I was looking for a podcast that wasn’t just a bunch of play through of their sessions/campaigns- or some sort of debrief of past sessions. I wanted to hear from other DMs having conversations about aspects of various TTRPGS and this is EXACTLY what I wanted. Super informative, super cool ideas being shared and very fun to hear some of the same thoughts I’ve had as a DM outlaid between experienced GMs

As a DM I am always looking for inspiration, tools, tips, and support. DMs Block offers all that and more. I come for the weight-lifting in DM-nastics, and I stay for the love of the game and the camaraderie of the hosts. If you can only listen to one podcast, you should probably pick this one.

Great job guys. Thank you for taking the time to make this podcast. It’s been very helpful.

I have DMed for many years with 7 different systems and I still know nothing compared to these guys. Bravo!

I have listened to every episode. There is truly a plethora of information found within these tomes of knowledge. You’ll find tips, ideas, and friends sharing ideas and conversations about a hobby they all love and share. Even if you’re not a DM or GM, you’ll find friendly advice here.

DM’s Block has covered so many topics over the years, and they still keep coming up with new stuff to talk about! If you’re a new DM, want to get started, or have been rubbing games for years, there will be something here for you.

I followed Derrick over from How Not to DM. It’s great to hear him combining forces with Neal. There’s a good dynamic here.

Over the last ten weeks I’ve binged this whole podcast (am I okay? Nope!) in preparation for running my first game and it has filled me with so many fun ideas. In the first episode they tell you to get a notepad to start writing down ideas when they sound good for your table. I thought ‘Meh, I’m not even running a fantasy game, much less DnD, I’ll be able to remember whatever applies to me.’ Lemme tell you, I have to scroll a long time to get to the bottom of my notes app to write each next idea at this point. There are just bucketfuls of content that add nuance to the guiding principle of ‘do what is fun for your players, but never forget you’re supposed to have fun too.’ But the most value to me were the resources they brought in from the outside that I would have never known were available otherwise. You just really gotta listen to ‘em.

I’ve been listening since the start, and I always get something from each and every episode. I’ve been playing D&D since the earliest version, but I always get ideas. Most importantly, I learn how to blend information from various editions to challenge my players, and how to confidently homebrew as I improvise. Thank you one and all!

I’ve been listening to this podcast for a while, and It’s helped me make wonderful and interesting worlds for my players to enjoy, and allowed my to make my adventures more enjoyable. Thank you so much for making this podcast!

What a blessing this podcast has been for me as a new DM! This podcast shares such creative ideas to help keep your game interesting and fun! In my case, many times creative seeds were planted by the DM's Block team which allowed me to water and grow into my own ideas and produce fantastic game experiences for the players in my campaign who have been my friends for 35+ years. Things just clicked into place for this rookie after listeninig to podcast after podcast and I'm very grateful for the DM's Block Party Team!

10/10. Wonderful. Amazing. Helpful. Inspirational. The guys do an amazing job helping to get all those creative juices flowing where they need to go. The guys have been with me for my long drive to work for years now, and have nearly caused some accidents as I get lost in the worlds they help lead me to. Keep up the great work guys, hopefully I can meet some of you at gen con this year!

Just found you guys and trying to catch up on every episode thanks for keeping you podcast clean and family friendly!

*static* “I’m from the past writing from the future” *static* Glad I picked this podcast to listen to at work. I work 3rd shift on Semis so not only do I get learn from you guys, I get inspiration. Thank You! Really love you guys! Gonna be forever before I catch up, thank goodness you continue to release content! Keep up the great work. Hope you still read these on the waves! *Whispers* P.S. I’m on ep. 70.

Stumbled upon this podcast when frantically looking for help to run my first campaign. Started all the way back at episode 1 and have learned so much working through the archives. Thanks for the hard work guys

Very recent subscription but glad I found it. Hitting the typical writers block of homebrew, I found myself void of my other resources I have drained then suddenly found myself in this block party. It’s very nice jumping around to topics I need. With a vast selection of topics to pick from you will definitely find wise guidance and creative jumpstart. Thank you ALL for your wonderful content.

I found out about this podcast from a Google search and it may have been the best decision I’ve made in years. I’ve been DMing for a couple years after a group of friends and myself discovered Critical Role and decided to give D

Great resource for DMs! But get a new catchphrase, guys. “…killing characters, lowering egos…” Doesn’t really fit the tone of the podcast.

I've been listening to this podcast for over 5 years now and have gotten tons of inspiration and guidence by the hosts, Chris, Mitch, Neal, and all their guests. They have made me better DM and also better player! I wouldn't have had the courage or drive to DM or have my own DND actual play podcast without them! Keep up the good work!

