Best Stuff Free Thrall Podcasts (2025)

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Between the Borderlands: Willow in the Wind (E290) 42:10

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17d ago42:10

42:10

Here’s some more wittering about Willow. Featuring: Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) Menion aka Rob of Confessions of a Wee Tim’rous Bushi (podcast) Lex Mandrake of Dank Dungeons (YouTube, itch, Bandcamp) The Umberbulk (allegedly) Goblin’s Henchman (blog) The Movie Monday Letterboxd list https://letterboxd.com/the39thman/list/movie-monday-1/ …

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Movie Monday: Willow (E289) 1:36:09

1M ago1:36:09

1:36:09

Following the sad loss of both Val Kilmer and Jean Marsh in April of this year, Ron Howard’s Willow from 1988 was the only choice for May. Written by George Lucas and starring Warwick Davis, Willow is a family-friendly fantasy adventure that has stood the test of time. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Goblin’s Henc…

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The Backer Strikes Back (Galactic & Going Rogue) (E288) 14:53

1M ago14:53

14:53

Hold onto your purse strings, this could be a pricey one! This is essentially a promotional episode for an upcoming Kickstarter from Jess Levine and Riley Rethal, but I speak about a whole bunch of stuff I’ve backed, too. The Galactic & Going Rogue Kickstarter can be found here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/galacticgoingrogue/galactic-and-go…

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Between the Borderlands: The 2nd to Last Unicorn (E287) 32:24

2M ago32:24

32:24

I’m really stretching this “Between” episodes format. There’s enough here to warrant a fully fledged episode, but I’m my own boss, so what you gonna do? I begin by addressing a shameful omission from the previous episode before diving into a whole bunch of feedback. Featuring: James Knight, Ellen the Elf & Tyranner the Dwarf Goblin’s Henchman (blog…

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Movie Monday: The Last Unicorn (E286) 1:17:25

2M ago1:17:25

1:17:25

It’s Movie Monday again, and the movie for this month was the Rankin/Bass fantasy animation The Last Unicorn from 1982. Adapted by Peter S. Beagle from his 1968 novel of the same name. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast) Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) Goblin…

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Between the Borderlands: Neverending Movie Talk (E285) 16:50

2M ago16:50

16:50

I begin this episode by responding to some Movie Monday feedback for The Neverending Story from Joe Richter of Hindsightless and Jason Connerley of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast. This leads to me discussing a bunch of different films I've watched over the last couple of weeks. Phenomena dir. Dario Argenta (1985) The Quatermass Xperiment dir. (1955) Lifef…

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Movie Monday: The Neverending Story (E284) 1:09:46

3M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

Welcome to Movie Monday. This month’s movie was The Neverending Story from 1984, directed by Wolfgang Peterson, adapted from Micheal Ende’s children’s fantasy novel from 1979. Here’s a video comparing the German and international cuts of the film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw3q65OxtCQ This episode features contributions from: (in order of app…

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Between the Borderlands: Cairn Adventures (E283) 10:34

3M ago10:34

10:34

A little bonus for you. Here is the audio for a recent YouTube video I made. As I was denied access to YouTube’s advanced features, this is an opportunity to share links I could not share in the video description. Featuring: Brad Kerr’s Demon Driven to the Maw https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/372360/demon-driven-to-the-maw?src=DotDem Yochai …

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Between the Borderlands: Dune The Return (E282) 16:34

4M ago16:34

16:34

Yay! I’m still alive and Movie Monday feedback is back! I share an email from Lex Mandrake of Dank Dungeons, calls from Joe Richter of Hindsightless and Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety cast. For next Movie Monday I’m sticking with 1984. The Neverending Story directed by Wolfgang Petersen is based on Michael Ende’s fantasy novel from 1979. See…

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Movie Monday: Dune (E281) 1:32:07

4M ago1:32:07

1:32:07

Firstly, apologies for the delay in show notes. I’ve been laid up with a stomach bug the last few days and any kind of infection exacerbates my MS symptoms which effectively leaves me bedridden. But enough about that… As a tribute to the passing of visionary David Lynch, this month’s movie was Dune from 1985. An adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic s…

