Best A.J. and Mike Minotti Podcasts (2025)

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Show #567 - 2020 Game of the Year / The Game of the Show 1:02:18

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4+ y ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Mike and AJ present the penultimate episode of the Exploding Barrel Podcast. First we take a look back at 2020, a rough year overall, but not a bad year for gaming. Can you guess our game of the year? Then we take a look back at every game of the year winner since the show started in 2007 in order to crown the Exploding Barrel Game of the Show. ---…

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Show #566 - The Beginning of the End 1:02:15

4+ y ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Mike and AJ have a big announcement to make this episode. Yes, we’ve been on a hiatus, and it turns out there’s a reason. I’m still gonna make you listen to find out what’s up. ;P But we also decided to take a look back at the Xbox One / PS4 generation now that Gen 9 or whatever it’s called is here. We hope you enjoy this stroll down memory lane! -…

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Show #565 - On Your Six 42:22

4+ y ago42:22

42:22

Mike and AJ are ready to talk about the free to play game sweeping the internet, Genshin Impact. You might be surprised to find out who likes it more. We also lock our S foils to attack position to talk about Star Wars Squadrons. Mike has kinda beaten Hades, and the boys are ready for the end game content for Marvel’s Avengers to drop. --- Send in …

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Show #564 - Billions and Billions 35:08

5y ago35:08

35:08

Mike and AJ were surprised to learn that Microsoft is buying Bethesda for $7.5 billion. What does that mean for Xbox, Bethesda's franchises, and gaming in general? To Mike's delight, Amazon has announced Luna, their upcoming cloud gaming service. We also survived the Xbox Series X preorder experience. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters…

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Show #563 - Series S-ly 29:13

5y ago29:13

29:13

Mike and AJ talk about the surprise unveiling of the Xbox Series S and Series X price / release date announcement. We also discuss the games revealed at Ubisoft Forward, and talk about the awesome time we’re having with Marvel’s Avengers. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://p…

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Show #562 - Mari... D’oh! 41:09

5y ago41:09

41:09

Mike and AJ talk about all of the announcements from the Mario Direct. We’re getting Super Mario 3D All-Stars (yay!), but no Galaxy 2 (boo!) and not a lot of remastering happening (drat!). We also discuss the new Nvidia cards, the joys of Avengersing, and what it’s like to accidentally crash an airplane into your in-laws’ house. --- Send in a voice…

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Show #561 - Halo, Goodbye 34:00

5y ago34:00

34:00

Mike and AJ are here to discuss the delay of Halo Infinite and what it could mean for the launch of the Xbox Series X (and S!). We also talk about the Marvel's Avengers beta, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, and the demo for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2. Yes, that's the name. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/mes…

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Show #560 - Moopets Later 40:02

5y ago40:02

40:02

Mike and AJ check out the debut of Muppets Now on Disney+. We also talk about the Summerset event in Elder Scrolls Online, updates to Hearthstone Battlegrounds, and the sword rework for Dauntless. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

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Show #559 - Xboxing Day 43:48

5y ago43:48

43:48

Mike and AJ give their thoughts on the Xbox Games Showcase and how it compares to Sony's showing. We also get Mike's early impressions of a demo of Crash Bandicoot 4! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

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Show #558 - Movin' Along 33:52

5y ago33:52

33:52

Mike and AJ discuss the planned refurb to change Splash Mountain into a Princess and the Frog attraction. We discuss the Last of Us (both of them!), next-gen game pricing, and the worst race in World of Warcraft. I kid, I kid. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.sp…

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Show #557 - PS WiFive 46:08

5y ago46:08

46:08

Mike and AJ dive into the full reveal of the PlayStation 5. Find out what games impressed us, what we think of the hardware, and what the next generation of gaming may have in store. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

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Show #556 - A Brief Hiatus 39:10

