Gaining Advantage Wyrmworks Publishing

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.cfm

Dr. 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=037




Show 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

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 hobby



06:49 Interview: Dave Eng, EdD on gamifying education



42:16 An invitation to change the world



Links:




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/wyrmworkspublishing




Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.



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We speak with Dr. Tanya Pobuda, an expert on issues of representation and inclusion in tabletop gaming. She shares insights from her groundbreaking research on gender and racial representation in contemporary board gaming.



Throughout the conversation, Dr. Pobuda provides data-driven perspectives on the false narrative that "diversity doesn't sell" and highlights positive shifts that are possible when inclusive practices are embraced.





0:00 Introduction: Braille in TTRPG01:50 Interview: Dr. Tanya A. Pobuda52:49 Patreon Showcase & closing



Manually captioned. Transcript available in the feed and at our website.



Links:




Dr. Tanya Pobuda's Twitter: https://twitter.com/PobudaTanya



Dr. Pobuda's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tanyapobuda



Our Family Plays Games YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/OurFamilyPlaysGames



Wyrmworks Publishing: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com



Ready-to-Roll: Feyweather Friends adventure on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wyrmworkspublishing/ready-to-roll-last-minute-no-prep-dandd-5e-adventure-1?ref=dqmst7



Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing




Please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice!

Discover new worlds and perspectives through TTRPGs! In this episode, we explore how D&D and other TTRPGs can teach us about different cultures. Dale talks with Rob Martin of Secret Garden Games about his Filipino mythology-inspired Bukana setting and Kickstarter campaign.





00:00 Holiday bundles and gift ideas04:13 Interview with Rob Martin of Secret Garden Games about his Bukana setting inspired by Filipino and Indonesian mythology41:06 Patreon updates and appreciation



Links:




Wyrmworks Publishing Gift Cards: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/product/wyrmworks-publishing-gift-cards/ 



Wyrm's Workshop: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/product/wyrms-workshop/ 



24 for $24 Bundle: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/460567/The-RPG-Advent-Calendar--24-Books-for-24-BUNDLE?affiliate_id=2455077&src=WyrmworksPubPodcast 



75% Off Bundle: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/461941/Fantastic-Adventures-Mega-BUNDLE?affiliate_id=2455077&src=WyrmworksPubPodcast 



Bukana Bestiary on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pineboxllc/bukana-bestiary-a-5e-wakesong-supplement 



Secret Garden Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretgardengames/ 



Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing




Please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice!



Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

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 & closing



Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.



Conner Self Links




Webpage: 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 Publishing




The Lair: https://cutt.ly/LairYT 



Get weekly updates: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/hoard 



Wyrmworks Publishing: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com

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 creators




0:00 Introduction3:37 Interview: Steph from TTRPGKids52:33 Patreon Showcase & closing



Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.



TTRPGKids Links




TTRPGKids



Tattered Bear



Ludology Podcast




Wyrmworks Publishing




The 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