Shows
Up + Adam with Adam MontielThe New Face (and Publisher) of SLO Life Magazine: Meghan Burkhardt is Up+AdamWhat does it take to step into the spotlight of a legacy brand while holding a toddler’s hand and carrying new life inside you? In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Meghan Burkhardt, the new publisher of SLO Life Magazine, for a conversation about bold pivots, personal purpose, and the stories that make this Central Coast community so rich.Meghan shares the moment she knew she had to own the magazine, what keeps her up at night (besides a toddler), and how she is redefining what makes a story cover-worthy. Yo...
2025-11-0536 min
Remember That Show?Remember That Show? Ep. 40: Batman Beyond (1999)Adam and Will discuss the animated adventures of Batman Beyond in the Gotham City of the future. How did this Kids WB show copper to Batman The Animated Series on FOX Kids? How did the concept evolve before it hit the screen? Is this the best Batman costume ever designed? All this and more, so listen now, TV Lovers!If you like Batman and comic books in general, Adam and Will also host WIZARDS The Podcast Guide To Comics, covering every issue of Wizard magazine and you can get in on the geeky fun here https://wizards...
2025-10-161h 04
Brain TrustSignal, Noise, and Quantum MysteriesSeason 2, Episode 10. On this season finale, Adam and Will talk about Brindlewood Bay and the concept of the quantum mystery. We get into stoner mysteries, the LA of it all, and what to do about ipods. Visit https://ko-fi.com/thebraintrust and throw us a few bucks a month to hear seasonal bonus episodes, get access to merch sales, and more! Find us at https://braintrust.rocks.
2025-05-071h 04Brain TrustQ&A: Epiphanies, Magic Systems, and Scrapping ItSeason 2, Episode 9. On this episode, Adam and Will talk about their perfect creative conditions, how long we’ll be making games, magic systems, epiphanies, changes in approaches over time, and more. Visit https://ko-fi.com/thebraintrust and throw us a few bucks a month to hear seasonal bonus episodes, get access to merch sales, and more! Find us at https://braintrust.rocks/.
2025-04-0950 minBrain TrustThe Pros of ConOn this episode, Adam and Will talk about cons: working them, playing games at them, and running games at them, and all the feelings wrapped up therein. Visit https://ko-fi.com/thebraintrust and throw us a few bucks a month to hear seasonal bonus episodes, get access to merch sales, and more! Find us at https://braintrust.rocks/.
2025-03-251h 04Brain TrustVestments and VHSsOn this episode, Adam and Will talk about finishing projects, Mortal Kombat, and Adam’s white whale project. Visit https://ko-fi.com/thebraintrust and throw us a few bucks a month to hear seasonal bonus episodes, get access to merch sales, and more! Find us at https://braintrust.rocks/.
2025-03-2052 minBrain TrustThe New End of the WorldOn this episode, Adam and Will recap and discuss this year’s ZineQuest, and explore a spiritual successor to a game they both love. Visit https://ko-fi.com/thebraintrust and throw us a few bucks a month to hear seasonal bonus episodes, get access to merch sales, and more! Find us at https://braintrust.rocks/.
2025-03-121h 08Brain TrustBrain Trust BabiesSeason 2, Episode 5: Brain Trust BabiesOn this episode, Will regales Adam with an anecdote about a recent game.Find Adam Vass’s Midnight Marathon here: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/7608ff96-13c1-4dd9-aa9b-c7a50f762b1e/landing?ref=bk-discover-user-profileFind Seb Pines’ Underneath here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spines/underneath-2Visit https://ko-fi.com/thebraintrust and throw us a few bucks a month to hear seasonal bonus episodes, get access to merch sales, and more! Find us at https://braintrust.rocks/....
2025-03-0456 minUp + Adam with Adam MontielUp+Adam Celebrates ARTober in SLO | Also Chat with a Paranormal Navajo Ranger—October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—Click here to see how Up+Adam and our friends at Lumina Alliance are spreading awareness and providing shelter for survivors through impactful events.In this episode of UP+ADAM, we’re joined by Stanley Milford Jr.—author of The Paranormal Ranger: A Navajo Investigator’s Search for the Unexplained and a former law enforcement officer with over two decades of experience. Raised with a deep connection to both Navajo and Cherokee cultures, Stanley takes us on an enthralling journey through his career investigat...
2024-10-0330 minBrain TrustLive at a Conference (Gen Con 2023)We’re over in sunny Fort Wayne for the latest and greatest Gen Con. We pick our BarbieHiemer games and talk about Dr. Adam Divorce.
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Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link here: https://discord.gg/vGB9UYYveK
2023-08-0341 minBrain TrustTriangulatingToday, we debut Adam’s newest RPG and crowdfunding campaign: 1978: The Night THEY Came Home. Go to 1978.games and reserve your copy today!
We chat about all things 1978, the shared nightmare of being in school again, triangulating where a game fits in the world, and updates on our projects and lives.
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Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link here: https://discord...
2023-06-0758 minBrain TrustHow I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the ZineWe’re back! Talking about shirts, mousetrap, making zines, and Adam’s game Sweet Revenge.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link here: https://discord.gg/vGB9UYYveK
2023-06-0155 min
Brain TrustD&D 5th SeditionWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
On this episode, we talk about our 2023 goals, what vape carts go with what RPGs, the Jobst Style Guide, Adam’s consulting, giving back to the community, making a million dollars, and more!
