The Bearded Nerd Podcast

Flexible GM Prep: How to Improvise and Save Time for Your RPG

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we explore the art of flexible game prep for time-strapped GMs. Learn how to streamline your session planning by focusing on key objectives, using modular encounters, and embracing improvisation. We’ll also dive into time-saving tools like random generators, recycling content, and collaborating with your players to reduce your prep load. If you're looking to master efficient prep while still delivering a fun and dynamic game, this episode is for you!
Check out Patreon for more TTRPG-related content that helps you spend more time gaming and less time prepping. Enjoy this episode and Keep Gaming!
-Brian

Legendary Creatures in Your Campaign: Weaving Myths, Exploration, and Epic Battles

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we explore how to bring legendary beasts to life in your D&D campaigns. Discover how mythical creatures can enrich your world through rich lore, immersive exploration, and dynamic combat encounters. Whether you want to create multi-phase battles or tie these beasts to your world’s history, we’ve got you covered! Plus, tips for integrating beasts beyond combat. For exclusive content and advanced strategies, check out our Patreon and support the show!
Keep Gaming!
-Brian

Mastering Time: How to Run a TTRPG With Limited Prep Time

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we tackle one of the biggest challenges GMs face—running a tabletop RPG with limited time for prep. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other hobbies, prepping for sessions can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategies, you can deliver a fun and engaging game without spending hours planning. I’ll share tips on how to efficiently prep for sessions by focusing on foundational world-building, setting clear session objectives, and using the "lift and shift" technique to plug pre-made content into your campaign.
Plus, we’ll explore tools and resources that can help streamline your process, like using virtual tabletops, random generators, and services like Patreon to find pre-made adventures and encounters that you can easily integrate into your game.
If you’re feeling crunched for time but still want to be an effective GM, this episode is for you. Be sure to check out my Patreon for additional resources, exclusive content, and ready-to-use material to help make your prep time even more efficient. 
Keep Gaming!

Level Up Your Con Game: Tips for Navigating The Gaming Convention Circuit

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we’re rolling into the world of gaming conventions! Whether you’re a first-timer heading to Gen Con or PAX Unplugged, or a veteran looking for fresh tips, this episode has you covered. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from planning your trip and navigating the exhibit hall to joining games and making the most of your convention experience. Learn what to pack, how to find the best games, and crucial self-care tips to survive the convention madness. If you’re ready to level up your convention game, hit play and get con-ready!
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a comment and share with your friends. I appreciate the support and as always...Keep Gaming!

Finding Your Next Adventure: How to Find a TTRPG Group in 2024 (Even 2025)

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, I break down the best strategies for finding a TTRPG group in 2024. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the hobby, finding the right group can be tricky. I’ll walk you through three key ways to connect with fellow players: searching for groups at your local game store, finding games online, and even starting your own group from scratch. Along the way, I’ll share tips on what to look for in a group, how to use platforms like Roll20 and Discord, and why starting small can lead to big adventures. If you're ready to level up your TTRPG experience and join a group that’s perfect for you, this episode is for you!
Here is the template I discussed in the episode:
Game Title: (Optional—Name your campaign or game for a personal touch)
Playstyle
Focus: (e.g., Roleplay-heavy, Combat-heavy, Balanced mix of Roleplay and Combat)
Themes: (e.g., Heroic adventure, Political intrigue, Exploration, Mystery)
Player Interaction: (e.g., Cooperative storytelling, Strategic combat, Puzzle-solving)
Tone: (e.g., Light-hearted, Dark and gritty, Epic and heroic, Casual fun)
House Rules: (List any custom rules or adjustments you use in your game)
Keep Gaming!

How to Marry Fitness and Nerdom with The World’s Most Powerful Nerd

In today's episode, I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with a personal hero of mine: Bobby Maximus. Bobby is a reknown Mixed Martial artist with fights in the UFC, Maximum Fighting Championship, and was a competitor in both The Ultimate Fighter 2 and 30. He has also trained many athletes, executives, and tier 1 assets of both US and Canadian Armed Forces. His love of gaming and fitness coincide with one another as he is an aficianado of Magic the Gathering and other fandoms such as The Legend of Zelda; he is known as "The World's Most Powerful Nerd" and "Lord Swoledemort".We spoke about his upbringing and how fitness and nerdom have played an integral role in his life and how he overcame constant bullying from his peers due to his love of Magic the Gathering. Bobby not only offered great tips to achieving a healthy body and lifestyle, but explained how living a healthy lifestyle improves our enjoyment in the hobby.If you enjoyed this episode and want to check out some of Bobby's content, please check his website. Thank you so much for listening to the show and support us on Patreon to get more awesome episodes like this one. Keep Building and Keep Gaming!-Brian

An Evening with ”RollPlayInc” Producer Thomas

I had the immense pleasure of having my friend Thomas on the show. We conversed about his entry into the TTRPG hobby as both producer of "RollPlayInc" and as a player. We then later discussed our own game that we play virtually in and how it has impacted our lives. Finally, we peppered this episode with helpful tips for both new and veteran players alike who want to add something special to their TTRPG experience. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and share with your friends. Check out our Patreon for excellent fantasy-TTRPG content to help level up your game for systems like D&D 5e, Pathfinder, and more. Keep Building and Keep Gaming!-Brian

Rolling with the Punches: How to Play Fair and Fun with Strict Rule Enthusiasts in D&D

Have you ever struggled with that one player who ever 7 minutes blurts out a reference to the rules? Are you one of those players that loves the rules of the game and wants to play the game as intended? If you're any of these, then this episode is for you. In this episode, I discussed the types of "Rules Lawyers" that are out there in the TTRPG space and provide my experience with how I moderate between those who bend the rules and those that adhere to the rules by demonstrating some easy communication tips.If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to subscribe to the show. If you want to support the show in any way possible, feel free to check out my Patreon services where I provide D&D 5e Compatible Homebrew Stat Blocks for a variety of NPCs, Magic Items, and other content that can be easily plugged into your world. Additionally, I have an exclusive podcast that shows your how to use all the content so that you can spend more time playing your game and less time prepping your game. Thank you once again and Keep Gaming!

How to Build Unique Worlds with Author Kate Korsak

I had the pleasure of having one of my friends and fellow world-builders Kate Korsak on the show to discuss her methodology to building worlds for both her games and her books. We went on to talk about the transition from ideas to the written text and then to the visualization via her cartography skills. Finally, we wrapped up the episode with practical ways to apply our conversation to anyone's game.Kate is a powerhouse of a creator with an accumulated following on both TikTok and Instagram, she is a gem in the community. If you enjoyed our conversation and wanted to read her book "The Curse of Ragoh" or would like to commission a map from her, check out her contact information here.Share this with your friends and Keep Gaming!

Defeating the Greatest BBEG...Conflicting Schedules!

In this episode, I identify several of the potential reasons why we see so many games ending due to scheduling conflicts. From there, I provide practical and simple solutions that you start acting on to ensure and save any game from ever ending in an untimely manner. This advice is based upon my experience, but every game and group have a multitude of variables...take this episode and apply it how YOU see fit. Enjoy this episode and share with your friends. Keep Gaming!