Conversations with the creators of Warhammer 40k: Rick Priestley and Andy Chambers

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EPISODE NOTES:

In this episode, we dive into a conversation with the creators of this tabletop war game, exploring its origins, influences, and the intricate balance between the macro and micro aspects of its universe.

As we sit down with Rick Priestley, the creator of Warhammer 40,000 (and his dog Rosie), we unravel the game's genesis from a space trading RPG called Rogue Trader to the iconic tabletop war game it is today. We also meet Andy Chambers, who apprenticed under Rick and took over the game in the 1990’s. The episode delves into the blend of history, fantasy, and commercialism that shaped this intricate hobby.

ABOUT NICHE TO MEET YOU:

Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests. Our work has been featured on Nashville Public Radio and has been seen in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.

SHOW CREDITS: 

Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

Associate producer: Chris Thiessen

Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus Fulbright

Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

Episode mastered by Kevin Morris

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meet the people who play Warhammer 40,000.

LINKS:

• Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)
• Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You Patreon
• BUY MERCH!!!!!
• Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: [email protected]

Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!

EPISODE NOTES:

In this second episode of the 4 part mini-series, we sit down with Marcus and Josh, two enthusiasts deeply involved in the Warhammer 40,000 community, to explore the diverse entry points into the hobby. From painting and video games to engaging in intense tabletop battles, we learn about the multifaceted nature of the Warhammer 40,000 experience.

Our conversation with Marcus and Josh delves into its evolution from a tabletop game to a vast media landscape encompassing novels, video games, and more. The episode unfolds as we meet Robert, our local 40k guide who navigates us through the intricate gameplay mechanics, the fusion of lore and mathematical strategy, and the deep commitment demanded by Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts. Leslie plays a game herself and gets hands-on experience with the world of Warhammer 40,000.

ABOUT NICHE TO MEET YOU:

Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests. Our work has been featured on Nashville Public Radio and has been seen in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.

EPISODE/SHOW CREDITS

Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

Associate producer: Chris Thiessen 

Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus Fulbright

Episode mastered by Kevin Morris

Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

Show artwork by Rachel Hardacre

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meet my new friend, Warhammer 40,000: the sci-fi tabletop war game.

LINKS:

• Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)
• Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You Patreon
• BUY MERCH!!!!!
• Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: [email protected]

Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!

EPISODE NOTES:

In this first episode of Niche to Meet You’s debut mini-series, we introduce the immersive universe of Warhammer 40,000—a tabletop war game game turned multimedia empire. We even make the case that Warhammer 40,000 is the perfect hobby because it offers craftsmanship, skill development, social connections, and thought engagement.

From its humble 1970s origins, this hobby has evolved into a unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian elements. Through this 4-part series, we’ll unravel the threads of Warhammer 40,000, examining its roots with insights from Rick Priestley, the game's original creator, as well as Andy Chambers, his apprentice and successor. In the next episode, we'll delve into the lives of players and enthusiasts who breathe life into this thriving subculture, and discover how this pastime transforms into a powerful hobby with the 4 elements of what makes a hobby, well, a hobby.

ABOUT NICHE TO MEET YOU:

Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests. Our work has been featured on Nashville Public Radio and has been seen in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.

SHOW/EPISODE CREDITS: 

Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

Associate producer: Chris Thiessen 

Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus Fulbright

Episode mastered by Kevin Morris

Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

Show artwork by Rachel Hardacre

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing Warhammer 40,000. We even make the case that Warhammer 40,000 is the perfect hobby, and we’ll support the claim by talking to the people who play it and even the people who made it. 

The Niche to Meet You podcast profiles hobbies and niche subcultures where misfits are finding home through mini-series and individual interviews. Learn more about the show, read a transcript, and give feedback at Nichetomeetyou.show/40k

Support the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizza

SHOW CREDITS: 

Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

Associate producer: Chris Thiessen 

Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus Fulbright

Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The guys behind the white beard and red hat are just as real as the character they portray.

Subscribe now and-more importantly-TELL A FRIEND ABOUT THE SHOW, right now.

Learn more about this podcast at NicheToMeetYou.show.

Niche to Meet You is created & produced by Leslie Thompson

Podcast Theme Music: Abigail Flowers

Music for this episode is also supplied by:

John Bartmann, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

Andrea Yohe, “Jolly Old St. Nicholas”

Kevin MacLeod, “Jingle Bells”

John Sayles, “What Child is This?"

Kevin MacLeod, “Oh, Christmas Tree”

This is our origin story.

LINKS:

• Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)
• BUY MERCH!!!!!
• Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: [email protected]

Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!

ABOUT NICHE TO MEET YOU:

Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests. Our work has been featured on Nashville Public Radio, has been seen by millions through a recent viral instagram reel, and has been featured in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletters. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. We use miniseries and individual interviews to introduce listeners to folks involved with Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, wild turkey conservationists, and more. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.

SHOW CREDITS: 

Creator/Reporter/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson)

Associate script producer: Chris Thiessen 

Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

Show artwork created by Rachel Hardacre

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.