Gaining Advantage

Dale discusses what could be the most radical shift in TTRPG accessibility yet. We’re not just talking about a new ruleset. We’re talking about reclaiming the tabletop for everyone. Free5e isn’t another clone. It’s a community-led, open-source, fully accessible reimagining of 5e designed for affordability, inclusivity, and actual usability. Dale explains how it stays SRD-compliant while offering m...

How can we make tabletop RPGs more inclusive for blind players—and why does it matter? This episode of Gaining Advantage tackles accessibility in TTRPGs with Blind Temple, an advocate for blind gamers. Temple shares firsthand experiences, challenges, and solutions for making RPGs more accessible, from game design to play at the table. We also unveil #Free5e, our ambitious project to provide a full...

In this episode, Dale talks with Stefan McNinch, founder of UnboxEd, a nonprofit revolutionizing education through game-based learning. Explore how Stefan’s work teaches financial literacy, persistence, and teamwork while addressing educational gaps in underserved communities. Discover why tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) can be a better educational tool than traditional methods and how they tr...

Dale Critchley speaks with Alyssia Merrick, a PhD candidate researching the powerful effects of Dungeons & Dragons on mental health. Discover the surprising benefits that TTRPGs offer to players of all experience levels, from reduced anxiety to enhanced self-esteem and community building. Alyssia shares insights into her research, exploring how D&D can serve as a tool for self-discovery an...

In this episode, we explore using tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) for language learning. Shane Dunkle, a Language Pedagogy Specialist at the University of Chicago, shares his research on assessing English proficiency through board games and TTRPGs like D&D. Discover how these games create an engaging environment for practicing real-world communication skills, from mastering idioms to navig...

This episode explores the cultural significance and far-reaching influence of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) through an insightful interview with Premeet Sidhu and José Zagal, editors of the book "50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons." It offers insights into how the iconic tabletop RPG has influenced various aspects of global culture, from gaming and entertainment to education and beyond. The dis...

We explore the connections between language, masculinity, and tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) experiences with sociologist Dr. Steven Dashiell. He studies language in male-dominated spaces like gaming conventions. We discuss how language use, rules lawyering, gamesplaining, and off-topic conversations (metadiscourse) at gaming tables can create barriers. These reinforce masculine norms and poten...

In this thought-provoking episode, Dale sits down with Dr. Dave Eng, an expert in using board games for educational purposes. Dr. Eng shares his groundbreaking insights on how tabletop games can revolutionize the learning experience. From cooperative classics like Pandemic to the innovative "Matrix Games" that leverage words over numbers, this episode dives into the benefits of interactive gamepla...

We speak with Dr. Tanya Pobuda, an expert on issues of representation and inclusion in tabletop gaming. She shares insights from her groundbreaking research on gender and racial representation in contemporary board gaming. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Pobuda provides data-driven perspectives on the false narrative that "diversity doesn't sell" and highlights positive shifts that are possible w...

Discover new worlds and perspectives through TTRPGs! In this episode, we explore how D&D and other TTRPGs can teach us about different cultures. Dale talks with Rob Martin of Secret Garden Games about his Filipino mythology-inspired Bukana setting and Kickstarter campaign. 00:00 Holiday bundles and gift ideas04:13 Interview with Rob Martin of Secret Garden Games about his Bukana setting inspir...

Join Dale as he interviews Jonathan Connor Self, a top-rated pro DM and founder of the D8 Summit, a charitable organization using TTRPGs for good. They discuss using games therapeutically, fostering community, and supporting mental health. Connor also discusses Koboa, an upcoming RPG based on South American mythology. This episode covers using tabletop RPGs to heal trauma, build connections, and c...

In this episode, Dale speaks with Steph from TTRPGKids.com about using tabletop RPGs to nurture creativity and connection with kids. Before we get to the interview, here are a few updates: We'll be at Gamehole Con on Friday - come say hi if you're there! We're releasing free weekly encounters for our upcoming Limitless Champions Adventures Kickstarter. Get them by joining our email list . Check ou...

This month, we open discussing the new canon autistic character being introduced in D&D, and how meaningful representation is for traditionally marginalized groups. ​​ https://www.polygon.com/23850698/dnd-dungeons-dragons-autistic-character-asteria   Then Dale talks with Aaron Trammell, Associate Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine, about improving representation for people of color in table...

