Shows
Finding AtoriaStarring in This Space Western: A Tale of Three Star Wars TTRPGs — Edge of the Empire, Age of Rebellion & Force & DestinySend us a text"Niima Outpost is that way. Stay off Kelvin Ridge. Keep away from the Sinking Fields in the north." ~ Rey to BB-8, Star Wars Episode 7: The Force AwakensWelcome back to the table! Patrick and Arcadia are joined by Jess and Coel for a dive into Star Wars TTRPG madness. We’re juggling three games this week — Edge of the Empire, Force & Destiny, and Age of Rebellion — and somehow, through some cosmic sorcery, it all works together. Mechanics were built to let you play them separately or together, and yes...
2025-12-0446 minFinding AtoriaThurs-Con 2025: Our Homegrown TTRPG Micro-Convention, Now With 200% More Gummy BearsSend us a textWelcome back to the table, and Happy Turkey Day! 🦃✨ This week, Tori returns with Arcadia and Malcolm to break down all things Thurs-Con — our beloved, chaotic, sugar-fueled, dice-rolling micro-convention that has officially wrapped its second glorious year.We take a joyful detour into gummy-bear discourse (as one does), then recap the full Thurs-Con experience: more people, more games, more merch, and way more gaming all weekend long. Watching the “baby gamers” discover TTRPGs for the first time was pure magic — nothing beats seeing new players fall in love w...
2025-11-2736 min
WORT 89.9FM MadisonUnhoused by DesignToday on A Public Affair, we bring you a special feature produced by Matvei Mozhaev. He tells the story of Brian Deschane, a Madisonian who experienced homelessness for three years.
2025-11-2145 minFinding AtoriaStar Wars Edge of the Empire: Session Zero in a Galaxy Far, Far AwaySend us a textSession Zero, Character Creation, and BeyondWelcome back to the table! This week, Arcadia, Malcolm, and Jess talk about Star Wars! The crew tried the Star Wars TTRPG on for size, and there’s just something about that galaxy far, far away that calls to all of us. Jess’s nickname even makes an appearance… Threepio!As usual, our folks dove right in — and of course, homebrew showed up almost immediately. Character creation was a little tricky, but with any new system, there are bound to be some hic...
2025-11-2045 minFinding AtoriaWhy Not Both: Video Games vs. TTRPGSSend us a textXP Is XP: The Many Faces of Role-Playing Arcadia, Malcolm, and Jess are in the studio this week while Tori is off gaming at her other table—because let’s be honest, every table needs their rogue.This episode dives into a conversation that’s close to many gamers’ hearts: video games versus tabletop RPGs. The crew explores what makes each experience unique, starting with one of the biggest differences—the human element. Around a physical table, you can see your friends laugh, react, and connect. Video games, on th...
2025-11-1350 minFinding AtoriaThe Place To Be: Finding Your People at the Local Game StoreSend us a textHow Local Game Shops Became the Heart of Our Hobby This week, Malcolm, Arcadia, and Jess dive into a topic close to every gamer’s heart — local game shops! These hometown heroes are the backbone of every local gaming scene.Back in the day, hobby shops weren’t solely focused on gaming. Model kits and crafting supplies dominated the shelves, while games were often tucked into a small corner with maybe one lonely bookshelf of rulebooks. Jess’s introduction to local game stores came a little la...
2025-11-0641 minFinding AtoriaA Party to Access: Forging a Better TableSend us a textWelcome back to the table! Malcolm sits down with Rachel Vosgrove and Wesley Magee-Saxton, the founders of Forge Ahead: A Party to Access, to discuss their mission to make gaming more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities.Rachel and Wesley share how their organization works to remove barriers—both physical and social—that can make it difficult for people with disabilities to fully participate in tabletop gaming. From ensuring that gaming spaces, tables, and tools are physically accessible to encouraging authentic representation in game worlds and materials, Forge Ahead is lead...
2025-10-3035 minFinding AtoriaHeroes, Healing, and Dice: Dungeons & DogtagsSend us a textSupporting Veterans, One Game at a TimeWelcome back to the table! Malcolm and Tori sit down with Jason Cottom, founder of Dungeons & Dogtags, to talk about the power of tabletop role-playing games to bring people together and support those who’ve served.Jason shares the inspiration behind his organization and how it creates safe, welcoming spaces for veterans and active-duty personnel to connect, heal, and grow through storytelling and community. Their conversation explores the therapeutic benefits of gaming, the unique challenges veterans face, and th...
2025-10-2320 minFinding AtoriaLet’s Tell a Story With Radiance: Building Atoria One Card at a TimeSend us a textRadiance and Random Inspiration: Building Atoria With Oddfish Games Welcome back to the table! In this episode, the FA gang dives into Oddfish Games’ Adventure Engine to help flesh out a mysterious corner of Atoria. This was our first time using the system, and honestly? We had a blast.We put the Radiance deck through its paces to give some backstory to a blank spot on our homebrew map—and ended up with way more ideas than we expected. These cards are an awesome way to sp...
2025-10-1653 minFinding AtoriaMore Epic Voices in TTRPGs: Christina Stiso of The Epic Adventure PodcastSend us a textAnother Epic Interview With OddFish GamesThis week, we had the pleasure of interviewing Christina Stiso, one of the hosts of The Epic Adventure Podcast!Christina is a game designer, GM, gamer, PhD student, and Creative Designer at Oddfish Games. She’s also a passionate advocate for inclusivity in gaming and serves as the Outreach Director for Tabletop Gaymers — the folks who hand out those iconic ribbons at conventions, helping create safe and welcoming spaces for everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community.Beyo...
