High Level Chronicles Podcast

Episode 044: When Good Shows Go Bad

In this episode of High Level Chronicles, hosts Chris and Paul explore the world of TV shows, focusing on those that started strong but ended poorly. They discuss various shows, including The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Scrubs, How I Met Your Mother, Seinfeld, and Lost, analyzing what went wrong with their finales and how they disappointed fans. The conversation is infused with humor and personal anecdotes, making it relatable for listeners who share a love for cannabis, gaming, and entertainment. In this conversation, Chris and Paul explore the themes of television show endings, discussing both the disappointments and triumphs of various series. They delve into the pitfalls of lazy writing, the impact of strong storytelling, and the importance of character development. The discussion highlights shows like Lost, Dexter, Breaking Bad, The Wire, Succession, and The Sopranos, emphasizing how some series manage to deliver satisfying conclusions while others fall short. Ultimately, they reflect on the current golden age of television and the expectations for upcoming series.

Episode 043: From Szechuan Sauce to Swifties: Fandom Frenzy

In this episode of High Level Chronicles, Chris and Paul delve into the fascinating world of fandom culture, exploring how fans express their passion for video games, movies, and shows. They discuss the positive and negative aspects of fandom, including community engagement, toxic behavior, and the impact of fan pressure on creative projects. The conversation covers iconic franchises like Star Wars, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Harry Potter, highlighting the unique challenges and dynamics within each fandom. This conversation dives into the complexities of fandoms, exploring their intensity, the psychology behind them, and the potential for toxicity. From the passionate reactions of Rick and Morty fans to the fervor of K-Pop stans, the discussion highlights how fandoms can create communities but also lead to negative behaviors such as gatekeeping and violence. The hosts reflect on various fandoms, including anime, Taylor Swift's Swifties, and the K-Pop phenomenon, while emphasizing the importance of enjoying fandoms without letting them turn toxic.

Episode 042: Epic Fails: Gaming & Hollywood’s Biggest Blunders

In this episode of High Level Chronicles, hosts Chris and Paul dive into the world of gaming blunders and entertainment failures. They share personal experiences, discuss major gaming disasters like Cyberpunk 2077 and Fallout 76, and reflect on the impact of these blunders on the gaming community. The conversation flows from personal updates to a broader discussion on the gaming industry's missteps, providing insights into the challenges faced by developers and the expectations of gamers. In this episode, Chris and Paul discuss major blunders in gaming and cinema, exploring the failures of Silent Hills PT, No Man's Sky, Battlefield 2042, and the disastrous release of Game of Thrones Season 8. They also touch on cinematic flops like Freddy Got Fingered and the 2017 Mummy reboot, highlighting the common theme of rushed releases and unmet expectations in both industries. The conversation wraps up with a look at other notable failures, including Overwatch 2 and the ill-fated Google Stadia.

Episode 041: The Wheel of Levels

In this episode of High Level Chronicles, the duo introduces a new segment called "The wheel of levels" where they brainstorm about whatever topic the wheel lands on. In this conversation, Paul and Chris explore a variety of hypothetical scenarios, from superpowers and fantasy worlds to political figures and the nature of death. They delve into the implications of living a long life, the quirks of narration, and the burden of memory. The discussion takes a whimsical turn as they speculate about alien cannabis and conclude with practical tips for self-improvement and productivity.

Episode 040: New Year, New Levels!

In this episode of High Level Chronicles, hosts Chris and Paul recap their previous episode and set the stage for 2025, exploring the evolving cannabis industry, entertainment trends, and listener engagement. The conversation highlights innovations in cannabis technology, including precision dosed vapes, and the potential legislative changes surrounding cannabis scheduling. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the evolving landscape of cannabis legislation, the risks associated with Delta products, and the growing awareness of terpenes over THC levels. They discuss the potential for social consumption lounges and the ongoing unionization efforts within the cannabis industry. Additionally, they explore upcoming trends in cannabis beverages and anticipated entertainment releases for 2025, highlighting the intersection of cannabis culture and mainstream media. In this engaging conversation, Paul and Chris delve into the 2025 trends in horror films, anticipated TV show seasons, and the evolving landscape of streaming services. They discuss unique horror concepts, the impact of AI on screenwriting, and the revival of classic series like The X-Files. The duo shares their thoughts on beloved shows like The Last of Us and Yellowjackets, while also exploring the future of entertainment and the influence of technology on storytelling.

Episode 039: New Year, New Games and GOTY Controversy?

In this episode of High Level Chronicles, hosts Chris and Paul reflect on their holiday experiences and discuss what they've been leveling up on, including gaming and cannabis. The main topic dives into a decade-long discussion of Game of the Year winners from 2014 to 2024, exploring the controversies surrounding the awards and predictions for the upcoming year. The conversation highlights the evolution of gaming and the impact of storytelling in video games. In this episode, Chris and Paul take a deep dive into the gaming landscape over the past few years, discussing notable games from 2019 to 2023, including their thoughts on Game of the Year winners and the impact of titles like Elden Ring and Baldur's Gate 3. They also share their excitement for upcoming games in 2025 and beyond, highlighting trends in gaming, the hottest upcoming titles and the evolution of gameplay experiences.

Episode 038: Merry Kushmas! 2024 Recap!

In this episode of High Level Chronicles, hosts Chris and Paul dive into a variety of topics, from their holiday experiences to gaming updates and personal stories. They discuss their time at PAX Unplugged, share their favorite strains and games, and explore the animated series Arcane. The conversation flows into Christmas traditions, favorite movies, and listener engagement, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the audience. In this episode of High Level Chronicles, Chris and Paul reflect on their podcasting journey, discussing the evolution of their show, memorable guests, and the impact of cannabis culture on gaming and film. They share personal anecdotes, explore deep philosophical questions, and engage in light-hearted banter about munchies and conspiracies. As they look forward to 2025, they express excitement for future episodes and community engagement.

Episode 037: Philosophers, Kings, and Cannabis

In this episode of High Level Chronicles, hosts Chris and Paul dive into imaginative discussions about historical figures and modern icons they would love to smoke with. They explore the concept of time travel through cannabis, sharing their thoughts on various eras and personalities, from the counterculture of the 1960s to ancient civilizations. The conversation flows into their personal experiences with cannabis and entertainment, creating a vibrant tapestry of humor, philosophy, and nostalgia. In this engaging conversation, Chris and Paul explore the idea of sharing cannabis with historical figures across various eras, from ancient philosophers to modern celebrities. They discuss the wisdom of figures like Marcus Aurelius and Machiavelli, the culinary insights of Anthony Bourdain, and the creative potential of artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. The conversation also touches on future possibilities, such as cannabis cultivation on Mars, and reflects on the cultural impact of tech pioneers from the 80s. Ultimately, they conclude with a humorous and imaginative depiction of the Founding Fathers drafting the Constitution while enjoying a smoke session.

Episode 036: High Thoughts & Deep Questions: Exploring Life, the Universe, and Everything

In this episode of High Level Chronicles, hosts Chris and Paul explore deep philosophical questions about existence, consciousness, and the possibility of living in a simulation. Are we living in a simulation? Is time just an illusion? What’s the meaning of life—or is there one? Join us as we explore these trippy existential rabbit holes, sparked by cannabis and video games. From déjà vu and The Sims to the mysteries of consciousness and universal interconnectedness, this episode is a cerebral adventure you don’t want to miss.

Episode 035: Mind, Body, and Game: The Health Impact of Gaming

In this episode of High Level Chronicles, Chris and Paul dive into the ups and downs of gaming’s impact on our health. We all love the thrill of landing that perfect shot, solving tough puzzles, and bonding with friends online—but how does all this screen time affect our minds and bodies? 
Join us as we explore the positive side of gaming, from boosted hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills to the social connections we build in multiplayer worlds. But it’s not all power-ups—there’s a flip side too. We break down the potential health challenges, like eye strain, poor posture, disrupted sleep, and the ever-present temptation of “just one more game.” 
Chris and Paul share some essential tips on staying balanced while gaming, from ergonomic setups to the 20-20-20 rule to avoid screen fatigue. And as always, we want to hear from you, Levelers! Let us know what you’ve been “leveling up” on this week and how you keep gaming healthy. Hit us up on social @HLCpodcast420 and tell us what’s good in your gaming life!
Tune in, learn how to game smarter, and stay leveled up!