5y ago39:10

39:10

Hey guys, we recorded this at the end of May, then a whole lot happened in the world, so we decided to hold off for a bit and let more important voices be heard. So here's the show. Join us for a conversation about The Elder Scrolls Online, Xenoblade Chronicles, and a VERY timely discussion about the new free-to-play shooter Crucible. --- Send in a…

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Show #555 - Ain't No Lie 36:43

5y ago36:43

36:43

Mike and AJ ponder the future thanks to the reveal of Unreal Engine 5 running on PS5 hardware. We also get very excited/cautious about the newly announce Paper Mario: The Origami King. Mike finished Dragon Quest XI, and AJ finally hits level 50 in The Elder Scrolls: Online. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/me…

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Show #554 - Gameplay Games 36:50

5y ago36:50

36:50

Mike and AJ are here to talk about the Xbox Series X Gameplay reveal, some fun in Assassin's Creed Odyssey and The Elder Scrolls Online, and a fun-filled family trip into Trolls: World Tour. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

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Show #553 - There Has Been an Awakening 40:26

5y ago40:26

40:26

Mike and AJ are still playing video games. The younger Minotti generation has discovered The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, Mike has finished Final Fantasy 7 Remake, we've been enjoying the XP and rep buffs in World of Warcraft, and AJ has finally watched Superman. Yes, the movie from 1978. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotif…

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Show #552 - Among the Clouds 37:38

5y ago37:38

37:38

Mike and AJ really like the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Our brother Chris finally got beta access to Valorant, so we played more of that. We also talk about the Disney+ release of Onward and the potential of a limited supply launch for the PS5. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https:/…

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Show #551 - Nerfdom 30:19

5y ago30:19

30:19

Mike and AJ dive into the latest Hearthstone expansion, Ashes of Outland, and the new class, the Demon Hunter! A class so powerful, it was nerfed a day later. Mike has been playing the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and AJ is going to play it as soon as this uploads. So, uh, bye! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/mes…

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Show #550 - Why So Low? 31:56

5+ y ago31:56

31:56

Mike and AJ are here to find our why Mike hated Half Life: Alyx so much. AJ has started Doom Eternal, while everyone seems to be enjoying the island life in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

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Show #549 - All Shining and New 29:57

5+ y ago29:57

29:57

Mike and AJ have escaped the harshness of reality and landed in some virtual island life with Animal Cross: New Horizons. Yes, AJ caved and got it. We also have a spoiler-filled talk about Ori and the Will of the Wisps. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.c…

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Show #548 - Extra Wispy 33:26

5+ y ago33:26

33:26

Mike and AJ are here to tell you how amazing Ori and the Will of the Wisps is. We also talk about the VR game Moss and AJ's return to The Division 2. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

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Show #547 - Here Be Dragons 29:48

5+ y ago29:48

29:48

Mike and AJ take a look at the demo for Final Fantasy 7 Remastered, the dragons updated to Hearthstone: Battlegrounds, and Mike's early experience with Dragon Quest 11. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

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Show #546 - Stop, Drop, and Dash 29:33

5+ y ago29:33

29:33

Mike and AJ check out the newest Sega Ages releases of Sonic 2 and Pyuo Pyuo and examine what may be the best episode of Picard yet! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support

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Show #545 - The Eyes Have It 31:45

5+ y ago31:45

31:45

Mike and AJ take a look at the cross-save update to The Witcher 3 on PC and Switch, find out what happens when your Stadia Pro subscription expires, and dig into episodes 4 and 5 of Star Trek: Picard. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/sup…

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Show #544 - Super Sanic 39:12

5+ y ago39:12

39:12

Mike and AJ saw the Sonic movie, and it was pretty good! We also talk about Mike's next raid in WoW Classic, AJ's experiences with Scourgebringer and Children of Morta, and wonder why Activision Blizzard hates cloud computing. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.sp…

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Show #543 - Cloudy 46:47

5+ y ago46:47

46:47

Mike and AJ talk about how Geforce Now could be about to make Stadia look bad. We also discuss why it might be time for a World of Warcraft break. Also, sorry for the audio in the first portion of the show. I, uh, forgot to actually plug in the mic. :P --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podc…

