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Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology Podcast

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The Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology Podcast is a TTRPG podcast that helps collaborative storytellers build great campaigns using psychology. Each episode dives into different aspects of tabletop roleplaying games, and offers listeners (psyclithids) tricks of the trade for how to improve their own games. Your host, Robert Walker, is a longtime DM and holds a MS in I/O Psychology. He is also the author of "Session Zero: The DMG to Writing Great Campaigns in any System."

Location:

United States

Description:

The Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology Podcast is a TTRPG podcast that helps collaborative storytellers build great campaigns using psychology. Each episode dives into different aspects of tabletop roleplaying games, and offers listeners (psyclithids) tricks of the trade for how to improve their own games. Your host, Robert Walker, is a longtime DM and holds a MS in I/O Psychology. He is also the author of "Session Zero: The DMG to Writing Great Campaigns in any System."

Language:

English


Episodes
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Jack of All Trades: Leveling Up as a Rogue

5/7/2024
Text us, Psyclithids In this episode, we explore the concept of the 'rogue spirit' emphasizing independent thinking, resourcefulness, and problem-solving as key traits that can be developed in real life. Drawing parallels between fantasy rogues and real-world skills, We discuss a three-month plan designed to cultivate agility, strategic thinking, and adaptability. I recommend 3 specific books that align with the rogue mindset, including 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' by Daniel Kahneman, 'Steal Like an Artist' by Austin Kleon, and 'The Art of Deception' by Kevin Mitnick to build foundational knowledge. Through activities like practicing agility, engaging in strategic games, and embracing adaptability through improvisation, listeners are encouraged to enhance their dexterity and intelligence. This episode highlights the importance of ethical problem-solving and how acquiring a vast array of skills through consistent, dedicated practice can lead to success. Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:22:41

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Achieving Flow State in RPGs

5/7/2024
Text us, Psyclithids This week we delve into the coveted flow state! Feeling completely absorbed, energized, and enjoying the game to the fullest – that's the magic of flow. But how can you, the Dungeon Master, create an environment that fosters this optimal experience for your players? We've got you covered! First we tackle the components of achieving flow state in an RPG and discuss why each component is important. Then, join us as we explore three "Tricks of the Trade" challenges you can integrate into your campaign. From deciphering cryptic clues in a Mystery Montage to executing a thrilling Timed Heist, we'll discuss how these challenges leverage psychology to create the perfect balance of skill, challenge, and feedback, propelling your players towards that flow state. So, grab your dice and unleash your inner game master! This episode will equip you with the tools to transform your sessions into unforgettable journeys of peak gaming enjoyment. Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:21:59

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Meta-Gaming: Friend or Foe?

4/30/2024
Text us, Psyclithids Do you ever feel the urge to use your player knowledge to give your character an unfair advantage? Is meta-gaming the arch-nemesis of immersive storytelling, or can it be wielded for good? This episode dives deep into the psychology behind meta-gaming, exploring the situations where it breaks the spell and the moments where it can actually benefit your campaign. We'll also equip you with "Tricks of the Trade," offering tips for DMs and players to navigate this sometimes tricky terrain. Learn how to: Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:15:30

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Leveling Up as a Sorcerer: Embrace your Inner Power

4/30/2024
Text us, Psyclithids Ever feel like you have an untapped well of power just waiting to be unleashed? Then you might be a Sorcerer in the making! This episode cracks open the magical world of Sorcerers, those who wield innate power, and discusses how to level up as one in real life. We delve deeper than fireballs and flashy spells to explore the real-life skills and mindsets that make a true Sorcerer. Learn how to cultivate powerful communication, master emotional intelligence, and develop unwavering self-belief. This episode also features a detailed 3-month plan to help you level up your Sorcerous abilities! From igniting your inner spark to mastering self-discipline, this plan equips you with the tools to unleash your magic and make a real impact on the world. So, are you ready to answer the call, because it's time to unleash your inner Sorcerer! Awaken the Giant Within : How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny! EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE 2.0 The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery Download YOUR Character Sheet Session Zero Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:28:33

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Leveling up as Bard: Unleash Your Inner Voice

4/22/2024
Text us, Psyclithids Calling all aspiring Bards! This episode equips you with the tools to level up your real-life Bardic skills. We explore the "3 Book Rule," focusing on three key areas to unleash your inner creative force. Master the Art of Storytelling: Learn how to craft captivating narratives that connect with your audience, inspired by Carmine Gallo's "The Storyteller's Secret." Find Your Artistic Voice: Discover how to draw inspiration from others while cultivating your own unique style, guided by Austin Kleon's "Steal Like an Artist." Develop Your Artistic Skills: Whether you pick up a musical instrument or delve deeper into your chosen creative outlet, "The Musician's Way" by Gerald Klickstein equips you with the mental tools to persevere and find joy in the practice. This episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiration for Bards of all backgrounds. Embrace your creativity, develop your skills, and share your voice with the world! Download YOUR Character Sheet Session Zero Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:26:16

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Level up as a Fighter: Fit to Fight

