GM Word of the Week

The last time we were here we talked a bit about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and then swiftly passed on to other things.But there were some things we left out. Some things that need to be mentioned. Because, you see, there is much made of Maslow and his Hierarchy and maybe, just maybe, it's a little too much. Even though we think we understand it, there are problems. Not just with our understanding, but also with the Hierarchy itself. If you are going to pay attention to it you might want to know what its faults are. So let's take a look at Maslow and try to avoid making any unwarranted assumptions.You can help support GM Word of the Week at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback

Series 3 begins with a fond look back at an earlier episode.Yes, we're looking at nostalgia once again and boy, that sure was a great episode wasn't it with all it's references to the swiss army and pointing out how nostalgia was really just a disease. But, of course, as with all things fondly remembered, the spectacles of time have become a bit smudged. Perhaps we aren't seeing as clearly as we might. Or, perhaps, there's just more to know.You can help support GM Word of the Week at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback

We made a plan, but that plan didn't go… to plan. So we made a new plan. Which also, didn't go… to plan.But the third plan? That stayed up. And it brought us a little episode that was far different than we thought it would be, all on the strength of a listeners writing in to ask a question. Which is why we encourage that sort of thing. So, if you want to know about spell components in D&D and how to entice your players to go on an adventure that features some amazing animals this is probably exactly the episode you want. After all, nothing in magic is as it appears to be.If you'd like to help support the show, the best place to do that is at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback

The name Helena Blavatsky was certainly one to watch, for a variety of reasons.Was it because of her immense talents as a spiritual medium? Or perhaps it was because she was a font of spiritual leadership both at home and abroad? Or maybe it was because she helped bring eastern religions to the west? Or maybe it was all the various great writers of the day who both impressed and were impressed by her?Or maybe it was just because she started something that lead to someone else doing terrible things in the 20th century.Enjoying the show? Head over to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback and become a member.

What happens if you mix a bit of as-above-so-below with a bit of animal magnetism?Well, if you're a regular listener to this show, you'll know that what you get is a journey that starts at Appleseed and ends at Fox. But you'll also know that along the way you'll hear many interesting bits about new churches, new religions, and old tricks.Along with a surprising amount of Benjamin Franklin.If you've enjoyed this show, please head over to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback to help support future episodes.

Let's take a historical journey with a mystic seer played for laughs.And while we're at it, let's also look into the far reaching effects of someone who didn't really exist in the first place. But boy was he sure influential. So let's settle in and learn about Hermes Trismegistus and everything he's responsible for. Even though he definitely didn't exist.Support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback

There are many classic episodes of GM Word of the Week, including this one.Which is sort of the problem. What does ‘classic' even mean any more? And what do we imply when we use the word? Well, it's complicated of course, and classically, that's exactly what attracts our attention. So let's see if we can figure it out and make some sense of it. In our usual, classical, style.Support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback

A small change in the way paper was made lead to a huge change in what you can read.And the weird part is that it all starts with an execution and ends up with people on Mars. Of course, if people hadn't got better at reading, it might not have made a difference. But they did, thankfully, and now you can dream about swinging from tree to tree, or sailing the seven seas. Really. Go ahead. It's okay.Find out what I read at Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8834981-brian If you enjoyed this episode, join us on Buy Me A Coffee to help support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback

Welcome to season two of GM Word of the Week.Confused? Don't be. We'll explain. Or rather I'll explain. And while I'm at it, we'll discuss things Dickens along with the confusing difference between American TV seasons, and British Television series. And probably that won't confuse you anymore than you already are. Unless you thought I meant the other kind of season. Listen and find out.GM Word of the Week is supported by your very kind contributions on Buy Me A Coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback

Happy Holidays!In this part:Coral CastleCardiff GiantThemistoclesExploding AnimalsShark GodsPsyche and CupidNearly an hour of information and entertainment for your holidays.If you'd like to help support GM Word of the Week and get access to more monthly bonus episodes head over to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback and join our Head Librarian Tier.

Happy holidays!In this part:TransiDoctor KnoxNaming ConventionsSporksBrocadeFra Mauro MapNearly an hour of information and entertainment for your holidays.If you'd like to help support GM Word of the Week and get access to more monthly bonus episodes head over to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback and join our Head Librarian tier.

