Easy to listen to, great chemistry, and regularly shares ideas that I’ve found myself thinking about weeks later. I’ve listened to many episodes in the back catalogue multiple times. While it’s sad to see Paul Fricker leave the show, the guest hosts have been a great fit and brought a new depth to the show. I’ve been a listener for four years now, and I look forward for many more years to come.

The hosts of the show are incredibly insightful into Lovecraft’s work and what makes horror work in gaming. Listening to this podcast has been a great resource for my own scenario writing.

Final Update October 2024 With the sad announcement that Paul will be stepping down as host with episode 300, I felt compelled to update my review one last time. It feels as if Balanchine is leaving the New York Ballet. I dearly love Scott and Matt, but i can’t help feel an end of an era upon us. I wanted to share one last time just how important this podcast has been to me. I lost my dad in 2016 to Lewy Body Dementia…and then began to slowly lose my mom to Alzheimer’s right afterwards. It felt as if my entire life was being erased, every week and every day. I gave up my career to care for her, and I lost most of my friends along the way. What I had, above all else, were a few podcasts about the games and culture that I loved. Chief among these has been GFJE. It was as if they became my friends. I have listened to every episode so many times, I am sure I know them better than the hosts. I just want to say—thank you. You were a source of comfort and friendship that was crucial…and which can never be repaid. I am eternally grateful for the hours of stimulation and laughter and wonder. Thank you from my heart, full and hollow, like a cactus tree… (joni Mitchell!) —anthony Updated April 2018 Am still an avid listener and Patreon backer after several years, and still find myselfylistening to their old episodes with great joy and intellectual pleasure. Scott, Paul, and Matt share a darkly-infectious enthusiasm for their hobby and this podcast has honestly been one of my greatest game-related pleasures over the past few years. My only regret is that I am unable tof de share a game and a story or two with them in person, but the airwaves (so to speak) are a fair substitute, as are their writings, which are as clever as their on-air personality and s. If you have not listened yet, and have any interest in Call of Cthulhu, role-playing games more generally, horror and dark narratives of any sort, or just good humour and friendship, you should try the Good Friends podcast post-haste, and sample their various writings as well. You will never be disappointed. ******** The Good Friends are very clever gamers and writers of grand wit and humour. Neither autistic savants droningly correcting the harmless solecisms of fellow players 'round the table, nor shrill poltergeists hurling ghastly pebbles of polemic, they are gentlemen who balance erudition and enthusiasm, and their long-forged camaraderie is genuine and warm. Their friendship makes for repartee that is very easy to listen to. Even if you are not a Cthulhu gamer, you will love listening over these good friends’ shoulders. Scott Dorward, who of the three perhaps maintains the most active online presence, deserves special kudos for being the rare gamer whose forum persona is helpful, intelligent, and keen, rather than insufferable. Check him out on their own forum, blasphemoustomes.com or on reddit gaming fora. TL:DR…love the podcast, listen multiple times. Great, great stuff!”

Great group of hosts with complimentary but divergent backgrounds and knowledge bases, interesting subjects, and simply a lot of fun to listen to. You’ll likely learn few things, you will probably laugh (sometimes a lot) and you’ll stir the wonder that lives inside us all. Highly recommended.

As someone who has listened for a while, I have finally gotten around to writing a review. This show and it’s hosts are superb. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the games and media they love. They also have a lot of fun and seem to enjoy riffing off of each other. They bring the genre and their authored materials to life in a way that few can. Recommended and worth your time.

In full disclosure, I am NOT an RPG player; however, this fact has not interfered with my enjoyment of this podcast! I am a fan of the fiction of Lovecraft and horror that falls under the heading of “Lovecraftian “, Scott, Paul and Matt are having a grand and glorious time cussing and discussing all things Lovecraft, sci-if, as well as all of the weirdness that inhabits the world of RPG. It does make me want to take the time to begin RPG, although at 52 years old, it may be a bit late for me. I can’t recommend them highly enough ( plus they all have lovely British accents, so the horrible things they might say all sound superb!) Cheers guys!

i love the smart funny takes on that week’s given topics (accents do help the charm, as does imagining scott & his magician’s beard as it exists in my mind based on convos ) but it’s also on of the best edited & formatted for podcasting too!

One of my favorite podcasts. I consider these three guys talking to each other one of my comfort podcasts and have gone back to listen to episodes about spooky old Gods and monsters. I love when they riff especially and take a small element of the setting and turn it into an adventure.

I throughly enjoy this podcast when the hosts discuss horror media and gaming. They do have a tendency to veer into politics in an incredibly off-putting way, however there are still some real gems for those who don’t mind their off-topic tirades.

It’s like listening to three basement dwelling nerds wang on about absolutely boring ideas. In the vein of all things Lovecraftian these English lobsters prattle on about an American. You lost mate. American literary people can be enjoyed by anyone, but these three hosts, come off it man.

I listened to this podcast for 9000 minutes this year- which seems a bit low, as often as I end up turning on an episode when driving or doing chores! The Good Friends got me into Call of Cthulhu as well as some delightfully demented novels and movies. The hosts are all funny and thoughtful, with surprisingly tasteful senses of humor, and their advice for Keepers is incredibly solid.

I’ve never played Call of Cthulhu but this podcast has helped me run DnD, Nights Black Agents, Blades in the Dark, and a few other games. Insightful episodes on GMing theory, horror and horror theory, and what makes gaming better than good.

I like to try out a lot of gaming related podcasts, but I find so many of them wanting. The Good Friends of Jackson Elias is most definitely not one of those. This is fantastic podcast! The hosts are so knowledgeable and interesting, and their conversations never drag. They do such a great job of covering a variety of topics, not necessarily gaming related, and finding really interesting ways of tying it all back to the hobby that so many of us love. The production value is really high here, which is something that can often be missing from some other shows. To paraphrase Joe Bob, 5 stars! Check it out!

Nailing the vibes and creating amazing atmosphere propels the conversations the Friends have into delightful podcasting. Lovecraft and other spooky topics are what my mornings consist of.

Absolutely been loving the show! This podcast is a vital listening tool for any Call of Cthulhu Keepers. Episodes are stuffed with so much good discussion your mind will be spinning with ideas after each episode. Keep up the great work.

This podcast is my go to for all CAll of Cthulhu gaming inspirations, insight and just great discussions all around. Highly recommend for any Lovecraft enthusiast.

This is a great source of inspiration for Call of Cthulhu gaming, writing, and thought. Topics are diverse ranging from mechanics, game mastery, player mastery, writing, film and novel inspiration, real world aspects of life. Engaging, interesting, and downright educating. Familiar and comfortable like a good friend.

Sometimes it’s hard to find great TTRPG podcasts that aren’t D&D. This is a great one for Call of Cthulhu. If you like listening to RPGs, I’d highly recommend this one.

I have been playing Call of Cthulhu for almost 40 years. I am very much enjoying this podcast, and getting a glimpse behind the thinking that led the new seventh edition. It is also a lot of fun to hear fellow horror enthusiast talk about ghosts and monsters and cults! It is like sitting at a table with a good friend and having a fun conversation about the hobby that we love. Well done fellas.

I first checked this out while looking for more role play coc and was disappointed that they don't actually run campaigns in this pod. However it's become a favorite of mine. All three hosts are quite knowledgeable and entertaining. Especially enjoy the npc's from history episodes.

I was turning someone on to your podcast —because it’s awesome — when he noted that Scott sounds like Winnie the Pooh. I think he has the perfect voice for horror lulling you into a false sense idyllic comfort before... well, horror.

Hands down my favorite podcast. The podcasters are very smart and have much expertise not only in CoC but also in weird fiction and horror movies. But besides this, the most important thing to me about these guys is that they have created the coziest podcast I’ve ever listened to. They remind me of good times i’ve spent chatting and hanging with my friends. In my home town there are many D&D games but not many CoC games, so I’ve organized my own game as keeper thanks to this podcast. Thanks to Scott, who has excellent analysis on all things about the game and who i thought would look more like a m.r. james based on his voice but actually looks more like Alan moore. And thanks to Paul, for his thoughtful questioning view of everything as well as his excellent intro videos which i sent to all my investigators. And thanks to Matt for his experience, comic relief, and for happily sharing whatever is on his mind. Cheers!

