Happy Jacks RPG Podcast: GM & Player Tabletop RPG Advice
By: Happy Jacks RPG Network
Language: en-US
Categories: Leisure, Games, Hobbies
A weekly tabletop advice show for GMs and players that combines friendship, friendly banter, and unbridled enthusiasm to bring you a show that is inclusive, informative, honest and funny. If you’re looking for an RPG podcast with diverse opinions and a friends-hanging-out vibe, look no further — you’re home.
Episodes
HJRP S36E13 | Scheduling Games, Generic Systems, & Successful Horror Story?
Dec 13, 2025◇ Alverant asks about scheduling games, Gurg Murg asks about generic ttrpg systems, Mike from New York State has a horror story with a successful ending (thanks safety tools!) | Hosts: Riley, Rose, & Vixie ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
01:50◇ Announcements
02:25◇ Indie Designer of the Month: Jess Pendley https://www.undergroundoracle.com
04:23◇ Mailbag 1
28:18◇ Mailbag 2
48:16◇ Mailbag 3
92:56◇ Episode Closing
98:48◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com or post in our Discord server to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebo...
Duration: 01:43:17HJRP S36E12 | First System Impressions, Extroverts Supporting Introverts, & IPs Made for Play
Dec 13, 2025◇ Ed from Mn, now in Fl. asks about how a first experience forms a lasting opinion of a system, Clara asks how extroverted players can support introverted players, & From the Archive 2022: Weaselcreature asks about playing in RPG IPs like Traveller’s setting and Eberron vs. pop culture IPs like Marvel and Star Wars | Hosts: Kimi, Bill & Adam ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
01:26◇ Announcements
03:14◇ Indie Designer of the Month: Ross Payton https://www.patreon.com/RPPR
06:12◇ Mailbag 1
36:18◇ Mailbag 2
60:02◇ Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
80:48◇ Episode Closing
86:52◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@g...
Duration: 01:29:19HJRP S36E11 | What are Storygames?, Safety Tools Failure, & Learning Hard Systems
Nov 29, 2025◇ Steffi from Scotland asks what we consider a “storygame”, Arrya from New Jersey shares a safety tools story, & Eric from New Jersey asks how we learn difficult systems | Hosts: Kimi, Rose, & Clara ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
03:22◇ Announcements
05:17◇ Indie Designer of the Month: Ross Payton https://www.patreon.com/RPPR
08:18◇ Mailbag 1
47:32◇ Mailbag 2
62:42◇ Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
87:58◇ Episode Closing
91:14◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com or post in our Discord server to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitt...
Duration: 01:33:45HJRP S36E10 | GM Feedback, Clerics vs Warlocks, & City Campaign Settings
Nov 18, 2025◇ Vyrrk asks about GM Feedback, Steve in SoCal replies to our comments about Clerics & Warlocks being the same, & From the Archive 2023: Arrya from New Jersey asks about running a City campaign | Hosts: Kimi, Riley & Vixie ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
01:16◇ Announcements
02:43◇ Indie Designer of the Month: Ross Payton https://www.patreon.com/RPPR
05:45◇ Mailbag 1
30:03◇ Mailbag 2
51:38◇ Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
68:24◇ Episode Closing
73:49◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com or post in our Discord server to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtu...
Duration: 01:17:02HJRP S36E09 | GM Dice Rolls, Finding A Group, & Making Combat Interesting
Nov 10, 2025◇ Thomas from Denmark asks where GMs should roll their dice, Wes in Indianapolis has some tips for finding a gaming group, & From the Archive 2019: Andreas from Sweden asks about how to make combats interesting | Hosts: Kimi & Jay ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
01:41◇ Announcements
2:30◇ Indie Designer of the Month: Kodi Gonzaga https://jaztice.itch.io/
3:34◇ Mailbag 1
23:29◇ Mailbag 2
36:05◇ Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
51:03◇ Episode Closing
54:14◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com or post in our Discord server to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us o...
Duration: 00:57:11HJRP S36E08 | Ross Payton of RPPR, Horror Systems, & Player Agency vs. Rolls
Oct 26, 2025◇ We are joined by Ross Payton of Role Playing Public Radio, BeardHare on the Discord asks for system recommendations, & from the Archive 2019: Ben from Texas asks about player agency and rolls | Hosts: Kimi, Adam & Ross Payton from RPPR ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
02:24◇ Announcements
03:36◇ Indie Designer of the Month: Kodi Gonzaga https://jaztice.itch.io/
05:26◇ Talking to Ross Payton of Role Playing Public Radio
41:49◇ Mailbag 1
50:44◇ Mailbag 2 – From the Archive
76:16◇ Episode Closing
108:49◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com or post in our Discord server to send in your own topic o...
Duration: 01:51:45HJRP S36E07 | Mid Campaign Safety Tools, Non-AI GM Resources, Playing Gods
Oct 26, 2025◇ NOTE: This podcast is intended for adults and includes conversations about sensitive topics. Please listen with care. ◇ Steve in SoCal asks about reassessing safety tools mid campaign, Gregory from Wisconsin asks about non-AI resources for GMs, & from the Archive 2020 Ben from Texas talks about GMs playing gods | Hosts: Kimi, Pooja & Rose ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
02:01◇ Announcements
04:04◇ Indie Designer of the Month: Kodi Gonzaga https://jaztice.itch.io/
06:00◇ Mailbag 1
38:04◇ Mailbag 2
57:06◇ Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
76:08◇ Episode Closing
80:36◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com or post in our Discord server to s...
Duration: 01:23:00HJRP S36E06 | Creating PC Importance, APs vs. Home Games, & Play by Post
Oct 26, 2025◇ Curt from Alaska asks how to create a sense of importance with low-level PCs, Mike from New York State asks about playing in Actual Plays vs. Home games, & from the Archive 2019: uncommonman from Sweden asks about Play by post games | Hosts: Kimi, Dave, Vixie & Joey ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
02:46◇ Announcements
03:57◇ Indie Designer of the Month: Kodi Gonzaga https://jaztice.itch.io/
07:04◇ Mailbag 1
27:26◇ Mailbag 2
62:47◇ Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
80:10◇ Episode Closing
86:44◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com or post in our Discord server to send in your own topic or que...
Duration: 01:29:06HJRP S36E05 | Weird Player Problems, Cool Game Idea, & NPC Crowd Control
Oct 05, 2025◇ Thomas from Denmark asks about being inclusive for weird problems that really try a group’s patience, Charger 347 shares some cool games ideas, From the Archive 2019: Steffi from Scotland wants advice on NPC crowd control | Hosts: Kimi & Jason ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
01:59◇ Announcements
4:22◇ Indie Designer of the Month: Black Armada Games https://blackarmada.com/
6:24◇ Mailbag 1
34:40◇ Mailbag 2
43:01◇ Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
59:06◇ Episode Closing
62:03◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com or post in our Discord server to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us...
Duration: 01:06:11HJRP S36E04 | Getting a Great PBTA Experience, Favorite NPCs, & Fun Kid Stories
Sep 28, 2025◇ Robin asks how to get the most out of a PBTA game, Kurt wants to know about our favorite NPCs, From the Archive 2021: Leatherneck shares some fun kid stories | Hosts: Kimi, Adam & Pooja ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
01:56◇ Announcements
2:56◇ Indie Designer of the Month: Black Armada Games https://blackarmada.com/
4:12◇ Mailbag 1
43:37◇ Mailbag 2
64:33◇ Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
76:20◇ Episode Closing
80:01◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com or post in our Discord server to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ T...
Duration: 01:23:45HJRP S36E03 | Ethical AI Use, Appropriation vs. Appreciation, & a Dream Campaign Idea
Sep 28, 2025◇ Thomas in Denmark asks about ethically using AI as a GM, Eric from New Jersey asks for advice on how to tell appropriation from appreciation at the RPG table, From the Archive 2018: Terry in Idaho talks about his dream campaign idea | Hosts: Kimi & Pooja ◇
00:33◇ Welcome, Episode Summary & Announcements
2:07◇ Indie Designer of the Month: Black Armada Games https://blackarmada.com/
10:01◇ Mailbag 1
36:08◇ Mailbag 2
63:25◇ Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
84:26◇ Episode Closing
87:19◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com or post in our Discord server to send in your own topic or question for...
Duration: 01:29:22HJRP S36E02 | Hot Takes on Savage Worlds, Weak Heroes Rule, & Shadowrun Success
Sep 11, 2025◇ Eric from New Jersey wants a word with Jason, Steve in SoCal asks about weaker heroes being the best, From the Archive 2018: Jen from Atlanta shares her Shadow Run success story | Hosts: Jason, Adam, & Riley ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
2:07◇ Announcements
2:09◇ Indie Designer of the Month: Black Armada Games https://blackarmada.com/
26:38◇ Mailbag 1
40:43◇ Mailbag 2
75:23◇ Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
95:36◇ Episode Closing
96:18◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook...
Duration: 01:38:13HJRP S36E01 | Live from Gateway 2025!
Sep 11, 2025◇ Live from Gateway 2025 at the Hilton LAX in Los Angeles! A great panel show with members of our audience and stories from lots of different con games. Since it is a live event, the audio quality is not the same as our normal episodes recorded in our studio. ◇
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co
◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time.
◇ Become a Patre...