The second part of our two part spice series focuses on the history of the spice trade.And in large part that history can be encapsulated in the history of the nutmeg. So let's dig in to what nutmeg is, why it was so popular and how that drove the demand for the spice until it became so popular everyone had to have it. But not for the reasons you might think. The nutmeg, and why Manhattan loves it.Support the show by becoming a member on Buy Me A Coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback

They taste good, they smell good, but sadly they are terrible.At least, they were in the past. Even though today they seem to be blessed with some sort of magical property that everyone wants a piece of. From your coffee to your candles to the ingredients for making little girls, spices are everywhere and everyone wants some. Which is not dissimilar to the way it used to be.Join us on https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback to help support the show.

The second part in our mini-series on cadavers.So, how did Burke and Hare change the state of the game when it came to dissection? And what happened after that?Well quite a lot really, but keep in mind that a lot of what we know today wouldn't have happened without those two gentlemen, and those similarly inclined. Still, the real heroes of the piece are those who were just… laying around at the time. And thanks to their efforts, or lack thereof, your life is what it is today.You can support the show at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback

Welcome to October, the easiest theme month of them all.Let's discuss, briefly, the reason for the season and then go on to talk about why we've already lost the battle. Well, the first part of why we've lost the battle against the dead; the historical context. Which, if you know the history of the cadaver, you already know where we're going to end up. And we do. But we have a point to make, which probably will become more obvious in the next episode. Part 2.If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us on Buy Me A Coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback

Yes, once again it is time for another of our world famous Lost Episodes.The problem is, there's been a whole bunch of extenuating circumstances, which we try to explain somewhat unsuccessfully. But at least you get to hear some bits about swords, socks, and ninjas, along with a couple of people who really were in charge, like it or not. The whole episode just oozes with predicaments for you to try to sort through.We're switching up our means of support. Now, if you'd like to help support the show and want less of a hassle than Patreon used to be, we can direct you straight to Buy Me A Coffee, instead. Check it out at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Fiddleback

How's the weather up there? Well, if you were a giant, you would know. But since you aren't, we'd better have a discussion about what makes giants giant. Should be easy, right? Because we all know what a giant is. But then again, do we? And what does it all have to do with basketball and the Air Force? Find out, inside. GM Word of the Week is brought to you buy our generous supporters. If you'd like to join them, here's how: https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support

Everything is already in shape around here, so we'll discard that pun immediately. But otherwise, we have an episode for you about whips and their varied uses. Except, obviously, we have to agree to some ground rules about our discussion before we start. They aren't the most popular of Dungeons and Dragons weapons, but maybe there's a reason for that. Let's find out. And then! After the credits roll on GM Word of the Week, let's take a listen to the new show, FolkLiar. What could that possibly be about?

It's in the theaters, but what's it all about? We discuss the main players of the new film. But really mostly we discuss the characters of Gawain, whose name you are pronouncing wrong, and the reasons why that is, and the Green Knight and enigma or meaning that no one seems to agree on. So, it's probably best we take a look at what might have inspired him. Oh, and we can't help but feel as if we forgot something in this episode. Hmmm. You can help support the show by heading to our support page at https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support

We started with a question about types of books. But after answering it, there was a whole lot of episode left to go. Fortunately, we ran across a book that helped us talk about other books, in particular, the very interesting books in a xylothek. But first, as we always do, there was some explanation to be had about where they came from and why they existed in the first place. Along the way, we meet some important renaissance figures. You can get The Madman's Library: The Strangest Books, Manuscripts and Other Literary Curiosities from History by Edward Brooke-Hitching on Amazon. Your support is appreciated. See our support page to offer yours.

We've all seen jousts in the movies and probably enjoyed them. Well, shame on you. That's not what jousting is like at all, and it certainly wasn't the only kind of jousting available at the tournaments of the Middle Ages. Of course, the real problem is that we don't understand what we, or even they, meant when they said jousting and tournament. So maybe we can help straighten things out and increase your actual appreciation of all things jousting. Support GM Word of the Week on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GMWordoftheWeek

There's a whole world of things in our adventuring worlds and it's really very important to keep track of it all for consistencies sake. Which is why such things as canon exist. Not the shooty bang bang kind of canon, but rather the body of work which explains what is right and proper and what isn't. And it really is vitally important, as we'll demonstrate with two very solid examples. First, one of religious importance, and second, one about the Word of God. So, join us and listen to this episode of GM Word of the Week to find out what is and isn't true. You can support GM Word of the Week at gmwordoftheweek.com/support.

