Roll Play Grow: A TTRPG Business Podcast

Ever feel overwhelmed by managing your tabletop role-play game project? We've been there, and we've got your back! We spent this episode of Roll Play Grow diving deep into the world of project management tools. We shed light on how tools like Asana, Wrike, Notion, and Trello can help simplify your task organization, role assignment, note-taking, and deadline setting. Whether you're drawn to the free version of Asana, the extensive database capabilities of Notion, or the beginner-friendly interface of Trello, we've got the insights you need.Let's not stop there, though. We also tackled the planning and execution of a Monster Manual. We broke down how to create effective timelines, manage revision cycles, and implement communication strategies to get everyone on the same page. Communication is the key to keeping your team motivated, and we provided tips on building those essential relationships with your team members. We also discussed spotting signs of dwindling motivation and adjusting accordingly. We believe in celebrating every success, big or small because they all contribute to the bigger picture. So, tune in, gather some crucial pointers, and level up your game project management skills!Support the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Are you aware of the power of words and how they can subtly infiltrate a game? Noordin Ali Kadir unearths this concealed beast in today's episode, throwing light on how bias can have a profound impact on players. You'll discover how sensitivity consulting can prevent unintended consequences, ensuring a balanced and fair game design. We discuss his consulting experience and how he combats racial and cultural stereotypes in all of his projects.Additionally, we dive into the importance of collaboration in editing and how consulting can save game developers time and prevent errors. Noordin stresses the need to choose the right words to fit the narrative, instead of merely filling up the page. Wouldn't it be fantastic to prevent potential headaches down the line? Noordin insists on the significance of consulting from the start of a project, which not only brings to life a better product but also saves time, money, and heartache. Tune in, as Noordin Ali Kadir takes us on an exciting journey through the world of tabletop gaming, consulting, and career success.Burnaway Kickstarter pageFind Noordin at:WebsiteTwitterSupport the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Ready to up your game in the TTRPG space? Ever wondered how project management skills could change your trajectory as a creator? We dive into the nitty-gritty of project management, starting with the basics - what a project is, who a project manager is, and the phases within a project. We've got your back on each step of this journey, demystifying processes and sharing relatable examples to bring clarity. And we're not stopping at the theory, our next episode promises to unlock the world of project management tools for you. But that's not all. A project isn't just about the process; it's about people too. We unpack the art of managing your team and resources, from project initiation to dealing with setbacks. We delve into the significance of project planning and risk management, guiding you to set up budgets and team agreements effectively. We also talk about working with artists, creating an environment that respects their creativity and time. As we explore the role of a project manager, we emphasize the importance of monitoring progress and ensuring the quality of life for your team. So, whether you're a solo creator or part of a team, these insights are here to make your TTRPG journey smoother.Support the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Today, we take an exclusive tour of board game development behind the scenes with the imaginative Kyle Rowan, Design Lead at Wyrd Games. Kyle delves into his personal trajectory from gamer to game designer, detailing the evolution of his role at Wyrd Games and the life of the board game Vagrantsong.Kyle reflects on the spark that ignited Vagrantsong and the journey of developing the game and its expansions.  He provides deeper insights into the mechanics and philosophy behind each expansion. We also touch upon the local legend of Slagpile Annie, a friendly Pittsburgh ghost, making her spectral debut in the game.We also delve into the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Kickstarter and the reception of the game since its release. Kyle gives us an honest glimpse into the rollercoaster ride of the game industry, the highs, the lows and everything in between. He offers pearls of wisdom for those aspiring to make their mark in the gaming world. So, buckle up and enjoy this enlightening conversation with a true gaming wizard.Find Kyle & Vagrantsong at:VagrantsongVagrantsong EncoreVagrantsong Encore KickstarterTwitterSupport the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Ready to build a thriving community in the tabletop role-play gaming space? Then you're in for a treat. Today, we're delving into the nitty-gritty of how to make your community members feel seen, heard, and