We Are Survivors: A The Last of Us Podcast

We Are Survivors Trailer

Fri, 29 May 2020 23:32:54 GMT

On June 8th Mash Those Buttons will be releasing our Limited Series dedicated to The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II: We Are Survivors. Jarret and Bob will recap the events of The Last of Us, talk about the game play, and discuss their experiences. On June 22nd the show will resume on a weekly basis as they cover their journey through The Last of Us Part II.

Episode URL: [episode_short_url]

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introduction

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 06:05:17 GMT

Welcome to We Are Survivors! We're excited to dig back into The Last of Us as we prepare for the launch of The Last of Us Part II. In this episode we'll introduce ourselves as well as talk about what made The Last of Us special and what you can expect from this show, and our plan for the launch of The Last of Us Part II.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2g0

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Chapters 1-3: Prologue, The Quarantine Zone, The Outskirts

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 06:19:17 GMT

In this episode we dive into the first three chapters of The Last of Us: The Prologue, The Quarantine Zone, and The Outskirts. We recap the events from these chapters as well as discuss how we think we would have handled ourselves during the outbreak, what the world has become post-outbreak, and our first glimpse at the rest of the world outside of the quarantine zones.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2fo

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Chapters 4-6: Bill's Town, Pittsburgh, and The Suburbs

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 06:38:23 GMT

On this episode we'll be covering a very meaty chunk of the game: Bill's Town, Pittsburgh, and The Suburbs. We finally step out of the tutorial areas and get a much better look at the world of The Last of Us. We also find that the infected aren't our greatest worry, it's other people. We discuss our thoughts as we are introduced to the Hunters, Joel's evolving relationship with Ellie, and meeting up with Henry and Sam.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2fp

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Chapters 7-9: Tommy's Dam, The University, and Lakeside Resort

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 06:52:41 GMT

Still recovering from Pittsburgh and what happened to Henry and Sam, but we're heading into Tommy's Dam, The University, and Lakeside Resort. We'll discuss Joels reunion with Tommy, one of the most tense moments in the game with Joel and Ellie, get an education on how some of the survivors are choosing to live, and also talk about Joel's changing feelings toward Ellie.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2fq

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Chapters 10-12: The Bus Depot, Firefly Lab, and Epilogue

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 06:59:45 GMT

We're coming toward the end of our journey, and in this episode we'll cover The Bus Depot, Firefly Lab, and Epilogue. The Bus Depot is mostly story building, but we soon see the true face of the Fireflies. We discuss how we feel about the Firefly operation, Joel's attachment to Ellie, some very critical decisions made, and Jaa finally discusses why he hates Joel so much.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2fr

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us: Left Behind

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 07:06:51 GMT

Before we finish up Part 1 of our limited series, we also need to dive into the Left Behind DLC. In this episode we'll discuss the story implications, Ellie's relationship with Riley, we we found out in the companion comic, and more.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2fs

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Part II: Jackson

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 08:36:43 GMT

Welcome back to We Are Survivors! The Last of Us Part II has arrived, and Jaa and Bob discuss their thoughts about the first few hours of the game in Jackson. We catch up with Joel and Ellie, meet Jessie and Dina, talk about what happens on Patrol, and get introduced to Abby and her group.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2g9

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Part II: Seattle Day 1 - Part 1

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 07:01:24 GMT

This week we'll be leaving Jackson and heading to Seattle as Ellie hunts down Abby and the WLF. On this episode we're going to cover part of Seattle Day 1 including The QZ Gate, Downtown, the Serevena Hotel, Eastbrook Elementary, and Capitol Hill.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2gg

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Part II: Seattle Day 1 - Part 2

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 06:36:08 GMT

Wrapping up the events of Seattle Day 1 in this episode. We make it to the TV station, push through the subway tunnels, come across a new type of infected, Ellie surprises Dina by revealing she is immune (again), and Dina has a surprise of her own.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2gm

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Part II: Seattle Day 2 - Part 1

