If you’re new to ITA, a friendly show with a huge backlog and a lovely community awaits you. The hosts bring thoughtful takes and take the rare path of adjusting their opinions as time passes and they put more time into a game or give games another chance. Fun and largely timeless since it doesn’t focus only on new releases. I wholeheartedly recommend if you enjoy positivity with critical insight and good vibes and want to learn a lot about Fire Emblem along the way (even if you never play the games).

One of the rare game-focused podcasts that is not exclusively about the hot new release of the week or “retro” titles, and it’s a really good one too! I enjoy the mixed bag approach, sometimes I want to hear about a 3 year old game as well as something brand new or a capital C Classic. Also, their console & decade retrospective episodes are maybe the best of their kind online :D

Just like video games, this podcast is good

The quality has dipped quite a bit the couple years, a la way less deep dives and bonus episodes than there used to be (which were, by far, the best episodes). P.S. Their P**reon is an absolute scam. $5+ a month for four 10 min episodes they fart out. It’s a good deal if you wanna spend your money on nothing.

This podcast, and the community around it, started as a bright spot during the dark times of the pandemic - positive people, creating a positive podcast, and building a positive community. There’s really nothing else like in the gaming community, and my life is objectively better for it existing. I’m endlessly thankful that something like this can exist in the world.

In-depth discussions about old and new favorites, deep dives into retro game platforms that go far beyond the swath of “10 best [PSP/Dreamcast/etc] games” lists you find on the internet, and a delightful chemistry between the co-hosts…and a bop of a theme song! What more can you ask for? Plus, no other podcast has a 15 hour-long episode that I listened to not just once but TWICE because it’s that good

This is not the show I feel in love with five years ago. Instead of deep dives into games it has become a first impressions show. It’s difficult to listen to the guys make sweeping statements about games they’ve played two hours of. I appreciate Brenden and Stephen for all the joy over the years but it’s time for me to move on.

Been listening since the Chrono Trigger bonus episode. Unfortunately, Brendon and Stephen have gone the route of including politics far too often in their discussions. In their earlier episodes you could really feel their passion and dedication, but now, especially since signing to a network, they have become your typical cookie-cutter gaming podcast. Overly loud and obnoxious, high school jokes, and not taking feedback seriously.

Every episode is amazing. The hosts are hilarious and they explain games beautifully. Even if I don’t know the game, it’s truly interesting to listen to. Truly something I’m excited about.

Only games podcast I listen to now! I don’t care about the news! I just want to hear about the PSP it makes my brain feel warm

I’ve listened to over 50 episodes, so I obviously enjoy something about this show. But it needs to be acknowledged this is largely a midlife crisis podcast dominated by a man who is often incredibly childish. Not in the endearing way. Stephen leans on his experiences from middle school and high school in every single episode. His humor is steeped in references most men (yes, whether they want to admit it or not, this is a “boys” podcast) in their 30s will find faintly familiar but won’t quite remember because they’ve moved on decades ago. Brendan isn’t much better. Unfortunately this also means their thematic analysis is often hyperbolic at best or superficial at worst. You’d think sometimes they were discussing Brothers Karamazov and then you visit the game in question and find, well, yep, it’s just a video game. There’s some unresolved trauma going on here, so I have no ill will toward either of them. I just wish they would grow up a bit, as it’d only enrich their analysis. This is one of the few video game podcasts that at least attempts to explore the medium’s thematic territory. At least AJ is genuinely funny.

Found this podcast through a mention a on MinnMax! This podcast is perfect if you want light commentary on all variety of video games that balances fun and insightful opinions. As an adult in my early 30’s I find this podcast relatable as a lot of the references made have lined up with my own video game experience. Sometimes some podcast hosts are of a certain generation and I don’t get pop culture references but this one hits just right especially when it comes to games.

this and minn max are the two best video game pods 😺

I’m so happy I found this podcast. Been listening to Stephen and Brendon since the summer but I have already managed to work my way through to their 2023 catalogue of episodes. I love their humorous and thoughtful analysis on games and the industry. Excited to figure out patreon to explore more of their backlog of content.

I cannot get enough of these dudes. They have impeccable taste. Super chill but very detailed. The perfect pod, man. YouTube channel has even more great stuff. Love you dudes!

The same way that certain video game comes into so many of our lives at the exact moment we need it most, I have found this podcast at a crucial time for my mental health. The hosts are incredibly optimistic and introduced me to Florence and other masterpieces that continue to prove that you don’t need a triple A budget to make a gorgeous art piece. As a full-time parent, a full-time worker, and a full-time student, the video games I adore continue to be out of my reach. Being able to have something tangible that allows me to not only stay knowledgeable in what I can look forward to with any ounce of free-time I can find, but creates the coziest environment while doing so—unlike most game related podcasts. Thank you for being the Celeste to my 2018 Stephen.

This is a Loki video game podcast, I sincerely hope there will be more of the former as much as there has been of latter. Excellent work!

This is easily my absolute favorite podcast. The hosts celebrate gaming, and their passion and love is clearly felt and shared. If you love gaming, you'll love this podcast, and it will bring a smile to your face! Not to mention, their amazing one of kind specials and ENTIRE console retrospectives!

My favorite show even though I may never catch up. Feels like hanging out with great friends.

I discovered them via one of those other video game podcasts about a month ago and have been slowly making my way through the backlog regularly. They like the same kind of games I like! They have good voices and are chill and normal and thoughtful! It’s refreshing that it’s not just a new releases cast! Thank you so much for making this show!!

ITA has inspired me week over week for the past 6 years. So fun. So informative. Super fun. It whips! Love y’all!

I’m a new listener but my god it’s so fun and I love the chemistry between the two hosts!!!

This is my favorite podcast and I’ve been listening every week for years (since the GBA bonus). It feels like you’re just hanging out with your buds. They also have the greatest discord community I’ve ever seen. Whenever life is hard or lonely, which it too often is, into the aether is always here. Thanks for all the long chats Brendon and Stephen ❤️. P.S. I’m so excited for yall to delve deeper into the playdate. For me, the most fun in gaming is coming from these smaller, constrained indie experiences (such as playdate and pico8). P.P.S. Would love to hear more non-video game content. P.P.P.S. Also, would love a pico8 bonus (similar vibes to the playdate).

If hearing “it really makes me consider how I understand time” in a conversation about a video game clearly made for children sounds like a good time, definitely give this show a listen.

A regular listener of my show had been begging me to check this show out for months. When I had a lull in my usual podcast consumption I listened to a few episodes and what do you know…it lived up to the hype! I’m now a regular listener, and interested in getting to know these fine gentlemen over time. -Julian Titus, host of The Stage Select podcast

Long time listener, first time caller, and sure not the last. Love the show so so so so so so so much, thank you so much for this show. Please have 5 hours and 30 minutes of final fantasy VII rebirth content just like Remake. Please? Thank you so much. 5/5 stars

you should talk more about Malcom Landgraab

Came on to Brendon and Stephen’s cast after someone describe it as an ‘Idle Thumbs’-like and I could not be more pleased. Into the Aether really expands the genre with its unique blend of spices that amounts to nothing less than a chef’s kiss. Graphics: 10/10 Sound: 5/5 Gameplay: A-. AJ is pretty ok, too 🤗.

This pod was recommended to me as a “similar” show to some video game podcasts that I listen to so I gave it a shot, and it was instantly something I knew I’d connect with. My early impression is that I love the hosts’ report, I appreciate that they are leaning into what makes their show great, and love hearing their variety of experiences on different games. Stoked to have found this pod!

Fantastic show, Stephen and Brendon have great chemistry, and they make a point to only bring games to the show that they enjoy. This gives the show a nice, positive vibe: something that is sorely needed in the online discourse about video games. They also cover games of any era, I love hearing about older gems across any and every console, alongside coverage of new stuff. Highly recommend this one!!

