Brush Wielders Union

When I first came across the Hazelands last month I knew I wanted to talk to its creator. Fortunately, Tine was happy to make the time to talk to me all about her unique setting for 5e and the whimsical miniatures she's sculpted to go along with it. The Hazelands is currently live on Kickstarter and fully funded and Tine shared the journey behind its creation and inspirations. What are the Hazelands? As a world. It is a place where frogs can be kings and where a teapot might hold a grudge. The wind carries gossip. The rivers keep secrets. And if you sit still long enough, you will surely be dropped in the middle of a legendary quest. As a TTRPG setting.The Hazelands is rooted in the bones of European folklore, but it has grown its own branches. This is a world that rewards wit over brute force and clever thinking over simply hitting the nearest problem with a sword. Not that swords are useless, but they are rarely the most interesting solution. Fairytales have come to life and you will find yourself in the middle of saving silly kings and dancing with fickle fae. The contents of this book are compatible with fifth edition but can also easily be adapted to any role-playing game rule set. The Hazelands is a world hidden behind a thick curtain of mist, where coincidence is the source of all magic and where adventures sprout up like singing flowers. Embark on an unexpected journey where you’ll meet strange creatures and solve their even stranger problems. Back The Hazelands now on Kickstarter and follow Tine Fieldling on Instagram and Patreon .

It's no secret that I'm very excited about the newly released Carcass Front campaign and starter set for Trench Crusade. It's got me feverishly building terrain so I can get properly stuck into the game's compelling gameplay and gruesome world. So, I was very excited when two of the game's lead creators were willing to let me pester them for an hour on this month's podcast. Tuomas had last been on this podcast to discuss Trench Crusade over two years ago, and the game has enjoyed a wild rise since then with much to discuss. He and Andy chatted with me about what's gone into bringing a niche skirmish game from a handful of resin models to a game with an ongoing global campaign, plastic miniatures, and huge demand in just a handful of years. Carcass Front is now available for sale both directly from Factory Fortress and from local game shops. Download the full, free rules for Trench Crusade . Check out the work of artist Viktor Pushkarev , as discussed in this episode. And finally, take part in the ongoing Trench Crusade global campaign, Operation Leviathan . As usual, this podcast was shared exclusively to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

This month I was joined by fellow Union Member and all around cool person, Jen Prouty, Marketing Coordinator at Iwata-Medea . Iwata is a legendary name in hobby and automotive fields, and their airbrushes are go-tos for professionals and hobbyists alike. Jen was kind enough to share a little about her own journey as an artist and then let me pester her with questions about airbrush technology and techniques. She also spoke about their line of NuWorlds paints , which I've found to be really excellent for primerless painting, year-round. As well, Jen surprised me during our interview by very generously expanding the discounts that she and Iwata are offering to Union Members. More about that here . Finally, here are a few links to some of the web resources we discussed in this episode. QuickTech video playlist NuWorlds Paints playlist Battle Ready 3 Step Process (best viewed on mobile) As usual, this podcast was shared exclusively to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

I originally discovered Oasis back in the winter and invited its creators to join me on this very podcast . Six month later, the game is live on Gamefound , fully funded, and knocking down stretch goals. I've already backed at the Terraformer level and can't wait to get my hands on this stuff. I was very pleased to talk to Dale and Byron to talk about the journey the game's been on over the past six months and a little bit about what lies ahead as it completes its crowdfund and moves into production. As usual, this podcast was shared exclusively to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

One of the highlights of Adepticon 2026 for me was venturing into the grime, grunge, and grim darkness of the Smashbash booth where I purchased strange bits while a crowd chanted, "TEETH, TEETH, TEETH". It was the retail experience I'd always wanted. It will heal America. Creator Matt Ross took a few moments away from his nefarious habits to speak to me about what powers his creative empire of Deeply Weird Stuff. We talked about the joys of physical miniatures catalogues, kit bashing, and what went into the creation of his new game Sun Rot . Equal parts miniatures skirmish, RPG, and board game, Sun Rot looks like an incredible amount of fun to me and I can't wait to get it when it releases next month. Pre-orders are up now. As usual, this podcast was shared exclusively to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

Longtime BWU member and good friend, Dave Taylor, returns to the podcast. Dave is, of course, the founder and head of Dave Taylor Miniatures, currently crowdfunding the latest three volumes of the ongoing "The Art of..." series . These are always day one pledges for me and this set is no different. Dave was kind enough to share his time to talk about the artists behind these three books, Alfonso "Banshee" Giraldes, Steve Garcia, and Anastasia Loukrezi. Each of these artists has a unique and powerful style and it was fascinating to hear what they've shared about their journies as creators. Back The Art of... Volumes 16-18 on Kickstarter now . Previous volumes in the series are available for sale through Ironheart Artisans . As usual, this podcast was shared exclusively to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

