Best Consortium For History Of Science Podcasts (2025)

1
RaW: MechWarrior 1st Edition 1:05:53

2d ago1:05:53

1:05:53

In this episode of Tales & Tactics: Rules as Written, we strap into the cockpit and dive into MechWarrior 1st Edition—the gritty 1986 RPG that brought life outside the 'Mech to the BattleTech universe. We explore its 2d6-based skill system, point-buy character creation, and how it bridges personal-scale action with hex-based warfare. From dueling n…

1
BtB: Arts & Crafts 1:01:50

9d ago1:01:50

1:01:50

This episode, we step away from rules and dice to talk about the hands-on heart of the hobby—miniature modelling, painting, and terrain building. From kitbashing heroes to crafting battlefields, we explore the creative side that brings our tabletop worlds to life.By Neonlithic

1
Christa Kuljian - Our Science, Ourselves 24:12

9d ago24:12

24:12

Christa Kuljian discusses her book, Our Science, Ourselves: How Gender, Race, and Social Movements Shaped the Study of Science. Focusing on a network of female scientists who began to examine women in science, gender and science, and sexism and racism in the institutions of science, Kuljian helps to uncover the early days of feminist science studie…

1
DiY: The Consortium 56:44

16d ago56:44

56:44

In this episode, we dive into The Consortium, an indie fantasy miniatures game that blends skirmish-level tactics with the heart of a narrative-driven campaign. Built for flexibility and creativity, The Consortium hands players the tools to forge their own heroes, battle monstrous threats, and tell stories in a world where Guild politics and ancien…

1
ToL: The Golden Age of Science Fiction 59:46

23d ago59:46

59:46

In this Tales of Lore, we explore the Golden Age of Science Fiction, a transformative era when pulp adventure gave way to intellectually rigorous, scientifically grounded storytelling. From Hugo Gernsback’s “scientifiction” experiments to the editorial revolution led by John W. Campbell at Astounding Science Fiction, we trace how authors like Asimo…

1
RaW: Classic Traveller 1:01:05

30d ago1:01:05

1:01:05

We journey back to the far future of 1977 to explore Classic Traveller—the minimalist, lethal, and oddly beautiful science-fiction RPG that helped define the genre and set the standard for sandbox roleplaying. With its stark presentation and open-ended design, Traveller offered something radically different from the fantasy games of its time: a har…

1
Sinners: Black History, Biracial Hauntings, and the Horrors of White Supremacy Culture 1:33:04

1M ago1:33:04

1:33:04

What do you get when you mix juke joint resistance, supernatural horror, and a masterclass in Black storytelling? Sinners—Ryan Coogler’s 2025 genre-defying masterpiece—sets the Mississippi Delta on fire, and The Popaganda Podcast is here for that Smoke (and Stack). In this episode, co-hosts Shannon Perez-Darby and Tashmica Torok sink their teeth in…

1
BtB: Editionitis 1:01:00

1M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

In this episode of Tales and Tactics: Beyond the Book, we turn the page to a topic every tabletop gamer eventually confronts: new editions. We unpack when and why revising a ruleset can breathe new life into a game—and when it might just cause frustration, fragmentation, or fatigue. From the carefully considered updates that refine a system’s core …

1
RaW: Chain of Command 2 1:03:08

1M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

In this episode of Tales and Tactics, we hit the front lines with Chain of Command 2, the much-anticipated second edition of the acclaimed WWII platoon-level miniatures game. After nine full games in the field, we bring you a hands-on review of the updated mechanics, streamlined systems, and fresh tactical nuances that make this edition shine. We d…

1
ToL: Warhammer Fantasy 1:01:49

2M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Welcome to a world where the end times are always looming, the gods demand your fear, and the nobility become rich, while the peasants toil. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the grim, gothic, and grotesquely hilarious setting of Warhammer Fantasy. From its roots in 1980s British punk satire, folk horror, and post-imperial cynicism, to its …

1
RaW: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd & 4th 1:02:10

2M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

In this episode, we dig into two towering editions of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay — the brutally elegant 2nd Edition and the crunchy, modern 4th. What did each get right? Where do they clash? And how do design choices like Success Levels, career structure, and advancement pacing shape the game’s soul? We explore the shift from flat percentile crunch…

1
BtB: Gameplay & Campaign Aides 58:35

2M ago58:35

58:35

In this episode of Beyond the Book, we take a deep dive into the resources that support your tabletop battles and campaign storytelling—the behind-the-scenes tools that keep the game world running smoothly. From physical notebooks and battle maps to digital dashboards and worldbuilding apps, we share our favorite play aids for both game night effic…