appreciated. We're talking about highlighting community members, featuring their posts, and applauding their contributions. But more than that, we're exploring the importance of nurturing relationships within your community - because, at the end of the day, it's those relationships that keep people coming back for more.We've also got some wisdom to share on common pitfalls when growing your social media community – and how to avoid them. Whether it's setting clear goals, staying consistent, taking feedback, or setting realistic expectations, we've got you covered. And we'll show you how to leverage your community for business success. We'll share our thoughts on gathering product feedback, encouraging user-generated content, harnessing the power of word-of-mouth marketing, and increasing brand loyalty. So tune in, take notes, and let's build a community that's meaningful, vibrant, and thriving.Find  DungeonGlitch:Gemmed FireflyRPG for FreeMattJoro.comTwitterSupport the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Ever wonder what goes into designing a Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG)? In our latest chat with Ella Watts, an accomplished director, writer, and producer, we get to unravel the process behind the creation of her TTRPG, Upriver, Downriver. From her first game session, to her daunting journey of game design, Ella's story is as captivating as her game. Ella doesn't shy away from the gritty side of game development. She takes us through the challenges she faced as a disabled and chronically ill person, shedding light on the real struggles behind the scenes. The conversation takes a deeper turn as we tackle the controversial decision to eliminate dwarves from the game—a decision rooted in the problematic representation of dwarfism in fantasy literature and games. Ella's perspective challenges us to rethink our assumptions and consider the real-life impact of our creative choices. The conversation doesn't stop there. She shares the emotional roller coaster of her crowdfunding journey and the joy of finally seeing players enjoy her game. If you've ever wondered how to navigate the challenges of game design or grappled with the responsibility of representation in your work, this chat with Ella Watts offers a wealth of lessons learned.Find Ella at:Buy Upriver, DownriverUpriver, Downriver SoundtrackUpriver, Downriver actual play by Girls Run These WorldsCamlan TwitterElla TwitterFind Dr. Erin PritchardFriday Afternoon Tea Grab a cup of tea with blends based on your favorite nerdy series. Use lightheartadv for 10% offDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Ready to transform your social media presence and build a thriving online community? Our latest episode is your ultimate guide to this dynamic digital landscape. We're here to help you carve out your unique space and captivate your audience by consistently delivering content that resonates.Harness the power of community engagement with practical strategies shared in this episode. Recognize your audience, build genuine relationships, and show them they are valued. We'll explore interactive sessions like games, Q&As, AMAs, and live chats to educate and build rapport with your audience. We'll also talk about the power of collaboration, reaching out to influencers to enhance exposure, and the vitality of seeking feedback, suggestions, and mutual growth.We also delve into the art of standing out in a crowded market. Learn how to use hashtags, groups, and polls to pique interest and encourage interaction, making your content shine. We'll discuss the significance of analyzing engagement metrics, maintaining consistency via scheduling tools, and the art of pitching yourself. Plus, we'll highlight the importance of promoting podcast subscriptions and engagements, appreciating your audience, and the magic of collaborations. Join us and watch your social media community grow and thrive!Find  DungeonGlitch:Gemmed FireflyRPG for FreeMattJoro.comTwitterSupport the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Join me as we step into the fascinating world of Double Proficiency, guided by none other than its co-founder, Anna. Prepare to be enthralled as we journey from the humble beginnings of her first book, Herbalist Primer, through its successful Kickstarter campaign, to its current status as a beloved gem in the TTRPG community. Anna candidly shares her experiences, from triumphs to struggles, while also giving us a glimpse into her work with the sequel, Geoglist's Primer.Get ready to understand the grind of research, balancing work with life, and the critical role of a science editor in her work. A sneak peek into her organized approach and personal growth will surely leave you inspired. We wrap up our chat by digging into the collaborations and adventures of Double Proficiency. Anna gives us a taste of Jakub's upcoming adventure and their decision to switch gears with a new publisher, Hunter's Entertainment. With the promise of an exciting announcement and talks of future projects, this episode is just the right blend of intrigue, inspiration, and excitement. So, let's celebrate the victories, learn from