Imaginary Hatchets

“Bro”

“We’ve had our differences.” 

The push notifications hit my phone. It’s from Chris Kooluris (Kaneda’s Pinball Podcast). My heart rate spikes, and I clench my teeth. It’s pure fight or flight, after years of tense, unpredictable exchanges that have conditioned me to brace for conflict.

It’s 4:30 p.m. on a summer Friday, and I’m at a playground with my family. My son is 2 years old, and I’ve been dealing with Chris for just as long. We’re having fun, and I want to be present for them, so I put away the phone.

Later, I’d learn Chris was intoxicated and flinging messages. I don’t reply.

Earlier that afternoon, Chris had already fired off the opening lines to what would later prove to be a lie. 

“Retro Ralph just called to bury [the] hatchet! Great guy! Love his stuff! Don next?”

While it may seem like another weird flare-up in pinball media, it’s more than that. It’s a new chapter in the long story of an exhausting pattern of behavior by Chris Kooluris that vacillates between conflict and half-hearted apology.

This article isn’t about canceling Chris Kooluris or his podcast. Everyone is allowed to have their opinion and voice it within the community. It is, however, an opportunity to reflect on what we want the pinball community to represent and the accountability we expect from our most prominent voices.