The Infernal Schoolhouse

On this episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, Bryan and Aaron are joined by Thomas Solar, the founder of Dungeons 'n Drafts, a unique initiative that brings Dungeons & Dragons one-shots into local breweries. Listen as Thomas shares the story behind Dungeons 'n Drafts, from its humble beginnings at a small tavern in Philadelphia to its rapid expansion across multiple states. Learn how the intersection of craft beer culture and tabletop RPGs has created a passionate community and discover the challenges and triumphs of organizing these events nationwide.

On this episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, join hosts Bryan and Aaron as they interview Alicia Figliuolo, Director of Education and Training at Geek Therapeutics. Discover how Geek Therapeutics integrates therapeutic play and geek culture to provide education and therapy services. Alicia shares her journey from veteran to leader, the use of TTRPGs in therapy for stress and PTSD, and the distinction between therapy and therapeutic gaming. Learn about the training programs for therapists and game masters, and hear heartwarming stories of lives changed through gaming.

On this episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, hosts Bryan and Aaron, along with returning guest Sam, delve into the intricate world of playing a Warlock in tabletop RPGs. Aaron shares his expertise on the Warlock class, exploring the dual personality traits of desperation and confidence that define a Warlock, the nature of their relationships with patrons, and how these elements influence their motivations and actions within a game. The trio discusses various Warlock archetypes and role-playing tips, offering insights for both seasoned players and newcomers. Tune in for a captivating discussion on how to bring this complex and intriguing class to life in your campaigns.

In this episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, hosts Brian and Aaron chat with renowned horror character actor Kevin Keppy, exploring his journey from a shy gamer to a celebrated Hollywood figure. Kevin shares captivating stories from his career, including his transformative role in Bram Stoker's Dracula and his experiences on projects like "Cabinet of Curiosities" and "Smile." He delves into the challenges and rewards of working with heavy makeup and prosthetics, the psychological aspects of horror, and the therapeutic benefits of acting. Whether you're a horror enthusiast, an aspiring actor, or a tabletop role-playing fan, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in for an engaging conversation that explores the intersection of horror, performance, and personal growth.

On this episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, hosts Bryan and Aaron explore the world of fantasy art with special guest Alyssa Leischer, a talented artist known for her evocative and imaginative works. They discuss the importance of art in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) and how it brings described worlds to life. Alyssa shares her journey from a childhood passion for drawing to attending art school and becoming a full-time artist. She talks about her inspirations, creative process, and experiences at conventions, as well as the challenges of marketing her work.

On this episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, join your hosts Bryan, Aaron, and our Girl Friday, Sam, as we explore the art of playing wizards in tabletop role-playing games. Learn about the key traits that define a wizard's persona—intelligence, curiosity, and a touch of arrogance—and how these can profoundly shape your gameplay and narrative. We delve into the complexities of embodying a wizard, from portraying their vast academic knowledge to handling their often limited wisdom. Discover how wizards navigate the balance between power and ethics, wield their arcane influence, and impact the storyline with their magical prowess. Whether you're aiming to embody a chaotic illusionist or a dark necromancer, this episode offers insightful strategies and creative inspiration to bring the wizard in your character to life.

On this episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, join your hosts Bryan, Aaron, and our Girl Friday, Sam, as we explore the art of playing paladins in tabletop role-playing games. Learn about the key traits that define a paladin's persona—nobility, confidence, and a strong moral compass—and how these can profoundly shape your gameplay and narrative. We delve into the complexities of embodying a paladin, from portraying their leadership qualities to handling their intricate moral dilemmas. Discover how paladins navigate the balance between justice and mercy, wield their influence, and impact the storyline with their staunch convictions. Whether you're aiming to embody a debonair knight or a stoic guardian, this episode offers insightful strategies and creative inspiration to bring the paladin in your character to life.

On this episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, join your hosts Bryan, Aaron, and our Girl Friday, Sam, as we dive into the art of playing a rogue in tabletop role-playing games. Discover the key traits that define a rogue's persona—cunning, flexibility, and a rebellious spirit—and learn how these can enhance your gameplay and storytelling. We'll explore how rogues navigate the gray areas of alignment, adapt their skills for thrilling gameplay, and impact the narrative with their unpredictable nature. Whether you're looking to embody a stealthy trickster or a charming swindler, this episode offers practical tips and creative insights to bring out the rogue in your character.

On this week's episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, hosts Bryan and Aaron, along with our Girl Friday, Sam, dive into the craft of mead making. The team shares their experiences brewing mead together, from managing the delicate process of caramelizing honey to the final stages of fermentation. Alongside laughter and personal anecdotes, they offer insights into how these ancient brewing techniques can deeply enrich the tabletop role-playing game experience.