Sometimes we give advice along with our helping of information and today we're going to talk about how GMs can make best use of the supernatural. But first we have to understand what counts as supernatural in the typical fantasy world. You might be tempted to think that anything magical counts, but that's not the case, as we will happily explain to you. In the real world, supernatural might mean magical, but not so in a world where actual magic actually exists. Let's take a look at one particular supposed supernatural phenomena and see how understanding it in this world can make it useful in the game world. GM Word of the Week thrives on your support. Take a look at how you can help.

We often think of nostalgia as a pleasant memory associated with happier times. Which is nice. But also, not true. Which is often the case with nostalgia, the things we remember fondly, were never as good as we remember them and the thing about remembering how nice nostalgia feels is that it was never that nice to begin with. No, indeed. Nostalgia can make you sick, or worse, it can kill you. So let's see what's going on with nostalgia and the Swiss Army. Remember how nice it is to support the show? https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support

We've done this before, but it didn't go so well. In fact, it went so badly we removed it from the feed. But now it's back and it is much, much better. See, sometimes we make embarrassing mistakes, but it's always nice to finally fix them. In this episodes you'll hear about coolness, dual-wielding, guns akimbo, exciting stories of weird science, dominance, and, of course, the main gauche. Which we do know how to pronounce. Support the show on Patreon for more interesting episodes.

He’d sell you your own grandmother if he could, but the Merchant turns out to be one of those essential fantasy characters which no town can do without. But how did they get that way and what, if anything, can be done about it? The answers are, not much, and let us explain. Let’s take a look at the Merchant from the very beginning to the very right now. CONTENT WANRING: We use the word fungible. More than once. GM Word of the Week is proudly supported by our patrons on Patreon.

We found it! We found it! It’s Lost Episode 16! In which we reconnect with our Connections, go a little bird brained, and finally hear from the number 10,001 fan. It’s a brief but exciting tour from ancient Greece to South America and mostly about things that fly. So, please return your tables to the upright position and let’s go! Remember to check out the exciting designs on our freshly updated merch store. Just swing by the Support Page at https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support and click on Redbubble.

How do you say it? The sordid history full of lies and deceit about the origins of the Sahuagin. Err. That is to say, the poorly recalled and potentially easily forgotten history of the Dungeons and Dragons NPC known as the Sahuagin. Who, we’re sure, are very nice people if you happen to meet them socially. Once you get past the cannibalism. Thanks to Retroist for the unwitting help. New merch in the Redbubble Merch store. Check it out.

We get letters from time to time from our listeners and most of the time, they make some kind of sense. But, every so often a listener will write in that makes us wonder just exactly which show they’ve been listening to. This is one such case. Never mind though, we’re happy to take the time to explain why it might sometimes appear that we’ve drifted far from our original charter but really haven’t. Come along with us in this episode of the show as we make an example of the word Chalcedony. We are, of course, always happy to hear from our listeners. And even more happy when our listeners choose to support us.

The last thing we want to do is provide too much information, but it seems inevitable that we’ll need an extra episode to complete our four-part series on Persia. See, the problem is the Battle of Marathon and the need to discuss it in order to put a cap on Darius’ reign as King of Persia and the etceteras as well as everything that happened after. There’s just no way around it. So, we did our best to be brief, concise, and remain informative. And we still ended up with a longer episode. Enjoy. Persian Fire by Tom Holland is still the text of choice. Your support is gratefully received on Patreon.

