PODCAST · leisure
Dragon Mind - Mindful TTRPGs
by John Tanaka
Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. Blending elements of personal growth and development, game design, and philosophy, each episode brings a unique lens to creating more fulfilling experiences at the table.
Episodes
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The Language of Design | Mastering Game Mastering Lens 6
Join the Swiftguard TTRPG Playtest with Playtest Packet 3.1:https://drive.google.com/file/d/11XCuMHsuYiC-BGaKSwc9wIrb25P6m0LZ/view?usp=drive_link Download Playtest Adventure 0 at:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MK269NMzNXE_S4d_ccCmIt_VX7yJ5_lZ/view?usp=sharingPlaytest Adventure 1:...
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Player Agency in Equipment | Swiftguard Design Breakdown 3
Join the Swiftguard Discord at: https://discord.com/invite/YWYHk2rhhW Try the NEWEST Swiftguard Playtest Packet 3.1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11XCuMHsuYiC-BGaKSwc9wIrb25P6m0LZ/view?usp=drive_link Download the new Playtest Adventure 0...
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What do your players value? | Mastering Game Mastering Lenses 4 and 5
My video on if D&D 5.5 is a good "starter" system: https://youtu.be/Zgn_TCU9hGI Try the NEWEST Swiftguard Playtest Packet 3.1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11XCuMHsuYiC-BGaKSwc9wIrb25P6m0LZ/view?usp=drive_link Download the new Playtest Adventure 0...
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À La Carte Caracter Creation | Swiftguard Design Breakdown 2
Swiftguard is a new TTRPG from Dragon Mind meant to be an engaging "first" TTRPG. Try the NEWEST Swiftguard Playtest Packet 3.1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11XCuMHsuYiC-BGaKSwc9wIrb25P6m0LZ/view?usp=drive_link Download the new Playtest Adventure 0...
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Defining Fun and Surprise | Mastering Game Mastering Lenses 2 and 3
"Have fun!" Yeah, I got it. But how? Try the NEWEST Swiftguard Playtest Packet 3.1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11XCuMHsuYiC-BGaKSwc9wIrb25P6m0LZ/view?usp=drive_link Download the new Playtest Adventure 0 at:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MK269NMzNXE_S4d_ccCmIt_VX7yJ5_lZ/view?usp=sharing...
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Swiftguard's Action Economy | Swiftguard Design Breakdown 1
Swiftguard is a new TTRPG from Dragon Mind meant to be an engaging "first" TTRPG. Try the NEWEST Swiftguard Playtest Packet 3.1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11XCuMHsuYiC-BGaKSwc9wIrb25P6m0LZ/view?usp=drive_link Download the new Playtest Adventure 0...
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The Essential Experience | Mastering Game Mastering Lens 1
Wow, it's been a while! In this new Dragon Mind series, we'll be looking at how to pursue "mastery" in Game Mastering, starting with Jesse Schell's 100 lenses of Game Design from his book, The Art of Game Design. Want to follow more Dragon Mind? Check out the YouTube Channel at...
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SRD 5.2 - Practical Possibilities Episode 18
Finally, creator freedom has come full circle. Download SRD 5.2 at: https://www.dndbeyond.com/srd?&icid_medium=organic&icid_source=editorial&icid_campaign=2025srd&icid_content=article_1949 Also on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@dragonmindttrpgs For more blogs and articles, you can check out...
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Distal TTRPG Review - Heroism through Hardship
Check out Distal at https://distalrpg.com/ Also on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@dragonmindttrpgs For more blogs and articles, you can check out my Substack at: https://dragonmind.substack.com/ To join the Darkmore Podcast Community Discord, head to https://discord.gg/4CjhBQxX Or email me...
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Eberron Updates - D&D UA 2025 Review
Check out the new Forgotten Realms Subclasses UA at: https://media.dndbeyond.com/compendium-images/ua/eberron-updates/Lhg25Ggx5iY3rETH/UA2025-CartographerArtificer.pdf Also on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@dragonmindttrpgs For more blogs and articles, you can check out my Substack at:...
