Theater of the Mindset

Ep. 0 - "Teaser Trailer" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:04:33 -0600

Welcome to Sarial! In this teaser trailer for our first season, “Faith & Fortune”, we meet our protagonists Herry, Sahra, and Luken, and hear a few of their formative moments in this short campaign. If you like what you hear, subscribe and share with a friend!

We will be playing Daggerheart for the entire season of “Faith & Fortune”.

CREDITS:
GM…Justin Gerardot
Sahra Cassain…Shelby Myers
Luken Masquar…Steve Edinger
Herry Pinch…Nick Traeger

Art by Christina Valdez
Audio Production by Nick Traeger

(00:00) - TotM Intro
(00:07) - The Incarnate King of Venithar
(01:29) - Welcome!
(02:09) - Sahra Meets Omineth
(04:44) - Luken Tries His Best
(07:54) - Luken Works with Baaz
(09:28) - Herry Casts Recant
(11:30) - Credits

Ep. 1 - "Pelican!" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In our first episode of this Daggerheart actual play, we meet Sahra, Luken, and Herry before you might call them protagonists. Treating themselves and their friend (and king) to a summer party with the townies, they set out for one last adventure before life takes them out across Sarial. Will Luken get that date with Jenny Grace? Will Sahra get her coffee with Dakota Mullens? Can Herry keep himself and his nephew out of trouble and back before the sun? Only one way to find out! Welcome to Faith & Fortune!

Ep. 2 - "Go Make Friends" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In episode 2 of our Daggerheart actual play we catch up with our protagonists 20 years later. On a mission to resolve a peaceful protest in Charnwick, Senator Herry Pinch (Bard) meets with the local guard captain and talks murder, Prelate of Flame Luken Masquar (Seraph) finds the local fortune without its sender, and Ward of Venithar Sahra Cassain (Witch) connects with Uhr protestors.

DMed by Justin Gerardot
Luken played by Steve Edinger
Sahra played by Shelby Myers
Herry played by Nick Traeger

Original scoring by Willis Miller
Sound design by Nick Traeger
Original art by Christina Valdez

Daggerheart mechanics featured:
Bard, Seraph, and unreleased Witch classes.

(00:00) - Intro
(00:08) - Recap
(00:49) - Asher Theophilus Zimri
(04:40) - Senator Herry Pinch
(05:16) - Herry & Beanie
(20:12) - When Herry Met Stryke
(38:02) - Prelate Luken Masquar
(57:20) - Ward of Venithar Sahra Cassain
(01:31:14) - Above Table
(01:35:18) - The Gang Has a Drink
(01:55:44) - "Voice of Reason" Luken Masquar
(01:58:04) - Herry Casts Recant
(01:59:36) - End Credits

Click here to view the episode transcript.

Ep. 3 - "I Don't Know how to Find Blood" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 04:48:55 -0600

In this week's episode of our Daggerheart actual play: "Faith & Fortune", the party splits! Luken and Sahra head to the protest site to get to the bottom of Captain Otra Lockner's murder and find that it's...complicated. Herry checks in on some forgetful guards and the protestors in custody and Scooby Doo's his way out of his own troubles.

If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend, subscribe and rate us on your podcast app, chipping in for coffee at our patreon, or following us on social media!

GM: Justin Gerardot
Sahra: Shelby Myers
Luken: Steve Edinger
Herry: Nick Traeger

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Original Music by Willis Miller
Audio production by Nick Traeger

Ep. 4 - "The Revenant" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

This week on our Daggerheart actual play, "Faith & Fortune", Sahra and Luken come face to face with the Revenant that killed Captain Lockner. Luken deals serious damage that sees the Revenant flee, but he leaves the woods limping with Sahra and Amira. Sahra connects with Sister Hennell and learns the truth about a deeper relationship between the primal magic user and the murder victim. Herry is likely sleeping.

Actual Players:
GM: Justin Gerardot
Sahra: Shelby Myers
Luken: Steve Edinger
Herry: Nick Traeger

Original art by Christina Valdez
Scoring by Willis Miller
Audio Production by Nick Traeger

Ep. 5 - "Towers & Flowers" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

This week on Faith & Fortune, our Daggerheart actual play, the gang gets a long rest. For Herry, that means pulling himself together after some sneaky maneuvers at the guard house, Sahra meets with Amanette and sees a vision from the past, and Luken checks in with Arcan Felix Rondalus. Rested and ready to get to the bottom of the murder, Herry finally meets with Senator Reyes, Luken plays a friendly game with Sender Demerick, and together they bite off more than they can chew in Captain Lockner's basement.

