Iteration 173 - Princesses vs Fairies

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We start the podcast off with some talk about the holidays and the magic of Christmas. Then, since we both saw Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens. We discuss a few of our other exploits in gaming, fiction, and storytelling. Then we go off an a digression about the weirdness of the Twelve Days of Christmas song. And for a final topic, we pit Princesses against Fairies in a battle to the death.


References and Recommendations:

Justice League: A New Frontier: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0902272/

Iteration 172 - Flirting with the Dark Side of the Force

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This episode does not contain spoilers for Star Wars Episode VII. But before we get to the topic of Star Wars, we talk about The Martian. We talk about the movie Kick-Ass, and get into an argument about Ryan's parenting style. For our main topic, we discuss the mantras of the Jedi and the Sith, and whether or not the Sith is actually the better philosophy than the Jedi.

References and Recommendations:

The Martian (2015 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659388/

Kick-Ass (2010 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1250777/

Iteration 171 - Heroic Sacrifices

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A tale of two sevens: Final Fantasy 7 and Star Wars 7. We spend a bit of time at the top talking about our worries about whether or not Star Wars Episode VII will suck. Then we talk about the remake of Final Fantasy VII, and the changes it makes from previous versions. Josh plays Paradise Bay. Josh expresses his disappointment about The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon and Amy getting back together. And for our main topic, we talk about heroic sacrifices. 

References and Recommendations:

Inspector Gadget minus Gadget: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6MR14mFtIw

Iteration 170 - Fantasy Marches and Parades

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We join Josh and one-cake-filled Ryan for talk about our favourite games, Dwarf Fortress, Minecraft, and others. Josh talks about watching and performing standup comedy. Does a parade count as a simulation for our purposes? Sure, why not! Then we take a weird tangent about the nature of art and spirituality, on account of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. We speculate on the origin of birthday candles. And for our main topic, we discuss parades, and how a parade or festival can shed light on a fantasy setting. And using parades and festivals and other traditions in stories.

References and Recommendations:

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1985966/

The Great Modron March: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17302/The-Great-Modron-March-2e?it=1

Iteration 169 - How Villains Die

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In this iteration of the show, we discuss Nanowrimo, the Grey Cup, and Captain Jack Sparrow. Plus Ryan's weird dream creatures. And for our main topic, we discuss epic death options for the villains of our stories.

Iteration 168 - The Infinite Palette of Character Creation

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In this episode: we brainstorm some chalk ideas for Minecraft, enthuse about the shows we've watched, and the games we played. We talk about the kinds of computer code that is going to bring about the Singularity. Ryan likes Pacific Rim (2013 film). And for our main topic, character creation and the infinite palette, we talk about extremely non-standard characters, defining the limits of what counts as a character.


References and Recommendations:

Vikes Improv. https://www.facebook.com/VikesImprov/

Pacific Rim (2013 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663662/

Tri-Stat Role-playing system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tri-Stat_dX

Iteration 167 - The Flourishing Desolate Wasteland

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In this episode: Link (from Legend of Zelda) now has a sister. Fallout 4 released, but Josh and Ryan play their old games instead. Wooly Mammoths. What happens to whale bodies when they die in the ocean? "I prefer the radium." Space Monks. We even get into the bioethics of setting up shop in a so-called wasteland that might actually have life in it.

Subscribe to us on iTunes:
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Tweet at Josh on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Spaceboot1

Like us on Facebook and chat with other listeners:
http://facebook.com/thesimulationist

Discuss the Simulationist and other topics on reddit!
http://reddit.com/r/thesimulationist
http://reddit.com/r/podcasts
http://reddit.com/r/dnd

Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/Spaceboot1

Iteration 166 - Robots in Simulations

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In this iteration: Update on our nanowrimo projects (spoiler: we procrastinated). Ryan comes up with a right-wing conspiracy theory. We play hardball with Warren Buffett on the ship of fools that is Las Vegas? Josh and Ryan play video games and watch TV. Ryan reviews the Mr. Peabody and Sherman movie. Our main discussion topic is just about robots. Robots as characters, robots versus aliens, robots as bad guys, and robots as loot and treasure.



