Teos Abadia

Teos Abadia joins me to present his thoughts on visual aids in D&amp;D adventures and how they may not accomplish their intended goals. He offers examples of graphics and flowcharts that do not seem to add helpful information to the DM as they attempt to run an adventure. We discuss player choice and the utility of the *illusion of player choice and how to incorporate both in a campaign. Teos address some common pitfalls in published D&amp;D content and how that might be remedied in the future.

<a href="http://alphastream.org/index.php/about-and-contact/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teos Abadia</a> joins me to present his thoughts on visual aids in D&amp;D adventures and <a href="http://alphastream.org/index.php/2021/08/12/why-adventures-with-flowcharts-may-offer-no-choices/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">how they may not accomplish their intended goals</a>. He offers examples of graphics and flowcharts that do not seem to add helpful information to the DM as they attempt to run an adventure. We discuss player choice and the utility of the *illusion of player choice and how to incorporate both in a campaign. Teos address some common pitfalls in published D&amp;D content and how that might be remedied in the future.

Teos Abadia on Adventure Flowcharts & Visual Aids

Katie Gordon

Dr. Katie Gordon joins me to discuss The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook, a fantastic collection of practical tools to reduce suffering, find meaning and increase hope. She talks about her initial interest in suicide research and how that evolved into writing the workbook. She describes how the tone of the book became more conversational with the reader over time and how the text has resonated with clinicians and patients since its release.

Dr. Katie Gordon joins me to discuss <a href="https://www.newharbinger.com/9781684037025/the-suicidal-thoughts-workbook/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook</a>, a fantastic collection of practical tools to reduce suffering, find meaning and increase hope. She talks about her initial interest in suicide research and how that evolved into writing the workbook. She describes how the tone of the book became more conversational with the reader over time and how the text has resonated with clinicians and patients since its release.

Katie Gordon, Ph.D. on The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook

Mark Meredith

We start out 2021 by going in the "sorta-way-back machine" to discuss 4th Edition Dungeons &amp; Dragons with Mark Meredith. He has been writing for Dice Monkey for over 10 years and recently started to rediscover 4e with his family. He talks about surprising aspects of the edition after years away from it. He speaks to the forward-facing design and energy from the tactile nature of combat. We highlight some of our memories of the edition and focus on positive elements of the 4e experience.

We start out 2021 by going in the "sorta-way-back machine" to discuss 4th Edition Dungeons &amp; Dragons with Mark Meredith. He has been writing for <a href="http://www.dicemonkey.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dice Monkey</a> for over 10 years and recently started to rediscover 4e with his family. He talks about surprising aspects of the edition after years away from it. He speaks to the forward-facing design and energy from the tactile nature of combat. We highlight some of our memories of the edition and focus on positive elements of the 4e experience.

Mark Meredith on Rediscovering 4th Edition D&D

Ronen Givony

Ronen Givony joins me to talk about his latest book, Not For You: Pearl Jam and the Present Tense, which attempts to chronicle and place into context Pearl Jam's career. Ronen talks about his work his relationship to the music industry and how he developed the concept for Not For You. We share origin stories of our Pearl Jam fandom and then enter into a discussion about the structure of Not For You - and the various forces that shaped the band and our experience of them. We close with a discussion on why the band always seems to have memorable shows in Philly. This was a fun episode. Enjoy! 

Ronen Givony joins me to talk about his latest book, Not For You: Pearl Jam and the Present Tense, which attempts to chronicle and place into context Pearl Jam's career. Ronen talks about his work his relationship to the music industry and how he developed the concept for Not For You. We share origin stories of our Pearl Jam fandom and then enter into a discussion about the structure of Not For You - and the various forces that shaped the band and our experience of them. We close with a discussion on why the band always seems to have memorable shows in Philly. This was a fun episode. Enjoy!

Ronen Givony on Not For You: Pearl Jam and the Present Tense

Matt Forbeck

Matt Forbeck joins me to discuss his career as a an author and game designer. He discusses his world of Dragon City, which has spawned numerous books and the recent tabletop roleplaying game, Shotguns &amp; Sorcery. He speaks to his inspirations for the game and how he wanted to create a new iconic hero in Max Gibson. He details some of his successes as a freelancer over the years and describes why returning to Dragon City was important. Matt explores why racism very much exists in Dragon City and how that is fused into the game system. Matt talks about the reckoning that roleplaying games are having at this time with race and other issues that affect player safety. He offers a glimpse at what is next for Shotguns &amp; Sorcery including a new monster book, a Pathfinder conversion, and other projects.

Matt Forbeck joins me to discuss <a href="https://www.forbeck.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">his career as a an author and game designer</a>. He discusses his world of Dragon City, which has spawned numerous books and the recent tabletop roleplaying game, <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/314247/Shotguns--Sorcery-The-Roleplaying-Game" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shotguns &amp; Sorcery</a>. He speaks to his inspirations for the game and how he wanted to create a new iconic hero in Max Gibson. He details some of his successes as a freelancer over the years and describes why returning to Dragon City was important. Matt explores why racism very much exists in Dragon City and how that is fused into the game system. Matt talks about the reckoning that roleplaying games are having at this time with race and other issues that affect player safety. He offers a glimpse at what is next for Shotguns &amp; Sorcery including a new monster book, a Pathfinder conversion, and other projects.

