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.

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.

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.

These guys got me back into 40k! And very appreciative that they keep it clean and fun!

This podcast is probably one of my top 2-3 WH40K podcasts. Between ICs, FTN, Pref Enemies, and maybe 1-2 more, they fill my need for tactics, information, entertainment, you name it. IC's is a polished product with all the hosts more than knowledgeable. Great podcast for all of the above reasons. -Tony

These guys are great. I've only listened to one episode and already i'm a fan. Too many other Warhammer podcasts are bogged down by hosts that would be miserable to play a game with much less hang out with. These guys get it. They're genuine, laid back, and I can envision having a beer with them while talking and playing 40k.

Excellent production with an insightful and well prepared group of hosts. The hosts have a great chemistry, deep knowledge of the topics, solid senses of humor, and clearly work hard to put out a product that is head and shoulders above the competition!

There are a lot of 40k podcasts out there and there’s one for all types of gamers but the community that these guys have built and the podcasts they produce are really a step above the rest, their shows are entertaining and enjoyable and they touch into all aspects of the hobby. The FB community is amazing and if you haven’t joined your missing out.

These guys put on a good show. Been listening to them since mid 6th edition. They always are informative, offer great insight, and you can tell they have a love of and for 40k. Keep up the great work guys! Tim from CT.

This is the Bret “The Hitman” Hart of 40k podcasting The Best there is The Best there was The Best there ever will be

This is the top Warhammer podcast. The episodes are always positive, entertaining, informational, and stay on topic.

I would like to thank you guys for an amazing podcast. As someone who does not get to play often, I play vicariously through your podcast. The structure of the show is perfect, great topics and wonderful insight. Thank you for the podcast.