Using Dungeons & Dragons to Build Community with my guests Jason & Annmarie of The Tabletop Society

Rolling for Justice: Dungeons & Dragons in the DC Comics Universe

What happens when Dungeons & Dragons collides with the DC Comics Universe? In this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek, we dive into a truly unique tabletop experience with Paul Calderazzo, Game Master and creator of the DC-based D&D campaign Vermin and Valor, and co-host Tracy DiMuzio. Their group has built a rich, ongoing narrative set inside the DC Universe—featuring legacy heroes, deep lore, and original storytelling that blends comic book mythology with tabletop role-playing. We explore how the campaign was created, what it means to play D&D in an established IP like DC Comics, the challenges and freedoms of working with legacy characters, and how community plays a role through their Discord server Vermin and Valor. Whether you’re a longtime Dungeon Master, a comic book fan, or someone curious about pushing the boundaries of tabletop storytelling, this episode is packed with inspiration. 🦇⚔️ Roll initiative—this is D&D like you’ve never heard it before. TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@sywtbag?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc [https://www.tiktok.com/@sywtbag?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sywtbag/?locale=us&hl=am-et [https://www.instagram.com/sywtbag/?locale=us&hl=am-et] Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-you-want-to-be-a-geek/id1758179991 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-you-want-to-be-a-geek/id1758179991] Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5uEnbJaVsaoeezUwj7oEoB?si=fc2b17d719fb4eb2 [https://open.spotify.com/show/5uEnbJaVsaoeezUwj7oEoB?si=fc2b17d719fb4eb2] TeePublic:  http://tee.pub/lic/SYWTBAG [http://tee.pub/lic/SYWTBAG] #DungeonsAndDragons #DnD #DCComics #TabletopRPG #ActualPlay #SoYouWantToBeAGeek #SYWTBAG #VerminAndValor * Dungeons and Dragons podcast * D&D actual play inspiration * DC Comics Dungeons and Dragons * Tabletop RPG storytelling * Legacy characters in D&D * DC Universe tabletop RPG * Game Master worldbuilding * Homebrew D&D campaigns * Comic book RPG crossover * Geek culture podcast * So You Want To Be A Geek * Vermin and Valor * Discord tabletop communities * Roleplaying games podcast

What It Really Takes to Run a Legal Cannabis Dispensary

What does it really take to run a legal cannabis dispensary in New Jersey? In this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek, I sit down with a former student of mine to talk about their family-owned cannabis business, Bud City in Newton, NJ. We dive deep into the cannabis industry—covering laws, regulations, challenges, misconceptions, and what it’s actually like running a dispensary in one of the most highly regulated markets in the country. This episode isn’t just about cannabis—it’s about entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, navigating new industries, and building something meaningful from the ground up. Along the way, I also document my drive from Long Island to Newton, NJ, using b-roll footage to reflect on podcasting, content creation, and what it means to reconnect with former students as professionals. **This episode is intended for entertainment and conversational purposes only. So You Want To Be A Geek does not provide professional, legal, medical, or business advice. All discussions are based on personal experiences and opinions and are meant to explore fandom, creativity, and geek culture.** 🎧 Topics we cover include: • The history of legal cannabis in New Jersey • Cannabis laws, regulations, and compliance • Running a family-owned dispensary • Benefits and challenges of the cannabis industry • Breaking stigma around cannabis • Entrepreneurship and career paths • Podcasting and storytelling on the road 📍 Bud City – Newton, NJ 🎙 So You Want To Be A Geek 👉 Subscribe for conversations about creativity, careers, passion projects, and unconventional paths. #SoYouWantToBeAGeek #CannabisIndustry #NewJerseyCannabis #LegalCannabis #DispensaryLife #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #PodcastLife #CreativeCareers #FormerStudent #WeedBusiness #NJWeed #SmallBusiness #ContentCreation #RoadTripPodcast #SYWTBAG  #SoYouWantToBeAGeek #Podcast #NewEpiosde TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@sywtbag?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sywtbag/?locale=us&hl=am-et Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-you-want-to-be-a-geek/id1758179991 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5uEnbJaVsaoeezUwj7oEoB?si=fc2b17d719fb4eb2 TeePublic:  http://tee.pub/lic/SYWTBAG https://www.riverside.fm/?via=michael-cannetti https://www.riverside.fm/?via=sywtbag https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCUq40V5XzKruaVRLYG_TXEA/collaboration/UC5TaNcX92FPxaSw1bgBB7RQ

Using Dungeons & Dragons to Build Community with my guests Jason & Annmarie of The Tabletop Society

In this episode, host Michael Cannetti talks with Jason and AnnMarie, founders of The Tabletop Society, a Dungeons & Dragons organization dedicated to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for players of all backgrounds—especially neurodivergent individuals. Jason, an experienced Dungeon Master from Long Island, and Annmarie, a lifelong storyteller, explain how their love of tabletop gaming grew into a nationwide community. Tabletop Society runs campaigns through Discord, connecting players from across the country in collaborative storytelling experiences that build confidence, social skills, and lasting friendships. Together we discuss: * Why Dungeons & Dragons is uniquely powerful for neurodivergent players * Jason’s approach to DMing and creating supportive tables * How online campaigns build real-world connection * How their children got involved in the hobby * The mission and future of Tabletop Society If you love tabletop RPGs, community building, or stories about how geek culture enriches lives, this episode is a critical hit. In this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek, we sit down with Jason and AnnMarie, the founders of The Tabletop Society, a Dungeons & Dragons community dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering gaming experiences—especially for neurodivergent individuals. Jason, a seasoned Dungeon Master, and Annmarie, a passionate organizer and storyteller, share how their Long Island–based group grew from a local table into a nationwide D&D community operating through Discord. Their campaigns bring together players from all over the country, offering creativity, structure, teamwork, and social connection through the magic of D&D. We dive into: How Dungeons & Dragons supports neurodivergent players Why collaborative storytelling is such a powerful tool How Tabletop Society uses Discord to run campaigns across the U.S. Jason’s journey as a Dungeon Master and how he brings new players—including kids—into the world of tabletop RPGs How families are using D&D to bond (yes, their kids play too!) The mission behind Tabletop Society and where the community is headed Whether you’re a veteran adventurer, completely new to D&D, or interested in how tabletop games can enrich lives, this is an episode you'll want to roll initiative for. DMs Building Community! D&D Changing Lives! 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more geek culture deep dives! 👉 Share this episode with your party! #DungeonsAndDragons #DnDCommunity #Neurodiversity #TabletopRPG #SoYouWantToBeAGeek #TabletopSociety #DungeonMaster #DnD5e #DiscordCommunity #LongIslandCreators #TTRPG #InclusiveGaming #GeekCulture #RoleplayingGames #ActualPlay #strangerthings  https://thetabletopsociety.com/ Dive into the geeky world of Geekiness with us on this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek. TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@sywtbag?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sywtbag/?locale=us&hl=am-et Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-you-want-to-be-a-geek/id1758179991 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5uEnbJaVsaoeezUwj7oEoB?si=fc2b17d719fb4eb2 TeePublic:  http://tee.pub/lic/SYWTBAG https://www.riverside.fm/?via=michael-cannetti https://www.riverside.fm/?via=sywtbag

Godzilla, Kaiju, and Monster Cinema Explained | So You Want To Be A Geek

In this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek, we dive deep into the world of GODZILLA and the legendary Kaiju genre — from the original 1954 Gojira to modern masterpieces like Shin Godzilla and Godzilla Minus One. We break down: Why Godzilla became a global icon The origins of kaiju mythology How monster cinema evolved over 70 years Practical effects vs CGI Why fandom around kaiju is stronger than ever The impact of Toho Studios, Legendary Pictures, and the MonsterVerse What makes giant monsters so compelling to creators and fans Whether you're a lifelong Godzilla fan, a newcomer to kaiju culture, or a creator who loves special effects, film history, or Japanese cinema — this episode is PACKED with geeky goodness. Hosted by Michael Cannetti So You Want To Be A Geek — where passion meets fandom. What You’ll Learn: The philosophy behind Godzilla as an anti-war metaphor The evolution of suitmation and special effects How kaiju shaped anime, comics, and gaming Godzilla vs Kong and the modern MonsterVerse Why fans connect emotionally with giant monsters #Godzilla #Kaiju #MonsterVerse #Gojira #ShinGodzilla #GodzillaMinusOne #Toho #GiantMonsters #MonsterMovies #SYWTBAG #SoYouWantToBeAGeek #FilmHistory #geekculture #JapaneseCinema #SciFiMovies #CreatureFeatures #PopCulturePodcast #SYWTBAG #soyouwanttobeageek #podcast  Dive into the geeky world of Podcasting with us on this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek. TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@sywtbag?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sywtbag/?locale=us&hl=am-et Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-you-want-to-be-a-geek/id1758179991 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5uEnbJaVsaoeezUwj7oEoB?si=fc2b17d719fb4eb2 TeePublic:  http://tee.pub/lic/SYWTBAG https://www.riverside.fm/?via=michael-cannetti https://www.riverside.fm/?via=sywtbag

Dad's Getting Doughnuts!

On this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek, Michael goes on a road trip to New Jersey and picks up his friend, writer, producer, director, Brian Gonsar as they journey in search of the best "Fancy Doughnuts" around.  They are getting geeky about doughnuts, comics, and Dracula.  That's right, Brian loves doughnuts so much he wrote a graphic novel all about them.  It's called Dracula's Brunch Club and the boys discuss Brian's journey into graphic novels while also dining on some of the best doughnuts around.  Brian takes Michael to Glaze Donuts in Caldwell NJ to sample some of their specialty treats. You can find Brian's book at:  https://a.co/d/3Unb5ig Follow us on socials: Dive into the geeky world of  with us on this episode of So You Want To Be A Geek. TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@sywtbag?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sywtbag/?locale=us&hl=am-et Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-you-want-to-be-a-geek/id1758179991 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5uEnbJaVsaoeezUwj7oEoB?si=fc2b17d719fb4eb2 TeePublic:  http://tee.pub/lic/SYWTBAG https://www.riverside.fm/?via=michael-cannetti https://www.riverside.fm/?via=sywtbag #applepodcasts #podcast #comics #donuts #donut #doughnut #dracula #spookyseason #draculasbrunchclub #spotify #dadsgettingdoughnuts #comediansincarsgettingcoffee #contentcreator #podcasting