Kyle Bosman On Leaving Easy Allies And His Future Plans

MinnMax's Ben Hanson interviews Kyle Bosman about his career, working with Geoff Keighley, and why he's leaving Easy Allies. The Easy Allies Podcast is one of Hanson's favorite podcasts, so we hope you enjoy this conversation about managing a Patreon, hosting a podcast, and why it's important to stare at a mountain sometimes. If you want to listen to this conversation as a podcast, please consider supporting MinnMax on Patreon to unlock the exclusive podcast feed that also contains our full game club discussion on Final Fantasy VII Remake called The Deepest Dive. / minnmax
We're excited to see what the future looks like for Easy Allies, so please check them out! / easyallies
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[@minnmax]

To unlock the podcast version of this discussion and The Deepest Dive on Final Fantasy VII Remake, please consider supporting MinnMax on Patreon! www.patreon.com/minnmax

[@scottnukend]

Is there more interview of Bosman if I become a patron? I'd love to watch an extra 20-45 mins.

[@JoshBurcham104]

@@scottnukend Same I would pay a month for that

[@jesiahnickolas4875]

i guess im randomly asking but does anyone know of a tool to log back into an instagram account..? I somehow lost the account password. I love any tips you can offer me!

[@iramemphis4968]

@Jesiah Nickolas Instablaster =)

[@jesiahnickolas4875]

@Ira Memphis i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im trying it out now. I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@BigSkippy95]

This interview was so raw, and I really liked the way Kyle was so open with how he felt. This was a great video.

[@Cin3mattic]

Who elss misses "the final bosman"?

[@ethanguillot]

Hanson mentioning Easy Allies is what got me into listening to them, so I was very excited when I saw the thumbnail!

[@minnmax]

Oh great! Glad you enjoy Easy Allies!

[@jordansmith1371]

@@minnmax Easy Allies mentioning Ben Hanson is what got me watching him!

[@Hikikomori34]

Man, when GT closed down little bit of me died. As a person with literally no friends, i live on podcasts, and eza was the most comfy, even thou i'm from Russia.

[@Pitman856]

hey man I’ll be your friend

[@DarshUK1]

Me too! Are applications still open?

[@nat12319]

Same here buddy, the world needs more people like you

[@Largentina.]

Mother Russia is the only friend you need.

[@franzusgutlus54]

Pro tip: I dont need friends ;)

[@ChrisLT]

Couple years ago, I kinda went through a similar thought process. I was comfortable, but I needed a change and a challenge. It was risky and difficult, but a few years later I figured out what's important to me and what sort of stuff I want out of life. So I get where Kyle's at. Hopefully it works out great for him. Still, strange to see him moving on. I remember his first Final Bossman and thinking "hey, this guy's cool, hope to see him on here some more."

[@The_RedVIII]

Ben Hanson and Kyle Bosman, two of the best people in this business. Just imagine them doing more stuff together. That would be wild. Whatever happens, I just hope we still see a lot of Kyle.

[@Idle_Wilder]

Bosman getting bleeped for swearing is the funniest thing

[@williamkelly2368]

Sacrilege to censor a Kyle Bosman swear. You'll have to watch his latest EZA podcast for the goods

[@cheappyv5156]

@@williamkelly2368 he did it?

[@JoshBurcham104]

@@cheappyv5156 He sure did. I cried

[@StarWarsUnited123]

It feels like Britney Spears growing out of her Mickey Mouse Club days.

[@azfaru4367]

Aww Kyle always came off as a sweet guy. Glad to see he’s challenging himself rather than just staying in his comfort zone

[@gerhardbreda2479]

The Final Bosman connected with me during a very important time of my life. I will forever love Kyle Bosman, this man is a weird, authentic genius in this biz.

