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Explore every episode of the podcast Gaining Advantage

Dive into the complete episode list for Gaining Advantage. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–39 of 39

TitlePub. DateDuration
Secrets of University of Chicago’s #DnD English Teaching | Gaining Advantage 03914 Jun 202400:47:37

In this episode, we explore using tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) for language learning. Shane Dunkle, a Language Pedagogy Specialist at the University of Chicago, shares his research on assessing English proficiency through board games and TTRPGs like D&D.

Discover how these games create an engaging environment for practicing real-world communication skills, from mastering idioms to navigating social cues. Shane reveals strategies for convincing skeptical faculty and his vision for embracing TTRPGs as a mainstream educational tool.

0:00 Opening0:10 Exclusive Charity Offer Reveal - How Your Purchase Can Change Lives2:49 Meet the Gamer Turned Innovative Educator Revolutionizing Language Learning4:06 Traditional vs Game-Based Teaching: The Authenticity Showdown18:26 From Munchkin to Murderhobo: Navigating the RPG Classroom Transition21:31 Mastering Real-World Interactions Through In-Game Role-Play28:34 Student Resistors vs Faculty Skeptics: Overcoming Unconventional Hurdles33:51 Three Wishes to Transform Language Education Worldwide35:45 The Recipe for Educators: Embracing Unorthodox Methods That Work40:47 Convincing the Naysayers: A Manifesto for Embracing Gaming in Academics42:34 Behind the Scenes: Upcoming Pedagogical Playground Projects44:47 Your Doorway to Immersive Language Learning Resources

Is D&D a Secret Architect of Global Culture? | Gaining Advantage 03810 May 202400:45:50

This episode explores the cultural significance and far-reaching influence of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) through an insightful interview with Premeet Sidhu and José Zagal, editors of the book "50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons." It offers insights into how the iconic tabletop RPG has influenced various aspects of global culture, from gaming and entertainment to education and beyond.

The discussion covers D&D's historical roots, examining its evolution from a niche hobby to a mainstream phenomenon. Sidhu and Zagal shed light on the game's unexpected crossovers with diverse fields, such as interactive storytelling, solo journaling, and educational applications.

Key points covered include:

  • The book's approach to celebrating D&D from a scholarly yet accessible perspective
  • Surprising insights into the game's evolution, such as the progression of combat systems
  • D&D's influence on other media and how it has been influenced by culture in turn
  • The game's potential in education and fostering critical thinking
  • Speculative discussions on D&D's future, including the role of AI and emergence as a mainstream entertainment genre
Links

0:00 Introduction

0:19 Wyrmworks Publishing Updates

03:18 Interview with Premeet Sidhu and José Zagal

06:12 "50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons" Book Overview

10:41 Insights and Revelations

15:58 D&D's Cultural Influence

18:33 Future of D&D

36:01 Upcoming Projects

43:57 Patreon Showcase & Closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice!

Gaining Advantage 029: Finding Healing and Fun through TTRPGs: A Journey of Transformation with Bill Lemmond14 Jul 202300:53:45

Dale interviews Bill Lemmond, a passionate gamer and comic artist. Bill shares his personal story of how tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) have played a pivotal role in transforming his life, from finding joy and relaxation to overcoming depression and pursuing education. Discover the power of gaming to create a supportive community, foster creativity, and provide a much-needed escape. Join us as we explore the impact of TTRPGs on mental well-being and the importance of inclusivity and fun in gaming.

0:00 Introduction: Limitless Champions Update01:35 Interview: Bill Lemmond51:30 Patreon Showcase & Closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Bill Lemmond LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 028: Vulnerability and Chronic Illness in Tabletop Roleplaying Games09 Jun 202300:52:49

Dale interviews Drew Wale about the Dretelia campaign setting, which is based on his chronic illness,  and the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in creating meaningful and resonant tabletop roleplaying games. We discuss how drawing on personal experiences and emotions can help to create more engaging and immersive worlds, and how being open and honest about our own struggles can help to create a more welcoming and inclusive gaming community. 

