Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology Podcast
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."
Episodes
110 episodes
Emotional Regulation with Session Zero
Session Zero isn’t just about rolling stats and swapping backstories—it’s the primary emotional regulation tool for your group. In this episode of The Dungeons, Dragons, and Psychology Podcast, we dive into why Session Zero ma...
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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12:49
Defense Mechanisms for RPGs: Realism at the Table
What happens to an adventurer after the dragon burns their village, or when they fail to save an innocent life? In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology of defense mechanisms—the unconscious strategies people use to protect them...
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Season 4
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Episode 5
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18:04
The Impostor Syndrome of the DM (a.k.a. The Matt Mercer Effect)
Do you ever feel like you’re “not good enough” to be a Dungeon Master? That pressure to run the perfect game… That voice in your head saying, “I’m a fraud”?This week on The Dungeons, Dragons, and Psychology Podc...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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18:05
The Psychology of the Bard's Influence
Is the bard’s silver tongue just a fun game mechanic, or does it reflect real-world psychology? In this episode of The Dungeons, Dragons, and Psychology Podcast, we explore the fascinating connection between the bard’s abilities and th...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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13:42
Cognitive Dissonance in Immersive TTRPGs
Have you ever made a choice for your D&D character that felt like a betrayal? You know, when your Lawful Good Paladin lies, or your nature-loving Ranger fells a sacred tree? That feeling of internal conflict is a real-world psychological ph...
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Season 4
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Episode 2
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15:08
Critical Comeback: More Episodes, More Guests, More Psychology, New Directions
🎙️ Welcome back, Psyclithids! After a long break, The Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology Podcast is returning on Sunday, September 21st with a full run of new content—two episodes per week, straight through the holidays....
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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10:19
Using Statistics in TTRPGs to gain Advantage at the Table
In this episode, Robert Walker, author of 'Session Zero: The DMG to Writing Great Campaigns in Any System,' explores the value of dice rolls, probability, and statistics in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). The episode delves into the psych...
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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19:35
In-Depth with Tabletop Misfits: DM James Jackson on Immersive Storytelling & RPG Adventures
In-Depth with Tabletop Misfits: GM James Jackson on Immersive Storytelling & RPG AdventuresIn this episode, we sit down with James Jackson from Tabletop Misfits to discuss the growth and evolution of Tabletop Misfits, from hosting m...
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Season 3
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Episode 20
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37:57
Character Death Revisited
In this episode, Robert Walker, author of 'Sessions Zero: The DMG to Writing Great Campaigns in Any System,' explores the emotional impact and psychology behind character death in tabletop role-playing games. He delves into the concept of willf...
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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23:24
The Roadmap Method
Welcome, adventurers! Today, we're diving into a unique strategy to enhance your roleplaying games: the Roadmap Method. This method will streamline your game planning and ensure every session is an epic journey.First, let's break down what ...
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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17:02
Paradigm Shifts
Join us as we explore the power of paradigm shifts in role-playing games. Discover how to craft surprising and satisfying plot twists that will leave your players breathless. Learn about the growth potential of paradigm shifts when they happen ...
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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16:25
Master of Mindful Action: Level Up as a Monk
This episode culminates our exploration of leveling up in real life, with a look at the Monk class. Discover how to cultivate the physical prowess, mental focus, and inner peace that define a true master of self-improvement. Learn practic...
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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24:47
A Beacon of Hope: Level up as a Cleric
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth as a Cleric! This episode explores the path to becoming a beacon of hope, a leader of others, and a force for positive change. Discover practical tips on cultivating inner wisdom, devel...
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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18:07
Follow Your Code: Level Up as a Paladin
Episode Description:Unleash your inner Paladin! This episode dives deep into the world of champions, exploring how to cultivate the physical strength, unwavering determination, and inspiring leadership of a true Paladin. Discover ...
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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17:49
Forge Your Pact: Level Up as a Warlock
Episode Summary:Unleash Your Inner Warlock! This episode dives deep into the world of pacts and power, exploring how to cultivate the charisma, mental resilience, and insatiable hunger for knowledge that define a true Warlock. Dis...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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24:54
Master of Primal Power: Level up as a Barbarian
Unleash your inner barbarian! This episode of The Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology Podcast delves into the world of these powerful warriors, exploring how to cultivate their strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit in your own life. We'll...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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27:38
Survival of the Fittest: Leveling up as Ranger
In today's episode, Robert Walker, author of Session Zero: The DMG to Writing Great Campaigns in Any System, explores the multifaceted nature of Rangers and how to level up in real life by ...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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30:37
Champion of Balance: Leveling Up as a Druid
This episode explores the wisdom and empathy of Druids, translating their magic into actionable steps to protect the environment in our everyday lives.
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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29:14
Expand your Mind: Leveling Up as a Wizard
Ever dreamed of wielding magic like a true Wizard? In this episode of Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology, we delve into the minds of these intellectual powerhouses and explore how to cultivate the skills and mindset of a real-life Wizard!<...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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31:32
Jack of All Trades: Leveling Up as a Rogue
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 skill...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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22:52
Achieving Flow State in RPGs
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 experi...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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22:10
Meta-Gaming: Friend or Foe?
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 behin...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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15:41
Leveling Up as a Sorcerer: Embrace your Inner Power
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 ...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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29:39
Leveling up as Bard: Unleash Your Inner Voice
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 ...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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27:22
Level up as a Fighter: Fit to Fight
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.
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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27:09
