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How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMGMing 101: Top DM Tips from Dragon Steel NexusIn this special episode of How to Be a Better DM, Justin Lewis shares key takeaways from the GMing 101 panel at Dragon Steel Nexus 2024. Learn how to manage player expectations, improve group communication, and create more engaging game sessions. Whether you're a new DM or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you level up your game!Special thanks to :Benj Weyland for our Graphic DesignTJ Max, TechSenpai and Juka for being our Discord Moderators Foxy Beard for being a Patron.Mentioned in this episode:Give...2025-03-201h 15How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMThe Dos and Don'ts of the Early CampaignThere’s one mistake I’ve made over and over as a DM, and every time, it has sucked the life out of my campaigns. The worst part? I didn’t even realize I was doing it. But fixing it? That took just one simple change. Today, I’m sharing that tip with you—along with 12 others—to make sure your early campaign isn’t just fun but keeps your players hooked all the way to the endgame.IntroWelcome back to How to Be a Better DM, the show that helps you craft unforgettable D&D sessions...2025-02-0628 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DM2024 in Review and What Lies In 2025In any publicly traded company, shareholders who own a portion of the company can expect a year-end review and a prospectus of what the new year will bring. This is to give some accountability of those running the company to those who’ve invested their time and money into it.Well, seeing as how you’ve decided to invest at least your time into this podcast, I think it only fair that we give you some sort of report so that we can be somewhat accountable to you for what this show is doing and what it will...2024-12-2624 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMImportant Lessons Learned in 2024 about being a Dungeon masterAll things must end. But endings always bring new beginnings. As the year 2024 comes to a close, many of us become thoughtful and introspective. In my case, the introspection has allowed to think on the many changes I’ve personally made throughout this year and the dungeon master I’m morphing into. So today, I’d like to share some of the most important lessons I’ve learned over this last year and hopefully some of these lessons can help you too.Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM. If you’re listening to this show, you’...2024-12-0528 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMWhat to Spend $50 on For Your D&D HobbyWelcome back to How to Be a Better DMThis is another RAW episode, which means more personality and less polish.I'm your host today, Justin Lewis.Today we talk about what I would spend $50 on to improve my D&D hobby.This is my list:A dungeon master screenA new SourcebookA large tablecloth and some pipe cleanerA lot of Foam and some paintA set pieceSome LED lightsA simple sound systemMinis I guessMentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit...2024-09-2418 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Give Just a Little More to Your Roleplaying as a Dungeon MasterYou’ve probably wondered if you could do or give more. Specifically with your roleplaying, you may have finished a session and thought that you could do better. I’ve been there too. I’ve had many sessions where I’ve wished that I was a much better roleplayer.Luckily today, we’re going to share 7 tips to help you give more to your roleplaying.Welcome to How to Be a Better DM.This is the show that helps you speed up the learning curve of being a DM without spending extra time, and extra...2024-09-0320 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DM10 More Tips for Even Better One-Shots“You creep slowly through the cobwebbed dark of the crypt, your breath coming out in puffs of steam that you’re trying your hardest to cover. You reach the corner and peer around down the hall. You see the source of the thumping sound. It’s a creature the size of an ogre, with the same proportions. The only difference is that where an ogre would have 1 head, this creature has 6, along with 3 extra arms and a 3rd leg that it drags behind it. Oh… and the entire body seems sewn together in the most grotesque way….It’s some...2024-07-0418 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMEasier DND Prep and Planning Through the CASE FrameworkAbridged Show NotesFeeling overwhelmed by D&D campaign planning? Struggle to connect your grand ideas into a single, captivating story? This episode unveils the CASE Framework, a simple yet powerful