Punk Rock Pinball Podcast

Punk Rock Pinball Podcast

Est. 2025|Website YouTube Facebook

Punk Rock Pinball is our new pinball podcast where we dive into everything we’re learning as we explore this fun, welcoming, and sometimes dramatic world of pinball. Whether it’s figuring out how to buy our first machine, hitting up local tournaments, or just appreciating amazing game art, we’re talking through it all – honestly, casually, and with that same DIY spirit you’ve come to expect from us.

This podcast isn’t about being pinball experts. We’re here to share our journey and grow this hobby we’ve come to love so much. So if you’ve ever been pinball curious, or just want to hang with us as we get nerdy about something new, we’d love to have you along for the ride.

Punk Rock Pinball is our new pinball podcast where we dive into everything we’re learning as we explore this fun, welcoming, and sometimes dramatic world of pinball. Whether it’s figuring out how to buy our first machine, hitting up local tournaments, or just appreciating amazing game art, we’re talking through it all – honestly, casually, and with that same DIY spirit you’ve come to expect from us.

This podcast isn’t about being pinball experts. We’re here to share our journey and grow this hobby we’ve come to love so much. So if you’ve ever been pinball curious, or just want to hang with us as we get nerdy about something new, we’d love to have you along for the ride.

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Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo4d ago

Pin-Jitsu - What Belt Are You? + The Top Played Machines at PRP-HQ

PRP Website - This week, we introduce Pin-Jitsu, our completely unofficial pinball belt ranking system. We figure out what it takes to earn white, blue, purple, brown and black belts, then determine where some of the players at PRP HQ fall in the rankings. We also dig into the last 28 days of play counts at the HQ, including a new game making a quick climb up the list, a few machines barely getting played, and a surprise at the top. Then we break down Insider Connected drain data to find out which games at PRP HQ send the ball screaming down the outlanes the most. Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, John Wick and Led Zeppelin are absolutely brutal. Plus league finals, Vault 66, Expo plans and the usual nonsense.

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo1w ago

46,000 Points?! Our PAPA World Championships Recap

PRP Website - Mike and Steph are back from the PAPA World Championships at the Pinball Capital, and the games were every bit as brutal as last year. We recap the weekend, the insanely difficult tournament setups, Mike’s possibly historic 46,000-point game on Star Wars: Fall of the Empire, Steph accidentally walking away from a five-ball game after ball three, and what it’s like trying to compete against some of the best pinball players in the world. We also talk about Chris O’Brien’s unbelievable tournament grind, CJ’s run into the A finals, Shelley making the women’s finals, Steph taking a nasty fall at the tournament, our trip to see The Matches at Bottom Lounge, getting mistaken for the pinball police, and whether PRP HQ eventually needs a pinball elevator. Plus, a correction on the Pokémon Home Edition, our upcoming PRP HQ tournament, Pinball Expo plans, and plenty of other nonsense from the weekend.

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo2w ago

Stern's Fallout Pinball Blew Us Away | Fallout Media Day Recap

PRP Website - We’re back with our good friends Joe and Shelley Sharpe to recap our trip to Stern Pinball for the reveal of Fallout! We got our first plays on Keith Elwin’s new game and came away extremely impressed. We talk about the crazy amount of stuff packed into Fallout, the lower playfield, Vault, Pip-Boy integration, Premium vs. Pro differences, Stern’s new “Studio” game concept, pricing, Insider Connected features and whether Fallout might already belong near the top of Keith Elwin’s lineup. We also talk about the massive stacks of Pokémon Home Editions we saw at Stern, upcoming Pokémon updates, our idea for a Pokémon hunting challenge mode, and Mike’s ongoing effort to convince someone to put a Fallout Premium at PRP HQ. Later, we recap an extremely long day that somehow ended with Mike winning a tournament on King Kong, talk league finals strategy, and discuss what makes Joe and Shelley such damn good pinball players. Thanks to Joe and Shelley for joining us again!

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo3w ago

Can Pinball Fix a Bad Mood? Plus Operation Shrek Revealed!

