Shows
Can I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageImposter: The Spaces That Make Us Doubt OurselvesIn this episode, I’m joined by my friend Adam Lucas, a screenwriter who specializes in adaptations, to explore the word imposter — not as a diagnosis, but as a question.Why do so many of us feel like frauds in spaces we’ve earned the right to occupy? Whether pitching creative work to powerful decision-makers or stepping into parenthood for the first time, the doubt can feel immediate and disorienting.Adam reflects on navigating high-stakes creative rooms while still questioning his legitimacy. He also speaks candidly about early parenthood — and the subtle pressure to feel...
2026-02-2347 min
DnD VersusS2 E3 - DnD RisingDr. Palius Amicir (JT Embley) and his nephew find themselves entered into the contest for selection of the General to lead Baphomet's army into the realm of the living. Fans of Pierce Brown rejoice- the contest involves survival, navigation, and excel spreadsheets.Support our podcast and get access to ad-free episodes for just $1 a month! patreon.com/dndversus
2026-02-1834 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageWitness: Bearing Truth in History and Self (Part 2)"Witness" is a continuation of "Reckoning"—but this time, the work moves from accounting to presence.In this episode, I take you to Rwanda, a country forever shaped by the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Walking through memorials, listening to survivors’ stories, and sitting with the weight of what happened here demands a different kind of attention—one that cannot rush, explain away, or turn suffering into abstraction.To witness history is not simply to learn it. It is to allow the truth of what happened to stand—without flinching, without turning away, and without placing...
2026-02-0914 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageReckoning: When You Can't Avoid Yourself Anymore (Part 1)I used to believe you could control what parts of yourself were allowed to change. That growth could be selective, strategic, and contained. For most of my life, I knew how to keep things separate and still succeed. But then it stopped working.When you begin to explore yourself - your beliefs, your norms, what you inherited versus what you're choosing - eventually everything becomes fair game. There comes a moment when avoiding parts of yourself is no longer a viable way to live.This is Part 1 of a two-part story - two...
2026-01-2615 min
DnD VersusS2E2 - A Styxy SituationThis episode we welcome back JT Embley (Season 1's first player) and give him the chance to introduce a little chaos to the saga in the form of the wizard Doctor Paelias Amakiir.The good doctor finds himself on a ferry passing along the river Styx towards a land of the dead, but to which of these forgotten lands will the boat take him?DnD Versus contains fantasy violence, strong language, and some content that may not be appropriate for younger listeners.Support our podcast and get access to ad free episodes and...
2026-01-1631 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageSilence: Voice, Power, and the Cost of Staying QuietWhat parts of yourself have you learned to keep quiet in order to belong?Who is really allowed to speak freely in our workplaces and relationships?How much of your life is shaped by what you DON’T say?In this episode, I am joined by author, speaker, and organizational consultant Elaine Lin Hering to explore the word silence not as a lack of sound, but as a social force—one that shapes power, belonging, and whose voices are allowed to matter.Elaine is the author of "Unlearning Silence: How...
2026-01-121h 00
DnD VersusS2E1 - The Solstice EverlastingWelcome to Season 2 of DnD Versus where we begin with who was left behind after Dr. Frankenfurter walked through The Door at the end of season one to begin his ascension to pan dimensional godhood. Why it's Jolly Ol' Saint Nick, Kris Single himself, played again by Nathan York and Kris is busy delivering toys to all the good boys and girls, few though they may be...Support our show and get access to ad free versions of the episodes as well as behind the scenes bonus content for just one dollar a...
2026-01-0138 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageCurrency: What We Trade to Be SeenWhat do we mean when we talk about currency—and who gets to decide what holds value?In this episode of "Can I Have a Word?", I explore how currency extends far beyond money. From desirability and youth, to social access and belonging, this conversation examines how value is assigned, circulated, and sometimes quietly withdrawn—especially within queer spaces and broader social systems.This is the shorter audio version of the episode. If you’re interested in spending more time with these ideas, the full, expanded conversation—with additional reflection and context—is available...
