Desks & Dorks!

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Join Kyle and Riley as they workshop their way through a March Madness-style bracket of board game ideas. Visit and vote on our website at https://www.desksanddorks.org/ ! Watch us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChlVmQQQ--Crho8sgSEiaKw/featured Don't have time to watch? Listen on Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/desks-dorks Pandora lover like Riley?: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/desks-and-dorks/PC:33626 Prefer Google Podcasts?: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNDM5Mjc4OS9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVk More of an Apple Fan(Don't tell Kyle!)? We're on there too!: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/desks-dorks/id1516048178?fbclid=IwAR0tQRTCa-ILN10jrxhY1C0ciVljJBXwlwPgqn5gmwDMzPsX8qt2Bma3RXU Maybe Spotify is more your thing?: https://open.spotify.com/show/5blG8I3mNjBtaj4l7T6NZs?si=2q3_WGU1RYKpAqbMpRhfbA Check us out on Listennotes!: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/desks-dorks-riley-parks--ijHhkea3_S/ We'd love to have you rate us!: https://ratethispodcast.com/desksanddorks Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desksdorks/ Check out our new Instagram for Exclusives: https://www.instagram.com/desksanddorks/ Follow the Page on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DesksDorks Feel free to shoot us an email!: desksanddorks@gmail.com

Desks And Dorks


    • Aug 4, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 168 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Desks & Dorks!

    Desks and Dorks | Falling Out of Love With Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2023 12:06


    This week Kyle breaks down what to do when you fall out of love with games.

    Desks and Dorks| Intro to Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023 70:41


    Today Kyle and Graham talk about the best intros for board games and video games and what those intros do for storytelling.

    Desks and Dorks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2023 89:51


    Desks and Dorks | Favorite Fictional Relationships

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 56:10


    Kyle Ott and Graham Gentz together at last! The Dork joins the Dashing Dragon DJ to discuss the emotional core of media and games: character and their relationships. Stay tuned for Kyle's truly Unhinged #1 Pick! Nothing will ever be the same.

    Desks and Dorks: A Playstation Surprise Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 81:38


    Kyle and Graham return with the final part of their 127 game ranking extravaganza. Tune in to see what games crack the top 5 and which ones are relegated to history!

    Desks and Dorks: A Playstation Surprise

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 60:12


    Its a Playstation Surprise! This week Graham, Supreme Ranker of Things, has ranked 127 Playstation games. It's Kyle's job to stump him and see if there's a game that Graham doesn't have a full review of.

    Desks and Dorks Presents: Tales From the Table Episode 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 77:56


    This week Kyle and Graham delve into something near and dear to their hearts: storytelling rpgs. Join us for our first installment of tales from the table.

    Desks and Dorks | Game Breaking: Changing Classic Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2023 58:54


    This Week Graham and Kyle talk about the House Rules that they need to use to make certain games playable. What is your favorite house rule?

    Desks and Dorks: A Double Stuffed Helping Of Snacks. Unwrapping A Snack Food Tier List.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2023 54:18


    This Week Kyle and Graham work through a list of some of the best snacks to have at your gaming table! Will Kyle's gastronomic knowledge carry the day or will Graham's cunning knowledge bring him down? Find out this week on Desks and Dorks!

    Desks and Dorks | Things We Hate About Our Favorite Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2023 72:58


    This week Kyle is joined by Graham as they look at their favorite games, and the parts of them they hate. Is there a mechanic or something in your favorite game you'd love to change?

    Desks and Dorks! Redeeming Qualities of Bad Games

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 63:16


    This week Kyle and Graham talk about games that, frankly, aren't great, but have some redeeming qualities! What's your favorite part of a bad game?

    Desks and Dorks | Dump The Dork!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2023 47:17


    This week Graham joins Kyle as they Dump The Dork, and run through Historical questions, game design (including Marbles!) and theory questions, and more!

    Desks and Dorks | Kyle's Bog Ideas

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 15:39


    This week Kyle unknowingly continues Bog Watch Week! See how to integrate cool settings (Like BOGS!) into your RPG playthroughs.

    Desks and Dorks | Did The Pinkertons Take Away Our DnD Too?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 21:16


    This week Kyle talks about the ramifications of the Pinkerton situation, specifically related to the RPG space! No matter your thoughts on it, what do you think will change this year with some of the bigger DnD content creators(both game designers and live-plays!) Also, Kyle throws in some board game hot takes for some reason?

