PLAYING GAMES with Strangers

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Hilarious D&D actual play pod without the PROFANITY. Gasp! What?! Can there be such a beast?!? Of course! We're not BIRDS for cawing out loud. We don't need no FOWL language to get the job done! Now...we DO get a bit violent...and our medically-minded DM can get a little — graphic — with his descriptions, but hey! It's better than us hacking and slashing things in real life...right? And we're dealing with demons and icky poo-poo stuff, so it's sorta' like therapy. Really... really... "INTENSE" therapy. But funny. Did we mention funny? It is. We promise. So come join the fun. The adventure gets bigger and better with every episode!

John Harju

United States

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    • Apr 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 28m AVG DURATION
    • 164 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from PLAYING GAMES with Strangers

    Nightmares & Dreamscapes – 010: All Aboard

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 62:02


    010 - All Aboard There's a whole lot of sheet involved here, and very little is understood. But that's the feywild for you. Between a cat, a crabbit, and a big beetle, we might be able to get to the bottom of it… but probably not. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Editors note: this episode unfortunately lacks the bells and whistles of sfx & mixing, but the cleaned up and edited audio is here for you. Please be sure to listen to the beginning of this episode for an important announcement. You can find more information on our Patreon.

    Nightmares & Dreamscapes – 009: In The Air Tonight

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 42:38


    009 - In The Air Tonight Can you feel it? The feywild remains as mysterious as ever, but there's nothing that a snack and a cup of tea can't fix! Unless the problem is a friend missing their skin and other members of your party wandering off alone. In that case, the party isn't sure of the cure. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

    Nightmares & Dreamscapes – 008: You’re Lion to Me

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 56:24


    008 - You're Lion to Me The ground is purple, time is distance, and things might be getting back into order. At least for an inch (minute?). Until we learn about even bigger problems that are coming after the party and show no signs of stopping. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

    Nightmares & Dreamscapes – 007: Into the Feywild

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 59:56


    007 - Into the Feywild And we're off on an adventure! After successfully making it into the Feywild, the party encounters some unique situations as they continue on their quest to find poor Skellene's skin. Maybe the local town will hold the answers they seek. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

    Nightmares & Dreamscapes – 006: Are You My Mother?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 56:26 Transcription Available


    006 - Are You My Mother? Nothing like a trip to the necromancer to really lighten the mood and lift the spirits… literally! Things don't exactly go as planned when returning to Nick, but the party takes it all in stride. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

    Nightmares & Dreamscapes – 005: There, But Not There

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 56:20 Transcription Available


    005 - There, But Not There The party chases after Zellene, who wakes from a deep sleep convinced that she has to return home. Reality, time, and everyone's understanding of the arcane might be challenged by the time it's all over. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

    Nightmares & Dreamscapes – 004: Foot Inn Mouth

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024


    004 - Foot Inn Mouth The party can't help but pick up new strays where ever they go, and lose money at the same time it seems. With time to kill before returning to Dr. Nick, there's no telling how much trouble they can get into. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

    Nightmares & Dreamscapes – 003 A Bakers Dozen

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024


    003 - A Bakers Dozen Seven friends and too many pieces of recovered rat head off to see Dr. Nick in hopes of finding a fix for Zellene's new cosmetic problem. Results may vary. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

    Nightmares & Dreamscapes – 002 I Found It!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024


    002 - I Found It! Bringing new meaning to 'Don't lose your head!', Zellene's gone and lost her skin instead. While Fenwyck and Ebb take an interesting approach to solving the problem, the crew decides to seek outside help. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

    Nightmares & Dreamscapes – 001 The Story Begins

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 60:38


    The time has finally arrived... the first release of Playing Games with Strangers second campaign, Nightmares & Dreamscapes! 001 - The Story Begins Unpleasant nightmares, chance encounters, and perhaps some proof that mice really are smarter than all of us. Meet some of the newest adventurers in Fandiria as they make their way to the festival in Para'Va. Unfortunately, enjoying the party may have to wait until more pressing matters get handled. Featuring the vocal talents of:Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

