Game Store Prophets

Double Anniversary Special

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:27:53 +0000

Today marks a special day for this podcast, our ministry, and myself personally. 14 years ago TODAY (July 22nd), The Oliphant in the Room hit the airways and introduced us as a voice in the space of where God and gaming culture collide. This year also marks 10 years since InnRoads Ministries first received our 501c3 status.

We celebrated this double anniversary by gathering up a number of our friends from around the community to talk about what we have been blessed to be a part of, what happens at our tables, and why we keep coming back to serve God in this section of the ministry and content world.

Episode 223 – My Father’s Footsteps

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 06:53:35 +0000

Both of your hosts have had moments playing a certain game with our kids recently. The game in question is My Little Scythe — the kids version of the well loved and respected strategy epic. In this episode, we break down what makes a good “kids version” of a game, the value of sharing games like this with our kids, and how playing My Little Scythe has proven to be a microcosm for us in regards to discipleship, invitation, and the beautiful act of sharing Christ from a place where we just want to tell people how deeply He has impacted our lives.

And for those playing the home game — Some of the mechs Mike has been painting for his copy of Scythe.

Episode 222 – Trying to Get Closer to God

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:27:32 +0000

Did you miss us? We’re back!

Daniel and Mike sit down to talk about the conventions we got to while we weren’t on here making content for you all. We talk about what it’s like give up ourselves for other folks at the gaming table, about how much value can be seen and felt in even the smallest acts of encouragement, and how when we truly trust the in the sovereignty of God — it has a profound impact on the ways we talk to each other, down even to the core of what we see when we look at each other.

Episode 221 – Cardboard Cairns

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 04:00:36 +0000

A cairn is pile of stones placed at a location sometimes as a way to mark a trail being traveled, or most often to identify a particular landmark or memorial. So what happens when we start tying the games on our shelves to specific moments or specific people? In their own way, they become cairns themselves — a collection of bits and pieces that serve as reminders of things and people that are important to us. As such, they can even be a remember of how far God has carried us through life, and how much we can trust that He will carry us through what we are going through now.

Episode 220 – Deconstructing D&D

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Wed, 31 May 2023 02:47:01 +0000

A family emergency delayed this one getting out at the right time, but we didn’t want to lose this gold.

Sometimes it really is about the question. It’s about the freedom and space to ask questions about how things happened, why it works that way, or whether or not the way we see things are valid. In this episode we talk about Ierusalem: Anno Domini and the D&D movie Honor Among Thieves to talk about questions we were encouraged to ask about aspects like historicity, rules lawyering, and whether any of this is any good in the first place. Come with us as we figure out why we love these things.

Episode 219 — Seventy Times Seven, Curation, and Empathy

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 09 May 2023 06:23:21 +0000

A lot of decisions and practices by the parent companies behind Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons are causing some of us who have been around since the earliest of days to question whether they have taken a step too far for us to keep backing their products. But whether or not we move forward with those games in our collection or not is just one of the reasons one might want to consider the choices we make in regards to what games we keep on our shelves or choose to hit our tables. From discussions of the Magic Circle around the gaming table to making decisions based on how they effect our relationships rather than whether or not you find it fun yourself — let’s talk about forgiveness, empathy, and gaming while following Jesus.

Episode 218 – Gary Content

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 04:41:43 +0000

We’re back from Easter celebrations with a Gary Con XV after action report. Daniel and the team had a great trip out to Lake Geneva, where they got to embody the core of what we do at InnRoads — play games, connect with people, and share in their stories.

We also double back to a topic inspired by our Warhammer focused episode to talk about the value and challenges of 3D printing in the tabletop gaming space.

We also talk about the blessing cards and Wandering Bard Tavern logo that feature the art of our friend and member of the Mad Bird D&D streams crew on twitch, Stephanie Dawn Skiles. If you need any artwork commissioned for storyboarding or bringing a game character to life – we highly recommend you drop her a line and see if she’s currently accepting commissions.

Episode 217 – Worlds of Wonder

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 16:41:59 +0000

While Daniel has been away at Gary Con XV leading our team at the board game library, we called up our friend Ryan from City on a Hill Gaming to talk about world building for a decidedly Christian gaming experience that goes beyond just saying that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the only true God or that throwing in an order of paladins who serve Jesus. We then broaden the scope to talk about how choices we make in world building effect those of us at the table, and how to respect the concerns and uneasiness other players may experience as you are doing that world building together.

An article from the InnRoads site was mentioned in the podcast. If you want to read more, you can find that article here.

Episode 216 – Let’s Make it Ork-y

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 04:55:46 +0000

Perhaps it was inevitable that we’d get here. After all — in the grim dark future there is only war. So let’s talk about Warhammer 40k.

In this episode the guys talk about how we can find God in everything — even in the grim dark future of the 40k universe. They discuss the way Ork magic works as a picture of faith — and how that picture is often exactly how we mess with people’s heads if not actually traumatizing folks, how the story of the god-emperor of mankind is an example of folks acting in self-interest under the banner of faith in ways that nobody wanted or needed – and actually misses the point of faith entirely, and more.

Episode 215 – Tiny Plastic Idols

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 11:23:32 +0000

We love our games. Part of what we love about our games is the tactile nature of them. Moving miniatures around the board. The feel of good, quality materials in our hands. The way everything looks when it comes together on the table. Naturally we want to take care of them for a number of reasons — but what happens when we become so concerned about keeping our games in their perfect condition that we stop enjoying the experience of actually playing with them?

In this episode we explore concepts like what a healthy concept of caring for the stuff of games looks like, why we give away games that we love, and what really makes the game experience so important to us.

Daniel mentioned a picture a guild ball figure he painted, but we didn’t find that picture before time of posting — so you can watch our social media if it ever surfaces. Mike also makes mention of an article familiar to long time listeners, but if you are new around here and want to read the story yourself, you can find it here.

Episode 214 – Did Ya Miss Us?

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 07:30:43 +0000

Three years ago, the COVID pandemic was the proverbial nail in the coffin of our recording ability. While we were unable to jump over all the hurtles that came down the path, we always knew that we’d be back eventually to once again take up the mantle of a podcast known for talking games, God, and how the relationships that build us are forged there.

That day is today.

After three years of silence, the boys are back to talk about gaming as ministry, gaming with kids, and how much they’ve missed talking with each other and with all of you. We’ll talk about introducing our sons to the gaming world, helping folks play with our local libraries, and getting ready for Gary Con.

Light the beacons. The Game Store Prophets have returned!

Episode 213 – Choosing Our Words

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sun, 31 May 2020 08:49:51 +0000

Recording got delayed on this one due to a guest appearance, a holiday here in America, and some incredibly bad sinus pressure – but we’re here now, and we have an interesting show for you. In this episode, we continue to talk about trying to figure out how to get games played in the midst of lockdown – but actually don’t get to our usual coffee and contemplation segment because we wanted to talk about why we try to shy away from making too many definitive theological statements on most of our ministry’s content – but especially here at Game Store Prophets.

Games mentioned in this episode:
Carcassonne
Blood Rage Digital Edition
Reflections
Gloomhaven / Frosthaven
Nemesis (currently on kickstarter at time of posting)
Warhammer 40k 9th edition
Dragon & Flagon

One-shot RPG fest ( Thanks, Zach, for the question):
Savage Worlds One Sheet Adventures
Damn the Man, Save the Music
Dread
Lasers & Feelings
Everyone is John

Also mentioned:
Back Burner Games

Episode 212 – The Myth of Certainty

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 04 May 2020 06:37:57 +0000

You’d think after an episode dedicated to ways you can game with your friends around virtual tables during quarantine we’d have more stories about games we’ve been playing – but that doesn’t go so well. So instead we want to talk about the myth of certainty, that place of comfort and security where we know a thing is going to happen a certain way because it just has to … right?

Games mentioned:
Quill
The Live: Assault on Cable 54
Animo: Cross Trainers
Deadlands: The Weird West for Savage Worlds
The Quiet Year
Space Crusade
Dune ( Two Versions)
Crokinole
Viceroy

Other mentions:
They Live’s infamous fight scene
Roll 4 Initiative
Norse Foundry

Episode 211 – Incarnation & Digital Community

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 19:37:22 +0000

We’ve been living that quarantine life like everyone else lately, and we’re starting to get a bit stir-crazy. Among all our usual topics of discussion, your hosts – both of who are normally proponents of face-to-face gaming over the digital counterpart – discuss the many ways digital gaming is saving our sanity and forging connections with our friends and family.

Games mentioned:
Animal Upon Animal
Backyard Builders Treehouse
Run For Your Life, Candyman
Ptolus
The Harvesters
Arcana of the Ancients (which Mike now actually HAS)
Tides of Time

Digital Gaming Platforms:
Roll20.net
Fantasy Grounds
Astral
D20 Pro
GM Forge
Foundry Virtual Tabletop
3D Virtual Tabletop
Tabletop Simulator
Tabletopia
Board Game Arena

Be sure to check out the article I reference from the folks at Girls Game Shelf for even more options.

Other References:
Alton Brown’s video on handwashing
Mike’s Patreon

Episode 210 – Perspectives and Expectations

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 09:47:51 +0000

In this episode, Mike & Daniel are back to discuss how perspectives and expectations can shape the choices that we make in life and gaming. Jumping off of the point mentioned in our previous episode regarding different editions of Dungeons and Dragons – specifically how Daniel enjoys older editions while 5th edition is everything Mike has hoped the game could be – many of the differences we find in our life, our gaming, and even what we value in the practice and application of our faith have to do with what we are expecting.

Games mentioned in this episode:
Racing Demons (card game)
Santorini
Friday
Spirit Island
Marvel Card Line
Munchkin

Other mentions:
Shut up & Sit Down’s “Card Games That Don’t Suck” video series
Blood Rage play mat
Heroforge 2.0

There’s a brief announcement in the front of the episode where Mike references his new Patreon page. If you can support that’d be great, but if you can’t there is nothing to fear. GSP and its content will only be tangentially affected at most. We just know that some listeners wanted to know if something like that ever got set up.

Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Episode 209 – Invite the Children In

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 06:15:47 +0000

Daniel and Mike are back on the air with a new look for Game Store Prophets.

In this episode, they introduce new segments that will help us avoid the pressure to dig into limited gaming ability for topics – as it can sometimes be hard to get to the table as adults, let alone adults with toddlers in the house. They’ll also be talking ABOUT those toddlers as they talk about the concepts of invitation versus expectation when introducing kids to the gaming world and how that looks a lot like introducing them to God. About making it accessible and showing how wonderful you know it to be rather than demanding they already feel the same way you do.

Games mentioned in this episode:
Unmatched: Battle of Legends vol. 1 by Restoration Games
Paperback by Fowers Games
The Mansky Caper by Calliope Games
Dungeon Crawl Classics by Goodman Games
Shadows Over Camelot by Days of Wonder
Return to Dark Tower by Restoration Games (Kickstarter)
Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile by Leder Games ( Kickstarter)
Wonderland’s War by Druid City Games (Kickstarter coming February 2020)

Other mentions:
World Anvil

Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Episode 208 – Propheting from GenCon

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 23:34:48 +0000

InnRoads at GenCon

Daniel and T.R. welcome InnRoads Regulars Jeff Jackson and Michael Riddle to the show as they bring together their experiences at GenCon 2019. In the end, we hear how connecting with others is the best thing about these conventions!

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Episode 207 – Sabbatical

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 16:23:42 +0000

Reset and Relaxation

Daniel and Jeff bring an update on the GSP as we head into a season of prayer and rest and upgrade. We announce our first Sabbatical where we seek some recuperation, time to reflect on how we can improve the GSP show and spend some extra time with family as life tosses some changes the team’s way.

Good things are afoot. And we’re looking forward to what the future holds for the show! While we’re away, stay tuned for Bard & Bible, InnRoads Plays content, GenCon coverage and more. See you in 3 months!

Hold us in prayer and always remember, God is the game master, and no matter how the dice falls, the game plays on!!

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Episode 206 – The Old Ways

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 06:04:13 +0000

Remakes, Retakes and that Old Game-lovin’ Feeling

Daniel and Jeff start things off with a trip down memory lane as we celebrate a spoiler-free love-fest for Stranger Things 3. Along the way they uncover the need to capture the old feelings of wonder and simple pleasures in our favorite hobbies. Sometimes the views of our child-like selves can help the outlooks of our adult eyes.

Archive Dive

World of Greyhawk

On the Horizon

Stranger Things 3
Nintendo Entertainment System

Scripture Reference(s)

Numbers 14:1-4

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Episode 206a – Tech Difficulties

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 23:01:59 +0000

Technical Difficulties!!

Hi Gang! Unfortunately there have been gremlins loosed within the confines of the Edit Bay 9000 and we’ve been forced to postpone release of Episode 206 until next cycle. But, we do have a treat for you as compensation!

Cast your ears upon the Actual Play action over at InnRoads Plays, our sister podcast where we’re launching episode 1 of a new trilogy – Scales of Justice: the Scrolls of Auria!

Kyle Stainbrook reprises his role as the Dragonborn monk, Grimace as he seeks to settle as score with a certain elven ranger…

Here’s the link and a preview poster for fun!

Episode 205 – Setting the Mood

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 01:15:45 +0000

Adding Ambiance to your Game Nights!

Daniel, T.R. and Jeff sometimes go overboard when it comes to game nights. Music and effects, food, smells, even environment can all be used to raise the bar in your games. Playing King of Tokyo, why not have the Godzilla soundtrack and monster smashes in the background? Jumping behind the wheel of Gaslands? Maybe the smells of oil and metal in the air? Or hold game night in a garage!

Check out some of the gang’s experiences in the realm of game enhancement!

Archive Dive

Stranger Things Starter Set

On the Horizon

Ambient Soundscapes

Other Tools of the Trade

Scripture Reference(s)

Mark 14:32
Matthew 14:6‭-‬8

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Episode 204 – Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Games Engines

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 14:07:46 +0000

Running, Driving, Sailing…Just Finish the Race!

T.R. and Jeff burn rubber and set the sails to discuss the various ways racing has become a part of gaming culture. And how has racing impacted us as a culture, influencing the pace at which we live.

P.S. Stick around for the end.

Archive Dive

Mille Bornes

On the Horizon

Gaslands: Refueled
Godzilla: King of Monsters
The Role Player’s Guide to Heists by Sandy Pug Games

Games Discussed

Jamaica
Flamme Rouge
Gaslands
Mississippi Queen
Famous 500: The World’s Smallest Racing Game
Forza
Gran Turismo
Twisted Metal

Scripture Reference(s)

Hebrews 12:1-2
2 Timothy 4:7-8
1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Episode 203 – Time After (or Before) Time

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 20 May 2019 04:36:55 +0000

Conundrums and Forking It

Warning!! | Spoilers for Avengers: Endgame!!

Daniel, T.R. and Jeff get swept along the time stream as they discuss the impacts of one of the most powerful macguffins in science fiction. We talk Avengers, Spider-Man, Fluxx, Dr Who and the concept that God stands outside of time as the ultimate Watcher.

Archive Dive

Batman Fluxx

On the Horizon

Love Letter (2019)
Dark Phoenix
Spider-Man: Far From Home

Scripture Reference(s)

Hebrews 13:8
Psalm 90:4
Genesis 1:1
2 Peter 3:8

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Episode 202 – Spring is in the Air

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 06 May 2019 14:03:46 +0000

Sparking Joy or Outrage?

Daniel, Mike and Jeff get carried away with segments but eventually discuss what it means to decide what’s important in one’s gaming collection. Will this help our listeners with methods to “tidy up” their collections? Or will it spawn an unending stream of hate mail?

We have a chance to chat up the new InnRoads Plays podcast feed (now featuring the Glass Dagger Season 1). And also Mike’s stint on City on a Hill Gaming as a warforged!

On the Horizon

Archive Dive

Chess

Scripture Reference(s)

Genesis 8:22

Mentions

City on a Hill Gaming

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Episode 201 – A New (type of) Hope

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 15:24:54 +0000

Resurrection Changes a Person

T.R. and Jeff discuss the importance of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday, and why the concept of Resurrection resonates through our media.

On the Horizon

Avengers: Endgame (no spoilers)
Era: Medieval Age by Matt Leacock

Archive Dive

Betrayal: Legacy

Scripture Reference(s)

Matthew 20:25‭-‬28
Romans 6:5-7

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Episode 200 – The InnRoads Go Ever On

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 03:42:04 +0000

Eight Years, Two Hundred Episodes

A reunion nearly one year in the making as Mike, Daniel, Jeff and T.R. gather to celebrate 200!! And like the Beatles said, we had a little help from our friends. Fans and colleagues stop by to offer greetings as we talk games and reminisce on how the GSP came into existence.

Huge thanks to those who’ve been with us for one or two hundred episodes. Your support and friendships have blessed our lives!

On the Horizon

Archive Dive

Cockroach Poker (Kakerlaken)

Scripture Reference(s)

Philippians 3:13

Special thanks to Saving the Game, Ian McNear, Ron Poteet, Stephen Taylor, the Min/Max Podcast, Mike w/Geek at Arms, Matt and Jenn, Heather Jones, Jeff Jackson and Derek “the Geekpreacher” White!

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

The Glass Dagger S01E07 – Finale

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 04:41:23 +0000

Episode 7 Finale

Their enemies revealed, the battle set, our heroes are put to the test. But will the defeat of the Shameless and Ezekiel prove to be the end of the fight? Or will new alliances crack and shatter?

Season 1 comes to an end beneath the streets of Waterdeep.

The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher!

The Cast

Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes
Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman
Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace
Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Additional Music provided via Creative Commons by Kevin McLeod

The Glass Dagger S01E06 – Loyalty pt 2

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 01:01:14 +0000

Episode 6 Loyalty | Part 2

The party has found the entrance to the Shameless’ hideout. With a few moments preparation, they gather what they can from a prisoner and prepare to descend into darkness.

