Why Doesn't Your D&D Combat Feel Fun? Plus How To Fix It!

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DM

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

19 subscribers

הוסף לפני four שנים

תוכן מסופק על ידי Justin Lewis. כל תוכן הפודקאסטים כולל פרקים, גרפיקה ותיאורי פודקאסטים מועלים ומסופקים ישירות על ידי Justin Lewis או שותף פלטפורמת הפודקאסט שלהם. אם אתה מאמין שמישהו משתמש ביצירה שלך המוגנת בזכויות יוצרים ללא רשותך, אתה יכול לעקוב אחר התהליך המתואר כאן https://he.player.fm/legal.

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1
Close Encounters with UFO Hot Spots: Area 51, Roswell, and the Great ET Road Trip 39:50

לפני 20 ימים39:50

הפעל מאוחר יותר

רשימות

לייק

אהבתי

39:50

The truth is out West! We’re hopping on the ET Highway and venturing to the most notorious alien hot spots, including Roswell’s infamous crash site, Area 51’s eerie perimeter, and a mysterious desert watchtower. Join us as journalist Laura Krantz, host of the podcast Wild Thing , beams up to share stories from the front lines of UFO reporting—from strange sightings and quirky festivals to a mailbox where people leave letters to extraterrestrials. Maybe you’ll even decide for yourself: Is Earth a tourist stop for spaceships? UFO hot spots you’ll encounter in this episode: - UFO Watchtower (near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado) - Roswell, New Mexico - Area 51, Nevada - Extraterrestrial Highway (aka State Route 375), Nevada - Little A’Le’Inn, ET Highway, Nevada - E.T. Fresh Jerky, ET Highway, Nevada - Alien Research Center, ET Highway, Nevada - The Black Mailbox, ET Highway, Nevada Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group .…

לפני שנה 20:35

MP3•בית הפרקים

Here are today's sponsors:

Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcast

Roll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplay

Studio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasms

Our Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreon

We've all been there: the endless turns, actions, and HP ticking down as you slog through another combat that you don't know how to end fast enough. Why did your combat become like this? And how can you make it enjoyable and fun again?! Let's talk about it.

Also, want ad-free podcasts with additional content while also supporting us? Check out our Patreon: patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster

Special thanks to:

Benj Weyland for Graphic Design (https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/)

TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderators

Foxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons.

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Session 0 Studios

Visit session0studios.com for more information.

Start Leveling Up As a DM

Wouldn’t it be nice to gamify your dungeon master abilities? In D&D, characters can reach level 20, so why can’t dungeon masters? We’re happy to tell you that now, you can. We created the Dungeon Master Level-Up Guide. It’s a simple tool to gamify your progression to higher and higher levels of dungeon mastering. It includes Dungeon Master Levels 1 to 20 with associated XP requirements as well as a long list of Dungeon Master activities that will give you XP. Each activity has a Challenge Rating and an XP amount. In order to level up, all you need to do is find out how much XP you have, find out how much you need and pick activities to try. You can get the Dungeon Master Level-Up guide for free by going to session0studios.com/newsletter/, sign up for our newsletter and we’ll email you the Level-Up Guide. Finally, leveling up as a DM can be as fun as leveling up a character.

Level Up Guide

Give Us a Rating and Review

You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.

Add the Magic of Sound to Your Gameplay

When you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout.

Monument Studios

218 פרקים

#Lifestyle #Games and Gambling #Hobbies #Justin Lewis

Why Doesn't Your D&D Combat Feel Fun? Plus How To Fix It!

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DM

19 subscribers

published לפני שנה

שתפו

MP3•בית הפרקים

Here are today's sponsors:

Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcast

Roll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplay

Studio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasms

Our Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreon

Also, want ad-free podcasts with additional content while also supporting us? Check out our Patreon: patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster

Special thanks to:

Benj Weyland for Graphic Design (https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/)

TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderators

Foxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons.

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Session 0 Studios

Visit session0studios.com for more information.

Start Leveling Up As a DM

Level Up Guide

Give Us a Rating and Review

Add the Magic of Sound to Your Gameplay

Monument Studios

218 פרקים

#Lifestyle #Games and Gambling #Hobbies #Justin Lewis

כל הפרקים

1
Why Your Sessions Fall Flat—and the DM Energy Fix That Changes Everything 24:45

לפני 3 ימים24:45

24:45

TL;DR: If your sessions start strong but crash halfway through, it’s not your story, your prep, or even your players—it’s your energy management. In this episode, Justin breaks down the hidden reason your games lose momentum mid-session and teaches you how to fix it permanently. Here are today's sponsors: Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcast Roll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplay Studio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasms Our Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreon What You’ll Learn in This Episode: -The Real DM Killer : It’s not scheduling, it’s session fatigue—and most DMs don’t even realize it’s happening. -Mental vs. Physical Energy : Why you’re probably managing the wrong one (and what to do about it). -The “Secret Breaks” Technique : How doing less mid-session can actually supercharge your impact. -Hydration Science for DMs : Why sipping water wrong is draining your stamina (and how to fix it). - Find Your Energy Style : Why trying to copy Mercer or Mulligan might be sabotaging your flow—and how to unlock your personal DM tempo. The Big Promise: After this episode, you’ll know how to control your energy like a resource, just like mana or spell slots. No more sluggish sessions. No more zoning out. Just peak performance when it counts. You’ll walk away with: Tools to maintain high engagement from start to finish Confidence in your pacing, presence, and delivery A repeatable framework for showing up energized at the table every time Ready to stop running out of gas halfway through your game? Hit play and let’s supercharge your DM style. Want this kind of energy in your own campaign? Book a pro DM session at Session0Studios.com Special thanks to: Benj Weyland for Graphic Design ( https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/ ) TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderators Foxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons. Mentioned in this episode: Join Our Discord So a little bit of a spoiler alert. We’re building an army. That’s right, we’re building an army of amazing dungeon masters who want to make the world of D&D a better place. If you want to join our army and fight by our side against the evil forces of boredom and bad dming, join our Discord and lend your voice to the cause. Go to Session0studios.com/discord and join for free today. Discord Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too. I Made a CR 100 Monster I made a Monster with a Challenge Rating of 100 Why? Because I could—and it only took me 5 minutes using Worldsmith. And the best part? You can do this and much more. Get a free 7-day trial at session0studios.com/worldsmith and unlock their full suite of TTRPG generators from monsters to mythic magic items and everything in between. Yep, that’s a full 7-day trial—completely free. That’s a whole week of monsters, magic items, and more—whatever you need, zero burnout. Try it now at session0studios.com/worldsmith. Save time and make unlimited creations with Worldsmith. Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information.…

1
Writing a Homebrew One-Shot: Part 6 1:06:30

לפני 10 ימים1:06:30

1:06:30

Welcome back to the 6th installment of our short series on writing a Homebrew one-shot. In this episode, we're joined by our friend Rob Van Auken and we continue work on The Chimefall Ceremony: For Whom the Bell TolIs . This miniseries is designed to help give you an idea of how to collaborate on a project like this and how to write and publish a one-shot. Also, a little bit of Rob's audio is lost at the end due to a poor connection... sorry! Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information.…