[@aceman1858]

Fantastic interview, really loved it. Long time Bosman fan, he was the reason I became a Patron of EZA (not going anywhere don't worry!) and this is exactly the interview I knew would not be possible with the EZA crew, simply due to their relationship as long time friends and coworkers. There's sort of ingrained expectations and personalities built in there, and Ben you brought a great fresh perspective with really interesting questions that I have been wanting to ask for a long time but am not in the position to, so thanks for that! I empathize with many of Kyle's feelings, and as per usual wish him well! Ben it was clear you were looking for tips to improve your own show, so I thought you'd like to hear impressions from a first time listener: I thought you were great! As Kyle described, you maintained a good "flow" throughout, and had insightful questions prepared but you weren't afraid to let conversations continue. The only thing I had hoped for were moments where the conversations went a little deeper into emotions and true fears/hopes that I would've liked an even deeper dive into, but considering most shows I watch don't even wade into that pool in the first place I can't really complain. Hope that's useful!

[@297fihsy]

Excellent comment, couldn’t agree more

[@adamhentschel5490]

Two of the best podcast hosts in the biz

[@minnmax]

Aww, thanks!

[@mi2-c035]

So true, I listen to almost all gaming podcasts every week: MinnMaxShow and EZA Podcast are consistently the best and a lot comes from the format and pacing, very professional.

[@BlindRiott]

Adam Hentschel I saw Bosman, where was the other one?

[@LupusAdNoctem]

Pretty sure the Dark Prince was a moderator, not a host

[@Duxa_]

You clearly have never heard the sweet voice of Brad Shoemaker.

[@MickeyStirrups]

Without exaggeration, Kyle and Ben are the two best people in the video game industry. You both have an innate ability of stimulating somewhat unconventional, yet insightful perspectives and conversations, all while fostering great communities. Thanks to you both for making this happen, it was a pleasure watch.... I'd always fostered hopes that you guys could've worked together more, and I think this video shows exactly why I felt that way - great stuff.

[@charoleawood]

I appreciate Kyle not wanting to say "I love you" to his audience. If I'm out here telling some youtuber "Hey, I love you, keep up the good work" I should not expect an "I love you" back. No, I put that out there as a message (and I've never typed "I love you" to any youtuber, I'll say "I love your content") without strings attached. I HATE it when people say to me, "I love you", and then expect an "I love you" in return, it's inappropriate and manipulative, if somebody really wants me to hear that message they'll be OK without hearing it back --- the delivery of the message is what's important, not ego stroking ping pong.

[@kenshokram]

Good perspective! If you haven't seen them I recommend Shannon Strucci's videos on parasocial relationships that explore why creators and brands and stuff saying things like that to the audience is such a problem for both sides, and they are really interesting.

[@charoleawood]

@@kenshokram Hey! Thanks for cluing me into that. I'd actually listened to the conversation between Philosophy Tube and Strucci (I was playing Ashen at the time, great game) about parasocial relationships, but I never subscribed to Strucci --- that's been fixed now. Cheers!

[@YMODiabolik]

Not to throw shade but this is why I started to struggle with Kinda Funny really early. They used to be sarcastic, kinda sardonic guys with an affection for their fans. Then the 'I love you' to the fans was heavily pushed into every show and message. It made me feel very easy, and gradually they weren't the people I grew up watching anymore. Kyle is himself, all the allies are, and that's why I like watching them. False platitudes towards us would feel wrong.

[@jimpinto4448]

This is easily 2 hours of content hiding as an hour. I cannot believe how much you guys covered. Great episode!

[@DeviMon1]

Yeah this flew by super quick

[@FranzBinder20]

Maybe you listened at half speed?

[@casscayton]

Is no one going to mention the toaster strudel?

[@k-mac9798]

Omg it's a chocolate toaster strudel! I've never seen one before. Thanks for this!

[@DustinSince19XX]

That had me smiling right there in the end.

[@mi2-c035]

“If a game graps your heart, it is a Pop-Tart. If the game will be brutal, that is a Toaster Strudel.”

[@JerseySlayer]

Toaster Struddle > Pooptart

[@sublime90]

bens attention to detail is appreciated

[@olafpayne]

Kyle has so much potential. As an analyst, as a writer, as a critic. He can recognise and understand what makes something great or funny and then can communicate it to an audience who might not have picked it up.

[@AManNamedBabs]

"Heavy Quitters" a MinnMax interview series where Ben Hanson talks to beloved members of the game industry as they prepare to venture off to new careers

[@jimmorris9824]

Or maybe something along the lines of "Game Over, Continue?"