Matt Forbeck on Shotguns & Sorcery

Kelly Carlin

Resilience

Kelly Carlin joins me to talk about her life as the daughter of famed comedian, George Carlin. She previously wrote a memoir, A Carlin Home Companion: Growing Up with George, which was published in 2015. She has earned a bachelors degree from UCLA and a masters degree in Jungian Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Weaving in her psychological training, Kelly talks about her journey toward finding her own meaning while also managing the weight of her father's legacy. She speaks to basking in his glow as a child and later feel trapped in his shadow as an adult. She explores how we all go through confusion about our self-identity and how she pursued graduate education in psychology to further understand herself and the world around her. She talks about the powerful forces of "shame and greed" that hold us back and how we can overcome that to led meaningful lives.

<a href="https://thekellycarlinsite.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kelly Carlin</a> joins me to talk about her life as the daughter of famed comedian, George Carlin. She previously wrote a memoir, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carlin-Home-Companion-Growing-George-ebook/dp/B00UFN3GTE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Carlin Home Companion: Growing Up with George</a>, which was published in 2015. She has earned a bachelors degree from UCLA and a masters degree in Jungian Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Weaving in her psychological training, Kelly talks about her journey toward finding her own meaning while also managing the weight of her father's legacy. She speaks to basking in his glow as a child and later feel trapped in his shadow as an adult. She explores how we all go through confusion about our self-identity and how she pursued graduate education in psychology to further understand herself and the world around her. She talks about the powerful forces of "shame and greed" that hold us back and how we can overcome that to led meaningful lives.

Kelly Carlin on Legacy, Purpose & Resilience

Tomo Moriwaki

Tomo Moriwaki talks about his career in videogame design and how his experiences led him to the latest endeavor, Epic Tavern. In Epic Tavern, players are tasked with building up a tavern to cater to adventure needs AND with sending those adventurers on quests. Tomo talks about his goals to design an engaging gameplay loop that encourages players to spend more time with Epic Tavern; it was fascinating to learn about the decisions that are made to create a successful gameplay loop that cultivates that "one more turn" feeling for players! He discusses obstacles to creating a game "like fantasy football for fantasty fantasy" and how the small team has overcome those challenges. Tomo educates me about the logic behind Epic Tavern gameplay, including the encounter system involved in questing.

Tomo Moriwaki talks about his career in videogame design and how his experiences led him to the latest endeavor, <a href="https://www.epictaverngame.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Epic Tavern</a>. In Epic Tavern, players are tasked with building up a tavern to cater to adventure needs AND with sending those adventurers on quests. Tomo talks about his goals to design an engaging gameplay loop that encourages players to spend more time with Epic Tavern; it was fascinating to learn about the decisions that are made to create a successful gameplay loop that cultivates that "one more turn" feeling for players! He discusses obstacles to creating a game "like fantasy football for fantasty fantasy" and how the small team has overcome those challenges. Tomo educates me about the logic behind Epic Tavern gameplay, including the encounter system involved in questing.

Tomo Moriwaki on Designing Epic Tavern

Stacy King

Andrew Wheeler

I'm joined by Stacy King and Andrew Wheeler, two of the minds responsible for the wonderful Dungeons &amp; Dragons Young Adventurer's Guide series. They talk about the latest entry, Wizards &amp; Spells, and detail how they took the vast magical information in D&amp;D and organized that into a clean framework for young readers (and us creaky adults!) to absorb. They talk about the joys of creating new Legendary Characters for the D&amp;D universe and how choices were made to highlight specific spells and magical items. Stacy and Andrew speak about their contributions to all books in the series and explain how the books fit together to form a coherent and warm invitation to all readers to play D&amp;D. They respond to the glowing reception the books have received by an audience ranging in age, and briefly mention plans for the next two books in the series. These books are a treasure for any fan of D&amp;D! 

I'm joined by <a href="http://www.stacyking.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stacy King</a> and <a href="https://www.patreon.com/wheeler" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrew Wheeler</a>, two of the minds responsible for the wonderful <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/EJB/dungeons-and-dragons-young-adventurers-guides" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dungeons &amp; Dragons Young Adventurer's Guide</a> series. They talk about the latest entry, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wizards-Spells-Adventurers-Dungeons-Dragons/dp/1984856464" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wizards &amp; Spells</a>, and detail how they took the vast magical information in D&amp;D and organized that into a clean framework for young readers (and us creaky adults!) to absorb. They talk about the joys of creating new Legendary Characters for the D&amp;D universe and how choices were made to highlight specific spells and magical items. Stacy and Andrew speak about their contributions to all books in the series and explain how the books fit together to form a coherent and warm invitation to all readers to play D&amp;D. They respond to the glowing reception the books have received by an audience ranging in age, and briefly mention plans for the next two books in the series. These books are a treasure for any fan of D&amp;D!

Stacy King & Andrew Wheeler on Dungeons & Dragons: Wizards & Spells

Keith Ammann

Keith Ammann joins me to discuss his book, The Monsters Know What They're Doing, which provides highly-detailed tactical guidance for monsters in 5th Edition Dungeons &amp; Dragons. He speaks about his interest in strategy games and how that influenced his approach to running gaming sessions. He discusses how to run monsters realistically to further engage players and make their achievement at the table more meaningful. We explore multiple aspects of combats including complexity, difficulty, and morality.

<a href="https://twitter.com/KeithAmmann" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Keith Ammann</a> joins me to discuss his book, <a href="http://themonstersknow.com/http://themonstersknow.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Monsters Know What They're Doing</a>, which provides highly-detailed tactical guidance for monsters in 5th Edition Dungeons &amp; Dragons. He speaks about his interest in strategy games and how that influenced his approach to running gaming sessions. He discusses how to run monsters realistically to further engage players and make their achievement at the table more meaningful. We explore multiple aspects of combats including complexity, difficulty, and morality.