The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher!

The Cast

Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes
Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman
Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace
Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Additional Music provided via Creative Commons by Kevin McLeod

The Glass Dagger S01E06 – Loyalty pt 1

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 01:00:07 +0000

Episode 6 Loyalty | Part 1

The nights in Waterdeep’s Dock Ward can devolve into lost wanderings through the hilly streets. For our four heroes, why should tonight be any different?

Lt. General Hughes, Grimace and Simeon are on the trail of Gobbs as he slips from shadow to shadow towards the Shameless’ hideout. But something lurks with glistening teeth and a hungry belly…

The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher!

The Cast

Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes
Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman
Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace
Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Additional Music provided via Creative Commons by Kevin McLeod

GSP Bonus Content – Interview with Michael Witwer

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 05:53:56 +0000

The Lore Gatherer | An Interview with Michael Witwer

Daniel, Derek and Jeff are live from GaryCon XI and had a chance to sit down with the writer of Empire of the Imagination to discuss his passion for the hobby we know and love. From his early years to curating the art and arcana of the Gygax legacy, Michael Witwer has accomplished a lot.

And he’s just getting started.

Episode 199 – GaryCon (Special)

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 20:23:28 +0000

GSP Goes to GaryCon

Recording live from Lake Geneva, Daniel and Jeff are joined by a few of the folks who made the GaryCon XI experience really special. So sit back and enjoy…and stick around for a particularly interesting sign off as friend of the ministry, Luke Gygax, gives us a shout out.

Special Guests

Derek “the Geek Preacher” White
Tim Decker
Zach Hughes

Stay tuned as we have some additional bonus content coming your way later this week!!

Bonus Content – Interview with Robert Marriner-Dodds

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:05:17 +0000

Carbon 2185 | A Cyberpunk RPG by Dragon Turtle Games

Jeff has the chromed out pleasure of interviewing one of the genius’ behind Carbon 2185! From its use of the D&D 5e SRD, to the measured character progression, find out what makes this new cyberpunk offering so special. Could there be a reason it hit 1,004% of its kickstarter goal?

You bet your synthetic rear there’s a reason!

Find out more about Dragon Turtle Games and Carbon 2185

Dragon Drop Monthly (patreon)
Carbon 2185 Kickstarter
www.carbonrpg.com | For ongoing updates
Dragon Turtle Website
Dragon Turtle Games on Twitch
Follow them on Twitter | @DragonTurtleG

Covert Art by Klaus Whitman

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Additional Music provided via Creative Commons by Kevin McLeod

Episode 198 – Breaking Bread

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 06:35:36 +0000

Gathering Together, Sharing Everything

Daniel and Jeff break bread over plans for GaryCon 2019 and the joy of seeing friends.

On the Horizon

GaryCon Prep

Scripture Reference(s)

Acts 2:42‭-‬47

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

The Glass Dagger S01E05 – Deeds

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 08:29:12 +0000

Episode 5 finds the party gathering their wits and picking up the pieces after the confrontation at Linkah’s apartment. Now they have a bugbear…among other things.

The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher!

The Cast

Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes
Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman
Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace
Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Additional Music provided via Creative Commons by Kevin McLeod

Episode 197 – Alls Fair in Love and Gaming

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 04:58:21 +0000

Coop Gaming

Daniel, T.R. spend some time with their significant others, talking about the impact of gaming in their marriages. Join us for a special Valentine’s Edition of Game Store Prophets.

Archive Dive

Monopoly Cheaters Edition

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

The Glass Dagger S01E04 – Family

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 05:30:41 +0000

Episode 4, where the party-heart grows 1 size for the price of 2. Barada and Uchu join the cause of the Elderkin, Grimace as the group sets off into the night in search of the Bugbear brothers, Keg and Gobbs. It’s race to make safe their halfling employer!

The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher!

The Cast

Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes
Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman
Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace
Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Additional Music provided via Creative Commons by Kevin McLeod

Episode 196 – Toil and Trouble

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 05:20:30 +0000

What Do you Do for a Living?

Daniel, T.R. and Jeff wonder at how our work and our hobbies can define us. And how we can in turn, define what we do as expressions of God’s love. Can we work for more than the ability to survive, but actually toil in an effort to enrich our lives?

On the Horizon (new segment)

Archive Dive

Fairytale Gloom

Scripture Reference(s)

Ecclesiastes 2:18‭-‬26

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‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

The Glass Dagger S01E03 – A Heart in the Right Place

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 05:58:56 +0000

Episode 3, in which the party becomes acquainted with one Heidelberg Bartley and the how’s and why’s of noble kobold betrayal.

The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher!

The Cast

Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes
Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman
Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace
Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Episode 195 – Judge Dread

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 05:57:10 +0000

2019 – Dread vs Hope

Daniel, T.R. and Jeff ring in the new year with a few complaints. They were promised things…flying cars, replicants, televised death tournaments… None of these things have come to pass. So rather than lament the facts, they delve into what it means to look forward to the future.

On the Horizon (new segment)

Archive Dive

Exploding Kittens

Scripture Reference(s)

Matthew 6:25-34

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‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

The Glass Dagger S01E02 – Theater of the Mind

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 00:01:05 +0000

The Glass Dagger S01 E02 – Theater of the Mind

Hired by a desperate halfling smuggler, the newly minted trio of adventurers are sent deeper into Dock Ward to the establishment of one Bartley Heidelberg, a theater owner and business associate of Linkah Four-fingers.

The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher!

The Cast

Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes
Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman
Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace
Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

The Glass Dagger S01E01 – Smugglers Blues

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 06:30:12 +0000

The Glass Dagger S01 E01 – Smuggler’s Blues

It’s tough to eek out living in the City of Splendors. Harder still for Linkah Four-fingers as his band of thieves line up to betray him. Those he thought were friends and associates-in-good-standing have started serving other interests without so much as a by your leave. Such things are starting to diminish Linkah’s normally cheerful disposition.

So what’s a halfling to do? If he wants to stay on the good side of the Boss, he’ll have to rely on outside resources to get to the bottom of his personnel problems.

The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher!

The Cast

Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes
Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman
Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace
Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Episode 194 – Cons Baby!

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 16:38:55 +0000

Merry Conventioning!

They say it’s madness to post a podcast on Christmas Eve – but it’s madder still to try and do it on New Year’s Eve. So, all you wonderful listeners out there get a gift from InnRoads Ministries in your podcatcher of choice in the form of Mike and Daniel discussing our two major trips of the year (Gary Con and PAX Unplugged), talk about our ministry goals and philosophy going into 2019, and even drop some exciting insider info for things to look forward to in the next few months.

Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10
‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Episode 193 – The InnRoads Experience

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 03:12:51 +0000

A Different Sort of Top 5

Daniel and Jeff bring 2018 to a close, sharing their respective Top 5 experiences in the ministry. From Infinite Stones to childhood RPG groups to conventions, 2018 has been a whirlwind. Join the boys in the Tavern and cozy up to the fire!

Scripture Reference(s)

Proverbs 27:19
Lamentations 3:40

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‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Bonus Content – InnRoads Unplugged 2018

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 15:06:10 +0000

We weren’t able to get the whole team together on the mics, but two-thirds of the InnRoads Unplugged team that went to Philadelphia for PAX Unplugged gathered up some of our favorite parts of the conventions experience for you. This was our first organized team effort at a convention, and only the second PAX Unplugged ever, so we’re excited to see how we can grow up together with this convention.

Even at just under 2 hours, we couldn’t possibly talk about every story we heard, person we saw, or game we played – so we each narrowed it down to one game a piece.

Mike – The Mansky Caper
Jeff – Fantastic Factories
Dave – The Fox in the Forest
Joe – Just One

If you would prefer to SEE us talk about this stuff – you can find the same audio on our YouTube channel here.

Episode 192 – With You Till the End of the Line

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 03:12:37 +0000

“Do You Trust Me?”

T.R. and Jeff are exploring the concept of trust in our games, entertainment and our daily lives. A new segment, an Archive Dive, lengthy discussion of Marvel films? Yeah, you’re gonna have to trust us, this one is important.

Archive Dive

Risk (1959)

Future Gaming

The Spectaculars: A Superhero RPG
Thousand Arrows: A Samurai Action/Drama RPG
Dune (from Modiphius Games)

Scripture Reference(s)

Proverbs 28:26
Proverbs 3:5-6

Have ideas for our “new” segment? Perhaps a name or two? Let us know in the comments area below or track us down in the Tavern!

Last but not least, find out more about the InnRoads Ministries trip to PAX Unplugged HERE.

Episode 191 – The Joy Feat

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 00:31:23 +0000

Finding Joy at All Times

Daniel and Jeff talk about the passing of legendary comic book man, Stan Lee. The myriad impacts of his genius on their lives and how when times are dark, joy can rise from the ashes.

Archive Dive

HeroQuest

Scripture Reference(s)

James 1:2‭-‬4
Proverbs 17:22

Last but not least, find out more about the InnRoads Ministries trip to PAX Unplugged HERE.

Episode 190 – Thankful for the Valleys

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 02:40:25 +0000

Being Thankful on the Peaks and in the Valleys

Daniel and T.R. bring into focus one of the hardest lesson we learn as people of faith; finding comfort and strength and even thankfulness in the valleys of our lives. And just how do games teach us empathy for the hardest times so we can best appreciate those around us going through them?

Archive Dive

Toon: The Cartoon Role Playing Game (1984)

Game(s) Discussed

Scripture Reference(s)

2 Corinthians 3:17
1 Peter 5:7

Last but not least, find out more about the InnRoads Ministries trip to PAX Unplugged HERE.

Episode 189 – Fear and Loving

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 04:00:18 +0000

Fear is a Four-Letter Word

Daniel and T.R. lean into the season of dread as Halloween approaches. How does fear influencing our games? What are the differences between fear and horror? Is there a point where we face our fears and the anxieties that threaten to overwhelm us?

Archive Dive

Game(s) Discussed

Scripture Reference(s)

Joshua 1:9
Psalm 23:4
Psalm 56:3-4

Last but not least, find out more about the InnRoads Ministries trip to PAX Unplugged HERE.

Episode 188 – The Awokening

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 05:03:41 +0000

Finding Wisdom and Rolling With It

Tonight, Jeff and Daniel discuss the disco inferno that was the recent Roll20 mess and how a few badly placed words and the proclivity to not listen can lead down hazardous paths. This all to say that life of late has been rough, but out of the shouting and the bombardment, true wisdom and perspective can be found.

Future Mike would also like you to know that you can find out more about the InnRoads Ministries trip to PAX Unplugged HERE.

Game(s) Discussed (Archive Dive)

Game of Life

Scripture Reference(s)

Proverbs 10:12
Proverbs 15:18
Ecclesiastes 7:9

Episode 187 – Memories

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 01:47:12 +0000

Gaming with our Elders

Daniel, T.R. and Jeff discuss games and how they relate with our elder relations. Can a game of Rummy with our grandparents bring just as much joy as a session of Scythe? Can we honor our mother and father by sharing an evening of monopoly?

Game(s) Discussed (All Archive Dive)

Scripture Reference(s)

Deuteronomy 5:16
Psalm 71: 9-24
Proverbs 16:31

Episode 186 – Our FOMO of Discontent

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 21:45:22 +0000

Don’t Want to Close My Eyes…

Daniel, T.R. and Jeff uncover the hidden meanings in FOMO, the Fear of Missing Out. Are we as gamers destined to dwell in that sinking feeling every time we miss game night? Is it our lot in life to look away from contentment to the neighbor’s greener grass?

Game(s) Discussed

Mystery of the Abbey by Bruno Faidutti and Serge Laget | Archive Dive

Scripture Reference(s)

Luke 12:15
Philippians 4:19

Episode 185 – New Self 2.0

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 11:43:27 +0000

Looking Back To Look Forward

Daniel and Jeff discuss the ups and downs of new edition. Not so much the 80s R&B group but the new editions of the old things we’ve come to know and love. How do we as a culture handle these changes, especially in light of how we’re called to be new creations in our faith?

Game(s) Discussed

Recommended Viewing

Scripture Reference(s)

2 Corinthians 2: 17-18

Episode 184 – Connections

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 04:10:17 +0000

GenCon, (not-so) Old Video Games and the Importance of Fostering Friendships

Daniel, Jeff and T.R. are back together. Will there be odd edits and strange sounds? Maybe. But there’s definitely going to be a discussion on how important it is to stay connected with the people God has placed in your life. How incidental encounters at a 60,000+ can be just as important weeks later as they are in the moment.

Game(s) Discussed

Skyrim | Archive Dive

Scripture Reference(s)

Hebrews 10: 24-25

Episode 183 – Looking Into Gen Con 2018

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 05:32:19 +0000

Like everyone with gaming podcasts that land on this week – We’re taking a look at some of the things that are getting us excited from the list of releases and demos of games at Gen Con.

As always – we hope everybody who is going out to the convention this year will have safe travels and a wonderful time out in Indianapolis. For the rest of us, there’s always Gen Can’t.

Episode 182 – Everyone Needs to Watch Flight of Dragons

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 02:42:21 +0000

Warning: If you are not ok with a grown man gushing for an extended period of time about animated Rankin/Bass dragons – this is not the episode for you. Seeing as you’re here … you should be fine.

In this episode of the podcast, Daniel gives an update on what has been dubbed “The Boyscout Game” of Dungeons and dragons. We take an archive dive to look at one of the earliest iterations of a deck building card game/board game hybrid – Trains, and I talk about alphabetizing magical libraries and gelatinous cube assistants in Ex Libris.

Then we jump headlong into the waters of nostalgia. They up an announced a Transformers collectible card game – and we needed to have a discussion about seeing the things we love from our youth again and realizing how easy it is to overlook its flaws through all our happy memories … and then we talk about how this misapplication of fandom can make its way into our expressions of faith as well.

If you’re looking for the episode of Bard & Bible I mention called Punching Gorbash – you can find that here.

Episode 181 – The Gospel According to Shia LaBeouf

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 03:29:28 +0000

Still recovering from board game fatigue from Tavern Con – there wasn’t much recourse but to talk about RPGs. It just so happened that not only did Daniel recently have the first session of the infamous “Boy Scout Game” – but the folks at Saving the Game decided to put out an episode about becoming a game master. There are so many resources, so much support out there, to jump in and try something you didn’t naturally think you’d be good at.

Whether it’s games, faith, or anything really – sometimes you just have to do it before you’ll find out if it’s where you’ll supposed to be.

Episode 180 – Take-aways, Tavern Con, and Trust

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 06:10:58 +0000

In this episode, we sit down to discuss the wonders of Free RPG Day – specifically Daniel’s experience with it. We talk about how Tavern Con went this year and a selection of the games that I got to play at this year’s event, and we wrap everything up with a brief update about my own availability for InnRoads work and activities in the near future, and I hope you’ll join with me in praying through some of this junk as we enter into this rough patch in the Perna household.

Episode 179 – Managing the Wasteland

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 05:34:43 +0000

We get Jeff Romo back on the air this episode after a whirlwind journey through some of those less-than-enjoyable periods of life. He comes back with tales of his multi-table “All Bards” D&D campaign. The players of those games have known for ages the joys of singing lizards and keytar-wielding dwarves – but now the rest of us can enjoy them as well. Jeff will be updating a video playlist with both tables appearing each Friday.

We also talk about the trick-taking game Nyet! in our archive dive, before taking a long look at the Fallout board game from Fantasy Flight. Specifically, we address how having expectations of what that game is “supposed” to be will ruin that experience for you.

Hope to see you at Tavern Con if you’re in the area!

Episode 178 – Remember Thou Art Mortal

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 22 May 2018 05:20:46 +0000

It’s easy to get caught up in doing good and putting out all your efforts towards acts of ministry – but every once in a while it’s important to remember that you aren’t a machine. That sometimes you just need to step away and do something not tied to ministry, not tied to a goal, or not even tied to much of anything other than the sheer joys of playing.

In this episode we talk about Daniel’s ‘Boy Scouts RPG’ multi-game session coming up, as well as Rising Sun, Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn, and Alien Artifacts.

At one point in the episode, I mention listening to the Failed Missionary podcast. If you are interested in what’s going on over there, you can find them here.

Episode 177 – You Asked For It

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 08 May 2018 02:45:04 +0000

Sometimes things happen when you are trying to coordinate podcasts hosts with jobs, families, and responsibilities across three different states. Sometimes that means that it’s the day before an episode is supposed to release, and yet there hasn’t been a single time when any two of the hosts have been available at the same time. That’s when you take to the internet and ask for some questions you can talk about for the better part of an hour.

Remember – if it’s not great, you asked for it.

Episode 176 – Our New Robot Overlords

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 03:06:17 +0000

Technological advances are everywhere – and that includes our board games. Whether it’s the increase in digital implementations of the board games we love getting to our tables or video games that take the mechanics and form of board games and do unique things with them – apps, VR, and other technological wonders are changing the way we view our tabletop gaming.

So what does this have to do with faith? How about making sure that more people than ever are able to stay connected with local bodies of believers or hearing sermons when they are sick, infirmed, or otherwise unable to physically be there.

Episode 175 – “Objectively” Bad

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 05:48:11 +0000

What makes a game objectively bad? It was the question that was asked of the internet from the folks at Board Game Blitz on their twitter feed. Naturally, we were curious about that concept too – but not specifically because we wanted to know the answer as much as we were observing how subjective all the answers were.

In this episode, we may not have had a lot of time to play (due to increases in job requirements and snow) – but I talk about playing Tides of Time with my wife. We talk about Fireball Island – both in its classic form and new, fresh, Restoration Games flavors – and ask how much is this nostalgia-soaked gimmick and how much just fun, silly gameplay?

And then we move into the main topic… how easy it is to think that your opinion on a given topic must be objectively correct simply because it’s the one you hold to. In board games, in life, and most especially in faith – this is a dangerous proposition if left unchecked.

