The Independent Characters is a fantastic Warhammer 40k podcast hosted by a collection of incredibly pleasant hosts who are very passionate about the game. It focuses on the casual, narrative, and social elements of the game, with a combination of recurring, rotating, and one-off topics. This results in a show that is both highly consistent yet varied and interesting. My favorite segments are Hobby Progress, which is alway inspiring, and Show of Force faction deep dives, which are entertaining and fascinating. Show of Force has single-handedly led me to buy two new armies (Custodes and Drukhari), and was in frequent rotation during the long, repetitive days of my paternity leave. Their intentional avoidance of the competitive aspects of the games, such as tactics and codex reviews, gives the episodes an evergreen quality. They never seem to lose relevance even as the years go by and editions change. All in all I highly recommend it 👍

This one is a can’t miss it! Definitely give it a listen!

Have listened to this podcast for a long time, and was go happy when it was announced that it was coming back. Great topics and guests from the Warhammer the world. Carl and the group are all passionate about the hobby and it shows. Helps keep me motivated and excited to get in some hobby time, specially while listening to the podcast. It’s like hanging out with friends.

Loved the discussion on crusade and the story background of the Crusade book. Made me very excited to try out this format and run a campaign locally.

The title says it all. You guys are the best. Not just 40k by the way. Just down right great radio. You all stay on subject. All the speakers can be heard at the same volume. Thanks for all your work. Ralph C.

The most thug lyfe 40K podcast out there. Carl's street cred was forged when first dice smacked another player for accusing him of bringing an extra Vindicator. Deeply involved in the east/west coast rivalries, he was said to have been involved with several drive by dicings that ended the careers of several other podcasters. They say he has a D6 tatoo for every other player he has taken out, and that is why they call him Pip Fists. His net lists and codex are so tight that one desperate player hired some rando to ram his truck into Carl's game room in order to shut him down. He failed. A high roller, Forge World invented a currency, the Carl, to represent his purchase ability. His holdings alone is said to be greather than the GDP of several small agri-worlds. Actually none of this is true; this is a fantastic show and Carl and the other hosts are paragons if the gaming community. The show is forged in his and the other hosts' love of 40K, and its setting, and is fantastic for both veteran and novice players.

I cannot begin to recommend this show enough. Carl and crew continue to put out some of the best 40k content. I was so sad when the show went away during COVID but, ever since it has returned, I‘ve been listening almost nonstop. I honestly can’t even hobby anymore without an episode on in the background. Their positivity and passion for this game comes across in every episode which is something I appreciate immensely.

This show is the best 40K podcast out there. It is relevant and entertaining and the hosts are some of the most humble, honest and nicest people in the this podcast space. Highly recommended.

Good to have the show back.

The Independent Characters podcast make you feel like part of Carl, Josh, and the Independent Characters cast’s gaming group. Why you should listen: Episodes are planned out with thoughtful consideration and research given to each topic. Carl (the main host) prides himself on providing unique content, and more often then not succeeds. Although they would claim they aren’t professional podcasters, the production quality is at a professional level. You truly feel like part of their gaming group. Why you might not want to listen: If you are looking for hard core competitive content, this probably isn’t the podcast for you. They also do not do codex reviews, unit by unit tactics etc. Personally, I feel like there is a place for the ICs podcast in everyone’s podcast rotation. I highly recommend the show.

In a grim dark world of podcasts about 40k, Carl and Co are my go-to podcast for all things Warhammer. It’s so nice to listen to a couple folks talk about a thing they love in the way I love it too. They’re interested in ALL aspects of the game and the hobby. They’re not elite players or hobbiers or anything else, they’re just fans of the world, the community, and the fun. I listen to a lot of podcasts about 40k and Independent Characters is easily my favorite.

1. If you're into 30k/40k, you should have this show in your rotation. 2. I appreciate the hobby and people centric approach to the Universe. There is a YouTube component which - works, but I do think the team could lean into a podcast episode and a separate youtube show. Good Idea Fairy: I'd love to see the YouTube channel do a “Show of Force: X topic” with an emphasis on the visual aspect of the game. Regardless, great show and I’m so glad the IC squad is back.

This podcast is my favorite of the 40K podcast. They’re just normal guys with normal jobs that really like 40K, just like me. I love to listen while I model and paint, and it’s kind of like hobby time with my buds. Thanks for the quality content!

Hey Gang, been in and out of the hobby for many years and I just recently came across the podcast looking for something else to listen too and I love the show. Great format, good banter between the hosts and it’s nice to hear more of a casual gamers perspective to the hobby and less of the super competitive view.