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Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link her...
2023-01-2454 minBrain TrustBest of 2022While you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
On this episode, we rank the best stuff of 2022! For spoilers and links to our favorites, check them out below:
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Most useful randomizer
Adam: hand-made oracle cards
Will: hand-churned google sheets randomizers
Character of the year
Will: John Locke from LOST
Adam: Pumpkin kid from @hh_toys_inc
Worst WIP
Adam: SOULBURNER...
2023-01-031h 18Brain TrustOne is the Dungeonest DragonWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
On this episode, we review a leaked copy of One D&D, that we absolutely acquired. It devolves into Adam and Will playing “keep one and leave one” for all the mechanics of D&D until it’s something we like. Wet dragon.
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Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! W...
2022-11-2249 min
System of SystemsCharlie Sheen's Trigger Threshold (w/ Will Sheldon)Adam and Will are joined by New York-based artist and tattooer Will Sheldon. Will discusses his work with us: paintings and drawings of fantastical and fairy tale imagery but with a uniquely troubling and dark iteration fitting for our times. Will is also a tattooer and in contra to others working between the art world and tattoo culture (others typically tend to make clear distinction between the craft of tattooing and high art OR end up making tattooish art work) manages to create a clear communicative language between art and tattoos. We discuss this idiosyncrasy, Will's recent exhibitions, Will's...
2022-06-261h 29
Brain TrustCorn MazeWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
Lifepaths, maze paths, unboxing, and bank robberies.
Get CAMPFIRE at https://www.worldchamp.io/store/campfire-anthology-horror-storytelling
Presave CYBERMETAL 2012 HERE: https://gamefound.com/projects/draft/iu788d7wrgt8w71nb52tbyfwxfp#/
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link here...
2021-11-2455 minBrain TrustBOSTON RPGWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
The Boston RPG takes shape, in this morphisode. We morph from Boston, to video games, to our ADND game, and keeping the writing spark going. Adam rolls up a random TORQ car.
Preorder CAMPFIRE at braintrust.rocks
Presave CYBERMETAL 2012 HERE: https://gamefound.com/projects/draft/iu788d7wrgt8w71nb52tbyfwxfp#/
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at ht...
2021-11-0256 minBrain TrustYear-Round FootballWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
What If The Joker Could Beatbox, other Halloween costumes, reclaiming hobbies from our work, and more!
The Good Luck Press Halloween Zine Goodie Bag is here: https://goodluckpress.co/products/halloween-game-goodie-bag?variant=41018502250690.
Preorder CAMPFIRE at braintrust.rocks
Presave CYBERMETAL 2012 HERE: https://gamefound.com/projects/draft/iu788d7wrgt8w71nb52tbyfwxfp#/
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, av...
2021-10-1355 minBrain TrustUSB BugsWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
Gen Content, we won an award!, and a game about found-footage horror.
Preorder THIS DISCORD HAS GHOSTS IN IT at https://goodluckpress.co/products/ghosts. Preorder CAMPFIRE at braintrust.rocks.
Presave CYBERMETAL 2012 HERE: https://gamefound.com/projects/draft/iu788d7wrgt8w71nb52tbyfwxfp#/
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, th...
2021-09-2254 minBrain TrustGo Break Whatever Game You WantWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
Playtesting! The work of game design that is not words-to-paper. That old stuff in your movie queue you will literally never watch. Things that make you Google like a king.
Preorder CAMPFIRE at braintrust.rocks
Presave CYBERMETAL 2012 HERE: https://gamefound.com/projects/draft/iu788d7wrgt8w71nb52tbyfwxfp#/
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.co...
2021-09-1558 minBrain TrustAnti-Insect SentimentWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
Sandbox design, interpretive scene design and how do we approach both! Goalsetting within purely player driven games, and CYBERMETAL 2012 chat.
Preorder CAMPFIRE at braintrust.rocks
Check out TECH JAM TACTICS here: https://itch.io/jam/tech-jam-2-tactics
Presave CYBERMETAL 2012 HERE: https://gamefound.com/projects/draft/iu788d7wrgt8w71nb52tbyfwxfp#/
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, av...
2021-09-071h 00Brain TrustThe Sleep HackWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
How we sleep, system reference documents (SRDs), a big burp, and the naked cowboy.
Preorder CAMPFIRE at https://campfire.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders
Check out TECH JAM TACTICS here: https://itch.io/jam/tech-jam-2-tactics
Presave CYBERMETAL 2012 HERE: https://gamefound.com/projects/draft/iu788d7wrgt8w71nb52tbyfwxfp#/
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at htt...
2021-08-2658 minBrain TrustScootched by a Little StickWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
Talkin’ tactics, our own special way. Fictional triggers for mechanics, circles in Minecraft, and a live playstorm of a new game!
Check out TECH JAM TACTICS here: https://itch.io/jam/tech-jam-2-tactics
Presave CYBERMETAL 2012 HERE: https://gamefound.com/projects/draft/iu788d7wrgt8w71nb52tbyfwxfp#/
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2021-08-101h 01Brain TrustTriathletesWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
We're live, at the Olympics! We talk about things in threes, Boston glory, and make a game about rock docs called ROCK DOC.
