Best BoomTown Podcasts (2026)

1
The Gunslinger: Building a D&D Fighter in Boomtown 1:01:03

Play Pause

10d ago1:01:03

1:01:03

We continue to drive down deeper into our real-time worldbuilding experiment armed with the comments of our listeners. Having been playing through the Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game, we’ve experienced firsthand how alterations to the classes available for players really helps to lend a unique and immersive quality to the campaign setting – sett…

1
Episode 38: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 38 (From the Request Line 2) 1:26:38

7d ago1:26:38

1:26:38

Welcome back to the 80s. We love our listeners! When we started this podcast six years ago, we didn’t know what to expect. We were just hoping there were at least a few 80s music fans who would find our page and give us a chance. Since then we’ve discovered there are Welcome to the Boomtown fans in all 50 states (and Washington DC) and at least 134…

1
EP57 - A Tonic For the Troops by The Boomtown Rats 50:00

8d ago50:00

50:00

On this episode I’m joined by Bob Geldof to talk about The Boomtown Rats' second album, A Tonic For the Troops. Our chat goes in many different directions: Ireland of the 1970s, signing to Ensign Records, working with producer Mutt Lange, the Catholic Church in Ireland, The Boomtown Rats at 50, ‘Rat Trap’ hitting No. 1 in the UK and more. Episode n…

1
Disrupting Healthcare: Value, Innovation & Impact 1:04:10

14d ago1:04:10

1:04:10

In this expansive episode of Austin Eras, Adam Flagg sits down with Dr. Clay Johnston, founding dean of the Dell Medical School at UT Austin and Chief Innovation Officer of Harbor Health, one of the most ambitious healthcare reinvention efforts in the country. Discover what happens when bold leadership and innovation come together in Austin’s dynam…

1
142. Animal Research and the Future of Depression with Prof Emma Robinson 1:00:46

25d ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Join us in this episode as we speak with Emma Robinson, a professor of psychopharmacology at the University of Bristol with extensive experience in animal research. She unpacks the regulations surrounding animal research, offering a scientist’s view on animal rights activism, ethical tension, and why this work remains essential. Robinson also delve…

1
Crafting Your Unique Realm: Build the Best Factions in D&D 48:31

20d ago48:31

48:31

We continue to drive down deeper into our real-time worldbuilding experiment armed with the comments of our listeners. One of the best things you can build for your campaign to feel real and immersive is by creating factions. Groups and organizations that have their own motives and goals that are distinct from the players. This creates inciting inc…

1
Boots, Roots & the Blueprint for a Growing Austin 1:31:52

1M ago1:31:52

1:31:52

In this episode, Boot Civil Founder & CEO Nhat Ho joins us to talk about growth, leadership, and what it means to shape a community with intention. We explore how personal experiences, professional passions, and a deep connection to place influence the way someone shows up in their work. The conversation reminds us that people who care enough to gu…

1
141. Clubs, Raves, Drugs and Social Media with Simon Doherty 44:39

29d ago44:39

44:39

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we talk to Simon Doherty, a journalist and content creator with a focus on harm reduction. He explores how reporting on electronic music and rave culture naturally led to his work on harm reduction. He goes on to dissect Talk to Frank and its flaws in providing accurate, evidence-based information. Final…

1
Mystery Train – Making Magic Into Technology in D&D 5e 49:09

1M ago49:09

49:09

We continue to drive down deeper into our real-time worldbuilding experiment armed with the comments of our listeners. Science fiction writer, Arthur C. Clarke formulated three adages known as Clarke’s Laws that he expounded on in his writings. The third of these is the most famous, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from ma…

1
Bonus EP - Stuart Bailie: 40 years of music stories and more 1:26:00

2M ago1:26:00

1:26:00

Stuart Bailie is a former assistant editor of the NME. From Belfast, he played in Punk bands in the late 70s and early 80s. In 1985 he sold his guitar and bought a typewriter. He headed to London and started writing for Record Mirror. He has just published "The Song is Nearly Over: Music Stories 1985-2025". We chat about growing up in Belfast durin…