Duration: 01:08:21HJRP S35E25 | Horizons Fellowship, Fantasy Dinosaurs, & Stat Array Drama
Jul 28, 2025◇ Julien, Horizons Fellowship, Toby from the Discord asks for ideas of a fantasy world centered around dinosaurs, & From the Archive 2019: Mogens in Denmark asks about player agency with stat arrays | Hosts: Kimi, with guests Joshua Fox and Becky Annison ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
01:24◇ Announcements
02:42◇ Julien & the GAMA Horizons Fellowship
38:24◇ Mailbag 1
54:19◇ Mailbag 2 – From the Archive
76:19◇ Episode Closing
78:12◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your...
Duration: 01:20:09HJRP S35E24 | Black Armada Games, Solo Games, & 7th Sea Plot Question
Jul 28, 2025◇ Black Armada Games and their design work, Paul asks about solo games, From the Archive 2018: Scott asks how to make 7th Sea fun for his stepdaughter | Hosts: Kimi, with guests Joshua Fox and Becky Annison ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
01:18◇ Announcements
02:48◇ Black Armada Games
56:28◇ Mailbag 1
76:07◇ Mailbag 2 – From the Archive
101:50◇ Episode Closing
104:22◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! ha...
Duration: 01:47:30HJRP S35E23 | Large Gaming Groups, Mechanics vs. Fun, Wish Struggles
Jul 19, 2025◇ M asks what to do with a large group of gamers, Steve in SoCal is worried about mechanics getting in the way of fun, From the Archive 2021: Adam from Utah is struggling with Wishes | Hosts: Kimi, Jason, & Vixie ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
01:24◇ Announcements
04:56◇ Indie Designer of the Month – Next designer is in September!
06:03◇ Mailbag 1
27:45◇ Mailbag 2
57:09◇ Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
93:21◇ Episode Closing
97:24◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇...
Duration: 01:39:41HJRP S35E22 | System vs. Story, An Origin Story, Keeping Engaged in Combat
Jul 15, 2025◇ Ed from FL asks if we pick a system or story first, Eric from New Jersey shares an origin story, From the Archive 2019: zombieHeart wants to know how to keep players engaged in combat | Hosts: Kimi, Chris & Pooja ◇
00:33◇ Welcome & Episode Summary
01:30◇ Announcements
03:50◇ Indie Designer of the Month – Jay Dragon (she/none) from Possum Creek Games – http://possumcreekgames.itch.io
05:30◇ Mailbag 1
35:17◇ Mailbag 2
51:02◇ Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
65:59◇ Episode Closing
68:02◇ Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us o...
Duration: 01:10:53HJRP S35E21 | Setting up a Big Bad, Safety Tools, & Plot Hooks
Jul 08, 2025◇ Steven from Serbia asks advice for setting up a Big Bad, Davi shares thoughts on safety tools, From the Archive 2018: GaztheDm from the Netherlands is looking for plot hooks | Hosts: Kimi, Adam, & Vixie ◇
00:33Welcome & Episode Summary
01:14Announcements
04:35Indie Designer of the Month – Jay Dragon (she/none) from Possum Creek Games – http://possumcreekgames.itch.io
07:24Mailbag 1
38:01Mailbag 2
66:12Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
90:47Episode Closing
96:11Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇...
Duration: 01:38:47HJRP S35E20 | GMing for Jocks, Keeping the GM Spark, & Magic Systems
Jun 28, 2025◇ Sean from NJ asks how to GM a game for adult jocks who haven’t played TTRPGS before, Jeff in Tennessee shares how he kept the GMing “spark”, From the Archive 2021: Gurg Murg talks GURPS and asks what we like in a magic system | Hosts: Kimi, Adam, & Vixie ◇
00:33Welcome & Episode Summary
01:34Announcements
04:32Indie Designer of the Month – Jay Dragon (she/none) from Possum Creek Games – http://possumcreekgames.itch.io
08:31Mailbag 1
26:44Mailbag 2
50:12Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
80:44Episode Closing
85:53Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in you...
Duration: 01:28:45HJRP S35E19 | Resurrecting Old Campaigns, Open Table Style, & a D&D Question
Jun 28, 2025◇ Gurg Murg asks how to resurrect old campaigns, Spattz asks for recommendations for an open table style game, From the Archive 2018: Harold from St. Louis has a D&D question | Hosts: Kimi, Pooja, & Jay ◇
00:33Welcome & Episode Summary
01:13Announcements
02:05Indie Designer of the Month
02:21Mailbag 1
20:16Mailbag 2
45:56Mailbag 3 – From the Archive
57:46Episode Closing
61:33Music
◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on...
Duration: 01:04:58HJRP S35E18 | Why Play TTRPGS?, How to Pace Games, & Unanticipated PVP
Jun 10, 2025◇ Ed from FL asks what is the point of playing ttrpgs?, Robin (from the UK) asks about pacing games, From the Archive 2021: Shawn from just outside Washington, DC asks about unanticipated PVP in their game | Hosts: Kimi & Riley ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:55 – Announcements: Game Daze went great! Keep an eye out for info on JACKERCON, our weekend-long online gaming event this summer! | Patreon is changing the way their RSS feed works, so I’ll be going through and updating the access to the backlog in about two weeks (when school is out) 02:36 – Indie Designer of the Month: JMatthew Orr, Creative Dir... Duration: 01:16:51HJRP S35E17 | Belonging Outside Belonging Advice, An Origin Story, Running Modern Games in Troubled Times
Jun 10, 2025◇ Gurg Murg needs Belonging Outside Belonging advice, Wes from Indianapolis shares his origin story, From the Archive 2021: Alverant asks how to run a modern game that isn’t too triggering | Hosts: Kimi, Artem, Adam, Sam ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:26 – Announcements: Game Daze is going to be May 24th! It’s fun, safe and free! The last one had 9 different games in one day! Sign up to run or play at happyjacks.org/discord | GamEx is coming up memorial day weekend (May 23-26) at the LAX Hilton. We will be doing our live show from there Saturday night! | 02:26 – Indie Designer of the Month... Duration: 01:32:03HJRP S35E16 | Game Daze Story, What Systems need Upgrades, & 10yo Murder Hobo
May 17, 2025◇ Robin from the UK shares their Game Daze experience, Carlos from Detroit asks what systems need an upgrade, From the Archive 2019: Mcwyrm asks for help with a 10yo murder hobo | Hosts: Kimi & Vyrrk ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:55 – Announcements: Game Daze is going to be May 24th! It’s fun, safe and free! The last one had 9 different games in one day! Sign up to run or play at happyjacks.org/discord | GamEx is coming up memorial day weekend (May 23-26) at the LAX Hilton. We will be doing our live show from there Saturday night! | 02:49 – Indie Designer of the Month: JMatt... Duration: 01:35:30HJRP S35E15 | BGE & TTRPG Retailers, Mike’s Origin Story, & PCs that are Too Good
May 17, 2025◇ BGE & the Retailer perspective, Mike from New York shares his origin story, From the Archive 2019: Wil from Wisconsin tells the tale of a PC who was too good for their game | Hosts: Kimi, Vixie, & Dustin◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 2:06 – Announcements: Game Daze is going to be May 24th! Sign up to run or play at happyjacks.org/discord | GamEx is coming up memorial day weekend (May 23-26) at the LAX Hilton. We will be doing our live show from there Saturday night | 03:04 – Indie Designer of the Month: Matthew Orr, Creative Director at Wet Ink Games. You can find his work on we... Duration: 01:05:36HJRP S35E14 | Games Folk vs Outsider Art, D&D in Postwar Serbia, & GMs Prompting Players
May 05, 2025◇ Wes from Indianapolis replies to the idea that Actual Plays are Art, Steven tells how he found D&D in postwar Serbia, From the Archive 2021: Dirk (RIP) asks about prompting questions from the GM | Hosts: Kimi, Riley, & Pooja ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 02:46 – Announcements: Game Daze is going to be May 24th! It’s fun, safe and free! The last one had 9 different games in one day! Sign up to run or play at happyjacks.org/discord | 03:37 – Indie Designer of the Month: Jess Geyer (she/they) from Wannabe Games. You can find his work on wannabegames.itch.io or DriveThruRPG | 07:30 – Wes from Indiana... Duration: 01:43:46HJRP S35E13 | Tariffs and TTRPGs, X-cards with Multiple Problems, & Disappearing Elves
Apr 30, 2025◇ Tariffs on TTRPGs, Taurelin asks about X cards and multiple problem players, From the Archive 2022: Weaselcreature laments the fate of Stu’s Elves | Hosts: Kimi ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 02:05 – Announcements: Game Daze is going to be May 24th! It’s fun, safe and free! The last one had 9 different games in one day! Sign up to run or play at happyjacks.org/discord | 02:58 – Indie Designer of the Month: Jess Geyer (she/they) from Wannabe Games. You can find his work on wannabegames.itch.io or DriveThruRPG | 04:50 – Tariffs on TTRPGs | 34:17 – Taurelin asks about X cards and multiple problem players | 45:43 – From the Archive 2022: Weas... Duration: 00:58:19HJRP S35E12 | Prep Without a System, A Success Story, & Interesting NPCs