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Between the Borderlands: Cairn Calls (E280) 10:49

4M ago10:49

10:49

Just here to share a little feedback from the previous episode. Featuring calls from Joe Richter of Hindsighless (podcast), Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog), and BJ Boyd of The Arcane Alienist (podcast). And a nice little bit of feedback from Yochai himself. And here a link to Kettlewright.com Honourable Mentions: Colin G…

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First Time GMing (Cairn 2E, Rise of the Blood Olms, Feast) (E279) 32:16

4M ago32:16

32:16

In this episode, I reflect on my first time in the Game Master’s seat running Yochai Gal’s Cairn 2nd Edition. Here’s a link to Yochai running Rise of the Blood Olms https://youtu.be/HcY1Ytwznyk?si=SFQZf4p4fueTLyCO Games and adventures mentioned: Apocalypse World by D. Vincent Baker & Meguey Baker One Shot World, Cairn, & Rise of the Blood Olms by Y…

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Movie Monday: Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (E278) 1:21:28

5M ago1:21:28

1:21:28

Welcome to the first Movie Monday of 2025. This month’s movie was Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger from 1977. Directed by Sam Wanamaker and featuring the wonderful stop-motion effects of the legendary Ray Harryhausen. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog) Joe Ri…

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Between the Borderlands: The Truth About Munchausen (E277) 23:47

5M ago23:47

23:47

Here’s an episode in which I talk a little about failing to discuss RPG-related activity, I share some Movie Monday feedback regarding Terry Gilliam’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen and my experience watching the 1962 Czechoslovakian film The Fabulous Baron Munchausen directed by Karel Zeman. Featuring calls from M. W. Lewis of The Worlds of MW…

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Movie Monday: The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (E276) 1:04:54

6M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

So, it’s the final Movie Monday of the year and not a moment too soon. This month’s movie is Terry Gilliam’s grand folly The Adventures of Baron Munchausen from 1988. This sumptuous epic fantasy flopped at the box office but let’s see how it holds up today. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s…

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Between the Borderlands: There Can Be Only One More (E275) 17:04

7M ago17:04

17:04

Just here to share a late submission for the Highlander episode and respond to some Movie Monday feedback. Featuring calls from M. W. Lewis of The Worlds of MW Lewis (podcast), Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast), and Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog) The movie for December is Terry Gilliam’s The Adventures of Baron Mun…

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Movie Monday: Highlander (E274) 1:29:05

7M ago1:29:05

1:29:05

Welcome to Movie Monday. This month’s movie was the much loved fantasy action adventure classic Highlander from 1986. Directed by Russell Mulcahy from a screenplay by Gregory Widen, Peter Bellwood, and Larry Ferguson. It stars Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, and Sean Connery. This episode features contributions from: (in order of a…

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Between the Borderlands: Big Trouble in Little Podcast (273) 27:09

7M ago27:09

27:09

A long overdue episode wherein I make excuses for my absence and respond to messages addressing my last two episodes, featuring calls from Safer of Safer Fantasy Crafting (podcast), M.W. Lewis from The World’s of MW Lewis (podcast), Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast), Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog), and Karl Rodrigu…

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Movie Monday: Big Trouble in Little China (E272) 1:10:13

8M ago1:10:13

1:10:13

Welcome to a Movie Monday birthday special. This month’s movie was a real treat, John Carpenter’s Big Trouble in Little China from 1986. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) Michael of Mirke the Meek (podcast) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog) Goblin’s He…

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Between the Borderlands: The Computer is Your Friend (E271) 2:47

8M ago2:47

2:47

This is simply an announcement about the recent removal of my YouTube channel. You can leave a 90-second audio message via ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/KeepOffTheBorderlands You can email ⁠[email protected]⁠ You’ll find me in a bunch of other places here ⁠https://freethrall.carrd.co⁠ You can also contact me on Discord by searching for Free…