system that will transform your planning sessions. Learn how to craft unforgettable campaigns, memorable story arcs, and engaging encounters that will leave your players begging for more. Listen in and unleash the true potential of your D&D world!Planning Your D&D Campaign with the CASE FrameworkThis episode dives into the CASE Framework, a system for planning D&D campaigns of...2024-06-0625 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMSimplify and Streamline your Session Prep | The PUT A CLUE FrameworkWhy are prepping sessions so hard? Why can’t it be as easy as remembering a simple phrase, maybe something strange like PUT A CLUE? Why can’t I save time by learning this phrase PUT A CLUE and then using it to prepare my sessions so much faster?Friend, you’re in luck. Today’s episode is for you.Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM, the show to help dungeon masters new and old learn how to take their DMing skills to the next level. I’m Justin Lewis and I’ve been help...2024-05-0234 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Write a DND Heist One Shot | Why You Should Play a DND Heist One ShotHow to Write a DND Heist One ShotWelcome back to How to Be a Better DM, I’m your mastermind for today, Justin Lewis, and you’re here with me to learn how to tell better stories for yourself and your friends as you DM sessions of Dungeons and Dragons 5e. aHow to Be a Better DM is presented to you by Session 0 Studios, D&D podcasts and shows to sate your ever deepening hunger.I’m excited for today’s show because it’s actually something that I’ve been working to improve personally...2024-03-0753 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMA Tour Through the FeywildWelcome back to How To Be a Better DM, the Official podcast of Monsters.Rent.I’m your Tour Guide today, Justin Lewis, and we have another special tour lined up today.First, before we get into today’s tour, we need to talk about our sponsors: you. Without you, we wouldn’t have this tour, so thank from the bottom of our hearts.2nd, we do have a gift shop. You can visit it at the end of the tour, just go to monsters.rent/shop and there you can pick up all th...2024-02-0136 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Use Conditions in D&D for Better Story TellingTanner Weyland (00:01.046)Hello and welcome to How to be a Better DM, the official podcast of, wait, I should probably not say that anymore, shouldn't I?Justin Lewis (00:09.162)So as of this recording, you should still say, well.See, that's part of the logistics that I wanted to talk about tomorrow, but I'd say just say it until we decide on anything specific tomorrow with Kayden.Tanner Weyland (00:27.446)Okay, cool. Sorry, you'll have to cut this all out. Okay. Hello and welcome. Oh, sorry. You're good.2024-01-2526 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to be Silly in D&DWelcome to How to Be a Better DM!Today, we're talking about how to invite silliness and funny business to your table, and why it can help your group enjoy the entire experience.Here is the episode transcript for anyone interested:Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM, the official podcast of Monsters. Rent. I'm Justin Lewis here with my friend Tanner Weyland. Hi. Yeah, that's all I got, sorry. Yeah, good to see you all. Great to be here. Tanner and I are in rare form today. We just recorded...2024-01-1117 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMA Tour Through the ShadowfellWelcome back to How to Be a Better DM, the official podcast of Monsters.Rent. Thank you for joining me, I’m Justin Lewis, and today, I will be your guide through the Shadowfell. We have a lot to cover, including me talking with a very special guest later in the show.Real quick if I can, I would like to say thank you to all of you who have joined The Guild. It’s been amazing seeing the collaboration between everyone in the Discord server and getting to know people from across the world. It’s also b...2024-01-0436 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DM2023 in Retrospect and the Prospects of 2024Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM.Today, Tanner and Justin talk about the joys of 2023 and what to look forward to in 2024. The transcript is below.We also mention today's sponsor, Magic Mind.Get 1 month free off of a 3 month subscription by going to https://www.magicmind.com/JANbetterdm and using the code BETTERDM20 at checkout!Justin (00:03.449)Welcome back to How to be a Better DM, the official podcast of Monsters.Rent. I'm your host today, Justin Lewis, here with Tanner Wayland, my brother in arms...2023-12-2836 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMWhat to Do When a Player Is MissingWhat to Do When a Player Misses a SessionWelcome back to How to Be a Better DM, the Official Podcast of Monsters.Rent, the only rental subscription service for D&D minis.I’m your host today, Justin Lewis, and today, you and I will talk about a topic that affects every gaming group at least once in their campaign. To be honest, it’s somewhat a thorn in my side as I personally hate when this happens. It can interupt the flow of the game and cause some confusion as far as the stor...2023-12-0729 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMVillages Vs Dungeons: When and How to Use BothTanner Weyland (00:04.783)Hello and welcome to How to be a Better DM, the official podcast of Monsters.Rent. I'm here with Justin Lewis. Say hi, Justin. Hi, Justin. We are here today to talk about a fun little topic, basically, Dungeons and Villages, when and how to use either. So I mean, this topic, I've always find it interesting, like the composition of a campaign, you know?Justin (00:13.631)Hi Justin.Tanner Weyland (00:33.535)If you treat it like a like a sandwich, it's like, okay, what you know, it's a...2023-11-1635 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMDND, Faith, Religion and Gods: How to Do It RightWelcome to How to Be a Better DM, the official podcast of Monsters.Rent. I’m your host today, Justin Lewis, and together we are going to talk about how to improve your gameplay both from a mechanical and storytelling point of view.Today, I’m excited to talk about an aspect of the game that for me holds a lot of interest and for a lot of people can be a rich source of story elements and intrigue. At the same time, for other people it can be completely boring, and possibly offputting. I’m talking about...2023-10-1937 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Run an Expedition In Your D&D CampaignTanner Weyland:Hello and welcome to How to be a Better DM, the official podcast of Monsters.Rent. My name is Tanner Weyland and I'm here with Justin Lewis. Say hi.Justin:Hi there.Tanner Weyland:Well, everyone, we are so happy to be together. As you know, Justin with his new baby, we haven't had as much of a chance to record. How's it been, Justin?Justin:Honestly, having a baby is easier and harder, much harder than I thought, right? It's just, it's...2023-09-2824 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Play D&D while Being a ParentWelcome dungeon masters to How to Be a Better DM, the official podcast of Monsters.Rent. Today, I’m your host, Justin Lewis and together let’s discover how to make every session the best session of Dungeons and Dragons with you as the dungeon master. Today, like so many other episodes, I’ll be discussing some tips for how to deal with a particular problem that faces many dungeon masters. Unlike other episodes though, today I offer my point of view with the full knowledge that I myself am new at facing this particular challe...2023-09-0727 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Get Someone to Play D&DHere's the transcript of today's episode:Tanner Weyland:to How to be a Better DM, the official podcast of Monsters.Rent. This is Tanner Weyland, and I'm here with Justin Lewis. Say hi!Justin:Bye.Tanner Weyland:Hi. Perfect. We're glad to be here with you guys. And today we're going to have a little, you know, just a little question episode, just a little episode where we're answering one question. How do you convince a non-playing person to play D&D? Justin, let's get your thoughts.2023-08-1012 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMDeath in Dungeons and DragonsD&D and Death: How to Handle the Death of a Character in D&DSuddenly, time seems to slow down. The arrows rain down like slow pebbles skipping across a lake rather than the hail of death they’d been seconds before. Lightning crawls across the sky, achingly slow, reaching for that next empty space. These demonlings rush about, and all the while, your eyes remain fixed on Eloin. You see her grip at her stomach, feeling around the blade that runs right through her abdomen. The demon facing her lifts his impaled sword so that El...2023-08-0323 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMFamiles In Your D&D Campaign: Why It's Uncommon and How to Make It WorkTanner Weyland:Hello, this is Tanner Weyland. Welcome back to How to be a Better DM, the official podcast of Monsters.Rent. I'm here with Justin Lewis. Say hi, Justin.Justin:Justin.Tanner Weyland:Hey, hey, no, don't do that. Just kidding, I'm joking.Justin:I'm sorry.Tanner Weyland:It's great to have you. Ha ha ha.Justin:Thank you. It's great to be here.Tanner...2023-07-2725 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMFor Whom the Bell Tolls: Homebrew Collaboration Part 3justin:Welcome back to How to be a Better DM. I'm your co-host today, Justin Lewis, here with Tanner Wayland and Rob Van Auken. Go ahead and say hello, guys.tanner_weyland:Hey.rob:Good evening, everyone.justin:And you are joining How to be a Better DM in our mini-series on collaborating for homebrewing a adventure one-shot. And today, we wanted this to be raw and unfiltered, really, just to show you kind of the ins and outs of how to work with other...2023-07-131h 00How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMThe Chimefall Ceremony: Homebrew Project Building with Rob Van Auken Part 2justin_lewis:Welcome back to How to be a Better DM. I'm Justin Lewis and I'm here with Rob Van Auchen. I said that right, right?rob:Yes, you did.justin_lewis:Awesome. And today we are continuing our mini series on a specific homebrew project that we are making with Rob. And today's gonna be a little bit different kind of an episode. For those of you who are new to the show, this is the show where we help you learn how to craft better stories for...2023-06-2943 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMD&D and Self-Improvement: How to Improve Your DMing SkillsTanner Weyland:Hello and welcome to How to be a Better DM. My name is Tanner Wayland and together we're all gonna learn how to make wonderful adventures for our players. I'm here with Justin Lewis. Justin, how you doing?Justin:A little sick, but I'm alive and well, so that's good.Tanner Weyland:I know, I know. Justin and I were gonna have a barbecue with some friends and that's right around the time that my wife started feeling sick. Justin was like, hey, I'm sick. And then...2023-06-2216 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMWhat The Future Holds for How to Be a Better DMJustin: Welcome back to How to be a Better DM. I am Justin Lewis here with Tanner Wayland. Go ahead and say hello, Tanner.Tanner Weyland:Hey Justin, hey everybody.Justin:And today we are celebrating our 100th episode. It is mind-boggling to think that we've been doing this for 100 episodes and thinking you know one episode a week that's almost that's a little over no that's just under two years of doing this show and the amount of growth we've seen has been just phenomenal. First thing before we do...2023-06-0817 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Use and Think about Alignment in D&DWelcome back to How to Be a Better DM. I’m your Host today, Justin Lewis and today, I want to talk about an aspect of D&D that is one-part storytelling prompt, one-part game mechanic, and overall an interesting facet of the game, namely alignment.We’ve all heard the famous phrase of, “It’s what my character would do.”Naturally, when someone says that, they are usually trying to justify something stupid, evil, weird, or just wrong that they’ve done. Sometimes they’ll cite their alignment as the main driver of their choice making...2023-06-0115 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMCommitting to Characters with Victor Bevine (AKA Drizzt Do'Urden)Justin:Welcome back to How to be a Better DM. Today, I am Justin Lewis. I actually am always Justin Lewis, but today I'm joined with Tanner Whelan. Go ahead and say hi, Tanner.Tanner Weyland:Hey guys.Justin:And we have today with us a very special guest, Victor Baveen. And for me, he's kind of, he has a special place in my heart because I first got introduced to really anything to do with Dungeons and Dragons by listening to the R.A. Salvatore books about Dredd...2023-05-1836 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHomebrew Collaboration with Rob Van Auken Part 1justin_lewis:Welcome back to How to be a Better DM. I'm one of your hosts today, Justin Lewis, and I'm here with Rob and Tanner Wayland. And I'll let Rob introduce himself in a second, but let me first tell you, the listener, about today's episode. So if you're new here, we are here to help you craft better stories for yourself and your players as you DM sessions of Dungeons and Dragons. And today, we're actually gonna dive into the world of homebrew creations. Specifically, we're going to show you kind of the start to...2023-05-1153 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Prepare for an Online Session of D&DJustin:Ulf woke up. He was in a cave, but he saw a face above his. It was Herlia. Ulf, we thought you were dead. Ulf sat up and saw Hepom sitting not too far off now, sporting a few more days' growth of beard. Ulf looked around. He could see the exit from the cave a few yards away. It was snowing outside. About a week. We still don't know what happened, Ulf, but we