Advertise on podcast: Area of Effect - A TTRPG Show for Parents & Educators

Playing Tabletop Roleplaying Games in the classroom sounds like a nice idea, but there are several common “road blocks” that may cause teachers to hesitate. In today’s episode, Allison chats with Adam Watson, author of “Tabletop Roleplaying Games in the Classroom: Infusing Gameplay into K-12 Instruction” about the whys, whens, and hows of applying TTRPGs as a learning objective-based educational strategy. Links to Great Things: Learn About Kentucky Educators for Roleplaying Games KYEdRPG Socials: @kyedrpg on Instagram/Facebook/Threads/X For The Kids Table Family Adventures: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to our incredible Patreon supporters: Bobby D Monte Sarah M Ben C Dawn P Travis L #dungeonmaster #education #parenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It can be hard to determine how to introduce RPGs to young heroes. How many rules are too much or too little? Will they be scared by the idea of battling monsters or will they rise up to the challenge? In this episode, Allison chats with Jeremy and Zac of SideQuest Adventures about their new Storyboard TTRPG which takes the guesswork out of introductory RPGs and offers a unique way to take your game on the go - wherever your young adventure might be headed! Links to Great Things: Learn About SideQuest Adventures Oct-Nov 2026 Kickstarter SideQuest Socials: Instagram @sidequstadventures.play For The Kids Table Family Adventures: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to our incredible Patreon supporters: Monte Ben C Dawn P Kimberly L Sarah M Travis L #dungeonmaster #dmtips #screentime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do TTRPGs and Science have in common? They both ignite the imagination! In this episode, Allison chats with Phil McCordic of Legend Lunchbox and Science Max about how a spirit of scientific curiosity can be nurtured when kids play TTRPGs and why exercising the imagination is so important for both kids and grownups alike. Links to Great Things: Learn About ⁠⁠Legend Lunchbox⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reach Out to ⁠⁠Phil⁠ Follow @LegendLunchbox on Podcast, YouTube, Instagram, & Facebook For The Kids Table Family Adventures: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to our incredible Patreon supporters: Ben C Dawn P Kimberly L Sarah M Travis L #dungeonmaster #dmtips #screentime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is all screentime created equal? In this episode, Allison interviews Katie Lear, children’s psychologist and founder of Young Dragon Slayers, about her online TTPRG community for kids. We’ll talk about why online TTRPGs may be a positive choice for some families and how to choose the right one for your particular kid. Links to Great Things: Learn About ⁠Young Dragon Slayers⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Reach Out to ⁠Katie Follow @youngdragonslayers on Instagram, Facebook, & YouTube For The Kids Table Family Adventures: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠⁠⁠  To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to our incredible Patreon supporters: Ben C Dawn P Kimberly L Sarah M Travis L #dungeonmaster #dmtips #screentime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What purpose does human creativity and connection have in an AI-dominated world? In this episode, Allison interviews Jen, Maxwell, and Alexander, co-founders of Quest Craft, about how TTRPGs can be the tool that helps kids survive and thrive in today's tech landscape. Links to Great Things: Learn About Quest Craft (Librarians & educators can request free education-based TTRPGs) ⁠⁠Reach Out Via LinkedIn (Kids & adults can inquire about co-designing a cultural TTRPG) For Our Family Adventures & More: ⁠⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠⁠ To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠ #dungeonmaster #dmtips #howtoplaydnd Thank you to our incredible Patreon supporters: Ben C Dawn P Kimberly L Sarah M Travis L⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really look like to utilize TTRPGs in a traditional classroom setting? In this episode, Allison interviews Chris Broussard, teacher and founder of Not Your Typical Teacher on his methods for incorporating TTRPGs in his English classroom in Guatemala and how he inspires teachers around the world to implement creative learning strategies through classroom gaming experiences. Links to Great Things: Contact ⁠Chris Broussard⁠ of Not Your Typical Teacher ⁠Sidekicks & Sidequests⁠ Podcast Dimension 20's ⁠Titan Takedown⁠ WWE Campaign Welcome to Area of Effect, a podcast about how TTRPGs benefit the whole family! About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs with all ages helps develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence - while building connections around the table. That's why we offer an original, all-ages-inclusive Dungeons & Dragons show, advice for playing D&D with beginner players, and our own campaigns to help you bring the adventures to your own table! For Our Family Adventures & More: ⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠ To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ Follow Us: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, ⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠ #dungeonmaster #dmtips #howtoplaydnd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a recording of the presentation portion of our SXSW Edu Live-Play. If you're a parent or educator interested in Dungeons & Dragons and similar games, this is for you! Following a D&D actual play, educators Ryan, Raenelle, and Allison break down some of the many benefits students can experience through playing Tabletop Roleplaying Games. "What if kids could level up their Social-Emotional Learning skills while playing a tabletop roleplaying game? Our cast of kids & grownups will perform for you a live, improvised, likely chaotic game of Dungeons & Dragons. Afterwards, our adult speakers will break down how the game you just saw fosters outcomes like empathy, communication, and confidence, and why this type of support is so critical now. You'll come away with ideas for how to integrate D&D and other TTRPGs into classroom, library, after school, or home environments." To follow along with our recommended questions to consider, open ⁠https://www.thekidstablednd.com/sxswedu26⁠ in a new tab. This SXSW Edu performance was recorded at Antone's Nightclub in Austin, Texas on March 9th, 2026 and is posted with permission of ⁠ @SXSWEDU ⁠ . 