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

What happens when a group of Dungeon Masters get on a panel at FanX and start riffing about improv? Exactly what you’d expect — a lively, unscripted conversation about the skill every DM needs but almost nobody practices on purpose.In this live panel episode, Justin sits down with three fellow DMs to talk about improv at the table — what it looks like, why it’s hard, and how to get better at it without freezing up when your players go completely off the rails.Topics we touched on: • Building improv confidence before you ever sit behind the screen • What to do in the moment when players throw you for a loop • How to keep your players involved so improv feels collaborative • Recovering gracefully when something comes out of your mouth and you immediately regret itThanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithHire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/Discord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

(Thanks to Zach for letting me know about the audio issues!)Welcome once again, dear Dungeon Masters and Game Masters! Today we steal from rappers and producers: How do they take good ideas and make them theirs?In this episode you will learn how to get the best of your favourite Dungeon Masters while staying authentic!Creative Contraband is a segment designed and hosted with love by Danny Barrett for How to Be a Better DM.Find Danny at: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gamemaster.hof⁠⁠If you want more content for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters alike, you can find related projects and sponsored links here:Worldsmith: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/worldsmith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Roll and Play Press: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/rollandplay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Phantasm Studios: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/fantasms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monument Studios: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠session0studios.com/monumentstudios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Ever feel like one shots get off the rails, out of control, and become a wild beast for you to wrangle back into some semblance of a story in the limited time you have? These 5 guidelines will help you avoid overstretching, overthinking, and overstaying a one shot's welcome!

Welcome once again, dear Dungeon Masters and Game Masters! Here is a little bit about what is going in my life and an apology for missing a week of content, plus some reflexions about getting inspired.Creative Contraband is a segment designed and hosted with love by Danny Barrett for How to Be a Better DM.Find Danny at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/gamemaster.hof⁠Find Dr. Ben on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@rpgphd⁠If you want more content for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters alike, you can find related projects and sponsored links here:Worldsmith: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/worldsmith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Roll and Play Press: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/rollandplay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Phantasm Studios: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/fantasms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monument Studios: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠session0studios.com/monumentstudios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/newsletter

What happens when you hand a live audience the keys to a D&D session and tell them to cause as much chaos as possible?You get this episode.Recorded live at FanX 2025, this one is unlike anything we've done before. No script. No safety net. Just four people at a table, a room full of audience members armed with prompts, and a whole lot of trust in the dice gods.Here's how it worked: Ian ran a one-shot for players Justin, Tanner, and Matthew — all showing up with level 10 characters ready for anything. The audience? They got to create the monsters, magic items, spells, and NPCs that showed up at the table in real time, powered by Worldsmith. The players had no idea what was coming. Neither, honestly, did anyone else.What unfolded was a live, audience-driven adventure featuring:A big bad built by the crowd — designed (or sabotaged) by the audience before the session even started.An investigation gone sideways — a midnight carriage ride, a mysterious shopkeeper, and a paranormal threat that only got weirder from there.A rescue mission with actual stakes — ambushes, improvised plans, and a magic item that nobody saw coming.A dungeon full of traps, riddles, and chaos — including a rolling boulder, a stone statue that really didn't want to be touched, and a door that rewarded the bold.A boss fight to end it all — with loot, laughs, and the kind of ending only a live audience can create.This is actual play the way it was meant to be: messy, surprising, and completely alive.Cast:Ian Hawkes — Dungeon MasterJustin Lewis — PlayerTanner Weyland — PlayerMatthew Thompson — PlayerThanks for listening to today's show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithHire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/Discord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

In this short run of episodes, Tanner discusses various aspects about one-shots and how to plan them—and today, the topic is one-shot character creation! Sure, you could just have your players create them, but maybe they take too long, or the players are new to making characters and you don't want to add more work onto your plate. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to make character creation simple to keep your one-shot a manageable experience!

