Home
Categories
EXPLORE
True Crime
Comedy
Society & Culture
Business
Sports
Technology
History
About Us
Contact Us
Copyright
© 2024 PodJoint
Podjoint Logo
US
00:00 / 00:00
Sign in

or

Don't have an account?
Sign up
Forgot password
https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts221/v4/9c/ea/84/9cea842c-60f9-3769-b4f7-e89b8363d37a/mza_17536640281495180514.png/600x600bb.jpg
Why We Roll
The Stillfleet Studio
71 episodes
1 day ago
Why We Roll is a streaming show and podcast about designing tabletop roleplaying games, hosted by Chris Pickett (Danse Macabre) and Wythe Marschall (Stillfleet). Chris and Wythe host in-depth conversations with professional game designers with a focus on contemporary indie TTRPGs. They also occasionally run actual-play sessions and offer behind-the-scenes looks at the games they’re developing. Topics covered to date include game-design inspirations and best practices, the politics of games, illustrating game concepts, cards as mechanics, character backstories, party formation, eco-catastrophes, epic powers and “boss fights,” espionage in games, faction rules, genres, “medieval” settings, hit points versus wounds, “madness” rules, safety at the table, solo RPGs, the OSR or even the NSR, what makes a game a game, what makes a system a system, product development, the business of indie RPGs, and so much more! Why We Roll is recorded in Brooklyn and Queens, NYC.
Show more...
Games
Arts,
Design,
Leisure
RSS
All content for Why We Roll is the property of The Stillfleet Studio and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Why We Roll is a streaming show and podcast about designing tabletop roleplaying games, hosted by Chris Pickett (Danse Macabre) and Wythe Marschall (Stillfleet). Chris and Wythe host in-depth conversations with professional game designers with a focus on contemporary indie TTRPGs. They also occasionally run actual-play sessions and offer behind-the-scenes looks at the games they’re developing. Topics covered to date include game-design inspirations and best practices, the politics of games, illustrating game concepts, cards as mechanics, character backstories, party formation, eco-catastrophes, epic powers and “boss fights,” espionage in games, faction rules, genres, “medieval” settings, hit points versus wounds, “madness” rules, safety at the table, solo RPGs, the OSR or even the NSR, what makes a game a game, what makes a system a system, product development, the business of indie RPGs, and so much more! Why We Roll is recorded in Brooklyn and Queens, NYC.
Show more...
Games
Arts,
Design,
Leisure
Episodes (20/71)
Why We Roll
WWR 66 ☉ Danse Macabre Actual Play w. Jenn, Mike, & Bijan of Fun City
For our final week of funding Danse Macabre on Kickstarter, we present to you... THE BLOOD THIEVES—a DM actual play with the incredible Jenn de la Vega, Mike Rugnetta, and Bijan Stephen of Fun City! Can our Pilgrims uncover the mysteries behind Zehmet the Witch and the elusive anti-theriac? Listen to find out! • Danse Macabre on Kickstarter: stillfleet.com/danse • Jenn de la Vega (she/her) is a Filipina-American chef and author at Family Party Catering, based in Brooklyn. She is known for her Randwiches or “random sandwiches” in Brooklyn and is the creator of the gourmet hot dog menu at Wonderville. She has appeared on Guy’s Grocery Games: The Cheesy Special (Food Network) and Gastronauts (Dropout). Jenn serves on the Board of Directors for indie theater The Tank. She is also an ENNIE Award- and CRIT Award-nominated player on the Shadowrun podcast, Fun City. Her Instagrams are @randwiches and @familypartycatering. • Mike Rugnetta (he/him) is a writer, host, producer of digital series (videos, podcasts, &c), and the GM of Fun City. Mike is also a sound designer and audio engineer. In addition to Fun City, Mike’s current shows include Never Post, Reasonably Sound, Think Twice, and RIP Corp. You can also see Mike in Crash Course: World Mythology, Crash Course: Theater, and Idea Channel. • Bijan Stephen (he/him) is a writer and game designer. He plays T.K. & Remy on the actual-play podcast Fun City. Currently, Bijan is a writer at Compulsion Games and a music critic at The Nation. He was previously a contract writer at Valve Software, the host of the podcast Chameleon: Gallery of Lies, and the host and executive producer of the podcast Eclipsed from Campside Media. Before that he worked as a correspondent for VICE on HBO, as a magazine editor at The New Republic, and as a reporter at The Verge. Find him on Bluesky, Twitter, Twitch, Instagram, or his website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
