Best Worldbuilding wizard Podcasts (2025)

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Against Hopepunk ft. Nick Mamatas 45:07

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1d ago45:07

45:07

Sci-fi and fantasy has always had an optimistic current, whether it’s utopian space-age cities or noble chosen ones vanquishing a dark lord. In recent years, with the popularity of romantasy and cozy fantasy, it’s easier than ever to immerse yourself in a more hopeful world. But what if instead we made you feel bad? In this wide-ranging conversatio…

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Galileo Galilei, Hot Streak, and Judgment - Ep227 1:02:46

3d ago1:02:46

1:02:46

We start the episode off with a Summer tradition, and - in a somewhat similar vein - we talk Hot Streak from CMYK. And we get all starry-eyed for Galileo Galilei from Capstone Games, plus take a walk through Kamurochō with SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s Judgment. All that, and a strawberry sandwich, on Ep227. 00:00 - It's hot hot hot 10:17 - Judgm…

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Random Encounters: The Secret to Effortless GMing | Wizards of Eem EP012 18:41

5d ago18:41

18:41

Send us a text Random encounters aren’t just filler—they add depth, immersion, and flexibility to your tabletop roleplaying games! Whether you're running a sandbox campaign or following a published adventure, random encounters provide the juice for entire sessions, making your world feel alive and unpredictable. In this episode, Ben Costa and James…

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FM-02 | What's the dumbest thing anyone's done? 1:34:37

5d ago1:34:37

1:34:37

Harry continues to fumble his relationship with Murphy in this set of chapters (5, 6, & 7). We also meet the Alphas for the first time, and learn about all the different types of werewolves while Bob helps Harry make two potions that definitely won't backfire later in the book. (00:00) - Intro (00:52) - Ch. 5 - Meeting the Alphas (17:18) - Ch. 6 - …

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Episode 123 - Scene Skipping 2:24:39

12d ago2:24:39

2:24:39

We're tying up some loose ends and getting to the point! JOIN OUR DISCORD Help support the show by visiting our Patreon and find even more content on our Website! Intro/Outro Music “Jotunheim (Chiptune Version)” Courtesy of Rush Coil Original Composition by Serpent Sound StudiosBy The Pod Called Quest

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Fool Moon - 01 | What if Kim Told The Truth? 1:02:25

13d ago1:02:25

1:02:25

We're off to a quick start in our analysis of Fool Moon. This episode discusses the first 4 chapters of the second book, consisting of Harry's inauspicious meeting with Kim Delaney, Murphy dragging him to the Crime scene, a tense standoff with FBI Agents, and a reconciliation between Harry and Murphy. Finally, our Question for Bob discusses how thi…

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The Case for Imbalanced Combat | Wizards of Eem EP011 15:30

13d ago15:30

15:30

Send us a text Wizards of Eem EP011 – The Case for Imbalanced Combat Are you a GM tired of building "perfectly balanced" encounters? In this episode, we explore why Land of Eem embraces unfair fights—and how imbalance leads to better stories. Topics include: Why imbalance creates tension, surprise, and creativity How Land of Eem’s conflict system r…

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Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, The Sandcastles of Burgundy, and the Nintendo Switch 2 - Ep226 1:11:57

17d ago1:11:57

1:11:57

Tom Cruise and co are back for another unlikely operation in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning and we, of course, have opinions. Over on the tablecloth, we’re letting The Sandcastles of Burgundy from Ravensburger wash over us, “enabling” others with Kinfire Delve from Incredible Dream Studios, and all the lovely stuff we got up to and saw a…

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The Easiest Way to Run TTRPGs for Kids | Wizards of Eem EP010 13:27

21d ago13:27

13:27

Send us a text Are you a parent or educator looking to introduce tabletop roleplaying games to kids? TTRPGs aren’t just fun—they build social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities while keeping kids off screens! As new dads, Ben Costa and James Parks wanted to create an RPG that kids can pick up and play without the complexity of tradit…

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SF-12 | Assessing Storm Front 1:48:51

20d ago1:48:51

1:48:51

We've finished our chapter by chapter re-read of Storm Front, but we're not done yet. This episode dives into the unresolved questions around this book. We start with an additional analysis of the book's major beats and best scenes. We then examine Harry's use of Magic and Gadgets within this book, and we then rank his relationships with other char…

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We Failed Every Roll…and it was GLORIOUS | Wizards of Eem EP009 16:57

28d ago16:57

16:57

Send us a text We Failed Every Roll... and It Was GLORIOUS | Wizards of Eem EP009 June 20, 2025 | Actual Play Tips & GM Advice In this episode of the Wizards of Eem podcast, we explore one of the most powerful storytelling tools in tabletop RPGs: failure. Join us as we break down the Land of Eem’s unique dice system and the mechanics that make fail…

