Ryan Costello
@costello.bsky.social
Writer, podcaster, ENnie award winning Essence20 designer, G.I. Joe enthusiast, former Voltron social media manager.
I didn't need to watch a half hour video essay arguing that the Godzilla 1998 novelization was better than the movie, but I'm glad I did.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALoN...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALoN...
When the novelization makes the movie better...
YouTube video by Up From The Depths
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:09 PM
I didn't need to watch a half hour video essay arguing that the Godzilla 1998 novelization was better than the movie, but I'm glad I did.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALoN...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALoN...
It was a delight to meet Joshua and talk monsters with him. Monster Core 2 might be Pathfinder's best second monster book!
Monster Core 2 co-lead Joshua Birdsong talks Pathfinder's third second monster book.
How did he pick the monsters, the authors, and the art? What are the perks of being the lead? What did he learn about designing Pathfinder 2e monsters?
youtu.be/rOBJg1kKrgE
How did he pick the monsters, the authors, and the art? What are the perks of being the lead? What did he learn about designing Pathfinder 2e monsters?
youtu.be/rOBJg1kKrgE
Monster Core 2 with co-lead Joshua Birdsong
YouTube video by Know Direction Podcast Network
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 6:08 PM
It was a delight to meet Joshua and talk monsters with him. Monster Core 2 might be Pathfinder's best second monster book!
Of the three segments in Know Directions new format since the relaunch, I've struggled the most with the editorial opener. It takes the most forethought and editing, meaning I'm frontloading my moth's work.
That said, I feel like I'm getting the hang of them, and having fun in the process.
That said, I feel like I'm getting the hang of them, and having fun in the process.
Ryan randomly chooses a monster from the latest #Pathfinder2e sourcebook, Monster Core 2, and uses the stat block to write an adventure around it.
Part 1 of Know Direction 308 - Monster Month
youtu.be/IKQ96e72vQ4
Part 1 of Know Direction 308 - Monster Month
youtu.be/IKQ96e72vQ4
How Pathfinder Stat Blocks Tell Stories
YouTube video by Know Direction Podcast Network
youtu.be
November 6, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Of the three segments in Know Directions new format since the relaunch, I've struggled the most with the editorial opener. It takes the most forethought and editing, meaning I'm frontloading my moth's work.
That said, I feel like I'm getting the hang of them, and having fun in the process.
That said, I feel like I'm getting the hang of them, and having fun in the process.
I'll always remember the temperature around the last eclipse thanks to the solar glasses I find in my spring jacket pocket twice a year.
November 6, 2025 at 12:15 AM
I'll always remember the temperature around the last eclipse thanks to the solar glasses I find in my spring jacket pocket twice a year.
*Tina laughs exasperated after I name all five Backstreet Boys*
ME: I'm sorry my brain doesn't remember good facts...
ME: I'm sorry my brain doesn't remember good facts...
November 3, 2025 at 7:10 PM
*Tina laughs exasperated after I name all five Backstreet Boys*
ME: I'm sorry my brain doesn't remember good facts...
ME: I'm sorry my brain doesn't remember good facts...
Growing up in the 80s, when you turned on your afternoon cartoons, you never knew if you were going to get a formulaic and forgettable fun way to spend 30 minutes or haunting imagery that stays with you for the rest of your life.
If you want to recreate your favourite childhood scaring moment for a spooky #Essence20 session, Ryan and Charles have you covered.
The latest episode of Upshift is available on the #KnowDirectionNetwork.
knowdirectionpodcast.com/2025/10/upsh...
The latest episode of Upshift is available on the #KnowDirectionNetwork.
knowdirectionpodcast.com/2025/10/upsh...
October 31, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Growing up in the 80s, when you turned on your afternoon cartoons, you never knew if you were going to get a formulaic and forgettable fun way to spend 30 minutes or haunting imagery that stays with you for the rest of your life.
Typo of the day: Workshippers.
"Do you see the way Tim in accounting looked at Bobby the secretary?"
"You're such a workshipper.
"Do you see the way Tim in accounting looked at Bobby the secretary?"
"You're such a workshipper.
October 30, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Typo of the day: Workshippers.
"Do you see the way Tim in accounting looked at Bobby the secretary?"
"You're such a workshipper.
"Do you see the way Tim in accounting looked at Bobby the secretary?"
"You're such a workshipper.
Monster Core 2 here just in time to do the mash.
(Hellacool glowing energy balls not part of the cover art but a reflection of my lights)
(Hellacool glowing energy balls not part of the cover art but a reflection of my lights)
October 27, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Monster Core 2 here just in time to do the mash.
(Hellacool glowing energy balls not part of the cover art but a reflection of my lights)
(Hellacool glowing energy balls not part of the cover art but a reflection of my lights)
I'm a Guest of Honour at Keycon 42 in Winnipeg from May 15-17.
I'll be chairing a bunch of panels, the topics of which haven't been settled yet. What would subjects would you like to hear me talk about?
keycon.org/42/guests/
I'll be chairing a bunch of panels, the topics of which haven't been settled yet. What would subjects would you like to hear me talk about?
keycon.org/42/guests/
October 23, 2025 at 3:47 PM
I'm a Guest of Honour at Keycon 42 in Winnipeg from May 15-17.
I'll be chairing a bunch of panels, the topics of which haven't been settled yet. What would subjects would you like to hear me talk about?
keycon.org/42/guests/
I'll be chairing a bunch of panels, the topics of which haven't been settled yet. What would subjects would you like to hear me talk about?
keycon.org/42/guests/
Cut my hand washing my new blender.
Put another way, the first recipe I used my new blender on: Cream of potato leek soup.
The second recipe I used my new blender on: Me.
Put another way, the first recipe I used my new blender on: Cream of potato leek soup.
The second recipe I used my new blender on: Me.
October 23, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Cut my hand washing my new blender.
Put another way, the first recipe I used my new blender on: Cream of potato leek soup.
The second recipe I used my new blender on: Me.
Put another way, the first recipe I used my new blender on: Cream of potato leek soup.
The second recipe I used my new blender on: Me.
I still struggle with what makes good Patreon content. Something like this feels interesting to me, but is it $2 a month interesting?
Ryan shares a behind the scenes clip and story about how the bit at the beginning of the Pathfinder Quest segment almost didn't happen. Twice.
www.patreon.com/posts/kd-307...
www.patreon.com/posts/kd-307...
KD 307 BTS - The Bit That Almost Wasn't | Know Direction Network
Get more from Know Direction Network on Patreon
www.patreon.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:37 PM
I still struggle with what makes good Patreon content. Something like this feels interesting to me, but is it $2 a month interesting?
Pointed out a big bird in the sky to everyone in the car before realizing it was a plane
Now I know how the people of Metropolis feel.
Now I know how the people of Metropolis feel.
October 17, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Pointed out a big bird in the sky to everyone in the car before realizing it was a plane
Now I know how the people of Metropolis feel.
Now I know how the people of Metropolis feel.
Probably my biggest design gaff in the G.I. JOE CRB is the stats for the S.H.A.R.C. They are so unjustifiably off, which is especially bad for such a popular and useful vehicle.
I've wanted to fix them in an official capacity for a while. For now, I'll have to settle for an unofficial fix.
I've wanted to fix them in an official capacity for a while. For now, I'll have to settle for an unofficial fix.
This is a big Upshift for fans of G.I. JOE’s iconic flying submarine, the S.H.A.R.C., because Ryan finally fixes the #Essence20 version's he got ridiculously wrong in the Core Rulebook.
The latest episode is available now on the #KnowDirectionNetwork.
knowdirectionpodcast.com/2025/10/upsh...
The latest episode is available now on the #KnowDirectionNetwork.
knowdirectionpodcast.com/2025/10/upsh...
October 17, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Probably my biggest design gaff in the G.I. JOE CRB is the stats for the S.H.A.R.C. They are so unjustifiably off, which is especially bad for such a popular and useful vehicle.
I've wanted to fix them in an official capacity for a while. For now, I'll have to settle for an unofficial fix.
I've wanted to fix them in an official capacity for a while. For now, I'll have to settle for an unofficial fix.
Follow for more life hacks.
They say some problems can't be solved by tossing bombs and swigging mutagen, but I haven't found one yet.
#Pathfinder2e #PathfinderRPG #PathfinderArt #KnowDirectionNetwork
#Pathfinder2e #PathfinderRPG #PathfinderArt #KnowDirectionNetwork
October 15, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Follow for more life hacks.
If I wasn't in an ongoing Pathfinder campaign again, I would definitely grab Pathfinder Quest to fill that void.
Even with that void currently filled, Pathfinder Quest has my attention.
Even with that void currently filled, Pathfinder Quest has my attention.
Curious about Pathfinder Quest?
Paizo Director of Games, Jason Bulmahn, and Lead Designer (Games), Joe Pasini, tell us about their new cooperative adventure board.
We look at how the game works, the practical goals, and why you can trust the decisions you make.
youtu.be/wK6bbMQfucA
Paizo Director of Games, Jason Bulmahn, and Lead Designer (Games), Joe Pasini, tell us about their new cooperative adventure board.
We look at how the game works, the practical goals, and why you can trust the decisions you make.
youtu.be/wK6bbMQfucA
Pathfinder Quest with Jason Bulmahn and Joe Pasini
YouTube video by Know Direction Podcast Network
youtu.be
October 8, 2025 at 4:00 PM
If I wasn't in an ongoing Pathfinder campaign again, I would definitely grab Pathfinder Quest to fill that void.
Even with that void currently filled, Pathfinder Quest has my attention.
Even with that void currently filled, Pathfinder Quest has my attention.
