Creating healing and understanding through the games we play.

On the State of the Arc Podcast, we help our audience reach a deeper appreciation for the media we all love. Our deep-dive analysis of all-time classic games and films is not only about understanding plot, lore, and characters. It’s about helping people understand themselves—to realize what the story means beneath the surface and how they can apply its thematic message to improve their lives. We seek to use beloved stories from popular media to help people find a connection with family and overcome their most demanding personal challenges. With two weekly episodes, we balance commentary on trending topics with in-depth exploarations of iconic games and movies. Our work, featuring deep dives into titles like Xenogears, Final Fantasy X, Bioshock, Jurassic Park, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and much more, often becomes definitive analysis trusted by gamers, filmgoers, and developers alike.

State of the Arc is more than a podcast; it’s a community of thoughtful, engaged games who value meaningful, long-form content in the gaming world.

Mike (left) and Casen (right) on set for the State of the Arc Podcast

“Really enjoyed your well-read dive into our game. I don’t think I’ve encountered as thorough and thoughtful an analysis.”

-Ken Levine, Creator of Bioshock

“Thank you for the interview. Sakaguchi-san was impressed with how deep we went during your session. You certainly did your research.”

-Michael M., Interpreter for Hironobu Sakaguchi, Creator of Final Fantasy

The State of the Arc Podcast has a 4.9-star rating across all platforms.

  • “I just can’t overstate how much you both have helped my life. I spent years unable to get out from under the weight of my father’s passing when I was a teenager. When I heard your podcast, I was finally able to move on, and honestly, I’m a happier and better man.”

    -Jacob Phelps, Patreon Supporter

  • “My father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer about 8 months ago. It’s been a long and torturous process. You guys are able to give me something that I really don’t have much of, and that is a moment of peace. You guys do so much more than you realize.”

    -Cody Campbell, Patreon Supporter

  • “The single greatest game analysis podcast ever produced. Both of these guys are brilliant and their discussions about games and movies have dramatically enhanced the way that I analyze stories.”

    -cloud1937, Apple Podcasts

  • “Listening to your conversations feels familiar and intimate, and I feel like you’re my friends, and we’re having a chat by the dinner table. I really needed this content to help me fight anxiety and other mental health struggles. Your channel is helping me beyond belief.”

    -Rodolfo Maciel, Patreon Supporter

  • “I can’t express my appreciation enough, how your videos have helped me reconnect with meaning and purpose in my life.”

    -Ian Nhello Batac, Patreon Supporter

  • “It’s kinda wild that this is a podcast about video games. Like, if someone overheard the last third of this episode, no way in hell are they guessing this is about a niche PS2 JRPG released in 2006. I love it.”

    -KaosFell, YouTube Subscriber

  • “Hands-down the best video game podcast I’ve ever listened to. They’ve helped me love games I’ve played even more than I thought possible.”

    -Person Who Likes This Game, Apple Podcasts

  • “This is my first time posting on any podcast ever on Spotify, but I just want to share how much I’ve come to love this podcast. Caught a random episode on Xenosaga a few months back and have been hooked since.”

    -julioiswack, Spotify

  • “Damn, this episode is like straight-up therapy.”

    -Bodrick_G, YouTube Subscriber

  • “Easily the best, most insightful video game podcast I’ve come across. As a huge fan of the series, their Final Fantasy coverage in particular really gave me a lot to think about in terms of development history and the stories themselves.”

    -Chapter Chumps, Apple Podcasts

  • “My partner has been having a really hard time finding herself in recent years. I mentioned what Mike said in the Nier podcast, and she has found an incredible addition to her personal philosophy and outlook on life going forward.”

    -Matthew Farrow, Patreon Supporter