2025-12-2908 min
DnD VersusSeason 2 TrailerWe're back on January 1, 2026 for a new chapter in the Frankenfurter DnD saga. Get caught up on season 1 wherever you get your podcasts, and give ad free episodes and behind the scenes conversations through our Patreon for just $1 a month! https://www.patreon.com/c/DnDVersus
2025-12-2201 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageDiscipline: The Practice That Creates FreedomDiscipline is often understood as something rigid—tight control, strict routines, or the ability to push through discomfort at all costs. But that version of discipline doesn’t work for everyone, and it rarely lasts.In this episode, we explore discipline as a practice rather than a test of toughness. When discipline is intentionally designed around your own standards, needs, and capacities, it becomes sustainable—and surprisingly freeing.Clear intention creates focus. Focus creates momentum. And over time, that consistency can open a path toward purpose, rather than pulling you away from it. This e...
2025-12-1551 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageSafe: The Illusion of ProtectionWhat does it mean to feel safe when the world keeps proving how quickly certainty can collapse? In this episode, I explore how our relationship to safety changes the moment violence feels close—geographically, emotionally, or personally. A recent mass shooting at the headquarters of my former employer forced me to confront how fragile the familiar can be, and how often we mistake comfort or institutional prestige for real protection.Through personal reflection, I examine how safety shows up differently across identities, workplaces, and communities—and who is expected to stay composed even when danger is no l...
2025-12-0124 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageMasculinity: The Strength to Be SoftWelcome back to "Can I Have a Word?" — and welcome to Season 2! We’re starting with a word that’s being stretched, questioned, reclaimed, and redefined: masculinity.In this episode, we explore masculinity as a living language — not a fixed identity or checklist of behaviors, but a space shaped by culture, history, and personal truth. We look at how masculinity is inherited, where it harms, where it heals, and how more men are learning to lead with presence, emotional honesty, and self‑definition instead of performance. This isn’t about prescrib...
2025-11-0323 min
DnD VersusDND Co-Op - Nathan York's Kris Single Season One WrapBalloo sits down with Nathan York (Kris Single) to talk about the massive 5 episode run he had to the finish line of season one. From conversations about the story, Balloo's master plan and the incredible risk of the dice rolls at the end- Balloo and Nate talk about D&D gameplay, Dungeon Mastering, and more.
2025-10-021h 06
DnD VersusDnD Shelf Life - Ani & Mass EffectDnD Shelf Life is back! Balloo is joined by Ani G., a Dungeon Master from the windy city who comes ready to talk about the Mass Effect trilogy (gtfo Andromeda, you don't even go to school here), narrative and character choices, world building around religion and economies, and good villainy.We'll have an episode of DnD Co-Op with Nathan York coming up on October 2 to review the entirety of his 5 episode run as Kris Single and looking ahead to his theories and insights as a player going into Season 2. Patreon has...
2025-09-1856 min
DnD VersusDnD Co-Op - Season Wrap Up with David NeylandA special episode of Co-Op for the main feed: Balloo sits down with friend and producer, David Neyland, to talk about his evolving role in the show's sound design and personality, creative collaboration on season 1 and some teasers/thoughts for season 2- including a crucial dice roll to set a countdown for season 2 LIVE ON AIR?!?!We'll have one more episode of Co-Op to wrap up Season 1 in the main feed on September 18th, featuring Nathan York and going over his monster run of 5(!) episodes through the season finale, and future Co-Op episodes will be available to...
2025-09-041h 02
Your Favorite Bad Movie PodcastEpisode 68: The Devil's Advocate featuring Yennaedo BallooYennaedo Balloo, host of the DnD Versus podcast, has the crew revisiting a cable staple, The Devil’s Advocate (1997). This faustian horror has Keaunu Reeves as a lawyer taken under the wing of Al Pacino’s Devil, all while ignoring his wife, Charlize Theron, who’s having her own set of problems. Often gory and intense, too long, and full of scenery chewing it’s obviously gotten high ratings from the entire panel. Spoiler Alert, everyone will attempt a Pacino Impression, so tune in!