Apr 30, 2025◇ Alverant asks how to prep for a game BEFORE you have the rules, Mike from New York State shares a gaming success story, From the Archive 2018: Chris from NJ asks how non-actor GMs can create interesting NPCs | Hosts: Kimi, Artem, & Moe ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 02:00 – Announcements: Patreon has switched to an official monthly model AND we still have our grandfathered original rate | 03:33 – Indie Designer of the Month: Jess Geyer (she/they) from Wannabe Games. You can find his work on wannabegames.itch.io or DriveThruRPG | 07:47 – Alverant asks how to prep for a game BEFORE you have the rules | 40:46 – Mike from New York... Duration: 01:06:53HJRP S35E11 | People Against RPing, Reply about Stars & Wishes, & Hard-Won GM Lessons
Apr 01, 2025◇ Jörn from Sweden asks why some people are so against playing rpgs, Jolene replies to our conversation on Stars and Wishes, From the Archive 2018: Craig shares some hard-won GMing lessons | Hosts: Kimi, Pooja, CADave, & Clara ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 2:36 – Announcements: Patreon has switched to an official monthly model AND we still have our grandfathered original rate | 04:27 – Indie Designer of the Month: Jean Luc Lariviere-Lacombe You can find his work on thedungeonskey.com or DriveThruRPG | 07:45 – Jörn from Sweden asks why some people are so against playing rpgs | 39:54 – Jolene replies to our conversation on Stars and Wishes | 01:22:48 – From the Archive 2018: Crai... Duration: 01:53:06HJRP S35E10 | Rediscovering the GMing Spark, Toxic LARP Mistakes, & Con Horror Story
Mar 31, 2025◇ Aaron has wants that spark back in his GMing relationship, LivetTea asks if they screwed up during a LARP, From the Archive 2018: Alverant shares a Convention Horror story | Hosts: Kimi, Eli & Vixie ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:32 – Announcements: The next Game Daze is March 29th! It’s free and everyone is welcome to join us at happyjacks.org/discord. 3:26 – Indie Designer of the Month: Jean Luc Lariviere-Lacombe You can find his work on thedungeonskey.com or DriveThruRPG | 6:25 – Aaron has wants that spark back in his GMing relationship | 27:24 – LivetTea asks if they screwed up during a LARP | 48:30 – From the Archive 2018: Alverant shares a Conventio... Duration: 01:12:38HJRP S35E09 | Groups with no GM, Learning an IP FAST, & Calling Out our Pro-PBTA Bias
Mar 28, 2025◇ Rick asks about gaming groups without anyone to GM, Eric from New Jersey asks how to learn an IP world fast, From the Archive 2019: Falco from Germany calls out our pro-PBTA anti-dnd content | Hosts: Kimi & Riley ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:16 – Announcements: The next Game Daze is March 29th! It’s free and everyone is welcome to join us at happyjacks.org/discord. 01:57 – Indie Designer of the Month: Jean Luc Lariviere-Lacombe You can find his work on thedungeonskey.com or DriveThruRPG | 04:28 – Rick asks about gaming groups without anyone to GM | 26:32 – Eric from New Jersey asks how to learn an IP world fast | 50... Duration: 01:19:59HJRP S35E08 | Horror Game Reply, Preferring Online Games, & Religions in Games
Mar 28, 2025◇ Graf has a reply to our discussion of horror games, Mike from New York State shares why he prefers online play, From the Archive 2018: Ed from Minnesota, now in Florida, wants to talk about religions in games | Hosts: Kimi, Rose, Vyrrk, & Clara ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:31 – Announcements: The next Game Daze is March 29th! It’s free and everyone is welcome to join us at happyjacks.org/discord. 02:41 – Indie Designer of the Month: Jean Luc Lariviere-Lacombe You can find his work on thedungeonskey.com or DriveThruRPG | 05:52 – Graf has a reply to our discussion of horror games | 32:59 – Mike from New York State share... Duration: 01:45:28HJRP S35E07 | GAMA Expo, Vampire Tea, & Worldbuilding with Depth
Mar 27, 2025◇ Kimi talks GAMA and industry events, Steffi pours A LOT of Vampire tea, From the Archive 2019: Joe from the Inland Empire asks about making a world with depth | Hosts: Kimi, Riley, & Adam ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:39 – Announcements: The next Game Daze is March 29th! It’s free and everyone is welcome to join us at happyjacks.org/discord. 2:31 – Indie Designer of the Month: Jean Luc Lariviere-Lacombe You can find his work on thedungeonskey.com or DriveThruRPG | 5:54 – Kimi talks GAMA and industry events | 19:30 – Steffi pours A LOT of Vampire tea | 59:39 – From the Archive 2019: Joe from the Inland Empire asks about making a world wit... Duration: 01:20:38HJRP S35E06 | Live from OrcCon 2025!
Mar 02, 2025◇ Live from Gateway 2024 at the Hilton LAX in Los Angeles! A great panel show with members of our audience and stories from lots of different con games. Since it is a live event, the audio quality is not the same as our normal episodes recorded in our studio. ◇
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co
◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time.
◇ Become a Patre...
Duration: 01:28:19HJRP S35E05 | Intrigue in RPGs, Favorite Systems, & Running Accessible Games for Kids
Mar 02, 2025◇ Clara (yes, that Clara) asks about intrigue and conspiracy in TTRPGs, Eric from New Jersey responds to the call for favorite systems, From the Archive 2019: Al asks for advice for running games for kids with intellectual disabilities | Hosts: Jason, & Pooja ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:49 – We will be at OrcCon 2025 at the LAX Hilton Feb 14-17th, streaming live on Saturday night! We will also be at GAMA Expo the weekend after that. 1:49 – Indie Designer of the Month: Sam Dunnewold (he/him.) You can find his work on sdunnewold.itch.io or diceexploder.com. 3:43 – Clara (yes, that Clara) asks about intrigue and... Duration: 01:06:40HJRP S35E04 | Returning after 20 Years, Writer’s Block, & Systems for Non-Gamers
Mar 02, 2025◇ Spattz from Earth asks for advice for a GM returning to gaming after 20 years, Eric from New Jersey is struggling with writer’s block, From the Archive 2018: Jen asks what system to run for a pair of non-gamers | Hosts: Kimi, CADave, & Sam Dunnewold ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:26 – We will be at OrcCon 2025 at the LAX Hilton Feb 14-17th, streaming live on Saturday night! We will also be at GAMA Expo the weekend after that. 2:46 – Indie Designer of the Month: Sam Dunnewold (he/him.) You can find his work on sdunnewold.itch.io or diceexploder.com. 22:22 – Spattz from Earth asks for advic... Duration: 01:26:15HJRP S35E03 | Player Rewards, Mixing Communities, & Choosing to Fail Rolls
Feb 06, 2025◇ Wes from Indianapolis asks about player rewards, Alverant talks about when communities don’t mix well, From the Archive 2020: Corbin Twa asks if players should be allowed to choose failure on rolls | Hosts: Kimi, Riley, & Chris ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 2:51 – We will be at OrcCon 2025 at the LAX Hilton Feb 14-17th, streaming live on Saturday night! We will also be at GAMA Expo the weekend after that. 6:08 – Indie Designer of the Month: Sam Dunnewold (he/him.) You can find his work on sdunnewold.itch.io or diceexploder.com. 21:50 – Wes from Indianapolis asks about player rewards | 45:21 – Alverant talks about when communities... Duration: 01:17:53HJRP S35E02 | Playstyle Problems, TTRPGs as Art, D&D as a 2-player game
Feb 01, 2025◇ Niklas from Stockholm shares thoughts on 4 different playstyles, Carlos from Detroit asks about ttrpgs and APs as folk art, From the Archive 2017: Drayle88 claims that D&D can be a two-player game | Hosts: Kimi, Jason, Joey, Clara & Dave ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:41 – We will be at OrcCon 2025 at the LAX Hilton Feb 14-17th, streaming live on Saturday night! We will also be at GAMA Expo the weekend after that. 3:04 – Indie Designer of the Month: Coming in Feb! 3:13 – Niklas from Stockholm shares thoughts on 4 different playstyles | 26:58 – Carlos from Detroit asks about ttrpgs and APs as folk art | 57:30 – From the Archive 2017: Dr... Duration: 01:28:22HJRP S35E01 | Disappointed in D&D Beyond, New Teen GMs, & a Confession
Feb 01, 2025◇ Steven in Nashville is disappointed with D&D Beyond’s offerings, Eric from Alabama wants advice for a new teenage GM, From the Archive 2017: Dave from NY shares a confession | Hosts: Kimi & Artem ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:53 – We will be at OrcCon 2025 at the LAX Hilton Feb 14-17th, streaming live on Saturday night! We will also be at GAMA Expo the weekend after that. 3:30 – Indie Designer of the Month: Coming in Feb! 3:54 – Steven in Nashville is disappointed with D&D Beyond’s offerings | 17:36 – Eric from Alabama wants advice for a new teenage GM | 43:53 – From the Archive 2017: Dave from NY shares a confessi... Duration: 01:06:40HJRP S34E25 | Selling 40k Settings, Recycling Prep, & A GM Success Story
Jan 04, 2025◇ Tanner talks 40K and pipedreams, Doogler asks about recycling prep, From the Archive 2018: Issac shares a GMing success story | Hosts: Kimi, Vixie, & Felix Issacs ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 2:40 – The end of season 34 is coming up! We will take a two week break after episode 25 and then be back with season 35! Game Daze will be happening January 11th, 2025! 4:29 – Indie Designer of the Month: Megan Dawson Jaffe of Nerdy City Games nerdycity.com 7:12 – Tanner talks 40K and pipedreams | 32:00 – Doogler asks about recycling prep | 54:34 – From the Archive 2018: Issac shares a GMing success story | 01:02:00 – Episode Closing | 01:06:41 – Music |◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic...