PRP Website - Operation Shrek is finally revealed! A few months ago, Mike and Geof picked up a 1980 Bally Frontier that was in absolutely terrible condition. The seller was honest about it: the boards were bad, the backglass was bad, and when asked if the machine powered on, his answer was basically, “I wouldn’t.” Now it’s back from the dead and sitting at PRP HQ. We get into the entire Frontier project, what it took to bring the game back to life, the parts that were nearly impossible to find, why Steph has wanted one for years, and why this one probably isn’t ever leaving the collection. We also talk about something a little different this week: can playing pinball actually improve your mood? Steph brings up how league nights and simply playing with friends can turn around a crappy day, while Mike explains why tournaments occasionally have the exact opposite effect. • How Jaws originally pulled us into pinball • Listener questions about PRP HQ, our pinball “grails,” tournament drama and more • Our 100th PRPA event in Central Illinois • The upcoming Punk Rock Pinball event at The Pinball Capital before Expo • Whether we should start doing the podcast live • A little more speculation about Fallout pinball Punk Rock Pinball Podcast Episode 63. Let us know in the comments: Does playing pinball improve your mood? And would you watch the podcast live?

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo4w ago

Getting Ready for a Big Tournament - PAPA at The Pinball Capital

PRP Website - PAPA Event Link - PAPA is coming up, so this week we’re talking about how we’re preparing for another huge pinball tournament and what we learned from getting our asses kicked at big events last year. We get into tournament strategy, choosing which games to focus on, surviving long queues, managing expectations, bringing the right shoes, sitting down whenever possible, and perhaps most importantly, packing enough snacks. If you’re heading to your first major pinball tournament, our biggest advice might simply be to relax, have fun, meet people, and understand that some of the best players in the world are probably going to destroy you. That’s okay. We also give an update on the mysterious “Shrek” machine that Mike and Jeff have basically rebuilt from the ground up, discuss why an actual Stern Shrek costs way more than it probably should, and reveal the format for Mike’s completely unnecessary 52nd birthday tournament at PRP HQ. Plus, 36 players show up for another huge PRP HQ monthly, Transformers leaves the building, we look ahead to Pinball Expo, and somehow devise a plan to have much better pinball players compete under our names.

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo1mo ago

Is Pinball Expensive?

PRP Website - Pinball machines are expensive. There’s no getting around that. But when you compare buying a pinball machine to dropping thousands on gaming PCs, laptops, phones, cars, boats, photography gear, and other hobbies, is pinball really such a terrible way to spend your money? This week, Mike and Stephanie talk about the real cost of owning pinball, how well machines hold their value, depreciation, buying used, and why trading games can completely change the economics of the hobby. We also look back at our own Jaws Pro and how thousands of plays eventually turned into another machine through a trade. Plus, Mike visits Super Jumbo Records and Arcade in Aurora, we talk about the new Pokémon Home Edition and whether we’d take one over a used Stern Pro, and somehow watching both Judge Dredd movies becomes required pinball research. We’ve also got Transformers launch tournaments happening at PRP HQ, some Venom appreciation, and the usual assortment of completely necessary side conversations.

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo1mo ago

You’re Going to Lose | Keep Playing Anyway | W/ Special Guest Host Rob!!

PRP Website - This week on the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, Steph is away, so PRP HQ member Rob jumps into the co-host chair to talk about what it’s really like to be a newer player trying to break into competitive pinball. Rob has only been playing tournaments for a matter of months, and we get into the good, the bad, and the frustrating parts of trying to improve when you’re surrounded by experienced players. We talk about tournament nerves, obsessing over standings, dealing with losing, learning modern pinball rules without getting completely overwhelmed, and why sometimes the best strategy is to learn just one or two things on a game and build from there. We also talk about the importance of having a welcoming pinball community, why playing well by yourself doesn’t always translate to league or tournament play, and whether competitive pinball needs more beginner-focused events. Plus, Rob checks out Super Jumbo Arcade in Aurora, plays Sonic, Beetlejuice, Evil Dead and Transformers, we debate different eras of pinball, talk about the San Diego Pinball Club cheat sheets, and celebrate the fine art of being perfectly mid at pinball. If you’re new to competitive pinball, thinking about playing your first tournament, or just trying to get better without driving yourself crazy, this one is for you.

