The 10 Best DnD Podcasts (That Aren’t Actual Plays)
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Over the past few years, Dungeons & Dragons has exploded in popularity thanks in large part to actual play DnD podcasts like Critical Roll, Dimension 20 and Adventure Zone. And while these productions often steal the spotlight, the fact is that there are dozens of incredible DnD podcasts that aren’t actual plays, instead offering up industry news, player advice, rules analysis and lore deep dives.
Yet with so many shows to choose from it can often be overwhelming for both new and experienced players to know which ones are worth listening to. That’s why we’ve put together our list of some of the top shows for fans looking to go beyond actual plays. So grab your dice and headphones as we press play on… the 10 best DnD podcasts.
10. The Dungeoncast
Hosts: Will Stark and Brian McKiernan
Topics: Monster lore, world-building, game mechanics, character archetypes
Why We Picked It: “The Dungeoncast” has made a name for itself as a popular DnD podcast thanks to its unique mix of coverage around lore, industry news and game mechanics. Hosts Will and Brian explore everything from the nitty-gritty details of creatures, classes and spells, to interviews with RPG industry luminaries. It’s an awesome way to delve into the nitty gritty behind DnD. Sadly, the show was discontinued in August 2024, but with over 400 episodes to choose from, it’s still worth tuning into.
9. Total Party Thrill
Hosts: I-Hsien Sherwood & Shane Vaiskauskas
Topics: DM advice, character creation, campaign building, RPG news
Why We Picked It: “Total Party Thrill” is a long-running podcast that offers a balance of practical advice and engaging discussion about various RPGs, with a particular focus on DnD. The hosts (both of whom are professional joournalists) bring a ton of experience to the table and often use their own campaigns as launching points to explore topics like character building and campaign design. The approachable tone makes complex topics feel accessible, making it a perfect resource for new and seasoned DnD players alike.
8. Dungeon Master’s Block
Hosts: A rotating panel of DMs and guests
Topics: DM advice, world-building, storytelling techniques, player engagement
Why We Picked It: “Dungeon Master’s Block” is dedicated to helping DMs of all experience levels improve their skills. They often include a variety of different guests, many of whom are RPG professionals, which keeps the show interesting and varied. With an extensive catalog of episodes to choose from, it’s a go-to source for world-building tips and DM insights that go beyond the basics.
7. Dungeons & Dragons Lorecast
Hosts: Shaun Hamill and Sergio
Topics: DnD lore, world history, character backstories, industry news
Why We Picked It: For lore enthusiasts, “Dungeons & Dragons Lorecast” is a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration. The two hosts Shaun and Sergio break down the intricate lore of DnD, exploring the worlds, characters, gods and locations that have shaped the game. Each episode offers deep dives into specific topics, such as the history of the Forgotten Realms or the background of specific legendary creatures. It’s a fantastic resource for players and DMs looking to deepen their understanding of DnD’s rich history and incorporate it into their games.
6. Three Black Halflings
Hosts: Jasper William Cartwright, Liv Kennedy, Jeremy Cobb
Topics: Diversity in DnD, player advice, industry discussions, lore
Why We Picked It: “Three Black Halflings” stands out for its focus on diversity and inclusivity within the DnD community. The hosts delve into a variety of important topics related to representation in RPGs and pop culture, and provide nuanced perspectives that resonate with a broad audience. Their discussions offer a refreshing take on the game, tackling both the lighter aspects of playing and the more profound issues around culture, identity and gaming ethics. It’s an engaging and often eye-opening podcast that challenges traditional viewpoints in tabletop RPGs.
5. Dungeon Master of None
Hosts: Robert Guthrie & Matt Drwenski
Topics: DM tips, game theory, industry news, RPG criticism
Why We Picked It: “Dungeon Master of None” is known for its insightful analysis of DnD and broader RPG culture. Hosts Rob and Matt tackle everything from running games to RPG design theory, and their lighthearted and hilarious approach makes each episode thought-provoking and entertaining. With a knack for dissecting RPG mechanics and analyzing trends in the gaming industry, it’s a podcast that’s perfect for players who want to think critically (no pun intended) about DnD’s evolution and impact.
4. Morrus’ Unofficial Tabletop RPG Talk
Hosts: Russ “Morrus” Morrissey, Peter “PJ” Coffey & Jessica Hancock
Topics: RPG industry news, game reviews, creator interviews, DnD commentary
Why We Picked It: Created by Morrus, the found of the RPG news website and publisher EN World, this incredible podcast covers the broader TTRPG industry, but often drills into DnD, making it ideal for listeners who enjoy staying informed about the latest developments in tabletop gaming. Morrus, Peter and Jess bring humor and insight to every episode, discussing new releases, trends and controversies with a lighthearted approach. Their episodes often feature industry guest interviews, making it a fantastic source of behind-the-scenes insights for dedicated DnD and RPG fans.
3. The Eldritch Lorecast
Hosts: Ben Byrne, James Haeck, Dael Kingsmill and Sean Merwin
Topics: Game mechanics, lore, storytelling, DnD community
Why We Picked It: The official podcast for RPG publisher Ghostfire Gaming, “The Eldritch Lorecast” brings together an impressive lineup of hosts, each of whom has extensive experience in the RPG industry, both with Wizards of the Coast and third-party publishers. The team explores everything from game mechanics to storytelling techniques, delivering high-quality discussions that cater to both players and DMs. With a blend of humor and expertise, the podcast delves into some of the game’s most fascinating aspects, making it a go-to for those who appreciate both fun and thoughtful RPG analysis.
2. Mastering Dungeons
Hosts: Teos Abadia & Shawn Merwin
Topics: DM advice, campaign planning, industry news/insights, game design
Why We Picked It: “Mastering Dungeons” remains one of the most respected podcasts among DMs and RPG pros due to its in-depth discussions and positive and thoughtful analysis. Hosts Shawn and Teos are both RPG industry veterans, and their advice is practical and profound (notably, Shawn also co-hosts “The Eldritch Lore” podcast). Thet cover topics that range from from industry news, to campaign pacing to character development, offering tools and advice that every DM and player can benefit from. The podcast strikes an excellent balance between theory and application, helping DnD and RPG players of all skill levels get more enjoyment out of their games.
1. The Lazy RPG Podcast
Hosts: Mike Shea (aka Sly Flourish)
Topics: DM preparation, encounter design, RPG news, D&D resources
Why We Picked It: At the top of our list is “The Lazy RPG Podcast.” Hosted Mike Shea (also known as Sly Flourish) a writer and RPG designer who is highly respected in the RPG community for his insightful and practical advice. Known for “The Lazy Dungeon Master” approach, Mike’s podcast focuses on making DM preparation efficient and effective. In addition to news and reviews (balancing both DnD and third-party RPGs), the episodes are concise, entertaining and packed with valuable advice. It’s a perfect option for DMs looking to optimize their prep time without sacrificing quality.
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Paige Stuart is a Staff Writer who lives in Chicago, Illinois where she majored in English Literature at Northwestern University. She’s relatively new to Dungeons & Dragons having started playing 5th edition several years ago. Her favorite D&D campaign setting so far is the Forgotten Realms and her favorite character to play is a Wizard named Felician who hurls both bad puns and fireballs with equal ease.
