In this episode of The Matt Podcast, Kaizen and NotMattyMac start with a huge personal update as Kaizen shares the news of his upcoming baby boy. The conversation naturally moves into parenting, family life, and how priorities shift as you watch your kids grow and start building new routines around work, hobbies, and gaming.

From there, the episode dives into gaming and technology. The guys talk about the challenge of finding quick, satisfying games to play with limited time, touching on titles like Call of Duty and Satisfactory. They also explore the future of gaming hardware, including augmented reality glasses, the role of AI in driving hardware prices, and what that means for everyday players.

The episode wraps up with a deep dive into Formula One, covering upcoming season changes, the business power of Red Bull Racing, and the Ford partnership. It’s a mix of life updates, gaming discussion, tech speculation, and motorsport talk that reflects how all of it connects in real life.

In this episode of The Matt Podcast, Matt and Kaizen catch up on a wild week of life updates, extreme Australian weather, and a big personal announcement that marks a new chapter. From there, the conversation moves into gaming nostalgia with Final Fantasy 7 Remake, before shifting gears into the realities facing grassroots esports and why the scene feels harder than ever to sustain.

The second half of the episode dives deep into future tech. The guys unpack CES 2026 reveals, advancements in robotics and AI, and how these technologies could reshape daily life, from home automation and household robots to AI coaching in gaming. They explore brain-computer interfaces, augmented reality glasses, and how future living spaces might evolve alongside rapidly advancing technology.

It’s a mix of personal reflection, honest discussion, and optimistic speculation about where things are heading, including the ethical questions that come with smarter tech and virtual companions becoming part of everyday life.

Key Points:

• The conversation starts with light-hearted banter and updates on their weeks.
• Extreme weather conditions are affecting daily life in Australia.
• Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a nostalgic experience that honors the original game.
• The hosts celebrate the announcement of a new baby, marking a significant life change.
• Grassroots esports face challenges due to lack of support and unrealistic expectations.
• Boston Dynamics showcases advancements in robotics that could replace human labor in factories.
• AI household robots could revolutionize daily tasks and provide care for the elderly.
• The design of homes may change to accommodate robotic assistance in household chores.
• The hosts reflect on the implications of robotics and AI on future living.
• The episode highlights the blend of personal experiences with broader technological discussions. Home technology is evolving rapidly, with new features like charging stations becoming standard.
• Iterative development in tech allows for continuous improvement and learning from failures.
• AI coaching in gaming could revolutionize how players improve their skills.
• Brain-reading technology is on the horizon, raising questions about its applications and ethics.
• Augmented reality glasses could change the way we interact with digital content and our environment.
• The future of living spaces may involve technology that reduces the need for physical space.
• Optimism about technological advancements can lead to innovative solutions for modern challenges.
• The integration of AI in everyday life is becoming more prevalent and accepted.
• Ethical considerations around technology, such as privacy and dependency, are crucial to discuss.
• The concept of virtual companions, like AI waifus, reflects changing social dynamics and technology's role in our lives.

In this episode, Matt and Kaizen reflect on the new year, discussing their personal projects, including building houses and golfing experiences. They celebrate the New Year with family traditions and fireworks, while also looking forward to exciting developments in 2026, including e-sports and Marvel's upcoming projects. The conversation touches on the decline of FaZe Clan and the importance of content creation in the e-sports industry, highlighting the legacy of figures like Faker and the anticipation surrounding new releases in Magic: The Gathering.

In Episode 10 of The Matt Podcast, notMattyMac and Kaizen catch up after a short break and lean into the Christmas spirit. They talk Pokémon market chaos sparked by the Kabuto King, a new printing facility aimed at fighting scalpers, and recent gaming sessions in Destiny 2.

The conversation also covers Marvel’s upcoming slate, Star Wars gaming staying power, and end-of-year reflections on work, life, and why games should still be fun first.

Episode Summary

The hosts return with a festive catch-up, sharing life updates and holiday vibes before diving into gaming and pop culture. Topics include the rise of the Kabuto King in the Pokémon card market, how increased printing could impact scalpers, the challenge of Destiny 2’s latest dungeon, Marvel’s future plans, and why Star Wars games like Star Wars: The Old Republic continue to thrive.

The episode closes with reflections on the year and plans for the break.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s been a busy few weeks juggling work, life, and gaming
• The Kabuto King is shaking up the Pokémon card market
• Increased Pokémon printing could ease scalping issues
• Destiny 2’s new dungeon rewards preparation and teamwork
• Marvel’s upcoming projects are fuelling speculation
• SWTOR proves strong communities keep games alive
• Playing for fun matters more than chasing competition
• Personal growth comes from balance, not burnout
• The holidays are about family, rest, and reset
• The podcast returns in the new year with more updates

In Episode 9 of The Matt Podcast, we dive into a massive range of topics across gaming, entertainment, and the worlds we’re obsessed with. We kick things off with the excitement of the holiday season — time off, gaming plans, and the good vibes that come with wrapping up the year.

