Shows
Bards and BarrelsS4 Ep. 6: A Very Merry Bards and Barrels Christmas!We're back! And to day we have our Christmas celebration - beer, Christmas music, D&D chaos and more! What more could you ask for? Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays to everyone out there!CONTENT WARNING: This episode does contain a fair bit of adult language. You have been warned. :)
2025-12-241h 33
Bards and BarrelsS4 Ep. 5: The Opening Crack - Worker Bee Honey Cream AleThis Opening Crack gets a little sweet as they guys dive into the Worker Bee Honey Cream Ale from Remedy Brewing Company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Then stick around to scrape the Bottom of the Barrel, this week discussion favorite music.
2025-10-2342 minBards and BarrelsS4 Ep. 4: BastionsTime to go build a castle! Wizards of the Coast finally gave us official structure for bastions with the 2024 Dungeon Master Guid. Let's discuss!
2025-10-0920 min
BardtendersThe Mixing Glass | Guest Shift - Ross Struss | Bards & BarrelsYou're listening to Bardtenders! In this episode of "The Mixing Glass", Ross Struss discusses starting the Bards and Barrels podcast, favorite Dungeons & Dragons memories, and the pursuit of discovering and drinking amazing craft beer. ------------Ross Struss is one of the three hosts and co-founders of Bards and Barrels. His journey into D&D started with board games, eventually leading to TTRPGs, where he found a passion for stepping into character and immersing himself in the worlds they build.No stranger to the mic, Ross honed his skills as a play-by-play an...
2025-10-061h 11
Bards and BarrelsS4 Ep. 3: The Opening Crack: Unicorn Fight ClubOn this Opening Crack the guys dip back into Millstream Brewing and give a sour a try with Unicorn Fight Club. And stick around because after the crack the guys scrape the bottom of the barrel with a new segment!
2025-10-0258 minBards and BarrelsS4 Ep. 2: Species Review - GnomeShort episode incoming! (See what we did there?) Get ready to go off the rails with as we discuss the Gnome species.
2025-09-1818 minBards and BarrelsS4 Ep. 1 - Let's Kick Off Season 4!SEASON 4! Lets goooo. The guys have a discussion about what you can expect through out season 4 and the changes coming this year.
2025-09-0436 minBards and BarrelsBONUS Episode - TTRPG Shuffle: WotC and Darrington PressWe chat about the teleportation circle that has moved at least two people from Wizards of the Coast to Darrington Press this week.
2025-06-2024 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 20: That's a wrap...on Season 3We look back on the fun that was season three and what is to come in season four of Bards and Barrels!
2025-06-0513 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 19: Using the Help ActionThis week the guys pay tribute to the Beatles and then dive into using the help action and other ways that you can help out while playing DnD!
2025-05-2915 min
Bards and BarrelsBONUS: The Opening Crack - Breckenridge Brewery: IPA ReviewOn this Opening Crack we review FOUR IPAs from Breckenridge Brewery! We had a blast tasting and discussing these brews. Stand by for the usual shenanigans in long form as well taste, rate and have a good time. Prost!
2025-05-1556 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 18: Combat Strategies for the Bad GuysWhile it might seem that most monsters, cultist and general enemies just like to line up and get their butt kicked. The reality is they are strategizing too. Plotting an ambush, laying traps and maybe even saving their own skin. Tip of the day...play them that way.
2025-05-0822 min
Bards and BarrelsS3 Ep 17: The Opening Crack - Abbey AleThis week's beer comes to you from Martin City Brewing in Kansas City, it's the Belgian Style Abbey Ale. Buckle up becasue unsurprisingly the guys go off the rails a bit in this episode.
2025-04-1721 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 16: Species Review - HumanAnother species review incoming! This time it's all about YOU, the humans.
2025-04-0316 min
Bards and BarrelsS3 Ep 15: The Opening Crack: TezcatlipocaThis weeks beer, Tezcatlipoca, comes from Diametric Brewing Company in Lee's Summit, Missouri!
2025-03-2017 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 14: Class Review - ArtificerThe last and possibly one of the more complex classes coming at you. This is the last in our original series reviewing the classes available in 2014 DnD 5e. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Youtube -- @BardsandBarrels. Enjoy!