0:00 Introduction: Help caption the D&D cartoon03:51 Interview: Drew Wale and Dretelia Campaign Setting50:07 Patreon Showcase & closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Drew Wale LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 027: Empowering Kids Through D&D12 May 202300:37:40

Dale interviews Hunter Goetzman, the creator of Mercury Adventure Club, a TTRPG club and summer day camp that uses tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons to empower kids. The camp aims to provide a low-cost and accessible way for children to learn and enjoy the game while building a supportive community. Hunter discusses the benefits of introducing kids to gaming, the structure of the camp, and the positive impact it can have on their lives. The episode also highlights the Limitless Champions Kickstarter campaign, which aims to create a diverse collection of disabled fantasy game miniatures to promote inclusion in the gaming industry. 

0:00 Introduction: Limitless Champions Update05:21 Interview: Hunter Goetzman of Mercury Adventure Club35:09 Patreon Showcase & closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Hunter Goetzman LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 026: Accessibility in Tabletop Gaming: Tips and Strategies for Inclusion with @tahina_andale21 Apr 202300:42:30

This month, we talk to Tahina Andale, co-host of Dicecourse, about accessibility and avoiding ableism in tabletop roleplaying games. Tahina shares her experience as a disabled woman and provides tips on accommodating different accessibility needs. She emphasizes the importance of representation and encourages listeners to be more empathetic and respectful of others' needs.

0:00 Introduction: Limitless Champions Preview10:50 Interview: Tahina Andale, co-host of Dicecourse39:22 Patreon Showcase & closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Tahina Andale LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 025: Outrage Fatigue: Taking a Short Rest10 Feb 202300:34:29

This week, we welcome Simone Arnold, owner of Hero's Journey Counseling in Vermont, who discusses outrage fatigue, which can lead to burnout and empathy fatigue, how to balance the desire to make the world better with our own limitations, and prioritize rest.

0:00 Introduction

8:59 Interview: Simone Arnold, owner of Hero's Journey Counseling

31:15 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Simone Arnold LinksWyrmworks Publishing

Wyrmworks Publishing: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com

Gaining Advantage 024: Inherently Beneficial, then Intentional09 Dec 202200:47:04

Roleplaying games are already great, but what happens when they’re intentionally used to improve lives? We welcome Jack Berkenstock Jr., MHS, Executive Director, The Bodhana Group to talk about therapeutic RPG.

0:00 Introduction3:54 Interview: Jack Berkenstock Jr., MHS, Executive Director, The Bodhana Group44:43 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Script Change: http://briebeau.com/scriptchange 

The Bodhana Group LinksWyrmworks Publishing

Wyrmworks Publishing: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com

Gaining Advantage 023: Gaming and Inclusive Design11 Nov 202200:58:18

What happens when a bunch of neurodivergent people sit down to play D&D together and connect through the game? Things get awesome. And our guest, Caleb Valorozo-Jones, wrote a Master’s Thesis on it!

But before that, Dale takes an honest look at what it takes to get started in the TTRPG industry, especially in light of the changes at Twitter. It’s not as difficult as many would lead you to believe.

0:00 Introduction0:22 Getting started in the TTRPG Industry without Twitter17:51 Announcements22:18 Interview: Caleb Valorozo-Jones56:37 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Writing Your First Adventure (Storytelling Collective)

Caleb Valorozo-Jones LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 022: Forging a New Path14 Oct 202201:14:42

Disabled people are among the most resourceful on the planet. They have to be. We welcome kindred spirits, Rachel Voss & Wesley Magee-Saxton at Forge Ahead: A Party To Access, who are creating amazing D&D 5e resources for disability inclusion. Next, we welcome Alexander Grinton on our Playing the Other segment to talk about his experience with Autism and ADHD, and how it connects with tabletop gaming.

