EPISODE · Feb 9, 2026 · 59 MIN
How Not To Be a Potato | Showing Up at the Table | Wandering DMs S08 E05
from Wandering DMs · host Wandering DMs
Dan and Paul tackle a deceptively common table problem: the potato player – someone who shows up, sits quietly, and never quite engages. Coined as shorthand for disengaged play, “potatoing” can look the same from the outside but come from very different places on the inside. In this episode, we break down the difference between intentional potatoes and accidental ones, passive watchers vs bored or overwhelmed players, and why silence at the table is not always disinterest. We offer practical advice for players who want to participate more confidently, as well as concrete tools for DMs to invite engagement without putting anyone on the spot. Whether you fear becoming a potato yourself or want to help your players stay involved, this episode is about agency, table expectations, and how to help everyone show up to the game.
What this episode covers
Dan and Paul tackle a deceptively common table problem: the potato player – someone who shows up, sits quietly, and never quite engages. Coined as shorthand for disengaged play, “potatoing” can look the same from the outside but come from very different places on the inside. In this episode, we break down the difference between intentional potatoes and accidental ones, passive watchers vs bored or overwhelmed players, and why silence at the table is not always disinterest. We offer practical advice for players who want to participate more confidently, as well as concrete tools for DMs to invite engagement without putting anyone on the spot. Whether you fear becoming a potato yourself or want to help your players stay involved, this episode is about agency, table expectations, and how to help everyone show up to the game.
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How Not To Be a Potato | Showing Up at the Table | Wandering DMs S08 E05
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