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Martin

person44 mentionsFirst seen Jan 29, 2018Last seen Feb 15, 2026

Profile

Martin is a co-host of the Head2Head Pinball Podcast, an Australian-based pinball enthusiast and industry participant. He is a teacher by profession who actively competes in tournaments, organizes pinball events, and has been involved in the Australian pinball community since at least 2018. Martin has worked with industry figures including game designers at Haggis Pinball and has demonstrated expertise in game aesthetics, shot design, and playfield analysis.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • hostsHead2Head Pinball PodcastCo-host/primary host of the Head2Head Pinball Podcast, Australian-based pinball podcast covering industry news, game analysis, and interviewsmedium
  • affiliated_withHaggis PinballDesigner working on unreleased Haggis Pinball game; has visited Haggis Pinball factory with insider industry knowledgemedium
  • hostsHead2Head PinballMartin is a primary host of Head2Head Pinball podcastmedium
  • appears_inSouthern Hemisphere Pinball ChampionshipsAttended and participated in Southern Hemisphere Pinball Championships tournamentmedium
  • appears_inTexas Pinball FestivalMet with other pinball community members at Texas Pinball Festival in Salt Lake Citymedium

Facts

  • achievementAttended Pinburg tournamenthighfrom 2018-07-30
  • achievementVisited Haggis Pinball factory with insider industry knowledgehighfrom 2019-10-21
  • achievementAttended Southern Hemisphere Pinball Championshipshighfrom 2019-06-10
  • attributeOwns approximately 4 pinball machineshighfrom 2018-11-19
  • attributeOwns Willy Wonka (standard edition) with custom topperhighfrom 2019-11-04
  • locationBased in Melbourne, Australiahighfrom 2018

Claims (52)

  • opinionhigh

    X-Men playfield artwork is so dense that shots and target locations are difficult to identify visually

    Source: Design critique during podcastPinball Magazine & Pinball News PINcast August 2024 recap
  • opinionhigh

    Jaws is Elwin's best game

    Source: MartinEp 81: Wheezy!!!
  • opinionmedium

    John Wick theme may not be in cultural zeitgeist with general public

    Source: MartinEp 81: Wheezy!!!
  • opinionmedium

    Venom was negatively impacted by being released in the shadow of Foo Fighters

    Source: MartinEpisode 126 – Getting Dialed In

Recent Mentions (44)

  • Co-host of Final Ramping Ball Podcast; attended Chicago Expo; purchased Loser Kid merchandise

    Ep 75: 2021 Christmas SpecialDec 17, 2021
  • Head2Head Pinball Podcast co-host; known for detailed show notes and research; praised for enthusiasm and organization

    Ep 23: Rick, Morty, and Star Wars Topper!Dec 6, 2019
  • Co-host of Head to Head Pinball Podcast from Australia; met with Josh and Scott in Salt Lake City after Texas Pinball Festival

    Episode 7: Black Knight, Wonka, and Fan Boys. Oh my!Apr 12, 2019
  • Head to Head podcast host; cited as example of measured gameplay approach to avoid burnout (not over-playing single games)

    Ep 24: Happy Holidays!Dec 18, 2019
  • Pinball News representative; interviewed Gary Stern and John Buscaglia at EAG Expo 2026

    EAG EXPO 2026Jan 15, 2026
  • Mentioned as podcast host who first announced Stern-Dutch Museum partnership agreement

    Five Minutes to Tilt #2 – Gary Stern on Stern Pinball & the Dutch Pinball Museum PartnershipFeb 15, 2026

