Dungeon Crawlers Radio

Welcome back to Dungeon Crawlers, where this week we are joined by legendary creators Tracy and Laura Hickman to recap an unforgettable adventure on the high seas. We dive into the "magical" moment when the creators of Castle Ravenloft saw their iconic fortress brought to life as a massive, seven-and-a-half-foot-tall 3D printed masterpiece. From navigating the smooth waters of the Pacific to disassembling the vertical castle floor-by-floor for a one-of-a-kind gaming session, Tracy and Laura share what it was like to run a completely original, "perfect" adventure for a small group of lucky players. But the adventure doesn't stop there! We have a massive announcement for our listeners: The Vampire Cruise is returning. Get the inside scoop on the upcoming launch, including how you can join the Hickmans for personalized itineraries, tabletop marathons featuring favorites like Dune Imperium and Nemesis, and even more immersive storytelling. For full details on the next voyage, launch Q&A times, and a time-lapse of the incredible 3D castle build, head over to https://www.epictravelcrew.com/upcoming-events.

Dust off your brown coats and aim to misbehave! This week on the Dungeon Crawlers Podcast, we are breaking down the "Big Signal" heard across the Verse: the official announcement of a Firefly animated revival. With the original cast, including Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, and Alan Tudyk, confirmed to return to their iconic roles, the crew of the Serenity is finally flying again. We dive into the details of the new series, which is set to bridge the gap between the original show and the movie Serenity. Plus, don't miss the main event: Krebs joins the desk to share his unfiltered thoughts on this cult classic's return. Is an animated format the right move for the franchise? How will they handle the timeline? And most importantly, can they truly "keep the sky from us" after 24 years?

What does it take to sustain a magical world across twelve books? Today, we’re joined by Katie Cross, the powerhouse YA author who has captivated readers with her sprawling tales of witches, high-stakes sorcery, and dragon fire. We dive deep into her latest release, The Path of Fire (The Network Series, Book 12), exploring how she keeps the stakes high and the magic fresh after over a decade of world-building. Beyond the page, Katie opens up about her journey through the evolving landscape of publishing, the unique art of bringing stories to life through audiobooks, and her advice for writers looking to find their own "spark." Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Network Series or an aspiring author, this conversation is packed with enough inspiration to fuel your next big adventure.

This week on Dungeon Crawlers Radio, we venture into the gritty, neon-drenched frontiers of the galaxy with acclaimed Australian author Jeremy Szal. Jeremy joins us to discuss his unique brand of "spacepunk" and gothic space opera, diving deep into the adrenaline-fueled world of his Commonwell series, including Stormblood and Blindspace. We get the inside scoop on his upcoming novel, Wolf Skin, and shift gears to geek out over the masterclass in tension that is Star Wars: Andor. From the complexities of post-human soldiers to the dark atmosphere of his world-building, it’s a high-octane conversation about the future of science fiction and the craft of writing grimdark adventures.

We’re coming to you live from Life, the Universe, and Everything (LTUE)! Join Daniel as he takes a seat on one of the weekend's most heated panels: "The Writers Room: Fixing Star Wars." Ever wondered what happens when you give professional writers a "reset" button on the Skywalker Saga? Tune in to find out which film (or series) the audience voted to put under the microscope and listen as the panelists strip it down to the studs. From character arcs to hyperspace logic, we’re re-engineering the Force to see if we can save the galaxy one script doctoring at a time.

This week, the crew dives into the blood-soaked trenches of Mark Fischbach’s Iron Lung. In his feature directorial debut, the creator known as Markiplier takes us from the stars to the bottom of a crimson ocean in a high-stakes adaptation of the cult-classic indie game. We’re breaking down the film’s suffocating atmosphere, its massive practical effects, and whether this claustrophobic sci-fi horror proves that "YouTube creators" are the new vanguard of independent cinema. Does the transition from small screen to big screen hold water, or does the pressure crush the narrative? Grab your oxygen tank, it’s going to be a heavy one.

What happens when you mix 3D printing, a luxury cruise liner, and the legends of D&D history? This episode, we’re recapping the Critical Hit Soda Cruise, a maritime adventure that featured one of the most impressive gaming setups we’ve ever witnessed. Guest Wyatt Karnes stops by to tell us how he managed to manifest the impossible: a fully realized, physical 3D-printed version of Castle Ravenloft. Built specifically for a premier event hosted by the iconic Tracy and Laura Hickman, this model turned heads and raised the stakes for everyone on board.

The galaxy far, far away just experienced a seismic shift. In a landmark announcement, Disney and Lucasfilm have confirmed that Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down, marking the end of an era that saw the return of the Skywalker Saga and the birth of live-action Star Wars television. But as one chapter closes, a fan-favorite rises. We’re breaking down the promotion of Dave Filoni to President & Chief Creative Officer. From his beginnings under George Lucas to his mastery of the "Filoni-verse," what does his creative leadership mean for the future of Jedi, Sith, and Mandalorians alike? Plus, we look at the crucial strategic partnership with Lynwen Brennan, who steps in as Co-President of Business Operations. Can this "dyad" of creative vision and operational expertise stabilize the franchise?

Step onto the battlefield with creator Shaun Allred as we explore the high-stakes world of Rumors of War, a deck-building game where ancient history meets modern tactics. This episode dives into the heart of the journey, revealing how players recruit powerful armies to uncover the rich narratives while navigating a landscape of shifting alliances. We discuss the thrill of conspiring with trusted friends and the mental gymnastics required to outwit enemies in intense tactical showdowns. From the game-changing power held in every card to the strategic use of relics, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to defeat adversaries and protect your quest from the constant threat of sabotage.

