Podcast · Leisure & Travel

Tabletopped

by Nick Perron · English · Leisure & Travel

Welcome game masters! Each week Nick Perron dives deep into the art of running role-playing games with guests experts to get tips for everyone from first-time players to seasoned veterans. Join us to find out what makes a great story and an even greater campaign!

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 53 min
Latest: 5 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026 · 45 min

Horror Game Master Tips: Building Fear in Your TTRPG Campaign

Want to run a horror TTRPG that actually scares your players? In this episode, we share horror game master tips for building fear, tension, and dread at the table, whether you're running Call of Cthulhu, D&D, or any other tabletop roleplaying game. We cover: How to build atmosphere and pacing in a horror campaign Using player uncertainty and limited information to create dread Balancing tension and release so scares land Whether you're prepping a one-shot for Halloween or a long-running horror campaign, these tips will help you run scarier, more memorable sessions. If you enjoyed this…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S4 · E10 · 21 Sep 2026 · 48 min
How to Get Non-TTRPG Players to Try Playing
In today's episode Nick talks to Alice Corvo about how to get someone who isnt a ttrpg player to try out the hobby. In this episode, you'll discover: What stops people from trying ttrpgs How to design for a new player What you can do to make the most inviting table possible Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ →…
S4 · E9 · 9 Sep 2026 · 50 min
Is Optimal Play Killing our Tables?
In today's episode Nick, Mac, and Danny talk about what is optimization in ttrpgs? Is it killing our tables? What does Optimal mean anyway? In this episode, you'll discover: Where optimal play comes from in ttrpgs Can you design for optimization and still have a diverse way to play? Are failure and optimization compatible? Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's…
S4 · E9 · 24 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
From the Vault: An Ode to Crunch - A Defense of Mathematical Storytelling
In this episode, we are pulling a favorite interview from the archives to talk crunch. Special guest Derek Kane-Gervais is interviewed as we dive deep into the world of rules-heavy RPGs and explore how probability curves, character optimization, and mechanical complexity can enhance rather than hinder the storytelling experience. Topics Covered: What "crunch" really means and why it's not a dirty word in TTRPG design The mathematics of drama: how probability creates tension and uncertainty Character building as creative expression and problem-solving artistry Systems that do crunch right:…
S4 · E8 · 10 Aug 2026 · 36 min
TOO HOT TO HANDLE: Tabletop Hot Takes
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about their hot takes on the hobby.... and a movie review? In this episode, you'll discover: What Nick Thinks ALL players should do Shade's Anti-Rule Rhetoric Whether Franco likes the Cohen Brothers Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ →…
S4 · E7 · 29 Jul 2026 · 50 min
Practical Magic Systems: What Rules Matter?
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about making magic systems and enforcing "the rules" of "the world" and then pivot to talk about how this effects all decision making at the table. In this episode, you'll discover: What's important in a magic system What is a "hard" decision as a GM What happens when the tabletopped crew dont have a strict topic to follow Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! →…
S4 · E6 · 13 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
System Review: Daggerheart
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about Daggerheart! In this episode, you'll discover: How is Daggerheart different than other TTRPGs? Is it a good replacement for D&D? What makes this system great? Check out the Echoes of memory Discord HERE Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ →…
S4 · E5 · 29 Jun 2026 · 52 min
Be True to Yourself: How to Be a Consistant Roleplayer
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about how to drop into your character in a comfortable way. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Nick has been having trouble with Roleplaying What to use as a character compass Are characters just whatever decisions you make? Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…
S4 · E4 · 15 Jun 2026 · 49 min
Backrooms and Liminal Spaces
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about how to build liminal spaces in your TTRPG campaign In this episode, you'll discover: What are liminal spaces? Ideas on how to run them. What is Franco's favorite Kurt Vonnegut Novel!? Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ →…
S4 · E3 · 1 Jun 2026 · 57 min
This Is Important: How To Create Buy-In
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about how to get your players to take game events seriously. In this episode, you'll discover: How to create buy in Early vs late game tactics How can we as players help? Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ →…
S4 · E2 · 18 May 2026 · 57 min
Nature Versus Nurture... But Gnomes: Creating Fantasy Species
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about what is important to do when putting your own spin on ttrpg species. In this episode, you'll discover: How to think about deterministic species Pitfalls to avoid when making your own lore for species GNOMES Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ →…
S4 · E1 · 4 May 2026 · 43 min
Sorry Guys, Can't Make It: What to do when players cancel
In today's episode, Nick and Shade talk about what to do when people bail, flake, and just generally can't make a session. In this episode, you'll discover: Strategies to continue stories when players are abscent Improv as a essential skill Discussing when you need to even care Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ →…
S4 · E1 · 20 Apr 2026 · 36 min
Tabletopped Turns 4 Years Old: Nick interviews..... Nick?
In today's episode, Nick talks about the Tabletopped that was, and will be in celebration of the pod turning 4 years old! In this episode, you'll discover: If Nick can do a monologue for 40 minutes Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check us out…
S3 · E34 · 6 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
System Review: Arkham Horror
In today's episode, Nick and friends of the pod Mac and Danny talk about the Arkham Horror Roleplaying game. In this episode, you'll discover: Our thoughts on what This system does RIGHT Our thoughts on the utility of the Arkham Horror TCG Should you buy, read, or skip this ttrpg! Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ →…
S3 · E33 · 23 Mar 2026 · 55 min
Settings vs. Story: What Makes a Versatile Setting?
In today's episode, Franco and Nick talk about what settings need to be used for basically everything. In this episode, you'll discover: Our thoughts on what makes a good setting Heroic stories and what they need from a setting How to make a setting that will last many campaigns Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ →…
S3 · E32 · 9 Mar 2026 · 44 min
Why is Technology so hard in TTRPGs?
In today's episode, Rio and Nick get cozy and talk about technology in ttrpgs and why its so hard to make a gun feel like a gun. In this episode, you'll discover: Our thoughts on what is hard about GMing in high tech games What solutions you can make when you dont know how something works Tech and biomes Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ →…
S3 · E31 · 23 Feb 2026 · 57 min
The Mailbag: Captives of Dolagan and IPs We Want a TTRPG of!
In today's episode, the crew sits down and opens the mailbag to talk about The Captives of Dolagan module kickstarting soon as well as talk about a listener question regarding IP in TTRPGs. In this episode, you'll discover: Our thoughts on The Captives of Dolagan Sideways the ttrpg Whether you could make a Severence ttrpg Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ →…
S3 · E30 · 9 Feb 2026 · 52 min
Releasing Tales From the Cryptids
In today's episode, Nick talks to Scryptid Games' co-directors Brigitte Winter and Nat Mesnard! We talk about their upcoming game anthology "Tales from the Cryptids." In this episode, you'll discover: How Scryptid Games builds community What people can expect form this new release How you can submit to get your work published in the book! Scryptid LINKS! Project link: https://scryptidgames.com/tales-from-the-cryptids Discord: https://discord.gg/jpzU3UjMVZ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/scryptidgames.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scryptidgames/ SG website:…
S3 · E29 · 26 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
"My Feels Have Been Destroyed": Taking Feedback as a GM
In today's episode, the crew sits down to talk about how you can solicit advice and feedback from your players by using a real life example that happened to Nick! In this episode, you'll discover: Our thoughts on what is helpful and non-helpful feedback Franco being the villain of the pod How you too can give and take feedback in a ttrpg! Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's…
S3 · E28 · 12 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
New Year Same Hosts
In today's episode, the crew sits down to talk about the year we had, what games we have tried, and what we are looking to see in the new year! In this episode, you'll discover: Our thoughts on systems we have tried like "Never Going Home" and "Liminal Horror!" The "Theatre Kid" effect on ttrpgs Our hopes and resolutions for the new year! Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's…
S3 · E27 · 29 Dec 2025 · 54 min
Beyond the Game Master: Building Collaborative RPG Worlds with Nat Mesnard
In today's episode, we sit down with game designer and writer Nat Mesnard, co-founder of Scryptid Games and Unquiet Games. We dive deep into the creation of Assemblage, a GM-less roleplaying game where players collaboratively build strange science-fiction ecosystems and face the heartbreaking decision of which species will go extinct. Whether you're interested in innovative game design or looking to explore alternatives to traditional hierarchical play, this conversation will transform how you think about collaborative storytelling. In this episode, you'll discover: How to design games that…
S3 · E26 · 15 Dec 2025 · 53 min
Brindlewood Bay Style GMing w/ Shadomain's Jason Campbell
In today's episode, we sit down with dungeon master and blogger Jason Campbell, of Shadomain.com . We dive deep into the debate around premade versus improvised content for campaigns, how to collaborate on story with players, and creating memorable experiences for your players. Whether you're a brand new DM or looking to refine your approach, these expert insights will help you take your campaigns to the next level. In this episode, you'll discover: The pros and cons of starting collaborative story campaigns How to transition from prewritten to improvised content Tips for building DM…
S3 · E25 · 1 Dec 2025 · 55 min
Learning to DM: Why New Dungeon Masters Should (or Shouldn't) Use Premade Dungeons w/ Vahid Qualls
