Explore every episode of the podcast Grown Men Playing with Toys
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 - Command Points, a Codex, and Chores. The Struggle is Real. | 26 Nov 2025 | 01:15:22 | |
Adulting is hard and life gets busy.....especially if you are a try-hard who gets over-invested in their hobbies like Erik and Steve. In this episode, the guys will talk about balancing their 40K goals with life's challenges and how they fit it all in. They'll compare how Steve prepared for his recently completed marathon and how it oddly mirrors Erik's approach for staying current and up to date with Warhammer 40K. They'll discuss how both activities require a consistent amount of effort, a level of insanity to get into seriously, and not a small amount of time investment to do well. Listen in to hear how Erik pulled practiced habits from Steve's running and applied them to get better at 40K, as the guys share how they work dedication to a thing (be it running a marathon or playing toy soldiers competently) into their busy lives, and, most importantly, how they are preparing for the upcoming Winter Barn Hammer Session. Content Mentioned in this Episode: 6+++ Podcast - What Are the Hardest Armies to Play in 40K?! Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 13 - Big E’s Shame is Our Heretic Hall of Fame | 13 Nov 2025 | 01:23:09 | |
In this episode, Chaos reigns as the guys play a game of Cool / Not Cool with the various Chaos Primarchs or sub-faction leaders. They'll talk about about the story arc of each Chaos leader, discuss the ascetics of models (when they exist), and summarize the in game rules and competitiveness of each of the models (when they exist). Characters to be discussed include:
Check Out Our Favorite Additional Chaos Propaganda: Poorhammer Chaos Space Marines Propaganda Adeptus Ridiculous Episodes:
Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 4 - Silly Necrons. Tricks are for Aeldari! | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:49:39 | |
In this episode, Erik and Steve discuss their first experiences in Warhammer 40K. They relive the good, the bad, and the Aeldari and talk about what about those experiences stuck with them. Lastly, they discuss why they both had such different experiences joining a Warhammer group. Share Feedback and Interact with us on our website: Content used in this episode: Vanguard Tactics - The Limits of Sportsmanship in Warhammer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-limits-of-sportsmanship-in-warhammer-40k/id1447379449?i=1000603044582 | |||
| 3 - What's Your 40K “Jenny”? | 05 Sep 2025 | 01:01:31 | |
In this episode, Erik and Steve discuss the factions that they want to love but that don't quite love them back. They also will talk about some factions that they tried to avoid loving but ultimately fell for. Lastly, they will choose a faction that they want to see the other person play, much to Erik's horror. Share Feedback and Interact with us on our website: Witness G-Man's shame: https://gmpwt.blog/2025/09/04/whats-erik-playing-3/ Content used in this episode: Poorhammer Podcast - Vorthos & Mel: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-poorhammer-podcast/id1586988360?i=1000642582045 Poorhammer Podcast - Warhammer 40K Factions Guide: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-poorhammer-podcast/id1586988360?i=1000536278546 If The Emperor Had a Text to Speech Device: | |||
| 2 - We are our faction. We are legion. | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:57:12 | |
In this episode, Erik and Steve discuss why playing 40K can feel so personal. They share stories about times that they became too invested in their toys, talk about why that may be, and discuss how to potentially overcome it while still loving your faction and models of choice. Share Feedback and Interact with us on our website: https://gmpwt.blog/ Don't Touch My Fulgrim: https://gmpwt.blog/2025/08/28/whats-erik-playing/ Content mentioned in this episode: Poorhammer Podcast - Vorthos & Mel: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-poorhammer-podcast/id1586988360?i=1000642582045 Poorhammer Podcast - Warhammer 40K Factions Guide: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-poorhammer-podcast/id1586988360?i=1000536278546 | |||
| 1 - Help! My friend plays Aeldari and I want to choke him out! | 24 Aug 2025 | 00:47:14 | |
In this episode, Erik and Steve relive a traumatic but funny story from early in their playing days and discuss how to going through that experience has helped them better understand the game. They'll talk through how different factions approach the game different ways and how that can cause friction within a friend group. Lastly, they'll discuss why that faction diversity, despite the frustrations it can cause, is a good thing and how they are working through it so that they can keep playing with their favorite toys and friends. Content mentioned in this episode: Warhammer WTC: https://worldteamchampionship.com/ WarGames Live: https://www.youtube.com/live/u6w9qZXlDGY?si=OeFaX_jFh2mi-Ivr | |||
