Talk of the Table
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Talk of the Table is a TTRPG talk show where hosts Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty talk with game designers, actual play producers, journalists, academics, artists, and performers about all the coolest things happening in the TTRPG community in an effort to understand what’s on the mind of the tabletop industry.
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Brian and Elliot are joined by Caldwell Tanner, co-founder and cast member of Not Another D&D Podcast and the GM of their season Trinyvale X Strahd. We talk about how the team has avoided burnout and stayed excited over 8 years of making NADDPOD, how they approached a famous module for this latest series, and what new TTRPG systems Elliot and Brian think Caldwell should play next.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:NADDPOD.comCaldwell on Bluesky, InstagramImmigrant Rapid Response FundCaldwell Recommends:Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure - Steel Ball RunOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
In our first ever video episode, Brian and Elliot are joined by Stellaluna, an actual play producer, performer, and graphic designer to discuss our brand new Talk of the Table video overlays. Along the way, we discuss the secrets of good overlay design, producing streamed actual play, and how to be an effective producer for sponsored actual play.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Stellaluna.tvStella on blueskyGudiyaStella’s production flowchartStella Recommends:Soothwardens by Navaar JacksonOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Brian and Elliot are joined by Tim Denee, a game designer who wears several creative hats in his making of projects like Deathmatch Island and the upcoming Blades ‘68. We dive into how Blades ‘68 expands on the beloved world of Blades in the Dark, where this ambitious new supplement began, and how Tim balances all of the various creative roles it takes to make a book of this scope.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Back Blades ‘68Tim on BlueskyOld Dog GamesTim Recommends:Tripping On Utopia by Benjamin BreenOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Brian and Elliot are joined by Watt, the designer of Cloud Empress, to discuss designing inside established systems, Ghibli-inspired games, and their latest project Rust Wings.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Back Rust WingsCloud Empress.comTim Recommends:Mythic BastionlandOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
In the final episode of our Zine Month 2026 series we’re diving into the Mork Borg universe with two great takes on the Borg style.[Ad-free feed and bonus episodes available on Patreon]Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Back Murker of MorksBack Dead Internet TheoryMurker of MorksNishaant on BlueskyNishaant Recommends: The Crypt Has OpenedDead Internet TheoryDavid on BlueskyDavid Recommends: Doors of DimensiaOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Zine Moth Art by Robyn VictaEdited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
In the third episode of our Zine Month 2026 series, we are discussing deception, tarot, and jenga towers and how you can tell stories of corporate horror over Slack.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Back Lie to HimBack W.F.H.Lie to HimMichelle on BlueskyMichelle Recommends: One-Page TTRPG Bundle Volume #2EUphoria - How to Play Lie to Him EUphoria InterviewW.F.H.Dan on TikTokTyler on BlueskyDan Recommends: All’s FairTyler Recommends: SPACECAT (a sci-fi adventure TTRPG)Our Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Zine Moth Art by Robyn VictaEdited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
In our second Zine Month 2026 special episode, Brian and Elliot are talking about gun-toting axolotls and doomed heroes fighting corruption.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Back Axolotl With A GunBack BlightfallAxolotl With a GunBri on BlueskyJon on BlueskyBrightbardgames.comBri Recommends: Food & Evil by Goosepoop GamesJon Recommends: The Bottle Episode by Spilled Coffee CreativesBlightfallMatthew on BlueskyMatthew Recommends: Aqua Tofana by Wannabe GamesOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Zine Moth Art by Robyn VictaEdited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
In our first Zine Month 2026 special episode, Brian and Elliot are joined by Robin Ekberg and Dillin Apelyan, the designers behind Rise, Wizards! and All’s Fair respectively. We discuss their two-game project collaboration with Elliot/moreblueberries, the unique dice-stacking and worldbuilding mechanics of Rise, Wizards!, and why All’s Fair is simultaneously important, challenging, and joyful to bring into the world right now.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:BACK Rise, Wizards! & All's FairDillin on BlueSky, TikTokRobin on BlueSky, TikTokDorkspawnDorkspawn: Kings of MahattDillin Recommends:Backing Lie to HimRobin Recommends:Backing The Endtimes TrilogyOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Zine Moth Art by Robyn VictaEdited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Brian and Elliot are joined by Sam Carr, the creator and illustrator of The Eternal Ruins to discuss his approach to world building and how an art project became the latest TTRPG from Mythworks.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Follow SamLearn About The Eternal RuinsBack The Eternal Ruins on KickstarterDownload The Eternal Ruins QuickstartSam Recommends:Mouse GuardOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Brian and Elliot are joined by Nat Mesnard, a game designer, professor, and co-founder of Scryptid Games and Unquiet Games. We discuss their latest game Assemblage and how they approach GM-less game design. Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Follow NatBuy AssemblageLearn about Nat's GamesNat Recommends:Scryptid GamesOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Brian and Elliot are joined by Andy Boyd, owner of Pandion Games and game designer behind such beloved titles as Badger & Coyote, Substratum Protocol, and his latest Midnight Muscadines. We dig into how Andy built Pandion with 12 page zines, what makes a game a “Pandion game”, and how to level up your TTRPG business slowly and smartly.