are sure glad to see you up and walking. We... we didn't know what to do." Hylia said as her voice...2023-05-0419 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Get Your Players to Play Together as an Adventuring PartyJustin:Hi there listener, this is Justin Lewis and I have here Tanner Wayland with me today. Say hi, Tanner.Tanner Weyland:Hi.Justin:And today on how to be a better DM we are going to talk about Sort of a niche topic One that I think a lot of people struggle with without knowing they struggle with so let me paint a picture for you It's session zero right and you've finally gotten all your PCs in the same room We'll say it's a tavern right there...2023-04-2722 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Dungeon Master When You're Super BusyTanner Weyland:Hello, my name is Tanner Wayland and I, along with my co-host Justin Lewis, are here on How to be a Better DM. How you doing, Justin?Justin:I am good. I'm good. How are you, Tenor?Tanner Weyland:Oh, doing well, doing well. It's a lovely day outside, youJustin:ItTanner Weyland:know?Justin:is.Tanner Weyland:It's great. Here...2023-04-1326 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Use Mob Combat Effectively In D&DUlv’s Story continued“Mother?” Ulv whispered as he moved towards the visage of his long-dead mother.“It is I little snowhare,” Ulv’s mother said, using Ulv’s childhood pet name. When he was younger, his hair was so blonde it was almost white. His mother had taken to calling him snowhare when he was a baby. Even though he’d hated the nickname as a teenager, she’d still used it. Now, hearing that nickname pricked his heart and tears slowly formed at the corner of his eyes.“Yes, young one. We have come to over...2023-04-0618 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Avoid DM Burnout ContinuedIntroWelcome back to How to Be a Better DM, I’m Justin Lewis, here with my compatriot Tanner Weyland, and together we’re here to help you learn how to craft better stories while you DM sessions of Dungeons and Dragons.Burnout: Main TopicsBrief description of cause: the causes of DM burnout (doing too much, to frequently, with not change)Get help:Ask others to DMStop writing your own content, or doing huge campaigns. Just look for content online. DMs guild and other sources exist to make your time easier!Have online comm...2023-03-0926 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Stay Excited About Being a Dungeon Master (Avoiding DM Burnout)IntroWelcome back to How to Be a Better DM, I’m Justin Lewis, here with my compatriot Tanner Weyland, and together we’re here to help you learn how to craft better stories while you DM sessions of Dungeons and Dragons.Suffice it to say, as hobbies go, this one requires a lot of dedication and stick-to-it-I've-ness. Sometimes you just don’t feel like prepping or running a session. Sometimes you just aren’t excited to be a DM. So, in that regard, Tanner and I are going to talk about how to stay excited...2023-02-1621 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DM8 Tips for Player Management in Dungeons and DragonsUlv had been living in the cave for 2 weeks. He’d managed to down an elk he had tracked. The elk seemed to have been separated from its herd because it was all alone. He’d fashioned a spear out of rock that he’d found in the cave. So far he felt pretty good about himself. He’d been at this trial for a couple weeks and hadn’t died. “Of course, you still haven’t made any progress towards the actual trial,” Ulv said to himself out loud. Ulv had always been comfortable being alone, but for some reas...2023-02-0911 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DM10 Reasons to Do One-Shots as a Dungeon MasterYou and your companions make your way down the trail. You’d left the other companions a day or so ago. Now you’ve been traveling with Hipam and Cojari and frankly, these have been some of the calmest days in the previous months. Your other companions had made some very questionable decisions. Assassinations, lycanthropy, starting fights that were unwarranted, yes they were your friends, however, your conscience has never felt so good. “So what can you tell us about your uncle Judir?” Cojari asks in his deep and soulful accent. “I’ll be honest, I don’t know t...2023-02-0213 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMTips to Improve Your Writing Part 2“For the last time, my name is Ulv and I’m not supposed to be here!”