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The Ur-Pisode: The Queer Heart of The Epic of Gilgamesh, ft. Julian Gunn 54:30

1M ago54:30

54:30

For 4000 years, The Epic of Gilgamesh has influenced mythology, theology, and literature, and its rediscovery in the 1850s is itself an epic tale of war, theft, and Hobby Lobby. A meditation on love and death, rage and grief, civilization and nature, starring two problematic queer frat boys, it is the foundation of so many of our stories. In this e…

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Harmonies, The Drops of God, and The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game - Ep225 1:01:04

1M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Thousands and thousands (and thousands) of pages later, we’re ready to share thoughts on Kodansha’s wine and food manga The Drops of God. Over on the tabletop, we take a deep look at The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game from Office Dog Games, which effortlessly captures the spirit of The Lord of the Rings. Plus the only review you need of …

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SF-11 | What Could Harry Have Done Differently? 1:30:45

1M ago1:30:45

1:30:45

This week we're discussing the final 3 chapters of Storm Front (25, 26, and 27). Harry finally confronts the Shadowman, decides to sacrifice himself to stop him, and then gets rescued anyway. The story concludes Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: What Could Harry Have Done Differently*? (00:00) - Intro (00:49) - Ch. 25 Harry Ente…

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Episode 122 - Deputized Desperado Dismantles Dwarven Devices 1:57:02

1M ago1:57:02

1:57:02

Isla concocts an unexpected diversion! JOIN OUR DISCORD Help support the show by visiting our Patreon and find even more content on our Website! Intro/Outro Music “Jotunheim (Chiptune Version)” Courtesy of Rush Coil Original Composition by Serpent Sound StudiosBy The Pod Called Quest

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SF-10 | How Does Air Magic Work? 1:24:05

1M ago1:24:05

1:24:05

This week we're delving into chapters 22-24 of Storm Front. This includes Harry fighting against the Scorpion, his confrontation with Morgan at Macs, and his confrontation against his own darker nature outside the lake house. Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: How does Air Magic Work with Physics? (00:00) - Intro (01:49) - Ch. 22…

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Thunderbolts*, Slay the Spire: The Board Game, and Hidden Cats 3: Steampunk - Ep224 1:06:58

2M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Don’t be a chicken; give our latest a listen. There’s a return to form for the MCU with Marvel’s Thunderbolts*, the lush board game adaptation of the video game which is a card game in Contention Games’ Slay the Spire: The Board Game, and the calming influence of Very Very LITTLE Studio’s Hidden Cats 3: Steampunk. All that, and delicate editing, on…

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SF-09 | What's the Enemy's Plan? 1:20:10

2M ago1:20:10

1:20:10

This week we're tackling chapters 18, 19, 20, and most of 21. We explore the information presented about Harry's father, Malcom Dresden. Next, we discuss Harry's confrontations with the Photographer and Monica Sells until ultimately, Monica cracks the case wide open for him. Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: What was the Enemy's…

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Episode 121 - Divine Disappointments 2:12:12

2M ago2:12:12

2:12:12

Salai learns something unexpected. JOIN OUR DISCORD Help support the show by visiting our Patreon and find even more content on our Website! Intro/Outro Music “Jotunheim (Chiptune Version)” Courtesy of Rush Coil Original Composition by Serpent Sound StudiosBy The Pod Called Quest

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Unleash Dynamic Monsters: How to Make Engaging Creatures | Wizards of Eem EP008 14:19

2M ago14:19

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Send us a text Unleash Dynamic Monsters: How to Make Engaging Creatures for TTRPGs In this episode of Wizards of Eem, we explore how to create truly memorable monster encounters in your tabletop RPG sessions. Monsters shouldn't just be bags of hit points—they can be fully realized characters that shape your story in unexpected ways. We cover how to…

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SF-08 | Why isn't Thaumaturgy Weaponized More Often? 1:06:33

2M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

This week we're exploring chapters 15, 16, and 17. Harry is at his lowest point, blaming himself for Linda's death, lying to Murphy, and then, having his hair stolen by one of Marcone's thugs! The final chapter of this episode examines the first time we see a wizard going 'all out', as Harry blasts his way into the Varsity to confront Marcone. Fina…

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Blight, ft. Rachel A. Rosen 49:28