References and Recommendations:

National Novel Writing Month: http://nanowrimo.org/

Kathy's vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kQ5QmD8UbQ

Mr. Peabody and Sherman (2014 film) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0864835/

Girl Genius (webcomic) http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php

Iteration 165 - Clone Club

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In this iteration, we talk about the Halloween that just happened, and mutant chicken trees. Ryan favourably reviews The Man With the Iron Fists film. We talk about our plans for National Novel Writing Month. Ryan comes up with a conspiracy theory on time travellers leaving old coins in his tip jar. Which leads to our main scenario, we invent a scenario in which we discover temporal duplicates of ourselves.

The Man with the Iron Fists (2012 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1258972/

National Novel Writing Month: http://nanowrimo.org/

Iteration 164 - Mascots, Faces, and Figureheads

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We start off by arguing whether or not movie theatres will still exist in ten years. Then we talk about our hopes for Star Wars Episode Seven. We talk about improv, video games, comic books, and more video games. Ryan rants about how much he hated the film adaptation of Ouija. And for our main topic, we talk a bit about having a personality who represents an adventuring party, or any other group really.

References and Recommendations:

Whale Rider (2002 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298228/

Atlantis (2001 animated film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0230011/

Dracula (1931 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021814/

Ouija (2014 film) (Ryan actually did not recommend): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1204977/

IF Con: http://ifconvictoria.com/

Come and join us at Roll for Initiative Victoria: http://www.rollforinitiative.ca/

Iteration 163 - The Hero and the Office

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Subscribe to us on iTunes:
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Tweet at Josh on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Spaceboot1

Like us on Facebook and chat with other listeners:
http://facebook.com/thesimulationist

Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/Spaceboot1 

We open the episode with a brief discussion about time travel. We then note the Canadian federal election happening the day after this recording. Josh plays Don't Starve, and reports on a Paper Street Theatre show. Ryan reports on Metropolis, the 1927 film. And for our main topic, we talk about the office as a setting for adventures and stories in general, and what function the office plays in an exciting or funny story.

References and Recommendations:

Paper Street Theatre: http://www.paperstreettheatre.ca/

Metropolis (1927 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0017136/

Roll for Initiative: http://rollforinitiative.ca/

IFCon: http://ifconvictoria.com/

National Novel Writing Month: http://nanowrimo.org/

Iteration 162 - Social Class vs Game Class

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It's Canadian Thanksgiving and Ryan drinks the last egg nog! Josh remembers News Radio (the TV sitcom), and complains about how unrealistic it is(?) Josh and Ryan report on their Minecraft worlds. Josh lost his wolf, and Ryan began his planar sanctuary. Ryan watches Splice, a Canadian science fiction film. And for our main topic, we discuss social classes in our D&D games.

References and Recommendations:

Splice (2009 film) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1017460/

National Novel Writing Month: http://nanowrimo.org/

IFCon http://www.ifconvictoria.com/

Roll for Initiative: http://www.rollforinitiative.ca/

Suzerain: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzerainty

Iteration 161 - Pacing the Man of Steel

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We begin the podcast with some Cookie Monster Lore. Josh talks about how much he loves The Big Bang Theory. Ryan reviews the new Muppets show. We both talk about our big plans for National Novel Writing Month. Ryan gives his ideas for how he thinks the DC Cinematic Universe should go. Our main topic is the Man of Steel movie.

Iteration 160 - Fighting While Wounded

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We talk about new TV starting up for the fall, including DC's Gotham, and we ask whether Bruce Wayne counts as a "main character". Josh plays Minecraft and Dungeons & Dragons at Roll for Initiative. Ryan reviews Dune, the movie. And Son of Batman. Ryan also reviews the new animated film Son of Batman. And for our main topic: what do you do with your hero when they're wounded? Do they fight on? Do they limp?

