Miskatonic University Podcast

This episode, Keepers Bridgett & Evan welcome back the HPLHS to showcase their newly released awesomeness and epicness! Patreon Plug & Update Dear listeners– do you know that we have a Patreon? That’s right! We have a Patreon! How else do you think that we keep the lights on around here? Here at MUP we pay our editors, we pay our hosts, and we also pay plenty of hosting fees, site fees, software fees, fees, fees, fees, you get it! Patreon earnings help support our efforts and keep the showing running. What do you get? Over on our Patreon, we offer everything from exclusive backer only bonus content, Patreon only episodes, backer only hangouts, access to our backer only portal on Discord, and more!  If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing. If you’re already a backer, please take a look at the new levels and consider moving to the next level up.  Please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Ben for editing this episode.  Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out Tonight, I’m shouting out… a groundhog. A groundhog that’s looking deep into your house… into your eyes into your soul….. Definitely check out this bi-pedal groundhog shared by JZahler who is outside… looking all into this his house. Let’s give the wildlife a hearty “Go Pods!”  Main Topic Tonight, we’re here with the HPLHS to discuss what they’re been up to, and what’s coming down the pipeline! They have some exciting things to share, but first, some introductions!  Purgatory Chasm - a new interactive Dark Adventure show hosted by Nick Offerman https://www.hplhs.org/dartpc.php The H.P. Lovecraft Experience - a new deluxe boxed set featuring the complete works of HPL, a Reader’s Guide by the HPLHS and whole bundle of nifty Miskatonic ephemera by the HPLHS https://store.hplhs.org/products/the-h-p-lovecraft-experience Audio Props - Call of Cthulhu game props rendered into an audio format. Instead of Keepers handing players a telegram, they might play our recording of the Western Union boy reading the telegram. We hope you’re going to like the audio props for No Time to Scream (GAHHHHHH!!!!). https://store.hplhs.org/collections/games-props/products/audio-props-cthulhu-by-gaslight

This episode, Keeper Bridgett and Guest Keeper Evan Perlman discuss…wait for it…wait for it…waaaaaaait for iiiit… Tension in Storytelling. PART II! We’ll discuss what tension is, why it’s important, how to deploy it, and how to keep your players on the edge of their seat!  We'll also probably confuse "tension" and "suspense" because we're professionals like that. Patreon Plug & Update Dear listeners– do you know that we have a Patreon? That’s right! We have a Patreon! How else do you think that we keep the lights on around here? Here at MUP we pay our editors, we pay our hosts, and we also pay plenty of hosting fees, site fees, software fees, fees, fees, fees, you get it! Patreon earnings help support our efforts and keep the showing running. What do you get? Over on our Patreon, we offer everything from exclusive backer only bonus content, Patreon only episodes, backer only hangouts, access to our backer only portal on Discord, and more!  If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing. If you’re already a backer, please take a look at the new levels and consider moving to the next level up.  Please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Nate for editing this episode.  Main Topic Tension in storytelling Part II!

This episode, Keeper Bridgett and Guest Keeper Evan Perlman discuss…wait for it…wait for it…waaaaaaait for iiiit… Tension in Storytelling. We’ll discuss what tension is, why it’s important, how to deploy it, and how to keep your players on the edge of their seat!  Patreon Plug & Update Dear listeners– do you know that we have a Patreon? That’s right! We have a Patreon! How else do you think that we keep the lights on around here? Here at MUP we pay our editors, we pay our hosts, and we also pay plenty of hosting fees, site fees, software fees, fees, fees, fees, you get it! Patreon earnings help support our efforts and keep the showing running. What do you get? Over on our Patreon, we offer everything from exclusive backer only bonus content, Patreon only episodes, backer only hangouts, access to our backer only portal on Discord, and more!  If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing. If you’re already a backer, please take a look at the new levels and consider moving to the next level up.  Please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Gene for editing this episode.  Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out Tonight, I’m shouting out Muffin, pup posted by LauraB. I’m getting cinnabon vibes from this baby, but Muffin is a perfect pup with super sweet eyes. Thanks for sharing LauraB! Main Topic Tonight we’re discussing Tension in Storytelling. We’ll discuss what tension is, why it’s important, how to deploy it, and how to keep your players on the edge of their seat!  This is such an important topic and such a customizable skill. I know this. You know this, obviously, this was your episode idea, Evan, but our listeners may not. So let’s start off strong! What is Tension and why do we care?

This episode, we return to our new segment titled, “Miskatonic University Debate Booth.” During these segments, the hosts will poll debatable gaming topics from our backers and then argue them! Our personal beliefs don’t actually have to align with our defense, but we climb these hills to die upon! Guest Host: Keeper Evan Perlman Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you Rob Wilson!!! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Equinox for editing this episode.  Evan's Pet Pick Shout Out I have recently learned that beloved friend of the show IPwned has a chameleon! Named Perceval! As a pet! Head over to the Pet Pick channel to see this little dude wielding a lightsaber and being incredible. What a good reptile. Main Topic Welcome back everyone to a new segment that we’ve titled the Miskatonic University Debate Club!  During this segment, we’ve polled our patreon backers for topics that Evan I will argue to the best of our ability. The goal here is to demonstrate healthy argumentation, to have fun, to stretch our own debate skills, and most importantly to share valid perspectives to opposing topics in our industry!  Evan, are you ready to jump back in? Let’s go!