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Follow AndyPandion GamesPandion on itchAndy Recommends:Frieren: Beyond Journey’s EndDeep RegretsOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Brian and Elliot are joined by Jasmin Malave, cast member of the touring live show The Twenty Sided Tavern. We dig into what Jasmin has learned over 250+ performances, how the show has changed over the years, and where this live experience sits on the spectrum of actual play.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Jasmin on Instagram, TikTokThe Twenty Sided TavernJasmin Recommends:“Confidence is an illusion, just do it, I believe in you!”Our Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Elliot and Brian are joined by Kendrick Smith, creator of the award-winning actual play Tales Yet Told. We dig into how Kendo has used multiple seasons and TTRPG systems to create “The Sublime”, a shared universe that is built and refined through play. Along the way, we talk about intentional storytelling through actual play, the motivations behind why we make art, and what is next for the Sublime on Tales Yet Told and beyond.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Listen to Tales Yet ToldMerch Yet SoldKendo on BlueskyTales Yet Told on BlueskyKendo RecommendsBOWLINGLegend in the MistOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Elliot and Brian are joined by Devon Chulick, founder and CEO of StartPlaying, the largest online platform for players to find TTRPGs and Professional GMs. We discuss how the platform is allowing GMs to make a living in tabletop roleplaying games, how StartPlaying can help expand the hobby and introduce new games, and the power of community created through play.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:StartPlaying.comStartplayingDevon Devon Recommends:ShadowdarkDispatchOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Elliot and Brian are joined by Connie Chang and Sea Thomas, the creative duo behind the award winning actual play Transplanar RPG. We dive deep on the use of dramaturgy in actual play: how it weaves the wants and needs of players and GM, how it informs safe artistic storytelling in a noncolonial anti-orientalist multiverse, and how it supports long-term actual play in Transplanar’s The Chaos Protocol.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Check out The Chaos Protocol Arc 4Transplanar RPGConnie ChangSea ThomasSea RecommendsGodkiller: QISMATRiding a horseConnie Recommends:Playing in the Dark by Toni MorrisonWays of Seeing by John BergerOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
In this Talk of the Table Roundtable special, Brian & Elliot sit down with Dr. Emily Friedman, Quintin Smith aka ‘Quinns’, and Brennan Lee Mulligan for a discussion on pedagogic actual play. We dig into whether or not actual play is the best tool for teaching games, how we understand skill and learning in TTRPGs and beyond, and who our imagined student is when thinking of actual play as a teaching tool.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty. Hear the rest of this Episode:Talk of the Table on PatreonLinks:Dr. FriedmanQuinnsBrennanDungeons & Drag QueensPlay to Find OutDr. Friedman's PatreonRecommendations:Dr. Friedman’s Event SeriesThe Novels of Sally RooneyBad Company by Megan GreenwellArt After Money, Money After Art by Max HaivenMany Sided Media Discord Many Sided NewsletterCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Elliot and Brian are joined by Jack Caesar of Caesar Ink, the team behind TTRPG adaptations of beloved IPs like My Little Pony, Discworld, and Labyrinth. We dig into how to approach IP-based games, how to treat adapted properties with respect even if you’re not a typical fan, and how working on licensed games informs Caesar Ink’s work on the original world of Doomsong.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:DOOMSONG: Thou Shalt Not Suffer The WycceCaesar Ink WebsiteCaesar Ink on BlueskyJoin the Caesar Ink DiscordJack Recommends:Salvage UnionOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Elliot and Brian are joined by Josh Fox who is one half of Black Armada, the duo behind Lovecraftesque. We get into the exciting new features of the boxed second edition of this emergent mystery game, why safety tools should be a tailored part of game design, and Black Armada’s latest project Ex Tenebris.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Back Ex Tenebris Buy Lovecraftesque 2eBlack ArmadaFollow Josh on BlueskyHear Lovecraftesque, Ex Tenebris, and Apocalypse Keys on Black Armada TalesJosh Recommends:Apocalypse KeysOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Elliot and Brian are joined by Kenna Alexander, designer of Coyote & Crow and owner of Coyote and Crow games, to discuss the lessons she’s learned in the 4 years since the hit science fantasy roleplaying game released. We get into the impact the game has had for native players and beyond, the new horror setting Ahu Tiiko, and what she has planned next for Coyote & Crow.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Back Coyote & Crow: DigitalPre-Order Ahu TiikoCoyote & Crow Gamesahutiiko.comKenna Recommends:As Many Ships As Stars by Weyodi OldbearCreature Comforts from Kids Table Board GamesOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Elliot and Brian are joined once again by Taylor Moore, creative director and composer of Worlds Beyond Number, to discuss the completion of Book 1 of The Wizard, the Witch, and the Wild One. We dig in on sustainable working practices, narrative payoff in composition, and how he’s applying the lessons of campaign 1 to the next major campaign of Worlds Beyond Number.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:Listen to Worlds Beyond NumberTaylor on BlueskyTaylor recommends:Connecting with other people in real lifeOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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