493 - Tether with Justin C. Key (Author, The Hospital At The End Of The World)

Ever find yourself wanting the collaborative storytelling of a tabletop roleplaying game but without the hassle of scheduling a whole group? That’s the exact niche Party of One Podcast fills, and it does so with a wonderfully specific charm. Host Jeff Stormer specializes in the often-overlooked magic of two-player RPGs, creating an intimate and consistently surprising audio experience. Each episode is a fresh, self-contained adventure where Jeff and a single guest-drawn from a wide circle of friends and creators-dive into a new game designed for duet play. The result is less a formal playthrough and more like eavesdropping on a fascinating, improvised conversation between two quick-witted people who are building a story together in real time. You’ll hear the genuine reactions, the strategic pauses, the inevitable rules fumbles, and the triumphant moments that arise from this direct, personal dynamic. While the core is roleplaying, the discussions naturally weave through the pop culture touchstones that inspire these games, touching on film, television, music, and broader leisure topics, all filtered through a comedic lens. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, prioritizing a good time over perfection, which means episodes are packed with laughter and the occasional surprisingly heartfelt turn. It’s a podcast that demonstrates how much narrative depth and sheer fun can be generated with just two people, some dice, and a shared willingness to say “yes, and…” to whatever bizarre scenario the game throws at them.