Have you ever wondered, "Should I start with a premade adventure or create my own?" or "What's the best way to learn dungeon mastering?" If these questions sound familiar, you're in the right place! In today's episode, we sit down with dungeon master and podcaster Vahid Qualls, host of the Dungeon Mastering is Easy podcast. We dive deep into the debate around premade versus homebrew content for new DMs, discussing how to build confidence behind the screen, develop your unique style, and create memorable experiences for your players. Whether you're a brand new DM or looking to refine your…
S3 · E23 · 17 Nov 2025 · 54 min
Railroading the GM: Stakes and Death in Your Game
Have you ever wondered, "How do I kill my player character in a way that feels fun?" or "What makes a balanced consequence for a character?" If these questions sound familiar, you're in the right place! In today's episode, we sit down with dungeon master and improvisor, Danny Belel. We dive deep into the inspiration behind this haunting adventure, discussing how to effectively weave consequences, dread, and player agency into TTRPG campaigns. Whether you're planning to run a deadly ttrpg game or simply want to elevate your DMing, these expert insights will help you take your campaigns to the…
S4 · E22 · 3 Nov 2025 · 48 min
The City That Crawled Out of the Sea: Chaplewick Preview
Have you ever wondered, "How do I bring a Souls-like Lovecraftian horror game to life at my D&D table?" or "What makes a truly unforgettable horror module?" If these questions sound familiar, you're in the right place! In today's episode, we sit down with Leroy Benson, the mastermind behind Chaplewick —the upcoming D&D module that's redefining Lovecraftian horror for 5th Edition. We dive deep into the inspiration behind this haunting adventure, discussing how to effectively weave mystery, dread, and player agency into a pre-written campaign. Whether you're planning to run Chaplewick or…
S4 · E21 · 20 Oct 2025 · 45 min
From The Vault: What's the Point of Running a Horror Game Anyway?
This is a Re-aired episode from 2024: Have you ever wondered, "Am I running my horror TTRPG (Tabletop Role-Playing Game) correctly?" or "Should my players feel more scared?" If these questions sound familiar, you’re in the right place! In today’s episode, we dive deep into the purpose of running a horror game , discussing how to effectively create tension, fear, and atmosphere in your TTRPG sessions. Whether you're a new Game Master or a seasoned pro, these expert insights will help you take your horror campaigns to the next level. Joining us are our experienced panel of GMs: Nick, Franco,…
S4 · E20 · 6 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
How To Roleplay Better at the Table w/ John Serpico!
In this episode, we sit down and try and figure out the best way to roleplay at table. Who best to join in on this talk? Why not the man who teaches a class on the subject: John Serpico! Whether you're a seasoned GM who's a grizzled describer or a newer Game Master wondering how to weave your story without losing your players, this episode delivers practical insights with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of spinning stories around the table. We dive deep into the world of storytelling and explore how narratives, descriptions, and plot structures can enhance rather than…
S4 · E19 · 22 Sep 2025 · 43 min
Is There a Better Way to Describe Your World?
In this episode, we sit down and try and figure out the best way to narrate a game. Should you prepare? Use Box Text? Improvise? How often/long should you narrate? Whether you're a seasoned GM who's a grizzled describer or a newer Game Master wondering how to weave your story without losing your players, this episode delivers practical insights with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of spinning stories around the table. We dive deep into the world of storytelling and explore how narratives, descriptions, and plot structures can enhance rather than complicate the gaming…
S4 · E18 · 8 Sep 2025 · 45 min
Why Your TTRPG Should Feel Like an Actual Play (Even When It's Not)w/ Lex
In this episode, we're tackling one of the most overlooked aspects of tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "min-maxing" or "rules lawyer debates." The hosts explore the art and mindset of playing your home game like you're recording for thousands of listeners, diving into why adopting actual play techniques isn't performative theater but rather a powerful approach for creating more engaging and memorable sessions. Whether you're a seasoned GM who's noticed your players scrolling phones during combat or a newer Game Master wondering why your epic campaign moments fall flat at the…
S4 · E17 · 25 Aug 2025 · 58 min
We Uncover [REDACTED] in Delta Green: System Review
In this episode of Tabletopped, we dive deep into the shadowy world of "Delta Green," the Lovecraftian horror TTRPG that's been keeping our conspiracy theories alive and our sanity scores dangerously low! Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we investigate whether this game deserves a permanent place in your tabletop arsenal. The unique percentile-based mechanics that blend modern conspiracy thriller with cosmic horror Our personal experiences running and playing through Delta Green operations A deep dive into the game's sanity system, bonds mechanics, and character…

About Tabletopped

Tabletopped is a English leisure & travel podcast from Nick Perron. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Nick Perron
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 53 min
Latest episode: 5 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1611083943
Rights: Nick Perron

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