Best The Evil DM Podcasts (2025)

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“Born to be Bad” - Evil Races in Media 59:02

Play Pause

21h ago59:02

59:02

This week! Join Candace, Liv and Jeremy for a much-needed conversation about one of fantasy’s laziest tropes: “evil races.” From the reductive storytelling of Good vs. Evil to the way TTRPGs treat so-called monster races as throwaway enemies, used more for easy combat than meaningful storytelling, the Halflings break down how these shortcuts feed i…

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AD&D Rule Spotlight: Player Skill Bonuses 13:48

1d ago13:48

13:48

Today we look at the Oriental Adventures rule that lets you grant a one-time bonus when the player demonstrates knowledge or performs a skill. I cover how to use it fairly, what to cap, and a real table story where a player’s stunt earned a surprise attack. #TSR #Adnd #OSR

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Season 3: Episode 36 - Waybranch Crossing (Path B) 1:41:35

3d ago1:41:35

1:41:35

After defeating Bertio and his men, the party continues their journey south toward Wildrun and Rava's Grove. What other shenanigans will they encounter along the way? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Nomu (Robert), Yelar (Rodimus7901), and Relinoa (a new full-time NPC) whi…

1
AD&D Rule Spotlight: Command Words for Magic Items 13:48

3d ago13:48

13:48

Today I talk about command words for rods, staves, and wands. AD&D makes you earn the activation. You have to learn the word. I cover the rules, a fast table process to run discovery, a story where a player tried to game it, and quick hooks. #adnd #osr #tsr #forgottenrealms #greyhawk

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Episode 12: Boss Fight (Season 1 Finale) 2:46:31

3d ago2:46:31

2:46:31

The Corellan Crew has battled through the desecrated convent and defeated creatures of unspeakable evil. But those creatures were merely creations of a greater dark power. Battered and weary, our band of unlikely heroes now face their greatest challenge yet. They arrived with hopes of a heroic rescue, but first they'll have to survive! Join us for …

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Episode 11: Big Bads in the Basement 1:46:02

3d ago1:46:02

1:46:02

The Corellan Crew has found their way into the desecrated covenant and discovered the horrors within. Every step brings a new danger, and the monsters within would love nothing more than to feed on the flesh of the living. In this episode of the Corellan Chronicles, find out if our band of would-be heroes can survive the Big Bad's in the Basement!…

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AD&D Monster Spotlight: The Wraith 13:48

6d ago13:48

13:48

Today I dig into the wraith. Fast, smart, and built to punish careless parties. I cover what it does, how to stage it, rulings that keep it deadly but fair, and hooks you can run tonight. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheEvilDM Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvilDM Watch on Rumble: https://rumble.com/TheEvilDM…

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“My Eggs Are Exploding!” - TTRPG Rules Vs Story 1:02:57

8d ago1:02:57

1:02:57

This week! The Halflings are back to dive into the tug of war between rules and story, the chaos of GMless games, and rules-lite versus rules heavy systems. Along the way, they explore how imagination can completely change the way players approach gameplay, proving that with the right mindset, even the crunchiest mechanics can become pure storytell…

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AD&D Monster Spotlight: Elementals 11:14

11d ago11:14

11:14

Today we break down the four core Elementals, how they fight, where they shine, and how to use them without derailing a session. I give table rulings that keep them scary and fair, plus quick hooks you can drop in tonight. Things talked about on the podcast Support the show on Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/TheEvilDM Secondary Channel -- https:/…

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"Candace Absolutely Magnifi-can!" - GM’s Spotlight 1:05:36

15d ago1:05:36

1:05:36

This week! Candace the Magnificent joins Jeremy Cobb and Liv Kennedy for a whirlwind of laughter and discussion. Get ready for the many magnificent puns on Candace’s name, a look back at Candace’s early TTRPG experience and the journey of how those first games shaped their unique GM'ing skills. Hear all about Candace’s approach to rules in a system…

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AD&D Rule Spotlight: Casting Spells Directly from Books 14:50

