Duplex Debate | Nightwatch Ep.89

Join Closer-in-Chief, Big Smoke and Jolly Green for a raw, wide-ranging episode of Night Watch recorded from their new duplex studio. The hosts kick off with casual studio chatter—from creepy staircases to the logistics and costs of moving—before settling into a night of candid, often heated conversation and comic banter. Segments cover personal updates and home life: unpacking the move, debating whether to hire movers, real costs and tips for relocation, and how life changes affect routines and creativity. There’s also a quick check-in on absent regulars and the challenges of executive dysfunction and recovery after big life changes. Big Smoke and Jolly dive into a long-form update on a personal labor-of-love: a tabletop RPG the group has been developing. They discuss design choices, repeated revisions to the magic system, simplifying advancement into four grades, drop-in/drop-out play, and the aim to build a distinct, board-game-simple core rule set rather than another D&D clone. The tone turns provocative as the hosts debate sports, identity and policy—focusing on the WNBA, recent media attention around Brittney Griner, and broader questions about transgender athletes in competitive sports. Expect frank opinions, disagreement among hosts, and discussion of how leagues are grappling with eligibility, safety and viewership concerns. There’s also a lively conversation about video games: nostalgia for PlayStation 2-era action-platformers, the challenge of finding affordable titles that capture that feel, the role of remasters and Game Pass, PC vs console choices, and the pitfalls of buying games sight-unseen. The hosts share recommendations, frustrations and mixed experiences with indie and AAA releases. Throughout the episode the trio mixes sharp humor, unfiltered takes and personal stories, wrapping up with a call to action to subscribe, follow on socials and support the show on Ko-fi. Tune in for candid opinions, behind-the-scenes project updates and the kind of off-the-cuff conversations Night Watch listeners expect.