Best Evan Rowland Podcasts (2025)

1
Convention Dids and Didn’ts 44:53

Play Pause

5d ago44:53

44:53

Conventions are an opportunity for us to get our games in front of a bigger audience, and PAX Unplugged is our biggest show. The stakes feel high, and we have to balance our ambitious goals with practical preparations. In this episode, we talk about what we were proud of, what we wish we’d done differently, and how every year we get a little better…

1
Short Break Announcement 2:06

17d ago2:06

2:06

Just a quick announcement that we'll be skipping a release cycle for the Thanksgiving holiday. See you back in two weeks with a new episode! In the meantime you might consider: Joining the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠ Supporting Design Doc on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠ Picking up one of our games: https:/…

1
Games Need Communities (w/ Aaron Lim) 1:02:33

29d ago1:02:33

1:02:33

You can support this show on Patreon⁠⁠! In this episode, I talk to Aaron Lim, a game designer from Malaysia. His work includes sad village-building game An Altogether Different River, very sad journey game Itchaca on the Cards, and tragic mecha game Spectres of Brocken. He's also the organizer of Playtest Zero, a fortnightly RPG playtesting communi…

1
Making Game Hacks That Stay Small 55:23

29d ago55:23

55:23

It's hard for us to make a hack that doesn't grow into a game of its own. In this episode, we talk about two playtests—one for a game variant, another for a new hack—and say what went well, what needs work, and how to keep small things small. Links: Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support Design Doc Patreon: https://ww…

1
Solo Bookplay (w/ Asa Donald) 51:48

2M ago51:48

51:48

You can support this show on Patreon⁠⁠! In this episode, I talk to Asa Donald is one-half of Backwards Tabletop, the publisher of the Backwards Universe of American horror games and Rust Never Sleeps, a solo mecha game. Their current project is Spine, a dark solo RPG about losing yourself in a book. Asa Donald on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/b…

1
You Can’t End the Game Until You Know What It Means 50:02

1M ago50:02

50:02

Endings are hard. The ending of a roleplaying game isn’t just the culmination of the story; it’s also when the themes and purpose of the game become clear. In this episode we talk about designing a conclusion that comes at the right time, conveys the right message, and still leaves room for all the improvisation of roleplaying. Episode mentions: Re…

1
Design Doc 101 43:14

2M ago43:14

43:14

Is Design Doc a game design podcast? A saga about the challenges of making art for a living? A never-ending field trip? In episode 101 we talk about how Design Doc began, what it became, and what we hope it could become. Plus, dinosaurs! Episode mentions: Internet Shaquille video about short-form content - “I Posted a Short EVERY Day and THIS Happe…

1
Reality Checking (w/ Allen Varney) 50:07

2M ago50:07

50:07

You can support this show on Patreon⁠⁠! Today, I’m talking to Allen Varney, who runs the Bundle of Holding currently, which I think everyone listening to this had heard of. Before that, he worked as a freelance writer, editor, game designer for TSR, Steve Jackson Games, West End Games, FASA, and more. He was the lead designer for Paranoia XP, the 2…

1
Bonus: Ernest Cline's Stinker (Part 2—the Movie!) 1:10:45

2M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

We conclude our discussion of Ready Player One with an updated review of the movie. In pondering this mid movie, we leave no stone unturned... and no critically-acclaimed director forgiven. Come for the movie critique, stay for the poetry! Find part 1 of the discussion, Ernest Cline's Stinker (Part 1), here. Find our original review of the movie on…

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Bonus: Ernest Cline's Stinker (Part 1) 1:31:59

3M ago1:31:59

1:31:59

We’re pulling an unaired episode from the archives this week! We talk about Ready Player One, the dystopian virtual-world novel that took the world by storm over a decade ago. We each completed the book independently, then came together in this conversation to share our thoughts with each other (and the world). In part 1 we discuss the novel, in pa…

1
Ex Tenebris (w/ Josh Fox) 53:41

3M ago53:41

53:41

You can support this show on Patreon⁠⁠! Today, I’m talking to Josh Fox who was last on the podcast to talk about the second edition of his award-winning game, Lovecraftesque. We talked about Black Armada Games, the company he's been running for ten years with his partner, the game designer Becky Annison. This time, we’re talking about Ex Tenebris, …

1
Saving September. The fix, the plan, and Ryan Divish’s take this years Seattle Mariners! 26:57

3M ago26:57

26:57

Subscribe now and get amongst it, mates! 🎥🔔Join the conversation!Twitter: https://twitter.com/thetopsteptvInstagram: https://instagram.com/thetopsteptv#mlb #mariners #SeattleMariners #mlbstats #baseballpodcast

1
Cal Raleigh talks about his historic season, life behind the plate, and his latest beer collab 14:36

3M ago14:36

14:36

Cal Raleigh talks beer, hitting historic home runs, how to bring back his starters from rough outings, speaks Australian and more... Twitter: https://twitter.com/thetopsteptvInstagram: https://instagram.com/thetopsteptv#mlb #mariners #SeattleMariners #mlbstats #baseballpodcast

1
Cal Raleigh Talks Record HRs & Mariners Playoff Chances | The Top Step 27:13

3M ago27:13

27:13

🎙️ On this episode of The Top Step with Ryan Rowland-Smith, I’m joined by Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh to talk about his record-setting home run milestone for MLB catchers. We break down his power surge, launch a Cal Raleigh Home Run Tracker, and even have some fun as Cal speaks Australian. ROOT Sports’ Brad Adam also joins me to analyze wh…

1
Gabe Speier Opens Up on His Call-Up, Mentality on the Mound & Life With the Mariners 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

From his unforgettable call-up with the Kansas City Royals to becoming the Seattle Mariners’ closer, Gabe Speier shares his journey with Ryan Rowland-Smith on The Top Step. He breaks down his offseason training and how he keeps his velocity sharp all season, his mindset when attacking hitters with heaters, and the relationships that matter most—wor…

1
The Realest Place on Earth 1:57:59

3M ago1:57:59

1:57:59

Happy Design Doc episode 100! In this special episode, we take a field trip with our game Escape from Wonderland. Trapped in an amusement park with a half-finished game, we explore liminal spaces, shuttered VIP lounges, and mind-bendingly long queues. To escape Six Flags New England, we must first fix our broken larp. Creepy circus music is ⁠Creepy…

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Art, Death, & RPGs (w/ Elizabeth Little) 1:17:16

4M ago1:17:16

1:17:16

You can support this show on Patreon⁠⁠! Today, I’m talking to Elizabeth Little. She’s a UK-based science teacher, artist, and game designer. She co-founded Shrike Studio in 2015 and released games such as Blight Seas Fleet, a dark fantasy naval skirmish game, for which she developed a whole range of 3D printable miniatures. This year, she released …

1
Logan Evans: His journey to the Seattle Mariners Rotation. 28:50

4M ago28:50

28:50

Seattle Mariners rookie pitcher Logan Evans joins Ryan to share his inspiring path from a 12th-round draft pick to the Big Leagues. Evans talks about how he developed a strong arsenal of pitches and increase velocity. He also discusses how he handled the challenge of being sent back down after a strong start in the bigs and his goals as he works to…

1
Mike Sweeney Reveals Stories on Ichiro, Griffey, and Being a Veteran Leader 28:40

4M ago28:40

28:40

In this episode, former Seattle Mariners slugger Mike Sweeney joins Ryan to reflect on his memorable time in Seattle. Mike shares behind-the-scenes stories about building team leadership and shaping clubhouse culture, his instant connection with Ichiro Suzuki and what made their bond so unique, and the final seasons of Ken Griffey Jr., including wh…

1
Kade Anderson: Talking with the Mariners' Newest Pitching Prospect 24:07

4M ago24:07

24:07

In this latest episode, Ryan chats with Seattle Mariners 2025 first-round pick Kade Anderson, the standout LSU pitcher who helped lead the Tigers to a College World Series championship. Kade opens up about getting used to Seattle, who he models his game after, how being in the College World Series prepared him for professional baseball, and more!#K…

1
Mariners Mental Skills coach plus Trade Deadline Thoughts. 26:09

4M ago26:09

26:09

Ryan sits down with Seattle Mariners Mental Performance Coach Adam Bernero for an in-depth look at a side of the game that has only received focus in recent years. Adam shares how he got into this unique role, how he helps players navigate the pressure of social media and outside noise, and the techniques he uses to keep athletes focused and resili…

1
Girls of the Genziana Hotel (w/ Hendrik ten Napel) 1:01:06

5M ago1:01:06

1:01:06

You can support this show on Patreon⁠⁠! In this episode, we talk to Hendrik ten Napel, a game designer from the Netherlands. He's self-published supplements for Brindlewood Bay, Bump in the Dark, and the Paragon system. His newsletter, Hendrik Biweekly, is a regular source of excellent game design thoughts. Today we're here to talk about his first …

1
Game Design Grab Bag 58:46

5M ago58:46

58:46

In an impromptu recording, we decided to take turns setting a 6-minute timer and sharing whatever topics came to mind. The result was a series of compressed design conversations and a snapshot of our current ambitions and troubles. 1 - Sandbox exploration (chicken) 2 - Questlandia audio drama (cow) 3 - Traits & Conditions accounting (duck) 4 - Maki…

1
Can the Mariners really catch the Astros? Looking ahead to the second half . 24:47

5M ago24:47

24:47

The second half is underway and the Seattle Mariners are in contention for a postseason berth. Ryan takes a hard look at team's up-and-down first half and it looks ahead to what it’ll take to reach the postseason. Then, Ryan answers fan questions on everything from prospects to trade deadline speculation to Cal Raleigh. #mlb #mariners #SeattleMarin…

1
Roleplaying in the Park 54:17

5M ago54:17

54:17

We're going back to the park and taking Wonderland with us! To get the game off the table and into the real world, there are a number of changes we'll have to make. We talk fanny packs, waterproof paper, coordinated outfits, and ditching friends. You can listen to our previous episode about Six Flags here. Links: Join the Turtlebun Discord: https:/…

1
Luke Raley Joins + Breaking Down the Mariners’ 4 All-Stars! 25:58

5M ago25:58

25:58

In this episode of The Top Step, Mariners outfielder Luke Raley steps in with Ryan Rowland-Smith for a fun, honest, and insightful conversation you won’t want to miss. Raley opens up about his journey to the big leagues, his role on a playoff-hunting Mariners squad, and what it’s like being part of a clubhouse chasing October. Plus — Ryan breaks do…

1
Marine Layer Podcast: Cal's MVP Chances, Team Honors, and More with the Marine Layer Podcast 27:28

5M ago27:28

27:28

Ryan is joined by TJ Mathewson and Lyle Goldstein of the Marine Layer Podcast to talk Mariners at the halfway point of the 2025 season. We debate what Cal Raleigh needs to do in order to win the AL MVP and we hand out mid-season awards. #mlb #mariners #SeattleMariners #mlbstats #baseballpodcastSubscribe now and get amongst it, mates! 🎥🔔Join the con…

1
Andrés Muñoz: From Track Star to One of MLB’s Elite Closers | The Top Step 27:09

5M ago27:09

27:09

Ryan Rowland-Smith sits down Seattle Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz, one of the most electric arms in Major League Baseball.From his early days as a standout track-and-field athlete in Mexico to the high-pressure role of closing in the big leagues, Muñoz opens up about the journey that shaped him into an elite bullpen arm.#mlb #mariners #SeattleMarin…

1
Miles Mastrobuoni on his Path to the M's | Is J.P. Crawford an All-Star? 27:10

5M ago27:10

27:10

Ryan Rowland-Smith sits down with Seattle Mariners utility player Miles Mastrobuoni for a wide-ranging conversation on his baseball journey, life in the majors, and the ups and downs of a season.We also dive into an All-Star debate—does J.P. Crawford deserve the nod this year? We break down his numbers, impact, and how he stacks up against the comp…

1
Grant Balfour’s Intensity Explained & Should Cal Raleigh Join the Home Run Derby? 26:56

5M ago26:56

26:56

In this episode of The Top Step, Ryan Rowland-Smith weighs in on if Cal Raleigh take a swing at this year’s Home Run Derby. Then he chats with former MLB closer and fellow Aussie Grant Balfour to learn more about the fire that made him one of baseball’s most intense presences on the mound. #TheTopStep #GrantBalfour #CalRaleigh #MLB #HomeRunDerby #o…

1
Harold Reynolds on Randy Johnson’s Rise & Today’s Seattle Mariners | The Top Step 25:54

5M ago25:54

25:54

MLB Network analyst and former Seattle Mariner infielder Harold Reynolds joins Ryan Rowland-Smith for a nostalgic and insightful conversation. Harold shares stories on Randy Johnson's transformation into the 'The Big Unit' and also provides his thoughts on where the current Mariners stand today.#SeattleMariners #HaroldReynolds #RandyJohnson #MLB #T…

1
How Tommy John Changed Matt Brash | A Mariners 6-Man Rotation? 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

Ryan weighs in on the Mariners possibly shifting to a six-man rotation—what it means for the team and the arms involved. Then, he sits down with reliever Matt Brash, who talks about his return to the club after recovering from Tommy John surgery.Brash gets candid about the toughest parts of rehab, how he's evolved since the injury, the worst advice…

1
Adam Ray Talks Mariners Love while Roasting Ryan | Return of George Kirby 26:25

5M ago26:25

26:25

In this episode of The Top Step, host Ryan Rowland-Smith dives into George Kirby's return to the mound and how it impacts the @mariners going forward. Then, he's joined by comedian and Seattle sports superfan @adamraycomedy ! They talk all things M's, swap hilarious childhood stories, and Ryan tests Adam’s knowledge with some Mariners trivia. It's …

1
Creative Disagreements 40:28

6M ago40:28

40:28

Even after years of working together, there are times where we just can’t agree. The work grinds to a halt, and we end up frustrated and confused. When there’s a breakdown in collaboration, how do you diagnose what went wrong, repair the rift, and move forward together? Links: Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support ou…

1
A Body of Work (w/ Emily Allen) 1:04:11

6M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

You can support this show on Patreon⁠⁠! In this episode, we talk to Emily Allen, the game designer behind Dying Stylishly Games. She's best known for her two now classic OSR adventures, the Gardens of Ynn and the ennie-award winning Stygian Library, which popularized the depth-crawl format. Both of which are now republished in new editions from Sou…

1
Why Baseball Players Love Golf | Brad Adam on "Fairways & Fastballs" 26:13

6M ago26:13

26:13

In this episode of The Top Step, we're joined by broadcaster Brad Adam, the host of the new show Fairways and Fastballs. We dive into why so many baseball players are drawn to golf — from competitive instincts to the peaceful escape of the course — and share stories about the most interesting personalities we've teed it up with.🎙️ Other topics incl…

1
Can the Mariners keep this up? Plus M's great Mike Cameron 25:59

6M ago25:59

25:59

On the latest episode, Ryan dives into whether the Seattle Mariners can maintain their pace toward 95 wins this season. Then, he's joined by Mariners legend Mike Cameron for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation. They discuss:✅ Mike’s role in developing young talent—including his son✅ His viral interactions on X ✅ The best outfield plays of …

1
The Game Takes Shape 44:26

6M ago44:26

44:26

In the early stages of a game's design, it's hard to even know what questions to answer. We've hit a turning point with Escape from Wonderland where we can see the shape of the game taking form. Big, abstract questions are getting small and specific. Now that the game has real structure, what comes next? Links: Join the Turtlebun Discord:⁠⁠⁠ https:…

1
Gothic & Folk Horror (w/ Luke Jordan) 1:10:21

6M ago1:10:21

1:10:21

You can support this show on Patreon⁠⁠! In this episode, we talk to Luke Jordan aka Wildwood Games, a queer non-binary game designer, writer, editor, performer, and professional GM. Their own games often combine a poetic sensibility, spooky themes, high emotion, and light mechanics. They've contributed to games like Girl by Moonlight published by E…

