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

“You creep slowly through the cobwebbed dark of the crypt, your breath coming out in puffs of steam that you’re trying your hardest to cover. You reach the corner and peer around down the hall. You see the source of the thumping sound. It’s a creature the size of an ogre, with the same proportions. The only difference is that where an ogre would have 1 head, this creature has 6, along with 3 extra...

How do you improvise things that make the game better? How do you add comedy to the game without making it corny? Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM. Today I talked with TJ Salmon from Comedy Sports, located in Provo Utah. For more information check out https://www.comedysportzutah.com/ The biggest lesson of today's show is that improv, and comedy, both of them, it's not about you. The best Dun...

In today's episode, we talk to Jake Packham, who is the dungeon master behind our live-play show "The Pact & Boon." Listen as we ask Jake how he goes about applying his inspiration to create compelling campaigns, and grow his home-brew world of Calignos. 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...

Here's a bonus episode for you about how to World Build with Your players and Characters in mind. Here are some helpful tips: When you world build for players, you leave open spaces that players can help fill It gives your worldbuilding direction, which makes the story that much better. It saves time and effort because you only build about 20% more than what the players will interact with. Think a...

In today's episode of How to Be a Better DM , we are continuing our exploration of downtime activities , and we are focusing on the mother of all "timewasters," carousing! But, is it a waste of time? Or is carousing in D&D one of the best opportunities to enrich your story, introduce characters, and build memories through the craziest experiences! Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by S...

Abridged Show Notes Feeling overwhelmed by D&D campaign planning? Struggle to connect your grand ideas into a single, captivating story? This episode unveils the CASE Framework, a simple yet powerful system that will transform your planning sessions. Learn how to craft unforgettable campaigns, memorable story arcs, and engaging encounters that will leave your players begging for more.&nbs...

Welcome back to another episode. Today we walk about railroading, allowing players to do whatever they want, focusing on player perception and making sure the game is fun for the player at all times. If you want more, check out session0studios.com If you want more specific resources, check out these other episodes: Tips for Improv: Episode 161 Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Session 0...

Ever dreamt of creating the perfect D&D game room, but felt overwhelmed by budget, and space limitations, or clueless about the coolest tech hacks? This episode is your one-stop guide! We'll delve into inspiring ideas, from crafting an immersive atmosphere to incorporating unexpected gadgets to elevate your campaign. Whether you're a seasoned Dungeon Master or a newbie setting up your first se...

Welcome back to today's show. Today, Tanner and Justin have the great pleasure of joining the Level Up Your Gaming Podcast ( https://levelupyourgaming.buzzsprout.com/ ) with hosts Josh and Aaron to talk about transplanting rules into your game from different RPG systems. Mentioned in this episode: Get The Swampberry Moonshine Jamboree For Free Take a trip down to the bayou in The Swampberry Moonsh...

What's up everyone! Thanks for listing to how to be a better DM. Here's a quick synopsis of today's episode hosted by (me) Cayden Ottley. In today's episode I talk about 10 places that you need in any fantasy town that your players are visiting. This obviously varies from place to place depending on setting, political system, and your own rules to name a few, but this comprehensive list will help...

Want to step up your crafting game in D&D? Think of implementing 3 aspects into your crafting: Skills/Proficiencies, Materials, and Place. These will help you make crafting attainable, story driven, and worth it for your players. 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...

Why are prepping sessions so hard? Why can’t it be as easy as remembering a simple phrase, maybe something strange like PUT A CLUE? Why can’t I save time by learning this phrase PUT A CLUE and then using it to prepare my sessions so much faster? Friend, you’re in luck. Today’s episode is for you. Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM, the show to help dungeon masters new and old learn how to take...

Dive deep into the captivating world of blacksmithing in Dungeons & Dragons with our special guests Matt and Stan from Wasatch Forge. In this thrilling episode, we unravel the secrets of the blacksmith's shop, from forging blades to the mystical infusion of magic into steel. Discover the craft behind the art, and uncover how you can enhance your D&D experience with authentic blacksmithing...