I was so happy to see Carl and the crew again. When I got into the hobby 9 years ago, they were the only podcast that resonated with me. It’s a great group of friends to listen to while hobby-ing. Their positivity and enthusiasm is contagious. Their focus on the lore, models, and background of all the 40k topics make for both easy listening and timeless content.

I’ve been listening to IC for probably 10 years and it is the only Warhammer podcast that I have consistently enjoyed and listened to. The biggest draw for me is how Carl and the other hosts have been very down to earth, insightful, and entertaining. They do this fully self aware of the hobby and have a very healthy and nuanced view of it. What they do best that I’ve not seen elsewhere is put our hobby in context of our real lives. They get beyond the lore (which of course I love), gaming, painting and relate it all back to our human experience. My favorite episodes are those that go into things like children and 40K, or the recent one about the psychology of collecting. I will be a listener as long as they continue to produce the show!

I first discovered the ICs back in 2020 during the pandemic. The show shuttered shortly after, but thankfully they had a robust backlog of timeless content! I have listened to much of it over the intervening years. Since their return in 2023, I have been a faithful listener. As a closeted hobbyist (no friends in the hobby / don’t talk about it openly) this show, and associated community, has been an oasis for me. It has stoked my enthusiasm, connected me with others, entertained me, and recently even inspired me to engage with my local community. I am very grateful to Carl, Josh, Adan, Jody, Justin, Geoff, and all other guests/hosts for creating such a unique and special place.

I unfortunately found these guys after they had stopped a few years ago. And though some of their podcast were dated bc of rule changes, but I found every episode enjoyable and like to hear their takes on things. Now they are back and I hope they are as excited for tenth edition as the rest of us! I look forward to hearing their thoughts and all the things they plan to do including a possible dark heresy game!!!!

I miss this podcast. It got me and the wife to take the plunge into the hobby about a year ago. We are each starting our third armies now. We still listen to old episodes because they are so enjoyable.

Old episodes are good. But apparently the PODCAST is over... so 2 stars for quitting.

Whether it is Carl, Adan, Jody, or Justin your hobby time will fly by. Your significant other will hate all the time you spend with them and the money you lavish on our beloved hobby. This is one of the best and IS the most positive podcast in all the land. 6/5 stars.

This podcast is wonderful. Most of the time. I’ve reached a point where I like the Facebook group better than the actual show. The hosts are great but sometimes their opinions aren’t treated like opinions. They say things like “there’s no wrong way to play 40k” then immediately follow that statement with other statements about how their way to play is best. They are kind of passive aggressive about it. It’s not direct, they never actually say stuff like “our way or the highway” or “our way is best” but it’s sort of implied by the way they talk and it’s kind of taking down to anyone else who does things differently. I typically AGREE with them too. Seriously, I usually agree with their sentiments, but it still feels elitist. It really puts me off and I find myself turning off the podcast halfway through far too often. Additionally, you can’t have a discussion about this on the FB group. They remove all those posts. The lastest episode (today is 11/28/20) talked about people playing with unpainted models and they went on and on about how it’s okay to do that even though “we don’t” and then said “well, as long as you’re progressing. If you come back week after week making no progress we don’t want you.” (Paraphrased) So they’ll sort of acknowledge these things in their own safe space but a real discussion is not allowed.

These guys are awesome. They have a mission with this podcast to invite you to their gaming group and they accomplish this 100%. I have never met these guys but after listening to the podcast for a year I feel like part of the club. That I could sit down at a con and visit with Carl, Jody, Justin, and Adan and have a conversation like we have known each other for years. If you only listen to one 40K podcast this is the one you should be listening to.

When the host brags about being called GWs American sales division, you have to question what his motives really are. Y If you want to listen to an hours long commercial feel free to give them a listen. If you want anything independent or fair look elsewhere.

I especially enjoy the show of force episodes. The hosts obviously have a deep love for the game!

I really like the topics covered, but Carl interrupts other speakers way too much, it’s distracting.

I’ve been listening to the Independent Characters from the first episode on. They don’t disappoint. While the lineup has changed over the years their dedication to quality and positivity toward the hobby has not. As a middle aged gamer with lots of outside the hobby responsibilities, I look forward to each episode to help me get my hobby fix. Keep up the excellent work gentlemen. It’s always a treat.

Love this guys. The longer length is great because I’m always needing something to listen to on a commute. Interesting and focused on what we really want to hear.

Continues to be the gold standard in 40k pod casts. I really appreciate the positivity, as I love the current state of 40k as well.