1
The Rules Tell a Story 40:31

7M ago40:31

40:31

After you’ve made the rules, you need to decide how you’re going to tell them. The right rule in the wrong order can make all the difference! In this unscripted episode, we share our initial thoughts about how we want our next rulebook to start, how to include immersive writing without sacrificing clarity, and (for some reason) reminisce about spoo…

1
Political Rebellion & Games (w/ Jess Levine) 1:18:32

7M ago1:18:32

1:18:32

You can support this show on Patreon⁠⁠! Spoilers for Andor S2 from 04:30 to 10:30 Spoilers for Rogue One all through the episode In this episode, I speak to Jess Levine. She is a teacher, organizer, writer and game designer. She publishes RPGs under the label, Jumpgate Games. Her work includes I Have the High Ground—a game of "banter, posturing, an…

1
Epilogues in Games 47:27

7M ago47:27

47:27

Story endings are hard! The epilogue of a game not only has to logically wrap up the story and tie up any loose ends—it’s also the moment to reflect on how your character has grown over many sessions, and a moment for you as the player to feel like the time spent playing was worthwhile. In this episode, we talk about what makes roleplaying game epi…

1
Liam Hendriks Full Interview 20:00

7M ago20:00

20:00

Ryan Rowland-Smith sits down with fellow Aussie and MLB All-Star Liam Hendriks. Liam opens up about the incredible challenges he's faced throughout his baseball journey — from early career setbacks and injuries to a cancer diagnosis in December 2022. #LiamHendriks #MLB #BaseballPodcast #CancerSurvivor #TommyJohn #RedSox #TheTopStep #RyanRowlandSmit…

1
MLB Dreams and Determination: Logan Evans Debuts, Liam Hendriks Fights Back 25:57

7M ago25:57

25:57

In the latest episode of The Top Step, Ryan Rowland-Smith reacts to Logan Evans’ MLB debut, reflecting on how rare and meaningful it is to even reach the big leagues. Then, Ryan sits down with Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks, who opens up about his inspiring journey back to the mound after beating cancer and then undergoing Tommy John surgery…

1
Talking 2024 Progress and 2025 Goals with Emerson Hancock 17:27

7M ago17:27

17:27

In this full-length interview, Ryan Rowland-Smith sits down with Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock to dive into his 2024 season journey. Emerson opens up about his development, the adjustments he's made on the mound, and how he’s navigated the uncertainty surrounding his role within the Mariners organization. Get an inside look at o…

1
Inside the Mariners’ Pitching Machine Featuring Starter Emerson Hancock 25:42

7M ago25:42

25:42

Join host Ryan Rowland-Smith on Episode 31 of The Top Step as he breaks down why the Seattle Mariners' starting rotation has been one of the best in baseball over the past three seasons. Ryan then sits down with Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock to talk about his 2024 season, how he’s developed his game, and how he’s handled the ups and dow…

1
Chris Martin on Netflix's 'The Clubhouse' and His Unbelievable Journey to MLB 16:41

8M ago16:41

16:41

In this episode, Ryan Rowland-Smith sits down with Texas Rangers relief pitcher Chris Martin for a wide-ranging conversation. Chris shares his experience being featured in the new Netflix documentary "The Clubhouse," which spotlights his time with the Boston Red Sox. He also dives into his incredible journey to professional baseball — from unexpect…

1
Mariners' Bullpen Gem Plus Chris Martin Reveals Untold Stories from Netflix’s Red Sox Documentary 25:58

8M ago25:58

25:58

Host Ryan Rowland-Smith kicks off Episode 30 of The Top Step by breaking down Anthony Muñoz’s impact on the Seattle Mariners bullpen and how his development has strengthened the team in 2024.Ryan then sits down with current Texas Rangers reliever Chris Martin to discuss his time with the Boston Red Sox during the filming of Netflix’s new documentar…

1
Balancing the Pendulum 52:27

7M ago52:27

52:27

This week, we talk about the unpredictable mechanical swings that can happen between different versions of a game. Small tweaks to mechanics can trigger a cascade of unintended effects, causing the game design pendulum to swing from too many choices to too few and back again. We talk through examples of how we've managed these swings in Escape from…