In our first-ever interview episode, we sit down with Dr. Ben, whose work and studies span storytelling, game design, philosophy, and many other disciplines.Together, we distill practical insights on authority at the table, both within the fiction and beyond it.Creative Contraband is a segment designed and hosted with love by Danny Barrett for How to Be a Better DM.Find Danny at: https://www.instagram.com/gamemaster.hofFind Dr. Ben on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rpgphdIf you want more content for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters alike, you can find related projects and sponsored links here:Worldsmith: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/worldsmith⁠⁠⁠⁠Roll and Play Press: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/rollandplay⁠⁠⁠⁠Phantasm Studios: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/fantasms⁠⁠⁠⁠Monument Studios: ⁠⁠⁠⁠session0studios.com/monumentstudios⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/discord⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Every Dungeon Master hits a wall eventually. The prep feels like a chore. The session you used to look forward to is now the thing you're dreading. The spark that made you fall in love with running games has gone quiet.In this special live panel recorded at FanX 2025, Justin, Tanner, and Cayden sit down in front of a live audience to tackle one of the most real and rarely talked-about challenges behind the screen: DM burnout.This isn't just a conversation about surviving — it's about understanding what burnout actually looks like, why it happens to even the most passionate Game Masters, and how to find your way back to the table with energy and excitement.Here's what the panel digs into:What burnout really looks like — and why it's not always obvious when it's happening to you.The different flavors of burnout — creative, emotional, social, and scheduling exhaustion each hit differently and need different solutions.What causes it — from over-prepping to under-appreciated effort, the panel gets honest about the real culprits.Prevention vs. recovery — because keeping the spark alive looks different than reigniting it after it's gone out.Practical tools and techniques — including leaning on your players, co-DMing, running one-shots, and reconnecting with what first made you love TTRPGs.What NOT to do — the traps that make burnout worse when you're already running on empty.How players can help — and how GMs can ask for support in ways that feel natural rather than vulnerable.Whether you're deep in the weeds right now or just want to make sure you never get there, this episode is for you.This episode is for the DMs who know the real end boss isn't the dragon — it's burnout. And it's for every storyteller who's ever wondered, "Am I doing this right?" — and showed up anyway.Thanks for listening to today's show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithHire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/Discord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Now with guests you might know from Youtube, we bring you more and better thoughts regarding Dungeon Mastering and other aspects of our beloved hobby.Danny Barrett gives us a glimpse of what is to come for the next 3 months!Creative Contraband is a segment designed and hosted with love by Danny Barrett for How to Be a Better DM.If you want more content for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters alike, you can find related projects and sponsored links here:Worldsmith: ⁠⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/worldsmith⁠⁠⁠Roll and Play Press: ⁠⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/rollandplay⁠⁠⁠Phantasm Studios: ⁠⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/fantasms⁠⁠⁠Monument Studios: ⁠⁠⁠session0studios.com/monumentstudios⁠⁠⁠Discord: ⁠⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/discord⁠⁠⁠Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/patreon⁠⁠⁠Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: ⁠⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Every Dungeon Master has sat down at the table and thought, "Am I actually good enough to do this?" Whether you're brand new to the screen or you've been running campaigns for years, confidence is something every DM wrestles with — and almost nobody talks about it honestly.In this special panel episode, Justin Lewis is joined by Tanner Weyland and Cayden Ottley for a candid, practical conversation about what DM confidence actually looks like, where it comes from, and how to build more of it.Together they dig into:What confidence really means for a Dungeon Master — and why it's not just about feeling goodThe highs and lows every DM goes through, including the moments that shake you and how to bounce backPractical techniques for building and maintaining confidence at the tableHow players can either fuel or destroy their DM's confidence (and vice versa)Why real confidence comes from time in the chair — not just prepHow to lean into your strengths instead of comparing yourself to the prosThis one is for the DMs who've ever hesitated to start a campaign, fumbled through a session, or wondered if they're cut out for this. Spoiler: you are — and this episode will help you believe it.Thanks for listening to today's show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithHire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/Discord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Episode DescriptionLive from FanX Salt Lake 2025, this is one of six panels we recorded at the convention — and it might be the most relatable one we've done. If you've ever had a player blow up your carefully crafted plot, chase a side quest for three sessions, or demand a demonic arm mid-campaign, this panel is for you.Justin and Tanner are joined by Ian Hawkes and Cameron Cardoza from Worldsmith for a live audience conversation about one of the most common — and most misunderstood — challenges at the table: the chaos gremlin.What We CoverFraming the ProblemNot all chaos is created equal. We dig into what actually makes someone a "chaos gremlin," why chaos at the table isn't always a problem (and can actually be a gift), and how to tell the difference between harmless unpredictability and genuine disruption. One key question every DM should ask: is this chaos — or is it control? Is it excitement — or is it boredom?Setting Expectations & Knowing Your TableWe talk about the importance of Session Zero, how to have honest conversations with your players about the kind of game everyone wants to play, and how to tell when chaotic behavior crosses the line from organic fun into a respect issue. There's a meaningful difference between occasional disruption and consistent derailing — and one of them needs a real conversation.Managing Chaos in the MomentThis is where it gets practical. What do you actually do when your players go completely off-script? We cover managing your own reaction, using improv skills to embrace the chaos, and how to encourage beautiful storytelling even within unpredictable choices. Sometimes the session that goes sideways becomes the one everyone remembers.Prepping for a Chaotic GroupIf your table is classically chaotic, your prep should reflect that. We discuss how to build flexible, modular sessions — random tables, adaptable NPCs, storylines that can bend without breaking — so that no matter what your players do, you're ready to make it feel intentional.Folding the Chaos Into the StoryOne of the best long-term solutions: make the story big enough that there's no such thing as "off-script." Pull player backstories in. Let their chaotic choices reshape the BBEG. Change your expectations about what the story is supposed to be. The most memorable campaigns are usually the ones that went somewhere no one planned.Featured PanelistsJustin Lewis — Co-host, H2BBDMTanner Weyland — Co-host, H2BBDMIan Hawkes — WorldsmithCameron Cardoza — WorldsmithThanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithHire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/Discord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