Duration: 01:08:40HJRP S34E24 | Return to Gaming, Success Story, & Resolution Mechanics
Jan 04, 2025◇ Eric in Canada is getting back in the TTRPG hobby, Mike from New York shares a success story, From the Archive 2017: Juho from Finland wants to talk about resolution mechanics | Hosts: Kimi, CADave & Artem ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:40 – The end of season 34 is coming up! Game Daze will be happening January 11th, 2025! 3:08 – Indie Designer of the Month: Megan Dawson Jaffe of Nerdy City Games nerdycity.com | 4:40 – Eric in Canada is getting back in the TTRPG hobby | 31:51 – Mike from New York shares a success story | 42:26 – From the Archive 2017: Juho from Finland wants to talk about resolution mechanics | 56:19 – Episode Closing | 01:03:07 – Music |◇ Email happyjacks...
Duration: 01:06:03HJRP S34E23 | Felix Issacs on Game Design, Getting Info from Players, & Visual Aids
Dec 23, 2024◇ We talk with Felix Issacs, creator of the WildSea and Pico, Carlos from Detroit asks about our favorite ways to source info from players, From the Archive 2018: Sam from Lakewood wants ideas about how to use visual aids during game sessions | Hosts: Kimi, Vixie, & Felix Issacs ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:39 – The end of season 34 is coming up! We will take a two week break after episode 25 and then be back with season 35! Game Daze will be happening January 11th, 2025! 3:08 – Indie Designer of the Month: Megan Dawson Jaffe of Nerdy City Games nerdycity.com 6:15 – We talk with Felix Issacs, creator of the WildS... Duration: 01:28:23HJRP S34E22 | Players Learning Rules, Mike gives Advice, & A Horror Story of Red Flags
Dec 14, 2024◇ Susan in Oakland asks how to get her play groups to learn the rules, Mike from Ithica, NY responds with some advice, From the Archive 2020: Kosta from Adelaide shares a horror story full of red flags | Hosts: Kimi, Jason, Artem & Riley ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 2:55 – Game Daze will be happening January 11th, 2025! 3:37 – Indie Designer of the Month: Megan Dawson Jaffe of Nerdy City Games nerdycity.com 5:30 – Susan in Oakland asks how to get her play groups to learn the rules | 30:36 – Mike from Ithica, NY responds with some advice | 54:01 – From the Archive 2020: Kosta from Adelaide shares a horror story full of red flags | 0... Duration: 01:38:06HJRP S34E21 | OSR to Narrative Systems, PBTA Starting Point, & Pandemics in Games
Dec 09, 2024◇ Steve from Cambridge asks about moving OSR games to narrative systems, Peter asks what PBTA system is the best starting point for a group, From the Archive 2020: Andrew asks about how to handle pandemics in his campaign | Hosts: Kimi, Jason, Vyrrk ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:17 – Game Daze will be happening January 11th, 2025! 1:27 – Indie Designer of the Month: Megan Dawson Jaffe of Nerdy City Games nerdycity.com 10:20 – Steve from Cambridge asks about moving OSR games to narrative systems| 51:30 – Peter asks what PBTA system is the best starting point for a group | 1:13:21 – From the Archive 2020: Andrew asks about how to handle pandemics in his... Duration: 01:39:37HJRP S34E20 | Two-Player RPGs, Dice Love, & Space Combat isn’t Boring
Nov 24, 2024◇ Wil from Oregon asks about 2-player RPGS, Charger347 wants to talk about dice, Sam from Lakewood claims that space combat isn’t always boring.| Hosts: Kimi, Joey, Vixie ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:41 – Announcements: Our new DIE actual play is in full swing at 10am Pacific time on Fridays! We have another AP about tiny mice starting up near the end of the month! We will be taking US Thanksgiving week off. No show Sunday the 24th. 3:00 – Indie Designer of the Month: Chris Sellers (they/them) of Hectic Election Games find their work at https://hecticelectron.com 5:39 – Wil from Oregon asks about 2-p... Duration: 01:11:48HJRP S34E19 | Freeform Epic Endings, Trapping Players, & RIFTS for Kids?
Nov 17, 2024◇ Steffi in Scotland asks about epic campaign endings with freeform play, Sean from New Jersey asks how to trap players without railroading them, From the Archive 2018: Chris asks if RIFTS will keep his 9yo kid interested | Hosts: Kimi, Jason, Eli, & Chris Sellers ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:55 – Announcements: Our new DIE actual play is in full swing at 10am Pacific time on Fridays! We have another AP about tiny mice starting up near the end of the month! We will be taking US Thanksgiving week off. No show Sunday the 24th. 3:36 – Indie Designer of the Month: Chris Sellers (they/them) of Hectic E... Duration: 01:32:00HJRP S34E18 | Gaming with Strangers, GM Horror Story, & Red Herrings
Nov 11, 2024◇ Wes in Indianapolis asks about forming gaming groups with strangers, OdysseusTries shares a GM Horror story, From the Archive 2020: Steve in SoCal asks about Red Herrings | Hosts: Kimi & Riley ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 2:44 – Game Daze was yesterday! It was a quiet one, but the games were great and everyone had fun. The next one will be in January! 03:51 – Indie Designer of the Month: Chris Sellers (they/them) of Hectic Election Games find their work at https://hecticelectron.com 05:23 – Wes in Indianapolis asks about forming gaming groups with strangers | 24:24 – OdysseusTries shares a GM Failure story | 41:39 – From the Archive 2020: Steve in SoCal asks about... Duration: 01:02:07HJRP S34E17 | Publishing Ideas, Actual Play Performance, & a GMing Story
Nov 11, 2024◇ Jeff asks about publishing his ideas, Vyrrk from DC asks if APs are performances, From the Archive 2018: Ed from Minnesota and a story of plate tectonics | Hosts: Kimi, Jason, & Noir ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 02:39 – Announcements: Game Daze is happening November 2nd! Visit the Happy Jacks discord to sign up to run or play games! 03:51 – Indie Designer of the Month: Audrey Stolze aka Lady Tabletop (she/they) find her work at https://ladytabletop.itch.io/ and https://www.hopepunkpress.com/ | 05:25 – Jeff asks about publishing his ideas | 27:23 – Vyrrk from DC asks if APs are performances | 56:58 – From the Archive 2018: Ed from Minnesota and a story of plat... Duration: 01:15:49HJRP S34E16 | Character Goals, Importance of Session 0, & a D&D Story
Oct 27, 2024◇ Wes from Indianapolis asks how GMs can facilitate creative character goals?, Eric from New Jersey shares why session 0 is important, & From the Archive 2018: Gord from Canada shares a D&D Story | Hosts: CADave, Vyrrk, & Emily ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 03:23 – Announcements: Game Daze is happening November 2nd! Visit the Happy Jacks discord to sign up to run or play games! We need emails! We have received ONE email in the last month. Our supplies are running dry! You can email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com or you can post in the #mail-bag channel in the discord. We love getting questions, comments, success or failu... Duration: 01:05:55HJRP S34E15 | Language in Games, Short-Circuiting Adventures, & Rolls in D&D
Oct 27, 2024◇ Kerem from Turkey asks about language-independent games, Always Nevers asks about players short-circuiting an adventure, & From the Archive 2020: Juho from Finland wants to know if D&D really has to require so many rolls | Hosts: Pooja, Riley, & Sam ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:00 – Announcements: We have some Spooky one-shots coming up! Tune in Saturday October 12th for an Under the Autumn Strangely one-shot run by creator Graham Gentz, and Sunday October 13th for Asking For A (Dead) Friend run by Artem. Game Daze is happening in November! Visit the Happy Jacks discord to vote on the day! happyjacks.org/discord | 03:59 – Indie Desi... Duration: 01:09:17HJRP S34E14 | Prep is/is not Death?, Complimenting a GM, & a Funny GMing Story
Oct 06, 2024◇ Carlos from Detroit defends game prep, Eric from New Jersey asks how to compliment their GM, From the Archive 2018: David from Tampa shares a funny GMing Story | Hosts: Kimi, Graham, Rose, & Artem ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:00 – Announcements: Game Daze was yesterday and went great! Vyrrk will be stepping up to organize the next one in November. Join the Discord to vote on the date! https://happyjacks.org//discord | 02:23 – Indie Designer of the Month: Steve Dee he/him from Tinstar Games find him https://tinstargames.itch.io/ or tinstargames.com | 08:00 – Carlos from Detroit defends game prep | 30:13 – Eric from New Jersey asks how to co... Duration: 01:14:46HJRP S34E13 | Imbalance in Supers Games, A Success Story, & Flashbacks and Flashforwards in Games
Oct 06, 2024◇ Steve from Cambridge asks about GMing pace, Eric from New Jersey sends his thanks, & From the Archive 2019: ryan4flan struggles with players rolling their flaws in D&D | Hosts: Kimi, Pooja, & Vixie ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:17 – Announcements: Our next Game Daze will be September 28! Join the discord at happyjacks.org/discord to run or play games! Thanks to our Patreons we are in the middle of some great studio updates! YAY! | 4:00 – Indie Designer of the Month: Steve Dee he/him from Tinstar Games find him https://tinstargames.itch.io/ or tinstargames.com | 07:49 – Jolene wants to talk power imbalance in Supers games... Duration: 01:32:42HJRP S34E12 | GMing Pace, a Heavy Thanks, & Rolling Flaws in D&D
Sep 13, 2024◇ Steve from Cambridge asks about GMing pace, Eric from New Jersey sends his thanks, & From the Archive 2019: ryan4flan struggles with players rolling their flaws in D&D | Hosts: Kimi, Riley, Jason & Artem ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:17 – Announcements: Our next Game Daze will be September 28! Join the discord at happyjacks.org/discord to vote on the day and to run or play games! Patreon Fees have changed. We are looking into options that will help us keep the lights on and the mini fridge full but be fair to our amazing supporters. Stay tuned. And we’ve started a round of st... Duration: 01:21:26HJRP S34E11 | Live from Gateway 2024!