2M ago49:28

49:28

Break out the cake, balloons, and gigantic bone tentacles, it's season 2 of Wizards & Spaceships! Rachel has a new book out, Blight, the sequel to her first novel, Cascade. In this episode, you get a behind-the-scenes look at the newest instalment in the Sleep of Reason series. And did you know that tomorrow is Rachel's birthday? Why not celebrate …

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Blue Prince, The Residence, Dune: War for Arrakis - Ep223 1:08:21

2M ago1:08:21

1:08:21

Let’s get fancy, shall we? First there’s talk of a lovely trip to Egypt (and talk of the less lovely “Pharaoh’s Revenge”), plus the supremely shmancy Nintendo Switch 2. Then it’s off to a murder mystery in the White House with thoughts on Netflix’s The Residence. Keeping within high society we’re rubbing shoulders with Dogubomb’s Blue Prince, and t…

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Why Adventures Fall Flat (And How to Fix Them) | Wizards of Eem EP007 14:14

2M ago14:14

14:14

Send us a text Struggling to Hook Your Players? 4 Keys to Better RPG Adventures | Wizards of Eem Podcast Do your RPG sessions fall flat? Are players ignoring your carefully planned quests? In this episode of Wizards of Eem, we reveal the four essential elements that make any tabletop RPG adventure instantly more engaging—no matter the system you pl…

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SF-07 | What makes a great fight scene? 1:17:59

2M ago1:17:59

1:17:59

This week we tackle Chapters 13 and 14, which contains the first fight scene in the series, along with the first use of combat magic! Adam discuses the setup of the fight, while Brian discusses the conjugations of Latin nouns. Of course, we also find some time to discuss the fight with the Toad Demon, itself. Finally, we dive into our question for …

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Salute 52, Landmarks, and Escape Arcade - Ep222 1:01:56

3M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

It’s all the twos on episode two two two, as two of us chat about… uh… two times two (four) big topics. The chaps talk about football (!!!) and why it’s so neat to go to events you might not normally attend. Back in much more familiar territory, we bring you a battle report from Salute 52; a miniatures wargames event run by South London Warlords. I…

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Worldbuilding Factions with Martha Wells (Part 2) 30:12

3M ago30:12

30:12

How do protagonists and villains get things done in your world? Probably not all by themselves! Factions - whether they're religious, corporate, political or trade organizations - are a VITAL part of your worldbuilding, adding spicy conflict when interests don't align. Join Janet and the AMAZING Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) as they discuss …

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Worldbuilding Factions with Martha Wells (Part 1) 29:15

3M ago29:15

29:15

How do protagonists and villains get things done in your world? Probably not all by themselves! Factions - whether they're religious, corporate, political or trade organizations - are a VITAL part of your worldbuilding, adding spicy conflict when interests don't align. Join Janet and the AMAZING Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) as they discuss …

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SF-06 | What Changes When Rampires Turn? 56:33

3M ago56:33

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This week we're covering Storm Front chapters 10, 11, and 12. In these chapters, Harry follows up on some leads, gets a concussion, ruminates on the case with Murphy, and passes out. Brian and Adam dig in to the interesting questions these chapters present. Why did Linda Randall change her mind about talking to Dresden? Why was the Three-Eye junkie…

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Your NPCs Are Boring! Here’s How to Fix Them! | Wizards of Eem EP006 13:34

3M ago13:34

13:34

Send us a text How to Create Unforgettable NPCs for Your Tabletop RPG | Wizards of Eem Podcast Want to make NPCs that your players will actually care about? In this episode of Wizards of Eem, we uncover the secret to creating memorable, fully realized NPCs that drive your story forward. Learn how to give every non-player character real motivations,…

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Episode 120 - Interstitial Insight 2:41:38

3M ago2:41:38

2:41:38

The group speaks with someone familiar. JOIN OUR DISCORD Help support the show by visiting our Patreon and find even more content on our Website! Intro/Outro Music “Jotunheim (Chiptune Version)” Courtesy of Rush Coil Original Composition by Serpent Sound StudiosBy The Pod Called Quest

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Crafting Creatures That Make Scientific Sense with Shirin Sheppard (Part 1) 31:06

3M ago31:06

31:06

We're joined by illustrator and creature designer Shirin Sheppard to talk about making monsters that make scientific sense! How could dragons actually breathe fire? When do you reference real-world biology - and when do you leave it behind? Bring your creature questions to this fun interview! https://www.facebook.com/shirinillustration/ WORLDBUILD …

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Crafting Creatures That Make Scientific Sense with Shirin Sheppard (Part 2) 26:37

3M ago26:37

26:37

We're joined by illustrator and creature designer Shirin Sheppard to talk about making monsters that make scientific sense! How could dragons actually breathe fire? When do you reference real-world biology - and when do you leave it behind? Bring your creature questions to this fun interview! https://www.facebook.com/shirinillustration/ WORLDBUILD …