Keith Ammann on The Monsters Know What They're Doing

Megan Connell

Dr. Connell comes back to Ego Check to talk about the developments in the therapeutic use of Dungeons &amp; Dragons in therapy. She talks about how the game allows players to achieve personal growth through exposure. She offers insights into how to manage an improv-heavy campaign. We talk about balancing a professional life with hobby goals and values, and explore how to navigate the fatigue and burnout that can arise from generating content.

Dr. Connell comes back to Ego Check to talk about the developments in the therapeutic use of Dungeons &amp; Dragons in therapy. She talks about how the game allows players to achieve personal growth through exposure. She offers insights into how to manage an improv-heavy campaign. We talk about balancing a professional life with hobby goals and values, and explore how to navigate the fatigue and burnout that can arise from generating content.

Megan Connell, PsyD on Therapeutic D&D and Coping with Creative Burnout

An interview podcast hosted by Dr. Michael Mallen, a licensed psychologist who enjoys in-depth conversations with guests about games (tabletop RPGs, videogames, boardgames) and psychology.

Lots of my favorite figures in the TTRPG are interviewed on this podcast, and the host’s perspective and style really leave me enjoying the shows. Thank you for your work!

These interviews are excellent

I love the unique perspective on the hobby I love!

Unique perspective

Ego Check with The Id DM

I'm joined this week by Dr. Megan Connell, a licensed psychologist who is currently using Dungeons &amp; Dragons in two therapy groups to teach children social skills and empowerment. She speaks about motivations for pursuing a career in psychology, including her decision to join the military after the events of 9/11. Dr. Connell provides her insights into how dungeon mastering is essentially "people management," and how DMs can use specific skills to improve gameplay for all involved. She covers how important it is to talk with your players to establish ground rules and resolve potential conflicts. She details her use of a Session 0 for all new campaigns to accomplish these goals. We review how mental health symptoms can manifest for players at the table, and present some strategies on how to address these situations. She talks about her Psychology and D&amp;D video series featured on YouTube and her stream, Clinical Roll, which features numerous mental health professionals playing Dungeons &amp; Dragons. 

I'm joined this week by <a href="https://www.meganpsyd.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Megan Connell</a>, a licensed psychologist who is currently using Dungeons &amp; Dragons in two therapy groups to teach children social skills and empowerment. She speaks about motivations for pursuing a career in psychology, including her decision to join the military after the events of 9/11. Dr. Connell provides her insights into how dungeon mastering is essentially "people management," and how DMs can use specific skills to improve gameplay for all involved. She covers how important it is to talk with your players to establish ground rules and resolve potential conflicts. She details her use of a Session 0 for all new campaigns to accomplish these goals. We review how mental health symptoms can manifest for players at the table, and present some strategies on how to address these situations. She talks about her Psychology and D&amp;D video series featured on YouTube and her stream, Clinical Roll, which features numerous mental health professionals playing Dungeons &amp; Dragons.

Megan Connell, Psy.D. on Using D&amp;D in Therapy and Mental Health at the Table as a DM

Mike Shea

Mike Shea joins the show once again to talk about the changing dynamics of tabletop roleplaying games. He explores how technology like streaming has advanced the hobby and spread its growth. We discuss the possible differences between what makes an excellent game to watch through streaming, and what makes an excellent game to play in with friends. He details his reasoning for launching his latest Kickstarter for Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master, and explains the purpose of its content. He emphasizes the importance of game masters focusing on the player characters in the game, and how that is now his first step during preparation for any gaming session. He offers advice for how to maintain a consistent, weekly gaming session while managing a rotating cast of players at the table.

Mike Shea joins the show once again to talk about the changing dynamics of tabletop roleplaying games. He explores how technology like streaming has advanced the hobby and spread its growth. We discuss the possible differences between what makes an excellent game to watch through streaming, and what makes an excellent game to play in with friends. He details his reasoning for launching his latest Kickstarter for Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master, and explains the purpose of its content. He emphasizes the importance of game masters focusing on the player characters in the game, and how that is now his first step during preparation for any gaming session. He offers advice for how to maintain a consistent, weekly gaming session while managing a rotating cast of players at the table.

Mike Shea on D&amp;D Streaming &amp; Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master

This week I'm joined by Aaron Retka, Managing Editor for Geeks Who Drink. For the uninitiated, Geeks Who Drink is "a homegrown Pub Trivia Quiz modeled after those in Ireland and the UK" that covers "everything from celebrities in trouble to wordplay to bad television." The quizzes are held in bars and breweries across the country, and Aaron spoke with me about how much effort goes into crafting each and every question. Aaron speaks about how he got started with Geeks Who Drink in 2006 as a freelancer, and how that evolved into his current role as Managing Editor. He discussed the elements that make a pub quiz good and relayed that the primary purpose of the quiz is to keep people entertained, "We want people to get the question right." He shares some tales about his years of being a Quizmaster, including some stories about dealing with unruly patrons and dressing up as Dolores Umbridge for a Harry Potter Theme Quiz.  I inquired about the growing popularity of pub quizzes, and how it might intersect with the toxic side of fandoms. Aaron provides some frank commentary on gatekeeping in any given fandom, and how the motivation of Geeks Who Drink is to be inclusive to a wide variety of players and fans.   I should also note that Aaron is family; I married his cousin in 2004! He's a wonderfully smart guy that is gainfully employed creating pub quizzes. I mean, how cool is that?