References and Recommendations:

Roll for Initiative: http://rollforinitiative.ca

IF Con: http://ifconvictoria.com/Welcome.html

Dune (1984 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087182/

Son of Batman (2014 animated film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3139072/

Josh's Other Podcast: http://soundcloud.com/spaceboatone

Iteration 159 - Fused and Confused

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We celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day! Then we talk about how to set up your own island nation. We talk about how characters move from interesting to non-interesting. As a writer, should you kill off an interesting character before they become boring? Ryan watches the Dragonball Z movie. And for our main topic, we discuss fused characters. We talk about when two characters get squished into one, like symbiotes. Or like when a writer decides to fuse them. Or when you're playing a role-playing game and someone doesn't show.


References and Recommendations:

DragonBall Evolution (2009 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1098327/

What We Did on Our Holiday (2014 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2725962/

Iteration 158 - Dragon Skins

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We start off the episode talking about the llamas and dolphins. Ryan talks about his work with the Beast God. Josh goes insane in Don't Starve. We talk about Queen Elizabeth II having the longest reign. Our main topic is about Dragons, their skins, the different colours they come in, and turning their skin into armour.

IFCon: http://ifconvictoria.com/Welcome.html

Roll for Initiative: http://rollforinitiative.ca

Iteration 157 - The Necessary Evil and the Useless Good

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In this episode, Ryan comes up with a conspiracy theory about Oreo cookies. We talk about Victoria Fringe Festival shows we've been to (including Adam Pateman and Andy Cañete). Josh plays Don't Starve, and Ryan plays modded Minecraft. And for a main topic, we discuss necessary evils.


References and Recommendations:

How it's made: Oreo cookies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i1oMwNgH2Q

David Usher Alone in the Universe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7dpndhR9oY

Victoria Fringe Festival: http://victoriafringe.com/

Iteration 156 - Hubs, Nexuses, Focuses, and Locuses

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In this episode: we report on all the fun we've had playing D&D, Minecraft, and Warhammer 40k. Our main topic this week is about hubs in fantasy worlds: such as Sigil, the city of doors, and the Infinite Staircase, the Plane of Mirrors, the World Serpent Inn, and even the Restaurant at the End of the Universe. Ryan invents the Dungeon Plane.

Join us at Roll for Initiative Victoria:

http://rollforinitiative.ca

And be sure to check out Josh's other podcast at:

http://soundcloud.com/spaceboatone

Iteration 155 - Pixar's Rules Part 2

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Or contact Josh on Twitter at @Spaceboot1

In this episode, we talk about Yvonne Craig, who played Batgirl. We plug CBC's the Debaters, for some reason. And for our main topic, we finish off the Rules of Storytelling from Pixar's Emma Coats. Ryan shares some of his ideas for the next Nanowrimo.




References and Recommendations:

Roll for Initiative Victoria: http://www.rollforinitiative.ca/

Pixar's Rules: http://io9.com/5916970/the-22-rules-of-storytelling-according-to-pixar

Iteration 154 - Rules of Storytelling

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We start with a philosophical-mythological discussion on the nature of time itself. Josh and Ryan talk about all the adventures they've been having in Minecraft and various other games. For our main topic, we talk about Pixar's rules of storytelling.

References and Recommendations:

Epic Games Victoria: http://www.epicgamesvic.com/

Hometech Games Plus: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hometech-Games-Plus/355714717872155


The Rules of Storytelling According to Pixar: 
http://io9.com/5916970/the-22-rules-of-storytelling-according-to-pixar

Iteration 153 - World-Shattering Planet-Building

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We start with a talk about Jon Stewart finishing off the Daily Show, and what it means for an icon to quit or retire. We discuss Hollowfaust: the City of Necromancers. Plus, our adventures in Minecraft, and Josh's adventures in Dungeons & Dragons, which our listeners can join at Roll for Initiative Victoria. And for our main topic, we talk about world building and taking inspiration from one medium to another, translating between very different worlds with very different rules. Which leads us into a rather odd conversation about an otherworldly invasion of sanity-defying beasts.

