Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

Another international episode! I found my "Dungeon Master Friend" in Manny, a.k.a Growed Up Geek , who's enthusiasm is infectious. We cover the gamut from DM loneliness and anxiety, all the way up to eliciting those emotional responses from your players. A topic we've talked about plenty before, is the the positive feedback loop in D&D where the more you put in, the more you get out, and Manny...

"A crazy babble of death and anteaters." My good friend of 20 years, Jamie Mitchell, joins me to talk about all the mistakes we've made on our parallel journey to DM-hood. How these mistakes have shaped us and the mitigation strategies we take to ensure everyone continues to have fun. This one get's real crazy in the last 10 minutes so stick with it as you may not have heard such a segue from D&am...

This time I'm joined by Simon Eustace , and this episode is chock full of life lessons; you're going to come out the other side a better human being. Simon brings his four years of experience of playing unique D&D characters, and is my table-buddy in our Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes real play podcast (of which this episode is full of spoilers for). We talk about what makes each of us happy, and h...

The second international episode! I'm joined by Howie, a.k.a the Blue Collar DM , and hooo boy do we hit some big topics. Everything from representing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to how to role play earnestly, and staying honest to yourself. 03:47 - DM Facilitation of party role composition 12:56 - Class stereotypical roles 23:48 - How the role of the DM differs from the players 28:34 - Disa...

A landmark episode! I'm joined by Karim, a.k.a FeverDreamStudios , and we get real deep into the design of D&D. How it's designed, how to design for it, and ways that PCs and DMs can design around and with each other. Too many nuggets of wisdom to list here, if I do say so myself! 01:49 - The design of Fifth Edition 08:26 - How PHB design affect player expectations 16:59 - How to start homebre...

In this first of a two-parter, Ian Langton and I discuss how the "experience" of Dungeons & Dragons has shifted, not only since earlier editions, but also as the players mature. Ways to get "good" experience, and how differing levels of play experience can dramatically impact the moment-to-moment gameplay. 03:04 - What makes a fun experience 06:44 - How the DM experience has changed 15:25 - Di...

Jack Wain and I discuss what "ability" means within the 5e context. We take a look at what makes an effective player and how those skills are transferable to being a successful DM. We discuss ability skills and how some, such as the oft derided Animal Handling, get a bad rap through no fault of their own. This episode's Big Question is ability modifiers: big box or small box? 00:01:41 - How to det...

Rob McPerhson and I discuss how "conflict" is an intrinsic part of the D&D experience; constructive and destructive conflict between PCs, but also how every PC requires an internalised conflict pushing them to adventure. We cover a few tools for resolving conflict both at the table and away from it, and how "my guy" syndrome can quickly and easily ruin an otherwise good game. Intro Music: 'Loc...

Podcast trailer for Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion. A discussion show with different guests each episode. We take a single concept or idea and discuss what that means within the D&D framework to help you get the most out your sessions, whatever side of the screen you sit on. Consider it an NPR-style, bitesize mix of thought-provoking analysis and humorous anecdotes! Intro Music: 'Lo...