“Whatever you say D’nuk, whatever you say.”Ulv was busy working a leather hide that he and T’Sichk had obtained from downing a large caribou. It was a good find. Ulv had been here for weeks. He didn’t know how he’d gotten here but for some reason, he was now in the far north. Ulv had a sinking suspicion that this was a vision, but it felt much more real than that. Everyone in the village call...2022-12-0810 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMChristmas Gifts for the Dungeon Master In Your Life (or for You) “Hipam, can’t you do anything? Herlia asks with an exasperated tone.“Well, Miss Herlia, I’m not exactly suited for..”“What about you you dumb bear?” Herlia yells at the large brown bear at the back of the cave. You’d all found this cave a few weeks ago while looking for shelter. “Herlia. I’m not exactly sure something can be done. He’s just lost his uncle. That’s not exactly something you get over in a matter of minutes. Have a little heart.”Herlia walks up to Hipam who’s sat propp...2022-11-0323 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMUnearthed Arcana Part 2: Expert Classes Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM! I’m Your host, Justin Lewis here with my cohort Tanner Weyland and together we’ll learn how to craft better stories for you and your players as you DM sessions of D&D.We all know that OneD&D is getting ever closer and the newest installment of Unearthed Arcana material has been released by Wizards of the Coast for us to playtest, so today we are going to give you the facts of what was released and then some of our opinions about those fact...2022-10-2737 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMUnearthed Arcana Part 1: Character Origins Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM. I’m your host, Tanner Weyland, here with my cohort Justin Lewis. We’re here to help you tell better stories as you DM sessions of D&D. As you might have heard, Wizards of the Coast has announced that they will be releasing the next non-edition edition of Dungeons and Dragons. Rather than being a specific edition, this will instead be a constantly changing iteration of D&D called One D&D. We’ve talked about this on Episode 61 of the show if you want more in...2022-10-1328 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DM5 Tips to Improve your Writing You run frantically through the streets. The cold winter air bites at your face, though the stinging in your eyes comes not from the frigid wind but from the tears streaming down your face. You and your companions manage to climb the ladder onto the wall and then quickly let down a rope on the otherside. Before you know it, you’re running aimlessly through the woods.“Ulv, what happened back there?” Hipam asks.In your mind you see you, Judir and Cojari talking to the rebel leader in his jail cell. Suddenly, you were surrounded by guards, and th...2022-10-0614 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Engage Unengaged D&D Players Warmup:Your D&D Group of 5 is suddenly and permanently moving to a D&D group of 4. Your players love having 5 characters. You get to now create a character that is actually your character.Intro:Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM. I’m your host, Justin Lewis, here with my cohort, Tanner Weyland. Together, we’re here to help you learn how to craft better stories for your players as you play D&D. Today, we’re going to talk about a big challenge today: how to engage players...2022-09-2930 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMStarting a Homebrew D&D Project with Gaming Brew Warmup: From Tanner to Gaming BrewIntroWelcome back to How to be a Better DM. I’m your host Justin Lewis here with my cohort Tanner Weyland to bring you the best resources for you to become the world’s best DM. We want to help you craft better stories for yourself and your players as you DM sessions of D&D. Today we have an awesome guest with us today but before we get into that let’s talk about a few announcements.The first announcement is that we had to...2022-09-2237 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMWizards Presents & OneD&D: Updates in the World of D&D  Warmup: Tanner to JustinIntroDungeons and Dragons is evolving. Wizards of the Coast has come out with some major announcements in the last few weeks and today, we’re going to talk about them.Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM. I’m your host, Tanner Weyland, here with my cohort Justin Lewis. Together, we are going to learn how to craft better stories for you and your players as you DM sessions of D&D 5e and soon-to-be OneD&D (more on that later). Before we get to th...2022-09-0843 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DM5 Questions to Write a Better Backstory for Your D&D Character“This is it?” Ulv asked in a hushed whisper.