Almost Bedtime Theater: Recent Episodes
Dan & Rachael
A dad and daughter duo exploring playing role-playing games with kids, complete with family-friendly advice, game reviews, and actual play sessions.
A transcript of this episode is available via the episode page on Buzzsprout.
In this episode, we review and play the RPG Precious Things.
- 06:57 - Actual play
Precious Things was written by Lucas Zellers, with layout and illustrations by Emily Entner. It is available through Itch.io.
Our intro and outro theme music are by McRoMusic, who can be found on Patreon at patreon.com/mcromusic. Their piece “Busy Tavern” was used in this episode.
The following tracks were also used and are by Michael Ghelfi Studios https://michaelghelfistudios.com/
- Cleric (Short Themes Collection Vol 1)
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Social Media Links: bio.link/AlmostBedtimeTheater
A transcript of this episode is available via the episode page on Buzzsprout.
In this episode, we review and play the RPG Sprinkles is Missing!
- 05:19– Actual play
Sprinkles is Missing! was created by M. Allen Hall. You can purchase the game at the sites below and a variety of other online shops. You can find the creator on Instagram and Threads as @m_allen_hall.
- Itch.io
- DriveThruRPG
- MAllenHall.com
- Indie Press Revolution
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Social Media Links: bio.link/AlmostBedtimeTheater
Other TTRPG content referenced in this episode include:
- Stories RPG - a family-friendly RPG actual play podcast
Our intro and outro theme music are by McRoMusic, who can be found on Patreon at patreon.com/mcromusic.
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Social Media Links: bio.link/AlmostBedtimeTheater
A transcript of this episode is available via the episode page on Buzzsprout.
In this episode, we review and play the RPG Dragon Dowser.
- 04:51 – Actual play
Dragon Dowser was created by Hatchlings Games. You can purchase the game through itch.io and they will be launching a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter: Dragon Dowser by Hatchlings — Kickstarter
You can also reach them via @HatchlingDM on Twitter.
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
- Instagram: @Almost_Bedtime_Theater
Other TTRPG content referenced in this episode include:
- TTRPGkids.com review of The Librarian’s Apprentice, an all-ages solo journaling game
- TTRPGkids.com
Our intro and outro theme music are by McRoMusic, who can be found on Patreon at patreon.com/mcromusic.
We also used music by Filip Melvan of Michael Ghelfi Studios. You can find their content on YouTube and on Patreon at patreon.com/MichaelGhelfi.
Music
- Lights of Ulhannar
- Broken Lutes and Rusty Daggers
A transcript of this episode is available via the episode page on Buzzsprout.
In this episode, we discuss and play The Fae Team, which was created by one of the co-hosts of this show: Dan Bronson-Lowe.
- 04:05 – Actual play
You can find more information and purchase the game at itch.io:
- Itch.io
The Fae Team is a hack of Lasers and Feelings, an RPG by John Harper (John Harper - itch.io).
You can find us on Twitter as @almostbedtime or email us at almostbedtimetheater@gmail.com.
Our intro and outro themes are by McRoMusic, who can be found on Patreon at patreon.com/mcromusic. This episode also features his piece “March Through Wildwood.”
We also used “Asian Feywild (Enchanged, No River)” by Michael Ghelfi Studios. You can find their content on YouTube and on Patreon at patreon.com/MichaelGhelfi.
A transcript of this episode is available via the episode page on Buzzsprout.
In this episode, we review and play the adventure “Skellian: A Land of Tricks and Treats.”
- 00:16 – Intro
- 00:40 – Adventure review
- 05:04 – Actual play
Skellian is the work of Stephanie Campbell of TTRPGkids.com. You can find more information and purchase the game through itch.io. You can also find Stephanie on Twitter as @TTRPGkids.
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
Other TTRPG content referenced in this episode include:
- Glyfi Scouts, available at itch.io
- Sodalitas, available at itch.io
Our intro and outro theme music are by McRoMusic, who can be found on Patreon at patreon.com/mcromusic.
We also used ambient soundtracks and music by Michael Ghelf Studios. You can find their content on YouTube and on Patreon at patreon.com/MichaelGhelfi.
Ambient Soundtracks
- Ship Interior
- Haunted Mansion Livingroom (Quiet fire)
- Haunted Forest
- Open and Close Evil Book SFX
Music
- Ruins of Calcheron
- Broken Lutes and Rusty Daggers
A transcript of this episode is available via the episode page on Buzzsprout.
In this episode, we review and play the game “Banda’s Grove.”
- 00:10 – Intro and announcements
- 01:11 – Game review
- 08:28 – Actual play
Banda’s Grove is the work of Pandion Games. You can find more information and purchase the game through itch.io. You can also find the creators on Twitter as @PandionGames.
We are running a contest for a free printed copy and electronic copy Stacks of Goblins by CobblePath Games. To be entered in the drawing, email or tweet us with a question, comment, or suggestion before March 31, 2022.
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
Our intro and outro theme music are by McRoMusic, who can be found on Patreon at patreon.com/mcromusic.