2025-10-0922 minFinding AtoriaEpic Voices in TTRPGs: Steve Kellams of The Epic Adventure PodcastSend us a textAre You Ready for an Epic Interview?After months of emails and coordination, we’re thrilled to feature our very first interview: Steve Kellams, host of The Epic Adventure Podcast. Together, we dive into our shared passions for TTRPGs and the power of podcasting as a medium.Steve shares how his background in law enforcement and early strategy war games led him to the table. Combining a love of games and storytelling, he has been informing and entertaining listeners alongside Mike and Christina on Epic Adventure fo...
2025-10-0219 minFinding AtoriaHow Do You Roleplay? Exploring TTRPG Player ArchetypesSend us a textThe 8 Types of TTRPG Players (And Their Strengths and Pitfalls)Welcome back to the table—this week, the whole party’s here! Tori took us down a delightful rabbit hole into the world of player archetypes that pop up at so many TTRPG tables.Which one sounds like you (or your friends)?StorytellersExplorersTacticiansActorsSlayersJokersGuardiansCollectorsMost players lean into one archetype but dip into others over the course of a campaign. Each type comes with its own strengths and its own pitfalls—for both the player...
2025-09-2542 minFinding AtoriaNews You Can Use!: TTRPGs in the Headlines and Exploring the Styles of GameplaySend us a textCommunity News, London Pub Scenes, and Player Archetypes UnpackedWelcome back to the table! Malcolm kicks things off with some stories circulating in the TTRPG community. Tori, Jess, and Arcadia dive into topics making the news, including recent moves from Paizo and Glass Cannon Unplugged. The group also takes a closer look at London’s TTRPG pub scene—how it fills a niche for both gamers and pub owners alike.After the break, Tori digs into different playstyles at the table. We explore how players approach games base...
2025-09-1838 minFinding AtoriaWuv…Twue Wuv: Romantasy at the Table!Send us a textExploring Love, Fandom, and TTRPGsWelcome back to the table! Finding Atoria Studios is packed today for a lively discussion on the rise of Romantasy TTRPGs and their growing presence in the gaming market. Have these elements always been hidden in the gems of our roleplaying games—or is there something different about the current moment?We dive into the stats and mechanics that help romance flourish in games and settings, while also exploring the origins of this wave of RPG-curious readers and the literary inspirations behind it...
2025-09-1145 minFinding AtoriaRibbets and Fungril and Clanks, OH MY!: Character Ancestries in DaggerheartSend us a textFrom Ribbet Tongues to Druid ShroomsWith Malcolm out this week, Tori and Arcadia dive into a lively discussion about Ancestries in TTRPGs. The rise of the narrative-focused game Daggerheart has sparked big conversations in the community about what makes it stand out for both players and GMs.In Daggerheart, ancestries aren’t just cosmetic—they’re baked directly into a character’s features and feats, carefully balanced through stress costs and resource management. The ancestry cards keep everything in one place, streamlining play and giving t...
2025-09-0450 minFinding AtoriaResurrecting White Wolf: The World of Darkness ReturnsSend us a textA New Chapter for World of DarknessWelcome back to the table! Tori takes the moderator seat as Arcadia and Malcolm dive into the topic of White Wolf’s re-emergence. While fans of World of Darkness may have been anticipating the brand’s return, the resurrection isn’t quite the same as the White Wolf we remember from its heyday.Originally swallowed by Paradox Interactive, White Wolf’s future seemed uncertain after some promised video game projects fell through. However, with the brand’s re-emergence, White Wolf...
2025-08-2839 minFinding AtoriaJust Not Chaotic Stupid: Using Character Alignment as a Tool, Not an ExcuseSend us a textAlignments: Flexible, Not Flawed Malcolm moderates this episode as the crew dives into the topic of alignment—the classic D&D concept that has shaped characters and campaigns for decades. Alignment may or may not be a big deal at your table, but it’s been a highly rigid rule in older editions of D&D. In some editions, certain races or species were automatically assigned an alignment, limiting player freedom and creativity.The gaming world has gradually moved away from strict alignment rules...
2025-08-2444 min
King County Recovery Conversations[REVISIT] Inside King County’s Drug Court: A Pathway to Recovery and TransformationIn this week's episode of King County Recovery Conversations, we revisit "Inside King County’s Drug Court: A Pathway to Recovery and Transformation". Join host Brad Finegood on King County Recovery Conversations as he delves into the transformative impact of King County's Drug Court program with guests Joe Barsana and Lizzy DesChane. Joe shares his personal journey of recovery through the structured support of Drug Court, highlighting how it reshaped his life with tailored treatments and relentless encouragement. Lizzy, a seasoned Treatment Coordinator, emphasizes the integral role of evidence-based interventions and community support in fostering recovery and reducing recidivism....
2025-08-1836 minFinding AtoriaGen Con 2025: Final Wrap-Up and Community Shout-OutsSend us a textLast Episode About Gen Con, We Promise!Welcome back to the table! We have a skeleton crew in the studio for our final words on Gen Con 2025 and a massive round of shout-outs. Arcadia and Malcolm hold down the board this week as they focus on some of the names and businesses we interacted with in the Exhibit Hall, highlighting community members whose work and personalities left a lasting impression.We also take a few minutes to recount the people and passions that...
