Shapeshift

Shapeshift is one of my all-time favorite Actual Play podcasts. I know part of the concept is listening to Amber's journey as she becomes a more experienced GM, but honestly, she's pretty great right from the start. They are a fun, funny, creative GM who breathes incredible life into their NPCs (and does some truly excellent character voices). Really, the whole cast is a lot of fun; they have a great dynamic together, and I love the ways they play off of each other and the fun characters they create. Nothing brightens my day like hearing everybody in the show all crack up at an off-the-cuff joke or at a completely absurd character. The Ryuutama campaigns are the majority and the highlight of the podcast. They are a wonderful look at a game with a very different tone than most fantasy adventure games -- less focus on combat, more focus on day-to-day traveling, exploration of mysterious sites, and cuddling very cute baby bears. But all of the one-shots are a lot of fun too; my personal favorite of those is the ridiculous Fiasco game. Poor Cilantro! TL;DR: Listen to Shapeshift now… and discover the legend of Mr. Becky Ann.

Amber has become a fantastic GM over the year! Her Ryuutama campaign is so pure and a joy to listen to. I look forward to her future games and wish I could be playing in them.

The premise is a player learning to become a GM, but the host is already great at what she does. Equal parts cute and hilarious. The ongoing Ryuutama campaign is a delight, and the group dynamic is 👌👌👌

I was made aware of this podcast through a post on the Ryuutama Google Plus Community and I've enjoyed every bit of the Ryuutama game so far. I listen to it while I work at least twice a week. Dead-eyed Guy Fieri is probably my favorite so far.