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Elevate your tabletop adventures to legendary status with GM Word of the Week – the podcast that's not just about gaming, but about unlocking the secrets to making your campaigns unforgettable! Picture this: as a Game Master, you're not just spinning tales; you're a linguistic maestro, and our podcast is your conductor's baton.
We dive deep into history, science, etymology, mathematics, and more, weaving a tapestry of knowledge that'll have your players on the edge of their seats. It's not just about being a storyteller; it's about being a world-builder, drawing inspiration from the vast realms of information we explore. The result? Games that are not just entertaining but intellectually stimulating.
Say farewell to mundane campaigns and hello to sessions where history, science, and the magic of words converge to create an experience like no other. Ready to level up your game with a dash of education and a whole lot of fun? Click play now and let the adventure begin! . More at www.GMWordoftheWeek.com
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1We all know about the tricky little devils in D&D known as the gnomes.Which, of course, means we don’t know anything at all about the very interesting and misunderstood people we call gnomes. Because that’s how this show works. So here is a gnome-centric episode to tell you all the things you don’t know about them. And yes, this is part of the magic series.
Step back into the classroom that is GM Word of the Week as we continue our look at the history of magic and some of the influential people involved. In this episode, the man, the myth, the marketing opportunity, Faust. Are deals with the devil all they are cracked up to be? Probably not. But then again, it depends on what your eventual goal is.
Join us on a spellbinding voyage through history as we unveil the enthralling connections between natural magic, scientific evolution, and the ominous era of witch hunts. From Renaissance luminaries shaping the mystical landscape to the perplexing dance between science and pseudo-science, this episode unravels the threads that wove through centuries. Dive into the intrigue of trials by combat, Charlemagne's stern decree, and the Lombard code's caution against witchcraft accusations. As we navigate this mesmerizing tapestry, the late 1700s beckon, marking the subtle retreat of magic amid political upheavals. Discover the untold stories and captivating mysteries in this riveting episode that unfolds the magical secrets of bygone eras.
Part three of our ongoing series about magic and the people who use it.In this episode we discuss why you can’t mix your Madonna and Kabbalah, the history of Jewish Mysticism, why the name of God is so hard to say, and how there’s just one magic potion we are aware of that actually, truly, works. And then we tell you how to make it.
Here it is the second part of our Magic series which contains the first part of the history of magic.But of course, there are several complicated things to get out of the way first before we can really dive in and get to grips with what it is Dungeons and Dragons is trying to do with magic in the first place. One of the biggest questions being, where do you start with the history of magic? And it’s not easy to answer. But we make a beginning of it by way of a bowl and a book. So sit back and enjoy another lengthy episode of GM Word of the Week
The long awaited first episode in a series all about Magic in Dungeons and Dragons.But first, we have to do some ground work before we can really talk about Magic in D&D. We have to clear up a popular misconception about what magic is, then work out what we mean by magic, and define what isn’t actually magic in the first place.As you might expect, it takes some time.
Yes, you read that right. Another Lost Episode has arrived.And wouldn’t you know it, there’s just a bit more on Nostalgia that we had laying around. Fortunately, this brings our Nostalgia series to a final close and completes a request made quite some time ago by the shows original researcher and writer, The Angry GM, to actually cover the topic. And so we have. Finally and at last.Also, there’s a bit about why Charisma is so screwed up as an ability stat. So enjoy that as well.
We explore the rich history of AI, starting with the works of Hero of Alexandria, who created mechanical devices that paved the way for future advancements in automation.We also dive into the Islamic Golden Age and the contributions of Al-Jazari and Al-Khwarizmi, who played a key role in developing mathematical algorithms and automated machines. From there, we trace the evolution of AI through the ages, covering key developments and milestones along the way. Finally, we touch on the potential risks and rewards of AI and the ongoing debate around its impact on society.
Here is an episode inside of which is contained a red herring or two. For once, though, it's a common phrase that we use regularly that means exactly what you've always thought it meant. And that's great, don't you think? How nice.Except… Well, you and I both know we wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t something that needed explaining about this phrase we all know so well. But what could it possibly be? And just how could it help you run a better game session? I guess you’ll just have to listen to find out.
It’s the final episode of the year, and the final episode of a series that began with a retread and amplification of a previous episode, Nostalgia.Naturally, you’ve been using the phrase “Steep learning curve” incorrectly. And equally naturally, this episode will set you straight by talking about cats, plateaus, Souls games, and Downton Abbey. Can’t quite see how it all fits together?That’s why we make these episodes. Load it up and listen.Plus, stick around for the announcement at the end.
