Shows
The Liminal Church of Ventura PodcastSlowing Down and Digging InSermon by April-Lyn Caouette.
Are you new? Let us know you were here: liminalventura.org/connectioncard
2025-05-1832 minThe Liminal Church of Ventura PodcastBlessed Are the Pure in HeartSermon by April-Lyn Caouette.
Are you new? Let us know you were here: liminalventura.org/connectioncard2025-03-0232 minThe Liminal Church of Ventura PodcastThe Kingdom of AbundanceMessage by April-Lyn Caouette,
Service hosted by Jeremey Kinser,
Worship led by Chris Ringor, Becky Andrade
Are you new? Let us know you were here: liminalventura.org/connectioncard2024-09-1542 min
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 24 - Dungeons and Dragons OGLThe tabletop world has been shaken by a leaked draft of D&D's new Open Games License, a set of rules that defines how users can create new content around the system. The legal questions are a bit complex so we invited our friend Chris, a lawyer who specializes in entertainment and games law, to shed some light. We talk about specific language, how unique this document may or may not be, and about the landscape going forward with this new OGL.
Chris can be found online at @NYGameLawyer
(Note: This was...2023-01-241h 30
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 23.2 - Stillfleet (Interview)Having returned from H'rabdin, space slug in tow, Mike sits down with Wythe and Ethan to talk about the genesis of Stillfleet. They have a wide-ranging conversation about the optimism of games, creating a world out of bits and pieces, and about creating a playful space for people to engage with ideas that may be overwhelming.
Stillfleet is available on stillfleet.com, and is currently live on Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wythe/the-stillfleet-core-rulebook). They can be found on Twitter @stillfleet
(Disclaimer: Mike is a long-time friend of one of the designers and is a...2022-08-181h 01
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 23.1 - Stillfleet (Gameplay)We enter the world of Stillfleet, a game where fantastical alien races work for The Company on an ancient/futuristic space station called Spindle. It's a vast and colorful world where the wonders of the far future are within your grasp, but with a strong undercurrent of weird biology and corporate intrigue. Join our crew of sentient salamanders, winged monkeys, and unsettling psychic practitioners of Hell Science as we seek... a space slug.
And as an extra special treat, we play with two of the designers of the game, Wythe and Ethan!
Stillfleet is available...2022-08-162h 51
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 22.1 - CBR+PNK (Review)Mike opines about the aesthetics and themes of cyberpunk while Samara digs deep into the Forged in the Dark system in our review of CBR+PNK.
CBR+PNK and Mind The Gap (the specific run setting) are by Emanoel Melo (@emanoelmelo on Twitter) and available on itch.io here. The Forged in the Dark system is based on Blades in the Dark by One Seven Design.2022-07-1351 min
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 22.1 - CBR+PNK (Gameplay)We jack into a cyberpunk world as we try out CBR+PNK, a one-shot game based on the Forged in the Dark system. Our runners are sent out in one last job to deliver an important package. But all is not as it seems....
CBR+PNK and Mind The Gap (the specific run setting) are by Emanoel Melo (@emanoelmelo on Twitter) and available on itch.io here. The Forged in the Dark system is based on Blades in the Dark by One Seven Design.2022-07-122h 19
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 21 - Sports are Just NumerologyThis week we delve into the high-stakes world of competitive bocce. No, you read that right. We try out Sports are Just Numerology, a quick game with an intriguing central mechanic. We also expose just how little Samara and Mike know about sports.
Sports are Just Numerology is by Ben Roswell (@roswellwrites on Twitter) and is available on itch.io. 2022-06-0757 min
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 20.2 - Stewpot (Review)We've created our tavern, told some tales, now we try to puzzle out how we ultimately feel about Stewpot.
The zine that Samara references is called Synthesis, by Riley Rethal (@rileyrethaI on Twitter). It can be found on itch.io here.