2025-03-0637 min
Bards and BarrelsS3 Ep 13: The Opening Crack: Black Walnut Wheat AleA unique beer from makes it's way to the table from Piney River Brewing Company, Black Walnut Wheat Ale. This was a fun episode, we hope you enjoy!
2025-02-2018 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 12: Species Review - ElfThey guys debut of our first species review! Enter the classic elf. Come see why this should be the next species of your character!
2025-02-0612 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 11: The Opening Crack - Pickle SourHere we go again. The guys take a sip of a pickle sour....find out how this beer, coming from Loveland Aleworks in Loveland, Colorado, tickled the tastebuds.
2025-01-2316 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 10: New Year, New Mailbag!We hit the ol' DnD mailbag once again! Come see what is on the docket today.
2025-01-0935 minBards and BarrelsBONUS: A Very Merry Bards and Barrels ChristmasMerry Christmas to you and yours from the Bards and Barrels crew! This one has a bit everything in it....but that generally means that hilarity will ensue. Enjoy!
2024-12-2443 min
Bards and BarrelsS3 Ep 9: The Opening Crack: Lightshine Helles LagerWibby Brewing in Longmont, Colorado provides an award winning Helles Lager this week. This crips, refreshing lager known as the Lightshine Helles is truly something to behold! Check it out.
2024-12-0516 min
Bards and BarrelsS3 Ep 8: The Opening Crack: Sea Salt and Lime - Supra Deluxe Premium LagerA Japanese style lager the Sea Salt and Lime Supra Deluxe makes its way to the table for the guys to taste. Surprisingly this comes from Modist Brewing in Minneapolis, Minnesota...who'd have thought you'd need to go to Minnesota to find Japanese beer!
2024-11-1423 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 7: Food, Water and Encumbrance...oh my.Ok, does anyone follow the encumbrance rules? Not sure we have paid too much attention to it but we may have some cool ideas on how to incorporate them situationally.
2024-10-3114 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 6: The Opening Crack: Carpe Brewem Old Fashioned Imperial StoutWe head into high ABV territory this week the hefty Carpe Brewem Old Fashioned Imperial Stout from Empyrean Brewing in Lincoln, Nebraska.
2024-10-1726 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 5 - AlignmentLawful Good, Chaotic Neutral, Neutral Neutral and everything in between. Today we talk alignments and why you should care about them.
2024-10-0316 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 4: The Opening Crack - The GriffinThis week the team cracks open a cold can of The Griffin a Blood Orange Hefeweizen from Grim Brothers Brewing in Loveland, Colorado!
2024-09-2618 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep 3 - Class Review: WizardSpells spells spells and more spells. If that is something that piques your interest then you need to tune into this episode of Bards and Barrels to learn more about the wizard!
2024-09-1940 min
Bards and BarrelsS3 Ep 2: The Opening Crack: Chonk Sundae Sour - Pineapple WhipWe head back to Drekker Brewing in Fargo, North Dakota for another Sundae Sour. This time Pineapple whip makes it's way to the table and boy is it good.
2024-09-1221 minBards and BarrelsS3 Ep. 1 - DnD and AISeason 3 kicks off with they guys discussing of AI has both created opportunity and controversy within the world of Dungeons and Dragons,
2024-09-0523 minBards and BarrelsBONUS: The Opening Crack - Dungeon at First Street BrewingOur friends at First Street Brewing are doing something really cool in the world of D&D. Five tables, thirty players and everyone playing different pieces of a story that culminates by coming together at the end. This is going to be epic!We also sample the Assumption Saison, a beautiful beer, and talk about the mission of First Street Brewing. Nathan and Tony were wonderful hosts and we are excited to continue partnering with them.
2024-08-1754 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep.18 - The End...of Season 2We have arrived at the finish line! Thank you so much for every one that helped contribute to and excellent second season of Bards and Barrels. Take a listen to hear us reflect a bit on this season and give a sneak preview of whats going to happen of the summer and into the fall. Most importantly a big thank you to YOU, our listeners, we couldn't do this without. Thanks for cracking a cold one, grabbing the dice and checking out our episodes week in and week out. You are freaking amazing!
2024-05-3015 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 17 - MailbagThe mailbag is full this week! As we get set to wrap up season two let's dive into some of YOUR questions!
