Best The Catastrophic Players Podcasts (2024)

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 233: Your Character is DEAD!; Player Input into World Building 1:07:33

1d ago1:07:33

1:07:33

Oh no! That giant just turned Bert's character into meat paste! What considerations are necessary and what must a player, a DM, and a gaming group do to pivot when a PC buys the farm? RD and Bert pontificate this point because, well, Bert's character was turned into meat paste at the last gaming session. After the news, the duo discuss what input, …

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 232: D&D Crafting Change Catastrophe!; Sci-Fi/Horror Gem Mothership 1:01:55

4d ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Surprise, surprise: Wizards of the Coast continues to "re-imagine" Dungeons & Dragons... potentially into the grave. The "improvements" to crafting and the introduction of a hybrid "Minecraft" and "MMO" crafting system were released, and it looks like once again the game is getting fundamentally changed for the worse. The news makes us laugh as we …

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 231: DM as Referee?!? What is the Correct Title and Role?; Western Renaissance 59:47

11d ago59:47

59:47

Spinning out of a conversation from last week, the gang talks about the title and role of the Dungeon Master in DnD. Is "referee" appropriate? What level of separation must the DM have with the group and the world? After this fun debate, with each of the guys having a distinct opinion, we tackle the news before saddling up to talk the resurgence of…

1
The Bug Man Cometh! 26:30

15d ago26:30

26:30

Hurricanes, heavy storms, tornadoes, floods, and similar disasters can lead to problems with a variety of insects and other creepy crawlies. With two broods of cicadas emerging and bugs in the news we talk with Paul Bello -entomologist extraordinaire. Paul has been battling bugs and creepy crawlies for decades. As the rains and flood waters abate, …

151
Introducing Hyperthetical 33:39

20d ago33:39

33:39

By Realm

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 230: WotC's Hideous, Woke, and Racist Art Drop 1:03:51

18d ago1:03:51

1:03:51

Wizards of the Coast has dropped a bunch of the "New" Dungeons & Dragons art... and it is just as hideous, woke, and racist as you could hope for. The guys talk about some of the more outlandish pieces and discuss how art, generally, is important to the hobby and hooks players in each game. Are some of these pieces intentionally horrific? Then, aft…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 229: D&D, Influenced by It's Own Supplements! 1:04:14

25d ago1:04:14

1:04:14

The "Dungeons and Dragons," TTRPG hobby has a boatload of influences... but is unique in the fact that it often influences.... itself. The guys talk about pivotal supplements that have shaped the hobby and how modern guidance continues to change our beloved passion. Plus everything from Critical Role to "ding dong" in the news! You won't want to mi…

1
Effective Compassion, Serving with Humility: Samaritan's Purse 34:29

28d ago34:29

34:29

Samaritan’s Purse is an international, nondenominational, evangelical Christian disaster relief organization. Founded in 1970, it provides aid to people in need across the globe. Following the example of the Good Samaritan as found in the Bible, the organization provides assistance in crisis areas throughout the world. After a disaster they help wi…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 228: Gaming Group Meeting Failures; Unfathomable Board Game Revisited 1:02:51

1M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

In this episode, the gang talk about the TTRPG curse older than time: Getting the group together. Inevitably, every group is going to ride the rocky road of scheduling. Why is this the killing blow for some groups? How can you pivot? Is it the end of the D&D World? Then after the news, as requested by the Nerdcognito Nation, the boys revisit, run d…

1
Hurricane Season is Here! FEMA Hurricane Program Director Brandon Bolinski 39:44

1M ago39:44

39:44

As we enter the 2024 hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts an above-average year for named storms—somewhere between 17 and 25. Effective planning is crucial for successful disaster response, especially considering the likelihood of a named storm hitting the US coastline this year. One key partner in this process is the Fede…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 227: 40+ "Rules" for the TTRPG Table... (He's not wrong!) 59:48

1M ago59:48

59:48

A frustrated Dungeon Master presented his players (do they play?) with a list of "rules" that were going to be implemented moving forward. While clearly frustrated with SparkleTroll and otherwise bad player behavior as we dig through his list we have to ask... "Is he wrong?" The guys discuss faux pas of players at the TTRPG table and how the DM can…

1
NanoNerdcognito: "Accidental Overpowering" 38:57

2M ago38:57

38:57

The holiday weekend in the States and a few too many life incidents have abbreviated this week's episode into a Nano! Fear not, though a touch shorter than usual, it is still packed with everything you'd expect -- Beginning with talk of how a DM can correct an "accidential overpowering" of a party and ending with news (from Reddit) RD and Bert sque…