the challenges, and peek into what lies ahead for Double Proficiency.Find Anna & Double Proficiency at:WebsiteTwitterSupport the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Ready to stop aimlessly scrolling through social media and start building a thriving online community? This episode is for you! I am joined by my engaging new co-host, Matt Joro, and we're ready to tackle the dynamic world of social media. We'll share insights on the unpredictable algorithms, increasing ad costs, and if those age-old Twitter tactics are worth a second look. As we navigate the challenging digital terrain, we'll discuss the importance of staying ahead of the curve and predicting the next big platform.What if you could tap into the secret of creating magnetic content that turns casual followers into engaged community members? We'll break down how to identify your audience, understand their interests and behaviors, and locate their digital hangouts. From determining the right type of content to the perfect posting frequency, we'll guide you on enticing user-generated content and striking a balance between educational, inspirational, and entertaining content. This episode is about more than just gaining followers; it's about building a community. Join us on this exciting journey!Find  DungeonGlitch:Gemmed FireflyRPG for FreeMattJoro.comTwitterSupport the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

You won't want to miss this jam-packed episode as we're rolling the dice again with Russell E Welch III, the mastermind DM and CEO behind D20 Tales. Russell returns to chat about how D20 Tales has grown and changed over the last year, including the added complexities of going on tour. As we pull back the curtain on the world of live touring, we candidly discuss the unique challenges it entails. But it's not all chaos and stress -  the excitement of audience interaction is certainly worth it. We also dive into the complexities of casting, tackling budget constraints, and maintaining quality despite these hurdles. The passion and dedication of the D20 Tales cast and crew is nothing short of inspiring, making this discussion a must-listen for every D&D enthusiast out there. So grab your favorite snack, sit back, and enjoy this epic journey into the world of D20 Tales!Find Russell and D20Tales at:TwitterD20Tales TwitterD20Tales WebsiteDice Envy Dice Envy creates beautiful dice in a variety of materials. Use lightheartadv for 10% off your orderDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

How many of you have thought about starting a friendly local gaming store? Well, I have a special treat for you today, because I got to chat with Andrew Youngchild, the co-founder of Lost Star Tabletop Gaming Outfitter in Gig Harbor, Washington. He and his sister, Charlie, opened up this very cool store in the heart of Gig Harbor’s shopping district, a year into Covid. We dig into how the store came to be, how things have changed over the years, and Andrew’s hopes for the future. Andrew really dives into a lot of the decisions they had to make, and I really appreciated this genuine look at opening and running a gaming store.Before we dive in, I’d like to welcome anyone who is new to the show. This podcast is a part of Lightheart Adventures, which is a small company I co-founded with my husband. We also do blogs, one-shots, and maps that you’ll find over on our website, lightheartadventures.com. This show allows me to chat with so many amazing folks about business, marketing, hardships, lessons learned and how to guides across a wide spectrum of industries within the TTRPG scene. If that sounds like a show for you, then be sure to subscribe to Roll Play Grow on your favorite podcast player.Find Lost StarWebsiteInstagramFacebookFind Roll Play Grow:Show PagePatreonLightheart Adventures WebsiteLightheart TwitterLightheart InstagramFriday Afternoon Tea Grab a cup of tea with blends based on your favorite nerdy series. Use lightheartadv for 10% offDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Jay & Grub from Possum Creek Games are back! I’m super stoked to have my first repeat guests on the show from all the way back in episode 13. If you are not familiar with Possum Creek Games, then you might have heard of a little game called Wanderhome that Kickstarted during the height of Covid. I interviewed Jay & Grub both on my blog and on this show about Wanderhome, and now, today, we are talking about their latest game, Yazeba’s Bed & Breakfast. Yazaeba’s just came out on pdf and with their super cool virtual tabletop, One More Multiverse, so it was pretty fitting to bring them back on to talk about how the last two years have gone. If you’ve been with the show for a while, you know that I love these two so much and have had a lot of guests from Possum Creek over the last two years.This episode was edited by Sam Atkinson.Find Possum Creek Games at:WebsiteYazeba's OnlineWanderhomePossum Creek TwitterJay TwitterRuby TwitterPossum Creek PatreonFind Roll Play Grow:Show PagePatreonLightheart Adventures WebsiteLightheart TwitterLightheart InstagramSupport the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Jonah and Tristan