Overview
The Analog Dungeon is a bi-weekly TTRPG podcast that explores the "weird, punishing, and hilarious" history of old-school Dungeons & Dragons. Hosted by Russell and Jeramy, the show follows a unique "blind walkthrough" format where one host meticulously prepares a classic module while the other—who has never read or played it—reacts to the absurd traps, bizarre monsters, and questionable 1980s design choices. It has quickly become a favorite in the OSR (Old School Renaissance) community for its blend of historical deep dives and MST3K-style commentary.
Description
The Analog Dungeon treats the "Golden Age" of TSR-era gaming like a digital archeology site. Russell and Jeramy dig into infamous adventures like The Tomb of the Lizard King, In Search of the Unknown, and The Palace of the Silver Princess. They don't just review the rules; they analyze the author's intent, the cultural context of the time, and the sheer logistical insanity of 1970s and 80s dungeon design. It’s a show for players who love the history of the hobby but aren't afraid to laugh at its occasionally "spicy" or nonsensical past.
Content Overview
The Blind Walkthrough
The show's signature hook: one host acts as the "Expert" who has mastered the module, while the other is the "clueless player." This creates a genuine sense of discovery and often leads to hilarious speculation about what horror lies behind the next 10-foot-wide door.
Deep Dives into "Against the Giants"
In early 2026, the podcast tackled G1: Steading of the Hill Giant Chief. The multi-part epic explored why Gary Gygax considered it a personal favorite and tested whether the "granddaddy" of modules still holds up to modern tactical standards.
TSR History and Controversy
The podcast often explores the "behind the scenes" drama of early gaming. Their four-part coverage of Palace of the Silver Princess focused on the infamous "dumping in the landfill" story, treating the history of TSR like a true-crime investigative series.
The "Analog" Aesthetic
Consistent with its name, the show celebrates the physical, tactile nature of the hobby. Discussions frequently touch on vintage art styles, the feel of old paper, and the "Day Job" reality of finding time for complex old-school gaming in a modern world.
Multi-Part Series Structure
Unlike quick review shows, The Analog Dungeon gives modules room to breathe. Larger adventures are broken into 3 or 4 parts, allowing for a room-by-room analysis that captures the specific "vibe" and lethality of each dungeon floor.
Community Interaction
The hosts are highly active in the r/osr and r/adnd communities, often soliciting "war stories" from listeners who survived the original modules in the 80s and incorporating those anecdotes into the show.
Additional links
Log in to view - Official website and episode archive