Shows
Zombie StrainsWar of the Zombies (1964)When evil sorcerer Aderbal (John Drew Barrymore) invokes the power of a sinister three-eyed goddess to raise an invulnerable zombie army, only one man has the courage (and biceps) to stop him: centurion Gaius (Ettore Mani). This sword-and-sandal epic set in ancient Rome has it all: swords! sandals! beautiful women! bare-chested men! And, of course, zombies. Does this zombie army live up to the hype? There's only one way to find out: join the Zombie Strains crew on an odyssey into the Italian peplum genre.SHOW NOTES:Movie poster artist Reynold Brown1961 New...
2025-12-031h 26
Zombie StrainsCarnival of Souls (1962)A Criterion Collection film? Fantastic editing, camerawork, and direction? Are we sure Carnival of Souls is in the right podcast? After narrowly surviving a car accident, Mary uproots her life to become a church organist in Utah... but death isn't quite done with her. Her mind begins to unravel, and soon she cannot tell reality from her escalating nightmares. Join John, Andy, and Producer Brad as they scramble to declutter the Zombie Strains lab and break out the fine china for a true rarity: a great zombie film.Show Notes:Premiere date: September 26, 1962...
2025-10-291h 20
The SplatbookRFTCON ReportIn which John, Ben, and Jess discuss John’s game at RFT Con, where he ran a Trophy Dark horror game set during Balin’s doomed expedition to Moria. With flickering tea lights, creeping darkness, and a well-timed Balrog jump scare, John crafted an immersive experience that reminded him why he loves running games. Together they reflect on unique game experiences, the joy of RFTCON, and the magic of setting the stage then letting go of the outcome.Check out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splat...
2025-10-1636 min
Zombie StrainsThe Dead One (1961)Our first color zombie films is also a throwback to the 1930s! Newlyweds John and Linda (John McKay and Linda Ormond) inherit an old plantation outside of New Orleans, only to discover that their bitter cousin Monica (Monica Davis) has angry, zombie-related plans for them. Will Monica's voodoo magic spell a gruesome end to their honeymoon bliss? John, Andy, and Producer Brad venture into the swamps to find out--and to learn why this is the first zombie movie to be set in New Orleans.Show Notes:Movie posterAFI Catalog entry for The...
2025-09-241h 26
Zombie StrainsCreature with the Atom Brain (1955)Creature with the Atom Brain takes the science of zombie film to a whole new level. This movie is packed with exciting zombie firsts: atomic-powered zombies, rampaging zombie hordes (finally!), a city put under martial law to contain the zombie threat, and very cheap zombie make-up. Andy, John, and Producer Brad have their hands full sorting through all the zombie goodness on this sci-fi horror B movie.Show Notes:Mommie Dearest boardroom scene with S. John Launer (Captain Dave Harris in Creature with the Atom Brain).Theme music composed by Neil Dube.
2025-07-301h 19The SplatbookNew games we are preppingIn which John and Jess discuss the excitement of starting new games. Jess has closed out an epic-level campaign and is kicking off both Daggerheart and Wild Beyond the Witchlight (as a player!). They dive into Daggerheart’s Hope and Fear dice system, the book’s gorgeous design, and how it packs everything you need into a single tome. John shares his plans for a “Drums in the deep” Moria-inspired horror game at RfT Con. They discuss horror theme-supportive mechanics and together they revel in the thrill of fresh adventures and future games to come.Dagger HeartDre...
2025-07-2429 minThe SplatbookActual Play: Netcrawl!In which John, Jess, Ben, and their guest, James Pozenel, hack into Netcrawl, a cyberdungeon crawl in the style of Dungeon Crawl Classics. Here the whole party enters the digital fray, not just the netrunner or cybermancer. Using a flexible skill system that gives every character a chance to make an impact, our intrepid hosts dive into a server to encounter techno-spiders and the Core Queen dragon. Along the way they discuss the differences between Netcrawl and Dungeon Crawl Classics, and celebrate how Netcrawl re-imagines cyberspace as a shared, perilous frontier.Horseshark GamesOrder Netcrawl...
2025-07-161h 15The SplatbookInterview: Cloud Curio on Book of WyrmsIn this special episode John is joined by Amber, Hailee, and Matt from the RPG collective, Cloud Curio. We discuss their new project, Book of Wyrms as well as growing up in RPGs, and learning how to get support as a GM when designing new adventures Book of Wyrms on KickstarterCheck out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic
2025-07-0151 min
Zombie StrainsThe 1950s: Rockets, Red Scares, and Rock & RollSeason 2 of Zombie Strains is almost upon us. In this special episode, John and Andy dissect the terrors and anxieties of the 1950s in the Zombie Strains lab. Our goal is to predict how the next wave of zombie movies will exploit the hidden fears of this most paranoid of decades. Join us as we brace for a brand new decade of horror!
2025-06-2551 min
Zombie StrainsSeason 1 Wrap UpWe made it! We survived the first three decades of zombies--22 movies in all. What did we learn? And what's coming next? In this special season 1 wrap-up episode, John, Andy, and Producer Brad answer listener feedback, take a surprise zombie trivia quiz, reflect on the journey so far... and prepare for the horror to come as we strike out into the world of 1950s zombies.
