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.

• Webpage: https://thehealerdm.carrd.com/ 

• The Lair: https://cutt.ly/LairYT 

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!

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

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

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

• TTRPGKids

• The Lair: https://cutt.ly/LairYT 

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

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’s work: http://aarontrammell.com/ 

• The Lair: https://cutt.ly/LairYT 

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.

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/blindpaladin 

• Wyrm’s Workshop: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/product/wyrms-workshop/ 

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.

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/PastshelfdateJr 

• The Lair: https://cutt.ly/LairYT 

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.

• Dretelia Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dretelia/dretelia-campaign-setting-for-dandd-5e 

• The Dragon’s Hoard Email Subscription: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/hoard

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.

• Mercury Adventure Club: https://mercuryadventureclub.com 

• Limitless Champions: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wyrmworkspublishing/limitless-champions-disabled-dandd-5e-npc-cards-and-miniatures?ref=d7yy50 

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.

• DiceCourse Podcast: https://dicecourse.com/

• Limitless Champions: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wyrmworkspublishing/limitless-champions-disabled-dandd-5e-npc-cards-and-miniatures?ref=d7yy50 

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.

• Website: https://www.herosjourneycounseling.net 

• Limitless Heroics: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/product/limitless-heroics/?utm_source=youtube 

Wyrmworks Publishing: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com

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 

• https://www.thebodhanagroup.org 

• Limitless Heroics: http://inclusiverpg.com 

Wyrmworks Publishing: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com