Adam's ARTIST STATEMENT bundle is available here--get it now: https://itch.io/s/54879/artist-statement-rpgs
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join...
2021-07-2956 minBrain TrustBrain BrineWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
Imagine this: pickle talk. Phantom city. Prequels. Well, you don’t need to imagine it any more, because we recorded a podcast about it. Adam dives into the line design of DARTS, including their Y2K prequel.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the...
2021-07-071h 02Brain TrustSecond Smartest GodWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
CAMPFIRE: the anthology horror storytelling game is live on Kickstarter now: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/braintrust/campfire-0
In this episode, the agony of designing a playmat, Kickstarter mentality, and classic Coeus.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link here...
2021-06-2359 minBrain TrustEverywhere You’ve Ever Lived Was A Worker Placement TileWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
CAMPFIRE: the anthology horror storytelling game is live on Kickstarter now: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/braintrust/campfire-0
In this episode we chat about Campfire, boxed games, what we got out of everywhere we’ve lived, imaginary games, and then a BIG chunk on Wastelanders! If you want to get caught up with Wastelanders design, check out this episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brain-trust/id1473715893?i=1000514149278
Find Adam on Twitter at...
2021-06-1157 minBrain TrustBlood Too LoudWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
CAMPFIRE: the anthology horror storytelling game is coming to Kickstarter on June 1st! Click Notify me on launch.
In this episode, we talk about CAMPFIRE, our newest project and Brain Trust collaboration coming to Kickstarter. We visit the soundless sea, see the inner workings of Adam’s ears and Will’s mind, and chat publication strategies inspired by Mothership.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music...
2021-05-1956 minBrain TrustSpuds in HandWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
Rock, paper, scissors, protect, load, gun. We learn about Adam’s poker opinions and bluffstyle. There is a strong potato energy in this episode.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link here: https://discord.gg/wypnwWMn
2021-05-041h 08Brain TrustBoard-to-Board GamingWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
Procedural generation, Signs of the Sojourner, and more! We go deep on an upcoming game and the procedural tools used to explore every avenue of play.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link here: https://discord.gg/wypnwWMn
2021-04-231h 05Brain TrustAirdropping in a Lead RoomWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
In this episode, we brainstorm a new type of jam, the Tech Jam! Join here: https://itch.io/jam/tech-jam. Also, we figure out what games want, airdrop violence, and more! Cannot call this the slurp episode, but that won't stop you, will it.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst.
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d...
2021-04-0659 minBrain TrustGames to Play While Stuck in the Suez CanalWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
Captain. Fellows. The games begin.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2021-03-3059 minBrain TrustQuantum HexWhile you’re here, contribute to AAPI support networks (https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/) and Black Lives Matter (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/).
In this episode: we design a Fallout game inspired by our reverse funnel conversation last episode. We chat about half-remembered Boston locations, Cait from the Combat Zone, and perks. Perks... perks never changes.
S. E. H. M. E. T. A. E. R. E. E.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2021-03-231h 01Brain TrustPath to the Throne RoomWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
In this episode: the reverse funnel, dungeon spirits, multiplayer AI, and the a LOT of Wizard of Oz.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2021-03-161h 03Brain TrustCRYPTRPGWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
In an attempt to assist future attempts to catalog this podcast, the actually good stuff we talk about are hexing a story map, storying a hex map, and a visual description of something complicated. We bash a game about Starship Troopers within a complicated hex framework.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2021-03-0959 minBrain TrustThe Most Dangerous Game DesignersWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
On this episode: ASAC Schrader, the self-soothing of a game designer’s brain, and the strongest all time animal.
Get Aether Operations right here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/floatingchairclub/aeops
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2021-02-241h 07Brain TrustThree Pointers OnlyWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
We mention a TON of Zine Quest 3 projects in this episode--please direct your dollars toward those projects, and check pages for preorder links! Thanks to everyone who sent a voice message recommending your favorite zines.
Get TORQ: rallyraid roleplaying right here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/willjobst/torq
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2021-02-171h 07Brain TrustNOW That’s What I Call FrankensteinWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Send us your zinequest picks! Send us your Spiral: Book of Saw picks! Send us your very best medicine because we are metaphysically sick!
Get TORQ: rallyraid roleplaying right here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/willjobst/torq
Get Babes in the Wood 2e right here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adamxvass/babes.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.co...
2021-02-031h 05Brain TrustU-Shaped EverythingWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
This is a big “catching them all” episode. Also Psycho Goreman, Kickstarter’s interpretation of itself, and more! We bash together a game of legendary proportions.
Get Babes in the Wood 2e right here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adamxvass/babes.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2021-01-261h 06Brain TrustBrain Trust's Most WantedWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Go out and watch Speed Racer (2008) right now. Also, we put up a bounty board for zines we want.
Get Babes in the Wood 2e right here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adamxvass/babes.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2021-01-201h 00Brain TrustTabletop AlmanacWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Anxiety podcasting like the best of them. We’re excited on this one! Predictions for the short and long-term, Control inspirations, and Vasstradamaus.