Sep 13, 2024◇ Live from Gateway 2024 at the Hilton LAX in Los Angeles! A great panel show with members of our audience and stories from lots of different con games. Since it is a live event, the audio quality is not the same as our normal episodes recorded in our studio. ◇
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co
◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time.
◇ Become a Patre...
Duration: 01:32:38HJRP S34E10 | Rules Question for Pooja, LitRPGs, & D&D for a Single Player
Sep 13, 2024◇ Eric from New Jersey has a rules question for Pooja, Fray from California asks if we’ve heard of LitRPGs, From the Archive 2015: Josh asks how to run D&D for a single player | Hosts: Kimi, Pooja, Clara, & Artem ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:31 – Our next Game Daze will be September 28! Join the discord at happyjacks.org/discord to run or play games! 2:17 – Indie Designer of the Month: Jacqueline “Jax” Bryk (she/they/fae) find her games at linktr.ee/rufflejax | 05:45 – Eric from New Jersey has a rules question for Pooja | 33:47 – Fray from California asks if we’ve heard of LitRPGs | 01:04:38 – F... Duration: 01:22:50HJRP S34E09 | Player Details, Armor Mechanics, & Face Characters in D&D
Aug 25, 2024◇ Forlornhope22 wants to know about players adding details to a scene, Mike from Michigan asks about how armor should work, From the Archive 2019: Kurt Potts talks about face characters in D&D | Hosts: Kimi, Kurt, and Riley ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:31 – Our next Game Daze will be in September! Join the discord at happyjacks.org/discord to vote on the day and to run or play games! 2:17 – Indie Designer of the Month: Jacqueline “Jax” Bryk (she/they/fae) find her games at linktr.ee/rufflejax | 09:21 – Forlornhope22 wants to know about players adding details to a scene | 34:00 – Mike from Michigan asks about how arm... Duration: 01:31:35HJRP S34E08 | GenCon, Toxic Gaming Groups, & TTRPGs in the Classroom
Aug 25, 2024◇ We talk about GenCon, Alverant asks about how you should feel about your gaming group, Thomas from Denmark asks about RPGs in the classroom | Hosts: Kimi & Vixie ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:31 – Announcements: Our next Game Daze will be in September! Join the discord at happyjacks.org/discord to vote on the day and to run or play games! – Indie Designer of the Month: Jacqueline “Jax” Bryk (she/they/fae) find her games at linktr.ee/rufflejax | 5:36 – GENCON | 37:26 – Alverant asks about how you should feel about your gaming group | 54:17 – Thomas from Denmark asks about RPGs in the classroom | 01:16:13 – Episode Closing | 01:08:10 – Song: “Those Who Fight F... Duration: 01:22:32HJRP S34E07 | Dealing with PC Death, Con Update, Finding a Group
Aug 11, 2024◇ From the Archive 2019: | Hosts: Jason, Kurt, Courtney, and Colin ◇
00:34 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:31 – Our next Game Daze will be in September! Join the discord at happyjacks.org/discord to vote on the day and to run or play games! 2:17 – Indie Designer of the Month: Jacqueline “Jax” Bryk (she/they/fae) find her games at linktr.ee/rufflejax | 5:29 – Dale in Denver wants to know how to handle a PC’s death | 36:53 – Eric from New Jersey has a Con update | 44:14 – From the Archive 2018: Marcus from Brazil wants to know how to find a VtM group | 01:02:25 – Episode Closing | 01:08:10 – Song: “Schrodinger’s Ale” by Sportive Tricks (https://www... Duration: 01:10:49HJRP S34E06 | Vibes vs. Mechanics, Cursed Magical Objects, D&D Classes
Aug 11, 2024◇ Bill from Canada asks about game vibes vs mechanics, Charger 347 shares about Cursed Magical Objects, From the Archive 2019: Midas from Adelaide talks about D&D classes | Hosts: Kimi, Jason, Pooja & Chris ◇
00:34 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:10 – Starscape is Kickstarting NOW! Go to goldenlassogames.com/kickstarter to support it! Kimi will be at GenCon! Say hello! 5:35 – Indie Designer of the Month: Graham Gentz (he/they) and his games are on grahamgentz.itch.io | 7:07 – Bill from Canada asks about game vibes vs mechanics | 29:49 – Charger 347 shares about Cursed Magical Objects | 43:42 – From the Archive 2019: Midas from Adelaide talks about D&D classes | 01:12:21 – Episode Closing | 01:10:55 – Song: “Untitled Bitt... Duration: 01:20:22HJRP S34E05 | Accessibility War at FLGS, Details with No Mechanics, & guest Graham Gentz!
Jul 29, 2024◇ Graham Gentz is here! Alex in the Midwest has an accessibility war happening at his FLGS, From the Archive 2015: Kirby from Winnipeg deals with players too focused on the small details in a game without mechanics for them | Hosts: Kimi, Jay & Graham Gentz ◇
00:34 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:10 – Starscape is Kickstarting NOW! Go to goldenlassogames.com/kickstarter to support it! Kimi will be at GenCon! Say hello! 3:10 – Indie Designer of the Month: Graham Gentz (he/they) and his games are on grahamgentz.itch.io | 8:37 – Indie Designer of the month Graham Gentz is in studio! | 41:37 – Alex in the Midwest has an accessibility... Duration: 01:22:50HJRP S34E04 | Separating Authors and their Work, Anti-horror Story, & Co-GMing
Jul 27, 2024◇ Carlos from Detroit asks about separating authors from their work, Ken from Canada shares and anti-horror story, From the Archive: JP asks about co-GMing | Hosts: Kimi, Pooja & Artem ◇
00:34 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:10 – JackerCon was an amazing success! Our next community gaming event will be Game Daze in September. Starscape is Kickstarting NOW! Go to goldenlassogames.com/kickstarter to support it! 2:28 – Indie Designer of the Month: Graham Gentz (he/they) and his games are on grahamgentz.itch.io | 4:37 – Carlos from Detroit asks about separating authors from their work | 28:20 – Ken from Canada shares and anti-horror story | 52:59 – From the Archive: From the Archive: JP asks... Duration: 01:13:19HJRP S34E03 | Bleed isn’t Bad, TTRPG Collections, & Sci-fi vs. Fantasy
Jul 13, 2024◇ Eric from New Jersey says Bleed doesn’t have to be bad, Ansem from California asks What games make your collection cut?, From the Archive: Sam from Lakewood asks about Scifi vs Fantasy | Hosts: Kimi, & Riley ◇
00:34 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:18 – JACKERCON JULY 12-14th! An epic weekend of online gaming and a long tradition for the happy jacks community. Starscape is Kickstarting July 9th! Go to goldenlassogames.com/kickstarter to follow the page and be notified when our campaign goes live! 2:28 – Indie Designer of the Month: Graham Gentz (he/they) and his games are on grahamgentz.itch.io | 5:10 – Eric from New Jerse... Duration: 01:16:14HJRP S34E02 | Girl Gamers getting Unwanted Attention, A Lady Blackbird Story, & Losing Control in Character
Jul 13, 2024◇ Players trying to void other PC’s abilities, Video games that influenced our play, & from the Archive: Traveller Story Problem | Hosts: Kimi, CADave & Clara ◇
00:34 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:30 – JACKERCON JULY 12-14th! An epic weekend of online gaming and a long tradition for the happy jacks community. Starscape is Kickstarting July 9th! Go to goldenlassogames.com/kickstarter to follow the page and be notified when our campaign goes live! 04:01 – Azuretalon asks for help with teen girl gamer getting unwanted attention | 17:15 – Elly shares a Lady Blackbird story | 48:47 – From the Archive: Taurelin asks if we’ve been so in character we lost control | 01... Duration: 01:24:03HJRP S34E01 | Oops, All Con Men, Video Game Influence, & A Traveller Story Problem
Jul 01, 2024◇ Players trying to void other PC’s abilities, Video games that influenced our play, & from the Archive: Traveller Story Problem | Hosts: Kimi, & Riley ◇
00:34 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 2:18 – JACKERCON JULY 12-14th! An epic weekend of online gaming and a long tradition for the happy jacks community. Starscape is Kickstarting July 9th! Go to goldenlassogames.com/kickstarter to follow the page and be notified when our campaign goes live! 7:20 – Players trying to void other PC’s abilities | 26:35 – Video games that influenced our play | 50:40 – From the Archive: Traveller Story Problem | 01:12:29 – Episode Closing | 01:15:00 – Song: “The Bird Song” by The Merry Wives of Windsor (https://mwow.net... Duration: 01:18:02HJRP S33E25 | Dice Exploder & Game Design, PC Decision Shyness, X-Card Success Story
Jun 15, 2024◇ Topic: Game Design Musings, Emails: Steve from Cambridge asks about PC decision shyness, Mike F. from Ithaca, NY shares an X-Card story | Hosts: Kimi, & Sam Dunnewold ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:30 – Announcements: The next Game Daze was yesterday! It went great! Next up: JACKERCON IN JULY! GamEx at the Hilton LAX is MAY 24-27, we will be doing our live show Saturday night! Jason will be doing a demigods book signing!! 3:40 – Topic: Dice Exploder Podcast & Game Design Musings | 21:08 – Steve from Cambridge asks about PC decision shyness | 37:34 – Mike F. from Ithaca, NY shares an X-Card story | 59:00 – Episode Closing | 01:00:19 – Song: “500 Miles” by The Merry Wives of Win... Duration: 01:04:47HJRP S33E24 | Live from GamEx 2024!
