OH!CAST | Exploring Geek Culture, Fandom and Pop Culture Sat, 14 Mar 2026 13:54:25 -0400 https://ohcast.info en © 2026 OH!CAST | Exploring Geek Culture, Fandom and Pop Culture yes 1f563dfb-b0b2-5db4-a870-2b059c98c0b6 OH!CAST: Geek Insights & Pop Culture episodic false Brought to you from the wild, wonderful Outer Hebrides, OH!CAST is a geek culture podcast where the Atlantic winds meet the winds of change in fandom, gaming, and all things nerdy.Tune in for insights, laughs, and plenty of "oh!" moments.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) OH!CAST: Geek Insights & Pop Culture https://storage.buzzsprout.com/zs8aclrl0pmiw036m62ojofl0emd?.jpg OH!CAST | Exploring Geek Culture, Fandom and Pop Culture https://ohcast.info From Pixels to Indie: Simon Butler's 40-Year Journey in Gaming From Pixels to Indie: Simon Butler's 40-Year Journey in Gaming

In this episode of OH!CAST, the hosts welcome veteran game artist Simon Butler, whose career spans more than four decades and hundreds of games—from the earliest 8-bit era to modern indie development. (Content advisory: this episode contains strong language and frank discussion throughout.)

Simon shares the remarkable story of how he accidentally fell into the games industry in the early 1980s, back when the role of a “game artist” barely existed and developers were inventing the craft as they went along. From drawing sprites on graph paper to pushing pixels across multiple platforms, he recounts what it was really like working during the formative years of the industry.


The conversation explores Simon’s time with studios such as Ocean Software, the realities of developing movie tie-ins, and the chaotic creativity of early game development. He talks about working on titles connected to classic franchises, contributing graphics to Worms, and the infamous Highlander adaptation—while offering candid reflections on what worked, what didn’t, and why some games became legends for the wrong reasons.


Along the way, Simon shares stories about tight deadlines, overnight crunch sessions, and the culture of the 8-bit development scene—plus his unfiltered thoughts on retro nostalgia, the AAA industry, and why indie developers today are closer to the original spirit of game creation.


It’s a funny, honest, and occasionally brutal look behind the curtain at how classic games were really made—and how the myth of the “golden age” compares to the reality.

]]>

In this episode of OH!CAST, the hosts welcome veteran game artist Simon Butler, whose career spans more than four decades and hundreds of games—from the earliest 8-bit era to modern indie development. (Content advisory: this episode contains strong language and frank discussion throughout.)

Simon shares the remarkable story of how he accidentally fell into the games industry in the early 1980s, back when the role of a “game artist” barely existed and developers were inventing the craft as they went along. From drawing sprites on graph paper to pushing pixels across multiple platforms, he recounts what it was really like working during the formative years of the industry.


The conversation explores Simon’s time with studios such as Ocean Software, the realities of developing movie tie-ins, and the chaotic creativity of early game development. He talks about working on titles connected to classic franchises, contributing graphics to Worms, and the infamous Highlander adaptation—while offering candid reflections on what worked, what didn’t, and why some games became legends for the wrong reasons.


Along the way, Simon shares stories about tight deadlines, overnight crunch sessions, and the culture of the 8-bit development scene—plus his unfiltered thoughts on retro nostalgia, the AAA industry, and why indie developers today are closer to the original spirit of game creation.


It’s a funny, honest, and occasionally brutal look behind the curtain at how classic games were really made—and how the myth of the “golden age” compares to the reality.

]]> OH!CAST: Geek Insights & Pop Culture ccc33446-3711-4582-b6ff-0868a8cd68e1 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400 5234 true Hebridean Hammerlock - Big Rig Bryan Colton Hebridean Hammerlock - Big Rig Bryan Colton The conversation covers Big Rig Brian Colton's journey into wrestling, the challenges he faced, the support from his family, and the influence of inspirational wrestling matches. It also delves into his training, character development, and the balance between wrestling, work, and family. The discussion highlights his first match experience, proud matches and feuds, promoter relationships, and misconceptions about his character. Additionally, it explores his proud wrestling moves and chemistry in the ring. The conversation delves into the art of wrestling, the challenges of balancing a full-time job and wrestling career, and the unique experience of connecting with fans in indie wrestling. It highlights the dedication and hard work required to pursue a career in wrestling while managing other responsibilities, and the rewarding experience of building chemistry with fans and achieving success in the indie wrestling scene.

Takeaways

  • Follow your dreams
  • Learning from experience Balancing a full-time job, family, and wrestling requires dedication and hard work.
  • The direct connection with fans in indie wrestling creates a unique and rewarding experience.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
  • 05:32 Inspirational Wrestling Matches and Influences
  • 11:48 Transition to In-Ring and Challenges
  • 17:12 Acceptance and Learning in the Wrestling Community
  • 23:12 Proud Matches and Feuds
  • 32:48 Proud Wrestling Moves and Chemistry in the Ring
  • 38:30 Managing a Full-Time Job and Wrestling Career
]]> The conversation covers Big Rig Brian Colton's journey into wrestling, the challenges he faced, the support from his family, and the influence of inspirational wrestling matches. It also delves into his training, character development, and the balance between wrestling, work, and family. The discussion highlights his first match experience, proud matches and feuds, promoter relationships, and misconceptions about his character. Additionally, it explores his proud wrestling moves and chemistry in the ring. The conversation delves into the art of wrestling, the challenges of balancing a full-time job and wrestling career, and the unique experience of connecting with fans in indie wrestling. It highlights the dedication and hard work required to pursue a career in wrestling while managing other responsibilities, and the rewarding experience of building chemistry with fans and achieving success in the indie wrestling scene.

Takeaways

  • Follow your dreams
  • Learning from experience Balancing a full-time job, family, and wrestling requires dedication and hard work.
  • The direct connection with fans in indie wrestling creates a unique and rewarding experience.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
  • 05:32 Inspirational Wrestling Matches and Influences
  • 11:48 Transition to In-Ring and Challenges
  • 17:12 Acceptance and Learning in the Wrestling Community
  • 23:12 Proud Matches and Feuds
  • 32:48 Proud Wrestling Moves and Chemistry in the Ring
  • 38:30 Managing a Full-Time Job and Wrestling Career
]]> OH!CAST: Geek Insights & Pop Culture 84d916ba-63b5-4609-b4ba-8de7714744ac Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400 3278 false