Wizards of Eem
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.
Episodes
18 episodes
Share the Story: Why Giving Up GM Control Makes Better Games | Wizards of Eem EP018
Have you ever felt like being the GM is just… overwhelming? All the prep, the improv, the pressure to be a perfect storyteller? In this episode of the Wizards of Eem Podcast, creators Ben Costa and James Parks tackle sharing narrative authority...
Session Zero: Setting the Stage for Adventure | Wizards of Eem EP017
Before your first Land of Eem adventure begins, there’s one step that can make your tabletop RPG campaign smoother, more collaborative, and more fun: Session Zero. In this episode of the Wizards of Eem podcast, we explore h...
How to Market Your TTRPG: Tips for Indie Game Creators | Wizards of Eem Podcast EP016
You made the game. That wild, wonderful TTRPG idea is real now—but how do you get people to notice it? On today’s Wizards of Eem Podcast, we dive into practical, approachable marketing advice to help indie creators take their ta...
Inspirations Behind Land of Eem: Our Appendix N | Wizards of Eem EP015
What inspired the whimsical yet epic world of Land of Eem? In this episode of the Wizards of Eem Podcast, creators Ben Costa and James Parks pull back the curtain on the books, movies, comics, and shows that shaped the hear...
Factions: The #1 Trick to Raising Stakes in Your TTRPG | Wizards of Eem Podcast EP014
Have you ever wondered why some tabletop RPG campaigns feel vibrant, dramatic, and full of intrigue—while others fall flat? In this episode of the Wizards of Eem Podcast, we’re diving deep into the power of factions and why they’r...
How to Be A Great Player at the RPG Table | Wizards of Eem Podcast EP013
What makes a good player at the table? In this episode of the Wizards of Eem podcast, we dive into what it means to bring your best self to a game of Land of Eem—and really, any TTRPG. From bold roleplay to embracing failure, we explore how to ...
Random Encounters: The Secret to Effortless GMing | Wizards of Eem EP012
Random encounters aren’t just filler—they add depth, immersion, and flexibility to your tabletop roleplaying games! Whether you're running a sandbox campaign or following a published adventure, random encounters provide the juice for entire ses...
The Case for Imbalanced Combat | Wizards of Eem EP011
Wizards of Eem EP011 – The Case for Imbalanced CombatAre you a GM tired of building "perfectly balanced" encounters? In this episode, we explore why Land of Eem embraces unfair fights—and how imbalance leads to better stories....
The Easiest Way to Run TTRPGs for Kids | Wizards of Eem EP010
Are you a parent or educator looking to introduce tabletop roleplaying games to kids? TTRPGs aren’t just fun—they build social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities while keeping kids off screens!As new dads, Ben Costa and J...
We Failed Every Roll…and it was GLORIOUS | Wizards of Eem EP009
We Failed Every Roll... and It Was GLORIOUS | Wizards of Eem EP009 June 20, 2025 | Actual Play Tips & GM AdviceIn this episode of the Wizards of Eem podcast, we explore one of the most powerful storytelling...
Unleash Dynamic Monsters: How to Make Engaging Creatures | Wizards of Eem EP008
Unleash Dynamic Monsters: How to Make Engaging Creatures for TTRPGs In this episode of Wizards of Eem, we explore how to create truly memorable monster encounters in your tabletop RPG sessions. Monsters shouldn't just be bag...
Why Adventures Fall Flat (And How to Fix Them) | Wizards of Eem EP007
Struggling to Hook Your Players? 4 Keys to Better RPG Adventures | Wizards of Eem PodcastDo your RPG sessions fall flat? Are players ignoring your carefully planned quests? In this episode of Wizards of Eem, we reveal the...
Your NPCs Are Boring! Here’s How to Fix Them! | Wizards of Eem EP006
How to Create Unforgettable NPCs for Your Tabletop RPG | Wizards of Eem PodcastWant to make NPCs that your players will actually care about? In this episode of Wizards of Eem, we uncover the secret to creating memorabl...
The Lord of the Rings meets The Muppets?! Why Tone Matters in TTRPGs! | Wizards of Eem EP005
How does tone affect your tabletop RPG sessions? In this episode of Wizards of Eem, we explore how shifting adventure tone—Hijinks, Derring-Do, and Doom & Gloom—can transform your game. Whether you're running a lighthearted ...
Why TTRG Sandbox Campaigns Are Fantastic | Wizards of Eem EP004
Are TTRGP sandbox campaigns really the worst? Psh. No, they're fantastic. Today, we’re breaking down why they are actually one of the best ways to play and run TTRPGs as a GM.Some believe that open-world campaigns are outd...
How to Get Published: Insider Tips for Aspiring Authors | Wizards of Eem EP003
In this episode, we share our journey to getting published and break down the key steps for aspiring authors. Learn how to network with industry professionals, acquire an agent, craft a compelling pitch, and why having complete work is essentia...
The Secret to Making a Graphic Novel | Wizards of Eem EP002
How do you make a 657-page graphic novel series? In this episode, we, Ben Costa and James Parks, take you through every stage of the creative process behind Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo. From outlining and scripting to thumbna...
How Two Friends Built a Fantasy World (Plus 6 World Building Tips) | Wizards of Eem EP001
Join hosts Ben Costa and James Parks—lifelong friends and the creative duo behind Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo, Dungeoneer Adventures, and the Land of Eem tabletop RPG—as they dive into their imaginative worl...