1
Civic Leadership in a Boomtown 1:16:33

2M ago1:16:33

1:16:33

How does a city like Austin keep thriving without losing its soul? In this episode, Adam interviews Matt Curtis, founder of Smart City Policy Group and former Deputy to two Austin mayors. They talk about Austin's incredible transformation into a "boomtown" and what it takes to cultivate civic leadership for the city's future. Discover the stories, …

1
140. Which therapy works best for psychedelics? with Prof Sara Tai 1:02:07

2M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Join us in this episode as we talk to Prof Sara Tai, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Manchester and an NHS consultant clinical psychologist. Sara’s research is grounded in biopsychosocial frameworks, with a focus on understanding the mechanisms of change that underpin effective psychological therapies. She has extensive expe…

1
This Old Town: Craft A Captivating Starting Town For Your D&D Adventure! 47:37

2M ago47:37

47:37

We continue to drive down deeper into our real-time worldbuilding experiment armed with the comments of our listeners. In this episode, Tony, Chris, and Dave return to the conversation started in Episode 174 and begin to build out the town that will be the start of most adventures in our Boomtown Campaign Setting. Make sure to Join the Conversation…

1
Affordability, Accessibility, and Action: Building a Better Austin 1:23:39

2M ago1:23:39

1:23:39

Born and raised in East Austin, Councilmember José Velásquez brings heart, grit, and authenticity to City Hall. In this episode, he shares his journey from a childhood shaped by hard work and activism to becoming one of Austin’s most community-driven leaders. Velásquez also discusses pressing issues facing Austin, such as housing, gentrification, a…

1
139. Poppers with Adam Zmith 47:22

2M ago47:22

47:22

In this episode, we speak with Adam Zmith, podcast producer, writer, and author of Deep Sniff: A History of Poppers and Queer Futures. He describes his motivation behind writing the book, all before diving into the complex history of poppers. By speaking to the policing and regulation of poppers, Zmith explores broader struggles between the queer c…

1
If I Was the Priest: How Do Clerics Work in Your D&D Campaign? 47:33

2M ago47:33

47:33

We continue to drive down deeper into our real-time worldbuilding experiment armed with the comments of our listeners. In this episode, Tony, Chris, and Dave finish out the discussion of how magic will work in our crowdsourced “Boomtown” campaign setting by asking “Where does divine magic come from?” Make sure to Join the Conversation! 1:40 “Where …

1
Episode 37: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 37 (Not Quite the 80s) 1:37:36

2M ago1:37:36

1:37:36

Welcome back to the 80s! GenXers may remember decades ago when you flipped your wall calendar from December 1979 to January 1980. The 80s were officially here, and with it a decade of new music…well, sort of. Episode 37 celebrates this time with “Not Quite the 80s” featuring songs that were released in the second half of 1979, but today we think of…

1
Keeping Austin Creative & Launching It Forward 1:05:33

2M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

Adam sits down with Heather Wagner Reed, Founder and CEO of Juice Consulting, an award-winning PR and marketing firm working across music, film, tech, and even space innovation. Heather shares her journey from learning business in her mom’s donut shop to managing global superstar Beyoncé and eventually building one of Austin’s most respected brand …

1
EP56 - Here's One We Made Earlier by The Pale 1:11:00

3M ago1:11:00

1:11:00

On this episode I’m joined by Matthew Devereux for a deep dive into Here’s One We Made Earlier the debut album by The Pale. We discuss the band’s early days, signing to A&M Records, recording their debut album in 1992, the album’s three singles (‘Dogs With No Tails’, ‘Butterfly’ and ‘Shut Up Venus’), becoming a self-sufficient band post major label…

1
138. Scottish Ambulance Service - Frontline Trauma with John, Joanne and Ryan 53:07