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 4:19 Interview: Rachel Voss & Wesley Magee-Saxton at Forge Ahead: A Party To Access
  • 48:55 Playing the Other: Alexander Grinton
  • 1:12:58 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Forge Ahead: A Party To Access LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 021: When a Foam Sword Heals16 Sep 202200:38:15

What does accessibility look like in Live Action Role-Play (LARP)? We welcome Kitty Rodé from the Golden Feather Initiative to talk about that!

Kitty Rodé is a queer, South Asian artist and organizer who is passionate about storytelling, community building and trauma-informed gaming. They are a lifelong student of anti-oppression work, creating safer spaces and design for social change. Kitty is also a member of the Community Resistance Intimacy Project (CRIP) Collective, providing disability justice education and training. Visit kittyrode.com to see more of their work.

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 4:36 Interview: Kitty Rodé, Golden Feather Initiative
  • 36:05 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Golden Feather Initiative LinksWyrmworks Publishing

And here's the video Kitty references:

Gaining Advantage 020: Be Kind. Roll High.12 Aug 202200:35:00

Roleplaying games change lives. But what happens when you intentionally turn that dial to 11? We welcome Peter Jung from Roll for Kindness to explain how that happens and how you can do it.

0:00 Introduction04:04 Interview: Peter Jung32:57 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Roll for Kindness LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Toxic Masculinity & TTRPG Culture | Gaining Advantage 03712 Apr 202400:59:12

We explore the connections between language, masculinity, and tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) experiences with sociologist Dr. Steven Dashiell. He studies language in male-dominated spaces like gaming conventions.

We discuss how language use, rules lawyering, gamesplaining, and off-topic conversations (metadiscourse) at gaming tables can create barriers. These reinforce masculine norms and potentially alienate players from underrepresented groups. Dr. Dashiell shares research on gendered speech patterns, the historical invisibility of women TTRPG players, and the challenges that women face asserting themselves without seeming overly aggressive.

The conversation also covers the benefits of increased gender diversity in TTRPGs. Dr. Dashiell explains how bringing your authentic self enriches the gaming experience for all. He offers insights for designers to create more welcoming, inclusive spaces.

Whether new or experienced with TTRPGs, this episode provides a valuable perspective on building a more equitable gaming culture.

Links:Show Outline:

00:00 Welcome and intro00:21 Accessible character sheet for print & reading disabilities00:56 Ready-to-Roll: Fairweather Friends D&D adventure Kickstarter01:29 Interview with Dr. Steven Dashiell sociology of language04:57 Gender representation in TTRPG spaces06:24 Metadiscourse and inside references07:21 Masculine language and behavior in gaming08:18 Rules lawyering and excluding players12:14 Gamesplaining14:51 Historical gender erasure of women gamers16:12 Benefits of diversity in tabletop RPGs18:26 Murderhobo25:08 Charisma in D&D and its effect on inclusion28:36 Male dominance in D&D31:33 Bringing your authentic self to gaming table41:40 Designing more inclusive TTRPGs50:32 Gendered guilt when missing game sessions52:01 Jerks and toxic behavior study57:31 Support Inclusive Gaming

Gaining Advantage 019: Finding Your Space08 Jul 202200:25:52

How do you get started with Dungeons & Dragons and find a group that’s right for you? We welcome Montana Rosalle from YVR Dungeon Masters to give you some help!

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 01:44 Interview: Montana Rosalle
  • 23:56 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

YVR Dungeon Masters LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 018: Excellence in TTRPG with @MForbeck24 Jun 202200:24:02

How can game excellence make lives better? We welcome Matt Forbeck to talk about excellence in game design.

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 02:54 Interview: Matt Forbeck
  • 21:46 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Matt Forbeck LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 017: Accessible Benefits from TTRPG13 May 202200:32:41

How can the TTRPG industry teach the rest of the world about accessibility? We welcome Katriel Paige to talk about their work in accessibility.

