Best Phantom Nirvana Podcasts (2025)

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Range Life: recording studios, AI, and the influence of Phantom Planet 35:38

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10d ago35:38

35:38

In this conversation, Mike Chiarappa discusses the evolution of his music project, Range Life, from a solo endeavor to a collaborative band effort. He shares insights about the vibrant music scene in Asbury Park, the importance of collaboration in songwriting, and the challenges of recording music. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in m…

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Gursday: slow pitch softball, Bogeyland, and the inspiration of Nirvana 39:40

29d ago39:40

39:40

Hayden interviews Danny and Jesse from the Long Island band Gursday about their origins, creative process, and lives outside of music. The conversation opens with the story behind the unusual band name, which started as an inside joke and became a deliberate choice to stand out in search results and avoid getting lost in the algorithm. They talk ab…

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Louis Metric on song titles, mountaineering, and the inspiration of John Mayer. 42:20

1M ago42:20

42:20

LA singer-songwriter-producer Louis Metric drops in for a freewheeling, funny, and thoughtful convo about art, algorithms, and why brunch might be the enemy of your creative goals. We dig into why his breakout single “Take It Slow” came together in two days while other tracks marinate for months. He talks process like a builder: looping simple chor…

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Tennis Courts debut brand new single and vow to never purchase another guitar pedal! 45:01

2M ago45:01

45:01

This week on First Spin, Hayden is joined by Patrick and Andrew of Tennis Courts, an indie rock band born in the house-show scene of Charleston and now based in New York. The conversation traces the band’s roots back to college: chance friendships, practice spaces behind refrigerators, and the kind of chaotic “let’s just try it” energy that ended u…

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Penny Beverly on Netflix, dating in LA, and the influence of Portugal. The Man 41:38

2M ago41:38

41:38

Penny Beverly recently landed a song in Netflix’s “Black Rabbit” (starring Jude Law & Jason Bateman). Lead singer Duncan MacEachern explains the sync path and how things were quiet during the strikes, but the recent placement suddenly multiplied the bands exposure significantly. Duncan digs into DIY marketing: the TikTok push around the placement, …

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The Penske File on the challenges of touring in the USA 41:08

2M ago41:08

41:08

This week on First Spin, Hayden sits down with Travis Miles—vocalist/guitarist for Ontario’s long-running punk trio The Penske File—for a conversation that’s equal parts road-tested wisdom and wide-eyed love of making loud, honest songs with your best friends. Travis pulls back the curtain on why U.S. touring has become so tough for small Canadian …

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The Dead & Down’s Taylor Burlage on Montana and using space to make The Black Keys a little more Bon Iver 40:36

2M ago40:36

40:36

In this week’s episode of First Spin, Hayden sits down with Taylor Burlage, founding member, lead singer, and guitarist of The Dead and Down, a Montana-based band that’s carving out a distinctive space in the indie and rock scenes. Hayden first discovered the band at Zootown Festival in Missoula over the Fourth of July weekend, where their rain-soa…

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Dylan Flynn on dead poets, co-writing, and SXSW 52:40

3M ago52:40

52:40

On this episode of First Spin, Hayden sits down with Irish artist Dylan Flynn, frontman of Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets. From the band’s beginnings in Limerick to building a passionate following at home and abroad, Dylan shares how the group has carved out its own space with heartfelt songwriting and a modern twist on classic rock influences. The c…

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RYLY on creative droughts, genuine fans, and the influence of The Killers. 35:22

3M ago35:22

35:22

On this episode of First Spin, I sit down with Nashville-based artist Riley Smith (RYLY) to talk about the journey from Atlanta to Music City, shaping a sound that blends arena-ready indie pop/rock with songwriter roots, and what it takes to build momentum as an independent artist. We dig into writing from piano or acoustic guitar first, then “dres…

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S2 Ep14 - Season Finale 42:19

3M ago42:19

42:19

In our last episode the caravan fled through the desert pursued by a host of horrific creatures, including the Titan. They make for the stronghold of Kalamesh in hopes of finding peace at last. This is Season 2 Episode 14: Season Finale. Music in this episode is by Sun Umbra, Sagey, and Gang Colours. Bells sound by newlocknew Warning: Contains dark…