1 day ago
3 hours 3 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 65 ☉ Danse Macabre Actual Play w. Kickstarter United
On this special AP episode of Why We Roll, we play a one-shot of Danse Macabre: Medieval Horror Roleplaying with Shubha, Teddy, and Zan from Kickstarter United—the union that supports both KS workers and creators. Tune in for medieval hijinks and labor politics as our Pilgrims uncover a plot to replace the hard working peasants of Constantinople with... you guessed it, mutant zombies! As of release, KSRU is on strike to secure reasonable working conditions and pay. Support the union (and the amazing workers who make Kickstarter such a great platform for creators) today! • Kickstarter United: https://kickstarterunited.org/ • Kickstarter United solidarity fund: https://gofund.me/280df1847 And if you like what you hear and want to support Danse Macabre—live on Kickstarter until Tues, Nov 4th—then back and share today! • Danse Macabre Kickstarter: stillfleet.com/danse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
1 week ago
2 hours 27 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 64☉ Mystic Aether Reverie w. Lauren Bilanko
On this episode, Wythe sits down to gab with Lauren Bilanko, owner of Twenty Sided in Brooklyn, NY and creator of the Mystic Aether Reverie divination deck (available now!). The two chat about Twenty Sided, Lauren's Mystic Aether setting, and the intersections between divination and TTRPGs. Twenty Sided: https://twentysidedstore.com/ Grab a copy of Mystic Aether Reverie: https://twentysidedstore.com/products/mystic-aether-reverie-divination-deck-parlor-game?_pos=1&_sid=03b28f94f&_ss=r Make sure to back Danse Macabre, live on Kickstarter! https://stillfleet.com/danse/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
3 weeks ago
1 hour 22 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR BONUS ☉ Danse Macabre Launch Announcement
Hey Why We Rollers, Wythe and Chris here with a BIG announcement: We are LIVE with Danse Macabre: Medieval Horror Roleplaying on Kickstarter, all through October! Make sure to check out the game, spread the word, and back us as we bring the post-apocalyptic medieval world to print! Danse Macabre Kickstarter: https://stillfleet.com/danse/ Check out all of our games: https://www.stillfleet.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
4 weeks ago
29 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 63 ☉ The MAD Network w. Anthony Grasso & Alex Hitchen
On this episode of WWR, we chat with Anthony Grasso and Alex Hitchen of The MAD Network about writing settings for BORG games, best practices for social media and kickstarter, and FOLD-Å-FREAK 2—LIVE on Kickstarter starting Tuesday, October 7th! Back FOLD-Å-FREAK 2 on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/themadnetwork/fold-a-freak-2 The MAD Network: https://themad.network/ Back Danse Macabre: Medieval Horror Roleplaying, also on Kickstarter: https://www.stillfleet.com/danse Stillfleet Studio: https://www.stillfleet.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
4 weeks ago
1 hour 17 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 62 ☉ Scorched Basin w. Homie and the Dude
Back the Scorched Basin Kickstarter campaign, funding until Wednesday, October 8th! www.kickstarter.com/projects/homieandthedude/scorched-basin On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down for a great conversation with Tom and Bodhi, the father-son duo behind Homie and the Dude, creators of Scorched Basin, now funding on Kickstarter! We get into designing vehicles and system agnostic setting books, HatD's unique approach to engaging with community, and some practical advice for running a Kickstarter campaign for your TTRPG projects. Homie and the Dude: Scorched Basin Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/homieandthedude/scorched-basin Website: www.homieandthedude.com/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/homieandthedude Stillfleet studio: www.stillfleet.com Make sure to follow the Danse Macabre Kickstarter, live on Tuesday, October 7th! www.stillfleet.com/danseks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 17 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 61 ☉ Danse Macabre Kickstarter Campaign & Announcements!