I probably left a review a thousand years ago, but its time I leave another one. I only listen to a small handful of podcasts and the IC's is my go-to. The "totally hobby" (painting, playing, armies and terrain) approach of the podcast is what has kept me listening since the beginning. Carl and the entire crew are great guys and great ambassadors for the game. I also love all the new stuff you guys are doing, keep up the great work. -Alex

This is my favorite 40k podcast by far. I want to hang out with these guys and play some casual 40k.

Even as host have changed several times from Geoff to Adan and onto the future this show has always been the best 40k podcast to listen to. Constant source of inspiration.

This was really good. I have talked about the content in episode 191 since 2008 when I really got into 40k. My wife is the only person who puts up with me. I can’t even find other hobbyists that are into the topics covered here so I really appreciate you guys doing it. I’m kinda surprised y’all even did this. Greatest episode ever.

I’ve never even played 40k (although I play other GW games) and I have listened to episodes 1-87. I would keep going but I need to find out how to listen to 88-90/91. Carl has definitely sold me on the 40k lore and I’m really looking forward to the upcoming episodes (that have already been recorded) because I see the Horus Heresy episodes are on the horizon. Put it this way, this is my sole source of 40k lore (outside of the 1st ed Necromunda rulebook). I’m slumming it listening to some other podcast while writing this and after checking if Stitcher has the 2-3 episodes this completion-ist needs to keep on without going ahead to avoid any ‘spoilers’ (in quotes givin the dates material to most). Prolly write an email to Carl after writing this. I’m looking forward to the next 90 already recorded episodes. Update- libsyn for the win.... Carl has his stuff together, a real admiration with everything he does.

I listen to this podcast so often that my wife started getting into 40k and started her own army. Thanks IC’s for bringing us closer together!

I got out of the hobby about 20 years ago and just recently decided to return and this podcast really helps to scratch my hobby itch and highlights what I really used to love about the game.

I simply adore this podcast.

I have been listening since the beginning and finally got my lazy fingers to write a review. Here it is...it’s great!

Listening to this podcast is what gave me the itch to get back into 40k after a seven year hiatus. It makes for a great listen while working. Game rules are discussed on occassion, but it's more the background and fluff of the Warhammer universe, as well as tracking the evolving culture behind the hobby that make for a good listen. And to Carl, thank you for introducing me to Sharpies for miniatures.

If you enjoy 40k as an all encompassing hobby, this is the definitive podcast. They cover just about everything from modeling, lore, painting, and playing (and everything in between). Its a podcast that is a celebration of the hobby, so if you’re looking for how to be a better power gamer and win tournaments, this is not the podcast for you. More than anything, this podcast is a hobby motivator. Their opening segment of “hobby progress and games played” is fantastic, and I can’t imagine anyone listening not getting motivated to do a few things after this segment. Overall, this is a great 40k podcast that is very positive (but they are by no means mouthpieces of GW and know when to be critical), and well worth a listen if you are a fan off the hobby.

Independent Characters is one of the best 40k podcasts available. Their focus is on the "fluff" or narrative aspects of the game Warhammer 40,000. Topics like game rules are occasionally discussed but more time is spent on the hobby portion of the game and the narrative. The podcast runs long but I enjoy listening to it in the car and look forward to each and every episode! Keep up the good work!

I miss the old shows when they talked about more relevant topics. The current co-hosts are ok but the show benefitted from having Geoff and Zach to keep Carl somewhat in check. If your the type of person that plays with power level it’s the show for you!

I have listened to this show for years and am finally getting around to reviewing (I’m thorough?). Great group of casters with different angles of approach to W40k. If you’re into the lore or the hobby with a light touch of the competitive scene, this is for you. A must listen for anyone into 40k!

I love listening to the IC team, they keep it real and stay positive when so many are salty and competitive. I am a salty competitive person, so I need these guys to keep me balanced. I am an David member of their Facebook group and it really is the best 40k community I have found. Too bad I moved away from CA when I was 1 :p

I’m back into 40k after a really long break (3rd edition). Really enjoying the information and pleasant banter. Thanks guys

This podcast covers all aspects of Warhammer 40K with an emphasis on the hobby, social, and fluff and maybe not as much meta gaming or list building. If I had to pick one Warhammer podcast to listen to, it would be this one. It's very entertaining!

I love this podcast as a window into the larger 40k world

My all time favorite 40k podcast. They present all that’s good with the game and the hobby. <3

The guys put A LOT of preparation into the shows majority of the time. Most importantly, they realize not to talk over each other or do the excited yelling voice.

Such a positive pod cast that speaks about the reasons I enjoy this hobby.