    The Pine Springs Chronicles – 004: You Got A Friend In Me

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 Transcription Available


    The fourth and final part of The Pine Springs Chronicles preview is here! We hope you enjoy the prelude episodes and head over to our Patreon page to continue listening and find some other exclusive content you might enjoy. Cast Credits Katherine Czerwinski as The Keeper John Harju as Harvey Dave Clements as Nico JM Bilezikian as Weston Amanda Clements as Chelsea Josiah Crandall as Victor Celeste Mora as Kenzie Edited by Katherine Czerwinski

    The Pine Springs Chronicles – 003: Save The Cows

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 66:38 Transcription Available


    It's the third part of The Pine Springs Chronicles! This will be an ongoing Sidequest that Squid is running using the Monster of the Week RPG system. The first few episodes will be released here and on our Patreon, as this Sidequest will become a Patreon exclusive. We hope you enjoy the prelude episodes and head over to our Patreon page to continue listening and find some other exclusive content you might enjoy. Cast Credits Katherine Czerwinski as The Keeper John Harju as Harvey Dave Clements as Nico JM Bilezikian as Weston Amanda Clements as Chelsea Josiah Crandall as Victor Celeste Mora as Kenzie Edited by Katherine Czerwinski

    The Pine Springs Chronicles: 002 – Bottom of the Pitcher

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024


    It's the second preview episode of The Pine Springs Chronicles! This will be an ongoing Sidequest that Squid is running using the Monster of the Week RPG system. The first few episodes will be released here and on our Patreon, as this Sidequest will become a Patreon exclusive. We hope you enjoy the prelude episodes and head over to our Patreon page to continue listening and find some other exclusive content you might enjoy. Cast Credits Katherine Czerwinski as The Keeper John Harju as Harvey Dave Clements as Nico JM Bilezikian as Weston Amanda Clements as Chelsea Josiah Crandall as Victor Celeste Mora as Kenzie Edited by Katherine Czerwinski

    The Pine Springs Chronicles: 001 – Spring Anew

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 74:44 Transcription Available


    Welcome to the first episode of The Pine Springs Chronicles. This will be an ongoing Sidequest that Squid is running using the Monster of the Week RPG system. The first few episodes will be released here and on our Patreon, as this Sidequest will become a Patreon exclusive. We hope you enjoy the prelude episodes and head over to our Patreon page to continue listening and find some other exclusive content you might enjoy. Cast Credits Katherine Czerwinski as The Game Master John Harju as Harvey Dave Clements as Nico JM Bilezikian as Weston Amanda Clements as Chelsea Josiah Crandall as Victor Victor Celeste Mora as Kenzie Edited by Katherine Czerwinski

    C1-110: The Epilogues

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 8:53 Transcription Available


    The search for more information regarding Kerrek and his whereabouts ensues.

    C1-109: It’s Over

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 49:54 Transcription Available


    Kerrek has arrived… which means the end.

    C1-108: Come Thou Font of Shadows

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 67:18 Transcription Available


    The search for more information regarding Kerrek and his whereabouts ensues.

    C1-107: Me & The Cat Need Alone Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2023 121:03 Transcription Available


    The search for more information regarding Kerrek and his whereabouts ensues.

    The Pungeon – Halloween 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 81:59 Transcription Available


    Josiah takes the DM chair for this special episode and takes some of the crew on a weird ride with our special guest, Ben Avery, from Strangers & Aliens. Episode Engineer: Josiah Crandall

    C1-106: Worcestershire

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2023 87:16 Transcription Available


    The search for more information regarding Kerrek and his whereabouts ensues.

    C1-105: We’re Going To Eat Him?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 Transcription Available


    Parents have been saved, a daughter has been found, and Callum's ready to cross the BBEG off the list... but there's still more to learn before that can happen.

    C1-105: We’re Going to Eat Him?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 57:41 Transcription Available


    Parents have been saved, a daughter has been found, and Callum's ready to cross Kerrek off the list… but there's still more to learn before that can happen.

    C1-104: We Only Have Babies On Tuesdays

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2023 98:28 Transcription Available


    The search for more information regarding Kerrek and his whereabouts ensues.