P.S. – You really should check out Flip the Table’s back catalog – especially Gone Birding. And I checked – it’s Flip Florey’s Super Saturday Board Game Serial. Worth a listen.

Episode 174 – How Do You Do, Fellow Kids!

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 04:18:54 +0000

We got a chance to send a team out to Gary Con X this year to help them bring back their board game library after it had disappeared from the event for a while. In this episode, we have Shawn and Daniel on, who lead the team, to talk about the experience of playing games with some legends in the gaming world, as well as talk about Shawn’s new endeavor to see his local team of volunteers adopt a local game store.

As we talk about this desire to build connections in these local stores, we got to talking about the nature of intentional relationship building as a methodology for sharing the gospel with folks.

Specifically how the sole purpose of the relationship can’t be to get them to that moment of faith. Because that’s not an actual relationship. That’s somebody trying to play at having a real relationship to get what they want out of somebody. And that never goes well.

Bonus Content – Gary Con X

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 04:06:16 +0000

Daniel and Shawn lead a team – Zack, Hope, and Chuck – to Gary Con X in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Their mission: to answer the call and bring board games back to the convention built in memory of Gary Gygax.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Derek White – the Geekpreacher, Cathy Conner – designer of Elf Quest, as well as Daniel and Shawn themselves.

A great time was definitely had by all at the event, and if they’ll have us back – we’ll be returning to Gary Con again.

Episode 173 – Simplicity Itself

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 05:03:32 +0000

With the rest of your hosts off either on ministry related trips or gearing up for them – it’s time for another solo-Mike episode. You didn’t think you were done with them did you?

We live in a world of gaming filled with miniatures, gorgeous artwork, super complicated rule sets. While the big and impressive titles catch the eye and garner most of the attention – that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for small, well-designed experiences that can evoke powerful moments. The same holds true in life and ministry also. You don’t need an elaborate setup and powerful story to be greatly loved and used by God.

If you would like to donate games to the MSD High School – the information can be found here.

Games discussed:
Lords of Waterdeep
Guillotine
Space Princess (If you like the game – support the Indie Go Go campaign to get a copy (and support the International Bipolar Foundation)
Win, Lose, or Banana
Onitama
Council of Verona
Avignon: Clash of Popes
Tides of Time
And Then We Held Hands

Episode 172 – Don’t Fear the Gamers

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 05:33:18 +0000

Don’t Fear the Gamers

Why stop at three when you can have four? The time has come to pay the piper as Mike returns to the…uh…mic! While we have our fun welcoming back our fearless leader, we thought it appropriate that the 4-strong lineup tackle the difficult topics of fear and anxiety. Sometimes the games we play express a certain flavor of fear exemplified by the times in which they were created. And even some other games actually help us deal with the anxieties of our current condition.

Even further, the gaming group that surrounds us at the table or on the digital waves can be a part of the most important weapon we have against fear – fellowship!

Games Discussed

The infamous Blue Mic Mike adds +4 against clipping!

Episode 171 – Gaming as a Social Contract

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 06:31:24 +0000

Getting it Right (or semi-right) from Design to Table

Daniel, Jeff and T.R. discuss what it means to bring a game to the table. How deeply does (or should) game designers and players consider what goes into a game and when (or if) it actually makes an appearance? Anything ranging from historical accuracy to social contracts come into play as we range across the cardboard battlefields of gaming to find out!

Games Discussed

Episode 170 – Down, Down to Tolkien Town

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 03:07:48 +0000

The Influence Goes Ever On…

In this episode, Jeff, Daniel and guest wise-man T.R. Knight gather in the Green Dragon to discuss their love of Tolkien. Like so many fans, it’s influenced art, music, literature and (of course) gaming. Join us as we cover some of the highlights that have shaped our lives in and out of gaming. And for your viewing pleasure, please enjoy the following links to all things Tolkien!!

http://gsp.thenavarrofamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/EP-170-all.mp3

Role Playing Games

Board Games

Recommended Readings

The Fellowship: The Literary Lives of the Inklings: J.R.R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Owen Barfield, Charles Williams by Philip Zaleski and Carol Zaleski
The Languages of Middle Earth by Ruth S. Noel
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien by Humphry Carpenter
There and Back Again: JRR Tolkien and the Origins of the Hobbit
Flora of Middle-Earth: Plants of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium by Walter S. Judd and Graham A. Judd
Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life’s Unexpected Journeys by Devin Brown
The Christian World of The Hobbit by Devin Brown

“Down, Down to Goblin Town” from the Original Soundtrack of The Hobbit (1977) animated by Rankin/Bass. Musc by Maury Laws

Episode 169 – Locally Sourced Plans

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 04:10:03 +0000

Locally Sourced, From Brain to Table

On this episode of Game Store Prophets, the group is sans el presidente, but have gathered some new hotness in the form of a guest host. As the triumvirate forms, can they hold it together long enough to put some plans together for 2018? Find out as we discuss things and stuff and more things!

Find more about our guest host, T.R. Knight and his proclivity for touching way too many RPG books, go here!

Episode 168 – 2017’s End of Year Awards!

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 05:44:58 +0000

Each year we try to point out some of the games, people, and resources in the gaming world we think are worth looking into – whether they came out this year or they just did something special that grabbed our attention above everything else in the wide world of options. Sadly, as Jeff has had to deal with a lot of family issues this year, his experiences were drastically limited. He’s sitting this one out to spend just that much more time with his family while Daniel and I wax on about games.

If you don’t have the hour and change to listen to the episode when you hit this post and just want to results – here you are. For explanations as to why we made our choices, listen to the episode. Feel free to comment on this post and share your favorites from this year.

BEST GAME PLAYED –
Doesn’t need to be new this year, but a game that gave us the best single play experience in 2017

Mike- Terraforming Mars (Stronghold Games)
Daniel- Castle Ravenloft (Wizards of the Coast)

BEST GAME ADDED –
Doesn’t need to be new this year, but our favorite game that we added to our game libraries in 2017

Mike- Scythe (Stonemaier Games)
Daniel- Wasteland Express Delivery Service (Pandasaurus Games)

FAVORITE GAME PUBLISHER –
Publishers who went above and beyond the call this year with consistently great titles and/or business choices

Mike- Restoration Games (Honorable Mention: Renegade Games)
Daniel- HABA

FAVORITE FRANCHISE GAME –
A game that continues on an established franchise and/or best utilizes a popular IP

Mike- Near & Far (Red Raven Games)
Daniel- ZOMBIES!!!!! 15 – Another One Bites The Dust (Twilight Creations)

HIDDEN GEM –
A title the flew under the radar for a while but really impressed us after we found it

Mike- Cat Lady (AEG)
Daniel- Mole Rats in Space (Peaceable Kingdom)

FAVORITE GAME RESOURCE –
Something outside of any specific game that made our gaming experience better, more varied, etc.

Mike- Board Game Stats App
Daniel- Bundle of Holding (Honorable Mention: Paint Rack app)

FAVORITE GAME INDUSTRY/GAMING MEDIA PERSONALITY –
People making games or gaming content that did something noteworthy this year

Mike- Suzanne Sheldon & Mandi Hutchinson
Daniel- Duncan Rhodes

FAVORITE NON-INNROADS PODCAST –
A podcast not necessarily about gaming, but definitely worth your attention

Mike – Board Game Blitz (Honorable mention – Mission to Zyxx)
Daniel – The Lonesome Pine Podcast

FAVORITE VIDEO GAME –
A video game or digital implementation of a board game that came out this year

Mike – Pyre
Daniel – Mysterium

GAME OF THE YEAR –
The best of the best

Mike- Spirit Island
Daniel- Photosynthesis

Episode 167 – Top of the Collection 2017

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 05:22:07 +0000

It’s that time of year again when we take stock of the games that we have seen over the past year’s gaming and reflect on it for our listeners. This first “end of the year” episode has your three hosts basically gushing about the favorite games they have in their collections at this moment and why. If you’ve ever had your theories on the sort of games we love – now’s your time to test them out.

Episode 166 – InnRoads Unplugged

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 06:33:22 +0000

In this episode – we take obnoxious scheduling difficulties and make lemonade with them. That’s how this works right? This is a solo-mike episode where I spend some time talking about my whirlwind tour of PAX Unplugged, the people I saw, the people I didn’t see, and all the stuff that made the experience worth doing.

The short version – we’ve already started talking and making plans for next year. I’m coming back and InnRoads is coming with me!

Episode 165 – Discipleship is Playtesting

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 08:12:59 +0000

Playtesting a game design is a hard process. It involves understanding the rules before you, building off of what has come before you, being willing to kill your darlings to find something better, and being willing take in even harsh criticism from others in order to hone that fine edge and get to the game that was meant to be. Sounds an awful lot like the process we take when we try to draw closer to God.

In this episode we talk about conventions we’re going to, we talk about things we’re seeing in the board gaming industry and how they may move forward, and, oh yeah, we welcome back Jeff Romo to the mics! We were so excited to have him back that we neglected to throw up an archive dive this episode, but it’ll be back next time.

Episode 164 – InnRoads Approved Some More Stuff

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 04:00:41 +0000

In this episode – Daniel takes on his first shot to dive into games past and bring out some gems in the archive dive. He surfaces with two dice-related games (I know, surprise surprise) – Machi Koro, and Luchador, and even throws in a bit of his family history as an added bonus.

We also go about the business of announcing not just one, but two new titles that have received our InnRoads Approved seal – our nod to games with biblical and/or church history related themes that are fun and interesting to play regardless of a person’s faith statement or biblical literacy. It’s harder to find those than you’d think.

We’re proud to announce that Unauthorized from Chara Games and Indulgence from Restoration Games have been added to the list. We haven’t talked to anybody at Restoration Games yet, but you can find an interview with Pat Lysaght from Chara Games from when Unauthorized first hit Kickstarter here.

Episode 163 – Uncle Jeff and the Archive Dive

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 03:35:25 +0000

The start of this episode finds me introducing our first and only official segment here at GSP. We’re calling it the Archive Dive – an opportunity for us to highlight titles that are over a year old. We hope that it’ll remind folks that, while the new shiny is often pretty downright amazing, there’s good stuff already sitting on your shelf that has fallen off your radar.

To christen this new segment – I’ve got three for you. Seasons (released 2012), Castles of Burgundy (released 2011), and Citadels (2000). If you want to see the article I reference about Seasons – you can find it here.

The bulk of the episode, though, is dedicated to an update about what Jeff has been doing while off mics. We’ve been telling you that he’s been dealing with family related stuff- but that the story wasn’t ours to tell. It’s his – and he’s going to share it with you.

Episode 162 – Chasing the Cardboard Dragon

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 04:17:50 +0000

A conversation about what I should obtain for my next game purchase lead us to a discussion about the constant chase for getting all the newest and shiniest games on the market. How do we prioritize when to buy games, and what games do we buy? While the new games coming out are filled with great things, how many games sit idle on our shelves? How do we evaluate why our games are important to us and whether or not we actually need to get the game we want so badly now?

And maybe a brief moment about how Jerry Hawthorne and Plaid Hat Games made me cry.

Episode 161 – Gen Con & the Gospel Transmission

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 04:28:40 +0000

Daniel returns for this episode with a recap of what he saw at Gen Con this year. While we do talk about some of the great games that Daniel played/saw at four of the best days of gaming – we also talk about how honest presence within the con demonstrates the power of the Gospel, and how a voice humble introduction can speak exponentially louder than a shouting voice of pity.

Episode 160 – The Intern & the Mechanical Gospel

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 01:59:21 +0000

Many of our usual hosts are off dealing with other things at the moment, so I asked our new intern Jonathan Campoverde to come on the podcast to tell our wonderful listeners a little bit about himself.

In this episode, we talk about some of the announcements blowing open the doors of Gen Con (Restoration Games announcing Fireball Island, Plaid Hat announcing Stuffed fables, and – of course – FFG’s announcement of Star Wars: Legion), talk about our wonderful intern and what he hopes to see in this next year with us, and discuss the church’s perception of what constitutes ministry and the way we go about sharing the Gospel.

He’s gonna fit in just fine.

Episode 159 – Gen Con Game Goodness

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 11:40:16 +0000

We start out briefly talking about Daniel’s latest raffle and our participation in #GenCant – before getting into the meat of our discussion. Following part 1, we bring you our 2nd pre-Gen Con podcast featuring the games we are most excited about at this year’s event. You can also find more suggestions on my two different Gen Con previews at the InnRoads site.

Here are our lists:

Episode 158 – The Gen Con Experience

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 03:44:55 +0000

This first installment of two Gen Con focused episodes of GSP. In this episode, we talk about the overall experience of Gen Con and while we think it’s worth going. We talk about the experiences we’ve had, the feeling of being among the people, and the overall excitement of being involved in the USA’s largest gaming convention.

In the next episode, we’ll be tackling the games that are being released at this year’s event and what has our attention

If you want to read the previous article I mention in this episode, you can find it here.

Episode 157 – Obnoxiously Prideful

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 05:43:27 +0000

In this episode – Daniel and I start off talking about the games we’ve been playing. This time it includes Daniel sharing stories about playing Carcassonne with his kids. And then I talk briefly about Guild Ball with Daniel, since he wasn’t here last time, before I talk about continuing voyages of our SeaFall game and Pit Crew.

We then move to talking about how it is our penchant to believe that we know everything there could possibly be to know on a subject with only cursory understanding of what we’re looking at. Whether it’s board games or theology – maybe we need to remember that we are not without fault.

HERE is the blog post from Ignacy reacting to folks passing judgment on games they’ve only played once.

If you haven’t voted for Cyclopaedia at this year’s ENnies, HERE is how you get to voting. Under Best Blog – please be sure to vote!

Episode 156 – The Episode That Almost Wasn’t

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 23:26:29 +0000

Between your hosts either getting knock-out sick or being scheduled to the hilt, we had to come up with an alternate plan for this newest episode of Game Store Prophets. So while I do tell you about the games I’ve been playing – namely Guild Ball and a solo RPG called Quill – this episode is dedicated to answering questions sent in by the community.

If you want to see episodes like this in the future with a bit more planning that includes all three of the hosts – be sure to leave us a comment and let us know. I know I had fun doing this one.

Bonus Content – Mike @ GameChurch Academy East

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 02:09:36 +0000

Just a few short weeks ago I was hanging out with folks in Whippany, New Jersey to talk about tabletop gaming and it’s powerful place in ministry contexts. My topic was what I referred to as ‘incarnational gaming’ – aka how online gaming is great, but nothing beats sharing physical space with those you play with.

In that context, it makes sense that I can’t share all of the audio from the weekend, because the folks at GameChurch (as well as those of us at InnRoads) want you to be there. However, I got special permission to share the audio of my session with our listeners.

If you missed out and either live on the West Coast of North America or don’t mind epic road trips – GameChurch Academy West is happening later this year, and you can find information on their site. Otherwise, be planning on joining us on the East Coast next year!

Episode 155 – Tired of Explaining Ourselves

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 04:51:54 +0000

Coming off of not one, but two major events – GameChurch’s Academy East conference and the third annual Tavern Con – Daniel and I sit down to talk about some things. Daniel talks about playing Carrotia with his kids, and seeing them plan out deeper strategies in a simple game.I talk about playing Scythe, and how it has now officially claimed my #1 spot in the collection – as well as talking about what happened at the events and how I even took a shot at painting miniatures.

But all of this work is tiring – especially in a ministry where so much of what we have to do is dedicated to explaining to people that this is ministry and not just a social club for Christian gamers. When you have to throw yourself into relationships constantly wondering if you’re doing any good at all. It is always encouraging to be with those who know exactly what that feels like.

If you’re not in the tavern, you can find us HERE.

Episode 154 – Almost Live from GameChurch’s Academy East

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 05:11:07 +0000

I let Jeff, and Daniel take a pass this week as I got to hang out with the folks from GameChurch at their conference called Academy East. This is the first time that they’ve held it out here, and I was honored when they asked me to speak at the very first session of the event.

Episode 153 – The Natural

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 23 May 2017 02:56:14 +0000

Daniel has a “Come to Jesus” meeting where he admits that he played Phase 10 and Uno and doesn’t like the Dark Souls Video game, and I talk about the games I somehow managed to squeeze into a very busy week. We also talk Dark Souls (the board game), Paperback, Patchwork, and finally getting to try Seafall! Talking about piratey goodness, we then move into talking about The No Preaching Rule and how you don’t need manufactured talking points about a subject you’re passionate about. It’ll just happen.

There’s still a little time left if you are interested in coming to hear me speak at GameChurch’s Academy East. And more than enough time to plan on coming out to our annual fundraiser called Tavern Con the following weekend.

Episode 152 – A Completely Different Page

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 08 May 2017 02:49:35 +0000

Daniel and I start off this episode talking about International Tabletop Day – bringing up his son’s first board game purchase, my opportunity to get a new game to table, and some of what made ITTD great this year. As such, a facebook post with a number of confused comments from other gamers that didn’t even know that International Tabletop Day was a thing reminded us that you can’t just assume that everyone is on the same page.

We reference a couple things in this episode:
The Kotaku article featuring the folks at the Bodhana Group.
Our bonus content interview episode with Geoff Engelstein

Bonus Content – Geoff Engelstein

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 01:59:39 +0000

The board gaming community is great for a number of reasons. One of them is that all sorts of people that are big names in the industry are often also incredibly approachable and kind. So when I discovered that Geoff Engelstein, designer of games like Space Cadets, Fog of War, and Dragon & Flagon to name just a few, lived within a short drive of me, I knew I had to get him on the show. After a criminally over-long stretch of time, I finally got that interview scheduled and recorded to share with you folks.

In this episode of bonus content – we talk about the board game community, game design, and some of Geoff’s upcoming titles.

Hope Is Important

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 04:40:44 +0000

We’d like to congratulate the Fishers on the birth of their newest little gamer, but that means that Daniel is too busy on daddy-duty to come out and record with us. He did, however, jump on to the beginning of the episode to remind us about his contest to give away a set of dice of the winner’s choice. Get your entries in by April 30th for your chance to win.