1
New Episodes Coming Out Soon! 1:18

2M ago1:18

1:18

I've been on a bit of a hiatus camping out, communing with nature. There was a lot of rain and mud involved! The good news is I did catch (and release) a couple of speckled king snakes! I try to get episodes out roughly every two weeks, so I’m a little behind… but, no need to fear, there are several exciting episodes coming up in the next few weeks…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 226: Too Many Classes! (aka Less is More) 59:54

2M ago59:54

59:54

With ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIX OFFICIAL (you read that correctly) classes and subclasses in DnD 5e, it's time the gang evaluated class structures in TTRPGs. There are no surprises here -- the guys believe less is more. Add in some tales of characters gone by, bard mocking, and of course the news, and you have a full episode of nerdy goodness that …

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 225: From the Tabletop to the Screen! (and back!) 1:05:37

2M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

Fallout... The Last of Us... Rings of Power... Castlevania... there are a LOT of game-inspired screen adaptations hitting lately, and the trend is not going to end. This week, the boys look at all of the players and talk about what TTRPG, video, and board game adaptations they would like to see! Plus, a newsy tribute to Roger Corman starts a banger…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 224: WotC's AI Art Dust Storm... plus The Dungeon Delver! 1:01:59

2M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

This week, our good friend The Dungeon Delver drops in to chew the fat with the gang about the incredible nothingburger that was the Wizards of the Coast "AI art FAQ." There was a lot of internet noise, but is WotC doing... the right thing? The boys and Bill dig in deep to this offering insight, perspective, and opinion. Plus, the news will NOT dis…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 223: Grim Jim and the TTRPG Hobby's Toxic Cancel Culture 1:06:21

3M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

Hot on the heels of Nerdcognito getting de-platformed on YouTube after an alleged cancel culture report strike -- and the RD having his personal account targeted and wiped as well -- we look at cancel culture in the hobby in general. Who better to bring in for this discussion but "Grim" James Desborough? Jim gives his perspective on the hobby and i…

1
The Siren's Call: Tornadoes, Severe Weather, and The National Weather Service 29:59

3M ago29:59

29:59

The episode starts with the trailer of the exciting 1996 film “Twister,” featuring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. It sets the stage for our interview today with Mark Fox. As the Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Norman, Oklahoma—a notorious tornado hot-spot – Mark’s mission is the preservation of lives and prop…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 222: Cynthia Williams out at WotC, Modules!, Dystopian Dawn Time Warped 1:19:50

3M ago1:19:50

1:19:50

Cynthia Williams has announced her departure from Wizards of the Coast! What does this mean? Listen to the guys give their takes on her exodus. Then, as promised, a lively deep dive into what makes a module and their role in the hobby. After the news, creator of Dystopian Dawn, Tony Garcia stops by to talk about his latest project and the gang brie…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 221: Can Tourists and SparkleTrolls be "Saved??" 1:04:43

3M ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Can a SparkleTroll be saved? Is a tourist worth bringing to the table? Should we even bother? This week the gang tears into all things tourist -- from origins to Critical Role toxins to playstyles. Can we bring the hobby back from a fundamental and philosophical shift? Plus, the news has LOTS of TTRPG goodness that you won't want to miss! (...and M…

1
Logistics - Hero Style! 32:14

3M ago32:14

32:14

Each type of disaster presents unique challenges and in these critical moments, logistics plays a pivotal role. Today we talk with Angela Ruth Corbett. She has extensive experience in disaster response logistics and can shed light on the many challenges involved in setting up and supplying disaster sites. She is widely recognized as a leader and in…

1
53 - Devils Might Surrender | That Came Out Of Nowhere 3:16:28

3M ago3:16:28

3:16:28

The hunters recover from the traumatic fall of the Adrammelech's central citadel and find their way topside.By Nat19

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 220: Player Requests, Suggestions, and DEMANDS?!? 1:00:06

3M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Players drop hints all the time. What happens when it is more than a friendly poke? How should you handle your group asking for in-game favors, dictating game/world events, demanding items, or throwing an X-card (just kidding, show the X'er the door!). Plus, the news, Ryan revives "Oriental" and shoves it back into the acceptable category, and tale…

1
National Weather Service Incident Meteorologists - Into the Danger Zone! 29:33

4M ago29:33

29:33

Did you know that the National Weather Service has a SWAT Team? Well, not quite SWAT, but pretty close! Today we talk with Robert Rickey who is an IMET – an Incident Meteorologist. They are a group of about 100 forecasters who go to where the danger is, in harm’s way. They primarily get deployed to wildfire events, but have worked at floods, hurric…