Longtime BWU member, professional miniatures painter, and generally cool person, Jamie Daggers returns to the podcast this month to talk about her first published miniatures game, Lyctor ! Lyctor is a low model count skirmish game that puts you in the role of an Adept of the Necromantic arts in a battle-beyond-death-match to ascend to Lyctorhood and achieve profane powers. Jamie and I chatted about what it was like bringing this game to life (unlife?) all the way from its earliest concept through playtest and publication with Black Site Studios and its prerelease at Adepticon 2026 where it sold out by Saturday! Follow Jamie on her Instagram , Twitch , and Bluesky , and check out her other work like the RPG mini-game, Lacksmith , now. As usual, this podcast was shared exclusively to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

Longtime friend of the Union and recurring podcast guest, Sean Sutter returns this month to talk about the new release of the first hard plastic kits for Relicblade ! Sean announced in late 2025 that the first plastic kits would be coming for the game and as of today, you can buy them for the first time. We had a great chat about the challenges and advantages of hard plastic manufacturing for an indie wargaming company and everything that went into making them a reality. Order your plastic Relicblade Battle Pigs and Bone & Darkness sets right now! You can listen to some of Sean's previous podcast appearances here , here , and here . And be sure to visit the Relicblade booth #1001 at Adepticon later this month (and then maybe come say hi to me at the Brush Wielders Union Booth around the corner at #1003). As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

There's a ton of stuff to be excited about in miniatures right now but my number one upcoming release for 2026 has gotta be Oasis: Tactical Salvage Reclamation . I happened upon some teasers for this 6mm scifi game last month and was instantly hooked on the images of mixed forces of infantry, vehicles, and hovering spaceships duking it out over vital resources and alien tech. I'm an absolute sucker for tiny scale scifi so I knew I had to get the creators on here to tell me all about it! Oasis will debut at Adepticon 2026 (find them at booth #300) but creators were kind enough to give me some time to tell me all about Oasis' gameplay, lore, and the roadmap ahead as the game debuts at Adepticon before a summertime crowdfunder for their two-player starter set. In the meantime, join them on Discord to stay up to date on all things Oasis! brushwieldersunion.com

What better way to kick off the first podcast of 2026 than by catching up with my old friend (and former boss) Lyle Lowery! Over the course of his career Lyle has been editor-in-chief of two of the biggest magazines in wargaming history and it was a delight to chat with him about his journey as a gamer and now industry professional. We talked about his time at Privateer Press and Games Workshop, of course, as well as what it was like upending his life to move from the US to England before we got into the details of his current career as a consultant and editor for a number of games companies. These days he's working very closely with Factory Fortress, publishers of Trench Crusade, and even spilled a few secrets about the project he's spearheading for them! brushwieldersunion.com

Hi all, for the last podcast of the year I was joined by my old friends and former Press Gang comrades-in-arms, Craig Caton and Paul Shoemaker to tell me all about CaptainCon ! Going into it's 12th year, CaptainCon has become a staple of the North East US's convention circuit. Taking place each February in Warwick, RI, CaptainCon is an event full of miniatures games, painting competitions, boardgames, and more (like "rum appreciation classes). Tickets and a few hotel rooms in their room block are still on sale, so check out this fantastic gaming convention now! As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

Longtime friend, BWU member, and regular podcast guest, Dave Taylor returns this episode for an informal chat about the state of miniatures painting as craft and art. Dave is of course well known for his work as a hobbyist and publisher of some of the most beautiful miniatures art books on the market ( get 'em now ). I was delighted to just pick his brain and chat about the trends, tools, and what he's working on both as a painter and publisher, and his overall relationship with the hobby.

Up and coming company Goblin Hobbies made quite the stir at Adepticon this past spring with the release of their highly antcipated stamping kits and I was delighted to talk to the guys behind it all! Goblin Hobbies may be a new venture but Brent and Casey have been mainstays of miniatures hobby media for years via their channels, Goobertown Hobbies , eBay Miniature Rescues , and as the hosts of Paint Bravely: The Podcast . We talked about their backgrounds in the hobby but got into the nitty gritty of their enamel stamping plate kits, what went into manufacutring them, and how they chose the dozens of icons available. I haven't used these myself (they sold out at Adepticon before I could get one!) but now that they're available again I'm excited to try them out soon. As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

My guest this month was Cailon, co-founder of The Nailon Realm , creators of Dungeon Dinkies 3d printed miniatures and statues. Cailon and I chatted about the challenges of digital sculpting to meet their mission statement of "simple, fun, for everyone". We had a great talk about sculpting, running a company, and creating minis with the express purpose of helping people begin their miniatures painting journey. He was also kind enough to offer a 15% off coupon for BWU members (available for members in a separate post). Find The Nailon Realm across the internet via their Linktree . As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

This month I was joined by Alex Huntley, founder of Warp Miniatures and the creator of ArcWorlde ! ArcWorlde is a fantasy skirmish game where warbands, heroes and monsters are pitted against each other in the field of combat. There are beasts to slay, treasures to discover, objectives to capture and rival Commanders to defeat. By using these rules, your imagination, and the wide range of ArcWorlde miniatures available, you and your friends can play out epic tales within the eponymous fantasy realm. I was really taken with the ArcWorlde minis when I saw them at Adepticon this year and was immediately taken by their charming miniatures. Alex talked with me about his artistic inspirations, being an miniatures industry auteur, and of course, all about the imminent Kickstarter for his latest warband, the Gremlins! Anyone who follows the Kickstarter before launch and then backs it will receive a bonus special gremlin figure, as well! As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

July's podcast guest is Wingshan Huntley, making her first foray into game development with the upcoming Siren's Oath: The Tides Turning from her imprint, Twisted Spire. Wingshan describes her game as "a one-shot tabletop game ritual for 3–5 players, where you and your coven of mermaid witches shape a city’s destiny through evocative storytelling, gut-punch choices, and stunning sculpts by Warp Miniatures." Wingshan and I had a really fascinating conversation about her relationship with gaming (which began in the womb...), fine art, the female gaze, and how all of those subjects converge in her first tabletop game. Siren's Oath: the Tides Turning will debut on Gamefound in just a few weeks but you can stay informed on Gamefound and even get a free STL mini by signing up for updates. You can also find Wingshan and Twisted Spire on Bluesky and Instagram . As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

My guest this month is Dan Zehrer, founder of the paint company described as a sleeper hit of Adepticon 2025, Bear Cavalry Paints ! This ecologically conscious paint company operates out of Oregon State here in the great Pacific Northwest and have been making some fantastic paints for about a year now. I picked up their original set this past winter and was really impressed with the quality so I was excited to talk with Dan about everything that goes into their products. Dan shared some titbits about the career path that led him to found Bear Cavalry, discussed a little of the chemistry behind making paints, and teased some future collaborations with games and companies like Trench Crusade and others! As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

My guest this month is Kevin "Burky" Burkhardsmeier, founder and owner of Gametoppers ! I backed their Kickstarter back in 2020 for their 6x4' table topper, the "Mycroft" and it's since become my most-used gaming peripheral. I really love this product so I was excited to get the chance to speak with its creator on the podcast. Burky was kind enough to talk about the background of their company, what goes into making their game toppers, neoprene mats, and other accessories. He also gave us a few exclusive teases about some really cool stuff that will be available through their next Kickstarter, estimated to launch on June 10th. Find Game Toppers at their own website , on Facebook , Instagram , and s ign up for their newsletter to stay informed on their upcoming Kickstarter launch. As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

Returning to the podcast this month are miniatures war gaming royalty, Andy Chambers and Gav Thorpe, here to talk about the imminent release of their game Zeo Genesis ! Zeo Genesis s a scalable skirmish miniatures battle game of big armor suits locked in kinetic action. You may remember their l ast appearance on this podcast in 2023 but the game has come a long way since then and will be crowdfunding on Game Found in just a few days, on April 29th . Andy and Gav were kind enough to chat with me about how the game has developed over the past two years, their plans for the game's initial two player starter set, how they're navigating the tricky waters of a tariff uncertainty, their efforts to manufacture plastic miniatures in the United States, and how the game will be supported as an ongoing retail product with physical models as well as STLs. I had the chance to take a look at prototypes of the game last month at Adepticon and I'm very excited to see it all coming together. As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com

This month I was pleased to welcome my new friend and fellow Union Member, Kelsey Canaga as our podcast guest! Kelsey and I met earlier this year at OrcaCon where she was representing her company, Found Family Adventurecrafts . I was really taken with the unique and joyful sculpts she produces and her enthusiasm for the quirkier corners of tabletop adventure gaming. Kelsey shared her background in gaming and how her career as a collectibles developer at Funko informs her work. She was also kind enough to offer a discount for BWU members, so stay tuned in the coming days for a post with more info on that! Find Found Family Adventurecrafts at their main site but also, on Tribes , Patreon , and Bluesky . As usual, this podcast was exclusive to Brush Wielders Union members for a few days before being released to general audiences. brushwieldersunion.com