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 02:46 Interview: Katriel Paige
  • 30:24 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Katreil Paige LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 016: More Fey, Less Squirrels08 Apr 202200:40:58

Let’s learn about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a fun way, like a way that will keep your attention! We welcome Kel and Skald from Awfully Queer Heroes!

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 04:38 Interview: Awfully Queer Heroes: Adventures in ADHD
  • 37:53 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Awfully Queer Heroes LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 015: Reclaiming Dungeons11 Mar 202200:29:47

Let’s talk about diversity in games and how often that’s not what it could be and how to change that. Collette Quach (they/she) is an award winning writer and game designer based in California. Her focus is writing and designing within speculative fiction. She has a passion for mythology and folklore through nontraditional forms of storytelling. Her work can be found in Uncaged Anthology, Book of Seasons: Solstices, Eyes Unclouded and the Unbreakable Anthology. They also were the producer for Creepy Monster Compendium, a book of horror creatures for 5th edition. Currently they are a MFA student in Interactive Media and Game Design at USC where they are focusing on narrative and the blend between physical and digital spaces.

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 01:23 Interview: Collette Quach
  • 26:36 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Collette Quach LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 014: Fantasy Accessibility with Fay Onyx28 Jan 202200:46:44

How can we make our fantasy worlds more accessible, thus encouraging more accessibility in the real world? Dale and Fay Onyx nerd out about disability, accessibility, and TTRPGs.

Fay Onyx is a queer, nonbinary, disabled writer, podcaster, game designer, and disability consultant whose work focuses on intersectional disability representation. Ze creates resources to help storytellers and game designers represent disability respectfully, including a Q&A series, a Decolonizing Games Resource List, and a series of articles about harmful disability tropes. Hir podcast, Writing Alchemy, has an actual play series about the adventures of disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill heroes. Fay is also working on Magic Goes Awry, a high fantasy roleplaying game that has detailed character creation with a rules-light core mechanic that creates plenty of magical mayhem.

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 02:39 Interview: Fay Onyx
  • 42:40 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Fay Onyx LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 013: Relationships in the Margins with @httpaladin31 Dec 202100:42:49

How can role-playing games expand your view of the real world? We welcome Paladin, co-director of The Islands of Sina Una, to talk about just that. And in our Playing the Other segment, we welcome Nikki to talk about chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 01:58 Paladin
  • 23:25 Playing the Other: Nikki
  • 40:15 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Paladin LinksNikki LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 012: After School Dungeon Delving with @rmalena17 Dec 202100:37:00

What was your camp experience like? What if it involved fighting dragons & rolling dice? We welcome Richard Malena-Webber from Academy of Adventures to describe that for us.

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 02:13 Richard Malena-Webber
  • 34:23 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Academy of Adventures LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 011: Accessibility at the Table with @JesseMcNamee03 Dec 202100:34:14

How can the tabletop gaming space be more accessible? We welcome Jesse McNamee to discuss that question — how it has and how it could be more.

  • 0:00 Introduction & Announcements
  • 07:49 Jesse McNamee Interview
  • 29:40 Appreciation

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Jesse McNamee Links

Twitter: @jessemcnamee

Wyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 010: Gaining Access to RPGs with @AccessibleGames19 Nov 202100:26:18

What makes a tabletop role-playing game accessible, both to players and characters? We welcome Jacob Wood, owner of Accessible Games, to discuss that question.

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 02:10 Jacob Wood
  • 24:41 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Accessible Games LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 36: A Game-Changing Education Revolution08 Mar 202400:42:16

In this thought-provoking episode, Dale sits down with Dr. Dave Eng, an expert in using board games for educational purposes. Dr. Eng shares his groundbreaking insights on how tabletop games can revolutionize the learning experience. From cooperative classics like Pandemic to the innovative "Matrix Games" that leverage words over numbers, this episode dives into the benefits of interactive gameplay in classrooms. Discover how board games can foster critical thinking, teamwork, and experiential learning in ways traditional lectures cannot. Learn about Dr. Eng's inspiring work and his mission to bring gaming literacy to educators worldwide. 