    103: Delicious Hot Water

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2023 72:24 Transcription Available


    After the kurfuffle at Lenny's and the revelation that Aelin's parents are, in fact, alive, the party decides to search out another familiar face to suss out more information about Kerrek. Meanwhile, Emrine and Meira form a most reluctant partnership. We recorded this as part of the Geek Devotions livestream event, Operation 501, which assisted in raising money for them to become a non-profit organization. We're so incredibly happy to be involved with them. If you don't already, please check out the great work they're doing at https://geekdevotions.com.

    102: Everybody Gets A Parent

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2023 70:42 Transcription Available


    The party comes face to face with Zaos in the cathedral and things don't go quite as planned.

    101: Totally Difficult Boss Fight

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 66:59 Transcription Available


    The party comes face to face with Zaos in the cathedral and things don't go quite as planned.

    100 – Did You Just Summon God?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 65:49 Transcription Available


    Preparations continue...

    99: Would It Also Be Invisible?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 53:16 Transcription Available


    Having had enough of... just about everything, the party decides to time to take action. But first: shopping. (But it's not really a shopping episode. Only a little.)

    98: Stumblefoot Had A Child with Lolth‽

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2023 67:56 Transcription Available


    A disagreement over the soul stone breaks out and Aelin takes charge.

    97: Pinochle

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 55:15


    A disagreement over the soul stone breaks out and Aelin takes charge.

    96: Oh No…

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 69:48 Transcription Available


    This one is just tough for Emrine, folks. The upside is that she's back with Wilder and Pough, but - woof - she has quite the conversation with Aelin's assistance.

    95: Getting A Head of Things

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 58:05 Transcription Available


    As Towerfall continues to be ravaged, Pough deftly makes his way back to Castle Sterkur in an attempt to reunite with the party. Meanwhile, Emrine has an unexpected reunion. Content Warning Graphic Violence: 37:02 - 37:27Implications of Domestic Abuse: 47:45 - 47:52 Episode Engineer: Dave Clements Music & Sound Effects: Source Audio | Zapsplat | Tabletop Audio Become a Patron to hear unedited audio, exclusive episodes, access to live sessions and join our Discord!

    94: I’m Not Emotionally Prepared for This

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2023 47:38 Transcription Available


    Emrine chases Rhoda's essence, which is being carried by Meira. Wilder panics about his encounter with Zaos and Aelin's current state. In short, chaos has come to Towerfall and the no one is safe.

    93: But Am I “Dead” Dead?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2023 47:07 Transcription Available


    The man in yellow, Zaos, arrives after being summoned by an incredibly desperate Wilder, therein increasing pandemonium among an already tumultuous Towerfall.

    92: As Above, So Below

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2023 67:06 Transcription Available


    The pursuit of Lars continues as the apocalypse literally erupts in Towerfall and hard conversations (and decisions) begin.

    91: A Door Is Like A Wall That Opens

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 55:13 Transcription Available


    Emrine encounters an unexpected aftermath and Callum is reminded of an agreement he made in the past.

    90: Fall of the House of Firmstone – Pt 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 62:14 Transcription Available


    Bastite's assassins, Meira, S.E.A.N., and Coil, continue their duties after infiltrating their first target and uncovering strange happenings within Towerfall.

    89: Fall of the House of Firmstone – Pt 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2023 55:51 Transcription Available


    In another part of Towerfall, three mercenaries - Meira, Coil, and S.E.A.N. - are hired to help Bastite tie up some loose ends. Episode Engineers: John Harju & Dave Clements Music by Tabletop Audio & PodcastMusic.com Thanks to Amanda and Oliver for lending their voices to this episode. Join our Patreon to be considered future special episodes!

    88: We’re Going To Kill Dave

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 84:12 Transcription Available


    With a confused Aelin now back with them, the gang heads to the Thieves' Guild to check in with Kai.

    87: More Than Meets The Pie

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 50:31 Transcription Available


    Awaking in Ultha Orthead, the party makes a plan to kill Lars Towerfall for the Drow and reunites with Aelin in a most unexpected way.