16d ago14:50

14:50

Today we look at page 80 of the Unearthed Arcana book where there is an optional rule that lets a magic user cast straight from a spellbook as if it were a scroll. It is powerful, costly, and risky. I cover the exact risks, how to rule edge cases, and a table story where a player tried to game it. #adnd #tsr #dnd #OSR…

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Season 3: Episode 35 - The Swarm Behind Us (Path A) 51:50

17d ago51:50

51:50

After defeating the group of Mind Reavers and Spiraelith Cocoons, the party must make haste and flee before they're overwhelmed. Will they escape or will they fall victims to the Spiraelith? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Damien/Desiree (Blaze_NBK), Isundra (daggertribal…

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AD&D Magic Item Spotlight: Ring of Truth 13:03

18d ago13:03

13:03

Today’s episode looks at the Ring of Truth, a magic item that makes lies impossible to miss but also strips the wearer of their ability to lie. It’s a blessing and a curse, and at the table it often sparks rules questions. I’ll share what it does, how to use it as a DM, and a story where I had to step in when a player tried to get too clever with i…

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“Last Woman Standing” - Femmes in Horror Part 2 1:00:06

21d ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Content Warning: Descriptions of slasher and horror films, sexual themes in horror, and brief body horror. Spoiler Alert: This episode contains spoilers for a bunch of horror films, including ALIEN, Terminator, Let the Right One In, Cabin in the Woods, Totally Killer, Time Cut, Ready or Not, Fresh, Barbarian, and Twilight. This week! Liv, Candace t…

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AD&D Monster Spotlight: The Death Angel 16:08

23d ago16:08

16:08

Today’s episode goes back to Dragon Magazine #6 (1977) for a look at the Death Angel, a creature that mixes oracular prophecy with deadly power. Armed with a death scythe and near-unstoppable persistence, these beings embody fate itself. I’ll break down their abilities, how they work in play, and how to drop one into your campaign without wrecking …

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“The Cost of Admission” - The Assassination of Charlie Kirk 1:25:18

29d ago1:25:18

1:25:18

This week, The Halflings speak on the shocking assassination of controversial right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. They examine his career, the infamous quotes, and the rage bait that defined his public persona. Jeremy, Liv, and Candace each share their candid and complicated feelings on his death before diving into the wider impact this event will …

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AD&D Unearthed: The Ultimist Class 15:13

29d ago15:13

15:13

Today we open up Polyhedron Magazine #23 (1985) and take a look at a class Gary Gygax himself introduced... the Ultimist. Called the “nadir of new classes,” this hybrid cleric-magic-user-fighter was designed to embody the powers of the lower planes. I’ll cover what the class can do, how it plays, and whether it belongs at your table. #ADnD #Ultimis…

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Season 3: Episode 34 - Skirmish at the Mines (Path B) 1:56:20

1M ago1:56:20

1:56:20

Having won their battle against Bertio and his men, Shellcat Supreme find themselves wanting to investigate the nearby cave. Will they find more trouble down below? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Nomu (Robert), Yelar (Rodimus7901), and Relinoa (a new full-time NPC) while…

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"That got me HYPED!" - Jeremy’s Black Cinema Deep Dive 56:43

1M ago56:43

56:43

This week! Jeremy is diving headfirst into the world of contemporary Black cinema, sharing his favorite films from the last ten to fifteen years and spotlighting directors like Ryan Coogler, Jordan Peele, Shaka King, Ava DuVernay, and Spike Lee. Inspired by the brilliance of F.D. Signifier, he also shouts out incredible POC creators including Forei…

1
AD&D Spell Spotlight: Wall of Force 13:45

1M ago13:45

13:45

Today we look at one of the strongest defensive spells in the Player’s Handbook..... Wall of Force. It is a fifth-level magic-user spell that creates an invisible barrier that nothing can pass through, not even breath weapons or spells. I’ll break down how it works, how different tables rule it, and how to use it to turn the tide of an encounter. #…

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AD&D Magic Item Spotlight: Apparatus of Kwalish 13:49

