20 Sided Gamified Podcast

Hosted by Jared Fishman

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155

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The 20 Sided Gamified Podcast is hosted by Jared Fishman, whose professional career includes a nearly 20+ year tenure teaching history in independent schools, and positions on the board of two game based organizations- HMGS Next Gen, Inc, and the North American Simulations and Games Association. This podcast is meant to be a place for conversations with interesting folks within the world of tabletop, roleplaying, and board gaming communities. This includes game developers, rules authors, and other luminaries in the field. In particular, we're always looking for connections and crossover between games and education, with a specific emphasis on why it is that even the most innocuous games can be a valuable tool for learning and growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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60 recent

September 25, 20261 hr 19 min

Episode #139: Jason Carl- Game Designer, Storyteller, and Teacher of Games

Folks- it was such an honor for Kelly and I to chat with Jason Carl. His work in the game world is prolific- too numerous to mention here. For me personally, his contributions to Vampire the Masquerade (Minds Eye Theater), D&D 3.0, and VTM 5th edition were huge, and I absolutely love his work on L.A by Night, which can be seen on Youtube. We barely scratched the surface of Jason's career, so we all collectively agreed that this would be a "part 1". I sincerely hope to have Jason on the show again. Also, I've included a couple of links below. I'm quite intrigued by the possibilities of Dungeon Master University, where people can sign up and attend classes with some of the best storytellers/dungeon masters in the world. Very cool stuff. Enough from me- please enjoy the episode! https://dndinacastle.com/ https://dndinacastle.com/pages/dungeon-masters/jason-carl 20 Sided Gamified Listeners- if you’re a fan of this show and want to support what we do, join the game at patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC . I plan on changing the parameters of what we do on patreon in the near future. See you there, and don’t forget your dice! https://patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC Pico Armor- what do I say? These guys are simply the best distributor when it comes to small scale, 2mm/3mm figures! I will be showcasing their products this coming February, 2027, when I begin to use their Seven Years War figures in my classroom. If you’re interested in their products, John and Greg are super easy to work with, and are all around great guys. Here is a link to their website: https://picoarmor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopjIrDqCl9yqzapPiwGGDWA3BT3NWFE3fO9n0AI2AThkmrdqd08 Next, I am a huge fan of Cigar Box Battle gaming mats- so much so that they're our first paid collaboration- from one game company to another! If you are interested in checking out their lovely wargaming mats, go to their website at: https://cigarboxbattlestore.bigcartel.com/ And, don't forget about our sponsor, BetterHelp! If you're interested in inquiring about what BetterHelp can offer you, please use the link below and get 10% off your first month! https://betterhelp.com/20sidedgamified Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 18, 20261 hr 13 min

Episode #138: Winchester Shieldwall w/Dr. Ryan Lavelle and James Morris

Hey Folks! I had an absolutely good time interviewing the brains behind The University of Winchester's "Shieldwall" event! Dr. Ryan Lavelle, James Morris, and several others have put a lot of time into this wargaming event, which will showcase a history of the Viking period on the tabletop and at the lectern! Expect some games of Midgard, Chivalry and Honour, and with any luck, excellent dice rolls! Have fun listening to this episode, and regardless of where you are in the world, check out Ryan's work, and these lovely game rules to handle warfare in the Middle Ages. Enjoy! https://store.winchester.ac.uk/conferences-and-events/faculty-of-humanities-and-social-sciences/school-of-humanities/winchester-shieldwall-a-wargaming-forum-on-viking-age-warfare 20 Sided Gamified Listeners- if you’re a fan of this show and want to support what we do, join the game at patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC . I plan on changing the parameters of what we do on patreon in the near future. See you there, and don’t forget your dice! https://patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC Pico Armor- what do I say? These guys are simply the best distributor when it comes to small scale, 2mm/3mm figures! I will be showcasing their products this coming February, 2027, when I begin to use their Seven Years War figures in my classroom. If you’re interested in their products, John and Greg are super easy to work with, and are all around great guys. Here is a link to their website: https://picoarmor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopjIrDqCl9yqzapPiwGGDWA3BT3NWFE3fO9n0AI2AThkmrdqd08 Next, I am a huge fan of Cigar Box Battle gaming mats- so much so that they're our first paid collaboration- from one game company to another! If you are interested in checking out their lovely wargaming mats, go to their website at: https://cigarboxbattlestore.bigcartel.com/ And, don't forget about our sponsor, BetterHelp! If you're interested in inquiring about what BetterHelp can offer you, please use the link below and get 10% off your first month! https://betterhelp.com/20sidedgamified Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 11, 20261 hr 14 min

Episode #136: Where in the World is Andy Callan???? PART 1

Folks- I have to say- this was a very funny episode that I initially titled, "Random Musings!" You may remember a previous episode where my friend Peter Dennis and I had a fantastic conversation about wargaming. We collectively had the brilliant idea of inviting Andy Callan on the show (author of Nevermind the Billhooks, and Loose Files and American Scramble, a phenomenal game published in the very first Wargames Illustrated), set up a date, invited Cory Ring to come by, and were absolutely ready to do it! Problem is- I forgot to invite him!!!! Thus, the three of us got on Zoom and realized Andy wasn't free. So, if it sounds like Peter, Cory and I were riffing at the VERY LAST MINUTE, it's because we were! I'm still putting the episode out, regardless of how ramshackle it sounds. Please enjoy, and check out the NEXT EPISODE where I rectify my mistake! 20 Sided Gamified Listeners- if you’re a fan of this show and want to support what we do, join the game at patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC . I plan on changing the parameters of what we do on patreon in the near future. See you there, and don’t forget your dice! https://patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC Pico Armor- what do I say? These guys are simply the best distributor when it comes to small scale, 2mm/3mm figures! I will be showcasing their products this coming February, 2027, when I begin to use their Seven Years War figures in my classroom. If you’re interested in their products, John and Greg are super easy to work with, and are all around great guys. Here is a link to their website: https://picoarmor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopjIrDqCl9yqzapPiwGGDWA3BT3NWFE3fO9n0AI2AThkmrdqd08 Next, I am a huge fan of Cigar Box Battle gaming mats- so much so that they're our first paid collaboration- from one game company to another! If you are interested in checking out their lovely wargaming mats, go to their website at: https://cigarboxbattlestore.bigcartel.com/ And, don't forget about our sponsor, BetterHelp! If you're interested in inquiring about what BetterHelp can offer you, please use the link below and get 10% off your first month! https://betterhelp.com/20sidedgamified Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 11, 20261 hr 19 min

Episode #137: We Found Andy Callan!!!!! PART 2

Folks- good news! We found Andy Callan! Enjoy the episode!!!!! 20 Sided Gamified Listeners- if you’re a fan of this show and want to support what we do, join the game at patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC . I plan on changing the parameters of what we do on patreon in the near future. See you there, and don’t forget your dice! https://patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC Pico Armor- what do I say? These guys are simply the best distributor when it comes to small scale, 2mm/3mm figures! I will be showcasing their products this coming February, 2027, when I begin to use their Seven Years War figures in my classroom. If you’re interested in their products, John and Greg are super easy to work with, and are all around great guys. Here is a link to their website: https://picoarmor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopjIrDqCl9yqzapPiwGGDWA3BT3NWFE3fO9n0AI2AThkmrdqd08 Next, I am a huge fan of Cigar Box Battle gaming mats- so much so that they're our first paid collaboration- from one game company to another! If you are interested in checking out their lovely wargaming mats, go to their website at: https://cigarboxbattlestore.bigcartel.com/ And, don't forget about our sponsor, BetterHelp! If you're interested in inquiring about what BetterHelp can offer you, please use the link below and get 10% off your first month! https://betterhelp.com/20sidedgamified Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 9, 20261 hr 4 min

Episode #135: Narrative Wargaming and the Battle for Sagan- an interview with James, Simon, and Ralph from the Battle for Salvation

Folks- I had the pleasure of scenario designers James, Simon and Ralph from the Battle for Salvation club in West Harrison, NY. They'll be running a narrative 40k game at the annual GT this coming October. The subject- the Battle for Sagan- an interesting encounter set during the Badab War. They were a blast to chat with. If you're from the Tri-State area and have interest in playing, check out my post on IG, where you can get a QR code to sign up. Maybe you'll even see me there- maybe! Enjoy the episode! https://battleforsalvation.com/ 20 Sided Gamified Listeners- if you’re a fan of this show and want to support what we do, join the game at patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC . I plan on changing the parameters of what we do on patreon in the near future. See you there, and don’t forget your dice! https://patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC Pico Armor- what do I say? These guys are simply the best distributor when it comes to small scale, 2mm/3mm figures! I will be showcasing their products this coming February, 2027, when I begin to use their Seven Years War figures in my classroom. If you’re interested in their products, John and Greg are super easy to work with, and are all around great guys. Here is a link to their website: https://picoarmor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopjIrDqCl9yqzapPiwGGDWA3BT3NWFE3fO9n0AI2AThkmrdqd08 Next, I am a huge fan of Cigar Box Battle gaming mats- so much so that they're our first paid collaboration- from one game company to another! If you are interested in checking out their lovely wargaming mats, go to their website at: https://cigarboxbattlestore.bigcartel.com/ And, don't forget about our sponsor, BetterHelp! If you're interested in inquiring about what BetterHelp can offer you, please use the link below and get 10% off your first month! https://betterhelp.com/20sidedgamified Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 28, 20261 hr 23 min

