Solo gaming has always existed but has seen large boons thanks to board games and TTRPGs over the last decade. This week Ryan, Bert, and Kyle dig into the idea of solo gaming and discuss its nuances. Plus, due to popular demand, Siobhan officially joins the gang for her first full episode of the big show! *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ht...
Jul 22, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 296
This week, Ryan finally got to introduce Bert and his core group to the sci-fi horor experience that is Mothership. Listen to their thoughts on the game, it's feel, and how they will handle some horrific nuance at the table. Then, sandwiched in with the news is a detailed discussion about Dungeons and Dragons newest executive in charge of "franchise," WotC vet and the man that ran Halo into the ground. How's THAT for a "fresh start?" *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-c...
Jul 15, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 295
How important is it that you as a Dungeon Master and your players have a good "flow" in your game? It's not just about moving along plot points or hitting story beats... it is an overall feeling that your table is not stuck in the mud! The guys discuss this before an interview with the creator of Mafia Blitz, the new "werewolf-esque" game that's coming soon! *** Find the Mafia Blitz KS here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/markiradian/mafia-blitz *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdco...
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 294
Wonderfilled Games founder and CEO Stephen Erin Dinehart IV has been making waves, anti-white statements, and according to some "crashed out" over the past two weeks. Ryan David had questions, opinions, and accusations that needed answers, so he invited Stephen on for a brutally honest and frank discussion about his actions and statements. Finalize your opinion and decide if we all were "Wonderfooled." Enjoy the UNCUT and EXCLUSIVE full interview with Stephen. *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: http...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 293
This week, Bert and Jack steer the conversation to Castles! Why are these structures revered and critical components in our tabletop and fantasy games? Naturally, the conversation spirals around to all sorts of tangents, and why shouldn't it? Especially considering that RD is still out on vacation and Kyle slept through his alarm! *** A Note to our Check Mark Heroes - you are not forgotten and are appreciated! This was a weird week, so apologies all around! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https:/...
Jun 24, 2025•42 min•Ep. 292
The guys continue where they left off last week and finish out the news before they dive into a discussion of creating custom classes. Of course, this spirals into a full on discussion about classes, class systems, and other tangents! Have some class... give a listen or watch! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Am...
Jun 17, 2025•50 min•Ep. 291
As the gang looks forward to a week of vacation, this first part of a two part episode brings you a discussion of large scale combat and big battles in TTRPGs! There are a bevy of ways to handle these as a Dungeon Master, but when your party goes to war... what works for YOUR table? All the massive scale chatter you can handle, plus a tiptoe into the news make for a delightful "part one" episode! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerd...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 290
Lord Matteus sits in as guest host to discuss eroticism, sexuality, and naughty bits in gaming -- specifically taking a look at Paizo's new rainbow-stravaganza game blurring the lines between the gaming table and LGBT activism. After the news, the gang talks about long game sequels and how a show can be necro'ed, sometimes after decades! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 289
We know that the "six sessions" that the modern DnD gamer call a campaign seems short, so this week we ask the question of "why?" The differences between Classic Gaming/OSR tables vs. modern absolutely impact how we can have campaigns lasting years while they can't make a week. Then after the news, the guys break down the latest in the City State of the Invincible Overlord drama between Judge's Guild and Goodman Games. *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 288
One year later... Daniel D. Fox, controversial creator of Zweihander and other TTRPGs, returns to Nerdcognito. His first trip addressed the "why we should not like each other" bits... and we came out of it... friends?!? This time around, Dan sits in with Ryan and Kyle and just talk about the hobby, their families, Wizards of the Coast, a hint of politics, and their friendship. Plus, Ryan introduces Daniel to the news... with a hint of Reddit! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcog...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 287
Goodman Games, creators of Dungeon Crawl Classics are now endeavoring to re-release The City State of the Invincible Overlord -- a legendary module which shaped Dungeons and Dragons and TTRPGs. Two issues have them drawing fire from all sides. "Reimagining for modern audiences" has Classic Gaming and the OSR up in arms while supporting a creator the SparkleTroll leftists view as a 1940s German is bringing ire from the other side. We dig deep into the situation and discuss if and how Goodman can ...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 286
Rule Zero! The gang dives back into Rule 0 as TTRPG/DnD buzz online has picked up about it, RAW (rules as written), and the pros and cons of implementing this at the table. Opinions are across the board, and Bert gets a little hot at RD. Plus not one, but TWO trips to Reddit... with a twist! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 285
The guys reflect back on the visit that shocked the hobby... when Daniel D. Fox, creator of Zweihander and "enemy of the OSR" sat in and talked with RD and Kyle. We revisit this chat in anticipation of the upcoming "One Year Later" episode when Dan stops by again! Plus, chatter about the nerdy things we love, the news, and... a trip to Reddit! *** Check out the FULL original appearance here: https://rumble.com/v4rw9qu-special-nerdcognito-episode-219-discomfiting-dialogue-with-daniel-d.-fox-fr.ht...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 284
Ryan doesn't have a voice, but that doesn't stop he and Kyle from educating the very disconencted-from-the-internet Bert about the recent delving into Wizards of the Coast's license agreement -- which can be interpreted as opening the door to "stealing" content from designers and players alike. We don't often agree, but we can agree on this... content lifting is NOT cool. *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-...
