Idle Weekend

147

Kick off the weekend as Danielle Riendeau and Rob Zacny bring their unique perspectives to video games and pop culture.

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Recent Reviews
  • Cladmir
    Delightful
    Simply a joyful podcast. I find the podcast to be earnest, thoughtful and entertaining. Love the format and the hosts!
  • Quentin A Pongratz
    Love it!
    I just love hearing these two talk about things. They're so smart and frequently funny. I always enjoy when a new episode pops up in my feed.
  • INVLD
    Maybe the most warm podcast I've heard
    I don't think I've ever heard a (mostly) gaming related podcast that I'd describe as warm before, but that description perfectly suits Idle Weekend. The show has a very low key, comfortable or even cozy vibe that brings to mind good conversations I've had with my own friends. It's so easy to imagine these conversations play out next to a roaring fire inside of a snowed-in cabin. If you want a gaming podcast that breaks the conventions of what those typically are, Idle Weekend does the job perfectly.
  • jjes84
    Amazing
    Danielle is one of my favorite podcast hosts ever!
  • WeyounNumber6
    Highly Recommended
    A video game podcast mostly with a little movie, pop culture thrown in. Comprised of ex Idle Thumb member and I believe a member of the Shall We Play A Game podcast. Just wonderful, especially if you've played games all of your life. Cyberpunk Dystopic fun.
  • Jack Maher
    It's pretty okay
    They do sometimes talk about video games, but mostly they talk about social justice stuff. Danielle knows Nintendo and indy games, and Rob takes care of everything else.
  • KyvenR
    Fantastic
    Great discussion on video game industry related topics.
  • El fisherino
    Not worth your time.
    Two kind of awkward speakers who talk like this. Hi, I'm asking a question? in the middle of a sentence? but now I'm talking really quietly so you know my point is important and also here's a little political jab because I'm pretty sure you haven't heard enough about politics and clearly, this video game podcast is the appropriate forum to air political views.
  • GCD101
    If you like video games this is a must listen!
    Friendly and thought provoking. A ray of light to your dour week.
  • Anuzen
    Not your usual gaming podcast
    Thought provoking podcast that isn't too serious but talks about social issues in and around games. Oh and they talk games too! Love R&D!
  • TigrisDraco
    Give it a Listen!
    This is a great podcast for anyone looking for insight on games that are being played today. Very thought provoking and nuanced takes on triple A titles and underground hits alike. Give it a listen!
  • darthpeppe
    Monocle popping
    One of the most articulate and cogent discussions on video games and entertainment you'll hear all week.
  • Airtight_Hag
    Friday video game podcasts are the best
    This and the Beastcast consistently make my Fridays great
  • Matt GG Hall
    Love the show
    I look forward to listening every week!
  • John C.P.
    Very cool discussion chill games podcast
    I find this podcast amazing in all the best ways: analytical, humor and chill. Highly recommned
  • GPellechi
    Smart & Insightful
    Games can be a hobby, they can be a passion, they can be a career. Whatever they are to you I doubt you'll come across a more intelligent and thought provoking discussion of games, gaming culture and what they mean in the wider world.
  • Dr Mcn1nja
    Thoughtful and informative
    Love the insight and perspective these two bring to video game commentary.
  • murdocj
    well.... i WANT to like it
    I really want to like Idle Weekend. I alway enjoy Rob Zachny's podcasts. He's thoughtful, speaks well, and always makes it clear that he's expressing his opinion, not handing down tables from Mt. Sinai. I particularly like that he tends to be a bit of a contrarian and can gently challenge his co-hosts. Danielle brings a lot of energy to the show. But she is constantly, constantly, viewing everything thru the lens of gay / trans / gender politics. At first it's interesting, but at some point a steady stream of of gender issues gets annoying. I'm still listening, so I guess it isn't too annoying... but there are times when Danielle is rambling on that I just fast-forward a bit.
  • Spongemonkey610
    The After Dinner Cognac of Video Game Podcasts
    Just a chill yet intellectual discussion of various video game topics. It's great.
  • Larrylarrylary
    Fun
    Idle weekend found it's stride pretty quick and the the two guests have a nice rapport.
  • Astropilot
    Smart Show
    This has become my favorite games/pop culture show. The hosts manage to bring thoughtful and sophisticated video games criticism without being pretentious. My favorite moments are when the conversation wanders away from specific games and into theory. I have a love/hate relationship with video games, and this show helps me understand what I love about them and what frustrates me, while making me hopeful that the medium can only get better from here.
  • k-man95
    Some of the best conversations about games you'll ever hear
    Week after week I am astounded by the nuanced conversations that happen on Idle Weekend. I walk away from every episode feeling like I've learned something new or see an issue in a new way. Hosts Rob and Danielle are so incredibly smart. They think about and discuss on another level. Seriously, if you care about video games, listen to this podcast.
