Wizards of Eem is a podcast hosted by Ben Costa and James Parks, lifelong friends and the creative duo behind the graphic novel series Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo (Knopf / Random House), the middle-grade series Dungeoneer Adventures (Aladdin / Simon and Schuster), and the tabletop roleplaying game Land of Eem (Exalted Funeral).
Join Ben Costa and James Parks as they dive into the art of storytelling, tabletop game design, and the creative industries they love. This podcast offers a blend of behind-the-scenes insights, practical advice, and candid discussions designed to inspire TTRPG enthusiasts, aspiring authors, illustrators, and creators of all kinds. With their signature mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and actionable tips, this podcast is your gateway to mastering creative storytelling and game design
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Discover how Ben and James bring their creations to life, from crafting immersive worlds to designing games. Learn about the origins of Land of Eem, Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo, and Dungeoneer Adventures, and get exclusive peeks into their creative process.
Creative Philosophy
Explore their unique approach to storytelling, worldbuilding, and collaboration. From creating relatable characters to balancing humor and adventure, Ben and James reveal the secrets behind their fantasy worlds and game design philosophy.
Game Design Hot Takes
Dive into the mechanics of tabletop RPGs with Ben and James as they share their thoughts on sandbox design, random encounters, memorable NPCs, and crafting unique tones and adventures in the Land of Eem RPG.
Practical Advice
Gain valuable tips on breaking into the creative industries, including how to pitch projects, stay inspired, and refine your craft. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, illustrator, or game designer, this podcast provides tools and inspiration for turning ideas into reality.
Fun and Whimsy
Enjoy the lighthearted chemistry of two lifelong friends as they reflect on their shared love of fantasy, RPG campaigns, and storytelling. With anecdotes and banter, Ben and James invite you into their whimsical world of creativity.
James Parks is an author living in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has been friends with his co-author, Ben Costa, since the second grade. In addition to Dungeoneer Adventures, the two are the creators of the graphic novel series Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo (for which Ben is also the artist), as well as the tabletop roleplaying game Land of Eem.