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/
Carlos (you know, the game dev?) Cabrera, the project manager of Renegade Game Studios’ Welcome To Night Vale RPG joins Ryan to talk about the development of the project, why Essence20 was the right system to bring the cult...
In episode 118 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Pat Marino, game developer and Director of Hobby Games for The Op about capturing the excitement of the Cuphead video game in a unique tabletop experience...
Ryan and Charles talk about how the new Transformers Roleplaying Game Transformers ONE Sourcebook can transform your Essence20 game. Listen Now! (mp3) Featuring Letter From Snake Eyes part 4, generously provided by Wordburglar. Check it and other amazing 80s-inspired out...
Welcome to Essential Builds, also known as How To Build Your Pop Culture Essence20 Player Characters. Inspired by the live action remake currently in theatres, and by Rob’s review of Warrenguard yesterday,I decided to build the most popular dragon...
Alex and James crack open the first Starfinder 2e hardcover, and the first Starfinder hardcover since Mechageddon, the Starfinder Galaxy Guide. Listen Now! (mp3)
In episode 117 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with game designer Simon Weinberg about his journey from reviewing terrible games to realizing just how tough it is to make good ones. He shares lessons from...
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...