S37E24 | Fundraising with Games, Game Session Music, & Players Intimidated by Roleplaying
Summary
In this episode, hosts Kimmy, Jason, and Pooja discuss fundraising strategies for Extra Life, emphasizing direct donation methods and diversifying donor requests to prevent burnout. They also explore the role of music in gaming, recommending instrumental playlists and ambient sounds like Guild of Ambience for mood-setting without distracting from roleplay. Finally, they answer a 2013 listener’s question on how to handle players who are intimidated by highly theatrical roleplayers, offering advice on managing table dynamics.
Topics discussed
Intro and show description
Question from Captain Kiwi on roleplay intimidation
Game Days, Discord, and pool party anecdotes
Sponsors: Carlos Makes Games and Through Power
Patreon thanks and weather complaints
Beards for Breasts and Movember fundraisers
Extra Life fundraiser planning and community help
Rainbow Railroads and 24-hour game-a-thons
Charity research and Rainbow Railroad background
Evaluating charity overhead and funding models
Fundraising platforms and charity restrictions
Tips for maximizing donor reach and engagement
Auction mechanics and handling donated funds
Donation platforms and incremental goal incentives
Producer crew and past fundraising logistics
Targeting specific communities for fundraising
Managing donor fatigue and audience segmentation
Email archives and Mighty Cause processing
Email organization habits and inbox zero
Unread email counts and notification management
Desk organization and pen collection
Show notes and AI-generated summaries
Disabling AI features in apps and browsers
Alternatives to AI and tech nerd disconnect
Music and gaming: personal preferences
Distraction from music during online games
Pre-made playlists for TTRPGs
Using music to set the mood for players
Psychic cues and theater-like transitions
AI music generation and comedy timing
Instrumentals, soundtracks, and video game scores
Hades music and Supergiant games
Transistor recommendation and permadeath modes
Music and writing: personal incompatibility
ADHD focus and heavy beat playlists
Ambient sounds and Guild of Ambience
Lo-fi music and booktuber recommendations
Ambient sounds for background focus
Sharing playlists with remote players
Bandwidth concerns and personal listening
Tactile elements and special puzzle setups
Gilda Van Bielts and educational content
Stress levels and learning efficiency
Joyous Car Lifters and Happy Jacks etymology
Car enthusiast differences between hosts
Reader letter: breaking the island and forgiveness
Reader letter: addiction to Happy Jacks backlog
Reader letter: running out of content and marriage
Reader letter: Savage Worlds and Firefly games
New group dynamics and veteran players
Clarifying 'Ruffer' and roleplay styles
Coaxing an intimidated player into roleplay
Third-person roleplay and describing actions
Physical limitations vs. character abilities
GM praise and bypassing game mechanics
Comfort levels and vulnerability in new groups
Pressure of performing for unfamiliar audiences
Teacher-like prompting and player resistance
Respecting player boundaries in roleplay
Table expectations and disconnects
Roleplaying supernatural traits and charm
Grace for not knowing what to say
Professionalism and non-profit status
Cold calling and wrapping up the letter
Backlog size and season progression
One-shot feed and indie designer previews
Kickstarter notification and Patreon thanks
Game development updates and layout art
Child's memory and fall festival plans
Pumpkin growing failures and festival schedule
Child's long-term memory and navigation
Closing remarks and season 37 finale
Host introductions and game design streams
Outlaws game and Trigun comparisons
Voting rights and registration reminders
Outro and credits
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