Join Cody (some guy) and Kit (an alleged PhD) for Research &amp; Respawn, a podcast that aims to make academic research accessible and engaging for everyone. The podcast explores an eclectic collection of academic research, including understanding what we know about media coverage of scientific studies, the concept of happiness, the impact of media genres, genetics, and parasocial relationships. The hosts also dive into research on video games and their effects on individuals and society. Across these topics, each episode breaks down complex concepts and highlights the real-world relevance of research findings. Research &amp; Respawn invites listeners to discover the stories behind studies and understand how research impacts our everyday lives.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/9/19/b1d15d18-ccef-434f-a4e5-cae7bc4c210e_ep21_-_final.mp3

AI gets framed as a miracle or an apocalypse. Join Cody and Kit to discuss the hype and threat of AI, tracing how systems that predict, rank, generate, and automate reshape truth, work, privacy, education, power, and who pays when systems fail.

The Rise and Increasing Impact of AI, Part 1

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/12/18/fd50774b-0f28-4d18-bf39-b3d1a974535f_bonus_ep_9_-_final.mp3

A life simulation, but with friends and strangers, join Cody and Kit to discuss Second Life. From an economy where you can earn a virtual living to bondage and sex dungeons, this long lasting multiplayer virtual world probably has something to offer everyone.

Bonus Episode - Second Life

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/12/13/f824fa2d-5e74-4437-9b63-52b1793bd468_bonus_ep8_-_final.mp3

In this episode, we discuss Paralives, the cozy indie contender bringing flexible building, community-first development, and fresh creative energy to a genre (and angry players) ready for something different in their life sim.

Bonus Episode - Paralives

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/29/19/0d4de9d2-ace0-4516-a6dc-e7b51c39ea64_bonus_ep7_-_final.mp3

Step into the visually stunning world of InZoi, where realism, ambitious systems, and big questions about the future of life simulation take center stage. We’ll unpack one of the new successors to The Sims in allowing players to build, explore, and play with life itself.

Short Review - InZoi

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/28/21/1b7bfa17-0a8b-4a28-a524-ad9455b5a803_bonus_ep6_-_final.mp3

Dive into the life-sim legend that made virtual families, dream homes, chaos, and creativity iconic. Join Cody and Kit to discuss why, despite player complaints, The Sims still sets the standard for sandbox life-play decades later.

Short Review - Sims 4

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/15/20/8caf691a-d43f-4acb-84f1-2f79d427d13a_ep20_-_final.mp3

Why do so many animal “facts” feel obvious even when they are incomplete, exaggerated, or based on animals in artificial settings? In this episode, Cody and Kit explore some of the common myths we’re told about animal intelligence and behavior.

Animal Misconceptions

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/28/15/dcba510b-6ebe-4631-bd3d-adf52d759c55_ep19_-_final.mp3

Summary: Join Cody and Kit for a dive into Baldur’s Gate 3. In this episode, we explore why it captivated players, how it reshaped RPG expectations, and made choice, romance, identity, and consequences feel unforgettable.﻿Content note: Some discussion of BG3’s companion arcs involves trauma, consent, bodily autonomy, and coercion.

Baldur's Gate 3

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/16/2/cc16101c-8200-459f-a405-ff46a98c7522_ep18_-_final.mp3

Why do your tastes feel personal when they’re shaped by class, upbringing, and power? In this episode, Cody and Kit unpack some theory: Bourdieu’s Distinction and the hidden social logic behind what feels natural, sophisticated, and “just your preference.”

Taste, Class, and Power: Why We Like What We Like

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/19/3/bde38cca-9e29-43db-8a26-9d4e05ba5018_bonus_ep5_-_final_.mp3

Join Cody and Kit as they explore Night in the Woods, a game that balances humor, sadness, and economic turmoil. We follow Mae’s messy journey to the town of Possum Springs and discuss why it remains a favorite, 5/5 weird experience.

Short Review: A Night in the Woods

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/25/3/66bfb195-b6b1-419b-a684-06d7250f565a_ep_17_-final.mp3

Fandom turns shared love into identity, meaning, and often also into real-world coordination. This episode explores how the same machinery that produces charity, joy, and community can also generate spirals, outrage, and backlash.