Fishel are two brothers writing a book together. Tristan started publishing on DM’s Guild and as a freelancer about a year ago, and they decided to write a book about proactive roleplaying. The book is called The Game Master’s Handbook of Proactive Roleplaying, and we talk about what proactive roleplaying means, their journey of writing this book and finding a publisher, and what it’s like to work on a project like this together.Find  The Quest BrothersWebsitePreorder their bookTwitterFind Roll Play Grow:Show PagePatreonDiscordLightheart Adventures WebsiteLightheart TwitterLightheart InstagramFriday Afternoon Tea Grab a cup of tea with blends based on your favorite nerdy series. Use lightheartadv for 10% offDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Matt Joro, also known as DungeonGlitch is one of those cool creators who does so many things. Matt is a DnD Influencer, Professional DM, Artist, Author, and Composer, and I wish I’d had several more hours to talk to him. We dive into how Matt has grown in the ttrpg space over the last 3 years, how he became connected with Wizards of the Coast, marketing tips, getting into Lo-Fi music composition, and DM’s Guild. Like I said–Matt does a lot, and I hope you enjoy getting to hear from him!If this is your first time tuning into Roll Play Grow, I want to give you a special welcome! This podcast is a part of Lightheart Adventures, which is a small company I co-founded with my husband. We also do blogs, one-shots, and maps that you’ll find over on our website, lightheartadventures.com. This show allows me to chat with so many amazing folks about business, marketing, hardships, lessons learned and how to guides across a wide spectrum of industries within the TTRPG scene. If that sounds like a show for you, then be sure to subscribe to Roll Play Grow on your favorite podcast player.Find  DungeonGlitch:Gemmed FireflyRPG for FreeMattJoro.comTwitterFind Roll Play Grow:Show PagePatreonDiscordLightheart Adventures WebsiteLightheart TwitterLightheart InstagramDice Envy Dice Envy creates beautiful dice in a variety of materials. Use lightheartadv for 10% off your orderDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Beth the Bard is a writer, designer, streamer, and professional dungeon master. I first learned about Beth when she published She is the Ancient, an amazing genderbent version of Curse of Strahd, and it’s been a joy to follow her work ever since. Beth currently has a Kickstarter going for Daughters of Frankenstein, a super spooky 5e supplement that is inspired by all your favorite classic horror stories. I’m pretty excited for it, and it was a pleasure to get to chat with Beth about both this supplement, her journey, and the plans to launch a publishing company.This episode was edited by Sam Atkinson.Find BurnawayKickstarterWebsiteFind Beth/Daughter of Frankenstein:WebsiteDaughter of FrankensteinShe is the AncientFind Roll Play Grow:Show PagePatreonDiscordLightheart Adventures WebsiteLightheart TwitterLightheart InstagramFriday Afternoon Tea Grab a cup of tea with blends based on your favorite nerdy series. Use lightheartadv for 10% offDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Cassi Mothwin shot into the ttrpg scene a couple years ago when she created her first project, What Crooked Roots, a D&D 5e folk horror supplement. Since then, she’s created two very unique games and is currently crowdfunding for a 3rd game, Tangled Blessings. Cassi didn’t plan to get into game design–it just kind of happened because of her Curse of Strahd campaign. Cassi’s had a really interesting journey and we spend this conversation really digging into it.This episode was edited by Sam Atkinson.Find BurnawayKickstarterWebsiteFind Cassi/Tangled Blessings:Tangled Blessings CrowdfundrWebsiteFind Roll Play Grow:Show PagePatreonDiscordLightheart Adventures WebsiteLightheart TwitterLightheart InstagramDice Envy Dice Envy creates beautiful dice in a variety of materials. Use lightheartadv for 10% off your orderDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Today is the day my friends! It is the Kickstarter launch day for the game that I have been project managing for a year now: Burnaway. I will spare you the explanation of the game right now because you are going to hear all about in this episode.We are talking with Geordie Morse aka Nagi, the game designer behind it all. Make sure you go to Kickstarter and look for Burnaway, all one word, or check out the show notes for a direct link. You know, today’s episode was really fun, and I know I say that every time, but this one was unique. Usually when I interview folks, I’m familiar with their work, but as a complete outsider. But today got to be more of a conversation than usual, as it was a time for Nagi and me to look back over the last year together and talk about not only how he got into game design and what spurred the decision to launch a Kickstarter, but how we two newbs to the Kickstarter scene have stumbled our way through getting ready for a launch. And while I obviously hope we not only fund but smash through all our stretch goals, I gotta say, no matter what happens, I’ve worked with some