#team interview

RENEE:

Dan Wilds, TFN Assistant Director, bad Seth-bleep-this-out extraordinaire, and dear Captain. Tell us a little about you. How did you come to be a director at the Foxhole network?

DAN:

Well, I went to school here at PSU for communications. Wymack put me in charge of some of the productions my senior year and when I graduated, it just kind of naturally fell into place that I would keep working here. I didn’t want to leave, if I’m being honest. The Foxhole Network is my home.

RENEE:

I think we all feel that way to some extent. Even Allison. So, tell us what life is like for Dan Wilds? What do you do outside of TFN?

DAN:

Is this your subtle way of asking me if I’m seeing anyone?

RENEE:

No! No, I know better than that. I’m just wondering what you like to do when you’re not dealing with us hooligans.

SETH:

Hey! My hooligan days are behind me, thank you very much.

RENEE:

Seth, you will always be a hooligan at heart. Don’t try to deny it. It’s part of what makes you so boyishly charming.

SETH:

Word? Tell me more...

RENEE:

Okay, Okay enough! Moving on! Dan, if you would be so kind - life outside the studio?

DAN:

Well, just because I know people will ask, no. I’m not seeing anyone at the moment. It’s hard to find a partner that’s down with how much I work. Also - I’m a bad bitch and I don’t need, nor want, someone to take care of me. Men have a hard time with that sometimes.

RENEE:

Yeah, I can see that. Then let me ask, who’s your perfect partner? Or, better question, who’s your celebrity crush?

DAN:

Matt Boyd. Have you seen him play?

SETH:

He’s a good fuckin backliner. Just set that record and shit. How tall is he? 6’4?!

DAN:

Most blocked attempts by a Backliner... The discipline that kind of training must take... And you know he used to be an addict? I saw this whole interview with him talking about how he used to use and what it took for him to get clean. He volunteers at a youth shelter for at risk teens and also?

RENEE:

Yes?

DAN:

He’s fine as hell. Like - those Killmonger locs got me going...

[ pause ]

We can edit this later, right?”

SETH:

I’m not editing shit. This is too fuckin’ good. The great Dan losing her composure. Hey, hey, hey. You right about him, sis. Those locs got me goin’ too - can’t even front. Don’t be ashamed. You’d have to be blind not to see how fine he is.

RENEE:

I work with children...

DAN:

Whatever, Gordon. I guess you’re right - anyway. I’m done waxing poetic about Matt Boyd’s hair. You want my serious answer?

SETH:

That wasn’t it?

RENEE:

Let us know, Captain.

DAN:

I just hang out with friends when I can. Go get drinks and dance and just chill. You know my sisters from high school?

[ pause ]

Well, I’ve been getting to see them more and more and they’re amazing to have around when I’m having a shitty day.

RENEE:

I love that, Dan. Good friends are so important when we need someone to vent to.

RENEE:

Right - So! I did with this Seth and I’m going to do this with you. A lightning round, if you will, of word association. I’ll say a word and you  say the first thing that comes to mind.

RENEE:

Burger.

DAN:

Shake.

RENEE:

Car.

DAN:

Maserati.

SETH:

You still mad about that, huh?

RENEE:

Seth -

DAN:

Smile.

RENEE:

Allison.

DAN:

Unreasonable.

RENEE:

Renee.

DAN:

Favorite.

RENEE:

Aw, Dan...

DAN:

Yeah, yeah. No one’s surprised.

RENEE:

Andrew.

DAN:

Difficult.

RENEE:

Wymack.

DAN:

Dadmack.

RENEE:

That seems to be the consensus around here.

DAN:

He is, though. He’s everyone’s Dad even though he didn’t ask for it. Remember when we found out Kevin was his son? Kevin was like ‘Wymack’s my dad’ and we were like ‘Same you’re not special’.

RENEE:

Hmmm...

[ pause ]

I remember it being a bit more dramatic than that. But yes, I know what you mean. Okay, Captain, is there anything else we need to know about Dan Wilds?

DAN:

I guess just touching on Red Rabbits - that I’m committed to putting out the best podcast we can. I know it’s frustrating sometimes, when things are delayed or when we have no idea where our host is. But I promise I’m always working. Always pushing forward.

RENEE:

You really are. You’re the hardest working person in this place, I think.

DAN:

Don’t tell Minyard that. Whatever the fuck he’s doing. Really though. I’m glad someone thinks so... but!

[ hands clap ]

Go! Both of you! I have very important directorial things to do. Cut!