That said, Jeff and I are still going strong talking about exchanging games that don’t make it to table to get excited about new stuff, Onirim coming out in app form, and talking about our upcoming game of The Sprawl leads to a discussion of dystopia and the transformative nature of hope.

Episode 150 – Changing Our Methodology

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 03:12:41 +0000

In this, sadly Romo-less episode, Daniel talks about how his daughter and her crew are just two cool to play something mainstream like D&D 5e. We spill a thousand thank yous for the person who made it so that Daniel and I will both be getting our grubby hands on Rising Sun in 2018, and I talk about how playing the Lanterns digital board game app with Suze made me question my approach to gaming from trying to get her so excited about games that she’ll up and become a gamer in her own right, to figuring out why she’s playing and enjoy my time with her.

Episode 149 – Losing Well

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 04:08:30 +0000

In this episode, we talk about some games that our friend and InnRoads site contributor T.R. Knight sent Daniel, talk about Universal Rule from Chip Beauvais and the folks at Button Shy Games, briefly touch on the upcoming Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn War Within event and upcoming expansion plans, and an RPG kickstarter with plenty of time left if you’d like to back it called Noir World – a game based on the Apocalypse World system.

We also use a story from Daniel’s game night about kids cheating at One Night Ultimate Werewolf to talk about the concept of learning how to lose well. Winning doesn’t teach us anything – it’s just executing what you already know. Losing is how we learn and develop new skills/strategies.

Episode 148 – Under a Rising Sun

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 03:39:50 +0000

Yup. We’re going to talk about it. The biggest thing to hit board gaming Kickstarter since we all went crazy over the Kingdom Death: Monster numbers … We’re talking about Rising Sun. However, we launch from Rising Sun to talk about what draws us to games, and how the best thing we can do to stem the tide of people leaving the church en masse is to forget assumptions of what the church is supposed to look like, and authentically reveal God working in a busted up, yet still hopeful life.

If you want to check out the Rising Sun Kickstarter – you can find that here. (and apparently the wish lists of all three of your hosts).

Episode 147 – Dreamation, Elation, and the Invitation

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 07:02:56 +0000

In this episode, Daniel and I talk about how Phase 10 made his kids cry. We talk about the InnRoads team’s trip to Dreamation in Morristown, NJ – including Smirk & Dagger’s upcoming games, talk to folks from Civic Games about how they’re trying to get people to think about how we live and work together in the world expressed through gaming, and a few reasons why I think Barker’s Row is a must pick up when it shows up on kickstarter on March 28th.

We also talk about the value of invitation – allowing others to initiate the conversation rather than searching for the right way to inject it ourselves.

Episode 146 – A New Horizon

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 03:27:07 +0000

In this episode, Jeff and I talk about some of the many things coming up on the horizon for InnRoads, from a local convention, communal world building for a new set of games, and a new podcast that’ll be part biblical wandering devotional – part discussion about all those thoughts on the intersection of faith and gaming that don’t work in an article for the site.

And be sure to check out Chara Games‘ new kickstarter for Unauthorized. They’ve already funded and are looking to hit some stretch goals to make the game extra pretty.

Episode 145 – This is gonna take some work

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 04:36:10 +0000

In this new episode, Daniel shares about how playing D&D with his daughter and her friends showed he’s raising a “murder hobo,” how there are some games that we want so badly – but don’t get to the table because we don’t think anyone will play them with us, and how the surest way to disciple starts from immersion and pushes outward.

Bonus Content – Pat Lysaght and Unauthorized

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 16:18:27 +0000

Pat Lysaght and Chara Games are about to unveil a brand new kickstarter for a social deduction game called Unauthorized. A social deduction game set in the underground church. Will you side with the state or the church? Will you change your allegiance? And will you be able to convince the others that they should agree with your decision?

Set to launch around February 7th, we are definitely excited about the potential for this one. You can keep up to date with the kickstarter’s progress by following Chara Games on facebook. You can also hear our previous interview with Pat about Commissioned here.

Episode 144 – The Kleenex of RPGs

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 05:51:36 +0000

We are still short a Romo in episode 144, but Daniel and start talking about trying to talk about running his daughter’s role playing game for her and her friends. That lead to a discussion on the concept that D&D is the “kleenex of RPGs” – where it’s a specific game that has come to be used as a general description for all gaming. Finally rounding the corner to how searching for nuance within the pursuit of unity is crucial for growth.

Episode 143 – Heading into 2017

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 15:35:56 +0000

While Jeff is out enjoying some family time, Daniel and I sat down to talk about how 2016 went for us and what we hope to see in 2017.

I’d explain that more – but pretty much it’s standard podcasting fare for this time of year, so I’ll just tell you “Happy New Year!” and hope you enjoy the show!

Episode 142 – 2016 GSP Awards

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 06:23:05 +0000

At the end of each year, the guys of Game Store Prophets take a moment to look back and highlight some of our favorites from the year. We highlight games, people, and companies that we think you should definitely look into next year if you weren’t able to get around to them in 2016.

BEST GAME PLAYED –
Doesn’t need to be new, but a game that gave us the best single play experience in 2016
Mike- Dragon & Flagon
Jeff- Fury of Dracula
Daniel- Scythe

BEST GAME ADDED –
Doesn’t need to be new – but our favorite game added to our game libraries in 2016
Mike- Reflections
Jeff- Star Wars Armada
Daniel- Machi Koro

FAVORITE GAME PUBLISHER –
Publishers who went above and beyond the call this year with consistantly great titles
Mike- Stronghold Games
Jeff- Fantasy Flight Games
Daniel- Z-Man Games

FAVORITE FRANCHISE GAME –
A game that continues on an established franchise and/or best utilizes a popular IP
Mike- Mansions of Madness (2nd edition)
Jeff- Mouseguard (2nd edition)
Daniel- Bloodbowl

HIDDEN GEM –
A title the flew under the radar for a while, but really impressed us after we got it.
Mike- Saloon Tycoon
Jeff- Inside (video game)
Daniel- Ta-Da!

FAVORITE GAME RESOURCE –
Something that made our gaming experience better in 2016
Mike- Volo’s Guide to Monsters
Jeff- The Burning Wheel system & resources
Daniel- http://donjon.bin.sh/

FAVORITE GAME INDUSTRY/GAMING MEDIA PERSONALITY –
People making games or gaming content that did something noteworthy this year.
Mike- The Flip the Table hosts (congrats on 100 episodes!)
Jeff- The Mad Adventurers Society
Daniel- Wil Wheaton

FAVORITE VIDEO GAME –
A quick hop over the fence to the digital side of gaming
Mike- That Dragon, Cancer
Jeff- Titanfall 2
Daniel- Minecraft

GAME OF THE YEAR –
The best of the best
Mike- Scythe
Jeff- Apocalypse World (2nd edition)
Daniel- Scythe

Episode 141 – It’s Your Fault (Top 10s of 2016)

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 06:44:35 +0000

At the end of 2015, I was asked to create a series of videos where I described my favorite games in my collection. As 2016 came to a close, I asked the folks in The Tavern if they wanted me to do a similar list for this year as well, and how they’d want me to go about that if I did. The Regulars community spoke – and they said they wanted a special episode of GSP where all three of your hosts shared their top 10 favorites. And we delivered just that.

Here’s the list. Listen to the full episode for our explanations of how and why we ranked them this way.

Episode 140 – A New Kind of Church Experience

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 02:41:05 +0000

In this episode, the boys are back together again. We start talking role playing games like East Texas University, Star Wars Edge of the Empire, and Reflections before moving on to games that have been recently featured as part of the Sunday Morning Experiment – Nevermore and Operation FAUST.

That leads us into talking about the growth and development of the Sunday Morning Experiment, and talking about the idea of what we can do to try and think differently about the ways we do church while still maintaining a connection to the traditions, beauty, and power of a traditional church service experience.

Episode 139 – Building Bridges Instead of Battering Rams

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 04:07:51 +0000

In this episode – we wade through a wall of awful to get a shortened solo episode.

We talk Jeff’s stream with the Ladies of the Round Table, a new stream of Storm King’s Thunder on our Facebook page, Extra Life, and the life and death of Jack Chick in relation to the need to speak from a place of humble connection instead of ignorant correction.

Episode 138 – We Stand With Wundergeek

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 03:34:07 +0000

In a stunning turn of events, we actually have all three of your hosts on for this episode of the podcast. There was neither technical nor biological hazard getting in the way as we talk about various fantasy sportsball games (Blood Bowl and Guild Ball), talk about an interesting experiment in doing church differently, and then have some things to say about an issue that came across our twitter feeds that made us get eighteen kinds of furious.

It’s one thing to push a boundary and encouraging people to ‘get over themselves’ – but when there are people being actively harassed and pushed out of the gaming community just for saying that their representation in the hobby is pigeonholed and even slightly sexist, there’s something horribly wrong with that. You may have seen your hosts put it out on twitter already, but in case you didn’t – GSP stands with Wundergeek and everyone out there trying to make our games better and more available to everybody.

Your link round up for this episode:
–Where There’s a Whip There’s a Way song from The Hobbit.
-8-bit Theater doing The Dead Alewives’ infamous D&D skit
-Be sure to watch the Ladies of the Round Table Twitch channel this Friday to see Jeff play a special Halloween episode of D&D with them.
-Be sure to join/support the InnRoads Regulars Extra Life team as we play for the kids on Nov. 5th. This year’s team goal is $2000, so stop by the team page and help us reach that goal!

Episode 137 – Comfort Zones

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 05:47:13 +0000

So I think it’s rather fitting that an episode I missed out on due to health issues, leaving Jeff and Daniel to fend for themselves, is an episode of stepping outside of what’s comfortable … because we open with over the top radio announcer voices and fried food recipes.

Here’s your link round up of all the stuff that’s fit to click:
If you’re in the Harrisburg, PA area this upcoming weekend, check out Save Against Fear!
If in South Jersey – visit Shawn at the InnRoads table at SJ Geekfest later this month.
We’re playing in Extra Life again this year to support Children’s Specialized Hospital. You can either join the team or support our players on our team page!

Episode 136 – The Dignity of Listening to Their Stories

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 06:03:34 +0000

This episode almost didn’t happen. A technical issue totally friend the audio for one of your hosts, causing the entirety of the initial recording we did for this episode to go into the trash. What was the worst part was that this wasn’t discovered until right before editing and posting the podcast on schedule. In spite of all this, we were able to get something recorded and present a special guest appearance on the podcast.

We asked Jeffrey Allers about the ministry he has in Berlin, Germany, where, among other things, he is ministering to the Syrian refugees in his city. After a brief update on games I’ve been playing and what’s going on in the news, this episode is focused on hearing how games provide dignity and minister to those who are refugees.

Link round up:
The BGG thread that first connected us to Jeffrey
The InnRoads Regulars Extra Life team page
Onitama in the Lobby

Episode 135 – Better is the Wrong Question

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 03:25:40 +0000

We are sans Romo for episode 135, but Daniel and I sort through a bit of an InnRoads news business before we spend a good chunk of time tackling a question that we got from one of the Regulars in the Tavern.

When it comes to using games for outreach or inward growth – which is ‘better’ is the wrong question.

Web site round up for episode 135:
The InnRoads Regulars Extra Life 2016 team page
The bonus content episode where Katie visited Children’s Specialized Hospital.
The InnRoads Support Shirt Store (15 days left in the campaign at time of posting)

Episode 134 – Family First

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 04:08:43 +0000

In this episode of GSP, Daniel talk about finally getting Scythe to the table, we talk about an anonymous donation and how the ministry is developing, Jeff gives us an update on the Summer of One Shots, and we talk about the need to put family before gaming and even before ministry.

We want to congratulate Daniel and his wife on the announcement that they are expecting a new little gamer in the house. can’t wait to meet them!

If you are interested in the video that I mentioned about me talking through why D&D is important to me, you can see it here.

Episode 133 – Scythe, Shots, Shut Downs, Sun, STEAM, and Serve

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 03:49:51 +0000

It’s post Gen Con life for many of us, so this episode’s title explains it all. I get jealous that Daniel brought home a copy of Scythe, we talk about Gen Can’t gaming and the Summer of One Shots, mourn the upcoming loss of weekly Gamerstable, postulate about the Invisible Sun RPG kickstarting the same day you may be listening to the episode, InnRoads showing up on Ladies of the Round Table to talk about games and STEM, and the importance of serving first – doing everything else second.

The kickstarter for Invisible Sun is but hours away, so to whet your whistle, I’ll point you to the mirror on the wall that wasn’t there a minute ago.

If you’re looking to see me on LORT, you can find me in their archive here.

Episode 132 – Gen Con 2016 Preview

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 03:18:18 +0000

Whether you’re like Daniel and gearing up to leave for Indianapolis in a couple days to enjoy Gen Con’s wonders, or you’re like Jeff and myself planning to stay in our pajamas flashing GenCan’t badges, you’ve probably been watching news and reviews of the releases going on at the event.

Enjoy our blitz preview as we run through the games that have caught our eye, the games you should check out if you’re going to be there, and be ready to mock us if you listen to this podcast later and find out the hype was way off of the titles we’re loving.

Link round up:
Jeff’s Dungeon World intro/wrap up
Mike’s Initial Gen Con Game write-up
The BGG Geeklist of Gen Con Releases

Episode 131 – Fifth Year Anniversary LIVE SHOW!

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 03:21:57 +0000

We bantered and tackled audience questions from those in attendance for our live broadcast via our youtube channel. If you wanted to be there but couldn’t make it happen, we now present the audio portion for your listening pleasure. To give you the closest thing to the live experience, there has only been slight editing to make it a little easier to listen to, but otherwise I left it all in. Enjoy, and thanks for listening and keeping us coming back to the mics for the past five years!

Episode 130 – You Are Not Alone

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 03:17:38 +0000

As usual, we start off talking about games we’ve played over the past couple weeks and about some brief updates, but this episode has us revealing some stuff about ourselves on the mics.

Inspired by folks at Saving the Game and Fear the Boot getting episodes out there that talk about long-standing emotional wounds and mental health, as well as spending some time hanging out with the folks from the Bodhana Group, we got together to talk about some of the ways gaming has helped us work through our own personal struggles as well as those endured by people we love.

If you find yourself in a place where you feel alone, hurt, and that no one cares about you – be sure to talk to somebody about it. We’re not professional counselors in any way, but we’ve all served in ministry and have either directly or indirectly been in the place you are. Know that you are seen, you are known, and you are loved – by the guys on these mics and especially by God. We will get through this together.

Link round up:
You can find my write up about the Button Shy Board Game of the Month club HERE
You can find the episode of Saving the Game I mention HERE
And you can find the 2 part episode of Fear the Boot discussing mental health and gaming at the following: Part 1 , Part 2

Episode 129 – Tonal Shift

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 04:12:35 +0000

This episode starts off with us having a lot of fun. There’s a Tavern Con 2016 report, we talk about playing One Night Ultimate Werewolf with kids, Arctic Scavengers, and shenanigans in the Tavern. Oh, and we also talk about this video…

…Then the tone dropped.

Guys we talk about the tragedy that happened recently. There have been some folks using tags and search terms about that tragedy in an attempt to just up their click count. I have no desire to do that – so you can just listen to the episode, hear what we have to say, and join us in mourning with those who mourn and doing what we can to impact those around us with the powerful love of God.

Bonus Content – Chris Ode and Attacking the Darkness

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 04:34:37 +0000

There have been a handful of times that you can see us approach the short film adaptation of the Chick tract Dark Dungeons from the folks at Zombie Orpheus Entertainment. Hunting down some stories about that adaptation first got us in touch with Chris Ode. This edition of Bonus Content is a new interview with Chris about their newest video project currently on kickstarter – Attacking the Darkness. Check it out, support it if you can, and get ready to laugh at ourselves.

Episode 128 – Servant Leadership & the GM

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 05:24:33 +0000

In this episode we talk about the possibilities found in the growing number of virtual tabletop programs, my first couple plays of Boss Monster, playing Blood Rage with my minis all painted up, and I share a story about how my local Numenera group MacGyvered defeating three bosses, and how the best GM, and the best leaders in many contexts as well, often disappear as they empower and feature those they are trying to lead.

Tavern Con 2016 is less than 2 weeks away! If you are going to be in the central NJ area on June 18th, we’d love to see you there. If not, there are plenty of other ways you can support the ministry.

At the end there I mention a couple places you can find your intrepid hosts. You can find me featured on The Arcade, the community podcast of GameChurch City. You can also find Jeff playing guest GM over at the Invictus stream (NOTE: Invictus is not as family friendly as our channel, so parental discretion is advised).

Episode 127 – We Got What We Always Wanted – And Ruined it.

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 23 May 2016 05:44:03 +0000

GSP 127 is flying Mike-less, as I had to step out to take care of some family business. However, Jeff and Daniel tucked in and made GSP happen on schedule for all of you. They talk about telling stories with Rory’s Story Cubes and Dungeon World, talk about a bit of digital craziness like Pokemon Go, and address the horde of geeks going on forums complaining about how women never getting into the hobby … only to then rise up to complain because over half the featured guest list for Gen Con this year were women. This is why we can’t have nice things, people.

Episode 126: Am I an NPC?

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 09 May 2016 06:25:35 +0000

In this episode we talk about playing Bioshock Infinite: The Siege of Columbia after a THREE YEAR wait, some new RPGs Daniel found on kickstarter that are story driven, and how we may always feel like the story is centered around us – but we might actually just be an NPC in someone else’s narrative.

We mention the SuperPLEX kickstarter campaign by the folks at Button Shy Games, and you can check that out HERE:

You can also find the video explaining all the moving parts of Bioshock Infinite: The Siege of Columbia far better than I could in my brief summation HERE:

Episode 125 – Trust and the Kickstarter Feast

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 04:09:55 +0000

Episode 125 has us talking about a veritable mountain of possible kickstarter wonderfulness that is either about to go live or is currently running. As we are talking about kickstarter projects, we also talk about the nature of trust and figuring out what makes someone trustworthy.