This week I'm joined by Aaron Retka, Managing Editor for <a href="https://www.geekswhodrink.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Geeks Who Drink</a>. For the uninitiated, Geeks Who Drink is "a homegrown Pub Trivia Quiz modeled after those in Ireland and the UK" that covers "everything from celebrities in trouble to wordplay to bad television." The quizzes are held in bars and breweries across the country, and Aaron spoke with me about how much effort goes into crafting each and every question. Aaron speaks about how he got started with Geeks Who Drink in 2006 as a freelancer, and how that evolved into his current role as Managing Editor. He discussed the elements that make a pub quiz good and relayed that the primary purpose of the quiz is to keep people entertained, "We want people to get the question right." He shares some tales about his years of being a Quizmaster, including some stories about dealing with unruly patrons and dressing up as Dolores Umbridge for a Harry Potter Theme Quiz.  I inquired about the growing popularity of pub quizzes, and how it might intersect with the toxic side of fandoms. Aaron provides some frank commentary on gatekeeping in any given fandom, and how the motivation of Geeks Who Drink is to be inclusive to a wide variety of players and fans.   I should also note that Aaron is family; I married his cousin in 2004! He's a wonderfully smart guy that is gainfully employed creating pub quizzes. I mean, how cool is that?

Aaron Retka, Managing Editor for Geeks Who Drink

Rachel Kowert

Dr. Rachel Kowert is a psychologist with years of published research examining the mental health effects of video games. She details how her research has NOT supported a variety of commonly-held and spread myths about video games. She discusses her role as Research Director for Take This, whose mission is to decrease stigma while increasing the support for mental health in the game-enthusiast community and inside the game industry. She talks about her history as a video game player and how she manages her personal use of games and that of her young children. 

<a href="https://www.rkowert.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Rachel Kowert</a> is a psychologist with years of published research examining the mental health effects of video games. She details how her research has NOT supported a variety of commonly-held and spread myths about video games. She discusses her role as Research Director for <a href="https://www.takethis.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Take This,</a> whose mission is to decrease stigma while increasing the support for mental health in the game-enthusiast community and inside the game industry. She talks about her history as a video game player and how she manages her personal use of games and that of her young children.

Dr. Rachel Kowert on Video Games & Mental Health

Jason Massey

Jason Massey joins the pod to talk about his start with 4th Edition D&amp;D and how that evolved into a full-time career in creating the actual play podcast, Dungeons &amp; Randomness. He speaks about his enjoyment of 4th Edition, and elements of that system that complicated the creation of podcast content. He reviews how the shift to 5th Edition smoothed the podcasting enterprise, and details how his homebrew campaign setting, Theria, came to exist. He discusses the current Kickstarter campaign for The Adventurer's Guide to Theria, and explains how the book will be useful for those running D&amp;D adventures.  

<a href="https://twitter.com/DandRpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Massey</a> joins the pod to talk about his start with 4th Edition D&amp;D and how that evolved into a full-time career in creating the actual play podcast, Dungeons &amp; Randomness. He speaks about his enjoyment of 4th Edition, and elements of that system that complicated the creation of podcast content. He reviews how the shift to 5th Edition smoothed the podcasting enterprise, and details how his homebrew campaign setting, Theria, came to exist. He discusses the current Kickstarter campaign for <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dandrpodcast/the-adventurers-guide-to-theria-volume-1-ellara" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Adventurer's Guide to Theria</a>, and explains how the book will be useful for those running D&amp;D adventures.

Jason Massey from The Dungeons & Randomness Podcast on Building a Career out of D&D

Jared Kilmer

I'm joined by Elizabeth Kilmer (soon-to-be PhD) and Jared Kilmer, PhD this week as they discuss their use of Dungeons &amp; Dragons in clinical settings with military veterans. They present how the therapy gaming groups are structured and the themes that come up during gameplay. They present examples from past sessions including stories of how veterans have processed through challenging emotional content with the help of in-game situations. They talk about their ambitions and plans to gather more data about their therapeutic D&amp;D approach with veterans, and how they might expand this in the future with other populations. 

I'm joined by Elizabeth Kilmer (soon-to-be PhD) and Jared Kilmer, PhD this week as they discuss their use of Dungeons &amp; Dragons in clinical settings with military veterans. They present how the therapy gaming groups are structured and the themes that come up during gameplay. They present examples from past sessions including stories of how veterans have processed through challenging emotional content with the help of in-game situations. They talk about their ambitions and plans to gather more data about their therapeutic D&amp;D approach with veterans, and how they might expand this in the future with other populations.

Elizabeth & Jared Kilmer on Therapeutic D&D for Veterans

James Haeck

James Haeck, Lead Writer for D&amp;D Beyond and Coauthor of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist and Critical Role's Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting joins the pod to educate me about how Critical Role overlaps with elements of the RPG and D&amp;D landscape - and how it also has carved its own niche. He discussed the evolution of Critical Role and how it only recently became an independent entity outside of Geek &amp; Sundry and Legendary Digital Networks while also clarifying my prior misconceptions about Critical Role being "under" Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro. James and I ponder what Critical Role's success may mean for tabletop RPGs and empathize with individuals that may question the money that is being raised. I disclose my initial interest and envy from the success, and we both discuss the perils of focusing on the successes and failures of others while trying to create content. I thank James for delving into these questions, and we both acknowledge our lack of adequate solutions for these dilemmas. I shift gears with James to ask about how he got involved in Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, and prod him for suggestions on how to get the most out of the content provided in the book. I selfishly wanted this information as my group my find their way into an urban setting soon! This is a worthy conversation, and I hope you give it a listen!

James Haeck, Lead Writer for D&amp;D Beyond and Coauthor of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist and Critical Role's Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting joins the pod to educate me about how Critical Role overlaps with elements of the RPG and D&amp;D landscape - and how it also has carved its own niche. He discussed the evolution of Critical Role and how it only recently became an independent entity outside of Geek &amp; Sundry and Legendary Digital Networks while also clarifying my prior misconceptions about Critical Role being "under" Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro. James and I ponder what Critical Role's success may mean for tabletop RPGs and empathize with individuals that may question the money that is being raised. I disclose my initial interest and envy from the success, and we both discuss the perils of focusing on the successes and failures of others while trying to create content. I thank James for delving into these questions, and we both acknowledge our lack of adequate solutions for these dilemmas. I shift gears with James to ask about how he got involved in Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, and prod him for suggestions on how to get the most out of the content provided in the book. I selfishly wanted this information as my group my find their way into an urban setting soon! This is a worthy conversation, and I hope you give it a listen!

James Haeck on Critical Role's Alignments and D&amp;D Waterdeep

Ed Grabianowski (aka, "The Grabster") joins me on the show to talk about his career as a freelance writer for outlets over the years including io9 and How Stuff Works. He speaks to his start as a writer for a local newspaper in Buffalo and how that led to other writing opportunities as he continues to work on a novel. He discusses the pressures involved in producing content for an online audience that is bombarded with an endless stream of content. Ed also talks about his musical project, Spacelord. Ed performs vocals for the band, and he details their journey in the independent rock scene. While Ed provides details about Spacelord's influences, a few samples of their music are including to give listeners a taste of their sound. The band is GOOD, and you should give them a listen! Ed shares a hilarious story about the cover art for the latest Spacelord album, and we close the show by rehashing our efforts in 2016 to narrow down to the best 12 songs from the Use Your Illusion albums by Guns N' Roses. If you haven't read our takes on this, then go do that now. 

<a href="https://twitter.com/robotviking" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ed Grabianowski</a> (aka, "The Grabster") joins me on the show to talk about <a href="http://www.robotviking.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">his career as a freelance writer</a> for outlets over the years including io9 and How Stuff Works. He speaks to his start as a writer for a local newspaper in Buffalo and how that led to other writing opportunities as he continues to work on a novel. He discusses the pressures involved in producing content for an online audience that is bombarded with an endless stream of content. Ed also talks about his musical project, <a href="https://spacelordband.bandcamp.com/album/spacelord" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spacelord</a>. Ed performs vocals for the band, and he details their journey in the independent rock scene. While Ed provides details about Spacelord's influences, a few samples of their music are including to give listeners a taste of their sound. The band is GOOD, and you should give them a listen! Ed shares a hilarious story about the cover art for the latest Spacelord album, and we close the show by rehashing our efforts in 2016 to narrow down to the best 12 songs from the Use Your Illusion albums by Guns N' Roses. If you haven't read <a href="https://theiddm.wordpress.com/2016/08/31/guns-n-roses-use-your-illusion-the-phantom-edit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our takes</a> <a href="http://www.robotviking.com/2016/08/31/use-your-illusion-the-final-cut/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on this</a>, then go do that now.

Ed Grabianowski on Freelance Writing and Spacelord

Adam Johns

Adam Davis

Adam Johns and Adam Davis from Game to Grow join the pod to talk about their years of experience running games for children on the autism spectrum and how their experience was funneled into the Critical Core tabletop roleplaying game. Critical Core is designed to teach children on the autism spectrum confidence and social skills, and it is now live on Kickstarter. Their Kickstarter runs for two more weeks and is knocking off Stretch Goals; the game is for any parent or educator that would like to use a RPG to teach skills to children. And stay tuned until the end of the episode for a bonus song by Dr. Ryan Kelly --- trust me!

<a href="https://twitter.com/AdamJohns" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adam Johns</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SparksforSharks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adam Davis</a> from <a href="http://gametogrow.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Game to Grow</a> join the pod to talk about their years of experience running games for children on the autism spectrum and how their experience was funneled into the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gametogrow/critical-core" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Critical Core</a> tabletop roleplaying game. Critical Core is designed to teach children on the autism spectrum confidence and social skills, and it is now live on Kickstarter. Their Kickstarter runs for two more weeks and is knocking off Stretch Goals; the game is for any parent or educator that would like to use a RPG to teach skills to children. And stay tuned until the end of the episode for a bonus song by <a href="https://twitter.com/DrRKelly" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Ryan Kelly</a> --- trust me!

Adam Johns & Adam Davis on Critical Core & Autism

Jerry LeNeave

Jerry, known as The Dread Gazebo, talks about his views on the changing climate around tabletop and vidoegaming this decade. He speaks the lifespan of gaming blogs and the rise of streaming. He details his enjoyment of Shadow of the Demon Lord, and answers questions regarding gameplay. Jerry presents his thoughts on streaming culture, and how it often turns into a toxic environment. We explore the social contract of playing games like Dungeons &amp; Dragons, and long for briefer gameplay experiences. We close the show by discussing the unique aspects of forming close bonds with others online because of gaming, and how those bonds can shift when we actually meet each other in person.

