Director's Dungeon

Build Something Media

Director’s Dungeon is a conversation-driven podcast about the people behind the games we play—and the stories that make them matter. Hosted by filmmaker and storyteller Chris Moreland, this series began as an offshoot of Roll For Togetherness (formerly 50 Years of Fantasy), a documentary exploring the cultural legacy of Dungeons & Dragons and tabletop roleplaying games. But as the documentary evolved, so did the community around it—and Director’s Dungeon emerged as a space to slow down, dig deeper, and talk directly with the creatives shaping the future of storytelling in games. Each episode features a guest from the wider world of tabletop and interactive media: game designers, dungeon masters, performers, producers, and even veterans of the original TSR days. You’ll hear from names like Frank Mentzer, co-creator of the Red Box era of D&D; Clint McElroy of The Adventure Zone; and The GM Tim, known for theatrical storytelling and immersive live games. But you’ll also meet artists, activists, and behind-the-scenes builders whose names may not be household yet—but whose impact is deeply felt in the communities they serve. This isn’t your average game history podcast. Chris approaches each conversation less as a host and more as a curious collaborator—someone who’s worked in the trenches of film, games, and event production, and who knows the power of asking the right question at the right moment. Interviews are relaxed, personal, and unscripted—just two (or more) people swapping stories and insights from across the creative spectrum. What binds the episodes together is a love of narrative craft, community-building, and the evolving ecosystem of play. Whether it’s a chat about military service and nonprofit grant-writing with Kaylee York, or a deep-dive into horror performance and Call of Cthulhu live tours with Mark Meer, Director’s Dungeon is always looking for the why behind the what. What drives someone to pour hundreds of hours into a homebrew campaign? Why does collaborative fiction matter in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms? What lessons can we learn from 40 years of dice rolls? And like any good dungeon, it’s a little messy. Some episodes start with mic issues. Others get derailed by talk of mycology, mini painting, or the emotional gut-punch of winning (or losing) at a film festival. But every conversation returns to the human element: the relationships, risks, and rewrites that define life in the creative world.

Episodes

  1. Thor Knai - Rebel Moon Actor & Professional Dungeonmaster

    AUG 7

    Thor Knai - Rebel Moon Actor & Professional Dungeonmaster

    In this episode of the Director's Dungeon podcast, Chris and Katie Moreland are joined by actor and game designer Thor Knai, and video game special effects artist David “DJ” Johnson. Together, they jump into their shared experiences at D&D in a Castle, discuss the art of Dungeon Mastering, and explore the creative processes behind immersive storytelling. Episode Highlights: • D&D in a Castle Adventures: Thor and DJ recount their time at D&D in a Castle, sharing memorable moments and the unique atmosphere of playing Dungeons & Dragons in a historic setting. • Mastering the Game: The trio discusses techniques for creating engaging campaigns, balancing player dynamics, and the importance of collaborative storytelling in tabletop gaming. • Behind the Scenes with Thor Knai: Thor offers insights into his acting career, including his role as Hjalmar in Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon films. He also shares his passion for integrating Norse mythology into his game design. • Visual Effects and Gaming with DJ: DJ talks about his work with Undertone FX, highlighting the intersection of visual effects and gaming, and how his professional expertise enhances his approach to game mastering. Connect with Us: • 50 Years of Fantasy: • Website: 50yearsoffantasy.com • Facebook: 50 Years of Fantasy on Facebook • Instagram: @dnd50years • X (formerly Twitter): @50yearsoffantasy • YouTube: 50 Years of Fantasy Channel • Undertone FX: Explore the world of real-time visual effects at undertonefx.com. • Thor Knai: Learn more about Thor’s acting career on his IMDb page. • D&D in a Castle: Discover the ultimate immersive D&D experience at dndinacastle.com. Join us for an engaging conversation that bridges the worlds of acting, game design, and the enduring legacy of fantasy storytelling. Support the film at: https://www.50yearsoffantasy.com/fantasy-fund Follow our progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50yearsoffantasy X: https://x.com/50YrsofFantasy Instagram: @dnd50years Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/50yearsoffantasy/ Produced by: Build Something Media

    52 min
  2. His work includes Halo, COD:MW, and Mortal Kombat One. Undertone FX's founder, David "DJ" Johnson

