In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix chats with game designer April Mitchell about the power of sizzle reels in pitching and promoting games. April breaks down what makes a great sizzle reel, from highlighting the right features to keeping things visually engaging. They discuss the do’s and don’ts of showcasing your game on video, along with practical tips for making your reel stand out. A perfect listen for designers looking to bring their games to life on screen.

In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Justin Alexander , a renowned game designer and thought leader in tabletop RPGs. Known for his influential essays and innovative GM techniques, Justin shares insights into the role of the Game Master as designer. They dive into how GMs can connect narrative ideas to mechanics, the philosophies behind crafting memorable RPG experiences, and the challenges new GMs often face. Whether you’re building worlds or running them, this episode offers practical tools and deep design wisdom.

In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix talks with game designer Fertessa Allyse, known for Wicked & Wise and Cascadia Junior. They dive into the world of sell sheets—why they matter, what to include, and how to craft one that grabs attention. Fertessa shares tips on outlining your game effectively, finding its unique hook, and blending your elevator pitch seamlessly into the design. Whether you’re prepping for a pitch meeting or just curious about the business side of game design, this episode is packed with practical advice.

David and Dirk go over David’s newest project, Willow Bank. Revolving around DnD, (for all of you DnD enthusiasts), they have a captivating conversation on the flaws of DnD and create a vein of discussion for these topics. 

Today, Dirk and David come together to answer some listener questions from the Discord. Most of these questions surround RPG’s, although the discussions branch out into deeper waters, as the two of them dissect some of the themes brought up by various listeners. 

In this special edition of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with legendary game designer and publisher Dominic Crapuchettes, the creative mind behind Say Anything, Wits and Wagers, and Evolution. They explore how Dominic captures a game’s intended experience, the role of playtesting when publishing, and the creative tension between designing for fun vs. marketability. Plus, hear the surprising story behind organizing the first US game convention. Packed with insight, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories, this is a must-listen for game design enthusiasts.

Host Kathryn Hymes (@katehymes, thornygames.com) is joined by renowned designers Jason Morningstar (bullypulpitgames.com) and Randy Lubin (@randylubin, randylubin.com) to explore the world of "serious games"—games designed for education, training, and social impact. They share unique game experiences, discuss the challenges of designing beyond entertainment, and debate the usefulness of the “serious games” label.

Host Kathryn Hymes (@katehymes, thornygames.com) is joined by renowned designers Jason Morningstar (bullypulpitgames.com) and Randy Lubin (@randylubin, randylubin.com) to explore the world of "serious games"—games designed for education, training, and social impact. They share unique game experiences, discuss the challenges of designing beyond entertainment, and debate the usefulness of the “serious games” label.

Ellie Dix sits down with Sydney Engelstein to unpack what makes a game pitch succeed — and fail. Sydney shares some of the worst pitches she’s witnessed, what separates a great pitch from a weak one (regardless of the game itself), and how designers can present themselves with confidence. They also explore whether physical prototypes are always necessary, how passion plays into the pitch, and Sydney’s own experiences as a game designer.

Host Ellie Dix sits down with Danielle Reynolds to dive deep into the art of pitching tabletop games. Danielle shares what draws her to the process, the essential skills designers need, and how to approach pitch decks (and their alternatives). They also discuss common prep mistakes and get to know Danielle beyond the pitch. Whether you’re new to pitching or looking to level up, this episode is packed with insight and practical advice.