The Bearded Nerd Podcast

Combat shouldn't feel like a math test—it should feel like the most intense scene in a fantasy movie. In this episode, we explore how to transform your tabletop combat from mechanical dice rolls into thrilling, cinematic moments your players will talk about long after the encounter ends. Whether it's a dramatic duel on a collapsing bridge or a desperate last stand in a fog-drenched graveyard, combat becomes unforgettable when it serves the story, the characters, and the world you've built. What You'll Learn: Framing the Fight: How to describe action with sensory detail and tension. Environmental Interaction: Making the battlefield part of the drama. Dynamic Enemies: Creating villains and monsters that evolve during combat. Momentum Over Mechanics: How to improvise without slowing the scene. Narrative Stakes: Using objectives beyond “kill everything that moves.” Key Takeaways: Describe actions in vivid, cinematic terms to fuel player immersion. Add environmental hazards, terrain shifts, or interactive objects to every encounter. Use NPC villains who have goals, tactics, and changing behaviors mid-fight. Prioritize pacing and drama—don't let mechanics kill the tension. Reward creativity in combat to keep sessions fast, fun, and narrative-rich. Resources Mentioned: Cinematic Combat Checklist (coming soon to Patreon) The Battle for Everwinter Keep – A dynamic encounter built for story-first combat design (available now on Patreon) Terrain complication tables and villain ability templates (Patreon exclusive) Follow and Support:

Tired of running flat, forgettable towns in your campaign? In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian teaches you how to design dynamic cities that feel alive—with conflict, culture, and narrative potential baked in. Learn a simple framework to create cities with factions, secrets, and stories players will care about. Perfect for campaign starters or deep dives into player-favorite hubs. If you haven't already, check out Inkarnate's Map Making Tool; perfect for all sorts of fantasy and sci-fi maps! And go wild and explore the lovely artwork of Kate and Bryan on their social media pages below. Keep Gaming! Kate - https://linktr.ee/katekorsak Bryan - https://www.instagram.com/brymarshallarts?igsh=OWJldTN3ZXB1ZWYw  

Factions aren't just background flavor—they're engines of story. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian explores how to design and use factions to add tension, quest hooks, and reactivity to your world. Learn how to build a faction in 3 minutes, create meaningful NPCs, and give your players a living world where their choices have consequences. Great for both one-shots and long campaigns! Support the podcast by clicking this link.

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian breaks down how to host an unforgettable mega game night that combines TTRPGs, trading card games, and miniature wargaming. Whether you're uniting players from different hobbies or just want to create a multi-layered night of nerdy goodness, this episode offers tips, structure ideas, and creative twists to bring it all together. Perfect for clubs, community events, or home groups looking to level up game night. Support us here if you enojyed the podcast. Keep Gaming!

Are you a Game Master juggling real life and game night with little to no prep time? Feeling drained but still want to run a meaningful session? You're not alone—and you don't need hours of notes to make magic happen. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian shares practical, low-effort strategies to help GMs run amazing TTRPG sessions—even when time and energy are running low. Learn how to “lift and shift” content from past sessions, empower your players to drive the story, and keep your encounters fun and flexible without getting bogged down in perfection.

Every Game Master will eventually face player conflict at the table—whether it's clashing playstyles, rules disputes, or personal disagreements. But how you handle it can mean the difference between a game-ruining argument and a quick resolution that keeps the fun going. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we dive into:

Want to run a TTRPG adventure in just one session? One-shots are the perfect way to introduce new players, experiment with new mechanics, or run a fun, low-commitment game. But designing a great one-shot isn't as simple as cramming a full campaign into a few hours—you need tight pacing, engaging characters, and a satisfying story arc that wraps up in a single sitting. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we break down the step-by-step process for crafting memorable one-shots, including:

No matter how much you prepare, players will always find a way to go off-script. But don't panic—great GMs embrace improvisation! In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we dive into the "Yes, And" rule, the Three-Question Method, and the Lift & Shift technique—powerful tools that will help you react confidently, create compelling NPCs on the fly, and keep your players immersed in the game, even when they go completely off the rails. Whether you're running a sandbox game or dealing with unpredictable players, this episode will level up your improv skills and make you a more adaptable GM.