Stewpot: Tales from a Fantasy Tavern is by Takuma Okada (@takuma_okada_ on Twitter) and is available for purchase on itch.io.2022-05-0456 min
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 20.1 - Stewpot (Gameplay)This week, we become adventurers retiring to run a tavern in a small fantasy town. Samara and Mike are joined by special guest Jared as they prepare exotic foods, serve drinks, and gather round the hearth for this unique game. Come in and stay a while at Trip's.
Stewpot: Tales from a Fantasy Tavern is by Takuma Okada (@takuma_okada_ on Twitter) and is available for purchase on itch.io. 2022-05-032h 30
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 19.2 - Lady Blackbird (Review)Our adventures have brought us to this point. Mike and Samara debrief on their time spent soaring through the skies. We consider participatory worldbuilding, how to inhabit characters, and the impact that a good aesthetic can have on a gameplay experience.
Lady Blackbird is designed by John Harper (@john_harper on Twitter) and is available for free at ladyblackbird.org2022-03-3047 min
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 19.1 - Lady Blackbird (Gameplay)We take a journey into the Wild Blue Yonder for a tale of high adventure amongst sky pirates. Will the debonair Lady Blackbird and the goblin pilot Snargle find a way to free their crew from the depths of the imperial cruiser Hand of Sorrow? Mike, Samara, and special guest Scott explore this beautifully crafted world of romance, action, and sky squids.
Lady Blackbird is designed by John Harper (@john_harper on Twitter) and is available for free at ladyblackbird.org2022-03-292h 54
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 18.2 - Cozy Town (Review)We have finally come home from the cozy town of Coral Gardens, and we have a lot of thoughts. Samara and Mike discuss worldbuilding games vs "tradtional" RPGs, the value of a game throwing you curveballs, and games as escapism.
Cozy Town is a Sword Queen game by Jamila R. Nedjadi (@temporalhiccup on Twitter) and is available at https://temporalhiccup.itch.io/cozy-town.2022-01-121h 06
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 18.1 - Cozy Town (Gameplay)Welcome to our cozy little town! Mike and Samara are joined by special guest Kate as we create a thriving little village where everyone looks out for each other. Join us for a warm fuzzy time in our precious welcoming community.
Cozy Town is a Sword Queen game by Jamila R. Nedjadi (@temporalhiccup on Twitter) and is available at https://temporalhiccup.itch.io/cozy-town. 2022-01-112h 31
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 17.2 - Spoken Magic (Review)Off of our gameplay session of Spoken Magic, we discuss the highs and lows. Samara and Mike have a wide-ranging conversation about the nature of language, the dissonance between narrative and mechanic, and how the game shifts between the grounded and the metaphysical.
Spoken Magic is made by Dylan Grinder and can be purchased at https://anarisis.itch.io/spoken-magic.2021-12-1558 min
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 17.1 - Spoken Magic (Gameplay)Words have power, and this week we speak magical phrases as a trio of adventuring mages who journey across the land to find themselves. What dangers and wisdom awaits?
Spoken Magic is made by Dylan Grinder and can be purchased at https://anarisis.itch.io/spoken-magic. 2021-12-141h 45
LTN SpecialsLTNcon! 2021 | LTN Founders Q&AThe Founders of Love Thy Nerd take a few moments to answer some of your questions regarding LTN, it's start, how they see it moving forward and what the plan is to get there.
Speakers | Chris Gwaltney, Bubba Stallcup, Matt Warmbier, Drew Dixon, Kate Kadowaki & April-Lyn Caouette
https://www.lovethynerd.com2021-11-1857 min
LTN SpecialsLTNcon! 2021 | Keynote | Nerds of a FeatherLearn why finding common ground is an important first step for effectively loving and serving within nerd culture.
Speaker | April-lyn Caouette
https://www.lovethynerd.com2021-11-1723 min
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 16.2 - Trophy Dark (Review)We've emerged from the dangers of the forest after playing Trophy and talk about how we feel. We discuss the interplay of joint authorship, the nature of horror gaming, and Mike's opinions on French cinema.