2025-08-141h 08Finding AtoriaControlled Bonk as a Feat: Gen Con 2025 Highlights and Table TakeawaysSend us a textGenCon Recap: New Games, New Friends, and Chaos at the Table Welcome back to the table! Jess and Tori are both on the mic this episode, and Malcolm and Arcadia share a wrap-up of GenCon 2025, where they represented our crew. From discovering new games to meeting new friends, this year’s convention brought some fresh experiences.Jess kicks things off with a lesson in orderly queuing, proving that some skills from overseas don’t always translate to the States. Last year’s 50th anniver...
2025-08-0757 minFinding AtoriaButts to Nuts: A Gen Con 2025 PreviewSend us a textTrade Days, Tabletop Fun, and Community ConnectionsWelcome back to the table! This week, we’re recording outside the studio and missed our Tori, who’s off on amazing adventures! Jess joins Arcadia and Malcolm for a lively discussion leading up to Gen Con 2025.We hop back in the time machine to revisit our Con experiences in 2024, shining a light on the beauty of Trade Day. All three of us agree that Gen Con...
2025-07-3145 minFinding AtoriaDaggerheart Playtest: Malcolm’s First Time and the Fear of Ninja FrogsSend us a textFrogs, Fun, and First-Time GM Chaos Welcome back to the table! In this episode, Malcolm, Tori, and Arcadia finally play-tested Daggerheart and share their impressions and takeaways.Some serious GMing skills were on display, Arcadia got pulled into roleplaying moments, and Tori reminded us all to be a little wary of frogs. While everyone had a blast exploring a new system, there’s a recognition that Daggerheart might not be for everyone—though many players will...
2025-07-2446 minFinding AtoriaTalkin’ About the Big Boys: Crawford & Perkins Join Darrington PressSend us a textThe Forever DM and the Rules Guy Welcome back to the table! In this episode, we dive into two of the biggest names in the TTRPG world: Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins. Crawford, the rules guru, and Perkins, the forever DM, have been cornerstones of Dungeons & Dragons for decades.Both spent at least 18 years at Wizards of the Coast, shaping the game we all love and earning legendary status among players. Their expertise, influence, and sheer experience mean they’ve been able to mak...
2025-07-1739 minFinding AtoriaDaggerheart Deep Dive: Mechanics, Hope & Fear, and a New Way To PlaySend us a textFunky Fresh Mechanics and a Whole Lot of Hope & Fear Welcome back to the table! We continue our dive into Daggerheart, the new TTRPG from Darrington Press. Tori takes a deep look at the rules and mechanics, showing that this is not a D&D clone—it’s its own system with unique twists drawn from other games.Malcolm points out similarities to Vampire: The Masquerade and Shadowrun, especially in the way resources are handled. The Duality Dice in...
2025-07-1048 minFinding AtoriaBreaking the Mold: Daggerheart and the Next Big Thing in TTRPGsSend us a textA New Game on the BlockArcadia and Malcolm are flying solo this week, as Tori was scheduled to play but couldn’t join to record. They dive into Daggerheart, the new TTRPG from Darrington Press (Critical Role). This game has already made waves in the community, marking a clear step away from D&D while standing on its own.Daggerheart has the advantage of launching independently, not relying on the D&D framework, and bringing on big names like Jeremy Crawford and Chris Pe...
2025-07-0347 minFinding AtoriaThe Many Eyes of the Beholder: A D&D Monster ComparisonSend us a textBeauty Is in the Eyes of the BeholderPick an edition, any edition—we’ve got you covered! Welcome to our first monster comparison episode. Tori dives deep into one of her favorite classic D&D monsters: the Beholder. From the original 1st Edition to the most recent rulesets, we explore how this iconic floating horror has evolved over the decades.We break down its abilities, lair actions, eye rays, and even how different editions have adjusted its challenge level. How does a 1st E...
2025-06-2636 minFinding AtoriaTHAC0 Says What? Exploring Mechanics and the Future of TTRPGsSend us a textClick, Clack, Brain Go Brrrr: Diving Into Tabletop Mechanics There are receipts, and Arcadia gets to GM this episode! Malcolm kicks things off by talking about the future of TTRPGs and how many players are exploring customized and solo gaming. While solo games or mechanics-heavy systems can feel more like a Choose Your Own Adventure or an RPG video game, most of us agree that it’s not the same as gathering around a table with friends.Virtual tabletops and AI-assisted tools are als...
2025-06-191h 03Finding AtoriaFrom Dice to Stories: How TTRPGs Shaped Books, Movies, and WorldsSend us a textAdventures Off the Table: TTRPGs as the Inspiration Behind Fantasy Fiction Malcolm is the GM this episode, and Jess joins us in the studio! Tori wins initiative and kicks off the discussion about how TTRPGs have inspired countless stories across books, movies, and TV. Dungeons & Dragons paved the way for worlds like Dragonlance, Forgotten Realms, and He-Man, showing how tabletop gaming can shape imagination on and off the table.After the break, Arcadia dives into some of her favorite fantasy books that were inspired by TTRPGs. From Ho...
2025-06-1247 min
A Public AffairA Safe, Decent, Affordable Home for Everyone
On today’s show, host Matvei Mozhaev speaks with Maria Foscarinis, a principal architect of the 1987 McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the first major piece of federal legislation to address homelessness. They discuss her recent book, And Housing for All: The Fight to End Homelessness in America, which details the impact of homelessness on people’s lives and argues that ending homelessness in the US requires the recognition of housing as a basic human right.