1
DiY: Fights of Fantasy 55:33

2M ago55:33

55:33

In this episode, we draw initiative on Fights of Fantasy, a sprawling fantasy miniatures wargame by Christopher Reichenbach. After a deep dive into the rulebook and our first playtest, we break down what makes this system tick. From the character creation options to the highly modular army-building process, we explore how Fights of Fantasy balances…

1
BtB: Who's Game Is This Anyway? 59:54

3M ago59:54

59:54

When a tabletop game hits the table, who's really in control? The company that published it, the designer who wrote it, or the players who bring it to life? In this episode of Beyond the Book, we explore the tangled question of authorship and authority in tabletop games. From infamous licensing controversies like the OGL 1.1 fallout, to the rise of…

1
Adolescence 1:00:13

3M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Adolescence isn’t your typical TV crime drama. Stephen Graham, creator and writer of the hit Netflix miniseries, isn’t asking you to figure out who did it—he’s asking you to consider why. Shot entirely in one continuous take, each episode of this four-part series follows 13-year-old Jamie, a boy accused of murdering a classmate. But Jamie isn’t jus…

1
RaW: Dark Future 49:12

3M ago49:12

49:12

This Rules as Written, we strap in for a high-octane dive into Games Workshop’s 1988 cult classic, Dark Future—the dystopian car combat game where law is a freelance contract and the highway is a warzone. We break down the game’s unique gear-phase movement system, its streamlined (but deadly) D6-based combat, and its flair for cinematic chaos throu…

1
ToL: The Golden Age of Fantasy 58:26

3M ago58:26

58:26

Before fantasy was a billion-dollar franchise, it was weird, wild, and wonderfully unhinged. In this debut Tales of Lore episode, we journey back to the 1970s—the decade that shattered old molds and gave rise to a new generation of genre storytelling. From the mythic echoes of Tolkien and the sword-swinging grit of Conan to the surreal horrors of C…

1
Psychedelics in America 1:22:27

3M ago1:22:27

1:22:27

In this episode of Perspectives, we speak with Benjamin Breen and Jonathan Moreno on the history of psychedelic drugs in America.There is a resurgence of interest in psychedelics in the medical world as possible treatments for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This resurgence comes after a period during which psychedelic drugs were …

1
RaW: Lasalle 2nd edition 1:10:32

3M ago1:10:32

1:10:32

Grab your bicornes and brush up on your battlefield drills—this week on Tales & Tactics: Rules as Written, we’re marching into Lasalle 2nd Edition, the elegant Napoleonic wargame from Honour Games. Designed by Sam Mustafa, Lasalle 2E trades simulation sprawl for razor-sharp tactical flow, putting you in charge of a division where every formation, v…

1
BtB: Setting the Table 1:05:30

4M ago1:05:30

1:05:30

In this episode, we get grounded—literally—as we explore the art and practicality of setting up the perfect tabletop for miniature wargaming. From the compact intensity of a 3x3 to the sweeping battlefields of the classic 6x4, we break down how table size shapes gameplay. We also dive into the role of terrain: how to place it, how different game sy…

1
RaW: Over the Edge 1:01:25

4M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

This week on Tales & Tactics: Rules as Written, we take a deep dive into Over the Edge, the boundary-breaking RPG where conspiracies are real, and character creation is only limited by your imagination. We explore both the original 1990s edition and its radical 2019 reboot—examining how the rules evolved from the loose, player-driven WaRP system to…

1
BtB: Tabletop Videogames 56:48

4M ago56:48

56:48

In this episode, we explore the evolving relationship between tabletop games and their digital counterparts. From character progression in pen-and-paper RPGs to loot-driven gameplay in action RPGs like Diablo, we examine how different formats shape the player experience. What does it mean to grow a character in a narrative-driven TTRPG versus a sta…

1
RaW: Fabula Ultima 59:32

4M ago59:32

59:32

In this episode, we dive into Fabula Ultima, the tabletop JRPG that blends classic video game tropes with modern storytelling mechanics. Inspired by titles like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, this system invites players to co-create a world of magical ruins, noble heroes, and looming darkness—then set out on an epic journey of discovery, teamwor…

1
BtB: Action Economy 1:01:36

4M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

In this episode we discuss the concept of action economy in tabletop games, focusing on how it determines the number and types of actions players can take during their turns. Join us as we explore various systems, such as D20's standard move actions, free actions, and reactions, and compare them to games like Warhammer Fantasy, Fiasco and Mothershi…

1
RaW: Muntant Chronicles Warzone 54:08

5M ago54:08

54:08

In this Rules as Written deep dive, we unpack Mutant Chronicles: Warzone—the gritty, skirmish-level wargame born from the techno-fantasy universe of Mutant Chronicles. From its 1995 debut by Target Games to its modern-day revival attempts, Warzone has carved a unique path through the miniatures battlefield. We explore its alternating activation sys…