Jerry, known as <a href="http://dreadgazebo.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Dread Gazebo</a>, talks about his views on the changing climate around tabletop and vidoegaming this decade. He speaks the lifespan of gaming blogs and the rise of streaming. He details his enjoyment of Shadow of the Demon Lord, and answers questions regarding gameplay. Jerry presents his thoughts on streaming culture, and how it often turns into a toxic environment. We explore the social contract of playing games like Dungeons &amp; Dragons, and long for briefer gameplay experiences. We close the show by discussing the unique aspects of forming close bonds with others online because of gaming, and how those bonds can shift when we actually meet each other in person.

Jerry LeNeave on Gaming &amp; Streaming, and Shadow of the Demon Lord

Greg Leatherman

Greg Leatherman, founder of VRECast, joins me to talk about his life as a gay man and what it's been like for him playing tabletop RPGs since the 1980s. He details the origins of the Very Random Encounters podcast, which randomizes as much as possible for character creation and storylines. He explains the concept of safe spaces and how his life as a gay man forces him to consider changing his behavior to blend in and decrease the chance of violence. We talk about the lack of male affection in popular media, and he offers a suggestion to listeners to begin to change this culture. Many thanks to Greg for being willing to share his experience and life with us. 

<a href="https://twitter.com/whitewing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Greg Leatherman</a>, founder of <a href="https://twitter.com/VREcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">VRECast</a>, joins me to talk about his life as a gay man and what it's been like for him playing tabletop RPGs since the 1980s. He details the origins of the <a href="https://soundcloud.com/vrecast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Very Random Encounters podcast</a>, which randomizes as much as possible for character creation and storylines. He explains the concept of safe spaces and how his life as a gay man forces him to consider changing his behavior to blend in and decrease the chance of violence. We talk about the lack of male affection in popular media, and he offers a suggestion to listeners to begin to change this culture. Many thanks to Greg for being willing to share his experience and life with us.

Greg Leatherman on VRECast, Safe Spaces & Gay Representation in RPGs

Matt Henderson

Matt is the map designer for Loke Battle Mats, which has been releasing tabletop battle mats for roleplaying games in recent years. Matt talks about the origins for the product line and his inspirations while designing the maps. We discuss how Dungeons &amp; Dragons and other systems have shaped Loke Battle Mats and how terrain has shifted in importance over the years for players. Matt shares his approach to preparing for games including routine use of a Dual-Dungeon Master technique. He shares excellent tips on getting the most out of battle mats and other terrain options!

Matt is the map designer for <a href="http://lokebattlemats.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loke Battle Mats</a>, which has been releasing tabletop battle mats for roleplaying games in recent years. Matt talks about the origins for the product line and his inspirations while designing the maps. We discuss how Dungeons &amp; Dragons and other systems have shaped Loke Battle Mats and how terrain has shifted in importance over the years for players. Matt shares his approach to preparing for games including routine use of a Dual-Dungeon Master technique. He shares excellent tips on getting the most out of battle mats and other terrain options!

Matt Henderson on Designing Loke Battle Mats

Elisabeth de Kleer is an award-winning documentary producer and director that has experience working in the true crime genre. She has been working for the past two years on the subject of Dungeons &amp; Dragons in prisons, and is attempting to Kickstart a documentary on this subject. She joins me to talk about the inspiration for this project and shares some of the stories from the 100s of inmates and prison personnel that she has interviewed thus far. We also discuss the purpose of prison, and the challenges that exist for reintegrating back into society. I share with her my background as a survivor of a violent crime as my father was shot and killed in the line of duty when I was eight-years-old, and we discuss the murky waters of how society deals with individuals that commit violent crimes after they have served their time in prison. We explore the potential rehabilitative powers of D&amp;D for inmates, and the extraordinary lengths they have gone to play the game while incarcerated.  

<a href="http://www.kleercreative.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elisabeth de Kleer</a> is an award-winning documentary producer and director that has experience working in the true crime genre. She has been working for the past two years on the subject of <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kleercreative/lets-play-dungeons-and-dragons-behind-bars" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dungeons &amp; Dragons in prisons</a>, and is attempting to Kickstart a documentary on this subject. She joins me to talk about the inspiration for this project and shares some of the stories from the 100s of inmates and prison personnel that she has interviewed thus far. We also discuss the purpose of prison, and the challenges that exist for reintegrating back into society. I share with her my background as a survivor of a violent crime as my father was shot and killed in the line of duty when I was eight-years-old, and we discuss the murky waters of how society deals with individuals that commit violent crimes after they have served their time in prison. We explore the potential rehabilitative powers of D&amp;D for inmates, and the extraordinary lengths they have gone to play the game while incarcerated.

Elisabeth de Kleer on Dungeons & Dragons Behind Bars

Ryan Kelly

Dr. Ryan Kelly joins me this week to talk about his work on how to be use geek passions to grow. He is a psychologist and speaks about his work with a variety of clients including those that use videogames in problematic ways. We discuss the potential benefits and consequences of gaming and other hobbies, and offer suggestions for how to find a healthy balance.

<a href="https://twitter.com/DrRKelly" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Ryan Kelly</a> joins me this week to talk about his work on how to be use geek passions to grow. He is a psychologist and speaks about his work with a variety of clients including those that use videogames in problematic ways. We discuss the potential benefits and consequences of gaming and other hobbies, and offer suggestions for how to find a healthy balance.

