The Bearded Nerd Podcast

Brian
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Do you dream of building immersive worlds for tabletop roleplaying games but don’t know where to start? Are you eager to learn the art of world-building and become a Game Master who brings stories to life? Welcome to The Bearded Nerd Podcast, your go-to resource for all things TTRPG and world-building. In this podcast, we explore the craft of creating dynamic and engaging worlds for your tabletop games. Whether you’re looking for tips on geography, lore, or designing cultures, we’ve got you covered. We also dive deep into the role of the Game Master, helping you feel confident behind the screen and fostering a community of like-minded creators. Each episode features guests from across the TTRPG and nerd culture, including authors, world-building experts, and game designers, who share their insights and experiences. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and inspiration you need to create unforgettable worlds and adventures for your players. If you’re ready to level up your storytelling and world-building skills, hit subscribe and join the community. Let’s build incredible worlds together. Much Love & Keep Gaming!

  1. 14 H FA

    Designing Natural Wonders and Landmarks for Your World

    Natural wonders and landmarks can make your D&D world unforgettable — even if you’re a brand-new Game Master. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian explains how to design inspiring, memorable locations that spark player curiosity and generate adventures naturally. You’ll learn: Why landmarks matter more than lore How to create memorable fantasy locations A simple 4-step landmark creation formula Beginner-friendly world-building advice Practical examples you can use immediately Perfect for new GMs building their first campaign world. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and check out our social media links here. Keep Gaming!

    16 min

  2. 4 FEB

    What to Do When Players Go Off Script (A Guide for New Game Masters)

    Improvisation is one of the most intimidating skills for new Game Masters. What happens when players ignore your prep, ask unexpected questions, or make choices you didn’t plan for? In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian breaks down how improvisation actually works for GMs, why it feels difficult at first, and how new Dungeon Masters can think on their feet without panic or railroading. This episode focuses on simple tools, practical frameworks, and real examples to help beginner GMs stay confident when sessions don’t go according to plan. Topics Covered: Why improvisation feels scary for new GMs What improvisation really is (and isn’t) How to respond logically to unexpected player choices Simple improv tools every GM can use How to keep the game moving without overthinking Perfect for new Game Masters running their first campaigns. Support the Podcast by subscribing and checking out this link

    22 min

  3. 26 GEN

    What Every New Player Needs to Know About Playing Dungeons & Dragons in 2026

    Starting Dungeons & Dragons can feel overwhelming — especially for new players, parents, or adults curious about the game later in life. Do you need to know the rules? Buy books? Have experience? In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian explains how D&D actually works, what new players truly need to start playing in 2026, and how to find welcoming, beginner-friendly tables both online and in person. This episode focuses on lowering barriers to entry, setting realistic expectations, and helping new players enjoy the game without pressure or confusion. Topics Covered What Dungeons & Dragons is (and isn’t) Do you need to know the rules to play D&D? What new players need to start playing Online vs in-person D&D in 2026 Finding beginner-friendly D&D groups Paid Dungeon Masters and professional games What makes a good first D&D experience Is it too late to start playing D&D? This episode is ideal for: Brand-new D&D players Parents whose kids want to play D&D Adults curious about tabletop RPGs New Dungeon Masters running beginner tables Beginner resources, guides, and tools are available in the show notes. Learn to play D&D with me Join our Discord community here Check out Patreon for beginner friendly resources

    22 min

  4. 19 GEN

    Designing Encounters That Aren’t About Winning or Losing

    Episode Description Not every encounter needs a clear win condition. Some of the most memorable moments at the table happen when players are forced to make difficult choices, weigh consequences, and live with the results. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian explores how to design non-binary encounters — social, moral, and environmental situations where success isn’t defined by victory or failure, but by values, tradeoffs, and impact. You’ll learn how to move beyond “beat the enemy” or “pass the check” design and start creating encounters that challenge how players think about their characters, the world, and their role within it. What You’ll Learn Why binary win/lose encounters can flatten long-term play What defines a non-binary encounter How to design social encounters without a single “right” roll How moral dilemmas deepen character and story Using environmental challenges as meaningful choices, not obstacles How to run these encounters without forcing outcomes This episode is ideal for Game Masters who want more immersive roleplay, deeper storytelling, and sessions that players talk about long after the dice stop rolling. Support the Podcast Check out the toolkit here on Patreon.  Purchase some quality hand-made soap on Dungeon Soap and use "Bearded10" for 10% off your entire order. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and check out our social media by clicking this link.

