Reviews
“Podcast of excellent gaming and biscuits +5, +4 vs. poor mental health, produces conventions twice/year. A legendary artefact.”
Jim Jim The Grim via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/17/24
“Or at least that’s how it starts. Dirk and his Rules Lawyer (Blythy KC) delve into various 80s games from the days before the Deep Freeze of the 90s, a warm and gently witty exploration that also touches on various other elements of 80s UK nerd-dom. But it’s their ongoing re-engagement with the...”Read full review »
MTGDUB via Apple Podcasts ·
Ireland ·
08/12/24
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“Just a delightful experience where Dirk and Blithey bring you into their homes, their pubs, and their phone calls to talk about tabletop games from the 1980s to today. My only complaint, really, is that the episodes come out relatively infrequently; once I caught up and binged the whole library,...”Read full review »
Magic JMS via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/05/24
“Dirk and Blythy calmly chat about roleplaying games and the early days of the hobby. Their measured northern tones expresses a love of the hobby shared over decades. One of the must-listen gaming podcasts out there.”
budsrpgreview via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
03/25/24
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“How can anyone give this podcast less than 5 stars?
Not just nostalgic, Dirk and the Judge have been constant RPG companions and offered insights for those of us gamers of a certain age for over half a decade. 10 stars.”
pahoota via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/20/24
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“I love the sincerity Dirk brings and how it just feels so friendly. I will listen to anything this podcast puts out.”
mmmgoodone via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/16/23
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“This feels like settling in with old friends for a cosy conversation in the pub about role-playing games. That northern humour oozes through the pores of this podcast, which is always friendly and inclusive, and their earlier experiences certainly resonate (difficulty finding gamers - check; deep...”Read full review »
Marcus Nyahoe via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/01/23
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“Rellly enjoyable podast discusing old & new roleplaying games. If you remember White Dwarf magazine when it wasn't just about wargaming and selling figures, I encourage you to dip your toe. Newer games will also get something out of the podcasts, as tips, reviews, ponderings on RPG's...”Read full review »
Zenith1138 via Apple Podcasts ·
Ireland ·
05/31/23
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“I love this show! For some dumb reason (on my end) I thought the show had ceasing producing episodes post the Liz Danforth ones - how thrilled I am to be proved wrong.
Everything about this wonderful, kind-hearted show is a balm and a delight.”
SFMarcus via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/11/23
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“This is a wonderfully warm, funny and insightful pod that’s perfect for gamers of a particular vintage - and great for more recent converts too. Dirk is a terrific host, ably backed up by his partner in crime Judge Blythey and a Grogsquad of guests and occasional contributors. The tone is always...”Read full review »
-= JT =- via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
11/20/22
“Greetings Dirk the Dice and Judge Blythey
Just wanted drop a line to say thank you for creating what is easily my favourite podcast. Full of wit, insight, and great advice, your episodes are a boon for gamers of my ilk and I always look forward to the warm caress of your velvety tones as I...”Read full review »
Paul Bimler via Apple Podcasts ·
New Zealand ·
10/26/22
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“Better than all the rest! Bad 80s pop hit references aside this genuinely is as good as it gets if you played RPGs in the 80s & 90s & want to get transported back to why that was so special. But this is not a simple nostalgia fest - current games inspired by back in the day & a...”Read full review »
jnrknight via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
10/13/22
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“I love this show. Dirk the Dice & Judge Blythy guide us through both the memory palace of yesteryear’s rpgs and the new pastures of the contemporary scene, always with sage wisdom and their trademark witty enthusiasm. Their trips down to the pub to talk bobbins are rich with the sonic...”Read full review »
HughGorro via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
09/28/22
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“This would easily be five stars but honestly....I would LIKE to hear what these two have to say but the fact that half of EVERY episode is recorded in one of England's Noisiest Pubs....it's ridiculous. WE CANT HEAR YOU over the loud music and drunkEN blatherings and noisy doors and OH...”Read full review »
ScrivenerB via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/15/22
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“…an online course in the archaeology of your childhood. Just a delight.”
rmcnees via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/17/22
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“Having lost touch with my gaming friends from the 80s this is the next best thing to a catch up with them in the pub. Whilst looking backwards it also has an eye on the future and has encouraged me to re-examine some games I passed over back in the day. Also a good history of what seems like a...”Read full review »
Judge Crimson via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
07/03/22
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“I wasn’t sure I knew enough or had enough experience when I first started listening to this podcast, however it has become one of my favourites. Even if you don’t know your runequest from your gin rummy you find this podcast warm and welcoming.