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, I sat down with Miroki and Peter who are part of the core team on The Story Engine Deck. The Story Engine Deck is an open-ended prompt creation tool that allows writers and Game Masters to generate endless story ideas, creative writing prompts, and D&D campaign ideas.  We spoke about their initial founding, the inspiration behind the Deck, and insights into the various decks and their possibilities (roughly 30 billion). If you enjoyed this episode and want to see what these decks entail, check out their website linked here. If you decide to purchase a deck or five, be sure to use: BEARDEDNERD10 for 10% off your order! Enjoy and Keep Gaming!

Struggling to keep your TTRPG sessions flowing smoothly? Pacing is one of the most critical GM skills—too slow, and your players get bored; too fast, and they feel rushed. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we break down how to balance combat, roleplay, and exploration, maintain tension, and keep your players engaged from start to finish. Learn how to read the room, cut to the action, and use timing tools like the Three Clue Rule and real-time tension mechanics. Whether you're running a sprawling campaign or a one-shot, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you master the flow of your game!

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we dive deep into what makes a TTRPG world feel truly alive. A great setting isn't just a backdrop—it reacts, evolves, and makes players feel like they're part of something bigger. We'll explore how to make your world dynamic with shifting politics, evolving cities, and NPCs who remember and react to player choices. Learn how to introduce organic world events, cultural traditions, and immersive details that keep players engaged. Plus, get practical tips on using rumors, natural disasters, and faction conflicts to create a setting that feels alive whether or not the players are there. If you want your world to feel like more than just a map, this episode is for you!

NPCs are the heartbeat of any great TTRPG campaign. In this episode, we explore the art of creating NPCs that players will remember long after the dice have been rolled. Whether they're allies, rivals, villains, or mysterious wildcards, NPCs bring your world to life and add depth to your story. What You'll Learn: Defining an NPC's Role: How to ensure every NPC serves a meaningful purpose in your campaign. Making NPCs Memorable: Adding unique traits, quirks, and impactful introductions. Building Depth: Crafting goals, flaws, and secrets that make your NPCs feel real. Tying NPCs to Players: Creating connections to backstories and motivations. Roleplay and Adaptability: Tips for improvising and bringing NPCs to life at the table. Key Takeaways: Make NPCs stand out with unique details and engaging introductions. Give them depth with clear motivations, personal flaws, and hidden secrets. Connect NPCs to your players' stories for greater emotional impact. Use roleplay and improvisation to keep NPCs dynamic and reactive. Resources Mentioned: NPC Creation Toolkit: Downloadable templates, examples, and generators to help you create unforgettable NPCs. Available on Patreon! Follow and Support: Like this episode? Leave a review and subscribe for more TTRPG tips and tools. Check out our Patreon for exclusive resources and behind-the-scenes content. Connect with us on social media: https://beacons.ai/thebeardednerd

In this episode, I sat down with two of members of our community to discuss their journey into the D&D hobby. We spoke about the pros and cons, the worries that they had when they began their journey, and we shared advice for new players. James and Kyle not only are members of The Guildhall, but they are moderators and community leaders within our community. If you enjoyed this episode and want to directly ask them questions or just want to surround yourself with like minded nerds, be sure to join us on Discord. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting the podcast here on Patreon where you will have behind-the-scenes content, digital materials for your 5e game, and more! Keep Gaming!

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we break down the step-by-step process of creating an immersive fantasy city for your TTRPG campaigns. From determining its purpose and geography to crafting vibrant cultures, dynamic factions, and adventure hooks, this guide has everything you need to bring your city to life. Whether it's a bustling trade hub, a mystical religious center, or a fortress in the mountains, you'll leave with actionable tips and examples to captivate your players. Tune in and start building your masterpiece!

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we tackle one of the most chaotic challenges a GM can face—dealing with "murder hobo" players. These are the characters who loot, kill, and destroy indiscriminately, often derailing campaigns and leaving the game world in ruins. But fear not! We'll explore why players lean into this style, how to redirect their energy, and ways to introduce meaningful consequences without stifling their fun. From setting clear expectations in Session Zero to crafting moral dilemmas and dynamic consequences, this episode is packed with tips to help you manage and channel the chaos. Tune in and learn how to keep your game engaging and balanced, no matter what your players throw at you!

Struggling to find fresh ideas for your TTRPG campaigns? In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we explore how to draw creative inspiration from movies, anime, manga, TV shows, books, and games like Warhammer 40k. Discover practical tips for adapting these influences into your world-building, NPCs, and storylines without feeling derivative. Whether it's the political intrigue of Game of Thrones or the epic battles of The Witcher, this episode is packed with actionable advice to fuel your imagination and take your campaigns to the next level. Tune in and start seeking inspiration like a pro!

In this episode, I sat down with the "Queen of Cthulu" Ashley King. She is a phenomenal live-play performer and Game Master who has GM'd many games for various productions including for the Twitch Channel: The Swole Initiative. We sat down and spoke about a variety of topics including how she began playing, her connections to Appalachia, and her unique style as a Game Master. During our conversation, we showcase a plethora of tips to help new and veteran gamers level up their craft. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to support her, please follow her on social media here.  And if you would like to see more episodes like this one, please support us over on Patreon. Everything definitely helps! Thank you for listening and Keep Gaming!

Improvisation is one of the most valuable skills a GM can develop, but it can also be one of the most intimidating. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we explore how to handle unexpected player actions, create dynamic NPCs on the spot, and keep the story flowing with confidence. Learn practical tips like using random generators, focusing on "yes, and" storytelling, and building a toolkit of reusable content. Tune in to boost your improv skills and make your games unforgettable!  

In this episode, we're talking all about D&D24 Bastions—the personal strongholds that can add incredible depth and customization to your D&D character's story. Whether you're a DM looking to enrich your campaign or a player excited to build your character's own base of operations, Bastions open up tons of possibilities. From designing unique facilities and handling unexpected events to combining Bastions with other players, there's a lot to explore.   Grab your free 1-page quick guide to Bastions over on Patreon and check out the new mechanics to see if this is something YOU want to add to your game. Keep Gaming! -Brian

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we explore the art of flexible game prep for time-strapped GMs. Learn how to streamline your session planning by focusing on key objectives, using modular encounters, and embracing improvisation. We'll also dive into time-saving tools like random generators, recycling content, and collaborating with your players to reduce your prep load. If you're looking to master efficient prep while still delivering a fun and dynamic game, this episode is for you! Check out Patreon for more TTRPG-related content that helps you spend more time gaming and less time prepping. Enjoy this episode and Keep Gaming! -Brian

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we explore how to bring legendary beasts to life in your D&D campaigns. Discover how mythical creatures can enrich your world through rich lore, immersive exploration, and dynamic combat encounters. Whether you want to create multi-phase battles or tie these beasts to your world's history, we've got you covered! Plus, tips for integrating beasts beyond combat. For exclusive content and advanced strategies, check out our Patreon and support the show! Keep Gaming! -Brian

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we tackle one of the biggest challenges GMs face—running a tabletop RPG with limited time for prep. Whether you're balancing work, family, or other hobbies, prepping for sessions can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategies, you can deliver a fun and engaging game without spending hours planning. I'll share tips on how to efficiently prep for sessions by focusing on foundational world-building, setting clear session objectives, and using the "lift and shift" technique to plug pre-made content into your campaign. Plus, we'll explore tools and resources that can help streamline your process, like using virtual tabletops, random generators, and services like Patreon to find pre-made adventures and encounters that you can easily integrate into your game. If you're feeling crunched for time but still want to be an effective GM, this episode is for you. Be sure to check out my Patreon for additional resources, exclusive content, and ready-to-use material to help make your prep time even more efficient.  Keep Gaming!