Jun 05, 2024◇ Live from GamEx 2024 at the Hilton LAX in Los Angeles! A great panel show with members of our audience and stories from lots of different con games. Since it is a live event, the audio quality is not the same as our normal episodes recorded in our studio. ◇
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co
◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time.
◇ Become a Patre...
Duration: 01:15:11HJRP S33E23 | Creating Cities, Being a PC Leader, Kids on Brooms Combat
Jun 03, 2024◇ Topic: Creating cities and location flavor by basing them on something real, Emails: Vyrrk from DC asks about Being a PC leader in a campaign, HeavyMetalJess asks about combat in Kids on Brooms | Hosts: Kimi, Jay, Pooja ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:15 – Announcements: The next Game Daze was yesterday! It went great! Next up: JACKERCON IN JULY! GamEx at the Hilton LAX is MAY 24-27, we will be doing our live show Saturday night! Jason will be doing a demigods book signing!!! 3:20 – Indie Designer of the Month: Stephanie Bryant (she/her) and her games are on DrivethruRPG.com | 6:50 – Topic: Creating cities and l... Duration: 01:11:19HJRP S33E22 | First Steps for Making PCs, MOTW with Less Prep, Why Heroes Win
May 22, 2024◇ Topic: What’s the first thing you come up with when you are creating a PC?, Emails: Rose wants to run MOTW with less prep, Byron in Bureaucracy observes why heroes usually win! | Hosts: Jason, Vixie, Enge, Riley ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:15 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be in May (happyjacks.org/discord), GamEx at the Hilton LAX is MAY 24-27, & Kimi’s new game Starscape will be featured in an AP starting May 6th and Kickstarting in June! goldenlassogames.com/kickstarter 2:40 – Indie Designer of the Month: Stephanie Bryant (she/her) and her games are on DrivethruRPG.com | 4:01 – Topic: What’s th... Duration: 01:29:51HJRP S33E21 | Conventions for Risky Games, Unexpected Story Changes, & Fudging Dice
May 16, 2024◇ Topic: Trying risky games at conventions, Emails: Doogler 93 asks about sudden, unexpected changes in game stories, Steffi from Scotland claps back at an email about fudging dice | Hosts: Kimi, Artem, Bill, Alex◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:24 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be in May (happyjacks.org/discord), GamEx at the Hilton LAX is MAY 24-27, & Kimi’s new game Starscape will be featured in an AP starting May 6th and Kickstarting in June! goldenlassogames.com/kickstarter 4:15 – Indie Designer of the Month: Craig Campbell (he/him) of NerdBurger Games (nerdburgergames.com) | 9:06 – Topic sent in by Joleene: Trying uncomfortable or risky game sys... Duration: 02:01:26HJRP S33E20 | Impact of Feedback, Onboarding for Lore-rich Settings, & Conflict Generation
May 06, 2024◇ Topic: What memorable or valuable feedback changed your view of gaming?, Emails: Brian in Milwaukee asks about onboarding new folks to a lore-rich setting, Eric from NJ shares his conflict generation tool | Hosts: Kimi, Cai, Pooja, Jason◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 2:01 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be in May (happyjacks.org/discord), GamEx at the Hilton LAX is MAY 24-27, & Kimi’s new game Starscape will be featured in an AP starting May 6th and Kickstarting in June! goldenlassogames.com/kickstarter 6:28 – Indie Designer of the Month: Craig Campbell (he/him) of NerdBurger Games (nerdburgergames.com) | 8:39 – Topic sent in by Gurg Murg... Duration: 01:29:44HJRP S33E19 | Initiative Debate, Players feeling like Supporting Characters, & a GM Success Story
Apr 25, 2024◇ Topic: Initiative/sequenced actions – worth it or not?, Emails: Old Uncle Fox asks how to avoid always being a supporting character, Wes from Indianapolis shares a GM success story! | Hosts: Kimi, Jay & Craig from Nerdburger Games◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:22 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be in May (happyjacks.org/discord) & Savage Worlds actual play starting April 4th! | 2:28 – Indie Designer of the Month: Craig Campbell (he/him) of NerdBurger Games (nerdburgergames.com) is on the show! | 24:27 – Topic sent in by Jemma on the Discord: Initiative/sequenced actions – worth it or not? | 56:13 – Old Uncle Fox asks how to avoid always being a sup... Duration: 01:41:13HJRP S33E18 | Creative Weapons, Table Secrets, & Con Report
Apr 14, 2024◇ Topic: Mike asks how to make weapons feel unique and varied, Emails: Steffi wants our takes on open table secrets that cause problems, Eric from New Jersey has a Con Report | Hosts: Jason & Enge◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:38 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be in May (happyjacks.org/discord) & Savage Worlds actual play starting April 4th! | 1:38 – Indie Designer of the Month: Craig Campbell (he/him) of NerdBurger Games (nerdburgergames.com)| 2:54 – Topic: Mike asks how to make weapons feel unique and varied | 28:13 – Steffi wants our takes on open table secrets that cause problems | 42:30 – Eric from New Jersey has a Con Report | 52... Duration: 00:56:42HJRP S33E17 | Micro RPGs, Ideas for a Star Wars GM, & PBP Helping Burnout
Apr 05, 2024◇ Topic: Micro RPGs, Emails: Eric from New Jersey made some rash GM choices and needs ideas, | Hosts: Kimi, Clara & Samantha ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:34 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be in May (happyjacks.org/discord) & Savage Worlds actual play starting April 4th! | 2:22 – Indie Designer of the Month: Logan Timmins (he/him) (breathingstories.itch.io)| 4:38 – Topic: Micro RPGs | 19:42 – Eric from New Jersey made some rash GM choices and needs ideas | 33:34 – BeardHare talks about how PBP has helped with TTRPG burnout | 51:15 – Episode Closing | 53:53 – Song: “Rock Lobster” by The Dread Crew of Oddwood (thedreadcrewofoddwood.com) |◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or...
Duration: 00:56:53HJRP S33E16 | Sharing PC Spotlights, PCs that have to be Talked into Everything
Apr 01, 2024◇ Topic: How do you balance the PC spotlight as a GM?, Emails: JDGriz asks when it’s ok for your PC to be the center of attention, Conner from Ireland asks how to deal with the character who needs to be talked into everything | Hosts: Kimi & Enge ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 3:55 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be in May (happyjacks.org/discord) & Savage Worlds actual play starting April 4th! | 6:48 – Indie Designer of the Month: Logan Timmins (he/him) (breathingstories.itch.io)| 15:36 – Topic: How do you balance the PC spotlight as a GM? | 35:45 – JDGriz asks when it’s ok for your PC to be... Duration: 01:24:28HJRP S33E15 | Exploring Yourself through RPGs, Player Responsibility, & Good Player Feedback
Mar 27, 2024◇ Topic: Using TTRPGs to explore parts of yourself, Elly talks about player responsibility for table dynamics, Gurg Murg shares some experience with player feedback | Hosts: Kimi & Emily ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:17 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be in May (happyjacks.org/discord) & Kimi went to GAMA Expo! | 1:41 – Indie Designer of the Month: Logan Timmins (he/him) (breathingstories.itch.io)| 3:43 – Topic: Using TTRPGs to explore parts of yourself | 21:31 – Elly talks about player responsibility for table dynamics | 34:10 – Gurg Murg shares some experience with player feedback | 50:07 – Episode Closing | 52:26 – Song: “This Pub that We Call Home” by The Poxy Boggards (poxyboggards.com) |◇ Email happyjacksrpg...
Duration: 00:55:23HJRP S33E14 | What RPGs Don’t do Well, Truths vs Rumors, & OrcCon Recap
Mar 18, 2024◇ Topic: What is something that TTRPGs don’t do well… yet? Bill from Canada compares rumors to truths, & Josh from Denver gives us an OrcCon recap | Hosts: Kimi, Riley & Clara ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:26 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be in May (happyjacks.org/discord) & Kimi went to GAMA Expo! | 2:03 – Indie Designer of the Month: Logan Timmins (he/him) (breathingstories.itch.io)| 22:02 – Topic: What is something that TTRPGs don’t do well… yet? | 01:04:43 – Bill from Canada compares rumors to truths | 01:24:49 – Josh from Denver gives us an OrcCon recap | 01:34:09 – Episode Closing | 01:35:08 – Song: “The Star of the County Down” by Sportive Tricks (sportivetricks... Duration: 01:37:39HJRP S33E13 | Movie Inspired Games, Players Rejecting the Premise, Big Game Groups, & Yay, Pinnacles!
