Ep. 38 [Interview] With Educator/Game Therapist DAN MACHUCA, a.k.a. Dan The Game Master.

03/19/25 • 63 min

Congratulations to Dan Machuca for being our very first video/podcast interview guest within the realm of all things tabletop, hobbies, gaming and mental health! Dan and I met through the medium of tabletop roleplaying games, like the big nerds are are, a few years back. From there we've been professionally networked as part of the Game Therapy Australia movement, spearheaded by Game Therapist Michael Thorburn (also a fellow nerd - Hi Michael!). Dan brings plenty of insight, thought and fun to the discussion, which ranges everywhere from his teaching work with migrant youth where English is a second language, through to a weekly tabletop gaming therapeutic group for neurodivergent children/adolescents in Footscray and even his own published title, T.O.T.S. available on itch.io. Accessibility and modifying tabletop RPG systems to reduce cognitive, language and other barriers is an ongoing part of Dan's work, as is promoting mental health and wellbeing. We discuss this with respect to the psychosocial benefits seen (and measured) in his own group, plus also discuss initiatives for men's mental health via his direct experience with the Men's Table social-support initiative. We also have a chat about Dan's favourite systems, of which Savage Worlds is a big'un, GMing with ADHD ourselves, and lots more! Stay tuned for the blog post which will have additional show notes, links and more. DAN THE GAME MASTER - LINKS: Blog: https://danthegmmelb.game.blogFacebook: / danthegamemaster FEATURED ARTIST: Vermilion Sun - 'Dragon Lady'. Fun, funky rock-and-roll from across the pond! You can check out the accompanying music video for 'Dragon Lady' here: • Vermilion Sun - "Dragon Lady". (psst - want your track featured on an episode of our vlog/podcast? Email us at [email protected]. We also conduct artist interviews, industry professional interviews, promote press releases, provide gig and album reviews, TTRPG/gaming product reviews and more!).

Previous Episode

Ep. 37: [Interview] with Jeff Sahyoun of LETLIVE.

This is an interview to be treasured, for sure! Jeff and I caught up earlier this morning for a wonderful discussion around the bands' eminent tour of Australia in September this year.

Full of gratitude and passion for a return to such an opportunity, Jeff walks us through the experience of reforming, the incredible amounts of associated stoke and much more. For full details on this insanely energetic (and, as per the interview, immensely motivated) bands' can't-miss tour of Australia, you can find ticket links, tour dates, further statements from the artist, relevant letlive. links and more, over at: //https://www.innerstrengthcheckpodcast.com/blog/podcast-ep-37-interview-with-jeff-sahyoun-of-letlive-ahead-of-2025-australian-tour//. Peace, Love and Soulful Hardcore - Brady.

Next Episode

Ep. 39 - [Interview] with DARREN 'DAZ' BROOKES of UK Death Metal Godfathers BENEDICTION.

What an absolute privilege and an honour!

Tonight, I caught up with Darren Brookes, permanent mainstay of UK death metal pioneers Benediction. Formed in 1989 and responsible for no small part in forming the UK/European and indeed global extreme metal scene we see today, it's truly a privilege to have had a chat with Daz, who is full of candor, sincerity and humour.

A man still stoked to be plying his trade on the axe after multiple decades! In the interview, we discuss longevity as a band, staying true to their roots, achieving new successes 35+ years into their career, the recording/production/songwriting process behind Ravages of Empires and more.

Stay tuned for the blog post and/or head to www.innerstrengthcheckpodcast.com, as the accompanying blog post show notes contain artist bio/statement, album details, singles links, preorder links for upcoming LP Ravage of Empires (out April 4th) and more!