In this episode of Wargaming Recon, I reflect deeply on my journey as the host, sharing both personal milestones and pivotal life events that have influenced the creation and sustainability of this podcast. After a hiatus beginning in Fall 2025, I am back to engage with the community that has supported me through numerous challenges and joys. I take this moment to express my gratitude for Robert Dunn and Peter Bryant who stepped in during my absence, and their contributions have been invaluable to keeping the community alive.

The focus of this episode is also on a significant family health crisis. In a heartfelt revelation, I share the news of my mother's battle with stage one, grade three uterine cancer. Her diagnosis was a shocking development, and I discuss how her surgical recovery has provided hope amidst the emotional turmoil. My family's experiences navigating this difficult time have instilled in me a profound appreciation for life, the power of resilience, and the incredible support from loved ones.

Moreover, this episode marks a critical announcement: the coming year will be the final year for Wargaming Recon. After over two decades of episodes, I emphasize how integral this podcast has been to my identity and personal growth. It wasn’t merely a hobby; it has been a community and a family that has shaped who I am today. From grieving the loss of my dear friend Adrian to celebrating the bonds fostered through gaming, this platform has allowed me to connect deeply with both friends and listeners alike.

Expressing a mix of nostalgia and anticipation, I advocate for acknowledging the emotions surrounding this transition—both for me and for the community. I want listeners to celebrate the journey we've shared together, as we reflect on past episodes and the impact they've had. I also highlight the positive initiatives we've undertaken, from charity work for Extra Life to advocating for mental health discussions. It’s been a platform for authenticity and vulnerability, helping many through their struggles while connecting folks from all walks of life.

As I step back to prioritize my family and embrace new opportunities in gaming, including regular streaming on Twitch, I firmly state that while the podcast’s conclusion is bittersweet, our community and friendships do not end with it. The relationships built here will continue to thrive, and I look forward to exploring new adventures while remaining an active part of the tabletop gaming scene.

Now as we embark on this final year, the focus will be on celebrating our collective journey, sharing stories, and engaging with special guests. I encourage everyone to join me in this reflective and joyous time, as we savor the moments of connection and growth we've all experienced together through this podcast. There are still many exciting episodes ahead, and I am eager to cherish this farewell chapter with all of you.

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Credits

Our theme song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. The podcast logo was created by Peter Bryant. Audio editing was done by Jonathan J. Reinhart. Show notes for this episode were written by Jonathan J. Reinhart.

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

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Wargaming Recon pays tribute to Andrew, a cherished listener whose invaluable support inspired the show's name. Let us observe a collective moment of silence to honor Andrew's memory.

We deeply mourn the loss of Adrian, a longstanding co-host of Wargaming Recon. Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember Adrian's contributions and the impact he had on the show.