1
SPECIAL Nerdcognito - Episode 219: Discomfiting Dialogue with Daniel D. Fox (friend of the show?!?) 1:24:13

3M ago1:24:13

1:24:13

Nerdcognito talks to... Daniel D. Fox?!? (yes, THAT Daniel D. Fox) Uh oh."Infamous" RD and Kyle sit down with the "notorious" Daniel D. Fox, creator of Zweihander, alleged destructor of The Trove, and all around polarizing figure in the TTRPG space. Publicly politically misaligned with the guys AND potentially on the opposite end of the gaming spec…

1
Why Weather Heroes? - Hurricane Andrew Revisited 13:07

4M ago13:07

13:07

There have been many hurricanes before, but not like Andrew. It changed many things, not just for Miami, but across the US: how everyone prepares for hurricanes, building codes, insurance practices, mitigation efforts, the list is long. Andrew also ignited my passion for the excitement and reward of giving back to the community in times of disaster…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 218: "You Can't Play With THEM!" 59:00

4M ago59:00

59:00

It happens -- a friend, a partner -- someone tells you "You can't play with THEM!" Maybe not you, but maybe that guy with the antisocial eye-rolling leftie girlfriend slowly exits from your table. Why and how do these ultimatums get made and how do they effect your table? Plus, the pros and cons of modules. Maybe. Probably not. ----more----Grab The…

1
52 - Devils Might Surrender | Dante Tutorial 3:47:02

4M ago3:47:02

3:47:02

The struggle against Machiavelli continues.By Nat19

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 217: TPKs and Near Total Party Kills in D&D/TTRPGs 1:02:23

4M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

This week, the gang dives deep on the Total Party Kill. Talking about this unique situation that apparently makes SparkleTrolls weep, the boys look into it mechanically, from a story perspective, and through the eyes of both player and dungeon master. Of course, there are some great TPK stories thrown in there as well. This, combined with longer ch…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 216: Real Relationships at the Fake D&D Table; Arkham Files TTRPG! 1:01:13

4M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

Ever play at a table with that cutsey-wootsey couple that just seems to always help each other? How about the BF DM that always give the right magic item to his boo? This week we talk about how real relationships can alter a table and give our thoughts on how to preserve the integrity of your game. Also, a positive news week spins into an exciting …

1
The National Weather (Heroes) Service 29:53

4M ago29:53

29:53

The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, water, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas. They play an indispensable role in the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy by empowering us to prepare for and respond effectively to adverse …

1
51 - Devils Might Surrender | Malfunction 3:12:43

4M ago3:12:43

3:12:43

The hunters attempt to regroup after being attacked by a possessed Geno Angelo, as Geno himself walks through an old memory.By Nat19

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 215: RD admits "I was wrong!", Horror at the Table, Blister Critters 1:08:24

5M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

This is a milestone episode: RD admits that he "was wrong" multiple times! First, the guys talk about introducing horror elements at the table. After the news, Anthony Grasso and Wythe Marschall drop by to talk about Blister Critters, their new Kickstarter game that originally was panned by Ryan before he did his homework only to be now praised bas…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 214: Mythology, Folklore, and History in D&D, Creativity and Improv 1:05:44

5M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

This episode, we look at how myth, legend, history, and tall tales have influenced Dungeons and Dragons specifically and the TTRPG world in general. Some folks claim this is a bad thing... but it's a great element that should be celebrated! The news includes RD doing a 180 after more details on a game he panned became available. After Ryan eats cro…

1
50 - Devils Might Surrender | Demon-Devil Trigger 3:30:04

5M ago3:30:04

3:30:04

The battle against Dante continues, with the party desperately trying to prove their capacity to protect Fionula - no matter what comes.By Nat19

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 213: Backstories?!? Encounter Balance?!? Pfft!! 1:00:40

5M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

Birthed from last week's "Session Zero" descriptions, we have TWO topics this week that make the show -- and our heads spin: Backstories... and Encounter Balance. Are they needed? Do they make an appearance at our tables? How have these elements impacted the TTRPG Hobby? As if that wasn't enough... of course there is some crazy news, with a stroll …

1
Can You Hear Me Now? 23:02

5M ago23:02

23:02

In 1983, the DynaTAC 8000X cellular telephone, affectionately known as “the brick,” entered the market. Those of us of a certain age, certainly remember it! Since then, cell phones have seamlessly woven themselves into our daily lives. These pocket-sized devices grant us access to seemingly endless information and provide countless ways to communic…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 212: Consequences and Death in Your TTRPG; Our Own "Session Zero" 1:02:35