Get Babes in the Wood 2e right here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adamxvass/babes.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2021-01-141h 05Brain TrustJoin the Brain Trust (2021)While you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Adam Vass and Will Jobst are two game designers making a podcast! If you're new, start here—we'll catch you up.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link here: https://discordapp.com/invite/SgnU8ZB.
2021-01-0612 minBrain TrustPlayground EnergyWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Fighting bats, finding fun, and brain storming Cybermetal and Torq. We talk about modern/violent settings that don’t use guns, debt as a core activity, and making alt-futures.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2020-12-301h 03Brain TrustMarble Slab of Game DesignWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
We’re just looking at a bunch of marble. That’s what a podcast is--it’s just wave forms and chisels. We talk about meta metacurrencies, micro and mecro transactions, and bloon.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2020-12-221h 04Brain TrustHow To Squander An HourWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
I'm moving y'all, no time for shownotes.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2020-12-1759 minBrain TrustOne Million vs. One BillionWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
In this one, we talk about Open World RPG, available on itch.io right now! We chat special sauces, play experiences starting from the rules or from the head, and shirts that fell off the truck.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2020-12-091h 01Brain TrustNotes App LanguageWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Craigslist, pickup truck space, Yahtzee, and more. Adam reveals a mysterious new type of nostalgia. We make table games, not computer games for computer and gameboy.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link here: https://discordapp.com/invite/SgnU8ZB
2020-12-0257 minBrain TrustVoilaWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Tweeting is hard. Moving is challenging. Adam and Will have to take a big break in the middle of the episode. Fuck an episode decsiption, go to the Brain Trust Science Fair and pick up the 23 coolest games out of the Brain Trust for $40!
https://itch.io/b/681/the-brain-trust-presents-science-fair
Here’s the panel from Working on a Dime where Adam discusses anticipate in RPGS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dekGEeMDdk
Find...
2020-11-2655 minBrain TrustTips and Tricks for Moving 2020While you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Torq, Cyber Metal, serialized rpgs, instragram endless scroll, Norman Reedus, box QWOP, and more. We really don’t stop until we’re done on this episode. Plans for ZineQuest 2021, Will’s moving tips, and applying comix publishing to game zines. This year has felt slightly longer than other years, no?
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discor...
2020-11-171h 19Brain TrustBrain Level Shiny Raven Toy CognitionWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
It’s our fiftieth episode! No celebration. Will and Adam talk about bespoke RPG items and how making small runs and micro runs and runs of one is good. Also minecraft. Is Steve smiling? Or is it a beard. I’m not asking you to tell me the answer. I’m suggesting you think long and hard. We also talk about games that don’t take for granted the hangups of the medium.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgame...
2020-11-101h 02Brain TrustAutoplay Gravesite PodcastWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
It’s like an attract mode of an arcade cabinet but for a headstone. That headstone is for Adam Vass, inventor of Reggs. We create two games to play on another podcast, both with [R]eggs. Look it’s election day and I just want to get this podcast to you. The box has a name.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/wi...
2020-11-0356 minBrain TrustThe Circumstances by Which I May Receive a ComplimentWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
AN ILLUSIVE NIGHT RECORDING. Spoilers for the $tranger Thing$ 3 in-car soiree.Drive-in experiences. 11 casting call. The quarry. Cars. This episode is wheeling and dealing, just like the D&D drive through. What rules minutiae question would you ask? I would ask if Tensor’s Floating Disk could hold another Tensor’s Floating Disk on it. Then you could just multiply the weight requirements and just straight up Death Stranding this whole thing. That game is great because MF DOOM will t...
2020-10-2759 minBrain TrustGame Brain AntidoteWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Game vacation is what we talk about today. What is a vacation anyway? Do we live our anti-lives, or is it an expression of the interior true life? Quincy or Quoncy? Adam and Will discuss what their two-weeks off looks like, what are the goals or the non-goals? Also Will plays a tiktok on air. Yikes! What else. We also talk about stretch goals theory--the theory is that they’re bad.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and...
2020-10-2059 minBrain TrustMonstar Energy DrinkWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Bottoms up, and the devil laughs. We crack cold ones (caffeinated drinks) before we crack gold ones (ideas). We’re talking about pseudo-live games with artboards and demon blood and boxing machines and all of that. It's the day of the big meat and I know this judge likes minions.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a di...
2020-10-1451 minBrain TrustAluminium AgeWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
With this episode we know the layout, the bosses, the nooks and crannies of the level. It’s a roguelike run and we’re making our way through. We know we won’t make it all the way, but the information we get, the skill we gain… it’s all worth it. On this one the big guy gets it, and by that I mean Adam and Will talk about roguelikes, adapting games for online play, and jolly ranchers in gym class...
2020-10-071h 05Brain TrustSkull GPSWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Some St. Anger on this one. We talk more in-depth about bounty-board style crowdfunding, season of design, and licensing. We talk about our dream license, listening to a lot of Bastionland podcast, and giving our phone numbers to Robert Eggers. We chat about Will’s work-in-progress MORK BORG post-apocalyptic car world hack TORQUE [BORG]. How do we implement some system-doesn’t-matter energy into story games? And vice versa?
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_j...