2025-06-111h 21
Zombie StrainsThe Devil's Daughter (1939)John, Andy, and Producer Brad have time for one last trip to the Caribbean to see a movie they missed the first time around; 1938’s The Devil’s Daughter. In this loose remake of team favorite Ouanga the action moves from Haiti to Jamaica, and from voodoo to obeah. How does this film stand up to the original? Join us in the lab as we break it down.US Theatrical Release Date: December 7, 1939Movie PosterUCLA Archives article on race filmsHorror Movies of 19391940 Academy Awards
2025-06-0452 min
Zombie StrainsThe Walking Dead (1936)Let's welcome a brand new horror legend to the zombie genre: Boris Karloff, playing a wrongly-executed man brought back to life by mad science. You'll be as surprised as we were by this somber, atmospheric tale of justice from beyond the grave. Whether this is truly a zombie movie is a matter of debate (and we do debate it!), but you won't regret taking a stroll with John, Andy, Producer Brad, and The Walking Dead (no, not that Walking Dead).US Theatrical Release Date: March 14, 1936Movie PosterNew York Times Review1936...
2025-05-281h 10
Zombie StrainsJ'accuse (1919)The Zombie Strains team goes waaaay back to 1919 and the dawn of cinema to watch J'accuse, a French zombie movie. Don’t worry, it is not as bad as that sounds. Actually, it is really good! The team skipped this one initially, but now that we have circled back to watch it… Is this the zombie horde John, Andy, and Producer Brad have been looking for all this time?!French Release Date: April 25, 1919US Release Date: October 9, 1921Movie Poster1921 New York Times reviewHorror Films of 1919Theme musi...
2025-05-211h 14The SplatbookOSR: Character Creation ShowdownIn which John, Ben, and Jess roll up characters for three different OSR systems: Dungeon Crawl Classics, Dolmenwood, and Shadowdark, bringing Sindar, Hrannick, and Korv to life. As they fill the sheets out, they explore how every detail sparks anticipation for play, and how what’s left off of a character sheet can reveal clever, intentional design.Dungeon Crawl ClassicsDolmenwoodShadowDarkCheck out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic
2025-05-1656 min
Zombie StrainsValley of the Zombies (1946)So much awaits us in the Valley of the Zombies: an undead mortician with very specific medical needs! A desperate car chase centered around a malfunctioning radio! And best of all, a chilling new zombie master (Ian Keith) who just might rival the great Bela Lugosi with his scenery-chewing menace. Join John, Andy, and Producer Brad as they explore a fascinating off-shoot of the zombie genre that pulls in elements of vampire horror.US Release Date: May 24, 1946US Theatrical Release Poster 1946 US Domestic Box Office1947 Academy Awards
2025-05-141h 20
Zombie StrainsAbbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)Legendary comedy duo Abbott and Costello bravely (?) stumble into a monster mash in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein! This movie may not feature a zombie, but it's too important a genre influence to not investigate--and after Zombies on Broadway, it's time to see horror comedy done right. Zombie Strains hall-of-famer Bela Lugosi is joined by Frankenstein's monster (Glenn Strange) and the Wolfman (Lon Chaney Jr.) with an "invisible" cameo by Vincent Price. Join John, Andy, and Producer Brad for our most monstrous episode yet.US Theatrical Release Date: June 15, 1948Movie Poster1949 Academy Awards
2025-05-071h 13The SplatbookInterview: Stephen DeweyIn which John, Jess, and their guest, Stephen Dewey, discuss the design his game To Serve Her Wintry Hunger. Together they dive into the magic of games built around evocative questions and emotional pacing. Stephen shares how he uses rules to do the heavy lifting and reinforce the emotional weight of the story. Along the way, they explore emotional cadence, the reliability of tightly written rules, and how mechanics can echo dread, wonder, and everything in between.Check out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!
2025-05-031h 00
Zombie StrainsZombies on Broadway (1945)PR men Jerry and Mike have to find a “genuine zombie” before the opening of the hot new nightclub, the Zombie Hut. If they don’t, the mobster who hired them is going to put them on ice. It's a tough job. But is it as tough as sitting through Zombies on Broadway? John, Andy, and Producer Brad aim to find out.US Theatrical Release Date: May 1,1945Movie Poster1945 Domestic Box Office1946 Academy Awards1945 Horror FilmsAFI ArchivesTheme music composed by Neil D...
2025-04-301h 16
Zombie StrainsVoodoo Man (1944)Our old friend Bela Lugosi makes his return to the Zombie Strains laboratory… this time with a laboratory of his own! He’s concocting a desperate plan to bring his beloved wife back from the dead by stealing the life essence of innocent young women. Can he be stopped?! And more importantly, is there a new strain of zombie here? Join John, Andy, and Producer Brad as they enter the tangled web of the Voodoo Man!US release date: February 21, 1944Movie PosterHorror movies from 19441945 Academy AwardsTheme music comp...
2025-04-231h 05The SplatbookChaos at the Table!In which John, Jess, and Ben explore the many flavors of chaos a player can bring. We discuss the role of emotional intelligence at the table, the energizing and disrupting impact of unruly players, and how Chaos Goblins—love them or not—might actually be the secret teachers of the TTRPG world.Check out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic
2025-04-1843 min
Zombie StrainsThe Frozen Dead (1966) AND The Last of Us (S2E1)More Nazi zombies! The elite of the German army have been on ice since the end of WWII. Doctor Norberg must perfect his technique of reanimating his zombicles before his plans are foiled by his… niece? Join the Zombie Strains crew as they encounter animated body parts! Talking severed heads! Attempted murder by potted plant! Can they survive The Frozen Dead? BONUS: Stay tuned to the end where John and Andy sneak into the sub-sub-sub cellar of the Zombies Strains Lab to analyze The Last of Us.US Theatrical release date: November 15, 1967US Theatrical movie po...
2025-04-161h 39
Zombie StrainsRevenge of the Zombies (1943)John, Andy, and Producer Brad travel deep into the swamps of Louisiana hot on the trail of a new zombie strain: The Nazi Super Soldier! Revenge of the Zombies has it all - Mad science, German spies, switched identities, and (best of all) podcast favorite Mantan Moreland. But there’s more! If you listen closely you’ll hear the first cinematic instance of brains being the key to a zombie’s existence.Pack a snack and join us on our journey to uncover the next step in zombie evolution.SHOW NOTES:US T...
