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    Beyond the Metagame: A Smash Bros. Podcast

    Two experienced competitive Super Smash Bros. players analyze and break down the unspoken psychological framework of the competitive scene.
    en88 Episodes

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    Episodes (88)

    7-6 Do You Have Protagonist Syndrome?

    7-6 Do You Have Protagonist Syndrome?

    AV and Peon tackle the concept of Protagonist Syndrome. How do we avoid the pitfalls of focusing solely on our own progress? How does one optimally track their own improvement?
     
    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques.

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    7-4: Current and Past Events

    7-4: Current and Past Events

    AV and Peon spend some time discussing the events of the past year. Contents may include: paleontology, a patented Ness down-air, cultural optimism, and why you should never downplay your own successes.
     
    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques.

    Interlude music: spiritual awesomeness - Ben Ohr
    Check out Ben Ohr on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4RTUllFdPttQHfthpDXKoG?si=bG0z2a0BR_yKqoQG9igeNg

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    7-3: Sora and the DLC Retrospective

    7-3: Sora and the DLC Retrospective

    AV and Peon embark on a journey to talk about Sora, slowly descending into madness as they look back at all the DLC characters that have been released for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Click here to listen to the Smash Bros Cast Episode with Peon and AV.
    Check out Fraymakers here!

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    7-2 Back in the Saddle, Again

    7-2 Back in the Saddle, Again

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    7-1: Starting Melee in 2021

    7-1: Starting Melee in 2021

    The dream team is back and ready... to play Super Smash Bros. Melee. The two discuss the joys of learning Melee in 2021 with the fewer matchups, plethora of training resources, and great online support. Additionally, they discuss the state of Smash Ultimate and what it will be like to return to local tournaments in the upcoming months.

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    6-1: Some Guy Named Steve

    6-1: Some Guy Named Steve

    AV and Peon wake up from their collective fever dream and realize that Steve from Minecraft has in fact been confirmed for Smash. Suspending their disbelief, they address this wild addition to the already stacked roster.

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-16: The Art of Confidence ft. Coach Zeke

    5-16: The Art of Confidence ft. Coach Zeke

    Coach Zeke, the legendary coach behind many top players' rise to prominence, comes on the show to teach AV and Peon a thing or two. Listen to the trifecta talk about the journey from expert to master, key aspects holding your play back mentally, and how to approach re-contextualizing coping mechanisms.

    Socials:
    Zeke: @ZekeHere

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Sign up for Zeke's coaching here!
    Check out Zeke's streams here!

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-15: Why We Smash 2

    5-15: Why We Smash 2

    In the season finale, AV and Peon revisit the original premise of Beyond the Metagame. The two reflect on the benefits of pursuing competitive Smash as a hobby and explore what is preventing many community members from leveraging these lessons learned.

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-14: Patch 8.1 and Small Battlefield

    5-14: Patch 8.1 and Small Battlefield

    Out of nowhere, the Smash community has been blessed with a new stage, upgraded online functionality, and updates to Elite Smash requirements. Listen to the BTM hosts interpret what these changes mean for the online Smash scene!

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-13: Pandemic Sitrep

    5-13: Pandemic Sitrep

    As the dust slowly settles around our changed world, AV and Peon ponder the effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on competitive Smash, training routines, and their main characters.

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-12: Patch 8.0 and Min Min

    5-12: Patch 8.0 and Min Min

    With AV and Peon having a few weeks to take in the patch, the fearless duo are ready to share their opinions on Sakurai's recent shake-up. Tune in to hear their thoughts on Min Min, character buffs, and Peon's new dangerous hobby!

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Patch notes: https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/49877/~/super-smash-bros.-ultimate-update-ver.-8.0.0---fighter-adjustments

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-11: The Eternal Student ft. Dabuz

    5-11: The Eternal Student ft. Dabuz

    The name Dabuz in the Smash community is synonymous with consistent, methodical, and intelligent. This week, listen in to hear us pick the brain of Smash's most studious player to find out how Dabuz got these qualities, what he recommends for students of the game, and where his famous food opinions came from!

    Socials:
    Dabuz: @DabuzSenpai
    Dabuz's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiInRoutSNjxbaQ2a7Ushg

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-10: Min Min and Rollback Netcode

    5-10: Min Min and Rollback Netcode

    With Sakurai blessing us through another character reveal, AV and Peon take to the airwaves to discuss their first thoughts. After a long discussion about the new character, the hosts also share their thoughts on Melee's upgraded netplay service: Project Slippi.

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    How to try out Melee netplay: https://slippi.gg/netplay

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-9: Coaching Done Right ft. TSM Charles Thoren

    5-9: Coaching Done Right ft. TSM Charles Thoren

    Today the BTM hosts get the opportunity to speak with Korean, TSM's coach for Smash. Listen in to hear him drop knowledge about his coaching strategies with Tweek and Leffen, problems that he sees in all mid level players, and hear his take on recognizing potential.

    Socials:
    Korean: @Korean808

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Paper on ADHD and reaction times: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1601-183X.2010.00645.x
    Paper on genetic advantages of elite athletes: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Fulltext/2013/10000/Association_of_rs699__M235T__Polymorphism_in_the.34.aspx
    KSHMR's masterclass on how to improve at life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDLD0vqJ-cA&t=562s

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-8: Talent vs. Hard Work

    5-8: Talent vs. Hard Work

    AV and Peon address the Smash community's obsession with the overblown question of nature vs. nurture in their attempt to end this conversation once and for all.

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Paper on ADHD and reaction times: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1601-183X.2010.00645.x
    Paper on genetic advantages of elite athletes: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Fulltext/2013/10000/Association_of_rs699__M235T__Polymorphism_in_the.34.aspx
    KSHMR's masterclass on how to improve at life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDLD0vqJ-cA&t=562s

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-7: Aggression

    5-7: Aggression

    AV and Peon are all fired up due to one of the most notoriously abused concepts in the Smash community: aggression. Where is it useful? What is it? Are you too aggressive? Find out on this contentious episode!

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-6: What's Your Problem? ft. The People

    5-6: What's Your Problem? ft. The People

    This week, AV and Peon take some calls from the BTM community. We chat with each caller about a problem they may be having, and we get to the bottom of it.

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-5: Cheating on Smash

    5-5: Cheating on Smash

    This week, AV and Peon talk about cheating on Smash. At what point is spending time with other games or other hobbies detrimental to Smash goals? How do we best leverage time away from Smash to fulfill our improvement goals?

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-4: Camping and You

    5-4: Camping and You

    AV and Peon talk camping. What about defensive play makes it so frustrating to deal with? What does this say about our mid-match psychology? When can camping be best utilized to win an important set or to tilt your opponent past the edge?

    Tournament Sign-Up: https://smash.gg/btm

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    5-3: Should You Play Project+?

    5-3: Should You Play Project+?

    AV and Peon breakdown the newest iteration of Project M, "Project+." Who is this game for, what are our impressions, and is it worth your time?

    Socials:

    AV: @AVaidyanatha
    Peon: @Peon_BTM
    BTM: @beyondmetagame

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondthemetagame
    Click here to purchase BTM merch!
    Click here to join our Discord!
    Or follow this link: https://discordapp.com/invite/xDu3tt5

    Beyond the Metagame is a Super Smash Brothers podcast that deals with how to both improve and enjoy the game more without ever touching a controller. Every week, Abhi Vaidyanatha (AV) and Dane Hartog (Peon) tackle one important piece to the puzzle of maximizing your potential as a competititor, breaking down the importance of leveling up your mind and body in parallel with your in-game techniques. 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★