Trophy Dark is made by Jesse Ross and is available on DriveThruRPG and trophyrpg.com.2021-11-101h 00
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 16.1 - Trophy Dark (Gameplay)The forest is dark and full of terrors. This week, we play Trophy Dark, a mind-bending game about doomed treasure hunters and a forest that seeks to protect itself from all invaders. Will our players survive, or have their minds and bodies broken? And in the end, will they be claimed as a trophy?
Trophy Dark is made by Jesse Ross and is available on DriveThruRPG and trophyrpg.com. 2021-11-092h 30
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 15 - Our Mundane Supernatural LifeShe's a product manager living in Brooklyn about to wed the love of her life. However, she's got to survive her off-kilter sidhe grandmother who has come back from beyond the divide! Hijinks ensue as we take on Our Mundane Supernatural Life, a warm and fuzzy 2-player game by Vee Hendro and Hayley Gordon.
Our Mundane Supernatural Life is available at https://storybrewersroleplaying.com/ourmundanesupernaturallife/. 2021-10-072h 16
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 14.2 - Umlaut: Game of Metal (Review)So that was a thing. Did Umlaut live up to their lofty ambitions of letting us live out our metal dreams? Or is the shine on this game a bit dulled? Mike and April-Lyn do a deep dive on what didn't work for them while playing.
Umlaut: Game of Metal is made by Rich Stokes and is available on DriveThruRPG (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/79824/Umlaut-Game-of-Metal).2021-07-1447 min
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 14.1 - Umlaut: Game of Metal (Gameplay)This week we enter the world of face melters, sick beards, and rock gods as we strive to become the greatest metal bands the world has ever seen. We are also joined by two incredible metalhead guests, Elana and John, who take Mike and April-Lyn to school on the ins and outs of metal culture.
Umlaut: Game of Metal is made by Rich Stokes and is available on DriveThruRPG (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/79824/Umlaut-Game-of-Metal).
Elana is the host of Graphic Policy Radio (blogtalkradio.com/graphicpolicy) and can be found on Twitter @Elana_Brooklyn.
...2021-07-131h 59
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 13.2 - Fiasco (Review)We've wrapped our Fiasco in London, and get together to discuss how we felt about it. Does Fiasco do enough to actually push the characters we created into a big beautiful mess? How do we feel about this seminal indie TTRPG more than a decade after its launch?
Fiasco is available from Bully Pulpit Games (https://bullypulpitgames.com/games/fiasco/). Our particular playbook, Bookhounds Fiasco, is made by Pelgrane Press and is based on their Trail of Cthulhu game. (https://site.pelgranepress.com/index.php/bookhounds-fiasco-playset/)2021-06-1658 min
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 13.1 - Fiasco (Gameplay)We return to one of the most seminal games of modern TTRPGs and have ourselves a Fiasco. Follow the trials and travails of the Windsleydale twins and Caelan Pope as we play as bookhounds in Depression-era London, and be there when it all goes wrong.
Fiasco is available from Bully Pulpit Games (https://bullypulpitgames.com/games/fiasco/). Our particular playbook, Bookhounds Fiasco, is made by Pelgrane Press and is based on their Trail of Cthulhu game. (https://site.pelgranepress.com/index.php/bookhounds-fiasco-playset/)
Occasional ambient audio from https://tabletopaudio.com/2021-06-152h 02
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 12 - Kiss Her Before The World EndsWe're back!
And boy do we have an episode for you today. We take on Kiss Her Before The World Ends, a deeply emotional game about people trying to connect in a terrible situation. This one is a heavy one, but come along and see how we feel about it on the other end.
We've also launched our Patreon! Check us out at https://www.patreon.com/OSTKPodcast!
Last Shooting is made by Alice Olivia Grizzle (@TafKat_ on Twitter), and is available for $10 here: https://tafkat.itch.io/kiss-her-before-the-world-ends
CW: Implied a...2021-05-252h 37
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 11 - 2020 Games in ReviewThe year is drawing to a close, so we gather everyone around the hearth in the Test Kitchen to talk about the games we played. Now that we've tried out a ton of systems and settings, how do we feel about tabletop gaming on the whole? Have our tastes shifted? Listen to find out!
