Growing up doesn’t mean putting the controller down.
In Episode 9 of The Midnight Release, we reflect on what adulthood looks like through a gamer’s lens — the memories that shaped us, the media that stayed with us, and how we balance nostalgia with real-life responsibilities as we close out 2025 and look ahead to 2026.

This week, Chase and Austin take a step back to talk about what growing up actually feels like — how childhood dreams compare to adult realities, how gaming and media still play a meaningful role in their lives, and why “feeling like an adult” is often more complicated than expected.

They dive into:

• Childhood dreams vs. adult reality
• How GameStop shaped their early professional lives
• What “being an adult” looked like as kids vs. now
• Games, movies, and anime that left a lasting impact
• Funny real-life “achievements” and milestones

Side quests this episode include Bonus Level, where Chase talks about his first experiences with Dungeons & Dragons and fandoms like Critical Role, and Next Gen, where the guys look ahead to 2026 — upcoming games, movies, personal goals, and podcast plans for the new year.

Whether you’re leveling up in life, grinding through responsibilities, or just holding onto the things that still bring you joy, this episode is a reminder that some achievements aren’t tracked by trophies — but they still matter.