This episode, we debut a new segment titled, "Miskatonic University Debate Booth." During these segments, the hosts will poll debatable gaming topics from our backers and then argue them! Our personal beliefs don't actually have to align with our defense, but we climb these hills to die upon! Guest Host: Keeper Evan Perlman Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Equinox for editing this episode.  Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out Shout out to Sia, the gorgeous kitty from friend of the show, James- Big Jim, who is an SPCA rescue and only knows how to love! Thanks for sharing this gorgeous kitty with us, James! Main Topic Welcome everyone to a new segment that we’re titling the Miskatonic University Debate Club!  During this segment, we’ve polled our patreon backers for topics that Evan I will argue to the best of our ability. The goal here is to demonstrate healthy argumentation, to have fun, to stretch our own debate skills, and most importantly to share valid perspectives to opposing topics in our industry!  Evan, are you ready to jump in? Let’s go!

This episode, Keepers Dave & Bridgett rant about their favorite horror tropes in storytelling and compose our list of: Live Trope Live! Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Nate for editing this episode.  Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out Tonight I'd like to shout out Goose, who is part cat, part bunny, part feral, and possibly just came off of a bender! Thanks for sharing, Rach! Main Topic We did this last time, so we hope you listened to 325, but if you need a refresher, here are some definitions of trope: a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression. A trope is a word used in a nonliteral sense to create a powerful image. Shorthand narrative device It was way easier to think about stuff I love than the stuff I hate. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t ever want to see stupid kids in movies again. But I have a whole list of stuff I love.

This episode, Keepers Dave & Bridgett rant about their least favorite horror tropes in storytelling and compose our list of: Die Trope Die! Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes - please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Gene for editing this episode.  Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out Tonight, I'd like to shout out the cat of Charles T (HI CHUCK!) who is absolutely aiding in the edit a podcast episode. And by absolutely aiding, I mean precisely how I aid in podcast editing. I sleep next to the computer and lean on the professionals. Main Topic Die Trope Die

This episode Keepers Dave and Bridgett complete our 5-part series where we travel on a Miskatonic Country Roadtrip! We’re joined by Special Guest Host: Gareth Hanrahan!!!! Next stop? Cthulhu City! Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes - please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Ben for editing this episode.  Main Topic Welcome to the fifth stop on our Miskatonic Country Roadtrip– Cthulhu City! This series on Miskatonic Country is focused on finding new and interesting ways to make the part-fiction, part-fact region more gameable and fun, for Keepers new and veteran!  And thank you to our Tour Guide, Gareth, for taking us to Cthulhu City. Before we drive into town, Gareth, please tell us a little about yourself, what you do, and how you came to escape Cthulhu City and its fearsome Transport Police.

This episode Keepers Dave and Bridgett continue our 5-part series where we travel on a Miskatonic Country Roadtrip! We’re joined by Special Guest Host: Julian Simpson!!!! Next stop? Dunwich! Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  Back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thanks to  Gregory Geiger! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Equinox for editing this episode.  Main Topic Welcome to the second stop on our Miskatonic Country Roadtrip– Dunwich! This series on Miskatonic Country is focused on finding new and interesting ways to make the part-fiction, part-fact region more gameable and fun, for Keepers new and veteran!

This episode Keepers Dave and Bridgett continue our 5-part series where we travel on a Miskatonic Country Roadtrip! We're joined by Special Guest Host: Keeper Chad!!!! Next stop? Innsmouth! Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes - please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Nate for editing this episode! Main Topic Welcome to the second stop on our Miskatonic Country Roadtrip– Innsmouth! This series on Miskatonic Country is focused on finding new and interesting ways to make the part-fiction, part-fact region more gameable and fun, for Keepers new and veteran!

This episode Keepers Dave and Bridgett continue our 5-part series where we travel on a Miskatonic Country Roadtrip! Next stop? Arkham! Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Gene for editing this episode. Bridgett's Pet Pick Shout Out Oh man! The adventures of J Zahler on our pet pics Discord channel began with trying to coax a few feral neighborhood cats to eat food from his porch stoop, to him raising kittens! Check out the show notes to see these little babies as they begin to open their eyes! Main Topic Welcome to the second stop on our Miskatonic Country Roadtrip– Arkham! This series on Miskatonic Country is focused on finding new and interesting ways to make the part-fiction, part-fact region more gameable and fun, for Keepers new and veteran!