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we're rolling into the world of gaming conventions! Whether you're a first-timer heading to Gen Con or PAX Unplugged, or a veteran looking for fresh tips, this episode has you covered. I'll walk you through everything you need to know, from planning your trip and navigating the exhibit hall to joining games and making the most of your convention experience. Learn what to pack, how to find the best games, and crucial self-care tips to survive the convention madness. If you're ready to level up your convention game, hit play and get con-ready! If you enjoyed this episode, leave a comment and share with your friends. I appreciate the support and as always...Keep Gaming!

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, I break down the best strategies for finding a TTRPG group in 2024. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the hobby, finding the right group can be tricky. I'll walk you through three key ways to connect with fellow players: searching for groups at your local game store, finding games online, and even starting your own group from scratch. Along the way, I'll share tips on what to look for in a group, how to use platforms like Roll20 and Discord, and why starting small can lead to big adventures. If you're ready to level up your TTRPG experience and join a group that's perfect for you, this episode is for you! Here is the template I discussed in the episode: Game Title: (Optional—Name your campaign or game for a personal touch) Playstyle Focus: (e.g., Roleplay-heavy, Combat-heavy, Balanced mix of Roleplay and Combat) Themes: (e.g., Heroic adventure, Political intrigue, Exploration, Mystery) Player Interaction: (e.g., Cooperative storytelling, Strategic combat, Puzzle-solving) Tone: (e.g., Light-hearted, Dark and gritty, Epic and heroic, Casual fun) House Rules: (List any custom rules or adjustments you use in your game) Keep Gaming!

In today's episode, I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with a personal hero of mine: Bobby Maximus. Bobby is a reknown Mixed Martial artist with fights in the UFC, Maximum Fighting Championship, and was a competitor in both The Ultimate Fighter 2 and 30. He has also trained many athletes, executives, and tier 1 assets of both US and Canadian Armed Forces. His love of gaming and fitness coincide with one another as he is an aficianado of Magic the Gathering and other fandoms such as The Legend of Zelda; he is known as "The World's Most Powerful Nerd" and "Lord Swoledemort".We spoke about his upbringing and how fitness and nerdom have played an integral role in his life and how he overcame constant bullying from his peers due to his love of Magic the Gathering. Bobby not only offered great tips to achieving a healthy body and lifestyle, but explained how living a healthy lifestyle improves our enjoyment in the hobby.If you enjoyed this episode and want to check out some of Bobby's content, please check his website. Thank you so much for listening to the show and support us on Patreon to get more awesome episodes like this one. Keep Building and Keep Gaming!-Brian

I had the immense pleasure of having my friend Thomas on the show. We conversed about his entry into the TTRPG hobby as both producer of "RollPlayInc" and as a player. We then later discussed our own game that we play virtually in and how it has impacted our lives. Finally, we peppered this episode with helpful tips for both new and veteran players alike who want to add something special to their TTRPG experience. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and share with your friends. Check out our Patreon for excellent fantasy-TTRPG content to help level up your game for systems like D&D 5e, Pathfinder, and more. Keep Building and Keep Gaming!-Brian

Have you ever struggled with that one player who ever 7 minutes blurts out a reference to the rules? Are you one of those players that loves the rules of the game and wants to play the game as intended? If you're any of these, then this episode is for you. In this episode, I discussed the types of "Rules Lawyers" that are out there in the TTRPG space and provide my experience with how I moderate between those who bend the rules and those that adhere to the rules by demonstrating some easy communication tips.If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to subscribe to the show. If you want to support the show in any way possible, feel free to check out my Patreon services where I provide D&D 5e Compatible Homebrew Stat Blocks for a variety of NPCs, Magic Items, and other content that can be easily plugged into your world. Additionally, I have an exclusive podcast that shows your how to use all the content so that you can spend more time playing your game and less time prepping your game. Thank you once again and Keep Gaming!

I had the pleasure of having one of my friends and fellow world-builders Kate Korsak on the show to discuss her methodology to building worlds for both her games and her books. We went on to talk about the transition from ideas to the written text and then to the visualization via her cartography skills. Finally, we wrapped up the episode with practical ways to apply our conversation to anyone's game.Kate is a powerhouse of a creator with an accumulated following on both TikTok and Instagram, she is a gem in the community. If you enjoyed our conversation and wanted to read her book "The Curse of Ragoh" or would like to commission a map from her, check out her contact information here.Share this with your friends and Keep Gaming!