Stepvhen scream laughs at anything mildly amusing and responds to Brendan with the same opinion he said before but slightly rephrased. Stepvhen: (says he has an opinion that’s hard to articulate) Brendan: I agree and (STEPVHEN SCREAM LAUGH) here’s a fully formed thought. Stepvhen: Yeah and here’s my opinion that I just said before and I still can’t articulate it. (SCREAM LAUGH) Brendan: I hear you, that makes sense. Also here’s another thing that’s interesting and well thought out. Stepvhen: (SCREAM LAUGH) sorry for this jumpscare but here’s the same opinion I said two times already. Ad infinitum…

And it’s not even close

Stephen and Brendon are fantastic hosts. Their love, respect, and enthusiasm for video games is always a pleasure to listen to. My favorite pod cast hands down.

One of my favourite podcasts of all time (tied with the Besties). Currently going back and listening to every ep. Just got to the infamous Kingdom Hearts 3 episode lmao…You guys rule!

Awesome podcast that talks about all the games and not just the new. Got into a lot of older video games thanks to these guys (Henry Hatsworth is amazing). Thanks for the good times!

This is the best podcast. The vibes are juicy. Professional god tier production level. Good gams discussed. Fun and funny conversations. Support these folks, cause they rule.

The video game podcast version of gathering around a warm fire with a cup of coffee and good friends!

I stumbled across this podcast after being recommended by another podcast (“The Besties”). Due to my internal obsession of progression, I started from the beginning and am now wrapping up 2018. I’ve listened to a ton of podcasts over the past few years and I have never related more to two individuals. I am astounded they do not have a larger following. They’re colloquial down-to-earth rapport shines almost as much as their wit and deep unpacking of what makes video games special. I hope everyone with a passing interest in video games (even if not) gives this podcast a chance. And I hope Stephen and Brendon find additional success and continue to produce such excellent content. This will be a constant for me going forward.

For years I struggled to find a podcast about video games that I actually enjoyed. When I stumbled across Into The Aether a few months ago, I knew it was going to be special after only a couple of minutes. Brendan and Stephen are amazing hosts and I could listen to them talk about games all day. Every week it’s like I’m catching up with old friends. 100% recommendation!

Love this show so much, super cool content thank you so much for all you do!!

I recently got recommended this podcast and I cannot stop listening through it. I have heard almost half of it already. Love how many games they touch base on in most episodes.

You introduced me to these cool buds. Everyone who cares about video games at all, listen to this podcast.

I started with the game boy advanced episode and boy did it set a high bar. That episode is one of the all time greatest episodes of any podcast and I’d recommend anyone with a passing interest in video games to take a listen. That being said, I look forward to each episode they release. They have a knack for finding great games other people aren’t talking about. Their love of video games is contagious. I could listen to them gush over a game for hours on end!

I like!

The two guys in this podcast are clearly good friends, have an easy rapport and are both very quick witted. I especially love their bonus episodes where they do incredibly deep dives into single games. And am I wrong or does Stephen have the sexiest voice/laugh ever? (Sorry, Brendon).

In the last year, this has become my favorite podcast. What started for me as a sleepy time don’t pay attention cast now has me fighting the parasocial friendship i feel for the hosts. Keep at it guys.

This is a fantastic gaming podcast. Now if I could only talk them into playing Obakeidoro! Edit: Guys… c’mon: Gerudo not Jerudo.

Rarely will you get so lucky to find a good video game podcast with this much content that’s still running. Grab your favorite blend of tea and get ready to Boucheron through hours of joy. Mario.

This show is fantastic! You get great insight into games you should buy, what games mean, what games mean to developers, and just a whole lot of nostalgia and laughs along the way. Very funny, very fun, highly recommend!

Great games, great chemistry, great vibes. My favorite podcast!