Actual Players:
GM: Justin Gerardot
Sahra: Shelby Meyers
Luken: Steve Edinger
Herry: Nick Traeger

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Scoring by Willis Miller
Post Production by Nick Traeger at Studio 3607

If you're enjoying the show, consider supporting us however you can:
- Following us on social media (free!)
- Rating our show on your local podcatcher (free!)
- Sharing it with a friend (free and community building!)
- Subscribe to our burgeoning Patreon

Ep. 6 - "The Last Ritual of Charnwick" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

This week's episode is the finale of the first arc of our Daggerheart actual play, Faith & Fortune! The gang digs into Lockner's writings on the Custodia Sanguis, races against the clock to solve the problems of the protest with their new knowledge of Otra's murder, and goes toe to toe with the revenant.

Actual Players:
GM: Justin Gerardot
Sahra: Shelby Meyers
Luken: Steve Edinger
Herry: Nick Traeger

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Scoring by Willis Miller
Engineering and Post Production by Nick Traeger

If you're enjoying the show, you can offer your support in a handful of ways that are far more helpful to us than they are a pain in the ass for you:
- Rate us on your podcast app! (Free!)
- Share us with a friend! (Free!)
- Follow us on social media and reddit! (Free!)
- Sign up for our Patreon to support the work financially! ($3)

Thanks for listening, see you next time at the Theater of the Mindset!

Backstage with TotM: Arc 1 Talkback

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Get a peak behind the screen on 'Backstage'!

Justin, Shelby, Steve, and Nick chat all things Arc 1 of 'Faith & Fortune'.

Thanks so much for listening!
If you're enjoying the show, you can help us get the word out by:
- Sharing it with a friend (Free!)
- Subscribing and rating the show on your go to podcast app (Free!)
- Following us on social media (Free! Come see us on Reddit!)
- Subscribing to our show on Patreon ($3/month!)

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Original Music by Willis Miller
Audio Production by Nick Traeger

Ep. 7 - "Bring the Yellow One" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

This week on Faith & Fortune, our Daggerheart actual play, the old friends head home to Risinium City to get back to the grind. Sahra meets an old contact and a slew of new friends, Luken catches up with Arkan Felix Rondalus, and Herry touches base with Senator Constantine. After settling in, they find themselves back together to help solve a new problem with the Incarnate King, their old friend and nephew, Asher.

Your actual players are...
GM....Justin Gerardot
Sahra....Shelby Myers
Luken....Steve Edinger
Herry....Nick Traeger

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Original Score by Willis Miller
Audio Post Production by Nick Traeger at Studio 3607

Ep. 8 - "You Look Like You've Seen a Ghost!" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode of our Daggerheart actual play, Luken sends adventurers to help the people of Warren and tries to suss out who might be helping the Cult of Metamorphasis. Amanette shows Sahra a vision of the future of Venithar and her place in it. Afterword, she meets Aggie at a local soup kitchen and gathering spot for community activists, meeting another young person concerned with Risinium City's direction, Imogen.

Actual Players:
Justin Gerardot....GM
Shelby Meyers....Sahra
Steve Edinger.....Luken

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Original Score by Willis Miller
Post Production by Nick Traeger

{dnd}}

Ep. 9 - "Baaz and the Golden Sail" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode of our Daggerheart actual play, Herry represents the Senate and the Warren taskforce in an interview with Scry News Network and gets some new insights from Razia Cortez and Alonso Marquis. Sahra asks Luken for a big favor, and the hits just keep on coming.

Actual Players:
Justin Gerardot....GM
Shelby Myers....Sahra
Steve Edinger....Luken
Nick Traeger....Herry

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Original Music and Scoring by Willis Miller
Audio Post Production by Nick Traeger

If you're enjoying the show, find us on reddit, social media, or jump onto our patreon and buy us snacks!

Ep. 10 - "Get Your House in Order" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:50:51 -0500

This week on our Daggerheart actual play, the Warren task force does a touch more infighting than outfighting (outfighting?). Herry uncovers a secret being kept by the Church of Iriscenda. Luken delivers on his promise to Sahra and delivers even more to a threatening member of the cult of metamorphasis. And, Sahra finds herself learning and connecting to her roots in the commons.

