Wizards of Eem cover art

Wizards of Eem

Wizards of Eem

By: James Parks Ben Costa
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About this listen

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.

© 2025 Ben Costa and James Parks
Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • Factions: The #1 Trick to Raising Stakes in Your TTRPG | Wizards of Eem Podcast EP014
    Oct 10 2025

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    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’re the ultimate tool for raising the stakes in your TTRPG.

    Factions aren’t just background flavor—they’re story engines. By introducing groups with clear goals, allies, and enemies, you can instantly transform your campaign into a world teeming with drama and consequence. We’ll break down how factions deepen worldbuilding, raise tension, and create unforgettable roleplay moments as players navigate shifting loyalties, rivalries, and alliances.

    From friends who provide resources and quests, to foes who raise the tension every session, to intriguing neutral parties with hidden agendas, factions keep the story alive both on and off the table. We’ll share tips on how to build meaningful factions, tie them to character backstories, and let them evolve in ways that reshape the world. Plus, we’ll look at fun examples from Land of Eem, as well as general TTRPGs like noble houses, rebel armies, and secret cults.

    Whether you’re a GM seeking to engage your players or a storyteller looking for fresh inspiration, this episode will give you everything you need to make your campaign world feel alive.

    👉 Want to learn more about the whimsical fantasy RPG Land of Eem? Visit www.landofeem.com
    for the free Quickstart Guide, or grab the full game at Exalted Funeral and at Friendly Local Game Stores everywhere. Created by Ben Costa and James Parks, Land of Eem is a lighthearted, family-friendly TTRPG full of adventure and heart.

    If you love the show, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the Wizards of Eem Podcast!

    Rollin' Down the Road is featured in the Rickety Stitch Book 2: The Middle-Route Run by Ben Costa and James Parks.

    The lyrics were written by Ben Costa and James Parks, and the song was written by musician Evin Wolverton.

    Thank you for listening to the Wizards of Eem Podcast!

    Support the show

    Visit us at: https://landofeem.com

    Support Us
    Free Land of Eem Quickstart Guide: https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/
    Land of Eem RPG: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem
    Dungeoneer Adventures: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM
    Rickety Stitch Comics: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection
    Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch
    Join Our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK
    Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • How to Be A Great Player at the RPG Table | Wizards of Eem Podcast EP013
    Sep 5 2025

    Send us a text

    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 make every session more fun, not just for you, but for your whole group.

    We break down the essentials of player ownership, speaking in character, and finding joy in both success and failure. You’ll hear tips for shy players, stories of unexpected roleplay twists (like stealing a trombone that turned into a subplot!), and advice on how to explore the whimsical world of Land of Eem with curiosity and creativity.

    Collaboration is at the heart of great roleplaying, so we’ll also talk about sharing the spotlight, building on each other’s ideas with the “Yes, and…” principle, and supporting your fellow adventurers. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or brand new to the hobby, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you shine as a player in any tabletop RPG.

    🌟 Land of Eem RPG is available now from Exalted Funeral, carried by many friendly local game stores, and online retailers everywhere. You can also download the free Quickstart Guide at www.landofeem.com.

    Created by Ben Costa and James Parks (Rickety Stitch, Dungeoneer Adventures), Land of Eem is a lighthearted, family-friendly fantasy RPG full of hope, humor, and memorable storytelling. And now—it’s an ENNIE Award–winning game!

    👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share if you love tabletop RPG podcasts and actual play content. Drop a comment below: What’s one thing you do to be a good player at your table?

    Rollin' Down the Road is featured in the Rickety Stitch Book 2: The Middle-Route Run by Ben Costa and James Parks.

    The lyrics were written by Ben Costa and James Parks, and the song was written by musician Evin Wolverton.

    Thank you for listening to the Wizards of Eem Podcast!

    Support the show

    Visit us at: https://landofeem.com

    Support Us
    Free Land of Eem Quickstart Guide: https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/
    Land of Eem RPG: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem
    Dungeoneer Adventures: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM
    Rickety Stitch Comics: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection
    Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch
    Join Our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK
    Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Random Encounters: The Secret to Effortless GMing | Wizards of Eem EP012
    Jul 11 2025

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    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 sessions, making your world feel alive and unpredictable.

    In this episode, Ben Costa and James Parks break down why they rely on random encounters in Land of Eem, how they eliminate prep time for live games, and how they help GMs keep the adventure moving even when players take unexpected turns.

    Rollin' Down the Road is featured in the Rickety Stitch Book 2: The Middle-Route Run by Ben Costa and James Parks.

    The lyrics were written by Ben Costa and James Parks, and the song was written by musician Evin Wolverton.

    Thank you for listening to the Wizards of Eem Podcast!

    Support the show

    Visit us at: https://landofeem.com

    Support Us
    Free Land of Eem Quickstart Guide: https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/
    Land of Eem RPG: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem
    Dungeoneer Adventures: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM
    Rickety Stitch Comics: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection
    Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch
    Join Our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK
    Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
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