References and Recommendations:

Roll for Initiative role-playing event: http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/roll-for-initiative-tickets-17639853276

Iteration 152 - The Physically Flawed Protagonist

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Happy BC Day everyone! Even if you don't live here, you're surely a British Columbian at heart. We start the podcast off with some very stirring political commentary on Alberta, British Columbia, and the upcoming Canadian federal elections. Then we talk more about our adventures in video games, all the television we watched, and the films we're into. And for a main topic, we talk about what it's like to have a Hutt as your character, or any other character with a physical limitation being a hero.

References and Recommendations:

King Kong (2005 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0360717/

Minecraft Teleporter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia6y3HuecaQ

Iteration 151 - Seconds in Command

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In this iteration of the Simulationist Podcast, Josh reports on Dungeon World, Josh and Ryan both report on adventures in Minecraft. We invent insane conspiracy theories about Donald Trump, going both directions. And for our main topic, we talk about lieutenants for bad guys, and all about the perils of being second in command. And during all of this, we go into some strange Star Wars tangents.


References and Recommendations:

Dungeon World: http://www.dungeon-world.com/

Iteration 150 - Walrus Yes

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In this iteration of the podcast, we recount our adventures in games and movies. Minecraft, Whiplash, the Shadow of the Cat, and Tusk. We have an extended conversation about the Kevin Smith film "Tusk". We cover topics ranging from acting skills to realistically extracting a man from a walrus suit, to American tourists. Spamburgers. And we find out what kind of food Ryan thinks they would have in Mongolia.


References and Recommendations:

Whiplash (film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2582802/

The Shadow of the Cat (film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055438/

Tusk (2014 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3099498/

Iteration 149 - To Perfection and Beyond - The Post-Endgame

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In this iteration of the podcast, we talk about what we've been up to in games, and then about elusive perfection, and whether game designers should build in achievable perfection into their games, or whether they should always force a choice, even to the bitter end.

References and Recommendations:

Roll for Initiative Victoria D&D event (correction: this event is July 25):
http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/roll-for-initiative-tickets-17189714900

The Tolkein Professor:
http://www.tolkienprofessor.com/wp/lectures/the-hobbit/

Iteration 148 - We Know what the Shadow Knows

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In this iteration of the show, we talk about our Canada Day in Victoria. We argue about bioethics and genetic engineering. We recount our adventures in various video games, and then we talk about the 1994 film adaptation of The Shadow. Ryan asks our listeners not to use telepathy on him, but Josh is cool with telepathy.

References and Recommendations:

The Shadow (1994 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111143/

Iteration 147 - Castles

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In this iteration of the podcast, Ryan breaks the Tragedy of the Commons. We talk about our week in Dungeons and Dragons and Minecraft and Internet Television. Ryan talks about battling a second-in-command bad guy. And for our main topic, we go with castles, strongholds, and fortresses, and how they might appear in stories.

 Subscribe to us on iTunes:
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Tweet at Josh on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Spaceboot1

Like us on Facebook and chat with other listeners:
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Discuss the Simulationist and other topics on reddit!
http://reddit.com/r/thesimulationist
http://reddit.com/r/podcasts
http://reddit.com/r/dnd

Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/Spaceboot1

Iteration 146 - Hapless Heroes - Neither Brains nor Brawn

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In this iteration of the Simulationist, fifty episodes of Game of Thrones, and 100 episodes of My Little Pony. Our main topic, which we eventually get to, is about heroes who rely on things other than brains or brawn. Are there any heroes who win without either wits or ability? Can those kinds of characters be interesting, or are they uncompelling?



References and Recommendations:

Retarded Policeman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yioJQFrqMXM

Wil Wheaton's Titansgrave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8HbkYV5ZaY

The Martian: http://www.andyweirauthor.com/

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0948470/

Spin (2005 Canadian film): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP59tQf_njc

Iteration 145 - The Buccaneers of Esquimalt

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In this iteration of the Simulationist Podcast: we remember Christopher Lee, talk about Spider-Man, Minecraft, and Game of Thrones.

References and Recommendations:

The Stupids (film) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117768/

Iteration 144 - Stinging Nettle Vampire Hunting

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We start the podcast with a bit of talk about tunneling and artificial islands. We talk about television finales, prompted by the recent season finale of Community. We talk about pilots, and the need for punchlines. We talk a bit about Age of Ultron, and romance in movies, namely the romance between Bruce Banner and Black Widow.

