TTRPG Community Interview with Jason from 25 North
Hey there and welcome to another TTRPG Community interview! These are low key, prewritten interviews which are available to fill out on this page. If you are a part of the TTRPG space in almost any way at all, there should be something for you!
Please introduce yourself and your stream or podcast!
I'm Jason, the GM for the 25 North podcast. We are a PF2e podcast spotlighting the good work the 3PP community are doing for the PF2e system. We are a group of BIMPOC, LGBTQ+ friendly folks who are recording their silly little adventure.
I'm a multi-racial man diagnosed with bipolar disorder and am making it a point to highlight the diversity and how TTRPGs can be used as a tool for dealing with trauma and coping through mental health issues.
If you run an AP, let us know about the setting of the game and your players (with their consent - feel free to add social media so folks can find and follow them).
We are playing the Jewel of the Indigo Isles adventure by the 3PP Battlezoo. Our party is a group of five PCs:
Practa - a female half-elf witch
Syl - a non-binary fetchling rogue
Rodin - a male gnoll monk
Wohn - a male "human" gunslinger
Vallmo - a female cleric (ancestry unknown)
How did you get started with your stream or podcast? What motivated you to begin?
As a man with bipolar disorder, I needed a creative outlet for me to express my energy. TTRPGs has been a part of me since I was 15 (I'm 40 now), and I have been a big fan of AP podcasts for a while. I decided to try my hand at it, while also wanting to focus on marginalized folks.
How far in advance do you plan your streams/episodes? Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspirations are the Muppets, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Guillermo del Toro films.
Tell us about a funny or embarrassing incident that happened while live or recording?
Losing my voice while playing an NPC. I didn't expect my players to want to have an entire conversation with this particular one and gave him a super gravely voice.
What's something new that you've learned about yourself since beginning your journey with streaming/creating a podcast?
That shooting my shot can lead to big opportunities. I was planning to run a standard Paizo adventure, but a friend of mine suggested I email the folks at Battlezoo just to ask for early access to their adventure... and they agreed!
What motivates you to continue streaming/creating your podcast?
Mental health improvements and listener feedback.
What are your favourite TTRPG systems?
PF2e, Monster of the Week, and Vampire the Masquerade.
Do you think any particular system is more suitable for streamed/audio play as opposed to live games? Why do you think this?
No. I think with a good GM and a good set-up, anything could work. Some systems just need more work than others.
Are you a part of the LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC, AAPI, Disabled or any other marginalised community?
Yes. Myself and members of my cast.
If yes, is this reflected in the content you create? How important do you think it is for folks of all identities to feel recognised within the streams they watch and podcasts they listen to?
Yes it is. And it is incredibly important for us. As a multi-racial man, seeing myself represented, and hopefully having a listener see themselves represented is a goal of ours.
Of all of the streams or episodes you've created, which one was your personal favourite?
Ep 19 and 20 are some of my personal favorites because the players really flex their roleplaying muscles.
Tell us about your process when setting up for a stream or recording session. Do you have any tips or tricks for other creators in the same space as you?
Scheduling, like in all TTRPGs, is the big bugaboo when it comes to our show. We have a cook and a meteorologist as players so their schedules are dependant on other factors and variables for consistency. But when we do sit down to record, we use Zencastr, which has built in post-production for audio leveling/normalization. Then I use Logic Pro to edit the audio and add in music and sound effects.
Shout out a fellow creator! Who in the TTRPG community inspires you? Why do you admire them/their work?
The STF Network shows! Love their work, their dedication to roleplaying, and the quality of their content.
What's the next project people will see from you?
After we finish Jewel of the Indigo Isles, we are planning to play the Sky King's Tomb adventure by Paizo, but all playing 3PP ancestries. So an all "monster" party in a dwarf-centric adventure will be wild!
What's your favourite book, TV show, or film?
I love all things Guillermo del Toro!!!
Tell us a fact about yourself that others might struggle to believe.
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 38.
What is the strangest food combination you enjoy?
Mayonnaise mixed into spaghetti.
Where should folks go to find out more about you, and/or check out your content?
https://twitter.com/25NorthPodcast
Disclaimer: The information and answers contained in the interview posted above represents the views and opinions of the interviewee only and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of myself (gothHoblin). The appearance of an interview on this website does not constitute an endorsement of the interviewee or their statements.