From there, we get straight into Star Wars and Destiny 2, talking about the new season, the surprising Star Wars influences, hidden Easter eggs, and why we think Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge will still be pulling crowds years from now. Whether you're into lore, gameplay, or theme park magic, this one hits all sides of the fandom.

We also explore the growing role of AI in gaming, including Elon Musk’s bold claims about Grok competing at the highest levels of esports. We compare AI’s capabilities to human creativity, talk about the future of competitive play, and debate how far this technology will really go.

For collectors, we get into the current Pokémon card market, the swings in card values, and why certain collectibles are becoming more sought after.
And motorsport fans get their moment — we talk through the F1 championship decider, shifting team dynamics, rising stars like Oscar Piastri, and why this season has been one of the most unpredictable.

We wrap the episode with some reflections on the growth of the podcast, our YouTube and TikTok momentum, and genuine appreciation for everyone supporting the show. Your feedback and enthusiasm genuinely keep this thing moving.

In this episode of The Matt Podcast, Matty Mac and Kaizen go deep into the evolving world of gaming, streaming, and content creation. From the early days of Destiny and Fortnite to the modern landscape dominated by Twitch, YouTube, and massive AAA franchises, the guys break down what’s changing, what’s broken, and what still works.The conversation spans everything from major game studios like Bungie, LucasArts, and Riot, to the rise and fall of big-name streamers who defined the culture. Matty and Kaizen explore how creators like Ninja, Courage, and other personalities have shifted platforms, reinvented themselves, and adapted to the pressures of an ever-changing industry. They talk openly about the business behind streaming, the challenges of discoverability, and why simply “going live” is no longer a plan.This episode also digs into the realities of being a creator in 2025. From burnout and branding to the strategic distribution of content across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch, the guys don’t hold back on what it really takes to be seen. They highlight why smaller creators struggle, why the big platforms are pushing monetisation harder than ever, and what the next wave of successful content might look like.Beyond streaming, Matty and Kaizen touch on the broader gaming scene — the excitement of community-driven games like Arc Raiders and Riftbound, the expansions influencing Destiny, and how massive collaborations and pop-culture crossovers are reshaping player expectations. They bring their own gaming stories to the table, share what they’re playing, and talk about the future of competitive TCGs and esports.With the casual, honest tone that defines the show, expect banter, storytelling, and sharp opinion. This episode delivers insight, real-world experience, and an inside look at the creator economy that most people never see. Whether you’re a gamer, streamer, or just passionate about the space, this episode is packed with value, bold takes, and plenty of laughs.

The Matt Podcast brings together Matty Mac and Kaizen as they dive into everything happening across gaming, TCGs, esports, and the wild communities that form around them. Each episode covers a new corner of the gaming world, whether it’s Rift Bound emerging as the next major competitive card game, the chaos of Arc Raiders, or the latest roster shakeups in esports like Guma leaving T1 and Peyz stepping in.

The duo breaks down major updates, shares honest takes on constant game releases, explores how developers shape competitive scenes, and talks openly about the impact on collectors, creators, and casual players. Their conversations mix real insight with plenty of humour, storytelling, and the kind of banter that only comes from two long-time gamers.

From faction wars sparked by a single streamer clip, to neutral Medic groups forming inside Arc Raiders, to tournament hype that feels like classic Pokémon championships, The Matt Podcast captures the heart of modern gaming culture. If you’re into TCGs, esports, gaming stories, or just love hearing two mates unpack the chaos of the gaming world, this podcast has you covered.

Welcome back to The Matt Podcast, where Matty Mac and Kaizen break down everything happening in esports, gaming, and the trading card world.

In this episode, we kick off with late nights, caffeine addiction, and a relaxed chat before diving straight into the esports scene — starting with T1’s run to the finals and their showdown against KT. We explore T1’s deep champion pool, the strategic decisions that carried them through, and why their path to the finals has been one of the most exciting storylines in competitive League of Legends.

Matty Mac then shares his worst gaming decision ever — merging Sleeper Gaming with multiple teams — and reflects on what he learned from that experience.

The conversation shifts into the trading card frenzy, covering the Pokémon craze, retail shortages, scalpers, and the growing excitement around Magic: The Gathering’s Avatar set. We discuss why collectors are hunting these products and how the market is reacting to the hype.

We also dive into the importance of content creation in esports, highlighting players like Scump and Nadeshot, and how building a personal brand can outlast a competitive career.

The episode wraps with talk about Worlds 2025, comparing it to massive cultural events and discussing why players like Faker command so much respect within esports. We close out with some laughs, social media rambling, and an invitation for listeners to share their thoughts.

If you love esports, TCGs, Pokémon, MTG, League of Legends, or just good chaotic conversation, this episode has it all.