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo1mo ago

Road Trip Recap - Punk Shows & Past Times Arcade + the Plays Report from PRPHQ

PRP Website - Mike and Stephanie hit the road for one of the biggest Punk Rock Pinball adventures yet, combining Smoking Popes shows in Philadelphia with a pinball road trip across the Midwest and East Coast. Along the way, they visit seven different pinball locations, play dozens of machines they had never experienced before, and give each stop an honest grade based on game condition, maintenance, atmosphere, and overall experience. From broken games and dirty playfields to perfectly maintained dream locations, there are plenty of surprises. This episode also includes the very first PRP HQ Stern Insider Connected Plays Report, revealing which games were played the most over the last 28 days, which machines members seem to be ignoring, and what that might mean for the future lineup. East Coast punk rock and pinball road trip recap Honest reviews of every arcade and pinball location First impressions of Sonic Pinball after playing three different machines Thoughts on Game Gallery, Pins Mechanical, Mom's Organic Market, Barcade Fishtown, and Past Times Arcade Why good operators deserve more appreciation PRP HQ's first Stern Insider Connected Plays Report Most played and least played games at PRP HQ Which machines may be leaving the lineup next If you've ever planned a pinball road trip, wondered which locations are worth the drive, or just enjoy hearing about great (and terrible) pinball experiences, this one's for you. As always, thanks for listening and supporting Punk Rock Pinball!

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo2mo ago

We Mess Around With Pinball Ranker | and We Have a "Desk" Now

PRP Website - A new website called Pinball Ranker promises a different way to rank your favorite pinball machines. Instead of assigning scores or filling out long reviews, it simply asks one question: Which game do you like more? In this episode, Mike and Stephanie put it to the test by making dozens of head-to-head choices between classics, modern Sterns, Bally favorites, Spooky games, and everything in between. Along the way they discover just how many games they've still never played, and argue over some controversial matchups. A few opinions that might upset some pinball fans. A huge Walking Dead Remastered score at PRP HQ The new handcrafted bench outside HQ Why older technology becomes obsolete so quickly Plans for their upcoming pinball road trip to Philadelphia Games they're hoping to discover for the first time Whether manufacturers should reuse great layouts with different themes Do you agree with our choices? Which matchup would have given you the hardest time? Try Pinball Ranker yourself:

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo2mo ago

Our Fantasy Pinball Machine Draft

PRP Website - This week we're putting together our ultimate fantasy pinball lineup. We draft our favorite modern Sterns, Bally/Williams classics, solid state games, Jersey Jack titles, Spooky machines, tournament staples, crowd-pleasers, weird and unusual games, and even our dream "money is no object" grail machines. Along the way we debate Jaws vs. King Kong, Dialed In vs. Elton John, Jungle Lord, White Water, Theater of Magic, TNA, Evil Dead, Pokémon, Sonic, Winchester Mystery House, and plenty more. Used pinball machines for sale at PRP HQ Expanding the lineup through trades A huge monthly tournament with nearly 50% women competitors New pinball repair services coming to Punk Rock Pinball Upcoming PRP merchandise and tournament winner pins What would YOUR dream pinball lineup look like? Let us know your first-round picks in the comments!

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo2mo ago

What Is a Wizard Mode? Plus Our Favorite Mini Wizard Modes

PRP Website - If you've heard people talking about wizard modes but never really knew what they are, this episode is for you. We break down the difference between a wizard mode and a mini wizard mode, explain why they're some of the most exciting moments in modern pinball, and share some of our favorites, including Bond, James Bond, Combotron, and the Jaws mini wizard modes. Why every modern Stern should include co-op mode How to experience wizard modes even if you're not a great player Why playing 10-ball games at home is a great way to learn deeper rules Our upcoming PRP HQ tournament Why Mike actually enjoys Led Zeppelin Pro more than Godzilla Plans to finally play Sonic the Hedgehog pinball Question of the week: What's your favorite wizard mode or mini wizard mode, and which one are you still trying to reach?