Darius' position was precarious. He might have been just a bit nefarious. The Persians were mad that he took a little stab, but he ended up becoming imperious! And to see how he did it all, listen to this episode. Just keep in mind one thing: Persia was a big empire, and to get around it successfully, Darius had to use a Mazda. Persian Fire by Tom Holland is available on Amazon. Support for GM Word of the Week comes from our Patrons on Patreon. You can learn more here:

Will he or won’t he? King Croesus, we mean. But beyond that, what is it that makes Cyrus the Great, so great? Is it the size of his empire? Perhaps. But, arguably, it’s more to do with the way he treated those he conquered and the legacy he left to his sons. And what a pair of sons they were. Granted, they might have tried to follow in their father’s footsteps, but you might almost think they were doomed from the start. Find out what happens to everyone inside this episode. Persian Fire by Tom Holland GM Word of the Week always appreciates your support. Find out more on our support page:

Long ago there was a great empire. Probably the greatest ever seen.. But for some reason, it gets left by the wayside when Empires are discussed. Which is unfortunate, because the Persian Empire is at least as interesting as anything the Greeks or Romans ever did. In any case, we’ve resolved to talk about the Persian Empire for the entire month, and what better place to start than at the very beginning. Before there even was one. Meet the Medes. Persian Fire by Tom Holland The show lives and dies on the support of it’s listeners. You can find out how to offer your support at: https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support

Where did all this history come from and why has so much of it been left laying around the place? History must be important. We spent so much time learning so much of it in school. It has to count for something right? But what did we really learn and what can you really say about it? Was it really important to know all those names and dates? Or was there something more we should have been told? Let’s see if we can figure out by going all the way back to ancient Greece and meeting the person responsible for all this history stuff. What is the History of History? GM Word of the Week is supported by our patrons on Patreon. Won’t you join them? https://www.patreon.com/GMWordoftheWeek

Warm, delicious, and comforting pretty much describes Hot Chocolate to a tee. Which makes it hard to explain why we forgot to do an episode about it when we were talking about warm, delicious, comforting drinks all that time ago. But here we are at last with the story of Hot Chocolate. Not Chocolate, Hot Chocolate. There’s a difference. Let’s find out what it is. You can support GM Word of the Week by visiting our support page: https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support

It’s lovely to look lovely and cosmetics help that happen. But only up to a point. See, one of the problems with cosmetics is that you never quite know what you are putting on your face. Certainly not if you were, to pick a completely random example, Queen Elizabeth I or, indeed, a whole lot of other Elizabethan era men and women. Basically, no one knew or cared what was going on their skin as long as it had the desired effect. Which, by and large, it did. But it also had a whole bunch of other effects, so let’s talk about those. Thanks to The Royal Art of Poison: Filthy Palaces, Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicine, and Murder Most Foul by Eleanor Herman Check out our Support Page to find a convenient way for you to help support the show: https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support

Even some of the greatest minds the world has ever known can make mistakes, but when Edmund Halley made his he was only doing the best he could with the information at hand. Aside from not writing down how to pronounce his name, or even spelling it consistently, his biggest mistake was made while trying to explain why two things that should have been relatively fixed points kept moving around. But thank goodness he made that mistake. If he hadn’t, the worlds of fiction and gaming would be much less interesting. Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC27HuZDTK2aJ_fEn8eOr9Og Joining our Patreon is easy. Try it! https://www.patreon.com/GMWordoftheWeek

The fourth and final part of our series on The Silk Road. It is important to understand the impact of The Silk Road both in its own time and in ours. And few better symbols exist to help us do that than The Silver Tree Fountain of Karakorum. To understand why, you have to put yourself in the shoes of the man who first described it for the Western world. Unfortunately, that man is William of Rubruck and he doesn’t much like anyone. At all. No, sir. Check out our shiny new YouTube Channel. And, as always, we’re happy to have your support. Head over to https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/ to see how you can help out.

Part three of our series on The Silk Road. It was inevitable, really. Once you mention The Silk Road you practically have to talk about silk. So we will. But, let’s get a few things straight first. Silk was being traded around long before The Silk Road was even a thing. And it wasn’t just the Chinese who were making silk cloth and garments. Really, the story of silk and the Silk Road wasn’t even about silk itself. Sure, people liked silk, but it was the method of production that was the big to-do on the Silk Road. The Silk Road: A Very Short Introduction by James A. Millward: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BBCQROE/ Check out our support options at https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support

We promised you more about the Silk Road this month and we’ll deliver it. But first, a word about horses. Because really, the whole thing is about horses and the problems China had with their and how everyone else’s horses were better. But especially the Heavenly Horses. So in this episode we discuss why horses are responsible for the whole mess. The Silk Road: A Very Short Introduction by James A. Millward: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BBCQROE The Roman Empire and the Silk Routes: The Ancient World Economy & the Empires of Parthia, Central Asia & Han China by Raoul McLaughlin: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MA3TAQ5 Help support GM Word of the Week at https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support