1
No More Boring NPCS - Design a Better NPC with London Carlisle 36:25

לפני 17 ימים36:25

36:25

Here are today's sponsors: Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcast Roll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplay Studio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasms Our Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreon Justin and Tanner are joined for this episode by an amazing DM, London Carlisle! While he's known for being an impressive DM at events such as "D&D In A Castle", his acting experience becomes especially useful for our discussion on NPCs. We discuss where to pull inspiration from for creating characters and voices, how to create depth in NPCs without overriding your players, and many more ideas to drill further into NPC creation! Follow London on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londoncarlisle And learn more about his role at "D&D In A Castle" here: https://www.dndinacastle.com/dungeon-masters/london-carlisle Special thanks to: Benj Weyland for Graphic Design ( https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/ ) TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderators Foxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons. Mentioned in this episode: Do You Want to Earn some Money? 🎲 Want to Earn Some Extra Gold? We’re offering a referral incentive for our professional Dungeon Mastering services! Here’s how it works: 1️⃣ Refer someone to session0studios.com/prodm 2️⃣ They sign up for a free consultation. 3️⃣ They mention they were referred by a podcast listener. 4️⃣ We DM an unforgettable session for them. 5️⃣ They get 10% off their booking. 6️⃣ You get 10% of what they paid—straight into your coin purse. 7️⃣ We celebrate with a virtual high-five. 🙌 We run games for private groups and corporate teams—whether it’s a one-shot or a long-term campaign. 💰 Want to earn some gold and help someone level up their game night? Send them to session0studios.com/prodm and start earning today! I Made a CR 100 Monster I made a Monster with a Challenge Rating of 100 Why? Because I could—and it only took me 5 minutes using Worldsmith. And the best part? You can do this and much more. Get a free 7-day trial at session0studios.com/worldsmith and unlock their full suite of TTRPG generators from monsters to mythic magic items and everything in between. Yep, that’s a full 7-day trial—completely free. That’s a whole week of monsters, magic items, and more—whatever you need, zero burnout. Try it now at session0studios.com/worldsmith. Save time and make unlimited creations with Worldsmith. Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too. Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information.…

1
The 4 Core Skills of Dungeon Mastery (Plus the Secret 5th One) 34:03

לפני 24 ימים34:03

34:03

Here are today's sponsors: Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcast Roll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplay Studio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasms Our Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreon Feeling stuck or burned out as a Dungeon Master? You’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. In this episode, Justin and Tanner break down the Four Core Skills that every great DM needs to master: 1️⃣ People Management 2️⃣ Showmanship & Performance 3️⃣ Game Design 4️⃣ Storytelling And yes... there's a secret fifth pillar 👀 We discuss how to use these pillars as a personal skill assessment framework so you can stop overthinking your sessions and start building campaigns that actually improve week to week. Whether you're overwhelmed with prep, worried you're not "immersive enough," or comparing yourself to pro DMs, this episode will reframe your mindset and re-energize your games. 🔑 What you’ll learn: The most overlooked DM skill (and why it makes or breaks your game) How to identify and strengthen your weakest pillar A tactical way to use these 4 skills to get "unstuck" mid-session How to balance emotional storytelling with crunchy mechanics Plus: A future tool we’re developing to help you self-assess Special thanks to: Benj Weyland for Graphic Design ( https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/ ) TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderators Foxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons. Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Do You Want to Earn some Money? 🎲 Want to Earn Some Extra Gold? We’re offering a referral incentive for our professional Dungeon Mastering services! Here’s how it works: 1️⃣ Refer someone to session0studios.com/prodm 2️⃣ They sign up for a free consultation. 3️⃣ They mention they were referred by a podcast listener. 4️⃣ We DM an unforgettable session for them. 5️⃣ They get 10% off their booking. 6️⃣ You get 10% of what they paid—straight into your coin purse. 7️⃣ We celebrate with a virtual high-five. 🙌 We run games for private groups and corporate teams—whether it’s a one-shot or a long-term campaign. 💰 Want to earn some gold and help someone level up their game night? Send them to session0studios.com/prodm and start earning today! Add the Magic of Sound to Your Gameplay When you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument Studios Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.…

1
Should You Handhold New Players Into Loving D&D? 19:40

לפני 4 weeks19:40

19:40

Here are today's sponsors: Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcast Roll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplay Studio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasms Our Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreon Whether your new player is a wide-eyed first-timer or cautiously dipping a toe into the hobby, Tanner shares key strategies for making their early sessions fun, engaging, and not overwhelming. From simplifying character creation and gently easing players into combat, to modeling role-playing behavior and encouraging character development, this episode is full of practical advice for DMs who want to be thoughtful guides on a new player's journey. Check out our sponsor, Monument Studios! Their music always brings our games to the next level, and they can do it for you, too. Use cod BETTERDM10 for a discount and to support our show: https://rollandplaypress.com Also, learn more about our Pro DM services here to have a great DM run your game: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/ Special thanks to: Benj Weyland for Graphic Design ( https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/ ) TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderators Foxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons. Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Add the Magic of Sound to Your Gameplay When you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument Studios Do You Want to Earn some Money? 🎲 Want to Earn Some Extra Gold? We’re offering a referral incentive for our professional Dungeon Mastering services! Here’s how it works: 1️⃣ Refer someone to session0studios.com/prodm 2️⃣ They sign up for a free consultation. 3️⃣ They mention they were referred by a podcast listener. 4️⃣ We DM an unforgettable session for them. 5️⃣ They get 10% off their booking. 6️⃣ You get 10% of what they paid—straight into your coin purse. 7️⃣ We celebrate with a virtual high-five. 🙌 We run games for private groups and corporate teams—whether it’s a one-shot or a long-term campaign. 💰 Want to earn some gold and help someone level up their game night? Send them to session0studios.com/prodm and start earning today! Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.…