References and Recommendations:

Lookwell (TV pilot) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBQ3HbB0c8Y

Medicine Man (film starring Sean Connery) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104839/

Vampire Hunter D (film) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire_Hunter_D

Iteration 143 - The Codification Conundrum

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In this iteration of the show, Josh and Ryan ask the question whether or not codes of conduct are really necessary. We cover real-life codes, like the Comics Code Authority, and fantasy codes, like the paladin's. All the way to the Ten Commandments and Hammurabi's Code. The Dungeons & Dragons alignment system as a code in itself.

Josh and Ryan come up with Hat World, a comic book universe in which all superpowers are granted by hats.

The Helm: http://www.thehelmcomic.com/

Omlevex: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omlevex

Iteration 142 - Role Models

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In this week's iteration of the show, we talk about game theory, Ryan plays the Secret World, Josh plays Minecraft and talks about show business. Then for a main topic, we talk about the anxiety of influence, and how passing a torch works between heroic generations.


References and Recommendations:

IfCon Victoria: http://ifconvictoria.com/Welcome.html

Comedian Mayor of Reykjavik: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%B3n_Gnarr

The Littlest Cheesemaker: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=136384.0

Goblins Webcomic: http://www.goblinscomic.org/

Iteration 141 - Watching Television

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In this week's episode of the Simulationist podcast, Josh and Ryan talk about television, and what it means to binge watch, and how that affects how we take in the story.

References and Recommendations:

Man gets stuck on ride at Disneyland: 
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/27/disney-small-world-ride/2025273/

Cybersix: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybersix

The Destructors (short story) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Destructors

Dungeons & Dragons Official Soundtrack http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Official-Roleplaying-Soundtrack/dp/B0000BZYIS

Iteration 140 - Failures of Diplomacy

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This week in the Simulationist: failing on diplomacy. How do you fail to do diplomacy, and what happens when you do?

References and Recommendations:

Other Space (television series): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4561950/

Cynical Walrus: https://www.facebook.com/cynicalwalrus

Iteration 139 - The Ethics of Instant Cloning

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In this iteration of the Simulationist Podcast, we begin with a recap of Free Comic Book Day. We talk about the issue of making choices between two evils in video games. Ryan gives some of his thoughts on the positive aspects of DC's New 52 so far. Should we let dolphins in the Sentience Brotherhood? And for our main topic, a rousing conversation about the ethics of cloning.

Subscribe to us on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-simulationist-podcast/id589774076

Tweet at Josh on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Spaceboot1

Like us on Facebook and chat with other listeners:
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Discuss the Simulationist and other topics on reddit!
http://reddit.com/r/thesimulationist
http://reddit.com/r/podcasts
http://reddit.com/r/dnd

Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/Spaceboot1

Iteration 138 - Superstitions

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Ryan gushes some more about the upcoming Avengers movie. We examine some of the mechanics of Spider-Man. Ryan relates his experience with guilt as a motivating factor for our heroes in video games, with regard to The Secret World video game. And for a main topic, we talk about superstitions, their origins, and how they can be used in a magical setting.


References and Recommendations:

The Secret World: http://www.thesecretworld.com/
The Stanley Parable: http://www.stanleyparable.com/
Cicadas and Prime Numbers: http://io9.com/5895840/why-do-cicadas-know-prime-numbers
Weasel Hunting Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsGs6oEGxJM

Iteration 137 - Layered Histories

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In this episode: Leave Batman's nipples alone! Ryan has a trippy dream about Giant Elk. Poetry as simulationism. Minecraft! Your friendly neighbourhood Fish-Man. And our main topic is about creating history for your fictional world, and all about layering it with multiple periods from history.

The Secret World: http://www.thesecretworld.com/

Roll for Initiative: http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/roll-for-initiative-tickets-16539305508?aff=erelexporg

Subscribe to us on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-simulationist-podcast/id589774076

Tweet at Josh on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Spaceboot1

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Discuss the Simulationist and other topics on reddit!
http://reddit.com/r/thesimulationist
http://reddit.com/r/podcasts
http://reddit.com/r/dnd

Patreon:
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Iteration 136 - Theories of Comic Relief

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In this episode, we are joined by our most popular guest host, Jason Kirkby!