Actual Players:
Justin Gerardot...GM
Shelby Myers....Sahra
Steve Edinger....Luken
Nick Traeger....Herry

Original art by Christina Valdez
Scoring and original music by Willis Miller
Post production by Nick Traeger

Ep. 11 - "Double Jeopardy" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:28:07 -0500

This week on our Daggerheart actual play, Herry pays a visit to his mother, Arcanist Tallulah Pinch, to jog her memory of the early days of Asher's life and his sister's condition. Beanie updates Herry and Luken on what she has discovered studying the basement tapes, and Sahra has her first date with Imogen at the docks.

Your Actual Players are:
Justin Gerardot ..... GM
Shelby Myers .... Sahra
Steve Edinger .... Luken
Nick Traeger .... Herry

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Scoring and Original Music by Willis Miller
Post Production by Nick Traeger

Ep. 12 - "The Gathering in the Commons" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:19:53 -0500

This week on our Daggerheart actual play, the gang is back together sharing what they've learned about the Cult of Metamorphasis and the Custodia Sanguis. They head to the commons to a gathering that Luken was...."invited" to and see just how the momentum is generated and to what lengths Esarn Halivard is willing to go to get his point across.

Your actual players are....
Justin Gerardot....GM
Shelby Myers ...... Sahra
Steve Edinger ..... Luken
Nick Traeger ..... Herry

Original art by Christina Valdez
Scoring by Willis Miller
Audio Production by Nick Traeger

Ep. 13 - "It's a Factory Farm" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:14:44 -0500

On this week's episode of our Daggerheart actual play, our old friends recoup from the riot in the commons.
Sahra gets bad news at the soup kitchen...and then more bad news at the soup kitchen.
Herry meets with family, and Luken helps out and avoids house arrest.

Your actual players...
Justin Gerardot....GM
Shelby Myers.... Sahra
Steve Edinger..... Luken
Nick Traeger ..... Herry

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Original Score by Willis Miller
Audio Production by Nick Traeger at Studio 3607

Backstage with TotM - Arc 2 Talkback

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

BONUS EPISODE!

Come backstage with the crew to talk all things Arc 2 of our Daggerheart actual play: "Faith & Fortune"!

Original Music by Willis Miller

Actual Players...
Justin Gerardot
Shelby Myers
Steve Edinger
Nick Traeger

Ep. 14 - "Towers & Flowers Pt. II" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:07:15 -0500

In this week's episode of our Daggerheart actual play, the gang finishes up a long night of study and speculation around the Custodia Sanguis. Herry gets a platoon, makes a mess, and chats with Mother Demeris and Luken meets his biggest fan for a game of Towers & Flowers.

Your Actual Players:
Justin Gerardot - GM
Shelby Myers - Sahra
Steve Edinger - Luken
Nick Traeger - Herry Pinch

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Scoring and Post production by Willis Miller and Nick Traeger

Ep. 15 - "The Ritual of Mannisblood" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:07:55 -0500

This week on our Daggerheart actual play, Sahra confronts the wildfire witches at the soup kitchen and undertakes a ritual to learn the secrets of her family history and what happened to her mother.

If you're enjoying the show, subscribe! Share it with a friend! It's barely a pain in the ass for you and it helps us immensely!

Your actual players....
Justin Gerardot: GM
Steve Edinger: Luken
Shelby Myers: Sahra
Nick Traeger: Herry Pinch

Ep. 16 - "It's a PBJEB" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode of our Daggerheart actual play, the gang learns more about Mother Demeris' plans for the Senate and Council of Faith. Our trio gets to meet a young cultist up close and personal, and they get prepped for a mission to save Herry's older sister.

If you're enjoying the show, it helps us a ton if you share it with a friend, engage on reddit, or sign up for our Patreon!

Your actual players are...
Justin Gerardot - GM
Shelby Myers - Sahra
Steve Edinger - Luken
Nick Traeger - Herry

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Music by Willis Miller
Sound design by Nick Traeger

Ep. 17 - "The Lighthouse" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 06 May 2026 05:55:18 -0500

This week on our Daggerheart actual play, our trio takes a few members of Herry's platoon and heads to The Lighthouse (Temple of Iriscenda) to get Herry's sister and the King's mother Tella. They learn some unfortunate truths and make some bold moves.

