This week on the pod, Erin Escobedo talks about Meltwater, her game about the aftermath of a devastating nuclear war. It was originally published by Hollandspiele, but a new edition is coming out through Capstone. We also discuss fighting games! Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/l…

Waweru denies special relativity. Liam's says his family doesn't age, and we claim Thomas Jefferson was an abolitionist. Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 60+ Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the show. To keep with our review please read chapters chapter 11, section 6 through tape. Support the show…

In the first part of this new column about the alt-right and Speculative Fiction fandom, we get to know the author of the groundbreaking discussion, Speculative Witeness. Alan and Jordan discuss gateway genre authors, JRR Tolkien, transgressive science fiction, how SF fans experience time differently, how Jordan started studying the alt-right in co…

This week on the pod, Brooks Barber ([email protected]) drops in to discuss several of his upcoming game designs, all of which are both very cool and historically inspired. Check out Sykes-Picot here: https://hollandspiele.com/products/sykes-picot Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e72…

Liam thinks drugs excuse everything, Waweru thinks teen parties should involve more property damage, and we discuss the appropriate use of the Sunday funnies in sex-ed. Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of the abuse of children Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the show. To keep with o…

This week on the pod, Mark Herman (@markherman45.bsky.social) drops by to tell us about his new book, "Wargames According to Mark," as well as his views on game design and the process of building a game. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsor…

Waweru proposes that minors have a right to take acid. Liam finds new frontiers for toxic relationships, and we think about if adulthood is defined by how many bodies you have. Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of the abuse of children Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the show. To kee…

Liam tries to be Catholic, Waweru recommends Law and we abandon Nuance. https://forms.gle/wKsnAZNnxgCQiLYA8 Discussion of personal and political violence Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the show. Next week we're discussing Cyteen, then tape for chapter 9 and sections 1-3 of Chapter 10! Support the show…

In this episode, Alan and Diane talk to writer and editor Douglas Gwilym. We discuss the Horror Writers Association, the importance of character, blending genres, the Triangulation Anthologies, editing anthologies, joy in writing, monsters, journies in fiction, the importance of writing fiction in uncertain times, and much more. You can find Novus …

This week on the pod, game designer Eric Lang (@ericlang.bsky.social) discusses his thoughts on game design, what makes projects exciting, the course of his long career, and how he's giving back. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Ce…

If you care about the board game industry, then you've been worrying about tariffs. In this episode, Jason Matthews (@jasondcmatthews.bsky.social) talks about what they are, their potential consequences for publishers and hobbyists, and what we can decide to do about it. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb…

This week on the pod, Michelle Strayer, a wargame designer and analyst at CNA, talks about how data for wargames is collected and how design teams ensure that what they collect is meaningful. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Centra…

This week on the pod, Lichao Zhu discusses several linguistics projects that look into the language we use when we play--and what that might mean. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning T…

Waweru promotes isolationism, Liam wonders if lizards have emotions, and we claim it's impossible to learn without school. Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of personal and political violence Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the show. Support the show…

This week on the pod, Ada Palmer (@adapalmer.bsky.social) speaks about her papal election LARP at The University of Chicago--but also about historical research, her work as a sci-fi author, and how both history and fiction can help us talk about today's world. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335…

As Alan convalesces from a covid infection, we've been going back through our archives looking for something interesting for our feed. This selection is an interview betwen Alan and Fantasy Grandmaster Peter Beagle the day after Beagle received his Grandmaster award. Their discussion includes: advice to younger writers, Patrick Rothfuss, Peter's re…

Waweru says foreign names aren't real, Liam claims dance is solved problem, and we wonder how much surveillance a growing child needs. Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of the emotional abuse and manipulation of children Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the show. Next week we're discu…

This week on the pod, Amabel Holland drops by to discuss her new book, Cardboard Ghosts. We also talk about her excellent video essay work and upcoming games from Hollandspiele. https://www.youtube.com/@UCeCCgRim_uLg-clrSQGhQiQ Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Soli…

