The Retro Hour Podcast is an independent weekly show founded in 2016 in Nottingham, UK. We preserve the stories of video game pioneers through retro gaming news and interviews with key figures from the industry, offering fresh insights into the history and culture of classic games.

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The Retro Hour comes from three Nottingham gaming enthusiasts, Dan Wood, Ravi Abbott and Joe Fox, who – this is the surprise – understand how to make podcasts interesting and engaging. They can interview too, as their recent chat with Atari founder Nolan Bushnell shows.

There are more than 100 episodes to choose from, and I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve heard. Which is a lot, coming from someone whose gaming chops never progressed past Pac-Man.

Miranda Sawyer

The Guardian

Who are the Retro Hour?

Dan Wood

Dan has been a fan of video games and computers for as long as he can remember. He is an avid hardware collector, currently estimating his collection at over 80 systems (he has a very understanding wife). Dan's background is in broadcasting, audio production and stage hosting, skills which he brings to the podcast each week. Dan can also be found on Youtube, and can be found telling tech-tales and exploring his love of leftfield and vintage technology.

Ravi Abbott

Ravi is a dedicated retro enthusiast with deep roots in the UK’s retro computing and digital arts scene. From an early age, he helped organise some of the UK’s first retro gaming events and now runs the Kickstart Amiga Show, the biggest Amiga event in the UK. Beyond the podcast, Ravi writes for international video game exhibitions, including GameOn at the Barbican, and is a journalist for Amiga Addict magazine, further cementing his reputation within the retro community. His strong industry connections enable us to feature some of the biggest names in gaming history, and his detailed research ensures every episode remains both entertaining and accurately informed.

Joe Fox

Joe brings the “rock ‘n’ roll” energy to the Retro Hour Podcast. Outside of his role as lead vocalist in a metal band, he is a lifelong retro gaming fan, with a particular passion for Sega and Nintendo consoles. A dedicated Resident Evil collector, Joe runs a stall at video game shows and can often be found trading and hunting for games and memorabilia across the country. With his extensive knowledge of consoles and games, Joe ensures the podcast stays deeply connected to both the history and the ongoing legacy of these iconic systems.

Event Hosting & Panels

Retro Messa 2025, Norway
Nottingham Videogame Expo 2025, UK
Retro Messa 2024, Norway
Nottingham Videogame Expo 2023, UK
Retro Messa 2023, Norway
Retrospillmessen 2019, Norway
All Your Bass Festival 2018, UK
Play Expo Blackpool 2018, UK
Play Expo London 2018, UK
Play Expo Manchester 2018, UK
Play Expo Glasgow 2018, UK
Play Expo Blackpool 2017, UK
Play Expo Manchester 2017, UK