Podcasts – Wargaming Recon Jonathan J. Reinhart

Today on Wargaming Recon, we are joined by Andrea Morton, who represents Boston Gaymers, an organization founded by Matt in 2017 with a mission to provide inclusive gaming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Boston Gaymers, boasting nearly 3,000 members on Discord, focuses on fostering relationships and inclusivity within the gaming world. They host a variety of events, from video game tournaments to board game nights, expanding their influence beyond Boston to encompass areas like Worcester and Providence. While their primary focus is on the LGBTQ+ community, Boston Gamers warmly welcomes allies who share their vision of combatting toxicity in gaming spaces. Through partnerships and events, the organization is committed to building a positive gaming community for all interested individuals. If you wish to join them, visit their website and subscribe to their monthly newsletter for updates on upcoming events and initiatives.

During our conversation, I express my delight in learning about the diverse range of events and initiatives happening in Boston’s gaming community. Andi underscores the importance of offering both in-person and virtual options to enhance accessibility for all. We delve into the significance of inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community, stressing the value of listening, learning, and respecting each other’s experiences. Building a culture of respect and understanding is key to creating a safe and welcoming space for all gamers, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. Our dialogue promotes empathy, acceptance, and ongoing education as essential elements for nurturing a more inclusive and supportive gaming environment.
We highlight the significance of acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and embracing personal growth while showing respect towards others on their journeys. Self-awareness, recognizing privilege, and avoiding centering issues around oneself are vital aspects we discuss. We emphasize the importance of not burdening marginalized individuals with the task of educating others and the necessity of seeking resources independently to broaden one’s understanding. Additionally, we touch upon the crucial roles of allyship, representation, and inclusivity in establishing safe environments for the LGBTQ+ community within tabletop gaming conventions. By fostering diversity, event organizers can contribute to creating a space where all participants feel valued, respected, and heard.
In our conversation, we explore the concept of inclusivity without performative displays and stress the importance of cultivating a space that welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds authentically. We address misconceptions surrounding marginalized communities and the dangers of seeking “gotcha” moments, highlighting the significance of empathy and understanding in building connections. Our discussion delves into the use of the term “queer” and the importance of representation in games developed by marginalized groups. We delve into the impactful role of storytelling in videogames like Celeste, which serves as an allegory for trans identity, sharing personal anecdotes and connections to the game. Furthermore, we touch upon the upcoming events organized by Boston Gaymers, including an upcoming video game tournament that incorporates a two-tier system to ensure inclusivity and enjoyment for all participants. We stress the value of creating spaces where individuals of all skill levels can relish gaming in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
In this episode, we highlight Boston Gaymers’ emphasis on 18+ oriented events while also recognizing the importance of family-friendly programming, such as the family board game afternoons held in collaboration with the Boston Public Library. Despite primarily catering to adults, Boston Gaymers endeavors to broaden their offerings to include family-oriented activities. Our conversation de[...]

Peter Saloom and Jonathan share their experiences at Rising Phoenix Game Convention 2024.  Peter spent all three days in the gaming halls running RPGs (roleplaying games).  Jonathan explored the convention for the very first time.  Rising Phoenix Game Convention is a friendly, inclusive, and fun tabletop gaming convention focused on RPGs.  It provides a safe space for all to gather and play games in an enjoyable atmosphere.
At the con Peter GMed sessions featuring the Savage Worlds adventures Shadows of the Sacred Hills (affiliate link) and The Iselion Hybrid (affiliate link).  He created both adventures and publishes them through his Pear Tree Studio. Jonathan roamed the con like a busy bee stopping, from time to time, at different vendors and gaming areas.  Jonathan also spent a chunk of time at the Boston Gaymers‘ booth.

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Join our Patreon community and provide support to Wargaming Recon starting from just $1 per month, which is less than a paintbrush.


Credits
Our theme song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. The podcast logo was created by Peter Bryant. Audio editing was done by the incomparable Joshua Shoobridge. Show notes for this episode were written by Jonathan J. Reinhart.
This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.
Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may receive commissions or bonuses from your interactions with those links.

Wargaming Recon pays tribute to Andrew, a cherished listener whose invaluable support inspired the show’s name. Let us observe a collective moment of silence to honor Andrew’s memory.
We deeply mourn the loss of Adrian, a longstanding co-host of Wargaming Recon. Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember Adrian’s contributions and the impact he had on the show.

Jay Parker and Jonathan recorded this episode LIVE in the seminar room at TotalCon 2024.  Jay Parker was on Episode 291 where they talked about AI Art.
This time the pair discuss Jay’s new cyperpunk themed RPG called Katana-Ra.
Jay explains how his game mechanics are different from others on the market.  He gives an example of a sample turn for us to better understand how the system works. Jay also covers the always important character creation and advancement. Along with how you can customize your character after you have created them.
The cyberpunk setting is filled with fantastic cybernetics and technology to use, while at the same time having the overbearing corporations and challenging players with moral and ethical dilemmas of a dystopian society.
Jay covers some of the corporations and organizations in the world as well as some of the challenges and obstacles that the players will encounter in their adventures.
They move on to talking about the playtesting and how the feedback impacted the games development before talking about the mixed reviews the game has received so far. Even the one star reviews compliment the worldbuilding and the setting overall.  The main drawbacks brought up are system and dice rolling itself, Jay talks about the critiques and how he thinks people might be misunderstanding the rules and system.

You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook
Twitter
Reddit


Join our Patreon community and provide support to Wargaming Recon starting from just $1 per month, which is less than a paintbrush.


Credits
Our theme song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. The podcast logo was created by Peter Bryant. Audio editing was done by the incomparable Joshua Shoobridge. Show notes for this episode were written by Robert Dunn.
This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.
Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may receive commissions or bonuses from your interactions with those links.

Wargaming Recon pays tribute to Andrew, a cherished listener whose invaluable support inspired the show’s name. Let us observe a collective moment of silence to honor Andrew’s memory.
We deeply mourn the loss of Adrian, a longstanding co-host of Wargaming Recon. Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember Adrian’s contributions and the impact he had on the show.

Peter Saloom and Jonathan recorded this episode LIVE in the seminar room at TotalCon 2024.  The two of them have over 50 combined years of gaming experience & decades of running games at conventions.
Peter published his first licensed adventure.  It is Shadows of the Sacred Hills for the RPG system Savage Worlds.  Buy Shadows of the Sacred Hills (affiliate link).
Tips

Be prepared
Be welcoming
Engage the players
Make the game visually appealing
Be kind
Know the rules (or at least the core rules)
Be succinct with initial explanations (say what the players need to get going, leave everything else for when or if the situation arises during the game)
Adhere to the time slot times
Playtest your game at least once
Provide enough player aids for each player
Have helpers/assistant GMs if needed
Practice good hygiene
Make sure players have something to do at all times
Take breaks
Let players know they can leave the game at any time if it isn’t for them





You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook
Twitter
Reddit


Join our Patreon community and provide support to Wargaming Recon starting from just $1 per month, which is less than a paintbrush.


Credits
Our theme song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. The podcast logo was created by Peter Bryant. Audio editing was done by the incomparable Joshua Shoobridge. Show notes for this episode were written by Jonathan J. Reinhart.
This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.
Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may receive commissions or bonuses from your interactions with those links.

Wargaming Recon pays tribute to Andrew, a cherished listener whose invaluable support inspired the show’s name. Let us observe a collective moment of silence to honor Andrew’s memory.
We deeply mourn the loss of Adrian, a longstanding co-host of Wargaming Recon. Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember Adrian’s contributions and the impact he had on the show.

This contains the fixed podcast episode.  Use THIS one, and not the old one.  Apologies for the error and inconvenience.
 
Peter Saloom kicks off the episode with his 2024 goals for tabletop gaming.  Jonathan discusses using the SMART criteria.  SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based.  Jonathan’s goals serve as starting points to engage with larger change.
Pete’s Goal

Double the number of hours spent gaming in 2024.

Jonathan’s Goals

Find a good home for the Yamashiro Mountain Fort terrain (by Things from the Basement) by the end of 2024.  If you’re interested in it, contact Jonathan.

Jonathan wants to divest of tabletop gaming items that aren’t used or won’t be used.  This will clear physical and mental space so that other projects can be accomplished.


Bring my family to one gaming convention by June 2024.

Jonathan’s girls are getting to be of the age where they’re interested in what their Dad does when Dad goes out to gaming events.  This is an opportunity to expose them to new places, people, and hobbies that may be of interest to them.  It also fits a core value of the podcast by attempting to grow the hobby.


Play 1 solo wargame by Thanksgiving 2024.

Jonathan has multiple GMT games still in shrink wrap.  Many are from the P500 program.  Instead of constantly purchasing new games, Jonathan wishes to play what Jonathan already has.




You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook
Twitter
Reddit


Join our Patreon community and provide support to Wargaming Recon starting from just $1 per month, which is less than a paintbrush.


Credits
Our theme song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. The podcast logo was created by Peter Bryant. Audio editing was done by Joshua Shoobridge. Show notes for this episode were written by Jonathan J. Reinhart.
This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.
Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may receive commissions or bonuses from your interactions with those links.

Wargaming Recon pays tribute to Andrew, a cherished listener whose invaluable support inspired the show’s name. Let us observe a collective moment of silence to honor Andrew’s memory.
We deeply mourn the loss of Adrian, a longstanding co-host of Wargaming Recon. Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember Adrian’s contributions and the impact he had on the show.

This contains the BROKEN podcast episode.  Click HERE for the fixed one.Apologies for the error and inconvenience.
Peter Saloom kicks off the episode with his 2024 goals for tabletop gaming.  Jonathan discusses using the SMART criteria.  SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based.  Jonathan’s goals serve as starting points to engage with larger change.
Pete’s Goal

Double the number of hours spent gaming in 2024.

Jonathan’s Goals

Find a good home for the Yamashiro Mountain Fort terrain (by Things from the Basement) by the end of 2024.  If you’re interested in it, contact Jonathan.

Jonathan wants to divest of tabletop gaming items that aren’t used or won’t be used.  This will clear physical and mental space so that other projects can be accomplished.


Bring my family to one gaming convention by June 2024.

Jonathan’s girls are getting to be of the age where they’re interested in what their Dad does when Dad goes out to gaming events.  This is an opportunity to expose them to new places, people, and hobbies that may be of interest to them.  It also fits a core value of the podcast by attempting to grow the hobby.


Play 1 solo wargame by Thanksgiving 2024.

Jonathan has multiple GMT games still in shrink wrap.  Many are from the P500 program.  Instead of constantly purchasing new games, Jonathan wishes to play what Jonathan already has.




You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook
Twitter
Reddit


Join our Patreon community and provide support to Wargaming Recon starting from just $1 per month, which is less than a paintbrush.


Credits
Our theme song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. The podcast logo was created by Peter Bryant. Audio editing was done by Joshua Shoobridge. Show notes for this episode were written by Jonathan J. Reinhart.
This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.
Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may receive commissions or bonuses from your interactions with those links.

Wargaming Recon pays tribute to Andrew, a cherished listener whose invaluable support inspired the show’s name. Let us observe a collective moment of silence to honor Andrew’s memory.
We deeply mourn the loss of Adrian, a longstanding co-host of Wargaming Recon. Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember Adrian’s contributions and the impact he had on the show.