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo2mo ago

One Year of Punk Rock Pinball: PRP HQ, PRPA, and What’s Next

PRP Website - Punk Rock Pinball is officially one year old! In episode 55, we look back at everything that has happened since launching the podcast, including opening PRP HQ, growing the Punk Rock Pinball Association, adding new games, resetting the HQ leaderboards, and somehow making it to 55 episodes. We also talk about the current state of PRP HQ, the new layout, the Steve Ritchie row, Jack*Bot, Pool Sharks, Doctor Who repairs, PRPA growth across the country, Pinball Expo plans, possible scene championships, and a few games we would love to see show up at HQ in the next six months. Thanks to everyone who has listened, watched, played, joined, hosted, traveled, competed, or supported anything Punk Rock Pinball over the last year. We appreciate you more than you know.

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo3mo ago

The Psychology of Competitive Pinball (And Why We Choke)

PRP Website - Ever walk up to a machine feeling confident, only to completely fall apart once the pressure kicks in? In Episode 53, we dive into the psychology of competitive pinball. From tournament nerves and negative self-talk to confidence, momentum, and the mental mistakes that cost us games, we're sharing some of our own struggles and strategies from league finals and tournament play. Mike tells the story of accidentally disqualifying himself during the PRP HQ league finals, we discuss why some players seem to thrive under pressure while others crumble, and debate whether seeing your opponent's score actually hurts your game. The difference between casual play and finals pressure How negative self-talk can wreck a match Why one great ball can completely change a game The benefits of playing pinball in different locations Springfield's new dual-arcade wristband deal with Dumb Records and Vault 66 Our upcoming trip to compete at The Pinball Capital Whether you're a seasoned tournament player or just getting started, chances are you've experienced the mental side of pinball. You're definitely not alone. What helps you stay calm and focused during competition? Let us know in the comments.

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo3mo ago

We Opened a Private Pinball Club. Here's What We Learned so Far.

PRP Website - What does it actually take to start and run a private pinball club? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on Punk Rock Pinball HQ and share the reality of operating a community-focused pinball collective. We discuss why we started the club, the challenges of finding members, how the machine lineup has grown, the unexpected expenses, and how much time goes into keeping everything running smoothly. We also talk about the importance of having a strong group of volunteers, the role our members play in maintaining the club, why this isn't a business designed to make money, and what we'd tell anyone considering starting a pinball collective of their own. Along the way, we share stories from HQ, discuss future plans for streaming and social media, and reveal what's still missing from the club. Whether you're dreaming of opening your own pinball space or you're just curious what goes on behind the scenes, this episode offers an honest look at the rewards and challenges of building a pinball community from the ground up. Why we created Punk Rock Pinball HQ Finding members vs. finding machines The real costs of running a private club How much time goes into maintenance and events Why community matters more than profit What we'd do differently (and what we wouldn't) Future plans for HQ

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo3mo ago

Can You Be Too Good at Pinball? Plus Pokémon Rumors & Team Competition

PRP Website - On Episode 51 of the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, Mike and Steph recap a fun new 2-on-2 team tournament format at Punk Rock Pinball HQ, discuss some listener-submitted dream pinball themes, and dive into an interesting question: how good is too good at pinball? As players improve, does pinball become more fun or less fun? We talk about elite players, marathon games on modern machines, why many top competitors seem drawn to classic games, and what it might be like to be one of the best players in the world. Listener dream themes including Dr. Strangelove, Rocky Horror, Futurama, and The Fifth Element The first-ever PRP HQ 2-on-2 strikes tournament Stephanie winning her first PRP gold pin Rumored Pokémon pinball code updates and the long-awaited Pokédex Why comedy remains one of pinball's most underused themes Homebrew pinball ideas and an I Think You Should Leave machine What do you think? Is pinball still fun when you're one of the best players in the world? Let us know in the comments.

