World Anvil founders Janet (writer, worldbuilder, nutcase) and Dimitris (GM, worldbuilding wizard, techmonkey)
World Anvil Worldbuilding Podcast
Are you worldbuilding for homebrew RPG campaigns, novels, game development, films or anything else? Then you're in the right place! Designed to educate, inspire and entertain, World Anvil's founders - writer & RPG designer Janet Forbes and Gamemaster and RPG designer Dimitris chat with creators and academics about the brass tacks of worldbuilding, exploring a new theme each month. Expect topics like novel writing and short stories, game design, Cultures and Societies, Settlements and their needs, Myths and Legends and how to avoid worldbuilding plotholes in this inspiring weekly podcast! If yo...
Author
World Anvil founders Janet (writer, worldbuilder, nutcase) and Dimitris (GM, worldbuilding wizard, techmonkey)
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 6, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Episode 34, part 1: Kitchen Sink Fantasy Worldbuilding 09.08.2023 30:38
Is your world everything-and-the-kitchen-sink? And is that even a bad thing? In this episode, Janet interviews Peter Chiykowski creator of the award-winning webcomic Rock Paper Cynic, and The Story Engine Deck of writing prompts. They discuss Fantasy Kitchen Sink worldbuilding - what is it, what are the problems it can cause, and how to fix it. Links: https://lookitspeter.com/ https://rockpapercy...
Episode 33, part 2: Dungeon-Based One-Shots with Duke Davis 19.04.2023 38:09
Part 2: Dungeons are a staple of TTRPGs (it's even half of Dungeons & Dragons, one of the most popular games!), and they're awesome tools for one-shot adventures too. So we interviewed Duke Davis, from One-Shot Questers, to tell us all about dungeon one-shots and how to use them at your table!
Episode 33, part 1: Dungeon-Based One-Shots with Duke Davis 19.04.2023 30:27
Part 1: Dungeons are a staple of TTRPGs (it's even half of Dungeons & Dragons, one of the most popular games!), and they're awesome tools for one-shot adventures too. So we interviewed Duke Davis, from One-Shot Questers, to tell us all about dungeon one-shots and how to use them at your table!
Episode 32, part 2: Querying a Literary Agent 12.04.2023 27:38
Part 2: So you've written a novel and edited it, and you're pretty sure it's ready for publishing—time for the next step! If you're going for traditional publishing, you'll want to query your novel to an agent, and to do that, you need a query letter! We interviewed Laura VanArendonk Baugh, a traditionally published author, to tell us all about the querying process!
Episode 32, part 1: Querying a Literary Agent 12.04.2023 35:56
Part 1: So you've written a novel and edited it, and you're pretty sure it's ready for publishing—time for the next step! If you're going for traditional publishing, you'll want to query your novel to an agent, and to do that, you need a query letter! We interviewed Laura VanArendonk Baugh, a traditionally published author, to tell us all about the querying process!
Episode 31, part 2: Traditional Publishing Pathways 05.04.2023 40:18
In this episode our special guest is John Joseph Adams, award-winning editor of BEST AMERICAN SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY, as well as the bestselling editor of more than thirty anthologies! He and Janet discuss the mysteries of traditional publishing, and how writers can set themselves up for success when submitting short stories and novels.
Episode 31, part 1: Worldbuilding with Waterways 05.04.2023 32:58
In this episode, we set sail on the always-current topic of waterways in worldbuilding! If this is your first episode, thanks for joining us. Janet's joined by special guest John Joseph Adams, award-winning editor of BEST AMERICAN SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY, as well as the bestselling editor of more than thirty anthologies! Together they discuss rivers, streams, lakes and all the ways water sourc...
Episode 30, part 2: Novel Writing Basics | How to Write a Novel 29.03.2023 38:39
Part 2: So, you've decided to take the leap and start writing a novel—and now you don't know where to start. Don't worry, that's completely normal! Writing can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. We interviewed Deleyna, a best-selling writer and Anvilite, and she gave us crash course on novel writing basics!
Episode 30, part 1: Novel Writing Basics | How to Write a Novel 29.03.2023 37:49
Part 1: So, you've decided to take the leap and start writing a novel—and now you don't know where to start. Don't worry, that's completely normal! Writing can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. We interviewed Deleyna, a best-selling writer and Anvilite, and she gave us crash course on novel writing basics!
Episode 29: Airships & Dragons with Tracy & Laura Hickman 22.03.2023 33:05
In this episode, we're talking to industry legends Tracy & Laura Hickman! We discuss the lasting impact and legacy of the Dragonlance novels, their approach to collaborative writing and worldbuilding, and their current tabletop RPG projects.
Episode 28, part 2: Hard vs. Soft Worldbuilding with Andy Law 15.03.2023 31:50
Part 2! Hard and soft worldbuilding describe the approach or method you use when worldbuilding. If you've heard of the terms pantsing and plotting when talking about writing, it's a similar concept! Hard worldbuilding is more methodical, it has a defined process you follow, almost like a blueprint. Soft worldbuilding, on the other hand, is more organic and fully relies on improvisation and figurin...
Episode 28, part 1: Hard vs. Soft Worldbuilding with Andy Law 15.03.2023 32:20
Hard and soft worldbuilding describe the approach or method you use when worldbuilding. If you've heard of the terms pantsing and plotting when talking about writing, it's a similar concept! Hard worldbuilding is more methodical, it has a defined process you follow, almost like a blueprint. Soft worldbuilding, on the other hand, is more organic and fully relies on improvisation and figuring it out...