Foscarinis discusses the last four decades of the homeless crisis in the US. She started her career when Regan came...
2025-06-1151 minFinding AtoriaRolling Shadowrun: Faces, Riggers, and Remote PajamasSend us a textBack to the Future (Kind of): Shadowrun’s Talkers and Techies Arcadia takes the GM seat this round while Tori joins remotely—because who doesn’t like podcasting in pajamas? This episode dives into Shadowrun Fifth Edition, focusing on two key classes.Tori wins initiative but defers, giving Malcolm the floor to talk about his favorite class: the Face. The Face is the talker of the bunch—the one who gets the jobs, knows a guy who knows a guy, and manipulates situations to make t...
2025-06-0542 minFinding AtoriaBig News at the Table: Our Global TTRPG CommunitySend us a textSweet 16: Laughs, News, and TTRPG Community LoveMalcolm leads us in our sweet 16 episode! We’re here for laughs, sharing news, and celebrating the TTRPG community joining us at the table from around the world. We want to hear where you’re finding Atoria and would love to chat with you on our socials.Tori brings some big announcements for our Patreon community, Arcadia tries her hand at pronouncing your hometowns, and Malcolm is ready to ship...
2025-05-2948 minFinding AtoriaVampire: The Masquerade Clans: Banu Hakim vs. Clan Malkavian ShowdownSend us a textLaw vs. Madness in Vampire: The MasqueradeMalcolm takes the GM seat today while Tori joins us remotely! The ladies dive into two clans in Vampire: The Masquerade (VTM).Arcadia kicks things off with the Banu Hakim. This lesser-known clan isn’t part of the Camarilla and tends to be quite isolated. They have their own history, caste system, and organization, and the Masquerade is less critical to them than it is for other clans. Known as a clan of la...
2025-05-2255 minFinding AtoriaD&D’s SRD Update: What It Means for Third-Party CreatorsSend us a textThe Power of the OGL and Creative CommonsTori brings the latest news for Dungeons & Dragons content creators to share with Malcolm and Arcadia. What does this news mean for the community? Is there anything new at the table for lovers of the world’s largest TTRPG?Join Tori, Malcolm, and Arcadia as they discuss the update to D&D’s System Reference Document (SRD) and what it means for third-party D&D content creators. This episode dives into the implications of t...
2025-05-1546 minFinding AtoriaDon't Be an Arseling: Best Practices for TTRPG Players and the Art of D&DSend us a textGreat Players, Iconic Art, and When AI Fits InArcadia takes the GM seat this episode, and Jess is back! Tori opens the discussion after losing initiative, exploring good and bad player characteristics. The top trait of a great player? Being engaged in the game. Remember, you’re working with the GM, not against them—a principle that holds true at most tables. Both GMs and players can collaborate to make the game enjoyable for everyone.Other important player traits include sharing the...
2025-05-0859 minFinding AtoriaTTRPG Clubs in Schools: Building Community and Finding Your TableSend us a textWhen Dice Bring People Together We get to try out some new podcasting tech today, as we’re joined remotely by a special guest! Coel Scheel shares his experience with gaming clubs in school. For him, these clubs were a great way to meet fellow gamers and bond over the geekier parts of life. He explains how high school clubs give students access to resources like D&D Beyond, including sourcebooks, minis, character sheets, dice, and more. With 50 kids participating, it was a big undertaking for...
2025-05-0155 minFinding AtoriaFrom Classroom to Campaign: Homebrewing and the Power of LoreSend us a textTeaching, Homebrew, and the Power of LoreMalcolm takes the GM seat for this episode, while Arcadia rolls highest on initiative. Cady kicks off the conversation by exploring how teachers can use TTRPGs for learning. Homebrewing can create the right platform to teach specific skills and knowledge, whereas hack-and-slash campaigns don’t always cut it for subjects like economics or history. Worldbuilding can be challenging and time-consuming, and teachers who take it on deserve recognition for their efforts.After the break, Tori highlights the importance of lo...
2025-04-2453 minFinding AtoriaFurry Vengeance: The FURRIES Act and Game-Based Learning in SchoolsSend us a textThe Modern “Satanic Panic” and Game-Based LearningMalcolm takes the referee seat for this episode, while Tori rolled highest on initiative and dives back into the topic of the “Satanic Panic”, now resurfacing in modern form as the FURRIES Act, introduced by a Texas legislator. Because of the bill’s vague language, it could potentially block TTRPG clubs in schools under the claim of “nonhuman behavior.”After the break, Arcadia explores game-based learning and its role in the classroom. This approach adapts TTRPGs...
2025-04-1741 minFinding AtoriaCharacter Flaws and Roleplaying: Depth Without the DramaSend us a textExploring Character Flaws and You Don't Have To Be an Actor To Roleplay Tori takes the referee seat for this episode, and we have a guest! Jess joins us in the studio as Malcolm kicks off the conversation with a discussion on character flaws. These aren’t about nerfing your character—they’re a way to prevent munchkining while adding depth beyond stereotypical heroes. Some examples include Shadowrun’s “elf poser” and Vampire: The Masquerade’s “known corpse,” “compromised haven,” and “prey exclusion.”Many players include flaws without think...
2025-04-1043 minFinding AtoriaDon’t Be That Player: TTRPG Pet Peeves and Handling Character DeathSend us a textGaming Pet Peeves and PC Death: Tips for Players and GMsArcadia takes the referee seat in this episode as Tori opens with a list of gaming pet peeves from both sides of the table. Most of them boil down to one key idea: remember that TTRPGs are collaborative games. Be courteous to your fellow players and the GM—these roles aren’t adversarial. And don’t forget to check your character sheet! Knowing your character prevents slowing down gameplay and helps everyone stay e...
