What happens when Dungeons & Dragons collides with the DC Comics Universe?

In this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek, we dive into a truly unique tabletop experience with Paul Calderazzo, Game Master and creator of the DC-based D&D campaign Vermin and Valor, and co-host Tracy DiMuzio. Their group has built a rich, ongoing narrative set inside the DC Universe—featuring legacy heroes, deep lore, and original storytelling that blends comic book mythology with tabletop role-playing.

We explore how the campaign was created, what it means to play D&D in an established IP like DC Comics, the challenges and freedoms of working with legacy characters, and how community plays a role through their Discord server Vermin and Valor. Whether you’re a longtime Dungeon Master, a comic book fan, or someone curious about pushing the boundaries of tabletop storytelling, this episode is packed with inspiration.

🦇⚔️ Roll initiative—this is D&D like you’ve never heard it before.

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• Dungeons and Dragons podcast
• D&D actual play inspiration
• DC Comics Dungeons and Dragons
• Tabletop RPG storytelling
• Legacy characters in D&D
• DC Universe tabletop RPG
• Game Master worldbuilding
• Homebrew D&D campaigns
• Comic book RPG crossover
• Geek culture podcast
• So You Want To Be A Geek
• Vermin and Valor
• Discord tabletop communities
• Roleplaying games podcast

What does it really take to run a legal cannabis dispensary in New Jersey?

In this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek, I sit down with a former student of mine to talk about their family-owned cannabis business, Bud City in Newton, NJ. We dive deep into the cannabis industry—covering laws, regulations, challenges, misconceptions, and what it’s actually like running a dispensary in one of the most highly regulated markets in the country.

This episode isn’t just about cannabis—it’s about entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, navigating new industries, and building something meaningful from the ground up.

Along the way, I also document my drive from Long Island to Newton, NJ, using b-roll footage to reflect on podcasting, content creation, and what it means to reconnect with former students as professionals.

**This episode is intended for entertainment and conversational purposes only. So You Want To Be A Geek does not provide professional, legal, medical, or business advice. All discussions are based on personal experiences and opinions and are meant to explore fandom, creativity, and geek culture.**

🎧 Topics we cover include:

• The history of legal cannabis in New Jersey

• Cannabis laws, regulations, and compliance

• Running a family-owned dispensary

• Benefits and challenges of the cannabis industry

• Breaking stigma around cannabis

• Entrepreneurship and career paths

• Podcasting and storytelling on the road

📍 Bud City – Newton, NJ

🎙 So You Want To Be A Geek

👉 Subscribe for conversations about creativity, careers, passion projects, and unconventional paths.

#SoYouWantToBeAGeek

#CannabisIndustry

#NewJerseyCannabis

#LegalCannabis

#DispensaryLife

#FamilyBusiness

#Entrepreneurship

#PodcastLife

#CreativeCareers

#FormerStudent

#WeedBusiness

#NJWeed

#SmallBusiness

#ContentCreation

#RoadTripPodcast

#SYWTBAG 

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In this episode, host Michael Cannetti talks with Jason and AnnMarie, founders of The Tabletop Society, a Dungeons & Dragons organization dedicated to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for players of all backgrounds—especially neurodivergent individuals.

Jason, an experienced Dungeon Master from Long Island, and Annmarie, a lifelong storyteller, explain how their love of tabletop gaming grew into a nationwide community. Tabletop Society runs campaigns through Discord, connecting players from across the country in collaborative storytelling experiences that build confidence, social skills, and lasting friendships.

Together we discuss:

• Why Dungeons & Dragons is uniquely powerful for neurodivergent players
• Jason’s approach to DMing and creating supportive tables
• How online campaigns build real-world connection
• How their children got involved in the hobby
• The mission and future of Tabletop Society

If you love tabletop RPGs, community building, or stories about how geek culture enriches lives, this episode is a critical hit.

In this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek, we sit down with Jason and AnnMarie, the founders of The Tabletop Society, a Dungeons & Dragons community dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering gaming experiences—especially for neurodivergent individuals.
Jason, a seasoned Dungeon Master, and Annmarie, a passionate organizer and storyteller, share how their Long Island–based group grew from a local table into a nationwide D&D community operating through Discord. Their campaigns bring together players from all over the country, offering creativity, structure, teamwork, and social connection through the magic of D&D.
We dive into:
How Dungeons & Dragons supports neurodivergent players
Why collaborative storytelling is such a powerful tool
How Tabletop Society uses Discord to run campaigns across the U.S.
Jason’s journey as a Dungeon Master and how he brings new players—including kids—into the world of tabletop RPGs
How families are using D&D to bond (yes, their kids play too!)
The mission behind Tabletop Society and where the community is headed
Whether you’re a veteran adventurer, completely new to D&D, or interested in how tabletop games can enrich lives, this is an episode you'll want to roll initiative for.
DMs Building Community!
D&D Changing Lives!
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more geek culture deep dives!
👉 Share this episode with your party!

#DungeonsAndDragons #DnDCommunity #Neurodiversity #TabletopRPG #SoYouWantToBeAGeek #TabletopSociety #DungeonMaster #DnD5e #DiscordCommunity #LongIslandCreators #TTRPG #InclusiveGaming #GeekCulture #RoleplayingGames #ActualPlay #strangerthings 

https://thetabletopsociety.com/

Dive into the geeky world of Geekiness with us on this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek.