    JUL 17

    His work includes Halo, COD:MW, and Mortal Kombat One. Undertone FX's founder, David "DJ" Johnson

    David Johnson is an award winning Visual FX artist, CEO of Undertone FX, and the most passionate Dungeons and Dragons fan on the planet. 1.DJ’s Legendary D&D Room •Imagine a room packed wall-to-wall with every edition of D&D books, custom-built gaming tables (complete with slots for whiskey glasses!), and hundreds of meticulously organized minis. DJ walks us through his collection and how he uses it to bring unforgettable moments to life at his gaming table. •Want to see his setup? It's in this episode. 2.The Gamer Assistance Program (GAP): Giving Back to the RPG Industry •Learn how GAP helps RPG designers, writers, and artists who’ve given us so much joy but often didn’t have access to retirement plans or healthcare. From covering medical bills to providing a new roof, GAP steps in when it matters most. •Support the cause or nominate someone in need: Page Charity. 3.Making Games Magical •DJ’s gameplay is anything but ordinary. Whether he’s using a soundboard for character voices, painting live terrain during a game, or literally decapitating miniatures to match the story, he takes immersion to the next level. •Curious about DJ’s adventures? Watch highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from his games on his YouTube channel. 4.Creating a Welcoming Space for New Players •DJ talks about running one-shots and campaigns for players of all experience levels. From high-octane adventures like Randy Macho Man Strahd to long-form campaigns, DJ’s goal is always the same: to ignite a love for storytelling and tabletop gaming. 5.The Human Element of D&D •We discuss the beauty of D&D as a platform for connection. Whether you’re a fan of 1st Edition, 5th Edition, or a homebrew mix, the passion unites us all. As DJ says, “In the end, it’s all about storytelling with people you care about.” Support the film at: https://www.50yearsoffantasy.com/fantasy-fund Follow our progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50yearsoffantasy X: https://x.com/50YrsofFantasy Instagram: @dnd50years Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/50yearsoffantasy/ Produced by: Build Something Media

    16 min
  3. Agency in Gaming: David Andrew Laws Talks Narrative and TTRPGs

    JUL 15

    Agency in Gaming: David Andrew Laws Talks Narrative and TTRPGs

    In this episode of Directors Dungeon, Chris Moreland sits down with David Andrew Laws, a passionate creator and co-founder of the popular 20-Sided Tavern. David takes us through his journey of blending storytelling and gameplay, creating immersive experiences for Dungeons & Dragons and tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) fans around the world. David's love for D&D began in his childhood, where his stepdad, a devoted D&D player, introduced him to the world of sourcebooks and miniatures. Early on, David was captivated by the infinite possibilities that D&D offered, not just as a game but as a way to explore creativity and identity. This fascination with D&D would evolve into a deeper connection with role-playing games as a means of self-exploration, something he shares in this episode. A major highlight of David's career has been the creation of 20-Sided Tavern, a groundbreaking live D&D show. He explains how the idea grew from an experiment in his basement to a full-scale international show. With co-creator Sarah Davis Reynolds, David reimagined how D&D could be experienced, turning the audience into active participants. The 20-Sided Tavern has allowed fans to not only watch but also engage in the storytelling, making every session unique and unpredictable. David explains how the blend of agency, curiosity, and joy has become the foundation of their work, and how this philosophy continues to shape everything they create. Throughout the episode, David reflects on the importance of agency in TTRPGs, emphasizing how critical it is for players to feel that their decisions have real consequences. For David, the game is not just about dice rolls but about authentic choices made by characters in a world full of infinite possibilities. This mindset is something he has carried into his work at 20-Sided Tavern, ensuring that each game is crafted with care, making every player's actions impactful and every outcome rewarding. David also shares his love for the performative aspects of D&D. As an actor and storyteller, he found a natural connection to role-playing, where he could immerse himself in imaginary circumstances and create dynamic characters. His personal character, Tamberlain the Greatest, has become a throughline in his gaming life, appearing not only in 20-Sided Tavern sessions but also in video games like Fallout New Vegas and Skyrim, showcasing the deeper connection between player and character. Instagram: @davidandrewlawsX (formerly Twitter): @DavidAndrewLawsTikTok: @davidandrewlawsOfficial Website: davidandrewlaws.comInstagram: @thetwentysidedtavernTikTok: @thetwentysidedtavernOfficial Website: thetwentysidedtavern.comSupport the film at: https://www.50yearsoffantasy.com/fantasy-fund Follow our progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50yearsoffantasy X: https://x.com/50YrsofFantasy Instagram: @dnd50years Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/50yearsoffantasy/ Produced by: Build Something Media

