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!
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281
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 at 9:00 p.m. EST Please leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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280
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 options. Whether you're a GM aiming to create richer encounters or a player wanting your pet to feel like a true member of the party, this episode uncovers the secrets behind these often-overlooked companions. We break down the differences between familiars, beast companions, mounts, and pets—highlighting the mechanics, role-playing potential, and strategic benefits of each. You’ll learn how familiars can serve as early warning systems or utility drones, while mounts like warhorses can boost mobility without sacrificing narrative depth. Plus, explore how pets can foster character development, emotional stakes, and even generate golden role-playing moments—without bogging down combat. David shares insights on balancing these companions so they enrich the game rather than overshadow players. You'll discover practical tips for integrating animal allies seamlessly into your campaigns—whether through mechanics, story hooks, or special role-playing opportunities. Learn how to handle risks, balance their utility, and avoid common pitfalls like turn delays or overshadowed player abilities. Perfect for GMs seeking to craft richer worlds, players wanting meaningful pets, or anyone curious about leveraging animal allies for storytelling and gameplay depth. If you've ever wondered how to make your in-game animals feel truly alive—this episode is your ultimate guide. Uncover the untapped potential of your companions and transform your adventures into emotionally charged, strategic, and memorable stories.
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279
Rival or Villain
On this weeks episode, the boys get an email; from Edward asking about the particulars of using a Rival instead of a traditional villain. 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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278
Side Quest-ion: NPC Actions
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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277
Lore and History
On this weeks episode, Matt is a happy boy since the boys decided on finally tackling the LORE EPISODE. 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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276
Keeping up the Tension
On this weeks episode, Billy writes in asking, How do you keep up tensions when players are doing their best to end it. 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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275
There's More Than Death
On this weeks episode, there are worse things that can happen to your character other than death and when it comes to failure, Matt and David know quite a bit about it. 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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274
Side Quest-ion: Push the Rules Aside
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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273
Phandelver Emails
On this weeks episode, it seems that the boys and their Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign have gained some fans as listeners have sent in their own stories running the campaign. 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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272
Side Quest-ion: What Books to Read and How to Read Them
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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271
Actual Plays
On this weeks episode, the boys break down the ups and downs of actual plays. 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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270
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 twitch.tv/insidethegmstudio or search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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269
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 InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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268
What's Your Fantasy?
On this weeks episode, the boys talk all things fantasy. Which one is your favorite subgenre? 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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267
Religions, Dietys, and Theocracies
On this weeks episode, the boys break down all that is holy and where the church resides, corruption closely follows. 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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266
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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265
Rests and Downtime
On this weeks episode, the boys go into detail on how they handle downtime and rests in their games and try to give some advice on how to make the downtime flow better and give it more punch. 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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264
Side Quest-ion: How to Lie
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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263
Listener Emails
On this weeks episode, the boys hot some emails from Louis, Tim, and Erika. Matt and David answer some questions from the listeners with hopes of helping out. 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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262
Side Quest-ion: Pulling Rank as a 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 at 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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261
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 InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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260
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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259
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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258
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 on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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257
XP and Progression
On this weeks episode... The boys break down all those numbers that make your number go higher. 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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256
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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255
Feats are Better than Subclasses
On this weeks episode... Another year has come and this is the first episode of 2026. The boys start off with talking about their new D&D campaign after the TPK, and then onto the main segment of Feats are better than Subclasses. 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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254
2025 Year in Review
On this weeks episode... the boys go over the games and sessions they had over the last year. Listen to Matt take the reigns and babble on about his game of the year and possibly his favorite game ever. 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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253
Side Quest-ion: Working the GM Muscle
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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252
Initiative, Which Fits Best for You?
On this weeks episode... the boys talk about their recent TPK and go over all the initiative systems they know to help find the one that works well for you.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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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251
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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250
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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249
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 InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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248
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. We stream on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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247
Side Quest-ion: Making a Module for the PCs
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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246
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.htmlIf 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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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245
Side Quest-ion: Cyberpunk Bad?!?!?!?
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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244
GM Tools
On this weeks episode... The boys continue their GM series with GM Tools. Learn what tools, both physical and creative, that Matt and David use and you might find something for yourself.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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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243
Side Quest-ion: Don't Let the Players Know
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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242
GM Myths
On this weeks episode... The boys go over some age old myths about Game Masters and how they should run their games.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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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241
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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240
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 search for InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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239
Side Quest-ion: RP in Combat
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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238
Writing for a PC
On this weeks episode... David is back and Matt fucked up by suggesting a new game to his Thursday group again.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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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237
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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236
Our GM Mistakes
On this weeks episode... The boys get vulnerable and talk about the mistakes they have made being 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 InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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235
Games for Daves
On this weeks episode... The boys played in ZERO games this week so Matt made one for David. Yet again we check on our D&D knowledge.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. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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234
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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233
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 InsidetheGMstudio. We stream on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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232
Side Quest-ion: What Should be Asked?
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 9:00 p.m. ESTPlease leave us a voice message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethegmstudio/message
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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 50 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 has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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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