The Test Kitchen will also be taking a brief hiatus over the next month or so, but look for us back in your feeds early next year!2020-12-141h 19
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 10.2 - Last Shooting (Review)Samara and Mike review their experience with Last Shooting, and talk about the vulnerability and trust of a 2-player system, resolving combat without a combat system, and the role mechs play as an extension of other forces in the world they inhabit.
Last Shooting is made by My Name Is Grant (@gen_ironicus), and is available for $5 here: https://my-name-is-grant.itch.io/last-shooting2020-11-241h 07
LTN SpecialsLTN Rewind 8 | Interview with April-Lyn CaouetteIn this flashback to Humans of Gaming 177, Drew and Chris have a deeper conversation with co-founder April-Lyn.2020-11-241h 18
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 10.1 - Last Shooting (Gameplay)Samara and Mike take on a unique two-player RPG this week, with Last Shooting, a game about two mech pilots and their encounters in war. We play out the story of PJ and Kal, people from very different worlds brought together in this war.
Last Shooting is made by My Name Is Grant (@gen_ironicus), and is available for $5 here: https://my-name-is-grant.itch.io/last-shooting2020-11-232h 22
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 9.2 - Cyberpunk RED (Review)We may be Samara-less, but April-Lyn and Mike examine their experience with the Cyberpunk RED system. They also give movie recommendations at the end, and you should go watch Blade Runner 2049 like right now.
Cyberpunk RED will be available later this year at rtalsoriangames.com, or you can get the Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart Kit at Drivethru RPG here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/279014/Cyberpunk-Red-Jumpstart-Kit2020-11-0354 min
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 9.1 - Cyberpunk RED (Gameplay)We head to the dark future with the latest version of the RPG classic Cyberpunk 2020, called Cyberpunk RED. This update comes alongside the highly anticipated release of the Cyberpunk 2077 video game, and the Test Kitchen checks out what makes this world and system special as we take on a job from a shadowy fixer....
Special Guest: Tim Shea
Cyberpunk RED will be available later this year at rtalsoriangames.com, or you can get the Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart Kit at Drivethru RPG here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/279014/Cyberpunk-Red-Jumpstart-Kit2020-11-022h 27
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 8 - RisusThe Test Kitchen takes on Risus, a 4-page game system initially published in 1993(!), which Mike definitely knows is the year Doom came out. This barebones system calls itself an "emergency" RPG, but does it work? Listen to find out!
Risus is available for free at DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/170294/Risus-The-Anything-RPG2020-10-192h 02
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 7.2 - Golden Sky Stories (Review)After our sojourn in the world of the henge, we come back together to discuss the highs and lows of Golden Sky Stories.
Golden Sky Stories is available for purchase at http://starlinepublishing.com/our-games/golden-sky-stories/.2020-10-061h 05
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 7.1 - Golden Sky Stories (Gameplay)We're dealing with some lighter fare these days as we try out Golden Sky Stories in the test kitchen. Inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki, we dive into some heart-warming role-playing rich with happy animal spirits and the power of friendship.
Golden Sky Stories is available for purchase at http://starlinepublishing.com/our-games/golden-sky-stories/. 2020-10-052h 05
Role-Playing Games: Dungeons and Dragons, Lasers and Feelings and beyondTabletop roleplaying games are a hot social activity. Many have played for decades, but some have always wanted to try but haven't found a group to join yet. This episode features a diverse crew of TTRPG experts answering your questions on everything from how to get started, how to make your games more inclusive, how to adapt your offline games to online AND recommend awesome games you haven't heard of yet (those may involve neither dungeons nor dragons). Jess Ross is an editor, writer, and podcaster. She plays D&D with the d20 Dames, a family-friendly actual play podcast https://d20dames.com...2020-09-291h 15
Graphic Policy RadioRole-Playing Games: Dungeons and Dragons, Lasers and Feelings and beyondTabletop roleplaying games are a hot social activity. Many have played for decades, but some have always wanted to try but haven't found a group to join yet. This episode features a diverse crew of TTRPG experts answering your questions on everything from how to get started, how to make your games more inclusive, how to adapt your offline games to online AND recommend awesome games you haven't heard of yet (those may involve neither dungeons nor dragons).