| 12 - Optimizer Prime, Heresy in Disguise | 06 Nov 2025 | 01:11:19 | |
This is bound to be the most optimal episode as the guys are going to break down the latest subject that they have been bickering about. Listen in as Erik and Steve talk about how feeling passionate about doing your favorite parts of the hobby "right" can lead to friction and how to be transparent about your need to optimize differing aspects of your 40K experience. Topics covered include:
I Taught My Gorilla to Paint: https://gmpwt.blog/category/i-taught-my-gorilla-to-paint/ Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 11 - Teamwork Makes the Future Grim Dark | 30 Oct 2025 | 01:07:41 | |
It’s time to talk about team 40K! In this episode, the guys walkthrough what is the teams 40K format, why they think it is so interesting, and the way it has impacted how they approach the hobby. Topics covered include:
40K World Team Championships Videos: https://www.youtube.com/live/-U5JDuidngQ?si=UWEhCBK_1H083S0p https://www.youtube.com/live/PCmkMqvLa58?si=dv6lsg72IPRv4vBY https://www.youtube.com/live/u6w9qZXlDGY?si=ZXvxTVVgejV_FGVq https://www.youtube.com/live/rpJ6-3d2ZgU?si=6h_QmAf8mLn3FBJo WTC Terrain Packs Mentioned: https://worldteamchampionship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WTC-2025-Map-Pack-Lite-2.3-Alt-lite.pdf Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 10 - Our First Experiences in the Grim Dark Universe of 40K Content Creation | 26 Oct 2025 | 00:57:04 | |
Time flies when you’re having fun! This is the 10th episode and the guys are back to answer 10 questions about their podcast. Listen in to see how they answer and chime in with your wants and ideas for future content. 10 Questions for the hosts: 1. What’s been the best part of doing the podcast? 2. What’s been the worst part? 3. What would you have done differently? 4. What do you want to change going forward? 5. Finish this sentence. In 6 months, the podcast will be successful if….. 6. Why are you the particular animal shown on the cover art? 7. What’s your favorite episode so far? 8. What are some episodes you want to do in the future? 9. What’s an episode that we should do that you are dreading? 10. If you had one “ask” for the listeners, what would it be? Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 9 - Recapping the 2025 Fall Barn Hammer Classic | 17 Oct 2025 | 01:17:05 | |
We just finished our fall Barn Hammer session. Join us as we relive it by talking about who did well, who rode the Struggle Bus, and who has some feelings to talk through. Share Feedback and Interact with us on our website: | |||
| 8 - I Did My Mental Reps But Da Orks Be Too Kunnin’ | 09 Oct 2025 | 01:09:32 | |
It’s story time again. This time the guys will relive a recent Table Top Simulator (TTS) game that Erik played against Orks and how a combination of his hubris and inattention almost resulted in the game going horribly wrong for him. Share Feedback and Interact with us on our website: | |||
| 7 - Strike First, Strike Hard, No Guilliman! | 02 Oct 2025 | 01:15:24 | |
Join the guys as they discuss play styles and how they can impact how you approach the game. Are you a Big Hitter swinging aggressively or an uber defensive blocker? Tune in to find out. Share Feedback and Interact with us on our website: | |||
| 6 - Friends Don’t Make Friends Play T'au | 25 Sep 2025 | 01:05:32 | |
Steve is a bad person who makes his friends play T'au for his entertainment. Join the guys as Steve revels in Erik's suffering and they collectively relive the game. Spoiler alert, maybe Erik didn't hate it completely? Share Feedback and Interact with us on our website: T'au Content Mentioned: | |||
| 5 - What is Love? 40K Don't Hurt Me. | 18 Sep 2025 | 01:06:07 | |
In this episode, Erik and Steve discuss play a game of "Yes, No, Maybe So" as a way to explore the various aspects of the Warhammer experience. They'll make light of how differently each approaches Warhammer and tease each other for the areas that they take too seriously (or not serious enough). There may even be a "that guy" story or two. Share Feedback and Interact with us on our website: Erik's Favorite Content: WarGames Live: https://www.youtube.com/@WarGamesLive Poorhammer Podcast: http://www.youtube.com/@thepoorhammerpodcast That 6++ Podcast: http://www.youtube.com/@6PlusPlusGaming Stat Check: http://www.youtube.com/@StatCheck Adeptus Ridiculous: http://www.youtube.com/@Adeptusridiculous The Art of War 40K: http://www.youtube.com/@ArtofWar40k Forge the Narrative: http://www.youtube.com/@forgethenarrative Warhammer Meta Chasers: http://www.youtube.com/@warhammermetachasers The Vanguard Tactics Podcast: | |||
| 17 - The Nerfing Eye of Sauron | 17 Dec 2025 | 01:26:40 | |
Join Erik and Steve from the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast as they dive into how they define "overpowered" (or OP) units in Warhammer 40K. The guys will establish rough criteria for how they differentiate OP vs powerful /splashy but not OP vs "The Highway to the Danger Zone" units in the game. They will then analyze the December 2025 Balance Dataslate updates and test their definition against multiple units from the armies they play to see if they correctly predicted what would attract the "Nerfing Eye of Sauron". Lastly, their discussion also covers the potential fixes for overpowered combos, the importance of maintaining faction identity while applying nerfs, and how to be aware of when "those who nerf" may be watching you for the next dataslate. Content Mentioned in this Episode: Art of War 40K Dataslate Review Vanguard Tactics Dataslate Review Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 16 - I Taught My Peacock to Write a List - Part 2 | 12 Dec 2025 | 01:07:50 | |
Join Erik and Steve from the "Grown Men Playing with Toys" podcast as they dive into the importance of marrying the optimization of a list to different play styles. After receiving listener feedback, the guys discuss the importance of building lists that align with personal gameplay preferences, whether aggressive or defensive, and how that impacts list optimization. They'll once again use Steve's Leagues of Votann list as an example and, in addition, the guys will go through a set of options on how to spend the recent Balance Dataslate and Munitorum Field Manual points updates. Lastly, they'll conclude by emphasizing the values of having confidence in one's play strategy and list working together. Content Mentioned in this Episode: I Taught My Peacock to Write a List - Part 1 Defining Different Playstyles in 40K Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 15 - I Taught My Peacock to Write a List - Part 1 | 05 Dec 2025 | 01:12:06 | |
In this episode of the Grown Men Playing With Toys podcast, hosts Erik and Steve dive into building a strong foundation for a Warhammer 40K list. They explore how to align your play style with matching detachments and units by using Steve's beloved Leagues of Votann faction as an example. Key points include the importance of starting with a familiar play style, focusing on critical stratagems and combos, and then evaluating units for their role / efficiency in gameplay. Content Mentioned in this Episode: Stat Check: Episode 163 - Grotmas Featuring Sam Pope Sam Pope 40K: The 3 Pillars of Competitive 40K Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 21 - Death By Snu Snu | 21 Jan 2026 | 01:04:55 | |
Join Erik and Steve from the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast as they discuss how to deal with the potentially overwhelming influx of new detachments and model releases in Warhammer 40K recently. Erik shares his mixed feelings about the recent surge in game updates, expressing both excitement and a sense of being overwhelmed. The guys then discuss how they prioritize new model purchases and new detachment choices, how they balance staying competitive without burning out, and explore strategies to manage this "good problem" within the hobby. Content Used for Determining Prioritization: Art of War 40K - January 2026 Update Art of War 40K - 500 Worlds Space Marines Art of War 40K - 500 Worlds Necrons Poorhammer New Models and Detachments Review Poorhammer December Balanced Dataslate Review Stat Check - Court of the Phoenician Stat Check - Rage-Cursed Onslaught Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 20 - Slaanesh's Pillars to 40K Success | 15 Jan 2026 | 01:14:18 | |
Join Erik and Steve from the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast as they talk about their Warhammer 40K goals for 2026. The guys will define a structure for how they are thinking of improving their Warhammer 40K gameplay. The episode explores six categories of:
They discuss how each category contributes to overall gameplay improvement and how to balance between them. Lastly, they share personal goals and practical tips, emphasizing a blend of strategic planning and enhancing the gaming experience for themselves and their opponents. Content Mentioned in this Episode: Sam Pope 40K - Playing By Intent Sam Pope 40K - 2 Types of 40K IQ Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 19 - Guess Who's Back, Back Again, Nurgles Back, Tell a Friend | 10 Jan 2026 | 00:57:50 | |
Join Erik and Steve from the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast as they discuss their recent Barn Hammer session, featuring a variety of Warhammer 40K armies and a pseudo crusade event that they put Cousin Josh through. The guys reflects on key takeaways and the significance of understanding win conditions for your army and the mission being played. They share details from multiple recent games where playing to the "win condition" influenced the outcome of the game and provide insights into how mission dynamics can influence game outcomes. Lastly, they explore the challenges of using niche or skew detachments and how they may be "bad" because of hard to mitigate "lose conditions". Content Mentioned in this Episode: I Taught My Peacock to Write a List - Part 1 I Taught My Peacock to Write a List - Part 2 Leagues of Votann vs CSM Battle Report Chaos Knights vs Custodes Battle Report Grey Knights Brotherhood Strike vs Orks War Horde Battle Report Gauntlet Storyline, Mission Details, and Lists Mentioned in the Episode Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 18 - Barn Hammer Prep, Dwarves Come Up A Bit Short | 24 Dec 2025 | 01:12:19 | |
Join Erik and Steve from the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast as they reflect on a recent practice game featuring the Leagues of Votann list crafted in prior episodes. The guys delve into a holistic after-action discussion, analyze what worked vs what didn't, and share other lessons learned from the game. They talk about the need to make in-game adjustments based on what the primary mission and/or secondary objectives are and how to do that effectively. Lastly, the episode wraps up with the guys litmus testing their framework for "OP" against some of the more impactful moments of this game to see if it still applies. Content Mentioned in this Episode: I Taught My Peacock to Write a List - Part 1 I Taught My Peacock to Write a List - Part 2 Leagues of Votann vs CSM Battle Report Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 37 - You Had One Job | 04 Jun 2026 | 01:20:25 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, the GMPWT 10th Edition All-Star Game gets its dramatic conclusion. The lists are built, the terrain is set, the store owner has been recruited as celebrity dice roller, and absolutely nobody is ready for what the Einhyr Champion is about to do to Steve's blood pressure. Along the way they cover:
Whether you're here for the dice fails, the end-of-edition nostalgia, or just want to hear a store owner get genuinely invested in two grown men's war dollies.....this one's for you. Check out our other content: https://gmpwt.blog/ | https://www.youtube.com/@GrownMenPlayingWithToys | |||
| 36 - Our 10th Edition All-Star Game | 29 May 2026 | 00:59:11 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik emerges from his mad science cave with an idea to help Steve with the end-of-edition doldrums. The result is the most creative thing they've attempted yet.....the GMPWT 10th Edition All-Star Game. The rules are simple.
Along the way they cover:
Whether you're in the end-of-edition doldrums, a die-hard fan of models that have Deadly Demise, or just someone who wants to hear two grown men get genuinely enjoy a silly but strangely nostalgic idea.....this one's for you. Check out our other content: https://gmpwt.blog/ | https://www.youtube.com/@GrownMenPlayingWithToys | |||
| 27 - List Hammer, Math Hammer, Feelings Hammer | 14 Mar 2026 | 01:12:06 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik and Steve discuss the community’s negative reaction to a recent Warhammer 40K Balance Dataslate. The conversation frames players’ reactions as a progression thru the steps of:
They encourage assessing your play environment and close by reinforcing the importance of communicating, trying games before doom-spiraling, and experimenting with lists/opponents/terrain. Check out our blog for more content: | |||
| 26 - We've Forgotten What We're Fighting For | 26 Feb 2026 | 01:01:26 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik and Steve discuss being intentional about monitoring the pace of a game of Warhamer 40K. They share a framework for breaking pacing into two approaches—“tempo and trade” versus “stage and push. They then explore how codex rules and lore can nudge armies toward one style while sometimes creating traps or opportunities for the player to slip into autopilot play. They connect tempo awareness to list building, matchup selection for close practice games, and in-game adjustments when an opponent disrupts expected pacing. They close by framing micro-strategy as a tempo tool and discussing some of their favorite micro tools related to game tempo. Content Mentioned in this Episode: Erik's Grey Knights vs Harlequins Battle Report Check out our blog for more content: | |||
| 25 - I Think I C'Tan, I Think I C'Tan.... | 19 Feb 2026 | 01:13:55 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik and Steve recap their recent Tabletop Simulator game of Warhammer 40K, where Steve took on Cousin Josh. They talk about how the matchup was setup as a "Steve faces the Boogeyman" where he would play against the current meta menace - Necrons C'Tan spam in Pantheon of Woe. The guys summarize the game, talk about how Steve stayed composed during the game, and end with an "after action" of the game that names the over-performing and underperforming units from the game. Check the lists being discussed and weigh in on matchups that you want to see HERE. Content Mentioned in this Episode: Tactical Tortoise - TTS Installation and Army Creation Tactical Tortoise - TTS Tips and Tricks Check out our blog for more content: | |||