[@Stormcrownn]

I really want more Kyle Bosman. Hope he streams regularly.

[@DarshUK1]

I think he’ll take some time off but he’ll stream on twitch and has his own KZbin channel (@KyleBosman)

[@AntiNihilist]

My problem with Kyle is that he's like "I'm not going to go on to be Justin Timberlake after Nsync" yet he hasn't continued the thing that made him popular while he was at Nsync(Easyallies/Gametrailers) which is The Final Bossman. He could single handedly have more subribers/patrons than Easy Allies just by making a TFB every week. To be fair he might not like it or not want to continue it, but it really was better than he has ever given it credit for.

[@Bokbesatt]

I still miss The Final Bosman, and that alone tells how amazing the writing for that segment was.

[@Cin3mattic]

I miss the final bossman so much too

[@NoirProxy]

TFB is owned by the company that owns Smosh and Gametrailers. Everything that was Gametrailers was owned by them when they bought it out and closed it down.

[@miami2881]

Proxy Payload Yes but that’s beyond the point. He can do the exact same show, the exact same way, and just call it something else.

[@Gypsy_Danger_TMC]

Bosman and Huber were the reason I listened to easy allies.. The video where the guys reacted to the ff7 remake announcement made me shed a tear because someone else out there felt the same. Would love to meet him, have a beer and just explain how much I relate

[@Rambo2020]

This makes me incredibly happy. My 2 favorite podcasts hosts. Thank you for all you do Ben.

[@josemanuel_rocha]

Kyle if you are readng this: Good luck on your travels! Ben: Great interview and keep up the great work!

[@bryansellner2943]

Ben is such a fantastic interviewer, can’t believe these don’t have more views

[@JBlizzyFan]

15:25 day one EZA patron here ;)

[@minnmax]

Heck yeah!

[@tylerstravis]

Same here.

[@natpoolpewpew7112]

Same here. The amount I’ve donated has went up and down over the years but I’ve not skipped even one month.

[@Ionic457]

Day one. We kept the Twitch chat from GT active for like 2 weeks after they had their last stream

[@Neilo19]

@@minnmax Watch your language Ben.

[@andymoney6530]

I've been waiting for this since Ben went on the Easyallies podcast 👌

[@minnmax]

We just love cross-overs!

[@ranihalperin8675]

So happy for the chance to hear Bossman a bit more today 🤗

[@hmoobdaj]

Good interview. I honestly don't really know much about the interviewer or the interviewee, but somehow this video showed up in my recommendation. I think its always cool to see someone want to grow outside of where they prospered and created an identity. Kyle obviously had ambitions that were bigger than what his team at Easy Allies wanted to be, so this move was necessary for him to really become a bigger player and it'll be awesome to see someone bet on themselves. As the MinnMax host said, there was always something to be gained from making these types of moves and the journey itself will bring about experiences that will never be realized without this leap.

[@DangerSimmons]

Hanson has such a knack for one-on-one interviews. These are so fantastic, I hope we see more of these throughout minnmax! Dan Rykert & Mike Mahardy interviews we great too! Here's hoping you snag Danny from noclip or Drew Scanlan from Clothmap for a segment.

[@jeramyd7972]

I’m truly glad Ben, you’re getting more people to be on the show. This community is awesome

[@Parmersan]

Sneaking in bites of a Toaster Strudel killed me. haha

[@ARIXANDRE]

Minnmax with Jason Schreier and Kyle Boz. Great scoop interviews! Congrats!

[@minnmax]

Thanks for following the channel!

[@twincherries6698]

Interesting watch after seeing Kyle upload his first try at something with Delayed Input. Hoping for the best, already feels right at home with Final Bosman.

[@eulogieh]

My two absolute favorite podcast hosts. Couldn't ask for more

[@TechMetalRules]

Everyone go watch Box Peak (Kyle's animated show).

[@daniellec6337]

Box Peak is the most perfect expression of Kyle's ability to read the audience and play to their reactions/expectations without seeing them in person. It is up there with Undertale for demonstrating that skill.