Contradictions

  • Existing: Martin has been consistently associated with Head2Head Pinball Podcast from 2018 onwardsvsConflicting: Mention 43 identifies 'Martin' as co-host of Final Ramping Ball Podcast
    Unresolved
  • Existing: Martin is a co-host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast based in Australia (established across episodes 95-122)vsConflicting: Episode 34 (2026-02-03) identifies Martin as host of 'Pinball Studio Podcast' rather than Head2Head; Episode 35 (2025-09-10) identifies as representative from Pinball News; Episode 36 (2026-02-14) describes person from Sweden/Switzerland; Episode 37 (2026-01-29) describes a service technician at Go Pinball; Episode 38 (2026-02-15) describes a podcast host announcing a partnership
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026
  • Existing: Martin is co-host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast based in AustraliavsConflicting: Mention 34 identifies 'Martin' as Host of Pinball Studio Podcast; Mention 35 identifies 'Martin' as Representative from Pinball News; Mention 36 identifies person in Triple Drain shirt; Mention 37 identifies Service technician at Go Pinball; Mention 38 identifies podcast host announcing Stern-Dutch Museum partnership; Mention 39 identifies Pinball News representative

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

  • affiliated_withRyan CCo-organizes Head2Head Pinball Podcast with Martinmedium
  • roleCo-host of Head2Head Pinball Podcasthighfrom 2018-01-29
  • roleTeacher by professionhighfrom 2019-11-04
  • rolePrimary host of Head2Head Pinball Podcasthighfrom 2019-05-06
  • roleDesigner working on unreleased Haggis Pinball gamehighfrom 2022-12-24
  • factualmedium

    Toy Story 4 Collector's Editions were 90% sold to distributors rather than direct customers

    Source: Jack (Jersey Jack Pinball representative, citing official report)Ep 58: Unzipped
  • predictionlow

    Pirates of the Caribbean would sell 500+ units if Jersey Jack re-produced it

    Ep 58: Unzipped
  • opinionmedium

    Toy Story 4 has sufficient value-for-money despite high pricing when feature content is analyzed

    Ep 58: Unzipped
  • factualmedium

    Secondary market pricing in Australia, US, Canada, and Europe is rising due to new game supply constraints

    Ep 58: Unzipped
  • factualhigh

    Godzilla Premium has a 9-month to 1-year production wait

    Source: reference to Zach's pinball show podcastTribe Multiball with Tim and Rachel, Episode 20: Pinball Junk Drawer
  • factualhigh

    Deadpool machines have not decreased in price and remain around $6,000-$7,000

    Source: personal market observationTribe Multiball with Tim and Rachel, Episode 20: Pinball Junk Drawer
  • opinionhigh

    Rick and Morty is a difficult game requiring extensive rules knowledge and precise shot execution

    Source: direct gameplay experience at Player 2 venueTribe Multiball with Tim and Rachel, Episode 20: Pinball Junk Drawer
  • factualhigh

    Martin purchased Doctor Dude (WCS variant) for $1,800 from Georgia

    Source: personal transaction historyTribe Multiball with Tim and Rachel, Episode 20: Pinball Junk Drawer
  • factualmedium

    Gary Stern attended backyard parties at Little Shop of Games and would sign merchandise while intoxicated

    Source: anecdotal story from Florida pinball communityTribe Multiball with Tim and Rachel, Episode 20: Pinball Junk Drawer
  • factualhigh

    Martin (tribe member #2) makes custom coins for tribe members

    Source: DrewPINBALL EXPO AFTERMATH
  • factualhigh

    Martin's early feedback on the pilot episode was instrumental in Josh's decision to continue the podcast

    Source: Josh Roop and Martin (Final Round Pinball)Ep 50!
  • factualmedium

    Spooky plans alternating 50-unit production batches between direct orders and distributors, but full pattern continuation is unclear

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Podcast Episode 121Episode 121 – Pinball Fondlers
  • opinionhigh

    Pre-ordering Rick and Morty despite personal concerns about limited gameplay video due to FOMO and scarcity anxiety

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Podcast Episode 121Episode 121 – Pinball Fondlers
  • factualmedium

    Stern's last major physical game enhancement was WrestleMania with a new lighting harness for the wrestling ring

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Episode 97Episode 97 – Shut Up and Take My Money!!
  • opinionhigh

    Steve Ritchie's Star Wars playfield is evolutionary rather than revolutionary compared to Star Trek