“You wanted rebels. These are the only ones I know of. They’ve come here to talk to you, now say something.” Herlia responds tersely.You sigh and step forward. You look around the basement of the tavern. Only a few candles hang around giving the room a gloomy cast. You meet the eyes of each of the 5 people sitting on barrels in this dank cellar.“Thank you for meeting me. My companion here told me that you’ve had certain misgivings abo...2022-09-0121 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMD&D Session Prep with This Dungeon Is OccupiedReach out to This Dungeon is Occupied at https://linktr.ee/thisdungeonisoccupiedpodWarmup: Justin to This Dungeon is OccupiedPrompt: Think of the last group you DM’d for. Now describe  the character that you would like to have played in that group if you could add a new character for yourself.Intro:Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM. I’m Justin Lewis, and together with my cohost Tanner Weyland, we help you craft better stories for yourselves and your players as you DM sessions of D...2022-08-251h 02How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMD&D Tips for New Players and DM'sWarmup from Tanner to Justin:If you could make a character for an uninterested player, what would it be?Intro:Welcome back, adventurer! We’re excited for another episode of How to Be a Better DM!Together, you and I will learn how to craft better stories for yourself and your players as you DM sessions of Dungeons and Dragons 5e, no matter your level of experience. Today I’m your host Tanner Weyland, with my compatriot, Justin Lewis.  With the references to D&D in popular shows like Stran...2022-08-1142 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DM8 D&D Soundboard Tools DM's Can Use While DMIngYou crest a hill and finally see it. Moedinar, your 2nd childhood home. A flood of mixed memories enters your mind. You stop and your companions follow suit. You look over the large city. You see tall but sturdy stone buildings. You see precise streets and roads laid out in a grid pattern. You see a very large wall all the way around the city. What catches your attention most of all though is the lack of livery. You don’t see the traditional flag featuring a golden deer with enormous antlers, each one tipped with a candle, all on...2022-08-0418 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMDungeon Master Essentials: 7 Tools Every DM Should have in their DungeonWarmup:Tanner: What would be the simple premise of a one-hour session you would plan for friends who hadn’t played D&D?Intro:Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM. I’m your host Tanner Weyland, here with my counterpart Justin Lewis. Together we are going to learn how to weave better stories for you and your players while you dungeon master sections of D&D 5e. We will walk you through the steps from someone who’s never played D&D to High-Level Dungeon Master. Before we get to...2022-07-1423 minBecoming The HeroBecoming The HeroHow to Increase Your Charisma Score in Real LifeWelcome back to Becoming the Hero.I’m your Development Master, Justin Lewis, and together you and I will add more adventure to your life, help you level up in specific ways, and help you be the hero of your own story.If you’ve ever played Dungeons & Dragons you’re very familiar with the Charisma score. It’s the number that describes how well you interact with other people whether in a persuasive way or in an intimidating way. It dictates deception and shows your savvy in social situations. If you’re like me, you’ve pro...2022-06-2714 minBecoming The HeroBecoming The HeroHow to Increase Your Charisma Score in Real LifeWelcome back to Becoming the Hero.I’m your Development Master, Justin Lewis, and together you and I will add more adventure to your life, help you level up in specific ways, and help you be the hero of your own story.If you’ve ever played Dungeons & Dragons you’re very familiar with the Charisma score. It’s the number that describes how well you interact with other people whether in a persuasive way or in an intimidating way. It dictates deception and shows your savvy in social situations. If you’re like me, you’ve pro...2022-06-2714 minBecoming The HeroBecoming The HeroHow to Start Gamifying Your Life“Nope, too slow.”I stared at my best friend Ty in disbelief. How was it possible that I still didn’t do the obstacle course in a fast enough time? I jumped from the board to the piece of plywood and then onto the large rock as fast as I could. How could I not have done it fast enough? I kept trying and later ended up leaving with my parents in tears. I tried so hard but couldn’t make it.Welcome back to Becoming The Hero.I’m your DM, Justin Lewis....2022-06-1310 minBecoming The HeroBecoming The HeroHow to Start