Keep up the great world building material and useful tips, DMs Chris, Mitch, Neal and friends! You are always welcome at my table! DM Sam

This show, as the title states, has become essential to my DMing. This show not only gives absolutely fantastic DMing ideas, but also makes sure to remind us that as DMs it is ok to stumble and make mistakes. My favorite episode is ep. 100 - Confessions of a Struggling DM, where the guys have a bunch of guests from the dnd community come and share what they feel were their biggest mistakes as DMs. Because of episodes like this, the show has not only nurtured the fertile soil of my imagination but also inspired me to take risks in DMing and not get too disappointed when these risks don’t work out. Without these guys I never would have thought to give my players a stronghold, have a fight inside a flying dragon, or sent my players to space; however thanks to this podcast my players and I have both made many memorable moments in our games. Thank you DMs block, and keep on podcasting!

Settling into my creaky computer chair, beard still damp from my shower, I plugged up the old iPhone and hit "play" only to be made gut-wrenchingly aware that I had somehow reached... the end? I'm caught up? How could the past few weeks of slipping into this comfortable, familiar banter in my free time (be it driving, breaks at work, or even the wee hours of the morning) have possibly brought me to this terrible but inevitable conclusion? And then the true horror of the situation hits me: what do I do now?! ((Hint: I come to rate your podcast so that others may taste its glory)) Come, friends! Listen, that we may all learn! #kodm

It’ll take you a while to even swipe through the episode list, let alone listen to it all, but it’s certainly worth every second. Every episode has SOMETHING you can take way, and with such a wide variety of topics you a certainly going to find several topics right up your DMing alley to spark some new inspiration for you. I’ve been listening on Spotify forever - but the show is so good that I finally got off my lazy butt and opened apple podcasts just to come rate it. You don’t know me, but I’m very lazy, so it’s a big deal.

Most of my experience as DM I didn’t have a lot of information except for the books and I have learned a lot from this podcast and laughed a lot. There is on question that I wish you could address. Buying weapons and armor or speciality items. Does the dm just make up a stall where there are speciality items and the PCs haggle and buy things.

Going on that Atheist comment: I have an oath of Ancients Paladin who was atheist but accepted the gods were real. Up until he was petrified by a basilisk where he had a vision talking to Moredin who told him to talk with 6 other old gods and complete their trials. Well he later talked to the cleric of pelor who hasn’t had that personal connection yet and it’s great seeing the clerics jealousy yet drive to receive her gods attention and the Paladin coming to terms that his oath intertwines him to those gods. Great connection with this topic in my opinion.

I actually started listening to this podcast 2 years ago, back when I only tentatively dreamed of being a DM (as a woman, it is kind of an intimidating crowd to get into). Chris and Mitch gave me the tools and courage to start my own game, and Neil pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and get creative with DMNastics. I have now run 3 different campaigns and recently started creating my own world! I have also found the community to be a lot more supportive of female DMs than I originally thought, which I am very happy about. Thanks to the DMB family, and to anyone out there looking for knowledge and inspiration-this is the podcast for you.

This podcast has been in my podcast app for a couple years and over that time has given my if not ideas on how to run my games but also inspiration and tips. I love the guests they have on and also love how each episode is on a particular topic that I can focus on if that’s on coming up at my gaming table. Keep em’ coming!

I started listening to this podcast years ago when I started playing my groups weekly D&D games. Thanks to this podcast my interest peaked into DMing myself and dipping my toes into the life behind the screen. I have gotten so many useful tips and ideas from their wealth of fantasy/tabletop knowledge that I try to use in my own games. I started with pre-made modules and have now started writing up my own homebrew world to start playing with our group. Thank you for re-sparking my creativity to escape from this muggle world once a week and I look forward to continuing to listen to you for many more years. Also Mitch will you ever bring back a new season of Geek Wars?? My husband and I loved the trivia game podcast!! From a multi-year fan Alex W.

I’ve only been playing Dungeons and Dragons for about 2 years now, but my older brother, Dad, aunts and uncles played Advanced and 3.5. So I was practically raised on it. I forget how I stumbled upon this podcast, but these fellow DM’s have helped me with every topic I could think of, from session 0 to wendigos. And they deliver these ideas and information in such an entertaining and family-friendly way. Driving as part of my night job, and often driving hours at a time to see my partner or family, I take comfort in knowing that popping on an episode will keep me entertained during the whole ride. Keep it up guys, and long live the riders of shimesh! P.S. Where’s story time? They gave me as many idea as the meat segment did!

Delightful 5e DnD podcast. Would recommend. The obvious troll is being obvious in their one-star “review” below, so you can safely ignore their weird tantrum. Five stars. Two thumbs up! 👍🏾👍🏾

I loved the ocarina of time episode

I have enjoyed listening to the font of knowledge these man bring to the table. But unfortunately I have to say farewell, we’re I thought this podcast could be an escape from the craziness of this world it has also raised it ugly head. I cannot support those who have been manipulated into thinking that black lives have never mattered and that this great nation that we as a “whole” have created is racist. I do not support the racism and the division that “black lives matters” has brought to our community. I support all colors and all races, every one white, black, brown, and yellow should have equal opportunity to better themselves and others. I firmly believe in Psalms 19:1 “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” I pray that God will open hearts and teach the world to love once again. But until then farewell.

