Episodes

  • Hackback Your Tabletop Exercise: Glen Sorenson on the Benefits of Gamification in Cybersecurity
    Feb 1 2025

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    Unlock the secrets to transform cybersecurity training with Glen Sorensen, a seasoned cybersecurity expert and virtual Chief Information Security Officer. Glen combines his cyber expertise and passion for role-playing games into innovative tabletop exercises. Through Hackback Gaming, these exercises turn mundane simulations into immersive learning experiences, promising to revolutionize how leaders perceive and engage with this incident response planning tool.

    Journey with us as we explore how gamification can enhance teamwork and problem-solving skills in corporate environments. By stepping into roles outside their professional comfort zones, participants gain fresh perspectives and foster empathy, transforming incident response exercises from stressful drills into fun learning sessions. Listen as we reveal how this creative approach not only boosts engagement but also deepens understanding of cybersecurity dynamics, turning a routine task into a highly anticipated event.

    This episode doesn't stop at gamification; it delves into the broader landscape of cybersecurity, addressing crucial issues like the communication gap during incidents and the industry's skills gap. Discover how the gaming community's creative problem-solving can bridge these divides and learn practical strategies for tackling modern cyber threats. As we wrap up, we invite you to visit hackbackgaming.com for more insights and to connect with Glen Sorensen for an engaging exploration into the fusion of play and incident response in cybersecurity.

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Take Your GM Skills to Work! Gaming Outside the Box with Dr Dan Epstein of The Long Game Project
    Oct 2 2024

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    What if you could transform your decision-making skills through the power of play? In this episode, I chat with Dr. Dan Epstein from The Long Game Project on how tabletop role-playing games can revolutionize the way organizations learn and make decisions. The Long Game Project provides innovative ways to simulate complex real-world scenarios using dynamic tabletop exercises.

    Are you a Game Master? Take your skills to work! The Long Game Project offers a sophisticated free course on tabletop exercises. We delve into the importance of understanding your unique game master style, the iterative process of self-improvement through playtesting, and the creation of a safe, creative space for learning and feedback, all of which can translate into tangible benefits for your organization - and for you!

    We explore broader themes of creativity and game design, and also touch on the magic of D&D and the evolution of tabletop gaming. Join us as we explore how imaginative worlds can connect people and enhance problem-solving skills.

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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Lyla Fujiwara - Google Jukebox Karaoke
    Sep 7 2024

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    When I saw the Kickstarter for the Jukebox Karaoke game I knew I had to have it. Maybe you do too – it’s one of the top 14 games to check out this year according to Dicebreaker.com.

    Lyla is also the project lead for the Brandon Sanderson Cosmere RPG! (At time of recording, it was known as “The Stormlight project.) Maybe you’ve heard of it? The Cosmere RPG set the record for fastest-growing RPG Kickstarter ever.

    Today I talk with Lyla about everything from Jukebox to the transition from working for GOOGLE to working in games, and how she’s sharing her insights recommendations for people who want to manage projects in the industry.

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    40 mins
  • Lost Treasure, with Daniel Estes: Rediscovering the Works of Rose Estes
    Mar 19 2024

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    Return to Brookmere is an Instagram and YouTube channel hosted by Daniel Estes, the eldest son acclaimed author, Rose Estes. Rose was the creator of the Endless Quest series put out by TSR - a selection of fantasy based stories where the reader chooses which path to follow. But Rose contributed much more than those. And while Daniel didn't pay much attention when these books were being written, he's seeing a whole new world as he shares these with his listeners.
    Daniel is well informed of a a blind person's experience through his current work supporting students with disabilities, and his prior work as a braille transcriptionist.
    While much of the focus has been on his mother's work, Daniel is also learning a lot about himself in the process!

    *Bonus content at the very end - Daniel shares stories from his work as a braille transcriptionist.

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Ed Greenwood, Patron Saint of RPGs - Part 3: Librarian Writ Large
    Feb 1 2024

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    So... Um... why does the creator of the Forgotten Realms still work at a Library??

    Let’s find out. And along the way, we talk about the D&D movie, success and prioritization ? What does it mean to be a decent human being? The benefits of creativity, and the importance of living our lives – and writing our stories.

    We pick up where we left off – with Ed musing, matter-of-fact, on how many more novels he can write before he dies...

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Ed Greenwood, Patron Saint of RPGs - Part 2: Wizard at Large
    Dec 22 2023

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    Part 2 of my interview with the Ed Greenwood!

    Creator of the Forgotten Realms D&D setting, Ed is a prolific author and creator. The Patron Saint of RPGs.

    If you're already a fan, you know Elminster, the "unreliable narrator", chosen of Mystra, goddess of magic. But who was Elminster before D&D?

    Listen as Ed shares a bit of the history behind Elminster's role in the Realms, and random bits of his own story. Hear Ed's thoughts on creativity, the importance of dictionaries, and priorities - what do you really want? And what projects are most important for Ed these days?

    ...And, by the way, what about the "Band of Four?" Anything more on that front...? Listen to find out...

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Ed Greenwood, Patron Saint of RPGs - Part 1: Who are you?
    Nov 22 2023

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    Ed Greenwood is the creator of the Forgotten Realms, a prolific author, game designer, and the Patron Saint of RPGs.

    A glimpse into the influences that shaped this master storyteller.

    "Life is a series of moral choices."

    As we explore the theme of "Who are you?," listen as Ed brings memorable people and unusual events from his early years to life! Grist for the mill as they say. There will be stories! And boy, are there stories!

    Stories, sage advice, the joy of RPGs and Ed's boundless support for the Forgotten Realms, and the roleplaying game community.

    I feel like this talk is just getting started! Thankfully, there's more! This is part 1 of a 3 part interview.


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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Adam's Macrame Owl - of D&D, Storytelling, Voice Acting and the Desire to Create
    Oct 31 2023

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    An informal sit-down with Patchcloak Adam. A man of many talents, voices, and stories! I know Adam for his voice acting and story telling at my local D&D table. Join me as I learn about why he knows how to talk into a microphone correctly, how he got into D&D, and the story he will one day tell. Stick around to the end when I 'open the floor' to other players from our table. Adam on stand up - and some cool stories from film school. Thanks Adam!!

    This is Not a Ted Talk.
    Story telling, learning D&D
    Voice acting
    Film school
    The one that got away
    The one still to come

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    1 hr and 2 mins