This show does a fantastic job of illustrating a group of real people going through real things. The rise and fall of TSR is the story of the people who created it. Even if you are not a gamer it’s a great cautionary tale for any small business operator.

First I watched The Great Kingdom then I listened to this series. WOW! This was so informative and surprising on many levels. My jaw dropped many times while listening. I really hope they continue the journey further.

This was one of the best podcasts about the history of DnD I’ve listened to!

One of the best documentary style podcasts I’ve listened to since Serial. Outstanding production value about a hobby I love!

I love a good real-life business drama and when it's about something I love like D&D... it's special. Paul is such a font of knowledge about Gygax, TSR, and the industry at the time, I could listen for hours, and I guess I will!

I am blown away by the depth of research they've done and the number of firsthand accounts they include.

What can I say. If you want to know about the history of Gary Gygax straight from those who knew him best… family and friends… this is the podcast. Highly entertaining and inspiring. At times heart breaking and infuriating. I can’t recommend this enough.

Listened to the entire podcast over a few days and really enjoyed it. I have never played DnD and was primarily drawn to the story because of an interest in the satanic panic and the story of Dallas Egbert, while this didn’t shed a lot of new light on that in particular, I was still very engaged with the overall story. Highly recommend.

As a long time grognard and history guy, a lot of this is rehash but there is so much lore here for all fans of the genre and specifically D&D and TSR.

Unbelievably detailed and nuanced telling of a great American story! If you are not familiar with D&D you will absolutely love learning about the journey it took to bring this cultural phenomenon to life. It is a Greek tragedy set on the American stage of the 70’s and 80’s. It’s a story of big dreams and bigger personalities, a story of friendships forged and broken. A story of the American Dream and the realities of capitalism itself. It really does have it all. If you are familiar with D&D you will probably have already heard parts of this story but you will NEVER have heard the whole story like this. What sets this apart is the amazing ability to tell the whole story from multiple points of view without taking sides, without vilifying anyone and without glorifying anyone either. Most versions of this story are by someone with an axe to grind or wanting to rewrite history. The obvious dedication of the writers of this podcast to treat everyone as fairly as possible makes it really something special. You will come away from this series amazed at what was done, heartbroken about what was lost, and a whole new appreciation for how D&D changed the world.

I was a kid when all of this happened and because we did not have the internet, there was no way to know anything about what was happening anywhere. As an adult who played TSR games back then, hearing the inside workings and details of real people trying to live, game, and turn a profit from their passion is something enjoyable to hear. These were real people and they struggled with real life like the rest of people. However, besides all of that they brought a new game and concept to the world and we all owe them a debt of gratitude for that.

I’m a person who is pretty much red every book that I can get my hands on about Gary Gygax and the history of TSR. this podcast is full of information that I did not know in details that make it a joy to hear and learn. I looked forward to every episode and was sad when it ended. Great job!!!

Awesome deep dive on origins and all the drama behind D&D.

I can’t believe one of my favorite games as a kid had so much drama going on behind the scenes. Seems like one of the great Greek tragedies with the clash of creative minds meeting the reality of business. Eager to hear the final episode!

I’ve read several books on the history of TSR but this podcast provides more detail about Gary Gygax’s journey from his early life, the beginnings of D&D, his meteoric rise, and his tragic downfall, than anything I’ve come across. It’s engrossing, captivating, and engaging. I eagerly await each new episode. As soon as it concludes I’ll listen to the whole thing again and again.

I have read several books on the history of D&D , and as a child of the ‘80s I’d like to think that I already knew a fair bit about the rise and fall of TSR, the games original publisher. And yet here I am, once again amazed at learning more of the story, from When We Were Wizards. The podcast does such a wonderful job of weaving together historical and legal details with first-person accounts of events as the appeared to the people at the company (highlighting those that often overlooked — e.g., Rose Estes). But at the same time, it never misses the first for the trees. Each episode is structured around a coherent and well-developed theme. Amazing work!

Fantastic podcast. Really enjoy the first hand accounts from people who were there during the early days of D&D. It shines a light on the genius of the creators, as well as how terrible they were at running a business. A tale of both triumph and tragedy. Well worth a listen!

This fantastic, balanced, thoughtful show was created by people who love the hobby and are themselves part of its history. The show is mainly the history of TSR and the families who built it, told by the people who surrounded them at the time. Everybody who’s into the hobby knows at least some of the story, but this telling of it is worth your time no matter how well you know it. There is new stuff in here, for one thing. But more important, the generation of people who lived the history are on in years, many of them have already passed away, and even some of the voices in this podcast are from people who’ve passed on since the show was created. It’s getting to be a last chance to know the story from the people who were there. It’s excellent.

This the best history of Gary, D&D, and TSR I’ve ever encountered. The first-hand stories make me feel like I’m in the 80s living through this myself. I’m hooked!

I am so happy that this podcast is back! An extremely well researched dive into the history of TSR presented in an entertaining fashion. Thank you for your hard work on this!

Surprised and thrilled to see the podcast back after 2 years away. Enjoy every minute of it.

Great podcast that includes interview snippets with many of the early TSR employees as well as excerpts from letters involving Gygax and Arneson. Gives an appreciation of the challenges TSR faced as a growing business. Loving it.

As a long-time fan of the game, it’s fascinating to hear. I was a kid buying these things, and hearing how the sausage was made is very compelling listening.

This was pretty good (though could stand a little more cultural/historical analysis to go along with the first-hand testimony) but ends in a lurch. . . I want to recommend it, but with the caveat that you'll have to go elsewhere for the rest of the story.

This podcast is the best I have heard regarding the story behind D & D. Looking forward to hearing new releases.

So far I have enjoyed the episodes released. It brings a human aspect to the history of D and D.

It has now been a month since the last episode was released. Come on, guys!

Long time DnD fan…of the game and recently of the history…thanks for all the interesting historical info! Can’t wait for episode 4!

These first two episodes are off to a strong start! The hosts are charming, the production’s solid, and the interviews are interesting. I’m looking forward to coverage of the more controversial points in the history of this amazing game, and it’s broader influence on culture.

I played D&D but never knew the backstory. Thank you When We Were Wizards!

I’ve read Peterson’s histories of the game and company but the interviews here are riveting. This is a worthwhile listen even if you’ve heard the stories about the game’s founders before.