Waweru says models aren't beautiful, Liam claims that Macbeth is bullshit, and we wonder about the right age to become a cult leader Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of the emotional abuse and manipulation of children Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the show. Next week we're discuss…

This week on the pod, Thomas Malaby joins us to discuss his work as an anthropologist who studies gaming, specifically contingency (i.e. gambling!) and the formation of digital cultures. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Mic…

Waweru supports military oversight of civilians , Liam posits people need horses to be full human beings, and we wonder how bad office politics has to be to cause suicide. Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of the emotional abuse and manipulation of children Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Su…

TW: Suicide and Cults In this episode, Alan and Cat talk to author, TJ Klune. We discuss Howl's Moving Castle, belief in aliens, X-Files, Coast to Coast with Art Bell, the 1990s, the Heaven's Gate cult, JKR, TJ's future projects, pets, more X-Files (so much X-Files), and much more. TJ Klune's Website: https://www.tjklunebooks.com/ If you'd like to …

This week on the pod, Professor Emily Knox, an expert on libraries and book banning, discusses why people ban books, why books are targeted more than other forms of media, and what we can learn from that. She's also a gamer! Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitai…

Liam accepts the efficiency of academic meetings, Waweru accepts dogs at funerals and we wonder about the effects of family deaths on polling Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of the emotional abuse and manipulation of children Discussion of Murder Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the…

This week on the pod, Eric Zimmerman, a professor at NYU, talks about teaching game design, game design as an art form, and much more. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games…

Waweru endorses the stabbed in the back myth, Liam proposes surveillance as humane, and we find out how to ride a horse. Magic Mind! Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of the emotional abuse and manipulation of children Discussion of Murder Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the show…

In this episode Alan reviews (books linked below): Jubilee by Stephen K Stanford published by Flame Tree Press 2023 Cryptid Bits by Jesse Simms published by Last-Picked Books 2024 Skull Slime Tentacle Witch War by Rick Claypool published by Anxiety Press 2024 Coyote Run by Lilith Saintcrow published by Horned Lark Press February, 25th 2025 Tempest …

This week on the pod, NYU professor Laine Nooney discusses their work on gaming and computer history, how we collect material artifacts that shed light on the digital past, and how to write about a computer system that for some has already entered the realm of myth. Also, they mention their journal, ROMchip, which is currently fundraising and which…

Waweru declares the Founding Fathers to be progressives, Liam praises the revolutionary potential of academia, and we wonder how many troops a nine year old should own. Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of the emotional abuse and manipulation of children Discussion of Murder Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcas…

This week on the pod, Sreyashi Mukherjee discusses her love of reality TV dating shows--and what they have taught her about consent, stereotyping, and gaming's "magic circle." Also, she and Greg Loring-Albright co-designed a game that is available here: https://gregisonthego.itch.io/food-for-home Keep the Faith: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_ac…

In this episode, Alan and Diane talk to teacher, author, Solarpunk, and witch, Brightflame. We discuss how Solarpunk relates to witchcraft, second world fantasy, inspiring art with questionable creators, your shadow self, the Reclaiming Tradition, Witch Camp, how to know if you're doing enough politically, writing a community of characters, stereot…

This week on the pod, Daniel Newman and Marceline Leiman drop in to discuss the Indie Games Night Market--which was a huge success at PAXU 2024--and also indie games in general. Keep the Faith: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's…

Waweru asserts Horse Girls hate animals, Liam is surprised someone enjoyed their birthday party, and we love heavy handed metaphors as gifts. Magic Mind! Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Impugning the scientific and planning credentials of the head of Reseune Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support th…

Welcome to the start of SEASON 10! I can't even believe it! This week, I'm speaking with Greg Loring-Albright about Keep the Faith, a light RPG that is about to be on Backerkit. It's being published through Central Michigan University and I'm writing the curriculum guide. Keep the Faith: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8…

Waweru enjoys useless rule following, Liam learns people like reading about horses, and we learn that some people in the world are poorer than us. Magic Mind! Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of the neglect and emotional abuse of children Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the show. Ne…