    16 min
  4. The Adventure Zone Podcast Co-Creator, Clint McElroy on Storytelling, Family, and the Magic of Dungeons & Dragons

    JUL 10

    The Adventure Zone Podcast Co-Creator, Clint McElroy on Storytelling, Family, and the Magic of Dungeons & Dragons

    In this episode of the Director's Dungeon podcast, my wife Katie and I sit down with Clint McElroy, co-creator of The Adventure Zone, veteran storyteller, and longtime radio host, to discuss the power of Dungeons & Dragons as a storytelling medium. Clint shares how his background in theater and improvisation has shaped his approach to running RPGs, the unexpected journey that turned The Adventure Zone into a global phenomenon, and his experiences DMing at D&D in a Castle inside England’s historic Lumley Castle. Along the way, we talk about family, creativity, and the unique way RPGs bring people together. Episode Highlights 🎲 D&D in a Castle – Clint’s experience running Adventure Zone-inspired games inside a real medieval fortress. 🎭 Theater & Role-Playing – How Clint’s acting and directing background helped shape his approach to D&D. 📖 Storytelling & Character Growth – Why D&D characters (and players) should evolve over time. 👨‍👩‍👦 Family & Fantasy – How The Adventure Zone started as a family game and became a worldwide success. 🎙 Chris’ Journey into D&D – How the making of 50 Years of Fantasy led him to start playing for the first time. Clint also reflects on how RPGs create safe spaces for creativity and self-expression, and we share some unforgettable stories from D&D in a Castle, including smuggling candy across borders and the infamous Slim Jim incident. Listen Now & Connect with Us 🔗 Follow Clint McElroy: • Website: The McElroy Family • Instagram: @mrbethere 🔗 Follow 50 Years of Fantasy • Website: 50yearsoffantasy.com • Facebook: 50 Years of Fantasy on Facebook • Instagram: @dnd50years • YouTube: 50 Years of Fantasy Channel ✨ Join us for an episode full of laughter, insight, and the kind of storytelling magic that makes Dungeons & Dragons truly special. Support the film at: https://www.50yearsoffantasy.com/fantasy-fund Follow our progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50yearsoffantasy X: https://x.com/50YrsofFantasy Instagram: @dnd50years Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/50yearsoffantasy/ Produced by: Build Something Media

    37 min
  5. The Gygax Legacy: Honoring Gary and Building the Future of Gaming with Heidi & Erik Garland

    JUL 8

    The Gygax Legacy: Honoring Gary and Building the Future of Gaming with Heidi & Erik Garland

