

Panda's Talking Games
Senda Linaugh and Phil Vecchione
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 5, 2025 • 55min
PTG 378 – Playing Characters in Other IPs
Show us how you handle known characters in known IPs (intellectual properties)! Phil and Senda talk characters, setting, and what kind of characters you might be bringing in.
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

Jan 29, 2025 • 55min
PTG 377 – Book Inspiration
Discover how reading fuels creativity in tabletop gaming! The hosts discuss translating literary themes into game mechanics while preserving player agency. They dive into the nuances of the Locked Tomb series and the challenges of adapting rich narratives like the Dresden Files. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about game development struggles and memorable pop culture moments. Get ready for a delightful blend of storytelling inspiration and lighthearted banter!

Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 1min
PTG 376 – Worldbuilding – To Collaborate or Not
Show us how you world build — and is it collaborative? Phil and Senda talk worldbuilding in quadrants from not collaborative to all collaborative and do you do it alone or as a group (trust me, it makes more sense in the show).
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 shiny new linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Jan 15, 2025 • 54min
PTG 375 – One on One Games
Join the hosts as they dive into the captivating world of one-on-one role-playing games! They share insights on effective game planning and the unique challenges of solo gameplay. Discover how themes like espionage and trust play crucial roles in enhancing player engagement. The conversations are lively, filled with humor about their return, and they even reflect on their experiences with 'Long Live the Queen.' Plus, tips for character development and storytelling techniques are thrown in to elevate your gaming adventures!

Dec 11, 2024 • 58min
PTG 374 – Project Management and the GM
Show us how project management skills can help you GM — and vice versa! Phil and Senda are both professionals in various project management offices at this point in their careers, and have a conversation about how those skills work in both places and how you can use one to hone the other.
Also! This is our last show of 2024. We will be on podcasting vacation until the second week of January. Happy holidays, all!
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 shiny new linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Nov 27, 2024 • 56min
PTG 373 – GM Mastery Part II
Show us…Gary Gygax’s tenants of GM Mastery! Phil and Senda go back for one more part on the 1987 book Role-Playing Mastery. Do they stand up to the test of time? Our take is…well, mostly.
Also this episode: HOLIDAY HIATUS DATES. We will be taking some time off — but we will be back in January! Specific dates and information at the top of the show.
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 shiny new linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Nov 20, 2024 • 57min
PTG 372 – Gygaxian GM Mastery Part I
Show us how Gary Gygax thought you should be a master GM! Phil and Senda continue their conversation about the 1987 title Role-Playing Mastery by Gary Gygax, deciding what they think still holds true, what can be reinterpreted to modern play/situations, and what we have evolved beyond. In this episode, the beginning of GM Mastery!
(CW: definitely cuss words.)
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 shiny new linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Nov 13, 2024 • 59min
PTG 371 – Master Player Part II
Show us what Gygax considered a master player! Do we agree? Do you?! Phil and Senda talk through the first 9 steps to being a Master Player according to Gary Gygax/s 1987 book Role Playing Mastery.
As a refresher, here are the first 9 points:
Study the rules of your chosen role-playing game.Learn the goal(s) of the game.Discover the spirit of the game, and make it your credo in play.Know the genre in which the game is set, and study it often.Remember that the real you and your game persona are different.Know your team’s PCs and those who play them.Know the campaign in which you play.Understand the role of the game master and assist its fulfillment.Role-play your character fully and correctly.
Here are the last 8 points that we cover on today’s episode:
Always seek to contribute the most to the team’s success.
Put forth your personal best during play.
Play as frequently as possible.
Play various characters as often as possible in as many different circumstances as possible.
Play outside your group’s campaign frequently.
Play in tournaments
Make yourself aware of the gaming community and contribute to it.
Continue to learn and grow even after you achieve mastery
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 shiny new linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Nov 6, 2024 • 53min
PTG 370 – Master Player (according to Gygax)
Show us what Gygax considered a master player! Do we agree? Do you?! Phil and Senda talk through the first 9 steps to being a Master Player according to Gary Gygax/s 1987 book Role Playing Mastery.
Here are the first 9 points:
Study the rules of your chosen role-playing game.Learn the goal(s) of the game.Discover the spirit of the game, and make it your credo in play.Know the genre in which the game is set, and study it often.Remember that the real you and your game persona are different.Know your team’s PCs and those who play them.Know the campaign in which you play.Understand the role of the game master and assist its fulfillment.Role-play your character fully and correctly.
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 shiny new linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Oct 23, 2024 • 56min
PTG 369 – Very Very Proactive Players
Show us how you balance a player that is much much more proactive than the rest of your table! Phil and Senda cover when it’s actually a problem and some ideas on how to address it.
THERE WILL BE NO NEW EPISODE NEXT WEEK, OCTOBER 30th! We’ll be back in November!
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 shiny new linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda


