How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DM Justin Lewis

Ever dreamt of creating the perfect D&D game room, but felt overwhelmed by budget, and space limitations, or clueless about the coolest tech hacks? This episode is your one-stop guide! We'll delve into inspiring ideas, from crafting an immersive atmosphere to incorporating unexpected gadgets to elevate your campaign. Whether you're a seasoned Dungeon Master or a newbie setting up your first session, get ready to transform your game room into a legendary space that will have your players begging for more!
Craft Your Dream D&D Game Room: From Budget Hacks to Tech TricksWelcome back to How to Be a Better DM. In this episode, we journey deep into the realm of D&D game room creation with the incredible Daniel Hanzlian, the mastermind behind the inspiring Instagram account @danzlianthedm! If you've ever fantasized about building the ultimate space for epic campaigns but felt restricted by budget, space, or a lack of tech know-how, then buckle up!
We'll cast a spell on the following:
Budget-Friendly Fantasy: Unleash the power of creative solutions and discover how to craft an immersive atmosphere without breaking the bank.Optimizing Your Space: Maximize your square footage for legendary gameplay, whether you have a grand hall or a cozy corner.Tech Hacks for Tabletop Titans: Learn how to leverage unexpected gadgets and digital tools to elevate your campaign to new heights.From Inspiration to Implementation: Turn your game room dreams into reality with a step-by-step approach that's both practical and awe-inspiring.
Ready to transform your game room into a haven for unforgettable adventures? Dive into this episode and discover the secrets to crafting a legendary space that will have your players cheering for more!
For more ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out Daniel's work on Instagram: @danzlianthedm
Find out more at https://session0studios.com/
Mentioned in this episode:
Shhhhhh!! This is a Secret!
Hey!
Here is a secret that Cayden and Tanner, hosts of the show don't know about.
You can go to session0studios.com/video-courses/ and get the first video of our Dungeon Master Course for Free, and then sign up for the next videos if you want.
Again, Cayden and Tanner don't know about this so keep it secret.
Dungeon Master Course
Follow us on Instagram
Thanks again for listening to our show. If you like our content and would like to engage with more of our content, head over to our Instagram account, @howtobeabetterdm, and give us a follow. Make sure to watch some of our helpful Dungeon Master Rules videos to give yourself some structure and procedure as a Dungeon Master. Don’t forget to reach out with a DM and we can talk shop.
https://www.instagram.com/howtobeabetterdmpodcast/

Welcome back to today's show.
Today, Tanner and Justin have the great pleasure of joining the Level Up Your Gaming Podcast (https://levelupyourgaming.buzzsprout.com/) with hosts Josh and Aaron to talk about transplanting rules into your game from different RPG systems.
Mentioned in this episode:
Shhhhhh!! This is a Secret!
Hey!
Here is a secret that Cayden and Tanner, hosts of the show don't know about.
You can go to session0studios.com/video-courses/ and get the first video of our Dungeon Master Course for Free, and then sign up for the next videos if you want.
Again, Cayden and Tanner don't know about this so keep it secret.
Dungeon Master Course
Follow us on Instagram
Thanks again for listening to our show. If you like our content and would like to engage with more of our content, head over to our Instagram account, @howtobeabetterdm, and give us a follow. Make sure to watch some of our helpful Dungeon Master Rules videos to give yourself some structure and procedure as a Dungeon Master. Don’t forget to reach out with a DM and we can talk shop.
https://www.instagram.com/howtobeabetterdmpodcast/

What's up everyone! Thanks for listing to how to be a better DM. Here's a quick synopsis of today's episode hosted by (me) Cayden Ottley.
In today's episode I talk about 10 places that you need in any fantasy town that your players are visiting. This obviously varies from place to place depending on setting, political system, and your own rules to name a few, but this comprehensive list will help you get started. Enjoy!
Tavern - A place to meet, drink, dance, and potentially hear gossip. The Tavern creates great rollplaying opportunities and is a classic place to receive epic quests. Marketplace - Every town will have some sort of commerce. People need to make a living! A marketplace allows the party to pick up unique items unique to the area, and potentially meet some interesting NPC’s.Government Building - The place where decisions are made and justice is served. This is the place for political intrigue, where players might petition for help, confront corrupt officials, or attend important meetings.Blacksmith’s Shop - No town is complete without at least a few blacksmith’s shops. This is where weapons are forged, armor is repaired, and custom gear can be crafted. The blacksmith can be a valuable ally, providing expertise and perhaps even quests.Church or other site of worship - Spirituality plays a crucial role in many fantasy settings, so a church or other site of worship is a must. This place provides solace, guidance, and perhaps divine intervention. Food or wealth source - Every town needs a source of sustenance and income. This could be a farm, a mine, a fishing dock, or any other resource. It’s the lifeblood of the town’s economy and a potential source of conflict or adventure.Jail - The jail is where lawbreakers are kept, and it can be a grim reminder of the town’s darker side. It’s also a potential adventure site—whether your players are breaking someone out, investigating a mysterious prisoner, or serving time themselves.Hospice - A place of healing is vital for any community. The hospice, whether it’s a grand hospital or a healer’s cottage, offers medical care and respite for the sick and injured. It can be a haven for your players to recover, learn about local ailments, or meet knowledgeable healers who may need help with curing a mysterious disease.Criminal Layer or Resistance Base -  Every town has its shadows. A criminal lair or resistance base adds depth and intrigue. This hidden location is where rogues gather, plots are hatched, and rebellions are planned. Whether it's a thieves' guild, a rebel hideout, or a smuggler’s den, this place can provide players with under-the-table jobs, secret information, and morally complex decisions.Inn - Last but certainly not least is the inn. Similar to the tavern, the inn offers a place for travelers to rest, but it’s also a hub of activity where stories are shared and alliances are formed. The innkeeper can be a font of local lore, and the inn itself can be the starting point for many adventures.
Mentioned in this episode:
Shhhhhh!! This is a Secret!
Hey!
Here is a secret that Cayden and Tanner, hosts of the show don't know about.
You can go to session0studios.com/video-courses/ and get the first video of our Dungeon Master Course for Free, and then sign up for the next videos if you want.
Again, Cayden and Tanner don't know about this so keep it secret.
Dungeon Master Course
Follow us on Instagram
Thanks again for listening to our show. If you like our content and would like to engage with more of our content, head over to our Instagram...

Want to step up your crafting game in D&D? Think of implementing 3 aspects into your crafting: Skills/Proficiencies, Materials, and Place. These will help you make crafting attainable, story driven, and worth it for your players.
Mentioned in this episode:
Follow us on Instagram
Thanks again for listening to our show. If you like our content and would like to engage with more of our content, head over to our Instagram account, @howtobeabetterdm, and give us a follow. Make sure to watch some of our helpful Dungeon Master Rules videos to give yourself some structure and procedure as a Dungeon Master. Don’t forget to reach out with a DM and we can talk shop.
https://www.instagram.com/howtobeabetterdmpodcast/
Shhhhhh!! This is a Secret!
Hey!
Here is a secret that Cayden and Tanner, hosts of the show don't know about.
You can go to session0studios.com/video-courses/ and get the first video of our Dungeon Master Course for Free, and then sign up for the next videos if you want.
Again, Cayden and Tanner don't know about this so keep it secret.
Dungeon Master Course

Why 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 helping Dungeon Masters solve simple and complex problems with my cohosts for over 150 episodes now. We’ve talked with professional voice actors, writers, podcasters, and even real life blacksmiths, all to help you fix your DMing mistakes, and truly become the World’s Greatest DM.

As I mentioned today’s show is about helping you do Session Prep in a way that takes less time, far less mental stress, and helps you structure yourself to get finished faster and in a more complete way.

To do that, I give you the PUT A CLUE framework. Simply fulfill each of the aspects of this framework and your Session Prep is done.

The PUT A CLUE framework breaks down as follows:

Purpose: Understand the general goal and purpose of the session
Unfinished business: Wrap up and recap what happened in the last session
Timeline: Write down a general chronological plan of what you want to have happen
Acts and Arcs: Separate that timeline into a few acts (or scenes)
Characters: Prepare characters and their actions that are needed for the session
Locations: Prepare the setting and maps needed for the session
Unexpected: Prepare a twist or something unexpected for the session
Encounters: Flesh out the mechanics and final details of each encounter

Maybe it’s simplifying session prep, but in that case, GOOOD!

There’s no reason session prep has to drain your soul.

Try out the framework and see how it works for you.

Thanks for listening to today’s show.

This podcast is a part of the Session 0 Studios Network.


Mentioned in this episode:
Join Our Patreon
You may be asking yourself, “How do I get more out of How to Be a Better DM?” You probably want even more tips, more entertainment, or perhaps access to a secret society that rules the world… Well, we don’t rule the world yet, but it sounds like what you need is to join our Patreon. You’ll get access to our private Discord which will give you direct access to all the hosts of this show as well as other dungeon masters who are just like you. You’ll also be able to make fan requests for How to Be a Better DM. Lastly, you help support the show so we can give you even better content. Go to https://session0studios.com/startadventure and join our Patreon today!

Dive deep into the captivating world of blacksmithing in Dungeons & Dragons with our special guests Matt and Stan from Wasatch Forge. In this thrilling episode, we unravel the secrets of the blacksmith's shop, from forging blades to the mystical infusion of magic into steel. Discover the craft behind the art, and uncover how you can enhance your D&D experience with authentic blacksmithing knowledge. Don't miss out on this immersive journey into the heart of craftsmanship and adventure!
Welcome back to part 2 of our interview with Wasatch Forge. This is How to Be a Better DM, the show that is designed to help new or veteran dungeon masters become masters.
Today we dive back into Wasatch Forge for the 2nd part of our interview.
Check them out at https://www.wasatchforge.com/
From today's show you will:
Gain insights from master blacksmiths on accurately portraying a blacksmith shop in your D&D game.Learn about the tools and equipment essential for blacksmithing, including anvils, hammers, and forges.Explore the historical accuracy of blacksmithing techniques, debunking myths commonly seen in movies and games.Delve into the process of creating a Memorial Blade infused with the cremains of a loved one, blending artistry with emotion.Discover the potential for incorporating blacksmithing quests into your D&D campaigns, adding depth and authenticity to your storytelling.Get tips on managing player expectations regarding the availability and limitations of blacksmith services in-game.Gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and craftsmanship of blacksmiths, both in fantasy worlds and real life.

Mentioned in this episode:
Shhhhhh!! This is a Secret!
Hey!
Here is a secret that Cayden and Tanner, hosts of the show don't know about.
You can go to session0studios.com/video-courses/ and get the first video of our Dungeon Master Course for Free, and then sign up for the next videos if you want.
Again, Cayden and Tanner don't know about this so keep it secret.
Dungeon Master Course
Join Our Patreon
You may be asking yourself, “How do I get more out of How to Be a Better DM?” You probably want even more tips, more entertainment, or perhaps access to a secret society that rules the world… Well, we don’t rule the world yet, but it sounds like what you need is to join our Patreon. You’ll get access to our private Discord which will give you direct access to all the hosts of this show as well as other dungeon masters who are just like you. You’ll also be able to make fan requests for How to Be a Better DM. Lastly, you help support the show so we can give you even better content. Go to https://session0studios.com/startadventure and join our Patreon today!