2024-05-2336 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Nordic JamSkol! There is a viking invasion this week as Nordic Jam hits our tastebuds. This fruity beer from Two Pitchers Brewing is very interesting. Take a listen to see what the guys think about about this one.
2024-05-1621 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep.16 - Reviewing Nations and CannonsUp the rebels, down the British! -- This week we go back in time for a interesting and historical 5e setting for you to use! Nations and Cannons in a Revolutionary War campaign setting that not only provides the historical context to throw at your party but also get some solid mechanics on how to use things like muskets and cannons.
2024-05-0916 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack: Bligh's Barleywine AlePossibly the strongest beer we have had on the show so far, Bligh's Barleywine Ale from Dry Dock Brewing clocked in at a 13% on it's ABV -- was this a direct hit or did this nautical themed beer have to walk the plank? Listen and find out!
2024-05-0223 min
NerdlandiaHomebrewed Adventures with RossRoss Struss is an experienced Dungeon Master and player who also has his own DND podcast called Bards and Barrels. We talk about what makes Dungeons & Dragons an amazing medium for shared storytelling experiences and also enjoy some beers from a local brewery. (If you're not into beer, simply skip ahead to 5:00.)
For an even deeper dive into DND, check out Bards and Barrels. And visit the Nerdlandia Bulletin Board for links to the topics we discussed in this episode!
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Nerdlandia is hosted, produced and edited by Emily Case-Buskirk. Theme song and e...
2024-05-0137 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 15 - Light of Xaryxis Campaign ReviewThe party is back together! Matt and Isaac rejoin the crew to review, Light of Xaryxis, a fun space based DnD module. Check it out!SPOILER ALERT: If you plan to play this at some point there are some major plot points discussed. Content Warning: While light, there is some adult language and adult humor throughout this episode.
2024-04-251h 14
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack: Lemon-Lime Pop CulturedThis golden ale from Obscurity Brewing in Elburn, Illinois absolutely fits the bill as pop. The guys discuss the grayed lines between beer and soda with this one. It's fun and worth a listen!
2024-04-1821 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 14 - System Check: Mörk BorgThis is a unique episode of Bards and Barrels as we stray away from D&D a bit. Phil and Ross review Mörk Borg, a dark, apocalyptic role playing game. Phil probably puts it best...this role playing game is easy to learn, easy to play and easy to DIE. Check it out!
2024-04-1116 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Chonk: Sundae SourWowzers! Do we have an interesting brew this week from Drekker Brewing Company in Fargo, North Dakota. Chonk Sundae Sour has mango, apricot, orange push pop and whole lot of smoothie vibes going on. The guys were pretty enamored by this one. Take a listen!
2024-04-0417 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 13 - Class Review: PaladinCrusaders, Knights of the Round Table and even Thor Odinson...all fine examples of the humble yet mighty Paladin! Pack up your long sword or run the risk of feeling their divine smite. Lets go with another class review!
2024-03-2840 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Knee High HefeweizenMillstream Brewing Company of Amana, Iowa is back with another beer on The Opening Crack! Brett, Ross and Ph.....er Damen, from Steeple Brewing, take a sip and give this tasty beer a review.
2024-03-2124 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep.12 - Mailbag Time Again!The guys dip into the mailbag once again and find some...interesting questions this time around. Solving one of the most important questions they have come across too. Just how long is a dagger that is meant for a halfling?
2024-03-1434 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - MicheladaHas the perfect brunch beer been found?! The boys think so as the Michelada from 4 Noses Brewing Company in Broomfield, Colorado gets cracked for a review. If you are a fan of Bloody Marys, pickles and peppers than this beer is going to be right up your alley!
2024-03-0713 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 11 - Class Review: BardThe humble bard maybe isn't so humble and superficial as we all thought. Phil certainly found this out when made ANOTHER Rogue out a Bard. Seriously though, the Bard is a much cooler class than we ever gave it credit for. Take a listen.
2024-02-2945 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Gyrating GiraffeYea you read that right. The guys tackle the Gyrating Giraffe from Lupulin Brewing in Big Lake, Minnesota. You would think this 10% ABV, Triple IPA, would be a punch in the mouth but instead managed to break the show's challenge rating scale. Take a listen!