Here are the kickstarters that we talk about in the episode:
-Savage World Rifts (this project goes live the 26th, but you can find news about it here )
–The Game Canopy
–Unknown Armies 3rd edition
–Dark Souls Board Game
–Ghost Busters the Board Game 2
–The Dresden Files Cooperative Card Game
–Tak
-This War of Mine the Board Game (kickstarter has not launched yet. Preview here )

Episode 124 – Stewardship, Asmodee, and the Shelf of Shame

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 04:21:06 +0000

In this episode, Daniel and I give reports on continuing game-day activities of the ministry, we talk about playing Catan Junior VERY seriously, the joys of shouting with a foam gun in your hand (Ca$h ‘N Guns), and a few other titles before jumping in on talking stewardship in light of the overwhelming wave of great big-name titles that are hitting the market soon and the Asmodee policy change.

If you’d like to support us getting Game Canopy bags from Level 3B, you can click the store or donate links on the InnRoads Home Page to do that. We’ll be sure to post on twitter and in the Tavern when their kickstarter officially goes live.

If you are curious about Cube Quest – Future Mike mentioned that SU&SD talked about it as part of their dexterity games special, so you can check it out there.

GSP 123 – All the News That’s Fit to Chat About

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 03:16:22 +0000

Sadly, Jeff could not be with us for this episode, but that doesn’t mean Daniel and I didn’t have a lot to talk about. With the announcement of the Golden Geek Award Winners and videos/blogs coming out of the GAMA Trade Show, we decided we’d share with you guys what we thought about the announcements we’ve been hearing. We also get a report on Daniel’s first game day.

Also – don’t expect to hear Daniel close the show again. You’ll see why.

Bonus Content – Tom Anders & Impact Miniatures

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 01:25:57 +0000

Daniel and Jeff got to sit down with Tom Anders to talk about Impact Miniatures, Blood Bowl, and more. It’s a really interesting discussion about the process of making that game happen and about the business of making miniatures and custom dice, as well as just talking about favorite and recommended games.

Episode 122 – So You Want to Run a Gaming Ministry?

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 21:20:31 +0000

In episode 122, I finally get a chance to talk about going out to play with the wonderful people at First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville. Between talking about that, and Daniel talking about his upcoming game day that will start a monthly ongoing group, we spend this episode talking about things you need to consider if you want to pursue gaming ministry.

We also have a brief update about Tavern Con 2016! We’d like to thank the folks at Monte Cook Games for donating one of their Reliquary box sets for someone to win at the event. Everything you need to play or run your own Numenera campaign and WAY more. I’m officially jealous of anyone who wins this!

We also announce that we’ll have Jack Berkenstock from The Bodhana Group joining us this year. Not only will he and his crew be able to tell you about the therapeutic work that they do with games – but he mentioned something about a LIVE ACTION version of Go Goblin Go that I’m excited to see.

Episode 121 – You Can’t Slap Jesus on It

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 06:54:42 +0000

Most of your hosts were sick as a dog when this was recorded, but we still had a fun time getting together around the mics. In this episode we talk about games like Animal Upon Animal, PIG, and Tragedy Looper.

As far as our theological topic of the episode – well, I could tell you about it, but I’ll give you this out-of-context quote and let you experience it for yourself:

“You can’t just slap Jesus on this and hope that it’ll be effective, because it won’t be. If it’s coming from a place of authenticity and truth, and ‘This is what’s REALLY going on in my life’ – then that makes a huge difference. It’s the difference between a Queen’s Gambit and Ewoks Save the Trees.”

On a side note: I mention about potentially having Future Mike stop in to give an update about the Phoenixville Game day. After waking up early, spending 4 hours on the road split at the front and back of a 7 hour game day — every Mike in the multiverse is tired as I post this. The short version is that it was a very successful event and the church is planning more game days to come. I’ll talk about it in the next episode.

Episode 120 – A Triumphant Return to the Wide World

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 01:23:49 +0000

As the title of this episode suggests, this episode Mike has stepped back to the mics after his journeys through the lands of Administration. He kicks off with stories of bear related games (Nyet! and Samurai Spirit) before the rest of the guys get going, as well as an update about the state of the Tavern Con 2016 prize pool with donations from Chara Games, Funhill Games, Tasty Minstrel Games, and more.

We also talk about the concept of the moral will of God and the global will of God – the understanding of doing right and being good in our own little box in our own little way versus the desire to step into the wide world and make connections with people from all walks of life.

Episode 119 – Gazing into 2016

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 05:17:37 +0000

In the final episode before Mike gets back to work on the mics, Jeff and Daniel are back to discuss the games announced for 2016 that they are most excited abut, D&D’s new model, and the ability that games have to teach us about one another.

Episode 118 – Connections

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 02:11:06 +0000

Join Jeff and guest host Daniel Fisher as they talk Star Wars, HeroQuest, corporate buyouts and gaming as catharsis.”

Bonus Content – That Dragon, Cancer

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 05:46:22 +0000

Folks — I don’t know what to say. I played That Dragon, Cancer , got done about 20 minutes ago, and about 3 minutes after it was done, I recorded a thing.

The short version: this game is amazing
Slightly longer: If you’ve ever lost somebody to cancer, if you have any appreciation for immersive storytelling that makes you feel the pain and joy of another person, or if you just want to have a good cry that doesn’t let go of you for a while until you’ve felt the sort of beautiful sadness that lets you feel like a better person after its gone … you need to try this game.

You can get it on Steam or directly from the developers

Episode 117 – A New Hope: a resolution special

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 05:44:29 +0000

We’re taking one from the playbook of the guys at Gamerstable to start the new year. We’re going to talk about resolutions we have for the upcoming year when it comes to games. We also talk about games slated to come out in 2016 that we are looking forward to.

Oh, and we might bring up a certain movie that may involve some stars and a war.

Episode 116 – 2015’s End of The Year Awards Special

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 04:10:57 +0000

It’s that time of year again. The time where every podcast, blog, and youtuber across the internet takes to their feed with a list of what they think are the best – or at least their favorite – things of the year. Well, GSP is not one to be left out in the cold – so we present to you our end of the year special. We’ve added a couple options this year as Jeff and some of the Regulars suggested new categories. So here are our selections:

Best Game Played (does not have to be new this year)
Jeff – Dead of Winter
Mike – Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn

Best Game added to the collection (does not have to be new this year)
Jeff – Sushi Go
Mike – Castles of Burgundy

Favorite Game Publisher:
Jeff – Plaid Hat Games
Mike – Cool Mini or Not

Favorite Franchise Game:
Jeff – Thunderbirds
Mike – Star Wars Armada

Hidden Gem:
Jeff – Shakespeare
Mike – The Grizzled

Favorite Game Resource
Jeff – Raging Swan
Mike – The Ninth World Guidebook

Favorite Game industry/game Media personality
Jeff – Creighton Broadhurst
Mike – Sam Healey & Dan King

Favorite Video Game
Jeff – Undertale
Mike – Blood Bowl 2

Favorite Game of the Year
Jeff – Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn
Mike – Blood Rage

You can also check out some other stuff we’ve got going on going into the new year!
Stars Without Numbers preview
Hypofefical Trees teespring campaign
Donate to InnRoads to help us going into the new year

Episode 115 – Empathy Codified

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 02:35:03 +0000

We start up the episode talking about Jeff’s experience with the Mouse Guard RPG, followed by me talking about introducing my wife to the interplanetary deck builder that is Eminent Domain. However, the bulk of this episode is us talking about the effect of playing Ludicreations’ 2 player game called “…And Then We Held Hands.”

This is a game that forces you not only to consider the game’s goal, but the place of the other player at all times as you are pursuing it. It is a game played in silence that has the potential to say more about healthy communication than anything else I’ve seen that tries to. This game is available in a free print and play form over on Board Game Geek if you want to try it out. If you do, and you take the time to think through what is happening as you move pieces around the rings, I’m pretty confident you’ll pick up the produced version of the board game.

Also, remember that we have now unveiled our Board Game Geek Guild for the InnRoads Ministries community. Feel free to join up over there for a place to talk about GSP, the MacGuffin Factory, our InnRoads Plays videos, and everything else that we’ve been working on.

If you would like to support the ministry and help us grow into the new year, we appreciate anything you can give. Even a donation as small as $5 a month can make a huge impact on what we are able to do.

Bonus Content – A Game for Good Christians

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 13:12:25 +0000

For our American listeners – HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Whether you are listening here or from another country – I had a chance to sit down with the guys that designed A Game For Good Christians – a Cards Against Humanity style game with the purpose not just to be terrible people, but to interact with the harder passages of the Bible and wrestle with their place in the greater narrative of Scripture.

Fair warning – there are a couple of times where strong language is used. Because I know that our listeners include families and younger kids – I’ve bleeped them out. The “theology of swearing” that the guys use is actually a big discussion point, so definitely feel free to interact with that, and with them. They shared that they love getting feedback and respond quickly. They’d love to hear from you.

Episode 114 – Two Years of InnRoads

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 02:30:30 +0000

Neither Jeff nor I had a lot of time to bust out new gaming experiences when we recorded this episode – but seeing as our dry-spell happened in conjunction with the 2 year anniversary of InnRoadsMinistries.com going live, we thought we’d talk about that.

We spend some time talking about what we’ve seen over the past 2 years, how we’ve grown, and what we hope to see in the near future.

I also come back at the end to talk about our two year anniversary contest both in honor of that momentous occasion and the creation of our Board Game Geek guild. Followed closely by a discussion about our end of year campaign to support InnRoads into the next year. I’d type more about that here, but you can listen to the end of this episode or watch the video on our youtube channel describing it.

Episode 113 – Blame it on Future Mike!

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 05:45:35 +0000

With my moving house and extra life right around the corner, this is going to be a short episode of the podcast. We talk about Jeff’s experience with The Resistance, and I share that I hadn’t played much of anything. This meant that we moved into talking about the hype around Scythe, the hope for a Warhammer adventure card game, and then we brought in Future Mike to talk about how this year’s Extra Life event went.

We also share that you can get the digital version of Kings of Israel over at Funhill Games’ site, and that the folks at Funhill gave Jeff and I a copy of the game to play around with and tell you guys about it. You’ll be hearing about that in the not-to-distant future. Remember, you can help get the game available on Steam if you go and vote them for the steam greenlight.

Episode 112 – Beyond the Basics

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 03:27:09 +0000

Have you watched our InnRoads Plays videos? We start out this episode of the podcast discussing our current series of videos featuring Cubicle 7’s Victoriana game. We also talk about playing Dead of Winter & Star Wars Armada, a brief discussion on “one and done” experiences like Pandemic Legacy and T.I.M.E. Stories, and talk about the learning curve that goes from settling into the basics and getting comfortable to moving into the deeper aspects that challenge, strengthen, and amaze us.

If you’d like to help us with our Extra Life team’s efforts to provide a child with a full week of long-term care in our sponsor hospital’s (Children’s Specialty Hospital) facility, Go to our team roster and donate to any of our team members.

Bonus Content – Katie Shotyk & Extra Life

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 15:55:08 +0000

This episode of Bonus Content give us a chance to take a call from Katie Shotyk, one of our InnRoads Regulars Team for this year’s Extra Life event. Katie got a chance to go and visit the folks at Children’s Specialized Hospital – which has been our sponsored hospital for the past three years.

This year’s event will be happening November 7th at 8am through November 8th at 8am. If you have any questions or would like more info, please email me at Mike@innroadsministries.com.

At the time of this recording, there are 10 members of the InnRoads Regulars team, and we have raised just about 55% of our total fund raising goal of $1500. If you would like to join the team, there is still plenty of time to sign up, but even if you can’t play along with us here in NJ or wherever you are, you can help us by going to our TEAM PAGE , click on the “Roster” tab, and donate to one or more of our team members as they attempt to reach both their individual fund raising goals as well as pushing on to that $1500. We want to give a family a week’s worth of care cost free, and you can help by donating to any member of our team.

Episode 111 – Introspection

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 02:55:39 +0000

In this episode we talk about some tabletop games that have gone digital – namely Shadowrun Returns and Blood Bowl 2. We also talk about games of Blood Rage and Spyfall being played for Extra Life Tabletop Appreciation Weekend and learning to play Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn over Tabletop Simulator.

As the discussion leads to determining top 10 favorites videos, the topic turns to thoughts of how our gaming tastes and our faith have grown – causing some things to become more prominent, while others retreat. It’s when we really think about where we’ve been and where we hope to go that we see God working in us.

Episode 110 – Lance Hill from Funhill Games

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 02:46:58 +0000

In this episode I got a chance to sit down with Lance Hill from Funhill games & the designer of Kings of Israel, a cooperative game set in biblical Israel where prophets try to tell the people they need to turn to God or face judgment.
We’ve mentioned the game before on the podcast and currently mark Kings of Israel as one of a select few biblically themed games that we recommend for quality and fun. That’s why we are happy to have Lance on to talk about Kings of Israel as a board game, as a soon to be on the Steam plantform digital game, and more from Funhill in the future.

If you would like to help KoI find its place in the Steam store, be sure to log in and vote for them on their greenlight page HERE

You can also find out more about the original board game – including tips on how to use it as a Bible study tool – at the Funhill Games website HERE

Episode 109 – The Tenuous Balance of Cooperation

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 04:54:48 +0000

InnRoads Ministries has added its first volunteers staff member. His name is Daniel Fisher, and we are very excited to have him team up with us and be about the business of playing games as ministry as we bring people together to build relationships. Daniel jumpst on this episode with us to talk about his time at Dragon*Con this year as one of the leaders at the GameChurch booth and share a bit of his dice obsession with us.

We also talk InnRoads Plays: Victoriana, Gloomhaven, and how easy it is to take some games and mechanisms designed to bring people together and turn them into divisive wedges between them.

Remember to sign up for this year’s Extra Life Team! We’re looking to raise $1500 for Children’s Specialized Hospital. We will only be able to do this if we have a bunch of people playing with us either at our local event here in New Jersey or with gamers near you. Check out our team page and sign up to join the team and start gathering donations as we support this great hospital for the 3rd year!

Whether you are going to be playing on the team or not – you can support us by ordering an InnRoads Regulars Extra Life 2015 Team shirt! 100% of the money we receive for this campaign goes to helps us meet our fund raising goal. The LAST DAY TO ORDER is September 14th. After that, you MIGHT be able to request a new print run of shirts to be made, but there’s no promise – so be sure to order yours today!

You also only have a couple days left from this episode going live to enter for our InnRoads Hates Zombies contest and win a copy of I Hate Zombies – a party game of survival. Details in the episode and on our site

Episode 108 – Another Brick in the Temple

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 03:48:58 +0000

We tried to cram a bunch of info and game discussion into this episode – so don’t mind me if I just break this down point-by-point

InnRoads Plays: Victoriana is coming! Having wrapped up our D&D 5e demonstration series, we’re moving on to show you Cubicle 7’s Victoriana. We just recorded session 0 where we talk about characters and start world building – so look forward to seeing those!
In “games we played” news – Jeff talks about Kingdom Builder and ALMOST getting into a game of Go, while I talk about my wife’s new favorite game – Viceroy.
Looking to the future, Jeff mentioned a game whose kickstarter only has HOURS remaining as I post this called Lobotomy ( as well as point out Christ & Pop Culture’s article about how a Christian can read the Cthulhu mythos here) and I talk about the news that Plaid Hat has opened pre-orders for their new miniatures combat game set int he Mice & Mystics universe called Tail Feathers.
HERE COMES THE NEWS!
- InnRoads has officially been recognized as an “affiliated ministry” of my home church in Warren, NJ – Stonecrest Community Church! Looking forward to partnering with more churches and seeing this relationship grow!
- Extra Life is coming NOVEMBER 7th! This will be InnRoads Ministries’ third year supporting Children’s Specialized Hospital. We are looking for team members and supporters to help us reach our $1500 team goal. For info about the event, as well as sign up information on our Extra Life team page and a link to get your very own InnRoads Regulars Team Shirt (campaign runs through September 15th, all proceeds from campaign go directly to support our Extra Life team), you can go to our news section
- We have not one, but TWO contests running!
  - Listen to Gamerstable’s Shadowrun Actual Play when it goes live and email me at contact@innroadsministries.com – subject line should read “I heard you on Gamerstable” and the body should list the name of the character I played, as well as where the characters ran into him.
  - InnRoads Hates Zombies! Do any of the following to enter for your chance to win a copy of I Hate Zombies. Each of the following counts as 1 entry – we’ll select the winner after September 15th
    - Leave a comment on episode 1 of the MacGuffin Factory with a MacGuffin you’d love to see us talk about or how you plan to use one of our suggested ones in a game or story you’re creating
    - Leave a comment / review of Game Store Prophets on iTunes or Stitcher
    - Follow us on Twitter (@innroads) and tweet us with the hashtag #zombiehate
    - Email us with your favorite moment from our InnRoads Plays D&D 5e series
  - Please consider donating to InnRoads Ministries. Your donations mean I can dedicate my time to create content and training volunteers, help us create new events, and allow us to be at more conventions. Even just $1 a month will make a huge difference.

Episode 107 – Persist and Survive the Great War

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 03:19:15 +0000

When we talked about what we wanted to talk about this episode, the goal was to give more of a complete rundown of the games I brought back from Gen Con now that I’ve taken . What ended up happening was a discussion about 2 games I brought back (Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn and The Grizzled), Jeff talked about his experience with Marvel Legendary, and I talked about finding hope in the midst of pain in the story of a family that I got to meet at this year’s event.

If you want to to help the folks at Geekdom House reach their goal and put together a well-crafted, fully published experience (and be able to pay their artists/writers who put their hard work to make this happen whether they would be or not) called Area of Effect, check out their Kickstarter!

