Punk Rock Pinball

Find Amazing Pinball Locations
https://pinballmap.com/
This week we’re talking all about our new Pokémon LE, our first impressions after a few days with the game, and why catching Pokémon might be one of the most addictive features ever put into pinball.

• Our honest thoughts after 143 plays on Pokémon in just a few days
• Why catching Pokémon feels completely different than traditional pinball goals
• Ideas for future code updates, a Pokémon “Poké Hunter” mode, and even some Fallout pinball concepts

We also talk about finally bringing home our first LE, how much easier setting up games has become since our first machine, and why Pokémon already feels unlike anything else in pinball. From the addictive catching mechanic to thoughts on the future code updates, this might be the most excited we’ve been about a new machine in a long time.

040 - What Kind of Player Are You?

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Join our Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch
https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

PRP Website
https://punkrockpinball.com/

Join our Discord
https://discord.gg/fhSYYQnhFd

Twitch
https://www.twitch.tv/punkrockpinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments
https://punkrockpinball.com/pinball-events/
https://www.ifpapinball.com/
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations
https://pinballmap.com/

039 - Beetlejuice @ Pinball on Perry - 1st impressions

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0500

A special launch party at Pinball on Perry in Attica, IN was our chance to check out Spooky's new Beetlejuice game!

Pinball on Perry is worth a side quest to play this very special collection of games! https://www.facebook.com/pinballonperry

Join our Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch
https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

PRP Website
https://punkrockpinball.com/

Join our Discord
https://discord.gg/fhSYYQnhFd

Twitch
https://www.twitch.tv/punkrockpinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments
https://punkrockpinball.com/pinball-events/
https://www.ifpapinball.com/
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations
https://pinballmap.com/

038: Building a Home Pinball Collection With $15K

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0500

This week on the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, we’re building the ultimate starter home pinball collection with a $15,000 budget. Mike and Steph break down the games they’d buy, the mix of modern and older machines they’d want in the lineup, and why some underrated titles might be the smartest buys in pinball right now.

In this episode:

Our picks for the best 3 to 4 pinball machines to start a home collection with $15K
Why games like Venom, Bond, Firepower, JackBot, and Earthshaker still deserve more love
A recap of a wild week of league nights, tournaments, Pokémon on location, and Steph’s win at Poor Bros.

We also talk about CJ hauling Pokémon Pro all over Bloomington so everyone could get time on it, Mike winning qualifying at First Fridays, and whether we are officially playing an unsustainable amount of competitive pinball. If you’ve ever dreamed about starting your own collection and wondered how far $15,000 can really go, this one’s for you.

Join our Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch
https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

PRP Website
https://punkrockpinball.com/

Join our Discord
https://discord.gg/fhSYYQnhFd

Twitch
https://www.twitch.tv/punkrockpinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments
https://punkrockpinball.com/pinball-events/
https://www.ifpapinball.com/
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations
https://pinballmap.com/

037: What makes it a GREAT location?

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0600

Join our Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch
https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

PRP Website
https://punkrockpinball.com/

Join our Discord
https://discord.gg/fhSYYQnhFd

Twitch
https://www.twitch.tv/punkrockpinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments
https://punkrockpinball.com/pinball-events/
https://www.ifpapinball.com/
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations
https://pinballmap.com/

036: Pinball Fun for Everyone - All Skill Levels Welcome

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0600

Join our Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch
https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

PRP Website
https://punkrockpinball.com/

Join our Discord
https://discord.gg/fhSYYQnhFd

Twitch
https://www.twitch.tv/punkrockpinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments
https://punkrockpinball.com/pinball-events/
https://www.ifpapinball.com/
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations
https://pinballmap.com/

035: Catch 'em All! - Pokemon Media Day at Stern HQ

Live From The Rock Room — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:10:50 -0600

Join our Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch
https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

PRP Website
https://punkrockpinball.com/

Join our Discord
https://discord.gg/fhSYYQnhFd

Twitch
https://www.twitch.tv/punkrockpinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments
https://punkrockpinball.com/pinball-events/
https://www.ifpapinball.com/
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations
https://pinballmap.com/

