Best Ludology Podcasts (2024)

1
Pros and Cons Ep 5 56:38

1d ago56:38

56:38

Sen talks with the always awesome Omari Akil at Origins 2023. They talk about making games, making music, and making authenticity the goal for the next year.

1
Andrew Harris and the Guild Chronicles 25:06

2h ago25:06

25:06

Andrew Harris and the Guild Chronicles In this episode of "Experience Points" Dave Eng interviews Andrew Harris, a game designer, therapist, and educator behind The Guild Chronicles program. Andrew discusses the origins of The Guild Chronicles, a transformative game-based learning program he developed, which combines tabletop RPG elements with ther…

1
Making Worlds Preview: Dimension 20 with Lucia Lorenzi and Clare Mulcahy 47:42

2d ago47:42

47:42

Material Girls is on Spring Break! But don't fret! We unlocked an episode of Making Worlds, our Patreon-exclusive video podcast hosted by Hannah McGregor. Making Worlds is dedicated to the liberatory possibilities of other worlds! In each episode Hannah speaks with a guest (or two) about a sci-fi, fantasy, speculative fiction, or magical realism te…

1
Thinking Beyond Mechanisms Ep 10 6:44

4d ago6:44

6:44

In her 10th installment, special guest host Sarah Shipp lends her insights into how thematic win condition not only drive play, but allow for better immersion.

1
Material Concerns: Disney Bonus Pt. I 27:53

9d ago27:53

27:53

Like the serious academics they are, Hannah and Marcelle not only researched Disney in academic journals, they also went to the happiest place on earth! They made custom Theodor Adorno t-shirts, scooped Marcelle's eight-year-old and Gender Playground co-host, Raimi Marx, and wen on their way! In this bonus episode, they answer your questions about …

1
What is Choice Architecture? 29:10

12d ago29:10

29:10

What is Choice Architecture? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is Choice Architecture? Both life and games are full of choices. Some of us approach those choices head on. Others take their time to come to rational conclusions about what choices are best for them. Yet others don’t put that much stake into the outcome of their choic…

1
TTRPG Kids EP 11 8:31

11d ago8:31

8:31

TTRPG Kids' host Steph Campbell joins us once again to drop knowledge about how to set up great encounters for your children or students. Whether those encounters are in a familiar system or a new one, whether they focus on combat or puzzles or social relationships, Steph gives great advice to set your kids up for success!…

1
Ludology 320 Imitation is NOT the Best Form of Flattery 43:16

14d ago43:16

43:16

In this episode, Sen and Erica speak with Laia Gonzales, one half of Wonderbow Games about their amazingly successful Kickstarter project, Kelp, and the unfortunate issues that arose because of said success. Laia talks about the illicit copies of Kelp that were being sold even before their campaign ended and the continuous struggle she experiences …

1
Disney x Pinkwashing 1:02:19

17d ago1:02:19

1:02:19

What drove Hannah and Marcelle to go to Disneyland? And what is with all the rainbow Mickey ears? And where does pinkwashing end and real change begin? Tune into this episode about the happiest place on earth to find out! In this episode, Marcelle leads Hannah through a history of the term pinkwashing. She then draws on an article by Karine Duplan …

1
Thinking Beyond Mechanisms Ep 9 6:15

26d ago6:15

6:15

In the last episode, Sarah Shipp discussed the concept of gates that actively and intentionally restrict player agency as a useful tool for game design. In this episode, she takes a more in depth look at gates that specifically force players to confront loss. Spoiler Alert: if you intend to play the videogames Portal or Death Stranding, you may wis…

1
Sue Baechler on Developing Serious Games 23:53

26d ago23:53

23:53

Sue Baechler on Developing Serious Games In this episode, Dave Eng and Sue Baechler discuss the impact of learning games. Sue Baechler shares her journey from creating a sales game that broke records to starting her own learning game business. They delve into the Bottom Line Game at CVS, an educational board game that aimed to enhance profitability…

1
Ludology 319 How to Earn Your Badge 1:06:23

1M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

This episode, Erica and Sen welcome David Mullich to the show. David is a game designer and educator who was involved with outlining the requirements for the Game Design Merit Badge for the Boy Scouts of America. We talk about all of the things a Scout must accomplish to earn this badge as well as David's long and storied career in making games.…

1
Athleisure x Optimization with Anne Helen Petersen 1:01:37

1M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

We're thrilled to be joined by Anne Helen Petersen for this episode about the popularity of athleisure! If you don't already know, Anne Helen Petersen (she/her) is the incredible writer, journalist and recovering academic behind the beloved newsletter Culture Study. She is the host of a brand new podcast of the same name and the author of four book…

1
TTRPG KIds Ep 10 7:37

1M ago7:37

7:37

Guest host Steph Campbell talks about how to include educational elements to TTRPG sessions for children in the classroom and at the dining room table in this installment of their TTRPG Kids series.