Plus, Dale reveals Wyrmworks Publishing's pioneering effort to introduce the first-ever braille ruleset for tabletop RPGs, making the hobby more accessible than ever before.

0:00 Introducing Braille to the TTRPG hobby

06:49 Interview: Dave Eng, EdD on gamifying education

42:16 An invitation to change the world

Links:

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice!

Gaining Advantage 009: Variety is the Spice of Second Breakfast (with @TBHalflings)05 Nov 202100:57:28

More often than not, variety makes things better. We welcome Jasper William Cartwright and Jeremy Cobb, 2/3 of the podcast Three Black Halflings to talk about diversity in the gaming space.

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 2:39 2/3 Black Halflings
  • 55:48 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

3BH LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 008: Pretending to Do Good (Roleplay 4 Charity)22 Oct 202100:21:58

It’s October! It’s all about dressing up and pretending!That’s what role-players do best! And now, you can do that for charity! We welcome Oneuppington with Roleplay4Charity.

We are looking for guests for Playing the Other. If you’d like to be our guest, let us know at wyrmworkspublishing.com/contact

Content Warning: Cancer

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 2:10 Rhydian "Oneuppington" John with Roleplay4Charity
  • 19:38 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Roleplay4Charity LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 007: Advantage against Psychic Damage (Jasper’s Game Day)08 Oct 202101:12:18

Life is tough, and sometimes, it seems like today’s CR is a bit too high. So what do you do? Get more people in the party! We welcome Josh Simons of Jasper’s Game Day to talk about mental health and suicide prevention through TTRPGs.

In our “Playing the Other” segment, we welcome Matt Weber with a great discussion about his physical disabilities and his decades of gaming experience.

Content Warning: Suicide, Body shape discussion, Mental Illness, Phobias

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 2:26 Josh Simons & Jasper’s Game Day
  • 32:34 Playing the Other with Matt Weber
  • 1:10:34 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Jasper’s Game DayJosh Simons LinksMatt Weber linksWyrmworks Publishing

Twitter: @wyrmworksdale

Gaining Advantage 006: Dungeons and Dragons and Autism (Level Up Gaming with Daniel Kwan & Naomi Hazlett)24 Sep 202101:06:50

How can TTRPGs help people on the autism spectrum? We welcome Daniel Kwan & Naomi Hazlett from Level Up Gaming, where they’re doing great work in that area.

In our “Playing the Other” segment, we welcome Nico Meyering with a discussion on breathing difficulties and other disabilities in gaming.

Content Warning: Breathing Difficulties

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 1:50 Daniel Kwan & Naomi Hazlett from Level Up Gaming
  • 44:48 Playing the Other with Nico Meyering
  • 1:05:33 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Level Up Gaming LinksDaniel Kwan’s LinksNaomi Hazlett’s LinksNico Meyering linksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 005: Disabilities in the Future with Elsa Sjunneson10 Sep 202100:43:43

How can TTRPGs give us perspective on our own world and the people in our lives? We welcome Hugo, Aurora, and BFA award winner, Elsa Sjunneson, an expert in perspective.

In our “Playing the Other” segment, we welcome IdenTTRPG, an endogenic plural system.

Content Warning: Endogenic Plurality, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Multiple Personalities Disorder

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 3:17 Elsa Sjunneson
  • 17:24 Playing the Other with IdenTTRPG
  • 42:07 Wrap-up

Manually captioned for the deaf and hard of hearing. Transcript available at our website.