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Episode 97Episode 97 – Shut Up and Take My Money!!
  • factualhigh

    Black Knight Pro has just arrived in Australia while Premium/LE versions are 'ages away'

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Episode 97Episode 97 – Shut Up and Take My Money!!
  • factualmedium

    Highway Pinball showed production pictures that weren't actually producing things

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Episode 97Episode 97 – Shut Up and Take My Money!!
  • opinionhigh

    Spider-Man original callouts are superior to Vault remake which removes Jameson

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Episode 97Episode 97 – Shut Up and Take My Money!!
  • opinionhigh

    The community has stopped funding startup pinball companies, shifting to 'I'll believe it when I see it' skepticism

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Episode 97Episode 97 – Shut Up and Take My Money!!
  • opinionmedium

    Ghostbusters art and theme quality set new standard for pinball art, rivaling or exceeding Metallica

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Episode 95Episode 95 – Multiple Jackpots
  • opinionhigh

    Deep Root's messaging strategy creates emotional harm to people who own competing manufacturers' machines

    Source: Martin, podcast host editorial stanceEpisode 94 – Going Deep
  • factualhigh

    Joe would not attempt a tap pass in tournament competition due to fear of failure and visibility

    Source: Martin, self-assessmentEpisode 94 – Going Deep
  • opinionmedium

    Mustang is a sought-after cult classic that has become expensive on the secondary market

    Source: Martin discussing Mustang availabilityEpisode 90 – Stern Battle Royale!!
  • opinionhigh

    Willy Wonka being $1,000 cheaper than prior Jersey Jack machines is a positive development for accessibility

    Source: Martin defending price reductionEpisode 90 – Stern Battle Royale!!
  • factualhigh

    Martin lost approximately $3,000 AUD on The Hobbit ownership

    Source: Martin (self-reported)Episode 89 – Hobbits, Leprechauns and Zombies oh my!!
  • factualhigh

    Wizard of Oz code 7.01 was released primarily for the Yellow Brick Road edition

    Source: Martin (self-reported observation)Episode 89 – Hobbits, Leprechauns and Zombies oh my!!
  • predictionmedium

    Most Munsters machines on location now have ball save turned on due to operator complaints

    Source: Martin (prediction/observation)Episode 89 – Hobbits, Leprechauns and Zombies oh my!!
  • factualhigh

    Willy Wonka reveal achieved 10,000+ peak concurrent viewers on live stream

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Podcast Ep. 88Episode 88 – Everlasting Gobstoppers
  • factualhigh

    Black Knight reveal achieved approximately 2,600 peak concurrent viewers

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Podcast Ep. 88Episode 88 – Everlasting Gobstoppers
  • factualmedium

    Jersey Jack Wizard of Oz has sold approximately 4,000 units

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Podcast Ep. 88Episode 88 – Everlasting Gobstoppers
  • factualmedium

    Flying Monkey feature removed from Wonka Limited/Collector editions due to new cabinet design constraints

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Podcast Ep. 88Episode 88 – Everlasting Gobstoppers
  • opinionmedium

    Pinside forum users exhibit significantly more hostile behavior than in-person pinball community members

    Source: Head to Head Pinball Podcast Ep. 88Episode 88 – Everlasting Gobstoppers
  • opinionhigh

    Brisbane Masters will be Australia's biggest tournament of the year

    Source: direct statementEpisode 51 – Brisbane Masters Jimmy & Lambo plus major rumor
  • factualmedium

    Flip Frenzy tournament software will be taken to Findercon in a couple of weeks

    Source: direct statementEpisode 51 – Brisbane Masters Jimmy & Lambo plus major rumor
  • opinionhigh

    Dutch Pinball lacks community trust due to unclear accounting for pre-order payments and unsubstantiated manufacturing delay explanations

    Source: Head to Head Pinball discussionEpisode 65 - Martin Talks Pins & Consoles
  • factualhigh

    Australia implemented 10% GST on imports under $1,000 effective July 1st

    Source: Eclectic Gamers Episode 65Episode 65 - Martin Talks Pins & Consoles
  • factualhigh