2025-04-091h 02The SplatbookWhy do we like physical RPG books so much?In which John and Ben discuss their preoccupation with physical RPG books. We end up all over the place; moving from consumerism, status seeking, and how our hobbies define us.Check out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic
2025-04-0454 min
Zombie StrainsRitual (2002)After the cinematic high of I Walked with a Zombie it was inevitable that the pendulum would swing in the opposite direction. Specifically in the direction of 2002's Ritual, a loose remake of I Walked with a Zombie that stars Tim Curry, Jennifer Grey, and... the Crypt Keeper. How do the nuanced themes of the 1943 original interact with the salacious direct-to-DVD horror of this Tales from the Crypt production? Your intrepid zombie reporters John, Andy, and Brad are on the scene.US Home theater release date: May 2, 2006Movie poster2002 US...
2025-04-021h 29
Zombie StrainsI Walked with a Zombie (1943)Based on Charlotte Bronte’s lyrical Jane Eyre and directed by legendary French director Jaques Tourneur, I Walked with a Zombie is a beautifully shot melodrama about… Wait what the hell is going on here?! Have John and Andy stumbled into the wrong podcast?! Or have they stumbled into… a good movie? Join us to discover what it is like when an auteur enters the zombie-verse!Theme music composed by Neil Dube.http://www.pond5.comzombiestrainspodcast@gmail.comInstagramUS theatrical poster1943 US Box Of...
2025-03-261h 15The SplatbookRPG FriendshipsIn which John, Jess, and Ben explore how games become vessels that hold our friendships, memories, and the people we've loved. We share the stories of how we met through games and the powerful farewell of a friend whose story ended both in-game and in life. We discuss how through games, we are not just individuals but part of a vast, interconnected web of relationships held by the stories we tell each other.Check out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For...
2025-03-2156 min
Zombie StrainsBowery at Midnight (1942)What is this? Bowery at Midnight stars Bela Lugosi as a kindly man running a soup kitchen for the down-and-out residents of the Bowery? Can you believe it !? Haha, no. We couldn't believe it either. As Bela builds his crimal empire, one of his henchmen secretly introduces one of the most critical Zombie Strains yet! Join John and Andy as they analyze the movie and share the startling results.US theatrical release date: October 30, 1942US theatrical release poster1942 US box officeTheme music composed by...
2025-03-191h 16
Zombie StrainsKing of the Zombies (1941)King of the Zombies is the next mini-boss for our intrepid zombie adventurers, John and Andy. This film has the increasingly familiar mad scientist mixed with voodoo mash-up. But King of the Zombies adds a twist…Not just a mad scientist, but a Nazi mad scientist... using his zombies to uncover American military secrets. Will his foul plan succeed?! Or will he become a victim of his own machinations? Tune in to find out!US theatrical release date: May 14, 1941US theatrical posterAFI Archive 1942 Academy Award winners (for movies released in 1941)...
2025-03-121h 13The SplatbookInterview: Gareth Hanrahan on MoriaIn which John and Jess talk with Gareth Hanrahan about the adventure and setting guide The One Ring – Moria: Through the Doors of Durin and Gar's return to forging adventures in the depths of Khazad-dûm. We explore corruption, dread, and shadow, contrasting them with elvish hope, and discuss the Balrog’s looming presence—diabolically lurking in the deeps and on the random encounter table. Along the way, we delve into Tolkien’s sparse yet evocative monster palette, the challenge of adding creatures to Middle-earth, and the breathtaking maps and art that bring this Moria adventure to life.Moria...
2025-03-0759 min
Zombie StrainsThe Gorge (2025)John and Andy get reckless and jump all the way to the present with The Gorge (2025) starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller. It is an action movie! And a love story! But is it a zombie movie? Join us as we try to figure out what The Gorge is trying to tell us about zombies today.Movie Poster2024 US Domestic Box Office2024 US Horror Films Box OfficeInterview with writer Zach DeanTheme music composed by Neil Dube.www.pond5.com
2025-03-051h 25
Zombie StrainsThe Gorge (2025)John and Andy get reckless and jump all the way to the present with The Gorge (2025) Starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller. It is an action movie! And a love story! But is it a zombie movie? Join us as we try to figure out what The Gorge is trying to tell us about zombies today.US Release Date: February 14, 2025US Release poster2024 US Domestic Box Office2024 US Domestic Horror Films Box OfficeApple TV+ Viewership RecordInterview with screenwriter Zach Dean
2025-03-051h 11
Zombie StrainsShaun of the Dead (2004)Last episode, John and Andy watched the first zombie comedy, The Ghost Breakers (1940). This episode John and Andy watch the best zombie comedy. Like an oasis from the future in the desert of the 1940s, Shaun of the Dead arrives to remind us why we fell in love with zombie movies in the first place.Original U.S. one sheet poster2004 Box Office2004 Horror Box OfficeEdgar Wright's early influencesTheme music composed by Neil Dube.http://www.pond5.com
2025-02-271h 11The SplatbookActual Play: FÄNGELSEHÅLAIn which we play Fängelsehåla and chat with its designer, Garry, about his elegantly interconnected rules and old-school aesthetic. As Runnen, Kallax, and Klippan, we battle through a dungeon’s entrance, ride a bat, and uncover a secret tunnel. Along the way, we discuss the tactile joy of the Doom Stack, the balance between fairness and flexibility in game design, and what makes Fängelsehåla feel like the RPG you found at your granny’s house. Dieku GamesBug Buster Pre-launchGarry's Podcast/YouTubeCheck out John's ne...
