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Episodes
Short, bite-sized RPG advice, tips, and tricks for DMs and players of tabletop role playing games (TTRPG)
Episodes
Sunday Jan 11, 2026
Sunday Jan 11, 2026
Is your campaign's "big bad" just evil, or is there a hero beneath the monster? This episode dives into the age-old debate for Dungeon Masters: how important is a sympathetic backstory for a villain, and whether you should include complex antagonists in your game
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #villains
Resources:
Episode 180 - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-180-let-villains-be-villains/
Episode 235 - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-235-the-why-of-villains/
Episode 253 - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-253-recurring-villains/
Thor Skywalker - Why does everyone seem to love “Sympathetic Villains” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO2dBY8DPho
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
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Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social
Sunday Dec 28, 2025
Sunday Dec 28, 2025
Description
Today we dive into the age-old debate that divides Dungeon Masters: When do you negate a powerful spell or maneuver? We explore the thin line between creating epic tension and causing frustration. Tune in to discover the crucial difference between an earned victory and a slog, and learn the rules of engagement for challenging your players in the most satisfying way.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #Countering
Resources:
Episode 135 - The Rule of 3
Episode 64 - Beholders, the Eyes Have It
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social
Sunday Dec 14, 2025
Sunday Dec 14, 2025
Running a high-level character (Level 11+) is a different animal altogether. Forget easy skirmishes and simple ability checks—you're now facing world-breaking threats. In this episode I’ll give you some tips for running these legendary characters.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #highlevel
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social
Sunday Nov 30, 2025
Sunday Nov 30, 2025
Running high-level TTRPGs (level 11+) are different animals! In this episode I break down essential GM tips for these epic campaigns. Plus, I’ll give you some advice on how you need to change your prep to run a legendary game.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #highlevel
Resources:
Episode 45 - Minions - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-45-usining-minions-from-dd-4e-to-make-combat-better/
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
This week, I talk about players’ and DMs’ relentless pursuit of perfection in tabletop RPGs. I encourage both to embrace failures and give you some tips to help every roll and choice become a chance for exciting, unpredictable adventures.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #failure
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
This week, we're diving into the often-debated topic of Dungeon Master Player Characters (DM PCs). In this episode we talk about alternatives ot the DMPC, how to effectively integrate a DM-controlled character into your campaign without overshadowing your players, maintaining player agency, and enhancing the overall game experience. Give us a listen to discover tips for creating supportive DM PCs, managing their role, and knowing when it's best to let them go.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #dmpcs #tabletop #roleplaying
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
This week, we're diving into how players can best work together in TTRPGs. From character building to in-game tactics, discover how to form a cohesive team and make your adventures unforgettable. Tune in to learn how to turn challenges inside out and achieve success together!
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social
Invincible Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/invincible-the-roleplaying-game
Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Diving into the terrifying world of aberrations, this episode explores why these alien beings pose a unique challenge for GMs. Discover their bizarre physiologies, incomprehensible motives, and innate magical abilities drawn from their alien minds, and learn how to weave truly unsettling encounters into your campaigns
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #aberrations
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Nerdarchy’s Guide to Aberrations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n98sk2AC2Y
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Tired of combat dragging? This episode offers 5 crucial tips for players to keep the game moving. Discover how paying attention, anticipating your turn, and coordinating with allies can transform your tabletop experience from a slog to a dynamic adventure!"
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #playertips
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social
Sunday Aug 17, 2025
Sunday Aug 17, 2025
In this episode, we're blasting off into the unknown with tips for running epic space adventures, from exploring derelict ships to discovering bizarre new worlds. Plus, get an in-depth review of the Starfinder 2e Player Core, diving into its mechanics, ancestries, and how it connects to Pathfinder 2e. Don't miss this cosmic journey!
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Episode 140 - Spelljammer Review
Episode 137 - The Gap and Empty Histories
Starfinder 2e Archives of Nethys - https://2e.aonsrd.com/