Mar 09, 2024◇ Topic: Has a movie ever inspired a character or a campaign you made? Jörn from Sweden asks about players who reject the premise, Ken from Canada asks about running games for big groups and shares an update, Mike likes Pinnacles! | Hosts: Jason, Jay, Pooja, & Clara ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:24 – Announcements: We have a Savage Worlds actual play GMed by Enge starting up soon! Our March 2nd Game Daze was a huge hit! We had 9 games in all different systems! The next one will be in May! (happyjacks.org/discord) | 01:43 – Indie Designer of the Month: Logan Timmins (he/him) (breathingst... Duration: 01:33:32HJRP S33E12 | Player Type Changes, AITA?, & Game Stories
Mar 07, 2024◇ Topic: What type of player are you? Does it change based on system or setting? Davi asks “Am I the A-hole?”, and Doogler shares some game stories | Hosts: Kimi, Enge, & Samantha ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:41 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be in March! (happyjacks.org/discord) | 3:07 – Indie Designer of the Month: Anna Landin (she/her)(https://annalandin.itch.io/)| 8:13 – Topic: What type of player are you? Does it change based on system or setting? | 27:33 – Davi asks “Am I the A-hole?” | 39:57 – Doogler shares some game stories | 01:04:45 – Episode Closing | 01:06:05 – Song: “The Force Your Way” by Super MadNES (supermadnes.com) |◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to s...
Duration: 01:10:18HJRP S33E11 | Live from OrcCon 2024!
Feb 27, 2024◇ Live from OrcCon 2024 at the Hilton LAX in Los Angeles! A great panel show with members of our audience and stories from lots of different con games. Since it is a live event, the audio quality is not the same as our normal episodes recorded in our studio. ◇
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co
◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time.
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Duration: 02:22:02HJRP S33E10 | Pros and Cons of Published Adventures, Publishing Adventures for Profit, & Avoid Complicated Magic Items
Feb 15, 2024● Topic: What are the pros and cons of running prewritten adventures? ● Emails: Mike is planning to publish adventures and wonders if there is hope for small publishers? Charger 347 talks about making magic items that aren’t too complicated ● Hosts: Kimi, Pooja, & Alex ●
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary ● 1:41 – Announcements: OrcCon in February 16th-19th! We will be doing a live show on Saturday night. (strategicon.net) | Next Discord Game Daze will be March 2nd! (happyjacks.org/discord) ● 4:40 – Indie Designer of the Month: Anna Landin (annalandin.itch.io) ● 08:48 – Topic: What are the pros and cons of running prewritten adventures?● 44:06 – Mike is planning to publish adventures and wa... Duration: 01:39:25HJRP S33E09 | Messages in Game Design, Handling X-Card Moments, & the Rule of Cool is Bad (?)
Feb 02, 2024◇ Topic: Playing games with societal or political messages embedded in their design, a new GM wants advice on how to handle x-card moments, Steffie from Scotland says the Rule of Cool is bad | Hosts: Kimi, Pooja, & Alex ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:19 – Announcements: OrcCon in February 16th-19th! We will be doing a live show on Saturday night. (strategicon.net) | Next Discord Game Daze will be in March! (happyjacks.org/discord) | 02:43 – Indie Designer of the Month: Chris Gray (sunderedhold.com)| 04:03 – Topic: Playing games with societal or political messages embedded in their design| 1: 24:26 – A new GM wants advice on how to handle x-card m... Duration: 01:32:34HJRP S33E08 | Keeping Game Politics Fun, Gaps between Sessions, & GM Miscalculations
Jan 27, 2024◇ Topic: Keeping in-game politics fun, Steffen from Essen asks for advice on pulling a play group together with big gaps between sessions, Anonymous asks about how to deal with major GM miscalculations during a game | Hosts: Kimi, Clara, Riley, & special guest Aaron from Queens Court Games ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 6:39 – Announcements: OrcCon in February 16th-19th! We will be doing a live show on Saturday night. (strategicon.net) | Next Discord Game Daze will be in March! (happyjacks.org/discord) | 11:30 – Indie Designer of the Month: Chris Gray (sunderedhold.com)| 17:52 – Topic: Keeping in-game politics fun | 01:02:07 – Steffen from Essen asks for advice on pulling a p... Duration: 01:46:09HJRP S33E07 | Falling in love with TTRPGs, New Player Experiences, & Staying Engaged with ADHD
Jan 18, 2024◇ What about TTRPGs made you want to keep playing? , Captain Curt from Alaska asks what a new player should experience in their first session, Rose needs advice about having ADHD and staying engaged at the table | Hosts: Kimi, Clara, Enge, & Courtney ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:37 – Announcements: OrcCon in February 16th-19th! We will be doing a live show on Saturday night. (strategicon.net) | Next Discord Game Daze will be in March! (happyjacks.org/discord) | 4:50 – Indie Designer of the Month: Chris Gray (sunderedhold.com)| 07:49 – Topic: What about your first time playing a ttrpg made you want to do it again? | 33:45 – Captain Curt f... Duration: 01:25:43HJRP S33E06 | Why we GM, Balancing Backstories and Plot, & Keeping track of NPCs
Jan 15, 2024◇ Hosts share why they started GMing, A Juggling GM asks how to balance PC backstories with plot, Thomas from Denmark wants to know how to keep track of all the NPCs in a story | Hosts: CADave, Enge, & Rob ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 2:32 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be Saturday, Jan 13th! happyjacks.org/discord | 5:10 – Indie Designer of the Month: Kurt Potts (kurtpotts.itch.io)| 07:35 – Topic: What made you first want to GM? | 35:20 – A Juggling GM asks how to balance PC backstories with plot | 56:37 – Thomas from Denmark wants to know how to keep track of all the NPCs in a story | 01:12... Duration: 01:20:44HJRP S33E05 | Mechanics for 2024, Campaign Pacing and Plot, & Shy Players
Jan 08, 2024◇ Hosts discuss game mechanics that they’d like to see more of in 2024, Steffen from Essen asks about plot and pacing for a campaign, Steffi from Scotland shares stories of shy and introverted players | Hosts: Kimi, Minerva, & Rose ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:49 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be Saturday, Jan 13th! happyjacks.org/discord | 2:17 – Indie Designer of the Month: Kurt Potts (kurtpotts.itch.io)| 03:50 – Hosts discuss game mechanics that they’d like to see more of in 2024 | 27:49 – Steffen from Essen asks about plot and pacing for a campaign | 55:10 – Steffi from Scotland shares stories of shy and introverted players | 01:12:44 – Episode Closing | 01:1... Duration: 01:18:15HJRP S33E04 | More Memorable 2023 Games, RPG Programs, & Allowing Wild Ideas
Dec 31, 2023◇ Hosts discuss memorable games from 2023, Spilmeister Thomas from Denmark shares how they successfully made an RPG program, Vyrrk from DC asks how ridiculous of an idea we will allow in a game | Hosts: Nick, Rose & Jason ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:18 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be Saturday, Jan 13th! happyjacks.org/discord | 1:51 – Indie Designer of the Month: Kurt Potts (kurtpotts.itch.io)| 04:26 – Hosts discuss their favorite games of 2023 | 38:00 – Spilmeister Thomas from Denmark shares how they successfully made an RPG program | 01:07:59 – Vyrrk from DC asks how ridiculous of an idea we will allow in a game | 01:31:41 – Episode Closing | 01:33:22 – Song: “The Child is This!” by... Duration: 01:35:31HJRP S33E03 | Memorable 2023 Games, Historical Misogyny and Women Players, & Turning off “GM Brain”
Dec 22, 2023◇ Hosts discuss memorable games from 2023, Ken from Canada asks how to handle in-game misogyny with women at the table, Kurt (Not Potts) wants advice on turning off “GM Brain” as a player | Hosts: Kimi, CADave, Moe, & Kurt Potts ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:18 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be Saturday, Jan 13th! happyjacks.org/discord | 2:48 – Indie Designer of the Month: Kurt Potts (kurtpotts.itch.io)| 22:54 – Hosts discuss memorable games from 2023 57:32 – Ken from Canada asks how to handle in-game misogyny with women at the table | 1:27:45 – Kurt (Not Potts) wants advice on turning off “GM Brain” as a player | 01:37:34 – Episode Closing | 01:39:26 – Song: “Gloucestershire Wassa... Duration: 01:42:36HJRP S33E02 | Holidays in Games, Troupe-Style GMing Update, & Rolling Stats
Dec 15, 2023◇ Thomas from Denmark wants to hear about festivals and holidays in game worlds, Jeff replies to our comments on his troupe-style game, New emailer Tony asks about random character stats in games | Hosts: Kimi, Samantha & Riley ◇
00:34 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:07 – Announcements: Next Discord Game Daze will be Saturday, Jan 13th! happyjacks.org/discord | 04:34 – Indie Designer of the Month: Kurt Potts (kurtpotts.itch.io)| 08:10 – Thomas from Denmark wants to hear about festivals and holidays in game worlds | 46:55 – Jeff replies to our comments on his troupe-style game | 01:05:46 – New emailer Tony asks about random character stats in games | 01:22:29 – Episode Closing | 01:23:50 – Song: “Lighthearted” by Racer Sunshine |...
Duration: 01:25:47HJRP S33E01 | Physical Challenges, Metatopia Report, & a New Hobby
Dec 10, 2023◇ Steffen from Essen (Germany) asks how to devise physical challenges for players, Muddyboots from NYC sent us a con report, Steffi has a new hobby | Hosts: Kimi & Bill ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:17 – Announcements: Welcome to Season 33! Next Discord Game Daze will be Saturday, Jan 13th! happyjacks.org/discord | 01:53 – Indie Designer of the Month: Kurt Potts (kurtpotts.itch.io)| 05:53 – Steffen from Essen (Germany) asks how to devise physical challenges for players | 35:30 – Muddyboots from NYC sent us a con report | 01:03:54 – Steffi has a new hobby | 01:10:18 – Episode Closing | 01:13:55 – Song: “Lighthearted” by Racer Sunshine |◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for...