2025-04-0351 minFinding AtoriaMin-Maxing and Don’t Forget About Dave: From Table Tricks to the History of BlackmoorSend us a textMin-Maxing Mayhem and the Secrets of BlackmoorArcadia steps up as moderator for this episode as Tori dives into the world of min-maxing in D&D. An admitted optimizer herself, she shares how to build strong characters without becoming a problem player. We break down the differences between min-maxers, optimizers, munchkins, and powergamers—plus how DMs can handle main character syndrome when it shows up at the table.After the break, Malcolm takes us into gaming history with The Secrets of Blackmoor. This documentary reveals the story of...
2025-03-2747 minFinding AtoriaGotta Make That Castle Payment: The Satanic Panic and D&D MoviesSend us a textFrom Satanic Panic to Honor Among Thieves In this episode, Tori takes the moderator’s chair as Arcadia kicks things off with the Satanic Panic mishigas of the 1980s, and how Dungeons & Dragons got pulled into the chaos. With latchkey kids spending their free time gaming, worried parents and sensationalist media painted D&D as dangerous—despite the irony that those kids were usually the “good kids.” TSR didn’t help itself with some of its darker book covers, either. Still, D&D became a safe haven for outcasts...
2025-03-2053 minFinding AtoriaLevel 1 or Bust: Debates and Spooky StoriesSend us a textLevel 1 or Bust: Starting Your Campaign Malcolm takes the moderator role in this episode as Arcadia argues for starting campaigns at level 1. Beginning at the lowest level allows players to grow alongside their characters, learn the do’s and don’ts of gameplay, and naturally move the story forward. Tori counters that starting at level 1 can sometimes feel slow—but both agree that the early levels provide invaluable learning experiences for all players.The discussion also touches on milestone vs. XP leveling, weighing the benefi...
2025-03-1336 minFinding AtoriaIf You Build It, They Will Play: Session 0 and BackstoriesSend us a textSession 0 and Backstories: Laying the Groundwork In this episode, Arcadia takes the moderator’s seat as Malcolm kicks things off with a deep dive into Session 0. This first session is an essential tool for any TTRPG table—it helps establish a “social contract,” outline house rules, and set expectations for both DMs and players. Session 0 is also the perfect time to address trigger warnings, likes, dislikes, and personal limits, ensuring everyone at the table feels safe and ready to play.After the break, Tori takes the spotligh...
2025-03-0653 minFinding AtoriaGMing and Playing Your First TTRPG: It Isn’t as Hard as You ThinkSend us a textSo You Want to Be a DM (or a PC) In this episode, Arcadia takes the moderator’s chair while Malcolm—our forever GM since the ’90s—opens the discussion on what it’s really like to run a game. Spoiler: It might not be as scary as you think. With so many GM resources available, anyone can get started. Rule #1? If you’re not having fun, your players probably aren’t either. And remember: the players will derail you. (Yes, they will.) But that can lead to some of the best, most...
2025-02-2743 minFinding AtoriaFinding the Right Table: Inclusion, Friendship, and the Healing Power of TTRPGsSend us a textFinding the Right Table In this episode, Tori takes the moderator’s chair as Arcadia opens the discussion with one of the most important parts of TTRPGs: finding the right table. Not every group is a good fit, and sometimes the wrong table can sour the whole experience. As the saying goes, no D&D is better than bad D&D. But when you do find the right group, those connections often grow into lifelong friendships.Arcadia reminds us of the heart of the hobby—you don’t just p...
2025-02-2749 minFinding AtoriaWelcome to the Table: The Changing World of TTRPGsSend us a textWelcome to our table! We’re three friends with over 100 years of combined TTRPG experience, gathering to talk about one of our favorite pastimes. With Malcolm as moderator, the discussion kicks off as Tori explores how the hobby is becoming more accessible and widely accepted. Increased visibility has brought exciting changes—more inclusivity, more players, and more ways to engage with the game.On the flip side, Arcadia dives into the rise of pay-to-play games. While these offer opportunities for those without a regular group, they can sometimes take...
2025-02-2343 min
TDA: On The Go PodcastTDA On The Go 58 - Meet The New President (Jerry Deschane)A new year brings new opportunities. In this first episode of 2025, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson speaks with Jerry Deschane. In addition to his role as the executive director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, Deschane is the current president of TDA. The two discuss the League's legislative goals for this session, including the hope that the Governor and Legislature can build off last session's bipartisan progress. They cover a wide range of topics, including the need for different transportation interests to work together to better the entire system, the importance of state highways to local municipalities, an...
2025-01-3015 min
Who's in the KitchenWho’s in the Kitchen-Saturday January 11, 2025Philothea hosts Mary Root and Kaia Deschane, discusssing the 50th Anniversary of the Kickapoo Exchange Food Coop in Gays Milla
2025-01-1355 min
La Coxxa ChismaLa coxxa chisma CAPITULO 23 RUPTURAS AMOROSASCAPITULO 23.- RUPTURAS AMOROSASEn este miercoles 09 de octubre del 2024 quisimos abordar un tema que todos alguna vez en la vida hemos afrontado, las rupturas amorosas, pero a que nos referimos con ellas, en concreto a los duelos después de terminar una relacion de pareja, noviazgo, matrimonio o aquellas donde tuvimos algún interés romántico.Evocando el poema de la gran escritora Rosario Castellanos, «Ajedrez»Porque éramos amigos y a ratos, nosamábamos;quizá para añadir otro interésa los muchos que ya nos obligabandecidimos jugar juegos de i...