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Taylor Lansdale on Appalachia, ignoring internet trolls, and the influence of Jason Isbell 54:37

3M ago54:37

54:37

On this episode of First Spin, I sit down with Taylor Lansdale, a Kentucky-born singer-songwriter whose heartfelt Americana sound is beginning to turn heads. Taylor talks us through his relatively new path into music, finding his voice in open mics, and slowly carving out a place for himself in Lexington’s growing music scene. We dive into the maki…

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S2 Ep13 - Flight Through the Desert 41:08

3M ago41:08

41:08

In our last episode the adventurers were able to escape the underground pyramid and must now find a way to return to the surface. This is season 2 Episode 13: Flight through the desert. Music in this episode is by Sun Umbra and Sagey. Warning: Contains dark themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Instagram @phantomnirvana Email phantomni…

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Jack Sanders on the highs and lows of going viral, defining success, and the influence of Tyler Childers 47:26

3M ago47:26

47:26

In this episode of First Spin, Hayden talks with Jack Sanders, a Springfield, Missouri–based singer-songwriter whose heartfelt country-Americana sound blends guitar-driven roots with lyrical storytelling. Jack shares how he didn’t even pick up a guitar until age 19, but quickly became obsessed—practicing for six hours a day and teaching himself via…

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S2 Ep12 - A Difficult Exchange 27:31

3M ago27:31

27:31

In our Last Episode the adventurers solved the riddle to open one of the doors and battled the terrible creature within. They found the treasure room containing the triangular jewel just moments before the tabaxi rushed in. In a clever moment, Marcus solved both of the remaining riddles opening all the doors and releasing a dragon and a fire elemen…

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Addisyn Logan on moving back home, hiding music from her family, and Tik Toks with Josh Allen 40:54

4M ago40:54

40:54

In this episode of First Spin, Hayden sits down with Addisyn Logan, a rising singer-songwriter from Buffalo, New York. With only two songs released so far—“I Can’t Beg” and “I Hate Your Guts”—Addisyn has already built a buzz for her raw, confessional lyrics and indie-pop sound. She opens up about her musical journey, from growing up as a competitiv…

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S2 Ep11 - Treasure Hunters 39:46

4M ago39:46

39:46

In our last episode the Adventurers journeyed into the cavern beneath the sanguine pool and encountered the leader of the Tabaxi treasure hunters within an underground pyramid. They agreed to assist the Tabaxi by finding a triangular jewel within the pyramid in exchange for the key the stronghold of Kalamesh. The adventurers must now solve riddles …

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Ryan Taylor Price on Community, the History of Rock n Roll, and the Influence of Neil Young 46:16

4M ago46:16

46:16

On this episode of First Spin, Hayden welcomes Ryan Taylor Price, a rising indie-folk artist whose debut album The Axe & The Tree marks him as a songwriter to watch. Blending lyrical honesty with lush, cinematic arrangements, Ryan’s music feels both intimate and expansive—like a diary entry set against a widescreen backdrop. Ryan shares the story b…

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S2 Ep10 - Beneath the Sanguine pool 47:06

4M ago47:06

47:06

In our last episode the adventurers traveled through the desert and arrived at the sanguine pool. This is season 2 Episode 10: Beneath the Sanguine pool Music in this episode by Sun Umbra and Sagey, Rope sounds by bahaish, Metalic drone sounds by uminari, water swirling sounds by fran_marenco. Warning: Contains dark themes that may not be suitable …

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Charlie & Margot: Matteo DeBenedetti on Mental health, Balancing Multiple Bands and the New Springsteen Movie 43:05

4M ago43:05

43:05

On this episode of First Spin, Hayden sits down with Matteo DeBenedetti, the songwriter behind Charlie & Margot—and, as of recently, the new drummer for Flycatcher. Matteo discusses the new Flycatcher release and talks about how he transitioned from filling in on tours to officially joining the band. The conversation quickly pivots to Charlie & Mar…

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S2 Ep9 - Red Water 36:33

4M ago36:33

36:33

In our Last Episode the characters defended the fleeing caravan from terrible airborne enemies. The caravan is heading in the direction of the sanguine pool in hopes of finding the key to their homeland. This is season 2 Episode 9: Red water. Music in this episode is by Sun Umbra and Dying Suns. Synth by Xkeril. Heartbeat by loudernoises. Warning: …

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Magenta Wave on Seattle Rock, Living with Bandmates, and the Influence of Flipturn 29:13

4M ago29:13

29:13

This week I sat down with Nathaniel McCurley, bassist for Seattle’s own Magenta Wave. We talked about what it’s like to live in a house with your entire band, how much distortion is too much before you stop calling it indie, and why their track “Why Am I In Love With You” caught fire. Nathaniel shared the story behind their move from Bellingham to …

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S2 Ep8 - The Caravan Moves Out 39:15

4M ago39:15

39:15

In our last episode the adventurers defeated the giant sand crab. While celebrating they heard distant cries from the caravan and rushed back to discover the horrific results of an ambush attack. The sacred candle was snuffed out and time reset once again. This is Season 2 episode 8: the caravan moves out. Music in this episode is by Dying Suns, Su…

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Leisure Hour’s Raegan Gordon on DIY roots, safe spaces, and shooting your shot 45:40

4M ago45:40

45:40

This week I sat down with Raegan Gordon—drummer, vocalist, and songwriter for Leisure Hour, a band that grew out of Muncie’s DIY basements and is now grinding through a coast-to-coast run. We talked about growing up in a 50k college town, how that community shaped their ear, and what it took to turn a one-night fill-in into a permanent spot and a v…

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S2 Ep7 - Combat with a crustacean 55:39

5M ago55:39

55:39

In our last episode the adventurers equipped themselves in preparation to hunt the giant sand crab. This is season 2 episode 7: Combat with a crustacean. Music in this episode by Sun Umbra and Sagey. Warning: Contains dark themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Instagram @phantomnirvana Email [email protected]…

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All the Wine: Farewell Currents, Empire Builder, and Songs for Letting Go 48:32

5M ago48:32

48:32

This week I finally got to sit down with the whole lineup of All the Wine—Danny, Mike, and Wes. Their debut LP Farewell Currents came out last July, and it’s been living rent-free in my top albums list ever since. We talk about how they made it work with one member living four hours away, the story behind Empire Builder (one of my favorite songs, p…

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S2 Ep6 - Preparing for the Hunt 44:58

5M ago44:58

44:58

In our last episode the Adventurers enjoyed the evening’s festivities around the communal bonfire. One of the village elders explained that the people of the undying light were cursed to keep a candle burning for all time as a result of a terrible tragedy. This is season 2 Episode 6: preparing for the hunt. Music in this episode by: Sun Umbra and S…

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Borrowed Sparks: Mike Bay on Grief, Faith, and Finding a Voice in Nashville 48:17

5M ago48:17

48:17

This week I got to talk with Mike Bay of Borrowed Sparks, someone whose music I’ve loved for years. We talked about his move to Nashville—how one Springsteen concert, a job lead, and a surprise lease ending all lined up—and how that kicked off a journey he didn’t totally expect but clearly needed. Mike opened up about growing up in the Midwest, pla…

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S2 Ep5 - The curse 40:47

5M ago40:47

40:47

In our last episode the adventurers introduced themselves around the caravan and inadvertently caused a stampede. This is Season 2 episode 5: The curse. Music in this episode by: Sun Umbra and Sagey Fire Sound by: inchadney Warning: Contains dark themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Instagram @phantomnirvana Email phantomnirvana@gmail…

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Andrew Patrick of The Carolyn: On DIY Punk, Orgcore & Not Giving Up 23:08

5M ago23:08

23:08

Andrew Patrick from The Carolyn jumped on the mic with me this week, and we got into a really honest, really funny conversation about what it takes to keep a band going when you’ve also got a day job, a life, and a limited supply of vacation days. We talked about the band’s new single and upcoming album (which they announced literally right after w…

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Justin VanNiekerk of Flycatcher: On Carving a Sound That Sticks 29:54

5M ago29:54

29:54

This week I got to talk with Justin VanNiekerk, guitarist for Flycatcher, a band out of New Jersey that’s been quietly building one of the most interesting sounds I’ve heard in a while. We talked about how Flycatcher came together, how the sound’s grown up without losing its edge, and what it means to actually find your own thing in a world full of…

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S2 Ep4 - The People of the Undying Light 50:16

6M ago50:16

50:16

In our last episode the adventurers encountered their old friend Lucas who explained that to make it home they would have to help the people of the undying light find peace…whatever that means. They traveled back to the caravan where they were given a proper interrogation. This is Season 2 Episode 4: The people of the undying light. Music in this e…

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S2 Ep3 - Deja Vu 38:43

6M ago38:43

38:43

In our last episode the Adventurers were again on the run trying to escape a massive sandstorm. Attempting to take shelter in the nearby caravan, they mistakenly extinguished a sacred candle and summoned a giant titan. The titan destroyed the caravan and the adventurers were left in darkness. This is Season 2 Episode 3: Deja vu. Music in this episo…

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S2 Ep2 - A Rough Introduction 36:52

6M ago36:52

36:52

In our last episode our adventurers found themselves back in the museum. With no apparent means of escape and pursued by otherworldly creatures they somehow fled to the fantasy world within a painting. Our adventurers are transported to a barren desert landscape where they must fight for their lives against a trio of fiery sand snakes. This is Seas…

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Madison Hughes: On Genre-Hopping, Honesty & Her Debut Album 36:59

6M ago36:59

36:59

This week I sat down with Madison Hughes, a wildly talented artist and singer based out of Nashville, TN. From the moment we started talking, it was clear just how much she loves songs—all kinds of songs—and how deeply different genres have shaped who she is as a musician. We dove into her latest album, All That I Am, which dropped in April, and ex…

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S2 Ep1 - The Grey Desert 31:05

6M ago31:05

31:05

Phantom Nirvana is a short-form Dungeons & Dragons live-play podcast packed with action, dark fantasy, and immersive storytelling. Follow the cast of players as they face eldritch mysteries, high-stakes quests, and perilous battles under the guidance of their Dungeon Master. With shorter episodes and a focus on intense moments, this series delivers…

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Critter Ruwart: On Brotherhood, Small-Town Roots, and Chasing Big Sounds 41:01

6M ago41:01

41:01

This week I sat down with Chris Ruwart—lead songwriter and one half of Critter Ruwart, a brother duo that started in a small town in Wyoming and is now chasing their music dreams from Michigan. We talked about growing up in wide-open spaces, how that shaped their sound, and what it means to take a leap when you come from a place where most people p…

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Pacific’s Will Hunter: On Touring, Burnout & Hitting 2 Million Streams 39:22

7M ago39:22

39:22

In this episode, I sit down with Pacific—also known as Will Hunter—an indie artist whose song is closing in on 2 million streams. But numbers only tell part of the story. We talk about the real ride of being an independent musician: the momentum, the burnout, the thrill of playing live, and what touring feels like in a post-COVID world. Will doesn’…

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Eliza Harrison Smith: On Writing Sad Songs That Sound Happy 30:41

7M ago30:41

30:41

I first found Eliza Harrison Smith on TikTok a while back— singing something that felt way too honest to scroll past. Her writing hit me immediately. Sharp. Introspective. Real. Since then, I’ve kept an eye on her journey, and this January she dropped her debut EP, The Way I’m Wired. It’s raw and catchy and full of the kind of songwriting that stay…

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S1 Ep17 - Phantoms all, chasing nirvana 53:40

3+ y ago53:40

53:40

We hope you enjoyed this season of Phantom Nirvana is a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. “In our last episode the Characters finally laid eyes on the grey desert Ataxis and prepared for a final confrontation with the Demon of Wolfswater. Our Music is by: Sagey - @sagey.sagey https://linktr.ee/Sagey Dying Suns - @dyingsunsband https://linktr.ee/Thedyin…

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S1 Ep16 - Final pursuit 35:04

3+ y ago35:04

35:04

Phantom Nirvana is a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In our last episode A terrible battle occurred, and the characters only managed to save one of the brainwashed young women of the village. When they emerged from the tunnels Alistair and a pack of Vargen were ransacking the burning village. Our cast is Reagan as Axel Johnson, Michael as Joshua Ames…

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S1 Ep15 - Some THING in a shimmering portal 37:50