Elsa Sjunneson linksIdenTTRPG linksWyrmworks PublishingOther resources: 

Learn more about Endogenic Plurality: https://pluralpedia.org/w/Endogenic

Gaining Advantage 004: Blind Role in TTRPGs (DOTS RPG Project)27 Aug 202100:47:52

Everyone should be able to play TTRPGs, right? But what if you can’t see the dice you’re rolling? We welcome Tyler Palermo from the DOTS RPG Project to talk about RPGs for the blind & visually impaired.

In our “Playing the Other” segment, we welcome Casse Redus to talk about spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury and D&D.

Content Warning: Anxiety/Depression

0:14 Introduction4:00 Tyler Polermo & the DOTS RPG Project34:25 Casse Redus on Spinal Cord Injury & Traumatic Brain Injury46:29 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

DOTS RPG linksCasse Redus linksWyrmworks PublishingOther resources: 
Gaining Advantage 003: Sweet Charity in TTRPGs (Honey & Dice)13 Aug 202100:33:24

Sometimes, it can be hard to #LoveYourYou, but nothing like the support you can get from your gaming group to help with that! We welcome Honey from Honey & Dice to bring you some sweetness.

In our “Playing the Other” segment, we welcome Sebastian Yūe to talk about eating disorders and RPGs.

Content Warning: Eating Disorders

0:28 Introduction & Announcements

4:26 Honey and Dice

17:13 Sebastian Yūe on Eating Disorders

30:00 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Honey & Dice linksSebastian Yūe linksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 002: Support your local Indie TTRPG (Creators, Assemble!)30 Jul 202100:42:29

Welcome to Moni Barrette, Co-Founder of Creators, Assemble!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting indie creators and promoting education through popular culture and gaming. We talk about TTRPGs in education and what they can do for independent content creators! In “Playing the Other,” we welcome Heather Thomas to talk about Executive Dysfunction and Intrusive Thoughts and how those would play out in Dungeons & Dragons or other role-playing games.

Content Trigger Warning: Suicidal Ideation

  • 0:14 Introduction
  • 3:28 Creators, Assemble! Interview
  • 21:27 Heather Thomas on Executive Dysfunction & Intrusive Thoughts
  • 39:41 Wrap-up

Creators, Assemble: https://www.creatorsassemble.org/ 

https://twitter.com/CreatorsAssemb

https://twitter.com/MoniBarre

Heather’s Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/lyndicat

Gaining Advantage 001: Dungeons & Dragons & Therapy (Game to Grow)16 Jul 202101:04:41

Role-Playing Games are good for mental health, right? Of course! But what happens when it’s used for therapy? For our inaugural episode, we welcome Adam Davis from Game to Grow!

We also take a look at Reactive Attachment Disorder and how one might include a character with this condition in a TTRPG.

Like what you hear? Join the movement, and get lots of freebies!

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 13:22 Game to Grow
  • 51:32 Playing the Other: Reactive Attachment Disorder
Gaining Advantage 035: Minimal Minority Meeples: Researcher Reveals Lack of Diversity in Board Gaming19 Feb 202400:52:49

We speak with Dr. Tanya Pobuda, an expert on issues of representation and inclusion in tabletop gaming. She shares insights from her groundbreaking research on gender and racial representation in contemporary board gaming.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Pobuda provides data-driven perspectives on the false narrative that "diversity doesn't sell" and highlights positive shifts that are possible when inclusive practices are embraced.

0:00 Introduction: Braille in TTRPG01:50 Interview: Dr. Tanya A. Pobuda52:49 Patreon Showcase & closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available in the feed and at our website.

Links:

Please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice!

Gaining Advantage 034: Learn about Other Cultures through D&D with Rob Martin20 Dec 202300:44:38

Discover new worlds and perspectives through TTRPGs! In this episode, we explore how D&D and other TTRPGs can teach us about different cultures. Dale talks with Rob Martin of Secret Garden Games about his Filipino mythology-inspired Bukana setting and Kickstarter campaign.