On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down (in the same room, no less!) to announce the upcoming Kickstarter campaign for Stillfleet Studio's latest game, DANSE MACABRE: Medieval Horror Roleplaying. We chat about changes, the development process, and all the fun, creepy events we've got planned to support the launch! Danse Macabre goes live on Kickstarter on Tuesday, October 7th! If you haven't already, follow the campaign before it goes live at https://stillfleet.com/danseks Check out our upcoming 7pm (EST) streaming AP events on October 5th, 12th, and 19th, as well as November 2nd over at https://www.twitch.tv/stillfleet NYC metro area friends! Make sure to purchase your tickets for our Sunday, October 26th live show at Stone Circle Theatre in Queens, featuring Jenn de la Vega, Bijan Stephens, and Mike Rugnetta of Fun City! https://stillfleet.com/danselive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 6 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 60 ☉ Under the BQE w. Lauren Belski, Brian Russ, & David Greenwood
On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down (in person!) with author-editors Lauren Belski, Brian Russ, and David Greenwood of Under the BQE – a collective small press publishing high quality fiction novels. Don't worry though, we still find a way to talk about indy games publishing! Tune in to listen to a great conversation about the founding and publishing process of Under the BQE, writing books in the age of the algorithm, and writing advice about getting over the last mile and adapting to feedback. Under the BQE: www.underthebqe.com Campers' Rule Records: www.campersrule.com Stillfleet Studios: www.stillfleet.com Make sure to follow Danse Macabre! www.stillfleet.com/danseks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 45 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR Bonus ☉ Dungeons + Drama Nerds: Start the Steal
Friends, we have a special treat for you today! Our buds—and former WWR guests—Dungeons + Drama Nerds have just kicked off an exciting new season of actual play, delving into the super-future political sci fi game, Stillfleet, in a series titled Start the Steal . Today, we're sharing the very first episode of the series, 'Take Me Offworld, Hotboy!' Make sure to check out D+DN for more episodes, discussion of the game, and interview with the game's creator, our own Wythe Marschall. From D+DN: In the kick-off episode to our Stillfleet campaign, we meet a ragtag crew of voidminers working for the Worshipful Company of Stillfleeters. They’re tasked with a simple transport mission of utmost importance to democracy on a distant planet and, more importantly, the Co.’s business prospects there. There surely couldn’t be anything nefarious, underhanded, or skullduggerous involved…right? Dungeons and Drama Nerds is produced by Percival Hornak and Nicholas Orvis, and this episode was co-produced, mixed, and edited by Ben Ferber. Our core ensemble are Todd Brian Backus, Jovane Caamano, Anthony Sertel Dean, Christopher Diercksen, Ben Ferber, Kory Flores, Mieko Gavia, Tess Huth, Romana Isabella, Jon Jon Johnson, CJ Linton, C. “Meaks” Meaker, Leo Mock, Dex Phan, and Tristan B. Willis.  Our game of Wythe Marschall’s Stillfleet features Christopher Diercksen as Geshra Veedle, Kory Flores as Peanut, Mieko Gavia as Kyrannis, Jon Jon Johnson as Private Taps, special guest Wythe Marschall as Cherric Shaddams, and Ben Ferber as the GM. Links: Dungeons + Drama Nerds: www.dungeonsanddramanerds.com Stillfleet Studio: www.stillfleet.com Stillfleet, the game: www.stillfleet.com/collections/stillfleet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour

Why We Roll
WWR 59 ☉ COME ON IN w. Wes Franks
Come on in and join us as we chat with the extraordinary Wes Franks about their new game... COME ON IN! We talk with Wes about exploring social classes in a game setting, handling police procedural content with care, 'copaganda,' and navigating tariffs. Oh, and vampires too! Check out Wes' fantastic work: https://www.carrion-comfort.com/ https://carrioncomfort.itch.io/ Make sure to follow the DANSE MACABRE: Medieval Horror Roleplaying Kickstarter prelaunch: stillfleet.com/danseks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 12 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 58 ☉ Dungeons + Drama Nerds w. Percy Hornak, Nicholas Orvis, & Ben Ferber
