Judith Siers-Poisson and Rob Ferrett talk with a guest about the lessons he learned about living…from dying. They’ll also talk about civil rights in Wisconsin, and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the creation of Dungeons and Dragons, which was invented right here in Wisconsin.
Featured in this Show
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Dungeons & Dragons: 40 Years Of A Wisconsin Invention
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the creation of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the world-famous, role-playing game created in Lake Geneva, Wis., by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.
For much of the game’s history, it has been marginalized as “nerdy” or “geeky.” According to writer Ethan Gilsdorf, the game is different than its reputation.
“One of the misconceptions is that it is a game where people dress up in costume,” he said.
Far from a form of withdrawal or escape from reality, though, Gilsdorf said, “I feel like D&D taught me how to deal with the real world.”
It is a game where friends gather in person to solve problems and challenges outlined by a “Dungeon Master.”
Today, illustrator John Kovalic said he thinks the game is “mainstream.”
“All of the kids who started playing D&D in the ’70s and ’80s, many of them now own companies, and many of them (are) in Silicon Valley,” Kovalic said.
While he admits “there may be some snickering on occasion,” Kovalic said the success of “The Lord of the Rings” films is proof that the once niche world of fantasy has been embraced by the masses.
Kovalic said he believes the popularity of games has increased over the years.
“I think there’s been a bit of a renaissance,” he said. “There is a renewed passion for gaming, and role-playing games are right up there.”
The influence of D&D on his own work “has been huge,” he said.
In Wisconsin, some feel that the state should do something to commemorate one of the creators of D&D. Kovalic agrees with the idea.
“So many people owe these guys such a debt of gratitude. There absolutely should be a (Gary) Gygax memorial without a doubt,” he said.
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Lessons From Dying
A death row lawyer shares lessons he’s learned in his personal life about death.
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The Next Steps On Addressing Disparities In Wisconsin
It is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A Dane County reverend discusses what steps can be taken in Wisconsin to decrease disparities and discrimination in the state.
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The Influence And Wisconsin Origins Of Dungeons and Dragons
The role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons had a world-wide impact on popular culture, computer games, and beyond. A fan of the game explains its impact, appeal, and Wisconsin origins.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Judith Siers-Poisson Host
- Galen Druke Producer
- Ethan Gilsdorf Guest
- John Kovalic Guest
- David Dow Guest
- Alex Gee Guest
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