| 24 - How Our Gorilla Got His Groove Back | 13 Feb 2026 | 01:09:32 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik and Steve delve into what constitutes a 'good game' in their Warhammer 40K sessions. They emphasize the importance of immersion, challenge, and long-term strategic value. Erik discusses his writers block with choosing "good" practice matchups for his various army lists, including Blood Angels, Emperor's Children, Harlequins, and Necrons. Steve then helps him work through it as the guys brainstorm potential matchups to provide a balanced yet challenging experience. They also highlight the role that pre-game communication plays in ensuring that both players gain experience and enjoyment from the game. Check the lists being discussed and weigh in on matchups that you want to see HERE. Content Mentioned in this Episode: Recent Chaos Daemons vs Shadowmark Talon game Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 23 - He's a Peacock. You Gotta Let Him Fly! | 06 Feb 2026 | 01:15:15 | |
Join Erik and Steve from the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast as they dive into an entertaining and detailed discussion about Warhammer models with wings. The episode features a "wing tier list", where Steve passionately evaluates models from various factions based on their aesthetic appeal and painting potential. From angelic figures to terrifying demons, this episode has it all. Whether you're a painting enthusiast or just love Warhammer, this episode offers a fun look into the world of model aesthetics. Content Mentioned in this Episode: Chaos Primarch Cool or Not Cool Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 22 - One is a Genius, the Other’s Insane | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:58:41 | |
Join Erik and Steve from the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast as they dive into the ongoing debate within the Warhammer 40K community about "competitive" versus "casual" play. They discuss the two stereotypes and why they don't think they adequately describe the beauty and complexity that is Warhammer 40K. They highlight their own experiences blending competitive and narrative elements in games, emphasize the value of different play styles, and encourage transparency as a way of creating a positive, inclusive environment in the hobby. Lastly, the episode explores how to articulate expectations and find common ground to ensure enjoyable gaming experiences for both players. Content Mentioned in this Episode: WarpHammer: "Casual 40K" versus "Competitive 40K" Check out our blog for more content: Engage with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gmpwt25?igsh=NThkeHpmdXp3MXdv&utm_source=qr | |||
| 35 - Nobody Told Me the Dice Hit Back | 18 May 2026 | 01:09:46 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik shows up to record still licking his wounds, this time from a rough road race -except this time his own son quoted the podcast back at him like a tiny, devastating life coach. Steve is delighted. Erik is not sure how to feel about that. What follows is an off-the-cuff deep dive into one of the most underrated reasons we play this game in the first place — the test. Not the winning. Not the math hammer. The test and what it says about you. Along the way they tackle:
Whether you've ever switched dice out of pure superstition, rage-conceded on turn three, or just needed someone to remind you that showing up to the starting line is already passing the first test — this one is for you. Check out our other content: https://gmpwt.blog/ | https://www.youtube.com/@GrownMenPlayingWithToys | |||
| 34 - Pantheon of Woe: Population.....Me | 14 May 2026 | 01:23:06 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik confesses to a crime against his own hobby — being a grouch for two days because he played poorly in a game that he was playing against himself. Steve holds it together long enough to let Erik tell the story......Barely. What follows is a full autopsy of a Necrons vs. Ultramarines battle report that had no business being as close as it was.....until all of the sudden it wasn't close anymore. Erik walks us through every decision point, the impulsive miscalculations, and every moment where the Necrons had the Space Marines exactly where they wanted them before snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Along the way they tackle:
Whether you've rage-quit a game, tilted at a tournament, or just love watching a perfectly laid plan unravel one CP at a time, this one is for you. Formal Battle Report of the game in question: https://gmpwt.blog/2026/05/12/necrons-awakened-dynasty-vs-ultramarines-blade-of-ultramar/ Check out our other content: https://gmpwt.blog/ https://www.youtube.com/@GrownMenPlayingWithToys | |||
| 33 - There Is Only War... and Middle Child Syndrome | 04 May 2026 | 01:21:11 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik and Steve do something they probably should have seen a therapist about first — they apply the science of birth order psychology to the entire Warhammer 40K universe. The guys break down the stereotypes of oldest, middle, and youngest children and then systematically sort every faction in the game into one of those three buckets. Spoiler alert: some feelings may have been hurt in the making of this episode. Along the way they tackle:
Whether you're a firstborn who color-codes their army list, a middle child who plays Orks while munching on a choice crayon or two, or the youngest who expects GW to buff your faction at every dataslate — this one is for you. Check out our other content: https://gmpwt.blog/ https://www.youtube.com/@GrownMenPlayingWithToys | |||
| 32 - Be Excellent to Each Other | 27 Apr 2026 | 01:03:56 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik and Steve do something a little different — Steve takes the wheel while Erik rides shotgun, and together they explore what happens when you step completely outside your comfort zone and learn a brand new game from scratch. While Erik was on away, Steve spent the weekend with Cousin Josh diving headfirst into Age of Sigmar — a game he had never really played before. What started as a casual hobby weekend turned into something surprisingly meaningful. Together they explore:
Whether you're feeling burnt out on the current edition, intimidated by a game you've never played, or just needed a reminder of why you fell in love with tabletop gaming in the first place — this one's for you. Check out our other content: https://gmpwt.blog/ https://www.youtube.com/@GrownMenPlayingWithToys | |||
| 31 - Where We're Going, We Don't Need Roads | 20 Apr 2026 | 01:12:06 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik and Steve do something a little different — they look backwards and forwards at the same time, connecting the dots between the past seven months of Erik's Crusade League and the most anticipated edition change in years. Erik is approaching the finish line of his local game store's Crusade League and has thoughts — a lot of them. Steve, meanwhile, has been deliberately avoiding 11th Edition previews, which means you're getting his completely unfiltered reactions. Together they explore:
Whether you've ever shown up to a casual Crusade game only to discover every unit across from you is a hard counter to your army, argued uncomfortably over the pregame board setup, or just wanted your hobby to feel a little more narrative and balanced - this one's for you. Check out our other content: https://gmpwt.blog/ https://www.youtube.com/@GrownMenPlayingWithToys | |||
| 30 - I'm Terribly Sorry Sir. I'm Afraid You Are Mistaken. | 13 Apr 2026 | 01:14:09 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik and Steve do one of the most uncomfortable things in 40K — they turn the camera on themselves and ask the question: what kind of mistakes do I actually make, and why do I keep making them? Erik spent the downtime between episodes doing what any self-respecting 40K nerd would do — combing through every battle report he's ever posted and building a full scouting report on himself. What he found wasn't pretty. Steve, meanwhile, discovers that he's been living inside his own set of mistakes without ever naming them. Together they explore:
Whether you've ever rage-rolled into a Repulsor Executioner, burned your entire CP budget on a unit that was already going to win the fight, or found yourself in a tense standoff over whether a rule means what you think it means — this one's for you. Check out our other content: https://gmpwt.blog/ https://www.youtube.com/@GrownMenPlayingWithToys | |||
| 29 - Mo' Models, Mo' Problems | 02 Apr 2026 | 01:06:41 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik and Steve tackle one of the most common experiences in the Warhammer 40K hobby — the impulse buy — and discover that they couldn't possibly approach it more differently. Steve is the guy who walks into a GW store for a battle line unit for his current army and walks out with a flashy monster for a faction that he has never played. Erik is the guy who spends months talking himself into a new faction but then goes "all in" to collect the entire army once he is committed. Somewhere in between, they manage to explore:
Whether you've ever fallen in love with a model you'll never field, talked yourself into yet another army, or just stood in a GW store knowing full well you're about to make a terrible decision — this one's for you. Check out our other content: https://gmpwt.blog/ https://www.youtube.com/@GrownMenPlayingWithToys | |||
| 28 - No More "And Then....." | 27 Mar 2026 | 01:22:42 | |
In this episode of the "Grown Men Playing With Toys" podcast, Erik and Steve do what grown men do best — argue about made-up words on plastic soldiers and ask the question no Warhammer 40K content creator has been serious enough to tackle: are the game's keywords and abilities actually fun? The guys work their way through the most common keywords and special abilities in the game and rate them on pure enjoyment, covering things like:
Whether it's the satisfaction of calling the Waaagh! or the soul-crushing experience of watching your opponent Reactive Move out of Charge range, the guys break it all down with the seriousness the topic absolutely deserves. The full Tier List can be found HERE. Check out our other content: | |||