2025-02-211h 09
Zombie StrainsThe Ghost Breakers (1940)We have a new Strain of zombie movie! Our first zombie comedy, starring Bob Hope(!?), Paulette Goddard, and Willie Best. Released in 1940, it is one of the first horror comedies. Dan Akroyd even cites it as a huge influence on Ghostbusters! Join Andy and John in the lab to analyze all of these new zombie developments. Producer Brad tells the tale of how he met Bob Hope decades ago. Don’t miss it! US Theatrical Release Date: October 30, 1942PosterDan Ackroyd cites The Ghost Breakers as inspiration.Top Gr...
2025-02-191h 11The SplatbookPop up Episode! - Zine MonthIn which Tony Vasinda and JP Coovert join John for a quick chat about RPG Zine Month!FukuzatsuPlus One ExpDevelopment Hell!Midnight MarathonJP CoovertTourist HoleSilver Age Quickstarthttps://zombiestrainspodcast.com/Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic
2025-02-1343 minThe SplatbookWhite Whales: A response to RFTIn which John, Ben, Jess, and Matt chase the true meaning of a White Whale campaign—is it the time itself or the change it brings? Inspired by a recent Roll for Topic episode, we ask whether long campaigns are a dream worth chasing or a relic of the past, and if one session can deliver catharsis, why play 50? Along the way, we explore shifting gaming priorities, honoring old gaming loves, and what truly makes a game fulfilling.https://zombiestrainspodcast.com/Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll Fo...
2025-02-071h 05
Zombie StrainsOuanga (1936)After watching Maniac (1934), John and Andy are praying that the next zombie movie on their list, Ouanga (1936), is a return to the horror movies they love. What looked like another run-of-the-mill “voodoo” zombie movie contained an unexpectedly amazing performance. What other secrets does Ouanga hold?! Listen on your podcast app!US Theatrical Release Date: 1942Ouanga posterLink to view restored version with discussion hosted by UCLA.Theme music composed by Neil Dube.www.pond5.com Contact:zombiestrainspodcast@gmail...
2025-02-0556 min
Zombie StrainsManiac (1934)John and Andy take an unexpected turn on their zombie journey and stumble into Maniac (1934), an early exploitation flick. The film’s poster promises “dynamic sex lectures” and “strange loves exposed”, but the movie delivers mad scientists, murder, a cat named Satan and maybe one zombie.US Theatrical Release Date: September 11, 1934US One Sheet PosterTheme music composed by Neil Dube.www.pond5.com Contact:zombiestrainspodcast@gmail.comwww.zombiestrainspodcast.comInstagram
2025-01-291h 14The SplatbookActual Play: Goblin QuestIn which John, Ben, and Jess play as goblins in Grant Howitt’s game Goblin Quest. They become an increasingly chaotic gaggle of goblins, swapping in a new goblin character each time their previous goblin dies. Together they trebuchet to the top of the Wizard’s Tower to become the Belle of the Ball and attempt to fulfill all their Goblinoid hopes and dreams, leaving only a few fallen goblins in their wake. Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topichttps://zombiestrainspodcast.com/
2025-01-231h 37
Zombie StrainsWhite Zombie (1932)John and Andy go back 93 years to the dawn of zombie films to watch White Zombie (1932), the very first zombie movie. Horror movie legend Bela Lugosi stars as a sinister zombie master, just one year after he terrified audiences as Dracula. What connections to modern zombie strains will John and Andy find?US Theatrical Release Date: August 4, 1932US One Sheet PosterAFI ArchiveMotion Picture Producers and Distributors of America "Dos and Don'ts page 5Theme music composed by Neil Dube.www...
2025-01-221h 06
The SplatbookNew Podcast! Zombie StrainsThis is normally an off week for The Splatbook, so I thought i would share an new podcast project I have been working. Zombies Strains is an attempt to understand how zombie movies came to dominate the horror genre after the year 2000. How did it all start? What makes a good zombie movie? We answer attempt to answer all of these questions and more in... Zombie Strains It’s Andy’s turn to present his baseline zombie film. His choice, The Girl with All the Gifts (2017), is strikingly different than John’s. Fast zombies? Check. Fast tr...
2025-01-161h 03
Zombie StrainsThe Girl with All the Gifts (2017)It’s Andy’s turn to present his baseline zombie film. His choice, The Girl with All the Gifts (2017), is strikingly different than John’s. Fast zombies? Check. Fast transmission? Check. Hordes of children who turn into zombies at the scent of humans? That’s new! Andy and John discuss this thought-provoking movie as they take another step on their zombie journey.US Theatrical Release Date: February 24, 2017US One Sheet PosterBox Office for February 24, 2017The Girl with All the Gifts Box OfficeTop grossing horror films of...