    Head to Head Pinball grew organically from Australian audience-focused show to American-majority audience without strategic interview planning

    Source: Eclectic Gamers Episode 65Episode 65 - Martin Talks Pins & Consoles
  • opinionhigh

    Industry drama and failures have tainted the new in-box experience for the entire community

    Source: Martin discussing impact of failures on community enjoymentEpisode 42 – Exclusive Andrew Heighway interview + Stern Superman 1978 + Beetlejuice
  • factualhigh

    Martin spends 2-3 hours editing Head to Head Pinball episodes after recording sessions of 2-2.5 hours

    Episode 119: Head2Head&Red
  • factualhigh

    Martin is a teacher by profession and communicates with people 8-9 hours daily

    Episode 119: Head2Head&Red
  • opinionlow

    Head to Head Podcast is arguably the number one podcast in the world

    Source: Martin stated during Indisk tournament reflection (~mid-episode)Episode 80 – Out Of Order
  • opinionmedium

    Game of Thrones Pro is better than Premium or LE versions

    Source: Martin stated based on ownership experience (~mid-episode)Episode 80 – Out Of Order
  • factualhigh

    Roller Games was Martin's first owned pinball machine

    Source: Direct answer to guest question (~early-mid-episode)Episode 80 – Out Of Order
  • factualmedium

    Jersey Jack created approximately 250 AU Down Under Edition Wizard of Oz machines as compensation for Bumper Action debacle

    Source: Martin stated based on personal knowledge (~mid-episode)Episode 80 – Out Of Order
  • opinionmedium

    Dialed In's playfield layout is perfection and every shot is in exactly the right place

    Source: Martin praised the machine extensively (~mid-episode)Episode 80 – Out Of Order
  • opinionmedium

    Star Trek LE represents Steve Ritchie's best game design

    Source: Martin stated directly (~mid-episode)Episode 80 – Out Of Order
  • factualhigh

    Head to Head Podcast was directly inspired by Slam Tilt's format and banter style

    Source: Martin explained podcast origins (~late-episode)Episode 80 – Out Of Order
  • opinionmedium

    Rolling Stones pinball game's 'Mick on stick' design is a game-breaking flaw that ruins the experience

    Source: Martin criticized extensively (~mid-episode)Episode 80 – Out Of Order
  • Service technician at Go Pinball who recently serviced Star Trek TNG machine

    Why Star Trek The Next Generation Is One of the Greatest Pinball Machines EverJan 29, 2026
  • Person from Sweden/Switzerland wearing Triple Drain shirt at Pinball at the Beach; flew internationally to attend event

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Episode 71 - Beaches, Beetlejuice and Bulbasaur!!Feb 14, 2026
  • Representative from Pinball News; filming Wolfgang's seminar at European Pinball Championship

    Episode 424: Rocky Horror PinballSep 10, 2025
  • Host of Pinball Studio Podcast; attended TPF annually; interested in pinball collecting

    EP15 Retro RalphFeb 3, 2026
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast; recently purchased a new car; participates in Stern Battle Royale poll voting

    Episode 91 – Rotordave ReturnsMay 6, 2019
  • Co-host of Head to Head Pinball Podcast, based in Melbourne

    Episode 92 – From a Land Down UnderMay 20, 2019
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast, visited Haggis Pinball factory, has insider knowledge of industry

    Episode 114 – Wolf ManOct 21, 2019
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast

    Episode 45 – Keith Elwin. The One, with 2 HeadsMay 28, 2018
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball podcast

    Episode 79 – Orange Is The New BlackFeb 11, 2019
  • Co-host of Head to Head Pinball Podcast

    Episode 76 – Dwight SullivanJan 14, 2019
  • Co-host of Head to Head Pinball podcast; provides detailed playfield analysis and layout discussion

    Episode 117 – Dude Looks Like a ZombieNov 18, 2019
  • Host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast, Melbourne-based, conducts interview with Neil