I’ve been a DM on and off for around 15 years. No matter how much experience you have, it’s crucial to keep learning from other DM’s or players. This show is great. Entertaining, a great sense of humor, clever ideas throughout. And some absolutely genius concepts for episodes (“Let’s do an episode about underwater campaigns. We’ll find a marine biologist who also happens to be a DM and interview him!”). Think you’re a level 20 DM? Listen to DMB and break into epic levels

That’s right, I‘ve just caught up on all the episodes! And what a phenomenally brilliant resource this has been! I’ve been constantly drawing upon this well of wisdom and I’m pretty sure my players have reaped the rewards unaware. I’ve greatly enjoyed this show, and I recommend it as often as I can IRL and Twitter. And now, I’m going to start over...

Listening to this podcast always gives me new ideas for my game, either a) directly, because I steal lots of things these jokers bring up, or b) indirectly, because their discussions are great fuel for coming up with my own concepts. Thank you for the excellent work!!!

Thank you for all the years of encouragement, great advice, brainstorming, and more! The forums are great, too. — Jen / Pixelscapes

As an aspiring DM with her first campaign rolling out in about a month, this has been such a great resource for me! I was never really around people playing dnd, and so I never had the opportunity to understand what all goes into the process and what you can actually do with this game. Hearing your stories and listening to the ideas that you found and/or used has been so encouraging. I haven’t caught up yet, but I hope that when I do, the hosts still speak with the same fondness of the game as when they first started this podcast. Thank you from DM KittyCrow12! :)

This pod cast is great. It’s got inspirational ideas, helpful advice, interesting facts, and fun hosts and guests. To top it off all, these things come together in a way you can use in your players real imaginary lives. There early episodes are just as relevant as the current ones and I would recommend listening to them all (eventually). If listening isn’t enough for you kinesthetic learners out there, don’t worry, they have a gym!

I’ve never rated a podcast...EVER! I felt the need to do so because this podcast has pulled me out of so many idea droughts. The hosts are relatable, informative, and funny! It’s such an easy podcast to listen to.

This podcast is awesome for beginners and pros alike. I have learned so much from the hosts and enjoy the personalities they bring to the show. Keep on DMing!

Took me too long to write this. Been listening for years. Sorry! I began this podcast soon after a certain online campaign relit my fire for DnD. I was going to start a club with students (because, you know, no one to play with) and was a bit overwhelmed and frankly, not up to the task creatively. You folks not only have excellent ideas, but encourage and inspire creativity as well. I still feel like I fall short more often than not, but every episode has something you can lift, drop into a session, and create something memorable. Thanks.

I don’t do podcasts but I decided to look one up for some inspiration. I stumbled onto this one and I haven’t been able to stop binging them since. Great guests and fantastic ideas. Worst thing about being a DM is not being able to talk with others about great ideas because they are all in your game. This fills that gap and then some. Great job, love the show!!

There isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t listen, for players, it’s a wellspring of knowledge you can use to Metagame your way out of any situation, and for DMs, having a wellspring of brilliant ideas to make any RPG shine with narrative glory and the holiest of narrative progression: Character Development (not really that, but still, *casts suggestion* LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST!)

As a fellow podcaster, I can tell how much joy and skill goes into the crafting of this show. As a fellow DM, I can tell how much knowledge and passion the hosts have for playing D&D. It’s outstanding. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I heard recently that there were no more 5 star reviews for you all to shoutout on your podcast. That is ridiculous. I’ve been listening since I started as a DM and this podcast has gotten me out of so many instances of writers block giving me inspiration and great ideas to make my campaigns engaging exciting again. This is my first review I have ever written online and it is suiting that it’s going to the podcast that has been with me from my infant days of being a DM. Thanks for all the great content! Never stop dungeon mastering!

This show has fun personalitys, good content, amazing tips, and an excellent format. I am looking forward to shows from the mithril paradise. I listen to this show while I work out, so I’m other words I lift weight while I lift weights. Thanks for the help with my heavy lifting, and with your help I am not sure if I lift more with my mind or body now. Keep up the good work and I will keep stealing your ideas for my weekly games.

Work phone, who dis? Got myself a new iPiece and figured I’d put it to some good use. 5 stars for the gents in behind Geek Wars and DMB. Thank you guys for keeping my hobby alive in my mind during this tumultuous time that is young fatherhood. Without your dulcet tones in my ears, week in & week out, I might’ve been lost on this fantasy road months ago. Your product is excellent and worth a listen for the new & old alike. I want to keep on Dungeon Mastering.

These guys are a treat to listen to. Just one of their “top 10 list” episodes will give you enough brain-crack to keep you daydreaming about campaigns for an eternity. I’m on campaign #2 with my group, all thanks to the DMB!

I am an old hand to DMing and this is a great resource. If you have never tried DMing listen to this podcast before you try, it will save you many headaches. I have just started playing with 5e rules and wanted to work out my brain before starting a new campaign and I got that workout here. The Fourms have great info for DM's and I am listening everyday while I work to get some great ideas. Keep up the great work guys!

This podcast is so full of great ideas! One of my best sessions was a heist after I got inspired by their heist episode.