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In this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek, we dive deep into the world of GODZILLA and the legendary Kaiju genre — from the original 1954 Gojira to modern masterpieces like Shin Godzilla and Godzilla Minus One.
We break down:
Why Godzilla became a global icon
The origins of kaiju mythology
How monster cinema evolved over 70 years
Practical effects vs CGI
Why fandom around kaiju is stronger than ever
The impact of Toho Studios, Legendary Pictures, and the MonsterVerse
What makes giant monsters so compelling to creators and fans
Whether you're a lifelong Godzilla fan, a newcomer to kaiju culture, or a creator who loves special effects, film history, or Japanese cinema — this episode is PACKED with geeky goodness.

Hosted by Michael Cannetti

So You Want To Be A Geek — where passion meets fandom.

What You’ll Learn:
The philosophy behind Godzilla as an anti-war metaphor
The evolution of suitmation and special effects
How kaiju shaped anime, comics, and gaming
Godzilla vs Kong and the modern MonsterVerse
Why fans connect emotionally with giant monsters

#Godzilla #Kaiju #MonsterVerse #Gojira #ShinGodzilla #GodzillaMinusOne #Toho #GiantMonsters #MonsterMovies #SYWTBAG #SoYouWantToBeAGeek #FilmHistory #geekculture #JapaneseCinema #SciFiMovies #CreatureFeatures #PopCulturePodcast #SYWTBAG #soyouwanttobeageek #podcast 

Dive into the geeky world of Podcasting with us on this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek.

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On this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek, Michael goes on a road trip to New Jersey and picks up his friend, writer, producer, director, Brian Gonsar as they journey in search of the best "Fancy Doughnuts" around.  They are getting geeky about doughnuts, comics, and Dracula.  That's right, Brian loves doughnuts so much he wrote a graphic novel all about them.  It's called Dracula's Brunch Club and the boys discuss Brian's journey into graphic novels while also dining on some of the best doughnuts around.  Brian takes Michael to Glaze Donuts in Caldwell NJ to sample some of their specialty treats.
You can find Brian's book at:  https://a.co/d/3Unb5ig

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Dive into the geeky world of  with us on this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek.

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Do you like beer?  Do you like homemade beer?  Then you'll love the Brewers East End Revival BEER COMPETITION!  So You Want To Be Geek was invited to attend their Beer Tasting competition at the 1940s Brewing Company Brewery in Holbrook NY for some beer talk and some beer tasting!  Join us as we chat with some amazing home brewers and sample some of the most unique beers I've ever had!  
Special thanks to our intern Kailey O'Neill for editing this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek! And thanks to The 1940s Brewing Company for hosting the event.

Check out the Brewers East End Revival on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/beerhbc

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Check out these amazing interviews Michael had with Carla Cohen and Lucio Parrillo at the Hot Flips Live Show in Babylon NY on 10/5/2025 one week before #nycc #newyorkcomiccon in a rare one on one conversation you're never going to get at the big conventions.  Special thanks to Charles from Hot Flips for giving So You Want To Be A Geek this once in a lifetime opportunity.  Thank you to #CarnivoreComics for bringing #lucioparrilo and #carlacohen to #Hotflips.  I am still on such a high after interviewing two of my ideals in the comic book industry.  Thank you to SpineWorks NYC for chatting and I look forward to scheduling an interview and talk all things CGC!

#marvel #contentcreator #dccomics #vampirella #harleyquinn #batman #supergirl #powergirl #blackcat #spiderman #podcast #spawn #tmnt #transformers #caseyjones #art #fineart #leonardodavinci #picasso #painters #michaelangelo #renaissance #renaissancepainters #sywtbag #soyouwanttobeageek #geek #gradedcomics

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So You Want To Be A Geek was invited to do a Live Stream at the Hot Flips Comic Expo on August 3rd and Michael went around the event center and interviewed some great people and got to check out some really cool merch!  If you like #comics #tradingcards #collectibles #memorabilia #geekygoodness and so much more check out this latest episode of #soyouwanttobeageek #sywtbag #podcast #superheroes #superhero #fandom #popculture #nostalgia #xmen97 #xmen #applepodcasts  #marvel #contentcreator #podcasting 

Dive into the geeky world of Podcasting with us on this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek.

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So You Want To Be A Geek is back with a brand new season of geekiness!  We start off at the   @SuperJerseyExpo where Michael and Pete explore all the vendors, get some signings in, sit in on an X-Men 97 Panel with  @ScreenCrush legend and host Ryan Ary!  We even got to catch with Ryan and some other really cool vendors.  #xmen97 #xmen #screencrush #applepodcasts #podcast #comics #marvel #contentcreator #podcasting 

Dive into the geeky world of Podcasting with us on this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek.

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Want to start a podcast and grow your brand? 🎙️ We dive into podcasting essentials with LI Creator Studios! Subscribe for expert tips & insights! 🔥 #Podcasting #ContentCreation #SYWTBAG
Podcast Like a Pro!
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Dive into the geeky world of Podcasting with us on this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek.

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