Dungeon Crawlers Radio

A Castle Adrift: Wyatt Karnes' 3D Ravenloft

What happens when you mix 3D printing, a luxury cruise liner, and the legends of D&D history? This episode, we’re recapping the Critical Hit Soda Cruise, a maritime adventure that featured one of the most impressive gaming setups we’ve ever witnessed.
Guest Wyatt Karnes stops by to tell us how he managed to manifest the impossible: a fully realized, physical 3D-printed version of Castle Ravenloft. Built specifically for a premier event hosted by the iconic Tracy and Laura Hickman, this model turned heads and raised the stakes for everyone on board.

The Force Shifts: A New Republic at Lucasfilm

The galaxy far, far away just experienced a seismic shift. In a landmark announcement, Disney and Lucasfilm have confirmed that Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down, marking the end of an era that saw the return of the Skywalker Saga and the birth of live-action Star Wars television.
But as one chapter closes, a fan-favorite rises. We’re breaking down the promotion of Dave Filoni to President & Chief Creative Officer. From his beginnings under George Lucas to his mastery of the "Filoni-verse," what does his creative leadership mean for the future of Jedi, Sith, and Mandalorians alike?
Plus, we look at the crucial strategic partnership with Lynwen Brennan, who steps in as Co-President of Business Operations. Can this "dyad" of creative vision and operational expertise stabilize the franchise?

Rumors of War with Shaun Allred

Step onto the battlefield with creator Shaun Allred as we explore the high-stakes world of Rumors of War, a deck-building game where ancient history meets modern tactics. This episode dives into the heart of the journey, revealing how players recruit powerful armies to uncover the rich narratives while navigating a landscape of shifting alliances. We discuss the thrill of conspiring with trusted friends and the mental gymnastics required to outwit enemies in intense tactical showdowns. From the game-changing power held in every card to the strategic use of relics, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to defeat adversaries and protect your quest from the constant threat of sabotage.

The Sound Wizard: Engineering Immersive Worlds with Jordan Rannells

Step into the recording booth with the Dungeon Crawlers crew as we welcome master sound engineer Jordan Rannells to the show!
In this episode, we explore the "sound wizardry" behind the scenes of your favorite stories. Jordan dives deep into the technical magic he uses to transform standard audiobooks into rich, cinematic experiences. From crafting atmospheric soundscapes to the precision of high-level audio production, we discuss how he brings a unique brand of enchantment to the spoken word and beyond.
Whether you're an aspiring audiophile or a lover of immersive storytelling, you won't want to miss this peek behind the curtain of professional audio alchemy.

The Galaxy Not So Far Away: Who's to Blame for Bad Star Wars?

In this episode, the Dungeon Crawlers Radio team dives deep into the state of the galaxy far, far away. The hosts debate the intense fan backlash against recent Star Wars projects like The Acolyte and Andor, asking a critical question: Is the problem bad writing or toxic fandom? They challenge the notion that content creators are to blame for recent failures, arguing that the quality of the story and allegiance to the source material are the real culprits. Plus, we analyze George Lucas's original trilogy, discussing why he was a master world-builder but a flawed storyteller, and why the Disney era needs to remember Star Wars' gritty, "Old West" roots to succeed.

AI Friend or Foe

The digital age has opened up a whole new realm of tools for gamers, but are they helpful sidekicks or insidious enemies? On this episode of Dungeon Crawlers Radio, hosts Daniel and Krebs dive deep into the world of AI tools and their role in the tabletop and digital gaming space.
Do these tools streamline your game prep and enhance your experience, or do they strip away the creativity and camaraderie we cherish? Join us as we explore everything from AI art generators and automated dungeon mapping to NPC creation, and ultimately, discover what Daniel and Krebs decide: is AI your greatest friend or your most cunning foe?

Frankenstein Netflix Review

Director Guillermo del Toro, a master of dark fantasy, has finally brought his long-awaited version of Frankenstein to Netflix! This week, Daniel and Krebs dive into the ultimate gothic monster movie. They dissect Oscar Isaac's tormented Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi's deeply empathetic Creature, analyzing del Toro's signature visual flair and how this new adaptation measures up to the 1818 novel and classic film versions. Is this a haunting masterpiece that redefines the source material, or a beautifully flawed gothic epic?
Tune in to hear our final verdict on the emotional depth, creature design, and all the horrifying humanity of Del Toro's tragic vision!

Dungeon Delve or Deep Dive: The Necessity of Story in RPGs

Is it all about the loot, or is there more to the crawl? Daniel and Alton tackle a fundamental question this week: How necessary is story in a roleplaying game? While some players are perfectly content with a classic hack-and-slash through a dungeon, the hosts discuss how the element of narrative and plot can improve, detract from, or fundamentally change the gaming experience. They explore the balance between pure mechanics and rich lore, and whether a good story is the key to unlocking the greatest adventure.