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Strength Check

by Dr. Andy Wilczak

Crime is an incredibly complex and heartbreaking social problem. In Strength Check, Dr. Andy Wilczak talks about both contemporary justice issues and the history of crime with a focus on mental health, victimization, and innovative ways to try to find out what justice looks like in the 21st century. This is a show about destigmatizing all of the ways that people are suffering and sharing stories about resilience and redemption. This is also a show that is meant to chronicle an ongoing project tentatively titled Play for Progress, which will be using Dungeons & Dragons and other forms of narrative storytelling to help high school and college students who have experienced trauma in the past build their social capital and self-efficacy and become agents of change in their own schools and communities.

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Episodes

  1. Season 4, Episode 4: Spiders and the Sight

    The Party deals with the situation at the Teagues' Tavern and get a glimpse of what lies ahead. E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @Griffmoy, @Evlintentions, @heyDrWil, @_Badchop_

  2. Season 4, Episode 3: The Tavern

    The Tavern. 'Nuff said. E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @Griffmoy, @Evlintentions, @heyDrWil, @_Badchop_

  3. Season 4, Episode 2: The Smith and His Wares

    The Party meets the Smith, and learns that things are much more fraught in Cull's End than they realized... E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @Griffmoy, @Evlintentions, @heyDrWil, @_Badchop_

  4. Season 4, Episode 1: The Puzzling Foyer of the Brachacki Inn

    Our Party arrives at the Brachacki Inn and a test occurs. Poor Terry arrived a bit too early and... whoops! You'll find out what happened to him when you press play. E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @Griffmoy,...

  5. Side-Quest #2: Frankenstein‘s Shenanigans, Part 2

    An Acquisitions Incorporated Side-Quest! We discover Darwin's Personal Universe, Misty checks on things and the group heads back to the temple. Later, business picks up and some new clients are taken on an extreme adventure. E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on...

  6. Side-Quest #2: Frankenstein's Shenanigans, Part 1

    An Acquisitions Incorporated Side-Quest! The next chapter in the saga starts with dealing out some randomness. Glonzo finds some mushrooms in the forest. Wisely narrows in on a potential spy in the organization before the group is faced with a grave decision. E-mail the show:...

  7. Side-Quest #2: Heavens to Mergatroid, Part 2

    An Acquisitions Incorporated Side-Quest! The group shows resistance to tax collection! A decision is made on the cover business before making contact with HQ. Later, the party gains some unique characters during a team building montage! A Forgotten Realms campaign. E-mail the show:...

  8. Side-Quest #2: Heavens to Mergatroid, Part 1

    An Acquisitions Incorporated Side-Quest! Acq. Inc. tries a horizontal leadership structure! We meet a new party setting up the first undercover franchise in Dagger Falls. A Forgotten Realms campaign. E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow...

  9. BONUS: Heckmouth Presents: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

    The folks behind Strength Check introduce to you our newest podcast project: HECKMOUTH! Deep dives into film and TV, from single episodes to entire franchises and filmographies. Hosted by Andy Wilczak and Adam Griffin and released monthly?! (We're figuring that out still); dedicated feed…

    more

  10. BONUS: Heckmouth Presents: Scream

    The folks behind Strength Check introduce to you our newest podcast project: HECKMOUTH! Deep dives into film and TV, from single episodes to entire franchises and filmographies. Hosted by Andy Wilczak and Adam Griffin and released monthly?! (We're figuring that out still); dedicated feed…

    more

  11. BONUS: Heckmouth Presents: WandaVision

    The folks behind Strength Check introduce to you our newest podcast project: HECKMOUTH! Deep dives into film and TV, from single episodes to entire franchises and filmographies. Hosted by Andy Wilczak and Adam Griffin and released monthly?! (We're figuring that out still); dedicated feed…

    more

  12. Season 3, Episode 14: Wildside

    We catch up with Sam who has quite a fright after helping Mrs. Rockwell clean up. Pop Rocks, Mountain Dew & Jump Scares are everywhere! E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @heydrwil, @EsmailJoan, @mbdando, @ShawnaLesseur

  13. Labor Day 2020

    #RestYourselfBeforeYouWreckYourself

  14. Season 3, Episode 13: You Could Be Mine

    Sam is forced to stay after class while Bret, Brad & Chrys make their way to the Mustardium. Meanwhile, Aelin deals with the fallout from missing work lately. Who's Whitney? E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @heydrwil,...