1M ago13:49

13:49

Today’s episode looks at one of the strangest items in the Dungeon Master’s Guide, the Apparatus of Kwalish. At first glance it’s just a big iron barrel, but inside it’s a full-on magical crab-submarine with levers, pincers, and a whole lot of chaos waiting to happen. I’ll cover how it works, how to use it in your game, and why this contraption can…

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"What Defines A Monster?" - Introducing Draw Steel by MCDM Productions 59:53

1M ago59:53

59:53

This week! Jeremy, Liv, and Candace are joined by James Introcaso, Lead Game Designer at MCDM and Draw Steel maestro, and Willy Abeel, the Mother of Monsters and creator of the playable clown race, the Clonns, as they share how they joined MCDM and dive into their most legendary nerdy stories. We talk about what a monster really is in Draw Steel, w…

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Season 3: Episode 33 - A Swarm of Grins (Path A) 1:45:27

2M ago1:45:27

1:45:27

The party was able to defeat the Cerevoid, despite all the issues it gave them. They must continue searching for the containment unit, X-420T. Will they be able to find it before they are overran by Spiraelith? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Damien/Desiree (Blaze_NBK), I…

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AD&D Campaign Spotlight: The Role of Taxes 13:03

2M ago13:03

13:03

Today’s episode looks at something players never expect but kings and lords never forget: taxes. From coins and gems to tolls and property, I’ll cover how to add taxes into your game, why it makes the world feel more real, and how to turn them into adventure hooks instead of paperwork. #ADnD #OldSchoolDnD #OSR…

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"NSFW Police" Part 2 - the itch.io and Steam controversy continued 50:40

2M ago50:40

50:40

Content Warning: References to NSFW, SFW, and SA content. This week! Jeremy, Candace and Liv continue their discussion about the ongoing itch.io and Steam controversy, and how censorship of this nature impacts BIPOC and Queer creators and communities. From the definitions of censorship, the current state of ID Checks, and the blatant bid for data c…

1
AD&D Spell Spotlight: Dig 9:30

2M ago9:30

9:30

Today we dig into a spell most players skip right over in the Player’s Handbook. Dig is a 4th-level magic-user spell that lets you move earth and sand, collapse tunnels, and wreck dungeons in ways fireball never could. I’ll talk about how to use it as a player, how to use it as a DM, and why it deserves a second look. #ADnD #DigSpell #MagicUser…

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"NSFW Police" - the itch.io and Steam controversy 56:55

2M ago56:55

56:55

Content Warning: References to NSFW, SFW, and SA content. This week! Liv, Candace and Jeremy (aka the BG3 book hoarder) are exploring the Steam and Itch.io controversy of delisting games from their platforms revolving around the censorship of adult content, how this specifically impacts marginalised communities in ways these companies have clearly …

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"I'm Scared of Twilight Imperium" - Board Games for TTRPG fans 1:18:27

2M ago1:18:27

1:18:27

Disclaimer: Minor spoilers for games in the Balder's Gate series This week! Liv gives Jeremy her recommendations on board games for folks who enjoy TTRPGs. From long form campaign games, to D&D style board games, to the stress of introducing the ADHD enemy of games - a timer! Check out Liv's recommendations here: Gloomhaven - ⁠https://cephalofair.c…

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Season 3: Episode 32 - Old Acquaintance (Path B) 1:53:02

2M ago1:53:02

1:53:02

After defeating Borgar and his lackeys, Nomu, Yelar, and Relinoa must now come up with their next plan to stop Bertio. Will they confront him themselves? Or will they come up with another solution? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Nomu (Robert), Yelar (Rodimus7901), and Re…

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AD&D Spell Spotlight: Heroism & Superheroism 15:03

2M ago15:03

15:03

Today we look at two powerhouse spells that turn low- to mid-level fighters into battlefield legends... Heroism and Superheroism. I will break down what they do, how to use them in your game, and why a clever DM can make these spells the centerpiece of an epic moment. #ADnD #Heroism #Superheroism #ClericMagic Things talked about on the podcast Supp…

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AD&D Magic Item Spotlight: Arabel’s Huggable Bear 10:12