Dale welcomes George McDermith, a talented gamer and the creative mind behind the character Orrelius from the Limitless Champions campaign. George's perspective as a blind gamer offers valuable insights into inclusive gaming and the portrayal of disabled characters in Dungeons and Dragons. Discover the importance of authenticity, representation, and accessible gameplay in this enlightening convers...

Dale interviews Bill Lemmond, a passionate gamer and comic artist. Bill shares his personal story of how tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) have played a pivotal role in transforming his life, from finding joy and relaxation to overcoming depression and pursuing education. Discover the power of gaming to create a supportive community, foster creativity, and provide a much-needed escape. Join us a...

Dale interviews Drew Wale about the Dretelia campaign setting , which is based on his chronic illness,  and the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in creating meaningful and resonant tabletop roleplaying games. We discuss how drawing on personal experiences and emotions can help to create more engaging and immersive worlds, and how being open and honest about our own struggles can h...

Dale interviews Hunter Goetzman, the creator of Mercury Adventure Club, a TTRPG club and summer day camp that uses tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons to empower kids. The camp aims to provide a low-cost and accessible way for children to learn and enjoy the game while building a supportive community. Hunter discusses the benefits of introducing kids to gaming, the structure of th...

This month, we talk to Tahina Andale, co-host of Dicecourse, about accessibility and avoiding ableism in tabletop roleplaying games. Tahina shares her experience as a disabled woman and provides tips on accommodating different accessibility needs. She emphasizes the importance of representation and encourages listeners to be more empathetic and respectful of others' needs. 0:00 Introduction: Limit...

This week, we welcome Simone Arnold, owner of Hero's Journey Counseling in Vermont, who discusses outrage fatigue, which can lead to burnout and empathy fatigue, how to balance the desire to make the world better with our own limitations, and prioritize rest. 0:00 Introduction 8:59 Interview: Simone Arnold, owner of Hero's Journey Counseling 31:15 Wrap-up Manually captioned. Transcript available a...

Roleplaying games are already great, but what happens when they’re intentionally used to improve lives? We welcome Jack Berkenstock Jr., MHS, Executive Director, The Bodhana Group to talk about therapeutic RPG. 0:00 Introduction3:54 Interview: Jack Berkenstock Jr., MHS, Executive Director, The Bodhana Group44:43 Wrap-up Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website. Script Change: http:/...

What happens when a bunch of neurodivergent people sit down to play D&D together and connect through the game? Things get awesome. And our guest, Caleb Valorozo-Jones, wrote a Master’s Thesis on it! But before that, Dale takes an honest look at what it takes to get started in the TTRPG industry, especially in light of the changes at Twitter. It’s not as difficult as many would lead you to beli...

Disabled people are among the most resourceful on the planet. They have to be. We welcome kindred spirits, Rachel Voss & Wesley Magee-Saxton at Forge Ahead: A Party To Access, who are creating amazing D&D 5e resources for disability inclusion. Next, we welcome Alexander Grinton on our Playing the Other segment to talk about his experience with Autism and ADHD, and how it connects with tabl...

What does accessibility look like in Live Action Role-Play (LARP)? We welcome Kitty Rodé from the Golden Feather Initiative to talk about that! Kitty Rodé is a queer, South Asian artist and organizer who is passionate about storytelling, community building and trauma-informed gaming. They are a lifelong student of anti-oppression work, creating safer spaces and design for social change. Kitty is a...

Roleplaying games change lives. But what happens when you intentionally turn that dial to 11? We welcome Peter Jung from Roll for Kindness to explain how that happens and how you can do it. 0:00 Introduction04:04 Interview: Peter Jung32:57 Wrap-up Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website. Roll for Kindness Links Using RPGs for Good: https://rollforkindness.com/pathways-for-using-rpg...

How do you get started with Dungeons & Dragons and find a group that’s right for you? We welcome Montana Rosalle from YVR Dungeon Masters to give you some help! 0:00 Introduction 01:44 Interview: Montana Rosalle 23:56 Wrap-up Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website. YVR Dungeon Masters Links Website: https://www.yvrdungeonmasters.com   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YV...