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D&D 2025 Monster Manual - Practical Possibilities Episode 17
The new Monster Manual has been lauded as the greatest of the three new Core Rulebooks for D&D. Which one is your favorite? Also on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@dragonmindttrpgs For more blogs and articles, you can check out my Substack at: https://dragonmind.substack.com/ To join the...
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Magic in Nightbringer, an All-Wizard TTRPG (feat. Hartly Llosa)
In today's episode, I spoke with Hartly Llosa, the designer of the all-wizard TTRPG Nightbringer, with a Kickstarter live now. To support this project, head to: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hartly/nightbringer Subscribe to the Dragon Mind YouTube Channel at:...
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D&D 2024 Monk - Practical Possibilities Episode 16
Monk definitely wins the "most-improved" award from its 2014 to 2024 versions. Which is your favorite class in D&D 2024? Also on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@dragonmindttrpgs For more blogs and articles, you can check out my Substack at: https://dragonmind.substack.com/ To join the…
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Forgotten Realms Subclasses - D&D 2025 UA
"Where's my Battlerager Barbarian, Bruce?" Check out the new Forgotten Realms Subclasses UA at: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/ua/forgotten-realms-subclasses Also on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@dragonmindttrpgs For more blogs and articles, you can check out my Substack at:...
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D&D 2024 Warlock - Practical Possibilities Episode 15
I've never been withholding on my disappointing experiences with Warlock. Without changes to Eldritch Blast or Pact Magic, is it worth it to single-class Warlock in this new version? Also on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@dragonmindttrpgs For more blogs and articles, you can check out my...
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D&D 2024 Ranger - Practical Possibilities Episode 14
The new Ranger has received some pretty scathing criticism, the most salient being that it's "boring". Is there something here in the mechanics that can be salvaged? Also on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@dragonmindttrpgs For more blogs and articles, you can check out my Substack at:...
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D&D 2024 Paladin - Practical Possibilities Episode 13
Paladin fans lament the change to Divine Smite, but could this lead to more interesting gameplay? Also on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@dragonmindttrpgs For more blogs and articles, you can check out my Substack at: https://dragonmind.substack.com/ To join the Darkmore Podcast Community...
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Surprise Artificer UA | D&D 2024
In the midst of releases of new core books, the last thing the D&D community was predicting was a new Unearthed Arcana featuring the thirteenth core class, Artificer. These are my initial impressions, which are subject to change as more community members sink their teeth into the content…
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D&D 2024 Bard - Practical Possibilities Episode 12
In tiers 3 and 4, Bard might be the most flexible caster in the game. What do you think of the changes to Magical Secrets? For more conversations on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check out the Untitled TTRPG Podcast with Wrel and I at:...
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D&D 2024 Sorcerer - Practical Possibilities Episode 11
Sorcerers have finally distinguished themselves from Wizards, so which is the more powerful caster? For more conversations on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check out the Untitled TTRPG Podcast with Wrel and I at:...
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D&D 2024 Barbarian - Practical Possibilities Episode 10
Barbarian has been improved at higher levels, but is it worth sticking with the class all the way? For more conversations on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check out the Untitled TTRPG Podcast with Wrel and I at:...
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D&D 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide - Practical Possibilities Episode 9
I was going to cover Barbarian, I swear... The new Dungeon Master's Guide is an awesome on ramp for DM-curious individuals considering taking on the role. For more conversations on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check out the Untitled TTRPG Podcast with Wrel and I at:...
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D&D 2024 Druid - Practical Possibilities Episode 8
Wild Shape has had some Wild Changes. How do you feel about the direction the designers took it? For more conversations on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check out the Untitled TTRPG Podcast with Wrel and I at…
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"It's Not Just Me" - Interview with Ryan LaPlante, CEO of Dumb-Dumbs & Dice
I had the privilege to sit down and chat with Dumb-Dumbs & Dice CEO Ryan LaPlante about his experiences playing and Game Mastering for their various actual play shows, like Dumb-Dumbs & Dragons and Jesters of Ravenloft. You can follow Dumb-Dumbs & Dice on social media (including YouTube, X, and...