In this episode, I identify several of the potential reasons why we see so many games ending due to scheduling conflicts. From there, I provide practical and simple solutions that you start acting on to ensure and save any game from ever ending in an untimely manner. This advice is based upon my experience, but every game and group have a multitude of variables...take this episode and apply it how YOU see fit. Enjoy this episode and share with your friends. Keep Gaming!

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jon Barry of Forged Gaming. We spoke about our initial introduction into table-top roleplay games and how it influenced us as kids. From there, we talked about fantasy literature such as Dragonlance and how it further developed our imagination. Jon and I did discuss the importance of TTRPGs in our own careers outside of the gaming industry and spoke about the future of gaming; where it is now and where it is going. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to support our friends at Forged Gaming and get yourself or your table some cool TTRPG accessories such as some cool metal dice; click here.As always, thank you for listening to the podcast and sharing with your friends. Please be sure to leave us a comment/review; this is a HUGE way to get our podcast out there!Keep Gaming!

In this episode, we delve into the world of TTRPGs and their transformation through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As technology continues to shape various aspects of our lives, it's no surprise that TTRPGs have also seen a significant impact from AI's advancements.As we explore the evolving landscape of TTRPGs, it's evident that AI's integration brings both exciting opportunities and considerations. While AI enhances immersion and accessibility, questions about the balance between human creativity and algorithmic assistance emerge. Join us in this episode as we delve into the world where imagination meets technology and discover how AI is shaping the future of table-top roleplaying games.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share this podcast with your friends and click here to check out more of what we're doing for the TTRPG community.

I had an amazing conversation with Kelly of Table Top Town where we discussed so many awesome topics including the art of narrative GM'ing, world-building, and engaging with players. In addition, we spoke about the new app called "Tabletop Town" and her journey as a tech-entrepreneur. Be sure to follow Tabletop Town here to stay up-to-date with all the new releases and the final product. As always, if you enjoy this podcast, share with your friends and be sure to support us over on Patreon where you get bonus episodes, early access, and some cool digital products for your game. Be Kind and Keep Gaming!-Brian

I had the immense privilege of speaking Kate Korsak. She is a fantasy-author who utilizes her cartography skills to flesh out the world in her books; The Curse of Ragoh. We had an amazing time discussing the craft of world-building and how to implement it in the every-day life of a Game Master. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and cannot wait to have her back on the show. Having listened to this episode, if you would like to support Kate and her content, check out her Linktree Page.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and if you would like to support this podcast, consider purchasing one of our TTRPG Character Builder here. Keep Gaming!

In this episode, I had the pleasure to sit down with TikTok creator "Beardic Inspiration" and discuss various topics including what he loves about the Table-Top RPG Community, his experience as a Game Master, and what some of the key takeaways are that new Game Masters can implement in their own games to enhance their enjoyment and play. If you would like to support him by commissioning an original character, employing one of this "Beardic SMART Bases", or just show him some love, please check out his social media links here.Thank you for listening to this episode of the podcast. Be sure to subscribe and support us by checking out our TTRPG Character Builder here. This worksheet can help you build an awesome character for any TTRPG. With that being said, thank you for the love and as always...Keep Gaming!

On this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with James aka "Jim" from Tabletop News. We had a lovely conversation about the intricacy of being a Gamemaster and some of the ways we run games. We discussed at-length on the TTRPG industry as it currently stands and about how Tabletop News plays a vital role within both the TTRPG and nerd community. Check out their Kickstarter here to support their efforts. And if you enjoyed this podcast, please support our show by purchasing one of our TTRPG Character Prompts here. Keep Gaming!