Marco! Few things in the world have had more influence on the entire world and the way it has developed than the Silk Road. And few people are more responsible for making the world as a whole aware of the Silk Road than Marco Polo thanks to the book he wrote about it. But, what was Marco Polo all about? And, more importantly, what was the book all about? Is it a tale of daring do and high adventure that captivated millions when it came out? Or is it something else entirely? Well, if you are any kind of regular listener to this show, you know which way to bet. Support for the show comes from our Patrons on Patreon. You can join their ranks by going to https://www.patreon.com/GMWordoftheWeek and pledging your support. Polo!

The third in our three part series on trickster characters: The Rabbit. There are a bunch of things that are rabbits and a bunch of things that look like rabbits but aren’t, so let’s get that cleared up first. Then we can get into the history of the rabbit as a significant character both in history and folklore and xplain why it is the world’s most famous rabbit probably isn’t one. Finally, we’ll discuss why rabbits are both good and bad and how they came to be one of the best Tricksters in all of folklore. You can support the show at https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support . Any help is welcome.

Join us for part two of our series on tricksters in folklore and mythology, Coyote. Coyote is a mixed bag of foolishness and cleverness, but his role is important to several cultures, as we’ll show with two stories. In the first, Coyote brings fire down from the mountain. In the second, he gets into trouble. Of course, we couldn’t tell coyote stories without dealing with the most famous member of the species. And finally, you’ll find out what the ‘E’ stands for. So sit back and listen and, if you enjoy the show, consider supporting us on Patreon by going to https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support and clicking the button.

For reasons which may, or may not, become clear, we’re going to spend the month of January talking a little bit about Tricksters. As loose themes go, this is probably the loosest, but we start with a pair of stories about Ravens. Tying them together is a discussion about smart animals and just what exactly it means to be one. So prepare for mirror tests and mask wearing in this, the first episode of GM Word of the Week for 2021, “Raven” If you like the show and want to help keep it ad free, head over to https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support and select an option.

Happy Holidays! In this part: Microwaves Cochineal Following Eyes Not Tornadoes Yogurt Ester / Esther Nearly an hour of information and entertainment for your holidays. If you’d like to help support GM Word of the Week and get access to more monthly bonus episodes head over to https://www.patreon.com/GMWordoftheWeek.

Happy Holidays! In this part: Thunderbirds Korea Hand of Glory Maid Marian Kung Fu Films Snow White Nearly an hour of information and entertainment for your holidays. If you’d like to help support GM Word of the Week and get access to more monthly bonus episodes head over to https://www.patreon.com/GMWordoftheWeek.

The second part of our two-part Lost Episode 15 is now ready for your ears. In this: Follies, follies, follies! And also some Ha-has. It’s an exciting time as we go to the deserts of Africa and the gardens of England. If you’d like to help support the show, head to https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support and pick your method. We’re happy to have you involved no matter which one you choose.

Welcome to the end of the year. Honestly, we’re as surprised as you are. In fact, we’re so surprised that we’ve been caught a bit off guard and left a lot of things laying around the place. Words mostly. It’s time to get them picked up and put away in an effort to leave this year behind us. But there are so many we can’t do it all in one episode, so we’re going to do two Lost Episodes in a row. No really. This is just the first. Inside you’ll find words about words, words about almost calendars, and words about the shortest president ever. Help support the show by going to https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/support and selecting any of our fine support options.

Oh sure, you can sit anywhere you like, but when certain people sit in unexpected places, people will comment. Which is why we’re looking at a very specific desk’s very specific story. Because some folks got all jumpy and you might as well know the story behind the story. So join us on at least two ill-fated explorations and find out what all the fuss is about as we take a close look at the Resolute Desk. Head over to our website at https://www.gmwordoftheweek.com/home and click the yellow banner at the top to support the show on Patreon.

We use them everyday, but most of us never stop to really consider the contributions of the knife, fork, and spoon. But we should, because they marked a hallmark change not just in the tools available for feeding ourselves, but also the way we fed ourselves and how we behaved while doing it. You can find Bee Wilson’s book “Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat” at our affiliate link on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2V2BP6Q You can offer you support for No Shave November at https://no-shave.org/team/GM_WotW_Podcast