Step into the recording booth with the Dungeon Crawlers crew as we welcome master sound engineer Jordan Rannells to the show! In this episode, we explore the "sound wizardry" behind the scenes of your favorite stories. Jordan dives deep into the technical magic he uses to transform standard audiobooks into rich, cinematic experiences. From crafting atmospheric soundscapes to the precision of high-level audio production, we discuss how he brings a unique brand of enchantment to the spoken word and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring audiophile or a lover of immersive storytelling, you won't want to miss this peek behind the curtain of professional audio alchemy.

In this episode, the Dungeon Crawlers Radio team dives deep into the state of the galaxy far, far away. The hosts debate the intense fan backlash against recent Star Wars projects like The Acolyte and Andor, asking a critical question: Is the problem bad writing or toxic fandom? They challenge the notion that content creators are to blame for recent failures, arguing that the quality of the story and allegiance to the source material are the real culprits. Plus, we analyze George Lucas's original trilogy, discussing why he was a master world-builder but a flawed storyteller, and why the Disney era needs to remember Star Wars' gritty, "Old West" roots to succeed.

The digital age has opened up a whole new realm of tools for gamers, but are they helpful sidekicks or insidious enemies? On this episode of Dungeon Crawlers Radio, hosts Daniel and Krebs dive deep into the world of AI tools and their role in the tabletop and digital gaming space. Do these tools streamline your game prep and enhance your experience, or do they strip away the creativity and camaraderie we cherish? Join us as we explore everything from AI art generators and automated dungeon mapping to NPC creation, and ultimately, discover what Daniel and Krebs decide: is AI your greatest friend or your most cunning foe?

Director Guillermo del Toro, a master of dark fantasy, has finally brought his long-awaited version of Frankenstein to Netflix! This week, Daniel and Krebs dive into the ultimate gothic monster movie. They dissect Oscar Isaac's tormented Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi's deeply empathetic Creature, analyzing del Toro's signature visual flair and how this new adaptation measures up to the 1818 novel and classic film versions. Is this a haunting masterpiece that redefines the source material, or a beautifully flawed gothic epic? Tune in to hear our final verdict on the emotional depth, creature design, and all the horrifying humanity of Del Toro's tragic vision!

Is it all about the loot, or is there more to the crawl? Daniel and Alton tackle a fundamental question this week: How necessary is story in a roleplaying game? While some players are perfectly content with a classic hack-and-slash through a dungeon, the hosts discuss how the element of narrative and plot can improve, detract from, or fundamentally change the gaming experience. They explore the balance between pure mechanics and rich lore, and whether a good story is the key to unlocking the greatest adventure.

In this week's essential episode, Daniel and Alton sit down to discuss the Player's Toolkit! What is truly necessary for a successful tabletop RPG session? From the indispensable dice and notes to the less tangible, but equally vital, qualities of communication and immersion, they break down what's necessary, what's acceptable, and what can significantly increase game play value. Tune in to learn their secrets on how to go from simply participating in a game to creating a truly beyond exceptional session!

Thanksgiving is on the way, a time for delicious food, gratitude, and gathering with your favorite people. But what happens after the turkey coma sets in? Daniel and Krebs are here to help you turn those post-dinner hours into memorable fun! We're discussing our top recommendations for games that are perfect for mixed-age groups, big player counts, and everything from casual laughs to light strategy. Tune in to find out which games you'll want to bring to the table this year, ensuring your holiday is full of laughter and friendly competition. We cover fast-paced party games to get the energy up, cooperative crowd-pleasers, and quick-to-teach classics that even Uncle Joe can master after his second slice of pie!

Daniel and Krebs are teaming up to tackle one of the most exciting innovations in tabletop gaming: the Gamefold by Yarro Studios! This premium folding gaming table promises to deliver both affordability and versatility, aiming to be the ultimate portable solution for your indoor and outdoor activities. But can a folding table truly meet the demanding standards of a dedicated gaming setup? Is it sturdy enough for miniature skirmishes and large enough for complex board games? Tune in as Daniel and Krebs put the Gamefold through its paces. They'll break down the build quality, portability, and overall value to help you decide: Does this revolutionary, all-in-one table make the cut, or does it fold under pressure?

The Grid is back online! Join the Dungeon Crawlers crew as we dive deep into Disney’s latest entry in the Tron universe, Tron: Ares. From stunning visuals and digital intrigue to character arcs and story choices, we’re breaking down what worked, what glitched, and what left us wanting more.  Spoiler alert!  We’re talking full plot details, favorite moments, and the highs and lows of this long-awaited sequel. Tune in and find out if Tron: Ares leveled up the legacy or crashed the system.

This week on Dungeon Crawlers Radio, we’re joined by longtime friend of the show and talented author Jared Nathan Garrett! We dive into his incredible worlds within The Finding Home series, The Beat series, and more. Jared opens up about his creative process, the inspiration behind his stories, and the authors who first sparked his love of storytelling. Whether you’re a writer, reader, or just love a great conversation about imagination and craft, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

Grab your dice and join the Dungeon Crawlers crew as we dive deep into the world of Dungeons & Dragons. From our favorite in-game moments to the epic quests we’ve always wanted to try but never have. What’s the one thing every player wishes they could pull off? What drives us crazy at the table? And do we prefer sprawling, world-shaking campaigns or tight, episodic adventures full of surprises? Tune in for laughs, confessions, and maybe a few critical hits as we talk all things D&D, passion, frustration, and imagination at its best!