Ryan, Jack, and Bert dig into the details of the 2025 Monster Manual.  It's great... if you listen to the pop gaming media.  We have other opinions.  After slogging through the news, the gang each throw out the name of their personal "favorite" TTRPG monster book.
 
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The News:
You leveled up twice doing what?
An classic board game "updated for modern audiences"
"The new books" in TTRPG-land to watch out for in 2025... not.
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A prominent and previously politically benign designer gets political and then blasted for talking down to you about "Anticolonialism" in your TTRPG game.  The guys have some very pointed opinions, as expected.  The news delves into more DnD "lifestyle brand" announcements.  After the gang survives another week of news, they share a list of the "best" nerdy vacation and holiday spots.  Of course, this list of the best... well, it isn't.
 
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The News:
Dungeons and Dragons Pinball
...and D&D Slot Machines
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Nerdcognito LIVE!
This special dual-broadcast episode kicks off with the gang talking about what makes the "quintessential DnD party."  What group of characters is almost a must-have for a TTRPG campaign of adventure?  The news highlights a pondering that makes people scratch their heads, likely because of the source.  After the news, what media -- across all mediums -- should NEVER be "remade, re-envisioned, or reimagined?"
 
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The News:
Mike Mearls dishes 5e design flaw
Dairy Queen's new old Blizzard
WotC and mainstream media spin
"It came from Reddit..."
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It's Christmastime and the gang is talking all aspects of the holiday!  Hear what each of the guys would love to see under their tree and what they have planned for the season!  Plus, all the news you could want (or not want)!  Siobhan also invades a news segment with some "fan" insight to a story that carried over from the Speakeasy -- "Dungeons and Drag Queens."  Top off your eggnog and strap in for a fun Christmas chat; dragons optional.
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The News:
More Pop Gaming Media "Best Builds"
Drag Queens Leveraging the Hobby
CD Projekt Red Dev Trashes Fans
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Fan Fiction has always existed, but now, the lines between fanfic and canon are blurred.  The barrier for entry of user created schlock into canon has all but been removed.  Is this a good or a bad thing?  How does this effect the hobby and your table?  After the news, RD, Bert, and Kyle discuss holiday games at the TTRPG table.  What role do these play and why do they exist?
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The News:
RuneQuest Video Game Coming Up!
"Best" Holiday Board Games
Pamela Anderson's Reboots
A Reading from Ryan's "Favorite" Source
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RD has no voice and the gang pick up the slack!  Drizzt Do'Urden is too "problematic" for Wizards of the Coast to produce in a TV show.. or possibly any "old Drizzt" materials according to the pop gaming media and your average SparkleTroll.  The news features a story that makes RD vow to revisit it on the next Speakeasy.  Lastly, the guys rattle off movies that are better Dungeons and Dragons movies than the existing DnD films.
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The News:
DnD Christmas: Bah, Humbug!
Asmodee Restructuring and Buying Studios
EVERYONE WANTS This Game!
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With the TTRPG scene buzzing about Elon Musk potentially buying Hasbro and/or Wizards of the Coast, the guys weigh in with pros... AND cons of a possible Musk takeover.  You might be surprised about who has apprehension!  Then, after the news, the gang talks about a push in gaming to intentionally produce games as a mental health tool!  But wait, it's worse!  ...a mental health therapeutic designed for children.  
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The News:
New tech "changing" the way you play DnD?
9-year-old RD wants THAT
Revisiting the wallpaper copyright case
Alien: Earth details are unsettling
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You do not need to check your glasses or rub your eyes... Ryan has invited BDubs of the #BrOSR to pop in to the big show.  Never shying away from a conversation with anyone, this special episode does not disappoint!  With the noticeable shift in power, poise, and presentation, RD had to find out the "State of the BroSR."  BDubs does not disappoint talking about general bro theory, Brozer, and the perceived shift in power in this niche of our niche.  Of course, "Where's Jeffro?" comes up and the guys find some common ground and diverging philosophy with the new number one in the BrOSR.