034 - Building A Community - How Scenes Grow & Why They Die

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0600

Join our Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch
https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

PRP Website
https://punkrockpinball.com/

Join our Discord
https://discord.gg/fhSYYQnhFd

Twitch
https://www.twitch.tv/punkrockpinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments
https://punkrockpinball.com/pinball-events/
https://www.ifpapinball.com/
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations
https://pinballmap.com/

The Punk Rock Pinball Podcast is back with what we think is Episode 34, and Marshall is here too… kind of. (If you’re watching the video, he bails on the chair almost immediately. If you’re listening, just know he’s nearby doing dog stuff.)

This week we’ve got big PRPA updates, including the launch of the Women’s Punk Rock Pinball Association (WPRPA) and a brand-new women’s leaderboard built to create a more welcoming, confidence-building space for women to jump into competitive pinball. We also talk about why “women’s divisions” exist in the first place, why the vibe is different (and awesome), and how this helps grow the game for everyone.

Then we get into the main topic: scenes. Punk scenes, pinball scenes, bowling scenes, whatever you’ve got. We break down how scenes actually grow (spoiler: it’s not algorithms, it’s people), why most scenes eventually die or splinter, and what you can do to keep your local community thriving. We talk DIY culture, organizers vs. critics, constructive feedback, and why supporting the spaces that host your tournaments matters more than most people realize.

In this episode:

WPRPA is live: why it matters, how it works, and where to find the new leaderboard
PRPA “scene-based” localized leaderboards are coming soon (city/region scenes, not state lines)
How scenes grow, how scenes die, and the simplest ways to help yours survive

We wrap by shouting out friends making moves on the tournament trail, plugging the idea of bringing one new person into pinball this year, and reminding everyone that if you want pinball locations to stick around, you have to show up, play, and support them. Also: we tease a future episode that’s basically going to be Pokémon all the time.

033 - PinGolf & PinEtiquette

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0600

Learn more about Punk Rock Pinball Association and tournament stuff www.punkrockpinball.com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

032 - Vermont, Duluth, Chicago: PRPA Events Everywhere | Plus Star Wars vs. Harry Potter

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0600

Learn more about Punk Rock Pinball Association and tournament stuff www.punkrockpinball.com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

A weird week in the country, so we used pinball as the distraction and ran through a stacked PRPA calendar, leaderboard movement, and why Star Wars: Fall of the Empire is absolutely ripping at HQ.

PRPA events everywhere: Madison/Middleton, South Burlington VT, HQ league, Galesburg, Crete, Duluth, Girard OH, and pinolf at Logan Arcade
Leaderboard update: a tie at the top, Cat Davis is grinding like a maniac, and Mike is somehow sitting at #4
HQ highlights: Fall of the Empire is immersive, loud, and winning people over (plus talk of Twitch, streaming plans, and the April Bands vs Fans-style event)

This episode starts in a real mood. You can hear it. We talk about how heavy everything feels right now, and why we’re not trying to make this a political episode, but also why we’re not going to pretend we’re fine. Then we do what we always do when life feels loud: we lean into community, events, and pinball as a reset.

From there it turns into a full-on PRPA rundown, including the first-ever Vermont PRPA tournament at Pinball Co-op, a packed Midwest week of tournaments, and the idea of bringing pinolf to HQ (we need Cheryl’s rules). We also hype the April 18 ticketed band tournament day with Off With Their Heads, Toys That Kill, and Panel, plus the show at Meltdown Creative Works, the limited 20 tickets, the $50 price point, and the whole “punk bands in the bracket” chaos we’re trying to build.

We wrap with a bunch of lifestyle chaos (auction drop-offs, Fiesta Ware, a sports card show, Pokémon pinball speculation), a shoutout to Corey Grim’s Planet of the Apes AI joke post that went huge, and then the big one: Fall of the Empire at HQ. Mike goes on a righteous rant about why the game works, why it’s more immersive than Harry Potter, and why the “go get bent” crowd missed what makes it fun. Marshall disappears for most of the episode… then returns right at the end like the star he is.

