Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology Podcast

Robert Walker
  • 4.8 (29)
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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."

  1. Emotional Regulation with Session Zero

    10/05/2025

    Emotional Regulation with Session Zero

    Text us, Psyclithids 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 matters so much, and how it sets the tone for your entire campaign. We’ll explore: Player Contracts: Setting clear expectations for behavior and table norms.Aligning Expectations: Making sure everyone’s on the same page about tone, style, and play focus.Safety Tools: How tools like the X-card and emotional check-ins act as guardrails to keep play fun and safe.The Art of the Break: Why stepping away from the table is one of the most powerful conflict-resolution tools you have.Plus, in Tricks of the Trade, I’ll share actionable steps for both players and DMs to strengthen collaboration, prevent burnout, and keep the story immersive. Because at the end of the day, conflict belongs in the narrative—not between the people around the table. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to make your next campaign smoother, safer, and more fun from the very first session. PatreonEtsyLinkTreeSession Zero The Player’s Handbook for Real Life Support the show Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0 Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/ Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/

    13 min
  2. Defense Mechanisms for RPGs: Realism at the Table

    10/01/2025

    Defense Mechanisms for RPGs: Realism at the Table

    Text us, Psyclithids 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 themselves from overwhelming stress—and explore how they can shape roleplay at the table. Drawing from the work of Sigmund Freud and Anna Freud, we’ll unpack four core defenses—repression, denial, rationalization, and projection—and show how they can bring depth and realism to your characters. You’ll hear practical examples of how both players and Dungeon Masters can weave these coping strategies into their games to create more immersive, emotionally resonant storytelling. Plus, in the Tricks of the Trade segment, we’ll break down how to use in-character defense mechanisms in subtle, believable ways that enhance immersion without slowing the pace of play. Whether you’re a player looking to breathe life into your character’s trauma or a DM wanting to design encounters that challenge the party on more than just hit points, this episode will give you the tools to make your game world feel more human—and more unforgettable. 🎲 Call to Action: Share your own stories of characters coping with trauma through defense mechanisms, or let me know what other psychological concepts you’d love to see explored in future episodes. PatreonEtsyLinkTreeSession Zero The Player’s Handbook for Real Life Support the show Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0 Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/ Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/

    18 min
  3. The Impostor Syndrome of the DM (a.k.a. The Matt Mercer Effect)

    09/28/2025

    The Impostor Syndrome of the DM (a.k.a. The Matt Mercer Effect)

    Text us, Psyclithids 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 Podcast, we dive into the psychology of impostor syndrome, why so many DMs struggle with it, and how to build real confidence in your storytelling. Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X   Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm    PatreonEtsyLinkTreeSession Zero The Player’s Handbook for Real Life Support the show Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0 Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/ Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/

    18 min

  4. 09/24/2025

    The Psychology of the Bard's Influence

    Text us, Psyclithids 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 the science of persuasion, charisma, and social influence. We’ll break down key psychological principles like reciprocity, liking, authority, and social proof, and connect them directly to bardic abilities such as Bardic Inspiration, Charm Person, and Hypnotic Pattern. Along the way, we’ll discuss why communication—even with NPCs—can transform your game world into a living, breathing story. Finally, I’ll share practical tips for bringing bardic charisma into your own life: how to listen actively, find common ground, and master your confidence both at the table and in the real world. Whether you’re a bard main or just want to level up your influence, this episode will inspire you to see the bard in a whole new light. ✨ Ways to Support the Show: 🎧 Patreon  🛍️ Etsy Shop (Games4Games)  📚 Books on Amazon:The Player’s Handbook for Real Life Session Zero: The DMG to Writing Great Campaigns in Any System PatreonEtsyLinkTreeSession Zero The Player’s Handbook for Real Life Support the show Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0 Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/ Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/

