Episode 708: A Threat and a Metaphor

Episode 708: A Threat and a Metaphor

Author: Kenneth Hite and Robin D Laws July 17, 2026 Duration: 1:11:45
The Gaming Hut tour through Robin’s new book Hamlet’s GM Screen resumes with a look at the beats of Session Zero. The Tradecraft Hut peers into the dossier of Revolutionary War era newspaper publisher James Rivington, who may have been a spy for the Patriots. Pendragon line developer David Larkins takes a seat in the special […]

Imagine a table in a cozy pub where two of the sharpest minds in gaming and pop culture have gathered for their regular chat. That’s the feeling you get with Ken and Robin Talk About Stuff. Each episode, Kenneth Hite and Robin D. Laws dive into a wonderfully eclectic mix of topics pulled from history, conspiracy theories, film, and of course, the intricate craft of game design. Their conversation is less a formal interview and more like eavesdropping on two friends who happen to be encyclopedic experts, effortlessly connecting the dots between a forgotten historical figure and a modern storytelling technique. You’ll hear them dissect the mechanics of a role-playing game with the same engaging depth they apply to analyzing a classic noir film or unpacking an odd slice of folklore. The charm of this podcast lies in the genuine chemistry between Ken and Robin-their thoughtful debates, witty asides, and shared enthusiasm make even the most niche subject feel immediately accessible and fascinating. It’s a consistent source of intellectual curiosity and entertainment for anyone who enjoys seeing where a meandering, insightful conversation between two creative professionals can lead. Tune in for a regular dose of clever ideas and unexpected connections, all delivered with a warm, conversational ease that feels both smart and welcoming.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Ken and Robin Talk About Stuff
Podcast Episodes
Episode 706: A Thing I Seemed to Be Wrong About [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:59
Our Gaming Hut tour of concepts from Robin’s new book Hamlet’s GM Screen continues with a look at up and down beats, the lifeblood of narrative engagement. In Ken and/or Robin Talk to Someone Else, Ken chats with Than Gi…
Episode 705: A Real Science That Can Do Magic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:36
Gaming Hut starts a deep dive into Robin’s imminent book Hamlet’s GM Screen, by looking at the types of narrative beats as they appear at the gaming table. Ripped from the Headlines dons hazmat suits to look at a recent…
Episode 704: Mummy Curse Coded [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:16
Among My Many Hats presents Robin’s new book Hamlet’s GM Screen, coming in July from Pelgrane Press. The Monster Hut looks around the corner at that long-necked yokai, the rokurokubi, and its sometimes entirely detachabl…
Episode 703: I Only Knew Twenty Lesser Sages [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:35
The Gaming Hut picks up on our previous general discussion of tuning pregens to a scenario by finding hooks for Trail of Cthulhu Investigators about to enter an old dark house. Beloved Patreon backer Alex Gill convenes t…
Episode 702: An Alliance with Squirrels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:56
Want to make sure that your players feel their successes? The Gaming Hut pitches in by looking at the difference between permissions and rewards. Beloved Patreon backer Andrew Bates revs up Ask Ken and Robin for the secr…
Episode 701: Star of Arioch Setting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:00
In the Gaming Hut we get started quickly by asking how much background detail players want in a pregenerated character. Making good on a promise from episode 696, the Archaeology Hut checks out another possible inspirati…
Episode 700: LIGHTNING ROUNNNDD!!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:50
Ken and Robin celebrate the astounding 700th episode milestone of their eponymous podcast by once again answering listeners’ LIGHTNING ROUNNNNDD!!! questions. Want to pose a question to the show? Get your priority questi…
Episode 699: Double Deepfake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:07
We’re really in the Gaming Hut, honest, as beloved Patreon backer Ben Brighoff asks for deepfake plot hooks. Estimable backer Alexander Arebalo requests an Architecture Hut look at Berkeley CA’s People’s Park. The Stock…
Episode 698: A Common or Government Bar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:42
The Gaming Hut looks at the key difference in scenario design, between what happens to the player characters, and what they can do. The Tradecraft Hut checks into a classic London spy world location, St. Ermin’s Hotel. S…
Episode 697: Supposedly Good Idea Hall of Fame [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:30
Taking inspiration from a previously dropped idle phrase, the Gaming Hut proudly presents Dinosaur Flying Aces. At the behest of beloved Patreon backer Jake Maas, a home state edition of the Crime Blotter investigates Ch…