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down and speaking with game master and musician Jenny. We had a lovely conversation regarding our views as game masters and how we run our tables. We spoke about world-building and our unique approaches to it. I also have the amazing opportunity to ask her about her experience in the TTRPG community and lessons learned. If you enjoyed our conversation, please be sure to check her out on her social media pages that are linked below and if you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, please be sure to subscribe. Much love and keep gaming!https://linktr.ee/punkrockjenny?fbclid=PAAaZn16zSYpduNzjh76lTWhsKPaf0bQkMNxhy3fSdkOJeM9nn2P90DUFXlZg

Had the immense pleasure of sitting down with the Founder of Faith & Fandom. Faith & Fandom is a book series of devotional essays on Faith & Geek Culture. Bible studies on Video Games, Comic Books, Anime, Manga, Superheroes, TV, Movies, & Pop Culture at large. There is also the Faith & Fandom podcast and comicon appearances. ​Now with 7 volumes and children's edition out, the series covers a vast array of geek/nerdy/pop culture areas. Each essay strives to be inspirational and true to scripture and at the same time capture the essence of the character the story is about. The books are in no sequential order and can be jumped into at any point depending on topic interest. The books are available in Paperback and Kindle formats, and are able to be purchased at Comicons, on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Wal-Mart Online, some local comic book shops, and more. There is also the Faith & Fandom Podcast Channel, which features the F&F podcast, The Pull List from Love Thy Nerd, Faith & Fandom 180 ( short, 3 minute, weekly devotionals), Artist's Alley Aftermath, Audio Chapters, & More. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, please check out: https://www.faithandfandom.org/ If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe to the podcast and consider following me here for all sorts of D&D content: https://linktr.ee/thebeardednerd Keep Gaming! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Borja of Critical Match. We discussed the origins of the app, the concept behind it, and we went into detail about the future-state of technology in games like Dungeons & Dragons. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Critical Match and check out their Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/criticalmatch/critical-match?ref=discovery We appreciate your support and be sure to check us out on other social media platforms for more DND Content. Much Love and Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ari of Ari's 5e Homebrew aka "Aripockily". We spoke of Dungeons & Dragons, how they became artists, and what folks can expect to see from Ari in the future. If you are interested in supporting Ari, pleasure be sure to take a look at his website here. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and check out out our social media pages here. Much Love and Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

I had the immense pleasure of sitting down Jonathan Blevins, CEO of Little Flower Media. We spoke about his journey into full-time streaming and how his brother, Ninja, and how his faith led him there. In addition, Jonathan gives his perspective on pursuing his passions and how he has been able to support his family following his love of gaming. If you wish to see more of his content, be sure to subscribe to his Twitch channel and follow him for gaming content. If you want to support this podcast, be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media. Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

Had an amazing time getting to the know the crew over at Dwarven Moss. We spoke about how we all got into playing Dungeons & Dragons and why they started running a streamed game. We had plenty of laughs and learned a lot about one another. If you enjoyed what they said, please be sure to check out their stream and follow them on social media here. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and follow The Bearded Nerd on social media to receive more D&D content to level up your game. Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with Drew of Team Drew's Basement where we had a great time talking about D&D and his Twitch Stream. Our conversation hit on the topic of his 25+ year campaign and what impacts in had in his DM style. In addition, we spoke about all sorts of games including Warhammer 40k and how that has influence his storytelling. If you'd like to follow Drew and his journey, check out his stream and his IG account here. As always, if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media for more D&D content. Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Joe; a professional DM who is also a RPG Produce for Wizkids and Co-Producer/DM for Second Star Show. We spoke about our history with D&D, our DM'ing styles, and our love for miniatures. In addition, we spoke about the future of D&D and all the fun things that are yet to be seen in Dungeons & Dragons. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Joe on Instagram here. He has a lot of great content and is an awesome person within the community. If you want to support the podcast and our content, please subscribe to the podcast and be sure to follow us on social media to be updated with everything that we're doing. Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Bronson of All Father Games where we spoke about a plethora of topics. One of those topics was how to immerse your players in your game and how to prep for a diverse range of players at the table. We also spoke about the 100+ sessions that Bronson DM'd while on deployment and how that impacted his current D&D campaign. For more D&D content, check out Bronson on his social media platforms and reach out to him for the DM resources that he uses here. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media for more D&D content that will level-up your DM skills. Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

