Nerdcognito

By INFAMOUS Media GroupLeisure Games

Nerdcognito episodes

October 07, 2025 Edition Wars: The Cut Line - Nerdcognito Episode 297
Inspired by a question posed by the Nerdcognito Nation this past weekend on the Saturday Speakeasy, the gang decides if, and when, they would have "halted" edition progression in D&D. System nuance and personal preferences all get discussed about this fictional grand choice that could be made for the good of the hobby.

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1 hr 11 min
September 30, 2025 "Controversial" Monsters - Nerdcognito Episode 296
The internet and weak progressive culture never cease to amaze. This week, we tear through a list of "controversial" monsters that some want re-imagined for modern audiences or even outright eliminated. Put your spandex on -- it's time for mental gymnastics!

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1 hr 9 min
September 23, 2025 Defending Filthy Storygamers - Nerdcognito Episode 295
This week, after playing a "filthy storygame" (and having a good time, which is WHY we game in the first place), the Nerdcognito crew digs deep into storygames and discusses their place and setting at your tabletop roleplaying table. It ain't D&D, by design.

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1 hr 5 min
September 16, 2025 Pacifist Characters: Do No Harm? - Nerdcognito Episode 294
The gang talks about how and if you should implement a "pacifist" character into your tabletop game. What are the challenges for not only the player, but the dungeon master, and the group as a whole? This plus some much needed laughs and the news.

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1 hr 12 min
September 09, 2025 Five TTRPG Campaign Styles - Nerdcognito Episode 293
Siobhan did some "research" and presents to the guys her findings of campaign and play styles, but did the pop gaming media get it right? We take a look at some of the buzzwords and descriptors and discuss how, if, and when they may apply to your Dungeons & Dragons or TTRPG table! Plus, the news is a fun trip this week -- so much so that it goes long!

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1 hr 10 min
September 02, 2025 Becoming a Great Gamer? - Nerdcognito Episode 292
This week the team discusses influential items, be they products, books, people, experiences, and more that made them the gamers that they are today. Though not experts, the boys (and girl) talk about nuance that was memorable and "gamer-life"-shaping! It's a great conversation that will have you thinking fondly back on YOUR impactful moments both at and away from the TTRPG/Gaming table!

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1 hr 17 min
August 26, 2025 West Marching On! - Nerdcognito Episode 291
A West Marches campaign style is going to be adopted by Critical Role. Before the format gets defiled, we are obligated to run down what that type of game actually is, giving nods to rationale, reason, and (yes) the BrOSR for refining the style of gameplay. Who knows how this Classic Gaming style is going to be corrupted and reimagined by the modern gaming creators and audience? Plus, Bert is already mourning the anticipated revision of Dark Sun by Wizards of the Coast.

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1 hr 15 min
August 19, 2025 Defining and Defending the OSR - Nerdcognito Episode 290
When drama mongers, grifters, and Fauxs need to drum up clicks or controversy, they often attack "the OSR." Do they even know what the OSR is? This week, we definitively define the OSR and call out these internet warriors for their bad behavior. No longer should this bad behavior be used to juke numbers. No one is getting a pass, from "creators" to "commentators."

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1 hr 8 min
August 12, 2025 Brennan Lee Mulligan Thinks Math is Too Hard - Nerdcognito Episode 289
Critical Role's new DM, Brennan Lee Mulligan recently took the opportunity to not only dump on Classic Gamers and philosophy, but showed the world that he felt basic subtraction is too hard to include in a game. Isn't it grand how the concept of THAC0, love it or hate it, seperates the wheat from the chaff? Plus, Molly Sideshave might just be morphing into one of us!

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1 hr 10 min
August 05, 2025 Railroading?!? - Nerdcognito Episode 288
We're chugging down the line! This week we look into the dreaded DM device.... railroading. Is there any good that can come of it? Why and how is it applied in Dungeons and Dragons and the TTRPG hobby? Also, we have a chat with Ben from the Manacaster team about their current projects!

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1 hr 17 min