Jason plays D&D 5th edition, Josh plays Minecraft, and Ryan plays it all. For our main topic, we talk about comic relief and comedic elements in otherwise "serious" works of art and fiction and role-playing games. And what is the role of comedy in highly comedic works? We basically analyze all comedy ever.

References and Recommendations:

Star Thugs: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/18437/Star-Thugs-The-Roleplaying-Game?it=1

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy

The Maggot Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7ka7I-z_dI

Iteration 135 - Celestial Politics

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Send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

In this iteration of the Simulationist Podcast, we wish everyone a happy easter! We talk about what would happen to a vampire staked by the true cross. Josh gets fascinated by hairless animals. Josh describes some of his adventures in building stuff in Minecraft. Ryan recounts more of his Museum adventures, and we talk about the films being filmed in Victoria and elsewhere in BC. Somehow we talk about corporal punishment. And for our main topic, we talk about the politics and organizational models of deific pantheons. Josh tries to tempt Ryan with reincarnation.


References and Recommendations:

Board Game Jam in Victoria: https://www.facebook.com/events/628331170601223/

Paper Street Theatre http://www.paperstreettheatre.ca/season.html

Subscribe to us on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-simulationist-podcast/id589774076

Tweet at Josh on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Spaceboot1

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http://reddit.com/r/dnd

Patreon:
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Iteration 134 - Dungeon Medicine

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Happy April Fool's! Ryan tells a tale of pranking his friends. Josh recounts his adventures at Victoria's own Roll for Intiative D&D event, mostly just his elf's lack of a beard. We ask the very important question: what if Kate Moss had a ZZ Top beard? We talk about Ryan's adventures in Minecraft and Dwarf Fortress. And for a main topic, we wanted to ask the question: how to make injuries and wounds more dramatic in a game like D&D? And should we do that?

References and Recommendations:

Er Wang Dong awesome cave thing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Er_Wang_Dong

Klein Bottle: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klein_bottle


Our info:

Subscibe to us on iTunes:
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Tweet at Josh on Twitter:
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Like us on Facebook and chat with other listeners:
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Discuss the Simulationist and other topics on reddit!
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http://reddit.com/r/podcasts
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Patreon:
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Iteration 133 - A Recipe for a Formula

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We start the podcast off with a discussion of alternate universes. We talk about our weekly exploits in Minecraft and Dungeons & Dragons. Then we have a discussion about how an in-story prophecy is like a meta-story formula. Trust me, we wrap it all up by the end.


Cern and Alternate Universes:
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2015/03/22/miniature-black-holes-could-prove-parallel-universes-claim-scientists

Relativistic Swimming:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/surprises-from-general-relativity/

Philadelphia Experiment:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Experiment

Roll for Initiative Victoria:
http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/roll-for-initiative-tickets-15951496355

Subscibe to us on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-simulationist-podcast/id589774076

Tweet at Josh on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Spaceboot1

Like us on Facebook and chat with other listeners:
http://facebook.com/thesimulationist

Discuss the Simulationist and other topics on reddit!
http://reddit.com/r/thesimulationist
http://reddit.com/r/podcasts
http://reddit.com/r/dnd

Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/Spaceboot1

Iteration 132 - Death and Legos

The direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_132_-_Death_and_Legos.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com



Happy Pi Day! Josh attempts speaking German, and we end up making fun of Sweden. Do you really want the Swedish chef by your side in a crisis? We both share our experiences in Minecraft: Ryan plays with Tinker's Construct, and Josh experiments with ranching and cattle slaughterhouses. Ryan makes plans for GottaCon 2016, and we get excited about new free stuff coming from Wizards of the Coast. We propose D&D wands re-skinned as rolls of duck tape. Josh extols the virtues of creative collaboration. And for a main topic, we watched the Lego Movie. We talk about teamwork, and why it's hard to make it look meaningful in an action movie. We talk about the philosophy of Lego, and why it's a capitalist's ideal play medium.