  15. Season 3, Episode 12: Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody

    Mr. Gus sends the Teens to English class and Chrys is determined to find Britney. After multiple cease and desist orders, Mrs. Rockwell attempts to make the school play a reality and an unlikely hero has a solution. Tad's Dad to the Diner! E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow…

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  16. Season 3, Episode 11: Don't Tread On Me

    A familiar face returns and we meet Zachary Taylor Jonathan Thomas before a Homeroom Hullabaloo breaks out. Later, the Teens regroup in the hallway and formulate a plan. It's Prom Season! E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast:...

  17. Season 3, Episode 10: Siva

    Aelin runs to check in with the babysitter and we smash cut to the following day at Maple Oak High. Where's Britney? E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @heydrwil, @EsmailJoan, @mbdando, @ShawnaLesseur

  18. Season 3, Episode 9: Shiny Happy People

    The Kids wake up in the back of a van with headphones on. "What the Balls, Man?!" Later, a new ally reveals themselves!? E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @heydrwil, @EsmailJoan, @mbdando, @ShawnaLesseur

  19. Season 3, Episode 8: Set Adrift on Memory Bliss

    Aelin works the longest diner shift ever?? And it's Bad News Brad & The Iron Butterfly against the American Gladiators in an epic confrontation?! Also, Cheddar Bay Biscuits. E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @heydrwil,...

  20. Season 3, Episode 7: Friday I'm In Love

    The Kids are in the woods and see a flash of light before heading toward Lake Maybegone. Later, Chrys attempts to de-boobify a trap and it's a scream! E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @heydrwil, @EsmailJoan, @mbdando,...

  21. Season 3, Episode 6: Mysterious Ways

    It's the middle of January in Maple Oak and there's been a lockdown!? Meanwhile, the Kids meet at lunch and formulate a plan to make their way into the forest. ...and who is this guy from the Water Company? E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck...

  22. June 7th, 2020

    #BlackLivesMatter

  23. Season 3, Episode 5: Something in the Way

    The aftermath of the Man with the Shovel; another of the kids runs into a familiar crying face; and we DARE to keep the kids off drugs and cigarettes. Leaper! Leaper! Copy! E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @heydrwil,...

  24. Season 3, Episode 4: Come As You Are

    Homeroom Antics! E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @heydrwil, @EsmailJoan, @mbdando, @ShawnaLesseur, @DrJNNavarro

  25. Season 3, Episode 3: Stay Away

    The Kids arrive for another week at school that starts with a game of Kiss the Flagpole. E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @heydrwil, @EsmailJoan, @mbdando, @ShawnaLesseur

  26. Season 3, Episode 2: On A Plain

    After an important observation, the play changes; discussion about Maple Oak's refugee population; we learn about Bret's little brother, Brad + a brief RP session where the English class is assigned a group project! E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter:...

  27. Season 3, Episode 1: Smells Like Teen Spirit

    January 6, 1992 -- it's another day at Maple Oak High, back from Holiday Break, and auditions are starting for the school production of the Phantom of the Opera... E-mail the show: [email protected] Follow the show on Twitter: @StrengthCheck Follow our cast: @heydrwil, @EsmailJoan,...

  28. Season 3, Episode 0.2: Zero Sessions (Part 2)

    We are introduced to three of our main characters for this season's game and learn more about the relationships between them. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe -...

  29. Season 3, Episode 0.1: Zero Sessions (Part 1)

    We get an introduction to cast members for this season's game and start working out the setting of Maple Oak. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe…

    more

  30. Season 2, Episode 35: Get a Grip

    The season comes to an end as Percy Gritts is put into a Thriller Situation! But does the story stop here?! Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe - gofundme.com/play-for-progress...

  31. Season 2, Episode 34: Hand-to-Hand Combat

    The Gang gets blindsided and attempt to break the walls down! Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe - gofundme.com/play-for-progress E-mail the show…

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  32. Side-Quest #1: The Sunless Citadel, Part 4: Good Plan!

    An Acquisitions Incorporated Side-Quest! The Party explores the Tower before formulating Plan F and seeking higher ground. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe -...

  33. Side-Quest #1: The Sunless Citadel, Part 3: Temple of Doom

    An Acquisitions Incorporated Side-Quest! The Party continues toward the Citadel. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe - gofundme.com/play-for-progress E-mail the show:...

  34. Side-Quest #1: The Sunless Citadel, Part 2: Invetigation in Process!

    An Acquisitions Incorporated Side-Quest! The Party splits up and travels to the Farmer's Market & Blacksmith Shop to start their investigation. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress…

    more

  35. Side-Quest #1: The Sunless Citadel, Part 1: Strange Fruit

    An Acquisitions Incorporated Side-Quest! We meet a new party of Acq-Inc Interns as they start their encounter into the classic 3rd Edition campaign, The Sunless Citadel. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord!…

    more

  36. Season 2, Episode 33: Roll for Bonk

    The Gang continues their explosive interaction with the knight and Zephyra coins a phrase! Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe - gofundme.com/play-for-progress E-mail the show:...

