What started as one gamer wanting to talk about his love of a game grew into a podcast network. Ryan founded what would become the Know Direction Podcast network with Jason "Jay" Dubsky, his friend and fellow 3.5 enthusiast. They and their game group moved on to Pathfinder, and the Know Direction podcast network was born.
Now married and a father, Ryan continues to serve the network as the director of logistics and co-host of Upshift podcast, dedicated to the Essence20 RPG system he writes for and helped design.
You can find out more about Ryan and the history of the network in this episode of Presenting: http://knowdirectionpodcast.com/2021/01/presenting-ryan-costello/
That’s right, Now You Know is back! And that’s not all. For the past few months, I’ve quietly increased the network’s output in a few important areas. First of all, the Patreon. For the longest time, the only bonus content...
Ryan and Charles talk about the Essence20 panels and announcements at RenegadeCon 2025. Listen Now! (mp3) Featuring Letter From Snake Eyes part 4, generously provided by Wordburglar. Check it and other amazing 80s-inspired out at Wordburglar.com. Although the host...
It can’t be bargained with. It can’t be reasoned with. It doesn’t feel pity. Or remorse. Or fear. And it absolutely will not stop—ever—until you are dead. Assuming you are its target. Even if you aren’t, your odds of...
In episode 116 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with game designer Leonie Grundler about what inspired her nature-themed tableau builder, Biome. They discuss how inspiration can come from the worst places – like being laid...
Ryan already convinced Charles that the My Little Pony Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook is a great buy for any Essence20 players. Now he explains why MLP CRB Chapter 10: Conflicts is required reading for every Essence20 Game Master. Listen...
I’m bringing Luke Skywalker to Essence20, like his father before him. Welcome to Essential Builds, the blog that does or does not turn popular culture icons into Essence20 Player Characters, but does not try. In my Darth Vader build,...
In episode 115 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with game designer and co-founder of Lost Boy Entertainment, Cameron Ring, covering everything from the value of short form video and social media marketing in the tabletop...
The Essence20 roleplaying system turned 3 years old this year (technically). Ryan tells Charles about the wild early days of how the system came to be. Listen Now! (mp3) Featuring Letter From Snake Eyes part 4, generously provided by...
The Starfinder 2e drought is over, Alex and James have new content to cover! They share their thoughts on the mechanic and technomancer classes from the Tech Class Playtest. Listen Now! (mp3)
You think I can’t bring the Dark Lord of the Sith to Essence20? I find your lack of faith… disturbing. Welcome to Essential Builds, the blog that turns popular culture icons to the Essence20 side of the force. There...