    In this episode of Directors Dungeon, Chris Moreland sits down with Heidi Gygax Garland and her husband Erik Garland to talk about the legacy of Gary Gygax, the co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons. Heidi, Gary's daughter, shares her personal perspective on growing up in a household where gaming was a huge part of everyday life. She talks about what it was like being the child of a man who would change the world of tabletop games forever, and how his work impacted her family and the wider gaming community. Heidi opens up about some of the special memories she has from her childhood, showing a side of Gary that many people don’t get to see. Erik joins in with his own thoughts, helping to broaden the conversation about the role of gaming, storytelling, and family. Together, they offer a unique look at how Dungeons & Dragons grew from a home project to a worldwide phenomenon. The episode also covers EGGCon, the convention Heidi and Erik started to honor Gary’s legacy. Heidi talks about the hard work that went into organizing the event, which quickly became a success. From the early planning stages to hosting their second EGGCon, they share their experiences of building a community around their father’s impact on the world of gaming. The conversation highlights not only the challenges of running a convention but also the joy that comes from bringing together people who share a love for gaming and its history. Listeners will also hear about Heidi’s own journey into the gaming world. She talks about how she’s continued her father’s work by contributing to various writing projects and helping keep his legacy alive. Throughout the episode, Heidi and Erik touch on how the gaming community has changed, with a particular focus on the increasing involvement of women in the gaming scene, something Heidi is passionate about. This episode is a special look at Gary Gygax’s legacy, not just in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, but in the lives of his family. It’s a celebration of how games can bring people together, tell stories, and leave a lasting mark on the world. Fans of Dungeons & Dragons and anyone interested in gaming history will find this conversation both informative and heartfelt. 🧙‍♀️ Heidi Gygax Garland’s Social Media Instagram: @gaxland — Heidi shares updates about their tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) projects and events. X (formerly Twitter): @heidigygax — She posts about game design, family, and their creative projects. LinkedIn: Heidi Gygax Garland — She shares professional updates, including their Kickstarter campaign for Dragon Derby: The Sport of Wizards. Facebook: GAXLAND — The official page for their gaming company, featuring product announcements and event information. StoryCorps Interview: Support the film at: https://www.50yearsoffantasy.com/fantasy-fund Follow our progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50yearsoffantasy X: https://x.com/50YrsofFantasy Instagram: @dnd50years Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/50yearsoffantasy/ Produced by: Build Something Media

    48 min
  6. You can play D&D in the Real Hawkins, Indiana.

    JUL 3

    You can play D&D in the Real Hawkins, Indiana.

    While Chris was on the road interviewing game designers in Jackson, Katie stepped into the host chair for this special episode with Vinnie Notobartolo—Dungeon Master, tour guide, and local legend at Hawkins Headquarters in Jackson, Georgia, the real-world backdrop for Stranger Things. Once a quiet Southern town, Jackson became an unlikely pilgrimage site for Netflix fans after it was used as the primary stand-in for Hawkins, Indiana. And tucked between those filming locations is a small shop where, on the first Friday of every month, Vinnie brings something else to life: a Stranger Things–themed Dungeons & Dragons game open to newcomers and veterans alike. In this episode, Vinnie shares how he fell in love with D&D after seeing a TV commercial for TSR in the '80s—how the promise of “products for your imagination” still resonates with him today. He talks about the appeal of simple rule sets, the joy of introducing first-time players to collaborative storytelling, and how he’s kept his game inclusive, accessible, and true to the spirit of open-ended adventure. Katie and Vinnie also explore the culture of play in small towns, the crossover between fandom tourism and tabletop gaming, and how every session becomes a kind of community theater—new players meeting for the first time, improvising together, and walking away as if they’ve known each other for years. We also get a glimpse into the mechanics Vinnie uses at the table—pulling inspiration from fast-and-loose homebrew systems, alternate defense rules, and a love for drama over crunch. His philosophy is simple: give people a reason to come back, but never make them feel like they have to. Get Tickets and Play Games With Vinnie in Hawkins. https://www.strangertours.com/special-events Support the film at: https://www.50yearsoffantasy.com/fantasy-fund Follow our progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50yearsoffantasy X: https://x.com/50YrsofFantasy Instagram: @dnd50years Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/50yearsoffantasy/ Produced by: Build Something Media

    14 min
  7. Theatrical Worldbuilder and Co-Creator of the Interactive D&D Stage Show The Twenty-Sided Tavern

    JUL 1

    Theatrical Worldbuilder and Co-Creator of the Interactive D&D Stage Show The Twenty-Sided Tavern

    sIn this episode of Directors Dungeon, we’re joined by Sarah Davis Reynolds, a performer, designer, and co-creator of The Twenty-Sided Tavern—an interactive live D&D-inspired stage show that’s as much about audience collaboration as it is about rolling dice.  What started as a homebrew theater-meets-tabletop experiment has evolved into a fully licensed Dungeons & Dragons production backed by Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro.  Sarah takes us through the creative origins of The Twenty-Sided Tavern, a project born out of the overlap between two communities she knew well: theater artists and lifelong tabletop players. Along with collaborator David Andrew Laws, Sarah noticed a missing link in the world of actual play: something that didn’t just put a game on stage, but actively brought the audience into the fold—making every seat in the house part of the party. Their early shows leaned into chaos, homebrew mechanics, and crowd-sourced storytelling. It was only later that Hasbro took notice, eventually partnering to bring the show into the D&D canon—with all the ampersands and brand approvals that come with it. We talk about what it’s like to negotiate that line between artistic vision and official lore, and how the show balances structured mechanics with the unpredictability of 500 audience members—many of whom are, as Sarah lovingly calls them, “chaos gremlins.” She shares insights on building game systems for live performance, working within (and around) corporate IP, and the joy of watching a room full of strangers become adventurers together. But the conversation moves beyond the show itself. Sarah opens up about what roleplaying games have meant to her personally: how they’ve helped her make sense of the world, maintain hope, and build lasting communities. She speaks about conventions as both gateways for new players and gathering grounds for old friends, and about the power of games to offer not just escape—but connection. One story involves midnight D&D in the main hall at PAX Unplugged. Another includes naming a mountain range the “Fieri Mountains” with frosted tips. It’s exactly what you want from a D&D table—and a reminder that laughter and storytelling are often the same thing. We also get a sneak peek at her next project, The Mechanics Guild, an actual play podcast where the game system changes every five episodes, exploring how different mechanics shape character arcs and storytelling. It’s thoughtful, experimental, and absolutely worth keeping an eye on. This is a conversation about building worlds—on stage, on paper, and among people. It’s about finding joy in the weird corners of collaborative play. And it’s about the very real work it takes to make something feel like magic. Sarah Davis Reynolds – LinkedIn – Co‑Creator & Game Designer of Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty‑Sided Tavern  Cast & Creative – The Twenty‑Sided Tavern – Official show page featuring Sarah’s role as Tavern Keeper/designer  “A Day in the Life” Video – YouTube – Behind-the-scenes glimpse of Sarah at work on Support the film at: https://www.50yearsoffantasy.com/fantasy-fund Follow our progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50yearsoffantasy X: https://x.com/50YrsofFantasy Instagram: @dnd50years Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/50yearsoffantasy/ Produced by: Build Something Media

    21 min
  8. His Red Box Set Inspired Stranger Things and Sold 40 Million Copies in the 80s.

    JUN 26

    His Red Box Set Inspired Stranger Things and Sold 40 Million Copies in the 80s.

    In this episode of Directors Dungeon, I sit down with Frank Mentzer—a name etched deeply into the foundations of tabletop gaming. Best known as the author of the Red Box edition of Dungeons & Dragons, Frank is more than a game designer.  He’s a storyteller, an archivist, and a witness to the formative years of a cultural movement. Over the course of our conversation, he opens the doors to a lifetime of design, discovery, and one of the largest privately held collections of games in the world—more than 10,000 and counting. We begin with “the hoard,” as he calls it: an astonishing array of vintage board games, RPGs, and ephemera stored across multiple locations. But this isn't just a collector's habit. For Frank, it's a record of the 20th century told through mass-market games—their box art, their design sensibilities, and the assumptions they made about who played and why. From post-war optimism to television tie-ins like Bewitched and Gilligan’s Island, the collection traces the contours of American culture long before digital entertainment took over. But the conversation doesn’t stay in the past. Frank walks us through his early days at TSR, where a job posting led to a career that would help define the hobby. He reflects on his role in rewriting the D&D Basic Set—transforming it from a niche war game into an accessible entry point for millions. We talk about the unexpected turns: editing Gary Gygax’s work, running tournaments at Gen Con, and building worlds designed for collaboration over conflict. His philosophy on gaming emphasizes cooperation, storytelling, and world-building over conquest—a deliberate departure from the competitive mechanics that dominated the wargaming scene he came from. As someone who has played and designed for nearly five decades, Frank offers rare insight into how the tabletop space has evolved—and how some of the best ideas were lost, shelved, or stolen along the way. He discusses the archival material he’s preserved, including manuscripts, internal memos, and original drafts from TSR's most pivotal years. Whether these will be donated, sold, or published is still undecided—but the urgency to preserve them is clear. More than a retrospective, this episode is a meditation on memory, legacy, and the quiet labor of keeping a creative history alive. Frank isn’t chasing a final payday. He’s trying to make sure the stories—and the stuff—don’t disappear. It’s a conversation filled with humor, candor, and a kind of awe that only comes from someone who’s seen it all, yet still finds joy in a dusty game box or an obscure ruleset. If you're a fan of RPGs, cultural history, or just love a good story well told, this episode captures something essential about why these games matter—and why preserving their history is a project worth doing. Support the film at: https://www.50yearsoffantasy.com/fantasy-fund Follow our progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50yearsoffantasy X: https://x.com/50YrsofFantasy Instagram: @dnd50years Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/50yearsoffantasy/ Produced by: Build Something Media

