The Bearded Nerd Podcast

First Time Playing D&D: What to Do and Not Do

In this episode, I sat down with two of members of our community to discuss their journey into the D&D hobby. We spoke about the pros and cons, the worries that they had when they began their journey, and we shared advice for new players.
James and Kyle not only are members of The Guildhall, but they are moderators and community leaders within our community. If you enjoyed this episode and want to directly ask them questions or just want to surround yourself with like minded nerds, be sure to join us on Discord.
If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting the podcast here on Patreon where you will have behind-the-scenes content, digital materials for your 5e game, and more!
Keep Gaming!

6 Ways to Build a Fantasy City from Scratch

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we break down the step-by-step process of creating an immersive fantasy city for your TTRPG campaigns. From determining its purpose and geography to crafting vibrant cultures, dynamic factions, and adventure hooks, this guide has everything you need to bring your city to life. Whether it’s a bustling trade hub, a mystical religious center, or a fortress in the mountains, you’ll leave with actionable tips and examples to captivate your players. Tune in and start building your masterpiece! 🎲🏙️
If you enjoyed this episode, support us over on Patreon. Keep Gaming!
-Brian

Taming the Chaos: How to Deal with "Murder Hobo" Players

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we tackle one of the most chaotic challenges a GM can face—dealing with "murder hobo" players. These are the characters who loot, kill, and destroy indiscriminately, often derailing campaigns and leaving the game world in ruins. But fear not! We’ll explore why players lean into this style, how to redirect their energy, and ways to introduce meaningful consequences without stifling their fun. From setting clear expectations in Session Zero to crafting moral dilemmas and dynamic consequences, this episode is packed with tips to help you manage and channel the chaos. Tune in and learn how to keep your game engaging and balanced, no matter what your players throw at you! 🎲🔥
If you enjoyed this episode, please support the podcast by becoming a patron. Keep Gaming!

Seeking Inspiration: Where to Source Creative Ideas for Your TTRPG

Struggling to find fresh ideas for your TTRPG campaigns? In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we explore how to draw creative inspiration from movies, anime, manga, TV shows, books, and games like Warhammer 40k. Discover practical tips for adapting these influences into your world-building, NPCs, and storylines without feeling derivative. Whether it’s the political intrigue of Game of Thrones or the epic battles of The Witcher, this episode is packed with actionable advice to fuel your imagination and take your campaigns to the next level. Tune in and start seeking inspiration like a pro! 🎲✨
Support the Podcast here by becoming a patron!

An Evening with The Queen of Cthulu, Ashley King

In this episode, I sat down with the "Queen of Cthulu" Ashley King. She is a phenomenal live-play performer and Game Master who has GM'd many games for various productions including for the Twitch Channel: The Swole Initiative. We sat down and spoke about a variety of topics including how she began playing, her connections to Appalachia, and her unique style as a Game Master.
During our conversation, we showcase a plethora of tips to help new and veteran gamers level up their craft. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to support her, please follow her on social media here. 
And if you would like to see more episodes like this one, please support us over on Patreon. Everything definitely helps! Thank you for listening and Keep Gaming!

Improv Like a Pro: Mastering On-the-Fly GM Skills

Improvisation is one of the most valuable skills a GM can develop, but it can also be one of the most intimidating. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, we explore how to handle unexpected player actions, create dynamic NPCs on the spot, and keep the story flowing with confidence. Learn practical tips like using random generators, focusing on "yes, and" storytelling, and building a toolkit of reusable content. Tune in to boost your improv skills and make your games unforgettable!
 

Bastions in D&D – Building and Evolving Your Character’s Home

In this episode, we’re talking all about D&D24 Bastions—the personal strongholds that can add incredible depth and customization to your D&D character’s story. Whether you’re a DM looking to enrich your campaign or a player excited to build your character’s own base of operations, Bastions open up tons of possibilities. From designing unique facilities and handling unexpected events to combining Bastions with other players, there’s a lot to explore.
 
Grab your free 1-page quick guide to Bastions over on Patreon and check out the new mechanics to see if this is something YOU want to add to your game. Keep Gaming!
-Brian

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!