Around the Hearth features discussion on a wide range of topics relevant to tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) featuring members of the Open Hearth Gaming Community. We talk games, gameplay, design, and the games being played at the Open Hearth Gaming Calendar. Our online games are free and open to all! If you'd like to join the fun, visit openhearthgaming.com for more information.
Around the Hearth
Claim This Podcastby Open Hearth Gaming Community
5.0(4 reviews)
69 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
61
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality63
Social0
YouTube86
Engagement60
Podcast Overview
Around the Hearth features discussion on a wide range of topics relevant to tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) featuring members of the Open Hearth Gaming Community. We talk games, gameplay, design, and the games being played at the Open Hearth Gaming Calendar. Our online games are free and open to all! If you'd like to join the fun, visit openhearthgaming.com for more information.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
12/30/2023
Unlock The Full Podcast Authority Score Report
See how your podcast performs across key metrics
61
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality63
Social0
YouTube86
Engagement60
8
Excellent Areas
2
Good Performance
9
Growth Opportunities
excellent
Episode Length
46 minutes
Performing excellently!
good
Show Notes Quality
3.0/5
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
needs improvement
Publishing Consistency
Every 16 days
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
+16 More Metrics
Unlock comprehensive insights including:
- • YouTube presence analysis
- • Social media reach metrics
- • RSS compliance scoring
- • Podcast 2.0 features
- • Technical standards
What's Included in Your Full Report
Detailed Analytics
- Complete breakdown of all 19 authority metrics
- Personalized recommendations for each metric
- Industry benchmarks and comparisons
- Technical RSS feed analysis and compliance scoring
Growth Strategies
- Step-by-step action plans for improvement
- Quick wins to boost your score immediately
- Pro tips from successful podcasters
Get your free podcast insights report
See how your show performs across every key metric
Instant delivery
No spam
Attract Better Guests
High authority scores make your podcast more attractive to industry leaders and influencers who want to appear on credible shows.
Secure Sponsorships
Sponsors look for podcasts with proven authority and engagement. Your score demonstrates your podcast's value to potential partners.
Grow Your Audience
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps you make data-driven decisions to expand your listener base effectively.
1 verified contact email on file for Around the Hearth
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
May 28, 2026
Open Hearth Podcast Ep 18: Paint the Town Red, The Last Caravan, & Midnight of the Century
<p>In this episode of the Open Hearth Podcast, Lowell (edige23) talks with a couple of community members about their gaming. This time Dominick and Donogh discuss things they recently played, cover three RPGs in more depth (Paint the Town Red, The Last Caravan, & Midnight of the Century), Lowell waxes rhapsodic about a recent TPK, and then the group finishes up with some things they've been digging recently. </p><p><strong>Links:<br></strong><a href="https://dice.camp/@donogh">https://dice.camp/@donogh</a></p><p><a href="https://rpggeek.com/geeklist/370389/2026-rpgg-challenge-play-five-rpgs-you-have-never">https://rpggeek.com/geeklist/370389/2026-rpgg-challenge-play-five-rpgs-you-have-never</a></p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/DonoghMC/comments/">https://www.reddit.com/user/DonoghMC/comments/</a></p><p><a href="https://donogh.itch.io/">https://donogh.itch.io/</a> </p><p><br><strong>Help Rae Recover Links </strong></p><p>Support or donate at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/swordqueengames">https://patreon.com/swordqueengames</a> or <a href="https://ko-fi.com/matthewarcilla">https://ko-fi.com/matthewarcilla</a></p><p><strong>Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming Community</strong><br><a href="https://www.patreon.com/openhearthgaming">Support us on Patreon!</a><br><a href="https://aroundthehearth.openhearthgaming.com/">Our actual play podcast can be found here</a><br>Follow us on Tumblr: <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpg">https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpg</a><br>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpg">https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpg</a><br>Mastodon: @openhearthrpg@dice.camp </p><p><br>00:00 Introduction<br>01:13 Dominik & Paint the Town Red<br>12:29 Donogh & The Last Caravan<br>26:02 Lowell & Midnight of the Century<br>38:42 Giving Me Life</p>
May 21, 2026
Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History: Ep. 9 Aberrant
<p>Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History looks at Aberrant, part of a trilogy of games which defined a major pivot point in the history of White Wolf Publishing. We talk about the game's pitch, how it's predecessor Trinity "isn't" a supers game, and the general system mechanics for Aberrant. We then cover the publication history of the line-- a brief heyday followed by a rapid burnout-- followed by what we see as the important media influences for the vibe and themes of the setting. We finish up by giving our general thoughts about Aberrant, metaplot, and "wide-screen" supers action.</p><p>If you dig this series, please rate, review, and subscribe.</p><p>Jay's the author of <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/madjay/by-aecers-light">By Aecer’s Light</a>, <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/266187/The-Clockwinders-o-A-World-of-Adventure-for-Fate-Core">The Clockwinders for Fate</a>, <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/530352392/cortex-prime-a-multi-genre-modular-roleplaying-gam">Cortex Prime's Supers</a>, and a contributing author on <a href="https://paizo.com/products/btq026i4/discuss?Pathfinder-Lost-Omens-The-Mwangi-Expanse">Pathfinder’s Mwangi Expanse</a>, Trophy Gold, Hit the Streets: Defend the Block, and the upcoming <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/madjay/lifted-vol-1-indomitable-rpg">Lifted: Indomitable RPG</a>, a supers game about everyday folks with extraordinary powers in a tech-aggressive world.