    14 min
  5. Cognitive Dissonance in Immersive TTRPGs

    09/21/2025

    Cognitive Dissonance in Immersive TTRPGs

    Text us, Psyclithids 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 phenomenon called cognitive dissonance. In this episode, we're diving deep into the psychology behind that gut-punch. We'll explore why our brains seek consistency, how to recognize dissonance in your own roleplaying, and—most importantly—how to use it as a powerful tool for character development. This isn't about making your game less fun; it's about making it more meaningful. Whether you're a player looking to create a more complex hero or a DM crafting dilemmas that will challenge your players, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore how to turn those moments of doubt into unforgettable character arcs. In this episode, you’ll discover: What cognitive dissonance is and why it's so uncomfortable.How to spot it in your own D&D games."Tricks of the Trade" for both players and DMs to embrace this psychological concept for richer storytelling.Keywords: Dungeons and Dragons, D&D, TTRPG, Psychology, Cognitive Dissonance, Roleplaying, Character Development, Dungeon Master, DM Tips, Player Advice, D&D Tips, RPG, tabletop games. Amazon Link to Session Zero    Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life   PatreonEtsyLinkTreeSession Zero The Player’s Handbook for Real Life Support the show Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0 Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/ Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/

    15 min

  6. 09/11/2025

    Critical Comeback: More Episodes, More Guests, More Psychology, New Directions

    Text us, Psyclithids 🎙️ 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. In this short episode, I share what’s ahead for the show: bigger guests, one-shots and mini-adventures, campaign updates, and brand-new tools and products designed to enhance your games and stories. I’m making this podcast and its expansion my primary focus, and I need your help to make it happen. We’ve been in the Top 10 RPG Podcasts before—right alongside Critical Role and Dimension 20—and with your support, we can climb back and go even further. ✨ Ways to Support the Show: 🎧 Patreon  🛍️ Etsy Shop (Games4Games)  📚 Books on Amazon:The Player’s Handbook for Real Life Session Zero: The DMG to Writing Great Campaigns in Any System  💡 Can’t support financially? You can still help by sharing the podcast, leaving a review, suggesting episode topics, or collaborating to grow the RPG community. Every bit of support matters. Thank you for keeping this adventure alive. The show is back on 9/21, and I can’t wait to see where we go next—together. PatreonEtsyLinkTreeSession Zero The Player’s Handbook for Real Life Support the show Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0 Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/ Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/

    10 min
  7. Using Statistics in TTRPGs to gain Advantage at the Table

    09/23/2024

    Using Statistics in TTRPGs to gain Advantage at the Table

    Text us, Psyclithids 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 psychology of chance, focusing on concepts like apophenia and the gambler's fallacy. Later Walker explains how understanding probability can help players and DMs make better statistical decisions, optimize character abilities, and choose more effective spells and attacks. He also discusses how mechanics like advantage and disadvantage impact gameplay, and offers practical tips for using statistics to enhance character performance. Viewers are encouraged to consider probability when building characters and making in-game decisions, ensuring a more strategic and immersive gameplay experience. Session Zero: The DMG to Writing Great Campaigns in Any System PatreonEtsyLinkTreeSession Zero The Player’s Handbook for Real Life Support the show Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0 Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/ Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/

    20 min

  8. 09/20/2024

    In-Depth with Tabletop Misfits: DM James Jackson on Immersive Storytelling & RPG Adventures

    Text us, Psyclithids In-Depth with Tabletop Misfits: GM James Jackson on Immersive Storytelling & RPG Adventures In this episode, we sit down with James Jackson from Tabletop Misfits to discuss the growth and evolution of Tabletop Misfits, from hosting multiple shows to their current staple, Tavern Talks. James shares his experience transitioning to a GM role on Gen Con TV's official Twitch channel, the intricacies of creating collaborative and immersive stories in Dungeons & Dragons, and his approach to making each character's backstory integral to the game world. The conversation also delves into the impact of unique storytelling methods and episodic adventures in RPGs, along with James' upcoming projects for Tabletop Misfits in 2025, including new campaigns, collaborations, and live events. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:13 Tabletop Misfits Journey 01:11 Gen Con TV Opportunity 02:09 Collaborative Storytelling in D&D 04:43 Character Backstories and Immersion 06:50 Unique Campaigns and Player Investment 27:50 Episodic vs. Long-Form Campaigns 33:09 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Follow Tabletop Misfits PatreonEtsyLinkTreeSession Zero The Player’s Handbook for Real Life PatreonEtsy Support LinkTreeSession Zero The Player’s Handbook for Real Life Support the show Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0 Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/ Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/

    38 min
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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."

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