Episode 27, part 2: How to Create an RPG System 08.03.2023 35:49
Part 2! Creating an entire RPG system is a very rewarding experience, as you're able to create a game exactly how you want it! But it's also a big endeavour, which is easy to get overwhelmed by. So Janet interviewed Celeste Conowitch and Jack Caesar, two incredible RPG game designers, to get their thoughts on the matter!
Episode 27, part 1: How to Create an RPG System 08.03.2023 32:12
Creating an entire RPG system is a very rewarding experience, as you're able to create a game exactly how you want it! But it's also a big endeavour, which is easy to get overwhelmed by. So Janet interviewed Celeste Conowitch and Jack Caesar, two incredible RPG game designers, to get their thoughts on the matter!
Episode 26, part 2: Creating Great Battle Maps (Even If You Can't Draw) 01.03.2023 33:55
Part 2! In this episode, we're revealing the secrets to Making a Great Battle Map! Our special guest is Till Lammer, CEO and Founder of Dungeon Fog! We're talking about where to set your battles in DnD and RPG games - and how to make sure the location will create a great experience in play. You can make the most amazing battle map in the world, but if the area you choose isn't interesting - your...
Episode 26 part 1: Creating Great Battle Maps (Even If You Can't Draw) 01.03.2023 34:47
In this episode, we're revealing the secrets to Making a Great Battle Map! Our special guest is Till Lammer, CEO and Founder of Dungeon Fog! We're talking about where to set your battles in DnD and RPG games - and how to make sure the location will create a great experience in play. You can make the most amazing battle map in the world, but if the area you choose isn't interesting - your map's goi...
Episode 25, part 2: How to Make a Monster with Celeste Conowitch 23.02.2023 21:23
Part 2! The Monster Manual is an awesome resource to set the stakes of your game, but what if you want something more personalized? Maybe you have your own custom setting, or your players might be experienced enough to know what all the monsters can do. By creating new ones, you'll re-infuse a true sense of wonder to your world! Join Janet Forbes and Celeste Conowitch, Senior Game Designer at Kobo...
Episode 25, part 1: How to Make a Monster with Celeste Conowitch 23.02.2023 29:52
The Monster Manual is an awesome resource to set the stakes of your game, but what if you want something more personalized? Maybe you have your own custom setting, or your players might be experienced enough to know what all the monsters can do. By creating new ones, you'll re-infuse a true sense of wonder to your world! Join Janet Forbes and Celeste Conowitch, Senior Game Designer at Kobold Press...
Episode 24, part 2: Let Randomness Inspire You with Peter Chiykowski 23.05.2022 30:19
Part 2! Peter Chiykowski is a modern day renaissance man who graces the podcast with their presence to show us how randomness can inspire your worldbuilding and gamemastering. Peter Chiykowski is a write, editor, illustrator, and creator of the Deck of Worlds and the Story Engine. Both being cards you can shuffled and compiled randomly to create inspiring prompts and stories. Janet Forbes (pen-nam...
Episode 24, part 1: Let Randomness Inspire You with Peter Chiykowski 23.05.2022 30:26
Peter Chiykowski is a modern day renaissance man who graces the podcast with their presence to show us how randomness can inspire your worldbuilding and gamemastering. Peter Chiykowski is a write, editor, illustrator, and creator of the Deck of Worlds and the Story Engine. Both being cards you can shuffled and compiled randomly to create inspiring prompts and stories. Janet Forbes (pen-name J.D. B...
Episode 23, part 2: Costume Makes Character with Ginny Di 16.05.2022 37:45
Part 2! Ginny Di joins the show to share some amazing insights on how to bring characters to life through clothing and costume. Ginny Di is a creator, cosplayer, singer, and the loveliest bean in the world of roleplaying games. You can find full profiles of some of her original characters on her own world on World Anvil . Janet Forbes (pen-name J.D. Blythe) is a published fantasy author, professio...
Episode 23, part 1: Costume Makes Character with Ginny Di 16.05.2022 39:12
Ginny Di joins the show to share some amazing insights on how to bring characters to life through clothing and costume. Ginny Di is a creator, cosplayer, singer, and the loveliest bean in the world of roleplaying games. You can find full profiles of some of her original characters on her own world on World Anvil . Janet Forbes (pen-name J.D. Blythe) is a published fantasy author, professional Dung...
Episode 22, part 2: Food, The Key to an Immersive World with EatMedieval 09.05.2022 39:36
Part 2! Eat Medieval! 10/10 would recommend. On this episode Professor Giles Gaspar and Andy Hook from the amazing project Eat Medieval talk about the key to creating an immersive game or story. Food. Giles Gasper is a Professor of High Medieval History at Durham University. He specializes in European history of the 11th-14th centuries, its culture, ideas (especially science and religion), and peo...
Episode 22, part 1: Food, The Key to an Immersive World with EatMedieval 09.05.2022 46:40
Eat Medieval! 10/10 would recommend. On this episode Professor Giles Gaspar and Andy Hook from the amazing project Eat Medieval talk about the key to creating an immersive game or story. Food. Giles Gasper is a Professor of High Medieval History at Durham University. He specializes in European history of the 11th-14th centuries, its culture, ideas (especially science and religion), and people, and...
Episode 21, part 2: What to Care about when Creating Characters with Matan Gilat 02.05.2022 36:10
Part 2! Matan Gilat, Co-Founder & CEO of Eldritch Foundry and long-time player of D&D joins the podcast today to talk about what to care about when creating characters. It's more than just finding the perfect miniature. Although Matan can help you with that as well. Matan started Eldritch Foundry back in 2018 and has helped countless Tabletop RPG lovers create the perfect miniature. Janet Forbes (...
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