In this episode, we dive deep into the world of fan casting as we imagine which actors could bring some of our favourite books, characters and fictional worlds to life on screen. From long-time beloved series to cult favourites and underrated gems, we explore who we think has the presence, charm or sheer acting range to embody these roles. Along the way, we discuss what makes a great adaptation, why certain characters are harder to cast than others and how personal imagination shapes the actors we picture in our heads.

We also compare our picks, debate a few questionable choices and reflect on why fan casting is such a fun part of engaging with stories we love. Whether you enjoy dreaming up your own fantasy cast lists or simply want to hear us champion our favourite characters, this episode offers a lively and enthusiastic exploration of fictional worlds and the performers who might bring them to life.

Hosted, as always, by your favourites:Mike HearndenDean ShickleDavid WeeksandHenry AdairYou can find us at ⁠https://www.allmanaofgames.co.uk⁠ If you'd like to support EXP-lore and All Mana of Games with a donation, why not visit our Ko-fi page?⁠ https://www.Ko-fi.com/allmanaofgames ⁠You can also help us raise some funds via our ⁠Magic Madhouse affiliate link⁠ or by signing up to support All Mana of Games on ⁠EasyFundraising. Links to both can be found on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/allmanaofgames

Western Rocket Man is our first episode of 2026, and we are starting the year with a mixture of new beginnings, unexpected stories, and a look at what lies ahead.

In this episode, we talk about the feeling of stepping into a fresh year and the plans, goals, and hopes that come with it. We also discuss our time playtesting an indie board game and share our thoughts on its mechanics, theme, potential, and what it was like to try something that is still in development.

Alongside that, we swap stories about the most unexpected places we have encountered fellow nerds. From surprising conversations to chance meetings that turned into full-on discussions about games, films, or fandoms, these stories show just how far and wide the community reaches.

It is a relaxed, reflective, and slightly chaotic start to the year as we ease into 2026 and look at what is on the horizon.

You can find out more about Get in the Sea by visiting their website: https://getinthesea.co.uk/ or by finding them on Socials @getintheseagame

Hosted, as always, by your favourites:

Mike Hearnden

Dean Shickle

David Weeks

and

Henry Adair

You can find us at ⁠www.allmanaofgames.co.uk⁠

If you'd like to support EXP-lore and All Mana of Games with a donation, why not visit our Ko-fi page?⁠ www.Ko-fi.com/allmanaofgames⁠

You can also help us raise some funds via our ⁠Magic Madhouse affiliate link⁠ or by signing up to support All Mana of Games on ⁠EasyFundraising. Links to both can be found on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/allmanaofgames

Episode 43: Emotional Damage is all about the stories that hit harder than we expected.

In this episode, we talk about films, television, games, books, and other pieces of media that left a genuine emotional mark on us. These are the moments that surprised us, stayed with us long after the credits rolled, or caught us completely off guard with how powerful they were.

We discuss why certain stories resonate so deeply, how timing and personal experience can change the way something lands, and which moments still hurt to think about even years later. From quiet character moments to devastating twists, this episode is a reflection on the emotional power of storytelling.

It is a thoughtful, occasionally heavy, but ultimately honest conversation about why we connect so strongly with the media we love.

Hosted, as always, by your favourites:

Mike Hearnden

Dean Shickle

David Weeks

and

Henry Adair

Join in with our Christmas special and a celebration of the people who make our tabletop community what it is.

In this episode, we step away from our usual format and spend time chatting with members of our social club, reflecting on how their year of tabletop gaming has gone. We talk favourite games, memorable moments, surprise discoveries, and the sessions that kept them coming back week after week.

It is a relaxed, festive episode focused on community, shared experiences, and the joy of playing games together. Whether it was a year of big wins, painful defeats, or finally getting a game to the table after months of waiting, this episode is all about looking back on 2025 through the voices of the club itself.

Settle in, enjoy the conversations, and join us as we wrap up the year together.

Hosted, as always, by your favourites:

Mike Hearnden

Dean Shickle

David Weeks

and

Henry Adair

Episode 41: Days of Future Mats

In this episode, we take a step back and look at the highlights of 2025; the moments, games, events and memories that made the year what it was. From tabletop triumphs to unexpected surprises, we reflect on what really stood out.

Then we turn our gaze forward to 2026, talking about the games, events and plans we’re most excited about. What’s coming next? What’s already got us counting down the days?

It’s part reflection, part hype train and the perfect way to close out the year and look ahead.

Hosted, as always, by your favourites:

Mike Hearnden

Dean Shickle

David Weeks

and

Henry Adair

In this episode, we relive the chaos, carnage and questionable tactics from our Winter 2025 Warhammer 40k Doubles Tournament! From clutch rolls to absolute disasters, heroic charges to poorly-timed explosions, we break down every highlight (and lowlight) of an epic day on the tabletop.

We talk team combos, standout moments, unexpected victories, and the units that did far more — or far less — than they were supposed to. Whether you’re a hardened commander or just here for the carnage, this one’s for you.

Hosted by your most grimdark of pundits:

Mike Hearnden

Dean Shickle

David Weeks

and

Henry Adair

This week we dive into the wildest, strangest, most “wait… what?!” storylines film and TV have ever thrown at us. From bonkers twists to galaxy-brain reveals, we’re unpacking the plots that left us confused, impressed, traumatised, or all three at once.

We break down the moments that made us yell at the screen, the twists that somehow work, and the ones that absolutely don’t, plus a few personal favourites we love because they make zero sense.

If you enjoy chaos, confusion and cinematic fever dreams, this episode is for you.

Hosted by the ever-bewildered:

Mike Hearnden

Dean Shickle

David Weeks

and

Henry Adair

This week we’re diving head-first into the cardboard multiverse as we talk all things board games. From the Kickstarters we’re backing (or trying not to), to the games we’ve played recently, to the dream titles we’re desperate to get to the table.

We chat hobby highs, wallet-draining temptations, hidden gems, and the games that made us fall in love with the tabletop all over again.

Whether you’re a casual meeple-mover or a full-blown shelf-of-shame collector, this one’s for you.

Hosted as always by the hardest boss rush line-up of all time:

Mike Hearnden

Dean Shickle

David Weeks

and

Henry Adair

In Episode 37 of EXP-lore, “Bossed and Found,” we dive headfirst into some of the most memorable boss fights from video games and tabletop RPGs. From epic showdowns to unexpected challenges, we share stories, strategies, and those moments that make bosses unforgettable.

Hosted as always by the hardest boss rush line-up of all time:

Mike Hearnden

Dean Shickle

David Weeks

and

Henry Adair

This week, things get interstellar as Dean takes the captain’s chair and challenges the rest of us to a sci-fi trivia showdown! From lightsabers to time travel, warp drives to wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey stuff — no corner of the galaxy is safe.

Expect bold guesses, nerdy debates, and at least one moment of total brain meltdown as we battle for ultimate sci-fi supremacy.

Grab your phasers, charge your flux capacitors, and join us for a bonus episode that’s out of this world.

Hosted as always by quizzical quartet

Mike Hearnden

Dean Shickle

David Weeks

and

Henry Adair

You can find us at www.allmanaofgames.co.uk If you'd like to support EXP-lore and All Mana of Games with a donation, why not visit our Ko-fi page? www.Ko-fi.com/allmanaofgames

You can also help us raise some funds via our Magic Madhouse affiliate link or by signing up to support All Mana of Games on EasyFundraising. Links to both can be found on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/allmanaofgames