2025-08-241h 36
DnD VersusS1E11 - The DoorKris Single (Nathan York) launches a coordinated double heist to seize Dr. Frankenfurter's skin extrapolator device from Gil Stein of the Green Party, and retrieve the doctor's door from HyRax's lair. This episode contains scenes/descriptions of gore and fantasy violence. Thank you for listening to season one! We'll be back for Season 2 on January 1, 2026. Get access to additional content and ad free episodes we'll be releasing in the meantime at patreon.com/dndversus
2025-08-2148 min
DnD VersusS1E10 - Operation Beepo DropKris Single played by Nathan York returns to lead his party into Venella to face the end and try to stop whatever machine Dr. Frankenfurter set in motion that could consume the world, and it all starts with a bold step off the edge of a very tall cliff.This episode contains scenes of fantasy violence, gore, and body horror, listener discretion is advised.Support our show and get access to additional content and ad free episodes at patreon.com/dndversus
2025-08-0754 min
DnD VersusS1E9 - The Sleigh Bell That Cannot Be Unrung Kris Single (Nathan York) sits down to hear the business from the new managing director of talent who happens to be the runaway pink dragon heir of Venella, Tracy. The circus has an unexpected main attraction in the big tent though, come one, come all, for one night only: The Groom. This episode contains fantasy violence and rowdy, sexual humor.
2025-07-2437 min
DnD VersusS1E8 - Santa BabyKris Single (played by Nathan York) is back from the fey wild and has to find his way through the Venella forests to the circus in order to rescue Captain Ludlow, Groucho, and Mr. Beepo but he has to get past The Green Party first because apparently Venella is a three (dragonborn) party city. This episode features gore, fantasy violence, and whimsy.
2025-07-1057 min
DnD VersusS1E7 - A Bone to PickNorm Alguy played by Cody Miller got himself transported to the feywild on a mission from a forest deity to recover her sister, Raven's dog from Raven's ex-husband Oggie, easy job for a guy made of bones, right?This episode features Cody Miller as Norm Alguy, and Nathan York as Kris Single, and contains fantasy violence and mature themes.Support our podcast and get access to additional content at patreon.com/dndversus
2025-06-261h 24
DnD VersusDnD Shelf Life - Chris Andersen and Arak: Son of ThunderA special for the main feed this week: the first episode of what's going to be a monthly Patreon bonus series, DnD Shelf Life.Balloo sits down with fellow Dungeon Master, Chris Andersen of Your Favorite Bad Movie Podcast and talks about how classic swords n sorcery comic, Arak: Son of Thunder, influences Chris' campaign and lore, world building, and gasp sex in Dungeons and Dragons.Follow Chris on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/christhefriend.bsky.social& check out Chris' show, Your Favorite Bad Movie Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5r0xHZStTWmwFfGbQ8...
2025-06-1956 min
DnD VersusS1E6 - Bachelor PartySilvo sets out from Sanctuary with Miss Cleo, Groucho, and Captain Ludlow. Can he find his way through the caverns back to safety? This episode features Trevor Hegstrom as Silvo and introduces Cody Miller as Norm Alguy.
2025-06-1255 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageHome: Roots and Identity in Unfamiliar SoilWhat does it mean to build a relationship with a place you’ve never lived—but that somehow still lives in you?With a nod to exploring the roots of our identity, we examine the notion of "home" through the lens of memory, migration, and meaning. For many first-generation Americans, and particularly for Black Americans navigating the legacy of forced displacement, home is not always a fixed location. It can be a country your parents left behind, a village you’ve only seen in photos, or a continent you feel connected to in spirit but not necess...
