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/fantasms 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. […]
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/fantasms 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 […]
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/fantasms 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 […]
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/fantasms 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 […]
How to make Lifelike NPCs with DMs Shea and Kyle from Dungeon Master Talk
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 […]
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 […]
How to Help Players Fit Into Your D&D Party
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 […]
Why Your D&D Party Won’t Stay Together (And How to Fix It)
Your party has already split 30 minutes into session one—again. The rogue sneaks off, the barbarian wrestles in the local church, and the bard… well, who even knows? If you’re tired of struggling to keep your party together, this episode is for you. Discover the Coalescence Event, a powerful DM tool that ensures your players […]