2M ago53:07

53:07

Join us in this episode as Prof Nutt speaks to John, Joanne, and Ryan of the Scottish Ambulance Service in Glasgow. They explore their backgrounds in the Service and how their work exposed them to challenging situations that caused severe detriment to their mental health. After describing the failings of traditional mental health support for emerge…

1
EP56 - Preview 1:00

3M ago1:00

1:00

A short preview of Episode 56 – Here's One We Made Earlier by The Pale

1
Why D&D Towns Matter: Transform Your Town Design With a Simple Secret 48:08

3M ago48:08

48:08

We continue to drive down deeper into our real-time worldbuilding experiment armed with the comments of our listeners. In this episode, Tony, Chris, and Dave begin to ask the most basic question when building a town: why is the town there? In our D&D Tombstone idea, we realize the short answer is money. And what drives that money? Magic. Make sure …

1
137. Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom with Dr Andy Letcher 43:33

3M ago43:33

43:33

In this episode of the Drug Science podcast, we speak to Dr Andy Letcher, a religious scholar and author of the book Shroom: the Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom. He explores his complimentary background in science and the humanities, depicting how this combination structured his thinking. Noting the religious potential of psychedelic experie…

1
: Revitalize Your Imagination: 3WD is Back for Real Time D&D World Creation! 41:45

3M ago41:45

41:45

Following on the heels of our last episode, we drive down deeper into our continued exploration of real-time worldbuilding armed with the comments of our listeners. In this episode, Tony, Chris, and Dave discuss how magic might work in this new world, how the environment helps to create the setting, and stumble into an idea for a setting that has u…

1
EP55 - The Spirit of Oberlin by Eileen Gogan 1:17:32

3M ago1:17:32

1:17:32

Eileen Gogan joins me to chat about her debut album The Spirit of Oberlin, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Eileen was in The Would Be’s, The Revenants, The Drays and joined Microdisney for their reformation gigs. We talk about all of that and more including her second album, Under Moving Skies and her collaborations with Cathal Cou…

1
Revolutionizing Surgical Recovery and Tackling the Opioid Crisis with Brand Newland 1:09:00

3M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

In today’s episode, Adam interviews Brand Newland, CEO and Co-Founder of Goldfinch Health, a company that’s transforming surgical recovery. Brand takes us through his journey from pharmacy school to becoming a healthcare entrepreneur, driven by personal experiences and the opioid crisis. He dives into Goldfinch’s mission to tackle the opioid epidem…

1
136. Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology with Jenny Chapman and Dr Stephen Naulls 47:02

3M ago47:02

47:02

Tune into the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, where we talk to Jenny Chapman and Dr. Stephen Naulls, researchers at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and authors of ‘Psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health: Policy considerations, a briefing for Parliament’ on the state of psychedelic research. They explore…

1
Join the Ultimate D&D Experience: Real-Time World Building! 43:14

3M ago43:14

43:14

Worldbuilding. It’s one of the most talked about aspects of running TTRPGs, as it is the sandbox into which you will throw your party to adventure in. We’ve talked about tips and tricks in past episodes and articles, and have come down on both sides of the debate surrounding how much to do with a focus totally on your specific table and party. Howe…

1
From Business to Canvas: Trailblazing Beyond the Boardroom 1:09:54

4M ago1:09:54

1:09:54

In this episode, Adam sits down with Texas trailblazer Gay Gaddis- entrepreneur, artist, and civic leader who built one of the nation’s largest woman-owned advertising agencies, T3. She went from launching the firm in 1989 to now mentoring future leaders through initiatives like Women Who Mean Business and Texas Trailblazers, continuing her influen…

1
135. Ethnomycology with Darren Le Baron 45:59

4M ago45:59

45:59

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we speak with Darren Le Baron, an accomplished mycologist and educator. He discusses how his hardships from his upbringing in East London have informed his current work, where he uses horticulture to connect with children at risk of being drawn into crime. He transitions to explore his series Psychedelic…