2020-09-291h 09Brain TrustDegreeningWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Pan-shot! Dinosaurs versus yetis. We’re talking about other methods of crowdfunding, looking at traditional publishing, pre-Kickstarter ransom projects, and more! How do we take Kickstarter mentality and not give 10% to unionbusters and credit card companies? What’s a creatively sustainable alternative to Patreon?
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2020-09-231h 08Brain TrustAlternative Methods of FishingWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Nobody extends a metaphor like tabletop game designers. It’s a survival tool, you play inside the metaphors. Metaphors, we call them. I truly hope any fish listening can understand where we’re coming from. I’m linking NONE of the tiktoks or pictures we mentioned on the show. I’m sorry. If you came here to check please @ me on twitter and I’ll try and find them.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_job...
2020-09-171h 03Brain TrustBig Honking Key RingWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Heat, eboys, and the sun. Key rings and zines that are maps. And character sheets. And even more. Adam and Will get ever closer to the illusive game island while also evading the Ring Fit strong dragon. What’s a good heart rate? I’m asking hypothetically, as I keep mine as low as possible. I’m talking voting-age BPM. We whip up a rightly weird dungeon crawler and then explore our modular format across genres. Most notably, the fair.
2020-09-091h 06Brain TrustFunder's CommentaryWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
It’s been a year since we funded, so we take a look at the episode where we melted down. So, let’s melt down again! Inside this special director’s cut DVD Blu-Ray commentary we realize the Brain Trust’s Adam and Will have the same conversations over and over and over and over again. About nothing. Maybe, and this is just a thought, our patterns of politeness are so consistent that we recapitulate the same niceties and conversati...
2020-09-041h 02Brain TrustGamer RepoWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
It is it Harry Potter or Dragon Ball? How would you end a campaign? What if it’s all a simulation? How can we hang out? These are not questions to consider, they are questions that would be answered in synaptic moments. The answer is available and it’s about dedicating the correct amount of brain electricity to divine it. It’s a microtransaction for your amygdala. We’re still on the way back from Gen Con.
Find Adam...
2020-08-2657 minBrain TrustGhoul Treehouse, Siren Spring BreakWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
The direct midpoint. You’re there and we’re on the way. What’s the direct midpoint of this podcast and you? The space between your thumb and a screen? The headphone cable or static air? The bones in your ear? The little bones playing blacksmith? We’re talking trailers, we’re talking schlock, we’re talking double features. Once I went to go see a grindhouse movie at the Brattle and I had to cover my ears for every gunshot...
2020-08-201h 07Brain TrustJust a Cowboy HatWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
It’s us again. We’re here at Gen Con, week four, this time the convention center is empty. In this sonic and physical playground we have fun, and escape the spectre of one gaping golem. Also, accounts. Also, we look at battle royale aspects inside of tabletop games. Adam finished the Sopranos and discusses nostalgia while Will brags and brags. We chat about creating in deep quarantine and the self discoveries about our relationships to our work. The Paizo...
2020-08-1157 minBrain TrustIn PyjamasWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Week three at Gen Con. We haven't any cares. We’re celebrating Adam’s successful Kickstarter and the death of TikTok. They say you die twice, the first time is when your heart stops beating, and the second time is when the video of your death is lost when TikTok is deleted. Ben Franklin said that. You think he really did the key thing? I’m skeptical.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
2020-08-051h 11Brain Trust8X 1SWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Take a little break with the Brain Trust. We’re talking week two of Gen Con, Necronautilus playtest, and random generation. Beans by Highlite and Fazenda. Burr and blade. That’s us: the Brain Trust. We're still doing this, we've carved a niche. We've poured a cup.
Adam has a Kickstarter going, check it out right here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adamxvass/necronautilus.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
...
2020-07-291h 12Brain TrustLive at Gen Con 2020While you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Great to be back in beautiful Indiana, the home of Cattail Wheatseed. What else? Necronautilus funded day one. No big. What else? We talk safety mechanics, modes of play, and table tools. Also haircuts, the ren faire unicorn, and more.
Adam has a Kickstarter going, check it out right here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adamxvass/necronautilus.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at...
2020-07-221h 04Brain TrustBrain Trust Hero AwardsWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
This is a podcast with two corners, at least. Beach towels have four corners. Adam has a Kickstarter going, check it out right here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adamxvass/necronautilus. We are railing and derailing. We are oscillating. Thanks for being here.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to...
2020-07-141h 01Brain TrustOfficial Tips for the Gaming PublicWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
Adam Gandolfini and Vin Jobst are back. This podcast has it all: tips, tricks, strategies, hints, hacks, insider info, options, and more. Featuring an interview with Quincy, the auteur. This whole thing features a lot of feverishness to be honest. We spend $20 on a game.
Come check out Adam’s upcoming Kickstarter, Necronautalis, here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adamxvass/necronautilus.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by W...
2020-07-071h 04Brain TrustShout Out to Pizza JakeWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
We revisit A Guide to Casting Phantoms in the Revolution (https://worldchampgameco.itch.io/guide) and the results may shock you (we still love it). In this episode Adam dials it in, Will goes Mads, and we both talk about games that let you do mean things. With a return to setpiece gaming, we chat about experiencing big worlds as an amusement park. And Sid Meier’s big amusement park: the world.
