Lead Pursuit Podcast

Episode 122 - Achtung Panzer!

We know that you all have tons of 28mm tank models just laying around. They’re probably still in the box like Matt’s A-4 Skyhawks! If you are looking for a way to get them on the table in a less infantry-centric game than Bolt Action, look no further than Achtung Panzer from Warlord Games. Doug, Steve and Brett sit down with Roger Gerrish, the developer who brough this “club game” to life for Warlord and helped them in their evil plans to SELL MOAR TANKZ! (we joke) (only a little) But che...

Episode 121 - In Defense of Small Conventions

Have you fallen for the hype around the “must attend” massive gaming conventions? Do you feel lost and overwhelmed with too much to see and do? Doug, Steve and New Guy Matt talk about the good things that small conventions offer gamers of all types. As always, check out our store for the latest in Blood Red Skies and Aerial Wargaming miniatures, accessories and more! https://www.leadpursuit.net/store

Episode 120 - Hobby "Mojo"

Hobby Mojo: You’re in the groove- at a building/painting a mini, making/writing a list or scenario, or, in Doug’s case, “mathing” some incomprehensible hex and cardboard counter “game”. Everything is clicking, the miniature goes together perfectly, the paint job is smooth, a list or scenario just writes itself, or, in Doug’s case, all the maths math up, and the hexes move 2” to the left or right. In any case, the hobby gods are pleased, and everything is going to plan! Join LPP as we discuss...

Episode 119 - House Rules

House Rules, what could be a more divisive topic in gaming? For this dive into the abyss of Grognard Opinion, the team has invited Tom Castanos from the ever loquacious Anything But a One, Adventures in Historical Miniatures Wargaming podcast to share in the pain! (Try saying THAT podcast title 10 times, rapidly, while gargling salt water, and standing on one foot.) But anyway, listen in as the team and Tom run full tilt into the windmills of Grognard Gatekeeping, and continue to wage the #...

Episode 118 - FAQ Me!

Well it has been another year with LPP - want to hear the highs and the lows from the team? They’ll also talk briefly about the latest FAQ that dropped, if you haven’t already scoured it for exploits to help you at the next BRS tournament! As always, check out our store for the latest in Blood Red Skies and Aerial Wargaming miniatures, accessories and more! https://www.leadpursuit.net/store

Episode 117 - Get Ready for Adepticon 2024!

Are you ready for Adepticon 2024? If you’re like the rest of the LPP team, then the answer is absolutely not! In this episode the team breaks down how to plan your Adepticon 2024 schedule, how to survive on convention food for the duration, and what events the LPP team will be hosting. While you’re at it, check out Ben Rawlings’ latest game, Violent Skies: https://www.wargamevault.com/product/460079/Violent-Skies--1940--Dynamo-to-the-Blitz? As always, check out our store for the latest in ...

Episode 116 - Holiday Buying Guide 2023

Did you score big last year following our Holiday Buying Guide? If you didn’t pay attention last year, this is your chance to redeem yourself and buy those gamers in your life what they really want. Or to just waste 59 minutes of your life listening to the team offer their suggestions for this year! Plus there’s a new member of the LPP team for them to pick on during the podcast! Are you ready for Adepticon 2024, yet? Lead Pursuit Podcast will be there, so do your game schedule research ...

Episode 115 - Fall In 2023 Debrief

Have the guys totally lost their mind and gone full Grognard? Listen to them discuss their experiences at Fall In 2023, and their immersion into the HGMS culture. As always, check out our store for the latest in Blood Red Skies and Aerial Wargaming miniatures, accessories and more! “Are these resin models edible?” - Chris https://www.leadpursuit.net/store

Episode 114 - Great Dive

Are you one of those players who feels Great Dive is the throw-away trait?  Do you wish someone smarter and better looking than you would do an analysis of how you could use this trait in your Blood Red Skies games?  So do we!  But since we can’t find such a person, you’re stuck with our pathetic team blundering their way through an analysis of the Great Dive trait, the doctrines that it pairs with and the aircraft that use the trait.  Good luck, and we hope something that we say in this epi...