The back and forth. The planned and cancelled sessions. The frustration when you finally schedule a time to meet and one player can't make it... all of this will be extremely familiar for the common DM. But it doesn't HAVE to be a reoccurring, frustrating nightmare! In today's episode, Tanner shares 5 tips to avoid scheduling frustration with your D&D party.

In Part 2 of this series, we finish breaking down the Performance Pillar of Dungeon Mastering—this time focusing on the two senses most DMs rely on… but rarely master: Sight and Sound.These are the tools that bring your world to life—but if you’re not intentional with them, they can fall flat or feel repetitive.In this episode, we dive into:* Sight – from ambience to battle maps, from minis to props, what your players see can deepen the immersion or destroy it* Sound – using voices, tone, pacing, and silence to create tension, emotion, and memorable momentsYou’ll learn how to move beyond generic descriptions and start creating scenes your players can actually see and hear in their minds.Just like Part 1, this episode is built around practical techniques you can use immediately—whether you’re running your next session tonight or planning ahead.If you want your players leaning in, paying attention, and remembering your sessions long after they end… this is where it starts.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithHire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/Discord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Are your players falling into a bit of a complacent rut? Are they playing the game almost on autopilot because it's playing out like so many adventures before? Well, it sounds like there isn't enough chaos in your game! A plot twist, a surprise combat addition, maybe even a literal rug pull in a dungeon that sends them to somewhere else entirely... whatever it is, make it purposeful, and make it common if you want to make your games chaotic and exciting again! So listen up as Tanner shares 4 tips that can change each aspect of the game in an unexpected way.

In this episode of How to Be a Better DM, we sit down with special guest Esteban Senzig to explore creativity, collaboration, and what it actually takes to turn big ideas into something real.We kick things off with our signature segment, Make Your Monster (sponsored by Worldsmith - http://session0studios.com/worldsmith), where Esteban creates the unforgettable Operatic Pretender—a CR 20 creature that can charm its way out of almost anything… as long as you don’t exploit its very specific weakness.From there, we dive into Esteban’s experience working with immersive worlds like Evermore and Dreamwalk, and unpack lessons that apply directly to Dungeon Masters:How to take creative ideas from concept to executionHow to collaborate effectively without losing your visionHow to avoid worldbuilder’s disease and actually finish what you startThis episode is packed with practical insights for DMs who want to stop overthinking and start creating better, more playable experiences.Oh—and this one was filmed in the Worldsmith recording studio, because yeah… we love those guys.If you want to connect with Esteban or check out his voice acting work, you can find him here:👉 https://www.instagram.com/estebantherenmanThanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithHire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/Discord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Are you a perfectionist when it comes to D&D props, and you spend all your time wishing that your DM table looked just as fabulous as the tabletops you see in all the professional D&D streams and setups? Does this unrealistic expectation even keep you from TRYING to create your own special experience and props? If you are in that boat, you aren't alone! You'll never be free from those unmet setup wishes until you learn to embrace the prop pipeline and journey: one badly painted mini or badly drawn map at a time!