2025-01-151h 01The SplatbookWhat happens next with RPG design?With Jess on secret special assignment, Ben and John sit down to talk about how RPGs are evolving. Are board games getting closer to RPGs? Are RPG play styles segmenting the RPG community? Is that a new thing? In this far-ranging discussion, we cover all of these topics and more. Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic
2025-01-0943 min
Zombie StrainsDawn of the Dead (2004)John and Andy begin their zombie journey with Zach Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead (2004). John goes big with his choice for the ideal zombie movie. Fast zombie hordes with quick transmission rates forcing moral choices as the world ends is John’s zombie jam.US Theatrical Release: March 19, 2004US One Sheet PosterOpening Weekend Box Office, March 19, 20142004 Box OfficeDawn of the Dead Box OfficeTop grossing horror films of 2004New York Times reviewRoger Ebert review
2025-01-081h 07The SplatbookGame Design 101: Let's make a One Page RPGWith the spooky season upon us, John, Jess, and Ben dive into the world of one-page RPG design. In this episode we make and RPG, and next episode we will play it. SpooOooookkyyy!!!Doctor Magnet HandsSexy Battle WizardsSad Vampire Boy FriendAdvance Skeleton SiegeContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic
2024-10-241h 23The SplatbookTrail of Cthulhu 2nd Edition with Kenneth Hite and Gareth Ryder-HanrahanJohn and co-host Matt Wilson are honored to be joined by Kenneth Hite and Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan to talk about GUMSHOE games, Cthulhu movies, and of course ... Trail of Cthulhu 2nd EditionBack the new edition here!!!Strange Harvest (Movie)Dream EaterKen and Robin Talk About StuffContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic
2024-10-1752 minThe SplatbookPlay testing your gameJohn and Ben are joined by Tim Saucer to talk about running your own games at conventions. We also talk about creating emotional experiences in RPGs, and our RFTCON experience in general.Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic
2024-09-191h 03The SplatbookPlayer's Handbook 2024John is joined by his two new co-hosts, Ben Donaldson and Jess Rhiannon, to talk about the new Players Handbook 2024. Who will play it? Are we converting our campaigns to the new edition? Ooooo the mysteries contained herein! NOTES:2024 Player's HandbookContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic
2024-09-1248 minThe SplatbookTony Vasinda on GenCon, Zines, and when the OSR worksTony Vasinda (aka Plus One Tony) joins John to talk about their GenCon experience, how to iterate your game's design, and why zines are the best! And we sneak in some rumblings about the OSR, of course. BECAUSE THAT IS ALL ANYONE TALKS ABOUT Notes:RPG Zine ClubOSR Rules FamiliesPosters, Posers and POSR(s)Butter PrincessContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!
2024-09-051h 05The SplatbookAppendix N: Alien: RomulusIn honor of the release of Alien: Romulus, Andy Rau from Roll for Topic joins John for a discussion of the Alien franchise. What makes a great Alien movie? And does Alien:Romulus hit the mark? Plus an update on the Alien RPG from Free LeagueAlien: Romulus TrailerAlien RPGAlien RPG 2n EditionContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!
2024-08-281h 13The SplatbookJohn and Kyle at GenCon 2024Are you tired of all the RPG podcasts publishing their "GenCon Reflections" episodes? Well tooooo baaaad. Here is ours. We have an interview with Amber Seger, and a special guest appearance from Kyle's mom. Plus, Kyle shares some huge life changing news. Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Cloud CurioRoll For Topic
2024-08-0825 minThe SplatbookKyle and John VS the OSR: John goes full OSRJohn and Kyle discuss modern magical settings, and John's plan to put his poor gaming group through an OSR Dolmenwood campaign. Tuns out Kyle has been playing a long game that has all lead up to this point. DolmenwoodDolmenwood SoundtrackStar Borg! Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Cloud CurioRoll For Topic
2024-07-2550 minThe SplatbookBonus: The Path To Power by Robert A CaroDue to unrelenting popular demand John, Andy, and new guest Joel Boonstra tackle the first volume of Robert A Caro's pentalogy of the "Times of Lyndon Johnson". Mission Accomplished, so quit sending me harassing email, jeez.The Path to Power99% Invisible: The Power BrokerContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Cloud CurioRoll For Topic
2024-07-1759 min
The SplatbookActual Play: Star Borg - The Hypercore of Madness (Part 2)Somewhere... in space...this could all be happening RIGHT NOW! Star Borg: Episode 2 - The Hypercore of MadnessJohn and Kyle are joined by Andy Rau and Ben Donaldson for an epic actual play of Star Borg! The new TTRPG collaboration between Kyle and JP Coovert.Star BorgContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Cloud CurioRoll For Topic
2024-06-271h 07
The SplatbookActual Play: Star Borg - The Ship of Doom, Part 1Somewhere... in space...this could all be happening RIGHT NOW! Star Borg: Episode 1 - The Ship of DoomJohn and Kyle are joined by Andy Rau and Ben Donaldson for an epic actual play of Star Borg! The new TTRPG collaboration between Kyle and JP Coovert.Star BorgContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Cloud CurioRoll For Topic
2024-06-131h 05The SplatbookThe History of D&D Combat with Evan TornerKyle is joined by his "favorite person in the whole wide world (!?)", Evan Torner. Which is fine. John is not the least bit jealous. He is just over here working his fingers to the bone editing this podcast. Toiling away on the show notes mines. It’s fine. Everything is fine. But then at the end Kyle says he is sad John was not here, so John just does not know how to feel. They talk about D&D combat or something. Oh, and Matt is here. JK! Evan is awesome, and this is a really insightful epi...
2024-05-301h 10The SplatbookZines, Star Borg, and YouTube with JP CoovertYouTuber JP Coovert join John and Kyle to talk about a new Mork Borg hack he and Kyle are working on, making a living creatively, comic books, and making art as process.JP on YouTube!Star Borg announcementContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Cloud CurioRoll For Topic
2024-05-161h 14The SplatbookRPGs and InternalityJess returns to the show and we breakdown some of Wraith Curse of the Night Sword. Kyle claims that Jess is now his favorite game master, John is sad, but then we all talk about our therapists.Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Cloud CurioRoll For Topic
2024-05-0258 minThe SplatbookADHD and RPGsKyle and John talk about ADHD and RPGs. This very rapidly devolves into absolute silliness.AADL GM Like A Pro panelAvery Alder Politicizing and Queering Game MechanicsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Cloud CurioRoll For Topic
2024-04-1857 minThe SplatbookGame Design 101: Rules PlatformsKyle and John do a deep dive into the "rules platforms". What are they? What makes them useful? or limiting? Year Zero SRDAGE SystemGUMSHOE Reference DocumentMETAgamingContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Cloud CurioRoll For Topic
2024-04-0459 min
The SplatbookActual Play: Wraith Curse of the Night Sword, Part 2The Splatbook Players present: Wraith Curse of the Night Sword, Part 2. Being an actual play of The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying for Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. Featuring Jess Rhiannon the Ranger "Telconiel", Kenny Webb as "Gorf" the dwarven story teller, John Corey as the Bardling "Ulfar", and Kyle Latino as The Loremaster. Wraithcurse of the Nightsword is an original scenario developed by Kyle Latino. The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game for 5E was adapted from The One Ring RPG 2nd Ed by Michele Garbuggio. The One Ring RPG 2nd Ed was created by...