Episode 113 - Aeronautica, What's next?

Is Aeronautica Imperialis dead? Are you melting your plastic and resin down in a fit of nerd rage? Fear no longer, the Lead Pursuit Team is here to rescue you from the Abandoned Game Doldrums with their discussion of how Aeronautica Imperialis is alive and well! (with a little work from you and your local gaming group.) Blood Red Skies at Siege of Vicksburg - Steve Toth Memorial Tournament “We Really Miss Steve” - Adam Chance http://siegeofvicksburg.org/2023-tournaments Lead Pursuit P...

Episode 112 - Missile Threat

If you are looking for another game to pick up (and who isn’t), the team spends this episode talking with their buddy Pierce about Missile Threat. Think the podcast is unbearable with a partial crew on? We’re pretty sure the guys just found their BFF with Pierce, and this episode will be especially spicy! Blood Red Skies at Siege of Vicksburg - Steve Toth Memorial Tournament “I’m not dead, yet!” - Steve http://siegeofvicksburg.org/2023-tournaments Lead Pursuit Podcast will be hanging...

Episode 111 - Keeping the Peace

Need some more books to get you through the end of summer vacation? Doug talks with Steve Dixon, the author of Keeping the Peace, a history of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 during the Cold War. Find the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Peace-Fighter-Squadron-1946-1991/dp/163624193X Steve Dixon's Games: https://www.stevenkdixon.com/games.htm

Episode 110 - Summer Convention Debrief

Are you stuck on a boring vacation with your family? Wish you were surrounded by a bunch of stinky gamers pushing plastic models, instead? Well be prepared to live vicariously through the LPP team as they discuss their summer convention attendance! Upcoming Events: Blood Red Skies events at NashCon - hosted by Mike Lewis https://www.nashcon.org/ Blood Red Skies at Siege of Vicksburg - Steve Toth Memorial Tournament http://siegeofvicksburg.org/2023-tournaments As always, check out our s...

Episode 109 - Wing Commander Compendium

We get it- you really aren’t sure why you should go buy this book - I mean plenty of the stuff is out there on the interwebs, somewhere, right? The team breaks down not just what is IN the book, but also why you should pick it up and have your very own personal copy of the Wing Commander Compendium This weekend is our BRS tournament at Twisted Lords Con! We will see you there!

Episode 108 - Italians!

Wondering how the new Italian releases look? Need some behind the scenes info since Warlord didn’t show all the cards? The team quickly walks you through what to expect in this series of releases from Warlord, and more importantly what isn’t in this release! A little over a week until our BRS tournament at Twisted Lords Con! Sign up here: https://tabletop.events/conventions/twisted-lords-con-2023/schedule/3

Episode 107 - Skyhawk

Doug sits down with Steve Dixon, co-creator of the game Skyhawk to talk about the game and Vietnam aviation in general. At least he pries some detail about the next title “Operation Linebacker” out of Steve before the end of the interrogation… err, interview!

Episode 106 - Tournament Scene 2023

Are you wondering what lists took the top places at the Adepticon Tournament? Well wait no more - in this episode the team blunders about talking over the results from the Blood Red Skies tournament at Adepticon 2023.

Episode 105 - Adepticon 2023 Debrief

If you didn’t join the team on their annual pilgrimage to Adepticon this year, then you missed out on all the fun! Well, at least they “called” it fun, but we all know it was Lead Pursuit buffoonery at its worst. At least they had adult supervision present in the form of Mike Rafferty, Adepticon Historical coordinator, who is debriefed on this episode. Listen to poor Mike have to deal with the Lead Pursuit team and their unending requests, complaints and good ideas for how to make Adeptico...

Episode 104 - Morale in Aerial Wargames

What’s this, Doug having a cerebral discussion about wargame design theory with an actual professional wargame designer? Don’t laugh to hard at poor Doug as he attempts to discuss how morale is (or is not) represented in aerial wargames with David Redpath, designer of Bandits 2 and current professional Defense Wargamer. Doug and Dave roam all over the topic, offering both historical examples as well as hypothetical musings, all in an attempt to inform the next generation of game designers o...