    Desks & Dorks | For Legal Reasons - The Pinkerton Situation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2023 30:30


    This week Kyle and Riley talk about what totally could not be a very bad mistake by Hasbro, the Pinkerton situation related to A March of the Machine: The Aftermath reviewer.Follow along with us as we update on A Fear Within on Kickstarter here;http://kck.st/3XOzVVG

    Desks and Dorks | Breaking and Entertaining - Crimes in Boardgaming!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 27:51


    This week Kyle and Riley re-unite in person to talk about Crime! Whether existing games, crime types, or actual real life events, follow along as they pitch some interesting concepts! What crime do you want to see on the tabletop?

    Desks and Dorks | Is There Truly Honor Among Thieves? Dungeons and Dragons Film Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2023 13:11


    This week Riley talks a bit about the newest Dungeons and Dragons film, Honor Among Thieves! While trying to be as spoilerless as possible, he compares a few of the differences from the game and the film, and his general thoughts.Have you seen it yet? What did you think?

    Desks and Dorks | The Unpub Playtest Round-Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2023 12:28


    This week Kyle talks about some of the games he got a change to playtest and check out at this year's Unpub!Have you playtested any games recently?

    Desks & Dorks! An Update on Your Deepest Fears

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2023 4:44


    This week Riley talks about where everything is so far with A Fear Within! Thank you all again so much for your support, we look forward to being able to keep you guys updated as we continue to progress forward.

    Desks and Dorks! The I.P.'s We'd Love to Design In With Graham!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2023 81:47


    This week Graham joins Kyle to talk about some of the I.P.'s they'd love to use to design a game! Is there an I.P. you would love to see as a board game? A Fear Within is now Funded on Kickstarter! We'd love for you to check it out and follow along with us here; https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/desksanddorks/fear-within-a-vessel-roleplaying-system-zinehttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/desksanddorks/fear-within-a-vessel-roleplaying-system-zine

    Desks and Dorks | A Heartfelt Thanks

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2023 1:34


    This week Riley talks a moment to thank you - yes, you right there! Without your support, we wouldn't have been able to end another successful Kickstarter! We look forward to continuing this journey with you all.

    Desks and Dorks | The Perfect Product - Game Design in Practice

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2023 17:58


    This week Riley and Kyle start by talking about the Cereals they'd love to see as board games... and then start to design one mid-show! What cereal mascot are you most afraid of?Check out A Fear Within on Kickstarter here;http://kck.st/3XOzVVG

    Desks and Dorks | No Fears Within For Kyle and Riley

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2023 48:56


    This week Kyle and Riley reunite as Child and Entity to talk about A Fear Within, their newest Kickstarter for ZineQuest! Listen in for advice on making a Zine, a TTRPG, and about the game itself!Check it out on Kickstarter here;http://kck.st/3XOzVVG

    Desks and Dorks | What is A Zine?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2023 5:26


    Are you familiar with what a 'Zine' is? How about Questing? Perhaps you're looking to take a ZineQuest? This week Riley talks a bit about Kickstarter's 5th version of Zinequest, what a Zine actually is, and how A Fear Within is going so far!As always, thank you all for your support, and if you haven't already, you can check out A Fear Within here;http://kck.st/3XOzVVG

    Desks and Dorks | Do You Have What It Takes To Face A Fear Within?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2023 3:51


    A Fear Within is a TTRPG where players take on the roles of both children and the monsters that live inside them. Can you and your partner work together alongside your group to face The Fear?Click Notify Me to see when we launch, and subscribe to hear more about the Fear Within;https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/desksanddorks/fear-within-a-vessel-roleplaying-system-zine

    Desks and Dorks | 2-Player Game Recommendations for Valentine's Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2023 7:53


    This week Riley talks about some of his favorite 2-player games! Are you looking for a last minute gift or game to play with someone special (Or just someone in general!) in your life?Click Notify Me to see when we launch, and subscribe to hear more about the Fear Within;https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/desksanddorks/fear-within-a-vessel-roleplaying-system-zine

    Desks And Dorks | The OGL Debacle - Can We Trust It And A Retailer's Point Of View