We're back with more lovely actual play friends! On this episode, we're joined by Percy Hornak, Nicholas Orvis, and Ben Ferber of Dungeons + Drama Nerds! Join us and this bevy of dramaturges as we discuss the intersection of stage plays and games, improv, tiered authorship in TTRPGs and more. Make sure to check out Stillfleet Studio's newest game, Danse Macabre: Medieval Horror Roleplaying, coming to Kickstarter Tuesday, October 7th! stillfleet.com/danseks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 7 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 57 ☉ RP Jesters w. Rachel Kordell and Casey Reardon
On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down with Rachel Kordell and Casey Reardon of the actual play podcast RP Jesters! We chat about the process of making AP, the Jesters' expansive (and excellent) catalogue of series, and adapting to genre. Last but not least, we also discuss their newest campaign, LOST REQUIEM featuring Stillfleet Studio's Danse Macabre: Medieval Horror Roleplaying! Make sure to check out all of RP Jesters' highly produced and ver fun series, and catch the first episode of Lost Requiem HERE! Intrigued by Danse Macabre after listening? Curious about the grotesquery that is the Abandoned World? Then make sure to head over to stillfleet.com/danseks to follow the Kickstarter prelaunch (going live in October 2025)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 12 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR Bonus ☉ Left of the Projector x Why We Roll – VIDEODROME
Long live the new flesh! Wythe and Chris are back with Evan on Left of the Projector for another film discussion. This time we dissect David Cronenberg's 1983 body horror / tech and sex anxiety classic, VIDEODROME! From Left of the Projector – In this episode, I join Chris and Wythe from the Why We Roll Podcast to analyze David Cronenberg's cult classic Videodrome. We explore its themes of technology, media, and the human condition, discussing the film's initial reception and rise to cult status. We examine the character of Max Ren, played by James Woods, and the male gaze's implications on sexuality and power dynamics, as well as the film's philosophical layers surrounding identity. We also consider Cronenberg's body horror elements as metaphors for existential dilemmas, particularly as Max navigates the influence of Videodrome. The conversation draws parallels between the film and contemporary media technologies, questioning whether they enhance or diminish our humanity. We conclude by reflecting on the lasting impact of Videodrome and its relevance in today's media landscape. If you, too, love body horror and wish to honor the new flesh... make sure to check out Danse Macabre: Medieval Horror Roleplaying, coming to Kickstarter in October! stillfleet.com/danseks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 31 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 56 ☉ The Next Session Podcast w. Alyssa and Adam Johns
On this episode of Why We Roll we're joined by TTRPG advice power couple Alyssa and Adam Johns of The Next Session Podcast to discuss GM advice, the intersection of therapy and TTRPGs, and more! How can we use aesthetic distance in our games to help players grow? How do GMs overcome imposter syndrome? And how the HECK do animated skeletons even stay together?! Listen to find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 22 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 55 ☉ Echoes of the Veil w. Raffi Marhaba
Jack in and hack the system with us as we sit down to both play and discuss Echoes of the Veil—the newest cyberpunk game from Reverie Rebels—with designer Raffi Marhaba (they / them)! We cover a wide range of subjects including playing the cyberpunk genre politically, magic systems in sci-fi, and designing around social justice. Make sure to tune in and back Echoes of the Veil, crowdfunding on Kickstarter until Tuesday July 1st, 2025! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
4 months ago
1 hour 9 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 54 ☉ Mage Hand High Five w. Rowan McStay and Casey Papas