1
Build Cities That Breathe: Mastering “Show, Don’t Tell” in Worldbuilding 35:35

לפני 5 weeks35:35

35:35

Here are today's sponsors: Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcast Roll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplay Studio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasms Our Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreon Your world deserves to feel alive. In this episode of How to Be a Better DM , Justin dives deep into the art of “show, don’t tell” — not for your villains this time, but for your cities and settlements. Discover how to make your game world feel like a living, breathing place through cultural cues, architecture, layout, and behavior. You’ll learn actionable techniques to bring immersive environments to life and create settlements that feel like characters in your campaign. Plus, a secret about “show, don’t tell” that no one talks about! Special thanks to: Benj Weyland for Graphic Design ( https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/ ) TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderators Foxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons. Mentioned in this episode: Add the Magic of Sound to Your Gameplay When you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument Studios Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Start Leveling Up As a DM Wouldn’t it be nice to gamify your dungeon master abilities? In D&D, characters can reach level 20, so why can’t dungeon masters? We’re happy to tell you that now, you can. We created the Dungeon Master Level-Up Guide. It’s a simple tool to gamify your progression to higher and higher levels of dungeon mastering. It includes Dungeon Master Levels 1 to 20 with associated XP requirements as well as a long list of Dungeon Master activities that will give you XP. Each activity has a Challenge Rating and an XP amount. In order to level up, all you need to do is find out how much XP you have, find out how much you need and pick activities to try. You can get the Dungeon Master Level-Up guide for free by going to session0studios.com/newsletter/, sign up for our newsletter and we’ll email you the Level-Up Guide. Finally, leveling up as a DM can be as fun as leveling up a character. Level Up Guide Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.…

1
Why Doesn't Your D&D Combat Feel Fun? Plus How To Fix It! 20:35

לפני 6 weeks20:35

20:35

Here are today's sponsors: Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcast Roll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplay Studio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasms Our Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreon We've all been there: the endless turns, actions, and HP ticking down as you slog through another combat that you don't know how to end fast enough. Why did your combat become like this? And how can you make it enjoyable and fun again?! Let's talk about it. Also, want ad-free podcasts with additional content while also supporting us? Check out our Patreon: patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster Special thanks to: Benj Weyland for Graphic Design ( https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/ ) TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderators Foxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons. Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Start Leveling Up As a DM Wouldn’t it be nice to gamify your dungeon master abilities? In D&D, characters can reach level 20, so why can’t dungeon masters? We’re happy to tell you that now, you can. We created the Dungeon Master Level-Up Guide. It’s a simple tool to gamify your progression to higher and higher levels of dungeon mastering. It includes Dungeon Master Levels 1 to 20 with associated XP requirements as well as a long list of Dungeon Master activities that will give you XP. Each activity has a Challenge Rating and an XP amount. In order to level up, all you need to do is find out how much XP you have, find out how much you need and pick activities to try. You can get the Dungeon Master Level-Up guide for free by going to session0studios.com/newsletter/, sign up for our newsletter and we’ll email you the Level-Up Guide. Finally, leveling up as a DM can be as fun as leveling up a character. Level Up Guide Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too. Add the Magic of Sound to Your Gameplay When you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument Studios…

1
The Hidden Costs of Using AI in Your D&D Prep - Is it Helping You or Holding You Back 36:42

לפני 7 weeks36:42

36:42

Here are today's sponsors: Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcast Roll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplay Studio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasms Our Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreon AI is here—and it’s not going anywhere. But what does it mean for Dungeon Masters? In this episode, Justin and Tanner dive deep into how artificial intelligence is already impacting the tabletop RPG space—from ethical dilemmas to practical time-saving hacks. Is it a crutch or a creativity booster? Are you giving away core skills without realizing it? And how can you use it intentionally to become a better DM? We’ll also share: The right way to use AI for session prep Why AI won’t replace storytelling, but might reshape it Real-world examples of how we’ve used AI in our own games A brand new sponsor-powered segment featuring a ridiculous, pizza-based spell 🎶🍕 If you're curious, concerned, or just cautiously optimistic about the AI takeover—this episode is for you. Special thanks to: Benj Weyland for Graphic Design ( https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/ ) TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderators Foxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons. Mentioned in this episode: Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too. Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Try Worldsmith Today! Give yourself access to infinite possibilities with Worldsmith! It's the ultimate tool for Dungeon Masters to spark creativity or just save your bacon when you're in a bind. You can generate infinite stories, traps or treasures. Sign up at https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcast Worldsmith Get The Swampberry Moonshine Jamboree For Free Take a trip down to the bayou in The Swampberry Moonshine Jamboree. We teamed up with Studio Fantasms to bring you a raucous one-shot adventure full of gatorfolk, catfishing, and a whole lotta moonshine. We wrote the adventure, they designed the minis—it’s a sweet little bundle, and it’s totally free for the month of May. Just head to https://session0studios.com/fantasms and sign up to grab it. Don’t wait—May’s free, and once it’s gone, it’s gone.…

1
How to make Lifelike NPCs with DMs Shea and Kyle from Dungeon Master Talk 55:06

לפני 8 weeks55:06

55:06

Here are today's sponsors: Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcast Roll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplay Studio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasms Our Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreon Is it important for you NPCs to "feel" a certain way when players interact with them? And more importantly, does making a fleshed out, goal-driven NPC add to the story or just add to your stress levels when prepping for your next session? Tanner discusses with DM Shea and DM Kyle from the Dungeon Master Talk podcast! Also, check out their podcast at https://dungeonmastertalk.buzzsprout.com/ for some more sage advice from these awesome DMs! Special thanks to: Benj Weyland for Graphic Design ( https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/ ) TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderators Foxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons. Mentioned in this episode: Get The Swampberry Moonshine Jamboree For Free Take a trip down to the bayou in The Swampberry Moonshine Jamboree. We teamed up with Studio Fantasms to bring you a raucous one-shot adventure full of gatorfolk, catfishing, and a whole lotta moonshine. We wrote the adventure, they designed the minis—it’s a sweet little bundle, and it’s totally free for the month of May. Just head to https://session0studios.com/fantasms and sign up to grab it. Don’t wait—May’s free, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too. Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Why Listen to Ads? Ugh, another ad break. Let’s be real—ads are the worst. If you’re anything like my wife, you’d rather quit a show entirely than sit through another ad. So why suffer? Just skip them. Join our Patreon at patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster and enjoy ad-free episodes with exclusive patron-only content—all for just $5 a month. Look at you, all fancy with your uninterrupted listening experience. So stop wasting time on ads (like this one). Go to patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster and upgrade your listening today! Patreon…

1
Why Your Villain Falls Flat (And How to Fix It with Show, Don’t Tell) | Part 1 of the Show Don't Tell Mini Series 30:41

לפני 9 weeks30:41

30:41

Most villains fail not because they're weak—but because your players aren’t emotionally invested . In this episode, we kick off a powerful new storytelling series with a focus on “Show, Don’t Tell”—starting with the most misunderstood piece of storytelling in D&D: the villain . You’ll learn: Why simply saying “he’s the bad guy” never works How to build villains that evoke real fear, anger, or awe A concrete method for triggering emotional investment Real-world villain examples (and mistakes to avoid) Ready to turn your villains from forgettable into unforgettable? Let’s roll. 👉 Want even more insights? Patrons get bonus content featuring improv warm-ups, DM scene setting, and personal geeking out sessions. Join at https://session0studios.com/patreon Special thanks to: Benj Weyland for our Graphic Design Techsenpai, Juka and TJ Max for being great moderators! Foxy Beard for being a patron. Mentioned in this episode: Get The Swampberry Moonshine Jamboree For Free Take a trip down to the bayou in The Swampberry Moonshine Jamboree. We teamed up with Studio Fantasms to bring you a raucous one-shot adventure full of gatorfolk, catfishing, and a whole lotta moonshine. We wrote the adventure, they designed the minis—it’s a sweet little bundle, and it’s totally free for the month of May. Just head to https://session0studios.com/fantasms and sign up to grab it. Don’t wait—May’s free, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Why Listen to Ads? Ugh, another ad break. Let’s be real—ads are the worst. If you’re anything like my wife, you’d rather quit a show entirely than sit through another ad. So why suffer? Just skip them. Join our Patreon at patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster and enjoy ad-free episodes with exclusive patron-only content—all for just $5 a month. Look at you, all fancy with your uninterrupted listening experience. So stop wasting time on ads (like this one). Go to patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster and upgrade your listening today! Patreon Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.…

1
Diving Deep into Theme, Fate, and Storytelling with Jay Foster from Swole Initiative 52:59

לפני 10 weeks52:59

52:59

What does it really mean to be a strong Dungeon Master? Is it about rules mastery, epic voices, or maybe... sonic attacks and diamond scales? In this episode of How to Be a Better DM , returning guest Jay Foster from Swole Initiative joins Justin Lewis for a monster of a conversation—literally. First, Jay becomes the first victim of our brand-new segment, “What’s Your Monster?” powered by our friends at WorldSmith. (Spoiler: It’s epic.) Then we dig deep into the power of theme in D&D campaigns—what it is, how to discover it, and how to use it to elevate your game. Jay breaks down how theme connects your villains and player characters and why letting go of rigid story control actually leads to better storytelling. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to wrangle plotlines, player choices, and big ideas, this episode is your antidote. 🔥 Topics Covered: How to find the theme in your campaign (even if you didn’t plan one) How to use your villain’s motives to reinforce story Why players make better stories than you do When to take control as a DM—and when to step back The creative advantage of doing less prep 🎲 Plus: Jay shares improv tips, pacing tricks, and how to get players out of a “tavern loop.” Whether you're a brand-new DM or an old-school storyteller, this episode will sharpen your storytelling tools—and maybe inspire your next legendary monster. 🧰 Sponsored by WorldSmith – Try their encounter generators and prep tools at https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcast ! 🎧 Subscribe, leave a review, and share the show if you love what you hear! Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Why Listen to Ads? Ugh, another ad break. Let’s be real—ads are the worst. If you’re anything like my wife, you’d rather quit a show entirely than sit through another ad. So why suffer? Just skip them. Join our Patreon at patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster and enjoy ad-free episodes with exclusive patron-only content—all for just $5 a month. Look at you, all fancy with your uninterrupted listening experience. So stop wasting time on ads (like this one). Go to patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster and upgrade your listening today! Patreon Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too. Get The Swampberry Moonshine Jamboree For Free Take a trip down to the bayou in The Swampberry Moonshine Jamboree. We teamed up with Studio Fantasms to bring you a raucous one-shot adventure full of gatorfolk, catfishing, and a whole lotta moonshine. We wrote the adventure, they designed the minis—it’s a sweet little bundle, and it’s totally free for the month of May. Just head to https://session0studios.com/fantasms and sign up to grab it. Don’t wait—May’s free, and once it’s gone, it’s gone.…