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 06:24:20 GMT

Ellie and Dina have made it to a safe location in Seattle after at least two near death encounters with the WLF. In this episode we discuss going to Hillcrest to investigate reports of a lone male "trespasser", trying not to kill the dogs, seeing the aftermath of FEDRA being ousted, and a flashback to a time when Joel, Ellie, and Tommy went on patrol.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2gn

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Part II: Seattle Day 2 - Part 2

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 07:36:14 GMT

In this episode we wrap up Seattle Day 2. We head to the hospital to look for Nora, get a proper introduction to stage 2 infected, finally meet the Scars, find out why Abby's group came to Jackson, and find out why Ellie and Joel's relationship took a turn.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2gq

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Part II: Seattle Day 3

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 06:08:00 GMT

In this episode we make our way through Seattle Day 3, fighting the WLF as they prepare to attack the Scars, making our way through the flooded areas of Seattle, and finally reaching the Aquarium to confront Abby. We also discover why Abby hated Joel so much, and it's not just because of him taking Ellie away from the Firefly base.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2gw

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Part II: Seattle Day 1 - Abby Part 1

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 06:50:09 GMT

Now we get to see the other side of the story. Not sure if we wanted to, but here we are. In this episode we go through the first half of Seattle Day 1 with Abby. We make our way through the WLF stadium, head to the forward base, and head to the Aquarium through hostile territory.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2h6

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Part II: Seattle Day 1 - Abby Part 2

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 05:48:44 GMT

Picking up where we left off on Day 1 with Abby. We escape from the Scars, meet Yara and Lev, and make it to the Aquarium and confront Owen.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2hd

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Part II: Seattle Day 2 - Abby

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 19:01:10 GMT

At the end of Seattle Day 1 Abby has some regret about leaving Yara and Lev behind. In Seattle Day 2 we'll travel back to check on Yara and Lev, use a sky bridge to get to the hospital to grab medical supplies, make our way through hotel that's seen better days, and find an abomination waiting for us in the hospital basement.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2hl

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Part II: Seattle Day 3 - Abby

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 06:59:47 GMT

The paths of Abby and Ellie merge on day 3 in Seattle. Before we get there though, we fight off a sniper at the Marina, follow Lev to the Scar Island, and escape before it all burns down. We return to the Aquarium to find a grim surprise, and finally our paths reconnect with Ellie and find out what happens at the Theatre.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2hn

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Part II: Santa Barbara

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 05:46:05 GMT

This is it, the home stretch. Ellie and Abby finally met in Seattle, and it didn't end well for Ellie. We start this episode after those events at Ellie and Dina's farm house and see what type of life they've built together. We find out that Abby is in Santa Barbara and Ellie follows. We discuss that, plus both Ellie and Abby's experiences in Santa Barbara, and what happens when they cross paths again.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2ht

Hosts:

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us Part II: Final Thoughts and Listener Feedback

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 08:43:28 GMT

It's been a great ride, but it's time to bring things to a close. In our finale episode for The Last of Us Part II we deliver our final thoughts on the game as well as discuss listener thoughts and feedback. We discuss how being forced to analyze the game over a long time changed our perspective on a few things, the similarities between Ellie and Abby, as well as why Ellie was so hellbent on revenge. We also get into why Abby did not have the moral high ground in this situation, and Jaa gives his case on why Ellie lost the most in this story.

Episode URL: tb.gg/2i1

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO: When You're Lost in the Darkness - Part 1

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Join Jaa, Bob, and newcomer Kef as we revisit Season 1 of HBO's The Last of Us. We discuss our evolving perspective on the show's changes versus what was in the game, moving past initial fan concerns to appreciate the storytelling choices. In this episode, we examine the series premiere, which sets up Joel and Sarah's relationship against the backdrop of civilization's collapse. We discuss the events, character development, and subtle foreshadowing.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3m6

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO: When You're Lost in the Darkness - Part 2

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:35:00 GMT

We break down how FEDRA feels more humanized and the Boston QZ feel more alive and complex than their game counterparts. We discuss our introduction to key characters like Tess, Ellie, and Marlene, and how their presentation and personality differs on TV. Apparently Joel can get really violent and Ellie is into it for some reason. Of course, we compare the show to the game and discuss how its changed or expanded the world of The Last of Us.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3m7

