The gaming podcast community said goodbye to a legend on November 23, 2025. Orange Lounge Radio, which has been broadcasting every Sunday night since 2002, aired its final episode after an incredible 23-and-a-half-year journey. For thousands of gamers who tuned in week after week, this wasn’t just another podcast ending – it was the closing of a chapter in gaming media history.
The Birth of a Gaming Institution
Orange Lounge Radio didn’t start with sponsorships or a media company backing. The station officially launched on Live 365 on May 25, 2002, with the first Sunday show airing on June 23, 2002. From day one, the vision was simple: create an independent voice in gaming where every player had a platform to share their thoughts.
Broadcasting live from Sacramento, California, the show was hosted by DarkSakura (Jamie Summers), skie (Rob Roberts), and LOKI. Unlike many gaming podcasts that came and went, Orange Lounge Radio maintained its weekly schedule for over two decades. That kind of consistency is rare in any medium, let alone in the fast-moving world of gaming content.
What Made Orange Lounge Radio Different
In a crowded space filled with gaming podcasts, Orange Lounge Radio carved out its own identity by putting community first. The show wasn’t just three people talking about games – it was an interactive experience. Listeners could call in live, participate in chatrooms, send emails, and engage through Twitter during broadcasts.
The podcast aired live every Sunday night at 6 PM Pacific (9 PM Eastern) on the VOG Network. This live format meant real conversations with real gamers in real time. No scripts, no corporate polish – just honest discussions about what was happening in the gaming world.
Recognition and Milestones
Over its impressive run, Orange Lounge Radio earned serious recognition. The show won a Podcast Award for Best Gaming Podcast and received three Best of Live 365 award nominations. Episode 800 was a particular celebration, marking nearly 15 years of consistent weekly content at that point.
The show also set a world record for its longevity in video game podcasting. While the Guinness World Records recognizes Spain’s Game Over (which started in 1999) as the longest-running video gaming podcast overall, Orange Lounge Radio held the title for the longest-running weekly internet radio show and podcast format dedicated to gaming.
The Final Episode
The final episode aired on November 23, 2025, at 9 PM Eastern. It wasn’t a quiet exit. The hosts gathered for one epic finale where they looked back on 23 years of gaming memories, reflected on the show’s journey, and took countless calls and comments from listeners. The episode description said it perfectly: “From all of us to you, thank you for your support of Orange Lounge Radio and making our show the amazing community it has been.”
In the weeks leading up to the finale, the hosts announced their decision during regular episodes, giving long-time listeners time to prepare and participate in the send-off. The announcement made waves across gaming communities, with Reddit’s r/Games community sharing the news and gamers expressing their appreciation for decades of free, independent content.
The Landscape They Helped Shape
When Orange Lounge Radio started in 2002, podcasting was still finding its footing. iTunes wouldn’t support podcasts until 2005. YouTube was still three years away from launching. Gaming content was mostly limited to written reviews and message boards.
Orange Lounge Radio was part of the pioneering wave that proved gaming discussion could thrive in audio format. They showed that independent creators could build sustainable communities without major corporate backing. The show maintained its independence throughout its entire run, operating under OLR Studios.
What the Hosts Covered
Over 1,000+ episodes, the Orange Lounge Radio team discussed everything happening in gaming. Recent episodes before the finale covered major topics like:
- Grand Theft Auto VI delays and what they meant for the industry
- Halo’s arrival on PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s changing strategy
- TwitchCon coverage and streaming culture
- Sony State of Play announcements
- Industry layoffs and business changes
- Indie game discoveries and retro gaming preservation
The hosts weren’t afraid to tackle controversial topics or share unpopular opinions. That authenticity kept listeners coming back, even as the podcasting landscape became increasingly commercialized.
The Community Legacy
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Orange Lounge Radio wasn’t the episodes themselves, but the community they built. For 23 years, the show provided a weekly gathering spot for gamers who wanted more than just news – they wanted connection.
The show’s tagline said it all: “the show where EVERY gamer has a voice.” In an era where gaming content is dominated by influencers with millions of followers and production budgets to match, Orange Lounge Radio proved that consistency, authenticity, and community could sustain a show for over two decades.
Why They’re Calling It Quits
The hosts haven’t given extensive public details about why they decided to end the show now. After 23-and-a-half years of weekly broadcasts, the simplest explanation might be the most accurate – it was time. Maintaining a weekly live show for that long requires dedication that goes beyond what most people can imagine.
What’s clear is that the decision was made thoughtfully, with proper notice given to the community and a finale designed to celebrate rather than simply disappear. That approach is consistent with how the show operated throughout its run – with respect for the listeners who made it possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Orange Lounge Radio start and end?
Orange Lounge Radio officially launched on May 25, 2002, with its first Sunday show airing on June 23, 2002. The final episode aired on November 23, 2025, after 23-and-a-half years of weekly broadcasts.
Who hosted Orange Lounge Radio?
The show was hosted by DarkSakura (Jamie Summers), skie (Rob Roberts), and LOKI. They broadcast live from Sacramento, California, and maintained the same core hosting team throughout the show’s run.
How many episodes did Orange Lounge Radio produce?
The show produced over 1,000 episodes during its run. Episode 800 was celebrated as a major milestone, and the show continued for several more years beyond that point with weekly broadcasts.
What made Orange Lounge Radio unique among gaming podcasts?
Orange Lounge Radio stood out for its live, interactive format that allowed listeners to call in, chat, and participate in real-time discussions. It remained independently produced throughout its entire run and focused on giving every gamer a voice rather than following corporate gaming media trends.
Did Orange Lounge Radio hold any records?
Yes, the show set a world record for longevity in video game podcasting and was recognized as one of the longest-running weekly internet radio shows dedicated to video games. It won a Podcast Award for Best Gaming Podcast and received three Best of Live 365 award nominations.
Where did Orange Lounge Radio broadcast?
The show broadcast live on the VOG Network every Sunday night at 6 PM Pacific (9 PM Eastern). Episodes were also available on major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
Can I still listen to old episodes of Orange Lounge Radio?
Yes, the show’s extensive archive remains available on podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The final episode and previous episodes can still be accessed for those wanting to experience the show or revisit gaming discussions from the past two decades.
Conclusion
The end of Orange Lounge Radio marks the close of a significant chapter in gaming media. For 23 years, Jamie Summers, Rob Roberts, and LOKI showed up every Sunday night to talk games with their community. No venture capital, no corporate overlords, no chasing viral moments – just three gamers and their audience having honest conversations about the hobby they loved.
In today’s content landscape where podcasts come and go within months and creators constantly chase algorithm changes, Orange Lounge Radio’s 23-year run stands as a testament to what’s possible when you prioritize community over growth metrics. The gaming world has countless podcasts now, but it will only ever have one Orange Lounge Radio.
For the thousands who tuned in over the years, whether you were there from episode one or discovered the show in its final season, the message from the hosts was clear: thank you for making this journey possible. Goodnight, Orange Lounge Radio. The gaming community won’t forget what you built.