I discovered this incredible podcast a bit late, but I immediately started to binge on it. Every episode is fantastic! The guys are smart, worldly, educated, factual, exciting and funny as hell! Everyone will enjoy this podcast- not just Horror Gamers! They have answered the age old question “ what do I do with my Degree In Literature? “ you make cool and interesting podcasts, write fun games, and share your knowledge with other gamers! Can’t get enough of these podcasts!

If you are a fan of Lovecraft, gaming, or horror in general, then The Good Friends of Jackson Elias is for you. Matt, Paul, and Scott cover a wide range of topics, from mythos fiction, to running Call of Cthulhu RPG games, to classic horror films. Every episode is like sitting at your favorite panel at a Lovecraft convention, but without the two year wait between sessions. Check it out!

Packed with clever insights into Lovecraft and related works, not just from a role playing gamer perspective. The three gentlemen, Matt, Scott and Paul, discuss a variety of topics in (entertaining) detail. Recent (winter, 2019) topics include an in-depth discussion of Lovecrafts At the Mountains of Madness and one about those fabulous tomes L and company loved to list in their workds. If you ARE a gamer, these are the people that wrote the campaign The Two Headed Serpent, which is quickly becoming a classic. So of course you want to listen to this. If you aren't a gamer, listen anyway. Its fun, entertaining and knowledgable. You can't help but come away enriched.

This podcast is very much like having three (or occasionally four) friends who enjoy talking to each other in length on topics they’re all very informed about. I’ve never been one for horror films and have yet to actually read the Lovecraft anthology sitting on my bookshelf, but every time I listen to a new episode it makes me want to experience the source material first hand... when I have some free time. I came here for the gaming talk as a lover of Call of Cthulhu among other RPGs and stayed for the hosts’ witty personalities and sweet, sweet, British accents.

Scott Dorward, Paul Fricker, and Matt Sanderson are three of the greatest minds working in horror games right now, and their show is a masterclass on running them. They've written some of the best Call of Cthulhu scenarios of the last decade or so, and their insights into the craft of running a game are more helpful than any game book out there. Even if you're not a role-player, they have excellent taste in horror films and stories, and their episodes on weird fiction and movies are just as great as their episode on games. And you may even become a tabletop gamer after listening to enough of their shows--they're that good. I've listened to every episode multiple times, and I've become a better player and GM because of it. Some of my favorite episodes are ones where they talk about other roleplaying games they enjoy, and I've discovered so many great games I may have otherwise not encountered. I had the pleasure of meeting all of them in person this summer, and even got to game with Matt while playing Paul's amazing Call of Cthulhu scenario, "Gatsby and the Great Race." Here's to many more episodes! Ia! Ia!

I discovered this podcast from a reddit thread and since the night I heard their siren call, I've been working my way through the archive. I love hearing them talk about Lovecraft and horror. Listening to this pod is like sitting with friends. Good Friends, one might say... If you like Lovecraft, roleplaying games, and talks of horror and what makes it tick, please give this pod a try! Fantastic job, guys!

I have been thoroughly enjoying picking and choosing episodes of the podcast to listen to. I always know that the three hosts will have put in an enormous amount of research into whatever topic they choose to discuss. The hosts have a wealth of experience, having played and created rpg scenarios for decades. A gem of a podcast.

Discovered this on what would normally be a boring drive from Dallas to Houston. Great insight into Lovecraft and one of my favorite pastimes - horror gaming. Great job guys!

Excellent job Boys! I just finished the entire backlog and have enjoyed every show the three of you have produced. For any GM of any system I would recommend this podcast. These guys are walking talking gold. Their approach to GMing is intelligent, thoughtful and humorous. I can’t recommend the show enough. Thank you for everything you do on and off the air. I look forward to many more shows.

The Good Friends of Jackson Elias is an interesting and thought-provoking podcast that's not afraid to wander afar to discuss related topics to Call of Cthulhu roleplaying, such as a recent episode (recent for me) about the Heaven and Earth roleplaying game. I'm always happy to sit down and listen to another thoughtful discussion with these fine gentlemen.