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Show #542 - This Is My Quest 40:59

5+ y ago40:59

40:59

Mike and AJ wonder what happened to Warcraft 3: Reforged, discuss just what the heck Google is even doing with Stadia, talk about our experiences with the Oculus Quest, and check out this latest episode of Star Trek: Picard. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spot…

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Show #541 - Number One 40:21

5+ y ago40:21

40:21

Mike and AJ gush about the premiere of Star Trek: Picard. Join us as we analyze the premiere and find out how it ties into one of The Next Generations' greatest episodes, Measure of a Man. We also check out the new updates to Hearthstone and World of Warcraft, and find out if a $35 tablet can play Xbox games. --- Send in a voice message: https://po…

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Show #540 - Decadent 45:10

5+ y ago45:10

45:10

Mike and AJ close out the years 201X in the most futile way we know how. We pick the top 5 games of the decade. We also out a few other superlatives. And of course, we couldn't let the new of a Pokemon expansion pass go by, so we talk about that too. It's wild. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport …

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Show #539 - An Anthem to 2019 42:58

5+ y ago42:58

42:58

Mike and AJ wrap up 2019 by discussing the highs and lows of gaming. Discover our top five games, the stories that mattered, and the ones that didn't. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

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Show #538 - Taking One Last Look, Sir 34:53

5+ y ago34:53

34:53

Mike and AJ give their spoiler filled thoughts on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. If you want to skip the spoilers and here us chat about some video games and parenting, skip to 25:10. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

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Show #537 - Series X-ly 58:02

5+ y ago58:02

58:02

Mike and AJ recorded this episode right after watching the 2019 Game Awards. Listen to our thoughts on the winners and the night's big revels including the Xbox Series X. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

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Show #536 - Stadia Away 43:01

5+ y ago43:01

43:01

Mike and AJ discuss what Stadia gets right and wrong. We continue to enjoy Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Pokemon Sword and Shield. And can you believe a new Half Life game was announced? We discuss our thoughts on Half Life Alyx. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcast…

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Show #535 - Jedi Fallen Over 51:09

5+ y ago51:09

51:09

Mike, AJ, Chris, and Perry are here to talk about the community's issues with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, our impressions of Pokemon Sword and Shield, our complete love of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, our very, very early impressions of Google Stadia, and AJ's impressions of the Xbox Elite 2 controller. --- Send in a voice message: https://podca…

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Show #534 - BlizzConMen 1:13:27

5+ y ago1:13:27

1:13:27

Mike and AJ are joined by Perry and Chris for a jam-packed episode. Mike and AJ attended BlizzCon 2019. We went hands on with Diablo 4, Overwatch 2, World of Warcraft - Shadowlands, and talk to devs, meet cosplayers, and more! And since it’s right across the street, we went to Disneyland. AJ finally gets to experience Galaxy’s Edge and live the dre…

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Show #533 - Ay Eee Dub 40:16

5+ y ago40:16

40:16

Mike and AJ talk about Mike's experience at a live AEW show which turns into a longer discussion about the state of wrestling entertainment. We also hear a little more about Luigi's Mansion 3, the grind of Destiny 2, and more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.sp…

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Show #532 - Livin' on the Edge of the Galaxy 31:58

5+ y ago31:58

31:58

Mike got to go to Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge and get an extended preview of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. AJ is totally not jealous. Nope. Not one bit. He's had Destiny 2 and Overwatch on Switch to play, so that's something. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spot…

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Show #531 - Politically Incorrect 33:31

5+ y ago33:31

33:31

Mike and AJ discuss Blizzard's disastrous day, the new details of the PlayStation 5, and the breakdown of the Disney World Skyliner. AJ has been bitten by the Destiny 2 bug, and Mike is revisiting Ori and the Blind Forest for Switch. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcas…

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Show #530 - Mario Kart World Bore 40:38

