Creative Questions For Curious Gamers

For GMs, Players, and Curious Gamers!

Three expert GMs explore the craft of tabletop roleplaying—why rules feel good, why scenes work, and how stories land. Through casual conversation, creative experiments, and honest breakdowns, this podcast celebrates what makes the hobby special and helps you run better games.


Latest Episode:


Looking for a specific episode of the Jaunty Mantis?


The Hosts

*

The Hosts *

JESSE

Jesse is a lifelong tabletop roleplaying enthusiast with a deep love for compelling mechanics and systems that do strange, interesting things. With experience across classic, indie, and experimental RPGs, Jesse brings a thoughtful and analytical lens to his table.

MATTY

Matty is a worldbuilder with a soft spot for strange settings and very long campaigns. His brain runs on cultures, factions, and the quiet ripple effects of player chaos. When the party pokes the world, Matty wants to know what pokes back.

CHRIS

Chris runs games like he is editing a TV show in real time. Scenes, cliffhangers, hard cuts, the whole thing. He cares about characters, pacing, and those big table moments where everyone leans forward at the same time.

Podcast Art

*

Podcast Art *

SHANNON

Shannon likes to make things happen. She wants to connect people - and believes that her work enables her to accomplish all those things, all while promoting a more well world.

twitter.com/thedigsy

thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

Music

*

Music *

BRUNO E.

https://www.youtube.com/@BrunoEmusic

Music used with permission via YouTube Audio Library License


 KARL CASEY

whitebataudio.com

Hundreds of tracks that are 100% safe to use in your creative visual projects and streams, available on my YouTube channel. Royalty free music products including music for games and films, sample/loop packs, sound fx packs, t-shirts, hats and more!

Music used with permission via Creator Provided Download


BAD SNACKS

https://badsnacks.ffm.to/homemusic

"thrillingly okay" - DJ Mag

"bad snacks hammers out a cosmic house reverie that has nothing lo-fi (or hip hop) about it" - NYLON

"who?" - Joe Biden

Music used with permission via YouTube Audio Library License


RED MEANS RECORDING

https://rmr.media/findme

Hello. My name is Jeremy. I make music and video. Nice to meet you. Here is a place where we can music and videos and other things that are good. I am happy you are here. Should we get started?

Music used with permission via YouTube Audio Library License


FREEDOM TRAIL STUDIO

Q] Who are We? A] Freedom Trail Studio provides free downloadable tracks for YouTube’s Audio Library. The music is 100% Copyright Safe. To download the music search for “freedom trail studio" at youtube.com/audiolibrary. (link below) There are currently 30+ songs available. Users can use the music in their videos uploaded to YouTube. There is no charge or licensing issues with the music. From a 5 second loop to a robust soundtrack accompanying your work, the music you find available from Freedom Trail Studio will hopefully satisfy your creative mood or entertainment needs. Genres of focus: Jazz, Kid's Pop, Hip Hop, Ambient, Rock, Blues, Folk, Acoustic, LoFi, Modern Classical Q] Who makes the music for Freedom Trail Studio? A] Marc Freedom. Marc writes, performs and records the music. For more information on him or his studio please email the link below or check out his Discography Playlist…

Music used with permission via YouTube Audio Library License


OB-LIX

https://pixabay.com/users/ob-lix-17147719/?tab=audio

I am a music composer from Québec, Canada. I have been playing and writing music for more than 35 years. I specialize in creating soundtracks in various styles and themes ranging from Dark Pagan, Norse and medieval eras to cyber-action. I only use the best and more appropriate tools to get the sound that I need and that includes acoustic instruments and countless music programs that are used by professionals in almost every movie and video game nowadays. All tracks are composed, arranged and produced by me. All my Royalty-Free Background Music demos are available for download on https://pixabay.com/users/ob-lix-17147719/?tab=audio You can use my Royalty-Free Background Music demos in your videos for free, but without the ability to monetize your videos. Giving credit OB-Lix Original Music is not necessary but is always appreciated.

Music used with permission via Pixabay