  37. Season 2, Episode 32: The Door Opens...

    The Gang heads down the stairs behind the door in the Spooky Old Tree before events turn to Hammer Time. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe - gofundme.com/play-for-progress...

  38. Season 2, Episode 31: The Undead Man and the Tree

    The Gang sets off on their quest to find the nearby skeleton warren and find themselves saying "Hold My Action!" Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe -...

  39. Season 2, Episode 30: Who Has the Map?

    Solar makes a 24-hour declaration and the questions come flying in! Then the Gang gets Frog & Toad on Shay's map. A Matrix Moment follows as the Gang suits up for battle. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord!…

    more

  40. Season 2, Episode 29: Braincake Walk

    The Gang reconvenes at Death by Chocolate and run into a hat-wearing Barnabas before Percy alarms the group with his Solar plan. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe -...

  41. Season 2, Episode 28: The Art of the Deal

    The Gang & Shay come to an agreement about their next mission before the fight in the ring shakes things up. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe - gofundme.com/play-for-progress...

  42. Season 2, Episode 27: Big Ask

    Percy works his stuff as the Gang attempts to strike a deal with the owner of the Diamond Mine. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe - gofundme.com/play-for-progress E-mail the...

  43. Season 2, Episode 26: Talking in a Square

    Percy shouts at Aelos & Nym about police officers/cops while Dak slides away to talk with an old friend. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe - gofundme.com/play-for-progress...

  44. Season 2, Episode 25: The Rain Man Situation

    DM Dr. Mr. Coach Wilczak gives a recap of the game before the Gang re-establishes their positions at the Diamond Mine. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe -...

  45. Season 2, Episode 24: I Know A Guy

    Solar plays the Lando Rule, Aelos plays GODCOP and Percy wants to know what the deal is. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe - gofundme.com/play-for-progress E-mail the show:...

  46. Season 2, Episode 23: Let's Be Cops

    Solar & Aelos step outside as we get background on race and magic in Backfire while Percy fumes. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe - gofundme.com/play-for-progress E-mail the...

  47. Season 2, Episode 22: Pour Some Sugar on Me

    Aided by his CI, Solar starts an investigation into the recent events at Death by Chocolate while Loss Prevention Officer Percy Gritts watches on.. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress...

  48. Season 2, Episode 21: Solar Powered

    Solar returns to the game as a surprising connection is revealed at Death by Chocolate! Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe - gofundme.com/play-for-progress E-mail the show:...

  49. Season 2, Episode 20: Put Your Feelings on Paper

    The bewildering conclusion to the epic stock room battle awaits! Meanwhile, Paul is engrossed.. Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe - gofundme.com/play-for-progress E-mail the...

  50. Season 2, Episode 19: Everybody Do the Dinosaur

    The Gang continues their epic hit-and-run battle with darts, daggers, disappearing and deals with a wisp? Praise Be! Play for Progress on Discord! https://discord.gg/nNNZUHS Strength Check @ Mages & Mentors on Discord! https://discord.gg/sDrP9gD Play for Progress GoFundMe -...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Crime is an incredibly complex and heartbreaking social problem. In Strength Check, Dr. Andy Wilczak talks about both contemporary justice issues and the history of crime with a focus on mental health, victimization, and innovative ways to try to find out what justice looks like in the 21st century. This is a show about destigmatizing all of the ways that people are suffering and sharing stories about resilience and redemption. This is also a show that is meant to chronicle an ongoing project tentatively titled Play for Progress, which will be using Dungeons & Dragons and other forms of narrative storytelling to help high school and college students who have experienced trauma in the past build their social capital and self-efficacy and become agents of change in their own schools and communities.

HOSTED BY

Dr. Andy Wilczak

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Strength Check have?

Strength Check currently has 87 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Strength Check about?

Crime is an incredibly complex and heartbreaking social problem. In Strength Check, Dr. Andy Wilczak talks about both contemporary justice issues and the history of crime with a focus on mental health, victimization, and innovative ways to try to find out what justice looks like in the 21st...

How often does Strength Check release new episodes?

Strength Check has 87 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Strength Check?

You can listen to Strength Check on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Strength Check?

Strength Check is created and hosted by Dr. Andy Wilczak.
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