
Panda's Talking Games
Queer gamers talking about table top role playing games and making outtakes! Join pandas Phil and Senda every Wednesday talking about TTRPGs and answering listener questions.
Latest episodes

Jul 16, 2025 • 50min
PTG 394 – Check Ins
Show us how you handle mid-game check ins! Phil and Senda talk checkins: after session, four sessions in, going into a new arc, going into the end game, and when something goes wrong.
Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp.
Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Jul 2, 2025 • 54min
PTG 393 – Phil’s Prep Problem
‘Show us how you rebuild your game prep strategy when life throws you a curveball! Phil and Senda talk through Phil’s updated free time reality, how that’s been impacting his gaming, and what his new plan is to resolve it.
There will be no episode next week, so we’ll see you again on July 16!
Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp.
Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Jun 11, 2025 • 50min
PTG 392 – Our Most Important Areas for New GMs
Show us what three things are most important for a new GM to learn! Phil and Senda talk through what we think — do you agree?
Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp.
Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 3min
PTG 391 – What a Game Wants, What a Game Needs
Show us what you want from a rulebook! Phil and Senda tackle a question about what we most want to see in a rule book, for running a game or for potentially purchasing a game.
Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp.
Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

May 21, 2025 • 53min
PTG 390 – Core Loops and Investment
Show us how you create an engaging core loop — as another part of your setting creation! Phil and Senda talk core loops and how they drive investment and character creation, and also how to get people attached to the setting at a micro level instead of a macro level.
Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp.
Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

May 14, 2025 • 1h 6min
PTG 389 – Collaboration and Facilitation
Show us how you handle facilitation and collaboration at the table…and specifically, how do you make sure everyone stays involved! Phil and Senda are pretty passionate about this because it’s part of both their hobby and their respective day jobs!
References:
Divergent/convergent thinking for brain storming
Psychological safety
Soft Skills on the Misdirected Mark podcast: https://polygamero.us/mmp-classic-episode-143-lets-be-candid-and-other-soft-skills/
Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp.
Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

May 7, 2025 • 50min
PTG 388 – Missing Games
Show us how you manage players missing games! Phil and Senda talk about what you may need to take into consideration, including length of absence, how key that character is to the story, etc.
Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp.
Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 2min
PTG 387 – Zeroing in on Session Zero
Show us your favorite things to include in your session 0! Phil and Senda are joined by invisible third panda Ryan Boelter (our editor) in celebration of their 100th show with us. Thanks Ryan!!
Check out the Creation Cast session 0 document here: https://sessionzero.charactercreationcast.com/
Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp.
Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Apr 23, 2025 • 50min
PTG 386 – One Venti Iced Campaign, Please
Show us how you bring an iced campaign back from a long hiatus! Phil and Senda both have some experience with this. As usual this is a buffet, so some may be helpful for your specific situation or not! Take what works and leave what doesn’t.
Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp.
Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Apr 16, 2025 • 1h
PTG 385 – Tech at the Table
Show us how you manage tech at the table for players and GMs! Phil and Senda talk about everything except the monster in the corner (focus).
Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp.
Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda