Dragon Mind - Mindful TTRPGs

In today’s episode, we discuss the book Fire Child Water Child by Dr. Stephen Scott Cowan, which connects behaviors of adolescent ADHD with the Five Elements of Chinese medicine, as well as how we can use some of Dr. Cowan’s insights to be our best selves at the table. References: Fire Child Water Child : https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Child-Water-Understanding-Self-Esteem/dp/1608820904 Cal Newport's...

Today, John and Stephanie dive into our hopes and dreams for a theoretical sixth edition of D&D, especially since the game's "next evolution" has been announced for 2024. Will our ideas match what WotC is planning? Welcome to Borrowing Brilliance, a new segment of the TTRPG podcast Dragon Mind. In this segment, John and Stephanie borrow brilliance from our world's most insightful minds to beco...

In this episode, John and Ian discuss what to do when your campaign unexpectedly fizzles, how to revamp your custom setting, and finding opportunities when you have to start over. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This podcast is a proud member of the Darkmore Podcast Network. To discover more c...

Today, John and Stephanie discuss the role religion plays in D&D gameplay and storytelling, how much it should connect to real world faith, and the pros and cons to having simple or complex moral themes in a game. Borrowing Brilliance is a segment of Dragon Mind where John and Stephanie borrow brilliance from our world's most insightful minds to become better game masters, players, and people....

Welcome to Borrowing Brilliance, a new segment of the TTRPG podcast Dragon Mind. In this segment, John and Stephanie borrow brilliance from our world's most insightful minds to become better game masters, players, and people. Today, John and Stephanie break down the Seven Baby Steps to becoming a masterful GM, which are also invaluable when starting a new campaign or getting to know a new play gro...

Today's guest is John's long time friend and fellow martial arts instructor, Stephanie, who has been mentioned on the podcast in previous lenses. They talk about the DM / Player relationship, how Don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements translates to a strong culture at the table, and the value of becoming a student of yourself. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the...

In this episode, John and Ian follow up on the last Lens, which had to do with their preferences to what role deities should play in homebrew world building. They dive deeper into our world building philosophies, why John prefers rational magic systems, and some story possibilities for allowing deities to be definitively slain. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the in...

In this episode, John and Ian discuss when it’s appropriate to use deities as a narrative device, the different interpretations of divine magic, and how achieving a character concept may mean ignoring a class’s flavor. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This podcast is a proud member of the Darkm...

In this episode, John and Ian discuss avoiding over-prep, understanding your players’ gaming language, and share some thoughts on Support Characters. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This podcast is a proud member of the Darkmore Podcast Network. To discover more content from its members, visit...

In this special bonus episode, John and Ian discuss their thoughts on the (somewhat) new official product from Wizards of the Coast, Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse . Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This podcast is a proud member of the Darkmore Podcast Network. To discover m...

In today's episode, we reference an article you can read with the following link: https://www.masterthedungeon.com/guide-to-dnd-side-quests/ In this episode, John and Ian discuss how to have a powerful opening session, resolving self-criticism as a DM, and how to design meaningful quests. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our...

In this episode, John and Ian discuss the delicate balance of emotional tension in your game’s storytelling, some perspectives on growth mindset, and which Fifth Edition products are worth purchasing for a beginner this late into the edition’s life span. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This po...

In this episode, John and Ian discuss the characteristics of a compelling villain, strategies for having your players engage with them, and some thoughts on Solo D&D. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This podcast is a proud member of the Darkmore Podcast Network. To discover more content fr...

In this episode, John and Ian  speak to Raymond O’Connor, one of the co-hosts of the D&D podcast, Running Off The Rails about all things D&D. We dive into the excitement of surprises at the table, the joy of running TTRPGs for new players, and the power of having your players be co-authors of your game’s story. To listen to Running Off The Rails , visit runningofftherails.com Matt Col...

In this episode, John and Ian finish their review of the official variant and optional rules presented in the Fifth Edition Dungeons and Dragons Dungeon Master's Guide . Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This podcast is a proud member of the Darkmore Podcast Network. To discover more content fro...

In this episode, John and Ian review the official Variant and Optional rules from the Player's Handbook and Dungeon Master's Guide for Fifth Edition Dungeons and Dragons . Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This podcast is a proud member of the Darkmore Podcast Network. To discover more content f...

In this special bonus episode, John and Ian discuss their thoughts on the new Critical Role animated series, The Legend of Vox Machina on Amazon Prime. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This podcast is a proud member of the Darkmore Podcast Network. To discover more content from its members, vis...

Join us for a Switch series adventure featuring Crit! Like a girl!  Join Ian (DMST), Sarah (Adv), Jim (Misad), and Steph (CLAG) as they navigate the dream plane led by DM Stars (CLAG).    In the world of LJ Darkmore, our heroes are taken from their slumber and imbued with new powers, and must complete trials in order to return to the safety of their beds…so long as they don’t die. D...

In this episode, John and Ian dive into hard and soft magic systems, how they relate to Fifth Edition Dungeons and Dragons , and some variant game mechanics that can affect a player's relationship with magic. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This podcast is a proud member of the Darkmore Podcas...

In this episode, John and Ian discuss why player characters may be prone to violence in D&D, the choice of using meta-language in-universe, and how D&D reveals its players’ relationship with uncertainty. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This podcast is a proud member of the Darkmore Pod...

In this episode, John and Ian discuss the benefits and challenges of gaming online, recognizing everyone’s preferred styles, and analyze the specific style of Critical Role . Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This podcast is a proud member of the Darkmore Podcast Network. To discover more conten...

In this episode, John talks with fellow game master Tim about the value of running prewritten adventures, melding your preferred play style with your players, and how everyone has what it takes to be a GM. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. This podcast is a proud member of the Darkmore Podcast N...

In this episode, John talks to his co-host of the DM Shower Thoughts podcast, Adamus from adamusdrakeproductions.com. They dive into the similarities between game mastering and teaching, the value of establishing safety tools at the table, and player driven set up and payoff. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves t...

In this episode, John sits down with his sister and Twitch partner Stephanie from twitch.tv/johnandstefplay. They discuss the value of being responsible for your character’s mechanics, paying attention to team dynamics, and how D&D is a kind of Rorschach test. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gamin...

In this episode, John sits down with Patrick, a newer Game Master, to discuss the value of a beginner's mindset, a Game Master's hero's journey, and how great games boil down to a collection of great moments. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming.  This podcast is a proud member of the Darkmore...