A show about monsters, because monsters are great.
Listeners of Monster Man that love the show mention: monsters, old school, james, dandd, short, ideas, stuff, great, interesting, thanks, awesome, like, love.
The Monster Man podcast is an absolute gem for any fans of Dungeons & Dragons, specifically those who have a love for old school monsters. Hosted by James Holloway, this podcast takes a deep dive into the creatures featured in the classic AD&D Monster Manual and Fiend Folio, exploring their origins, mythology, and practical applications in gameplay. With each episode being around 10 minutes long, it's the perfect bitesize fix for your nostalgic cravings.
One of the best aspects of The Monster Man podcast is James Holloway himself. With his great voice and sense of humor, he brings a lively and engaging energy to every episode. His extensive knowledge on mythological and folklore sources shines through as he applies an anthropological approach to each monster. This not only makes for an interesting listen but also provides a fresh perspective on these creatures that many D&D players may not have considered before. Additionally, James' enthusiasm for his subject matter is infectious, making it easy to get swept up in his excitement.
Another standout feature of this podcast is its blend of historical research and practical gaming tips. James goes beyond simply listing off stats or regurgitating information from rulebooks, instead focusing on the historical antecedents and real-world inspirations behind each monster entry. This gives listeners a greater understanding of the context and lore surrounding these creatures, which can be incredibly helpful when incorporating them into their own campaigns.
In terms of drawbacks, one could argue that the episodes are quite short at around 10 minutes each. While this does make them easily digestible and allows for quick consumption while on-the-go, some listeners may prefer longer episodes that delve even deeper into the subject matter. However, given the frequency at which new episodes are released (twice weekly), this can be seen as more of a minor inconvenience than a major flaw.
In conclusion, The Monster Man podcast is an absolute delight for any D&D enthusiast or lover of monsters. James Holloway's intelligent and well-researched approach to these creatures, coupled with his entertaining delivery and practical gaming tips, make for an incredibly rewarding listening experience. Whether you're a long-time fan of the game or simply enjoy learning about weird nerdy stuff, this podcast is definitely worth a listen.
Patreon backer Tom brings you this special episode all about the giant squid ... or perhaps I should say the squid, giant? Check out my website If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Space Quest" by ROBOVALJEAN, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Fantasy space is full of pulp science-fiction monsters and high-weirdness magic monsters, as today's episode demonstrates! Check out my website If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Space Quest" by ROBOVALJEAN, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Patreon backer Zach brings you this special episode all about some weird creatures from the dark world of Mörk Borg! Check out my website If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Space Quest" by ROBOVALJEAN, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Welcome back to fantasy space, where we're looking at two new monsters in today's episode! Check out my website If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Space Quest" by ROBOVALJEAN, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Patreon backer Steenstrupian brings you this special episode all about making your own monsters ... in the mind! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Today's episode stars two more monsters from the fantastic world of Spelljammer, one pretty much what you'd expect and the other very much not. Listen to Monster Man on Spotify! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Space Quest" by ROBOVALJEAN, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Patreon backer Richard brings you this special episode all about a man who sold his soul to the devil for magical power -- and the people who would do the same. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
We're back in fantasy space with two more monsters from the Spelljammer campaign setting! Listen to Monster Man on Spotify! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Space Quest" by ROBOVALJEAN, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Patreon backer Daniel brings you this special episode all about some creatures from the underworld of the World of Darkness. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Fantasy space gets pretty spacey as we look at two odd creatures from the Spelljammer Monstrous Compendium Appendix and give one of them a little bit of a punch-up. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Space Quest" by ROBOVALJEAN, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Patreon backer Jon brings you this special episode all about the monsters that are on your side! I didn't even get to half the topics I wanted to cover, but it's still pretty long thanks to lengthy digressions about Gammarauders! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
You can't have a space sailor fantasy without ghost pirates! And hundred-eyed blobs! Well, you can probably get away with leaving out the blobs, if I'm being honest. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Space Quest" by ROBOVALJEAN, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Patreon backer Nathan brings you this special episode all about giving a little shine to some of the less exciting deities in the classic Deities and Demigods book! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
In today's episode, we take a look at our first monsters from the Spelljammer Monstrous Compendium Appendix! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Space Quest" by ROBOVALJEAN, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Patreon backer Mairi brings you this special episode all about what you do after you defeat Dark Lord Zergathrax! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
What menaces lurk in wildspace? Well, quite a few, actually! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Space Quest" by ROBOVALJEAN, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Patreon backer Sam brings you this special episode all about what happens when the lights of heaven take an interest in the earth! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Space Quest" by ROBOVALJEAN, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Patreon backer Christopher brings you this special episode in which I randomly generate some monsters and do my best to fit them into early medieval England! You can find the generator here: https://chartopia.d12dev.com/chart/22698/ If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
A new season begins as we set sail into Fantasy Space and look at some of its principles and a few of its monsters to boot! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Andrew brings you this special episode all about some sf aliens and what we can learn from them! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Jesse brings you this special episode all about a monster I seem to keep coming back to! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer David brings you this special episode all about the creatures you can't fight! This one turned quite introspective, but I think there's a lot in it that's interesting. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Connor brings you this special episode all about villainy cloaked in righteousness! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Cassandra brings you this special episode all about another monster from the world of Magic: the Gathering! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Brian brings you this special episode all about a shape-shifting snake from Russian folklore! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Michael brings you this special episode all about the monsters of Hayao Miyazaki's 1997 film Princess Mononoke! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
We've come to the end of the spooky, Gothic road. What have we learned? If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Sam brings you this special episode all about monsters in the workplace and more! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Today's episode introduces the last two monsters for this season! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Kyle brings you this special episode all about the nastiest of vampires, Count Orlok! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
In today's episode we cover two more monsters from Ravenloft -- and they're not vampires! Well, technically. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Dylan brings you this special episode all about ... well, these guys. Not very big, and a little odd. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
A little like halflings but way more complicated, the Kender arrive in Ravenloft! It doesn't go well. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Luke brings you this special episode all about how to make monsters more impressive! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Can the friendly little guys of fantasy become scary creatures of the night? Let's find out! This episode is going out a little early because I'm going out this evening and I don't want to bother doing it when I get home. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Justin brings you this special episode all about getting small. Really small. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Can the vampire, gnome make humanoid vampires work? Or is it just too much of a stretch? Find out in today's episode! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Jason brings you this special episode all about the creatures and magic of John Carpenter's 1986 oddity! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Not every vampire haunts the night. But maybe they should, as we discover in today's episode! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Dan brings you this special episode all about the world's scariest umbrella. It's not a crowded field! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
You know vampires, right? Well, what if they were ... short? If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
A ghost seeking justice stars in today's episode, and we take our first -- but very far from our last -- look at the vampires of Ravenloft. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
In today's episode, we return to Ravenloft with an evil treant and an undead treant, which is also evil. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Mark brings you this special episode all about creatures who can be overcome by the power of the emotions! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Happy holidays, monster fans! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Tim brings you this special episode all about everyone's favourite hyena hooligans. Or ... maybe favourite is the wrong word. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Four monsters?! Well, it's actually only two, but they're good ones. If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Liam brings you this special episode all about a bloody border goblin! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
A big bird and an unfriendly fishman star in today's episode! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Patreon backer Edwin brings you this special episode all about the monsters that crop up to bedevil heroes in a monster-of-the-week game! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Solve the Damn Mystery" by Jesse Spillane, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
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