Saddle up, partner! On this episode of WWR, Wythe and Chris are fixin' to get into the western genre with Rowan McStay and Casey Papas of the wonderful actual play podcast, Mage Hand High Five! We chat about MHH5's history, gaming Western tropes, breaking away from colonial narratives, and—of course—the narrative versatility of trains. This episode is as fun as all get-out, and you can hang your hat on that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
4 months ago
1 hour 18 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 53 ☉ Narrative Design w. Claire Carré
Join us as we sit down to chat with filmmaker, screenwriter, and video game narrative designer ⁠Claire Carré⁠ (⁠Lovesick w. Rose City Games, ⁠Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet w. Naughty Dog Games⁠). In this unique episode, we discuss narrative design, Claire's history with TTRPGs, and the intersection of tabletop and visual media—make sure to tune in! Enjoying Why We Roll? Consider becoming a Stillfleet patron over at patreon.com/stillfleet — for as little as $3 a month you can support WWR's production and gain access to early access and sneak peaks of all of Stillfleet Studio's genre-bending games! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
5 months ago
1 hour 22 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 52 ☉ Wandering Blades w. Daniel Kwan
Join us as we sit down to chat with award-winning TTRPG designer and podcaster Daniel Kwan about his new game, Wandering Blades—backing on Kickstarter until May 30th 2025 at wanderingblades.com! We talk wuxia genre fiction, representation, designing beautiful—yet deadly—combat, cinema, and more so make sure to tune in! If you enjoy Why We Roll, consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/stillfleet – as a patron, you not only support the production of this podcast, but get some fun early access treats to all of Stillfleet Studio's genre-bending games! Thanks, as always! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
5 months ago
1 hour 27 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR Bonus ☉ Left of the Projector x Why We Roll
Join us as we discuss the 1997 sci fi film GATTACA with our pal Evan on Left of the Projector! From LoP: 'In this episode, we analyze the 1997 sci-fi film Gattaca, directed by Andrew Niccol, alongside Wythe Marshall and Chris Pickett from the "Why We Roll" podcast. We examine the film's portrayal of a future shaped by genetic engineering and social stratification, contrasting 'valids' and 'in-valids' in a society that discriminates based on genetics. Our discussion highlights the film's casting choices and the moral ambivalence surrounding its individualistic narrative, embodied by Vincent's journey to overcome systemic barriers. We also reflect on the film's aesthetic and its critique of reliance on genetics, acknowledging its limitations in addressing classism.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
5 months ago
1 hour 44 minutes

Why We Roll
WWR 51 ☉ Rascal News w. Rowan Zeoli
Join us as we chat with Rowan Zeoli – indy journalist extraodinaire and co-founder of the independent TTRPG news site, Rascal News – about the state of the industry, how Rascal got started, why independent TTRPG journalism matters (spoiler – it really matters). If you're enjoying Why We Roll, consider joining the Stillfleet Patreon! For as little as $3 a month you get exclusive early access to all of our Grit System games, art, and more! patreon.com/stillfleet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show more...
5 months ago
1 hour 5 minutes

Why We Roll
Why We Roll is a streaming show and podcast about designing tabletop roleplaying games, hosted by Chris Pickett (Danse Macabre) and Wythe Marschall (Stillfleet). Chris and Wythe host in-depth conversations with professional game designers with a focus on contemporary indie TTRPGs. They also occasionally run actual-play sessions and offer behind-the-scenes looks at the games they’re developing. Topics covered to date include game-design inspirations and best practices, the politics of games, illustrating game concepts, cards as mechanics, character backstories, party formation, eco-catastrophes, epic powers and “boss fights,” espionage in games, faction rules, genres, “medieval” settings, hit points versus wounds, “madness” rules, safety at the table, solo RPGs, the OSR or even the NSR, what makes a game a game, what makes a system a system, product development, the business of indie RPGs, and so much more! Why We Roll is recorded in Brooklyn and Queens, NYC.