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Between the Borderlands: Call-ins About Call-ins About Call-ins (E270) 12:18

8M ago12:18

12:18

In this episode, I respond to some feedback about feedback, some reaction to my confession in the last episode, and a little more Oz talk. Featuring calls from Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog), and M.W. Lewis from The World’s of MW Lewis (podcast). Honourable mentions: Yochai Gal of Between Two Cairns (podcast), Michael o…

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Between the Borderlands: Return to Return to Oz (E269) 28:13

8M ago28:13

28:13

In this episode, I respond to a bunch of great feedback regarding my last couple of episodes. Featuring calls from Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast), Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog), and M.W. Lewis from The World’s of MW Lewis (podcast). Other movies mentions: Fight Club (1999), No Country For Old Men (2007), The Cr…

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Movie Monday: Return to Oz (E268) 1:25:16

9M ago1:25:16

1:25:16

This month’s movie was Walter Murch’s Return to Oz from 1985. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) James Knight, Helen the Elf & Tyranna the Dwarf Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog) Goblin’s Henchman (podcast & blog) & the Umber Bulk # Mirke the Meek (podc…

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Between the Borderlands: Book Before Movie Time (E267) 7:21

9M ago7:21

7:21

I respond to a message from Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog) regarding books made into movies. Find Jason’s blog at https://nerdsrpgvarietycast.com It’s also an opportunity to remind you of the coming Movie Monday episode. This month’s movie is 1985’s Return to Oz directed by Walter Murch. See below for details on contact…

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Minions, Mice, Fire & Ice (E266) 30:35

10M ago30:35

30:35

Here’s a call-in episode featuring some awesome messages from Evil Jeff of Minions & Musings, Joe Richter of Hindsightless, BJ Boyd of Arcane Alienist, Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast, Michael of Mirke the Meek, and M. W. Lewis of The Worlds of MW Lewis. We cover kid’s TV (Teen Titans Go!, Bluey, Gravity Falls), sword & sorcery movies (F…

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Shitebag if Ye Don't! (#RPGaDay2024 Roundup) (E265) 45:07

10M ago45:07

45:07

As #RPGaDay2024 comes to a close, I summarise my responses to the month’s prompts. For show notes and links, please take a look at the daily Substack posts I've been sharing throughout August. The one exception is Jason Tocci’s innovative minimalist 24XX system which I didn't post about but got a mention in this episode. Find it here https://jasont…

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Fire & Ice on Movie Monday (E264) 1:13:22

10M ago1:13:22

1:13:22

This month Ralph Bakshi’s animated dark fantasy Fire & Ice from 1983. A collaboration with renowned fantasy artist Frank Frazetta. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) Menion (AKA Rob) of Confessions of a Wee Tim’rous Bushi Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blo…

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Between The Borderlands: Of Mice & Donkeys (E263) 14:36

10M ago14:36

14:36

Just me catching up on some feedback following my last couple of episodes. Featuring calls from Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog), B. J. Boyd aka “GameDoc” of Arcane Alienist (podcast), M. W. Lewis of The Worlds of WM Lewis (podcast), and Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast). This month’s movie is Ralph Bakshi's Fire & I…

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The Secret of NIMH on Movie Monday (E262) 1:06:58

11M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

This month Don Bluth out-disneys Disney with 1982’s atmospheric animated action adventure The Secret of NIMH. Featuring the vocal talents of Elizabeth Hartman, Peter Strauss, Arthur Malet, Dom DeLuise, John Carradine, Derek Jacobi, Hermione Baddeley, Paul Shenar, Shannen Doherty, Wil Wheaton, Ina Fried, and Jodi Hicks This episode features contribu…

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Monday Morning Fever (Castaway) (E261) 21:36

11M ago21:36

21:36

Last week was a rough one so I’m just trying to play catch up here. Fortunately, I have some awesome messages to share from Lex Mandrake of Dank Dungeons (YouTube) & Matthew Chiamis of Monomyth Games (itch.io), Murke the Meek (podcast), and Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast). Find Castaway here https://monomythgames.itch.io/castaway and the new…