2M ago10:12

10:12

Today’s episode is for Drake, who suggested this unusual magical item from the AD&D 2e era. Arabel’s Huggable Bear looks like a child’s stuffed toy, but it is one of the most protective and peaceful magic items you can hand to a party. I will talk about its sphere of protection, the double healing rate, and how to use it as a story tool instead of …

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AD&D Bucknard’s Everfull Purse 15:44

2M ago15:44

15:44

Today I talk about Bucknard’s Everfull Purse, a little leather pouch that creates coins every morning. Sounds simple. But in the right hands, it can cause greed, suspicion, and all kinds of trouble at the table. I will cover how to use it as a DM, why it is more dangerous than it looks, and how to make it the centerpiece of an entire adventure. #AD…

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AD&D - The Catoblepas, with its Death Gaze! 14:47

2M ago14:47

14:47

Today we shine a light on one of the nastiest creatures hiding in the Monster Manual. The Catoblepas is slow, ugly, and looks like it should be easy to kill. It isn’t. One look in its eyes and you are dead. No, not dying. Dead. I’ll walk through the stats, how to use it in your game without making it a cheap “gotcha” monster, and why this ugly swam…

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The Shirefolk Soapbox Returns! - Serialised Storytelling & Blue Prince 1:08:32

2M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

Disclaimer: a longer unedited version of this podcast is available on the Patreon - A Snyder Cut, if you will. This week! Jeremy and Candace bring back a segment we've not done in a while - The Shirefolk Soapbox! Jeremy takes the soapbox to air his opinion that the film industry has a never-ending problem of serialised storytelling, and how it's ha…

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AD&D - The Black Dragon Game 12:13

2M ago12:13

12:13

In this episode, I talk about a Gen Con AD&D game where I played a 5th-level fighter investigating some missing villagers. Classic setup... until it wasn’t. Turns out the culprit was a black dragon in a cave. I break down how the DM built tension, how the fight played out, and why black dragons make better villains than half the NPCs your players h…

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Season 3: Episode 31 - Smiling Tormentor (Part A) 1:19:01

2M ago1:19:01

1:19:01

After defeating the mind piercers and reavers, the party contacted Emon Vanelis to report their findings. They must now search for a powerful artifact before the Spiraelith can use it for their nefarious ways. Will the party find the artifact before its too late? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill o…

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"Black People Need to See Other Black People Succeed" - Interview with Kendo Smith 1:38:53

3M ago1:38:53

1:38:53

This week - Jeremy, Candace and Liv are joined by the award winning game master for Tales Yet Told, Kendo Smith! From how they were introduced to TTRPGs, to how their AP Voices in the Wood (System: Void 1680 AM) brought its community together, and the crucible moments that've made Kendo's art what it is! You can follow and listen to Tales Yet Told …

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AD&D Book of Vile Darkness: More Than Just an Evil Tome 12:47

3M ago12:47

12:47

The Book of Vile Darkness isn’t just loot, it’s a campaign driver. In this episode, I talk about how to make this infamous artifact matter at your table. From corrupting heroes over time to whispering to NPCs before the party even touches it, this book should feel alive, dangerous, and unpredictable. I cover ways to make it the focus of a quest, th…

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"Pride is 365!" - A Queer & Black Media Chat 1:44:30

3M ago1:44:30

1:44:30

This episode is sponsored by Black Wives™️: They Will Fix Your Shit! This week, Jeremy, Liv and Candace take a look at the intersectionality of black and queer culture in ttrpgs and their wider media representations, beyond the months of June and July! So come take a listen to the history how Stonewall has had a lasting impact, how pride in UK and …

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AD&D Efreeti: Wishes, Fire, and Loopholes 16:20

3M ago16:20

16:20

Today on the AD&D Universe, we crack open the fiery prison that is the Efreeti entry. These towering tyrants from the Elemental Plane of Fire aren't just big bruisers with flaming swords... they're schemers, wish-twisters, and nightmare genies wrapped in smoke and hatred. I’ll show you how to use Efreeti as villains, manipulators, and ticking time …