Apr 22, 2025•44 min•Ep. 283
Jeremy Crawford has followed in the footsteps of others and "exited" (on his terms?) Wizards of the Coast. With now ALL of the core designers and decision makers out of the mix, where does this leave Dungeons and Dragons specifically, and the future of hobby in general? *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon an...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 282
With a tumultuous economy made even more murky with tariffs, the future of the hobby has been questioned by some. In today's slightly-more-political-than-usual Nerdcognito, the guys discuss tariffs in general and then move the lens over our hobby. How can and will these increased potential costs impact design, product availability, and production in general? *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ ***...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 281
Ryan rounds up Kyle and Bert to discuss yet another lost art in the modern DnD/TTRPG hobby: Homebrewing. Why is it fading? Where has the creativity of the modern Dungeons & Dragons fan gone? Can this bespoke talent be resurrected or is it destined to vanish? *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Suppor...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 280
With Wizards of the Coast all but scrapping their official VTT for Dungeons & Dragons, laying off 90% of their digital staff, and Shadowdark roaring... we need a break! The gang talks about their gaming, enjoy a session recap from the Nerdcognito group, and dive into other news from the hobby this week. Reset button smashed! *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for ...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 279
Ryan David leads the Nerdcognito crew through The Arcane Library's latest journey with Shadowdark. The gang discuss the success of the current Kickstarter, the impact of SD to the hobby, and even posit some positive (and negative) future outcomes. Kelsey and Shadowdark have changed the landscape of the industry, and everone needs to pay attention to the new terrain! *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3d...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 278
The boys get together to commiserate with Ryan; it seems like everything that could go wrong this week, did. The gang bounces around idea to idea and talk about random, flitting nerdy things... while RD broods. Forgive the audio quality as our production board blew up. Forgive the lack of format as our brains blew up. *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon...
Mar 11, 2025•55 min•Ep. 277
Minutes after the announcement of the late Ernie Gygax's passing... SparkleTrolls went on the attack online. Of course, this was hosted on Reddit. We take them to task here. Be like Ernie. *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 276
Small groups of loud voices with bad takes are shouting into the void about "Zero Prep" and what it means. When is no prep too much prep? How absurd can it get? We laugh as fauxs and joes alike double down on an absurd argument. *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 275
Paizo has done it again, reminding us that they are no friend of the mainstream gamer. Catering to the woke warriors and weirdos that do not really play the game, they will be introducing mechanics for romance in their new core book. That's right, your resident rules laywer can now argue the size of their... heart. *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon pu...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 274
Lost arts at the TTRPG table. Mapping in Dungeons & Dragons was at the top of the list this past weekend on the Speak, so the conversation continues here. Plus, the news of the week and a sidestep into another lost art -- the investigation. *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 273
The 2025 Monster Manual is out! The changes are woke! And crippling! And lore erasing (literally!) The gang goes through the most egregious of these changes and discusses the future of these monsters and Dungeons and Dragons in general. Although they expected it to be bad, they did not expect it to be this dramatic of a change. What does this mean for the future of the hobby? *** The News: "Freelancer" Vibes! DnD adds MORE UNNECESSARY Subclasses The full Wizards of the Coast Dungeons and Dragons...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 272
"There was no satanic panic." Ok, pal. The gang deep dives into an apparent X engagement grab and examines what they believe to be the root cause of the campaign against D&D, Heavy Metal, and more in the 1980s. The triple-six discussion is capped off with a trip into the news of the week! *** The News: Kaiju! Alien! Reddit? *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost ...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 271
After spending some time in the Nerdcognito Nation... Jack asks the forbidden question, "What is Horse Girl?" Well, he finds out. Then we take a trip into the news with a dip in the Reddit cesspool! After the news, former BrOSR, Joel Peterson drops in to talk about his bro journey as well as his video and tabletop games development. Suck it, Cuppa! *** The News: 2025 Anticipated Board Games It Came From Reddit... *** WATCH THIS EPISODE'S VIDEO VERSION ON OUR RUMBLE CHANNEL! https://rumble.com/c/...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 270
Ryan, Jack, and Bert dig into the details of the 2025 Monster Manual. It's great... if you listen to the pop gaming media. We have other opinions. After slogging through the news, the gang each throw out the name of their personal "favorite" TTRPG monster book. *** The News: You leveled up twice doing what? An classic board game "updated for modern audiences" "The new books" in TTRPG-land to watch out for in 2025... not. *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: http...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 269
A prominent and previously politically benign designer gets political and then blasted for talking down to you about "Anticolonialism" in your TTRPG game. The guys have some very pointed opinions, as expected. The news delves into more DnD "lifestyle brand" announcements. After the gang survives another week of news, they share a list of the "best" nerdy vacation and holiday spots. Of course, this list of the best... well, it isn't. *** The News: Dungeons and Dragons Pinball ...and D&D Slot ...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 268
Nerdcognito LIVE! This special dual-broadcast episode kicks off with the gang talking about what makes the "quintessential DnD party." What group of characters is almost a must-have for a TTRPG campaign of adventure? The news highlights a pondering that makes people scratch their heads, likely because of the source. After the news, what media -- across all mediums -- should NEVER be "remade, re-envisioned, or reimagined?" *** The News: Mike Mearls dishes 5e design flaw Dairy Queen's new old Bliz...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 267