2024-02-2212 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 10 - The Journey to a Home Brewed AdventureSo you finished your first campaign or starter set? Whats next? The guys share some tips and tricks that they have come across as they get set to revive their party from Decent in Avernus and move into the world of home brew.
2024-02-1523 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 9 - We talk with Crit Hit the GiantIn this episode the guys talk with Sean Winningham aka Crit Hit The Giant who has been documenting his journey into Dungeons and Dragons with a ton of content across his various social media channels. This one was a blast! We hope you enjoy
2024-02-0841 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Spicy Pickle FightIt's another beer this week. This time getting quite spicy as we tackle the Spicy Pickle Fight from Nebraska Brewing Company! This is a good one!
2024-02-0113 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Dirty BastardThe guys take on the strongest and most hoppy beer yet -- Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale from Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. If 8% ABV beers are your thing...then you need to listen to this episode and find this beer. Cheers!
2024-01-2516 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 8 - Class Review: MonkTime to drop another class review! The guys got a little chatty as this episode is longer than normal but after getting last week off it's about time they got their butt in great!Also they take a look at DnDBeyond's 2023 Unrolled and some of the expected an unexpected things that popped up there in the annual year in review.
2024-01-1857 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Ellie's Brown AleIn this post-Christmas episode the guys get a taste of Ellie's Brown Ale from Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, Colorado! Also, a guest a appearance from a chilly, some might say abominable, friend of the show.
2024-01-0411 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 7 - A Bards and Barrels ChristmasMerry Christmas and Happy Holidays to the entire Bards and Barrels family out there!Here is a holiday special for you....playable Santa PC, Christmas in Faerun, Holiday beer and as always all the laughs and craziness the crew brings to the table. Enjoy!
2023-12-2526 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Shiner Holiday CheerThe crackle of the fire, jingle bells, and the opening crack of a bottle of Shiner Holiday Cheer. This delicious peach and pecan holiday beer is the focus of the crew this week.
2023-12-2111 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 6 - Return of the MailbagMaybe you thought it was missing or that we decided not to do it in Season 2. Well you are wrong on both counts, The MAILBAG returns! We have a solid array of questions to tackle in this one so don't miss out!
2023-12-1433 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Citra Pale AleThe boys get back to some good ol' craft beer! This time sampling the Citra Pale Ale from Upslope Brewing in Boulder, Colorado. Take a listen!
2023-12-0710 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 5 - The Mechanics of it AllOne more episode for the aspiring Dungeon Master. This time honing in on the mechanics you need to know at the table and the general running of the game.
2023-11-3042 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Dead Man's RunThis week the boys crack open Dead Man's Run from Cosmic Eye Brewing in Lincoln, Nebraska. Is this premium American lager the gateway beer for all the non-craft beer drinkers among us? Might be time to find out.
2023-11-2210 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 4 - Class Review: FighterThis episode is all about the bori....wait....you might be actually surprised with what you can do with the versatile fighter class! The crew is ready to drop some knowledge on this typically overlooked class.
2023-11-1634 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Pickle TimeThis is The Opening Crack a side show to Bards and Barrels where the guys taste and review a featured brew they had on the show!After the interesting beer a couple weeks ago the guys get garlicky with Pickle Time Lager from Zipline Brewing Co. in Lincoln, Nebraska!
2023-11-0910 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 3 - Becoming the Dungeon Master - Part 3Here comes the third part of our epic journey into becoming the Dungeon Master! We totally say this is the last one but shhhhh there will be one more. Check it out!
2023-11-0227 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Pants off, Dance offThis is The Opening Crack a side show to Bards and Barrels where the guys taste and review a featured brew they had on the show!This week, we head to pistachio town with Pants off, Dance off a cream ale from Millstream Brewing in Amana, Iowa - enjoy!
2023-10-2612 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 2 - Becoming the Dungeon Master - Part 2Part two of our "Becoming the Dungeon Master" series dives into running a session zero and getting to know your players, running the "hook" to give your players a taste of the game and how you can prepare for session 1!
2023-10-1932 min
Bards and BarrelsS2 Bonus: The Opening Crack - Pseudo SueThis is the inaugural episode of The Opening Crack a side show to Bards and Barrels where the guys taste and review a featured brew they had on the show!This week, the citrusy notes of Pseudo Sue a single-hop pale ale from Toppling Goliath Brewing Company in Decorah, Iowa, tickle the taste buds of the crew - enjoy!
2023-10-1210 minBards and BarrelsS2 Ep. 1 - Becoming the Dungeon MasterTime to kick off SEASON 2! The guys gather back up and let us know about new things to expect in this upcoming season as well as taking their initial dive into becoming a Dungeon Master.
2023-10-0527 minBards and BarrelsBonus: Season 2 Preview!Ross, Brett and Phil look back at some of the fun from Season 1 and give a preview of what is to come in Season 2! Along with a major announcements!
2023-09-2118 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep. 15 - Mailbag Time AgainThe guys sift through another mailbag answering your most burning questions!
2023-08-3130 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep.14 - Class Review: SorcererRelease the magic within! The Sorcerer is up for review by the Bards and Barrels crew.
2023-08-1733 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep.13 - A New Player's PerspectiveFriend of the show, Anthony, joins the Bards and Barrels crew to talk about his thoughts and perspectives on all things Dungeons and Dragons from the point of view of a player only about eight months into his adventuring career.
2023-08-0332 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep12 - Session 1It's time to start playing. What should you expect in your first session playing Dungeons and Dragons? Listen in and find out!
2023-07-2025 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep.11 - Session ZeroSession Zero, what the heck is it and why do you need one? The guys fill you in all the details on the session that you need before you actually get started in your campaign!
2023-07-0624 minBards and BarrelsBONUS: Review of Decent into AvernusCONTENT WARNING: Mild Adult Language, Mild Sexual Content, Mild Adult HumorThe crew gathers their party to discuss and review their nearly two year campaign, Baulder's Gate: Decent into Avernus. While we did our best to note spoilers consider this your warning though. If you plan to play through this campaign you should plan on skipping several sections.
2023-06-281h 33Bards and BarrelsS1 Ep.10 - Class Review: RangerThe formidable and versatile Ranger is the topic of our 10th episode of Bards and Barrels! No shortage of excitement as Ross and Brett have a disagreement about who the real Lord of the Rings Ranger is...Legolas or Aragorn.
2023-06-2230 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep.9 - Mailbag Time!Check out this spirited episode as the crew tackles their first mailbag episode!
2023-06-0826 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep.8 - Class Review: WarlockJoin us in this exciting episode as we delve into the mysterious world of Warlocks!The guys, are here to guide you through the ins and outs of creating a Warlock character. Discover the secrets of forming a pact with otherworldly entities and harnessing their otherworldly powers.
2023-05-2623 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep. 7 - Building your First CharacterNever built a character? No problem! The crew walks you through the standard build and everything you need to know to get you first character sheer built!
2023-05-1230 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep.6 - Class Review: BarbarianRAAAAAGE! Take a listen as the Bards and Barrels crew works through their next class review, the barbarian!
2023-05-0521 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep.5 - Getting started with Dungeons and DragonsWhat do you need start your first Dungeons and Dragons game?
2023-04-2818 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep.4 - Class Review: ClericThe Bards and Barrels crew dives into their first class review featuring the Cleric!
2023-04-2120 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep.3 - Review of the new Dungeons and Dragons movieThe Bards and Barrels crew review the new Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves movie.
2023-04-1422 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep.2 - First Thoughts on DnD Beyond's new VTTThe guys give their first thoughts on DnD Beyond's new virtual table top that will roll out for play testing later this year.
2023-03-3121 minBards and BarrelsS1 Ep.1 - How the guys got into D&DThe Bards and Barrels crew dives into how they got started with Dungeons and Dragons for the first time.
2023-03-2118 min
Charisma NewsChristians Engage Through Kingdom Driven Politics with Aamon Ross Aamon Ross discusses the vision God gave him for Kingdom-driven politics with Charisma News Anchor Jeff Struss. Listen as they discuss how you can engage in the political realm, get involved with more Kingdom mindset candidates, and consider running for office. For more, listen to the Kingdom In Politics podcast on cpnshows.com.
2021-06-3020 min