This episode Keeper Dave and guest host Bret Kramer begin our 5-part series where we travel on a Miskatonic Country Roadtrip! First stop? Kingsport!  Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes - please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Equinox for editing this episode. Main Topic Welcome to the first stop on our Miskatonic Country Roadtrip– Kingsport! This series on Miskatonic Country is focused on finding new and interesting ways to make the part-fiction, part-fact region more gameable and fun, for Keepers new and veteran!  And thank you to our Tour Guide, Bret Kramer, for taking us to Kingsport.

This episode, Keepers Dave & Bridgett discuss how to schedule games like pro! Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing. If you’re already a backer, please take a look at the new levels and consider moving to the next level up.  Our new benefits include regular content exclusive to our backers, like the backer-only episode we just released! And if you don’t have money to contribute, please like and review us on Spotify or Apple podcasts. They really help.  Oh hey, we have a new backer at the doctorate level! Targrad So yes - please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Ben for editing this episode.  Main Topic Tonight we want to talk about how to schedule games like a pro. https://whenisgood.net/ https://sesh.fyi/timestamp/ https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html Homework Do you have a way to schedule games that works for you?

This episode, Keepers Dave & Bridgett discuss satisfying game conclusions! Patreon Plug & Update Oh hey, we have a new backer! PirateCadfael Please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Nate for editing this episode.  Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out Today I'd like to shout out Jayne, the sweetest most cuddly pittie of the day. This baby is wrapped in a snow blanket for a snowy day-- and seeing as it's snowy here in Ohio, I too wanna be this cozy! Thanks for sharing birdsbebirds! Main Topic Tonight we want to talk about how to be good at Satisfying Game Conclusions. What makes a game ending satisfying and why do we care?

Our 2025 ENnies submission is pulled from one episode: MUP EP 313 – GM Like a Pro: Why is Table Safety ImportantIn Episode 313, we spoke with a certified therapist, Perry Clark, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, on the importance of table safety.

This episode, Keepers Dave & Bridgett explore an often discussed but barely understood topic for Lovecraft Horror: Mythos Magic for your PCs. We're using Call of Cthulhu as the ruleset but the principles can be used for any of the myriad Lovecraft investigation games. Bridgett's Pet Pic Shout Out This episode, I'm shouting out the kittuh Fiona, submitted by Skip!  This curious cat is on two feet with curiosity and attitude on full blast. She's giving disrespected meercat vibes and I love it. Patreon Plug & Update We have a Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Gene for editing this episode.  Main Topic —  Tonight we want to talk about Mythos Magic and how to make it work for Player Characters.

This episode, Keepers Bridgett and Dave discuss horror unda the sea! Patreon Plug & Update We have a Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Hey! We have new members! Matthew “The Gentleman Gamer” Dawkins WHAT A GENTLEMAN Eric Topp just updated his membership! Thank you! Antonio Marchena just updated his membership! Thank you! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Equinox for editing this episode.  Main Topic —  Horror under the sea!

This episode, we continue with our GM Like a Pro series with another special guest to help us untangle your GMing needs. Welcome WRITER. DEVELOPER. GENTLEMAN GAMER, all the way from the United Kingdom, Matthew Dawkins. Welcome Matthew Patreon Plug & Update We have a Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Hey! We have a new member! Whooooooooooo! P Trolius Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Ben for editing this episode.  Main Topic —  Welcome to our new curriculum “GM Like a Pro.” Over this series of episodes we will bring you a solid set of tools you can use to up your game mastering and expand both your skills as well as strengthen your table and all of your players.  Tonight is session seven, “How to bring your NPCs to life!”

This episode, Keeper Dave is joined by Keeper Chad and Evan Perlman! Together we tackle "How to condense the scenario run-times." Patreon Plug & Update We have new Patreon tiers and benefits. That’s right - we rolled out updates on October 1st. New perks, new opportunities, and new ways to celebrate MUP and get involved.  So yes - We have a Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Nate for editing this episode.  Main Topic -- Welcome to our new curriculum “GM Like a Pro.” Over this series of episodes we will bring you a solid set of tools you can use to up your game mastering and expand both your skills, as well as strengthen your table and all of your players.  Tonight is session seven “How to Condense Scenario Run-times.”

This episode, Keepers Dave & Bridgett are joined by Perry Clark, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Together we unpack some fundamental questions-- what is table safety? What is it important? Content Warnings: And speaking of safety, let’s cover some potential Content Warnings that we may wander into: Possible triggers PTSD Psychological Stress and Wounds Just existing as a marginalized or intersectional person Patreon Plug & Update We have a Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Hey! We have a new member! Whooooooooooo! Antheny Giordano Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Gene for editing this episode.  Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out This episode, I'm shouting out Snowy, who is lost in the artic tundra blizzards of an all white rug. Thank you for sharing Steveo! Let’s head to the main topic… Main Topic --  Welcome to our new curriculum “GM Like a Pro.” Over this series of episodes we will bring you a solid set of tools you can use to up your game mastering and expand both your skills as well as strengthen your table and all of your players.  Tonight is session six “Why is table safety important?” Additional links! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/untying-knots-minds-and-souls-untethered/id1590410522 https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/4033/untying-knots-minds-and-souls-untethered