Best Pendulum Insight Podcasts (2025)

1
Epilogues in Games 47:27

10d 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
Balancing the Pendulum 52:27

24d 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…

1
Now You're the Bad Guy 38:13

1M ago38:13

38:13

We’re introducing a new dynamic to our latest roleplaying game! You all came to this amusement park as friends, but one of you started serving the park’s demonic forces. And things are about to get mean. How can characters become enemies while players remain friends? When the rules ask you to clash with you peers, care and consideration needs to be…

1
Don’t Stop Making Art! (Feat. Joshua A.C. Newman) 1:00:10

2M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Hannah had to get a full time office job. Since then, finding the time and energy for creative work has been an uphill battle. In this episode, Hannah sits down with close friend and fellow game designer Joshua A.C. Newman to talk about life, art, and staying true to your values in trying times. Support Joshua’s work! https://www.patreon.com/joshua…

1
It’s My Playtest and I’ll Cry If I Want To 45:39

2M ago45:39

45:39

Hannah and Evan discuss Wonderland's first four-player playtest. When a playtest goes wrong, it can be tricky to diagnose the cause. How much is due to the rules, and what's connected to the more subtle influence of mood and flow? Links: Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Website: turtlebun.com Credits: …

1
Pacing 55:51

3M ago55:51

55:51

Slow and steady wins the race... but does it work in a one-session RPG? From what we've seen in Escape from Wonderland, not quite. In this episode, we discuss pacing in roleplaying games: from the moment players arrive at the table to leaving everyone feeling satisfied with the story's twists and turns. We dig into the challenge of building uncanny…

1
Insights and Secrets 52:45

3M ago52:45

52:45

Sometimes a secret is worth more than gold. But how do you make concrete rules for something intangible? Hannah and Evan talk about the secrets of Wonderland and what to do when the rules are out of step with the story. Links/Credits: Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Website: turtlebun.com Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghos…

1
Rewards and Prizes 44:33

4M ago44:33

44:33

Even when things are going wrong for your characters, you as a player might feel rewarded by narrative twists and turns. In this episode, Hannah and Evan discuss the ways that games can reward both players and characters, and do some live game design about claw machine prizes... Links/Credits: Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Website: turtlebun.com D…

1
The Art of Perfect Art 55:03

4M ago55:03

55:03

When people decide what art is worth looking at, they look for the very best. In a world that demands creative endeavors be perfect, how do we find the confidence to make and share our own art? Episode mentions: Olga Smirnova / Dutch National Ballet: https://www.operaballet.nl/en/dancers/olga-smirnova Toki Pona: https://tokipona.org/ A Mathematicia…

1
HYDF 027 Wellness Advocate Sunshine Ballew 1:00:11

4M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Join Host Andrea in this week's episode as she speaks with Sunshine Ballew. I was first introduced to natural health through my chiropractic care when I was a young child,visiting them whenever I was sick or had headaches or neck pain. Later, in my early 20’s, I started working for the same chiropractic office in Smyrna, where I not only learned ab…

1
What Makes a Good Playtest? 53:28

5M ago53:28

53:28

Is playtesting more of a science, or more art? How prepared should you be for a playtest if you're testing rules that might change on the fly, never to be seen again? In this episode we talk about playtesting our newest game, Escape from Wonderland, and how that went! Links/Credits: Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Website: turtlebun.com Design Doc i…

1
When Mechanics Don't Match 44:44

5M ago44:44

44:44

Our newest game, Escape from Wonderland, began as a hack of Questlandia. But what happens when the mechanics of an old game don't work with the story you want to tell? In this episode we talk about hacking games to do what we want them to do. Links: Support Design Doc on Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Find our games at: turtlebun.com Credits: Desig…

1
HYDF 026 Insight Without Change is Meaningless with Dorothea Gates 43:00

5M ago43:00

43:00

Join Host Andrea in this week's episode as she speaks with Dorothea Gates. "I'm Dorothea and I invite you to explore your life, the life you know so well, by allowing you to see who you are through the eyes of your loved ones. I am confirmation of what you already know and feel. I just lay out all the ground work and the necessary tools or informat…

1
Going Places! (or, Navigation Mechanics in Games) 42:49

6M ago42:49

42:49

We often ask ourselves, "Do we need a mechanic for that?" In our newest game, Escape from Wonderland, we want to encourage players to travel across a haunted amusement park. How can the rules create meaningful choices about the places they should and shouldn't go? And when is it better to lose that choice, and end up somewhere randomized or predete…

1
A Moment of Rest 2:29

6M ago2:29

2:29

We're taking a week off to recharge! We'll see you back in two weeks with a new episode of Design Doc. Rest easy. Sincerely, Hannah and Evan Links/Credits: Website: turtlebun.com Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/ Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/ Support Design …

1
Finding Community Again 39:57

7M ago39:57

39:57

We recently realized that we’ve drifted apart not just from our games community, but from our community at large. Now, in a world where the future feels uncertain and dire, we're asking ourselves: how do we reconnect? Escape from Wonderland has just one week left on Kickstarter. You can read more and back the project here. Links/Credits: Website: t…

1
Levels of Doneness 44:23

7M ago44:23

44:23

The Kickstarter for Escape from Wonderland is LIVE! Support the game here! How do you know when a game is ready for Kickstarter? How far along should it be before bringing it to the world? In this episode, we talk about the delicate balance of presentation—slick, but not *too* slick; done, but not *too* done. We explored how crowdfunding has change…

1
Judging a Book by Its Cover 54:21

8M ago54:21

54:21

The first conversation we've had about cover design in games! We discuss how book covers are often the first thing people see of our games, how a well-designed cover can stick in someone's memory, and how a great cover isn't just about first impressions—it can make you want to pick up a book again and again. And a special thanks to our editor, Rob,…

1
The Ideas You'll Be Buried With 40:31

8M ago40:31

40:31

One of the hardest lessons in game design is coming to terms with the fact that many of our favorite ideas will remain unrealized. In this episode, we explore the games we may never complete, our lingering dream of bringing them to life, and how accepting their incompleteness might help us face the reality of death. Links/Credits: Website: turtlebu…

1
HYDF 025 - Be You With Dr. Free 50:04

8M ago50:04

50:04

Join Host Andrea in this week's episode as she speaks with Dr. Free about understanding and mastering self. Dr. Free B.S. MS, Ed. S, Ed.D understands that knowledge of self is the beginning of wisdom. She uses a wealth of experience and her training in counseling and education to remind others that our authenticity is the best gift we can embrace f…

1
Designing a Spooky Game (Part 4): Finally, the Playtest 58:57

9M ago58:57

58:57

Evan and Hannah try playing their new game with a very rough draft of the rules, in a cross between a playtest and design session. New ideas and new questions abound as they explore uncharted territory. To follow along with the design, Questlandia character sheets and reference rules can be downloaded for free here: https://turtlebun.com/pages/down…

1
HYDF 024 - Who is Andrea 54:05

9M ago54:05

54:05

Harnessing Your Divine Feminine is based on the concept of giving women opportunities. When you give a woman an opportunity you are giving her the world. We give opportunities for women to grow in entrepreneurship, elegance, & empowerment. Retreats, workshops, classes, small groups, and wellness initiatives continue to grow us. Host Andrea Bagby is…

1
The Pizza or the Basket? (Amusement Park Horror w/ Alanna Shaffer) 58:34

9M ago58:34

58:34

We're joined by public historian and musical improviser Alanna Shaffer to discuss real-world amusement park horror and Dippin' Dots scams at Dorney Park. Alanna shares thoughts about story vs plot, new character drives, and everyone's personal breaking point after a day with no water. To see Alanna and Thank You, Places in person, check out their m…

1
Designing a Spooky Game (Part 3): Mr. Bones' Wild Ride 41:02

9M ago41:02

41:02

We continue our design of a creepy amusement park game, starting with the question, "What does bad behavior look like in an amusement park?" In this episode, we begin with a lot of questions, and end with a roadmap to a first playtest that includes character weaknesses, theme park-related goals, and an unreliable park map filled with skulls and cro…

1
Designing a Spooky Game (Part 2): The Setting 47:04

10M ago47:04

47:04

How can you use simple rules to create a complex setting? In the second part of this live design series, Hannah and Evan take a swing at world and character mechanics. To create a spooky, surreal environment, they’re forced to come up with new ways to approach worldbuilding and character design. Links/Credits: Website: turtlebun.com Patreon: patreo…

1
HYDF 023 Connect2Guidance with Cindy Sherwood Valerie Quail 39:28

10M ago39:28

39:28

Join Host Andrea in this week's episode as she speaks with Cindy Sherwood and Valerie Quail about their Frequency Activation System for personal growth called "Connect2Guidance. Resources: https://www.etsy.com/shop/connect2guidance Harnessing Your Divine Feminine is based on the concept of giving women opportunities. When you give a woman an opport…

1
Designing a Spooky Game (Part 1): The Brainstorm 48:03

10M ago48:03

48:03

What makes a game hack manageable in scope and size? Hannah and Evan delve back into game design to create a creepy amusement park Questlandia hack on the fly. They begin by brainstorming moods, moments, mechanics, and materials for a spoooooky game. From doppelgangers to malevolent crowds to corn dogs, they end with a wealth of ideas for the next …

1
The Founder Olympics 1:05:12

11M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Hannah and Evan face off in a battle of inspiration and ego to outdo each other's most founder ideas. Then, they set impostor syndrome aside and dilute those ideas down to something they'd both be willing to try. Links/Credits: Website: turtlebun.com Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King Jingle news by Jay_You -- h…

1
HYDF 022 - Elvia Davila Turning Tragedy into Positive Change 1:00:12

12M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Join Host Andrea in this week's episode as she speaks with Elvia Davila, a mother and business owner on a mission to turn her family’s tragic story into positive change. "I'm running for Georgia State House Representative to make a great difference in our community Fight Crime and Bring Justice to Victims and restore School rating. " Resources: htt…

1
Our Best Design Doc Ideas 53:35

12M ago53:35

53:35

From Mood, Moments, Mechanics, Materials (MMMM) to "Be aware, be charming," our Design Doc conversations over the years have inspired some of our favorite game design ideas. We talk about the ideas that have had a lasting impact on our game design, and how we're incorporating each one into our most recent project. Show notes: Okay, Let's Redesign N…

1
The Taste Talent Gap 49:27

1y ago49:27

49:27

Public radio icon Ira Glass has a famous quote describing the gap between taste and talent in trying to hone your creative work. When you start out, your tastes are always bigger than your skill. It's a frustrating gap, and one that causes a lot of people to give up. In this episode we talk about everything that plays a part in the taste-skill gap.…

1
Adapting a Text 41:52

1y ago41:52

41:52

Hannah and Evan talk about how to transform a beloved movie, book, or show into a game, using their latest project as an example: An adaptation of a 1779 book of cosmetic chemistry, The Toilet of Flora. EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS: Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ Toilet of Flora: https://www.gutenber…

1
HYDF 021 - Clinical Nutritionist and Kinesiologist Candace Swanson 1:00:49

1y ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Join Host Andrea in this week's episode as she engages in an enlightening conversation with Candace Swanson, a Clinical Nutritionist and Kinesiologist affiliated with AlternaHealthSolutions. Candace specializes in guiding clients toward optimal nutrition and healthy eating habits. She tailors meal plans to suit individual preferences and budgets, c…

1
Working around a Job 44:25

1y ago44:25

44:25

In a perfect world, we'd make a living just making roleplaying games. But sometimes, duty calls, and you've got to work around another job. In this episode, we talk about rolling with the punches in a moment when the creative work is competing with a new and time-consuming reality—that of a day job. FOLLOW/CREDITS: Our games: turtlebun.com Patreon:…

1
HYDF 020 - Creating Safe Spaces for Women 1:24:38

1y ago1:24:38

1:24:38

Harnessing Your Divine Feminine is based on the concept of giving women opportunities. When you give a woman an opportunity you are giving her the world. We give opportunities for women to grow in entrepreneurship, elegance, & empowerment. Retreats, workshops, classes, small groups, and wellness initiatives continue to grow us. Host Andrea Bagby is…

1
Obsessions 48:28

1+ y ago48:28

48:28

What’s the difference between a “theme” and an “obsession?” Inspired by a classic writing book from the ‘80s, we share our respective obsessions and talk about how they show up in our work, intentionally or otherwise. EPISODE MENTIONS: Learn how to play Go: https://online-go.com/learn-to-play-go Learn how to smell things (Introduction to Perfumery …

1
Better Never Than Late? 51:21

1+ y ago51:21

51:21

Kickstarter stretch goals are notorious for getting project creators into trouble. Sometimes, they over promise content. Other times, they create financial strain. Often, it's all of the above. In this episode, we talk about Top Tracks, a stretch goal project we just completed that's so overdue... nobody even remembered it. CW: This episode contain…

1
Designing Alone, but Not Lonely 29:34

1+ y ago29:34

29:34

In this episode, Hannah talks about the art of doing creative work alone. As part of a game design duo that normally does all creative work together, what does it look like to self-motivate on game design solo? From setting small, manageable goals and little rewards in advance to finding companionship in the work itself. MENTIONED IN EPISODE: Scave…

1
HYDF 019 - Light Language Healing with AmberLee Minor 40:43

1+ y ago40:43

40:43

This week Host Andrea sits with AmberLee Minor to discuss her unique path through life. AmberLee shares her Light Language with us and we could not be more amazed by this beautiful soul! Light language is your soul’s language that holds your unique frequency or essence. Think of light as information, and light language is a channel through which yo…

1
Design Session: What Makes a Good Solo RPG? 43:56

1+ y ago43:56

43:56

We love making solo RPGs, but we don't always love playing them. In this episode we brainstorm ideas for a possible one-player version of Questlandia, and what would make us excited to play it. EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS: Our games: turtlebun.com Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun Join the Turtlebun Discord! https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz Get in touch! Desig…

1
Will We Ever Finish Questlandia 2? 47:14

1+ y ago47:14

47:14

This month marks the sixth anniversary of Design Doc, a podcast that started as a "year-long" project documenting our progress redesigning our first roleplaying game. Six years later, we talk about the different directions we've taken, and what Questlandia 2 means to us today. EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS: Our games: turtlebun.com Patreon: patreon.com/tur…

1
HYDF 018 - Daniela Stimina: Encounters With Fairies 57:18

1+ y ago57:18

57:18

Daniela Simina is an author and teacher with a special interest in European fairy folklore and traditions. In addition to writing, she teaches classes on yoga, energetic balance and various esoteric subjects, including fairies. Daniela Simina is certified in several modalities of spiritual healing, a Reiki Master, and certified Yoga teacher and tra…

1
The Liminal Spaces of Six Flags 1:42:15

1+ y ago1:42:15

1:42:15

Hannah and Evan talk about the strange designs and abandoned places of Six Flags New England, the latest of a series of research trips. Join them on a jeep ride in the Jurassic, through the ghost town of Crackaxle, and into secret corners filled with claw machines. SUPPORT OUR VISIT BACK TO SIX FLAGS HERE: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc EPISODE LINKS/…

1
"People Were Shorter Back Then" (Guest ep w/ historical interpreter Enzo!) 1:06:11

2y ago1:06:11

1:06:11

Former historical interpreter Enzo joins us to talk about interpreting history! A few months ago we visited Old Sturbridge Village, an 1830s rural New England recreation village. We went as naive visitors, only able to guess at how it was run. Our guest today was kind enough to share his memories of working at the museum! We discuss what it was lik…

1
Old Sturbridge Village 53:33

2y ago53:33

53:33

In this episode Hannah and Evan describe their recent trip to Sturbridge Village, an 1800s recreation historical town. They talk about the value of on-the-ground research for creative projects, the peculiarity of animal habitats in fantasy places, and some dredged-up financial controversies paving the ye olde village streets. Episode mentions: Stur…

1
HYDF 017 - Finding Your Internal Power 43:45

2y ago43:45

43:45

Allyson Roberts knows what it takes to make it in this world. As a young woman who found herself homeless, pregnant, and forced to live in her car she turned to the writing of Napoleon Hill for comfort and guidance. Little did she know then what a huge impact his philosophies would make on her life. She is an Intuitive Guide, Healer, and Coach. Fro…

1
Founder Energy 47:02

2y ago47:02

47:02

We talk about bringing confidence to our own work, including our recent scent-inspired game ideas. We're working on bringing that founder hustle without a toxic founder morality. Plus, we've got two new projects in the works inspired by olfactive poetry! 1:25 - Founder energy 13:58 - Project Gutenberg 32:32 - Pie Girl Episode Links and Credits Desi…

1
HYDF 016 - The Art of Scripting 48:28

2y ago48:28

48:28

On this episode of Harnessing Your Divine Feminine host Andrea talks with Victoria Gilleland who is mastering the art of scripting. The idea behind scripting is that you write your goals and intentions as though you've already achieved them. When it comes to mindfulness practices like manifestation, many folks who don't enjoy an expansive attention…

1
Fish People 48:36

2y ago48:36

48:36

In a much-requested episode topic, Hannah and Evan talk about WORLDBUILDING. We narrow in on three worldbuilding faux pas we're trying to be aware of in our own work: Word swapping, "Fish People," and the dreaded authorial insert. Episode Mentions: Lincoln in the Bardo: novel by George Saunders Upload: comedy-drama series Episode Links and Credits:…

1
HYDF 016 AWARENESS IS KEY TO YOUR HEALING 51:03

2y ago51:03

51:03

On this episode of Harnessing Your Divine Feminine host Andrea talks with Carlas Renee about her journey into self healing and then using her newly realized gifts to help others. Carlas Renee INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER, SPIRITUAL LIFE COACH IG: @thesacredhealer33 www.youtube.com/@thesacredhealer444 Harnessing Your Divine Feminine is based on the conce…

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