Best David Magee Podcasts (2025)

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The Thanksgiving I Spent Alone and Got Back to My Family 14:18

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4d ago14:18

14:18

I’ve always loved Thanksgiving for its simplicity—no gifts, no pressure, just a table and gratitude. But the one year I sat alone at mine, I learned more about grace than any other holiday I’ve lived through. This is the story of how a box at my door reminded me I wasn’t as alone as I thought… and it helped lead my family and me back to each other.…

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Long Story Short Ep-18: A Meeting in Information Space, with Stewart Hotston 1:00:27

3d ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Robin and Dave dress up as writers to chat with Stewart Hotston about his latest novel, the magnificent space opera Project Hanuman. We ramble far and wide to chat about LARPing, bookshelves, reading recs, the British Science Fiction Association, and much, much more, but most importantly, we touch on some weighty topics that need to be discussed, l…

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Long Story Short Ep-17a: The Speakies Special 33:58

9d ago33:58

33:58

The BFS are very pleased to support the Best Audiobook: Science Fiction & Fantasy category at the inaugural British Audio Awards, the ceremony for which takes place on 24th November. To mark the event, Long Story Short presents our very first Podcast Special. https://www.thebookseller.com/the-british-audio-awards/the-british-audio-awards https://br…

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Turning 60 is the New 40: Just Getting Started | Ep 41 1:00:50

11d ago1:00:50

1:00:50

When I was younger, I thought 60 meant slowing down, maybe coasting into the sunset. But I’ve learned the opposite — this season of life is sharper, clearer, and freer to try and make a difference in the world. Today, my wife Kent interviews me and ask what turning 60 means and about second chances, regret, aging with peace, and the strange beauty …

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Paradigm Shift: Gardens of Ynn 26:52

14d ago26:52

26:52

Adam opens up a new series that asks do books from other RPGs have anything to offer our Mage games? Gardens of Ynn is a never-ending garden realm that can trap and confuse mages who aren’t careful. Listen in and find out if OSR adventures can translate to the World of Darkness. Mage the Podcast social media links Website http://magethepodcast.com …

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Long Story Short Ep-17: Emptying the Full Magazine, with Joe Hill 1:12:00

17d ago1:12:00

1:12:00

Robin & David were joined in the run up to World Fantasy in Brighton (UK) by Joe Hill, whose new novel, King Sorrow, is his first in nine years. This episode is a real doozy, with the chat ranging far-and-wide. Not to be missed! Check out our new detailed timestamps at the bottom of these notes. https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-lo…

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Father, Daughter and Conversation with Mary Halley Carlson | Ep 40 44:13

18d ago44:13

44:13

There was a time when my daughter Mary Halley and I couldn’t talk. Not really. Now we sit across from each other, laughing, asking questions, and sharing the hard-won peace that came from years of healing and growing. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to rebuild trust, the lessons that come with being parents and grandparents, and w…

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Ep. 60 – Bringing Stories to Life with Animator-Producers Jonathan and Miya Eden 55:09

24d ago55:09

55:09

Blending creativity, business, and parenthood, Jonathan and Miya Eden join David Nichtern to discuss bringing stories to life through animation. Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self. In this episode, David, Jonathan and Miya explore: How Jo…

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A Tree That Marks Time (Essay) | Ep 39 13:55

25d ago13:55

13:55

How do you mark change? There’s a maple tree in my community that’s been keeping time for me all my life. Every fall, it’s the first to turn. Always early. Always beautiful. Always right on schedule. I’ve come to mark my years by its color, by the rhythm of its change. This story is about what that tree, and its brilliance, has taught me. David Mag…

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Reality Deviants Book Club: The Crow 28:08

28d ago28:08

28:08

Howdy, Mage fans! Adam and Pooka are back with big news, a new Changeling magic book, and invites to TryItCon2: TerryCon and PAX Unplugged. This time they dig into The Crow, from comic grief to film justice, goth rain, Brandon Lee, and Mage-style ideas. A quick stop with Philip K. Dick, a chat about sanity and Quiet, and a reminder that it cannot r…

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Essay on Life: The Things that Scare Me 9:57

30d ago9:57

9:57

On the eve of Halloween 2025, I talk about the things that scare me now—not the witches and monsters of childhood, but the real fears that come with being human. The fear of disconnection. Of judgment. Of forgetting how to truly see one another. But maybe fear isn’t only something to run from. Maybe it’s a reminder of what still matters. In this ep…

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Long Story Short Ep-16: Storytelling Traditions, with Marve Michael Anson 1:00:37

1M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Robin & Pam are joined by Marve Michael Anson, whose eagerly anticipated debut fantasy novel Firstborn of the Sun released this month. Come learn about ‘an epic world of courtly intrigue and forbidden power’, and the important work Marve does for the BFS on Outreach & Inclusion. https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/ A…

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Becoming Family: A Daughter-in-Law Perspective with Lo Magee | Ep 38 1:03:25

1M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

Families aren’t simple — even the strongest ones. In this episode, I sit down with my daughter-in-law, Lo Magee, to talk about staying connected when addiction, recovery, and grief have reshaped everything — from how we communicate to how we trust again. It’s honest and a little raw — because showing up, learning, and growing together is what makes…

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Essay on Life: Real Over Perfect 10:51

1M ago10:51

10:51

I talk about what it really means to create something honest — not the shiny, perfect kind the world seems to want, but the kind that shows what’s real. Writing my memoir A Little Crazy taught me more about myself than any success ever could — even if the book had only been for me. Sometimes, as creators, that’s what’s needed. It reminded me that n…

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A Recovery Journey and Helping Students with Alysia Lajune of the William Magee Center | Ep 37 56:48

1M ago56:48

56:48

I sit down with Alysia Lajune, who helps lead the William Magee Center at Ole Miss — the same center that carries my son’s name. Alysia's story is powerful, real, and full of hope. She opens up about her own journey through addiction and recovery, and how it led her to the work she’s doing now to help students find healing and purpose. We talk abou…

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Memorial for Terry Robinson 53:00

1M ago53:00

53:00

Today's episode is a memorial to our departed friend and co-host, Terry Robinson. Join Adam, Bryce, Charles, Josh, and Pooka as they share some memories, followed by a series of messages submitted from our community and some words from Joseph. We also invite you to download the free PDF of the Book of Tributes, a collection of written tributes from…

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Essay on Life: Importance of Hearing, Seeing Our Children 10:10

1M ago10:10

10:10

As parents, we all like to think we know our children completely. We keep up with their grades, go to their games, check their posts, and tell ourselves they’re doing okay. But sometimes, we really don’t know what’s going on. I learned that the day my daughter finally said the words I didn’t even realize I needed to hear: I need help. That moment c…

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Long Story Short Ep-15: So You Think You're A Disaster Mage, with Annabel Campbell 1:00:23

1M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Annabel Campbell, whose debut novel The Outcast Mage released in January, joins Robin & David to talk mages of many varieties. How would you shape up as a wizard? Would you use your power for good, or be tempted to the Dark Side where - we are given to believe - there are cookies? Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: h…

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Embrace Failure and Grow | Ep 36 12:29

2M ago12:29

12:29

Let’s talk about failure—the kind that makes us wince, the kind that shapes who we become. We all know what it feels like to fall short, but what if failure isn’t the end of something, but the beginning of something better? I’ve learned that the moments we fear most often hold the greatest opportunity. When we face them instead of running from them…

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Tomes of Magick: Zero Edition, Part 2 35:13

2M ago35:13

35:13

In Part 2 of our Mage Zero Edition deep-dive, Adam and Pooka sift the fun esoterica—early Tradition names (Parmenidians, Initiates of the Invisible World), a clearer Celestial Chorus, Dreamspeakers’ true remit, quirky rituals, big willpower walls, Paradox wrinkles, the dream magic that never was, and share their thoughts on what was best left behin…

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Essay on Life: Save Me 10:09

2M ago10:09

10:09

One night after my son William died, I sat on his couch. I was alone. I was cold. I was afraid. I whispered two words, “Save me,” and something shifted. What I saw, what I felt in that quiet moment, showed me where my life was headed if I didn’t change—and where it could go if I did. That night taught me that prayer isn’t some practiced speech from…

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Owning Your Story, Taking Charge of Your Life | Ep 35 20:58

2M ago20:58

20:58

By That Sounds Fun Network

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Tomes of Magick: Zero Edition, Part 1 43:23

2M ago43:23

43:23

Adam and Pooka crack open a lost treasure — Mage: The Ascension, Zero Edition, a 1993 manuscript that shaped the game’s future. They share laughs, lore, share their thoughts on what was best left behind and what is ready to drop into your game, and a few “what were they thinking?” moments, from cosmic origins to dream magic and immortal mages. Don’…

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Ep. 59 – Strawberry Moons: A New Kind of Media with Debbie Nutley 28:27

2M ago28:27

28:27

Discussing their newest project, Strawberry Moons Media, David Nichtern and Debbie Nutley get into how they truly merged creativity with spirituality and ‘making a buck’. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self. This time on the CSM Podcast, Davi…

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Essay on Life: A Family's Last Photograph 11:35

2M ago11:35

11:35

I share the story of the last photograph our family of five ever took together. What felt like a moment of survival and reunion—a rare weekend of laughter, hope, and grace—would later become a reminder of how fragile and fleeting life really is. Looking back, that picture wasn’t about victory over storms, but about grace in the middle of them. It’s…

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Long Story Short Ep-14: Walking on the Moor, with Sam K. Horton 48:22

2M ago48:22

48:22

David & Robin chat with author Sam K. Horton, whose second novel Ragwort releases in November. We talk maps, book tour costumes, and the love of wild places. David discovers that Friday also is a business day. Plus, hear about the Top 10 reasons to attend Fantasycon from Ben and Nico of the Tiny Bookcase podcast. Are you a member of the British Fan…

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Overwhelmed Motherhood Gifts: Life With Four Under Six | Ep 34 40:39

2M ago40:39

40:39

I sit down with my daughter, Mary Halley, a mom of four children six-and-under, to talk about the daily hard parts and simple gifts of family life. From bedtime battles and school drop-offs to sweating through chores and learning to let go of perfection, she shares what it’s really like to juggle and celebrate motherhood in the thick of it. We also…

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Essay on Life: The Hymn I Didn't Understand 10:41

2M ago10:41

10:41

When I was a child, Sundays meant dragging my feet to church, fumbling with my shirt buttons, and mostly daydreaming about what was for lunch. I didn’t understand faith, and honestly, I thought the whole thing seemed a little crazy. Still, the hymns, the pews, even the orange juice and saltines—somehow they stayed with me. Years later, when I strug…

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The Lie That Keeps You Unhappy 35:33

2M ago35:33

35:33

We all fall for it—the idea that if we can just reach the next milestone, land the job, buy the house, raise the kids, then we’ll finally feel happy. But the truth is, “arrival” never comes. In this episode, Kent and I talk about how it’s easy for couples to get caught up in that myth, what it did to our family, and what we’ve learned now about fin…

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Tomes of Magick: Bizarre Tales & Unusual Characters 1:24:44

2M ago1:24:44

1:24:44

Pooka and Bryce crack open Victorian Mage: Bizarre Tales and Unusual Characters. From ghostly X-ray photos to occult artists and Umbra conspiracies, what stories and characters wait around the globe for your players to discover? Plus, TryItCon 2: Terry Con Edition is set for Nov 7–9 on Discord & Zoom, honoring Terry Robinson with games and a Twitte…

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Essay on Life: When the Man at the Bar Becomes a Mirror 11:04

2M ago11:04

11:04

Grace rarely comes gift-wrapped. Sometimes it comes as a jolt — a voice, a vision, a man at the bar whose scarred face forces you to see your own future. Today, I take you back to the night that set my recovery in motion. David Magee's Newsletter ⁠https://davidmagee.substack.com/⁠ Follow on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/davidmageeshow/⁠ Watc…

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Long Story Short Ep-13: The Pleasures & Perils of Indie Publishing, with William C. Tracy 58:04

2M ago58:04

58:04

David & Robin meet publisher, editor, & author William C. Tracy of Space Wizard Science Fantasy to chat about WorldCon Seattle, indie small press publishing, the bookselling market, and codifying magic systems. We also discuss cats, bees, and commas. (And yes, Robin did find ‘That Comma Video’ and if you absolutely must watch it… https://youtu.be/t…

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Men and Finding Faith and Purpose; the Fears, Stigma and Ego that Keep Us Away 45:04

2M ago45:04

45:04

David and his pastor, Rev. Chris McAlilly, open up about the pressure men feel to “carry it all,” and how ego and stigma can keep us from faith. David shares his own story of doubt, family, and the impact fathers have when they choose honesty and vulnerability. Together, they explore grief, trauma, and the power of community. From answering the har…

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Essays on Life: Healing Conversations with Loved Ones We’ve Lost 10:12

3M ago10:12

10:12

What does it mean to keep talking with someone dear you’ve lost — to feel their story still shaping yours? For me, it means listening to and writing with William, my son. His absence changed everything, but his presence still guides my words -- and shapes my life. In this essay, I share how loss, memory, and love intertwine — and how conversation, …

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How a Dog Carried Us Through Grief 48:36

3M ago48:36

48:36

Sometimes the help we need most comes from the most unexpected places—a stranger, a friend, even a pet. For our family, it was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Lady. After we lost William, there were few reasons to get out of bed in the morning. One of them was Lady, who insisted on her daily walks. Step by step, those early mornings became sm…

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Never-Real Worlds 54:16

3M ago54:16

54:16

Adam and Pooka explore the wild world of Paradox, those cosmic smackdowns that keep Mages humble. They chat about realms where magic bites back, share tales from the table, and review Never-Real Worlds, a Storyteller’s Vault toolkit full of roll tables to spark your own strange Paradox adventures. Grab a seat, pour a drink, and join the ride toward…

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Essays on Life: Dancing with Wilder 11:41

3M ago11:41

11:41

A grandfather and grandson connect through vulnerability—reminding us of the joy and strength found in generational bonds. And how to achieve those bonds. David Magee's Newsletter https://davidmagee.substack.com/ Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/davidmageeshow/ Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@davidmageeshow Learn more about y…

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Long Story Short Ep-12: Why Science Fantasy is the Best (Sub) Genre, with Lorraine Wilson 55:24

3M ago55:24

55:24

Robin & David converse with Lorraine Wilson, author of We Are All Ghosts in the Forest, about folklore, the future of identity, and the sea. In search of a response to the podcast’s title, literature, fantasy, magic and science all go into the growbag of genre. The efficacy of an ice-skating scoring system for panel responses is also assessed durin…

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Finding Purpose After Loss: How Yoga Helped Kent Move Forward 50:43

3M ago50:43

50:43

What do you do when everything you’ve worked for unravels on the very day your world collapses? In this episode, David’s wife, Kent Magee, shares the heartbreaking story of losing her son, William, just as she was discovering one of her true callings: teaching yoga. Her story is raw, unflinching, and deeply relatable for anyone walking through grie…

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Welcome to The David Magee Show 1:56

3M ago1:56

1:56

It's time for another season of the podcast, but this time there's a new twist. It's the David Magee Show. I'm David Magee. I'm a bestselling author, a speaker, but I'm also a husband, a father, and a grandfather. 13 years ago, I had lost it all. We had lost it all. But through faith and better connections with one another we found that we can hav…

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Movie Club: Sneakers 1:03:07

3M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Welcome to Reality Deviants Movie Club! Pooka, Adam, and Jenna dive into Sneakers (1992), a techno-thriller packed with heists, hacker mages, and Mage: The Ascension plot seeds. From Virtual Adepts vs. Technocracy to teamwork and codebreaking wonders, we break it all down—plus ideas for running this as a chronicle. Show Notes Sneakers - This flick …

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Long Story Short Ep-11: The Power of Community, with Jay McGuiness 59:28

3M ago59:28

59:28

Join David & Robin in conversation with Jay McGuiness, star of stage, screen & chart, as we talk about all manner of things including painting with watercolours rather than oils, love of Lemony Snicket, with a dramatic ‘Hollywood deal-making’ twist at the end. Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasy…

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Tomes of Magick: Laws of Ascension Companion 43:11

4M ago43:11

43:11

Adam and guest Amena dive into Laws of Ascension Companion, the last Mage live action role-playing game (LARP) book. From Technocracy quirks to oddball factions, wild rotes, and Umbra adventures, they cover what works, what’s weird, and what’s worth borrowing for your Chronicle. Plus, Amena shares how she built a thriving local LARP scene from scra…

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Long Story Short Ep-10: Does the Balrog Have Wings? with Calah Singleton 1:07:22

4M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

In which David speaks to Calah Singleton about many things Middle Earth; the Hobbit, the trilogy, the movies, Rings of Power, where their own love of Tolkien’s work originated, their hot takes, and much, much more. Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/ Lea…

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Ep. 58 – Bringing Depth to Our Lives with Emily Esfahani Smith 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

Dissecting the process of her book, The Power of Meaning, Emily Esfahani Smith joins David to explore bringing depth to our lives via belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling. Pick up Emily's book, The Power of Meaning, HERE. This time on the CSM Podcast, David and Emily discuss: Positive Psychology: shifting from a focus on what’s wrong…

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Community Roundup July 2025 41:27

4M ago41:27

41:27

Adam chats with 4 guests about 3 projects. Mage 20 system reference document, Book of Common Magicks and Darkness Over Dallas fiction series. Mage 20 SRD https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_GzPNZoPabVMAKxk_y1aBpl0jic5QD8Y1TyLpCQUuKg Book of Common Magicks https://www.storytellersvault.com/product/462226/Book-of-Common-Magicks Darkness Over Dallas …

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Long Story Short Ep-9: Fun, Games & Medieval Combat with Adrian Tchaikovsky 56:44

4M ago56:44

56:44

Robin and David talk with the one and only Adrian Tchaikovsky about writing comedy, fighting in armour, TTRPGs, conventions and of course, books, in a wide-ranging chat covering the breadth and height of Adrian’s authorial career to date. Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-…

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Tomes of Magick: Seance on St. James Street 1:00:13

4M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

In this spirited dive into Séance on St. James Street, Pooka and Josh Heath dissect the Victorian Mage jumpstart—what works, what misses, and whether it’s a fitting intro for new players. From ghostly redemption arcs to wonky stats and page-layout sins, they unravel the spectral threads of this quickstart. Is this séance a slayance, or should it be…

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Long Story Short Ep-8: Myth, Romantasy & Feminist Rage with Scarlett St. Clair 1:10:17

5M ago1:10:17

1:10:17

Join Robin & Pam (PS Livingstone) for Episode 8, Myth, Romantasy & Feminist Rage, with Scarlett St. Clair. Discard preconceptions of Romantic Fiction, learn the power of librarians, social media, and emotion over mechanics. [CW: indirect sex references.] Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociet…

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Tomes of Magick: Laws of Ascension 49:12

5M ago49:12

49:12

Adam and Bryce dive into Laws of Ascension, Mage’s guide to live-action roleplaying! They chat rotes, rubber rats, and rock-paper-scissors magic, with plenty of laughs and a dash of heartfelt critique. Whether you’re LARP-curious or just love mage lore, this one's for you. Also, Bryce shares news on a KULT: Divinity Lost deep dive over at Darker Da…