If you want to be part of our Extra Life team, you can find our team page HERE. There you can sign up to join the team and start raising funds, donate to any of our current team members, or just share the page to people you know who might want to help us help this hospital help kids.

This is Gen Con – Episode 3: The Worship Service

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 06:29:40 +0000

The Sunday service at Gen Con is a special place. If you couldn’t be there with us, this is the next best thing.

This is Gen Con – Episode 2: The Panel

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 06:25:35 +0000

This year’s panel talk about faith and media. Derek moderated with our guests Chris Ode (Zombie Orpheus Entertainment) and Kyle Rudge ( Geekdom House)

This is Gen Con – Episode 1: Reflections on the Con

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 06:18:29 +0000

It’s that time again – a time for me to report on everything that I got and experienced at Gen Con 2015. In this first episode, I talk about the games I brought back from the event, the people that I met, and the general reasons I keep going back year after year.

You’ll hear about all the games pictures to the left, as well as hear from Isaac Vega, Jerry Hawthorne, Stephen Buonocore, T.R. Knight, Sam Healey and more.

Episode 106 – Titanic Downfalls

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 08:03:46 +0000

In this episode Jeff goes solo and brings a few new games to the table. The game of the week for him was Lords of Waterdeep, but he also delved into the ether and brought back a few offerings from GenCon and Kickstarter.

First off, Attack on Titan gets a 2016 release, but more importantly it has a presence at GenCon! Then there’s the Ghostbusters Board Game due out this fall. Can Cryptozoic knock it out of the park with two at-bats?

Lastly, Jeff brings up an interesting Story Game called Downfall: A Game About the End. Find out what happens when the focus of the game is to crush a civilization! Check out Downfall a promising indie game by Caroline Hobbs.

Episode 105 – Quest Accepted

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 03:34:14 +0000

In this episode – we talk about the games played at Tavern Con. We talk Spyfall, Sushi Go, and Stone Age, as well as giving some recommendations for those who may be traveling and want to bring games with a light learning curve that isn’t language dependent.

We also talk about the place and purpose of “mission” in the context of gaming. We continue to be excited for what we have on the horizon for InnRoads Ministries. If you’d like to partner with us, we are now able to accept recurring donations. These donations, no matter how small, help us to be able to define budgets and take steps to create more events, travel to more places, and dedicate more time and resources to the work itself.

Bonus Content: Tavern Con After-Action Report

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 12:29:00 +0000

Tavern Con was amazing. Got to meet great people, play great games, and bring in some much needed support to help InnRoads Ministries do the work we feel that God is calling us to.

If you were at the event, thank you for helping make it such a huge success, whether you were a guest or one of our volunteers!

This is a short bit of bonus content – so giving highlights will basically give away the whole thing, but here are some appropriate links based on what I talk about:
Go visit Jason Tagmire’s site – Button Shy Games

Get our limited edition T-shirt! (available ’til July 29th)

Donate at our site to support the ministry.

Episode 104 – Tavern Con and God’s Provision

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 12:09:45 +0000

We get an update on Jeff’s trip to the woods, talk about some epic kickstarters, and share a bit of what we have planned for Tavern Con. In our discussion of our first fund raiser, we share about our own struggles trusting in God’s provision for our day to day.

If you were thinking about coming to Tavern Con, we hope to see you this weekend. If you can’t come, we’d love it if you would pray for the event and its success that we can build on for years to come. You can also support the ministry of InnRoads by sending us a donation wherever you are through the innRoads site.

Episode 103 – Heat Stroke

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 03:55:55 +0000

It’s convention season, and that means everyone is talking about the new hotness. Game reviews and previews are flying across every media outlet, Board Game Geek has an expansive listing of upcoming releases, and the rest of us are all chomping at the bit to get our hands on the newest bit of awesome. But really, what about when the hype fades? Do you have the right foundation of history, culture, and craft to enjoy a deep love of the hobby, or will you just be bouncing around from hottest thing to next hottest thing?

We ride the hype train for a couple of titles:
Steampunk Munchkin Deluxe
Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn
Zombicide: Black Plague
Champions of Midgard
Spyfall
Clockwork Wars

We revisit some of the games we love from the past:
City of Remnants
Axis & Allies
Seasons
Munchkin
Cutthroat Caverns

Right up at the front of this episode, I also mention that I might be appearing somewhere as part of the upcoming Shadow Run actual play over at Gamerstable.com. I’ll be sure to post when/if you can hear my voice on that production, but until then – go over there and listen to their spectacular actual plays. They are well worth your time.

Episode 102 – Other People’s Stories

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 03:38:38 +0000

In this episode, we get an update on Jeff’s trip to the Green Dragon Inn. We talk about Neuroshima Hex, Gloom, and a thematically odd but spectacular game about turning antibotics fighting diseases into an epic fantasy card game. No. REALLY!

As conversation moved through the tales of family tragedies told through see-through playing cards, we started to discuss the nature of playing and the dangers of comparing ourselves with others.

We also got an update from the folks at Chara Games regarding their newest game, Commissioned, that made its debut at Origins Game Fair last week as well as on Kickstarter. They have successfully funded, but if you want to get your hands on a copy or look into their proposed stretch goals – you can find more info here.

Bonus Content – Pat Lysaght talks about Commissioned from Chara Games

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 02:00:59 +0000

When one of our Regulars at the Tavern told me about a game called Commissioned about the spread of the early church in its historical context, I was intrigued. Then I found out that they will be unveiling their kickstarter THIS WEEK at Origins. I got in touch with Pat Lysaght, one of the game’s designers, and got him on the podcast to tell you guys a little bit more about it. If you find yourself at Origins, be sure to stop by and say you heard about them on Game Store Prophets.

The kickstarter doesn’t go live until Wednesday June 3rd, but you can find more about the game – including videos featuring game demonstrations – at the following:

http://www.charagames.com/games/commissioned/

Episode 101 – Unity, Diversity, and a Green Dragon Inn

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 25 May 2015 14:22:11 +0000

We initiate Jeff in his first episode as co-pilot of GSP. We talk about him going out to a secluded cabin with some friends and a game of Dead of Winter (what could go wrong?), and then move on to how Star Realms made us reflect on the need for a balance of unity and diversity in faith and life.

Not bad for a $15 deck of cards, huh?

Bonus Content – Jeff and Jacob Join the Board Game Elite

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 11 May 2015 03:44:20 +0000

So what happens when an RPG mastermind and a digital gaming guru decide they want to step into the board gaming world and see what all the fuss is about?

Apparently epic 8-hour+ sessions of pushing cardboard. Who knew?

In the wake of episode 100, our new cohost Jeff and our buddy Jacob come to talk about crossing over into new gaming camps.

Episode 100 – Getting the Band Back Together: part 2

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 04 May 2015 02:06:34 +0000

Episode 100 was just too big to cram into our usual one hour. By the time we were done putting together all the interviews and other assorted content, we had three hours worth of podcast goodness. We thought we’d break that down into two hour and a half parts just to make it easier for folks to enjoy.

Part 2 includes:

Marty Connell from
Rolling Dice & Taking Names

Grant & Peter from
Saving the Game

The InnRoads Board

As well as listener emails and talk about the future of the ministry and the podcast.

Episode 100 – Getting the Band Back Together: part 1

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 04 May 2015 02:06:28 +0000

Part 1 features:

Tee Morris
& Philippa Ballantine

Brian Buffon and Dave Knepper
from Gamechurch

Derek White –
The Geekpreacher

Hollyanne Setola

Episode 99 – The Penultimate Event!

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 02:16:55 +0000

Alright – I could tell you about what goes on in this episode – but that will take away the wind from the sails of a big announcement at the end of it. So, at the risk of being called out for “click bait” – I’m just going to tell you the games that get mentioned:
-Specter Ops
-Xcom
-Card Line
-Tortoise and Hare
-Lewis and Clark

Other than that – you’ll have to listen to the end of the episode.

Alright – here’s a hint:

it involves these men:

Episode 98 – The Controversy Episode

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 03:16:38 +0000

This episode is light on banter because, well, there was just too much to talk about.

We start off nice and simple with one of our patent-pending 5×2 lists of the announcements from GAMA that we are most interested in, and then hit the ground running with two controversial issues that have been all over the gaming interwebs. Days of Wonder’s decision to take the slaves out of Five Tribes, and, of course, the announcement that Gencon is threatening to leave Indianapolis at the end of their contract if a new RFRA law is not changed.

We realize that when you talk about this sort of thing, you can’t make everyone happy. Rarely is that even possible with an issue that has reached this sort of magnitude. What we don’t want to see is a comments section breaking down into two sides drawing clear battle lines and shouting over each other. There is enough of that other places, and we hope to take one step towards bringing the humanity back into this equation.

Episode 97 – Dazzling You Brain

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 02:16:14 +0000

In this episode we sit back and talk a bit about expansions. While some game expansions just add more content to the games we love without necessarily changing the way it plays, some are quite literally game-changers. We talk about the science of expansions and how adding something new to what may seem old and played out can breath new life into it – and yeah, the same works for the ways in which we come to God.

Episode 96 – Simulated for Your Protection

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 03:58:39 +0000

As we take one step closer to episode 100, we talk about some of the discoveries we’ve made in the gaming world.

Luke talks a couple of games that sound more like hobbies OTHER than boardgaming – Quilt Show and Paperback.

Mike does a follow-up about Kings of Israel after playing it with the rules as they are actually written as opposed to how he thought they were (Sorry again, Funhill Games!) as he explains the value and potential for Tabletop Simulator. All this leading to a discussion on the established “call-out culture” we see on the internet and within the church. Want to know how we get there? You’ll have to listen.

And, as promised, here is the link referenced in this episode to a Christ and Pop Culture article on the nature of getting caught saying something awful on twitter and being called out on it.

Bonus Content – Delving the “Darkest Dungeons” PC Game

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 04:53:52 +0000

For this one, I called in our friend Peter Martin from Saving the Game to talk about a game both of us have been tearing into lately. Darkest Dungeon is what you get if you throw gothic horror, the art style of Mike Mignola, and an old school dungeon crawler. Not only do you have to worry about the physical dynamic of your party, but their mental state. Both the emotional and physical baggage they carry from delve to delve is key to victory.

In the short version – we both recommend it whole-heartedly. Why would we say that? You’ll have to listen.

Episode 95 – The One With the Good Bible Game

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 04:30:13 +0000

If the title wasn’t a dead give away – this is the episode we finally talk about Kings of Israel with first hand knowledge instead of assumed greatness. The short version? There really isn’t anything bad to report, but there are a few things you’ll need to do to make it great.

Throw in a story of my wife’s odd rendition of Dixit forged from exhaustion, Luke waiting patiently to appease his need for new miniatures, and some hype for the upcoming episode 100 – and there you have it.

By the way – it’s almost here. We want you to be a part of this milestone episode. Four years of podcasting comes to a head in this epic milestone. Send your mp3 files and emails with your thoughts and/or stories of how Game Store Prophets has been a part of your faith and gaming to contact@innroadsministries.com with “Episode 100” in the subject line. You might get mentioned in what will definitely be our best episode yet.

Episode 94- Crushing Darlings and Bucking Convention

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 03:55:26 +0000

There was only one week between recording the previous episode and this one, so there isn’t much to talk about in the way of personal game play news. However, we DID manage to tear apart Talisman (as well as Relic by proxy) and Seven Wonders. We also talk about the inevitable Gencon housing debacle in spite of attempts to improve the process this year and why conventions are something every gamer should try to get to if they’re able.

Episode 93 – The Gospel According to Exploding Cats

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 06:47:42 +0000

In this episode, we start off with some banter about storming the beaches with dice and the end of the great “Netrunner vs. Doomtown” debate. Then we move on to tackle the absolute steam-roller of a kickstarter that is Exploding Cats and the bile it’s been bringing up from certain parts of the gaming community. Just because hardcore hobby gamers aren’t excited about the “draw a card and hope you don’t explode” concept – do we have a right to bring on the snark with a “this is why we can’t have nice things” response?

Episode 92 – The Moment of Contact

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 04:55:16 +0000

Luke has a longstanding war with party games – in that he basically finds them tedious and annoying. But what makes a good party game different from a bad one? We like to think it’s the moment of contact with another person not to shame or embarrass – but rather to work together and share a moment of contact.

Episode 91 – 2015 Kickoff – cast

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 07:22:56 +0000

You may have noticed that this episode appears at a slightly different schedule than our usual podcasts. Partly, this is due to the fact that your illustrious hosts will BOTH be otherwise occupied on the Monday this episode is supposed to go Live, but – also – it just seems fitting that the episode where we lay out some of our hopes for tabletop gaming and the future of InnRoads in the coming year gets posted on the eve of 2015’s arrival.

So, in this episode, we talk about the games we’re excited for, the trends we hope to see more of in the future, and let you guys in on some of the things we hope to see from the InnRoads site in this new year. See you in 2015!

Episode 90 – End of the Year Spectacular

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 04:53:57 +0000

It’s our 2nd annual InnRoads award show for the year 2014. Luke and I picked some of our favorites from the following – after the usual witty banter that is:

Favorite Game Played (does not have to be new this year):
Luke – Saga – Dark Ages
Mike – Doomtown Reloaded

Favorite Game Added to Your Collection:
Luke – Marvel Dice Masters
Mike – Sheriff of Nottingham

Favorite Game Publisher:
Luke: Asmodee
Mike: Asmodee

Favorite Video Game:
Luke: Shadow of Mordor
Mike: This War of Mine

Favorite Franchise game:
Luke: D&D
Mike: ~~X-Com~~ Imperial Assault

Favorite Game of the Year:
Dead of Winter
Imperial Settlers

Top 5 (x2) – Christmas Wish List

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 03:37:05 +0000

This is 2014’s penultimate episode. Since this the first episode to drop in December, giving you plenty of time to secure gifts for the gamer in your life – we decided we wanted to share with you folks our top 10 (5 from each of the hosts) gaming related gifts we’d love to see under our trees on the 25th.

If you hear us talk about our lists and want to know more – you can check the following (top 5s start at 17:50):

Mike’s top 5 Luke’s top 5
5. The Broken Token LCG box (engraved) 5. Imperial Settlers
4. Kings of Israel 4. Cold Express
3. Castles of Mad King Ludwig 3. King of New York
2. Hyperborea 2. Power Grid Deluxe Edition
1. Dead of Winter 1. Star Wars: Imperial Assault

Episode 88 – When the Games Aren’t Fun

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 05:01:18 +0000

In this episode we talk about two issues that have popped up when games aren’t fun – one of them negative – the other positive.

In the negative sense, we spend some time talking about the disqualification of the Ticket to Ride world champion because of cheating. Can our competitive nature bring us to the point that we stop enjoying games when we aren’t winning?

In the positive- we talk about the depth of gaming in board games, RPGs, and video games coming out lately. When titles like Freedom: The Underground Railroad, Dog Eat Dog, and This War of Mine challenge what some folks think about gaming – we realize that games don’t always have to be fun, as long as they’re compelling.

Episode 87 – After Action Report

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 05:20:19 +0000

We didn’t do a Halloween episode this year because, well, we were busy recording this one Halloween night. Neither of us had many trick-or-treaters come to our doors, but we came to the campfire with a ton of great stories to tell. This episode is jam packed full of our gaming experiences. From talking about the “older” games coming off the shelf for Extra Life up to the newest of the new with games like Lords of Xidit, Loot Letter, and Machi Koro.

We also take a moment in this episode to remember that the games we play are just games. As much as we love them, and as much as we consider them powerful influences for good in the lives of individuals and the community – they cannot, and should not ever, be placed with higher value than the people that are at the table playing them.

Pssst … Hey guys. Future Mike here. I told you I’d post a link up for the InnRoadsministries.com one year anniversary contest. So HERE YOU GO. Just follow that link, subscribe to the newsletter, and you’re entered to win $25 gift certificate for Cool Stuff Inc!

Episode 86 – I Will be Bread Queen – a report on Extra Life 2014

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 04:28:37 +0000

This post starts out with Luke and myself bantering about Star Realms and Five Tribes, but before long you get to have a listen into what happened during our fund raiser for Extra Life on October the 25th. As of this posting, we have raised just shy of $1000 for the event, but donations are STILL BEING ACCEPTED! Please consider following THIS LINK to our team’s donation page and giving to help Children’s Specialized Hospital here in New Jersey.

If you are a part of the Tavern or Game Church City, you saw a post from me sharing that my wife went into the hospital due to an intense bipolar episode. This is a rare but painful reality among those struggling with this diagnosis, and it was hard – but it could have been much worse. Suze was actually out of the hospital and on the road to full recovery enough that she was in attendance at the event (though in another part of the building). We would both like to thank everyone who made the event happen and hope that you will donate to help these kids.

Whether you donate or not, I hope that you’ll enjoy the recordings of this event as they start off filled with excitement and possibility before ending with exhaustion and slurred speech.

Episode 85 – Signal to Noise: A Geekery Grab-Bag

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 03:00:15 +0000

We’re in a post-Gencon, pre-Essen timeframe. Add to that the fact that Luke and I were not even able to get any real play-time in between episodes, and you get yourself a grab bag!

In this one, we talk about the state of tabletop gaming and whether it is just settling in to its growing pains as a hobby before moving on to a collection of odd geek topics including Peter Capaldi’s Doctor Who, Gotham, Agents of SHIELD, and Civ: Beyond Earth, and Shadows of Mordor.

As with our last episode, you can find out more information about what the InnRoads Regulars are all about and why we look forward to participating in Extra Life every year on our website. And if you would like to donate to this year’s event, please head over to our team roster – select any or all team members to visit their personal fund raising page and make a donation. All the money goes directly through the folks at Extra Life to our local Children’s Miracle Network hospital – Children’s Specialized Hospital.