1
CCFF x Popaganda Presents: Firebreak 55:12

5M ago55:12

55:12

The Popaganda Podcast is an official Cast & Crew Sponsor of the 15th Annual Capital City Film Fest. Join cohosts Shannon Perez-Darby and Tashmica Torok in an episode spotlighting the Midwest premiere and Closing Night Feature Firebreak, a deeply moving documentary screening. Firebreak follows Brandon and Royal, two formerly incarcerated firefighter…

1
BtB: Lists & Unit Construction 1:01:26

5M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

In this episode, we dive deep into the art and science of army list writing and unit construction across a variety of wargames. From the streamlined formats of Warhammer 40K and Age of Sigmar to the meticulous detail of The Horus Heresy and The Old World, we explore how different games approach points values, upgrades, and balance. We also break do…

1
King of the Apocalypse 1:32:34

5M ago1:32:34

1:32:34

Dakota Adams and the Cost of Extremism. This episode unpacks King of the Apocalypse, a new documentary exposing Stuart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers and key figure in the January 6th insurrection. But this isn’t his story—it’s about the people who survived him. Through the eyes of Dakota Adams, we explore how radicalization and abuse shaped t…

1
RaW: LaserStorm 2nd Edition 1:02:43

5M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

In this episode, we dive deep into LaserStorm 2nd Edition, the fast-paced, large-scale sci-fi wargame designed for 6mm to 10mm mass battles. We break down its dynamic initiative system, streamlined combat mechanics, and deep unit customization, exploring what makes it one of the best options for epic tabletop warfare. Whether you’re a veteran of cl…

1
BtB: Magic & Powers 1:07:39

5M ago1:07:39

1:07:39

In this episode, we dive into the wild, unpredictable world of magic in tabletop RPGs, exploring everything from classic Vancian spellcasting and magic points to other innovative systems. We even touch on psionics and super powers. Breaking down how traditional games like Dungeons & Dragons have shaped the art of casting—with mechanics that range f…

1
RaW: Mage - The Ascension 1:00:01

6M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

In this episode, we dive into Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition, a game where belief shapes reality and the struggle for control is as dangerous as the magic itself. We break down its freeform magic system, the Ascension War between the Traditions and the Technocracy, and the ever-present risk of Paradox when pushing reality too far. Fro…

1
BtB: Adaptation 1:04:35

6M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

In this episode, we explore the art of adapting fiction and history into tabletop war games and RPGs. From faithfully recreating historical battles, to reimagining sci-fi and fantasy literature as a gameable setting, we break down the challenges and creative choices involved. How do designers balance accuracy with playability? What makes an adaptat…

1
RaW: Ares Games - War of the Ring 58:47

6M ago58:47

58:47

In this episode, we dive into War of the Ring: Second Edition, the epic strategy board game that brings the struggle for Middle-earth to life. We explore its origins, tracing its lineage back to the original SPI game and how designers Roberto Di Meglio, Marco Maggi, and Francesco Nepitello refined the concept into a rich, asymmetric experience. Fro…

1
BtB: Weapons & Armor 1:15:42

6M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

In this episode of Tales & Tactics, we’re exploring the vital role of weapons, armor, and equipment in tabletop games. From crafting and durability to range, damage, and special qualities, we’ll break down how these elements influence gameplay and storytelling. We’ll also examine survival mechanics, consumables, and how tools like torches or rope a…

1
Neil Gaiman: Power, Control, & Consent 1:06:12

7M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

What do Neil Gaiman, Scientology, and NDAs have in common? More than you'd think—and none of it is good. Join hosts Shannon Perez-Darby and Tashmica Torok as they break down the accounts of harm, the power imbalances, and the larger cultural problem with how we talk (or don’t talk) about consent. Listen in as they unpack why we need better ways to …

1
RaW: Metamorphosis Alpha 1:06:13

7M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

Explore the origins of Metamorphosis Alpha, the groundbreaking 1976 RPG by James M. Ward that launched science fiction into tabletop gaming. Set aboard the derelict starship Warden, players navigate a post-apocalyptic world of radiation, mutations, and forgotten technology inspired by classic sci-fi novels like Non-Stop and Orphans of the Sky. We'l…

1
Anatomy of Lies 1:11:53

7M ago1:11:53

1:11:53

On this episode of The Popaganda Podcast, Tashmica and Shannon talk about the explosive new psychodrama series, Anatomy of Lies, which uncovers the jaw-dropping story of Elisabeth Finch, a Grey’s Anatomy writer who fabricated her life story, exploited the empathy of her colleagues, and used the trauma of others for personal gain. Stories like Finch…

1
BtB: Miniatures Agnostic 56:43

8M ago56:43

56:43

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of miniature agnostic gaming — where your creativity with miniatures knows no bounds. From historical games that transcend specific manufacturers to the art of kitbashing and the philosophy of WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), we discuss how players breathe new life into orphaned games like Mo…