Fandom in the Wild

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/5/2/80ded78e-fa7e-4d23-a08a-dd146908ea2d_ep16_-_final.mp3

Today we explore the hidden work that keeps fandom communities running. From moderation to parasocial care, we unpack emotional labor in fandom and how platforms and AI are reshaping that work, often making it more intense and harder to see.

Fandom, Free/Emotional Labor, and The Hidden Work of Loving What We Love

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/15/0/af36acc4-4026-41ef-8ce2-1a0a2f9a5fd0_ep15_-_final.mp3

This episode serves as Part 1 to our discussions of fandom. Join us for a casual overview of fandom where we will explore what fandom is, how it functions, and elements of Cody and Kit’s personal experiences in fandom.

Fandom 101

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/7/23/ef28e4f0-7ca3-44de-821d-e2f95bb9f83a_ep.14_-_final.mp3

A viral study claimed that standing in a “power pose” could change your hormones and transform your life. In this episode, we explore why it sounded so convincing, where the science went wrong, and what shaky research can do when it spreads.

Power Poses

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/4/23/0/4a123d76-57bd-4ce1-8dcc-1d82d0cebb88_ep.13_-_edit.mp3

On this episode we discuss neuroplasticity (or brain plasticity), exploring how our brains adapt, change, and recover throughout life. From learning guitar to traumatic injuries, the brain has incredible potential to heal and rewire itself.

Brain Plasticity

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/30/19/a45756e4-979b-4992-8602-9e149bd4426c_ep12_-_edit.mp3

It’s dark, it’s emotional, and it’s Kit’s special interest. Join us as we take a dive into the world of Thedas to explore Dragon Age, a gameworld where power has consequences, systems fail loudly, companions remember everything, and the real question is what you’re willing to live with when the world pushes back.

Deep Dive: Dragon Age

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/14/4/2c053440-0162-49d4-920d-597112bc63fe_ep.11_-_edit.mp3

Part two of our episode exploring parasocial relationships, wrapping up Kit and Cody&#39;s thoughts on digital connections, both with living and AI counterparts.

Imagined Intimacy – Parasocial Connections, Part 2

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/1/20/f0c3148f-a2c3-4953-ae1c-e93541a31ab7_ep.10__pt.1_-_edit.mp3

Join Cody and Kit as they explore the world of parasocial bonds, from obsessing over your favorite celebrity to falling in love with pieces of code. Discover how digital connections shape our lives, for better or worse.

Imagined Intimacy – Parasocial Connections, Part 1

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/1/20/66a7e3e2-ef3a-4946-9c44-0119f2b70593_ep.9_-_edit.mp3

From rescuing princesses to romancing space captains, this week we explore the history and experience of video games romance. Join Cody and Kit as they unpack flirty mechanics, cozy crushes, and why player-driven passion is continuing to gain popularity.

Romance in Video Games

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/2/13/2/f726f26a-54d8-45de-bd68-885f9a11dc04_bonus_ep4_-_final.mp3

“Dream Daddy” has it all: funny dads, musically inclined café puns, and heartfelt stories. Multiple paths to explore, a fun replay, and at least Kit is completely enamored. 5/5, would dad again.

Short Review - Dream Daddy

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/2/13/2/5ce930f6-bedc-4faa-a229-0e83d9ff585d_bonus_ep3_-_final.mp3

“Love, Ghostie” provides coziness in death and romance. Easy to pick up, hard to put down, and a quick 5/5 from the hosts (or at least Kit).

Short Review - Love, Ghostie

Join Cody (some guy) and Kit (an alleged PhD) for *Research & Respawn* , a podcast that aims to make academic research accessible and engaging for everyone. The podcast explores an eclectic collection of academic research, including understanding what we know about media coverage of scientific studies, the concept of happiness, the impact of media genres, genetics, and parasocial relationships. The hosts also dive into research on video games and their effects on individuals and society. Across these topics, each episode breaks down complex concepts and highlights the real-world relevance of research findings. Research & Respawn invites listeners to discover the stories behind studies and understand how research impacts our everyday lives.