Podcasts – Wargaming Recon

About Podcasts – Wargaming Recon

Longest-running tabletop wargaming podcast on the planet!

Publisher

Jonathan J. Reinhart

Category

society & culture · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Aug 2006

Latest episode

26 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

173 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Jan 2026

   So Long… – Wargaming Recon #320

   In this episode of Wargaming Recon, I reflect deeply on my journey as the host, sharing both personal milestones and pivotal life events that have influenced the creation and sustainability of this podcast. After a hiatus beginning in Fall 2025, I am back to engage with the community that has supported me through numerous challenges and joys. I take this moment to express my gratitude for Robert Dunn and Peter Bryant who stepped in during my absence, and their contributions have been invaluable to keeping the community alive. The focus of this episode is also on a significant family health crisis. In a heartfelt revelation, I share the news of my mother's battle with stage one, grade three uterine cancer. Her diagnosis was a shocking development, and I discuss how her surgical recovery has provided hope amidst the emotional turmoil. My family's experiences navigating this difficult time have instilled in me a profound appreciation for life, the power of resilience, and the incredible support from loved ones. Moreover, this episode marks a critical announcement: the coming year will be the final year for Wargaming Recon. After over two decades of episodes, I emphasize how integral this podcast has been to my identity and personal growth. It wasn’t merely a hobby; it has been a community and a family that has shaped who I am today. From grieving the loss of my dear friend Adrian to celebrating the bonds fostered through gaming, this platform has allowed me to connect deeply with both friends and listeners alike. Expressing a mix of nostalgia and anticipation, I advocate for acknowledging the emotions surrounding this transition—both for me and for the community. I want listeners to celebrate the journey we've shared together, as we reflect on past episodes and the impact they've had. I also highlight the positive initiatives we've undertaken, from charity work for Extra Life to advocating for mental health discussions. It’s been a platform for authenticity and vulnerability, helping many through their struggles while connecting folks from all walks of life. As I step back to prioritize my family and embrace new opportunities in gaming, including regular streaming on Twitch, I firmly state that while the podcast’s conclusion is bittersweet, our community and friendships do not end with it. The relationships built here will continue to thrive, and I look forward to exploring new adventures while remaining an active part of the tabletop gaming scene. Now as we embark on this final year, the focus will be on celebrating our collective journey, sharing stories, and engaging with special guests. I encourage everyone to join me in this reflective and joyous time, as we savor the moments of connection and growth we've all experienced together through this podcast. There are still many exciting episodes ahead, and I am eager to cherish this farewell chapter with all of you. You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following: Facebook Instagram Join our Patreon community and provide support to Wargaming Recon starting from just $1 per month, which is less than a paintbrush. Credits Our theme song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. The podcast logo was created by Peter Bryant. Audio editing was done by Jonathan J. Reinhart. Show notes for this episode were written by Jonathan J. Reinhart. This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license. Disclosure This post may contain affiliate links, and I may receive commissions or bonuses from your interactions with those links. Wargaming Recon pays tribute to Andrew, a cherished listener whose invaluable support inspired the show's name. Let us observe a collective moment of silence to honor Andrew's memory. We deeply mourn the loss of Adrian, a longstanding co-host of Wargaming Recon. Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember Adrian's contributions and the impact he had on the show.

2. 

   21 Jan 2026

   Mailbag Roundup – Wargaming Recon #319

   In this episode of Wargaming Recon, Peter Bryant takes the helm and is joined by Robert Dunn as a guest host to tackle listener-submitted questions from our Facebook page while our usual host, Jonathan, is on break. We engage in vibrant discussions sparked by questions from contributors like Brian Butler, debating the merits of different dice types, particularly the classic D6 compared to the D10. The conversation shifts to miniature painting tools, where we discuss the advantages of natural versus synthetic brushes, drawing from Robert’s experiences as he prepares for an upcoming skirmish game. We reminisce about fond early gaming memories and reflect on the dynamics of player interactions in tabletop settings. Additionally, we explore logistics for wargaming events and share tips for organizing and transporting miniatures effectively. As we conclude, we emphasize the communal spirit of our audience and invite ongoing input for future discussions, promising to continue exploring diverse topics in the gaming world. In this episode of Wargaming Recon, Peter Bryant step in as host alongside Robert Dunn as we navigate through listener-submitted questions gathered from our Facebook page. Jonathan, our usual host, has taken a break, and we make the most of this opportunity to engage with our audience by addressing their curiosities and thoughts about the gaming world. While the question pool isn’t vast, we decide to maximize the engagement by discussing each query thoroughly. Our first round of questions comes from frequent contributor Brian Butler, whose inquiries spark lively conversations. We dive deep into the debate of dice types, favoring D6s for their iconic status and versatility, followed by a friendly rivalry between the D6 and D10. Robert shares fond memories of rolling heaps of D6s in early games, asserting the classic familiarity they bring compared to more contemporary dice. We then shift to a more hands-on topic: brushes for miniature painting. With Robert’s love for wargaming and painting, we debate the merits of natural versus synthetic brushes. Through our banter, we touch upon personal experiences with painting miniatures, the differences in functionality of brush types, and the inevitable challenge of maintaining them during a creative session. As Robert prepares for an upcoming skirmish game called Moar Blood, he details the excitement of using specialized tools like dry brushes, indicating how they can streamline the painting process for repeated terrain features. Leading up to our next series of questions, Robert initiates discussions on various gaming themes and practices, segueing into a nostalgic reflection on his early gaming experiences. We reminisce about unforgettable moments, from crafting scenes for armies of miniature figures to the thrill of adventuring through beloved games like BattleTech and Car Wars. Here, Robert vividly recounts a particularly creative endeavor in his youth—transforming plastic army figures into a dramatic battle scene after a memorable shooting session. As we continue to engage with listeners’ inquiries, we explore varied topics such as player dynamics in tabletop settings, the shifts in gaming popularity over the years, and modern game mechanics that reflect evolving trends in the gaming community. Our discussions touch upon the joys and frustrations of waiting for turns in multi-player games amid interactions with less experienced players, illustrating the balance of patience and enthusiasm that characterizes the gaming culture. We also address intriguing questions regarding logistics and feasibility for wargaming events, including the most effective strategies for transporting materials and miniatures. Robert shares innovative approaches to packaging and organizing gaming gear, which enhances the experience of participating in conventions and gaming sessions. As we wrap up the episode, we look forward to expanding upon these discussions in future installments. With Jonathan's return on the horizon, we encourage listeners to continue submitting their questions and topics of interest. Throughout the episode, our dialogue serves as a reminder of the vibrant community that surrounds us, rooted in shared passions and experiences in the world of wargaming. Stay tuned as we plan to delve into more unique perspectives and insights in upcoming episodes, keeping the spirit of gaming alive and accessible to all. You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following: Facebook Instagram Join our Patreon community and provide support to Wargaming Recon starting from just $1 per month, which is less than a paintbrush. Credits Our theme song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. The podcast logo was created by Peter Bryant. Audio editing was done by Jonathan J. Reinhart. Show notes for this episode were written by Jonathan J. Reinhart. This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license. Disclosure This post may contain affiliate links, and I may receive commissions or bonuses from your interactions with those links. Wargaming Recon pays tribute to Andrew, a cherished listener whose invaluable support inspired the show's name. Let us observe a collective moment of silence to honor Andrew's memory. We deeply mourn the loss of Adrian, a longstanding co-host of Wargaming Recon. Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember Adrian's contributions and the impact he had on the show.

3. 

   29 Sept 2025

   Budget Gaming Makeover – Wargaming Recon #318

   In this episode Jonathan and Peter Bryant discuss a budget gaming makeover for Peter.  They also talk about the recent New England Tabletop Gaming Flea Market in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. The pair start talking about how Peter would spend $20 on a budget gaming makeover. Yes indeed a $20 budget. They then move onto the New England Tabletop Gaming Flea Market. This event was held on Saturday September 6th, 2025 at the GRACE Center in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. This event is probably the largest of its kind in New England.   Jonathan also held a charity fundraiser for the late Adrian Benson(Wargaming Recon Co-host.) This year we raised $320 for the American Battlefield Trust. The money was earmarked to preserve 417 acres of land at The Breakthrough from the Battle of Petersburg.  The charity has a funding match currently and the match jumped the donation up to $5,440.  It it a huge win and we are proud to help. If you would like to donate to the American Battlefield Trust you can find out more about them here. Another tribute item is for the late James Carpio of Solarian Games.  Dilly Green Bean Games has released the iNDiRPG Yearbook 2025 on DriveThruRPG. You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following: Facebook Instagram Join our Patreon community and provide support to Wargaming Recon starting from just $1 per month, which is less than a paintbrush. Credits Our theme song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. The podcast logo was created by Peter Bryant. Audio editing was done by Jonathan J. Reinhart. Show notes for this episode were written by Robert Dunn. This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license. Disclosure This post may contain affiliate links, and I may receive commissions or bonuses from your interactions with those links. Wargaming Recon pays tribute to Andrew, a cherished listener whose invaluable support inspired the show's name. Let us observe a collective moment of silence to honor Andrew's memory. We deeply mourn the loss of Adrian, a longstanding co-host of Wargaming Recon. Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember Adrian's contributions and the impact he had on the show.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.7 / 5

20 ratings

Spotify

3.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

59

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51