Jess Ross is an editor, writer, and podcaster. She plays D&D with the d20 Dames, a family-friendly actual play podcast https://d20dames.com...2020-09-291h 15Graphic Policy RadioRole-Playing Games: Dungeons and Dragons, Lasers and Feelings and beyondTabletop roleplaying games are a hot social activity. Many have played for decades, but some have always wanted to try but haven't found a group to join yet. This episode features a diverse crew of TTRPG experts answering your questions on everything from how to get started, how to make your games more inclusive, how to adapt your offline games to online AND recommend awesome games you haven't heard of yet (those may involve neither dungeons nor dragons). Jess Ross is an editor, writer, and podcaster. She plays D&D with the d20 Dames, a family-friendly actual play podcast https://d20dames.com...2020-09-291h 15
Graphic Policy RadioRole-Playing Games: Dungeons and Dragons, Lasers and Feelings and beyondTabletop roleplaying games are a hot social activity. Many have played for decades, but some have always wanted to try but haven't found a group to join yet. This episode features a diverse crew of TTRPG experts answering your questions on everything from how to get started, how to make your games more inclusive, how to adapt your offline games to online AND recommend awesome games you haven't heard of yet (those may involve neither dungeons nor dragons).
Jess Ross is an editor, writer, and podcaster. She plays D&D with the d20 Dames, a family-friendly actual play podcas...2020-09-291h 15
Graphic Policy RadioRole-Playing Games: Dungeons and Dragons, Lasers and Feelings and beyondTabletop roleplaying games are a hot social activity. Many have played for decades, but some have always wanted to try but haven't found a group to join yet. This episode features a diverse crew of TTRPG experts answering your questions on everything from how to get started, how to make your games more inclusive, how to adapt your offline games to online AND recommend awesome games you haven't heard of yet (those may involve neither dungeons nor dragons). Jess Ross is an editor, writer, and podcaster. She plays D&D with the d20 Dames, a family-friendly actual play podcast https://d20dames.com...2020-09-291h 15
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 6.2 - Jiangshi: Blood in the Banquet Hall (Review)Following our gameplay session, we sit down with Sen and Banana in the Test Kitchen to learn a little bit more about what went into making Jiangshi: Blood in the Banquet Hall. We also give our review.
Banana Chan is @bananachangames on Twitter and Instagram, as well as @gameandacurry on Twitter.
Sen-Foong Lim is @senfoonglim on Twitter as well as a host on the Meeple Syrup Show on Facebook Live.
You can preorder your own copy of the game on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jiangshi/jiangshi-blood-in-the-banquet-hall2020-09-221h 29
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 6.1 - Jiangshi: Blood in the Banquet Hall (Gameplay)This week, we are joined by Banana Chan and Sen-Foong Lim, creators of Jiangshi: Blood in the Banquet Hall, to play through their upcoming game about a Chinese family making their living by running a restaurant in one of America’s Chinatowns, circa 1920.
Banana Chan is @bananachangames on Twitter and Instagram, as well as @gameandacurry on Twitter.
Sen-Foong Lim is @senfoonglim on Twitter as well as a host on the Meeple Syrup Show on Facebook Live.
You can preorder your own copy of the game on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jiangshi/jiang...2020-09-212h 54
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 5.2 - Murderous Ghosts (Review)We've emerged from the Murderous Ghosts mansion, and review how we felt about it.
Murderous Ghosts is available at https://lumpley.itch.io/murderous-ghosts2020-09-0958 min
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 5.1 - Murderous Ghosts (Gameplay)Join us on a trek into a haunted mansion in upstate New York as we confront some Murderous Ghosts.