0:00 Part 2: Applying D&D for Learning 1:06 Introducing Presenters 4:04 Social-Emotional Learning in D&D 6:19 D&D is Just as Good as Sports (if not better!) 10:23 Exercising Creativity & Exploring Identity 1 2:49 Cycles of Inquiry 16:37 Developing Empathy & Collaboration 18:55 Classroom Example: Gold Rush 21:15 Live Game Breakdown (cut short) 23:00 Q: As a DM, how much do you prompt kid players? 26:13 Q: What tips do you have for playing with kindergarteners? 31:42 Q: How do you manage a large middle school D&D club? 35:04 Visit for more! #sxswedu #dndactualplay #liveshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allison and Ryan share tips for helping kids navigate difficult topics. Being a parent caught between hearing terrible things in the news while daily life and caretaking duties carry on can feel like emotional whiplash. Believe it or not, playing Dungeons & Dragons together can be one tool in your parenting toolbox that helps to support kids as they process and cope - and we'll share exactly how. Links to Great Things: Kids' Book Recommendations from Allison: ⁠"Fair Shares"⁠ by Pippa Goodhart, ⁠"Brick By Brick"⁠ by Giuliano Ferri, ⁠"All Are Welcome"⁠ by Alexandra Penfold Books to Raise Inclusive Leaders by ⁠@MaiStoryBook⁠: ⁠ book list "Mystery Snacks" by TTRPG Kids: ⁠BackerKit⁠, ⁠TTRPGkids.com "Wyrmlings: An All Ages TTRPG" by Lone Colossus Games: ⁠https://bit.ly/WyrmlingsTKT Welcome to Area of Effect, a podcast about how TTRPGs benefit the whole family! About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs with all ages helps develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence - while building connections around the table. That's why we offer an original, all-ages-inclusive Dungeons & Dragons show, advice for playing D&D with beginner players, and our own campaigns to help you bring the adventures to your own table! For Our Family Adventures & More: ⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠ To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ Follow Us: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, ⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠ #dungeonmaster #dmtips #howtoplaydnd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allison and Becca Bix of Women Play D&D chat about the history of inclusion (and, sadly, exclusion) in Dungeons & Dragons and how the pop culture phenomenon Stranger Things has prompted forward progress! You can find Becca and her fabulous work at ⁠https://www.womenplaydnd.co⁠ or on Instagram and Threads @womenplaydnd "Wyrmlings: An All Ages TTRPG" can be found at ⁠https://bit.ly/WyrmlingsTKT Welcome to Area of Effect, a podcast about how TTRPGs benefit the whole family! About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs with all ages helps develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence - while building connections around the table. That's why we offer an original, all-ages-inclusive Dungeons & Dragons show, advice for playing D&D with beginner players, and our own campaigns to help you bring the adventures to your own table! For Our Family Adventures & More: ⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠ To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ Follow Us: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, ⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠ #dungeonmaster #dmtips #howtoplaydnd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allison and Ken of D12 Adventures chat about writing, refining, and balancing TTRPGs for kids. D12 Adventures is a kid-friendly, old-school solo gamebook series in the choose-you-own-adventure style. You can find the playtest demo and feedback form at ⁠ https://lethiandunadan.itch.io/d12-adventures-the-trials-of-the-mad-mage-playtest-v01 Welcome to Area of Effect, a podcast about how TTRPGs benefit the whole family! About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs with all ages helps develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence - while building connections around the table. That's why we offer an original, all-ages-inclusive Dungeons & Dragons show, advice for playing D&D with beginner players, and our own campaigns to help you bring the adventures to your own table! For Our Family Adventures & More: ⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠ To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ Follow Us: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, ⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠ #dungeonmaster #dmtips #howtoplaydnd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That's a wrap on The Kids Table Season 2! This celebration episode is split into two halves. First, Allison & Ryan reflect on Season 2 of the campaign, Allison's surprise cameo, the vision behind the show, and decisions regarding where TKT is headed. Then, the cast of Season 2 is reunited to answer your questions all about their experience being a part of The Kids Table and what they're looking forward to in Season 3! Welcome to Area of Effect, a podcast about how TTRPGs benefit the whole family! About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs with all ages helps develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence - while building connections around the table. That's why we offer an original, all-ages-inclusive Dungeons & Dragons show, advice for playing D&D with beginner players, and our own campaigns to help you bring the adventures to your own table! For Our Family Adventures & More: ⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠ To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ Follow Us: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, ⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠ #dungeonmaster #dmtips #howtoplaydnd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allison and Kim, two neurodivergent moms, chat about playing TTRPGs with kids and share advice for supporting and celebrating neurodivergent players at the table! Find our more about Furhaven at ⁠fatesend.net⁠ or get your copy of Furhaven Adventures on the ⁠ Kickstarter⁠ page. Welcome to Area of Effect, a podcast about how TTRPGs benefit the whole family! About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs with all ages helps develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence - while building connections around the table. That's why we offer an original, all-ages-inclusive Dungeons & Dragons show, advice for playing D&D with beginner players, and our own campaigns to help you bring the adventures to your own table! For Our Family Adventures & More: ⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠ To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ Follow Us: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, ⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠ #dungeonmaster #dmtips #howtoplaydnd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allison and Kurt talk about how non-player characters in role playing games often fall flat and give tips for bringing NPCs to life with depth and humor that'll have your players feeling all the feels. Get NPC ideas at www.sidekicksandsidequests.com or from ⁠⁠@sidekqpodcast⁠⁠ on your favorite podcast app! Peep the character art for Hippopotamus the Flumph Wizard: ⁠ Sombrisa Art (@sombrisa) | Cara Welcome to Area of Effect, a podcast about how TTRPGs benefit the whole family! About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs with all ages helps develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence - while building connections around the table. That's why we offer an original, all-ages-inclusive Dungeons & Dragons show, advice for playing D&D with beginner players, and our own campaigns to help you bring the adventures to your own table! For Our Family Adventures & More: ⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠ To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ Follow Us: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, ⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠ #dungeonmaster #dmtips #howtoplaydnd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allison and Jon talk about his rules-lite fantasy RPG for 1 to 4 players "One Shot in the Dark", the nostalgia of playing Old School Revival-style games, and why it's important to create space for the imagination. "One Shot in the Dark" is a great game for adults, kids, or mixed-age groups and is suitable for both beginner and veteran players! Grab your copy of ⁠"One Shot in the Dark"⁠ (and its expansions) at Drive Thru RPG! Also available ⁠ in Portuguese⁠! You can find Jon's audio drama podcast (designed for adults) ⁠"Tale Of The Manticore" on YouTube⁠ or your favorite podcast app. Welcome to Area of Effect, a podcast about how TTRPGs benefit the whole family! About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs with all ages helps develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence - while building connections around the table. That's why we offer an original, all-ages-inclusive Dungeons & Dragons show, advice for playing D&D with beginner players, and our own campaigns to help you bring the adventures to your own table! For Our Family Adventures & More: ⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠ To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ Follow Us: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, ⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠ #dungeonmaster #dmtips #howtoplaydnd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Land of Eem is a whimsical roleplaying game of exploration, discovery, and creativity that's best described as "The Muppets meets Lord of the Rings". Receiving 3 Ennie 2025 awards for Best Family Game, Best Monster, AND Best Production Value, it's an absolute slam dunk of a family game. In this episode, Allison chats with Land of Eem creators Ben Costa and James Parks about the inspiration and creation process for their wacky world of adventure! To find out more, visit ⁠ Land of Eem: Beginner's RPG for Kids on Kickstarter⁠ or ⁠Land of Eem Website⁠. To find StoryGuider: Coloring Book Adventures for Kids Ages 2-7, visit ⁠Backerkit⁠ or ⁠TTRPGKids.itch.io⁠! Welcome to Area of Effect, a podcast about how TTRPGs benefit the whole family! About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs with all ages helps develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence - while building connections around the table. That's why we offer an original, all-ages-inclusive Dungeons & Dragons show, advice for playing D&D with beginner players, and our own campaigns to help you bring the adventures to your own table! For Our Family Adventures & More: ⁠⁠www.thekidstablednd.com⁠⁠ To Support Our Work: ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ Follow Us: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, ⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠ #dungeonmaster #dmtips #howtoplaydnd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices