Best Evan Rowland Podcasts (2025)

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Why Baseball Players Love Golf | Brad Adam on "Fairways & Fastballs" 26:13

Play Pause

4d ago26:13

26:13

In this episode of The Top Step, we're joined by broadcaster Brad Adam, the host of the new show Fairways and Fastballs. We dive into why so many baseball players are drawn to golf — from competitive instincts to the peaceful escape of the course — and share stories about the most interesting personalities we've teed it up with.🎙️ Other topics incl…

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Can the Mariners keep this up? Plus M's great Mike Cameron 25:59

4d ago25:59

25:59

On the latest episode, Ryan dives into whether the Seattle Mariners can maintain their pace toward 95 wins this season. Then, he's joined by Mariners legend Mike Cameron for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation. They discuss:✅ Mike’s role in developing young talent—including his son✅ His viral interactions on X ✅ The best outfield plays of …

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Episode #337: Regina Red Sox Announcement + Simon Baker, Brandon Paez & Easton Kitura 45:50

6d ago45:50

45:50

It was another week for baseball on the prairies, highlighted by a major announcement by the Regina Red Sox. We take a listen to what was said during last Friday's news conference and offer a few thoughts. Then we catch up with a trio of guests: Simon Baker (Cochrane/Webber Academy) of the Sylvan Lake Gulls, Brandon Paez (Montreal/Dawgs Academy) of…

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The Game Takes Shape 44:26

7d ago44:26

44:26

In the early stages of a game's design, it's hard to even know what questions to answer. We've hit a turning point with Escape from Wonderland where we can see the shape of the game taking form. Big, abstract questions are getting small and specific. Now that the game has real structure, what comes next? Links: Join the Turtlebun Discord:⁠⁠⁠ https:…

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Episode #336: Celebrating the WCBL's Rural Roots Classic 36:01

13d ago36:01

36:01

It was a fantastic weekend to celebrate the past, showcase the present and inspire the future of baseball in Oyen. The WCBL's first Rural Roots Baseball Classic took to the field at Doug Lehman Field between the Lethbridge Bulls and Sylvan Lake Gulls. It was held to mark the 30th anniversary of the Oyen Pronghorns claiming their first Saskatchewan …

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Episode #335: Evan Morrison, Hunter Jones, Lou Anderson & Evan Wilde 52:46

20d ago52:46

52:46

Time to get back into our Thursday routine after a crazy few weeks with the CCBC World Series and our WCBL Season Preview Extravaganza(s). We get you all caught up on some of the big news from the past week before introducing you to a quartet of guests, including a pair for a new segment we're calling "In The Dugout." Hear from Medicine Hat Maveric…

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The Rules Tell a Story 40:31

21d ago40:31

40:31

After you’ve made the rules, you need to decide how you’re going to tell them. The right rule in the wrong order can make all the difference! In this unscripted episode, we share our initial thoughts about how we want our next rulebook to start, how to include immersive writing without sacrificing clarity, and (for some reason) reminisce about spoo…

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Episode #334: WCBL West Division Season Preview Extravaganza 39:35

28d ago39:35

39:35

The Western Canadian Baseball League season is almost here! 12 teams will be vying for the right to hoist the Harry Hallis Trophy this summer and we wanted to get some local talent from each team onto the show. This is part two of our two-part series heading into Opening Weekend. We finish things up in the West Division with all Alberta products jo…

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Episode #333: WCBL East Division Season Preview Extravaganza 42:11

30d ago42:11

42:11

The Western Canadian Baseball League season is almost here! 12 teams will be vying for the right to hoist the Harry Hallis Trophy this summer and we wanted to get some local talent from each team onto the show. So this is part one of a two-part series heading into Opening Weekend. We start in the East Division with all Saskatchewan products joining…

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Epilogues in Games 47:27

1M ago47:27

47:27

Story endings are hard! The epilogue of a game not only has to logically wrap up the story and tie up any loose ends—it’s also the moment to reflect on how your character has grown over many sessions, and a moment for you as the player to feel like the time spent playing was worthwhile. In this episode, we talk about what makes roleplaying game epi…

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Episode #332: Coyotes Claim CCBC Championship 32:26

1M ago32:26

32:26

For the first time since 2022, the Okanagan College Coyotes are Canadian College Baseball Conference champions. After finishing second in the circuit during the regular season, they ran the table to the final where they met up with the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack, where they won a thriller 10-9 on a cloudy Sunday morning in Lethbridge. Our Ian Wilson …

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Episode #331: Ray Brown 41:44

1M ago41:44

41:44

He really needs no introduction. The native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Ray Brown was drafted in the 60th round of the 1969 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals. He spent four years in their organization before being released, and in 1975, came to Alberta to play for the Edmonton Tigers of the Alberta Major Baseball League. He met his future wife, who…

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Liam Hendriks Full Interview 20:00

1M ago20:00

20:00

Ryan Rowland-Smith sits down with fellow Aussie and MLB All-Star Liam Hendriks. Liam opens up about the incredible challenges he's faced throughout his baseball journey — from early career setbacks and injuries to a cancer diagnosis in December 2022. #LiamHendriks #MLB #BaseballPodcast #CancerSurvivor #TommyJohn #RedSox #TheTopStep #RyanRowlandSmit…

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MLB Dreams and Determination: Logan Evans Debuts, Liam Hendriks Fights Back 25:57

1M ago25:57

25:57

In the latest episode of The Top Step, Ryan Rowland-Smith reacts to Logan Evans’ MLB debut, reflecting on how rare and meaningful it is to even reach the big leagues. Then, Ryan sits down with Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks, who opens up about his inspiring journey back to the mound after beating cancer and then undergoing Tommy John surgery…

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Talking 2024 Progress and 2025 Goals with Emerson Hancock 17:27

1M ago17:27

17:27

In this full-length interview, Ryan Rowland-Smith sits down with Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock to dive into his 2024 season journey. Emerson opens up about his development, the adjustments he's made on the mound, and how he’s navigated the uncertainty surrounding his role within the Mariners organization. Get an inside look at o…

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Inside the Mariners’ Pitching Machine Featuring Starter Emerson Hancock 25:42

1M ago25:42

25:42

Join host Ryan Rowland-Smith on Episode 31 of The Top Step as he breaks down why the Seattle Mariners' starting rotation has been one of the best in baseball over the past three seasons. Ryan then sits down with Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock to talk about his 2024 season, how he’s developed his game, and how he’s handled the ups and dow…

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Chris Martin on Netflix's 'The Clubhouse' and His Unbelievable Journey to MLB 16:41

2M ago16:41

16:41

In this episode, Ryan Rowland-Smith sits down with Texas Rangers relief pitcher Chris Martin for a wide-ranging conversation. Chris shares his experience being featured in the new Netflix documentary "The Clubhouse," which spotlights his time with the Boston Red Sox. He also dives into his incredible journey to professional baseball — from unexpect…

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Mariners' Bullpen Gem Plus Chris Martin Reveals Untold Stories from Netflix’s Red Sox Documentary 25:58

2M ago25:58

25:58

Host Ryan Rowland-Smith kicks off Episode 30 of The Top Step by breaking down Anthony Muñoz’s impact on the Seattle Mariners bullpen and how his development has strengthened the team in 2024.Ryan then sits down with current Texas Rangers reliever Chris Martin to discuss his time with the Boston Red Sox during the filming of Netflix’s new documentar…

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Episode #330: Preston Tocheniuk, Adam Rowland & Chris Menard 48:24

2M ago48:24

48:24

It was another big week for baseball in Alberta. We give you updates on Michael Soroka, Matt Lloyd, Cohen Achen, the college ranks and much more. Then we sit down with a trio of great guests: Dawgs Academy hurler Preston Tocheniuk after he helped the team claim their second-straight Best of the West title, Southern Maine Community College outfielde…

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Balancing the Pendulum 52:27

2M ago52:27

52:27

This week, we talk about the unpredictable mechanical swings that can happen between different versions of a game. Small tweaks to mechanics can trigger a cascade of unintended effects, causing the game design pendulum to swing from too many choices to too few and back again. We talk through examples of how we've managed these swings in Escape from…

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Episode #329: Jaden Babiuk, Reece Helland & Kam Sparrowhawk 50:28

2M ago50:28

50:28

Plenty of news coming from MLB, MILB, CCBC, US college ranks, WCBL and Baseball Alberta this week, so we recap it all. Then we catch up with Valley City State University utilityman Jaden Babiuk (St. Albert) as he approaches the school's all-time hits record. We also sit down with Mid-America Nazarene closer Reece Helland (Moose Jaw) after he captur…

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Episode #328: Brett Potter, Brendan Clelland & Ayden Makarus 57:22

2M ago57:22

57:22

We take a look back at a busy week in the baseball world around Alberta including a big promotion for Calgary's Cohen Achen. Then we sit down with University of Calgary Dinos infielder Brett Potter (Cranbrook) to discuss their season so far. We also hear from AHP Academy alum Brendan Clelland (Sherwood Park) as he is putting the wraps on a great fi…

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Now You're the Bad Guy 38:13

2M ago38:13

38:13

We’re introducing a new dynamic to our latest roleplaying game! You all came to this amusement park as friends, but one of you started serving the park’s demonic forces. And things are about to get mean. How can characters become enemies while players remain friends? When the rules ask you to clash with you peers, care and consideration needs to be…

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Episode #327: Nash Crowell, Nate Garth & Adam Beamin 47:03

2M ago47:03

47:03

For the second-straight week, we start the show off with a record-breaker. Dawgs Academy and Okotoks Dawgs slugger Nash Crowell is now the home run king at Reinhardt University after hitting his 56th career smash last week. We talk to him about the record and look ahead to the rest of the spring. Then we get to know Calgary native and Prairie Baseb…

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Pete Woodworth full interview. 52:24

2M ago52:24

52:24

Mariners pitching coach Pete Woodworth is in charge of the best rotation in Major League Baseball! Ryan Rowland-Smith and Pete Woodworth take a deep dive into the prep, mound visits, and what each starter needs to be successful! #mlb #mariners #SeattleMariners #mlbstats #pitching #baseball #baseballpodcastSubscribe now and get amongst it, mates! 🎥🔔…

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The Top Step Episode #29 | Featuring Mariners Pitching Coach Pete Woodworth 25:44

2M ago25:44

25:44

Host Ryan Rowland-Smith opens this edition of The Top Step with the "Eyes on the Mariners" segment, focusing on how Julio Rodríguez has been performing at the plate thus far this season compared to the end of 2024. Next, he has a sit-down discussion with M's pitching coach Pete Woodworth on the tremendous success of his rotation and what's he's lea…

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Episode #326: Logan Grant, Ben Prediger & Solomon Searle 43:36

3M ago43:36

43:36

What a week it was for Dawgs Academy grad and Okotoks Dawgs standout Logan Grant (Chestermere) as he hit home run #45 of his career at Bellevue University to take over the #1 spot in team history. We catch up with him to talk about the record-setting feat. We also catch up with new Sylvan Lake Gulls 19U Prep assistant coach Ben Prediger as he makes…

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Don’t Stop Making Art! (Feat. Joshua A.C. Newman) 1:00:10

3M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Hannah had to get a full time office job. Since then, finding the time and energy for creative work has been an uphill battle. In this episode, Hannah sits down with close friend and fellow game designer Joshua A.C. Newman to talk about life, art, and staying true to your values in trying times. Support Joshua’s work! https://www.patreon.com/joshua…

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The Top Step Episode #28 | Featuring Alex Mayer, Gabe Speier, Trent Thornton, and Tayler Saucedo 26:04

3M ago26:04

26:04

In this edition of The Top Step, Ryan Rowland-Smith talks first with Alex Mayer of the Seattle Mariners communications team for the "Eyes on the M's" segment. Then he chats with three key members of the Mariners bullpen: Gabe Speier, Trent Thornton, and Tayler Saucedo. Ryan tests the knowledge of their fellow relievers to see how well they know the…

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Logan Gilbert FULL Interview. 30:17

3M ago30:17

30:17

Welcome to Season 2 of The Top Step! Ryan's guests are Seattle Mariners Opening Day starter Logan Gilbert and his play-by-play partner, Aaron Goldsmith. We get you ready for the Mariners regular season, make some bold predictions, teach Logan Gilbert how to speak Australian, and more!#mariners #mlb #openingday #baseball Subscribe now and get amongs…

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Episode #325: Matthew Ridsdale & Alex Jensen 1:03:14

3M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

We put the wraps on a really busy week of baseball action at virtually every level, then sit down for a chat with Edmonton Collegiate Hawks hurler Matthew Ridsdale after he racked up the program’s first-ever no-hitter this past weekend against TRU as well as his journey in the game. Then we catch up with former Okotoks Dawgs hurler Alex Jensen, who…

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Aaron Goldsmith & RRS make bold predictions 12:57

3M ago12:57

12:57

Welcome to Season 2 of The Top Step! Ryan's guests are Sand, and his play-b who makesAaron Goldsmith,y-play partner, some bold predictions! #mariners #mlb #openingday #baseball Subscribe now and get amongst it, mates! 🎥🔔Join the conversation!Twitter: https://twitter.com/thetopsteptvInstagram: https://instagram.com/thetopsteptv#mlb #mariners #Seattl…

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The Top Step Season 2 Premiere! Featuring Mariners Ace Logan Gilbert 28:54

3M ago28:54

28:54

Welcome to Season 2 of The Top Step! Ryan's guests are Seattle Mariners Opening Day starter Logan Gilbert and his play-by-play partner, Aaron Goldsmith. We get you ready for the Mariners regular season, make some bold predictions, teach Logan Gilbert how to speak Australian, and more!#mariners #mlb #openingday #baseball 0:48 - Eyes on the Mariners …

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Episode #324: The MLB Opening Day Spectacular 1:13:20

3M ago1:13:20

1:13:20

It's here! It's finally here! MLB Opening Day is today (Thursday) so we take the opportunity to talk to some of our insiders about the Alberta products down south who are looking to be difference-makers in 2025. Our Ian Wilson stops by for an all-encompassing chat including who might be next in line, then Jeff Peach at Webber Academy takes a look a…

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It’s My Playtest and I’ll Cry If I Want To 45:39

3M ago45:39

45:39

Hannah and Evan discuss Wonderland's first four-player playtest. When a playtest goes wrong, it can be tricky to diagnose the cause. How much is due to the rules, and what's connected to the more subtle influence of mood and flow? Links: Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Website: turtlebun.com Credits: …

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Episode #323: The 2025 CCBC Season Preview Extravaganza 1:11:15

3M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

It's Opening Weekend for the Canadian College Baseball Conference (CCBC) season and it also marks the circuit's 25th anniversary. Just like last year, we have you covered with a look-ahead to what the spring will bring for the three Alberta teams. You can also read our season preview here. We'll hear from The Battery Media's Logan Wedgewood again a…

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Episode #322: Ryan Kwasnycia, Kai Rempel & Leo Griffin 53:10

3M ago53:10

53:10

We have a trio of US college freshmen who are looking to make big first impressions. Ryan Kwasnissia of AHP Academy and Stony Plain is at Pratt Community College, Webber Academy and Calgary native Kai Rempel is with Cloud County Community College, and Dawgs Academy grad Leo Griffin is lighting it up with Hutchinson Community College. We discuss the…

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Pacing 55:51

3M ago55:51

55:51

Slow and steady wins the race... but does it work in a one-session RPG? From what we've seen in Escape from Wonderland, not quite. In this episode, we discuss pacing in roleplaying games: from the moment players arrive at the table to leaving everyone feeling satisfied with the story's twists and turns. We dig into the challenge of building uncanny…

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Episode #321: The Return of Jamie Campbell 42:54

4M ago42:54

42:54

Our guest this week really doesn’t need an introduction. Jamie Campbell has been the host of Blue Jays Central on Sportsnet for years now. He’s also a former Alberta broadcaster, having worked in Edmonton during the 1990’s. We first chatted with him back on Episode #85 of the show, which was during the pandemic and he was making phone calls to long…

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Episode #320: Remembering Foothills Stadium 39:53

4M ago39:53

39:53

It's been a long time coming, but Foothills Stadium is finally being torn down. The home of the Calgary Cardinals, Expos, Cannons, Outlaws, Vipers, Bucks, Dinos and Dawgs (who later moved to Okotoks) has been the planned site for the city's new fieldhouse project for years. With a blast of warm February weather, three excavators started tearing dow…

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Episode 319: Indian Head Rockets & Amber Valley Baseball Team 1:04:21

4M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

We commemorate Black History Month by paying tribute to two Western Canadian teams known for their skill, style and swagger. The Indian Head Rockets and Amber Valley Baseball Team entertained thousands of fans every time they hit the field. We’ll hear from Home Runs and Dirt Roads author, and Indian Head Museum's Robyn Jensen about the Rockets’ leg…

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Insights and Secrets 52:45

4M ago52:45

52:45

Sometimes a secret is worth more than gold. But how do you make concrete rules for something intangible? Hannah and Evan talk about the secrets of Wonderland and what to do when the rules are out of step with the story. Links/Credits: Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Website: turtlebun.com Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghos…

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Episode 318: Austin Collins, Willis Simair & Mike Steed 1:00:07

4M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

We make our way through a lengthy list of news items then welcome a trio of great guests to the show. We start things off with Dawgs Academy hurler and Central Arizona College commit Austin Collins. Then we head east to Going Yard Academy where pitcher Willis Simair has committed to Garden City Community College. And we wrap up the show with long-t…

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Episode 317: The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 28:31

4M ago28:31

28:31

We're proud to bring you a very special edition of the show this week as we celebrate the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame's Class of 2025. Toronto Blue Jays great Jose Bautista headlines this year's class along with former big leaguer Erik Bedard, Junior National Team head coach Greg Hamilton and former Women's National Team great Amanda Asay. The H…

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Rewards and Prizes 44:33

4M ago44:33

44:33

Even when things are going wrong for your characters, you as a player might feel rewarded by narrative twists and turns. In this episode, Hannah and Evan discuss the ways that games can reward both players and characters, and do some live game design about claw machine prizes... Links/Credits: Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Website: turtlebun.com D…

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Episode 316: Kingston Besuijen, Tanner Morrow & Tanner Spencer 55:57

5M ago55:57

55:57

It's been a busy week for baseball in Alberta, so plenty of storylines to pass your way in the news. Then we have a trio of great conversations to get you into the weekend. We have a pair of high school players who will soon be going to college in Dawgs Academy product Kingston Besuijen (College of San Mateo) and Red Deer Minor Baseball/St. Joseph …

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Episode 315: A Tribute to New PBA Hall of Famer Todd Hubka 45:37

5M ago45:37

45:37

This is a special edition of the show that we are dropping on this Tuesday as, over the weekend, Prairie Baseball Academy held its annual banquet and celebration of baseball. It was also a night to honour a Southern Alberta baseball legend. Todd Hubka has been with the program going on 28 years now and is now entering the 15th season as head coach.…

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Episode 314: Stubby Clapp 29:07

5M ago29:07

29:07

He is a Canadian baseball legend and the first base coach of the St. Louis Cardinals. We are, of course, talking about Stubby Clapp. A true “Mr. Hustle” for Canada for years, he made it to the MLB with a 23-game stint in 2001 with the Cards. The 11-year pro’s final two years came here in Alberta with the Edmonton Cracker-Cats in 2005-2006 (includin…

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The Art of Perfect Art 55:03

5M ago55:03

55:03

When people decide what art is worth looking at, they look for the very best. In a world that demands creative endeavors be perfect, how do we find the confidence to make and share our own art? Episode mentions: Olga Smirnova / Dutch National Ballet: https://www.operaballet.nl/en/dancers/olga-smirnova Toki Pona: https://tokipona.org/ A Mathematicia…