In all honesty, this is the podcast that got me into listening to podcasts! Thoughtful discussions of all things Call of Cthulhu and Lovecraft. The mix of practical in-game issues with more philosophical discussions of cosmic horror and mythos always strikes the right balance. Scott, Paul, and Matt are great at tying abstract discussions of genre back into something that can really inform your games at the table. I'm always excited when I get a Good Friends notification of a new episode. I highly recommend subscribing!

I've been listening to this podcast for the past two years and finally felt compelled to write this review. Matt, Paul, and Scott very clearly not only have a deep knowledge of the source material, but also a visceral passion for the genre. When the three hosts are talking and interacting with one another, it is with a friendly tone of voice (and frequently with a bit of humor) that draws in the listener, not unlike sitting around with your friends. Each host has his own 'voice' and it is not uncommon to hear differing opinions on a topic. This is a boon as these moments can lead to a deeper understanding of the topic in discussion. It is a fun podcast that is well-produced and should be in the playlist of not only HPL fans, but fans of horror in general. Thank you gentlemen!

I used to play Call of Cthulhu long time ago back when “Cthulhu Now” wasn’t a historical setting. The group stopped because well, we got tired of all the character deaths. As the special episode on "Pulp vs Pure" pointed out it you can only die so many times before you stop caring. Two years ago at Origins Pelgrane Press booth, Kenneth Hite pitched “Trail of Cthulhu” as the solution. So last year we started playing it. While doing research to prepare for the game, I discovered the podcast. The first time I put it on, my wife (who’s one of the players) fell asleep a few minutes in. I asked her if she thought the podcast was boring. She said "No, it’s quite interesting. Please put it on again, I’d like to listen to it". We quickly started going through the backlog of episodes, though the pattern continues. At night time if I put it on, she will fall asleep with in minutes as if I just put on a lullaby. She claims it’s the British voices :) We love the theme song, though we couldn’t figure why you picked it. The theme song choice was so memorable the podcast has come to be known as “Japanese Sandman” podcast. At the beginning of the year, my wife started experimental cancer treatment. The treatment is designed to spike your immune system. This means you have high fever, are restless, and have insomnia. The side effects are something you have no choice but to cope. We tried a bunch of things, but nothing worked. Until it suddenly occurred to me, “Hey, you want to try listening to the Japanese Sandman podcast?” She felt it was worth a try. It wasn’t even 10 minutes and she was sound asleep. Words can’t describe how thankful I was that your podcast exist at that very moment. From that point on, your podcast became part of the treatment journey. Fortunately you've produced many episodes, even so there are many episodes we've listened to many times. We always look forward to new episodes. Some of our favorite episodes are #50 "How Cthulhu took over the world", the episodes (#63/#64) on "Lamentations of Flame Princes" #76 "Many faces of Cthulhu" #80 "Pulp Cthulhu" #83 "Appeals of RPGs" the episodes (#103/#104) "Appeal of investigative games" (#105/#108) on World of Darkness (Vampire the Masquerade is another game we play quite a bit over the years) (#109/#110) on THE "Call of Cthulhu" the special episode on "Pulp vs Pure" #121 "System Matters" Some of the episodes have sent us looking for TV series and movies you recommended. However, our all time favorite is the #128 Cat episode. She loves cats. When the episode was released, that afternoon she asked if I can put on the “Japanese Sandman” podcast. I said “You are in for a treat. There is a new episode, which I’m confident will be your all time favorite from this point forward.” After the episode ended, she said “can we listen to it again?”. She even enjoyed the singing/cat meowing you guys did in that episode. And yes, she was awake throughout the entire episode. She passed away 4 month ago, but I wanted to thank all of you for creating the podcast. It helped her through the treatment process. The 3 of you are truly “Good Friends”.

Amazing and entertaining podcast for the lore of HP Lovecraft. These fellows discuss a wide range of topics that dares the darkest corners. My favorite episodes are the discussions of the Lovecraftian deities where you are taken for a tour of encyclopedic proportions through relevant works, speculative theories, how to use said deity in your Call of Cthulhu game and also how they (who are seasoned and experienced players and writers for the game) have used the entity in their games. There is just too much good here to list! Please give it a listen!

Great podcast! The range of knowledge goes way beyond gaming keeping everything interesting and fun.

TGFoJE is my favorite podcast. Scott, Paul, and Matt have introduced me to great cultural objects and re-enthused my gaming life with their thoughtful conversations. The show is well-structured, while never feeling scripted or false. It just feels like I am hanging out with three good friends, good, *very strange* friends, each of whom has an individual personality that one gets to know over the course of the podcast's development. And they talk about the films, games, and other weird horrors that interest them. Top notch!

The Good Friends put one one of the best podcasts about Horror gaming, with a huge focus on Cthulhu RPGs. They discuss other games as well and other subjects from time to time (Horror movies for example), tho I’m partial to the Lovecraftian aspects myself. Regardless of the subject matter, this trio put thought into what they are saying and always keep me entertained. Check them out! Jamey

I love how thoughtful these guys are in the way they consider various horror fiction, cinema and role playing. I have been put on to several interesting films, books and television programs due to Paul, Matt and Scott. As a Call of Cthulhu and Delta Green player/gm, this podcast is really invaluable. It gets you into your "ideal state" for considering good storytelling and compelling atmosphere/mood. As a fan of the horror genre in various media, Paul, Matt and Scott are remarkably varied yet interesting in their tastes, approaches and attitudes. This is really nice and always gives me someone to identify with. Finally, this podcast has made me a better roleplayer, storyteller and purveyor of all things horror. It is a great thing to listen to and I look forward to donating on their Patreon (they do a song for people who donate, and it reminds me of my art school days.)

These guys are great. Very entertaining and give a great spin on all subjects that are Lovecraftian.

The Good Friends present a fun take on horror gaming, movies, and literature and apply whatever they discuss to gaming in the Cthulhu Mythos. The audio quality improves quite a bit in more recent episodes - perhaps because they no longer record in a potting shed - but even when the audio isn't the best, the content is always excellent. There are gaming podcasts out there that are more famous, but there are none better than the Good Friends of JE.

Truely insightful show, full of great discussions, cthuloid updates, and entertaining content. One of the best RPG podcasts out there.

EXCEPT for one important episode - #23, the one about combat. You all spend over half the podcast talking about how much you don’t like combat in CoC & then you kinda talk about how the new combat system works. It would be good if we actually would get an in-depth play through of how combat work, because a lot of use DO enjoy the occasional dust-up :). Other then that I LOVE this podcast! Love to hear for creators.

One of the best podcasts out there! It doesn't hurt that you guys talk about one of my favorite RPGs of all time. Love the sort of "inside looks" and insights of the writers. Thank you!

Excellent. If you are a fan of horror RPGs, this is a good choice. If you're a Call of Cthulhu RPG fan, this is virtually a must. The hosts are knowledgeable and have a wonderful give-and-take in their in-depth discussions. I thought I couldn't handle yet another podcast, but after one episode, I made room in my podcast rotation. Check this one out!

To be honest, I didn't care for this podcast when it first launched. It wasn't terrible, but I think it lacked enough polish to keep me engaged and stay on my feed. THAT, I'm pleased to report, has all changed. I gave it another try and I'm glad I did. This show and its hosts both educate and horrify me. I'm hooked like Attract Fish gone wrong!

This is one of the best gaming podcasts available. The hosts are knowledgeable and entertaining, represent a range of views and tastes, and together they generate excellent ideas. If you play horror RPGs, you’ll get a lot out of these episodes. All three hosts are experienced writers and editors for Call of Cthulhu and other games, so coverage of the topic is informed and valuable.

I originally started listening to this podcast with the Call of Cthulhu rpg & happy ever since first turning it on. Great discussions from the hosts & guests on horror in games as well as movies & fiction. Highly recommended!

Excellent podcast with great discussion of horror gaming and inspiration with incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining hosts. They have a great chemistry that always brings a smile to your face whether talking about cosmic insanities or ritualistic murder enabling the return of the Old Ones. These gentlemen put on a great show.