Humans of Gaming Podcast Love Thy Nerd

Josiah Martindale describes himself as being "liberally minded." The writer of a Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" inspired D&D campaign currently on Kickstarter, Josiah is not talking politics as much as traditionalism vs new chaos. Drew and Chris talk to him about his love of Kansas, good brisket BBQ, and what it is like to go from accountant to successful game story writer. 

Ricardo Bare of Arkane Studios joins Drew and Chris to talk a little bit about his past with Ion Storm (Deus Ex) and how it led him to Arkane Studios. In his formative years, the writings of C.S. Lewis served as the springboard for his personal investigations into examining the Bible and he talks about the disconnect between what he read and what was practiced when he started attending a church. The narrative dissonance between the two has lead him to a more older practice of contemplative faith. 

In this episode of Humans of Gaming, Drew and Chris host board game designer Rob Daviau to talk about his decade with Hasbro Games. Rob has an interesting history in both education and vocation with a minor in Medieval History, a stint writing forklift brochures, and being an intern for the David Letterman show. The Conversation covers his love for The Great British Baking Show, cooking as a primary hobby, and his Roman Catholic upbringing.

Paul Darvasi, educator and researcher with a Masters in Educational Technology, joins Drew to talk about his efforts to better research and document the effect that video games have on the mind of those who consume them. His thesis work on using GTA V in the classroom is one of the topics of discussion. In the latter half of the show we turn to his upbringing in a Catholic culture, the course of hopeful agnosticism he has chosen, and the struggles he has in a predominatingly spiritual world. 

Alexis has been working in animation for over 10 years including stints with Slap Happy Cartoons, the current producers of Tom & Jerry. She currently is working on a game about trying to be somebody, Chicory: A Colorful Tale. The conversation turns to Alexis' history in Brisbane, Australia and her realization that she suffers from OCD. She confides to us her struggles and the unique way in which religious language and works of art can affect her OCD. 

Pat and Kat Lysagt of Chara   us again during their "reboot" year. Hurricane Michael, 2 moves, and 4 kids find one of our favorite designer families at a point where the best laid plans have been put to the side in the interest of family. Drew and Chris talk to Pat and Kat about the time off, the difficulty of artisan support within Christendom, and the workaholic personality.