[@triphide]

Danielle C agreed, I feel a bit ashamed that I discarded it at first but I’m so happy I gave it a second chance. It proved to be completely amazing.

[@MysteriousMrL]

Wow. I wasn't expecting this, let alone so soon. I'm still recovering from listening to Kyle's final podcast a few hours ago.

[@azriell783]

Man, what a treat. Thank you to Ben for putting this interview together. Thanks to Kyle, for doing this despite being antisocial. This episode meant a lot.

[@DivineZerinus]

I'm really happy that Kyle was on here, and I loved the bit where he was talking about how he felt unfulfilled doing only less than 2% of what he was doing and where he said he was excited about having to face challenges. An inspiration to me, because life is all about progression and becoming the best version of yourself. Thanks for the video!

[@NCRLouTenant]

The Dark Prince of Nerd Media will forever live on in our minds, and our hearts.

[@mewgiah8057]

Thought your guys discussion on online personalities and their relationship with viewers was much needed. I always found Kinda Funny Games to be really scummy about this. From the very start they call their fans "best friends" and keep using the "we are friends" dialogue. On a surface level "we are just a bunch of friends hanging out and talking about games" is innocent enough. But it gets dicey when it comes to them asking for money when they start losing subs. "Best friends, we need your help". These people are not your friends, let alone best friends. They don't TRULY give a shit about you. I feel like this tactic is similar to religious personalities on TV who make that emotional connection with the viewer - and then ask them for money. Or claim they are helping them.

[@PlaylistGeneral]

Fuck. That IS scummy. I always got really *off* vibes from that group too - I don't think it's intentional, I think they're just really negligent.

[@michaelrfx7]

Love how RAW this video is, we need more of this! Should be called Deepest Dive Interviews

[@sublime90]

i agree 100% with the deep dives / game clubs and the long in depth conversations about all aspects of a certain game. i love it.

[@Hugop_arts]

Man two of my favorite casters of all time sharing a 1h talk together! Amazing

[@Coreyahno]

Discovered MinnMax because of Easy Allies and particularly because of Kyle. Was very happy to see this pop up. Wasn’t expecting some fresh Kyle content so soon after his departure. Really going to miss him being part of the crew, but can’t wait to see what he does in the future.

[@_kaushin1540]

Been looking forward to this. I also found Easy Allies because of you Mr. Hanson.

[@minnmax]

Oh great!

[@franjaff6919]

I'm 20 minutes in and this is already way better than 95% of other interviews found online. Really great stuff, looking forward to digging through some of the earlier videos on this channel.

[@kenshokram]

Ben Hanson, you should check out Shannon Strucci's videos on parasocial relationships. Making it a brand thing to tell people "I love you" back without thinking about it can totally harm people. There are millions out there who actually use parasocial online relationships to creators to replace real life connections and that is a big problem. Bosman is on the right track.

[@AManNamedBabs]

I've been pushing off listening to Bosman's final EZA podcast, but watching this was actually very cathartic to me. Fantastic conversation!

[@hasanmonkey1]

Kyle Bossman will be greatly missed. It’s been so good listing/watching his content over the last so many years. Will support you in next venture.

[@cuichu]

I like how the guy was actually a listener of the EAZ podcast.

[@yozetty]

Jose Daniel Hey, thanks! Ha, yeah just a lucky fan.

[@mangamelon]

This is really great Ben. Strangely personal, insightful, and thought provoking.

[@Rocknr]

This makes total sense to me. Ever since I started watching the easy allies a couple years ago it was obvious to me that Kyle was just on another level compared to the rest of the allies.

[@KyleHilliard]

Good interview! Hanson, you should do, like, a dedicated interview show. You can have that idea for free.

[@cRub3r]

I agree with this opinion, random KZbinr.

[@AKA1MAN]

Kyle your first episode of Final bosman is your strength. focusing on a subject and releasing a video in that style thoughtfully written without a specific time schedule would be appreciated and benefitial for your own mental health because you know suppression of all that creativity could be harmful to you any way good luck.

[@johannesmeier5550]

I always liked that the Allies don`t have a lot of guests on. They are so good at what they do, they don`t need any "big" guests.