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO: Infected

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Joel, Ellie, and Tess continue their journey to the Capitol building and give us our first real look at the aftermath of the outbreak. We also get a treated to some extended lore in the Jakarta opening, explaining how the outbreak spread so fast. We learn about more differences in this version of TLoU, including how the infected can communicate with each other and work together. The differences between the characters and their game counterparts are becoming more apparent. However, the Clickers seem to be spot on! We discuss that and WAY more in this episode.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3me

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO: Long, Long Time

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Episode 3 is a significant departure from the game. You can say it fills backstory, but it might as well be an alternate universe. One where Bill is still paranoid, but loveable, and Frank is, well, alive. We discuss the narrative, meeting Frank, and how Bill's character has changed from the game. The greatest tragedy of this episode is how we were robbed of Bill/Ellie interactions. We also get a little bit of Joel and Ellie as they travel to Bill's Town. Bob thinks Joel is starting to like Ellie. Jaa and Kef disagree. Debate ensues.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3mg

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO: Please Hold to My Hand

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:58:13 GMT

In episode 4 we experience another divergence from the game, but we wouldn't say its as big as what happened will Bill. Pittsburgh is swapped for Kansas City, but the events are mostly the same, even if the characters and their motivations are not. We're introduced to Kathleen and Perry (who might sound familiar), as well as the "legend" of Henry. Before all that, thought, Joel and Ellie get some bonding time, even if Joel doesn't really want it. With this episode, we really start to see how the TV show is shaping these characters.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3mo

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO: Endure and Survive

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:30:00 GMT

We finally get to see the "legendary" Henry, and how he and Sam managed to avoid Kathleen. We also see how laser focused Kathleen is on catching Henry, even to the detriment of the city and citizens. Additionally, we get to see the final stage of the infection, the Bloater, in action. Of course, we discuss the differences between the game and TV show, particularly around Sam's age and disability, and Henry's cowardice and not being very capable. We also discuss missing story context from the game, some discrepancies in the show lore, and much more.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3mr

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO: Kin

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:30:00 GMT

When Joel set out to find Tommy, I'm pretty sure he didn't expect to find he's become a communist. To be fair, Tommy didn't realize he had become one. In "Kin", Joel and Ellie finally reach Tommy, but also find the town of Jackson where life looks a bit more normal than the rest of the world. We discuss our thoughts on the dynamics between Tommy, Joel, Ellie, and Maria. We also discuss multiple connections we found to The Last of Us Part II, Joel's inner struggles, and further relationship development between Joel and Ellie.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3mx

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO: Left Behind

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:30:00 GMT

We get a glimpse into Ellie's life before she was infected, and learn about her friendship with another girl named Riley. This episode is taken from the Left Behind DLC, but we only get half of it here. We talk about what is missing, the prequel comic "American Dreams", and recap the episode comparing it to the game.

Episode URL: [episode_short_url]

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO: When We Are in Need

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:30:00 GMT

With Joel out of commission, Ellie is on her own to keep them both alive. Unfortunately for her, the group they ran into at the University isn't too far away. This episode covers the events of one of the most memorable areas of the game: The Lakeside Resort where Ellie comes across David. We discuss how David's character evolved between the game and the show, and how it adds additional depth to his character instead of changing it. We discuss how this episode evolves Ellie's character, and changes Joel and Ellie's relationship forever.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3n3

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO: Look for the Light

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:10:00 GMT

Joel and Ellie's journey comes to an end as they finally find the Fireflies. Actually, more like the Fireflies find them. This is the shortest episode of the season, but we felt like that extra time could have been used to explore some character depth more, especially in the case of Marlene. We discuss the evolution of Joel and Ellie, the writers shoe-horing dialog in where it didn't fit, Marlene's underlying mental state, and of course, Joel's actions at the end of the show.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3n9

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO: Season 1 Final Thoughts

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:30:00 GMT

We held many of our thoughts back this season as we were going through the episodes, but in this episode we don't hold back. We give our final thoughts on season 1, discussing what we felt went right and what went wrong. We're also joined by a special guest, who watched the show before playing the game, to get their perspective on it. We discuss the differences in characters, major moments from the game that were missing, and we also discuss some of the challenges they may face adapting the second game in season 2.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3nc