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2023 38:56


    This week Kyle and Riley talk separately about the OGL situation, and the end to this chapter. Kyle covers the long-term impact on the community, while Riley is joined by Let's Play Games and Hobbies' own Brent and the Weasel to talk about the impact as a retailer.Click Notify Me to see when we launch, and subscribe to hear more about the Fear Within;https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/desksanddorks/fear-within-a-vessel-roleplaying-system-zine

    Desks and Dorks | The Collection Cull Theory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2023 10:42


    This week Kyle talks about the logic and process behind getting rid of games, and how he culls his collection! Do you have a process for getting rid of unplayed or not-for-you games?Click Notify Me to see when we launch, and subscribe to hear more about the Fear Within;https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/desksanddorks/fear-within-a-vessel-roleplaying-system-zine

    Desks and Dorks | They Won and So Did We - But Not Really

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2023 14:24


    This week Riley talks about the statement made to address the 'draft' of OGL 1.1, and how Wizards is totally making it all right and not being dodgy at all about the updated OGL 2.0 they're announcing on 1/20. What are your thoughts on their 'apology' and how the situation is going down?Click Notify Me here; https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/desksanddorks/fear-within-a-vessel-roleplaying-system-zine ... to see when we launch, and subscribe to hear more about the Fear Within!

    Desks and Dorks | Tabletop Roleplaying Options After The OGL Situation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 25:52


    This week Kyle follows suit with Riley from his Monday review video, and talks about some different RPGs to try! What is your favorite ttrpg?Click Notify My here; https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/desksanddorks/fear-within-a-vessel-roleplaying-system-zine ... to see when we launch, and subscribe to hear more about the Fear Within!

    Desks and Dorks | Presenting The Third Annual Deskies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2023 47:53


    This week Kyle and Riley announce this year's Deskies winners! Did your favorite game take home the trophy, or maybe it won the dreaded Tea Dragon Society Award? Tune in to find out!Check out Night Cast Creative's Vessel stream here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPJaKsWppts&ab_channel=NightCastCreative

    Desks and Dorks | The Future of 3rd Party DnD Content

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2022 11:31


    This week Riley talks about the changes that Dungeons and Dragons' Open Gaming License mean, both to players and creators alike. What are your thoughts on the new OGL 1.1 changes?

    Desks and Dorks | What Goes Into a Game of The Year Awards Show - Deskies Pre-Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2022 11:43


    This week Kyle talks a bit about what goes into making and presenting a Game of The Year list(And awards show!) Tune in to hear about the upcoming Deskies and more!

    Desks and Dorks | Building the Perfect Tik Tok Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2022 11:12


    This week Kyle designs a board game that has a great presence on Tik Tok and other social medias! What are your thoughts on games that involve the audience and viewership?

    Desks and Dorks | Musings of The Desk: PAX Recap and Intro to Self-Publishing

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2022 16:07


    This week Riley rambles about and talks about both how to get into self publishing TTRPGs during Zinequest, and recaps a little bit of PAX Unplugged! Zinequest;https://www.kickstarter.com/zinequest?ref=section-homepage-promo-bring-a-new-world-to-life-for-zine-quest

    Desks and Dorks: Prepped For PAX With Megas XLR

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2022 36:17


    This week Riley and Kyle re-unite to talk about PAX Unplugged, and some of what to expect at a convention in general. What was memorable about your first convention experience(or, what are you looking forward to at your first like Riley talks about)?Riley was wrong in the best way, You can now pick up physical copies of After The Rain from IPR here; https://www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/Desks-and-Dorks/

    Desks and Dorks | This or That Gaming Gift Ideas

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2022 19:32


    As we come into this Holiday season... we talk about some alternatives to popular Board Games such as Trivia Pursuit and Dungeons and Dragons! Do you have any gaming gift go-to's?You can now pick up Becoming Banana Bread on Itch.io;https://desksanddorks.itch.io/becoming-banana-bread

    Desks and Dorks | Solo Episode Lightning Pitches

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2022 17:45


    This week Kyle spins his way into lightning pitching game ideas! Have you ever challenged yourself to make a game?You can now pick up Becoming Banana Bread on Itch.io;https://desksanddorks.itch.io/becoming-banana-bread

    Desks and Dorks: Interview With Dave Cisek of Underdog Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2022 16:43