3+ y ago37:50

37:50

Phantom Nirvana is a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In our last episode the characters battled a group of acolytes and Vargen. They observed the wounded Alistair speaking through a magical portal to a hovering bulbous mass. Our cast is Reagan as Axel Johnson, Michael as Joshua Ames, Ben as Sam Campbell, Kevin as Marcus Burkhead, Phil as the Dungeon …

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S1 Ep14 - Danger underground 32:00

3+ y ago32:00

32:00

Phantom Nirvana is a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In our Last Episode the characters found the entrance to the tunnels beneath the temple in pursuit of Alistair. Our cast is Reagan as Axel Johnson, Michael as Joshua Ames, Ben as Sam Campbell, Kevin as Marcus Burkhead, Phil as the Dungeon master, and Courtney as Malory Reed. Be advised, this story …

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S1 Ep13 - Festival of the hunt 24:22

3+ y ago24:22

24:22

Phantom Nirvana is a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In our last episode Malory found Sariah the miller and learned more about the manipulation of the villagers by the temple of Yeenoghu. Oh, and Marcus caused a horrific scene. Our cast is Reagan as Axel Johnson, Michael as Joshua Ames, Ben as Sam Campbell, Kevin as Marcus Burkhead, Phil as the Dunge…

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S1 Ep 12 - Just a perfect day at the festival 35:12

3+ y ago35:12

35:12

Phantom Nirvana is a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In our last episode Joshua Ames won the contest of might and the feast began. Our cast is Reagan as Axel Johnson, Michael as Joshua Ames, Ben as Sam Campbell, Kevin as Marcus Burkhead, Phil as the Dungeon master, and Courtney as Malory Reed. Be advised, this story contains dark themes that may not …

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S1 Ep11 - The contest of might 23:53

3+ y ago23:53

23:53

Phantom Nirvana is a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In our last episode the characters experienced the beginning of the annual Hungersmond festival. Our cast is Reagan as Axel Johnson, Michael as Joshua Ames, Ben as Sam Campbell, Kevin as Marcus Burkhead, Phil as the Dungeon master, and Courtney as Malory Reed. Be advised, this story contains dark t…

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S1 Ep10 - The Hungersmond 32:04

3+ y ago32:04

32:04

Phantom Nirvana is a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In our last episode There was much discussion about what to do with the captive family and eventually they were all barricaded in the root cellar. Our characters plan to attend the festival. Our cast is Reagan as Axel Johnson, Michael as Joshua Ames, Ben as Sam Campbell, Kevin as Marcus Burkhead, P…

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S1 Ep9 - Deliberation 24:26

3+ y ago24:26

24:26

Phantom Nirvana is a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In our last episode the characters survived the ambush in the woodshed, and captured Lauren, Tamis and Pazzette. Our cast is Reagan as Axel Johnson, Michael as Joshua Ames, Ben as Sam Campbell, Kevin as Marcus Burkhead, Phil as the Dungeon master, and Courtney as Malory Reed. Be advised, this story…

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S1 Ep8 - The ambush 30:51

3+ y ago30:51

30:51

Phantom Nirvana is a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In our last episode Lauren brought the characters back to his humble home and Joshua and Sam were ambushed by dark figures in the woodshed. Our cast is Reagan as Axel Johnson, Michael as Joshua Ames, Ben as Sam Campbell, Kevin as Marcus Burkhead, Phil as the Dungeon master, and Courtney as Malory R…

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S1 Ep7 - Home sweet home 32:35

3+ y ago32:35

32:35

Phantom Nirvana is a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In our last episode the characters continued their evening in the drunken violin tavern where they met a very well-known figure in the village, a man named Alistair. Our cast is Reagan as Axel Johnson, Michael as Joshua Ames, Ben as Sam Campbell, Kevin as Marcus Burkhead, Phil as the Dungeon master…

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S1 Ep6 - Public figures 22:20

3+ y ago22:20

22:20

Phantom Nirvana is a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In our last episode the characters took shelter in the drunken violin tavern where they got to know a local man named Lauren. Our cast is Reagan as Axel Johnson, Michael as Joshua Ames, Ben as Sam Campbell, Kevin as Marcus Burkhead, Phil as the Dungeon master, and Courtney as Malory Reed. Be advise…