In this episode of Swag Plays Banished, progress takes center stage! Three new homes rise, but a fourth remains on hold—turns out, single-person households aren’t exactly in high demand. Meanwhile, construction finally begins on the northern bridge, marking a big step for the town’s expansion. Plus, Swag dives into ways you can support him, unveils the exclusive VIP rank on Discord (and just how rare it will be), and shares exciting plans for his website’s future.
Episode 44: St. Pope Pius V
May is a month dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and few saints embodied devotion to her quite like St. Pope Pius V. From enforcing the Council of Trent’s reforms to leading the Holy League in the Battle of Lepanto, his legacy shaped Catholic tradition in ways that still echo today. But his papacy wasn’t without controversy—his bold decisions, including the excommunication of Elizabeth I, left a lasting impact on Europe. Join me as we explore the life of this steadfast pope, his unwavering faith, and the sacrifices that made him a saint.
A Good Start to the Weekend (and Next Week!)
Hey everyone,
Just a quick check-in for this Saturday’s post. After doing a video blog on Thursday, I wanted to keep today’s update a bit shorter, but still keep my Saturday tradition going!
It’s been a quiet week on the work front, so I’m really happy to share some positive news. I recently got confirmation from my supervisor at the site that they’re returning to work there, and they specifically want me back! This job is usually 10-hour shifts, and I get paid as a flagger, not a regular labourer, which is great. It’s a huge relief to know I’ll be working this Monday, and it definitely takes a bit of financial pressure off. I’m looking forward to getting things caught up and even being able to do laundry!
It’s always nice when things start looking up.
Hope you all have a great weekend! As you’re reading this, I’m likely out grabbing those free groceries I get most Saturdays, which is another little win.
Creative Engineering E24: 75 Subscribers & Freshly Baked Automation
Swag kicks off this episode with a well-earned celebration—75 subscribers! He updates the counter, posts a milestone sign, and lights up the sky with fireworks. After the festivities, it’s back to business as he sets up a bread line in his first food factory. Unfortunately, space is tight, so the fried egg line will have to wait. What factory should be next? Drop your ideas in the comments!
Letting Go of Fanfiction to Strengthen My Faith
Swag Plays Factorio S2 E38: Strengthening the Base & Securing Growth
In this episode, I tackle essential upgrades—refining the research area, keeping miners productive, and adding key improvements to the tech queue. Instead of rushing toward a rocket silo, I focus on enhancements that will pay off long-term. Plus, with future expansion in mind, I lay the groundwork for a new train station by extending the robot network westward. Got any Factorio tips? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to try them out!
Swag Plays Banished S2 E31 | New Growth & A Builder’s Gamble
In this episode, the citizens of Otterview push forward in their journey to build a thriving settlement. A brand-new walnut orchard takes root, and six new homes begin to rise in the heart of town. But as the population slowly grows, one brave builder ventures into the wilderness—will he survive the brutal cold? Let me know in the comments if you think he’ll make it!
Episode 43: St. Ambrose of Milan
In this episode of A Few Moments with God, we continue our May series, exploring saints who deepened devotion to the Virgin Mary throughout Church history. Today, we dive into the life of St. Ambrose of Milan—a bishop who never sought power but became one of Christianity’s most influential defenders of the faith.
From his unexpected election to his firm stand against heresy, Ambrose’s courage shaped both the Church and political landscape of his time. Join me as we uncover his journey—from reluctant leader to theological powerhouse—and reflect on how his example can inspire us in our own lives.
Swag Answers Questions
Creative Engineering E23: Steam Engine at Full Power!
In this shorter episode of Creative Engineering, Swag wraps up the powerplant construction off-camera and installs the final five blaze burners to bring it up to full power. He also brainstorms ideas for the area near the egg production line and considers the building’s shape—but instead of forcing a direction, he opts for a shorter episode while waiting for the perfect design. Was that the right call? Let me know in the comments!