Dice in Mind

It's Episode 25...let the Count to 100 begin!  Last week we began exploring the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in roleplaying.  This week we chat with Shelly Mazzanoble, co-host of Dragon Talk and accomplished author, who joins us to talk about feminism in D&D.  We hope you will find the discussion as impactful as we did.  Please keep thinking about what you learn in this episode....

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the hallmarks of vibrant society.  Until that day truly arrives, we can all play our part to ensure that there is a place for everyone at the table.  This week, we discuss this important topic relative to current and past RPGs.  Okay, we ramble here and there as we try to address the topic in a meaningful way.  We close with a question from Brad.  What will be...

We go off the rails this week as we take a lighter look at the games that didn't quite make it.  We eventually get more serious toward the end of the discussion as we identify three potentially factors for successful RPGs.  We also tease our upcoming interview for Episode 25.  Hold on to your dice! Along the way, we refer to some interesting source material: Dune FASA Firefly Last Unicorn Games We...

This week we explore the concept of multiplatform gaming through an organic conversation in which we share our thoughts and explore our options.  Along the way, pull up a seat at the table and join us for a few minutes of roleplaying in a galaxy far, far away! Along the way, we refer to some interesting source material: Arkenforge Neverending Dungeon On the Shoulders of Dwarves Edge Studio   Welco...

Last week we had a great time interviewing author Jeff Ashworth.  During that interview we covered a number of ideas, but one topic especially stood out to us.  What are the limits of GM prerogative?  This week we debate the question by looking back on our own mistakes, considering our occasional successes, and reading a bit along the way. Also, you should buy Jeff's two Game Master books and pre-...

It's Episode 20! This week, we mark the 20th episode of Dice in Mind with a really special interview with author Jeff Ashworth.  We think you will find Jeff to be creative, humble, and a truly good guy. Jeff Ashworth is a writer, editor, and storyteller whose credits include The Game Master's Book of Random Encounters, The Game Master's Book of Non-Player Characters, and the upcoming The Game Mast...

If you thought we were transparent in our creative process last week, then hold on to your dice!  This is the episode where you get to hear how the sausage is made.  This week we openly discuss what will be the PC options available to players.  Along the way we take notes, make jokes, and move one step closer to developing a fully functional character sheet for our Genesys dice mechanic port of St...

It's the episode you have all been waiting for!  Today we take down the fourth wall and share with you our "live" discussion regarding the setting specifics of our upcoming Star Trek game that will rest atop the Genesys dice system.  What does the Galaxy look like in 2401?  What adventure is there to be had amidst the territory of the Fenris Rangers?  And what's up with the Breen?  Tune in for ans...

This week we continue a series of episodes on the craft of worldbuilding as a way to connect RPGS back to real life, and vice versa.  We focus on introducing a model of worldbuilding that incorporates three player mechanics:  exploration, interaction, and combat. We are especially thrilled to share with you our interview with Rob Kolomyski.  Rob James Kolomyski is an artist and educator based in S...

This week we begin a series of episodes on the craft of worldbuilding as a way to connect RPGS back to real life, and vice versa.  We focus on introducing a model of worldbuilding that relies on three factors:  economic, cultural, and political. Along the way, we refer to some interesting source material: Dice in Mind Worldbuilding The Silk Roads A Sadness I Can't Carry Guildmasters' Guide to Ravn...

Sit back and listen to "Ohm", a short story about an android who asks a question and seeks its answer.  ©2021 Jason A. Kaufman.   Welcome to Dice in Mind, a weekly podcast in which we explore the meaning of life through the lens of RPGs!  In each episode, we will consider everyday stuff like science, religion, philosophy, and economics…through the lens of a specific roleplaying game and its dice m...

This week we explore the FATE system and its core, condensed, and accelerated versions.  We also spend some time in the GM Corner talking about a book that came out last year but is new to us. Along the way, we refer to some interesting source material: Fate Core Fate Condensed Fate Accelerated Fate Space Tookit The Game Master's Guide of Random Encounters Welcome to Dice in Mind, a weekly podcast...

We are back to games!  This week we talk about some of the major features we like in Pathfinder, including our thoughts about the changes to the action economy from First to Second editions.  We also drop a few hints as to what you can expect in the coming weeks.  That's right...we are circling back to the true purpose of Dice in Mind to explore the intersection of RPGs and real life. Along the wa...