    11 min

  5. 12 GEN

    How to Recover a Campaign After a Bad Session

    Episode Description Every Game Master has run a session that just didn’t land. The pacing was off, the energy dropped, and everyone left the table feeling a little deflated. One bad session can make even experienced GMs question their campaign — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian breaks down how to recover after a bad session, diagnose what actually went wrong, and rebuild momentum without rewriting your entire campaign. This episode focuses on practical steps you can take immediately to restore confidence, re-engage your players, and keep a single off night from turning into a dead campaign. What You’ll Learn How to identify what truly makes a session “bad” Why overcorrecting often makes things worse How to check in with players without killing momentum Ways to fix forward instead of retconning everything How to design a recovery session that rebuilds morale Whether you’re a new GM or a seasoned Dungeon Master, this episode gives you the tools to bounce back stronger and keep your story moving. Support the Podcast Check out the toolkit here on Patreon so that you can recover from a bad session.  Purchase some quality hand-made soap on Dungeon Soap and use "Bearded10" for 10% off your entire order. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and check out our social media by clicking this link.

    19 min

  6. 5 GEN

    Why Being Healthy Makes You a Better Game Master | A Conversation with Joe Cebula

    In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian sits down with Joe Cebula — a longtime Game Master, fitness coach, and creator of the YouTube channel Joe Lounge — for a conversation about how personal health, mindset, and sustainability directly impact how we experience tabletop roleplaying games. Joe shares his personal approach to GMing, how his background in fitness and coaching shapes the way he runs tables, and why taking care of your physical and mental health can lead to better focus, stronger table presence, and more enjoyable sessions. This episode isn’t about min-maxing stats or mastering rules — it’s about showing up to the table with energy, clarity, and intention, and finding ways to enjoy the hobby long-term without burnout. Whether you’re a Game Master behind the screen or a player trying to balance real life with the hobby you love, this conversation offers a grounded, practical perspective on how health and gaming intersect. Support the Podcast Check out the toolkit here on Patreon so that you can recover from a bad session.  Purchase some quality hand-made soap on Dungeon Soap and use "Bearded10" for 10% off your entire order. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and check out our social media by clicking this link.  Follow Joe on Instagram here.

    1 h 42 min

  7. 29/12/2025

    When to Say No (And How to Say It Without Killing the Fun)

    Every Game Master eventually faces a moment where they need to say “no” — whether it’s to a rules-breaking request, a tone-shifting idea, or behavior that risks the fun at the table. But saying no doesn’t have to feel confrontational or kill creativity. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian breaks down when a GM should say no, why it matters, and how to do it in a way that protects the game and keeps players engaged. This episode focuses on setting healthy boundaries, making confident rulings, and maintaining table authority without becoming the “fun police.” What You’ll Learn Why saying no is one of a GM’s most important tools Situations where saying yes causes long-term problems How to phrase rulings so players feel heard and respected Techniques for redirecting ideas instead of shutting them down How consistency builds trust and table confidence Whether you’re a new GM or a seasoned Dungeon Master, this episode will help you protect your table, your story, and your sanity — without sacrificing fun. Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, be sure to check out our sponsor Dungeon Soap for all your bath-care needs and use "Bearded10" for 10% off your entire order. In addition, I'd love to invite you to Patreon where you will receive: Early Access Exclusive content 1:1 interactions with a like-minded community Keep Gaming!

    17 min

  8. 22/12/2025

    Running Games for Mixed Experience Tables

    Running a tabletop RPG for players with different experience levels can feel overwhelming. How do you keep veterans engaged without intimidating new players? How do you teach the game without slowing everything to a crawl? In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian breaks down practical strategies for running games with veteran players, casual players, and brand-new players at the same table—without burning out or losing momentum. What You’ll Learn: Why mixed-experience tables are challenging—and why they’re worth it How to set expectations that support new players and veterans alike Spotlight management techniques that keep everyone engaged How to handle rules questions without killing the pace of the game Session design tips that let every player shine Whether you’re running a home game, a public table, or introducing new players to the hobby, this episode gives you tools to turn mixed experience into one of your table’s greatest strengths. Click the link to support the podcast and keep the podcast going!

    19 min
Elenco completo (100)

Descrizione

Do you dream of building immersive worlds for tabletop roleplaying games but don’t know where to start? Are you eager to learn the art of world-building and become a Game Master who brings stories to life? Welcome to The Bearded Nerd Podcast, your go-to resource for all things TTRPG and world-building. In this podcast, we explore the craft of creating dynamic and engaging worlds for your tabletop games. Whether you’re looking for tips on geography, lore, or designing cultures, we’ve got you covered. We also dive deep into the role of the Game Master, helping you feel confident behind the screen and fostering a community of like-minded creators. Each episode features guests from across the TTRPG and nerd culture, including authors, world-building experts, and game designers, who share their insights and experiences. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and inspiration you need to create unforgettable worlds and adventures for your players. If you’re ready to level up your storytelling and world-building skills, hit subscribe and join the community. Let’s build incredible worlds together. Much Love & Keep Gaming!

Informazioni

  • Creatore
    Brian
  • Anni di attività
    2020 - 2026
  • Puntate
    100
  • Classificazione
    Contenuti espliciti
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
  • Sito web del podcast
    The Bearded Nerd Podcast