    86: I Went to Ultha Orthead & All I Got Was This Shirt

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2023 60:35 Transcription Available


    With Aelin missing, the remainder of the party - Callum, Orbog, Wilder, Pough, and Gheroth - head to Ultha Orthead to warn the Drow of Lars Towerfall's impending attack. A farewell is made and a clearer vision of the finish line might just be in sight. Episode Engineer: Dave "Sorry It Was Late" Clements

    85: Mikkee Mindflayer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 44:42 Transcription Available


    The gang runs into some weirdness at Felix's house, Callum finds a new magic item, and Emrine has a heart-to-heart with one of her own.

    84: Mostly Ghostlies

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 84:20 Transcription Available


    As we close out the 2022 season, Josiah takes the DM seat and leads Steve (Wow), John (Tawnka), and Dave (Pepper) into a winter wonderland... of death! Or something like that.

    dm steve wow dave pepper

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2022 144:57 Transcription Available


    As we close out the 2022 season, Josiah takes the DM seat and leads Steve (Wow), John (Tawnka), and Dave (Pepper) into a winter wonderland... of death! Or something like that.

    christmas dm reindeer games steve wow dave pepper
    83: Mm-hm, Mm-hm, Mm-mm

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 59:51 Transcription Available


    82: Hi, It’s Me, Callum

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2022 57:11 Transcription Available


    Pough wakes to find himself reunited with his brother and the party attempts to locate Jadis in order to return Orbog back to his former self. Episode Engineer: Dave "Mildly Tired" Clements Music by PodcastMusic.com and Tabletop Audio Thanks to Julie Earls, Aaron Peckham, Amanda Clements, Branson Boykin, Matthew Cosby, and Debbie Roth – our Blade-level patrons! Become a patron for as little as $1 for uncut sessions, exclusive content, and more! Maybe even the chance to play in a Patreon-exclusive miniseries with some of the cast! Ways to support the podcast Get new click-clacks for your own sessions from Sage's Portal! Rep some PGwS merch Energize yourself and be better with Dubby, a clean energy drink that is made to give you focus with no crash, jitters, or angst like other energy drinks.

    81: Ultha-Urtha… What’s This Place Called?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2022 101:05 Transcription Available


    Emrine rescues Pough, Orbog has to come to terms with his encounter with Jadis, and Callum gets all of Arc 3 summed up for him.

    80: I Have No Idea Who Any of These People Are

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 46:51 Transcription Available


    Gheroth continues proselytizing in the Underdark as a familiar Aasimar makes his way to Towerfall. Episode Engineer: Dave "The Procrastinator" Clements Playing Games with Strangers Theme - Club Mix by JS Earls and Steve Arthur Music by Podcast Music and Tabletop Audio

    79: There’s A Whole Realm?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 69:19


    A conversation with Jadis changes Orbog permanently, Emrine has unexpected interactions with Leona and Bastite, and Felix makes a wild discovery.

    The House On Gallows Hill – Halloween 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2022 111:45


    Three children head out into the woods to find a missing boy but end up stumbling upon something supernatural. We used the Kids On Bikes system for this bonus episode, as we have with a couple of others. We really like the simplicity of it and how it facilitates more immersive roleplay. You can learn more about Kids On Bikes on the Hunters Entertainment website. Episode Engineers: John Harju & Dave Clements

    78: A Horse & His Rogue

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2022 51:43 Transcription Available


    Returning to Castle Mannlegur from the drow city, Orbog decides to venture north, while Emrine gets caught up in more personal drama. Aelin gets visited by someone she met in Dis, and Felix wakes to a couple of cold ones in his arms and has to determine what to do with them. Episode Engineer: Dave "Isn't He Fired Yet?" Clements Episode Music: Podcast Music Playing Games with Strangers (Club Mix) by JS Earls and Steven Arthur Thanks to Julie Earls, Aaron Peckham, Amanda Clements, Branson Boykin, Matthew Cosby, and Debbie Roth – our Blade-level patrons! Become a patron for as little as $1 for uncut sessions, exclusive content, and more! Maybe even the chance to play in a Patreon-exclusive miniseries with some of the cast! Ways to support the podcast Get new click-clacks for your own sessions from Sage's Portal!Rep some PGwS merchEnergize yourself and be better with Dubby, a clean energy drink that is made to give you focus with no crash, jitters, or angst like other energy drinks.

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