Join me for a deep dive into the world of tabletop role-playing games with none other than the incomparable GM, Judd Karlman. We talk about everything from the WYRD (yes, with a “Y”) to iconic games like Blades in the Dark and its newest supplement. Judd and I nerd out over challenges like decision fatigue and character differentiation but also highlight how these systems shine with the right players and approach.
We shine a spotlight on Lady Blackbird as a fantastic gateway RPG for folks looking to transition from Dungeons & Dragons, and the conversation takes some fun turns with tales of mispronunciations, dynamic world-building, and the joys (and chaos) of games like The One Ring and Judd’s Ioun City adventures.
We also touch on the tricky side of the hobby—keeping groups together amid real-life commitments, respecting player boundaries, and the art of communication at the table. Whether it's kids seeing adults through the lens of games or mashing up RPGs to create entirely new experiences, Judd brings humor, insight, and a wealth of stories to this episode.
If you're an RPG fan looking for fresh ideas, practical GMing tips, or just a good laugh, this one’s for you. The full 90 minute geek-moot is available to paid subscribers auto-magically, and on my Patreon. The public edit of 45 concentrated minutes is available auto-magically and wherever you consume podcasts…mostly.
Comments about this episode? Send us a text
Listen to this episode with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Play.Fearless to listen to this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.