I must admit it helps to be of a certain age but I...”Read full review »
artkuntz via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
05/03/22
“When I first wandered into the Groglands, I wasn’t sure what I was listening to. There was an odd noise seemingly from a distressed ogre and then rambling nostalgia about a roleplaying game I hadn’t ever given much time to beforehand. I nearly hit the unsubscribe button but I was busy doing...”Read full review »
Ukstrategygamer via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
03/26/22
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“A relaxing and entertaining romp through the best and worst from the dawn of role playing through to the present. I heard about this podcast from the much missed Mike Hobbs who mentioned it on an episode of Meeples and Miniatures, and I’ve avidly listened ever since as it has grown from a few...”Read full review »
BJ1873 via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
02/05/22
“I really love this podcast! Dirk and the gang focus on the same games from the 80s that I loved - Runequest, Stormbringer, Traveller - but from a British perspective vs my Californian one. It's a lot of nostalgic fun to hear their perspective on the games 30 years later, and it's...”Read full review »
Hyper_lexic via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/26/21
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“I recently stumbled across this little bit delight in the podcast universe. I surprised at how the stories paralleled my own youth and couldn’t stop listening. From Runequest to Traveller. It was almost like going back in time and watching myself play. Thank you and looking forward to listening...”Read full review »
JT the GM via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
10/20/21
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“What an absolute joy the files have been for me over the last three years. Dirk, Ed and Blythy have been company for me for the third year running in the autumn lambing shed. I am listening though the entire catalogue for the third time and now on episode 28. Each time through there are a few...”Read full review »
The Civil Shepherd via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
10/01/21
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“Over the last year, a time of solitary walks and limited fun, The Grognard Files has been an unalloyed joy. Dirk and Blythy’s easy style and engaging chat mean I now think of them as friends, despite only ever hearing their disembodied voices. They’re definitely the heart of a community - I...”Read full review »
Alistar Smith 61 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
09/11/21
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“If you want intelligent, in-depth analysis of ttrpgs (primarily) old and (some) new then this is show for you. Dirk and co might be grognards, but gamers of all stripes will find the warmest of welcomes here. Not a gatekeeper in sight.”
GelatinousCast via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/02/21
“Can’t believe that is around 5.5 years since first listened to Dirk, Blythy and Ed. The podcast, the presenters, the friends and supporters of the show, and the Grogmeet events have become a huge part of my life and a constant source of pleasure and delight.
My own deep freeze came to end in...”Read full review »
Asako Soh via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
07/29/21
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“Dirk and Judge Blythy have mangaged to create a space that feels cozy, warm, nostalgic, friendly and, more than anything else, inviting. Instead of feeling like a fly on the wall, eavesdropping to good people talking games, I feel like I'd be welcome to join them. Their personalities really...”Read full review »
moch987 via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
07/24/21
“It’s taken me 7 months to get round to leaving this review, ever since stumbling across the podcast in the winter of 2020 and what a delight it has been! First I browsed back & forward through the episodes, in the similar manner one might browse through a copy of White Dwarf. First devouring...”Read full review »
MikeyDenonSamurai via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
07/03/21
“While my knowledge of and experience with RPGs is limited at best, The Grognard Files makes me feel like I know the games. Encyclopedic without being pedantic, each and every show is a fact filled trip down a memory lane I wish I had travelled. I always come away educated and entertained.
In...”Read full review »
Ottawa Sean via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
06/09/21
“It was a little disconcerting to find Dirk and Blythey's story of growing up and gaming in the 80s almost perfectly mirrored my own, right down to the games played and going into the woods with friends to lamp each other with home made weaponry (Northwick Park and broomsticks wrapped in foam...”Read full review »
ChunkyDuff via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
06/08/21
“I stumbled across The Grognard Files quite by accident. I was immediately transported back to the early 80's and the long summer holidays playing RPG's with my mates.
Dirk and Blythy's experiences mirrored my own almost perfectly - same age, same games, same small group of friends...”Read full review »
RandomNumber via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
06/04/21
“A great look into older games and fascinating insights from older players on newer games. I found Blithey’s and Dirks’s insights into Numenera, quite refreshing, compared to most of the one paragraph reviews on reddit, for example.
I like the focused nature of this podcast; there are a minimum...”Read full review »
Laurie Koudstaal via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
03/01/21
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“Much appreciate the in depth reviews/trip down memory lane. Back then one felt very alone in this hobby with no one to share one’s insights or opinions. Listening to this my inner 12-17 year old feels validated and heard. Keep on rambling!”
Duke Croaker via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/26/20
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“Thanks Dirk, Blythy, Daily etc. I don’t usually bother writing reviews so you’re honoured and very welcome.
