Roll Play Grow: A TTRPG Business Podcast

In this episode, we chat with Kay Purcell, co-founder of Chaotic Wholesome Presents, a TTRPG production studio known for creating engaging stories and actual play content. We discuss Kay's work in community management, the processes behind running a TTRPG production studio, and tips for navigating social media. The conversation covers the evolution of Chaotic Wholesome Presents from its incep...

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Doyle, the game designer behind 'Attention Deficit and Dragons'. Nathan discusses his early gaming experiences, from playing Super Mario Bros. and Candyland to discovering tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. He shares his journey from being a player to a game designer, detailing his contributions to the DMs Guild and the evolution of his pr...

It's the four-year anniversary of Roll Play Grow! Thank y'all so much for being here. This episode features an interview with Fondue, the creator behind Dice & Easy.  We discuss topics ranging from the intricacies of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) to the challenges and joys of content creation. Fondue shares his experiences transitioning into community management at Remedy Ente...

Picking a theme word is an important step in helping you shape your year to come. When you struggle to decide what to work on next, you can look to that word and ask yourself, which of these options will help me emulate this word? Which task helps you return to my overall goal for the year? In today's episode, Courtney explains what a theme word is, how to pick one, and how her word for 2025...

In this episode of Roll Play Grow, Courtney chats with Andrew Gronosky, the creative director of Shewstone Publishing, about his historical research for the game Magonomia, and the upcoming Kickstarter for his monthly publication, Drinterra. They delve into the importance of lore and world-building in game development and discuss Andrew's gaming background and his influences from Call of Cthu...

In today's episode, we continue the discussion on starting with your own TTRPG project. Once you've figured out what roles you need to fill on your project, how do you go about finding your team? Make sure you listen to today's episode to find out the exact steps you need to take to pick out your project team. Want to work with Courtney one-on-one? Start here. Buzzsprout - Let's...

In this episode of Roll Play Grow, we delve into entrepreneurial journeys within the tabletop role-playing game industry. Your host, Courtney, interviews Hannah Rose and Clara Daly, co-founders of Wildmage Press, discussing their backgrounds, the inception of their new magazine 'Horizons,' and their experiences starting a TTRPG business. They highlight the magazine's unique offering...

Are you designing a new TTRPG or supplement and feeling overwhelmed? You've got the idea down; you feel confident in writing it, but you don't know what to do next. Start here! In today's episode, your host, Courtney, describes the very first steps you should take to get your project ready. We're going over high level categories like art, layout, and marketing, and helping you...

Have you dreamed of becoming a full-time ttrpg designer? That's exactly what today's guest, Chris Craven, did--all with the help of Kickstarter. In today's episode, we dive into his strategies to drop 10 Kickstarter campaigns a year. Find Evil Pigeon Gaming at: LinkTree Servants of the Mimic Queen Kickstarter Friday Afternoon Tea Grab a cup of tea with blends based on your favorite...

We've heard from so many passionate creators over the past few years about how they're turning a love for ttrpgs into a career. It's time to put their tips into action! I am starting a new mini-series of shorter episodes in between interviews to focus on specific things we've learned from our guests as I launch into multiple ventures of my own. In this kick-off episode, I go ov...

In this comprehensive episode of Roll Play Grow, we revisit Rich Oxenham of Hatchlings Games, originally featured in 2021. Rich provides an enlightening look into the significant growth of Hatchlings Games, highlighting successful crowdfunding initiatives and the development of projects like Inspirisles, Overisles, and solo journaling games such as Dragon Dowser. Rich shares his exploration of inc...

In this engaging episode, Courtney interviews JD Wiker, a seasoned RPG producer and miniature painting aficionado. JD recounts his journey from discovering Dungeons & Dragons in the late 1970s to his professional milestones with Wizards of the Coast, WizKids, and other notable RPG companies. He shares his experiences in creating RPGs like Ars Magica and Dark Matter, as well as designing Star W...