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Thoughts on the 2024 PHB (feat. Ian from Incendium RPGs)
Today, Ian from Incendium RPGs and I discuss our thoughts about the 2024 Player's Handbook as an overall product. To see more of Ian's content, you can check out the Incendium RPGs channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@IncendiumRPGs For more conversations on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check…
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D&D 2024 Wizard - Practical Possibilities Episode 7
Wizard was the class with the fewest changes in 2024. Was there more you were looking for out of it? For more conversations on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check out the Untitled TTRPG Podcast with Wrel and I at:...
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D&D 2024 Cleric - Practical Possibilities 2024 Episode 6
A lot of players don't like that Cleric subclasses are now gained at Level 3 instead of Level 1. How do you feel about the change? For more conversations on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check out the Untitled TTRPG Podcast with Wrel and I at:...
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D&D 2024 Rogue - Practical Possibilities 2024 Episode 5
For Rogues, Hiding is now easier than ever. What were some of your experiences using the 2014 Hiding mechanics? See Treantmonk's Fighter Damage Analysis for yourself at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IYWX33a7XA For more conversations on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check out the Untitled…
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D&D 2024 Fighter - Practical Possibilities 2024 Episode 4
In the new Player's Handbook, Fighter is billed as a "low complexity" class. How easy do you think it is for new players to pick up? For more on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check out the Untitled TTRPG Podcast with Wrel and I at:...
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D&D 2024 Backgrounds and Origin Feats - Practical Possibilities 2024 Episode 3
Backgrounds have gotten a major shakeup in D&D 2024, but one major change has us still scratching our heads. For more on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check out the Untitled TTRPG Podcast with Wrel and I at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5d3vzUrw9W0UpczwhbJJwvFHx7mjjrOK&si=KrtvRFllg63A9nfm...
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D&D 2024 Layout and Species - Practical Possibilities 2024 Episode 2
One major goal of D&D 2024 was accessibility. Did the designers meet their goal? For more on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check out the Untitled TTRPG Podcast with Wrel and I at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5d3vzUrw9W0UpczwhbJJwvFHx7mjjrOK&si=KrtvRFllg63A9nfm Also on Spotify at: To join...
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D&D 2024 General Rules - Practical Possibilities 2024 Episode 1
The 2024 Free Rules have been released on D&D Beyond, which you can find here at: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/free-rules/playing-the-game So what are the big changes between the 2024 and 2014 engines? For more on broader TTRPG and Game Design, check out the Untitled TTRPG Podcast with...
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D&D 2024 and Swiftguard Preview Thoughts
D&D 2024 has been cranking out preview after preview about the new system, and as a long time 5e player...I'm less excited than you may think. For my overview conversation with Wrel (or for more podcast conversations between us), head to https://youtu.be/NdfNc-nSsU0?si=eZqHQUmSIvRNArgE If you…
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The LORE | In the Clouds 11
Why is there such a huge gap between those of us who LOVE lore and those of us who roll our eyes at it? Let us know by sending us an email at [email protected] or posting in the Dragon Mind channel in the Darkmore Podcast Community Discord at https://discord.gg/DAJcutMt Dragon Mind is…
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Balancing Elements of the Experience | Behind the Screens 4
What elements do you emphasize, downplay, or let go of in order to run a balanced TTRPG session? Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. Gaming doesn't have to just be an escape. It can help...
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Tales of Optimization | In the Clouds 10
What are the upsides and downsides of optimization? Can we broaden the definition of "optimization" to make it universally useful? Let us know by sending us an email at [email protected] or posting in the Dragon Mind channel in the Darkmore Podcast Community Discord at...
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Borrowing Brilliance 18 | Story Endings
How do you know when it's time to end the story of a character, arc, or campaign? When do you keep going and when do you say goodbye? Why are endings so hard? For a little bit on the psychology of story endings, check out Malcolm Gladwell's episode of Revisionist History, linked below:...
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Distal: A New Class-Heavy TTRPG (feat. Michael "Wrel" Henderson)
Today, I'm joined by Michael "Wrel" Henderson, a previous guest on Dragon Mind during our Playtest Panel Discussions and World Building Mini-Series to talk about his new grounded d20 TTRPG, Distal, which you can check out at playdisrpg.com We talk about some of the system's design goals, unique...