SETH:

Mmmmmhm, sure-Gonna watch replays of Boyd’s latest game. You know he just did a GQ spread, right?

DAN:

I am not. I really ha- are you serious...?

SETH:

SETH:

Ms. Walker. Question numero uno - why are you so damn sweet?

RENEE:

Seth, be serious!

SETH:

I am! Inquiring minds want to know and I would be remiss to deny them! Seriously, seriously. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you annoyed. What gives?

RENEE:

I mean- 

[ pause ]

Well, I suppose, this is going to sound silly to some of you, I guess. But, I suppose it’s grace. 

SETH:

Grace? Explain, please, Madame.

RENEE:

Oh, I’m sure I’m going to explain this terrible, as I think it’s personal and different to each person, but I’ll try. I’ve done some really terrible things in my life.

[ pause ]

I know it doesn’t seem like I could do much with, well. But, I have. And I’ve seen some terrible things too - orchestrated a good number of them. Some, I regret - some, I don’t. But, I’m a bad person trying very hard to be good. I go into every situation remembering that I’m coming from a different place and circumstance than anyone else. So, I always try to have and give grace.

SETH:

So, like... forgiveness?

RENEE:

Kind of... It’s forgiveness, when maybe forgiveness isn’t asked for or merited. It’s taking time to stop and recognize that you have no idea what another person has walked through in their life, or is currently walking through. I know people hear the word ‘grace’ and think religion, and it’s not a secret that I’m a spiritual person - but... I think it goes beyond that. I think compassion and forgiveness are something the world could use more of.

SETH:

You know. I honestly think it’s by the grace of others that I’m even here - that I was given another chance. That’s why you’re the favorite, you know. You say shit like this and you’re like a little baby koala we all want to cuddle.

RENEE:

Koalas have chlamydia. 

SETH:

Yeah, well. Who hasn’t had chlamydia? Get tested and then donate to your local planned parenthood, people.

SETH:

Hey, hey, hey. Enough talk about STD’s. Get your mind out of the gutter, Walker. More pressing things must be asked. Like - your friendship with Minyard. For example, why the fuck?

RENEE:

And to think you were just telling me how he’s a ‘real one’.

SETH:

And I stand by that! But you can’t blame me for wondering! You’re just so nice. And he’s just so... not.

RENEE:

What is nice, really? People think I’m nice because I smile and speak a kind word. I could probably leave this place today and go kill someone. Andrew? He’s nice because he says what he means. He’s incredibly loyal to his inner circle and he would literally die for those closest to him, if it came down to it. Andrew and I understand each other. We both have something... else that lingers underneath - even now, when we’re both living good lives and thriving in our own ways. I trust him... With my life. He’s the best person I know. His methods of showing how good he is may be... questionable. But he is good.

SETH:

I’ll believe you, but only because of the koala thing. Let’s move onto the fun shit. Lightning round. You ready?

RENEE:

Ready.

SETH:

Then let’s begin, Ms. Walker. Shoes.

RENEE:

Boots.

SETH:

Fork.

RENEE:

Spoon.

SETH:

Airplane.

RENEE:

Tired.

SETH:

Seth.

RENEE:

Fun.

SETH:

Damn right. Dan.

RENEE:

Mother.

SETH:

Allison.

RENEE:

[ pause ]

Fashion.

SETH:

Wymack.

RENEE:

Dadmack.

SETH:

We need to make him a fucking t-shirt. Or a mug that says #1 Dadmack.

RENEE:

No, Kevin will get jealous.

SETH:

You’re right. We all know Dan is Dadmack’s favorite.

RENEE:

No... Dan is just the eldest.

SETH:

This is lightning. Like fast. You’re ruining it. Andrew.

RENEE:

Friend.

SETH:

King.

RENEE:

Crookshanks.

SETH:

What the fuck? Like from Harry Potter?

RENEE:

She’s part kneazle. You can’t convince me otherwise.

SETH:

I would never question you. If you say it, I believe you.

RENEE:

Good. You’re an amazing human being and I think the incredibly fun life you’re living now is the life you deserve.

SETH:

[ pause ]

RENEE:

So, Allison Reynolds. Fashion mogul and all around bad bitch.

ALLISON:

That sounds so weird coming from you.

RENEE:

Tell us a bit about your being here in South Carolina. The listeners have heard your story and your reasoning for helping us in the search to find Mary and Nathaniel, but I think what I’m really asking is, why hang around? Especially since you have a whole life in Miami - an empire, really. Why Palmetto when you could go back there?

ALLISON:

I guess things are just too interesting here to leave.