2024-10-101h 38King County Recovery ConversationsInside King County’s Drug Court: A Pathway to Recovery and TransformationJoin host Brad Finegood on King County Recovery Conversations as he delves into the transformative impact of King County's Drug Court program with guests Joe Barsana and Lizzy DesChane. Joe shares his personal journey of recovery through the structured support of Drug Court, highlighting how it reshaped his life through tailored treatments and relentless encouragement. Lizzy, with her vast experience as a Treatment Coordinator, explains the mechanisms of the drug court, praising its combination of accountability and therapeutic support.
This episode’s discussion underscores the importance of viewing substance use disorder through a therapeutic lens rather than a...
2024-04-2936 min
Capy's Cozy ChairAuthor Chat Hillari DeSchaneI had so much fun talking with Hillari about her books and all things cozy. I hope you enjoyed listening. Please follow her at her Amazon page https://www.amazon.com/stores/Hillari-DeSchane/author/B07H228PV4. Or on her website www.hillarideschane.com
2023-11-2230 min
2023-08-2911 min
Messy TimesCombat Controller Tom DeSchane Shares his Experience in Special OperationsMessy Times is focused on making the American military culture and its people available to a wider audience. Only 7% of Americans are either in the military or family members of our all-volunteer force. Our Enlightentaining Host is privileged to serve on the Board of Directors for the Combat Control Foundation.
Tom DeSchane had a 28-year career in Combat Control, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant, after entering the Air Force for four years to pay for college. He joins us in the studios to give his perspective on CCT as a career, how this Special Tactics group operates with...
2023-07-3047 min
WisPolitics.comLeague of Wisconsin Municipalities' Deschane says this session most consequential in a generationLeague of Wisconsin Municipalities Executive Director Jerry Deschane says this session is turning out to be one of the most consequential for local governments in a generation. Several bills are circulating the Capitol to address shared revenue, workforce housing and PFAS "forever chemical" contamination.
2023-05-1714 min
Read by ExampleOne Science is Dependent on AnotherIn this special episode/post, I was joined by Sandy Brumbaum, Reading Recovery teacher leader and consultant, and Denise Johnson, a literacy professor at William & Mary, to kick off the book study for Teaching Readers (Not Reading): Moving Beyond Skills and Strategies to Reader-Focused Instruction by Peter Afflerbach (Guilford, 2022).In our conversation, we responded to and discussed three questions:* What are your greatest concerns about current trends and programs with teaching readers and literacy instruction in general?* Consider examples of effective reading instruction you've observed or participated in. What are the essential components...
2022-10-2912 min
Read by ExampleLeaders Need to Know LiteracyBelow are five insights after I read ten thoughtful posts from contributors around my book, Leading Like a C.O.A.C.H.1. Leaders need to know literacy.“Through a lifetime of working in schools, one of my most powerful insights and core beliefs is that teachers must be leaders, and principals must know literacy.” (pg. 1)- Regie Routman, Read, Write, Lead: Breakthrough Strategies for Schoolwide Literacy Success (ASCD, 2014)School leaders knowing literacy should go without saying. But a question I have here is, why don’t more leaders - especially princi...
2022-07-3005 min
Read by ExampleCultivating Genius Book Discussion #2We follow up on our previous conversation for Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy by Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, I am joined by contributors Gen Arcovio, Ryanne Deschane, Rhonda Precourt, and Carrie Thomas.We used the following three questions to guide our conversation:* What takeaways did you gain from this book?* What questions do you still have?* How have you changed after reading this book?This wraps up the book study. Thank you for your readership and leadership!Relevant Resources* Listen...
2021-08-0123 min
Two Bald GuysTwo Bald Guys - Episode #35 - How Local Government Is Changing the Face of AmericaLocal municipalities are facing unique challenges and are charting new courses in policy that used to be dominated by state and national government. From health mandates to broadband initiatives to policing reforms – the significance of local government has grown. This raises the question: How is “Mayberry” meeting the “Beltway”?
Watch this episode of “Two Bald Guys” to hear the answer to that question and more. We were joined by Jerry Deschane, executive director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, to talk about the changes and challenges local municipalities face in 2021. To learn more about the League of Wisconsin Munici...
2021-04-0946 min
LocalGovMatters#LocalGovMatters 2.0 Episode 1: The Year Ahead with Mark O'Connell & Jerry Deschane<p>It’s a new year and an election year at that….Join Wisconsin Counties Association Executive Director Mark O’Connell and League of Wisconsin Municipalities Executive Director Jerry Deschane as they have a lively conversation with co-hosts Michelle Thompson and Gail Sumi about what lies ahead in 2020 on the legislative front in this inaugural episode of LocalGovMatters […]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://localgovmatters.wicounties.org/localgovmatters-episode-2-the-year-ahead-with-mark-oconnell-jerry-deschane/">#LocalGovMatters 2.0 Episode 1: The Year Ahead with Mark O'Connell & Jerry Deschane</a> appeared first on...
2020-01-1500 min
Workforce WavesE20: A New Online Tool For Generating Talent in WisconsinIn this episode you'll hear about the Talent Generator, a new online tool offering smart tips and best practices for creating and sustaining a successful student talent development program. The featured guest is Rebecca Deschane, Talent Initiatives Director, a joint position with WEDC and the University of Wisconsin System.