Episode 103 - 8th Air Force, 20th Air Force (2nd Edition)

Need some more Strategic Bombing gaming to work out your frustrations? Well, if you didn’t pick up the 8th Air Force / 20th Air Force games a few years back, now is your chance! Doug talks with the designer, Bob Phaneuf about the Kickstarter for the new editions of these two games.

Episode 102 - Adepticon Aeronatica

Well, the team has appeased all of you grognards with their discussion of historical aviation subjects long enough! Time for them to talk about Aeronautica Imperialis and Speesh Marineshhh! Doug, Brett and Steve talk with Dave, the host of the Heresy-era Aeronautica Imperialis event at Adepticon. Listen to this episode if for no other reason than to hear Steve admit he doesn’t know jack about history! The Adepticon Schedule can be found here, along with the rules for the Aeronautica Even...

Episode 101 - Bomb Group

We realize that you find it hard to believe Doug and Steve can actually read - but in this episode they bring you an interview with Mike Peters, one of the authors of the book, Bomb Group. The book chronicles the experiences of the 381st Bomb Group operating out of Ridgewell during the Second World War. Of course Mike is a wargamer as well, so the team manages to get off track plenty of times!

Episode 100 - Adepticon 2023

This week the team sits down with Mike and Don from the Adepticon team to talk about what 2023 holds for Historical gaming at Adepticon. Of course the team gets off track and talks about a lot of other stinky gamer topics besides just historical games - so suck it up, buttercup! Since you heard about it, sign up here for Blue Falcon Hobbies’ Decal of the Month! https://patreon.com/user?u=85012557

Episode 99- 2022 Holiday Buying Guide

According to our Retail Statistics department, many of you actually listened to what the Lead Pursuit Team suggested for Holiday Buying last year! Either that, or we’re totally making up the fact that we have a Retail Statistics department and that we’ve done any analysis! Either way, tune in to this episode to figure out what to buy those gamers on your list - or the people you really don’t like to game with, but are obligated to purchase a gift for.

Episode 98 - P40 - Aircraft Spotlight

Okay, we know Steve isn’t exactly the historical authority here, but that is what guests are for, right? Listen as Brett and Steve talk to someone who actually IS well-versed in the history of the P-40 series of aircraft! Plus the guys will talk about how the P-40 plays and some tactics to pair with it in Blood Red Skies.

Episode 97 - Pilots, what do they know?

In an episode guaranteed to offend every segment of the BRS community, the team takes on how pilots are portrayed in the game. Whether it is how pilot-based traits are extrapolated to airplanes, or Doug and Steve’s discussion of gatekeeping in BRS - there is bound to be something to make you angry. If so, please take it out on the team via social media, and be sure to not like our podcast and to leave us a negative review! Or better yet, just join us in the Blood Red Skies Readyroom on Fac...

Episode 96 - Changing the P-38, again!

Are you as confused about the new P-38 stats as the LPP team is? Listen to Steve, Brett and Doug break down where the P-38 has been in BRS, and where the new Beta statistics are taking it. Don’t worry, you’ll only be mildly confused listening to these three break it down by stats, traits and gameplay! Join the team for Crucible X in Orlando on 29 Sept -01 Oct: https://crucibleorlando.com/ Register for the BRS Tournament at Crucible X here: https://tabletop.events/conventions/crucible-x/sch...

Episode 95 - Crucible List Builds

Want to get the inside scoop on what the team will be running at Crucible? Brett, Steve, Casey and Doug all talk about what each of them will be running for aircraft, doctrines and what theater cards they want to get with the roll-off. If you think you are going to gain some game-winning advantages from these buffoons, you will be sadly disappointed! (But you ought to listen, anyway, just to laugh at the team.) Join the team for Crucible X in Orlando on 29 Sept -01 Oct: https://crucibleor...

Episode 94 - NashCon 2022

Did you miss out on attending NashCon this year? Are you falling behind in your BRS event quota for the year? Perhaps after this episode you will count yourself lucky that you weren’t one of the poor souls trapped in Nashville with Doug at NashCon 2022. Brett and Casey grill Doug about the events and takeaways from NashCon, all while updating you on their terrible plans for aircraft lists at Crucible. Speaking of Crucible, come out and join the LPP team IN PERSON in Orlando - signups av...