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Born to Run (Labyrinth, Rise of the Blood Olms, Feast, Eco Mofos!!) (E260) 52:11

12M ago52:11

52:11

A fun-packed episode right here! First some Fallout feedback from Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast), Riley of Diegetic Advancement (podcast), and Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog). Then we have a special message from Lex Mandrake of Dank Dungeons (YouTube) all about The Jim Henson Hour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v…

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The Raven on Movie Monday (E259) 52:58

1y ago52:58

52:58

In a break from the regular 80s fantasy theme, to honour the work of Roger Corman who sadly passed last month, this month’s movie was 1963’s The Raven. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog) Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) James Knight Lex Mandrake of Dan…

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Thumbs Up for Fallout (E258) 33:47

1y ago33:47

33:47

I kick things off by responding to some messages regarding my struggles with solo play (see episode 255 “False Starts in Solo”) from Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog), MW Lewis of The Worlds of MW Lewis (podcast), and John Alan Large of The Red Dice Diaries (podcast & YouTube). As the title suggests, this episode is about …

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The Sword & the Sorcerer on Movie Monday (E257) 1:09:14

1y ago1:09:14

1:09:14

Well, what do you know? It’s Movie Monday again and this month’s movie was Albert Pyun's horror-tinged fantasy The Sword & the Sorcerer, a movie I learn I've not seen before. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog) Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) MW Lewis …

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Between the Borderlands: In Defence of Nostalgia (More Dark Crystal) (E256) 12:57

1y ago12:57

12:57

MW Lewis of The World of MW Lewis finally makes the transition from Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast to join us for movie night, swooping in to defend The Dark Crystal’s honour. This month’s movie is Albert Pyun's The Sword & The Sorcerer from 1982. See below for details on contacting the show. The episode airs on the 27th, submissions by the 25th, please. …

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False Starts in Solo (E255) 42:12

1y ago42:12

42:12

In this episode, after responding to a couple of great calls from Michael of Mirke the Meek (podcast) and Colin Green of Spikepit (podcast), I explore my struggle with solo roleplaying games, playing other roleplaying games solo and getting my head around gaming in general with a host of awesome RPGs getting mentioned along the way. In order of app…

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Between The Borderlands: Crystal Reflections & Titans Return (E254) 37:40

1y ago37:40

37:40

Here’s another Movie Monday feedback episode. I have a couple of calls to share regarding The Dark Crystal episode then the Southwest Sofa Crew look back to this time last year at the first-ever Movie Monday feature, the Harryhausen classic Clash of the Titans. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Joe Richter of Hindsi…

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Between The Borderlands: Flower Box (The Valley of Flowers) (E253) 10:11

1y ago10:11

10:11

Here’s an audio unboxing for your listening pleasure. Jedediah Berry & Andrew McAlpine’s The Valley of Flowers is a fantasy campaign setting of mythic adventure in a world gone strange, for use with Old-School Essentials and Cairn which I think would make a great companion for Chris McDowall’s Mythic Bastionland. Check out this review of The Valley…

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The Grand Illusion (4D Feedback) (E252) 23:50

1y ago23:50

23:50

In this episode, I respond to an awesome call from Joe Richter of Hindsightless regarding Mythic Bastionland before getting into some 4D roleplaying feedback from Anthony “Runeslinger” Boyd of Casting Shadows (podcast & YouTube) and Che Webster of Roleplay Rescue (podcast & blog) that leads to me reassessing of some of my assumptions regarding this…

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The Dark Crystal on Movie Monday (E251) 1:05:27

1y ago1:05:27

1:05:27

It’s Movie Monday and this month it’s the turn of groundbreaking puppet fantasy The Dark Crystal directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz John from 1982. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Colin Green of Spikepit (podcast) Evil Jeff of Minions & Musings (podcast) Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) Michael of Mirke the…

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The Bastion Social 003 (Mythic Bastionland) (E250) 1:11:03