</p><p>Check out Mad Jay's work at <a href="https://playfearless.substack.com/">Play.Fearless</a> and at the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-diceology-podcast/id1466756365">Diceology Podcast</a>.</p><p>Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the <a href="https://www.ageofravensgames.com/">Age of Ravens blog</a> and community manager for the <a href="https://openhearthgaming.com/">Open Hearth Gaming Community.</a> </p><p>You can find Lowell's work on <a href="https://youtube.com/@lowellfrancis?si=TDEGePDnKqWJYfEF">YouTube</a>, on <a href="https://age-of-ravens-games.itch.io/">Itch.io</a>, and on DriveThruRPG.</p><p><strong>Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming Community</strong><br><a href="https://www.patreon.com/openhearthgaming">Support us on Patreon!</a><br><a href="https://aroundthehearth.openhearthgaming.com/">Our actual play podcast can be found here</a><br>Follow us on Tumblr: <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpg">https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpg</a><br>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpg">https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpg</a><br>Mastodon: @openhearthrpg@dice.camp</p><p>00:00 Intro<br>01:30 Pitch and Mechanics<br>10:40 Publication History<br>15:27 Media Influences<br>24:28 Thoughts</p>
May 7, 2026
Roll for Mutation: Post-Apocalyptic TTRPG History: Ep. 6 Mutant Year Zero
<p>In our sixth episode of Roll for Mutation, we talk about one of the greatest modern post-apocalyptic games: Mutant: Year Zero (and the rest of the Mutant line). We talk about mechanics, important since this engine ends up powered a ton of Free League games in various versions. We talk about the publication history, drawing heavily on Magnus Seter's masterful book Outside the Box, and the media spin offs and properties associated with the franchise. Finally we talk about our thoughts and impressions of this game and the line as whole.</p><p><strong>References</strong><br><a href="https://fandrake.com/produkt/outside-the-box-pdf/">Outside the Box: How Sweden Conquered the World of Role-Playing Games</a><br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxSGnHzgf1Y&list=PL3Gs6F6p2DrfDh0rRRx6a5XRs_jUKV07G">Marc's MYZ AP Playlist</a><br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUKV1MEOXoTWLpJVpjINXbBdMJJTBLl6V">Lowell MYZ AP Playlist</a><br><a href="https://www.ageofravensgames.com/blog/mutant-year-zero-36-mood-elements-for-the-zone">Mutant: Year Zero: 36 Mood Elements for the Zone</a><br><a href="https://www.ageofravensgames.com/blog/mutant-year-zero-36-plots-for-roles">Mutant: Year Zero: 36 Plots for Roles</a></p><p><strong>Help Rae Recover Links</strong></p><p>Support or donate at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/swordqueengames">https://patreon.com/swordqueengames</a> or <a href="https://ko-fi.com/matthewarcilla">https://ko-fi.com/matthewarcilla</a></p><p><br>For other shows like this, check out <a href="https://aroundthehearth.openhearthgaming.com/episodes/roll-for-origin-supers-ttrpg-history-ep-1-superhero-2044">Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History.</a> </p><p> Marc Majcher is an award-winning game designer, performer, educator, director, woodworker, writer, and all-around goblin-man recently relocated from Austin, Texas to East Lansing, Michigan. You can find their RPGs and LARPs inspired by the works of Philip K. Dick, a bird apocalypse, eldritch startup cults, viral videos, and much, much more at <a href="https://majcher.itch.io/">https://majcher.itch.io/ </a>and everything else at <a href="https://majcher.com/">https://majcher.com/</a>.</p><p> Lowell Francis is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the <a href="https://www.ageofravensgames.com/">Age of Ravens blog</a> and community manager for the <a href="https://openhearthgaming.com/">Open Hearth Gaming Community.</a> </p><p>You can find Lowell's work on <a href="https://youtube.com/@lowellfrancis?si=TDEGePDnKqWJYfEF">YouTube</a>, on <a href="https://age-of-ravens-games.itch.io/">Itch.io</a>, and on DriveThruRPG.</p><p><strong>Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming Community</strong><br><a href="https://www.patreon.com/openhearthgaming">Support us on Patreon!</a><br><a href="https://playingatthehearth.openhearthgaming.com/">Our actual play podcast can be found here</a><br>Follow us on Tumblr: <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpg">https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpg</a><br>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpg">https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpg</a><br>Mastodon: @openhearthrpg@dice.camp</p><p><strong>Music: </strong><a href="https://youtu.be/pz_rnfKG9M4?si=D7CvO0xgAhfS0VqT">Here Comes the Night</a> Karl Casey @White Bat Audio</p><p>Chapters<br>00:00 Introduction<br>01:01 Premise and Mechanics<br>10:46 Publication History<br>17:52 Media Context<br>23:57 Thoughts and Impressions</p>
69 total episodes available
Recent guests on Around the Hearth
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Gwen Marshall
Guest
Ethan Harvey
Guest
Lowell Francis
Guest
Marc Majcher
Guest
Amanda Mullins
Guest
Chrys Sellers
Guest
Rich Rogers
Guest
Jim Crocker
Guest
Similar Podcasts
Discover related shows you might enjoy
Yes Indie'd Pod
Thomas M
Dice Exploder
Sam Dunnewold
Rascal Radio Hour
Rascal News
TABLETOP TALK - Third Floor Wars
Craig Shipman
RTFM
RTFM
The Smiling Fox
The Smiling Fox
Between Two Cairns
Yochai Gal & Brad Kerr
Pop Culture Happy Hour
NPR
My Brother, My Brother And Me
The McElroys
The Ezra Klein Show
New York Times Opinion
Deep-dive analytics for Around the Hearth
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is Around the Hearth?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.