Episode 93 - Summertime Gaming

What the heck has been going on with Lead Pursuit? If it wasn’t bad enough they’ve been slow to release podcasts, they take too much time in this episode to talk about all of the games BESIDES Blood Red Skies that are taking up their time. But at least Steve gives his debrief of Historicon and Brett talks about what is new with BRS cards and lists for Crucible in Orlando. Perhaps you won’t totally be put off by this episode - but odds say you will! Join the team for Crucible X in Orlando ...

Episode 92 - Cold War Combat ACM - GROUND ATTACK!

Episode 91 - Anyone seen a podcast around here?

Have you totally forgotten about this podcast? Been wondering if the team has run out of stupid things to say, or terrible, offensive jokes to make? Wait no longer, they’re back - with the entire team! This episode will waste your time listening to them talk about a lack of hobby progress, the important things you should be buying from Warlord and just generally making fools of themselves. Sound like fun? Listen in! Lead Pursuit makes more than just the worst aerial wargaming podcast on...

Episode 90 - Aces Come Back!

Either you love Aces or you don’t. Well some of you claim to love them, yet can’t tell us how you play them. Weak sauce. So listen up, hear about the new aces coming out, and maybe in the future, when Doug actually has leaked info, he’ll get the podcast out before Warlord makes the announcement.

Episode 89- Combined Arms (part 1)

Wondering if you should jump on the new game from Warlord, Combined Arms? Want to hear some behind the scenes information about the development of the game? Well, don’t let the fact that Doug is the only LPP member on this episode scare you off! Alessio and Jack from River Horse give a thorough explanation of the game, and even manage to keep Doug on task. But standby for the end - it is time for Doug to ask game designers his usual stupid rules questions!

Episode 88 - Kids and Wargames

Remember when the team mocked you solo players? Perhaps one of the reasons you are by yourself is that you aren’t introducing new players to the hobby! Listen to the team talk about how to introduce younger players to the wargaming hobby, along with some of the deeply ingrained grognard prejudices we ought to check when working with kids. (and no, we don’t mean the man-child at the other end of the 40k tournament tables!)

Episode 87 - Stuka Leader

Are you a sad panda that nobody will play aerial wargames in your town? Well you might just need to invest in some solo aerial wargames to make the time go by fast, until the next Gathering of Eagles. Doug talks with Chuck Seegert (of Zero Leader fame) about his next design, Stuka Leader. The game is headed to Kickstarter at Noon PDT on 20 April, and Chuck gives a lot of insight into what is new in Stuka from the previous Air Leader games Stuka Leader on Kickstarter https://www.kickstarte...

Episode 86 - Aeronautica Imperialis

Has the team sold out? What are they doing talking about a Games Workshop product? Have they become bored with Blood Red Skies? Actually, no. They’ve just fallen for the seductive lure of that GW plastic crack and have started to play Aeronautica Imperialis, the aerial wargame set in the Warhammer 40K universe.

Episode 85 - Adepticon 2022 Debrief

Did you miss Adepticon 2022, you filthy animal? Well, you can get all of the good info here - along with the three idiots on this podcast blathering on about themselves! Doug, Brett and Steve break down the classes they attended, the games they played, and the overall feel of the re-born Adepticon.

Episode 84 - Wildcat and Zero

Okay, we realize that Brett and Steve aren’t exactly the historical authorities on aviation history - so we decided to invite guests onto the program who are a lot smarter than our two hosts! Our duo is joined by Leslie and Jason to discuss two aircraft in this episode, the F4F Wildcat and the A6M Zero. But don’t worry- Brett and Steve won’t miss an opportunity to show how little history they really know!

Episode 83 - Aces and Myth

What the heck are the Lead Pursuit guys up to? Wasting their time playing Games Workshop titles and making unofficial ace cards again? Well, this episode will have you filing your hurt feelings complaints as Doug, Steve and Brett talk about aces, and why they don’t care what traits you would give them. And then Doug has to mention 80’s movies - and it all goes downhill from there!

