Best Dirk the Dice Podcasts (2025)

1
Historical TTRPGs with Dirk the Dice 59:49

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18d ago59:49

59:49

What to make of history? Why, some great gaming of course! We are joined by Dirk the Dice from The Grognard Files to chat about what can be learned from the past and turned into gaming gold. Don't forget to check out the Hexham Heads and other myths!

1
System Matters with Paul Fricker 1:05:39

6h ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Call of Cthulhu Associate Editor Paul Fricker returns to talk about systems in RPGs - are they a help or a hindrance? Have you picked the right system for you? Can you have the best session ever (TM) without rolling any dice? You can listen to Paul's latest project Eldritch Stories here See some excellent Call of Cthulhu Actual Play on Unconvention…

1
Dungeon Crawl Classics Continued (Ep.85) 1:15:09

6h ago1:15:09

1:15:09

This time we return to the topic of Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC) with Judge Blythy, our resident zealot. Appendix G, our never-ending list of influences, expands with the wonderful Swords Series from Fritz Leiber nominated by Dave Paterson. We talk about our preparation for a busy September of gaming. Paul Fricker has released Gatsby and The Great …

1
Dungeon Crawl Classics Continued (Ep.85) 1:15:10

6h ago1:15:10

1:15:10

This time we return to the topic of Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC) with Judge Blythy, our resident zealot. Appendix G, our never-ending list of influences, expands with the wonderful Swords Series from Fritz Leiber nominated by Dave Paterson. We talk about our preparation for a busy September of gaming. Paul Fricker has released Gatsby and The Great …

1
10 Years of The GROGNARD Files 1:47:22

1M ago1:47:22

1:47:22

It was 10 years ago today, that we first came out to play! In this episode we jump every shark in sight by reflecting on the past ten years of the podcast. We invited listeners to ask us anything, as long as it was looking back over the past 10 years, so we could lean back in our armchairs and reflect on what we have done. Also, joining the fun is …

1
10 Years of The GROGNARD Files 1:47:23

1M ago1:47:23

1:47:23

It was 10 years ago today, that we first came out to play! In this episode we jump every shark in sight by reflecting on the past ten years of the podcast. We invited listeners to ask us anything, as long as it was looking back over the past 10 years, so we could lean back in our armchairs and reflect on what we have done. Also, joining the fun is …

1
Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG (with Brendan LaSalle) 1:34:29

2M ago1:34:29

1:34:29

In this GROGPOD, Judge Blythy talks about his initiation into the cult of DCC. We look at what makes it work. Goodman Games, the publisher of DCC, is hosting DCC Day on 19th July 2025. We are joined by Brendan LaSalle who talks about DCC and his futuristic variant, XCrawl Classics where you can have a spectator sport in the dungeon. Next time we wi…

1
Great Adventures - RPG Discourse 1:01:42

3M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Gaz is joined by Unconventional GMs co-host Guy Milner to talk about great adventures, scenarios and other things for ttrpgs. There has been a lot of discourse recently about scenarios being the thing that defines a game or it's designers, so the lads romp through some old and new examples of what is a good (or suboptimal) adventure. Drop a line wi…

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Ars Magica RPG (with Adrian Tchaikovsky) Ep 82 1:36:02

3M ago1:36:02

1:36:02

In this episode, we continue our examination of magic in Role-Playing Games with a look at Ars Magica with Science Fiction author Adrian Tchaikovsky. He talks to us about the setting, the rules and the way that magic works in the game. We haven’t had chance to play it yet, so Dirk and Blythy meet in the Lass O Gowrie pub in Manchester and discuss t…

1
Ars Magica RPG (with Adrian Tchaikovsky) Ep 82 1:36:01

3M ago1:36:01

1:36:01

In this episode, we continue our examination of magic in Role-Playing Games with a look at Ars Magica with Science Fiction author Adrian Tchaikovsky. He talks to us about the setting, the rules and the way that magic works in the game. We haven’t had chance to play it yet, so Dirk and Blythy meet in the Lass O Gowrie pub in Manchester and discuss t…

1
Out With The Old In With The New 1:01:58

3M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

Dirk the Dice, genial host of the Grognard Files joins Gaz this time to talk about humble beginnings, the games we used to play and how that's changed over the years. The tables get turned part way through as interviewer becomes interviewee, but that's no bother as a lovely chat on all things gaming transpires. You can listen to the Grognard Files …

1
Scarred by Magic in the 70s & 80s (with Stephen Brotherstone) 1:41:34

4M ago1:41:34

1:41:34

Returning guest Stephen Brotherstone, co-author of the Scarred for Life series of books and shows, joins us in the zoom of Role Playing Rambling to examine the witchcraft and horrors that haunted our childhood years. You can see Ste as his show is on the road during 2025 and the latest volume of the series is now available. Highly recommended as it…

1
More Magic in RPGs (with China Miéville) 1:28:22

5M ago1:28:22

1:28:22

Magic in RPGs is a continuing obsession for Dirk the Dice and Blythy in this latest episode of the podcast. We talk about Advanced Dungeons and Dragons (AD&D) and Powers and Perils (Pee & Pee) and marvel at how we played in the early 2000s, when we didn’t know any better and were more willing to freeform and ‘make stuff up’. Also in this episode, w…

1
Cold City with Malcolm Craig 1:02:46

6M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

The long-awaited return of Cold City and Hot War gives the lads a perfect opportunity to talk to designer Malcolm Craig about the new versions of the game, inspiration for cold war Berlin, a deep dive into lazy-GM mechanics and much more! For an Actual Play of the new game in action, go to the Unconventional GMs youtube channel. Check out more deta…

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Magic in RPGs (with Stu Horvath) Ep.79 1:30:41

6M ago1:30:41

1:30:41

It’s a kind of magic, in RPGs. This time we are joined by Stu Horvath, podcaster (Vintage RPG Podcast) and writer, who talks about his book Monsters, Aliens and Holes in the Ground, which takes us decade by decade through the history of RPGs. He also contributes to our discussion about magic in RPGs. What would we like to play, stay on our shelves …

1
Magic in RPGs (with Stu Horvath) Ep.79 1:30:40

6M ago1:30:40

1:30:40

It’s a kind of magic, in RPGs. This time we are joined by Stu Horvath, podcaster (Vintage RPG Podcast) and writer, who talks about his book Monsters, Aliens and Holes in the Ground, which takes us decade by decade through the history of RPGs. He also contributes to our discussion about magic in RPGs. What would we like to play, stay on our shelves …

1
Sanction RPG (with Paul Baldowski) Ep 78 1:13:07

7M ago1:13:07

1:13:07

This time we are talking about GROGMEET our annual Role Playing Games meet up in Manchester. We were joined by game designer, publisher and entrepreneur Paul Baldowski who talks about Dangerous Journeys, PBMs and his game Sanction. Blythy shares his experiences and how we played Gatsby and The Great Race by Paul Fricker. If you want to find out mor…

1
Sanction RPG (with Paul Baldowski) Ep 78 1:13:06

7M ago1:13:06

1:13:06

This time we are talking about GROGMEET our annual Role Playing Games meet up in Manchester. We were joined by game designer, publisher and entrepreneur Paul Baldowski who talks about Dangerous Journeys, PBMs and his game Sanction. Blythy shares his experiences and how we played Gatsby and The Great Race by Paul Fricker. If you want to find out mor…

1
Black Armada Games Interview 1:04:14

8M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

This time Becky Annison and Josh Fox of Black Armada Games join us to talk about the new edition of Lovecraftesque, GMless games, design and small press publishing. Find out all about Black Armada on their website. Check out fast-paced Actual Play at Unconventional GMs!

1
Keeping Pace 58:57

8M ago58:57

58:57

Gaz is joined by (Stunt Ben) Guy to talk about pacing in games. How do you manage pace and get the most out of your sessions? Check out Unconventional GMs for pace-filled games!

1
2024: A Year in RPGs Ep. 77 1:21:26

8M ago1:21:26

1:21:26

Join us in the Room of Role-Playing Rambling as we investigate the highs and lows of role-playing in 2024. Thanks for supporting us. Why not consider tipping a couple of coins in the beret over at Patreon. The post 2024: A Year in RPGs Ep. 77 first appeared on The GROGNARD Files.By Dirk

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Rivers of London RPG (with Ben Aaronovitch) Ep76 1:07:36

9M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

This GROGPOD features a special recording of an interview with writer Ben Aaronovitch, the creator of The Rivers of London series of books. An RPG has been developed by the team at Chaosium. Ben talks about the project, his formative years in gaming and gives insight into his creative process. The interview was recorded live as part of GROGMEETish …

1
Rivers of London RPG (with Ben Aaronovitch) Ep76 1:07:35

9M ago1:07:35

1:07:35

This GROGPOD features a special recording of an interview with writer Ben Aaronovitch, the creator of The Rivers of London series of books. An RPG has been developed by the team at Chaosium. Ben talks about the project, his formative years in gaming and gives insight into his creative process. The interview was recorded live as part of GROGMEETish …

1
Reviewing Reviews 1:09:42

9M ago1:09:42

1:09:42

Hi All It's been a minute, we've had a lot to deal with on the home front, but I've pulled out the stops and got you some Stunt Bens in to chat about reviews in gaming - how useful they are and what we want from them. Have a great festive season - all the best! Gaz & Ben

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1984: A Year in RPGs Ep75 Pt2 58:33

9M ago58:33

58:33

Following Part 1, we are now ready to open the spurious envelopes on our 1984 experiences. We also issue a challenge to listeners to help us discover new enthusiasms. At Daily Dwarf returns with an overview of what was happening in the pages of White Dwarf. Please pass on The GROGNARD files to your RPG friends and consider supporting us at Patreon.…

1
1984: a year in RPGs (with Bob Fischer) Ep75 Pt 1 1:13:43

9M ago1:13:43

1:13:43

Welcome to the zoom of role-playing rambling where we are looking backwards to look forwards. This time we are transporting you back to the heady days of 1984. We are joined by the fabulous Bob Fischer who shares the highlights from his 1984 diaries. Judge Blythy, our resident rules lawyer, joins Dirk to determine the RPG Highlights of 1984, but ge…

1
1984: a year in RPGs (with Bob Fischer) Ep75 Pt 1 1:13:42

9M ago1:13:42

1:13:42

Welcome to the zoom of role-playing rambling where we are looking backwards to look forwards. This time we are transporting you back to the heady days of 1984. We are joined by the fabulous Bob Fischer who shares the highlights from his 1984 diaries. Judge Blythy, our resident rules lawyer, joins Dirk to determine the RPG Highlights of 1984, but ge…

Dirk The Dice Podcasts

1
The GROGNARD Files

The GROGNARD Files

1
What Would The Smart Party Do?

The Smart Party

1
Historical TTRPGs with Dirk the Dice 59:49

1
System Matters with Paul Fricker 1:05:39

1
Dungeon Crawl Classics Continued (Ep.85) 1:15:09

1
Dungeon Crawl Classics Continued (Ep.85) 1:15:10

1
10 Years of The GROGNARD Files 1:47:22

1
10 Years of The GROGNARD Files 1:47:23

1
Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG (with Brendan LaSalle) 1:34:29

1
Great Adventures - RPG Discourse 1:01:42

1
Ars Magica RPG (with Adrian Tchaikovsky) Ep 82 1:36:02

1
Ars Magica RPG (with Adrian Tchaikovsky) Ep 82 1:36:01

1
Out With The Old In With The New 1:01:58

1
Scarred by Magic in the 70s & 80s (with Stephen Brotherstone) 1:41:34

1
More Magic in RPGs (with China Miéville) 1:28:22

1
Cold City with Malcolm Craig 1:02:46

1
Magic in RPGs (with Stu Horvath) Ep.79 1:30:41

1
Magic in RPGs (with Stu Horvath) Ep.79 1:30:40

1
Sanction RPG (with Paul Baldowski) Ep 78 1:13:07

1
Sanction RPG (with Paul Baldowski) Ep 78 1:13:06

1
Black Armada Games Interview 1:04:14

1
Keeping Pace 58:57

1
2024: A Year in RPGs Ep. 77 1:21:26

1
Rivers of London RPG (with Ben Aaronovitch) Ep76 1:07:36

1
Rivers of London RPG (with Ben Aaronovitch) Ep76 1:07:35

1
Reviewing Reviews 1:09:42

1
1984: A Year in RPGs Ep75 Pt2 58:33

1
1984: a year in RPGs (with Bob Fischer) Ep75 Pt 1 1:13:43

1
1984: a year in RPGs (with Bob Fischer) Ep75 Pt 1 1:13:42