The Brain Trust is hosting a sh...
2020-06-301h 05Brain TrustOh, Rules? Just RightWhile you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
The Brain Trust podcast is a foley-centric soundscape for those invested or interested in the heard world. Also, we explore different styles of campaign play, focused around living worlds with multiple groups playing in a shared space or time. Kill Dick Dastardly. Save the world.
We don't talk about solitaire on this episode, but it's a game in which you read old letters.
The Brain Trust is hosting a shared world Lancer RPG, if you’re rea...
2020-06-231h 03Brain TrustAll My Hexes Live in TexasWe’re back, we’ve been back. While you’re here, contribute to Black Lives Matter in whatever way you can: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.
In this episode, we’re talking all about hexes, inspired by Adam’s hex jam (https://itch.io/jam/hexjam) and his hex pack (https://worldchampgameco.itch.io/world-champ-hex-kit)! Hexes are a type of gon. Gon is math for shapes. Different gons mean different things. We’re going to get pretty technical here, so buckle up. Will gets caught in a roll and Adam is in a plain old good mood. We talk about b...
2020-06-161h 08Brain TrustThose Four Special WordsIn this new sort of game, everyone in the world is a target. Or an opportunity. The only thing you have are your devices, a personal code, and a lifelong commitment and understanding of the trifold axis of our new world. Seek the mysteries of the forebears, extract your pound of flesh, get points in exchange for advanced techniques, and choose your path. Savior or scourge? Do you walk alone or do you work with other for your ends?
For solitaire, I believe it’s an old game played by trees. Grow high and blow down in th...
2020-05-2759 minBrain TrustPodcasting Is a Game and We’re Playing ItAdam Vass and Will Jobst are random entries. We’re in a treasure appendix and you always fudge the numbers a little bit to get us. In this episode, we generate an episode of the Brain Trust podcast. Will chats about their new game, shipwrights, available today at https://willjobst.itch.io/shipwrights. Adam propagates some mechanics from his strategy game draft Ossuary. I think this is how you play solitaire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuJiUscfjQw.
Want to generate your own episode of the Brain Trust podcast?
Start by talking about (d6):
the...
2020-05-191h 08Brain TrustThe Stadium of FailureAdam Vass and Will Jobst are a weird hand gesture. We are sundials on your walk. We are apples and milk, but worse. In this episode, we talk about layout, failure, and building a relationship with your work. Will might still be in an infinity library of their own design. Adam chats his new game, Aurora, available today at https://worldchampgameco.itch.io/aurora. What fruits do lizards like? We don’t talk about solitaire, but here’s how I’d describe it: the goal solitaire is to build a canon of saints. Cards are revealed and placed into mismat...
2020-05-121h 13Brain TrustWaterdeep is ToyAdam Vass and Will Jobst are your drive-time DJs on 69.3 AM, your home for funny number bands. We are again apologizing to the gamers, recollecting radio stations past, and definitely specifically not at all trying to say anything on the Brain Trust bingo board. We make three games involving other games, experiences on top of experiences, like a double decker bus but for games. Do you understand? Adam remembers the bill of a lifetime and Will debuts some impressions from fucking 50 years ago. In this episode: people placement games, adding phases to Destiny, and an earnest try in describing...
2020-05-051h 06Brain TrustThis Is Our Green AlbumAdam Vass and Will Jobst are two big fangs. We’re Weezer now. Life’s going to be a little different, out here in the g’rage and Beverly Hills. Adam unveils 500 years of vegan secrets and outlines new editions of Babes in the Wood and Protest Singer. Will recounts a citrus meltdown and makes an enemy of Frank. We made a game on this episode that really asks: what that mouth do? This is our Green Album. This is our Vampire RPG. (㇏(•̀ᵥᵥ•́)ノ)
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, avail...
2020-04-281h 03Brain TrustZip Plus Four, If You NastyAdam Vass and Will Jobst are Hollywood again. This is the beginning of a new era of Brain Trusting. A computerized world. For art and likes. And Dew. In this episode we dramatize game design, ask: what is owlbear?, and get into your innards. Adam dives into ForeverDex: a game about monster and mail at https://worldchampgameco.itch.io/foreverdex, and Will talks about just getting your head right and taking it easy and saying “fuck it” it’s okay to not do anything and also to do anything, I don’t know, I'm surrounded by black rectangles. We also cov...
2020-04-2153 minBrain TrustA Gourd Named DelilahAdam Vass and Will Jobst are against the owlbears. Not "against" so much as "attempting to coexist". They induct a new Pokemon into the Brain Trust-Certified Favorite Pokemon club, talk about the playtest of THIS DISCORD HAS GHOSTS IN IT (available now: https://willjobst.itch.io/ghosts), dive into what early access means to us, and remember the name of the music website. Spin? Stereogum? We plot out an open development release for the mapmaking game TOTAL STATION.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at...
2020-04-1459 min
Brain TrustCaspers in the ChatAdam Vass and Will Jobst brainstorm and brainproduce three games using online. What kind of games lean into the crosstalk and overspeaking of voice chat, the private space around your computer, or the haunted house that is Discord? We got you. Adam unveil a very good impression of our favorite LOST character, Will doesn’t analyze the significance of twos, and we both consider what makes a flakey, fresh, homemade brain crust. Bazinga count for this episode: 1.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
Also, there’s a...