Episode 82 - Aerodrome

If you’ve ever walked around a gaming convention and felt overwhelmed by all of the choices - we’re here to help! (At least when it comes to Aerial Warfare games.) This time, Doug and Steve discuss the Aerodrome family of games with its current owner, Stan Kubiak, and the Aerodrome Evangelist - Mark Wukas. Steve has had the pleasure of playing Aerodrome, and unlike Doug, he is actually ranked on the game’s leaderboard. (somewhere at the bottom, if truth be told.) Aerodrome Website: htt...

Episode 81 - Battle Mats Galore!

Ever wondered how two gamers turned a side-hustle into a big gaming mat business? No, you haven’t? Well guess what - WE DON’T CARE! You’re going to listen to this episode with Cory from Cigar Box Battle Mats and you’re gonna enjoy it!

Episode 80 - Adepticon 2022

Let’s head back to where it all began for the Lead Pursuit Podcast - Adepticon! Brett, Casey and Doug talk to Mike Rafferty, the Historical Gaming coordinator for Adepticon 2022. While we know plans may change, and schedules are always up in the air - the team decided to cover what was going to be planned for Adepticon, at least in the Historical games section - and of course talk about their own Lead Pursuit Events! Remember Registration opens on 11 January! Main Adepticon site: https://...

Episode 79 - Warlord Did What?

Since they are tired of being miserable and alone at the holidays, the team invites Tom Castanos from the Anything But A One: Adventures in Historical Miniature Wargaming podcast over to share in their misery! Why are they miserable? Because they’re trying to apply logic to the marketing and production actions of Warlord Games, of course! All joking aside, Doug and Casey walk through some of the most “interesting” wargaming release from Warlord and discuss what (probably) went on behind th...

Episode 78 - Thach Weave Tactics

Never missing an opportunity to burn a bridge, the team takes on the discussion surrounding the Thach Weave and attempts to put it in both a historical and tactical perspective. If you are a listener who gets their feathers ruffled over the team tackling issues head-on, like a Robust Wildcat, then you had best skip this episode, and go enjoy a nice warm glass of milk.

Episode 77 - Military Miniature Magazine

How about an early Christmas present from the LPP team? In this episode, Doug and Casey interview Jason Weiser, the editor-in-chief of Military Miniature Magazine. Wait, you haven’t heard about Military Miniature Magazine? Then you had better listen to this episode! Military Miniature Magazine: https://militaryminiature.com/

Episode 76 - Holiday Buying Guide

Trying to tell your significant other what they should buy for you this holiday season? Or are you trying to shop for the gamers on your list and just coming up short with good ideas? Hopefully this episode will both entertain and inform you - and if it doesn’t, we really don’t care! Wait, no, that isn’t what we mean, we truly care about our listeners! (all five of you…)

Episode 75 - Fall Convention Debrief

We hope you have made it to at least one gaming event this fall - but if you haven’t then live vicariously through the Lead Pursuit team as they talk about attending MilleniumCon and Historicon. Or just listen to hear what excuses Steve makes about losing his bet with Jon Russell!

Episode 74 - Warfighters and Fulcrums

Doug has been hard at work with a Not-So-Secret project with Ben Chee for DVG Games. But rather than give you all of the details up front, Doug and Ben talk about the current Kickstarter that DVG is running for their Warfighter system: Warfighter North Africa and Warfighter Mediterranean. Maybe after they talk about that for a bit, they’ll start talking about fighter jets and the topics Lead Pursuit usually covers! Check out and back the DVG Warfighter Kickstarter here: https://www.kicks...

Episode 73 - Siege of Vicksburg, MISSISSIPPI!

Okay, okay, we know the joke is getting old, but Doug and Steve recap the Siege of Vicksburg convention that was in Mississippi, not Virginia. Plus they talk about their views on the new Warlord Resin versus 3D Printed models and what is on the horizon for ROC works. Upcoming Events MilleniumCon: https://www.millenniumcon.info/