1
Drums, Design & Democracy: Finding Rhythm in Business and Policy 1:00:27

4M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

In this episode, Adam sits down with Nathan Ryan, an entrepreneur, civic leader, and Managing Director at Goff Policy. From his roots as a pastor’s kid to touring with a Christian rock band, Nathan’s journey has been one of reinvention: moving from the stage to the world of design and business, where he worked with Disney, and ultimately into leade…

1
Too Much: Overcome D&D Idea Overload and Unleash Your Creativity 43:24

4M ago43:24

43:24

Movies. TV series. Books. Other DMs running games. There are a multitude of sources that provide fodder for our imagination in developing cool ideas that we want to play with in our own games. But how many ideas are TOO MANY ideas? Can you have too many ideas? In this episode, Tony, Chris, and Dave sit down to answer a listener question from our “C…

1
Episode 36: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 36 (The Second British Invasion) 1:36:32

4M ago1:36:32

1:36:32

Welcome back to the 80s! The early 80s saw a sharp increase in popularity of British acts in the United States. With pop and rock music going through a creative slump in the U.S., and a little help from MTV, the desire for music from across the pond was beginning to grow. The British are coming, again! A shout out to those of you who have been with…

1
134. Tribe with Bruce Parry 42:51

4M ago42:51

42:51

Join us in this episode as we speak to Bruce Parry, the creator and star of the BBC series Tribe With Bruce Parry. He explains his sharp career change from a Royal Marine to an advocate for indigenous rights, where he’s developed a humble approach to learning from indigenous tribes, defined by listening and witnessing. He talks about his experience…

1
EP54 - Year Zero by Bawl 1:20:30

5M ago1:20:30

1:20:30

Mark Cullen joins me to chat about his bands Bawl, Fixed Stars and Ponyclub. We discuss Bawl's Year Zero album and the three albums he recorded as Pony Club (Home Truths, Family Business and Post-Romantic). We also talk about writing songs with The Lightning Seeds' Ian Broudie, being championed by Morrissey in the early 00s, the mid-90s UK Indie sc…

1
From Soccer Chants to Civic Change 54:05

5M ago54:05

54:05

What happens when you blend civic leadership, marketing savvy, soccer fandom, and a deep love for Austin? You get Jeremiah Bentley. In this episode, Adam talks with Jeremiah, as he shares his remarkable journey from a small Texas town to becoming a major force in Austin’s business and nonprofit scenes. As VP of Marketing and Community Affairs at Te…

1
Hey There, Cthulhu! Building The Immersion and The Horror in Your TTRPGs 57:10

5M ago57:10

57:10

Our last episode was the preamble. Last week’s article discussed some of what we learned from playing with new people. But, in this episode, Tony, Chris, and Dave sit down with the newest addition to our gaming group, Elizabeth, to delve deep into what went into running the Call of Cthulhu one-shot, playing with brand new people, and how to build a…

1
133. Psychedelic Ethics with Dr Edward Jacobs and Sam Bloomfield 53:17

5M ago53:17

53:17

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we speak with Sam Bloomfield, founder of PsyEdu, and Dr. Eddie Jacobs, the first person to complete a doctorate in psychedelic ethics. Drawing on their backgrounds in education and ethics, they explore why these perspectives are essential to the evolving field of psychedelics. They also discuss the role …

1
2025 - Episode 2 - Through the not-so-scary portal to Boomtown HQ! 1:05:53

5M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

Megan, Boomtown's Head of Narrative, managed to find the time a month before the Fair to chat to us again about all things story related to get us all hyped for the Maze in 2025 and give you all some top tips for how to get involved (along with a few little cheeky bits of insider info!) Please drop us a follow on Instagram @LostintheBTMaze, join in…

1
People Get Ready: Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Character Backstory? 42:51

5M ago42:51

42:51

Backstory. Character development. It’s one of the most discussed topics in the TTRPG space. And the 3 Wise DMs were faced with the question when a friend offered to run a Call of Cthulhu one-shot for our group. This was followed by a Google Doc with twenty in-depth questions as to the character’s background, motivations, loves, and fears. For a one…