If you're enjoying the show, share it! It helps us world's more than you could imagine!
Find us on reddit at r/theaterofthemindset

Your Actual Players....
Justin Gerardot: GM
Steve Edinger: Luken
Shelby Myers: Sahra
Nick Traeger: Herry

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Original Music by Willis Miller
Sound Design by Nick Traeger of Studio 3607.

Ep. 18 - "He's Not the Anointed. I am." - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 13 May 2026 05:41:31 -0500

This week, on our Daggerheart actual play, our protagonists have to talk to Ashur about the Custodia Sanguis. Back in the city, they get on the offensive with their foes.

If you're enjoying the show, you can help us a ton by sharing it with a friend, following along on reddit and social media, or signing up for our Patreon.

Our Actual Players....
Justin Gerardot - GM
Steve Edinger - Luken
Shelby Myers - Sahra
Nick Traeger - Herry

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Original Scoring by Willis Miller
Post Production by Nick Traeger

Ep. 19 - "The Avatar of Change" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:41:49 -0500

This week, in our Daggerheart actual play, the gang rushes headlong into action on the Hill of Faith where fires have broken out. Herry leads the platoon and helps his nephew stay afloat. Sahra summons a smoke spirit and a bat horror before finally interfacing with Imogen. And Luken fulfills the destiny handed to him by Ba'az himself.

This show is entirely human made from top to bottom, and is a labor of love. If you're enjoying it, you can help us out tremendously by sharing it with a friend, engaging via social media and reddit, or signing up for our upcoming Patreon!

Your Actual Players are....
Justin Gerardot: GM
Shelby Myers: Sahra
Steve Edinger: Luken
Nick Traeger: Herry

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Original Scoring and Music by Willis Miller and Nick Traeger
Audio Post Production by Nick Traeger

Ep. 20 - "The Witch of Estherborne" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 27 May 2026 05:11:02 -0500

Ep. 21 - "Reclamation: Part 1" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:36:56 -0500

This week on our Daggerheart actual play, we begin the end! Reclamation is part one of two of the finale to our story. Luken and Sahra head to Tonali's gate with Asher, the Soul Guard, and members of the military to raid the headquarters of the Custodia Sanguis and bring whatever they had begun to an end. Herry does his work at the Senate to undermine Mother Demeris and bring the Senate the power to watch over Venithar.

IF you are enjoying the show, share it with a friend or on social media! It helps! We're tiny!

Your Actual Players:
Justin Gerardot: GM
Shelby Myers: Sahra
Steve Edinger: Luken
Nick Traeger: Herry

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Original Music and Scoring by Willis Miller
Sound Design and Post Production by Nick Traeger

Ep. 22 - "Reclamation Pt. II" - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:18:32 -0500

In our finale episode of our Daggerheart actual play, our old friends Luken and Sahra are deep into Tonali's Gate and engaging with the Incarnate King of Venithar. Herry and the Senate pull away from the Council of Faith. Asher pushes the limit and we bring our story to a close.

If you're enjoying the show, share it with a friend, review us on your podcatcher, or follow us on social media!

Your actual players....
Justin Gerardot ...... GM
Shelby Myers ......... Sahra Mannisblood
Steve Edinger ........ Luken Masquar
Nick Traeger ........ Herrald Transel Pinch

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Scoring by Willis Miller
Sound Design by Nick Traeger

Backstage! Arc 3 Talkback - Faith & Fortune

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:37:41 -0500

Come backstage with the cast of Faith & Fortune ONE MORE TIME! That's right, the season is over but we're reminiscing over where our old friends in Risinium City have been and what messes they've left for the future. If you're enjoying this Daggerheart actual play, share it with a friend, follow us on social media and reddit, or subscribe to our Patreon!

Actual Players:
Justin Gerardot
Shelby Myers
Steve Edinger
Nick Traeger

Audio Production and Original Music by Nick Traeger

Trailer - Camp Do Anything

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:08:28 -0500

Here we go! A smattering of intros and events from the first half of our second season: Camp Do Anything !