031 - Don't Be A Dick, Double Header, State Finals

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:52:00 -0600

Check out Monster Quester: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt9dzaS7LPQ&list=RDYt9dzaS7LPQ&start_radio=1

Learn more about Punk Rock Pinball Association and tournament stuff www.punkrockpinball.com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

030 - Over 40? You Should Do This!

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0600

Learn more about Punk Rock Pinball Association and tournament stuff www.punkrockpinball.com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

029 - Kicking Off The Year with Predictions and PRPA

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0600

Learn more about Punk Rock Pinball Association and tournament stuff www.punkrockpinball.com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

028 - What A Year

Live From The Rock Room — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0600

Reflecting on 2025 and pinball plans for 2026.

Learn more about Punk Rock Pinball Association and tournament stuff www.punkrockpinball.com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

027 - Pokemon Pinball?

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:48:05 -0600

Will the rumors be true? Are you Yay or Nay on Pokemon...what about Pokeman?

Learn more about Punk Rock Pinball Association and tournament stuff www.punkrockpinball.com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

026 - Accessories: Cool or A Cash Grab?

Live From The Rock Room — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0600

Looking for accessories for your favorite pinballer? Check out our thoughts on the must have's and maybe a couple cash grabs

Learn more about Punk Rock Pinball Association and tournament stuff www.punkrockpinball.com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

Big Announcements --- you knew this was coming, right?

Live From The Rock Room — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 21:39:31 -0600

Learn more about Punk Rock Pinball Association and tournament stuff www.punkrockpinball.com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

025 - Our Top 5 Pins of 2025

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0600

We each share our Top 5 pins of 2025. Share your Top 5 with us in the Facebook group or email us mike(at)livefromtherockroom(dot)com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

024 - Our Favorite Albums of 2025

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:06:28 -0600

It's been a busy week with family and friends. Excited to share our most favorite new albums of 2025

Let us know what YOU think in the Facebook group, YouTube video, or email us mike(at)livefromtherockroom(dot)com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

023 - Launching the HQ

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:55:26 -0600

HQ soft launch tournament in the books! Find out who showed up and who battled for the PRP points :)

Let us know what YOU think in the Facebook group, YouTube video, or email us mike(at)livefromtherockroom(dot)com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

022 Is Beetlejuice Worth The Squeeze?

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:51:15 -0600

Fresh off a marathon day of guest podcasting and competing in a pinball final at a massive private collection, we dives into the new Beetlejuice machine. While the art gets high praise, SOMEONE has a fiery, must-hear rant about the "Spooky Speak" feature. Get the exclusive details on the soft opening of the new Punk Rock Pinball HQ and our take on a "no finals" tournament format.

Let us know what YOU think in the Facebook group, YouTube video, or email us mike(at)livefromtherockroom(dot)com

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

021 - It's HQ Time!!

Live From The Rock Room — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:45:15 -0600

We're officially recording from the new Punk Rock Pinball HQ! Get the recap from the first Golden Ticket tournament, the scoop on the next IFPA event at Pour Bros, and hot takes on The Walking Dead Remaster's art. Plus, find out why Star Wars: Fall of the Empire just shot to the top of the want list and hear a hilarious, brutally honest review of the podcast from a friend.

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

020 - Worst Ever Pinball List & The PRPA Dream

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:49:10 -0600

We're kicking things off by laying out our Top Bottom Five list...the pinball machines we think are the worst of all time. You'll hear us talk about one that's just totally pointless, another that's so old and clunky it should've been scrapped, and the one we're crowning the worst ultra-modern machine out there. We'll even tell you which game got a last-minute save from being on the list!

Then, we're making a massive announcement: the Punk Rock Pinball Association (PRPA) is being born!

If you've ever thought the current competitive pinball scene is too serious, too complicated, or just too focused on players in big cities, you get it. We want the PRPA to be the fun, inclusive, alternative. An association focused on maximum fun and maximum participation for the novice and intermediate player. Our goal is to reward the grind by counting all your tournament scores and growing the community in a way that’s actually enjoyable.

Want to Help Us Build This Thing?

We can't do this alone! We need dedicated folks to help us figure this out.

If you're an experienced tournament player, we need your input to design the most fun and fair formats (and finally ditch those ridiculously long endgame rounds).
If you're a talented web developer, we need your help building the website, leaderboards, and player database.

You can email Mike at mike(at)livefromtherockroom(dot)com to join the team! If you just want to support the dream, grabbing a hoodie or t-shirt is a huge help toward funding the project.

Let's make this happen!

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

019 Mike is a bootlicker

Live From The Rock Room — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Big news in our local scene...and it's not just Mike's standings in the latest tournament.
Reaction to Spooky Pinball's teaser trailer for Beetlejuice.

Correction: Stephanie was talking about Sega Dreamcast NOT Panasonic 3DO. Give her a break, they came out around the same time...sort of.

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

018 - Highlights of Pinball Expo '25

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Our first Pinball Expo is in the books. It was a real good time filled with tons of friends, cool machines, and a ridiculous amount of games.

Here's a link to the Stern Pro Circuit event where the top 32 players participated in a challenge based competition on many of your favorite machines. 10 hours of pinball action! Stern Pro Circuit Finals 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7kNqPGoy6U

If you're enjoying the podcast (or can tolerate it) it would mean a lot if you subscribed and took a couple seconds to rate/review the show :) It helps more than you know!!

Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/punkrockpinball

Get your PRP Merch!! - https://anxiousandangry.com/collections/punk-rock-pinball

Discover some new music on the PRP playlist! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T3WsFYqgz8L4hZE4RVCcg?si=gLY738v7RtOi-_ZqBBrRTQ

Find Local Tournaments -
https://www.ifpapinball.com
https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments

Find Amazing Pinball Locations -
https://pinballmap.com

017 Pinball Expo - Hell ya

Live From The Rock Room — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0500

So much to talk about this week...tournaments, leagues, and expectations for our first trip to Pinball Expo in Schaummie (aka Schaumburg, IL)

If you're enjoying the podcast (or can tolerate it) it would mean a lot if you subscribed and took a couple seconds to rate/review the show :) It helps more than you know!!

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016 - Riot Fest Recap

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Mike and the boys played Riot Fest day 3 - we talk about the day, a new music recommendation, dream theme, and a "you choose" of course!

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#015 - Our Top 5 Games for New Players

Live From The Rock Room — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Had a few technical issues...so this one is a little late. Sorry!
Hope you enjoy this episode of our top 5 games for new players.
Think we missed a good one? Let us know!

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#014 Star Wars Fall of the Empire

Live From The Rock Room — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:30:00 -0500

It's our first visit to Stern Pinball HQ!! Extra special that we got a preview of the new Star Wars Fall of the Empire game. Got to play it, talk to the some of the brains behind the whole operation, and even meet some other pinball enthusiasts!! Hope you enjoy!!!

It would mean the world if you took a second to like, review, subscribe and all that stuff too :)

Check out the full Star Wars Fall of the Empire trailer on www.sternpinball.com

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#013 The Best Players in the World & Rumors

Live From The Rock Room — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0500

We just got back from PAPA World Pinball Championships 22 and played among many of the best pinballers on earth - for realsies.

Mike makes some game choices for next year's PAPA event and picks a dream theme that was a missed opportunity for Stephanie.

https://988lifeline.org - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

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#012 - Livestreaming, Leagues, and more

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Action packed week of pinball. Big news from Stern. Top 5 games revealed. Getting ready for PAPA. And more. It's a power packed 38 minutes.

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#011 Sincere Engineer is Here!

Live From The Rock Room — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:01:55 -0500

Our first guest! Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer came over and claims to not like pinball.
Will we change her mind?
Deanna and the boys are hitting the road this September with The Front Bottoms.
A terrific bill you shouldn't miss.
Check out all the details
https://sincereengineer.com

#010.5 Music Pins Pt 2: Our Top 5 Music Pins

Live From The Rock Room — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Continuing the music pin conversation Steph & Mike each share their Top 5 music pins
Do you agree/disagree? Let us know!

#010 We Need More Music Themed Pins

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Sparked by Chad's suggestion, Steph & Mike talk music pins and maybe the best Dream Theme yet!
What do you think?

#009 Music, Hobbies, and Stuff

Live From The Rock Room — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Why couples should go out and flip together!
Music recommendation and Live from The Rock Room Session: Rodeo Boys <3
Mike chooses...what is the ONE machine he would keep?
Stephanie shares a dream theme...and it's no joke!
Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean a lot if you gave us a rating :)

#008 National Pinball Day

Live From The Rock Room — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Costco has a Stern Home Edition Star Wars pinball. Is it worth it?
Stephanie makes a choice.
Mike gets revved up about a dream team.

You can check out the video-podcast version on our YouTube Channel: Live From The Rock Room

Appreciate you listening and it would mean the world if you subscribe, rate/review, and join the conversation with us!

#007 - Video Killed the Radio Star

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0500

We have the video equipment back at The Rock Room. You can check out the video-podcast version on our YouTube Channel: Live From The Rock Room

Appreciate you listening and it would mean the world if you subscribe, rate/review, and join the conversation with us!

#006 Pinball Art Hot Takes: What Rules, What Stinks, and Why It Matters

Live From The Rock Room — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Are you actually having fun in pinball, or are you just looking for something new to be mad about?

• Why “venting” about pinball is a weird place to be, and when a hobby stops feeling like an escape
• How pinball artwork affects ball tracking, immersion, and whether a game feels fun or frustrating to play
• Art hot takes on King Kong, Foo Fighters, Uncanny X-Men, Stern Star Trek, Beatles, Munsters, plus why art blades can make or break a machine

In this episode of the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, Mike and Steph dig into pinball art and why it matters more than people like to admit. They talk about the difference between criticizing a game and being angry at a hobby that’s supposed to be fun, then break down how playfield art, cabinet art, and lighting affect gameplay and immersion. The conversation covers modern pinball art styles, standout artists, and specific games that look incredible versus games that shoot great but feel visually unfinished. They also get into art blades, mirrored blades, and why once you add them, machines without them feel incomplete. If you’ve ever wondered whether pinball art really changes how a game plays, or why some games feel harder to enjoy than others, this episode connects the dots.

#005 - Are We Buying Too Many Games, or Is 15 Just the Beginning?

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, episode 5, and yeah, this one is basically our “pinball life is happening fast” update.

We got Jaws 50th Anniversary Edition, and we’re already emotionally attached, even though the Jaws Pro that started everything is leaving tomorrow.
We recap a 38-player Landmark tournament and the one little technique that completely changed Mike’s night: the post pass.
We argue about the pinball apocalypse scenario, and Steph drops a dream theme that feels obvious once you say it out loud: Wonder Woman pinball.

This episode is a mix of new machine excitement, tournament reality checks, and big pinball questions. We talk about how different the Jaws Premium shoots compared to the Pro, why adjusting between locations can melt your brain, and why owning a bunch of games makes you forget how to play half of them. We also tease a new idea we’re excited about: bands coming through the Rock Room picking a player and battling us head-to-head on our machines. Then we go full hypothetical with “if Stern disappeared, who keeps pinball alive,” and we finish with a dream theme that we’d pre-order immediately. Drop a comment with your dream theme and tell us who survives the pinball apocalypse.

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#004 - The Beginner’s Guide to Buying Your First Pinball Machine

Live From The Rock Room — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Buying your first pinball machine shouldn’t feel like a sketchy internet transaction, but somehow it does.

• The three dealers we trust and exactly why we’d buy from them again
• How to avoid scams, price-check used games, and not get taken for a ride
• Where we actually buy parts, mods, and the little stuff that keeps games running
• Dream Theme goes full nerd: Fallout pinball, and why Stern + Spooky should just team up already

In this episode of the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, Mike and Steph break down the real-world beginner guide to buying your first pinball machine without getting burned. They talk about how surprisingly hard it can be to find a legit dealer when you’re new, why they drove to Great American Pinball for their first new-in-box game, and how they later realized one of the biggest Stern dealers in the country was basically right down the road at Tilt Amusements. They also share two more trusted options for buying new and used machines, explain how used pricing works (and when it’s worth haggling), and point new buyers to Pinsider as a practical way to sanity-check prices and condition. On the maintenance side, they cover where they buy pinball parts and mods, why Pinball Life is their go-to, and when Marco Specialties comes in clutch. The episode wraps with a first-time buyer “you choose” recommendation for a starter game, plus a dream theme pitch for Fallout pinball and a spicy take on why the industry would be better if big manufacturers helped smaller ones get more games out into the world.

