By Wyrmworks Publishing
The podcast currently has 40 episodes available.
Dale Critchley speaks with Alyssia Merrick, a PhD candidate researching the powerful effects of Dungeons & Dragons on mental health. Discover the surprising benefits that TTRPGs offer to players of all experience levels, from reduced anxiety to enhanced self-esteem and community building. Alyssia shares insights into her research, exploring how D&D can serve as a tool for self-discovery and resilience—without requiring a therapist’s couch. Whether you're a skeptical newcomer or a seasoned veteran, this episode uncovers new ways to engage with D&D for personal growth.
Alyssia Merrick (BPsych Hons) is a PhD candidate located at James Cook University, Townsville. Their research primarily focuses on the impacts of play on adults, with a particular focus on the employment of tabletop gaming as an intervention for wellbeing.
00:00 – Fantasy Characters as Therapy?00:11 – Tabletop Games with Purpose: Introducing Andovir’s Gods01:14 – Why We Created a New Class: Meet the Ardent03:10 – Interview Introduction: Alyssia Merrick05:00 – Beyond Entertainment: How TTRPGs Support Mental Health08:13 – Research Findings: Mental Health Improvement After 8 Weeks10:57 – Character Creation as Self-Exploration11:29 – Surprising Results: New vs Veteran Player.13:46 – TTRPGs in the Bigger Picture of Wellness17:08 – Psychological Theories at Play: Flow and Self-Determination19:26 – Could D&D Improve Your Next Office Meeting?21:05 – Trauma, Personified: Combatting Personal Demons Through Play21:58 – Alyssia’s Three Wishes for TTRPGs25:48 – For New Players: Drop the Guard, Dive In28:24 – For Veterans: Foster Mental Health through Play30:17 – Ongoing Projects: Bringing Game Therapy to a Global Scale33:40 – Where to Connect with Alyssia35:06 – Thanks and Farewell
LinksManually captioned. Transcript available at our website.
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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
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:
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.
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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: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
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.
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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!
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:
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Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.
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 LinksIn 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:
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:
0:00 Introduction3:37 Interview: Steph from TTRPGKids52:33 Patreon Showcase & closing
Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.
TTRPGKids LinksThis 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:
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 LinksThe podcast currently has 40 episodes available.