This episode incorporates the following additional pieces by McRoMusic:
- The Apples of Hesperides
- Discovery of a Lifetime
We also used ambient soundtracks and music by Michael Ghelfi, and music by Filip Melvan of Michael Ghelfi Studios. You can find their content on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDed9jQ1Y1gKeyjvkyFGkCA and on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/MichaelGhelfi.
Ambient Soundtracks
- Campfire in Woods
- Frozen Tundra
Music
- Hidden Gem (Michael Ghelfi)
- The Festival of Life (Filip Melvan)
A transcript of this episode is available via the episode page on Buzzsprout.
In this episode, we review and play Stacks of Goblins.
- 00:10 – Intro and announcements
- 01:10 – Game review
- 06:44 – Actual play session (character building)
- 12:23 – Actual play session (the adventure)
Stacks of Goblins was created by Jack Milton and edited by Steph Williamson, of CobblePath Games. You can find more information and purchase the game through itch.io. You can also find the creators on Twitter as @CobblePath.
We are running a contest for a free electronic copy of Stacks of Goblins. To be entered in the drawing, email or tweet us with a question, comment, or suggestion before March 31, 2022.
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
Our intro and outro theme music are by McRoMusic, who can be found on Patreon at patreon.com/mcromusic.
This episode also incorporates the following pieces by McRoMusic:
- Tavern Loop
- Town Loop
- Fey Wyrm’s Hollow
- March Through Wildwood
- On Til Morning
- Shooting Stars
The following ambient soundtracks were also used. They were created by Michael Ghelfi, who can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDed9jQ1Y1gKeyjvkyFGkCA
- Cove
- Crowded Tavern
A transcript of this episode is available via the episode page on Buzzsprout.
In this episode, we review and play the game “Adorablins.”
- 00:12 – Game review
- 07:15 – Actual play session
Adorablins was created by Kristin and Tim Devine of Dice Up Games. You can find more information at DiceUpGames.com or by visiting their Kickstarter (open through February 3, 2022).
TTRPGkids.com also has an in-depth review of the game and an interview with the creators.
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
Our intro and outro theme music are by McRoMusic. He can be found on Patreon at patreon.com/mcromusic.
This episode also incorporates the following additional pieces by McRoMusic:
- The Path Forward
- Shooting Stars
- The Wilds
- Story and Legend
- Winter and Summer
In this episode, we continue an actual play session of Dungeons & Dragons 5e that Dan ran for Rachael when she was eight. Along the way, we discover:
- Kail getting excited,
- The Machine,
- A rather nice igloo,
- The source of the storm, and
- A dragon tattoo.
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
This episode features music and soundscapes by Michael Ghelfi, including:
- Ice Temple [RPG – D&D Ambiences Vol. 3]
- Frozen Tundra [RPG – D&D Ambiences Vol. 2]
- Storm Giants Fortress [RPG – D&D Ambiences Vol. 2]
- Of Fire and Steam [Steam Powered Orchestra]
- Professor Edgar Winkle’s Invention [Steam Powered Orchestra]
These and many more can be found at his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDed9jQ1Y1gKeyjvkyFGkCA
In this episode, we continue an actual play session of Dungeons & Dragons 5e that Dan ran for Rachael when she was eight. Along the way, we discover:
- A small figure,
- Troublesome twine,
- Alathea is not hungry,
- The Belly-Button Turn-Off Button, and
- Firebolts on ice.
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
This episode features music and soundscapes by Michael Ghelfi, including:
- Frozen Tundra [RPG – D&D Ambiences Vol. 2]
- Cold Cave [RPG – D&D Ambiences Vol. 2]
- Storm Giants Fortress [RPG – D&D Ambiences Vol. 2]
- Of Fire and Steam [Steam-Powered Orchestra]
- Ice Temple [RPG – D&D Ambiences Vol. 3]
These and many more can be found at his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDed9jQ1Y1gKeyjvkyFGkCA
In this episode, we continue an actual play session of Dungeons & Dragons 5e that Dan ran for Rachael when she was eight. Along the way, we discover:
- The history of Don Del Torro,
- Kail has plans,
- Something exciting after all,
- 80% comfortable is enough, and
- Looking super hard to beat.
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
This episode features music and soundscapes by Michael Ghelfi, including:
- In The Airs You Are Free [Stream Powered Orchestra]
- Plane of Air (with Storm) [RPG – D&D Ambiences Vol. 2]
- Frozen Tundra [RPG – D&D Ambiences Vol. 2]
These and many more can be found at his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDed9jQ1Y1gKeyjvkyFGkCA
In this episode, we share an actual play session of Dungeons & Dragons 5e that Dan ran for Rachael when she was eight. Along the way, we discover:
- Alathea owes a favor
- A friendly game of darts
- That’s no bee
- Something is amiss
- Thatch has a problem
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
This episode incorporates the following music and soundscapes by Michael Ghelfi:
- Ship Interior [RPG – D&D Ambiances Vol. 2]
- Journey to a Mysterious Land [Stream Powered Orchestra]
- Insatiable Curiosity [Steam Powered Orchestra]
- Of Fire and Steam [Steam Powered Orchestra]
- An Orphan’s Nightmare [Steam Powered Orchestra]
- The Courage to Imagine [Steam Powered Orchestra]
These and many more can be found at his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDed9jQ1Y1gKeyjvkyFGkCA
In this episode, Rachael and Dan review Dungeons & Dragons and Rachael runs a game of D&D for her Mom and Dad.
