putting the pedal to the metal on Route 90, just outside of Toledo. That’s right: Scott interviews Aaron while he’s driving 40 tons of white-hot steel on a frozen roadway. Are there bumpy roads ahead? Indeed, there are. [WARNING: If you are sensitive to the subject of suicide, then you may want to consider skipping this episode.] For more information about…

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Elise is a woman from Montreal, Quebec. She grew up with a series of surreal health issues including celiac, chronic fatigue syndrome, and more recently, Crohn’s disease. Despite her illnesses, and despite being home schooled (because of her chronic illnesses), Elise did not give up/give in. Elise found her voice. She discovered an inner strength that startled and amazed her. And she began to develop a sense of value, in part because of games. Games helped Elise along her difficult, unconventional path. Despite her self-doubt, games encouraged Elise believe in herself. Elise’s story moved all of us. We hope it…

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Marianne is a voice actor, producer, and writer based in Los Angeles, California. When Marianne was in her early 20’s, she and a friend traveled to Europe to see a bit of the world. But something awful happened on the trip—something that Marianne has been trying to find a way to live with ever since. Thankfully, games were there for her. The characters in the classic RPG Dragon Age: Origins (2009)—along with therapy, of course—helped make Marianne whole again. How exactly? Click the PLAY button to hear Marianne’s incredible story. Trust us: You will be in awe of the strength…

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Kira is a poet who lives in the Midwest. But she comes from a hard background. Kira’s father was a drug dealer. Her mom was an addict. Kira is the youngest of six. Not surprisingly, she grew up feeling unwanted, feeling like she shouldn’t exist. But a Kingdom Hearts game taught her an important lesson about herself and put Kira on the path to discovering her truest self. **WARNING: This episode contains references to drug abuse. Discretion is advised.** Kira’s personal website: https://kiraburton.wordpress.com/ Kira’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/iconoclastgrey Quentin Flynn’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/quintonflynn Square-Enix Kingdom Hearts Twitter: https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS Square-Enix Store: https://store.na.square-enix-games.com/en_US/ This week’s…

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Steve is a gamer from Toronto who was born with an eye condition called nystagmus. As a result, his vision is severely compromised. Steve is legally blind. Despite his condition, Steve still plays games. And, surprisingly, he does this publicly on his Youtube channel, Blind Gamer. On this episode of Heavily Pixelated, Steve revisits a trying time in his life when a video game based on The Matrix films gave him the answers that he was looking for. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and, best of all, you’ll understand blindness in an entirely new way after listening to Steve’s incredible story….

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Jason is a nerd from the U.K. who, thanks to his mother, grew up with a gigantic computer in his bedroom. Then Jason met a girl named Paola. The two fell in love and got married. Then Paola contracted a rare, life-threatening illness that would change both of their lives forever. Though they were housebound for 20+ years, Jason and Paola were able to travel to alternate worlds, thanks to video games. If you’re a fan of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series, then this episode is not to be missed. A LOOK BACK… The young couple enjoys a holiday together. Jason…

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It’s a tale as old as time, people: A sweet kid from the heartland (Matt) moves to Los Angeles and – POOOOF! – magically transforms into a glam rocker. One day the glam rocker goes to the dentist to have his teeth cleaned. But what Matt doesn’t know is that his life will never be the same again after this. Packed with exhilarating highs and I-can’t-take-anymore lows, this is an absolutely thrilling Heavily Pixelated story. Above all, it’s a much-needed reminder that the barrier between us and whatever comes next is far thinner than we think it is. Also: If…

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A brother telephones his older sister in 2018 and asks her to help him install Red Dead Redemption 2 on his PS4. But the sister — Christine — is distracted that night and tells her brother that she’ll phone him the next day, promise. But what Christine doesn’t know is that this phone call is the last time the two of them will ever talk. **WARNING: This episode contains references to narcotics/narcotic usage. Listener discretion is advised.** Christine’s famous Captain America photo: Christine & Matthew: Christine & Matthew: Christine & Matthew:

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