Do zoologists realize that when they name an animal something like yellow-spotted warbler instead of eagle or condor, they basically kill any chance it shows up in a fantasy setting or a superhero gets named after it?
October 6, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Do zoologists realize that when they name an animal something like yellow-spotted warbler instead of eagle or condor, they basically kill any chance it shows up in a fantasy setting or a superhero gets named after it?
Strange revelation while writing this one: I've never owned anything Street Fighter. I don't own any of the Joes, or any other Street Fighter toy. I've never owned a copy of any of the games. No t-shirts, not even parody t-shirts. The only money I spent on this brand was renting Turbo in my teens.
Street Fighter is coming back to movie theatres so Ryan brings Ken Masters back to G.I. JOE, Power Rangers, and Transformers in the latest Essential Builds on the #KnowDirectionNetwork.
knowdirectionpodcast.com/2025/09/esse...
knowdirectionpodcast.com/2025/09/esse...
September 26, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Strange revelation while writing this one: I've never owned anything Street Fighter. I don't own any of the Joes, or any other Street Fighter toy. I've never owned a copy of any of the games. No t-shirts, not even parody t-shirts. The only money I spent on this brand was renting Turbo in my teens.
Fantasy is subjective, but arachnophobia is to whom it may concern.
September 23, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Fantasy is subjective, but arachnophobia is to whom it may concern.
You learn so much about your kids when you roleplay with them.
For example, ends up my daughter has a talent for interrogation.
For example, ends up my daughter has a talent for interrogation.
September 21, 2025 at 9:52 PM
You learn so much about your kids when you roleplay with them.
For example, ends up my daughter has a talent for interrogation.
For example, ends up my daughter has a talent for interrogation.
The only thing I like more than talking with Jason is screaming with Jason!
Our friend Jason Keeley, design lead of Battlecry!, tells us all about the new skirmish rules, the Jotunborn ancestry, the Commander and Guardian classes, and everything else he's proud of in the latest Pathfinder roleplaying game sourcebook.
youtu.be/ymupg9e80R8
youtu.be/ymupg9e80R8
Jason Keeley Talks Battlecry!
YouTube video by Know Direction Podcast Network
youtu.be
September 19, 2025 at 4:39 PM
The only thing I like more than talking with Jason is screaming with Jason!
I don't read nearly as much as I'd like to, and part of that is that my mind tends to wander when I read most novels. For whatever reason, I could read Pathfinder novels. I may have read more Pathfinder novels than non-Pathfinder novels in the last thirty years, so I am excited that they're back.
Pathfinder novels are back with Liane Merciel's Godsrain, and Rob is all about it in the latest Investing In on the Know Direction Network!
knowdirectionpodcast.com/2025/09/inve...
knowdirectionpodcast.com/2025/09/inve...
September 11, 2025 at 2:57 PM
I don't read nearly as much as I'd like to, and part of that is that my mind tends to wander when I read most novels. For whatever reason, I could read Pathfinder novels. I may have read more Pathfinder novels than non-Pathfinder novels in the last thirty years, so I am excited that they're back.
I've been covering Pathfinder for so long, and away from covering Pathfinder for so long, that I've actually gotten nostalgic for it.
And nothing motivates me like nostalgia!
And nothing motivates me like nostalgia!
After six months without a new episode, Ryan returns to the host chair with a message about the future of the Know Direction podcast.
youtu.be/YCYFp28Et4U
youtu.be/YCYFp28Et4U
Know Direction's Newest Era
YouTube video by Know Direction Podcast Network
youtu.be
September 10, 2025 at 7:15 PM
I've been covering Pathfinder for so long, and away from covering Pathfinder for so long, that I've actually gotten nostalgic for it.
And nothing motivates me like nostalgia!
And nothing motivates me like nostalgia!
This is the first message I've ever written on a smart phone with predictive text off. The predictions and autocorrects were getting so bad, I couldn't deal with it anymore.
Tech's gradual decline continues.
Tech's gradual decline continues.
September 5, 2025 at 10:07 PM
This is the first message I've ever written on a smart phone with predictive text off. The predictions and autocorrects were getting so bad, I couldn't deal with it anymore.
Tech's gradual decline continues.
Tech's gradual decline continues.
Informal pole for my TTRPG friends:
Box Set vs Boxed Set
Which term do you prefer and why?
Box Set vs Boxed Set
Which term do you prefer and why?
August 29, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Informal pole for my TTRPG friends:
Box Set vs Boxed Set
Which term do you prefer and why?
Box Set vs Boxed Set
Which term do you prefer and why?
Stone Cold Steve Austin's dialogue bubble in this Entertainment Earth ad for their latest Funko Pops sums up my reaction to seeing him with the cast of Kpop Demon Hunters.
August 29, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Stone Cold Steve Austin's dialogue bubble in this Entertainment Earth ad for their latest Funko Pops sums up my reaction to seeing him with the cast of Kpop Demon Hunters.