Congratulations to Dan Machuca for being our very first video/podcast interview guest within the realm of all things tabletop, hobbies, gaming and mental health! Dan and I met through the medium of tabletop roleplaying games, like the big nerds are are, a few years back. From there we've been professionally networked as part of the Game Therapy Australia movement, spearheaded by Game Therapist Michael Thorburn (also a fellow nerd - Hi Michael!). Dan brings plenty of insight, thought and fun to the discussion, which ranges everywhere from his teaching work with migrant youth where English is a second language, through to a weekly tabletop gaming therapeutic group for neurodivergent children/adolescents in Footscray and even his own published title, T.O.T.S. available on itch.io. Accessibility and modifying tabletop RPG systems to reduce cognitive, language and other barriers is an ongoing part of Dan's work, as is promoting mental health and wellbeing. We discuss this with respect to the psychosocial benefits seen (and measured) in his own group, plus also discuss initiatives for men's mental health via his direct experience with the Men's Table social-support initiative. We also have a chat about Dan's favourite systems, of which Savage Worlds is a big'un, GMing with ADHD ourselves, and lots more! Stay tuned for the blog post which will have additional show notes, links and more. DAN THE GAME MASTER - LINKS: Blog: https://danthegmmelb.game.blogFacebook:   / danthegamemaster  FEATURED ARTIST: Vermilion Sun - 'Dragon Lady'. Fun, funky rock-and-roll from across the pond! You can check out the accompanying music video for 'Dragon Lady' here:    • Vermilion Sun - "Dragon Lady".   (psst - want your track featured on an episode of our vlog/podcast? Email us at [email protected]. We also conduct artist interviews, industry professional interviews, promote press releases, provide gig and album reviews, TTRPG/gaming product reviews and more!).