- 00:19 – Resources: TTRPG.com and the Dungeons & Dragons & Daughters podcast
- 02:15 – Game review
- 17:28 – Actual play session
In this actual play session, we learn about:
- Fake beards
- The gullibility of bears
- The proper use of sheeper-shipper-snipper-snappers
- Jimmy, Bob, and Joe, and
- The usefulness of gongs.
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
Referenced Content
- WotC free material, including coloring pages
- https://dnd.wizards.com/remote/families
- Resources for playing D&D with kids
- TTRPG.com - https://www.ttrpgkids.com/
- Being a Dungeon Master for Kids (WotC blog)
- D&D, RPG with Kids and Family (Facebook group)
- Dungeons & Dragons & Daughters Podcast:
- https://dungeonsdragonsdaughters.podbean.com/
In this episode, Rachael and Dan answer a listener question about ways to make bad die rolls more fun and interesting.
- 00:20 – Chloe's question
- 01:07 – When to actually roll dice
- 04:01 – Levels of success
- 07:17 – Letting player characters be competent
- 10:36 – Giving failure an impact
- 15:26 – Wrap up
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
Referenced Content
- Dice of Destiny, article series by Justin Alexander
- Dungeon World, a game by Sage LaTorra and Adam Koebel
- GM information (SRD)
Episode 7 – The Wildlings
In this episode, Rachael and Dan review and play the game “The Wildlings.”
- 00:15 – Game review
- 10:14 – Actual play session
- 55:46 – Wrap up
How to reach us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
Referenced Content
- The Wildlings, a game by John Harper that has been expanded and revised by Mike Wight (a.k.a. GremlinLegions)
- Standard Screen version
- Character Sheet
- Enemy Sheet
- Game items revised by Dan
- Story Guide Reference Sheet
- Updated Character Sheet
- Trolling for Goats Story Starter Content
- Story Starter
- Ice Cave Map
- Rune Puzzle (based off of Strimko logic puzzles)
In this episode, Rachael and Dan talk about creating and using non-player character (NPC) companions.
- 00:17 – What NPC companions are
- 03:19 – Creating NPC companions
- 05:52 – Using NPC companions
- 09:02 – Wrap up
How to Reach Us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
Referenced Content:
- NPC voices and memorable names sheets, by David Schirduan of Technical Grimoire
- 100 Personality Quirks, from DNDSpeak.com
- 1000 NPC Traits, from RoleplayingTips.com
In this episode, Rachael and Dan review and play the game Under the Floorboards.
- 00:11 – Game Review
- 08:50 – Actual Play
- 37:09 – Wrap up
How to Reach Us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
Referenced Content:
- Under the Floorboards, a game by Chris Bissette
o Itch.io
o DriveThruRPG
In this episode, Rachael and Dan invent a game and then discuss how using it went.
- 00:13 – Part 1: Inventing a game
- 12:45 – Part 2: Post-play debrief
- 19:57 – Wrap up
How to Reach Us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
Referenced Content:
- Magic Gadget Ninjas, a game by Dan & Rachael Bronson-Lowe
- Fate Accelerated Edition, a game by Black Hat Productions
In this episode, Rachael and Dan talk about what The Story Game is and use it to play a game about recovering a dragon’s tooth for the Tooth Fairy.
- 00:17 – How to play
- 01:12 – Game system review
- 05:31 – Actual play session
- 31:55 – Wrap up
How to Reach Us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
Referenced Content:
- Nothing but the Tooth, a Story Starter by Dan Bronson-Lowe
In this episode, Dan talks about the basics of what role-playing games (RPGs) are and how to set expectations in terms of the content of the game and expected behavior.
- 00:27 – What a role-playing game is
- 01:29 – Establishing the story type and setting
- 02:36 – The person in charge
- 03:39 – Making a safe and fun space to play
- 07:01 – Setting table rules
- 07:25 – Wrap up
How to Reach Us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime
Referenced Content:
- X-Card, a safety tool created by John Stavropoulos
- Girl Underground, a game by Lauren McManamon and Jesse Ross
In this episode, Rachael and Dan reveal what they hope to do with this podcast and a little about themselves.
- 00:13 – What inspired the podcast
- 00:46 – What the episodes will cover
- 01:33 – A bit about Dan
- 04:34 – A bit about Rachael
- 06:02 – Wrap up
How to Reach Us:
- Email: AlmostBedtimeTheater@gmail.com
- Twitter: @AlmostBedtime