What goodbye advice would you give to your loved ones if you were Gandalf?In the last Creative Contraband episode, I give you mine.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: ⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/worldsmith⁠⁠Roll and Play Press: ⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/rollandplay⁠⁠Phantasm Studios: ⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/fantasms⁠⁠Monument Studios: ⁠⁠session0studios.com/monumentstudios⁠⁠Discord: ⁠⁠http://session0studios.com/discord⁠⁠Patreon: ⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/patreon⁠⁠Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: ⁠⁠https://session0studios.com/newsletter

In this episode, we break down one of the most important—and most overlooked—skills in Dungeon Mastering: performance.But instead of keeping it vague, we make it practical.I introduce a simple framework built around the five senses to help you understand how to improve your performance at the table—and just as importantly, figure out what you’re naturally good at and what you actually enjoy.In Part 1, we focus on three often-ignored tools: • Feel – how physicality, texture, and tension can shape a scene • Smell – one of the fastest ways to create immersion • Taste – the most underused sense in D&D (and how to use it effectively)You’ll walk away with specific ideas you can try in your next session—not just theory.If you’ve ever felt like your descriptions fall flat or your players aren’t fully immersed, this episode will give you a new way to approach your role behind the screen.Part 2 will cover Sight and Sound, and how to bring everything together.We’ll be back next time with another hand-crafted episode—but until then, let’s roll initiative.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithHire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/Discord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Welcome to the ninth episode of Creative Contraband! Danny Barrett dives into very popular TV shows to enlighten us about the art of “eliminating” characters (or not).Today you’ll learn valuable lessons about resurrection, character arcs, keeping stakes high, and much more.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: ⁠http://session0studios.com/worldsmith⁠Roll and Play Press: ⁠http://session0studios.com/rollandplay⁠Phantasm Studios: ⁠https://session0studios.com/fantasms⁠Monument Studios: ⁠session0studios.com/monumentstudios⁠Discord: ⁠http://session0studios.com/discord⁠Patreon: ⁠https://session0studios.com/patreon⁠Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: ⁠https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Have you ever sat around your table while you and your party are in a combat encounter and thought, "This should be going more smoothly..." Well, you aren't alone! Fixing the stutters, the pauses, the minutes and hours spent on someone figuring out what they want to do often comes down to one word: expectations. So Tanner shares a few combat expectations that can really smooth out the wrinkles in your next combat encounter!

In today's episode, we explore the potential teachings of Solo Roleplaying, guided by our usual host, Danny Barrett.Learn how to identify your strengths as a Dungeon Master with minimal effort, and while having fun. Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press: http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

What actually makes a great D&D encounter?In this episode, we break down 7 essential rules for encounter design that will instantly level up your sessions—whether you’re running combat, exploration, or social scenes.You’ll learn how to design encounters that fit your story (not derail it), why your players need to want what’s on the other side, and how to create moments that feel real—even when they aren’t.We also dive into: • The CASE framework (and why most DMs ignore it) • How to keep your encounters simple without making them boring • Choosing the right pillars of DMing to emphasize • Why every encounter needs meaningful conflict • And how planning a fail state can actually make your game more funIf you’ve ever felt like your encounters fall flat, drag on, or don’t matter—this episode will give you a clear, repeatable framework to fix that.Run better encounters. Tell better stories. Be a better DM.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithHire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/Roll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Welcome to the ninth episode of Creative Contraband! Danny Barrett dives into very popular TV shows to enlighten us about the art of “eliminating” characters (or not).Today you’ll learn valuable lessons about resurrection, character arcs, keeping stakes high, and much more.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: ⁠http://session0studios.com/worldsmith⁠Roll and Play Press: ⁠http://session0studios.com/rollandplay⁠Phantasm Studios: ⁠https://session0studios.com/fantasms⁠Monument Studios: ⁠session0studios.com/monumentstudios⁠Discord: ⁠http://session0studios.com/discord⁠Patreon: ⁠https://session0studios.com/patreon⁠Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: ⁠https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Doesn't it always feel like more than half of your skill checks are perception or insight checks? Which is an absolute shame since there are so many other skills to use! In this episode, Tanner shares 5 skills and skill pairings that could be used in more creative ways than the pigeon-holed way we have used them in the past.