Liam tries to justify Azi, Waweru Says moral perfection is obedience to your betters, and we try to figure out who can come up with the worse ethical theory. Magic Mind! Scoring Sheet Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion and justification of the neglect and abuse of children Next week we'll be discussing chapter 6 section 1…

The second part of Diane's column about Military Scence Fiction is here! In this column, Diane grapples with the physical manifestations of PTSD, and discusses Military Science Fiction that represents PTSD realistically.By Diane Morrison, Alan Bailey, Sable Aradia

In this episode, Alan and guest co-host, Dave Robison, talk to our own Cat Rambo about Cat's newest novel Rumor Has It, the evolution of her work, her upcoming work, the pragmatisim of necromancy, villiains, clones, humor, 2025 WorldCon, 10 book series, building romance in a story, Conan the Barbarian and Robert E Howard, and much more. If you'd li…

Waweru complains that Liam read the book, Liam admits that motherhood is not essential to humanity, and we try to solve a refugee crisis Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of torture Dicussion of refugee camps Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the show. We're publishing our thoughts on …

Johnny claims being a lab rat is a choice, Waweru praises the ideological consistency of Centrism and we consider if the best way to break up with a friend is murder. Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of the neglect and emotional abuse of children Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the …

Depending on where you get your news, 2024 probably sounded like a complete disaster. And while a lot of terrible things happened, not everything that happened in the world was terrible. From breakthrough treatments for HIV and obesity, to the rise in global happiness and the decline in deforestation in the Amazon – there were a lot of bright glimm…

Waweru accuses farms of emotional abuse , Liam proposes war as a chil raising technique, and we discuss the if people should be punished simply for being next to a possible crime Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of the neglect and emotional abuse of children Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and …

In this episode of the Book Navigator column, Navarre Bartz reviews a collection of short fiction, a children's fiction series, as well as a lot of nonfiction including: Solarpunk Creatures by World Weaver Press Penelope Rex by Ryan T. Higgins The Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv The Internet Con by Cory Doctorow How to Build with Grid Beam …

For the Season 9 finale, Paul Wright and I discuss Foxes & Lions, a game we are co-designing about the Italian Wars. Are you into Machiavelli, Renaissance Italy, and political chaos? Then this is gonna be a game for you. Keep the Faith: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly…

Waweru endorses young earth creationism, Liam proposes trauma as a solution to forgetfulness, and we theorize about international standards for offensiveness Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of mild neglect of children Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the show. Follow along our readt…

In this episode, Alan talks to writer Cynthia Gomez about La Llarona, Poltergeist. The Shining, horror and social justice, story inspiration, racism, working in education, covid and cons, unions, and much more. If you'd like to support us you can give us a one time donation at Kofi or you can subscribe to our Patreon.…

This week on the pod, Natalia Zwarts and Chris Gledhill discuss their scholarly work on a game that explores the possibility of peace in Ukraine, and the linguistic conclusions that can be drawn from recordings of players as they work through the conflict. Give to CLGS: https://giving.apps.cmich.edu/fund/9100111?fbclid=IwY2xjawG2oxNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAA…

Waweru demotes science below politics, Liam argues children thrive with neglect and we wonder whether meeting your grandchildren is morally permissible Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of mild neglect of children Remember to subscribe in your preferred podcasting portal and Support the show. Follow along our readthrough…

This week on the pod, Clarence Simpson (@stoichamster) of The Wolves, Merchants of Magick, and more, discusses the growth of his design career--and the design group, mentorship, and design competitions that have helped him along the way. If you're curious about how game designers get started, or interested in trying it yourself, this is the episode…

Waweru claims surgery should be unregulated, Liam wonders if azi can do things, and we litigate how much we should blame a teenager for a murder he did not commit. Waweru promotes colonialism, Liam defends torture, and we conclude the most moral thing is to do nothing. Reseune Educational Publications: Approved for 80+ Discussion of Murder Remember…