2020-04-0748 min
Brain TrustGrocery Store Pincer FormationAdam Vass and Will Jobst enter online, again. We derail fast to talk about supermarkets, blueboxes, and Will’s friendly upstairs cult. Adam give a Quietus play report, and we both talk about playing games online. Will debuts a brand-new joke and Adam reveals himself to be something of a music guy. Wow!
A programming note, in these quarantine-days, we’re going to switch from biweekly to weekly! You’ll get episodes like these, in which we check-in, go wild, and exchange grocery store pincer formation strategies. You’ll also get episodes in which we bash together a game, live! Last epi...
2020-03-3147 min
Brain TrustGripsters and RipstersAdam Vass and Will Jobst tear it up, materially-speaking. We tear it up, generally, too. But today it’s specific. You get it. In this episode, we design three games revolving around the destruction of zines, with at least one of them about LOST. If you love something, sometimes you have to rip it up into 1,000 pieces. This episode is ready-made with everything you need: foley experiment, Adam and Will getting the mind-blown feeling, and minimal references to the reason we’re all inside.Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Fi...
2020-03-171h 06
Brain TrustGrateful Dead Van of TheseusAdam Vass and Will Jobst take it all apart piece by piece and put it back together again. We’re back, baby, in the same zip code. Hell, we’re even in the same room. Locking eyes and bass boosting fives. The California sun is nice, I’m not afraid to say it. In this one we talk about playing A Guide to Casting Phantoms in the Revolution (Together! In person!), how screen printing techniques inform game design, and chopping and screwing game systems.
Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link here: https://dis...
2020-03-0357 min
Brain TrustThe Anti-DesignerAdam Vass and Will Jobst discover that for every thing, there is an anti-thing. Matter. Malls. Games designers. We chat about reinvention, kickstarter peeves, and wonder why you were nodding along in the first place. Adam looks at the katamaris (the game of cousins), the long view of one’s catalog, and gets ready to wrap up the Cobwebs kickstarter (while previewing what’s to come). Will anatomizes the anti-designer, and then becomes it. They also hack up a lung and think about that nice western doctor, that they’re gonna just go ahead and google the name of right...
2020-02-181h 03
Brain TrustThe Campaign to Reshoot Little Rascals (1994)Adam Vass and Will Jobst set off fireworks in celebration of Cobwebs funding! We prepare our minds to enter the green realm of Zine Quest 2 by highlighting some of our most anticipated zines. Adam ponders what his own catalog, the bounds between heavy metal fucker shit and kid shit. Will recounts a scary noise from the woods. They both chat about a Guide to Casting Phantoms in the Revolution and hint toward a mysterious break in the episode. Huh. Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link here: https://discordapp.com/i...
2020-02-051h 18
Brain TrustBurrito Design SeminarAdam Vass and Will Jobst bluesky the next actually good corporate game. As with every movement in games, it’s one of two things. Call of Duty or Spiderman. Chipotle or Taco Bell. They talk about the scariest character sheets, zines ahead of ZineQuest 2020, and a deep dive into Adam’s coming-to-Kickstarter game Cobwebs (January 28th, mark it!). For more information, check out Adam’s mailing list right here. Also, there’s a discord! We’d love for you to join! Find the link here: https://discordapp.com/invite/SgnU8ZB. Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco...
2020-01-211h 12
Brain TrustThe Car Is in the Front YardAdam Vass and Will Jobst get lit. What does 2020 hold? Will gets grim, fast. Adam explores Doozle and the goblin conundrum. Then they crescendo into music games, with notes and pianos and clapping and that certain TikTok noise. This episode features a playstorm of my car is in the front yard, now available on at willjobst.itch.io/my-car-is-in-the-front-yard. Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobstMusic by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2020-01-071h 08
Brain TrustTop Three, Twenty NineteenAdam Vass and Will Jobst give the definitive ranking of everything, including: best games you haven’t read yet, most questionable lunches, and, well, slaw. They talk about ghosts of episodes’ past, their favorite games of the year, and Pokemon. Who’s Auld Lang Syne anyways? I’m going to look it up and get back to you. Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobstMusic by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.I looked it up. Auld Lang Syne is a type of complicated bread. Wo
2019-12-241h 05
Brain TrustA Cinder Block Box in Worcester, MAAdam Vass and Will Jobst are together in the same room! Live and direct for Worcester, MA, Adam and Will reunite! They talk about Pokemon (Shield), the status of A Guide to Casting Phantoms in the Revolution, Adam’s upcoming game Cobwebs, and the joy of gaming with new players.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2019-11-2624 min
Brain TrustMahogany SentencesAdam Vass and Will Jobst are two cars passing in the night. Adam’s about to leave on tour, and Will is back! On this episode, we clear the sticky-note docket, compare Gallaghers, and test dream games. Adam debriefs after Big Bad Con and Will presents the newest luxury RPG product.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2019-10-3157 min
Brain TrustFor The Burger QueenAdam Vass and Will Jobst bring back the wonderful For The Queen hack “For The Game Design” and bring it on the road to Big Bad Con 2019 with a flurry of amazing designers and friends drawing cards. Adam & Will also have a nice discussion in-studio about player skill progression from repetitive play and start to re-assess where they are with the design process of A Guide to Casting Phantoms in The Revolution.