1
GMing 101: Top DM Tips from Dragon Steel Nexus 1:15:32

לפני 11 weeks1:15:32

1:15:32

In this special episode of How to Be a Better DM , Justin Lewis shares key takeaways from the GMing 101 panel at Dragon Steel Nexus 2024. Learn how to manage player expectations, improve group communication, and create more engaging game sessions. Whether you're a new DM or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you level up your game! Special thanks to : Benj Weyland for our Graphic Design TJ Max, TechSenpai and Juka for being our Discord Moderators Foxy Beard for being a Patron. Mentioned in this episode: Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too. Join Our Discord So a little bit of a spoiler alert. We’re building an army. That’s right, we’re building an army of amazing dungeon masters who want to make the world of D&D a better place. If you want to join our army and fight by our side against the evil forces of boredom and bad dming, join our Discord and lend your voice to the cause. Go to Session0studios.com/discord and join for free today. Discord Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Why Listen to Ads? Ugh, another ad break. Let’s be real—ads are the worst. If you’re anything like my wife, you’d rather quit a show entirely than sit through another ad. So why suffer? Just skip them. Join our Patreon at patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster and enjoy ad-free episodes with exclusive patron-only content—all for just $5 a month. Look at you, all fancy with your uninterrupted listening experience. So stop wasting time on ads (like this one). Go to patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster and upgrade your listening today! Patreon…

1
How to Help Players Fit Into Your D&D Party 22:34

לפני 12 weeks22:34

22:34

DMs, today we are talking about fitting in—specifically helping players fit into your D&D group and party. Whether it's a player who doesn't know how to cross that metaphorical gap, or the party doesn't know how to welcome someone new fully, today Tanner is giving some tips to help you pull them in and welcome them! Mentioned in this episode: Why Listen to Ads? Ugh, another ad break. Let’s be real—ads are the worst. If you’re anything like my wife, you’d rather quit a show entirely than sit through another ad. So why suffer? Just skip them. Join our Patreon at patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster and enjoy ad-free episodes with exclusive patron-only content—all for just $5 a month. Look at you, all fancy with your uninterrupted listening experience. So stop wasting time on ads (like this one). Go to patreon.com/betterdungeonmaster and upgrade your listening today! Patreon Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Join Our Discord So a little bit of a spoiler alert. We’re building an army. That’s right, we’re building an army of amazing dungeon masters who want to make the world of D&D a better place. If you want to join our army and fight by our side against the evil forces of boredom and bad dming, join our Discord and lend your voice to the cause. Go to Session0studios.com/discord and join for free today. Discord Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.…

לפני 28 weeks17:00

17:00

Want to take your campaign from good to unforgettable? In this episode, we’re diving into the art of foreshadowing ! Learn how to plant subtle clues, create epic payoffs, and keep your players hooked with those jaw-dropping "aha!" moments. Whether it’s a prophecy, a recurring symbol, or a suspicious NPC, foreshadowing is your secret weapon for immersive storytelling. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What foreshadowing is and why it’s essential for a cohesive campaign. The difference between direct and subtle foreshadowing (and when to use each). How to plan your big reveals and drop hints that feel natural. Practical DM tips for layering clues, using red herrings, and tracking your foreshadowing efforts. Real-world examples you can adapt for your table. Quick Highlights: Start with the reveal: What big moment are you building toward? Use NPC dialogue, environmental details, and symbols to plant your hints. Repeat clues and let them evolve, but avoid overwhelming players with too many. Encourage player speculation—sometimes their theories are better than your plans! Resources Mentioned: Tips for managing clues and continuity in your campaign. How to balance foreshadowing with the flow of gameplay. Connect With Us: Did you use any of these tips in your campaign? Share your story! https://session0studios.com/ https://www.instagram.com/howtobeabetterdmpodcast?igsh=YmU0b3Zsbms1anUw Mentioned in this episode: Give Us a Rating and Review You obviously have really good taste, you’re listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you’ve ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too. Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Get The Swampberry Moonshine Jamboree For Free Take a trip down to the bayou in The Swampberry Moonshine Jamboree. We teamed up with Studio Fantasms to bring you a raucous one-shot adventure full of gatorfolk, catfishing, and a whole lotta moonshine. We wrote the adventure, they designed the minis—it’s a sweet little bundle, and it’s totally free for the month of May. Just head to https://session0studios.com/fantasms and sign up to grab it. Don’t wait—May’s free, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Add the Magic of Sound to Your Gameplay When you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument Studios…

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Why Doesn't Your D&D Combat Feel Fun? Plus How To Fix It!