Dungeons and Dragons 5e gets a lot wrong about Blacksmiths. There is almost no realism. Pretty strong statements right? But that's exactly what we dive into in our conversation today with Matt and Stan from Wasatch Forge, a local blacksmith school here in Salt Lake City Utah. Visit https://www.wasatchforge.com/ for more information. Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM. Today is the first part of...

Finding players can be difficult. Having lycanthropes in your party can be difficult. Using the Longstrider spell can be difficult. Lucky for you, we talk about all of that. On today's BONUS episode, Tanner and Justin are invited onto the Next Session Podcast with Alyssa and Adam. They have a great conversation sharing tips for always finding players, tips on how make lycanthropy work, a cute cow/...

Join host Cayden Ottley on How to Be A Better DM, on a captivating journey into the realms of fantasy and adventure within Dungeons and Dragons fifth edition. In this episode, Cayden shares five invaluable tips for crafting immersive worlds in your D&D campaigns. From establishing a rich history filled with legendary events to creating diverse cultures and societies, each tip is a gateway to d...

Our topic today is something that you may not have experienced as a DM, since it is a very specific type of adventure mechanic. But, with the right party and right campaign , it could be a new, fun experience for you and your players . Namely, today we are talking about building a stronghold. Or, you might call it your base, your homestead, your castle. Heck, you could even go The Swiss Family Rob...

Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM. This is a special bonus episode. In today's episode we give you Episode 2 of the Pact and Boon actual play D&D show. If you want to subscribe to the show, check out session0studios.com/pactnboon Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Join Our Discord So a little bit of a spoiler alert...

Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM. In honor of the release of our newest podcast, The Pact and Boon (session0studios.com/pactnboon/) we are releasing the first episode of that show on this podcast today. Pact and Boon is an Actual Play 5e D&D podcast and we are so excited about it. Go and check out the rest of the episodes that are out right now (a total of 4 episodes right now). If you co...

Do you dream of trying out being a dungeon master, but are unsure of yourself or your abilities? Do currently DM but wish some parts of it weren’t as hard or complicated? Today’s episode is filled with 20 tips to help you skip some of the mistakes that we’ve made in our DMing journey. With these tips, you can gain the confidence to DM like you never have before. More importantly, with these tips,...

Have you ever wanted to go to that cool game store down the road and play a fun game of D&D but are maybe somewhat shy and nervous about being a DM in a public place? Wouldn't you like the ability to DM in any place at any time? Today we are going to walk you through some tips on how to manage yourself in those public places and how to make sure it's fun for you and your players every single t...

Thanks for tuning in today! Today's show was hosted by Cayden Ottley, and focuses on (in our opinion) the best online resources to help create a more immersive experience for your players. Here are the links to all of the websites mentioned in the episode: https://www.fantasy-plus.com/ - (Monument Studios) Use code: BETTERDM for 10% off! (it's only $4.99/ month and totally worth it.) https://www.d...

Welcome to How to Be a Better DM! Do you ever see your players losing interest halfway through a quest, a dungeon , or an NPC conversation? Well, they may be bored , which means you should learn to speedrun certain plot point and encounters for the sake of your players' fun . Tanner discusses when to shorten, speed up, or cut out certain parts of your well-planned sessions, and how to do it effect...

How to Write a DND Heist One Shot Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM, I’m your mastermind for today, Justin Lewis, and you’re here with me to learn how to tell better stories for yourself and your friends as you DM sessions of Dungeons and Dragons 5e. aHow to Be a Better DM is presented to you by Session 0 Studios, D&D podcasts and shows to sate your ever deepening hunger. I’m excited for t...

Are you tired of making throwaway NPCs that your players forget the next day? Then this podcast discussion with Tanner, Justin, and Cayden is for you! We discuss when to utilize realistic NPCs and ways to improve the realism of your NPCs, as well. Let's roll initiative! Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Session 0 Studios Visit session0studios.com for more information. Give Us a Rating a...