Know Direction Network

Latest Episodes:

Know Direction Beyond 97: Galaxy Guide Review Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

Alex and James crack open the first Starfinder 2e hardcover, and the first Starfinder hardcover since Mechageddon, the Starfinder Galaxy Guide.

Listen Now! (mp3)

Game Design Unboxed 117: Please Don’t Burn My Village Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

In episode 117 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with game designer Simon Weinberg about his journey from reviewing terrible games to realizing just how tough it is to make good ones. He shares lessons from navigating the publishing world like understanding a company’s catalog before pitching, being patient during the long evaluation process, and the importance of building friendly, professional relationships with publishers.

They also discuss waking up from dreams of complete game ideas, defining your goal as a designer, how card and dice games are easiest to iterate (and recruit playtesters for), writing wacky designer diaries, bribing dragons, and that yes – game design is in fact, a real job!

Listen Now! (mp3)

Featuring:

Simon Weinberg – Guest

Danielle Reynolds – Host

Upshift 043: RenegadeCon 2025 E20 Panels and Announcements Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

Ryan and Charles talk about the Essence20 panels and announcements at RenegadeCon 2025.

Listen Now! (mp3)

Featuring Letter From Snake Eyes part 4, generously provided by Wordburglar. Check it and other amazing 80s-inspired out at Wordburglar.com.

Although the host works for Renegade Game Studios, this podcast and the network that hosts it are not affiliated with Renegade Game Studios.

Digital Divination 137 – Top 3 Starfinder Adventures to Play Now! Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

With just 8 weeks left until the release of Starfinder 2, RPG freelance author John Godek, Paizo Senior Game Designer Jason Keeley, and Dungeon & Dragons Designer Ron Lundeen discuss what Starfinder 1 adventures to play now!

Listen Now!

Ron Lundeen is an employee of Wizards of the Coast and his opinions are his own.

Intrepid Heroes 160 – Charity Substation Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

Our heroes head down to Charity Substation to prevent a reactor meltdown and come face-to-face with an transdimensional maw!

Listen Now!(mp3)

Game Design Unboxed 116: Biome Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

In episode 116 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with game designer Leonie Grundler about what inspired her nature-themed tableau builder, Biome. They discuss how inspiration can come from the worst places – like being laid off from a tech startup and catching COVID – how binge-playing Wingspan sparked the idea for the game, and tough design questions like: Should games aim for perfect balance, or can a few spicy, overpowered cards keep things interesting? They also explore the practical side of choosing to self-publish, finding playtesters in your own backyard, launching Lioness Games, sourcing manufacturers, and being your game’s greatest advocate.

Listen Now! (mp3)

Featuring:

Cameron Ring – Guest

Danielle Reynolds – Host

Upshift 042: More Than Combat – The My Little Pony RPG Conflicts Chapter May 30, 2025

Show notes

Ryan already convinced Charles that the My Little Pony Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook is a great buy for any Essence20 players. Now he explains why MLP CRB Chapter 10: Conflicts is required reading for every Essence20 Game Master.

Listen Now! (mp3)

Featuring Letter From Snake Eyes part 4, generously provided by Wordburglar. Check it and other amazing 80s-inspired out at Wordburglar.com.

Although the host works for Renegade Game Studios, this podcast and the network that hosts it are not affiliated with Renegade Game Studios.

Digital Divination 136 – Starfinder 2 News from PaizoCon! May 29, 2025

Show notes

John, Ron, and Jason talk about all the cool Starfinder 2nd Edition news that was announced at PaizoCon this past weekend!

Listen Now!

Ron Lundeen is an employee of Wizards of the Coast and his opinions are his own.

Intrepid Heroes 159 – Cultist PTA May 26, 2025

Show notes

Our heroes crash a “Cultist PTA” meeting and run afoul of a vampiric academic!

Listen Now!(mp3)

Game Design Unboxed 115: Piles May 20, 2025

Show notes

In episode 115 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with game designer and co-founder of Lost Boy Entertainment, Cameron Ring, covering everything from the value of short form video and social media marketing in the tabletop industry, to the importance of making games you find fun.

Danielle and Cameron talk about Lost Boy Entertainment’s roots as a family business, leaning into the inspiration of classic game mechanics to develop something new, having fun with wacky game themes (Piles! makes laundry fun!), teaching playtesters gaming vocabulary, and bribing your friends and family with food and drinks to test your games.