
Advertise on podcast: Tabletopped
Rating
5from
This podcast has
237 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Nick PerronExplicit
No
Date created
2022/02/21
Latest episode
2026/10/05
Average duration
53 min.
Release period
15 days
Description
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!
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Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from Tabletopped podcast
Horror Game Master Tips: Building Fear in Your TTRPG Campaign
2026/10/05
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 campaignUsing player uncertainty and limited information to create dreadBalancing 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 episode, follow the show for more TTRPG advice, game master tips, and tabletop roleplaying discussion.
LINKS!
→ Tabletopped's website
→ Patreon
→ Instagram
→ Twitter
Check us out on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
How to Get Non-TTRPG Players to Try Playing
2026/09/21
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 ttrpgsHow to design for a new playerWhat 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
→ Patreon
→ Instagram
→ Twitter
Check us out on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
Is Optimal Play Killing our Tables?
2026/09/09
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 ttrpgsCan 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 website
→ Patreon
→ Instagram
→ Twitter
→ ECHOES OF MEMORY SERVER
Check us out on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
From the Vault: An Ode to Crunch - A Defense of Mathematical Storytelling
2026/08/24
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 designThe mathematics of drama: how probability creates tension and uncertaintyCharacter building as creative expression and problem-solving artistrySystems that do crunch right: Pathfinder 2e, GURPS, and ShadowrunDebunking "crunch kills roleplay" and other common misconceptionsThe social contract of complexity: when to embrace or avoid crunchy gamesTeaching complex systems to new players without overwhelming themHow constraints and rules fuel creativity rather than restrict itSo grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that character optimizer spreadsheet—we're diving into every reason why mathematical storytelling deserves more love!
Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.
→ Tabletopped's Stuff:
→ Tabletopped's website
→ Patreon
→ Instagram
→ Twitter
Check us out on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
TOO HOT TO HANDLE: Tabletop Hot Takes
2026/08/10
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 doShade's Anti-Rule RhetoricWhether 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
→ Instagram
→ Twitter
Check us out on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
Practical Magic Systems: What Rules Matter?
2026/07/29
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 systemWhat is a "hard" decision as a GMWhat 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!
→ Tabletopped's website
→ Patreon
→ Instagram
→ Twitter
Check us out on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
System Review: Daggerheart
2026/07/13
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
→ Instagram
→ Twitter
Check us out on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
Be True to Yourself: How to Be a Consistant Roleplayer
2026/06/29
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 RoleplayingWhat to use as a character compassAre 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
→ Instagram
→ Twitter
Check us out on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
Backrooms and Liminal Spaces
2026/06/15
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
→ Instagram
→ Twitter
Check us out on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
This Is Important: How To Create Buy-In
2026/06/01
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 inEarly vs late game tacticsHow 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
→ Twitter
Check us out on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
Nature Versus Nurture... But Gnomes: Creating Fantasy Species
2026/05/18
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 speciesPitfalls to avoid when making your own lore for species GNOMESJoining 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 on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
Sorry Guys, Can't Make It: What to do when players cancel
2026/05/04
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 abscentImprov as a essential skillDiscussing when you need to even careJoining 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 on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
Tabletopped Turns 4 Years Old: Nick interviews..... Nick?
2026/04/20
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 minutesJoining 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 on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
System Review: Arkham Horror
2026/04/06
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 RIGHTOur thoughts on the utility of the Arkham Horror TCGShould 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
→ Instagram
→ Twitter
Check us out on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
Settings vs. Story: What Makes a Versatile Setting?
2026/03/23
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 settingHeroic stories and what they need from a settingHow to make a setting that will last many campaignsJoining 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 on Patreon! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!
Theme music by Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
Podcast reviews
Read Tabletopped podcast reviews
CryCon3 2023/05/23
Great info for new and old players alike!
The folks they bring on to this podcast are always so knowledgeable. I genuinely learn from every episode I listen to, and it’s entertaining every tim...
Lorelei Faye 2022/12/25
Great show!
This show is amazing! A great resource for GMs, current and aspiring and just fun for ttrpg plans. Anyway, that’s the end of the review. Unrelated i j...
francofaa 2022/07/14
Not about tables but still good
Misleading that it’s not a podcast about reviewing tables but I like ttrpgs too. Recommend for anyone who likes dungeons and dragons or hates dungeons...
SassyFemme488 2022/06/27
An Incredible Pod
Wow! I love this podcast. An an avid gamer, I’m always looking for informative podcasts to help me learn more about my favorite hobby. Thanks Nick and...
thebookdevil 2022/03/28
Funny and informative
Nick and company have so done a fantastic job explaining and exploring the world is TTRPG. Whether you’re a pro, a newcomer, or someone who is just cu...
greatgameahundop 2022/03/11
Ttrpgs forever!
A bunch of friends talking how to do and play games! Funny and informative!
aGuinnessplease 2022/03/11
Great info and friendly vibes!
I am so excited about this podcast—as an avid D
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