We, that is the collective we known as the internet, oftern refer to games as Skinner Boxes of one sort or another. Particularly if it isn’t a game we like, or one we find very compelling.But, is it really? What’s a Skinner Box? What are we saying about the game? What does it have to do with Pavlov? And Freud? And most importantly of all, why are we totally wrong about Skinner Boxes. Listen in and find out.
The last time we were here we talked a bit about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and then swiftly passed on to other things.But there were some things we left out. Some things that need to be mentioned. Because, you see, there is much made of Maslow and his Hierarchy and maybe, just maybe, it’s a little too much. Even though we think we understand it, there are problems. Not just with our understanding, but also with the Hierarchy itself. If you are going to pay attention to it you might want to know what its faults are. So let’s take a look at Maslow and try to avoid making any unwarranted assumptions.You can help support GM Word of the Week at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback
Series 3 begins with a fond look back at an earlier episode.Yes, we’re looking at nostalgia once again and boy, that sure was a great episode wasn’t it with all it’s references to the swiss army and pointing out how nostalgia was really just a disease. But, of course, as with all things fondly remembered, the spectacles of time have become a bit smudged. Perhaps we aren’t seeing as clearly as we might. Or, perhaps, there’s just more to know.You can help support GM Word of the Week at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback
We made a plan, but that plan didn’t go… to plan. So we made a new plan. Which also, didn’t go… to plan.But the third plan? That stayed up. And it brought us a little episode that was far different than we thought it would be, all on the strength of a listeners writing in to ask a question. Which is why we encourage that sort of thing. So, if you want to know about spell components in D&D and how to entice your players to go on an adventure that features some amazing animals this is probably exactly the episode you want. After all, nothing in magic is as it appears to be.If you’d like to help support the show, the best place to do that is at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback
The name Helena Blavatsky was certainly one to watch, for a variety of reasons.Was it because of her immense talents as a spiritual medium? Or perhaps it was because she was a font of spiritual leadership both at home and abroad? Or maybe it was because she helped bring eastern religions to the west? Or maybe it was all the various great writers of the day who both impressed and were impressed by her?Or maybe it was just because she started something that lead to someone else doing terrible things in the 20th century.Enjoying the show? Head over to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback and become a member.
What happens if you mix a bit of as-above-so-below with a bit of animal magnetism?Well, if you’re a regular listener to this show, you’ll know that what you get is a journey that starts at Appleseed and ends at Fox. But you’ll also know that along the way you’ll hear many interesting bits about new churches, new religions, and old tricks.Along with a surprising amount of Benjamin Franklin.If you’ve enjoyed this show, please head over to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback to help support future episodes.
Let’s take a historical journey with a mystic seer played for laughs.And while we’re at it, let’s also look into the far reaching effects of someone who didn’t really exist in the first place. But boy was he sure influential. So let’s settle in and learn about Hermes Trismegistus and everything he’s responsible for. Even though he definitely didn’t exist.Support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback
There are many classic episodes of GM Word of the Week, including this one.Which is sort of the problem. What does ‘classic’ even mean any more? And what do we imply when we use the word? Well, it’s complicated of course, and classically, that’s exactly what attracts our attention. So let’s see if we can figure it out and make some sense of it. In our usual, classical, style.Support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback
A small change in the way paper was made lead to a huge change in what you can read.And the weird part is that it all starts with an execution and ends up with people on Mars. Of course, if people hadn’t got better at reading, it might not have made a difference. But they did, thankfully, and now you can dream about swinging from tree to tree, or sailing the seven seas. Really. Go ahead. It’s okay.Find out what I read at Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8834981-brian If you enjoyed this episode, join us on Buy Me A Coffee to help support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback
Welcome to season two of GM Word of the Week.Confused? Don’t be. We’ll explain. Or rather I’ll explain. And while I’m at it, we’ll discuss things Dickens along with the confusing difference between American TV seasons, and British Television series. And probably that won’t confuse you anymore than you already are. Unless you thought I meant the other kind of season. Listen and find out.GM Word of the Week is supported by your very kind contributions on Buy Me A Coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback
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Logogram, not ideogram. They represent words and parts of words, not concepts.
Just came from our fake histories episode on the origin of Rock and Roll, this was an eerie coincidence.