The Actual Players:
Justin Gerardot: GM
Kayla Tennessen: Evandria
Eric Marquis: Bunky
Jamie Rich: Eleanore
Evan Kalember: Mala
Nick Traeger: Pat

Theater of the Mindset is a human made show!
Original Art: Christina Valdez
Original Music: Willis Miller
Audio Production: Nick Traeger

If you're enjoying the show, you can support us in a myriad of ways:
Share it with a friend!
Subscribe and rate the show on your podcatcher!
Follow us on socials and talk about us on Reddit!
Or, you can pitch in for coffee at our patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheateroftheMindset

The Questing Ritual: Part One

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Listen in to where it all began! To try out our concept we gathered the cast in the spring of 2025 to play Roll for Shoes in a bit of a prequel where the gang went out to pass their Questing Ritual as campers.

This is the first of four episodes of this mini series - the other three can be found at our patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheateroftheMindset

If you're enjoying the show, do us a favor and share it with a friend and subscribe on your podcatcher of choice!
If you're REALLY enjoying the show, follow us on social media, talk about us on reddit, or subscribe to our Patreon!

Thanks for listening!

Your Actual Players:
Justin Gerardot....GM
Kayla Tennessen.....Evandria
Eric Marquis....Bunky
Jamie Rich.....Eleanore
Evan Kalember.....Mala
Nick Traeger.....Pat

Theater of the Mindset is entirely human made with original art by Christina Valdez, original scoring by Willis Miller, and audio production by Nick Traeger at Studio 3607.

"Frankly, If I'm Being Honest, I Think it's Going to Suck." - Camp Do Anything

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0500

This week we follow the Stelshall River all the way up to a little summer camp tucked away near the mountains: Camp Do Anything! We meet our newly minted camp counselors as they start preparations for what will be a breezy, but hectic summer....right?

Actual Players:
Justin Gerardot: GM
Eric Marquis: Bunky
Kayla Tennessen: Evandria
Jamie Rich: Eleanore
Evan Kalember: Mala
Nick Traeger: Pat

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Original Music by Willis Miller
Audio Production by Nick Traeger

Theater of the Mindset is entirely made by humans and your support means the world. If you're enjoying the show, share it with a friend, rate us on your podcast app, subscribe on your podcast app or our patreon (patreon.com/cw/theaterofthemindset), follow us on social media @mindsettheater , and chat with us on Reddit!

Ep. 2 - "It's a Very Nice Picture of a Pinecone." - Camp Do Anything

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:13:09 -0500

In this week's episode of our D&D 5.5e actual play, the counselors brush up on CPR, prove they can keep their heads above water - or at least get them back up after going under, and split up to help Wendell and Patrick respectively. Pat and Bunky learn more about a corrupted leystone they found last summer on their questing ritual. Evandria, Eleanore, and Mala head to the Evergreen Center to help Patrick with a porcelina problem.

Theater of the Mindset is 100% human made, and we appreciate you listening!
If you're enjoying the show you can help us out in ways that help us in huge ways while being only a mild pain in the ass for you:
- Subscribe and review us on your podcast app!
- Follow us on social media and chat with us on Reddit!
- Chip in for coffee at Patreon!
- SHARE WITH A FRIEND!

Your actual players....
Justin Gerardot: GM
Kayla Tennessen: Evandria
Jamie Rich: Eleanore
Eric Marquis: Bunky
Evan Kalember: Mala
Nick Traeger: Pat

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Scoring by Willis Miller
Audio Post by Nick Traeger

Ep. 3 - "Speaking of Carts and Horses" - Camp Do Anything

Justin Gerardot and Nick Traeger — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

This week, on our D&D actual play, Eleanore investigates the incoming weather and the gang races to warn the adult staff. A giant storm ravages the camp and the party fights to save the Spirit Tree.

Theater of the Mindset is completely human made and any support you can give means the world to us.
If you're enjoying the show you can do us a huge amount of good by:
Sharing it with a friend.
Following us on social media and talking about us on reddit.
Reviewing us on your favorite podcatcher.
Chipping in for coffee at our Patreon.

Your Actual Players are....
Justin Gerardot: GM
Kayla Tennessen: Evandria
Jamie Rich: Eleanore
Eric Marquis: Bunky
Evan Kalember: Mala
Nick Traeger: Pat

Original Art by Christina Valdez
Original Music by Willis Miller
Sound Design and Production by Nick Traeger