In this episode, I provide tips and tricks to encourage your players to roleplay in your game. These tips are taken from real-life experience that I've had with many shy and new players who had no experience with roleplay games. Big thank you and shout out to Jeddun over on Patreon for the episode suggestion. Our Patreon community has been focused on building one another up and learning how to become Gamemasters. If you're interested, click this link to join the community. Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

How many times have you prepped a combat scenario and at least one player at the table is just stacking dice? Or how often have you run combat and one side is having a blast while the other side is bored? If you've answered 'yes' to any of these, this episode is for you! This episode focusing on how to create a combat encounter and cater to the 3 different types of players: 1) the roleplayer, 2) the war-gamer, and 3) the hybrid. You'll gain some insightful and practical tips on how to incorporate everyone at the table so that everyone has a good time. If you'd like to show your support for this podcast, consider subscribing to the podcast. If you'd like to participate in exclusive content, go follow me here on Patreon. Hope you enjoy and be sure to recommend more; I'd love to tackle any topic. Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Grant Anderson, CEO of Mirrorscape. Mirrorscape is a company that blends a seamless tabletop gaming experience with the groundbreaking experience of augmented reality. During our time together, we spoke about Grant's love for tabletop gaming throughout his life including when he began playing at an early age. From there, we dove deep into the future of gaming and augmented reality. We mentioned the potential risks of augmented reality and the impacts that AR has on the gaming industry. Lastly, we spoke of the amazing Kickstarter that Mirrorscape launched; and the amazing gifts that they'll drop during the last seven days! All in all, we had an amazing discussion and a great time. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and share this podcast with your friends. In addition, if you are interested in what Grant and his team are doing, please check out Mirrorscape here to sign up for their newsletter, join their Discord server, and be apart of the amazing community. In addition, be sure to support Mirrorscape's ARcana Kickstarter here and pledge. Keep Gaming! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

What an amazing time I had with Bryan of RPG & Co.! We spoke about almost everything under the nerd-son including our favorites miniatures we use for Dungeons & Dragons (Reaper being a top contender). We hit on the Satanic Panic's influence on both our lives as nerds and as children of our time. Lastly, we had a conversation regarding Tolkien's influence on the fantasy genre and discussed the various rumors that have circulating around Tolkien's inspiration for his world. If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to check out Bryan's website here. It has everything from apparel, mini painting, digital magic items that you can use in your game. It also has links to Bryan's socials so if you can give him a follow there, that would be much appreciated! If you're enjoying this show and want more episodes, be sure to contact us via email and click this link to be updated with the latest from us here at The Bearded Nerd. As always, I appreciate your listenership and support and would greatly appreciate it if you shared this podcast with your friends, subscribed to it, and gave us a 5-star review. Thank you and as always...Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

In this episode, I had the immense pleasure of talking with Weston of Arcane Anthems. We had an amazing time talking about many of our shared hobbies and passions including music, TTRPG's, and making people happy. Additionally, Weston and I spoke about how to utilize social media to build your brand and do what you love so that you can pursue a career in your passion. Thank you so much, Weston, for being a guest on the podcast. Be sure to follow Arcane Anthems on both Instagram and TikTok; he creates amazing content! If you want to support him, I highly recommend checking out his website here. There is a lot of value that I can see DM's and other hobbyists using for their game or just for fun. If you enjoyed this podcast, I want to thank you for your support. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, give us a "like" if you're able to, and leave a 5-star review. To financially support the podcast, check out the multiple ways you can support here. Be sure to follow The Bearded Nerd on social media to be up-to-date with the latest D&D Content. Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

In today's episode, we sat down with Jay of "Jay's Tabletop Terrain". Jay shared his journey into the Tabletop Terrain Crafting space, his Instagram show "Table Side Chats", and he gave us great advice for those who are just starting out in the hobby. Catch his show on Tuesday nights at 8:30 pm CST on Instagram. If you would like to know more about the show after the episode, check out his link here. If you enjoyed this episode and want to further support me, click this link. Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support

This episode is all about improving the action economy in your game. We talk about what it is and we give 5 easy ways to beef up the action economy so that it create a balanced and fun combat encounter. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave us a 5-star review, and check out our social media links here. Keep Gaming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebeardednerd/support