Edit (march 2025): listening to their back catalog, binging more accurately, and oh man what amazing shows. I really hope that everyone gets healthy again soon…i miss the pair of them so much. The world needs a Smart Party! They need their paladin. The guests are fantastic of course, but mehopes for a return to form soon. I will back again! **************** When The Smart Party was Baz and Gaz, their episodes were solid gold, each and every time. Whether listening to Gaz being sour and brilliant about every aspect of gaming history and the party and thrust of real-world gaming problems, or listening to Baz sounding like the most charming bloke in Europe, as well as one of the most insightful chaps in gaming, every episode was unique and memorable and insightful. The Smart Party began relying too heavily on guest interviews for my liking, although clearly the format is a popular one for many. It is just not for me. Listening to two great friends chat is much more entertaining than listening to an often awkward tête-à-tête. Few gaming mavens and writers are good interviews. Most are merely flogging their latest, or trumpeting their usual sacred cows. Even brilliant writers like Greg Stolze can come off as dull interviews…Dennis detwiller is a treasure of a writer, but a tedious interview subject—he always says the exact same things—and of course he is a lunatic in twitter. But thematically it works for a lot of people, and when they interview their friends it can really sing. However since Baz became Ben, for whatever personal reasons (and no business of mine) , the show has become unevenly hosted and inspired. Lately I worry about some folk’s mental state, and hope for the best. I feel for him, having been there myself. I hope that 2025 sees a return to form. They really are superb and worth listening to forever. Two of the most charming and fascinating guys in gaming.