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Artwork for The Legend of SwordQuest

The Legend of SwordQuest

iHeartPodcasts
Swordquest
Atari
Earthworld
Video Games
World War II
Jack Tramiel
The Great Gatsby
Andy the Goose
Pizza
Franklin Mint
Commodore
The Strong Museum Of Play
Ready Player One
Saturday Night Live
Gene Fleming
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Armed Services Editions
Ilario Mario Fabrini
Velvalee Dickinson
Fireworld

What started as a promotion for a new Atari game would become one of the most controversial moments in ‘80s pop culture, with a central mystery that’s consumed fans for decades: what happened to the missing SwordQuest prizes?

To unlock the biggest mystery in video game history, host Jamie Loftus is going on a treasure hunt 40 years in the making.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes16Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureVideo GamesDocumentaryLeisure

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Artwork for The Legend of SwordQuest

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Recent Guests

Abbott Kahler
Author of Eden Undone, A True Story of Sex, Murder, and Utopia at the Dawn of World War II
Author
Episode: The Galápagos Murders [from Very Special Episodes]
Julia Herman
Collections manager at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum
Lake Placid Olympic Museum
Episode: The Olympic Prison [from Very Special Episodes]
Courtney Bastien
Director of the Lake Placid Olympic Museum
Lake Placid Olympic Museum
Episode: The Olympic Prison [from Very Special Episodes]
Professor Jeff Hall
Author of 'A Prison in the Woods' discussing the construction of FCI Raybrooke
Episode: The Olympic Prison [from Very Special Episodes]
Elizabeth Swaney
Olympic athlete and multi-talented individual
Hungarian Olympic Committee
Episode: How to Make the Olympics (Without Supernatural Athletic Ability) [from Very Special Episodes]
Matthew Algeo
Philadelphia native and journalist
Episode: Very Special Episodes: Meet the Steagles
Larry Mazza
Former associate of the Colombo crime family
Episode: Very Special Episodes: The Cabbage Patch Crisis
Roger Schleifer
Licenser in the toy industry during the 1980s
Episode: Very Special Episodes: The Cabbage Patch Crisis
David Bosch
Consumer behavior expert and associate professor of psychology at NYU
New York University
Episode: Very Special Episodes: The Cabbage Patch Crisis

Hosts

Dana Schwartz
Host noted for her engaging storytelling style and deep dives into cultural phenomena; often connects personal anecdotes to broader themes in her narratives.
Jason English
Co-host known for bringing insightful commentary on cultural topics and serving as a conversational counterpart to Dana Schwartz.
Zaron Burnett
Co-host delivering strong viewpoints on narratives within pop culture and often exploring historical contexts in discussions.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 268 ratings
  • A story almost as mysterious as the host

    Look, I don’t know if she really did kill those guys in Grand Rapids, but I absolutely loved this podcast! One of the wildest stories in video game history. Would be cool to see it in video form for sure!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Johnny Fishsticks
    United States10 months ago
  • Really good!!

    Listened to this with my son on the way to school. He loved it. Thanks

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AJPally
    United States10 months ago
  • Reads like a mystery novel

    So well written , this presentation is an electronic page turner !!! So many interesting characters involved that are real , not a Hollywood Screenwriters invention …and don’t forget the bonus chapter… may be the best of them all !!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    vernest
    United Statesa year ago
  • What an Awesome Story

    Brings me back to my Atari playing days!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Redwings51
    United Statesa year ago
  • An awesome deep dive into video game obscura. Even people who don't care about video games would find this fascinating. This is the kind of journalism the podcast world needs more of.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    biguglyrobot
    a year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and expert interviews is frequently highlighted as a strong point, making the content relatable and enjoyable.
Listeners appreciate the thorough historical research and storytelling craft, praising it as a nostalgic and engaging exploration of a unique topic.
Overall, the presentations and narratives have sparked joy and intrigue among a nostalgic audience, with many eager to learn more about the intricate details of their childhood favorites.
Fans resonate with the deep dives into lesser-known aspects of video game and pop culture history, reflecting an insightful approach to storytelling.
Some particular episodes have been critiqued for pacing issues or repetitive content, though the majority sentiment remains positive about the overall quality.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Olympic Prison [from Very Special Episodes]
Q: How did the local press initially react to the Olympic Prison?
Initially, the local press was mostly supportive, focusing on the economic benefits, but attitudes shifted as public opinion turned against the project due to environmental and community concerns.
The Olympic Prison [from Very Special Episodes]
Q: What concerns did local residents have about the Olympic Prison?
Local residents were worried about civil rights, environmental impact, and the economic implications of housing a federal prison after hosting the Olympics.
VSE: David Chase's Lost 'Wonder Years' Episode
Q: Why was David Chase's episode so edgy that it never aired on TV?
David Chase's script involved themes that were deemed too dark for the show, including the ghost of Holden Caulfield visiting Kevin Arnold.
VSE: How Gatsby Went From Total Flop to Great American Novel
Q: Did you guys see the 2013 Leonardo DiCaprio movie version of this?
Yes, I liked it and found it enjoyable.
VSE: How Gatsby Went From Total Flop to Great American Novel
Q: Do either of you have any relationship with this book?
Yes, I love it and think it's one of the greatest American novels.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Legend of SwordQuest

What is The Legend of SwordQuest about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content explores the captivating saga of SwordQuest, an Atari game that sparked one of the most enigmatic events in video game history. It unpacks the cultural phenomenon surrounding the game and its associated prizes, which went missing amidst controversy in the 1980s. Through a blend of historical storytelling and rich personal narratives, episodes feature a variety of topics, including its marketing strategies, the community's obsession, and the broader implications on childhood nostalgia and consumer culture. Special guests, including experts and enthusiasts, contribute insights, making it a unique mix of documentary-style exploration and engaging storytelling that appeals to avid gamers and pop culture enthusiasts alike.

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How many listeners does The Legend of SwordQuest get?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Legend of SwordQuest?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Legend of SwordQuest:

1. Are You Captain Purple
2. Mind of a Monster: The Hollywood Ripper
3. Endless Thread
4. MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
5. Hyperfixed

How many episodes of The Legend of SwordQuest are there?

The Legend of SwordQuest launched 2 years ago and published 16 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Legend of SwordQuest?

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What guests have appeared on The Legend of SwordQuest?

Recent guests on The Legend of SwordQuest include:

1. Abbott Kahler
2. Julia Herman
3. Courtney Bastien
4. Professor Jeff Hall
5. Elizabeth Swaney
6. Matthew Algeo
7. Larry Mazza
8. Roger Schleifer

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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