Being a Dungeon Master is equal parts awesome and challenging. You’re the storyteller, referee, and occasional chaos manager. But even the most experienced DMs could use a bit of advice, fresh ideas, or just some inspiration.
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Luckily, there’s an endless supply of DM tips and creative world-building ideas to be gained from listening to D&D podcasts. From lore deep dives to advice on handling tricky players, these shows will help you level up your game and keep your table coming back for more. Grab your headphones—it’s time to get inspired!
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Critical Role
Where to Listen: Critical Role, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Type of Podcast: Actual Play
If D&D podcasts had a rock star, Critical Role would be it. Matt Mercer and his team of hugely talented voice actors—think Sam Riegel’s chaotic genius and Laura Bailey’s charm—have redefined actual-play content. Their epic campaigns, Vox Machina and Mighty Nein, are equal parts heartfelt drama and laugh-out-loud comedy.
For Dungeon Masters, Matt Mercer’s mastery of NPC voices and ability to roll with whatever chaos his players throw at him is nothing short of legendary. Want to know how to turn a throwaway NPC into someone your players will talk about for years? This is your blueprint.
9
Role Play Chat
Where to Listen: Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts
Type of Podcast: Advice and Discussions
Role Play Chat is like your favorite gaming buddy who always has the best advice. Hosted by Chris and Mat—two guys who sound like they’d be just as fun at your table as they are on your headphones—this podcast is all about the heart of D&D, role-playing.
They cover everything from building believable characters to navigating tricky table dynamics without making it feel like a lecture. The best part? Their conversations are so laid-back and accessible that you’ll feel like you’re swapping stories with friends rather than getting a crash course in DMing.
8
How Not To DM
Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube
Type of Podcast: Interviews and Advice
Ever had a session go completely off the rails? Don’t worry—so has every other DM, and How Not to DM is here to prove it. Derrick brings on game designers, players, and DMs to spill their most hilarious and cringeworthy mistakes.
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One minute you’re laughing at a wild mishap, and the next, you’re learning how to dodge similar pitfalls. It’s like the blooper reel of Dungeon Mastering, but with genuinely solid advice. Plus, Derrick’s laid-back vibe makes it feel like you’re chatting with an old friend who happens to know all the tricks.
7
Dungeon Dudes
Where to Listen: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Type of Podcast: Advice, Guides, and Discussions
Monty Martin and Kelly McLaughlin are like the nerdy professors you wish you had in school. Dungeon Dudes is packed with step-by-step advice on running better games, whether you’re trying to balance encounters or create an unforgettable villain.
What’s great is how approachable they make everything. Even complicated mechanics are explained in a way that feels doable, and their enthusiasm is totally contagious. They also take deep dives into official modules, so if you’re running a published adventure, they’ve got tips to help you tailor it to your table.
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Total Party Thrill
Where to Listen: Total Party Thrill, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube
Type of Podcast: Advice and Discussions
I-Hsien and Shane have one mission: to make your campaigns memorable. Their podcast, Total Party Thrill, is a deep dive into what makes D&D sessions unforgettable, from killer storytelling techniques to managing unpredictable players.
One of their coolest segments is the “Character Creation Forge,” where they build unique characters you’d never think of. While this might seem like player territory, it’s a treasure trove for DMs who need inspiration for NPCs or challenges.
5
Orc Labs Podcast
Where to Listen: Orc Labs Podcast, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud
Type of Podcast: Game design and Homebrewing
If you’ve ever thought, “What if we just made a new character class?” then Orc Labs Podcast is for you. The hosts are all about experimenting with homebrew content and mechanics. They’re the mad scientists of D&D, testing out ideas like reworking initiative systems or creating puzzles that won’t make your players rage-quit.
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What’s especially cool is that they back up their theories with testing, so you’re not just winging it. If you’re a DM who loves to tinker or wants to add a little extra spice to your campaign, this podcast will have you scribbling notes faster than a bard in a tavern.
4
GM Word Of The Week
Where to Listen: GM Word of the Week, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube
Type of Podcast: Short episodes on lore and storytelling
Sometimes, all you need is one brilliant idea to spark a whole session, and GM Word of the Week delivers exactly that. Hosted by Fiddleback, each episode dives into a single word—like “alchemy” or “tavern”—and explores its history, mythology, and potential in your game.
These short episodes, usually under 20 minutes, are perfect for busy DMs who want to sprinkle some extra flavor into their campaigns. Think of it as a world-building snack that leaves your players marveling at your storytelling skills.
3
Fear The Boot
Where to Listen: Fear the Boot, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Type of Podcast: Discussions and Advice
As one of the oldest RPG podcasts around, Fear the Boot feels like sitting down with seasoned Dungeon Masters who’ve seen it all. Dan Repperger and his rotating crew cover everything from handling table conflicts to creating campaigns tailored to your group’s quirks.
What makes this podcast stand out is its honesty. The hosts aren’t afraid to share their own blunders, and their advice is practical and grounded. It’s like getting tips from a wise mentor—if that mentor occasionally tells you about the time their party accidentally burned down a city.
2
Crit Academy
Where to Listen: Crit Academy, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Type of Podcast: Tips, Homebrews, and Reviews
Hosted by Justin, Ian, and Brandon, Crit Academy is the podcast equivalent of a DM cheat sheet. They’re all about creativity, offering homebrew ideas, encounter tips, and even reviews of D&D products you might want to snag.
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Their energies are absolutely contagious. You’ll feel like you’re hanging out with a group of friends who are just as excited about your campaign as you are. Whether you’re looking for fresh NPC concepts or a clever encounter twist, these guys will get your imagination firing on all cylinders.
1
The Kind GM Podcast
Where to Listen: The Kind GM Podcast, Apple Podcasts, YouTube
Type of Podcast: Advice and interviews
True to its name, The Kind GM Podcast is all about creating a welcoming, collaborative table. Host Eryndor dives into topics like building trust, handling session prep, and improvising like a pro.
What’s great about this podcast is how practical and relatable the advice feels. It’s like a reminder that D&D is all about the people around the table, not just the dice. If your goal is to make your players feel included and valued, this is the podcast for you.