Episode 84 – The Deck You’ve Been Built

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 05:39:17 +0000

In this episode we discuss our new video series – InnRoads Plays – and a bit about Mike’s first game in the system. We also talk about one of the darlings of Gencon -according to many reviewers anyway – in the form of Imperial Settlers.

Remember to sign up and/or support our Extra Life team as we look to raise at least $1500 to help support a local children’s hospital.

If you are interested in signing up to be part of the InnRoads Regulars, remember that the player who raises the most money besides myself will WIN an InnRoads Regulars t-shirt. The shirt will be made available for purchase to anybody on the team, but ONLY team members will be able to get it – so sign up today and start raising support!

Episode 83 – Help For Those in the Battle

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 03:07:48 +0000

We talk about the games we’re playing like Zooloreto and Doomtown, give a bit of a teaser for our upcoming video series introducing you guys to D&D 5e, have a brief discussion about the “Gamergate” hashtag.

On top of all that, though, a good chunk of this episode is both of us talking about an issue from a number of weeks ago that fell in between our recording schedule and our gencon episodes. While the media and bloggers have stopped talking about it, we wanted to take a minute to talk about Robin Williams, depression, and our own struggles with mental health.

Also – as per the announcement at the end of the episode – be sure to sign up and/or support our players for our Extra Life 2014 Event

The InnRoad to Gencon – Episode 3: The People We Met Along the Way

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 05:57:57 +0000

This third and final episode in our Gencon miniseries ties together all the interviews I was able to seek out from folks around the dealer hall. You’ll hear a few game designers, members of the Zombie Orpheus team talk about the Dark Dungeons movie, and end with the faith and gaming panel this year where I got to act as moderator.

We hope you liked our Gencon coverage. If there was something you’d like to see more or less of next year be sure to leave a comment or email us at contact@innroadsministries.com

Links to some of the people we talked to:
Peaceable Kingdom
Plaid Hat Games
Dark Dungeons Movie

The InnRoad to Gencon – Episode 2: Sunday’s Coming

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 22:38:03 +0000

Here is a recording of the Sunday service at Gencon. Derek brought a message about how the kingdom of God is bigger on the inside. May we all remember that everyone is a freak or a geek to somebody, and they are no less welcome into the kingdom than the rest of us.

The InnRoad to Gencon – Episode 1: The Question and the Con

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 04:53:30 +0000

Episode one that will be a two (possibly three) episode series talking about Gencon from the dealer hall floor.

Episode 1 features a brief overview of what I got to see at this year’s event. It also has some of my favorite recordings in response to my “question of the con.” We talked with people across a number of faith traditions and those who claim no faith at all – but the same themes kept appearing regardless of who we talked to.

Episode 80 – We Are Missionaries

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 03:45:53 +0000

In this episode, Luke shares about a new experience he had with a Monopoly variant, we talk about a game that can only be described as chaos in a box, and I blather on about GenCon because I’m pretty much in a stupor getting ready for this year’s con and can pretty much talk of nothing else.

We also talk about the process of teaching games to those who don’t know how to play and the striking resemblance that has to the work of sharing faith that grows.

Episode 79: Back to the Basics -Why We Love this stuff

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 04:05:20 +0000

In this episode – we talk about the joys of regular gaming in a chaotic world, raging monsters in the streets of Tokyo, and the wonders yet to be seen in the upcoming release of Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition

Digging through the depths of doctrine is important for long time faith. Understanding the historical and social contexts help you understand and grow. But every once in a while, it can be an amazing thing to toss aside all the extra stuff we put onto the simple faith that is that Jesus Christ died that we might live, and do so abundantly. Occasionally – you just need to get back to the basics.

And for those of you who may be interested, THIS is Thomas Willeford – pretty much the guy that built steampunk.

Check out his stuff over at Brute Force Studios or their Etsy store

Episode 78 – Three Years of GSP

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 11:52:04 +0000

Three years ago, a couple guys got together and thought it would be fun to do a podcast about faith, gaming, and geeky stuff. In this episode, we talk about the games we’ve been playing, what’s changed since that first recording, and what we hope to see in the future.

Whether you’ve been listening since the first episode or just started now, we want to thank you for listening.

Episode 77 – Of COURSE I’m Not a Werewolf …

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 03:33:25 +0000

In this episode the guys talking about bluffing games. Is it ok to play games that encourage you to blatantly lie to the people you’re playing with (including your own teammates)? If it is, what do we learn about ourselves by playing games that turn us against each other?

As always, please do us a favor and go to our itunes page to rate and comment as well as upvote us on Board Game Links. Doing so will not only let us know that you think we’re doing a good job – but also bump us up the lists to help people who have never heard of us stumble onto our little part of the internet.

Episode 76 – The Overwhelming Pressure of Being

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 03:46:30 +0000

In this episode, we give you a feast of gaming stories across tabletop, rpg, and con gaming. Luke builds on the Kublacon update, I talk about playing games with folks from church, and then we talk about the ever present announcement that D&D will be available for free!

And, as per my Future Mike Intrusion, here is a link where you can get your hands on Honor & Intrigue if you’re interested in the

Episode 75 – Embracing Our Histories

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sat, 24 May 2014 07:01:51 +0000

UPDATE: We had a handful of listeners get back to us about the episode getting cut off prematurely. We think there must have been a glitch in the initial upload. We’ve fixed the problem and you should be able to hear the full version of the episode now. Thanks for your patience and for letting us know about the issue.

I was tempted to entitle this episode Too Many Cows – but I went back and forth on whether or not that would be just crazy enough to entice people to listen, or so bizarre it scares people off. To say the least – this episode starts off in a rather interesting manner.

Instead, we’ll talk about games the games we’ve been playing, and wonder if the new generation of gamers will be as quick to pick up the standards that brought so many of us into the hobby.

Episode 74 – Tearing The Veil of Familiarity

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 12 May 2014 05:04:51 +0000

We have some guests with us in this episode. We asked the guys from Saving the Game to come on the podcast and talk with us a bit about the wide and wonderful world of tabletop role playing games. Grant and Peter share some games we’ve never even heard of before and explain the value of playing rpgs as a whole.

If you were curious about role playing games but wasn’t into the sword and sworcery style of D&D – definitely give this a listen.

Some great resources mentioned in this episode:
–The Big Friendly List of Rules from the Fear the Boot forums
–DriveThruRPG
–Everyone is John
–The Trouble with Rose

And, naturally, be sure to check out the guys on their podcast site or find them on the InnRoads Ministries podcast page.

Episode 73 – Do You Play the Game, or Does the Game Play You?

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 04:19:00 +0000

This episode the tabletop news and stories are pretty slim. A series of unfortunate events kept us from the gaming tables. There were fortunate ones too – but I’m sure you’ll agree that any event that takes you away from the table is at least partly unfortunate.

Instead, we banter about video games like Civ 5, Smite, and Hearthstone for a while until that gives way to a discussion about our Pathfinder Play-by-post, Absalom in Shadow, and Luke drops the mic with some philosophical complexity that may make your brain hurt.

Post Tabletop Day Exhaustion

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 02:44:10 +0000

We’ve been buys. Between an insane amount of average gaming activity on Luke’s side and all the glorius fun of putting together our tabletop day event, you can even hear it in our voices. However, we recap our gaming experiences as of late, I give a full report on this year’s event, and give my first impressions of the game Freedom: The Underground Railroad after being contacted by the game’s designer.

Whether it’s International Tabletop Day, or just a regular run of the mill tournament at your FLGS, get out there and get involved with the gaming community and watch how it can do wonderful things in the life of another person.

Episode 71 – The Joyous Frustration

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 03:48:08 +0000

In this one we update you on the upcoming Tabletop Day fund raiser event, talk about the new games we’ve been playing (in which LUKE is the one talking about Netrunner).

We also talk about the Dark Dungeons movie project based on the chick tract of the same name. We discuss the nature of the old argument and hope for the death throws of the war between role players and the Church.

Relevant links!:
–Check out the event page for our April 5th event
–Visit LoveTrue‘s home page to see where your money will be going and how you can help even if you aren’t able to make the event.
–See Jeff’s blog to find out how the story of our Pathfinder Play-by-Post
–Find out more about the Dark Dungeons movie by watching the trailer

Episode 70 – Reflections on the Cave

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 05:22:43 +0000

In this episode, we talk about the continued work of getting InnRoads off the ground. We discuss game experiences like getting trounced by my brother in City of Remnants and Luke’s triumphant return to the World of Warcraft (even if it’s just vanilla).

Afterwards we move on to reflecting on the article I wrote for the InnRoads site about learning to let my geeky self out of the cave I kept him in for so long.

And Luke mentioned I should be sure to post pictures of our table at the Converge conference. Far be it from me to disappoint.

Episode 69 – Pathfinder, Netrunner, and Fantastical Journies

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 04:53:22 +0000

In this episode, the guys talk about Pathfinder (both in card game and play-by-post forms), Luke forces Mike to nail down some of the REASONS he can’t shut up about Netrunner, and the discussion winds its way to the fact that fantasy was born from men of faith who harnessed myth to explore the nature of God.

If you’d like to read about the happenings in the Absalom in Shadow game – check out our update blog

Episode 68 — An Interview with Marty Connell from Rolling Dice & Taking Names

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 21:15:34 +0000

GSP 68 – Final In this episode we had a chance to talk with Marty Connell from the Rolling Dice & Taking Names podcast on the Dice Tower Network. We talk about their podcast and the experiences Marty has had hosting it over there since they started in 2012.

Through the course of talking with Marty, we also got talking about some of our hopes for

the future of InnRoads. We also talked specifically about our upcoming Pathfinder play-by-post: Absalom in Shadow, that will be run by our own Jeff Romo.

Oh, and Fireball Island. Don’t question it. Just listen to the episode.

Fireball Island Commercial

Episode 67 — Better Late than Never … to Be Kind

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 01:08:22 +0000

WARNING – In this episode we mention an issue that recently stirred up a whole hornets’ nest of rage and bile on both sides of the table. If you hear what we have to say, and want to comment. We just ask two things of you first:

1) We at GSP adhere to Wheaton’s Law. Follow it.
2) Listen to the whole episode before you look to comment.

If you still want to ask us about why or how we come to our conclusions, then feel free to comment or email us at mike@innroadsministires and luke@innroadsministries. Thanks

***

There wasn’t a whole lot of exciting gaming news either personally or corporately that we could talk of, so in this episode, we can FINALLY sit down to talk about the Doctor Who Christmas special that said good by to Mike’s favorite Doctor, Matt Smith. We also discuss the nature of fandom. We can twist something so beautiful as a passion for a piece media, a game, or whatever – and turn it into a means to separate, isolate, and degrade others for not doing it in the manner we believe to be correct.

Be sure to check out this blog post from Jamie the Very Worst Missionary to see what Mike got so excited about. If you do, tell her we say hi. She’s a very talented blogger.

Episode 66 – Raising a Flag for the FLGS

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 12:58:51 +0000

In this episode, the guys have a moment of mourning for Luke’s friendly local gaming store. As we reflect on the nature of fellowship and community that requires the brick and mortar world of the FLGS, we talk about the nature of fellowship and the need for it at a level far deeper than a church potluck or Sunday morning service.

Episode 65 – Looking Into the New Year

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 13:24:35 +0000

In this episode Mike and Luke look into the future . . . Nah, not like that. As the new year dawns, the guys talk about what they are hoping to see happen personally as well as for the ministry. Everything from putting together play-by-post Pathfinder games to welcoming the guys at Saving the Game into the network.

Episode 64 – The One Where Mike Talks About Netrunner Again

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 07:05:58 +0000

It’s the end of the year, and while many of us are gearing up for the wonder that is the holiday season, Mike and Luke are talking about their favorite games of 2013. We promise, only one of the “awards” goes to Android: Netrunner

Also – congratulations to Håvard Hofstad Ruud – winner of our Hearthstone for Christmas contest. Enjoy it, Håvard, especially since they just announced that the open beta is getting delayed.

Bonus Content – Barbara Ann Blackburn and the Knights of the Dinner Table

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 06:18:33 +0000

We had the opportunity to sit down with Barbara Ann Blackburn. On top of working with the Kenzer Company on role playing games like Hackmaster and Aces and Eights, Barbara works to help make the Knights of the Dinner Table comics with her husband and creator of the series Jolly Blackburn. KoDT has been a staple of the tabletop RPG community since it started appearing in the pages of Dragon Magazine, filled with characters and stories that could come straight from any gaming group.

Currently, they are putting together a kickstarter project in the hopes of bringing the characters from the comic to life in a web series. You can find that kickstarter here.

If you are unfamiliar with KoDT and its characters, be sure to go to http://www.kodtweb.com and learn more about the comics behind the project.

Episode 63 – Gallifrey Stands After 50 Years!

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 05:23:28 +0000

GSP 63 – final You knew it was bound to happen. There was no way our dashing duo of all things geek would let something like the Doctor Who 50th anniversary go by without comment! In this episode, hear Mike and Luke gush like fan boys, as well as discuss their lists of top 5 things you should consider buying for the geek in your life.

Episode 62 — All Along the Inn Road

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 07:02:54 +0000

Greetings to all our wonderful minions! The day we have been awaiting has finally arrived. What was once only referred to as Project Awesome has been revealed in its true form. InnRoads Ministries. In this episode, Luke and Mike tackle a bunch of gaming stuff you are probably slightly interested in (Hearthstone, the new consoles, Android Netrunner) as well as reveal the new ministry of which Game Store Prophets is only one part.

If you’re seeing this on the Game Store Prophets page / iTunes / Stitcher / Etc – check us out at our new home at www.innroadsministries.com

Episode 61 – Out of Darkness and Into the Hobby

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 06:50:24 +0000

If you were new to hobby boardgaming when you started listening to us – or were not even aware that tabletop gaming actually WAS a hobby – you probably looked to certain iconic pieces of entertainment when somebody used the g-word. Thoughts of Clue, Monopoly, Risk, Life, Sorry, Trivial Pursuit, and more were probably quick to jump to mind.

Then you found out that there was more to gaming than just the games you played when you were kids and the power went out – and a whole new world was opened.

In this episode, the guys make comparisons between finding new games that do what those old clunkers did – and BETTER – with growing and discovering new shades to your walk with God.

WARNING This episode contains and Assyrian joke. Consider yourself warned WARNING

Bonus Content – Reflecting on Extra Life

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 07:20:06 +0000

Mike here to throw out a little reflection on the Extra-life.org charity event in which we raised just shy of $1400 for The Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Jersey through the Children’s Miracle Network.bonus content – extra life

There’s also a bit of news as we reveal that there will be probably be a contest where you can get Game Store Prophets stickers, as well as a review of a collectible trading card game called Bible Battles on the horizon.

Episode 60 – The Obligatory Halloween Edition

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 05:12:44 +0000

The boys talk about their recent bouts of gaming, as well as their plans for Halloween. Naturally, we talk about what games are great for those Halloween game nights, and discuss the nature of Halloween for those who claim Christ (which we may have already done in the past – but I site the title of this episode in response to any and all comments)

Episode 59 – Our Interview with Hollyanne Setola (hollyannes1337)

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 01:51:20 +0000

Hollyanne Setola is scoring headshots in all day for the glory of God — in Call of Duty, or Battlefield, or World of Warcraft, or . . . well you get the idea.

Hollyanne is a streamer on Twitch.tv who has made a name for herself on the site in a short time, though her gaming resume stretches back for years before then. I’d go on into her multitude of responsibilities and accomplishments, but I’ll just let you listen to the episode to find out what she’s up to. Be sure to follow her and watch her stream when she’s online. Let’s help her get those 400 viewers she’s looking for!

Hollyanne’s links:
Twitch.tv – http://www.twitch.tv/hollyannes1337
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/hollyannesetola
Twitter – http://twitter.com/hollyannes1337

Episode 58 – Shilling for Plaid Hat and Other Things We’re Interested in

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 03:57:20 +0000

This episode is a bit of a grab bag. With so much news in the geek world with the revelation of the “Steam Box” – GTA V garnering the highest opening sales of literally any previous form of entertainment – Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. hitting the airwaves – Mike discovering the joys of Android Netrunner – and the “Project Awesome” reveal creeping ever so closer . . . yeah, we’re just going to be throwing stuff at the airwaves and watching to see what sticks.

Be sure to check out some friends of the podcast for their Agents of SHIELD specific podcast called Welcome to Level Seven.

If you wonder what video turned Mike from Netrunner skeptic to a believer – you can find it here. If only all game tutorial videos were this epic.

If you haven’t noticed it yet – We talk a lot about how Plaid Hat Games can do no wrong. Sadly, while Mike has become a full-on fanboy since Gencon, all we can do is point you to the site and check out what they’ve got until those fine, upstanding, devastatingly handsome . . . What’s that Luke? I can’t just use the fact that I post the episodes to continue my plans to get review copies? You’re not fun anymore.
Enjoy guys!

Episode 57 – God Loves the Freaks: Reflections on Gamers, Community, and the Gospel

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 04:25:27 +0000

Luke and Mike sit around and chat about the holding pattern where most of the news has already been shared, the big announcements have been made, and everyone’s just waiting for the craziness that comes with Christmas and/or the new year. The guys talk about Elder Sign, the books they’ve been reading, and the understanding that as good as games are – it’s the people that you play them with that make them beautiful and powerful.

Click HERE if you’d like to join / support Team GSP East to raise money for the Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Want to start your own Team GSP to support a hospital in your area? Go to Extra-life.org and sign up your team today (it’s completely free)

We mentioned some streams / podcasts we hope to do interviews with in the near future – so check out their stuff to get excited about these future episodes: Rolling Dice and Taking Names and Holly Anne Setola’s stream on Twitch.tv

Episode 56 – Does Jesus Need a Retcon?

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 02:29:50 +0000

When Luke first asked that question, it made everybody stop for second. In case you’ve never heard the term, the definition of what it means to “retcon” something is to bring about the alteration of previously established facts in the continuity of a fictional work. While the story of Christ is not fiction – there are times that our perception of Him and what He has done / is doing may stray from the text – let alone from the Son of God Himself.