Ryan Kelly, PhD on the Power & Dangers of Gaming

Tom Eastman

Tom Eastman, President of Trinket Studios, joins me to talk about their new release, Battle Chef Brigade, which is now available on Steam and Nintendo Switch. Tom talks about the four-year development process for Battle Chef Brigade, and the challenges his team faced as an small independent company. He discusses the perils of marketing the game while fighting obscurity, and how Trinket Studios partnered with Adult Swim Games. Tom details how Battle Chef Brigade went through a rollercoaster in terms of scope and gameplay variations, and how they arrived at the current combination of mechanics and features. He answers my numerous questions about the design of the game, including how players are rewarded - rather than punished - for playing the game. We also get into the logistics of art design and voice acting. Tom concludes by talking about the mental toll of working on such a project and releasing it into the wild. If you have played Battle Chef Brigade or are simply interested in how games are developed, then this podcast is a must listen! And if you have yet to experience Battle Chef Brigade, go buy the game! It is an amazing experience that I am loving.   

Tom Eastman, President of Trinket Studios, joins me to talk about their new release, Battle Chef Brigade, which is now available on Steam and Nintendo Switch. Tom talks about the four-year development process for Battle Chef Brigade, and the challenges his team faced as an small independent company. He discusses the perils of marketing the game while fighting obscurity, and how Trinket Studios partnered with Adult Swim Games. Tom details how Battle Chef Brigade went through a rollercoaster in terms of scope and gameplay variations, and how they arrived at the current combination of mechanics and features. He answers my numerous questions about the design of the game, including how players are rewarded - rather than punished - for playing the game. We also get into the logistics of art design and voice acting. Tom concludes by talking about the mental toll of working on such a project and releasing it into the wild. If you have played Battle Chef Brigade or are simply interested in how games are developed, then this podcast is a must listen! And if you have yet to experience Battle Chef Brigade, go buy the game! It is an amazing experience that I am loving.

Tom Eastman on Developing Battle Chef Brigade

Jim Zub

Jim Zub, writer and creator, joins me this week on Ego Check with The Id DM to talk about the Young Adventurer's Guides for Dungeons &amp; Dragons. The first two books in the series, Warriors &amp; Weapons and Monsters &amp; Creatures, release this month, and I was fortunate to get a preview copy from 10 Speed Press (the same company that published the amazing Art &amp; Arcana: A Visual History).  Jim talks about  his work in comics over the last 20 years that have landed him writing for characters such as Conan, The Avengers, Rick &amp; Morty, and Black Panther. He talks about his long relationship with Dungeons &amp; Dragons that was summarized in a recent Tedx Talk he gave, which I encourage everyone to watch. He discusses the genesis of the Young Adventurer's Guides and how the idea grew from a simple pitch to a multi-book series that may continue to grow.  He talks about why he felt the books needed to be created, and the philosophy behind how the books were designed including why it was important to have new art and a different structure from the typical Player's Handbook and Monster Manual. Jim also discusses his work on the upcoming Descent Into Avernus adventure for Dungeons &amp; Dragons. It was wonderful to speak with him and learn about the creative process behind the Young Adventurer's Guides. I truly believe they are a wonderful entry point for young readers into D&amp;D AND a refreshing source of inspiration for long-time players. Enjoy! 

<a href="http://www.jimzub.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jim Zub</a>, writer and creator, joins me this week on Ego Check with The Id DM to talk about the <a href="http://www.jimzub.com/dd-young-adventurers-guides-faq/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Young Adventurer's Guides for Dungeons &amp; Dragons</a>. The first two books in the series, Warriors &amp; Weapons and Monsters &amp; Creatures, release this month, and I was fortunate to get a preview copy from 10 Speed Press (the same company that published <a href="https://theiddm.wordpress.com/2018/10/18/art-arcana-will-galvanize-your-fandom-of-dungeons-dragons/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the amazing Art &amp; Arcana: A Visual History</a>).  Jim talks about  his work in comics over the last 20 years that have landed him writing for characters such as Conan, The Avengers, Rick &amp; Morty, and Black Panther. He talks about his long relationship with Dungeons &amp; Dragons that was summarized in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVhnpZf2EVs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a recent Tedx Talk he gave</a>, which I encourage everyone to watch. He discusses the genesis of the Young Adventurer's Guides and how the idea grew from a simple pitch to a multi-book series that may continue to grow.  He talks about why he felt the books needed to be created, and the philosophy behind how the books were designed including why it was important to have new art and a different structure from the typical Player's Handbook and Monster Manual. Jim also discusses his work on the upcoming Descent Into Avernus adventure for Dungeons &amp; Dragons. It was wonderful to speak with him and learn about the creative process behind the Young Adventurer's Guides. I truly believe they are a wonderful entry point for young readers into D&amp;D AND a refreshing source of inspiration for long-time players. Enjoy!

Jim Zub on Creating the Young Adventurer's Guides for Dungeons & Dragons

Matt Dixon

Matt Dixon talks about his career as a freelance illustrator and his work in digital spaces leading to his work with Blizzard. He talks about starting on the World of Warcraft TCG and how he got hired again for the Goblins &amp; Gnomes expansion in Hearthstone. He has been a contributing artist to Hearthstone since that time and talks about his creative process. He shares his influences and explores how technology has changed the way he approaches illustration. He talks about his need to bring "life" to an image and how he was drawn to computers and pixels at a young age. He speaks about specific illustrations completed for Hearthstone and what fueled their origin. He indulges me as we discuss one of my favorite pieces of art in Hearthstone, Hecklebot, and he references his earlier work on Annoy-o-tron as when Hearthstone "clicked" for him. We conclude by talking about his recent "speed paintings" and his stunning personal work on his series, Transmissions. 