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Season 3: Episode 30 - Finding Mogrim Part 2 (Path B) 1:29:31

3M ago1:29:31

1:29:31

The party was able to convince the stone giant to help them in tricking Borgar. Will their plan succeed or fail? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Nomu (Robert), Yelar (Rodimus7901), and Relinoa (a new full-time NPC) while we try to ruin whatever it is he has planned. Pleas…

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AD&D Evil Dead: Necronomicon, Deadites, and Doomed Cabins 14:21

3M ago14:21

14:21

Today’s episode is full homebrew mayhem. I’m talking about how to take the Evil Dead film series and drop it straight into your AD&D campaign. From ancient tomes to cursed forests, undead monstrosities to possessed party members, this is how you build the right tone and tension. I’ll walk through ideas for pacing, encounters, and how to make the Ne…

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"Racoons and Carnage" - UNATI RETURNS! 1:09:45

3M ago1:09:45

1:09:45

SURPRISE HALFLINGS! We're catching up with an OG today - one Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo, but everybody calls them UNATI! And my god have they been BUSY. Join Jeremy and Canace as they catch up with Unati from voice acting in Baldur's Gate 3 and Space Marine II, to appearing in Netflix's own Wednesday, and a variety of Actual Plays! Come listen to th…

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AD&D Wraithform: Now You See Me... 13:09

3M ago13:09

13:09

Today we’re digging into an interesting illusionist spell, Wraithform. Found on page 69 of Unearthed Arcana, this third-level illusion turns the caster and their gear into an insubstantial, ghostlike form. I break down what it does, how to use it, and the sneaky power it gives illusionists. We’re talking wall-slipping, trap-dodging, undead-fooling …

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AD&D Random Monsters: Build It, Then Kill It 14:58

3M ago14:58

14:58

Tired of your players memorizing monster stats? This episode is for you. I crack open Dragon Magazine #10 and take a look at the “Random Monsters” article by Paul Crabaugh. We talk about how to roll up completely original creatures on the fly using tables for hit dice, type, limbs, attacks, colors, and even weird traits like “no head” or “commands …

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"It's What My Character Would Do" - TTRPG Advice with Jeremy and Candace 1:24:33

3M ago1:24:33

1:24:33

Join Jeremy and Candace as we take a look at where the line needs to be drawn when playing TTRPGS when allowing certain actions in-game. Listen to a few personal stories from both hosts, and how they resolved such instances, how consent and safety tools can combat over-reaching players to keep the game grounded, the value of player communication, e…

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Season 3: Episode 29 - An Evil Like No Other - Part 2 (Path A) 58:46

3M ago58:46

58:46

The party continues their descent into the research facility after defeating a group of Mind Piercers and Mind Reavers. What else lurks in the shadows? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Damien/Desiree (Blaze_NBK), Isundra (daggertribal), Thaddeus (Rodimus7901), and Alaric (…

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AD&D Dual Classing: Power Move or Painful Mistake? 13:15

3M ago13:15

13:15

In today’s episode, I dig into one of the most confusing and underused rules in AD&D... dual classing. It’s only for humans. It takes serious stats. And it forces you to give up everything from your old class... for a while. So why do it? I break down how it works, where it gets messy, and when it might actually be worth the risk. If you’ve ever th…

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AD&D Nilbog: Hit Me Again, It Feels Great 13:37

3M ago13:37

13:37

Today we take a strange turn into the warped world of the Nilbog... a creature that breaks the rules just by existing. This goblin flips logic on its head, turning damage into healing and making every attack against it an act of kindness. I talk about its origins in the Fiend Folio, the spatio-temporal weirdness that defines it, and why this chaoti…

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"Different is More!" - Talking Colour Conscious Casting 1:32:16

4M ago1:32:16

1:32:16

Minor Spoilers for ALIEN: Romulus Spoilers for the stage show Gypsy This week! Our freshly minted halfling, Candace The Magnificent, and our OG host Jeremy Cobb, are chatting about casting issues in modern media. From the race, gender, disability of the characters being portrayed against the actors portraying them, whether we should be casting acto…