During my lengthy furlough (soon to be redundancy) I have been listening to your whole back catalogue of Groggy, nerdery, all ile doing copious amounts of DIY!!! (I have come here to...”Read full review »
Mungo!!! via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
07/17/20
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“I happened across this podcast one day on Twitter and thought I'd just have a quick listen as I used to play RPG's back in the 80's.
I was hooked from the start, Dirks style of delivery and the genuine love that he and his co-hosts Blythy and Ed have for the games is simply...”Read full review »
MikeHTheGamer via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
02/25/20
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“Or two blokes having a lot of fun with their friends. Maybe a bit of both.”
hoopyfrood43 via Apple Podcasts ·
Germany ·
02/25/20
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“What a great show! There are hundreds of RPG podcasts out there, but this one does a wonderful job of not only exploring the history of the hobby, but it also gives some friendly, personal insight into those early days. The fact that all the discussion is delivered in an easy to listen to...”Read full review »
Iain1976 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/11/20
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“I love listening to Dirk and Blythy waxing lyrical about their gaming experiences and have discovered a great deal of other podcasters, writers, and games which I would love to try out among all the other in depth lore behind the history of rpgs they discuss. Having hit the hobby circa WD97 I was...”Read full review »
lautapelaaja via Apple Podcasts ·
Japan ·
12/24/19
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“Thoroughly enjoyable podcast about RPGs back in the day (the 80s, when I first started playing) and today. I’ve enjoyed Dirk and Blythy’s roleplaying ramblings for quite a while now but I loved the latest Review of 2019 episode so much (with its excellent monologue about the joy of playing RPGs...”Read full review »
Richgreen01 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
12/24/19
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“What started as a series of rambling reminisces from a group of Bolton pals about their experiences of playing those games with the funny shaped dice back in the 80s, has turned into a much bigger project with interviews with gaming heroes, news about the latest games, its own mini convention and...”Read full review »
thermalsatsuma via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
12/24/19
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“Brings back memories of growing up in the 80s, especially trying to paint figures without getting enamel all over yourself or the carpet”
Poltrotter via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
12/24/19
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“Genuinely inspiring views and chatter from well-informed and amusing hosts. Delivered in God’s own accent. What’s not to like?”
Ndsprout via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
12/23/19
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“Old mates chatting about games they played before their knees aches & how they’ve found a renewed love of them again.
Great to hear about experiences that I’m sure were the same for all of us who gamed in the 80’s. But even better to hear old mates still enjoying playing together now they’re...”Read full review »
D&RQ via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
12/23/19
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“The Grognard Files goes from strength to strength! The lastest episode is the best yet: a droll interview, an absorbing First, Last and Everything, and best of all Dirk and Blythy's hilarious account of their LARPing fiasco in a post-apocalyptic bungalow ruin in exotic Newton-le -Willows.
As...”Read full review »
JayEff1968 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
12/07/19
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“The Grodnard files takes me back to school lunchtimes huddles around a copy of the Warlock of Firetop Mountain with friends debating what action to take next (we always did end up killing that poor prisoner with the chair leg). From there came Advanced Dungeon and Dragons (for some reason lusting...”Read full review »
Elijah Roamingfoot via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
11/29/19
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“Very much a niche podcast; but if it’s your niche, it could scarcely be better. Its gentle good humour has helped me through some dark days. It’s basically what my teenage years would have been, if I had been a much, much nicer person.”
Velvet Crocodile via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
10/30/19
“Like the hosts of this podcast I was well into RPGs in the early 80s, living in North-West England. I was a couple of years younger than these guys but many of the people I played with were the same age as them - so the show brings back some very vivid memories and I played a lot of the...”Read full review »
Some guy, I guess via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
10/24/19
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“So many great interviews, analyses and historical insights... and so funny!
I’ve basically listened to every episode at least twice and eagerly wait for the latest to appear.
The format - which is modelled on the old-school White Dwarf magazine - is the best around!
Ed‘s appearances are always...”Read full review »
Loco Ludus via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
10/04/19
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“I’ve been a follower since Ep1 and after catching up on a few episodes I had stashed away thought I’d chuck my 5* Dirks way.
If you want to hear why D&D players are A#%^Holes or why playing RPGs back in the day was akin to Terry Waite’s extended hols then Dirk’s your man !! Love it”
Arlenrice via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
09/26/19
“After initially bouncing off of early episodes I eventually went back to this podcast and I'm glad I did as it's now easily the podcast highlight of my month. For people (mainly men, to be fair) of a certain age and bent, this is like being wrapped in a soft warm blanket of nostalgia with...”Read full review »
Wayne Peters via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/10/19
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