  • The_dark_knight
    I really used to enjoy it.
    I have been with this podcast since it began and I have enjoyed my time with it for the most part. I enjoy the video game discussion and some of the off topic topics in media and what is going on in the hosts lives. In a recent episode they were complaining about how video game websites can't be just about video games, but have to be about the culture of video games. Which I totally agree with. Then they started discussing Game of Thrones and threw out a spoiler to the current season. Then they talked about the spoiler stating it was an obvious thing. That was wehen I deleated the podcast. I don't understand how they can bemoan the fact that they have to talk about media associated with video game culture (being Game of Thrones) and then voluntarily talk about the show on their podcast and just say a spoiler without warning or a real reason. Infact they said something to the effect that there isn't such a thing as spoilers. This came during a discussion of from them about how they really weren't fans of the show. I am all for liking what you like and not forcing people to like things you like. But that doesn't mean you have to interfere with someone elses ability to enjoy a show. For the most part I truelly enjoyed the podcast, but this segment of hypocracy and superiority really put a bad taste in my mouth. Best of luck to Danielle and Rob. Danielle is quite an inspirational person with all the things she has accomplished in her personal life and in video games. I may listen sometime down the road, but for now I am done with the podcast.
  • J64732
    Awesome Cast
    Danielle and Rob have awesome chemistry and this podcast is something I look forwards to every week.
  • Pointy Bread
    Excellent Discussion in Video Games and Pop Culture
    I've been a fan of this podcast since day one and I could not recommend it more. Brimming with thought provoking conversions about the world of video games and the culture that surrounds it, Danielle and Rob cultivate a relaxed and giving environment that is more inclined to teach than preach. This is a podcast that is willing to examine where video games fit in this wacky world of pop culture and experienced enough to offer criticism when it is desperately needed. While at the same time able to gush about how The Americans is such an amazing show. If you are interested in video games or have friends that are and you want to get in on the discussion this podcast is a must listen.
  • schussy
    Favorite weekly show
    Idle Weekend is smart, thoughtful, varied, and consistently interesting. Rob and Danielle have great rapport and complementary perspectives on games, the industry, and lots of pop culture generally. I look forward to this one every week.
  • Projectzero
    Great show, but forced conversations.
    I absolutely love he show! It's actually very thoughtful and has very good perspectives. Both host, Danielle and Rob are very great and it feels like they put some thought into their perspective on things. But the unfortunate part of it is that it seems that Danielle seems to always want to bring everything back to a single issue, it's an important issue, but she seems to try and drag the conversation in that direction no matter what. I highly recommend the show but if you can not tolerate conversations leaning in the same direction all the time you might want to stay away.
  • Joe Grasser
    Very thoughtful
    This is a very thoughtful (perhaps a bit conceited/esoteric) take on video games. If you like deep dives then this is for you.
  • TheThi1nWhiteDuke
    Perfect Weekend Fare
    This podcast is perfect for a casual listen over my coffee on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Earnest, intelligent, thoughtful, this podcast is in my regular weekly rotation, and is a must-listen after only a few short months. Keep it up, Danielle and Rob!
  • superdupergc
    Really great!
    Thoughtful, entertaining and just the right amount of chill. This podcast must have a great audience, because the questions people ask are phenomenal, and of course the answers are great too.
  • DanMcG1augh1in
    A+
    Download this podcast now. Why are you still reading this?
  • Tom Craven
    Wonderful "high brow" games and lifestyle podcast
    I found Idle Thumbs looking for podcasts that talked about Life Is Strange, and that episode featured Danielle, who is now hosting Idle Weekend. She is great, and so is her co-host, and I'm so glad I found them. Idle Weekend covers lifestyle and gaming and is able to talk about what I'd call "high attention span gaming" in a way other podcasts, even excellent ones like Giant Bomb, do not. Shall We Play A Game? also scratches this itch, but it is shorter and has lower production values. They are both definitely 5 star-worthy though.
  • Peaks binge watcher
    Two of the classiest voices in game commentary
    As a fan of both Danielle and Rob in their other podcasts, I was expecting to like this cast. It is even better than I expected! Love it and keep up the great work you two.
  • PanthurAlexander
    great inundate podcast
    I first heard about this podcast after Danielle leaving The Idol Thumbs Podcast. Went into listening to the podcast not sure what to expect. What I got was a highly detailed and intimate podcast about video games. This is a really special listen that I highly recommend.
  • Killjoy3000
    Danielle is great, but...