2025-06-0213 min
DnD VersusS1E5 - Family MattersSilvo (Trevor Hegstrom) is brought to the Sanctuary of the Predators in the depths of the Underdark and they need his help contacting their absentee deity- "Mother" but he may not like who ends up answering the call...DND Versus contains fantasy violence and horror, and it not affiliated with Wizards of the Coast.Support our podcast and get access to after show interviews with our Dungeon Master and Players on our patreon: https://patreon.com/DnDVersus
2025-05-2949 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageAmbition: Desire, Doubt, and DriveWhat does it really take to chase our dreams? In this episode, we unpack ambition— not just as a goal or drive, but as a mirror. To move forward, we must first get honest about what's holding us back. Join us for a raw, reflective (and at times humorous) conversation on how our mental and emotional health directly shape our ability to pursue our highest goals. Because ambition isn't just about striving — it's about healing, too.Production Team Host/Creator - Carl James Lead Engineer - Josh Wilcox Mix Engineer/Technic...
2025-05-1945 min
DnD VersusS1E4 - Into DarknessThe city of Panda and Captain Ludlow have been swallowed into the underdark after a catastrophic series of explosions. Smashin Pam stands on the precipice of destruction looking for brunch at the Richie Estate, but who will she find in the darkness below. Featuring Stefa Nunes as Smashin Pam and Trevor Hegstrom as Silvo. This episode contains scenes of mass destruction and fantasy violence.Get access to additional content by supporting our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/DnDVersus
2025-05-151h 02Can I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageConfirmation Bias: Seeing What We Expect to SeeWhat do you do when the story you’ve always told yourself…isn’t true anymore? What if that familiar, comforting narrative needs to be refined to reflect your age, growth, or maturity? How do we begin to let go of the assumptions that once shaped and protected us to reflect the person we are today? In this episode, we examine the origin and power of the biases rooted in our past and how they might be holding us back in our present.Production Team Host/Creator - Carl James Lead E...
2025-05-0510 min
DnD VersusS1E3 - Smashin' Good TimeSmashin' Pam, played by Stefa Nunes, parties with the NePos but while the rager rages on, there are strange things afoot in the woods and city of Panda.This episode contains drinking and fantasy violence.DND Versus is not affiliated with WotCSupport our podcast and get access to bonus content on our Patreon:
2025-05-0150 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageAnxiety: The Weight You Can't See but Always CarryAnxiety is one of the most common - and most hidden - experiences in our world today. Unfortunately it often exists behind polished exteriors and unexplored stereotypes. This episode explores what it means to live with anxiety and still show up fully in life, work, and relationships. There is power in giving language to our internal struggles IF we're willing to sit with vulnerability. Whether you've experienced anxiety yourself or want to better support someone who has, this conversation offers space, insight, and solidarity.Production Team Host/Creator - Carl James Lead En...
2025-04-2131 min
DnD VersusS1E2 - High Fives 'n' Water SlidesJT Embley as Stephen Hark ventures into the darkness, we bear witness to a murder most fowl (yuk yuk), and we meet Smashin' Pam played by Stefa Nunes who helps wend our way deeper into the caves.Content warning: this episode contains fantasy violence and death.Support DND Versus on Patreon for behind the scenes episodes, chances to name an NPC, and more: https://patreon.com/DnDVersus
2025-04-171h 20Can I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageForgiveness: The Fine Print of Reconciliation"Forgiveness" isn't just a feel-good buzzword—it's a deeply personal and sometimes painful journey. With that in mind, we’re diving into the complicated and often contradictory world of forgiveness. It’s a word we throw around easily, but the process? Not so much. In this episode, we explore what it really means to forgive, how accountability plays a key role in healing, and why it’s so much harder to forgive when the hurt doesn’t stop.Production Team Host/Creator - Carl James Lead Engineer - Josh Wilcox Mix Engine...