In this episode we talk about a lot of things. Luke’s trip to Disney World, Mike’s trip to Gencon, the announcement of “Batfleck” and the new Doctor Who. All of which eventually leads to the question in the title.

BONUS CONTENT – “Is it still Wednesday?” – a quick hit reaction to GenCon 2013

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 04:19:43 +0000

There will be other places and other episodes that look more at the activity of Mike’s trip to Gencon 2013 . . . but he thought it was important to record his thoughts about the emotional side of his first trip to the event.

Episode 55 – The Devil and the Dunwich Horror

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 02:31:03 +0000

In this episode – while Luke is enjoying Disneyland with his family, Mike asks a familiar guest host back by the name of Chris North. They once again stare into some of the darker sides of geek storytelling to discuss the Cthulhu Mythos of H.P. Lovecraft. They talk about how the two of them believe that while there is something dark and terrible brewing in Arkham – there is nothing to be feared.

Episode 54 – GenCon and Disney and Game-Day, oh my!

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 04:13:17 +0000

In this episode Mike and Luke talk about the trips they’ll be taking to GenCon Indy and Disney Land respectively. We talk about the use of gaming to introduce people into the church environment, the affect of gaming on the next generation, and explain the meaning of life . . . okay, maybe not that last bit, but the rest definitely gets talked about in this episdoe.

Episode 53 – Get Out of the Box

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 04:28:25 +0000

In this week’s episode – the guys confront the summer movie blockbusters, the Ouya, the steam trading card phenomenon and the idea of using your faith and collecting it. Go out today and find some way to demonstrate your faith. We weren’t made to be mint-in-box and neither was our faith. It was designed to be played with. Used. And then past down to the next generation that will hopefully play with it as well.

We’re all weird. It’s okay. Christ is weird too.

BONUS CONTENT – Steam Summer Sale 2013

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sat, 13 Jul 2013 06:08:26 +0000

This is the first of what may or may not be a running thing with us. Because this major event for PC gamers happened right smack in between our regular episode schedule – we figured we’d give you guys a little bonus content. A short episode where Luke and Mike discuss the Steam Summer Sale, titles they are paying attention to, and a few pro-tips for guiding your way through the 11 days of steam sale.

Episode 52 — Two years of this stuff? Nice.

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 03:59:07 +0000

Two years ago a couple guys thought it would be fun to put together a podcast. It started from humble beginnings where two generically geeky guys talk about generically geeky stuff from a Christian perspective. It has evolved into a podcast where the same two guys are looking to create a new sort of ministry with the help of a listening community that is second to none.

Thanks for listening, everybody. Luke and I really appreciate the fact that you keep coming back. Without you guys, this podcast would have ended long ago. You continue to make it worthwhile to come back and make more content for you. We look forward to many more years of this. –Mike

Episode 51 – Gaming and You: Understanding Your Relationship with Gaming

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 05:10:10 +0000

On the surface, it may seem like this episode is set on two opposite ends of the spectrum. On the one hand – the boys talk about the next generation gaming consoles and whether or not they’re excited for them. On the other hand Mike and Luke talk gaming addiction/compulsion and how it is important for anyone (but especially the believer) to understand his or her relationship to gaming.

Episode 50 – New Journeys and No Promise of Home

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:23:47 +0000

In this episode we answer a listener question: What are our top 5 games to introduce gaming to the uninitiated into the hobby? We also talk about Peter Molyneux’s Goddus game, the nature of the journey, and how God does not always promise us victory when He calls us to go on a journey – just that He will be with us in the success or failure.

Episode 49 – Bring in the Runaway and the Misfit

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 27 May 2013 01:09:59 +0000

GSP 49 final In this episode – Mike earns that press pass badge he got by talking about the Steampunk World’s Fair 2013 event. We give an update about the progress on “Project Awesome.” We game with Don’t Starve and Archipelago. We talk about the “mechanics” of the faith and why we love bringing people to the table. And for a change of pace – we’re gonna share some music. Mike got permission to play some music from a band he met at the World’s Fair. Be sure to listen to the end and check out there stuff.

And now — it’s time for the link dump!

Amy Irvin – she’s helping us with getting a new look for GSP and more. Check her out if you want quality design work done. http://www.behance.net/amyirvin

Insomniac Folklore – An amazing band with a style that’s a mix of folk and tent revival. They are really talented, fun folks who are out there bringing God’s message to places that haven’t heard it through music.
-the band’s homepage – http://insomniacfolklore.com/
-facebook – https://www.facebook.com/insomniacfolklore
-bandcamp – http://insomniacfolklore.bandcamp.com/

Episode 48 – THEME WEEK – Super Heroes

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sun, 12 May 2013 05:07:49 +0000

It’s THEME WEEK! This is the first of what we’re sure will be a reoccurring event wherein several geek-Christian podcasts floating about the interwebs get together to talk about a single theme from our various perspectives.

The podcasts in question are:

Are You Just Watching? — http://areyoujustwatching.com

Faith Hope and Nerds — http://faithhopeandnerds.com

Gamestore Prophets — http://gamestoreprophets.com

Geek This! podcast — http://geekthispodcast.com

Geekually Yoked –– http://geekuallyyoked.com

Holy Worlds Podcast — http://holyworlds.posterous.com

The Sci-Fi Christian — http://thescifichristian.com

Storymen — http://storymen.us

Strangers and Aliens — http://strangersandaliens.com

In our particular episode – we talk about how heroes can be boring if they’re TOO super, why super hero stories fascinate us, and explore the connected imagery of super hero origin stories and coming to faith in Christ. Mike MAY have pointed out similarities to receiving the Holy Spirit upon faith with receiving a Green Lantern Corp ring . . . that’s just the kind of stuff we bring to the table.

Enjoy – and be sure to check out the other podcasts as well.

Episode 47 – The Dragon and Mr. Robertson

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:58:51 +0000

This episode, Luke reflects on how an anniversary event in EVE Online displays creativity and outside thinking, the guys tackle the footage of Pat Robertson’s off-hand dismissal of Dungeons and Dragons seemingly out of nowhere, and the cryptically titled “Project Awesome” is teased.

Ep. 46 – Sneaking into Columbia

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 03:12:05 +0000

We are back from Spring Break and are talking Girls Gone Gamers. What is the state of girl gamers? Do we want to see better female characters in games? What can the church learn from a comic strip? All this and Luke’s little surprise for Mike on this episode of GSP.

Episode 45 – Easter in Columbia

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 03:20:34 +0000

In this episode the guys are talking about Easter – but before they talk about this most holy of holidays in the Christian calendar, there’s a little bit of buzz about this game you may have heard of called BIOSHOCK : INFINITE! Okay — fanboy squee over now.

Bioshock, International Tabletop Day, and Easter — now that’s what I call a well-rounded episode.

Episode 44 – Interview with the Geekpreacher!

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 03:35:04 +0000

We told you it was coming – and now it has arrived. Episode 44, the boys sit down with Derek White, aka The Geekpreacher. They talk about gaming, comic books, the impact of these things on faith, and what it was like to meet Gary Gygax.

Check out Derek and what he’s up to over at his website and his facebook page. Show him some love and tell him we sent you.

Episode 43 – GSP Corp, Uncle Monty’s Road Show, and Living Outside of Normal

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 04:00:29 +0000

In this episode, the guys talk about what’s new in the geek world, being less than impressed with the PS4 announcement, Luke’s foray into the E.V.E online experience and a trip down memory lane to talk about a W.o.W. guild that was less about dungeon delving as it was about putting on the greatest show on Azeroth.

Always remember, Listeners – Normal is boring. God called us to go way beyond normal.

Episode 42 – The Podcast to Life, the Universe, and Everything

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 05:58:21 +0000

Naturally we could not let episode 42 go by without making reference to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It simply had to happen. However, in this episode, the guys do not necessarily come up with the answer to the greatest question of all. What they DO talk about is the importance of representing Christ well, the impending new Star Wars movie, and the state of the gaming business.

Episode 41 – Passing it Down

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:47:41 +0000

Similar to our nostalgia episode, but more like a flip side of the coin.

In this episode, the guys don’t talk about things that were childhood memories that turned out to be truly horrible when viewed as adults, but instead focus on the things they love and adore. They are the things that have reached timeless excellence, and must be shared with future generations. Plus – there’s a reference to Cowboys of Moo Mesa . . . so yeah.

Episode 40 – Sleep Deprivation and Other Acts of Creativity

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 06:35:45 +0000

This one . . . well, this one is odd. There’s a bit of a slow down in the world of geek news, so the boys find themselves at a loss for what to talk about. This leads to a random assortment of thoughts ranging from the building of a real life death star, to creating stories, all the way to scientific exploration.

Episode 39 – Apocalypse Free in 2013

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 07:12:44 +0000

Welcome to episode 39 – wherein the boys talk about the New Year, the annoyance of resolutions that don’t stick, and their continued hope that you folks let them do this GSP thing for years to come.

Episode 38 – The Christmas Eve Special

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 17:23:43 +0000

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a new Game Store Prophets episode!

In this episode, the guys talk about favorite Christmas presents to give and receive, new XCOM DLC, and of course the Hobbit.

Episode 37 – There’s a lot more . . .

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:06:38 +0000

Today the guys look at electronics, writing books, about going deeper into the meaning of Scripture, and maybe tack on a little extra time at the end to giggle that Mike has XCOM now.

For those of you neck deep into the Pinterest.com crowd – Follow us and send us stuff to keep the geek-collective rolling forward at http://pinterest.com/gsppodcast/

Episode 36 – Nostalgia Time: Come on, Grab Your Friends

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 02:51:26 +0000

Once again, the podcast rolls ever onward as Luke and the family Navarro are traveling hither and yon for Thanksgiving. This week, Mike asks his buddy Chris to step in one more time as the boys talk about Thanksgiving traditions, old cartoons and the nostalgia they invoke, and how the church needs to stop clinging to old days and old ways that aren’t connecting with the people in their communities and start looking to Christ.

If you’re looking for the videos that Mike referenced:
THIS is the PBS Idea channel episode about nostalgia and why it makes Adventure Time awesome

THIS is part of the episode Mike decreed the saddest episode of Adventure Time ever. It borders on spoilers if you watch Adventure Time, but should be safe for most viewing.

Episode 35 – Getting in the Game: how the Church can be the Church

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 07:07:20 +0000

In this episode – Luke takes the family off to new living arrangements, leading Mike to recruit his friend Chris and his wife Susan to give a new perspective on the guys’ position regarding tabletop role playing games, growing up as pastor’s kids in a geek world, and the promise of a new Star Wars movie as Disney takes the helm at Lucasfilm.

Episode 34 – Ghouls, Goblins, and — Aliens?

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 20:41:21 +0000

Mike here, posting episode 34 a day early in light of the imminent arrival of Hurricane (at least I think she’s a hurricane now) Sandy.

In this episode – the guys talk about the nature of Halloween from the perspective of the Christian, the new XCOM: Enemy Unknown game, and whether the church might be following a trend towards playing the Christina life on “easy mode.”

Episode 33 – With Great Power comes Great Responsibility

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:06:40 +0000

In this episode we welcome back cohost Luke Navarro. Having conquered his computer gremlins, Luke is back to talk about his harrowing adventures in the lands of Technology. The guys also talk about harnessing your geeky passions to create a positive impact for the Kingdom in the lives of people around you.

Some of the people and sites mentioned in this episode:

Episode 32 – The Problem of Evil

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 04:22:29 +0000

In this episode:

Luke is still doing battle with Computer gremlins
Mike and Brett talk about Assassin’s Creed, Dishonored, and Torchlight 2 before discussing their past experiences with exploring what it means to be evil with anti-heroes and villains.

The Humble Bundle – Get 10 games (including the first Torchlight) for just under $10. All proceeds go to charity
Child’s Play Charity – the above-mentioned charity providing games and entertainment to hospitals for kids suffering from chronic and terminal illnesses. We highly recommend checking out the testimonials page.

Episode 31 – The Human Connection

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:53:00 +0000

This week – Luke is still doing battle with the demons of broken computer parts. Mike sits down with Brett Anderson to talk about Warhammer, Ultimate Frisbee, and the human connection that can only be found at places like your Friendly Local Gaming Store or local church.

Brett’s FLGS – http://www.maplewoodhobby.com/

I couldn’t find the infamous “Nurse Joker” picture or video (will update if it’s found) – but I DID find this one where he had stolen the mask of someone dressed as Batman.

Ep. 30 – Game Church

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:01:46 +0000

This week Mike sits down with Mike from Gamechurch.com.

Ep. 29 – Game and Life Mechanics

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 01:56:01 +0000

It is the dog days of summer and we are using the time to play through the back log of video games we have missed. As we do we talk game mechanics and life mechanics.

Ep. 28 – Indie Faith

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:01:34 +0000

This week we go Indie as we discuss costuming, games and faith.

http://www.humblebundle.com/

Ep. 27 – Comical Hermenutics

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:01:00 +0000

This week we talk The Hobbit, Comic-Con and what it would mean to Marvelize our bible study.

Ep. 26 – One Year

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:01:15 +0000

We celebrate our one year anniversary, talk rockets and ren faires then get a little prophetic.

Ep. 25 – Tee and Pip

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 17:30:40 +0000

This week we are thrilled to sit down with Tee Morris and Pip Ballantine to talk steampunk, strange churches and faith in the arts.

The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences

Tee Morris

Pip Ballantine

Ep. 24 – The Marriage Chronicles

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 07:01:25 +0000

Mike is back this week fresh from his honeymoon and from the Steampunk World’s Fair. We talk steampunkery, E3 and mourn the loss of one of the greatest Sci-Fi authors of all time.

Ep. 23 – Backup Mike

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 28 May 2012 07:01:26 +0000

This week Mike is away on his honeymoon so we found another Mike to fill in. We talk kids, gaming and pron.

Ep. 22 – Wheaton’s Rule Applies

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:01:27 +0000

This week Mike and Luke talk The Avengers, Diablo 3 and online hate speech.

Ep. 21 – Something so beautiful

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:01:43 +0000

This week we consider kickstarter, Blue Like Jazz and Solomon.

Ep. 20 – For Unc

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:51:51 +0000

This week we celebrate Easter a bit late, consider why the Victorian Age is so cool and reminisce about wrestlers.

Ep. 19 – On Supervillainy

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 07:01:58 +0000

This week we consider whether it would be prudent to begin training our children for gladatorial combat, do some Mayan math and uncover Mike’s evil plans.

Ep. 18 – Geevangelism

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:01:32 +0000

This week Luke reveals his huge machine, Mike hunts for home and we think about the perils and power of sharing our passions.

Ep. 17 – Nerd Love

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:01:12 +0000

This week Mike introduces a new game to his finace, we consider whether we would give up geeking for love and discuss how relationships can lead us closer to God.

Ep. 16 – Redeeming the time

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:01:34 +0000

This week we talk about how to be a geek and a believer in a busy world. Plus Mike reveals his new blog!

Ep. 15 – We Play Characters

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:38:38 +0000

This week we discuss the characters we play and create as we consider what roleplaying can teach us about God’s will.

Ep. 14 – One More Step

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:01:28 +0000

This week Mike comes down from the mountain with new geeks in tow and your questions and conversations inspire our discussion.

Ep. 13 – Steampunk Bieber

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:02:08 +0000

This week Mike carries a heavy burden for his beloved steampunk, we talk getting girls in SWTOR and consider what exclusionary faith means.

Ep. 12 – 8 Foot Santa

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:01:06 +0000

As the year rolls to a close we talk SWTOR advanced classes, holiday traditions and Wheaton’s Law.

Ep. 11 – The SWTOR Christmas Special

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:39:02 +0000

It’s Christmastime on GSP! This week we discuss Mike’s Skyrim journey, the upcoming SWTOR launch and our Christmas wishes.

Ep. 10 – Live in Skyrim

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:07:19 +0000

This week we talk about the only topic on our minds these days… Skyrim! We introduce our characters, tell a few in game stories and consider what Skyrim has to teach us about a life well lived.

Ep. 9 – Superhero Me

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:54:18 +0000

This week we fantasize about our superhero alter egos and consider what it means to have super powers in God’s Kingdom.

Ep. 8 – Workship

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:02:04 +0000

This week on GSP we talke worship, craft and the worst video game in history.

Ep. 7 – Vigigames

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 07:01:09 +0000

This week we talk video games! We look at a few of the upcoming holiday releases, talk about what we love and don’t in video games and explore life on the unexpected path.

Ep. 6 – Heaven is a place on Earth

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 07:01:53 +0000

This week we review Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, wonder what Shadow would say to Jesus and consider the value of physicality.

Slave Leia Girls

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 21:17:52 +0000

This week on GSP we tackle the darkside of geekdom, stereotyping and girls in slave Leia costumes.

Ep. 4 – Fish Fingers and Custard

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 07:01:55 +0000

This time around on GSP we sit down to talk about one of our favorite T.V. shows, Doctor Who. Can this long running science fiction fav point us to God? Oh, and in the words of River Song, “Spoilers!”

Official BBC Doctor Who Webpage

The Boston Project

Newbury Comics

Ep. 3 – A Long Line of Geek

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:11:26 +0000

This week on Game Store Prophets we take a look at the geeks who inspire us. Our heros range from a mad scientist cook to a master of folklore and more. Who are your geek heros?

Ep. 2 – What happens in the basement

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:01:34 +0000

This episode we consider boutique board and card games, remember the games of yore, discuss the role of play in forming fellowship and share a new way fans of GSP can play together.

Show Notes:

Episode 1 – The Oliphant in the Room

lukenavarro@mac.com (Luke Navarro and Mike Perna) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:46:10 +0000

On the first episode of Game Store Prophets we introduce the show and our hosts then take on the Oliphant in the room, Dungeons and Dragons.