RENEE:

Mmm... So, I guess the real question is, what are you doing here - besides finding things interesting? Why stay? I’m sure there are far more interesting things happening in Miami.

ALLISON:

You’d be surprised. Nothing so interesting there.

ALLISON:

I like feeling useful. I’m useful in Miami, of course - I do run an entire fashion ‘empire’. But, this is useful in a different way. This doesn’t directly benefit me. Even if I’m just sorting through emails or making contacts that might be able to help us, or just paying for a place for y’all to stay, it’s something. I want to find them, too. I want to see where they’ve been and if they need help. I want to lend a hand. Not for the sake of saying ‘I did it’, like some of y’all will believe, but because I want them to be okay. That’s all.

RENEE:

Will you continue, then? After we find them. Andrew - he’s pretty certain we will. Will you stop once they’re found? Or, will you stick around?

ALLISON:

I guess that depends.

RENEE:

On?

ALLISON:

You.

- 

[ cut ]

-

RENEE:

Okay, so. I’ve done this with the others, so I’m going to do it with you, too. It’s a lightning round, where I say a word and then you say the first thing that comes to mind. Sound good?

ALLISON:

Okay.

RENEE:

Burger.

ALLISON:

Pickles.

RENEE:

Car.

ALLISON:

Drive.

RENEE:

Dan.

ALLISON:

Strength. 

RENEE:

Seth.

ALLISON:

Cool.

RENEE:

Wymack.

ALLISON:

Loud.

RENEE:

Renee.

ALLISON:

[ pause ]

RENEE:

Alright. Perhaps we should begin by stating what this is.

We are going to sit down and ask the members of the Red Rabbits Team a few listener questions we’ve received over the course of this entire podcast. Seth here, will be helping me, so I thought who better to start with?

SETH:

Me, of course.

RENEE:

A charmer, as you all can see.

So, first question. This is one that I think has been on a lot of people’s minds, according to the asks we’ve gotten. Why DJ S3X? What deep and important meaning does this name have for you?

SETH:

Because my beats always fire. My mixes are unique, fresh. I don’t play the shit they put on the radio. I find those underground, soundcloud gems you don’t knows out there and make sure you still get some mainstream samples. I like my music like I like my sex - exciting and engaging. I want to feel something with it. And that’s why I’m DJ S3X.

RENEE:

Right.

Okay, Mr. S3X. What about in the studio here? You don’t just do Red Rabbits, you also work on all the shows that are produced through TFN. Which one is your favorite to work on?

SETH:

Honestly? Probably Red Rabbits. Sometimes-

[ pause ]

-all the time, the shit’s really fucked up. I mean, I’ve been through shit, just like everyone else here. So, it’s hard, at times, to listen to Minyard’s notes and the podcast and not get sucked back into the bad times. But, it makes me feel like I’m part of somethin’ big, you know? Like, if we can really find them and help them, it’ll add some extra points to my karma. 

RENEE:

I’m sure it will. You’re a good guy, Seth. I bet your karma’s just fine.

SETH:

I dunno... You knew me back in the day. When I was fresh in college and the worst fuckin’ version of myself I could be. With the... Drugs and sex and booze and all that shit. Nothin’ else really mattered because I was so fuckin’ angry all the time. I think - 

[ pause ]

- I think a lot of it was internalized self-hate. Not bein’ able to accept some shit, I dunno. Anyway, kudos to all of you for puttin’ up with me then, to be honest. Fuck knows how you did it.

RENEE:

I remember. I also remember Wymack pulling you into his office your senior year and telling you that you had a job waiting at the Foxhole Network if you could get it together. But not until then.

SETH:

Yeah. So, I got my shit together.

RENEE:

You got it together.

[ pause ]

It’s why Andrew has a grudging respect for you now, you know. Despite all the homophobic comments you used to taunt him with. He sees how far you’ve come, and he sees you admit you were wrong about a lot of things back then. I think he would never admit it, but he’s proud of you. Just like the rest of us.

SETH:

He’s a real one. Minyard. He’s an asshole, but at least you know where you stand with him. I miss that fucker. No word on when he’s comin’ home?

RENEE:

Not yet. Alright. Let’s play a lightning round. I’m going to say a word and you’re going to say the first thing that pops into your mind. Sound good?

SETH:

Hit me.

RENEE:

Burger.

SETH:

Fries.

RENEE:

Car.

SETH:

Fast. 

RENEE:

Dan.

SETH:

Captain.

RENEE:

Wymack.

SETH:

Dadmack.

RENEE:

Andrew.

SETH:

Asshole.

RENEE:

Allison.

