Archives: Captivate Podcasts

No More Boring NPCS – Design a Better NPC with London Carlisle

Here are today’s sponsors:Worldsmith – Easy D&D Prep – Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press – Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur 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 […]

The 4 Core Skills of Dungeon Mastery (Plus the Secret 5th One)

Here are today’s sponsors:Worldsmith – Easy D&D Prep – Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press – Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur 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 […]

Should You Handhold New Players Into Loving D&D?

Here are today’s sponsors:Worldsmith – Easy D&D Prep – Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press – Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur 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 […]

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

Here are today’s sponsors:Worldsmith – Easy D&D Prep – Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press – Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur 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 […]

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

Here are today’s sponsors:Worldsmith – Easy D&D Prep – Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press – Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur 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 […]

The Hidden Costs of Using AI in Your D&D Prep – Is it Helping You or Holding You Back

Here are today’s sponsors:Worldsmith – Easy D&D Prep – Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press – Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur 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 […]

How to make Lifelike NPCs with DMs Shea and Kyle from Dungeon Master Talk

Here are today’s sponsors:Worldsmith – Easy D&D Prep – Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press – Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur 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 […]

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

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 […]

Diving Deep into Theme, Fate, and Storytelling with Jay Foster from Swole Initiative

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 […]

GMing 101: Top DM Tips from Dragon Steel Nexus

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 […]