References and Recommendations:

The Tao Manifesto:
http://www.tauday.com/tau-manifesto

Tinker's Construct:
http://www.minecraftforum.net/forums/mapping-and-modding/minecraft-mods/2218638-tinkers-construct

GottaCon Discussion Panels 2015:
https://geekypleasures.com/2015/03/gottacon-2015-diversity-panel-podcast-god-and-the-game-religious-inclusion-and-accommodation-in-gaming/

Roll for Initiative Victoria:
http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/roll-for-initiative-tickets-15951496355

Wind Dukes of Aaqa:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_Dukes_of_Aaqa


Where to find us: 

Subscibe to us on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-simulationist-podcast/id589774076

Tweet at Josh on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Spaceboot1

Like us on Facebook and chat with other listeners:
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Discuss the Simulationist and other topics on reddit!
http://reddit.com/r/thesimulationist
http://reddit.com/r/podcasts
http://reddit.com/r/dnd

Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/Spaceboot1

Iteration 131 - The Merits of Stupidity

The direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_131_-_The_Merits_of_Stupidity.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

In this episode, Josh and Ryan talk about how to properly defend Erebor, and keeping dwarves awake at night, and how to manage their alcohol intake. Ryan does interior decorating in Minecraft.

And for our main topic, the Merits of Stupidity. Josh and Ryan come up with a surprising amount of instances in which it's better to be stupid. We refer to quotes from: Socrates, Dilbert, Lovecraft, John Wayne, Queen, and Michael J Fox.

Subscibe to us on iTunes:
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Tweet at Josh on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Spaceboot1

Like us on Facebook and chat with other listeners:
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Discuss the Simulationist and other topics on reddit!
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http://reddit.com/r/podcasts
http://reddit.com/r/dnd

Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/Spaceboot1

Iteration 130 - Inspiration and Motivation

The direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_130_-_Inspiration_and_Motivation.mp3

email us at thesimulationist@gmail.com

Josh recounts some of his experiences at GottaCon 2015. We remember Leonard Nimoy. We talk more about GottaCon, and the inspiration required to be an adventure writer. We veer off into art criticism talk. Then we get back to inspiration, and how it's applied in D&D. We talk about how a character in a story might gain an extra bit of focus, or an extra boost of effort in order to accomplish some vital task.

GottaCon: Victoria's Gaming Convention
http://www.gottacon.com/

For GottaCon Panels uploads, bother Jules:
http://julessherred.com/

Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics:
http://scottmccloud.com/2-print/1-uc/

Iteration 129 - Tailored Superpowers and In-Game Awards

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Email us at thesimulationist@gmail.com

We open with a discussion of superhero movies, and our adventures in Dungeons & Dragons, Minecraft, and at the movies. Ryan brings up a beef he has with every superhero. We discuss ways to enhance superpowers. For our main topic, which we get to eventually, we talk about experience awards for players in gaming.

Iteration 128 - On Getting Angry

The direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_128_-_On_Getting_Mad.mp3

Send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

Your hosts open the podcast with a talk about candy weapons. Josh reports on the Roll for Initiative Event in Victoria, where he finally plays D&D 5th for the first time. More anticipation for GottaCon. And our main topic this episode is all about anger, and how it serves as a motivation when role-playing, as well as a bonus in game mechanics terms. And other ins and outs of anger.

References and Recommendations:

Captive Wild Woman http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0035713/

The Six Universal Emotions
http://www.nbb.cornell.edu/neurobio/land/oldstudentprojects/cs490-95to96/hjkim/emotions.html

Color Wheel of Emotions http://www.do2learn.com/organizationtools/EmotionsColorWheel/

Iteration 127 - The Dungeon's Front Door

The direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_127_-_The_Front_Door.mp3

Send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com


Don't imitate: simulate! In this episode: we go on tangents about time travel, Star Trek, cultural flagships, the secret of eternal youth, and Ryan's broken video card. Join us at Roll for Initiative (link below) and GottaCon this month! Our main topic is an exploration of the front gate of the dungeon, also known as the threshhold, and all the other forms it takes.