Gamifying Your Life“Nope, too slow.”I stared at my best friend Ty in disbelief. How was it possible that I still didn’t do the obstacle course in a fast enough time? I jumped from the board to the piece of plywood and then onto the large rock as fast as I could. How could I not have done it fast enough? I kept trying and later ended up leaving with my parents in tears. I tried so hard but couldn’t make it.Welcome back to Becoming The Hero.I’m your DM, Justin Lewis....2022-06-1310 minBecoming The HeroBecoming The HeroHow to Create a Personal InventoryWelcome back adventurer, to Becoming The Hero. I’m your DM, Justin Lewis. Together, you and I will implement the lessons from our favorite heroes (real or fictional) to help us add more adventure into our lives, create worthwhile memories, and level up in every meaningful way. We’re here to help you become the hero of your story.I love ensemble stories. I love a group of diverse characters with diverse skillsets coming together to pull off some job, heist or coup. One of my favorite parts of ensemble...2022-06-0615 minBecoming The HeroBecoming The HeroHow to Create a Personal InventoryWelcome back adventurer, to Becoming The Hero. I’m your DM, Justin Lewis. Together, you and I will implement the lessons from our favorite heroes (real or fictional) to help us add more adventure into our lives, create worthwhile memories, and level up in every meaningful way. We’re here to help you become the hero of your story.I love ensemble stories. I love a group of diverse characters with diverse skillsets coming together to pull off some job, heist or coup. One of my favorite parts of ensemble...2022-06-0615 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Make D&D More ImmersiveYou sit down at the fire. You’ve traveled a long distance to reach these particular nomads. You’ve heard tell that these nomads have mystical powers and can guide you on finding unknowable secrets. You look around. Their long arms show a fierce exterior, but they’ve let you sit in their circle. They’ve shared their meat with you. Their hair hides their faces though you can see pinpricks of light reflect off of their eyes and hidden behind their hair. They seem to look at you expectantly.“Um… what am I…”It’s at that moment t...2022-06-0216 minBecoming The HeroBecoming The HeroThe 4 Personal QuestsThe 4 Personal QuestsWelcome, Adventurer to the first episode of Becoming The Hero. I’m Justin Lewis and I’ll be your DM for today. You might think DM means dungeon master as in from Dungeons and Dragons. While I am an excellent Dungeon Master, that’s not what DM stands for on this show. No, here DM means development master. I’ll explain more about that later.If you’re listening to the show for the first time Becoming The Hero is The Personal Development podcast for nerds who see amazing heroes in their bo...2022-05-1609 minBecoming The HeroBecoming The HeroThe 4 Personal QuestsThe 4 Personal QuestsWelcome, Adventurer to the first episode of Becoming The Hero. I’m Justin Lewis and I’ll be your DM for today. You might think DM means dungeon master as in from Dungeons and Dragons. While I am an excellent Dungeon Master, that’s not what DM stands for on this show. No, here DM means development master. I’ll explain more about that later.If you’re listening to the show for the first time Becoming The Hero is The Personal Development podcast for nerds who see amazing heroes in their bo...2022-05-1609 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Find Your D&D GroupYou walk into the tavern. Your sword and shield clinking together as you walk makes everyone in the tavern turn and look at you. Being somewhat new to this you try and act tough and scowl at everyone. It doesn’t come off well and you look sort of foolish. You walk over to the bar and wait patiently for the bartender to come talk to you and ask you what you want to drink. He doesn’t. Instead he serves all the other patrons who keep shouting at him. “It seems the squeaky wheel does get the gre...2022-05-0509 minHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMHow to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DMTips on Describing Combat in D&DYou fall to one knee. The large orc in front of you grips his battle ax firmly in his hands and lets out a mocking grunt. Blood drips down the blade and onto the ground. Your blood.You look around at your companions. They are all lying on the ground bloody and unconscious. Julian might be dead. Things could not look worse. “Puny wizard. Drinking your blood will be a great pleasure.” The orc says through his tusked maw.You slowly raise yourself to your feet and point at the orc with a shaki...2022-04-0708 min