1
Hobgoblin 58:13

8M ago58:13

58:13

In this episode, we delve into Hobgoblin, the brutal fantasy wargame designed by Mike Hutchinson, the mind behind Gaslands and A Billion Suns. Inspired by classic large-scale fantasy battles, Hobgoblin embraces fast-paced, high-stakes combat where miniatures meet quick and bloody ends. We explore the game’s innovative keyword-based system that prom…

1
BtB: Meta-Currencies 48:55

8M ago48:55

48:55

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of meta-currencies – those in-game resources managed outside the narrative that empower players to wield a fragment of the Game Master’s authority. From Fate’s Compels to Call of Cthulhu’s Pushed rolls, meta-currencies give players agency, encourage roleplay, and add tension through risk and reward.…

1
It Ends With Us 1:11:31

8M ago1:11:31

1:11:31

Shannon and Tashmica discuss It Ends With Us, a TikTok famous, bestselling romance novel written by Colleen Hoover now adapted into the recently released blockbuster drama. Based on the relationship between the author's mother and father, It Ends With Us follows the life and love of the fictional character Lily Bloom starting with her childhood exp…

1
Numenera 1:07:16

8M ago1:07:16

1:07:16

In this episode, we dive into the strange and exotic world of Numenera, the award-winning tabletop RPG by Monte Cook Games. Set a billion years in the future on Earth, after the rise and fall of eight advanced civilizations, Numenera blurs the lines between science and magic with its mysterious artifacts, bizarre technology, and themes of discovery…

1
Conversation with Elena Conis – Author of How to Sell a Poison, 2024 Welch Award Recipient 51:13

9M ago51:13

51:13

Historians of medicine often express the desire for their work to reach broader audiences; however, popular platforms—be they television, radio, podcasts, corporate or social media—can reach many but touch few. History of Medicine Week is dedicated to exploring the risks, benefits, experiences, and best practices for historians of medicine to make …

1
BtB: Dice & Things 55:51

9M ago55:51

55:51

In this episode we explore the essential tools that bring tabletop games to life: dice, miniatures, maps, and more. From the iconic d20 to more exotic narrative dice, we break down how different materials and mechanics shape gameplay. We also touch on the role of miniatures, maps, and tokens in enhancing immersion, and highlight how various systems…

1
Legend of the Five Rings 5th Edition 58:07

9M ago58:07

58:07

Explore the captivating world of Legend of the Five Rings (L5R), a franchise that began as a collectible card game in 1995 and evolved into a beloved tabletop RPG blending samurai drama and fantasy intrigue. We delve into its dynamic "Roll and Keep" mechanics, elemental gameplay, and unique systems like Honor, Glory, and Status, which bring Rokugan…

1
BtB: Initiative & Activation 59:30

9M ago59:30

59:30

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the mechanics that shape turn initiative and activation in tabletop and role-playing games. From classic Dungeons & Dragons' Dexterity-based rolls to the unique card-draw system of Sharp Practice, we explore how various games determine who acts first and in what sequence. Learn about fixed initiatives in Ca…

1
Bolt Action 3rd Edition 58:09

10M ago58:09

58:09

Join us in this episode as we delve into the evolution of Bolt Action, with the third edition of this popular 28mm WWII miniature wargame, by Warlord Games. We’ll compare its journey from the earlier editions, through to the current game, which features significant gameplay updates by renowned designer Alessio Cavatore. Discover the refined mechani…

1
50+2 years of Scholarship: UPenn Hist and Soc of Sci - History of Medicine 1:15:47

10M ago1:15:47

1:15:47

In October 2022, the University of Pennsylvania HSS Department commemorated it's 50th anniversary, delayed two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over two days, alumni, faculty, and current students gathered to discuss the department's history, its contributions to the field and new directions scholarship might take.In this episode:Chair: Leah…

1
50+2 years of Scholarship: UPenn Dept of the Hist and Soc of Sci - History of Technology 1:34:04

10M ago1:34:04

1:34:04

In October 2022, the University of Pennsylvania HSS Department commemorated it's 50th anniversary, delayed two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over two days, alumni, faculty, and current students gathered to discuss the department's history, its contributions to the field and new directions scholarship might take.In this episode:Chair: Zach…

1
50+2 years of Scholarship: UPenn Dept of the Hist and Soc of Sci - History of Science 1:29:19

10M ago1:29:19

1:29:19

In October 2022, the University of Pennsylvania HSS Department commemorated it's 50th anniversary, delayed two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over two days, alumni, faculty, and current students gathered to discuss the department's history, its contributions to the field and new directions scholarship might take.In this episode:Chair: Came…

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