PODCAST · leisure
Inside the GM Studio
by Matt and David
Welcome to Inside the GM Studio, your go-to source for all things tabletop RPG! Whether you’re a seasoned game master, a curious newcomer, or a dice goblin always chasing that next nat 20, we’ve got something for you. Every week, we dive into the latest TTRPG news, share practical advice to level up your games, and answer questions from our amazing community. From deep dives into game mechanics and world-building tips to hot takes on industry trends, we’re here to keep your campaigns fresh and your creativity rolling. Grab your dice and let’s roll initiative!
Episodes
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Preparing for a Railroad
Railroading is not the problem - a weak hook, muddy spine, and disengaged players are. Matt and David break down how to build a game that feels free enough to breathe, but structured enough to actually land, especially if you're a newer GM trying to move from panic prep to confident adventure...
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How to allow players to go off-script without derailing your story
In this episode of Inside the GM Studio, Matt and David share practical ways to keep a tabletop RPG adventure moving while giving players room to make their own choices.They discuss designing situations instead of rigid plots, using timelines and consequences to make the world feel alive, and...
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Side Quest-ion: Improv Chill Session or Create a Plot?
Low-stakes does not mean low-value. If you’re GMing Traveller and your players want to lay low after a brutal run, this episode shows you how to turn downtime into momentum - without forcing the story back into a high-octane sprint. David and Matt answer Rick’s question about whether to run a…
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200 Episodes In: Where Is Tabletop RPGs Heading?
200 episodes in, Inside the GM Studio uses the milestone to ask a bigger question: where are tabletop RPGs heading now? Host Matt reflects on four years of building the show, the lessons that changed how he GMs, and why the hobby feels better balanced than it has in years. Listener Rebecca kicks...
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Side Quest-ion: How do I Become Comfortable Running Sessions I Can't Fully Prepare For?
Players keep derailing your prep? The fix is not more prep, it's better prep. David and Matt break down why GMs get stuck when they build a world for themselves instead of for the table, and how to turn "I don't know what they'll do" into confident, flexible improvisation.A new GM asks a brutally...
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Additions We Want
In this episode of Inside the GM Studio, Matt and David kick things off with a conversation about the power of concise, evocative language and how just a few sharp details can paint a vivid picture. From there, they dive into the balance between clever improvisation and keeping players honest in...
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Side Quest-ion: Rules Over Setting, or are they the Same Thing?
Can you use a setting’s lore without its rules? Absolutely - but the real question is whether the world and the mechanics are actually married to each other. David and Matt break down where this works beautifully, where it falls apart, and why some games feel broken the second you rip them away...
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Oneshot... Not Campaign
In this episode of Inside the GM Studio, Matt and David dig into a practical question from a new GM who wants to write a one-shot that helps a group test chemistry without accidentally ballooning into an entire homebrew campaign. The conversation quickly turns into a useful guide for anyone...
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Side Quest-ion: Game Resume's
The best RPG groups are built before the first dice roll, and this episode explains why most player searches fail long before anyone sits down at the table. David and Matt break down what GMs should actually ask prospective players up front — and the answers that matter far more than “experience”...
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Crunchy Dungeons?
In this episode of Inside the GM Studio, Matt and David dig into a listener email about “crunchy dungeon” sessions: focused one-shots with timers, pre-generated characters, and high-pressure combat designed to sharpen player skills. They explore why this kind of practice can improve...
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Mail Bag
In this insightful episode, Matt and David explore innovative approaches to game design that keep players engaged—whether through non-combat challenges, skill-based encounters, or storytelling surprises. Discover how to leverage dialogue, stakes, and personal character flaws to create memorable...
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System-Agnostic GM Skills to Cultivate
Most GMs focus on delivering narrative, but there's a hidden skill set—system-agnostic tactics—that can elevate any game, from D&D to indie RPGs. In this episode, Matt and David reveal the core skills that transcend rulesets, transforming you into a more confident, flexible, and engaging...
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Side Quest-ion: What do you like about RPG events?
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays…
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Familiars, Pets, and Companions
Familiars, beast companions, and pets—are they just flavor or powerful tools in your tabletop campaigns? Discover how these in-game allies can do much more than just sit by your side. From scouting and utility to emotional connection, they can dramatically deepen your storytelling and strategic...
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Side Question: Helping the players to be more proactive and more narrative
David and Matt dive deep into real-world solutions for encouraging creativity and initiative at the table. They explore practical tactics to break patterns of passivity, such as rewarding diverse tactical choices, designing low-stakes scenarios to build confidence, and leveraging narrative…
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The Hidden Strategies That Keep Long Campaigns Engaging for Years
Most GMs struggle to keep their tabletop campaigns exciting and alive long after the initial thrill wears off. What if the secret to enduring storytelling isn’t just about epic battles or complex plots, but about building a world that breathes, reacts, and evolves with your players? If you have…
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Side Quest-ion: Playable Guide or Omniscient GM?
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays…
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Mounted Combat
On this weeks episode, the boys talk about the hidden rules that don't come up very often in a campaign and can make some rulings more difficult than you expected. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on...
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When Players Leave
On this weeks episode, a player has quit the IGMS D&D game and we have some thoughts on what should happen when a player leaves us. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for...
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Side Quest-ion: Is He Being Derailed?
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Why Medieval Fantasy
On this weeks episode, the boys talk about why they think the Medieval Fantasy setting is the prime go to for TTRPGs. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for...
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Side Quest-ion: Do you Have a Tail in Low Fantasy?
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Side Quest-ion: Be a Better Story Teller
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Table Horror Stories
On this weeks episode... Matt went through a breakup so the boys are reading stories of other breakups. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream…
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Side Quest-ion: Another Adventure in the Sandbox?
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Side Quest-ion: Expecting the Power Gamer
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Side Quest-ion: Framing a Faction
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Do We Really Need A GM?
On this weeks episode... the boys address a topic that has been circulating quite a bit recently... Do we need Game Masters? If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for...
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Does Multiclassing Suck?!?!?!
On this weeks episode... the boys get deep on the ways and reasons people like too, and should they, Multiclass. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio.…
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Cultures of Play
On this weeks episode... Matt breaks down the different cultures of play at every game table. Retired Adventurer: https://retiredadventurer.blogspot.com/2021/04/six-cultures-of-play.html If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live...
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Side Quest-ion: OSR Love
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Designing Your Dungeon Crawl
On this weeks episode... The boys talk about how to design a fulfilling dungeon crawl as well as how to make the exciting at the same time. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or…
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Side Quest-ion: PCs Loosing Memories
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Side Quest-ion: Prophesy?
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Yes And... With Dice?
On this weeks episode... The boys talk about Dice! How they work in the game, and how they interpret how they use them. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for...
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Forging Character Relationships
On this weeks episode... the boys go over mechanics and story elements alike on creating and keeping character relationships both in and out of the party. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on...
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Side Quest-ion: Main Campaign Getaway
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Tier Lists
On this weeks episode... The boys get an email about players meta gaming because of railroading and Matt and David go over their D&D tier lists. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or...
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Our Favorite Mechanics and Homebrews
On this weeks episode... The boys list off the homebrew, mechanics from other systems, and house rules that they will always use in any game. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or...
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(Dot) .Dungeon Review
On this weeks episode... Matt does his best trying to figure out the indie game, .Dungeon, and what the actual purpose of the game is. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search…
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Side Quest: Survival Campaign
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Side Quest: How Important is Theme
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Introduction of the Main Villain
On this weeks episode, the bois answer an email about introducing the Villian If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at 9:00 p.m....
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Side Quest: Does Skill of the GM or Mechanics Make the Game?
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Side Quest: Should I Do This, You May Ask?
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Side Quest: How to One Shot
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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What Makes the Movie?
On this weeks episode, Matt rants for once, while going over the news in TTRPGs. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at 9:00 p.m....
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Side Quest: How to Write My Story
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Side Quest: Know Your Roll
A series where the boys take on questions from the internet no matter how dumb they may be.If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at...
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Character Development
On this weeks episode the boys talk about all the developments including those with character. If you have any questions or comments for the boys, send them to [email protected] out our live streams on twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Inside the GM Studio, your go-to source for all things tabletop RPG! Whether you’re a seasoned game master, a curious newcomer, or a dice goblin always chasing that next nat 20, we’ve got something for you. Every week, we dive into the latest TTRPG news, share practical advice to level up your games, and answer questions from our amazing community. From deep dives into game mechanics and world-building tips to hot takes on industry trends, we’re here to keep your campaigns fresh and your creativity rolling. Grab your dice and let’s roll initiative!
HOSTED BY
Matt and David
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Inside the GM Studio have?
Inside the GM Studio currently has 293 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Inside the GM Studio about?
Welcome to Inside the GM Studio, your go-to source for all things tabletop RPG! Whether you’re a seasoned game master, a curious newcomer, or a dice goblin always chasing that next nat 20, we’ve got something for you. Every week, we dive into the latest TTRPG news, share practical advice to level...
How often does Inside the GM Studio release new episodes?
Inside the GM Studio publishes regularly with 293 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Inside the GM Studio?
You can listen to Inside the GM Studio 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 Inside the GM Studio?
Inside the GM Studio is created and hosted by Matt and David.
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