    46 min
  9. JUN 24

    Meet the Director of This Dungeon

    Welcome to the Director's Dungeon podcast, where we pull back the curtain on the making of the upcoming documentary, Roll For Togetherness, formerly 50 Years of Fantasy. Hosted by Katie, this podcast takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey with the film’s director (and her husband), Chris Moreland. Together, they explore the creative process, the challenges of filmmaking, and the joyful community that has grown around Dungeons & Dragons over the past five decades. In this episode, we discuss: •The origins of the 50 Years of Fantasy documentary •The joy of connecting with creators, fans, and innovators across the world •How D&D’s mechanics and ethos have influenced modern gaming and pop culture •The responsibility of authentically telling this story Join us as we share stories from nearly 60,000 miles of travel, including visits to iconic locations like Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (the birthplace of D&D), Lucas Oil Stadium during GenCon, and even a 600-year-old castle in Northern England. Whether you’re a lifelong tabletop gamer or simply curious about the cultural phenomenon of D&D, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the people, art, and imagination behind this enduring legacy. Want more exclusive content? Subscribe to our Patreon for full interviews, raw footage, and a peek into our post-production process. Whether you’re in the Insider Tier ($5/month) or Director’s Tier ($10/month), you’ll enjoy a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes insights. Explore more about the film at www.50YearsOfFantasy.com and stay connected for updates. Join us in celebrating half a century of storytelling, creativity, and connection.  Support the film at: https://www.50yearsoffantasy.com/fantasy-fund Follow our progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50yearsoffantasy X: https://x.com/50YrsofFantasy Instagram: @dnd50years Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/50yearsoffantasy/ Produced by: Build Something Media

    24 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Director’s Dungeon is a conversation-driven podcast about the people behind the games we play—and the stories that make them matter. Hosted by filmmaker and storyteller Chris Moreland, this series began as an offshoot of Roll For Togetherness (formerly 50 Years of Fantasy), a documentary exploring the cultural legacy of Dungeons & Dragons and tabletop roleplaying games. But as the documentary evolved, so did the community around it—and Director’s Dungeon emerged as a space to slow down, dig deeper, and talk directly with the creatives shaping the future of storytelling in games. Each episode features a guest from the wider world of tabletop and interactive media: game designers, dungeon masters, performers, producers, and even veterans of the original TSR days. You’ll hear from names like Frank Mentzer, co-creator of the Red Box era of D&D; Clint McElroy of The Adventure Zone; and The GM Tim, known for theatrical storytelling and immersive live games. But you’ll also meet artists, activists, and behind-the-scenes builders whose names may not be household yet—but whose impact is deeply felt in the communities they serve. This isn’t your average game history podcast. Chris approaches each conversation less as a host and more as a curious collaborator—someone who’s worked in the trenches of film, games, and event production, and who knows the power of asking the right question at the right moment. Interviews are relaxed, personal, and unscripted—just two (or more) people swapping stories and insights from across the creative spectrum. What binds the episodes together is a love of narrative craft, community-building, and the evolving ecosystem of play. Whether it’s a chat about military service and nonprofit grant-writing with Kaylee York, or a deep-dive into horror performance and Call of Cthulhu live tours with Mark Meer, Director’s Dungeon is always looking for the why behind the what. What drives someone to pour hundreds of hours into a homebrew campaign? Why does collaborative fiction matter in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms? What lessons can we learn from 40 years of dice rolls? And like any good dungeon, it’s a little messy. Some episodes start with mic issues. Others get derailed by talk of mycology, mini painting, or the emotional gut-punch of winning (or losing) at a film festival. But every conversation returns to the human element: the relationships, risks, and rewrites that define life in the creative world.