1
EP53 - Silly Songs For Cynical People by The Would Be's 1:12:00

5M ago1:12:00

1:12:00

In this episode I’m joined by Julie McDonnell, Aidine O’Reilly and Paul Finnegan of The Would Be's. We discuss the early years of the band: forming in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan in the late 80s; being championed by John Peel; supporting Morrissey; being lauded in the UK music press and their first three singles on Decoy Records including debut single 'I…

1
Leadership, Marriage & Building a Life in Austin 1:11:02

5M ago1:11:02

1:11:02

In this episode, Adam sits down with Austin-based power couple Billy Moyer and Ashley Alaniz Moyer for a conversation about leadership, marriage, and community. Billy, founder of SOS Leadership and a keynote speaker since age seven (yes, really), shares how a childhood goal turned into a lifelong mission to empower others. Ashley, Executive Directo…

1
132. The Fellowship of the River with Dr Joe Tafur 1:08:28

5M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we meet with Dr. Joe Tafur, MD, an integrative Family Physician, curandero, author and speaker. He discusses his book, The Fellowship of the River, exploring the role of spiritual healing in modern healthcare. Within this episode. Tafur further delves into topics such as biological and psychological link…

1
Help! Our Best Tips For When the Forever DM becomes the Player 43:40

6M ago43:40

43:40

You’ve been the DM for a long time (maybe even Forever!) and one of your players has finally said those magic words: “I think I wanna run a game.” So, with all your wisdom, all your experience, all your skills – how do you help the new DM along in the game so that they have a good time and the table has a good time? So that they want to get back in…

1
Episode 35: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 35 (Live Aid - Philadelphia) 1:52:46

6M ago1:52:46

1:52:46

Welcome back to the 80s! Or, more specifically, July 13, 1985. We're excited to bring you our 40th Anniversary tribute to one of the greatest music events of all time, Live Aid, the benefit concerts for African famine relief held at London's Wembley Stadium, and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. In this episode we will be spotlighting the Philadelphia s…

1
2025 - Episode 1 - Mushroom's Coming Home (our 2024 roundup episode!) 49:41

6M ago49:41

49:41

Friends, ravers, mycelium, lend us your ears - Lost in the Maze is back again for 2025! In this episode we take a look back and give you guys the low down on what happened storyline wise at Boomtown 2024 as we look forward to returning to our favourite sprawling adventure playground next month. Thanks as ever to our wonderful community for sharing …

1
BBQ Sauce & Building Brands That Matter 1:01:41

6M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

Eddy Patterson has helped shape the culture of Austin through food, music, and spaces that bring people together. In this episode, Adam Flagg sits down with the Stubbs co-founder and Eberly owner to explore how Eddy helped transform a beloved local recipe into a nationally recognized barbecue brand and turned a struggling downtown lot into one of A…

1
131. Scientists, Poets and Dissidents with Mike Jay 1:01:56

6M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

In this episode of the drug science Podcast, we meet with Mike Jay, author and 2024 Cheiron Book Prize winner who has written extensively on scientific and medical history with a special interest in Psychedelics. In this Podcast, he discusses with us his newest book, Free Radicals: How a Group of Romantic Experimenters Gave Birth to Psychedelic Sci…

1
EP52 - Exit Trashtown by Cypress, Mine! 1:30:30

6M ago1:30:30

1:30:30

In this episode I’m joined by Cypress, Mine! members Ciarán Ó Tuama, Ian Olney and Mark Healy to tell the story of the band and a whole lot more. Cypress, Mine! formed in 1984, they released three singles and the album Exit Trashtown (Solid Records, 1988), before disbanding in 1989. Morty McCarthy from The Sultans of Ping and Craig Walker from Powe…

1
EP52 - Preview 1 1:00

6M ago1:00

1:00

A short preview of Episode 52 – Exit Trashtown by Cypress, Mine!