Gaining Advantage

Wyrmworks Publishing
Podcast Gaining Advantage

Tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons have inherent benefits, but what happens when people decide to level up their play by using the game to improve the lives of others? And how can YOU do the same with your game?

  1. 14/06

    University of Chicago Uses #DnD to Teach English

    In this episode, we explore using tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) for language learning. Shane Dunkle, a Language Pedagogy Specialist at the University of Chicago, shares his research on assessing English proficiency through board games and TTRPGs like D&D.Discover how these games create an engaging environment for practicing real-world communication skills, from mastering idioms to navigating social cues. Shane reveals strategies for convincing skeptical faculty and his vision for embracing TTRPGs as a mainstream educational tool.0:00 Opening0:10 Exclusive Charity Offer Reveal - How Your Purchase Can Change Lives2:49 Meet the Gamer Turned Innovative Educator Revolutionizing Language Learning4:06 Traditional vs Game-Based Teaching: The Authenticity Showdown18:26 From Munchkin to Murderhobo: Navigating the RPG Classroom Transition21:31 Mastering Real-World Interactions Through In-Game Role-Play28:34 Student Resistors vs Faculty Skeptics: Overcoming Unconventional Hurdles33:51 Three Wishes to Transform Language Education Worldwide35:45 The Recipe for Educators: Embracing Unorthodox Methods That Work40:47 Convincing the Naysayers: A Manifesto for Embracing Gaming in Academics42:34 Behind the Scenes: Upcoming Pedagogical Playground Projects44:47 Your Doorway to Immersive Language Learning ResourcesWyrmworks Publishing: https://wyrmworkspublishing.com Rio Grande Flood Charity Bundle: http://rio.inclusiverpg.com University of Chicago English Language Institute: http://esl.uchicago.edu/ Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing

    48 min
  2. 10/05

    Is D&D a Secret Architect of Global Culture?

    This episode explores the cultural significance and far-reaching influence of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) through an insightful interview with Premeet Sidhu and José Zagal, editors of the book "50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons." It offers insights into how the iconic tabletop RPG has influenced various aspects of global culture, from gaming and entertainment to education and beyond.The discussion covers D&D's historical roots, examining its evolution from a niche hobby to a mainstream phenomenon. Sidhu and Zagal shed light on the game's unexpected crossovers with diverse fields, such as interactive storytelling, solo journaling, and educational applications.Key points covered include:The book's approach to celebrating D&D from a scholarly yet accessible perspective Surprising insights into the game's evolution, such as the progression of combat systems D&D's influence on other media and how it has been influenced by culture in turn The game's potential in education and fostering critical thinking Speculative discussions on D&D's future, including the role of AI and emergence as a mainstream entertainment genreLinksWyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing Wyrmworks Publishing Nexus: https://books.inclusiverpg.com  Fifty Years of D&D: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262547604/fifty-years-of-idungeons-and-dragonsi/  Get it at the Wyrmworks Publishing Nexus & support the show: https://bookshop.org/a/103322/9780262547604  University of Utah’s Division of Games - https://games.utah.edu/  José Zagal Academic Profile - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=a4a3GTMAAAAJ&hl=en  Seeing Red: Nintendo’s Virtual Boy - https://bit.ly/3UIHvmb  Premeet Sidhu Academic Profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WGI4GlUAAAAJ&hl=en  Premeet Sidhu Twitter: https://twitter.com/premeetsidhu 0:00 Introduction0:19 Wyrmworks Publishing Updates03:18 Interview with Premeet Sidhu and José Zagal06:12 "50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons" Book Overview10:41 Insights and Revelations15:58 D&D's Cultural Influence18:33 Future of D&D36:01 Upcoming Projects43:57 Patreon Showcase & ClosingManually captioned. Transcript available at our website.Please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice!

    46 min
  3. 12/04

    Toxic Masculinity & TTRPG Culture

    We explore the connections between language, masculinity, and tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) experiences with sociologist Dr. Steven Dashiell. He studies language in male-dominated spaces like gaming conventions.We discuss how language use, rules lawyering, gamesplaining, and off-topic conversations (metadiscourse) at gaming tables can create barriers. These reinforce masculine norms and potentially alienate players from underrepresented groups. Dr. Dashiell shares research on gendered speech patterns, the historical invisibility of women TTRPG players, and the challenges that women face asserting themselves without seeming overly aggressive.The conversation also covers the benefits of increased gender diversity in TTRPGs. Dr. Dashiell explains how bringing your authentic self enriches the gaming experience for all. He offers insights for designers to create more welcoming, inclusive spaces.Whether new or experienced with TTRPGs, this episode provides a valuable perspective on building a more equitable gaming culture.Links:Dr. Steven Dashiell at American University: https://www.american.edu/soc/faculty/dashiell.cfmDr. Dashiell's Research and Papers: https://american.academia.edu/StevenDashiell Accessible Character Sheet: https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/476978/Accessible-Character-Sheets-for-DD-Players-with-Print-Disabilities?affiliate_id=2455077&src=GainingAdvantage37 Ready-to-Roll: Fairweather Friends Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wyrmworkspublishing/ready-to-roll-last-minute-no-prep-dandd-5e-adventure-1?ref=c7371z Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing?utm_source=gaining_advantage&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=037Show Outline:00:00 Welcome and intro00:21 Accessible character sheet for print & reading disabilities00:56 Ready-to-Roll: Fairweather Friends D&D adventure Kickstarter01:29 Interview with Dr. Steven Dashiell sociology of language04:57 Gender representation in TTRPG spaces06:24 Metadiscourse and inside references07:21 Masculine language and behavior in gaming08:18 Rules lawyering and excluding players12:14 Gamesplaining14:51 Historical gender erasure of women gamers16:12 Benefits of diversity in tabletop RPGs18:26 Murderhobo25:08 Charisma in D&D and its effect on inclusion28:36 Male dominance in D&D31:33 Bringing your authentic self to gaming table41:40 Designing more inclusive TTRPGs50:32 Gendered guilt when missing game sessions52:01 Jerks and toxic behavior study57:31 Support Inclusive Gaming

    59 min
  4. 8/03

    A Game-Changing Education Revolution

    In this thought-provoking episode, Dale sits down with Dr. Dave Eng, an expert in using board games for educational purposes. Dr. Eng shares his groundbreaking insights on how tabletop games can revolutionize the learning experience. From cooperative classics like Pandemic to the innovative "Matrix Games" that leverage words over numbers, this episode dives into the benefits of interactive gameplay in classrooms. Discover how board games can foster critical thinking, teamwork, and experiential learning in ways traditional lectures cannot. Learn about Dr. Eng's inspiring work and his mission to bring gaming literacy to educators worldwide. Plus, Dale reveals Wyrmworks Publishing's pioneering effort to introduce the first-ever braille ruleset for tabletop RPGs, making the hobby more accessible than ever before.0:00 Introducing Braille to the TTRPG hobby06:49 Interview: Dave Eng, EdD on gamifying education42:16 An invitation to change the worldLinks:Wyrmworks Publishing http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/  Braille System Reference Document for D&D 5E on DriveThruRPG https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/472156/5e-SRD-51-System-Reference-Document-Braille-Transcription-and-Tutorial?affiliate_id=2455077  Dr. Dave Eng https://davengdesign.com/ UniversityXP https://universityxp.com/  Banditos Gaming https://www.banditosgaming.com/  Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishingManually captioned. Transcript available at our website.Please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice!

    42 min
  5. 17/11/2023

    Using TTRPGs for Healing, Community Building, and Mental Health Support

    Join Dale as he interviews Jonathan Connor Self, a top-rated pro DM and founder of the D8 Summit, a charitable organization using TTRPGs for good. They discuss using games therapeutically, fostering community, and supporting mental health. Connor also discusses Koboa, an upcoming RPG based on South American mythology.This episode covers using tabletop RPGs to heal trauma, build connections, and create positive spaces. It's about leading with compassion at the gaming table and using the hobby to give back. From small local charities to suicide prevention, learn how you can make a difference through something you love. See how gaming can transform lives.0:00 Introduction01:37 Interview: Connor Self42:11 Patreon Showcase & closingManually captioned. Transcript available at our website.Conner Self LinksWebpage: https://thehealerdm.carrd.com/  Socials: @TheHealerDM D8 Summit: https://d8summit.org , email contact@d8summit.org  The National Alliance on Mental Illness https://nami.org  Become mental health first aid qualified. Search for resources local to you on Google. Reach out to people 24-7. Text "helpline" to 62640, or call/text 988 The Word Refinery (to learn more about what we do, and Koboa): https://thewordrefinery.org Wyrmworks PublishingThe Lair: https://cutt.ly/LairYT  Get weekly updates: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/hoard  Wyrmworks Publishing: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com

    45 min
  6. 13/10/2023

    The Secret to Unlocking Boundless Creativity: Tabletop RPGs for Kids with Steph from TTRPGKids

    In this episode, Dale speaks with Steph from TTRPGKids.com about using tabletop RPGs to nurture creativity and connection with kids.Before we get to the interview, here are a few updates:We'll be at Gamehole Con on Friday - come say hi if you're there! We're releasing free weekly encounters for our upcoming Limitless Champions Adventures Kickstarter. Get them by joining our email list. Check out our new disabled_dungeons community on Lemmy after the Reddit shutdown. Due to GameHole Con, there won't be a weekly adventure next week.Do you want to ignite your child's imagination? Our guest Steph from TTRPGKids shares how tabletop RPGs can transform family dynamics and nurture creativity in kids.Steph discusses:The benefits of playing TTRPGs with kids Choosing age-appropriate games and mechanics RPGs as bonding and teaching tools Encouraging creativity and problem-solving Resources for families, teachers, and creators0:00 Introduction3:37 Interview: Steph from TTRPGKids52:33 Patreon Showcase & closingManually captioned. Transcript available at our website.TTRPGKids LinksTTRPGKids Tattered Bear Ludology PodcastWyrmworks PublishingThe Lair: https://cutt.ly/LairYT  Get weekly updates: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/hoard  Disabled_Dungeons Reddit Alternative: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/reddit-alternative-a-response-to-reddits-accessibility-hostility/  Wyrmworks Publishing: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com

    53 min

Sobre

Tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons have inherent benefits, but what happens when people decide to level up their play by using the game to improve the lives of others? And how can YOU do the same with your game?

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