    This week Riley gets to take a few minutes to chat with Dave Cisek of Underdog Games about marketing, and some advice he has if looking to market your game! Underdog Games is known for Trekking The National Parks, HerStory, and more! You can check them out here;https://www.underdoggames.com/You can now pick up Becoming Banana Bread on Itch.io;https://desksanddorks.itch.io/becoming-banana-bread

    Desks And Dorks: The Mythical Top 5 Episode - Featuring Graham Gentz

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2022 57:55


    This week Kyle does the Mythical Top 5 Favorite Games episode - but instead of doing the show with Riley, he instead is joined by Graham Gentz! (https://twitter.com/ThisMayBeGraham?t=6hMC86CMldSeqmSncKcZBQ&s=09)!Do you have a top 5 list for your favorite games?

    Desks and Dorks | How to Get Past Game Designers Block

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2022 10:02


    This week Kyle talks about the design part of gaming, and how to overcome some difficulties in game design.You can now pick up Becoming Banana Bread on Itch.io;https://desksanddorks.itch.io/becoming-banana-bread

    Desks and Dorks | Becoming Banana Bread Designer Post-Mortem

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2022 16:37


    This week Kyle talks a bit about what goes into designing a game - mainly our newest $1 TTRPG, Becoming Banana Bread!You can now pick up Becoming Banana Bread on Itch.io;https://desksanddorks.itch.io/becoming-banana-bread

    Desks and Dorks | How To Make Games Fun Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2022 35:35


    This week Kyle and Riley talk about how to make the Boardgaming hobby fun again! (Riley also gets to roast the trash opinions Kyle has about Unmatched)You can now buy After The Rain on Itch.io;https://desksanddorks.itch.io/after-the-rain-the-roleplaying-game

    Desks and Dorks | Game Convention Prep for Desks

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2022 21:04


    This week Kyle and Riley talk about how they've prepared for Save Against Fear, a York, PA Boardgaming Convention by the Bodhana group! Have you ever been to a game convention?Interested in coming to SAF? Get your tickets here; https://tabletop.events/conventions/save-against-fear-2022/badgetypesYou can now buy After The Rain on Itch.io;https://desksanddorks.itch.io/after-the-rain-the-roleplaying-game

    Desks And Dorks | Overlooked Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2022 34:00


    Desks and Dorks | Card Games That Are Worth Playing

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 29:10


    This week Kyle talks about some card games (even some alternatives to Magic!), and why they're worth checking out!You can now buy After The Rain on Itch.io;https://desksanddorks.itch.io/after-the-rain-the-roleplaying-game

    Desks and Dorks | A Reflection on Game Design

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 12:09


    This week Kyle reflects on game design, and what inspires him to persevere when 'designer block' hits hard. What helps get you through the tough times in game design?You can now buy After The Rain on Itch.io;https://desksanddorks.itch.io/after-the-rain-the-roleplaying-game

    Desks and Dorks: Live Episode - If a Movie Was a Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 39:53


    This week Riley and Kyle are live yet again for the third anniversary of Let's Play Games and Hobbies in Hanover, PA! Is there a movie you'd love to see turned in to a game, or is it just Titanic as a morbid bluffing game?(With this being a live episode, the audio quality isn't quite where we'd like it to be- thanks for bearing with it!)

    Desks and Dorks: Live Episode - RPG Adventure Hook Pitches!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2022 58:08


    This week Riley and Kyle pitch RPG adventure hooks as a part of a live episode at the Hanover, PA based Let's Play Games and Hobbies! Do you have a go-to adventure hook?(With this being a live episode, the audio quality isn't quite where we'd like it to be- thanks for bearing with it!)

    Desks & Dorks: Come For The Board Games, Stay For The Gas Station Hot Dogs

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2022 34:11


    This week Riley and Kyle are joined by Miles at Let's Play Games and Hobbies to talk about Hot Takes about board games and gaming in general - and Riley has topped his hot take about Root! What are your gaming hot takes?You can now buy After The Rain on Itch.io;https://desksanddorks.itch.io/after-the-rain-the-roleplaying-game

    Gen Con 2022 Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2022 17:49


    This week Kyle recaps Gencon 2022! Were you able to go? If so, what was your favorite bit?If not, what gaming related thing were you able to do during Gencon week?You can now buy After The Rain on Itch.io;https://desksanddorks.itch.io/after-the-rain-the-roleplaying-game

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