
The Splatbook
Your favorite table top RPG design topics podcast
Latest episodes

Oct 17, 2024 • 52min
Trail of Cthulhu 2nd Edition with Kenneth Hite and Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan
John and co-host Matt Wilson are honored to be joined by Kenneth Hite and Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan to talk about GUMSHOE games, Cthulhu movies, and of course ... Trail of Cthulhu 2nd EditionBack the new edition here!!!Strange Harvest (Movie)Dream EaterKen and Robin Talk About StuffContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic

Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 5min
Fantasy Art with Hailee Smith
Fantasy artist Hailee Smith joins the Splatbook crew. We discuss art as process, AI, and how much fun it was to design the new Splatbook logo. Cloud CurioDragonologyContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic

Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 4min
Play testing your game
John and Ben are joined by Tim Saucer to talk about running your own games at conventions. We also talk about creating emotional experiences in RPGs, and our RFTCON experience in general.Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic

Sep 12, 2024 • 48min
Player's Handbook 2024
John is joined by his two new co-hosts, Ben Donaldson and Jess Rhiannon, to talk about the new Players Handbook 2024. Who will play it? Are we converting our campaigns to the new edition? Ooooo the mysteries contained herein! NOTES:2024 Player's HandbookContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic

Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 6min
Tony Vasinda on GenCon, Zines, and when the OSR works
Tony Vasinda, known for his expertise in game design and zines, shares exciting tales from GenCon and unveils the magic of zines as creative testing grounds. He discusses the importance of iterative design and how community engagement fuels the indie RPG scene. The fascinating interplay of player creativity and game mechanics is explored, especially within the Old School Renaissance. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the vibrant world of RPG zines, offering unique opportunities for both gamers and creators.

Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 14min
Appendix N: Alien: Romulus
In honor of the release of Alien: Romulus, Andy Rau from Roll for Topic joins John for a discussion of the Alien franchise. What makes a great Alien movie? And does Alien:Romulus hit the mark? Plus an update on the Alien RPG from Free LeagueAlien: Romulus TrailerAlien RPGAlien RPG 2n EditionContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!

Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 11min
Just the Bitlets
Embark on a whimsical journey as the hosts share fond memories of Bob Newhart and the evolution of comedy. They hilariously reflect on the chaos of subscription overload and the absurdity of modern ads. Nostalgic anecdotes blend with insightful discussions on moving, pets, and comic book collecting. They'll take you back to the action film renaissance of the 70s and 80s while balancing creative passions in a competitive digital landscape. Expect humorous takes on hidden gems in 80s music and the connection between classic films and early internet culture.

Aug 8, 2024 • 26min
John and Kyle at GenCon 2024
Are you tired of all the RPG podcasts publishing their "GenCon Reflections" episodes? Well tooooo baaaad. Here is ours. We have an interview with Amber Seger, and a special guest appearance from Kyle's mom. Plus, Kyle shares some huge life changing news. Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Cloud CurioRoll For Topic

Jul 25, 2024 • 50min
Kyle and John VS the OSR: John goes full OSR
John and Kyle discuss modern magical settings, and John's plan to put his poor gaming group through an OSR Dolmenwood campaign. Tuns out Kyle has been playing a long game that has all lead up to this point. DolmenwoodDolmenwood SoundtrackStar Borg! Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Cloud CurioRoll For Topic

Jul 17, 2024 • 59min
Bonus: The Path To Power by Robert A Caro
Due to unrelenting popular demand John, Andy, and new guest Joel Boonstra tackle the first volume of Robert A Caro's pentalogy of the "Times of Lyndon Johnson". Mission Accomplished, so quit sending me harassing email, jeez.The Path to Power99% Invisible: The Power BrokerContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Map Crow YouTubeMap Crow PatreonThe Cloud CurioRoll For Topic