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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
Ready Player One
The Strong Museum Of Play
Saturday Night Live
Gene Fleming
Armed Services Editions
F. Scott Fitzgerald
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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes16Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentaryVideo GamesSociety & CultureLeisure

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Artwork for The Legend of SwordQuest

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Recent Guests

Dr. Bonnie Dunbar
A professor of aerospace engineering and astronaut with several shuttle missions
NASA
Episode: Very Special Episodes: Skylab Is Falling
Jeff Jarvis
A columnist at the San Francisco Examiner during the Skylab incident
San Francisco Examiner
Episode: Very Special Episodes: Skylab Is Falling
Elvis Rose
Musician known as Akiki
Episode: Music Law: The Fundamental Magical Element [from Very Special Episodes]
Dr. Megan Dillon
Ph.D. in genetics and genomics; studied the DNA of Chernobyl's dogs.
NC State
Episode: The Dogs of Chernobyl
Yelena Beberman
Grew up in Belarus, recounts her childhood experiences in the Soviet Union
Episode: Very Special Episodes: Boris Yeltsin Goes to Texas
Evan Mack
Musician and opera composer who created an opera about Yeltsin's visit to Texas
Composer of 'Yeltsin in Texas'
Episode: Very Special Episodes: Boris Yeltsin Goes to Texas
David Leisure
Actor and creator of the character Joe Isuzu.
Episode: Very Special Episodes: Being Joe Isuzu
Rob Reiner
Famous director, known for films such as Spinal Tap and A Few Good Men
Independent
Episode: Very Special Episodes: JFK's Forgotten Summer in Journalism (w/Rob Reiner)
Carol Spinney
The original puppeteer for Big Bird
Sesame Workshop
Episode: VSE: Big Bird's Diplomatic Mission to China

Hosts

Dana Schwartz
Host with diverse media experience, known for her engaging storytelling and deep dives into cultural phenomena.
Zaron Burnett
Co-host with experience in storytelling and media production, contributing unique perspectives on the narratives explored.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 262 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 States6 months ago
  • Really good!!

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AJPally
    United States7 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 States9 months ago
  • What an Awesome Story

    Brings me back to my Atari playing days!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Redwings51
    United States10 months 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
    10 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise the rich storytelling and thorough research, highlighting the engaging narrative style that pulls them into the world of retro gaming.
Some feedback suggests a desire for improved production quality, though most agree that the content is fascinating and well-structured.
Many reviews commend the host for making complex historical events accessible and entertaining, showing a good balance of humor and insight.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Very Special Episodes: The Improbable Life and Mysterious Death of Andy, the Sneaker-Wearing Goose
Q: Will you be finishing the bronze statue of Andy?
Yes, Jessica plans to finish the statue to honor Andy and her grandfather.
Bonus Episode: The Landfill
Q: What happened to the majority of the retrieved games?
The games were either sold, with a portion of the profits going into community projects in Alamogordo or donated to various museums.

Audience Metrics

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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?

Focusing on the intriguing and controversial history surrounding a promotional Atari game, this exploration unravels the mystery of the missing SwordQuest prizes, captivating fans for years. Each episode uncovers various facets of this story, featuring in-depth research, personal anecdotes, and engaging narratives that draw listeners into the world of 1980s video gaming culture. Notably, the podcast stands out for its blend of entertainment and history, providing an accessible yet profound examination of themes like nostalgia, mystery, and the evolution of video games. Through detailed storytelling and compelling interviews, it is designed to resonate with gaming enthusiasts and those curious about the cultural phenomena of the past.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Legend of SwordQuest?

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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. Very Special Episodes
2. Criminal
3. Rip Current
4. The Loop
5. Decoder Ring

How many episodes of The Legend of SwordQuest are there?

The Legend of SwordQuest launched a year 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.

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What guests have appeared on The Legend of SwordQuest?

Recent guests on The Legend of SwordQuest include:

1. Dr. Bonnie Dunbar
2. Jeff Jarvis
3. Elvis Rose
4. Dr. Megan Dillon
5. Yelena Beberman
6. Evan Mack
7. David Leisure
8. Rob Reiner

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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