2020-01-1416 min
National Parks Traveler PodcastNPTP 29 : Sounds of Congaree National ParkThe sounds of Congaree National Park.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/BhejpKDPV9s" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2011-08-2700 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPTP 28 : Restoring Hetch Hetchy?National Parks Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek interviews Mike Marshall and Robert Hanna of Restore Hetch Hetchy.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/JWMhiErSBwo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2011-06-2700 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPTP 27 : Interview with Andrew SkurkaNational Parks Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek interviews Adam Skurka.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/UYe1sMf2bPs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2011-03-1500 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPTP 26 : Stonewall Jackson's arm - Interview with John HennessyNational Parks Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek interviews John Hennessy regarding Stonewall Jackson's arm.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/A-rxJFkf9KE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2010-11-0100 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPTP 25 : Dr. Donna Shaver - Kemps Ridley Sea Turtles in the Gulf of MexicoNational Parks Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek interviews Dr. Donna Shaver regarding the Kemps Ridley sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/NsoKemHOjao" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2010-06-1400 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPTP 24 : Senator Tom Udall - Promoting Our National ParksNational Parks Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek interviews Senator Tom Udall regarding the promotion of our National Parks.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/qxZCRUm3dQo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2010-05-0900 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPTP 22 : Trevor Thomas - First blind person to thru-hike the ATC unassistedNational Parks Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek interviews Trevor Thomas, First blind person to thru-hike the ATC unassisted.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/onzCemvDwZI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2010-04-1800 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPTP 21 : Gerard Baker - Associate Director for American Indian RelationsNational Parks Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek interviews Gerard Baker, Associate Director for American Indian Relations<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/FQIHU9m4-LM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2010-04-1300 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPTP 20 : 15 years since the reintroduction of wolves in YellowstoneNational Parks Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek interviews Doug Smith, project leader of gray wolf restoration in Yellowstone National Park.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/DRKfnto84es" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2010-02-1400 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPTP 19 : Interview with Jon JarvisNational Parks Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek interviews Jon Jarvis, director of the National Parks Service<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/FT88nk2QfjE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2009-10-1300 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPTP 18 : Climate Change Threatens Our National Parks - Conference Call With NRDCNational Parks Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek Participates In Conference Call With NRDC<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/v4OSEhp9oc0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2009-10-0200 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPTP 17 : Interview with Ken Burns - The National Parks: "America's Best Idea"National Parks Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek interviews Ken Burns<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/0wJ110Xh9dU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2009-09-2700 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPT 16 : Winter in Yellowstone National ParkNearly every conversation that includes the words "Yellowstone" and "winter" also includes the words "snowmobiles." Well, for a change, I'd like to present this short 3 minute journey into the snowy winter season in Yellowstone National Park, that includes no snowmobiles! (You would have heard them had I left the audio unedited, but at least you want see any in this short movie.) Buffalo still roam, rivers still flow, but the entire place in winter is surrounded in mist and snow, which totally change the outlook on the landscape. And, as my colleague Rich Deline is heard to exclaim at the...
2007-12-2000 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPT 15 : Fran Mainella Speaks About Snowmobiles and ScienceSOUND: Snowmobiles in [url=http://www.nps.gov/yell]Yellowstone National Park[/url].
KURT: At a time when politics in Washington truly are a “contact sport,” we shouldn’t be too surprised when we learn that science has been trumped when it comes to decisions affecting the national park system. Should we be disappointed? Of course. But surprised? Unfortunately not.
These past seven years there long have been suspicions that politics shaped the National Park Service’s position on snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park. Those suspicions gained tremendous weight when I talked with Fran Mainella, who a little over a year ago...
2007-12-0100 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPT 14 : Tallgrass Prairie National PreserveA 3 minute video postcard from a recent visit to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas. I had the privilege of visiting this unit of the parks recently. Park interpreters led a tour of the historic house and barn, followed later by a bus tour of the prairie. I happened to be on the very last bus tour of the season, the next one won't be until April.
The park itself is pretty remote. I was traveling through Wichita and decided to take the side trip. The park is approximately 90 miles (one-way) from Wichita. Considering the drive consumed 3 hours of...
2007-11-1900 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPT 13 : Olympic National Park; Lake QuinaultTake a few minutes out of your day and enjoy a 5 minute video tour of the Lake Quinault region of Olympic National Park. We start with a look at the historic Lake Quinault Lodge. Manager Dave Huber gives us a look around and describes some of the more interesting aspects of the lodge's past. Next, we catch up with Roger Blain, a former ranger with the Park Service, he now provides interpretive tours of the area with the lodge. Roger leads us through the Maple Glade trail, a short nature loop near the lake that contains quite a lot of...
2007-10-2400 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPT 12 : Port Chicago Naval Magazine as ParkEugene Sayles survived the terrible explosion at Port Chicago on the night of July 17, 1944, but many of his colleagues did not. Located near San Francisco California, the Port Chicago Naval Magazine was a place where ordinance was transferred from rail cars to ships during World War II for operations in the Pacific. A small fire led first to a small explosion then 6 seconds later, a massive explosion that was felt up to 500 miles away. The explosion was the largest U.S. home front disaster during World War II, killing 320 men, 202 of whom were African American.
The explosion, work stoppage, and...