[@YourPalHDee]

Always made me uncomfortable when they filled a podcast or frametrap spot with a guest tbh, I don't tune in for those guests, I tune in for the Allies.

[@RobMost]

Such a genuinely nice and funny guy, I still rewatch Final Bosman occasionally

[@LeanneMustafa]

Miss you already bosman. Love and respect ♡

[@kenzaplenty]

I have travelled a lot and it's overwhelming for me, but it gives so much perspective. We are tiny! Rejoice! Look at mountains!

[@Gloop97]

I loved this, great to get some further insight. Been a patron of EasyAllies for 46 months now and I'll miss you dearly Kyle.

[@David-uc6sg]

Glad my twitter suggestion happened. Dan, Mike, Jason and now Kyle. MM really is the place people in the games media go when changing jobs/companies.

[@minnmax]

We didn't plan on it?

[@mrshmuga9]

I’m glad you did this, Ben. I don’t think we would’ve gotten a *deep dive* into Kyle’s thoughts otherwise. Especially his state before he veers off on his new adventure.

[@WackoWambo]

Thank you for doing this!

[@minnmax]

Thanks for watching!

[@Sirg17x]

I've sort of fallen of the wagon on my podcast listening, but Kyle along with GT and EZA play a major role in where I am today watching their progression from Invisible Walls till today in some capacity. Just learning about MinnMax to find out they are in Minnesota. So as a North Iowan I need to check out their stuff. If there is one thing to say about MinnMax on first impressions their merch is top notch and this was a very insightful interview podcast.

[@Thomas33rd]

Ben Hanson is the Grim Reaper of games media.

[@twylat4210]

This was great and much needed☺️ Experiencing other countries and cultures is definitely something that has enriched my life and shaped me so I hope you will get to travel the world when this pandemic is over. I am not talking a weekend of sightseeing or 10 days of sunbathing. Both of which are great, don't get me wrong. But spend time in places, meet people, try different food, leave your comfort zone. Touch base at your parents', explore your options and we are going to be here for you if and when you need us. Just occasionally send us a wee sign you are OK though 😁

[@DaleSponge]

Honestly the idea of branding these sort of interviews is actually kinda cool. L&R to you both

[@RooboliusBrandybuck]

I'm a day one EZA patron who only knew Kyle Bosman from The Final Bosman and decided to support on Patreon Day 0. After a couple of months, I cut my support back because I wasn't really watching their content... but slowly I started watching their stuff more and more and Easy Allies became my #1 podcast and was supported as such.

[@minnmax]

Awesome! Thanks for watching the video and leaving a comment!

[@JasonBetthauser]

“I have a floppy metronome.” -Kyle Bosman

[@jacobdekk]

Fancy seeing you here, Jason

[@DerUserX]

Great get!

[@minnmax]

Hey, thanks!

[@TheOriginalMomos]

That was a great video! Really enjoyed listening to it while working! And yes these kind of interviews should be branded. It's a unique thing I haven't really seen yet in this industry and it's really cool to hear about it.

[@joemurray]

I agree EA should get professionals to improve the logo - Kyle is right

[@woehrle17]

Absolutely my 2 favorite podcast hosts ever. This was such an enlightening treat.

[@Starfals]

Ben and Kyle in the same podcast?! This is like Xman joining the marvel universe. It's huge!!!!

[@dougiehockeym8071]

Amazing interview Ben. And yes this was a perfect Deepest Dive on Kyle and the EZA podcast. Also, you are a great listener, nice to see that in a podcast moderator/host.

[@Tokumei-no-B]

If this actually becomes a regular thing where you talk to people that quit their jobs, you should call it "Game Changers" or something.

[@HerdULiekManwichs]

Nah that's already the name of that vegan documentary.

[@Tokumei-no-B]

@@HerdULiekManwichs Ah too bad..

[@LazyByName]

Stellar interview. Good luck Kyle!!

[@drdunngg]

My picture with Geoff really puts things into perspective now

[@the1ghost764]

Wow 😳 I have being listening to Kyle for Bossman for years.

[@RatAvenue]

I knew Kyle was an introvert but not at this level. He does a great job of not showing it during streams or shows.

