Teachers in the Dungeon: A Podcast

I have been excited to announce a new podcast that I have co-created and will co-host.  The show is titled Teachers in the Dungeon where co-creator and co-host, Dan Reem, and I will recap and analyze the games we play and Dungeon Master (DM).  I can give you a hint from some pre-recording, we make a lot of mistakes as players and Dungeon Masters.  If anything, as listeners who aspire to play, DM, or have played for years, it will make you feel better about giving the game a try, because through it all, we have a blast playing.  

At the beginning of this journey, we will have a couple different kinds of episodes.  As mentioned above, one type of episode will be our game recap and analysis shows.  We will also have episodes called "Random Encounters" that will discuss random topics of D&D and role-playing.  Our goal with Random Encounter episodes is to work through 5e rules, table observations, educational opportunities, character creation, and any other random topics that are on our minds.  Down the road, we hope to interview players and content creators from the 5e community.  

Episode 1, to release today August 10, breaks down where the show concept grew (my brain), and a bit about our backgrounds as players and DM's.  When we "dive into the dungeon" in episode 2, you will join our merry band of third level explorers including Borem, Rix, Zedi, Caersws, and Dirichlet as they head into Telesaria a home-brew campaign created by Dan.  

Teachers in the Dungeon will release once a week on Tuesdays, so I hope you join us.  We are always looking for feedback, so hop on our social media or send us an email in the following ways:

Twitter @DungeonTeachers

Instagram:  TeachersInTheDungeon

Gmail: teachersinthedungeon@gmail.com

Website:  www.teachersinthedungeon.weebly.com

"Grab some dice and grab some fun and join the teachers in the dungeon!"

My Top Three Moments of Star Wars Celebration Chicago

A little more time than I would like to think has passed now since Star Wars Celebration 2019 in Chicago, and while the excitement of the moment has moved on, I am still filled with the buzz that comes with such a convention.  Here are my the top three moments of Star Wars Celebration 2019.

1. The Episode IX panel and trailer Friday morning.  I feel this was the most anticipated moment for many Star Wars fans, and for my experience, it happened right away on Friday morning. I did not get the lottery to get into any of the stage presentations of the panel, so my friend Cory and I decided to try to get to the Star Wars show stage to experience this much anticipated panel.  We ran a little late getting there because we made our way through the show store before the panel was to begin.  As we headed to the stage, it became clear that we would not get anywhere close to be able to see or hear.  So we went to a clear area and hunkered down with our phones and earbuds.  We had about a 20-second delay from the show stage presentation to our phone stream, so we could hear the crowd react and we knew when something good was coming.  I will never forget the interplay of the cast.  The relationships they display are strong which have shown in the chemistry between characters in the Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.  I look forward to seeing how that has grown in the Rise of Skywalker.  I will never forget the cheers and gasps of the crowd, 20-seconds ahead of my own cheers and gasps.  Ian McDiarmid appearing on stage following his Emperor cackle to say, "Roll it again."  The hairs on my arm raised as each moment passed.  After the panel concluded, Cory and I wandered the show floor directionless for a bit as we let the moments of the trailer sink in.

2.  The Podcast Meetup in the Arc Bar on Saturday night.  This was an amazing get together of dozens
of podcasts and fans.  It was inspiring to meet the variety of podcasters to learn their angle on Star Wars fandom.  I enjoyed the respect that we all share for each others' work.  Then to meet the listeners of our show was such an honor.  So many of the fans I know through Twitter handles and the positive comments on social media, but to meet these fans face to face was an honor.  It took me until about midnight to wade my way through the crowd from one end of the room to the other.

3.  The Coffee with Kenobi podcast live recording on the podcast stage on Sunday afternoon.  It all started with greeting fans who were lined up in the hallway prior to the show.  Then before the show as we were setting up, our guest, James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Clone Wars) showed up with a friend, Catherine Taber (voice of Padme Amidala in the Clone Wars).  This was a huge surprise!  As the show started, I made sure to ask JAT how Obi-Wan Kenobi likes his coffee.  I was so excited that I don't even remember what he said.  I just remember the voice and reactions. The show was great as we shared our four biggest moments of the Star Wars Saga from the films, books, animated series, or comics.  First, it is such an honor to be a part of Coffee with Kenobi, but to see the fans of the podcast and Star Wars in the crowd is the real honor.  I am so happy that we bring a fan supported show that people enjoy as much as I always have.

What were your favorite parts of the Star Wars Celebration Chicago?  Share your thoughts below.  If you missed Star Wars Celebration 2019 in Chicago, I am sorry.  It was a great time, and I suggest catching as many of the panels through the Star Wars Youtube channel.  It is well worth the viewing.  Also, you can catch our daily reactions, panels and live broadcast at coffeewithkenobi.com