2024-03-081h 11
The SplatbookActual Play: Wraith Curse of the Night Sword, Part 1The Splatbook Players present: Wraith Curse of the Night Sword, Part 1. Being an actual play of The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying for Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. Featuring Jess Rhiannon the Ranger "Telconiel", Kenny Webb as "Gorf" the dwarven story teller, John Corey as the Bardling "Ulfar", and Kyle Latino as The Loremaster. Wraithcurse of the Nightsword is an original scenario developed by Kyle Latino. The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game for 5E was adapted from The One Ring RPG 2nd Ed by Michele Garbuggio. The One Ring RPG 2nd Ed was created by...
2024-02-221h 17The SplatbookKyle and John VS The OSR: The Enchanted WoodKyle and John honor the work of game designer Jennell Jaquays today by talking about one of John's all time favorite adventure modules: The Enchanted Wood, for SPI's DragonQuest RPG from 1981. Jenelle JaquaysTimothy TrumanThe Enchanted Wood Cover ArtThe Enchanted Wood PDFThe DragonQuest Players AssociationContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonRoll For Topic
2024-02-081h 10The SplatbookWhat is the difference between two 8th level fighters?Kyle is off hatching nefarious plans with the Cloud Curio Cohort, so Andy and Matt join John to talk about early RPG influences, and how they shapes the games we run today.SPIs DragonQuestRolemaster 2nd EdGURPS 2nd EdThe New SunFlame and Crimson - A History of Sword and Sorcery Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonRoll For TopicThe Cloud Curio
2024-01-111h 24The SplatbookAppendix N: The Apocalypse According to John CarpenterWith Kyle busy, busy, busy with the final Monstrous illustrations, John invites two former guests (Andy Rau, and Matt Wilson) to talk about three John Carpenter movies: "The Apocalypse Trilogy". Please enjoy this bonus episode. The ThingPrince of DarknessIn the Mouth of MadnessList of American movies 1982John Carpenter QuoteDelta Green: Impossible LandscapesThe King in Yellow - Project Gutenberg John Carpenter IMDB Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map...
2023-12-281h 22The SplatbookMail Bag!Kyle and John answer a great email and a couple of juicy Splatphones. Check the show notes for a couple of important fundraisers! Jennell Jaquays has a long road backThe Enchanted WoodEliminate Medical Date in MichiganNerfedMonster Man. A Show about Monsters because Monsters are greatBig Trouble in Little ChinaArchipelagoThe Good Friends of Jackson Elias
2023-11-021h 02The SplatbookMonstrous Funded!John and Kyle take a follow up splatphone message, talk about "play to lose" games, and celebrate the fact that Monstrous has funded! Whoo hoo!Today's "And Remember" is from Tales of the Lone Lands. A supplement to Free League Publishing's The One Ring RPGContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonRoll For TopicThe Cloud Curio
2023-10-191h 00The SplatbookI got a bad case of diegesisListener Ryan calls in a Splatphone that requires our full attention. What is Diegesis? Is narrative immersion possible? or even desirable in an RPG? John and Kyle discussTHE MONSTROUS KICKSTARTER IS LIVE!!!!Back it now!Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone! SHOW NOTESDown We GoDown we go using MonstrousKyle appears on Monster ManGod SendInto the Weird Blue YonderRoll For TopicThe Cloud Curio
2023-09-2154 minThe SplatbookWait, what?! there is a Blade Runner RPG?Well, well, well... It turns out there is a Blade Runner RPG and no one bothered to tell John. We discuss the first Blade Runner film, and the new Blade Runner RPG Kyle Campaign just started. THE MONSTROUS KICKSTARTER IS LIVE!!!!Back it now!Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone! SHOW NOTESBlade RunnerBlade Runner RPGAgnostic and Old RoadsRoll For TopicThe Cloud CurioMap Crow YouTubeMap Cr...
2023-09-141h 00The SplatbookAppendix N: Baldur's Gate 3Kyle recruits a kindred soul to his party to discuss Baldur's Gate III. Andy Rau from Roll for Topic joins Kyle to breakdown the latest D&D video games. John takes the episode off, which is probably best for everyone. THE MONSTROUS KICKSTARTER IS LIVE!!!!Back it now!Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone! SHOW NOTESBaldur's Gate 3Narrator OuttakesAgnostic and Old RoadsRoll For TopicThe Cloud CurioMap Crow YouTube...