really awesome folks and learned a lot along the way.Nagi’s a really great guy who has developed a really awesome game, and this is a pretty fun chat about game design and the Kickstarter pre-launch process. Enjoy.Find BurnawayKickstarterWebsiteFind Nagi/Arnamantle:WebsiteTwitterFind Roll Play Grow:Show PagePatreonDiscordLightheart Adventures WebsiteLightheart TwitterLightheart InstagramFriday Afternoon Tea Grab a cup of tea with blends based on your favorite nerdy series. Use lightheartadv for 10% offDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Today’s episode is the second in our short series of interviews with my project team members on the upcoming indie ttrpg called Burnaway. The game is launching on Kickstarter on February 7th, and I wanted to introduce you all to some of the awesome people behind the scenes! Be sure to check out the show notes for a link to the pre-launch page on Kickstarter, and the Arnamantle website, where you can grab an interactive story primer to get an idea of the game’s setting.Sol is the social media manager for Burnaway, so we definitely do talk about the game and the art a bit, but we also chat about their journey diving into the world of ttrpg socials as a freelancer over the past two and a half years. Sol tweets an average of 1000 tweets a week across all his clients, and seriously, if you are struggling with your posts, grab a notebook. Especially when he starts listing his pet peeves, I literally want to print out that list and frame it. Sol is awesome to work with, and has so much wonderful advice for you!Find BurnawayKickstarterWebsiteFind Sol:RPG InnWebsiteTwitterFind Roll Play Grow:Show PagePatreonDiscordLightheart Adventures WebsiteLightheart TwitterLightheart InstagramFriday Afternoon Tea Grab a cup of tea with blends based on your favorite nerdy series. Use lightheartadv for 10% offDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

Chris Hopper is the layout and graphic designer for Burnaway, as well as for several other ttrpgs in the indie scene. We talk about working as a freelance layout designer, working within this community, tips for working with your designers, and making your games and layouts more accessible. I learned so much from Chris, and I know y’all will too!This episode is actually going to be the first in a short series in which I chat with some of my own project team members. What does that mean? Well, some of you may remember that last year, I mentioned I am the project manager for a new indie ttrpg called Burnaway. The game is launching on Kickstarter on February 7th, and I wanted to introduce you all to some of the awesome people behind the scenes! Be sure to check out the show notes for a link to the pre-launch page on Kickstarter, and the Arnamantle website, where you can grab an interactive story primer to get an idea of the game’s setting.Find BurnawayKickstarterWebsiteFind Chris:LinktreeFind Roll Play Grow:Show PagePatreonDiscordLightheart Adventures WebsiteLightheart TwitterLightheart InstagramSupport the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram

If you hang around the D&D scene, you likely have heard of Dragon Talk, the D&D podcast hosted by Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzanoble. Greg is the Senior Communications Manager of Dungeons & Dragons, and Shelly is the Senior Brand Manager of Dungeons & Dragons. We talk about what they’re up to in D&D. We talk about their show, and we talk about their upcoming book, Welcome to Dragon Talk. So yes, this is a podcast episode where we talk to two podcasters about their book about their podcast. Welcome to Dragon Talk is published by the University of Iowa press and is releasing December 5th. You can preorder it from your favorite bookstore and I think even your friendly local game store? If you do preorder it, you might receive it a little bit early. It truly was a honor to talk to these legends of the D&D podcasting realm, and I know y’all are going to have fun listening to this.For a last bit of business before we jump into the interview: I have a new Patreon gift for my amazing Patrons. In addition to the ability to ask questions for upcoming interviews, shout outs on the site and show, I am now starting a new segment exclusively for Patrons. Greg & Shelly were my first participants. I’m still workshopping on the name, but it is a Quick Question Blitz: I have 10 silly questions for my guests that are unrelated to the rest of the interview, and they can answer with as little as 1 word or give a longer explanation. It’s meant to be short & sweet, though I must admit this first one went like 20 minutes, but a good third of that is just pure laughter and fart jokes, and we did have 2 people to answer. Let’s just say, it was a good time. You’ll find me on Patreon at Roll Play Grow. And I hope that y’all enjoy the new segment!Find Welcome to Dragon TalkFind Shelly:TwitterInstagramFind Greg:TwitterInstagramFind Roll Play Grow:Show PagePatreonDiscordLightheart Adventures WebsiteLightheart TwitterLightheart InstagramSupport the showFind Roll Play Grow: Show Page Patreon Discord Lightheart Adventures Website Lightheart Twitter Lightheart Instagram