SETH:

Legs.

RENEE:

Renee.

SETH:

Sweet.

RENEE:

King.

SETH:

Mine! For real, though. Minyard’s gonna be fuckin buggin’ when he gets back and realizes his cat likes me more than him.

RENEE:

That cat is freakishly attuned to Andrew. Honestly, half the reason I know he’s okay is because King’s so calm. I think she’d know if something happened to him.

SETH:

Yeah, well. She’s my best friend while he’s not here. Aren’t you, sweetheart?

RENEE:

Q: 957, your top lane Rammus was really spectacular to watch! What do you think of Rammus as a champion? Was the pick inspired by yesterday’s LCK matches? (*ssumday played Rammus vs JIN Air)

957: I’ved played top lane Rammus a few times recently. He’s quite good, both tanky and has a lot of damage output. Also, he’s is suitable for this patch. Rammus was played very well in the LCK yesterday, so we were even more confident heading into the match today.

Q: In what area is Rammus especially unique from other champions?

957: As for differences, it’s really difficult to lane against AP champions.

Q: Condi, your two baron steals were fantastic today. What was going through your mind at the time?

Condi: First of all, we had to protect our carries. But if we felt that they were safe from our enemies, we only had thoughts of stealing baron.

Q: What was the probability of being able to steal baron in those moments?

Condi: I was very confident so I thought that I could steal it.

Q: Is there a secret to your baron stealing? What is most important when faced with those kind of situations?

Condi: It is most important that you accurately evaluate the HP of baron and there is a lot of luck involved. Also, it has to do with how fast your mouse-clicks and reaction time are. 

Q: Royal Never Give Up has been performing quite well lately. How does it feel to win against them today?

Condi: Very glad, because their play is very eye-catching this season. Being able to win 2:0 against RNG just shows we are a team that is slowing becoming stronger. 

Q: Mystic, you were focussed by the enemy in the early-game. What were you thinking at the time?

Mystic: I just wanted to die as few times as I could manage and gradually make a come back by communicating with my teammates.

Q: You kill on Mlxg when she was clearing Raptors was incredible. Was it just a prediction or did you have vision?

Mystic: I saw Nidalee head towards the Raptors and I thought that he might have gone back to base near that area as well so I used my ult.

Q: Xiye, Mystic wasn’t playing too well in the second game. In the team, you were the only carry that could deal a decent amount of damage. Did you have a bit of a mental breakdown?

Xiye: It was okay, because Corki can scale a little, so there wasn’t any pressure on me.

Q: Did you have any plans for countermeasures as a result of your ADC not doing to well?

Xiye: The plan was for us four to hold the turrets while we let the ADC farm up in the bottom lane. 

Q: 957, in the second game you had a duel with Lissandra and you killed her. Is it because the LPL players aren’t too used to playing against champions like Rammus?

957: The must have been a part of the reason.

Q: Nowadays, many previously overlooked champions are slowly taking to the stage. Do you think that not enough new picks are utilised in China?

957: Compared to other regions, the LPL doesn’t have a great variety of champion picks.

Q: Xiye, the most common build for Corki is to buy boots and then some damage. In your match, you straight up bought 3rd tier boots. What led you to this decision?

Xiye: It was mainly because we were at a disadvantage in the early game. I was thinking about being able to move around to map quicker and being able to protect our turrets more efficiently. 3rd tier boots can help take some camps/minions too.

Q: Ezreal’s damage isn’t that high in the mid game. Wouldn’t buying 3rd tier boots make you even more weak in terms of damage?

Xiye: Because I could move even quicker and I was doing quite well, I didn’t think that 3rd tier boots would set us back too much.

Q: Mystic, you bought Cull for Ezreal, the damage of which isn’t very high in the early or mid game. Do you think that Cull would prolong the game?

Mystic: Even if I didn’t buy Cull, my damage would still be low so I bought it.

Q: Condi, how do you think Mlxg performed today?

Condi: His engages were very good today, but if he was caught out or stopped, then it would result in an easy kill for us.

Q: Xiye, did you have any strategies for going against RNG especially?

Q: Acorn, this was your first match this season. You helped your team to win and was awarded MVP. How do you feel?

Acorn: I was a bit too nervous before, but I’m doing okay now. I’m very happy that we won. 

Q: In the second match, you subbed MaRin for Acorn. Was there any reason for this?

PYL: To be honest, not really. We just thought that our two top laners specialise in different champions. We swapped them around to see if we get different results. 

Q: Then what is the difference between MaRin and Acorn?