References and Recommendations:

Roll for Initiative Victoria! (Saturday, 14th of February, and monthly)
http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/roll-for-initiative-tickets-15474053310

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, by Oliver Sacks:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Who_Mistook_His_Wife_for_a_Hat

Iteration 126 - Negating Magic

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_126_-_Negating_Magic.mp3

send us an email! thesimulationist@gmail.com

In this iteration of the podcast: we talk about the ethical quandaries of being the human torch, versus Spider-man. We debut the nefarious pepper bees! Josh reviews Star Trek: Into Darkness. We talk about Josh's D&D class, the surgeon. Ryan continues adventures in Thaumcraft, getting into the meat of Minecraft mods. And for our main topic, we talk about negating magic via Spell Resistance, disbelief, anti-magic, variant psionics, and pretty much every other means. And as an after-topic, we talk a bit about the Super Bowl, and ask what would happen if we had orcs in real life.

Iteration 125 - The Brute

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Iteration 125 recorded on 1-25! Josh and Ryan talk about their alphabets. The curious case of the spelling of Nyarlathotep, and how books used to be made, and how a Cthulhian conspiracy could be at work. Josh watches CBC's Schitt's Creek. Ryan runs into a bunch of bugs in his heavily modded Minecraft. And for our main topic, we tackle the idea of the brutish archetype in D&D and fiction and other games.


References and Recommendations:

Nyarlathotep: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyarlathotep
Big Bird's Alphabet Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTvhKZHAP8U
Q on CBC: http://www.cbc.ca/q/
Standard Action: https://www.youtube.com/user/Phasefirefilms

Iteration 124 - Self-Curating

The direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_124_-_Self-Curating.mp3

send us an email! thesimulationist@gmail.com

In this iteration!: Josh recounts some of his adventures in improvisation, plus playing Don't Starve. Ryan plays the Minecraft mod Thaumcraft, plus Marvel Avenger's Alliance. For our main topic, we talk about that moment when you have to make a choice whether to continue playing a game, or to give it up. Ryan seems to go for a more conscious version of the process, while Josh is pretty much driven by his gut. What say you? Let us know at thesimulationist@gmail.com

References and Recommendations:

Dave Morris appeared in iteration 101 of the podcast, so look for that in the archives!
The Frantics Boot to the Head https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8VD4JXUozM
Standard Action! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZfyIRnPPrc
Gottacon! http://www.gottacon.com/

Iteration 123 - A Game of Maps

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_123_-_Mapping.mp3

why not send us an email? thesimulationist@gmail.com


In this iteration of the Simulationist Podcast: Missives from the Simulators. Josh plays Don't Starve, improv classes start again, GottaCon is coming up soon, Ryan plays Thaumcraft (a Minecraft mod). Josh and Ryan argue for a bit about the changing English language. And the corporatization of art. And for our main, big topic of the week, we talk about mapping in D&D and video games. For some reason, a knife in the eye is the theme.

References and Recommendations:

Don't Starve! http://www.dontstarvegame.com/
Zombies! http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2471/zombies
That place in North Africa that no government has claimed: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bir_Tawil

Iteration 122 - The Last, or First, of Your Kind

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Got questions? Suggestions? Stuff to add to the podcast? Why not send us an email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

In this iteration of the podcast, George Lucas shrinks the wookiees. Ryan invents a conspiracy theory that could make The Croods (2013 film) happen on present day Earth. Then Ryan gets into Minecraft mods, especially Mystcraft. And for our main topic, we talk about what happens to your character when you are the last of your kind? And what if you're the first of your kind? What sort of pressure does that put on a person? What would happen if a dwarf enrolled at Hogwarts? And why aren't there more aliens in the Jetsons?

References and Recommendations:

The Croods: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0481499/

Mystcraft http://binarymage.com/wiki/doku.php?id=start

What would happen if all the nuclear bombs were detonated in the same place? http://www.sciencefocus.com/qa/what-would-happen-if-all-nuclear-bombs-were-detonated