Episode #134: Bloody Big Battles, Peninsular Style! An Interview with Chris Pringle and Mark Smith

Friends- anyone who listens to this show knows how much I like the game Bloody Big Battles, by Chris Pringle. It's really a perfect classroom wargame, for all sorts of reasons. Thus- this was a great podcast to record, as I welcomed Chris back to the show, who brought author Mark Smith along for the ride! Mark wrote the Napoleonic supplement for BBB, as well as the very recently published scenario book, Bloody Big Peninsular Battles! We talk all things Napoleonics and BBB on this episode! Enjoy it! https://bloodybigbattles.blogspot.com/2026/08/bbb-peninsular-war-scenario-book.html https://onmilitarymatters.com/product/1-206636 https://www.caliverbooks.com/bookview.php?a7d9cbabeb630f15c9703e3ddf3ba1bb&id=31673 20 Sided Gamified Listeners- if you’re a fan of this show and want to support what we do, join the game at patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC . I plan on changing the parameters of what we do on patreon in the near future. See you there, and don’t forget your dice! https://patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC Pico Armor- what do I say? These guys are simply the best distributor when it comes to small scale, 2mm/3mm figures! I will be showcasing their products this coming February, 2027, when I begin to use their Seven Years War figures in my classroom. If you’re interested in their products, John and Greg are super easy to work with, and are all around great guys. Here is a link to their website: https://picoarmor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopjIrDqCl9yqzapPiwGGDWA3BT3NWFE3fO9n0AI2AThkmrdqd08 Next, I am a huge fan of Cigar Box Battle gaming mats- so much so that they're our first paid collaboration- from one game company to another! If you are interested in checking out their lovely wargaming mats, go to their website at: https://cigarboxbattlestore.bigcartel.com/ And, don't forget about our sponsor, BetterHelp! If you're interested in inquiring about what BetterHelp can offer you, please use the link below and get 10% off your first month! https://betterhelp.com/20sidedgamified Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 14, 202657 min

Episode #133: Building a Game Community: Manda Shafer of the Harrisburg Boardgaming Alliance

Folks- please enjoy this lovely chat with Manda Shafer of the Harrisburg Board Game Alliance. Besides being a strong game designer and storyteller in her own right, what truly makes Manda stand out revolves around the work she is doing in her community. Bringing together gamers from across Pennsylvania, Manda is helping to connect and unite people through the power of play. Have fun with this very special episode! 20 Sided Gamified Listeners- if you’re a fan of this show and want to support what we do, join the game at patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC . I plan on changing the parameters of what we do on patreon in the near future. See you there, and don’t forget your dice! https://patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC Pico Armor- what do I say? These guys are simply the best distributor when it comes to small scale, 2mm/3mm figures! I will be showcasing their products this coming February, 2027, when I begin to use their Seven Years War figures in my classroom. If you’re interested in their products, John and Greg are super easy to work with, and are all around great guys. Here is a link to their website: https://picoarmor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopjIrDqCl9yqzapPiwGGDWA3BT3NWFE3fO9n0AI2AThkmrdqd08 Next, I am a huge fan of Cigar Box Battle gaming mats- so much so that they're our first paid collaboration- from one game company to another! If you are interested in checking out their lovely wargaming mats, go to their website at: https://cigarboxbattlestore.bigcartel.com/ And, don't forget about our sponsor, BetterHelp! If you're interested in inquiring about what BetterHelp can offer you, please use the link below and get 10% off your first month! https://betterhelp.com/20sidedgamified Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 27, 20261 hr 21 min

Episode #132: Designers Mark Herman and Geoff Engelstein- Versailles 1919- A Rival to Diplomacy as the Best Classroom Game?

Folks- this was a really exciting one for me, as the interview came together quickly. I was looking for a good classroom game about the Paris Peace Conference, and stumbled across GMT's Versailles 1919. After perusing the rules I immediately knew it would work, and reached out to GMT about a potential interview with two famed designers- Mark Herman, and Geoff Engelstein. If you listen to this episode for even 5 minutes, you'll quickly see that these two are masters at their craft- and New Yorkers to boot! Mark showed up a little late (probably because of me I'm sure) which made the interview even more exciting- it was kind of like Batman making his appearance! Please enjoy the episode, and check out the link below to get yourself a copy of the game. Please note- this episode is coming out a week early, that way it gives you a chance to hear about what Geoff is doing at Gencon 2026- we'll get back on our regular posting schedule sooner rather than later! https://www.gmtgames.com/p-711-versailles-1919.aspx 20 Sided Gamified Listeners- if you’re a fan of this show and want to support what we do, join the game at patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC . I plan on changing the parameters of what we do on patreon in the near future. See you there, and don’t forget your dice! https://patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC Pico Armor- what do I say? These guys are simply the best distributor when it comes to small scale, 2mm/3mm figures! I will be showcasing their products this coming February, 2027, when I begin to use their Seven Years War figures in my classroom. If you’re interested in their products, John and Greg are super easy to work with, and are all around great guys. Here is a link to their website: https://picoarmor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopjIrDqCl9yqzapPiwGGDWA3BT3NWFE3fO9n0AI2AThkmrdqd08 Next, I am a huge fan of Cigar Box Battle gaming mats- so much so that they're our first paid collaboration- from one game company to another! If you are interested in checking out their lovely wargaming mats, go to their website at: https://cigarboxbattlestore.bigcartel.com/ And, don't forget about our sponsor, BetterHelp! If you're interested in inquiring about what BetterHelp can offer you, please use the link below and get 10% off your first month! https://betterhelp.com/20sidedgamified Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 17, 20261 hr 17 min

Episode #131: Stonewall Uprising and the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights with Game Designer Taylor Shuss!

Friends- please enjoy this conversation with Taylor Shuss, game designer extraordinaire! Taylor is most well known for his game "Stonewall Uprising", a fascinating game which hits on two very important factors- a) it is fun and well designed and b) it gives players a chance to learn some history- in this case, the story of LGBTQ+ rights, and the fight for equal protection under the law. Taylor and I got into many other topics as well- it was a great chat. I hope you get something out of this one! 20 Sided Gamified Listeners- if you’re a fan of this show and want to support what we do, join the game at patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC . I plan on changing the parameters of what we do on patreon in the near future. See you there, and don’t forget your dice! https://patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC Next, I am a huge fan of Cigar Box Battle gaming mats- so much so that they're our first paid collaboration- from one game company to another! If you are interested in checking out their lovely wargaming mats, go to their website at: https://cigarboxbattlestore.bigcartel.com/ And, don't forget about our sponsor, BetterHelp! If you're interested in inquiring about what BetterHelp can offer you, please use the link below and get 10% off your first month! https://betterhelp.com/20sidedgamified Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 3, 20261 hr 16 min

Episode #130: Max Brooks (The Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z), and Daveed Gartenstein-Ross (CEO, Expert Theory)- What Would You Do in a Zombie Apocalypse?

Max Brooks. Daveed Gartenstein-Ross. Do I have to say anything else? If I do- here goes- Max totally redefined and added to the genre of "zombies" with his groundbreaking novels (The Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z). Daveed- the CEO of Expert Theory- a company which I believe is redefining the design and implementation of simulations in the professional world. Together, they worked designed a zombie apocalypse simulation (which is also being turned into a commercial game), refereed by Max, which plays beautifully, and puts folks into major decision making situations. This episode, to me, was one of my favorite to record. Please enjoy! https://www.maxbrooks.com/ https://www.experttheory.com/ 20 Sided Gamified Listeners- if you’re a fan of this show and want to support what we do, join the game at patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC . I plan on changing the parameters of what we do on patreon in the near future. See you there, and don’t forget your dice! https://patreon.com/20SidedGamifiedPodcastLLC Friends of the Show: Pico Armor- One of my favorite small scale companies- arguably the best in the business when it comes to 3mm sculpts. Greg and John absolutely hooked me up with some beautiful 3mm Seven Years War figures, which I'll be using in my classroom February 2027. Check out the link below to see their offerings! https://picoarmor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqAkLNqCsqHj-cJByaZzcEjufjVxavf_ui5ivFK48ogxEjcL1sT I am a huge fan of Cigar Box Battle gaming mats- so much so that they're our first paid collaboration- from one game company to another! If you are interested in checking out their lovely wargaming mats, go to their website at: https://cigarboxbattlestore.bigcartel.com/ And, don't forget about our sponsor, BetterHelp! If you're interested in inquiring about what BetterHelp can offer you, please use the link below and get 10% off your first month! https://betterhelp.com/20sidedgamified Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.