Duration: 01:16:21HJRP S32E25 | Ignoring PCs, Getting Negative Feedback, & Trust Mechanics
Nov 16, 2023◇ Doogler asks what to do when your PC is treated like a side character, Gurg Murg wants tips on getting player feedback, Tiffany wants to more about the trust mechanic in Starscape | Hosts: Kimi & Rose ◇
00:32 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:05 – Announcements: Season 32 is over! We will be back in December with Season 33! Next Discord Game Daze will be in Jan! | 01:48 – Doogler asks what to do when your PC is treated like a side character | 32:07 – Gurg Murg wants tips on getting player feedback | 50:50 – Tiffany wants to more about the trust mechanic in Starscape | 01:23:20 – Episode Closing | 01:24:33 – Song: “Agincourt Carol” by The Poxy Boggards (poxyboggards... Duration: 01:26:54HJRP S32E24 | GMing Skills, Canceling a Session, Toolbox GMing
Nov 10, 2023◇ Eric from New Jersey asks what skills a GM needs to run narrative games, Mike inquires when to cancel a gaming session, Moe P suggests a toolbox approach to GMing | Hosts: Kimi, Ray, Sarah, & Enge ◇
00:32 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:12 – Announcements: Discord Game Day (Daze!) November 4th! | 02:26 – Eric from New Jersey asks what skills a GM needs to run narrative games | 15:40 – Mike inquires when to cancel a gaming session | 34:11 – Moe P suggests a toolbox approach to GMing | 46:01 – Episode Closing | 49:40 – Song: “Prologue” by Super MadNES (supermadnes.com) |◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find...
Duration: 00:49:06HJRP S32E23 | Unorthodox Spell Use, City Campaigns Continued, & a Horror Story
Nov 03, 2023◇ Mad King Christopher wants our judgment on his unorthodox spell use, Gurg Murg adds on to our City Campaign discussion from a few episodes ago, Steffi from Scotland writes in with a horror story | Hosts: Kimi and Riley ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:14 – Announcements: Discord Game Day (Daze!) November 4th! 02:21 – Indie Designer of the Month: Monroe Wells-Soto (monroeroe.itch.io) | 03:51 – Mad King Christopher wants our judgment on his unorthodox spell use | 21:25 – Gurg Murg adds on to our City Campaign discussion from a few episodes ago | 52:52 – Steffi from Scotland writes in with a horror story | 01:04:08 – Episode Closing | 01:04:54 – Song: “The Wellerman” by the Netbusker Folke Shopp... Duration: 01:06:51HJRP S32E22 | Non-linear Games, Surprise Setting Changes, Success Story
Oct 29, 2023◇ Toby asks about running non-linear games, Fuzzybof wants advice on surprise changes in setting, Myst shares a success story | Hosts: Kimi, Enge, Jake ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:22 – Announcements: Discord Game Day (Daze!) November 4th! 03:10 – Indie Designer of the Month: Monroe Wells-Soto (monroeroe.itch.io) | 55:00 – Toby asks about running non-linear games | 01:08:57 – Fuzzybof wants advice on surprise changes in setting | 01:30:52 – Myst shares a success story | 01:35:35 – Episode Closing | 01:36:21 – Song: “Laser Printed Hero” by the Mary Sues (marysuesband.com) |◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
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Duration: 01:39:31HJRP S32E21 | Con Spaces for Teens, Successful Con Games, & Sympathy for the Big Bad
Oct 22, 2023◇ Kairaku from New Zealand wants advice on designing a gaming space for teens, Tom wants to attend more cons and run con games more successfully, Taurelin asks what to do when the party starts caring about the BBEG | Hosts: Kimi, Alex, Sarah, Jason ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:17 – Announcements: Discord Game Day (Daze!) November 4th! 01:57 – Indie Designer of the Month: Monroe Wells-Soto (monroeroe.itch.io) | 03:40 – Kairaku from New Zealand wants advice on designing a gaming space for teens | 23:13 – Tom wants to attend more cons and run con games more successfully | 38:44 – Taurelin asks what to do when the party starts caring about the BBEG... Duration: 01:01:19HJRP S32E20 | City Campaign Settings, Decuma, Jackercon Reflection
Oct 14, 2023◇ Arrya from New Jersey asks about running a campaign set in a city, Eugene from Boston wants advice on running Decuma as a one-shot, Capt. Curt from Alaska reflects on JackerCon | Hosts: Kimi, Minerva, Kurt & Moe ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 02:14 – Announcements: Discord Game Day (Daze!) November 4th! 05:13 – Indie Designer of the Month: Monroe Wells-Soto (monroeroe.itch.io) | 22:54 – Arrya from New Jersey asks about running a campaign set in a city, | 42:23 – Eugene from Boston wants advice on running Decuma as a one-shot | 54:48 – Capt. Curt from Alaska reflects on JackerCon | 01:13:58 – Episode Closing | 01:15:42 – Song |◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or ques...
Duration: 01:18:35HJRP S32E19 | Gaming Success & Horror Stories from Norway, Failing a Player, & Where to get TTRPG News
Oct 07, 2023◇ Jan-Egil from Norway shares success and horror stories, Eric from New Jersey feels like he is failing one of his players, Forlornhope22 asks where to get TTRPG news? | Hosts: CADave, Pooja & Kurt ◇
00:33 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 03:00 – Indie Designer of the Month: Cezar Capacle (quirky.games) | 07:48 – Jan-Egil from Norway shares success and horror stories | 31:26 – Eric from New Jersey feels like he is failing one of his players | 40:11 – Forlornhope22 asks where to get TTRPG news? | 50:24 Episode Closing | 54:21 – Song |◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Fa...
Duration: 00:58:23HJRP S32E18 | Getting What You Need, Anon GM Unmasked, & a Lightening Round!
Sep 23, 2023◇ Vyrrk asks about getting what you need out of a game, Anonymous GM unmasked, Ken from Canada sends in a lightning round of questions | Hosts: Kimi, Pooja & Alex ◇
00:38 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:10 – Announcements: Game Daze is September 23rd on happyjacks.org/discord, Big Bad Con, Sept 28 – Oct 1st | 03:46 – Indie Designer of the Month: Cezar Capacle (quirky.games) | 05:32 – Vyrrk asks about getting what you need out of a game. | 35:04 – Anonymous GM unmasked! | 42:18 – Ken from Canada sends in a lightning round of questions | 01:07:44 Episode Closing | 01:08:38 – Song |◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
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Duration: 01:12:01HJRP S32E17 | Therapeutic TTRPGs, & Teenage Gamers
Sep 13, 2023◇ Eric from NJ ask if TTRPGs can be therapeutic, Thomas from Denmark revisits a topic about teenage gamers | Hosts: Kimi & Jason ◇
00:38 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:18 – Announcements: Game Daze is September 23rd on happyjacks.org/discord, Big Bad Con, Sept 28 – Oct 1st | 04:47 – Indie Designer of the Month: Cezar Capacle (quirky.games) | 09:06 – Eric from NJ ask if TTRPGs can be therapeutic | 26:58 – Thomas from Denmark revisits a topic about teenage gamers | 01:11:15 Episode Closing | 01:11:57 Song “Henry, Me Son” by the Poxy Boggards (poxyboggards.com) |◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇...
Duration: 01:13:41HJRP S32E16 | Live from Gateway 2023!
Sep 08, 2023◇ Live from OrcCon 2023 at the Hilton LAX in Los Angeles! A great panel show with members of our audience and stories from lots of different con games. Since it is a live event, the audio quality is not the same as our normal episodes recorded in our studio. ◇
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co
◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time.
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Duration: 01:37:54HJRP S32E15 | Yumming your Yuck, Cleric Student Loans, & Petty Fun
Sep 04, 2023◇ Steve from Wisconsin asks what we love about systems he hates, Alverant asks about the cost of a cleric leaving their order, Jolene shares a tale of petty harmless(?) fun | Hosts: Kimi, Adam & Riley ◇
00:38 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:30 – Announcements: Gateway 2023: September 1-4 in Los Angeles 02:16 – Indie Designer of the Month: Rob Hebert (https://nerdypapergames.itch.io/) 05:14 – Steve from Wisconsin asks what we love about systems he hates | 38:19 – Alverant asks about the cost of a cleric leaving their order | 55:09- Jolene shares a tale of petty harmless(?) fun | 01:06:32 – Episode Closing | 01:07:48 – Song◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or questio...
Duration: 01:10:42HJRP S32E14 | Running Campaigns Again, “Start with Nothing” games, & A JackerCon Poem
Aug 25, 2023◇ Ken asks about running a campaign multiple times, Ayanna explains “Start with Nothing” games, Steffi from Scotland gets poetic | Hosts: Kimi, Adam & Pooja ◇
00:38 – Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:23 – Announcements: Update your Patreon support! patreon.com/happyjacksrpg, Gateway 2023: September 1-4 in Los Angeles 02:42 – Indie Designer of the Month: Rob Hebert (https://nerdypapergames.itch.io/) 05:28 – Ken asks about running a campaign multiple times | 18:42 – Ayanna explains “Start with Nothing” games | 57:55- Steffi from Scotland gets poetic | 01:01:57 – Episode Closing | 01:03:05 – Song◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show!
◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or fi...
Duration: 01:06:38