In today's episode, we feature the first of many videopodcasts to come! Our usual host, Danny Barrett (and his support dog), unveils the secrets to nailing the first minutes of a campaign and of every session.You'll also learn how to build modular encounters that can adapt to any scenario your players might throw at you.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press: http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Great D&D encounters don’t happen by accident—they’re designed.In this episode of How to Be a Better DM, we break down the first three core rules of encounter design that help Dungeon Masters create encounters that feel meaningful, engaging, and worth the players’ time.First, we talk about why simplicity is one of the most powerful tools in encounter design. Overcomplicating encounters often slows the game down, while simple encounters can create fast, exciting, and memorable moments at the table.Next, we introduce the CASE framework—how every encounter should fit into your Campaign, Arc, Session, and Encounter structure. When encounters serve the bigger story, your game starts to feel intentional instead of random.Finally, we cover a rule that many DMs overlook: the party has to want something on the other side of the encounter. Whether it’s treasure, progress, information, or simply survival, players need a reason to engage.These three rules will help you design encounters faster, run smoother sessions, and keep your players invested in the game.And this is just the beginning.In Part 2, we’ll dive deeper into additional encounter design rules that will help you turn good encounters into unforgettable ones.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:​Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmith​Hire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/​Roll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplay​Phantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasms​Discord: http://session0studios.com/discord​Patreon:https://session0studios.com/patreon​Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

In today’s episode, we’ll take magic concepts to the doctor’s office and will mix it all together to learn how to make our players remember us as genius DMs after the session is over.If you want to make a lasting impression on your players, then this episode is for you. Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press: http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Listen... if an NPC or a roleplayed conversation is unmemorable, why is it in your campaign? More importantly, is it possible to make each conversation a memorable experience? Well, if you GO BIG with your show, your tell, your personalities, and your NPC alignments, that'll certainly help! Tanner shares examples and reasons to go big or go home with your NPC roleplays—you'll thank us later!

Today we’ll dissect the ins and outs of immersion, guided by our usual host, Danny Barrett. In this sixth episode, we will go over the CASE framework and squeeze it for all it’s worth, going through concepts like Fourth wall, diegesis, and Verfremdungseffekt.This episode will help you prep more intentionally and better understand the limits of fiction in this hybrid medium. Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press: http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Welcome back to today’s show.Today we talk about tempo, using 2 analogies.D&D is like music.D&D is like a heart.If you understand those two facts, you’ll naturally improve your tempo.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

DISCLAIMER:The musical composition is called 4’33”, by John Cage. (Forgot to say the name). It can be found here: https://youtu.be/TrlKxV5KWJo?list=RDTrlKxV5KWJo Welcome to the fifth Creative Contraband episode! After some minor technical inconveniences, we explore the delicate art of empty spaces guided by the usual host Danny Barrett.Drawing from neuroscience, music, and other arts, you’ll learn about building suspense, tension release, cognitive processing limits, and more. Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press: http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Doesn't it always feel like you have to fill the silence? Or explain better—explain more, even? As a DM, do we say too much when saying a little would go a lot further? Kind of a weird principle, but one that an over-explainer like Tanner is willing to tackle in today's episode!

In this special episode of Creative Contraband, our host shares some hard-earned life advice for DMs.Today, Danny’s yapping serves up valuable lessons in sustainability, improv, and experimentation.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Welcome to How to Be a Better DM.Today, we continue our talk about campaign prep.In addition to the episode 2 weeks ago, we add the following tips:​Ask what is the game we are trying to play​When stuck, Break the C.A.S.E.​Write up long term charactersThanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter​

Welcome to the third episode of Creative Contraband! This time host Danny Barrett dives into the ins and outs of PCs and NPCs through theater theory. Why do all TTRPGs tend to have similar races and classes?Today we’ll unravel the core concepts that make complete and unique characters. In this episode, you’ll learn how to create, evaluate, and play characters with more personality, consistency and ease.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Some players talk a lot. Others only pipe up at specific moments. But how can you, as the DM, make sure everyone feels included as a true part of the party? Tanner discusses tips for noticing and improving the opportunities of the less-involved in the group.