1y ago1:11:03

1:11:03

To celebrate my 250th episode, I'm joined by the wonderful Barney Dicker of Loco Ludus for the long-awaited third installment of The Bastion Social where we take a look at the pre-print PDF of Chris McDowall's forthcoming Mythic Bastionland. Honourable mention: Pilgrimage of the Sun Guard, a solo adventure game by Amanda P. Featured in episode 198 …

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But is it Really Roleplay? (4D Roleplaying, Jubensha, Braunstein) (E249) 12:25

1y ago12:25

12:25

In this episode I that a look into 4D roleplaying as discussed by Sameøldji on episode 14 of their podcast The Four Dimensional Model of Roleplaying. https://open.spotify.com/episode/035cpq8HK6aK3ekVSI3ln9?si=UYL2wQVhTLqnoL-UWXIfyA I also came across a couple of YouTube videos that relate to the topic. Firstly, Quintin “Quinns” Smith takes a trip t…

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Between the Borderlands: Twice as Mice (Mausritter: The Estate) (E248) 11:26

1y ago11:26

11:26

Just sharing a surprise unboxing and a call from Colin Green of Spikepit (podcast). This month’s movie is Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal from 1982. Contributions submitted by the end of April 26th, please. See below for details on contacting the show. Leave me an audio message via ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/KeepOffTheBorderlands You can email me at …

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Between the Borderlands: Virgins & Revisions (E247) 19:11

1y ago19:11

19:11

Just a little Movie Monday feedback concerning Dragonslayer and Excalibur. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog) Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) Karl Rodriguez of the GMologist Presents… (podcast & YouTube) This month’s movie is Jim Henson's The Dark Cry…

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Excalibur on Movie Monday (E246) 1:08:54

1+ y ago1:08:54

1:08:54

It’s Movie Monday again and the movie for March was John Boorman’s Arthurian epic Excalibur from 1981. Liam Neeson meets Helen Mirren anecdote https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoY0J5jSbTM This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Safer of Safer Fantasy Crafting (podcast) Karl Rodriguez of the GMologist Presents… (podcast & Y…

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Flogging a Dead Dragon & AOB (Further DragonSlayer Feedback) (E245) 38:29

1+ y ago38:29

38:29

Well, March flew by all too quickly. This is me playing catchup before Movie Monday comes around again. This month’s movie is John Boorman’s Excalibur from 1981. Contributions are required for March 22nd. See details for contacting the show below. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Varie…

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Dragonslayer on Movie Monday (E244) 1:13:32

1+ y ago1:13:32

1:13:32

Well, it’s Movie Monday again and this month’s movie was Matthew Robbins’ dark medieval fantasy Dragonslayer, a movie I’d not previously seen. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog) Michael of Mirke the Meek (podcast) Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) Menio…

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Between the Borderlands: Dungeonmaster/Ragewar, A Missed Movie Monday (E243) 23:29

1+ y ago23:29

23:29

Goblin’s Henchman kindly sent me a review of the former Movie Monday feature Dungeonmaster. I decided to give the movie a watch before listening to that review, having missed the movie the first time around. In this episode, I share my thoughts along with those of the Goblin’s Henchman-fronted Southwest Sofa Crew. The movie for next month is Matthe…

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The Bride of RPGs are Frankenstein's Monsters (E242) 43:30

1+ y ago43:30

43:30

Featuring awesome messages from Ivan Podgwaite of IvanMike1968 (YouTube), Julz Burgisser of Jewels From NZ (podcast, Twitch), Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast, blog), Michael of Mirke The Meek (podcast), and Menion aka Rob of Confessions of a Wee Tim’rous Bushi (podcast). Media mentioned: Anthony and Ivan play Ubiquity https://ww…

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Between the Borderlands: More Bandits Banter Time (E241) 22:50

1+ y ago22:50

22:50

Here’s more Time banter, featuring a message from Anthony “Runeslinger” Boyd of Casting Shadows (podcast & blog) concerning the Voyagers TV show, and mor feedback from Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog), Karl Rodriguez of The GMologist presents… (podcast & YouTube), and Safer of Safer Fantasy Crafting (podcast). Honourable …