PYL: In our matches, you can tell that MaRin likes to carry, while Acorn plays tanky champions.

Q: MaRin, you’ve been playing off-meta champions. Was that a team decision or did you just want to play them?

MaRin: On one hand, I liked to play those champions. On the other hand, we’ve played them in scrims before. As for the decision, it was our coach who decided that.

Q: Imp, you played Ezreal aggressively. Why was that?

Imp: Because I’m not a great Ezreal or Lucian player, so I needed be more aggressive.

Q: We1less, in the first game you were constantly getting CC’d, but you still only bought damage items. Why was that?

We1less: Because the damage input is high. (laughs) Sometimes when you have to deal with Lux or Elise in the mid lane, you’d carry cleanse with you. But in that game, we had Morgana, so I only built damage items and took ignite.

Q: Dragon was stolen from you two times in the second game. Were there any problems at the time?

PYL: Our jungler sucks at smiting. (laughs)

Q: LGD isn’t playing as aggressive they were in the previous season. Why is that?

PYL: That’s because 2 new players have joined our team (*MaRin and Eimy). LGD is still working on synergy, so we haven’t determined our playstyle yet.

Q: MaRin, after coming to the LPL, does it feel like other teams are trying to shut you down in games?

MaRin: It really does feel that way. From now on, I will improve my skills (under those circumstances).

Q: How would you rank yourself out of the top laners in the LPL?

MaRin: I haven’t gone against all of the top laners yet, so I’m not that sure.

Q: PYL, you’ve said this before: MaRin likes to play games where all three lanes are carries. Do you find it difficult to divide the resources?

PYL: We have our way of dividing them according to the needs of different champions.

Q: When MaRin plays, who does the shot-calling?

PYL: MaRin shot-calls.

Q: What about Acorn?

PYL: When Acorn plays, we might distribute the shot-calling responsibilities. We all use simple Chinese to communicate with each other.

Q: Right now, LGD isn’t doing too well. What will you do to fix that?

PYL: Um.. We don’t have much time to take a break. (*LPL has a ~2 week break until 18/02 because of Chinese New Year) In that time, we will scrim more in order to win the rest of the year’s matches.

Q: Is winning your first match of the season special to you?

PYL: It’s encouragement for myself. It feels like we finally won a match, because it felt very difficult to win prior to today.

Q: Acorn, your Poppy in the second game won MVP. You intelligently managed to knock the opposing Kalista onto the the wall. How did you do it?

Acorn: You generally have to be accurate with your E. Your opponent can dodge your R, so I just Flash+E.

Q: Poppy was very important in the last team fight. Thoughts at the time?

Acorn: I can’t remember. (laughs)

Q: We1less, what is your opinion on Lux, a champion that you played against in the first game?

We1less: It feels as though as long as I pick Corki, it wouldn’t matter what champion they pick.

Q: Your performance today was as good as it was last year. Are you back in form?

We1less: If we’re talking about recent performance, it is better than when I played in the first week of the LPL. 

Q: MaRin, after joining the LPL, do you frequently watch the LCK matches?

MaRin: I don’t watch all of them. I’d pick some good matches to watch.

Q: What do you think of SKT Duke?

MaRin: SKT is having problems with synergy. I believe that, in due time, they will become better and better.

Q: Xiaoxi (*LGD’s jungler sub), how has the coaching team arranged the rotation of the roster?

Xiaoxi: It depends on how well Eimy and I can play.

Q: Do you think that you’re in good form?

Xiaoxi: I’m in very good form, but I don’t know if I can continue my good form for the rest of the year as well. 

Q: As a jungler for LGD, is there a lot of pressure on you?

Xiaoxi: There is pressure on me, but pressure can also become a motivator. 

Q: We1less, how did your team win these two games today?

We1less: In the first game, my mid opponent was Lux and I was playing Corki. Our jungler and I controlled the top-side jungle and even killed Elise once. This gave an advantage to our top lane, which, in turn, gave an advantage to the mid lane and then we toppled our opponent. As for the second game, we played strong late-game champions.

Q: You have not been performing well. What do you think?

We1less: This is still only the first third of the split. Time will prove everything.

Q: Acorn, in the second game almost all of your opponents dealt physical damage. Why did you buy Spirit Visage?

Acorn: When I play Poppy, there are 3 items that I must get: Iceborn Gauntlet, Sunfire Cape, and Spirit Visage when there is an AP damage-dealer on the other team.

Q: Xiaoxi: In your matches, you regularly help the top lane. Any reason for doing so?

Xiaoxi: Because I think MaRin can carry us.