In the second episode of Creative Contraband, host Danny Barrett takes us on a journey that blends psychology and performance. From beers to Superman, and all the way to a WWII poet, we will explore the power of Rituals in art.Today we will distill centuries of praxis into this podcast, so you can learn about one of the most powerful tools for solving People Management issues, and for creating emotional depth and enhancing immersion.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

The true secret of great session prep isn’t a framework for session prep.It great campaign prepWhich just so happens to be something a lot of people get wrong a lot of the time.But that ends today.1. Strengths and Weaknesses as a DM2. Time Constraints3. Your Preferences as DM4. Theme and Story IdeaThanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

In the first episode of Creative Contraband, we meet host Danny Barrett to tackle a problem every long-form storyteller faces: How do you keep a story coherent over months or years without resorting to convenient miracles or last-minute fixes?Today we explore the quiet mechanics behind great storytelling: Chekhov’s gun, Foreshadowing and the fine line between setup and Deus Ex Machina.You’ll learn how to plant narrative seeds early and make your players think you are a DnD mastermind.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

With the new year in full swing, your mind might be on goals for your next campaign or for your own personal journey as a DM... but what about your players? Should all the goal-setting and planning be solely on your shoulders? Of course not! But how can you create a positive goal-setting environment that helps all your players enjoy the game more than ever? That's what we'll talk about in today's episode!Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Welcome to today’s episode.Today we talk about how to actually improve this year.​Start recording your sessions​Use the Dungeon Master Level Up Guide ​Find a group of your peers​Take the PPDS Self Assessment​ Daily Study​Dedicated Practice​Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM.Today we talk about 5 tips for session prep with no time.​Adjust your expectations​Get inside your players’ minds​WorldSmith​Get a repository of Maps​Get Transposable Material​Thanks for listening to today’s show.Merry ChristmasThanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

It almost feels like cliffhangers are a requirement for some DMs, or at least the professional ones! But are cliffhangers always necessary? And how can you use them more effectively as storytelling devices? Tanner discusses 3 tips for maximizing their effectiveness while avoiding cliffhanger-burnout.

Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM.Today we continue talking about improv. We finish our tips for responding to player choices and actions.Here are the tips:​The Rule of Intent​Yes AND​Spark or Prompts​Take Pauses and Breathes​Take Advantage of Cool Moments​Outsource to the Players​Maintain the tone or Subvert it ​Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Do you give your players much of a chance to collaborate on the storytelling? No? Well, you wouldn't be alone! In this episode, Tanner discusses some ideas for introducing collaboration into your D&D party so you can ramp up the storytelling AND player engagement!

Today's episode is all about taking a normal or underutilized D&D game mechanic and using it to its fullest to add some real excitement to your D&D games! And if anyone deserves more excitement for playing, it's the DM. Tanner shares 5 specific mechanics to check out. Are there any others you can think of?

Welcome back to How to Be a Better DMtoday we continue talking about better Improv Tips for DMsHere’s what we cover:​The Rule of Intent​Yes AND​Sparks or Prompt Lists​Taking Pauses or BreathesThanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:​Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmith​Roll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplay​Phantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasms​Monument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudios​Discord: http://session0studios.com/discord​Patreon:https://session0studios.com/patreon​Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

The problem of the NPC companion... the poor shmuck that your party drags along with them that YOU suddenly have to play as if you were both a player and a DM. They are just trouble, right? NO! If you learn how to pick your battles when using them in combat, roleplay situations, and other situations, you'll see that they can add to important moments without being a drag in the meantime.

Welcome to How to Be a Better DMToday we talk about improving improvisation when your players do something out of the blue.Tip #1: The Rule of Intent - think about the intent of the player as you improvise and try to meet and fulfill that intent.Tip #2: Yes AND - in your yes anding the AND should be capitalized because that’s the most important part.Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Oh, so you'd like to create EVERY story arc, enemy, NPC, and element of your D&D adventure out of thin air, without resorting to using characters who are blatant knockoffs of well-known actors or movie characters? And let me guess: you'd also like every adventure arc be an entirely new story that's never been seen (or at least is heavily disguised). Well, this is the wrong episode for you, because Tanner discusses why copying or embracing external story and character inspiration isn't cheap, negative, or even lazy: it's actually a great tool for DMs!