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Artwork for Dungeon Master Diaries

Dungeon Master Diaries

Matt Bruner & Jody Kropholler
Shadowdark RPG
Role-Playing Games
Shadowdark
Dolmenwood
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons and Dragons
Thief Class
Tabletop Role-Playing Games
Player Dynamics
Torch Timer
Player Roles
Session Zero
Mimic
Player Vs. Player Combat
Cry Of the Stingbat
Game Master Techniques
Quintessential Dungeon
Dramatic Tension
Character Development
Fantasy

Dungeon Master Diaries is a podcast about Shadowdark and other role-playing games where two GMs talk about their recent experiences at the table, and hopefully give you something useful that you can take to yours.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes58Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HobbiesLeisure

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Dungeon Master Diaries

Latest Episodes

Matt and Jody celebrate the end of 2025 with some listener questions and a look back at their gaming this year.

For links to all of the content mentioned on this episode, click here. You can email us at dmdiariespod@gmail.com.

• To submit a ques... more

YouTube

Matt and Jody discuss stat generation and Shadowdark's various Modes of Play.

For links to all of the content mentioned on this episode, click here. You can email us at dmdiariespod@gmail.com.

• To submit a question or topic suggestion, use this... more

YouTube

Matt and Jody discuss a recent banger of a session!

For links to all of the content mentioned on this episode, click here. You can email us at dmdiariespod@gmail.com.

• To submit a question or topic suggestion, use this Google Form.

• Join us o... more

YouTube

Matt and Jody discuss the way they think about rules, rulings, and house rules.

For links to all of the content mentioned on this episode, click here. You can email us at dmdiariespod@gmail.com.

• To submit a question or topic suggestion, use th... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

Recent Guests

Mike Shea
A prominent figure in the RPG community, known for his work on dungeon mastering and RPG design.
Sly Flourish
Episode: 5E & The OSR with Sly Flourish
Michael Putlack
Game designer and creator of the Shadowdark RPG bestiary
Night Noon Games
Episode: Creating & Adapting Monsters for Shadowdark RPG (with Michael Putlack)
Kelsey Dionne
Designer of Shadowdark RPG and TTRPG content creator
Arcane Library
Episode: Meet the Maker (An Interview with Kelsey Dionne)

Hosts

Jody Kropholler
Co-host and GM of the podcast, who frequently discusses his experiences as a Game Master and delves into various RPG themes.
Matt Bruner
Co-host and GM, known for his insights on game mechanics and experiences at the table, often sharing practical tips for gameplay and storytelling.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 63 ratings
  • My favorite TTRPG podcast

    These guys are great! They’re so engaging and charismatic. The production quality is astoundingly good. They always have great topics to discuss and do a fantastic job and diving in deep on the topic but never allow it to overstay its welcome. I love Shadowdark, but I’m also really intrigued by OSR in general and these guys are the best around for such subject matter.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MrXero
    United States5 months ago
  • The Definitive Shadowdark Podcast

    This podcast is not only a great Shadowdark podcast, it’s a great ttrpg podcast. The tone and charisma is good, subject matter interesting, and the combined experiences of the hosts are valuable for DMs and players alike. Truly top notch, with an excellent discord community too.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Josh W CO
    United States8 months ago
  • A must-listen for Shadowdark fans!

    DMD is nearly perfect. Real ineterpersonal chemistry, truly insightful commentary, focus on SD, great audio quality (underrated issue for lots of podcasts!). I really couldn't ask for anything more. Thanks so much, I look forward to every episode!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Blakethecat
    Canada9 months ago
  • Glad this podcast is around

    I just received my Shadowdark book in the mail two days ago. I was really interested in the reason why this system is unique. It seemed like just another OSR clone/mash up to me on the surface. So, I really appreciate all the discussion of the systems finer points here. It really does seem like a great, simple, streamlined system. I’m starting a new group with players of little to no experience and I think Shadowdark will be the perfect system for them. Thanks for getting me so jazzed on the sys... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mr.bananchez
    United Statesa year ago
  • Strong start. Looking forward to lots more.

    Matt and Jody have put together a friggin greet Shadowdark podcast. Too-notch production and great content. Lots of good DM advice. Very practical.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    richardaronson
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the engaging charisma of the hosts and their thoughtful discussions on RPG systems. Reviews highlight the exceptional production quality and the podcast's focus on useful insights for Game Masters. Many find the content both educational and entertaining, with an emphasis on the community aspect of role-playing games. Listeners also appreciate the exploration of complex topics, with a balance of humor and depth.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#46
Canada/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#213
Italy/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#46
United Arab Emirates/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#63
Israel/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#122
Brazil/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#140
Finland/Leisure/Hobbies

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

End of Year Special (2025 Edition)
Q: Could you discuss module conversions for TSR or 5E?
It often depends on what the original module intended, as conversions can vary widely based on the module's design and how it fits into Shadowdark's mechanics.
End of Year Special (2025 Edition)
Q: What are some effective telegraphing techniques for monsters and traps?
Matt suggests using senses other than sight and providing sensory details like smell and temperature changes to create a richer experience.
5E & The OSR with Sly Flourish
Q: What do you see as being the play style goals of D&D 2014?
Mike states that the design intended to create a modular version of D&D that accommodates different play styles, but often lost its old school feeling in the published version.
5E & The OSR with Sly Flourish
Q: What is your gaming origin story?
Mike shares his journey starting with SSI's Pool of Radiance and evolving through various editions of D&D over the years, ultimately leading to the creation of his own products.
Meet the Maker (An Interview with Kelsey Dionne)
Q: What are the primary reasons behind the design of the Druid class in Shadowdark?
Kelsey shares that she opted for a spell-oriented Druid to showcase neutrality and to avoid unnecessary complexities by integrating its abilities within the spellcasting framework.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Dungeon Master Diaries

What is Dungeon Master Diaries about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on Shadowdark and various other role-playing games, this podcast features engaging discussions between two Game Masters as they navigate their experiences at the gaming table. Each episode reflects on exciting gameplay moments, dungeon design, character development, and the unique mechanics of different RPG systems. Listeners can expect a blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and insights into creating memorable gaming experiences, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced players who seek to enhance their role-playing sessions. The hosts' camaraderie and passion for the genre contribute to a lively and supportive atmosphere that offers not just entertainment but also a wealth of knowledge about tabletop ga... more

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How many listeners does Dungeon Master Diaries get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Dungeon Master Diaries?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Dungeon Master Diaries:

1. Mastering Dungeons
2. The Lazy RPG Podcast - D&D and RPG News and GM Prep from Sly Flourish
3. Morrus’ Unofficial Tabletop RPG Talk
4. The Glass Cannon Podcast
5. The Eldritch Lorecast

How many episodes of Dungeon Master Diaries are there?

Dungeon Master Diaries launched a year ago and published 58 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Dungeon Master Diaries?

Recent guests on Dungeon Master Diaries include:

1. Mike Shea
2. Michael Putlack
3. Kelsey Dionne

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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