    Episode 83 – Neil McRae’s Bright Pinball FutureMar 11, 2019
  • Primary host of Head2Head Pinball podcast, based in Melbourne Australia

    Episode 94 – Going DeepJun 3, 2019
  • Host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast

    Episode 71 – Chris Granner: Pinball Sound MastermindNov 26, 2018
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball; episode 100 celebration; primary discussion driver

    Episode 100 – The 3 StoogesJul 15, 2019
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball podcast

    Episode 96 – Gary SternJun 17, 2019
  • Head2Head Pinball host; first-time Expo attendee; focused on scheduling/operational improvements

    Episode 66 – Expo recap with Krystle Gemnich and Jeff TeolisOct 22, 2018
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast; based in Australia; interested in running similar event; involved with analyzing marketing for Australian events.

    Episode 49 – Gabe from Pintastic + Mid year projectionsJun 25, 2018
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball; attended Pinburg; tested Alice Cooper and Thunderbirds

    Episode 54 – 70% Skill. 20% Luck. 10% H2H shirtJul 30, 2018
  • Host of Head to Head Pinball Podcast, Australian-based, involved in tournament commentary and organization

    Episode 87 – Start spreading the newsApr 8, 2019
  • Co-host of Head to Head Pinball podcast, episode 122

    Episode 122 – Stranger GuestsDec 23, 2019
  • Primary host of Head to Head Pinball Podcast; purchased Willy Wonka (standard edition) with custom topper; teacher by profession; Australian listener with delayed access to machines

    Episode 115 – A Special DragonNov 4, 2019
  • Head2Head Pinball podcast co-host; confirmed Premium LE purchase; analyzed game aesthetics and shot design.

    Episode 103 – RAWR!!!Aug 5, 2019
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball podcast, Australian pinball enthusiast, podcast organizer

    Episode 36b – Zach Sharpe on Iron MaidenMar 28, 2018
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast; attended Southern Hemisphere Pinball Championships; played pinball intensively over the weekend

    Episode 95 – Multiple JackpotsJun 10, 2019
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball podcast; designer working on unreleased Haggis Pinball game; Australian-based collector/operator with industry insight

    EPISODE 125 – COOKED BACONDec 24, 2022
  • Host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast; Australian pinball player; organizes podcast with Ryan C (absent this episode)

    Episode 51 – Brisbane Masters Jimmy & Lambo plus major rumorJul 9, 2018
  • Host of Head2Head Pinball podcast

    Episode 106 – The GOAT featuring Keith ElwinAug 26, 2019
  • Co-host of Head to Head Pinball podcast

    Episode 28 – Eric Meunier from Jersey Jack PinballJan 29, 2018
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball podcast; has ~4 machines; plays Batman 66, streams Deadpool

    Episode 70 – ROTORDAVE has a better Pinball collection than youNov 19, 2018
  • Primary host of Head2Head Pinball podcast, Australian perspective on pinball, tests machines and organizes events

    Episode 90 – Stern Battle Royale!!Apr 29, 2019
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast; based in Australia; primary show curator

    Episode 113 – The Pool of DeadOct 14, 2019
  • Primary host of Head2Head Pinball podcast; drives discussion and analysis; based in Australia

    Episode 97 – Shut Up and Take My Money!!Jun 24, 2019
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast, based in Melbourne Australia, podcast host conducting interview

    Episode 89 – Hobbits, Leprechauns and Zombies oh my!!Apr 22, 2019
  • Host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast Episode 78

    Episode 78 – News News News!!!Feb 4, 2019
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball podcast

    Episode 102 – Stern, Uh, Finds a WayJul 29, 2019
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball Podcast; appears as Easter egg character in Beatles playfield

    Episode 69 – Christopher Franchi on Beatles ArtNov 12, 2018
  • Co-host of Head2Head Pinball, competing in tournament while host streams

    Episode 80 – They Call Me Bruce?Feb 18, 2019
  • Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 3, 2026