6y ago40:38

40:38

Mike and AJ try Nintendo's latest mobile game, Mario Kart World Tour. It's not great. AJ has been enjoying more Apple Arcade games, the 1.0 release of Dauntless, and Bob Iger's new book, The Ride of a Lifetime. Mike is wearing an old shirt. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https:/…

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Show #529 - Chaos in the Windy City 37:41

6y ago37:41

37:41

Mike and AJ are here to talk about Mike's recent trip to Chicago, the release of Apple Arcade, and the pure joy of The Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

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She #528 - Mounted 33:15

6y ago33:15

33:15

Mike and AJ are still playing the WoW Classic, and Mike even got his mount! We also talk about the new Tomorrowland sign (not to be confused with the old New Tomorrowland sign) and the role audience participation has played at Walt Disney World. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: ht…

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Show #527 - The WoW Killer 39:39

6y ago39:39

39:39

Mike and AJ are here to talk about more World of Warcraft Classic and what mainline WoW needs to learn. We also revisit the Dreamcast for its 20th anniversary, dip our toes into Gears 5, and hear Mike's thoughts open Daemon X Machina. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podca…

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Show #525 - Just the Classics 46:16

6y ago46:16

46:16

Mike and AJ are loving their time in World of Warcraft Classic. Mike finishes his second play through of Fire Emblem: Three Houses and gets started on Astral Chain, while AJ checks out the latest Pokemon mobile game, Pokemon Masters. We also give a brief wrap up on the announcements from last weekend's D23 expo! --- Send in a voice message: https:/…

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Show #524 - Trying to Prepare 32:50

6y ago32:50

32:50

Mike and AJ prepare for World of Warcraft Classic, dip into the Dragon Quest XI demo on Switch, and explore more games on the Genesis Classic. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support

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Show #523 - Here's My Number 46:17

6y ago46:17

46:17

Mike and AJ talk about AJ's close, personal friendship with Ninja now that they text each. We also get a hands on impression of the Sega Genesis Mini, the chance to name our World of Warcraft Classic characters, and learn if the Cataclysm is enough to get anyone back into Anthem. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/…

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Show #522 - I Need a Hero Power 43:10

6y ago43:10

43:10

Mike and AJ are here to talk about the newest Hearthstone expansion, Saviors of Uldum. There's lively talk of the long awaited Cataclysm update for Anthem, Sky on iOS, and the state of the wrestling industry. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show…

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Show #521 - Exploding Barrel of Exploding 36:20

6y ago36:20

36:20

Mike and AJ weigh in on Universal's announcement of Universal's Epic Universe. It's gonna be epic. We also get AJ's thoughts on Fire Emblem: Three Houses now that it's out to the masses, and we try the newest Super Smash Bros. Ultimate fighter, Hero from Dragon Quest. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageS…

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Show #520 - Be Unprepared 44:53

6y ago44:53

44:53

Mike and AJ are glad the internet hasn't broken what with all the Switch hardware announcements, our unplanned hiatus, and the Cats trailer dropping. But at least Mike was able to get us an early preview of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, a review of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, and more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh…

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Show #519 - Far From It 37:19

6y ago37:19

37:19

Mike and AJ are here with a spoiler filled discussion about Spider-Man: Far From Home. We recorded immediately after seeing the movie Tuesday night, and decided to give it a few days for everyone to see the movie over the holiday. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://po…

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Show #518 - For Naj- Narg- Uh For Azshara! 32:54

6y ago32:54

32:54

Mike and AJ are here with a look at the long awaited 8.2 patch for World of Warcraft, Rise of Azshara. We also have early impressions of Super Mario Maker 2, Virtua Racing, and more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

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Show #517 - E3ed 51:26

6y ago51:26

51:26

Mike is back to tell us what's what from the E3 show floor. Get hands on impressions from the show along with a few other surprises as we wrap up E3 2019! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ebp/support…

A.J. And Mike Minotti Podcasts