Emma Larkins, celebrated creator of "Abandon All Artichokes" and the eagerly awaited "Epilogue," takes us inside the vibrant world of board game design, discussing the pivotal role of community and collaboration in her design journey. We explore the evolution of games from simple card concepts to intricate storytelling experiences, underscoring the importance of prototyping and...

Today we're learning from the dynamic Margaret Krohn, who shares her fascinating journey from being an avid gamer to holding pivotal roles such as Director of Communications at Intrepid Games and the CMO for Roll4It. We discuss her evolution into a content creator, lifestyle adjustments, and the paths she wishes she had discovered earlier in her career. Ever wondered what goes into creating a...

Get ready to roll the dice and hit the sweet spot with our guest, Andrew Davis, the genius behind Dodecadonuts - a successful venture blending the world of tabletop gaming with deliciously whimsical doughnut-shaped dice boxes. Andy reveals his journey, from his long-standing passion for gaming to the creation of a business that's as entertaining as it is tasty. He takes us on a tour of his ex...

HELLO!!! Y'all, I have missed you so much. I am so excited for Roll Play Grow to officially return next week. Here's an episode to chat about what's been going on lately, and what you can look forward to in the future. Love ya, my friends! Support the show Find Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Ever feel overwhelmed by managing your tabletop role-play game project? We've been there, and we've got your back! We spent this episode of Roll Play Grow diving deep into the world of project management tools. We shed light on how tools like Asana, Wrike, Notion, and Trello can help simplify your task organization, role assignment, note-taking, and deadline setting. Whether you're...

Are you aware of the power of words and how they can subtly infiltrate a game? Noordin Ali Kadir unearths this concealed beast in today's episode, throwing light on how bias can have a profound impact on players. You'll discover how sensitivity consulting can prevent unintended consequences, ensuring a balanced and fair game design. We discuss his consulting experience and how he combats...

Ready to up your game in the TTRPG space? Ever wondered how project management skills could change your trajectory as a creator? We dive into the nitty-gritty of project management, starting with the basics - what a project is, who a project manager is, and the phases within a project. We've got your back on each step of this journey, demystifying processes and sharing relatable examples to b...

Today, we take an exclusive tour of board game development behind the scenes with the imaginative Kyle Rowan, Design Lead at Wyrd Games. Kyle delves into his personal trajectory from gamer to game designer, detailing the evolution of his role at Wyrd Games and the life of the board game Vagrantsong. Kyle reflects on the spark that ignited Vagrantsong and the journey of developing the game and its...

Ready to build a thriving community in the tabletop role-play gaming space? Then you're in for a treat. Today, we're delving into the nitty-gritty of how to make your community members feel seen, heard, and appreciated. We're talking about highlighting community members, featuring their posts, and applauding their contributions. But more than that, we're exploring the importanc...

Ever wonder what goes into designing a Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG)? In our latest chat with Ella Watts, an accomplished director, writer, and producer, we get to unravel the process behind the creation of her TTRPG, Upriver, Downriver. From her first game session, to her daunting journey of game design, Ella's story is as captivating as her game. Ella doesn't shy away from the gri...

Ready to transform your social media presence and build a thriving online community? Our latest episode is your ultimate guide to this dynamic digital landscape. We're here to help you carve out your unique space and captivate your audience by consistently delivering content that resonates. Harness the power of community engagement with practical strategies shared in this episode. Recognize y...

Join me as we step into the fascinating world of Double Proficiency, guided by none other than its co-founder, Anna. Prepare to be enthralled as we journey from the humble beginnings of her first book, Herbalist Primer, through its successful Kickstarter campaign, to its current status as a beloved gem in the TTRPG community. Anna candidly shares her experiences, from triumphs to struggles, while...

Ready to stop aimlessly scrolling through social media and start building a thriving online community? This episode is for you! I am joined by my engaging new co-host, Matt Joro, and we're ready to tackle the dynamic world of social media. We'll share insights on the unpredictable algorithms, increasing ad costs, and if those age-old Twitter tactics are worth a second look. As we navigat...