In this enchanting episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, Bryan and Aaron are joined by the talented Dawn Frost from Dawn Frost Cosplays. Dive deep into the vibrant world of cosplay as Dawn shares her journey from a comic con newbie to a master cosplayer, revealing the joys, challenges, and creative explosions of dressing as beloved characters. From her first adventure in cosplay to becoming the viral "pup cup girl," Dawn's story is a testament to the transformative power of this art form. Join us for a journey into creativity, confidence, and community in the world of cosplay.

In this episode of the "Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast," hosts Bryan and Aaron, along with their Girl Friday, Sam, explore the transformation of societal views on fantasy and nerd culture from the negative stereotypes of the early eighties to today's widespread acceptance. They share personal stories, such as Aaron's recounting of his mother's passion for nerd culture and her struggle against adversity, to illustrate the profound impact of fantasy role-playing games on self-discovery and social bonding. The discussion highlights the misconceptions about fantasy gaming, its therapeutic benefits, and the role of narrative control and character development in personal growth. By weaving together individual experiences and broader cultural insights, the episode celebrates the value of fantasy and gaming in enhancing creativity, empathy, and community.

In this episode of "The Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast," hosts Bryan and Aaron are thrilled to welcome a truly magical guest, Emma the Librarian, who is transforming the perception of libraries with her unique Dungeons and Dragons program. Nestled within the stacks of books and the quiet corners of her library, Emma has conjured a gateway to adventure, where imagination and camaraderie flourish. As she guides both novices and seasoned adventurers alike through epic quests and mystical lands, Emma not only champions the joy of role-playing games but also underscores the enchanting power of libraries as community hubs of creativity, learning, and magical discovery.

In this episode of "The Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast," hosts Bryan and Aaron, along with special guest and new ISG member, Sam, dive into "Balancing Humor in Games." They explore the intricate balance between humor and drama in tabletop role-playing games, offering insights on sourcing comedic inspiration, timing, and recognizing boundaries to ensure an engaging and respectful gaming experience. The discussion aims to equip listeners with strategies to incorporate humor that complements the narrative and enriches player camaraderie, creating memorable and immersive gameplay where laughter and adventure intertwine seamlessly.

In this week's episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, join hosts Bryan and Aaron as they delve into the enigmatic realm of puzzles, riddles, and traps within tabletop role-playing games. Bryan seeks Aaron's sage advice on crafting these mind-bending challenges to captivate and engage players, discussing strategies for scaling difficulty, maintaining fun, and enhancing the narrative. Whether you're a Dungeon Master aiming to elevate your game or a player fascinated by the behind-the-scenes art of game design, this episode is packed with insights and tips to make your adventures both intellectually stimulating and immensely enjoyable.

In this episode of "The Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast," hosts Bryan and Aaron explore the digital frontier of tabletop roleplaying games with Devon Chulick from StartPlaying.Games. They delve into how the platform revolutionizes the way players connect with professional Game Masters for online TTRPG sessions. Devon shares insights on finding the perfect game and Game Master, ensuring an unforgettable gaming experience.

On this episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, Bryan and Aaron welcome Courtney and Lycan from Dungeons and Divergents, exploring the interplay between Dungeons & Dragons and neurodivergence. Listen as they share how D&D facilitates inclusivity and connection among neurodivergent players, highlighting the game's role in fostering communities that celebrate diversity and understanding. This discussion promises valuable insights for anyone interested in the supportive potential of gaming environments tailored to diverse minds.

In this episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, Aaron takes the lead, offering fresh insights and creative strategies to help Bryan shape his vision into a compelling one-shot adventure. Drawing from Bryan's spark of inspiration, they discuss key elements of storytelling and narrative pacing, ensuring the adventure is both engaging and memorable. Tune in to join Aaron and Bryan as they navigate the creative process, turning a simple idea into a thrilling one-shot experience. You can find the Kobold+ Fight Club here that Aaron mentions to help guide your game mastering.

On this episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, Bryan and Aaron welcome back Emme Watkins, aka Emme the Odd, to delve into the art of acting in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). Emme shares her expert insights on character development, emotional investment, and performance techniques that bring TTRPG characters to life.

On this week's Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, Bryan and Aaron delve into the multifaceted world of dungeon mastering, guided by the wisdom of two renowned experts: Professor Dungeon Master from Dungeon Craft and Baron de Ropp of Dungeon Masterpiece. The conversation traverses the traditional roots of Old School Renaissance (OSR) and the evolving art of crafting engaging RPG adventures.

In this episode of the Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, we're joined by Rob Franklin from Misty Mountain Gaming, diving into the fascinating world of TTRPG accessories and craftsmanship. Rob gives us an inside look at their unique, high-quality products, from intricately designed dice to innovative gaming tools, and shares the passion and creativity driving Misty Mountain Gaming. Check out their offerings at https://mistymountaingaming.com/ and join us for a journey into the heart of gaming craftsmanship!