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Reflecting on the 2024 Player's Handbook Playtest
In a recently uploaded video, Jeremy Crawford broke the news that we won't be receiving anymore playtest packets for the 2024 Player's Handbook. So, now is as good a time as ever to reflect on how it went. References D&D Playtest Survey Results | Player's Handbook | Unearthed Arcana...
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Borrowing Brilliance 17 | "No D&D is better than Bad D&D"
Notice how this title's in quotes? In today's episode, John and Stephanie discuss the notion that "No D&D is Better than Bad D&D" by investigating the root causes of "Bad D&D" and resolving the paradox of knowing that to become a skilled GM, you'll have to run games unskillfully first. In this...
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Considering Real-World Time | Behind the Screens 3
One of the most under-recognized elements of Game Mastering is considering the real-world time spent playing and waiting in a game environment. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. Gaming doesn't...
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Borrowing Brilliance 16 | Playtesting
In today's episode, John and Stephanie discuss their experiences playtesting and how to run a successful playtest that yields helpful information. Distal is a TTRPG in Alpha playtesting by Michael from the Playtest Panel Discussions. You can check out the system at https://linktr.ee/distalrpg In...
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PHB 2024 UA 8 Impressions
We finally get a version of the Monk that (seems) to be on par with its martial-peers. Everything looks good. The question remains: does it play good? To support this podcast, drop a 5-star review in your app of choice and let us know your favorite thing about Dragon Mind. To submit a question or...
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Bastions and Cantrips Playtest Impressions
Hot on the heels of UA 7 is UA 8: Bastions and Cantrips, as well as a discussion about the survey feedback for UA 6. To support this podcast, drop a 5-star review in your app of choice and let us know your favorite thing about Dragon Mind. To submit a question or topic, email us at...
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A Utilitarian Approach | Behind the Screens 2
Designing an encounter can serve multiple functions. Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. Gaming doesn't have to just be an escape. It can help revolutionize your reality. Want more Dragon Mind?...
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Dichotomies of Game Balance | In the Clouds 9
What type of Game Balance does your table enjoy? What have been your experiences with homebrew TTRPG content? Let us know by sending us an email at [email protected] or posting in the Dragon Mind channel in the Darkmore Podcast Community Discord at https://discord.gg/DAJcutMt Dragon…
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Borrowing Brilliance 15 | Turning Pro
In today's episode, John and Stephanie discuss the "pro mindset" that you can bring to any table you're apart of, as well as both sides of the Professional GMing relationship. In this episode, we mention a few resources to check out. They're listed below: Why I Quit Pro DM'ing and Is It For You?…
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Design Intent vs Execution | In the Clouds 8
Sometimes what we think will happen and what actually happens are very different things. What have been your experiences with homebrew TTRPG content? Let us know by sending us an email at [email protected] or posting in the Dragon Mind channel in the Darkmore Podcast Community Discord…
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PHB 2024 UA 7 Impressions
Another entry into our favorite news topic, D&D Fifth Edition Second Edition, also known at PHB 2024. We get the subclass previews for Barbarian, Fighter, Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard. Oh yeah, it's all coming together. To support this podcast, drop a 5-star review in your app of choice and let…
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Improvising | In the Clouds 7
GMing isn't about what you do. It's about who you are. Let us know by sending us an email at [email protected] or posting in the Dragon Mind channel in the Darkmore Podcast Community Discord at https://discord.gg/DAJcutMt Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. Blending elements of personal growth and development, game design, and philosophy, each episode brings a unique lens to creating more fulfilling experiences at the table.
HOSTED BY
John Tanaka
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Dragon Mind - Mindful TTRPGs have?
Dragon Mind - Mindful TTRPGs currently has 126 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Dragon Mind - Mindful TTRPGs about?
Dragon Mind is a TTRPG discussion podcast where we look through the infinite lenses of TTRPGs to discover our best selves through gaming. Blending elements of personal growth and development, game design, and philosophy, each episode brings a unique lens to creating more fulfilling experiences at...
How often does Dragon Mind - Mindful TTRPGs release new episodes?
Dragon Mind - Mindful TTRPGs publishes regularly with 126 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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You can listen to Dragon Mind - Mindful TTRPGs on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Dragon Mind - Mindful TTRPGs?
Dragon Mind - Mindful TTRPGs is created and hosted by John Tanaka.
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