Every week, director of operations Ryan Costello shares his thoughts on the state of the network, recaps the Know Direction content of the past week, and previews the Know Direction content of the week to come.
I see myself as young beyond my years. My energy, how I spend my free time, and the topics I’m interested in discussing all skew younger than the other 42-year-olds in my life.
Or so I like to believe.
Life likes to remind me that I might be wrong. When I’m out of breath going up stairs. Or I’m asleep by 9pm and kind of excited about it. And when I can’t wait to tell friends about the really cool reusable grocery bag I got at Adonis.
Working with a bunch of 20-year-olds compounds this. Some of my generation gets caught up in the fact that these young coworkers were born in the 21st century, or that they’re closer in age to my daughters than to me. I can live with that. But when I made a Mr Burns reference and got a blank stare? Devastated. I reevaluated everything I assumed was common knowledge.
However, nothing bridges a generational gap like finding common ground. Seeing a bunch of coworkers gather together at a lunch table to roll up D&D characters for a one-shot, I immediately felt connected with them. It didn’t matter that they were playing 5e (yes, despite *gestures broadly*). They were about to enter a world of shared imagination, an experience that’s shaped me more than anything else in my life.
Later that lunch hour, I noticed a three-pack of dice sets at the Dollarama across the parking lot from my work. I grabbed a box.
Like back in high school, when I carried a set of dice on me at all times, I needed to be prepared in case an RPG session broke out. If my coworkers need me, I’m there for them. It’s nice that a hobby I’ve loved for 20 years helps me connect with 20-year-olds.
Now, let me tell you about the Cadillac of reusable grocery bags.
Network Update
I’ve talked about upcoming content a lot lately, usually in vague terms. I don’t mean to be a tease, and I also don’t want to come off like I’m stalling. Instead of using my editorial space to tell you that you should be excited but only imply vaguely why and with what, I’ve broken up Now You Know into another section. Going forward, I’ll use this space between the editorial and the recap of the last week’s content to signal boost any larger network news.
Today, I’m echoing a couple of content announcements.
First, yesterday, I shared Know Direction 248-B – New Host Round Robin to the Know Direction Patreon. I recorded a practice episode with the two new hosts of Know Direction. We won’t announce who they are until they record their first proper episode, but Patrons got a special sneak preview that reveals their identities.
Second, John announced today that his commitment plate runneth over. He’ll be taking a few weeks off from editing Intrepid Heroes to focus on some looming deadlines. Intrepid Heroes will return in a month or so.
We have other content in development, but nothing as concrete as the above two so I will refrain from talking about it. For now.
Speaking of content, here’s a recap of the Know Direction Network podcasts and articles that released last week:
Recap of January 16th to January 27th
What happened last week on knowdirectionpodcast.com and twitch.tv/knowdirection?
Monday, January 16th
Article
Now You Know – 2008 All Over Again
By Ryan Costello
I never thought I’d get nostalgic for the 4e Edition Wars, but here we are.
Wednesday, January 18th
Podcast
Presenting – Isabelle Thorne
Isabelle Thorne’s done a little of everything as a freelancer for Paizo. No, wait, that’s not true. She’s done a lot of everything as a freelancer for Paizo.
Thursday, January 5th
Article
Investing In: Trying 5E!
By Rob Pontious
At least now Rob can say he tried. Although this article is about 5e, it’s mostly pro-Pathfinder 2e. Still, I think it gives 5e its due, and stays unbiased in its approach.
Preview of January 23rd to 27th
Block 1 of our 2-block schedule.
Monday, January 23rd
Podcast
Intrepid Heroes Hiatus
John explains the upcoming absence of the Intrepid Heroes actual play podcast.
Article
Now You Know – Office (Adventuring) Parties
By Ryan Costello
If I’d just called this article Office Parties, would people get that I meant adventuring parties? Word play is hard.
Tuesday, January 24th
Podcast
Game Design Unboxed 55: Lost for Words
Speaking of wordplay, Danielle talks with debut designer Ami Baio about coo-designing Los For Words with her son.
Article
Eldritch Excursion
By Nate Wright
Nate Wright’s journal of flavour and mechanics.
Wednesday, January 25th
Article
Behind The Screens
By Ryan Costello
Veteran Game Master Ryan Costello talks with his fellow GMs on their side of the GM screen.
Thursday, January 26th
Podcast
Digital Divination 75
John and Jason look at how the new OGL could affect Starfinder. They’re not lawyers.
Friday, January 27th
Podcast
Upshift 011 – Essence20 Options For New Players
Jason and I take listener Paul Siddoway’s suggestion to cover the best Essence20 builds for new players.
Now you know,
Ryan Costello