4/3/2024
Text us, Psyclithids Unsheathe your metaphorical sword and unleash your inner strength! This episode is all about leveling up as a Fighter in the real world. We'll guide you through building raw power, incredible stamina, and the unwavering spirit of a true hero. Learn how to: strengthconstitutionSMART goalsbenchmarksThis episode is packed with actionable tips and strategies to help you become a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. So, grab your weights and running shoes, adventurers, because it's time to level up your life! Download YOUR Character Sheet Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:26:03

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Creating YOUR Character Sheet: Leveling Up IRL

4/1/2024
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today is all about creating YOUR character sheet for the process of leveling up IRL. Here you will start the adventure by giving your heroic self a character name, choosing a class, picking skills, setting SMART goals, tracking habits, and hitting benchmarks to increase your ability score and your level. Download YOUR Character Sheet Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:23:46

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Leveling up in Real Life(IRL): The Introduction

3/12/2024
Text us, Psyclithids This episode of The Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology Podcast explores the concept of "leveling up" in real life and how it can benefit you. Host Robert Walker dives into the psychology behind leveling up in games like D&D, explaining how a growth mindset, tiered reward systems, and the illusion of progress can all motivate us to achieve our goals. The episode acknowledges that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to leveling up in real life. It offers a sneak peak of developing a personalized plan that includes self-reflection, setting achievable goals, choosing a reward system, tracking progress, and celebrating small victories. Looking ahead, the episode teases upcoming episodes where each D&D class will be explored as a metaphor for real-life skill development. Listeners are encouraged to grab a journal and calendar to prepare for this upcoming adventure in self-improvement. Download YOUR Character Sheet Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:21:57

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Generative AI In TTRPGs

1/30/2024
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we will be discussing a hot topic, generative AI in TTRPGs. I will share my opinions on the topic as well as how I have used it in my own games recently. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For tricks I give you three examples of actual prompts that I have used in my storytelling, and some information about what I got out of those prompts and how it played out in my games. Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:30:41

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(Remastered) Season 2 Finale: 10 Psychological Concepts in TTRPGs

11/27/2023
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Greetings, adventurers! This is a re-recorded version of the Season 2 Finale, which sadly encountered some recording issues with a corrupted file. But I have solved the problem and recorded again with better sound quality! For the grand finale of this season, let's delve deep into the nuances of the human psyche and uncover ten psychological concepts that wield formidable influence within the tapestry of tabletop roleplaying games. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For Tricks I combine some of these psychological concepts into compelling storylines for a tabletop roleplaying game: Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:18:40

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Season 2 Finale: 10 Psychological Concepts in TTRPGs

11/19/2023
Episode Details & Links Greetings, adventurers! For the grand finale of this season, let's delve deep into the nuances of the human psyche and uncover ten psychological concepts that wield formidable influence within the tapestry of tabletop roleplaying games. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For Tricks I combine some of these psychological concepts into compelling storylines for a tabletop roleplaying game: Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the show

Duration:00:16:35

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Psychology of Manipulation

11/14/2023
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today I discuss how players, characters, and dungeon masters can all use manipulation to move a game in a direction that they favor. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For Tricks I share 3 specific examples of plot twists that could be used to manipulate the course of your narrative. Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:19:04

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The Psychology of Fear

10/29/2023
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we talk about the psychology of fear. How to utilize fear for immersion, what tools a DM can utilize to evoke fear in their players, and a real play example of fear. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For Tricks I share three settings that could be used in your campaigns to evoke fear in you players.2 Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:18:26

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Campaign Longevity and Burnout

10/22/2023
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links On today's quick episode I address how burnout can get in the way of campaign longevity. I give you tips for avoiding burnout, combatting it as it happens, and rekindling excitement after burnout. Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:12:54

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Handling Rule Disputes

10/15/2023
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we discuss rule disputes and how to manage them when they start to escalate. I give you ideas for how to deal with powerful emotions, and how to learn from working through a rule dispute . Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:15:46

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Creating your own Pantheon

10/8/2023
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links On today's episode I talk about a wealth of things to consider when creating your own pantheon to use in your world. It's a big task, but also has big rewards. Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:22:14

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Research and Reuse: Borrowing Ideas for your Stories

10/1/2023
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we discuss the idea of researching a variety of media to find ideas for your own stories. I give you ideas for where to find inspiration and ideas for how to incorporate and adapt those ideas into your campaign. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For Tricks I share three ideas borrowed from some famous sources and provide suggestions on how to use those ideas in a fantasy roleplay setting. Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:15:48

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Using Music for Greater Game Immersion

9/24/2023
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today I discuss the use of music to enhance immersion in your games. I talk about the psychology of music and how that can be used to improve your narrative. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For Tricks I look at a tool just as powerful as music, the power of selective silence. Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:16:20

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The Psychology of Character Death

9/10/2023
Text us, Psyclithids Join me for an in depth look at the psychology of character death and why you should embrace it for more immersive storytelling. Support the Show.

Duration:00:16:24

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The Dice as Narrators

9/3/2023
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links In this story I discuss how to use the dice as tools of the narrative. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For tricks I give a couple of ideas for how to use critical successes and failures a bit differently. Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords: dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the Show.

Duration:00:10:33