00:00 Holiday bundles and gift ideas04:13 Interview with Rob Martin of Secret Garden Games about his Bukana setting inspired by Filipino and Indonesian mythology41:06 Patreon updates and appreciation

Links:

Please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice!

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Gaining Advantage 033: Using TTRPGs for Healing, Community Building, and Mental Health Support17 Nov 202300:44:33

Join Dale as he interviews Jonathan Connor Self, a top-rated pro DM and founder of the D8 Summit, a charitable organization using TTRPGs for good. They discuss using games therapeutically, fostering community, and supporting mental health. Connor also discusses Koboa, an upcoming RPG based on South American mythology.

This episode covers using tabletop RPGs to heal trauma, build connections, and create positive spaces. It's about leading with compassion at the gaming table and using the hobby to give back. From small local charities to suicide prevention, learn how you can make a difference through something you love. See how gaming can transform lives.

0:00 Introduction01:37 Interview: Connor Self42:11 Patreon Showcase & closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Conner Self LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 032: The Secret to Unlocking Boundless Creativity: Tabletop RPGs for Kids with Steph from TTRPGKids13 Oct 202300:52:34

In this episode, Dale speaks with Steph from TTRPGKids.com about using tabletop RPGs to nurture creativity and connection with kids.

Before we get to the interview, here are a few updates:

  • We'll be at Gamehole Con on Friday - come say hi if you're there!
  • We're releasing free weekly encounters for our upcoming Limitless Champions Adventures Kickstarter. Get them by joining our email list.
  • Check out our new disabled_dungeons community on Lemmy after the Reddit shutdown.
  • Due to GameHole Con, there won't be a weekly adventure next week.

Do you want to ignite your child's imagination? Our guest Steph from TTRPGKids shares how tabletop RPGs can transform family dynamics and nurture creativity in kids.

Steph discusses:

  • The benefits of playing TTRPGs with kids
  • Choosing age-appropriate games and mechanics
  • RPGs as bonding and teaching tools
  • Encouraging creativity and problem-solving
  • Resources for families, teachers, and creators

0:00 Introduction3:37 Interview: Steph from TTRPGKids52:33 Patreon Showcase & closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

TTRPGKids LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 031: Improving Racial Representation in TTRPGs with Aaron Trammell08 Sep 202301:00:01

This month, we open discussing the new canon autistic character being introduced in D&D, and how meaningful representation is for traditionally marginalized groups. ​​https://www.polygon.com/23850698/dnd-dungeons-dragons-autistic-character-asteria 

Then Dale talks with Aaron Trammell, Associate Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine, about improving representation for people of color in tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons.

Key topics covered:

  • How fantasy RPGs have historically lacked racial diversity and inclusion
  • Racial stereotypes associated with classic fantasy races like orcs
  • Colonialist attitudes reflected in fantasy language use
  • Steps publishers and designers can take to improve racial representation in RPG products
  • Making your gaming table welcoming for new and diverse players
  • Aaron provides insight into issues around race in RPGs, and offers suggestions for how the hobby can become more inclusive. This is an important discussion about seeing diversity reflected in the games we play.

0:00 Introduction: Asteria, the first canon autistic D&D character6:10 Interview: Aaron Trammell, Associate Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine54:21 Patreon Showcase & closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Aaron Trammell LinksWyrmworks Publishing
Gaining Advantage 030: Interview with the Blind Paladin: Portraying Disabled Characters in DnD11 Aug 202300:33:13

Dale welcomes George McDermith, a talented gamer and the creative mind behind the character Orrelius from the Limitless Champions campaign. George's perspective as a blind gamer offers valuable insights into inclusive gaming and the portrayal of disabled characters in Dungeons and Dragons. Discover the importance of authenticity, representation, and accessible gameplay in this enlightening conversation.

0:00 Introduction: Wyrm’s Workshop & Limitless Champions06:27 Interview: George McDermith29:10 Patreon Showcase & Closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

George McDermith LinksWyrmworks Publishing
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