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo3mo ago

Things Every New Pinball Player Should Know Before Competing

Thanks to @jill_grun on Instagram for sharing her "5 Things I Wish I'd Known Before My First Pinball Tournament" PRP Website - Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - Find Local Tournaments - Find Amazing Pinball Locations - In Episode #50 of the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, we're talking about something that comes up all the time: what should new players know before entering their first pinball tournament? Inspired by a post from competitive player Jill Grun, we break down five practical tips that can help first-time tournament players feel more comfortable and avoid common mistakes. From understanding downtime between rounds to making sure you don't accidentally play out of turn, we cover the lessons many of us learned the hard way. We also share our own tournament advice, including why comfortable shoes matter, why snacks are essential, and why every serious player should become familiar with Match Play Events before showing up to compete. Along the way, we discuss the recent expansion of Punk Rock Pinball HQ, growing the machine lineup to nearly 40 games, dream pinball themes we'd love to see become reality, and why we continue to talk so much about Stern, Spooky, Barrels of Fun, and other modern manufacturers. Expanding Punk Rock Pinball HQ in Bloomington, Illinois 5 things every new tournament player should know How Match Play Events makes tournaments easier Common mistakes that can lead to disqualifications Tournament survival tips: food, drinks, downtime, and comfort Fantasy Island as a dream pinball theme Why Twin Peaks belongs in pinball Thoughts on Stern, Spooky, Barrels of Fun, and Jersey Jack The challenges of keeping dozens of pinball machines running Whether you're thinking about playing your first tournament or you're already competing every weekend, this episode is packed with practical advice and plenty of pinball conversation.

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo4mo ago

Stern Transformers Pinball First Impressions | Shots, Code, Toys & Stern Factory Tour

PRP Website - We road-tripped to Stern Pinball with Joe and Shelly Sharpe to play the brand-new Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye pinball machine, and this episode is our full first-impressions breakdown of the game, the code, the shots, the toys, and the overall experience at Stern HQ. We also talk about the future of Pokémon pinball code, pinball media days, tournament ideas, and why shots matter more than flashy toys. - Our honest thoughts on Stern’s new Transformers pinball machine after multiple plays on the Premium/LE - Behind-the-scenes stories from Stern Pinball including conversations with designers, coders, and factory staff - Joe & Shelly Sharpe join us to talk about pinball collections, code depth, tournaments, and the future of modern pinball In this episode of the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, Mike and Steph are joined by Joe and Shelly Sharpe for a deep dive into Stern Pinball’s new Transformers release after attending Stern’s media day in Chicago. We discuss the game’s layout, shots, lighting, art package, code depth, and how it compares to games like Jaws, Pokémon, King Kong, Dune, and John Wick. We also talk about Stern’s production facility, the future of Pokémon code updates, split-flipper multiplayer modes, and why approachable modern pinball machines are helping grow the hobby. Plus: updates on the new Pinball Tour Stops interview series, Funhouse strategy talk, and more pinball nonsense from the Punk Rock Pinball crew.

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo4mo ago

6 Punk Rock Pinball Machines We Would Buy Immediately

PRP Website - What punk band deserves its own pinball machine? The Clash, Ramones, Descendents, Buzzcocks, Dead Milkmen, and Social Distortion as dream pinball themes Why Green Day and Blink-182 pinball machines feel almost impossible to believe do not exist yet

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo4mo ago

A Funhouse Challenge + Our Favorite YouTube Channels

- PRP Website - - Upload your Funhouse video here - • New PRP patches, enamel pins, and limited winner-only gold pins • The Punk Rock Pinball Facebook group exploding past 5,700 members • Our favorite YouTube channels, including @campingwithsteve, @KBDProductionsTV, @electricbatarcade, @TheFlipsideRetroRalph, @tripledrain, and @loserkidpinball We also talk about the new Funhouse listener challenge, where we want to hear how you play the game, what your ball one strategy is, and whether you love it or hate it. Plus, we get into the idea of turning a Pokémon LE into more games for the HQ, why we keep coming back to certain pinball shows, and how YouTube somehow replaced most of our streaming services.

Punk Rock Pinball PodcastVideo4mo ago

Pinball Regrets & Dollar Bets

PRP Website - What are our biggest pinball regrets, and how much money would Mike bet on a rumored Fallout pinball machine? Apparently, exactly one dollar. Why we think a rumored Stern Fallout pinball machine would probably be based on the games instead of the TV show The James Bond Pro trade that turned into a long, painful pinball regret Why play counts on modern used pinball machines probably matter less than people think In this episode of the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, we talk about pinball regrets, questionable trades, used pinball machine play counts, Fallout pinball rumors, and a very serious one-dollar bet. We also recap a Smoking Popes show at the Tivoli, new Punk Rock Pinball tournament locations, a ladies Bells and Chimes event in Champaign, and why getting rid of a great James Bond Pro still hurts a little.