2007-10-0200 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPT 11 : Soundscape : Bandelier's Frijoles CreekTake a minute to relax next to the cascading waters of Frijoles Creek in Bandelier National Monument. This short recording was made under the shade of the trees along the picnic road next to the creek. You'll be able to hear some birds chirping along, as well as a child's call about half-way through. And while it is anything but quiet, I think this is the type of natural soundscape that draws people out of the cities in search of the "peace and quiet" found in our national parks.
This podcast was inspired by a website I've just recently stumbled...
2007-09-0700 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPT 10 : Voices from the Hill : Secretary Kempthorne on CentennialSecretary Kempthorne: "this is a giant leap for the National Park Service"
You can hear it in his voice, can't you? Dirk Kempthorne is excited. The Secretary of the Interior announced today a list of 201 projects that are eligible for funding in the first year of the Centennial Initiative. The program could add as much as $2 Billion in new programs and projects for the parks, and $1 Billion for park operations over 10 years. In his remarks that follow, you can hear Mr. Kempthorne crow a little bit at the early success of the program, especially as it relates to the provision...
2007-08-2400 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPT 9 : A Park Remark : Nancy Bandley and Park Passport StampsAt the new National Parks Traveler, Kurt Repanshek and I have as a goal to provide original multimedia content about our parks. It's an advantage of the web that we can bring you audio and video programs from time to time. As part of an ongoing series, we'll provide interviews with folks who have special insight on the parks. Today I have a conversation with Nancy Bandley. Nancy has accomplished something very few others have done, she has visited every single unit of the National Park Service, all 391 of them. On her travels to the parks, she collects park passport...
2007-08-1400 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastAudio From the Hill : Mary BomarNearly one year ago, on the 90th anniversary of the National Park Service that Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, while visiting Yellowstone National Park, introduced a program which would bring upwards of $3 Billion dollars in new funds for our parks. The ambitious program, called the Centennial Challenge, is geared to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Park Service in 2016. Over the last year, the National Park Service has conducted listening sessions around the country, and talked with their parks to figure out the best programs on which to spend this money. We are expected to hear which programs...
2007-08-0300 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastOlympic National Park, Sol Duc ValleySol Duc Valley is part 1 of a three part series about the West Side lowlands of Olympic National Park. Take a drive up the valley and stop at the Salmon Cascades, Sol Duc Hot Springs, and Sol Duc Falls along the way.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/CMgkW21ADc0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2007-07-1700 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastHaunted Hikes in the National ParksIn this third edition of the Park Remark audiocast, I have a phone conversation with Andrea Lankford who is the author of the book Haunted Hikes: Spine-Tingling Tales and Trails from North America's National Parks. Andrea and I have some fun covering some of the scary stories in her book. We also take a few minutes to cover the larger scope of these stories as they relate to cultural resource protection within the National Park Service. Our program starts with a reading from one of the stories in the book.
Anrdea's set up a website with a little more detail...
2007-04-2600 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastNPCA Discusses Storm Damage and Listening SessionsLast week I had a chance to sit down and have an interview with Sean Smith, the Northwest Regional Director of the National Parks and Conservation Association. Sean was a lot of fun to talk to, I found him to be very knowledgeable about many park issues. I've edited our conversation down to 11 minutes 30 seconds, but there was a lot of the interview I had to leave on the virtual cutting room floor. Perhaps down the road, I'll reassemble the extras and create another audiocast.
Today's conversation covers two big topics, the November storms which did many millions of dollars...
2007-03-2200 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastWashington State Plan to Abolish the FLREAI hope you find the topic for the first show interesting -- if you recreate on federal lands, including the National Parks, it's at least topic that your wallet is already familiar with: entrance fees. I had the opportunity to speak with Washington State Representative Maralyn Chase who has co-sponsored a House Memorial which asks that federal fees collected under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) be abolished in the State of Washington.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NationalParksTravelerPodcast/~4/MquNE6y-cdg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
2007-03-0800 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastDevils Tower Time LapseThis weekend Devils Tower celebrated its 100th anniversary as National Monument. It is significant, because it was the first federal land to be set aside as a monument by Teddy Roosevelt under the Antiquities Act. Based on the write-up in the Rapid City Journal, it sounds as if there was quite a bit of pomp and circumstance going on. The keynote speaker was Theodore Roosevelt IV. Special guests including the chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks Craig Thomas (R., WY) and even a special video welcome from former Wyoming resident Vice President Dick Cheney.
In honor of the...
2006-09-2600 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastInterpreter Hasan Davis as YorkI met a lot of folks along the trail who's dedication to the Lewis and Clark story inspired me. In August I introduced you to one of these guys, Craig Rockwell of the Army Corps of Engineers who portrays Captain Clark. Today, I would like to introduce you to a living history interpreter who I think is as talented as anyone I've ever met at his craft. This fellow is named Hasan Davis, he is an educator and makes his home in the St. Louis area but has traveled coast to coast telling the story of York, Captain William Clark's...
2006-09-2400 minNational Parks Traveler PodcastInterview with Lewis & Clark InterpreterWhen I was at the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial event in Billings, MT recently, I brought along a portable audio recorder. I had the opportunity to chat with a fellow who has portrayed William Clark across the country at nearly all of the national Lewis & Clark events the last few years. The person's name is Craig "Rocky" Rockwell and he is an interpreter who works for the Army Corps of Engineers. Rocky's got a lot of good stories to share about his experience traveling the trail, and he agreed to share some of them in an informal interview. The...
2006-08-1100 min