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO S2: Season 2 Pre-show

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:30:00 GMT

We're gearing up for Season 2 of The Last of Us on HBO. Early warning, this episode is possibly spoilery. We dig into what the trailers and how they mirror what's in the game, and also some new things we see, like Jackson under seige. We discuss where potential narrative changes may happen, and the possibility of the story being told in chronological order. We talk if the show will be able to relay the narrative of The Last of Us Part 2 properly, considering it was a story based in violence versus one about healing. We also welcome spores into TLoU HBO universe.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3nf

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO S2: Future Days

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:30:00 GMT

The Last of Us Season 2 premiere breakdown explores Abby's introduction, Joel and Ellie's new life in Jackson, and how the show adapts The Last of Us Part II's storyline. We discuss the evolution of key relationships and character motivations while highlighting significant departures from the game's narrative. The episode sets up central themes of revenge, survival, and broken trust that will drive this season forward (hopefully). New characters and plot developments provide fresh perspectives on this post-apocalyptic world to keep things fresh for those of us that have played the game. In our discussion of episode 1, we use what we know to see if we can figure out where we are heading this season.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3nh

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO S2: Through the Valley

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:26:00 GMT

This was the big week! We unpack the emotional aftermath of this episodes events and the intense fan reaction it sparked online. We debate whether the show should have diverged from the game's storyline while discussing key moments like Abby's dream sequence and the Jackson siege. Our conversation also touches on an intriguing theory about the canceled multiplayer game, as we process our thoughts about this pivotal moment in the series.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3np

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO S2: The Path

Thu, 01 May 2025 09:30:00 GMT

Is every episode 3 going to be a huge departure from the game? We were surprised to see a three month time jump, but discussed that it ultimately might serve the show better. We can see the ripple affects of the changes made to the show, as key points have been shifted to account for creative changes. We discuss Dina and Ellie's developing relationship, Seth's redemption arc, the introduction of the Seraphites, and what all these changes mean for the story in the future.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3nu

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO S2: Day One

Thu, 08 May 2025 09:30:00 GMT

We start by focusing on the bold decision to cut the first half of Seattle Day One, removing key locations like the Saravina Hotel. We discuss the music store scene and its impact without the emotional callbacks to Joel. Isaac’s backstory gets a major shift, transforming him from a ruthless WLF leader into a complex former Fedra officer, with a chilling interrogation scene that sets the tone for his character. We also hit the tense TV station sequence, the chaotic subway escape, and Dina’s dramatic reaction to Ellie’s immunity, questioning whether the show captures the same intensity as the game.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3o0

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO S2: Feel Her Love

Fri, 16 May 2025 09:30:00 GMT

Episode 5 brings two of the most anticipated events of season 2: Spores and Ellie's encounter with Nora. We discuss the changes and similarities for both of those and what it means for the show, but also dig into the constant ineptitude of Ellie in the TV show. Jaa says this episode completes her character assassination. We also discuss Ellie and Dina's handling of the warehouse, and the differences in Ellie and Jessie's relationship in the TV show.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3o1

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO S2: The Price

Thu, 22 May 2025 09:30:00 GMT

We dive into Episode 6, "The Price," and why it might be the best episode of the season so far. We talk about the emotional weight of the flashbacks, Pedro Pascal’s unforgettable final performance, and whether this version of Ellie can carry the emotional and physical weight of the journey. We break down the timeline inconsistencies, the choice to stack all of Joel’s flashbacks into one episode, and how that changes the show’s pacing and impact. Plus, we get into the symbolism of the moth, museum memories, and our growing skepticism about what’s coming in the finale.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3o7

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last of Us HBO S2: Convergence

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In the season 2 finale, we break down the episode’s biggest turning points and how they reshape the narrative going forward. We get into the tension at the theater, the shifting dynamics between characters, and the final moments that officially pass the baton to a new perspective. There's debate over the writing, the performances, and whether this season stuck the landing.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3oa

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com Discord: mash.gg/discord

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices