In this episode, Dale talks with Stefan McNinch, founder of UnboxEd, a nonprofit revolutionizing education through game-based learning. Explore how Stefan’s work teaches financial literacy, persistence, and teamwork while addressing educational gaps in underserved communities. Discover why tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) can be a better educational tool than traditional methods and how they transform students’ attitudes toward failure into stepping stones for success.

Listen to Stefan share insights into adapting games for learning objectives, the value of reframing failure, and the challenges of integrating TTRPGs into the classroom. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or gamer, this conversation highlights how gaming can prepare students for the real world while sparking joy and creativity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Gghjg3a4g

UnboxEd website: https://unboxedclassroom.com

Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing

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I Never Thought of It That Way by Mónica Guzmán

• 00:00 Introduction: Can fantasy characters teach real-world skills better than traditional methods?
• 03:59 Guest intro: Stefan McNinch claims UnboxEd is solving what schools have ignored.
• 05:51 Entrepreneurship RPG: Teaching financial literacy – or is it gamifying survival skills?
• 10:44 Measuring success: Are engagement and persistence better metrics than grades?
• 13:06 Surprises: Is curiosity dead in today’s kids – or are we failing to teach it?
• 17:26 Empathy through RPGs: Are we raising a generation of roleplayers, not real thinkers?

As Donald Trump prepares to retake the oath of office on January 20, 2025—a day ironically shared with Martin Luther King Jr. Day—the TTRPG community braces for what lies ahead. Based on his previous term, campaign promises, and those he has appointed since the election, how will this impact the tabletop roleplaying game industry and hobby?

Import Tariffs & the TTRPG Supply Chain

High tariffs on imported goods could hit the TTRPG industry hard, especially for printed books. The US has limited options for hardcover offset printing, meaning many publishers rely on international printers to make high-quality books affordable. If Trump reinstates tariffs, TTRPG publishers could be forced to raise prices or shift to print-on-demand only, making it harder to produce affordable, high-quality products. If domestic printers need supplies imported, that will raise book prices further. These cost increases will make it nearly impossible for most TTRPG publishers to offer wholesale prices to Friendly Local Game Stores (FLGS), which will limit the variety in those stores, the backbone of our hobby, and the players who depend on them for public game spaces and new TTRPG options.

Tip for Publishers: If you’re looking for a US-based printer that can print hardcover offset books, contact yearbook companies. I have learned of two that will print TTRPG books, although I’m not listing them here since I haven’t tried them and don’t know whether they have openings. As domestic printing demand increases, their availability may change.

Affirmative Action: Inclusivity Under Threat

We founded Wyrmworks Publishing on the principle of amplifying silenced voices and giving opportunities to the oppressed. We prioritize hiring disabled, neurodivergent, and mentally ill creators to ensure our products authentically reflect all voices and experiences. But with Trump’s Project 2025, affirmative action policies could be dismantled, penalizing companies that prioritize diversity, potentially forcing us out of business.

Regardless of governmental threats or penalties, Wyrmworks Publishing will fight with every resource we have to keep creating and hiring in line with our values. We’ll continue amplifying marginalized voices, standing with those who’ve been ignored or silenced, and showing that diversity isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the heart of what makes TTRPGs truly immersive and transformative.

Benefit Cuts: Hurting Players and Publishers Alike

The Trump administration has a history of trying to cut Medicaid, SNAP, and disability benefits—resources that many in our TTRPG community rely on. Losing these essential services would hurt countless players, especially those who turn to TTRPGs for mental health support and community connection. We know how much these games mean to so many.

So, we’re taking action. Wyrmworks Publishing is working on accessible options to ensure TTRPGs remain within reach, regardless of someone’s financial situation. Sign up for The Dragon’s Hoard or support us on Patreon to get updates on our initiatives and help us keep this community strong.

Meanwhile, we’re encouraging everyone to use #DefiantKindness with whatever resources you have to help those who are struggling in your community, especially those directly impacted by these forthcoming changes, like those struggling financially and of tenuous housing or immigration status. The way to Make America Great Again is through empathy, compassion, and working together to improve the lives of the disadvantaged.

And of course, contact your representatives to tell them how these changes do not put “America First,” but rather hurt American small businesses.

And thanks to our patrons, if you’re already struggling financially, you can grab some free Community Copies now. We will be restructuring this program to add more copies and a wider variety in the near future.

Roll initiative, and leave a comment below with your thoughts, ideas, or suggestions to help struggling gamers!

Discover New Realms with Our Limited-Time Bundle!

Elevate your Dungeons & Dragons 5E campaigns with a treasure trove of new content! This limited-time bundle on DriveThruRPG brings together exciting titles from multiple publishers. Get incredible value and fresh adventures for your table. For a limited time, you can get this amazing collection at a significant discount.

• Total Value: $32.37
• Special Bundle Price: $17.77
• Savings: $14.60 (45%)

Included Titles:

1. Maze of Mezeria for 5e by Earl of Fife Games

   • A thrilling 53-page adventure filled with labyrinthine secrets and survival challenges, best for 1st or 2nd level characters.
   • Features new adversaries, a fully keyed map, and fatigue mechanics to test your players.

2. Stoneharbor (Andovir Atlas) by Wyrmworks Publishing

   • A vibrant port city that integrates accessibility and diverse cultures, perfect for any campaign world.
   • Includes adventure hooks, new ancestries, backgrounds, and NPCs to enrich your stories.

3. Cavern Crawl #047 – Vein Vengeance (5e) by Grim Press

   • A 4th-level adventure featuring new monsters, magic items, and detailed battle maps.
   • Perfect for a party of four to six players.

4. Asger Earthsculptor — People of the Vale by T.M. van Dalen RPG

   • Focuses on a wizard obsessed with earth magic, including a unique encounter and exploration-focused mini-boss battle.

5. Into the Paper World: Ashcan Edition by Echidna Design

   • A whimsical and dark setting inspired by forgotten creative works, featuring new monsters, magic items, and adventure hooks.

6. Siege of the Silver Stag (5e) by Scoundrel Game Labs

   • A horror survival one-shot where players must withstand waves of zombies while managing NPC interactions.

Don’t Miss Out!

This bundle is an unbeatable way to inject fresh life into your campaigns with diverse adventures and rich settings. Whether you’re exploring the depths of a maze, navigating a bustling port city, or surviving a siege, this collection has something for every D&D 5E fan. Grab it now before it’s gone and bring new excitement to your gaming table!