2023-09-071h 21The SplatbookThe RFTCon Splatacular!This week John talks almost non-stop about the games he played at RFTCon! They were all amazing, and Kyle is sad he could not be there. Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone! Show Notes:DialectMicroscope World Ending GameEtherseaI'm sorry did you say street magic?Do not let us die in the dark night of this cold winterInkDaggerheartIron SwornAgnostic and Old Roads
2023-08-241h 04The SplatbookMr Latino Goes to GenConKyle goes to Gen Con and talks about all the amazing stuff he saw, and heroes he met. John pitches some ideas for an upcoming James Bond RPG one shot, and Kyle shares an email from a fan - his mom!James Bond RPGAmbush!DragonQuestOld School Essentials: DolmenwoodRunning Games in Middle Earth OR "Strider was a Hobbit"One Sleepy Beetle - MuralEmail Us: splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Agnostic and Old RoadsRoll For Topic
2023-08-1054 minThe SplatbookChoosing a creative pursuitListener Gabe sent John and Kyle a Splatphone so thoughtful, we based this entire episode around it: How do you choose a satisfying hobby or creative pursuit? Email Us: splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Agnostic and Old RoadsRoll For TopicThe Cloud CurioMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2023-07-2753 minThe SplatbookAppendix N: The Dark Tower ShowdownKenny and John spoil the sh$t out of The Dark Tower. The WHOLE THING. John fails to convince Kenny that he is wrong about the ending, Kyle takes Kenny's side and John gets sooooo angry. Then John thinks it might just be that he is broken. The Dark TowerFrank Muller (Dark Tower Narrator)Moira Quirk (The Ninth Narrator)Episode 119 – Audio Equipment, Mysteries, Aliens, and RepetitionEmail Us: splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Agnostic and Old RoadsRoll For TopicThe...
2023-07-2043 minThe SplatbookCloud Curio InterviewKyle and John are joined by some of his Cloud Curio collaborators, Amber and Kenny! We discuss their recent trip to Origins, projects they are working, asking strangers for eggs, and the impending launch of Monstrous! Cloud CurioMonstrousAmber's Work (rocketorca.com)Books Of Imaginary BeingsTales of the ValiantAgnostic and Old RoadsThe Splatphone!Roll For TopicThe Cloud CurioMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonEmail Us: splatbookpod@gmail.com
2023-07-131h 11
The SplatbookPAWFTTMurph! joins us to discuss Play AWay From The Table (PAWFTT!). Kyle tries to make PAWFTT a thing, Murph! enables him, and John is powerless to stop it. RUNEWorlds Without NumberThe Splatphone!Roll For TopicThe Cloud CurioMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonEmail Us: splatbookpod@gmail.com
2023-06-1559 minThe SplatbookLife after 5eHello comrades! Kyle and John bust out the soap boxes and ask: What is with all the new games? And why can't we talk about the creative aspects of these new games, instead of business moves? Spoiler: Because social media and capitalism ruin everything. The Splatphone!Roll For TopicThe Cloud CurioMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonEmail Us: splatbookpod@gmail.comTales of the ValiantCandela ObscuraPanopticonSociety of the Spectacle Amusing Ourselves to De...
2023-06-011h 14The SplatbookOur Favorite RPG QuotesKyle and John exchange and discuss some of their favorite passages from RPG books. Call us on the Splatphone! Send us an email splatbookpod@gmail.com! MausritterThe WarrenBunnies and BurrowsDialectA Plague Among UsThe Splatphone!Roll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonEmail Us: splatbookpod@gmail.com
2023-05-191h 07The SplatbookGame Design 101: Play, Toys, Games, and Sims-Oh my!Kyle takes John back to school to discuss how RPGs fit into our ideas of play, games, and other strange creatures. The Beginner's GuideFelix Lebed on PlayMaslow's hierarchy of needsHomo Ludens - John HuizingaAlan Levinovitz - ToysThomas Malaby - Games“Big Three” questions at the Forge: “What is the game about? How is it about that? What does the game reward?”Evan Bottcher - PlatformsThe Splatphone!Roll For TopicMap Crow Y...
2023-05-041h 33The SplatbookGM Tips: Player VacationsWhat do you do when part of your game group takes some time off? Try new games? Try new ways of playing old games? John and Kyle discuss.DreadThe Quiet YearFiascoDialectThe Splatphone!Roll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2023-04-2057 minThe SplatbookThe Year Zero SRDThis week John and Kyle take a deep dive into Free League publishing's Year Zero SRD. Kyle goes full professor on John, and then they talk about Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Free League - Year Zero SRDA Theory of FunFATE: The Secrets of CatsThe Splatphone!Roll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2023-04-061h 05The SplatbookBonus Episode: Gettin' good at stuffKyle tells John about a programming project he designed for his students, and what he hopes they will learn from it: When acquiring new skills, you have to get comfortable sucking at them at first. John says he has always struggled with this, and somehow does not say the phrase "learn to play tennis with a wooden racket" even though this was the right episode to say it.One of Kyle's game experiments - MethrisThe Splatphone!Roll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2023-03-3013 minThe SplatbookKyle and John VS The OSR: Winter's DaughterJohn and Kyle dig into one of their favorite OSR modules: Winter's Daughter by Gavin NormanOld School EssentialsWinter's DaughterHall of the Blood KingThe Splatphone!Roll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2023-03-2342 minThe SplatbookKyle and John VS The OSR: Sailors on THE Starless SeaKyle and John talk about the Dungeon Crawl Classics adventure Sailors on the Starless Sea and ask: "Why is it so dang good?" They also answer a listener's question left via the Splatphone! Hang around for the cut-bitlets to hear in-depth discussion of Kyle's new cat.Dungeon Crawl ClassicsSailors on the Starless SeaRemembering Jim HallowayThe Splatphone!Roll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2023-03-091h 11The SplatbookMelancholy In RPGs - The Neverending StoryWhat is that ringing sound!? Could it be... THE SPLATPHONE! Listener Jake recorded some thoughts on melancholy in RPGs. This prompted John and Kyle to enter the Swamp of Sadness, and discuss the topic through the lens of the film The Neverending Story.The