<a href="https://www.mattdixon.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matt Dixon</a> talks about his career as a freelance illustrator and his work in digital spaces leading to his work with Blizzard. He talks about starting on the World of Warcraft TCG and how he got hired again for the Goblins &amp; Gnomes expansion in Hearthstone. He has been a contributing artist to Hearthstone since that time and talks about his creative process. He shares his influences and explores how technology has changed the way he approaches illustration. He talks about his need to bring "life" to an image and how he was drawn to computers and pixels at a young age. He speaks about specific illustrations completed for Hearthstone and what fueled their origin. He indulges me as we discuss one of my favorite pieces of art in Hearthstone, Hecklebot, and he references his earlier work on Annoy-o-tron as when Hearthstone "clicked" for him. We conclude by talking about his recent "speed paintings" and his stunning personal work on his series, <a href="https://www.mattdixon.co.uk/transmissions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Transmissions</a>.

Matt Dixon on Illustrating Hearthstone

Kevin Hovdestad

Kevin Hovdestad joins the pod to educate me about his years of work in the realm of Esports. He talks about his years of experience as a freelance journalist writing about Esports and how that led to career opportunities as a Director of Market for Catalyst Esports Solutions and most recently an Associate Editor with Blizzard Entertainment. He discusses the rise of Esports in recent years, and the potential bubble in the industry. He offers solutions for some of what ails Esports such as the need for a "Netflix for Esports" and finding ways for more people to easily consume and pay for Esports content. We discuss how games are now designed to be an ongoing service rather than a stable experience in addition to the ever-shifting landscape of Esports, and how the relationships between developers, players, sponsors and promoters is complex. 

Kevin Hovdestad joins the pod to educate me about his years of work in the realm of Esports. He talks about his years of experience as a freelance journalist writing about Esports and how that led to career opportunities as a Director of Market for Catalyst Esports Solutions and most recently an Associate Editor with Blizzard Entertainment. He discusses the rise of Esports in recent years, and the potential bubble in the industry. He offers solutions for some of what ails Esports such as the need for a "Netflix for Esports" and finding ways for more people to easily consume and pay for Esports content. We discuss how games are now designed to be an ongoing service rather than a stable experience in addition to the ever-shifting landscape of Esports, and how the relationships between developers, players, sponsors and promoters is complex.

Kevin Hovdestad on Esports

Grant Ellis

Grant Ellis joins me to talk about his efforts to create unique livestream tabletop roleplaying game content with a diverse cast of performers. He talks about his game design efforts and how playing and streaming games like D&amp;D are different processes. We spend the vast majority of the show talking about a shared passion, A Knight's Tale - a film that arrived in 2001 and continues to warm our hearts. We talk about why the film persists in our minds and devote attention to the wonderful cast, characters and themes in the film.

<a href="https://twitter.com/WisePapaGrant" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grant Ellis</a> joins me to talk about his efforts to create unique livestream tabletop roleplaying game content with a diverse cast of performers. He talks about his game design efforts and how playing and streaming games like D&amp;D are different processes. We spend the vast majority of the show talking about a shared passion, A Knight's Tale - a film that arrived in 2001 and continues to warm our hearts. We talk about why the film persists in our minds and devote attention to the wonderful cast, characters and themes in the film.

Grant Ellis on Streaming RPGs & Celebrating A Knight's Tale

Kyle Newman

I'm joined this week by Kyle Newman, one of the authors of Dungeons &amp; Dragons Art &amp; Arcana: A Visual History. You may also know Kyle as the Director of Fanboys (2009) and Barely Lethal (2015). Kyle talked with me about the genesis of Art &amp; Arcana and how the four authors came together on the project. He discusses how the book was originally organized and plotted out by the creative team, and how they navigated the balance between dissecting and celebrating the nostalgia of Dungeons &amp; Dragons. I asked Kyle how mining nostalgia has been different in the Star Wars and D&amp;D fandoms over the years. We focus on the segment of D&amp;D history that covered 3.5, 4th and 5th Editions, and emphasis that we both enjoyed what 4th Edition had to offer. He clarified that he wrote most of the chapter on 4th Edition, and we discuss the community's relationship with that era of D&amp;D and how it led to the current 5th Edition. I asked him about the past two years of his archaeological delve into D&amp;D's history to learn where he thinks D&amp;D will go next. Tune in for the full context of his comment, "There will be a 6th Edition." 

I'm joined this week by Kyle Newman, one of the authors of Dungeons &amp; Dragons Art &amp; Arcana: A Visual History. You may also know Kyle as the Director of Fanboys (2009) and Barely Lethal (2015). Kyle talked with me about the genesis of Art &amp; Arcana and how the four authors came together on the project. He discusses how the book was originally organized and plotted out by the creative team, and how they navigated the balance between dissecting and celebrating the nostalgia of Dungeons &amp; Dragons. I asked Kyle how mining nostalgia has been different in the Star Wars and D&amp;D fandoms over the years. We focus on the segment of D&amp;D history that covered 3.5, 4th and 5th Editions, and emphasis that we both enjoyed what 4th Edition had to offer. He clarified that he wrote most of the chapter on 4th Edition, and we discuss the community's relationship with that era of D&amp;D and how it led to the current 5th Edition. I asked him about the past two years of his archaeological delve into D&amp;D's history to learn where he thinks D&amp;D will go next. Tune in for the full context of his comment, "There will be a 6th Edition."

Kyle Newman on Dungeons &amp; Dragons Art &amp; Arcana

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