The Hump! Podcast Ep. 32: Let's Join a League with Bubba Gaeddert (Part 2)

Welcome to The Hump! Podcast …. In episode 32 of The Hump! Podcast: Let’s Join a League with Bubba Gaeddart hosts Brent Bowen and Chad Beland continue chatting video games and more with Bubba Gaeddert, executive director of Varsity Esports Foundation. If you missed Part 1 of our chat with Bubba, be sure to tune into The Hump! Episode 31.

The fellas continue season two (safely from the confines of their respective homes using Squadcast.fm) chatting all things inane and profound (have you actually listened to the show).

Fellas @CMBKC1 & @Splitlegend chat video games and virtual sports with @BubbaGaeddart of @VEsportsFDN on The Hump! #Podcast Ep. 32 🎙 #kansascity

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The Hump! Podcast Episode 32 Show Notes – Let’s Join a League with Bubba Gaeddert (Part 2)

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In Ep. 32 of The Hump! Podcast, Brent & Chad Chat Video Games, Virtual Sports & More

What Craft Beers Are The Fellas Drinking? In Case You Forgot From Episode 31 …

Chad is drinking a Stillwater Artisanal Double Mocha Affogato Nitro stout. (Try to say that five times fast.) And though it’s from Stillwater, MD, it’s not the only Stillwater product on the evening’s show …
Featured guest Bubba Gaeddart (with Stillwater, OK, roots) is drinking Truly Lemonade Hard Seltzer and admits that influencer marketing has indeed influenced him.
Brent’s beverage of choice for the evening is a Hefeweissen.

Back to the Interview …

What Impact Has the Coronavirus Pandemic Had on Bubba’s Programs and Video Games in General?

The good news is that gaming is COVID-proof … the bad is that now kids are spending 14 hours a day playing video games. The Varsity Esports Foundation has always placed importance on healthy habits and breaking the stigma or stereotype of gamers sitting in the basement, drinking soda and eating chips.

But it is true that gaming builds community … which Brent can attest to with his own kids. And similar to other forms of electronic entertainment, like Netflix, the pandemic is causing a sharp uptick in gaming activity.

How Do Kids Grow Their Communication Skills and Team Building Through Esports Leagues?

Just like many other after school activities, such as sports, marching band, etc., kids learn to work together and communicate while playing games together. Even for kids who might be too shy or uncomfortable with face-to-face communication, they can build their communication skills through a microphone and a screen … growing their confidence for future in-person teamwork and communication.

What do you do when someone is “mean as snot” to their teammates while gaming? Producer Grant gets called out, and Brent invites Bubba over to counsel his son on how to be a better gamer …

Bubba’s response: “Quit throwing shade, bro. Quit being toxic”

Roast Burn GIF from Roast GIFs

How Does Bubba Feel About Twitch, and Who is His Favorite Gamer to Watch?

Bubba sees Twitch as a learning tool and social media platform as well as entertainment. He’s been streaming personally for the past few years, though he doesn’t generally stream his own gaming … as a graphic designer, he makes art and designs for streamers. But he also uses it to educate other streamers on becoming YouTube or Twitch stars … and the Twitch model CAN make money.

When it comes to his favorite Twitch gamer, Bubba says he leaves his screen open to TimTheTatMan. He likes his personality and says he’s funny … because he dies a lot accidentally and makes funny faces. “That’s comedy to me.”

In Light of the PS5 Announcement, What Upcoming Games Have Got Bubba Excited?

As a fan of “shoot-em-up games,” Bubba would love to see some new Halo from Xbox, taking him back to college … and a new Assassin’s Creed.

Bubba compares the constant “racket” of game and console upgrades to the cycle of college bookstores. Buy a textbook for $300, sell it back to them for $30 … then they re-sell it for $200. Remind anyone else of trips to GameStop to sell old games and consoles … and you’re offered a whole $0.15 for everything?

Where Can People Find the Varsity Esports Foundation and Learn More About its Mission?

You can visit VarsityEsportsFoundation.org to learn more about the foundation, and there’s even a button where you can donate. If you want to know more about what your donation can do, clicking the “Donate Now” button provides a breakdown of exactly what your money can provide.

The Hump! Music Guest

No music guest this week, but check out singer-songwriter Nicole Springer on Ep. 28.

You Can Catch The Hump! Live

You can watch Brent and Chad LIVE 7 p.m. CST most Wednesdays on Facebook (and sometimes Instagram — when it works).

They’ll publish the replays on Facebook and places where good audio can be found (see below platforms — and not saying they’re good, but they’ll slum along greatness).