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Why Monster Hunters Matter with Laura Anne Gilman (Part 1) 32:32

3M ago32:32

32:32

Join us as we chat with best-selling fantasy author Laura Anne Gilman about writing MONSTER HUNTERS. Whether you're talking historical fantasy, urban fantasy or gothic horror, these iconic characters stalk the night. Let's discuss tropes, tips, and what these archetypal heroes add to your games and stories. https://www.lauraannegilman.net/ WORLDBUI…

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Why Monster Hunters Matter with Laura Anne Gilman (Part 2) 33:24

3M ago33:24

33:24

Join us as we chat with best-selling fantasy author Laura Anne Gilman about writing MONSTER HUNTERS. Whether you're talking historical fantasy, urban fantasy or gothic horror, these iconic characters stalk the night. Let's discuss tropes, tips, and what these archetypal heroes add to your games and stories. https://www.lauraannegilman.net/ WORLDBUI…

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The Lord of the Rings meets The Muppets?! Why Tone Matters in TTRPGs! | Wizards of Eem EP005 15:58

3M ago15:58

15:58

Send us a text How does tone affect your tabletop RPG sessions? In this episode of Wizards of Eem, we explore how shifting adventure tone—Hijinks, Derring-Do, and Doom & Gloom—can transform your game. Whether you're running a lighthearted fantasy romp or a grimdark perilous quest, tone directly impacts player engagement, story pacing, and memorable…

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SF-05 | Is The "Doom" the Best Option? 1:19:40

3M ago1:19:40

1:19:40

This week we explore chapters 8 and 9 of Storm Front; asking questions like: "Why do potions get phased out of the series?" and "What limitations does Bob have with regard to Harry's control?" We also spend some time exploring Murphy's flaw in this early book before moving on to one of the most impactful scenes in the series: Harry's first confront…

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Transhumanism and AI ft. Robert J. Sawyer 1:00:03

3M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

It's been an entire year of Wizards & Spaceships! Thank you for coming along with us on this wild and magical space ride. You can't turn on the news or doomscroll social media without hearing about how AI will revolutionize everything. Unfortunately, the worst people in the world seem to be in charge of it. In this episode, we talk to sci-fi legend…

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Captain Flip, The Ultimate RPG Game Master's Worldbuilding Guide, and EXIT Kids: Riddles in Monsterville - Ep221 1:04:32

3M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

Head to the tabletop with us, as we review the piratical Captain Flip from PlayPunk, and the fiendishly family-friendly EXIT Kids: Riddles in Monsterville from Kosmos. Plus a dissection of what makes The Ultimate RPG Game Master's Worldbuilding Guide from James D’Amato such worthwhile advice to read. All that, and what Jurassic Park is really all a…

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Witchy Worldbuilding with Rachel Aaron (Part 1) 24:14

3M ago24:14

24:14

Join us for a spooky season interview with author Rachel Aaron (Hell of a Witch), as we explore the scary practice of worldbuilding with witches. We’ll discuss how witches are often treated differently from other magic users in fantasy and TTRPGs, the tricky aspects of crafting believable witches, and how to create a witchcraft-based magic system t…

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Witchy Worldbuilding with Rachel Aaron (Part 2) 28:14

3M ago28:14

28:14

Join us for a spooky season interview with author Rachel Aaron (Hell of a Witch), as we explore the scary practice of worldbuilding with witches. We’ll discuss how witches are often treated differently from other magic users in fantasy and TTRPGs, the tricky aspects of crafting believable witches, and how to create a witchcraft-based magic system t…

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Cozy Fantasy Worldbuilding with Caitlin Rozakis (Part 1) 30:35

4M ago30:35

30:35

Join Janet and Caitlin Rozakis, author of The New York Times-bestselling novel Dreadful, for a delightful discussion of all things cozy fantasy! How do you create a setting that feels both cozy AND exciting? What are the essential elements of a cozy fantasy world? Bring your questions (and a cup of your favorite hot beverage) to this fun interview.…

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Cozy Fantasy Worldbuilding with Caitlin Rozakis (Part 2) 33:41

4M ago33:41

33:41

Join Janet and Caitlin Rozakis, author of The New York Times-bestselling novel Dreadful, for a delightful discussion of all things cozy fantasy! How do you create a setting that feels both cozy AND exciting? What are the essential elements of a cozy fantasy world? Bring your questions (and a cup of your favorite hot beverage) to this fun interview.…

Worldbuilding Wizard Podcasts