Keep up with all of the designers who made appearances on the show this week:
Suzanne Schenewerk
a-sputnik.itch.io
@smoreofbabylon
Jason Brown
https://blooperly.itch.io/
@blooperly_
Alex...
2019-10-151h 03
Brain TrustPurple Gameboy ColorAdam Vass and Will Jobst are back in the same country, time to catch up! On this episode, Adam brings a hack of Alex Roberts’ For The Queen where the word “Queen” is replaced with “Game Design.” It’s devastating. It’s really just, a lot. Adam and Will get ready for a season of design by talking about what makes them feel beautiful, the Kickstarter union, made-up cons, and our Nardwuar presents.
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com/willjobst.
2019-10-0159 min
Brain TrustThe Wit with Lucian KahnAdam Vass and Will Jobst are a world apart, but the brain keeps trusting. On this episode, Will talks to Lucian Kahn, game designer, pentagram expert, and absolute wit. We talk about luminiferous ether, geezer energy, the Kickstarter union, what pipe cleaners are for, and the mythic wit of Lucian Kahn. We also chat about the upcoming MALL GOTHS VS VISIGOTHS Kickstarter. Adam checks in via phantoscope at the end of the episode, live from Australia. Find Lucian Kahn online at https://twitter.com/oh_theogony and his games at https://necromancy.itch.io/. Catch M...
2019-09-1755 min
Brain TrustFundedEpisode 7: FundedWe funded? YEAH WE DID. In this episode, Adam and Will collectively exhale, talk about the future, and plan their break. We’ll be back in your feeds later this month, but for the meanwhile, we’re going to take a beat. We chat about exhaustion roleplaying, the last exciting days of the campaign, and more. This episode is a thank-you note to our backers, that made this podcast and campaign possible. Want to talk to us? Record a voice memo and send it to jointhebraintrust@gmail.com
2019-09-0335 min
Brain TrustSlam Dunks with Alex RobertsOn the final week of their Kickstarter Campaign, Adam Vass and Will Jobst chat with Diana Jones award winning game designer of Starcrossed & For The Queen: Alex Roberts! We talk about designing game systems to be hack-friendly, our early childhood game designs, and roman candle fights. We also reveal the title of our RPG that you helped decide in last week’s poll.
This is the final 48 hours of the Brain Trust kickstarter campaign! Show your support here: http://kck.st/2JMjohW.
Find Alex Roberts online at helloalexroberts.com, Twitter at twitter.com/muscularpikachu and support her on Patreon at pa...
2019-08-271h 02
Brain TrustTitles with Nell RabanAdam Vass and Will Jobst chat with software developer, game designer, and writer extraordinaire Nell Raban about the courage of putting your ideas into the public eye, the roles of cops in fantasy, and intentional and unintentional antagonism in roleplay. We also reveal the tone of our game that you voted on and we offer up the very big final poll: the name of our game.
Check the Kickstarter out here: http://kck.st/2JMjohW.
Find Nell Raban on Twitter at twitter.com/nell_do_well and her games at nell-raban.itch.io.
Want to talk to us? Record a...
2019-08-201h 05
Brain TrustPrototypes with Banana ChanAdam Vass and Will Jobst chat with tabletop roleplaying game designer, larp designer, and writer Banana Chan about prototypes, developing physical objects, Gen Con, and the power of whiteboarding. We also discuss the voice that our game will communicate in and ask you to help us choose the next step.
Check the Kickstarter out here: http://kck.st/2JMjohW.
You can find Banana Chan on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bananachangames and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/banana.chann.
Want to talk to us? Record a voice memo and send it to jointhebraintrust@gmail.com
Find Adam on...
2019-08-1354 min
Brain TrustArtifacts with Takuma OkadaAdam Vass and Will Jobst chat with game designer, musician, and creative Takuma Okada about creative sparks, game jams, physical items used in gameplay... and Bionicles. We also discuss some physical artifacts that could appear in our game and ask you to help us choose the next step.
Check the Kickstarter out here: http://kck.st/2JMjohW.
You can find Takuma Okada’s games at noroadhome.itch.io and their music at soundcloud.com/noroadhome.
Want to talk to us? Record a voice memo and send it to jointhebraintrust@gmail.com
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @wi...
2019-08-0600 min
Brain TrustFocus with Nathan D. PaolettaAdam Vass and Will Jobst chat with game designer, writer, and graphic artist Nathan D. Paoletta. On this episode, they discuss the winner of the pitches, the “big three” questions, and expansive design.
Check the Kickstarter out here: http://kck.st/2JMjohW.
You can find Nathan and his work at ndpdesign.com, and the | BLACK | RED | WHITE | Nonexistent Games
Kickstarter here: http://kck.st/2LXpXjy.
Want to talk to us? Record a voice memo and send it to jointhebraintrust@gmail.com
Find Adam on Twitter at @wcgameco and Will at @will_jobst
Music by Will Jobst, available at https://soundcloud.com...
2019-07-301h 03