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PODCAST

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

Learn how to be a better DM (Dungeon Master) so you can tell better stories for yourself and your friends. Learn things like how to start a campaign, how to create realistic NPCs, how to move the plot along, and how and why to use session 0"s for your party. Join hosts Justin Lewis, Cayden Ottley and Tanner Weyland as they distill all the DM tips, tools and resources for the beginner DM, for the DM with a few years of experience and for the Forever DM who"s been playing for 20 years. If you"re sick

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All Episodes

00:11:31

Combat Encounters are Broken: Let’s Fix Them - Part 2

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/09/04

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:

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00:18:19

Embracing Randomness in D&D

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/08/28

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/

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00:11:57

How to Fix Combat Encounters Part 1

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/08/21

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:

en

00:21:06

Points of Interest: Prepping Multiple Meaningful...

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/08/14

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!

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00:11:35

7 Dungeon Master Mistakes I’m Still Making

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/08/07

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 partyTrying to be a dungeon master that I’m notComparing Myself to Other DMNot being meForcing 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

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00:12:37

Are You Starting Your D&D Campaign... With Fun?

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/07/31

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...

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00:11:37

Why Your Combat Slogs and How to Fix It

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/07/24

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonWhy your combat SlogsYou haven’t set the epectations with your playersBecause you’re building combats and not encountersYou haven’t red shirted it - you’re not familiar with the baddies or the

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12:20

We’re Still Alive… But things are Changing

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/07/17

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonToday we are announcing that going forward, we are cutting back on everything except just doing the podcast and only doing 10 minute un-edited episodes. This is a short term change that will

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34:20

DM Lessons Learned from Standup Comedy with Kyle Shire

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/06/26

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonWhile our guest, Kyle Shire, has many talents and credits to his name, major ones including his senior producer role at Critical Role as well as being the creator of the Queen By Midnight

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22:31

Brief Announcement + How to Restart Your D&D Campaign

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/06/12

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonWe share a brief announcement in this episode... also, to clarify, I realized on relistening that I made it sound like Justin was the one having the baby, when we all know that his wife was the

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24:45

Why Your Sessions Fall Flat—and the DM Energy Fix...

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/06/05

TL;DR:If your sessions start strong but crash halfway through, it’s not your story, your prep, or even your players—it’s your energy management. In this episode, Justin breaks down the hidden reason your games lose momentum mid-session and teaches you how to fix it permanently. Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms:

en

01:06:30

Writing a Homebrew One-Shot: Part 6

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/05/29

Welcome back to the 6th installment of our short series on writing a Homebrew one-shot. In this episode, we're joined by our friend Rob Van Auken and we continue work on The Chimefall Ceremony: For Whom the Bell TolIs.This miniseries is designed to help give you an idea of how to collaborate on a project like this and how to write and publish a one-shot.Also, a little bit of Rob's audio is lost at the end due to a poor connection... sorry!Mentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Session 0

en

36:25

No More Boring NPCS - Design a Better NPC with London...

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/05/22

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsJustin and Tanner are joined for this episode by an amazing DM, London Carlisle! While he's known for being an impressive DM at events such as "D&D In A Castle", his acting experience becomes especially useful for our discussion on NPCs

en

34:03

The 4 Core Skills of Dungeon Mastery (Plus the Secret...

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/05/15

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsFeeling stuck or burned out as a Dungeon Master? You’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. In this episode, Justin and Tanner break down the Four Core Skills that every great DM needs to master:1️⃣ People Management2️⃣ Showmanship &

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19:40

Should You Handhold New Players Into Loving D&D?

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/05/08

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsWhether your new player is a wide-eyed first-timer or cautiously dipping a toe into the hobby, Tanner shares key strategies for making their early sessions fun, engaging, and not overwhelming. From simplifying character creation and gently

en

35:35

Build Cities That Breathe: Mastering “Show, Don’t...

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/05/01

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayYour world deserves to feel alive. In this episode of How to Be a Better DM, Justin dives deep into the art of “show, don’t tell” — not for your villains this time, but for your cities and settlements. Discover how to make your game world feel like a living, breathing place through cultural

en

20:35

Why Doesn't Your D&D Combat Feel Fun? Plus How To Fix...

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/04/24

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayWe've all been there: the endless turns, actions, and HP ticking down as you slog through another combat that you don't know how to end fast enough. Why did your combat become like this? And how can you make it enjoyable and fun again?! Let's talk about it.Also, want ad-free podcasts with

en

37:12

The Hidden Costs of Using AI in Your D&D Prep - Is it...

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/04/17

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayAI is here—and it’s not going anywhere. But what does it mean for Dungeon Masters?In this episode, Justin and Tanner dive deep into how artificial intelligence is already impacting the tabletop RPG space—from ethical dilemmas to practical time-saving hacks. Is it a crutch or a creativity

en

54:56

How to make Lifelike NPCs with DMs Shea and Kyle from...

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/04/10

Is it important for you NPCs to "feel" a certain way when players interact with them? And more importantly, does making a fleshed out, goal-driven NPC add to the story or just add to your stress levels when prepping for your next session? Tanner discusses with DM Shea and DM Kyle from the Dungeon Master Talk podcast!Also, check out their podcast at https://dungeonmastertalk.buzzsprout.com/ for some more sage advice from these awesome DMs!Mentioned in this episode:Follow us on InstagramThanks again

en

30:31

Why Your Villain Falls Flat (And How to Fix It with...

How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM... ·

2025/04/03

Most villains fail not because they're weak—but because your players aren’t emotionally invested. In this episode, we kick off a powerful new storytelling series with a focus on “Show, Don’t Tell”—starting with the most misunderstood piece of storytelling in D&D: the villain.You’ll learn:Why simply saying “he’s the bad guy” never worksHow to build villains that evoke real fear, anger, or aweA concrete method for triggering emotional investmentReal-world villain examples (and mistakes to

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