[@creamycoffee]

I've never heard of this KZbin channel until KZbin just recommended this video to me. I love the EasyAllies and I love(d) the Gameinformer podcast. I've immediately subscribed to this channel!

[@minnmax]

Amazing, thanks so much! We hope you enjoy it!

[@mrchiefbs]

me too

[@nickgeurtsen]

Ben, you did it! Love and respect!

[@robertstimmel1100]

You probably won't see this comment, Kyle, but you are my favourite video game personality. I was a day one patron for EZA and have stuck it out. Your podcast was what kept me invested for all these years going back to GT. I'll probably keep my patronage, but I fear that it won't be the same. I haven't had the heart to even watch the podcast since your announcement, but I understand why you're leaving. I love my unfulfilling job too! Best of luck in the future and please drop in at EZA sometime!

[@KevinJennissen]

Top two favorite internet personalities. Never clicked faster on anything!

[@theelbrando]

I'm super sad. I became a fan of Kyle on the third episode of the Final Bosman. Sad to see him leave the Allies. We wish you well Kyle.

[@theJoelness]

Love and Respect Kyle! Good Luck!

[@ryanmartinez1703]

Was not expecting to get this interview, but for sure glad it happened

[@couldntthinkofagoodnamesoi8357]

40:48 This moment happened during the Resident Evil 2: Remake Twitch stream with Huber.

[@pallyjaius]

Great conversation. Ever since Hanson showed up on an EZA podcast, I was hoping to see more Kyle and Hanson. Shame about the circumstances

[@YourPalHDee]

Nah the circumstances are positive, man. Kyle was wasted at EZA.

[@oddishu]

Two of my favorite podcast host doing a show together. Yes!

[@ronomgenuff]

Kyle you didn't make the wrong decision. I feel like the reason I have been so invested in you so far is because I resonate with you. In another life, instead of doing what I do I would probably be living a very similar life. I just wanted to say that only wrong decisions in life are 1) decisions that hurt others/yourself, or 2) the ones you don't make for yourself. Into the unknown!

[@natk8541]

His departure from EZA hurts the Allies and the fanbase amigo.

[@MellowFelloh]

Here from Easy Allies. Sad about Kyle leaving but happy to have found this channel. Love the vibes. Got yourself a new subscriber!

[@thewhitewolf4968]

Ben ! Thank you for doing this! You think in a way similar to me. In a way you want to get into the mind of someone. I don't know if you invited " the deepest dives " but that says a lot about you that you want to get into the nitty gritty. I got to know a little more in detail why Kyle was doing this. And honestly it takes balls haha but this is a great episode. To what Kyle said when I think of Minnmax yes I think of Ben. I was there when the four of you started this but I definitely see you has the head honcho and your doing a kick ass job to be spreading this. Sorry about this long comment but I got inspired! L&R

[@dgmaffi]

I just realized Kyle looks exactly like Milton from The Simpson.

[@hsapin]

I just hope Kyle finds more happiness. It's pretty clear that he struggles with depression and from my experience, depression can be improved significantly without the use of medication. Can't wait to see him killing it as his "main thing".

[@YourPalHDee]

As much as your intentions are totally pure, I hope he doesn't read this. I feel like it would feel super uncomfortable seeing your depression getting dissected by a stranger on the internet.

[@dannyboy3001]

Kyle in 10 years: Metaverse Curator

[@bemaod]

When Kyle mentioned traveling before on EZA and again here it got me thinking about what I'm done while traveling, albeit just in North America. I liked seeing different cities outside of Wisconsin. I liked trying the local cuisines. But overall I just enjoyed going to baseball games and seeing different stadiums in the end. Maybe if I had a different mindset about going the those cities my experiences would've been different. But would I have enjoyed the experiences I did have more or less? I guess that's the question.

[@64garrett]

Why leave Wisconsin when you have the Dells though

[@MonsterMJ]

i love minnmax and eza the best in the biz

[@colfari]

Thank you, Ben! That was a very good interview. Needed this after watching the last podcast with him today.

[@Ed411]

my only wish, a wish i think ill never get. Is more episodes of Final Bosman!