This week we finally get around to exploring how economics manifests in some of our favorite roleplaying games.  We focus mostly on D&D, Star Wars, and Star Trek. *NOTE:  We recorded this discussion while Brad's town was experiencing a fairly severe lightning storm.  The result is that he occasionally sounds pixelated. Along the way, we refer to some interesting source material: Acquisitions Incor...

We conclude our exploration of religion across the range of RPGs from science-fiction to science-fantasy to fantasy.  Along the way, we consider the faith, spirituality, or creed of specific characters in some of our favorite canons. *NOTE:  We recorded this discussion when we were still releasing episodes biweekly.  Now that Dice in Mind is a weekly podcast, it is possible that our "future" refer...

We dive deep in this episode into matters of religion, spirituality, and belief as they manifest in the real world and present in our favorite RPGs and canons.  Join us for a lesson in how Brad and Jason became friends (although why they remain so is a question) and an honest discussion of belief at and away from the table. *NOTE:  We recorded this discussion when we were still releasing episodes...

In this episode, we explore leadership in real life and analogously through serving as GM.  What does it mean to lead compassionately while getting the best out of others?  How can we lead in a manner that ensures everyone has a voice at the table?  Join us to explore these questions and more. We also refer to  Leadership in the Ready Room , which Jason co-wrote for StarTrek.com; and Gross and Alt...

In this episode, we dive even deeper into the differences in mechanics and tone between D&D 1st Edition (aka, AD&D) and 5th Edition and tease the wonders that our coming in this fair podcast. *NOTE:  We recorded this discussion when we were still releasing episodes biweekly.  Now that Dice in Mind is a weekly podcast, it is possible that our "future" references are not quite accurate. Welcome to D...

That's right...Dice in Mind is going weekly! Welcome to Dice in Mind, a weekly podcast in which we explore the meaning of life through the lens of RPGs!  In each episode, we will consider everyday stuff like science, religion, philosophy, and economics…through the lens of a specific roleplaying game and its dice mechanic. If you like what you hear, consider buying us a cup of coffee  or becoming a...

In this episode, we review the mechanics and tone of D&D 1st Edition (aka, AD&D) in comparison to 5th Edition and the expectations of today's GM and players. Welcome to Dice in Mind, a monthly podcast in which we explore the meaning of life through the lens of RPGs!  In each episode, we will consider everyday stuff like science, religion, philosophy, and economics…through the lens of a specific ro...

In this bonus episode, Brad interviews Jason and his friend and colleague Aaron about their recently published article on leadership through the lens of the grand captains of Star Trek.  You can find it here: Lessons from the Ready Room Stay tuned for Episode 10, when we return to the topic of leadership and other topics through the lens of RPGs! Welcome to Dice in Mind, a monthly podcast in which...

In this episode, we conclude our three-episode special with a deep dive into the philosophy, science, and faith of Star Trek.   Welcome to Dice in Mind, a monthly podcast in which we explore the meaning of life through the lens of RPGs!  In each episode, we will consider everyday stuff like science, religion, philosophy, and economics…through the lens of a specific roleplaying game and its dice me...

In this episode, we continue a three-episode voyage into Star Trek Adventures with a focus on the dice mechanic and the power of the narrative.   Welcome to Dice in Mind, a monthly podcast in which we explore the meaning of life through the lens of RPGs!  In each episode, we will consider everyday stuff like science, religion, philosophy, and economics…through the lens of a specific roleplaying ga...

In this episode, we begin a three-episode voyage into Star Trek Adventures through the lens of canon, its meaning to modern society, and its promise of a better 2d20 future. Welcome to Dice in Mind, a monthly podcast in which we explore the meaning of life through the lens of RPGs!  In each episode, we will consider everyday stuff like science, religion, philosophy, and economics…through the lens...

In this bonus episode, we interview our good friend Brian regarding his history with RPGs, what it was like playing MechWarrior, and why we could all remain friends for so long. Welcome to Dice in Mind, a monthly podcast in which we explore the meaning of life through the lens of RPGs!  In each episode, we will consider everyday stuff like science, religion, philosophy, and economics…through the l...