Splatphone!The Fall of MagicWolves of GodPolarisDelta GreenThe Fall of Delta GreenRoll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2023-02-231h 13The SplatbookGM Tips: NPC and Character VoicesKyle and John take a break from talking about favorite media to give some tips on doing NPC and characters voices. Or maybe they just needed an excuse to be silly? Noisy Person CardsThe Between and Brindlewood BayBeyond the Darkened ThresholdOrcs with normal voicesRoll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2023-02-0952 minThe SplatbookThe Gunslinger - Personal Appendix NRoll for Topic's own Andy Rau joins Kyle and John to talk about the first book of the Dark Tower series: The Gunslinger. Will the podcast survive this titanic show down?The GunslingerRoll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2023-01-261h 50The SplatbookThe Fortress Unvanquishable, save for Sacnoth - Personal Appendix NKyle finally tricks John into talking about the story The Fortress Unvanquishable, save for Sacnoth. After many attempts, John learns how to pronounce Tharagavverug and Wong Bongerok. Kyle compares the story to the Legend of Zelda, and points out that Leothric teaming up with Tharagavverug is kinda like Spiderman teaming up with Venom. Spoiler: We love this story. The Fortress Unvanquishable, save for SacnothRoll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2023-01-121h 13The SplatbookHoliday Spectacular!John and Kyle wrap up 2022 with a discussion of what they are grateful for, what they learned, and what they are looking forward to in 2023. And then they sing!Dungeon23Vaesen RPG SubredditRoll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2022-12-2943 minThe SplatbookEmergent Podcasting - Kyle and John vs The OSRThis week Kyle and John tackle two excellent articles from the OSR Canon. Kyle realizes that John is old enough to have played D&D when the OSR style was just called... playing D&D. John gets cranky, and Kyle calms him down. Pleasures of the OSR: Secrecy and DiscoveryEpisode 126 – Pleasures of the OSR: Secrecy and Discovery, by Ben L.The Ogre and the Golden BirdEpisode 19 – The Ogre and the Golden Bird by Patrick StewartRoll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patre...
2022-12-1554 minThe SplatbookThe Last Defender of Camelot - Personal Appendix NIn this episode John and Kyle talk about the Beatles, The Dark Knight Returns, Watchmen, The Twilight Zone, and OH YEAH, the actual story listed in the title of this episode. We also totally talk about RPGs a whole bunch.The Last Defender of Camelot (Wikipedia)The Last Defender of Camelot - Twilight ZoneIn Memoriam: George RR Martin Remembers Roger ZelaznyRoll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2022-12-011h 01The SplatbookQuest of the Queen's Tears - Personal Appendix NThis week we go old school with a story from the influential author Lord Dunsany: The Quest of the Queen's Tears. Marvel at how John and Kyle can talk about a 3 page story for almost an hour. You can read the full text of The Quest of the Queen's Tears - link in the show notes.Lord DunsanyThe Quest of the Queen's TearsRichard Francis BurtonRoll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2022-11-171h 02The SplatbookThe Dark Muse - Personal Appendix NJohn and Kyle discuss another entry in the the annals of their Personal Appendix N. For this episode John choose The Dark Muse by Karl Edward Wagner. This story is part of Wagner's collection Night Winds, which features his most famous character - Kane the Mystic Swordsman.Check the show notes for more about Karl Edward Wagner, Kane, and this story. Including a link to an excerpt from The Dark Muse.The Dark Muse: ExcerptThe Last Wolf Trailer (Karl Edward Wagner documentary)Karl Edward Wagner (Wikipedia)Where to...
2022-11-031h 08The SplatbookActual Play! Prison Escape! with Chris SalzmanOn episode of 97 of our sister podcast Roll for Topic, Chris and John designed a 1-page RPG: Prison Escape!. In this episode of The Splatbook, Chris joins John and Kyle to run the game. Enjoy!Roll For Topic episode 97Roll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2022-10-2047 minThe SplatbookPersonal Appendix N OR "If you have read the DM's Guide"Kyle and John are back! We talk about our own personal appendix N. What works of fiction have inspired us, and how they have influenced our games? Listen and find out!Appendix N Spirit of 77The Dresden FilesKrullPatricia A McKillipand Patricia A McKillipThe Aching GodThe Trouble with TribblesStar Trek: TNGDelicious in DungeonLOOMGideon the NinthThe Fifth SeasonThrone of the Crescent Moon
2022-10-0654 minThe SplatbookRPGs with Kids OR "Nobody reads the DMs Guide"Kyle is under the weather, so Tim Saucer stepped in and talks to John about playing RPGs with kids. Roll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2022-09-2240 minThe SplatbookDifficulty in Games OR "What is the point of golf?"Kyle quizzes John about difficulty in games. What is the difference between difficulty, and likelihood? We spend an inordinate amount of time talking about sports. Sorry.Brindlewood Bay3-point shotRoll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2022-09-0848 minThe SplatbookConvention Catch up!Kyle and John chat about what they have been up to in their gaming lives. We discuss our recent Con experiences, Basic D&D, and everyone's favorite indie RPG - D&D 5e. Basic D&DGenConIndie Press ResolutionPossum Creek Games - WanderhomeSoul MuppetGrasping Nettles RPGPossible World Games Tyler CrumrineTales from the LoopVaesen BookVaesen RPGRoll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2022-08-2542 minThe SplatbookWhat works in mystery RPGs?We had so much fun chatting last week we decided to release more of that conversation. John, Kyle, and Matt talk about their experiences with running mystery RPGs.Roll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow Patreon
2022-07-2116 minThe SplatbookAnalysis of Swords without Master (spoiler: we love it)Kyle and John breakdown their thoughts on the actual play of Swords Without Master we released last episode. If you have not listened to that episode yet, it is linked below.Swords without Master - Actual Play (the episode we are talking about)Swords without MasterWorlds without MasterLasers and FeelingsHoney HeistPost-structuralism Roll For TopicMap Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Creatures - You!The Cocteau Twins - Violaine
2022-06-1626 min