5M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

This week, the guys talk about consequences of action and PC death in TTRPGs. Why are these "horrible" things critical for your game? The news kicks around some nerdy developments on past stories and is highlighted by our "unnamed" hat tip on Reddit. Finally, Session Zero talk online has been rumbling again, so each of the gang describes what their…

1
Weather Heroes Trailer 0:57

5M ago0:57

0:57

Welcome to Weather Heroes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since 1980, the U.S. has sustained over two and a half trillion dollars in weather related damage. The cost of weather disasters can have a significant impact on the economy, environment, and people’s lives. Weather Heroes explores the world of planni…

1
Wonderous Wood 17:17

5M ago17:17

17:17

After Hurricane Andrew made landfall in 1992, plywood prices rose 45% and prices for Southern pine framing lumber increased 17%. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the wood products markets reacted strongly. Panic buying of lumber and structural panels went on for weeks. Lumber and plywood costs increased an average of 30% the four weeks aft…

1
49 - Devils Might Surrender | Devil Hunter 4:14:48

5M ago4:14:48

4:14:48

The source of Sparda's signal from the hells is found.By Nat19

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 211: Nostalgia at your TTRPG table; Let's not make money! 1:02:48

5M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

Last week was a barnburner, so we needed to pump the brakes and return to some good ol' nerdy chatter! We open with a discussion of nostalgia, and the role it plays at your table. After the news, the guys ask the question "When did making money become a secondary goal in business?" ...specifically in our hobby! ----more----Grab The Village of Green…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 210: Grim Jim Desborough Co-Hosts and Digs Into #DungeonDrama 1:32:25

6M ago1:32:25

1:32:25

When Grim Jim calls, we answer. A special, extended-length episode that details the revelations that should shock the TTRPG design world. The gang and Jim dig deep into the article, talk about their perspective, and offer a path forward for our corner of the hobby. #DungeonDrama ----more----Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrur…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 209: Player Skill v. Character Ability; Tragedy at Taigon's Falls Review 59:26

6M ago59:26

59:26

Dovetailing with last week's conversation about Power Gamers, the boys have a deep talk about how actual Player Skill vs. Character "Ability" can be balanced in a game. Where does a check fall as opposed to playing it out in the mind or at the table of the PC's creator? After the news, a look at the new OSR Adventure, The Tragedy at Taigon's Falls …

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 208: Power Gamers and Meta Gamers be Damned!; World Building 1:04:56

6M ago1:04:56

1:04:56

Power and meta gamers. Min-maxers. Those afflicted with main character syndrome. It's a real disease in the hobby and the guys have the cure. After a lively discussion about this abomination of a player, the news doesn't disappoint with everything from the Sopranos to the Tomb of Horrors. Lastly, world building comes up on the block and different s…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 207: NPC Do’s and Don’ts; Names and TNK Preview 1:06:53

6M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

The gang digs into NPCs this week! Talking about how to make effective and memorable characters, what to avoid in NPC creation, and how to sidestep tropes and the "predictable" nature of this important piece of the TTRPG/DnD puzzle. The news of the week tips off with us not touching the WotC AI piece, simply because it's all just conjecture at this…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 206: Greenhaven is gold; DM Tips 1:07:22

7M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

It's release week for The Village of Greenhaven! Hear Kyle and Bert dig in and ask RD about Greenhaven, learn about it's creation, and what the system-agnostic supplement can do for your table! There is a list in the news, and it involves the BEAR! Lastly, inspired by the rotten advice in the news for Dungeon Masters, the guys each give some advice…

1
48 - Devils Might Surrender | The Final Test of the Goddess 3:45:47

7M ago3:45:47

3:45:47

The hunters engage in the goddess's final test.By Nat19

1
47 - Devils Might Surrender | Face Your Failures 3:44:13

7M ago3:44:13

3:44:13

Entering into the border of hell, the hunters head toward a distant floating structure.By Nat19

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 205: 2023’s Past, Present, and Future in our Hobby! 1:02:05

7M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

This week, the gang is haunted by three spirits! That's right -- 2023's Ghosts of Past, Present and Future frame the whole show. What were the personal touches, opinions, and events that shaped each? Plus, the "future" brings a glimpse of what each of the guys is hoping for and predicts in the coming year! ----more---- Don't forget to get your Gate…

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