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

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!

Thanks for listening. Today we talk about the secret inner work required to be a great dungeon master. Here are some notes:People Management of yourself as the DMSelf ValidationJealousyCuriositySelf RegulationSix Pillars of Self EsteemDon’t take things personally The 4 AgreementsAssertivenessPersonal ClarityJournalingSelf-DisciplineRoutinesRelationship BuilderThe Like SwitchGrattitudeGrattitude JournalThanks 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 ever wish that players would just STOP and take things seriously for one minute?! After all, you want the next moment to FEEL important... but how can you do that? How can you add weight to your words? Namely, the type of weight that gets players to quiet down, lean forward, and think. It's not easy, but it is absolutely possible!

Every DM wants to get better, but “improvement” can feel vague. In this episode, we break it down into four concrete tools you can use to actually level up your Dungeon Mastering—whether you’re running your first campaign or your fifth.The 4 Tools1. The Dungeon Master Level Up Guide • A free newsletter from Session 0 Studios that delivers practical advice and DM growth tips straight to your inbox.2. Record Your Sessions • Why listening back is one of the fastest ways to spot your blind spots. • Story: Grim casts Detect Thoughts—and how hearing it later changed how we thought about the moment.3. The After Action Report • A simple, repeatable reflection process: • What did we want to happen? • What actually happened? • Why did it happen? • What can we learn going forward? • Story: breaking down the last session at our own table.4. Content You Consume • People Management: The Like Switch, How to Win Friends and Influence People • Performance: YouTube channels like Improve Your Voice and PVImprov • Game Design: Game Maker’s Toolkit • Storytelling: Writing Excuses, Matt Colville, Mystic Arts, High RollersThese aren’t just entertainment—they’re study material for growing as a 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/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

Here are my tips:Use scatter terrainUse distanceUse elevationCapture the FlagVIPZombiesTagHide and SeekSnatch and GrabIngredient GatheringKing of the HillThe Ground is LavaShock and AweLibrary BookThe Shell GameAdd Water ElementsAdd the Weather 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

Most DMs have had at least one period of time when their party suddenly starts meeting A LOT less often. Whether it's life changes or just a lack of interest, what do you do? Do you quit, stay the course, or make a change? That's the topic of today's podcast with Tanner. He gives DMs 3 steps to help them decide on next steps if their campaign is becoming a thing of the past. Let's learn how to be a better DM!

Today we fix combat encounters, plus my kids have something to say.This is what we talk about:Use scatter terrainUse distanceUse elevationCapture the FlagVIPZombiesTagHide and SeekThanks 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 feel like, unless you plan every single item, NPC interaction, and every encounter down to the letter, that you'll lose control as a DM? Well this episode is for you! Tanner discusses randomness, rolling for items, enemies, and more, and also shares ways your next D&D session can be RANDOM without being LESS.Also, for anyone curious about FanX, where we'll be on 6 different panels, check out this link: https://fanxsaltlake.com/

Today we talk about how to fix Combat Encounters1. Use Scatter Terrain2. Use Distance3. Use ElevationAlso, we are doing 6 panels at FanX coming up in Salt Lake City in September so if you are in the area, come see us!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

Tanner talks about Points of Interest: what they are, why some DMs find them difficult to prepare, and how to make them worthwhile. Remember that it's about making the world exciting, not just full!

Welcome to How to Be a Better DMToday we talk about 7 mistakes I still make:​Not taking in the moment and enjoying.​Not surprising my party​Trying to be a dungeon master that I’m not​Comparing Myself to Other DM​Not being me​Forcing my expectations on other players ​Not Skipping the Boring BitsThanks 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/fantasmsDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Tanner shares a minor update about the podcast from his perspective, and talks about how to prioritize fun when starting a campaign. Hint: it's not with a lot of roleplaying like he did with his recent campaign...