2025-04-0709 min
DnD VersusS1E1 - Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out ThereStephen Hark, played by JT Embley, begins our adventure with a rude awakening in a coffin- not entirely surprising considering that his last memory before the coffin was of dying in a pit while exploring a dungeon. What does surprise him is the world he emerges into- an island of refugees with grafted animal heads that are the victims of experimentation by a criminal known as Dr. Frankenfurter.It's a family affair because among the items Stephen has been buried with he has a letter addressed to him by the good Doctor's son, the Marvelous Professor Frankenfurter...
2025-04-031h 20
DnD VersusDnD Versus TrailerDnD Versus is an actual play adventure where one DM takes one player at a time on an adventure of death and rebirth.Our adventure begins with a character finding themselves born again after death in a strange and dangerous world they've never seen. Death may be everywhere but for this body, death just means someone else (and another player) from another world taking a turn.DnD Versus is a biweekly adventure releasing every other Thursday, first episode premieres April 3.
2025-03-2501 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageQuiet: The Case for IntroversionIn this episode, we delve into the quiet power of introversion. While the world often celebrates loud voices and fast decisions, introverts bring a unique perspective to the forefront shaped by internal focus, deep analysis, and a calm presence. Join us as we examine how a “quiet” lens can illuminate innovative ideas, why stillness is a strength, and how introverted minds quietly shape the world around us.Production Team Host/Creator - Carl James Lead Engineer - Josh Wilcox Mix Engineer/Technical Producer - Adam Goins Logo D...
2025-03-2437 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageCommitment: What We Seek and What We GiveThe desire for a loving, committed relationship is something many if not most of us have been taught to aspire to and work toward. But to what end and at what cost? How do you maintain the balance between aspirational hopes for companionship and navigating your own self-discovery and personal evolution? In this episode, we examine the expectations we place on relationships and how the weight of those expectations may cause us to lose sight of what matters most of all. Ultimately, it’s not about choosing love or self-growth – it’s recognizing that the strongest relationships are built on a s...
2025-03-1018 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageVisibility: Authenticity Without CompromiseAmerica's history has been shaped by countless movements that have attempted to guarantee full inclusion for all Americans regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT+) community was born out of a necessity to ensure their own survival and defend their right to live with the dignity and rights afforded to others. And yet, despite decades of marginalization, subjugation, and threats of erasure (which continue even today), the LGBT+ community has always managed to survive and grow stronger. Our guest this week is someone who knows first-hand how real these threats of erasure...
2025-02-2446 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageSmile: The Performance of AcceptabilityWe all have insecurities but some of us may not be aware of them or how deep they actually run. And while it’s important to acknowledge our insecurities, we should work to overcome them in a way that doesn’t unfairly impact other people. So, what do you do if you are made to feel less than simply because of something you can’t consciously control? In this short episode, we explore the importance of calling out behavior that is rooted in insecurity and fear while standing up for our right to exist without judgment.
2025-02-1006 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageSuccess: Redefining What CountsMany of us have a conceptual idea of how "success" can be defined - financial independence, wealth, starting a family, career achievements, even having millions of fans on social media. Any of these markers can be indicative of success but should the criterion for success change as we age, learn more, and yes, achieve more? How does our framework of success evolve as we get older and what other attributes should we think about beyond the traditional elements that we already know of and aspire to? On this episode, we chat with career attorney and community advocate Peter Koffler...
2025-01-2741 minCan I Have a Word? | Culture, Identity & the Power of LanguageCarl is ArticulateIn this inaugural episode of “Can I Have a Word?”, we explore how this podcast came to be and why the intersection of language and identity should matter to all of us. We also get to learn a bit more about our host, Carl James, and examine why compliments aren’t always as complimentary as they might seem. Production TeamHost/Creator - Carl James Lead Engineer - Josh Wilcox Technical Producer - Adam Goins Logo Design - Stephanie Cardenas Music - Yennaedo Balloo
2025-01-1325 min