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#003 This Is the Unexpected Social Hobby We Wish We Found Sooner

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Pinball tournaments sound intimidating until you realize it’s just a room full of friendly nerds who want you to come back.

• Why we finished dead last at first and still had more fun than anything else we tried
• The real “skill gap” at most tournaments and why beginners belong there immediately
• How pinball became our easiest way to meet people in Central Illinois without the drinking-first vibe
• Dream Theme goes off the rails: Twin Peaks pinball, and we’d pre-order it without even seeing it

In this episode of the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, Mike and Steph talk about the thing that fueled their pinball obsession more than any machine ever did: playing in tournaments. They get honest about how intimidating tournaments seem at first, how badly they finished in their early events, and why none of that matters once you realize the atmosphere is welcoming, casual, and genuinely fun. They break down what a typical monthly tournament crowd actually looks like, why the best players are usually helpful instead of gatekeepy, and the simplest advice for new players who just want to survive and not feel clueless. The conversation also gets into why pinball tournaments are an underrated social activity for adults and couples, especially if you’re looking for a hobby that gets you out of the house and meeting people without needing to revolve your night around drinking. They wrap with a “you choose” finals machine scenario and a dream theme that needs to exist: a Twin Peaks pinball machine built by Spooky.

#002 If You’ve Ever Thought “Where Do People Even Play Pinball?”, Start Here

Live From The Rock Room — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0500

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If you’ve ever wondered where people actually play pinball anymore, there’s an app that quietly unlocks the whole world.

• How the Pinball Map app turns random road trips, tours, and weekends into pinball adventures
• Why breweries, bowling alleys, and arcades are secretly the best places to play
• A simple pro tip for finding well-maintained machines without wasting your time
• A brutal “you choose” pinball question that wipes two iconic games off the map forever

In this episode of the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, Mike and Steph break down the easiest way to find pinball machines near you, even if you’re brand new to the hobby. They talk about using the Pinball Map app to discover local spots, plan road trips, and hunt down specific machines, from modern releases to rare games you might never stumble on otherwise. The conversation covers playing pinball while touring, finding great locations in the US and abroad, and why tournaments are often the best sign that machines are actually maintained and worth playing. The episode also dives into a ruthless “you choose” scenario involving Pulp Fiction, The Big Lebowski, and Elvira, plus a Dream Theme pitch that might be a little polarizing but makes a surprising amount of sense.

#001 We Bought a Pinball Machine and It Accidentally Took Over Our Lives

Live From The Rock Room — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 19:58:14 -0500

We bought the pinball machine that started our obsession, and now we’re officially the kind of people who talk about flippers like it’s a personality trait.

• The Jaws Pro was our gateway drug, and the 50th Anniversary Edition feels like the “grown-up” version of the same obsession
• One small tournament skill (post passing) flipped Mike’s entire night and proved beginners can absolutely hang
• “Only one pinball company survives” turns into a real debate about what actually makes modern games feel good to play

In this episode of the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, Mike and Steph talk about what it’s like to fall into pinball fast, even if you’re not a hardcore player. They recap bringing home the Jaws 50th Anniversary Edition, reflect on how the Jaws Pro sparked their entire obsession, and break down how different versions of the same game can feel wildly different to play. The conversation also covers competitive pinball for normal people, including a simple skill that helped Mike survive a real tournament match, why adjusting to unfamiliar machines is so hard, and how collecting too many games can mess with your muscle memory. They wrap things up with a fun pinball apocalypse question about which manufacturer should survive if only one could keep making games, plus a Dream Theme pick that feels long overdue.