    Even though she runs this ship, I don't see the necessity in shoe-horning LBGTQ talk into so many topics. There was an episode discussing cyber punk a couple weeks back where seemingly out of nowhere the topic was brought up about queer writers numerous times. While I support that and appreciate the subject when valid, it isn't needed all of the time. There was even a moment when Rob himself wasn't sure how to respond, as it was completely unrelated to his sentiment. However, I love both hosts and the rest of the IDLE Network. This show is a relaxing take on the formula and both Rob & Danielle can have extremely in-depth analyses on anything nerd culture. Definite fan. PS - Have Austin Walker on the show more, he fits in great with his intelligent ramblings.
  • DylFow
    So great
    I was so sad when Danielle left Idle Thumbs, but this was the best possible outcome. Her and Rob’s personalities are great compliments, and I love the tone they’ve struck with the first few episodes. New favorite podcast.
  • LONNIEJ2
    Idle Weekend
    Another great podcast as typical from the thumbs network that not only covers video games but dives into grander topics of life's diversions and how we interact with them.
  • Soulrver
    Another Great Cast
    Danielle and Rob are excellent hosts and always have something interesting to talk about, be it games related or not.
  • Abjecti0n
    Phenomenal Gaming Podcast
    Loved Danielle on the Idle Thumbs cast, and really enjoying this new project so far. Easy recommendation for anyone interested in games and how people play them.
  • Matt H41
    Great Podcast Co-Host Rapport
    Rob and Danielle are a perfect cap to a long work week for video gamers and consumers of general nerdery. Highly recommend this podcast to get you started on your weekend. It’s like these two have been working together for years.
  • AteBit Dad
    Great Show
    Keep up the great show!
  • Thom Simonson
    Wonderful way to start the weekend!
    I was genuinely disappointed when I heard that Danielle was leaving Idle Thumbs. Fortunately that disappointment was short lived. When thoughtful people with great rapport like Rob and Danielle start talking, interesting things follow. The show does a great job of balancing discussion of specific games with discussion of the broader context in which games exist. And it has a very comfortable vibe. I can practically picture Danielle and Rob sitting on the couch together, cups of coffee in hand and half read copy of the NY Times (or the Boston Globe) scattered on the coffee table. And "readers" get to sit in the recliner next to them and listen in on the conversation. Idle Weekend has been a very enjoyable edition to my weekly podcast rotation. (But Danielle, I still miss you when I listen to Idle Thumbs)
  • zoemeredithgrace
    Gaming with smarts and soul - try it out!!
    Over a year ago, I found myself on the floor of the Bogota airport totally unable to sleep through the night. I had downloaded a random collection of podcasts, and so at 3am, I decided to give this “Idle Thumbs” show a shot. I’m so glad I did — I found a smart, jovial show full of rad gamer folks challenging my ideas about games and what they could be. I promptly became a regular listener (or “reader”). Over the months, I found myself drawn especially to Danielle’s commentary - she brought her adventurousness playing any and all games to the show along with her unique perspective which which I could absolutely identify, as somebody who enjoys both playing and thinking about games, and as a queer trans woman who has often felt outside AAA developers' definition of “gamer”. When I heard Danielle was leaving Idle Thumbs, I was genuinely sad… until I heard about her new show with Rob Zacny. And it’s great. I mean really, really great. As much as I love the feeling of hanging out with the whole Idle Thumbs crew in my weekly listens, Idle Weekend combines a real sense of Danielle and Rob as gamers and people with really smart, insightful, challenging analysis. I always leave a listen more excited to play games, and also with a sense of like “hey, that was really fun!!” Especially if you’re somebody who, for one reason or another, has felt like video games are for some other demographic than yourself, you should absolutely give the show a shot — I’m so happy I turned to Thumbs to keep me half-awake on that cold terminal floor in Colombia (seriously, what an awful layover), and I’m so excited for Danielle and Rob’s fantastic work on Idle Weekend. Try it out, really!
  • dentddent
    The Idlest Weekend
    Danielle and Rob are great, and I’m loving the show.
  • Zurriel
    Excellent game/culture pod
    Awesome podcast. Really smart, cool people.
  • Fastpace350
    Love this podcast!!
    Great job!
  • Skeetertheman
    Awesome podcast
    If you're a fan of idle thumbs, idle weekend is a must. Danielle is best!
  • Cateraaade
    Great show
    I am a new ish listener to the idle thumbs network. Rob and Danielle have a great rapport and are great hosts. It's already one of my favorite podcasts.
  • Used to be about the games
    sjw claptrap
    two stars because at least it keeps danielle off the main show
  • Banfaith
    A new weekend habit
    Great chemistry in the two and wide ranging balanced analysis of whatever hits the weekend. Also got to love the intro music.
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