CW: Arachnophobia, descriptions of violence
Murderous Ghosts is available at https://lumpley.itch.io/murderous-ghosts
Occasional ambient audio from https://tabletopaudio.com/2020-09-081h 18
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 4.2 - Night Witches (Review)We've returned from the front lines of Pashovskaya. April-Lyn, Mike, and Samara get together to discuss their feelings about Night Witches.
Night Witches is available for sale at https://bullypulpitgames.com/games/night-witches/2020-08-251h 26
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 4.1 - Night Witches (Gameplay)This week on One Shot Test Kitchen, we play Night Witches, a game about the Soviet airwomen who fought on the Eastern Front.
Special guest: Katie Tejedor (@krrtejedor on Twitter)
Night Witches is available for sale at https://bullypulpitgames.com/games/night-witches/2020-08-242h 35
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 3 - PerilThis week, we try out Peril, from worldchampgame.co. Three deities try to solve the problems of the world. And succeed. Or fail?
At the end of the episode, Samara gives us an update on the Lasers & Feelings game she ran with some newbies.2020-08-101h 19
Changed My Mind with Luke T. HarringtonFrom Pagan to Christian — April-Lyn Caouette — S2 E3I talk to April-Lyn Caouette about how she found her way from Catholicism to agnosticism to paganism to vague spirituality to Protestantism. Also discussed: YA fiction, the Ayn Rand Society, April-Lyn’s definitely real boyfriend who lives in Canada.2020-08-011h 11
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 2.2 - Lasers & Feelings (Review)After our adventures on the Raptor, April-Lyn, Mike, and Samara get together to discuss what they liked and didn't like about the Lasers & Feelings game system.
Lasers & Feelings is available for free at http://www.onesevendesign.com/laserfeelings/2020-07-2843 min
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 2.1 - Lasers & Feelings (Gameplay)This week on One Shot Test Kitchen, we play Lasers & Feelings.
Special guest: Xavier Rice (@mr.mamma_rice on Instagram)
Lasers & Feelings is available for free at http://www.onesevendesign.com/laserfeelings/2020-07-272h 24
One Shot Test KitchenEpisode 1 - The Sundered LandWelcome to the first episode of One Shot Test Kitchen! We're a group of nerds who wanted to try out a bunch of really neat indie RPGs, so we made a podcast!
This week's game is The Sundered Land, available for purchase at nightskygames.com.
Gameplay starts at 13:45
Review section starts at 43:002020-06-191h 24
Humans of Gaming PodcastEpisode 177 | April-Lyn Caouette on Food Trips and FriendshipsCheif Resource Nerd April-Lyn Caouette joins Drew and Chris to give some insight into the many facets of Love Thy Nerd's mission to bring hope and love to the varied "nerd" cultures. 2020-05-061h 12
Humans of Gaming PodcastEpisode 136 | PAX South 2019 Developer Interviews Part 1Love Thy Nerd was on hand at PAX South 2019 for some developer interviews of games of all kinds. Chief Content Nerd Drew Dixon and Managing Editor April-Lyn Caouette walked the floor and talked to various members of the industry to share thoughts on why they make games and what the developer hopes you, the player, gets out of them. Interviews 1. Bekah Saltsman of Overland from FinjiCo @ 3:00 2. Rami Ismail of Vambleer @ 11:32 3. Terry Cavanagh and Niamh Houston aka "Chipzel" @ 19:52 4. Kieron Kelly of Divinity Original Sin from Larian Studios @ 25:25 5. Tristan Barona of Don't Give Up from Taco Pizza Cats @ 30:1...2019-01-2352 min
Theology Gaming PodcastPodcast #49 - Time Management?Zach, Andrew Crawford, Thomas Henshell, and GameChurch City Mayor April-Lyn Caouette talk about time management. Will it be slow or fast paced? Topics include Diablo III, Doritos, Peter Jackson, The Abyss, a theology of leisure and work, Minecraft,, etc.2014-09-2000 min