1
AP Table Talk: Rondel 51:00

1M ago51:00

51:00

AP Table Talk: Rondel In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng focus on rondel games, where players move along a circular track to take actions. Dave introduces "Patchwork" as a significant game he played early in his relationship. They discuss games like "Sabika," highlighting rondel mechanics and unique elements. They mention th…

1
Gilmore Girls x Normporn with Karen Tongson 1:07:53

2M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

For this episode, we're joined by the incredible Karen Tongson, Professor of Gender & Sexuality Studies, English, and American Studies & Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. She is the author of Why Karen Carpenter Matters and Relocations: Queer Suburban Imaginaries. Her newest book, normporn: Queer Viewers and the TV That Soothes Us…

1
Ludology 318 Like Fire and Water 46:52

2M ago46:52

46:52

Erica and Sen welcome Asger Granerud to the podcast to talk about the design decisions behind the hit deckbuilder, Heat: Pedal to the Metal, Asger also discusses his new publishing partnership, Sidekick Games, and their mission to create generational games like their forthcoming title, Aqua.

1
Silviana Falcon on Lectures at Play 28:07

2M ago28:07

28:07

Silviana Falcon on Lectures at Play In this podcast episode, host Dave Eng discusses educational games and their integration into traditional lectures with guest Silviana Falcon. Silviana shares her experience of using educational games as fundamental components of her lectures over eight years. She emphasizes the value of creating a welcoming lear…

1
Thinking Beyond Mechanisms Ep 8 6:26

2M ago6:26

6:26

In this episode, special guest host, Sarah Shipp, talks about how gates restrict player agency and still manage to create interesting player decisions despite these constraints.

1
Sweet Potato Fries x Food Imperialism 1:03:54

2M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

Remember about fifteen years ago when we all went a little nuts for sweet potato fries? What was going on there? Well it turns out, that beloved appetizer was more than a tasty treat circa 2007. In this episode, Marcelle leads Hannah through research about the “orange-flesh sweetpotato” and its relationship to GMOs, cash crops, fat phobia and food …

1
Ludology 317 State of the Industry 2024 1:02:47

2M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

Erica and Sen welcome the Podfather of Gaming, Stephen Buonocore. to the show for his annual update on what is currently impacting the tabletop gaming industry. Stephen talks about everything from post-lockdown fallout to AI use. Listen to see what he thinks about many of the pressing issues hobby gaming is facing. What are your thoughts?…

1
TTRPG Kids Ep 9 8:52

2M ago8:52

8:52

In this installment of Steph Campbell's TTRPGKids, they discuss how to tailor-make a system for YOUR particular child, creating something custom that both you and your little gamer will enjoy!

1
Liminality, Transition, and Games 22:48

2M ago22:48

22:48

Liminality, Transition, and Games On today’s episode, we’ll discuss the concepts of Liminality, Transition, and Games. The term “liminal space” may not be familiar to you. But if you’ve ever made a transition from a physical place; a mental space; or experience anything that you would ever consider “life changing” or “transformative” then you may h…

1
Dungeons and Dragons x Ludology 1:11:28

2M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

Do you play D&D? Do you have a friend who does, but you don't totally *get* what it is? Did you see the recent film Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and think "wow, that role playing game went MAINSTREAM!?" Then this episode is sure to satisfy your curiosity about this zeitgeisty game! Hannah, who herself plays D&D, leads Marcelle through …

1
Ludology 316 Toy Included! 1:07:24

2M ago1:07:24

1:07:24

Dave Chalker (co-designer of Restoration Game's Thunder Road) joins Erica and Sen to talk about toys, games, and toyetic games.

1
Material Concerns: Wonka and Twilight Bonus Pt. I 36:57

3M ago36:57

36:57

There was so much more to say about Wonka and Twilight. In Part I of this bonus episode (aka a 'Material Concern' episode), we talk about fatphobia in children's literature, the "representation" of indigeneity in Stephanie Meyer's the Twilight Saga, and so much more. If you enjoy this episode, head over to Patreon.com/ohwitchplease for Part II! The…

1
Thinking Beyond Mechanisms Ep 7 7:44

3M ago7:44

7:44

In this installment of Thinking Beyond Mechanisms, Sarah Shipp discusses the concept of Decision Space and the five elements that comprise it: Logic, Strategy, Agency, Motivation, and Emotion.

1
Clayton Whittle on Environmentalism and Games 30:33

3M ago30:33

30:33

Clayton Whittle on Environmentalism and Games In this podcast episode, host Dave Eng interviews Clayton Whittle, a researcher, educator, and environmentalist. Clayton's work centers around using game design to educate and motivate action in the realm of environmental education. He discusses his role as a past resident fellow at Pennsylvania State U…

1
Ludology 315 Happy 2024 1:20:07

3M ago1:20:07

1:20:07

Erica and Sen make some resolutions about game design and predictions about the tabletop industry to ring in the new year!

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