Episodes

  • The unexpected upside of the CASE framework: Diegesis and the fourth wall in DnD
    Feb 23 2026

    Today we’ll dissect the ins and outs of immersion, guided by our usual host, Danny Barrett. In this sixth episode, we will go over the CASE framework and squeeze it for all it’s worth, going through concepts like Fourth wall, diegesis, and Verfremdungseffekt.

    This episode will help you prep more intentionally and better understand the limits of fiction in this hybrid medium.

    Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:

    Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmith

    Roll and Play Press: http://session0studios.com/rollandplay

    Phantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasms

    Monument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudios

    Discord: http://session0studios.com/discord

    Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreon

    Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

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    18 mins
  • Fixing Tempo: Athletic Conditioning for the Heartbeat of Your D&D Games
    Feb 19 2026

    Welcome back to today’s show.

    Today we talk about tempo, using 2 analogies.

    D&D is like music.

    D&D is like a heart.

    If you understand those two facts, you’ll naturally improve your tempo.

    Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:

    Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmith

    Roll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplay

    Phantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasms

    Monument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudios

    Discord: http://session0studios.com/discord

    Patreon:https://session0studios.com/patreon

    Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

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    22 mins
  • Pauses and Silences: What we say by not saying
    Feb 16 2026

    DISCLAIMER:The musical composition is called 4’33”, by John Cage. (Forgot to say the name). It can be found here: https://youtu.be/TrlKxV5KWJo?list=RDTrlKxV5KWJo

    Welcome to the fifth Creative Contraband episode! After some minor technical inconveniences, we explore the delicate art of empty spaces guided by the usual host Danny Barrett.

    Drawing from neuroscience, music, and other arts, you’ll learn about building suspense, tension release, cognitive processing limits, and more.

    Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:

    Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmith

    Roll and Play Press: http://session0studios.com/rollandplay

    Phantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasms

    Monument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudios

    Discord: http://session0studios.com/discord

    Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreon

    Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

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    14 mins
  • Brevity: Say Less To Do More
    Feb 12 2026

    Doesn't it always feel like you have to fill the silence? Or explain better—explain more, even? As a DM, do we say too much when saying a little would go a lot further? Kind of a weird principle, but one that an over-explainer like Tanner is willing to tackle in today's episode!

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    19 mins
  • 3 Things Your Table Will Thank You For
    Feb 9 2026

    In this special episode of Creative Contraband, our host shares some hard-earned life advice for DMs.

    Today, Danny’s yapping serves up valuable lessons in sustainability, improv, and experimentation.


    Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:

    Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmith

    Roll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplay

    Phantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasms

    Monument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudios

    Discord: http://session0studios.com/discord

    Patreon:https://session0studios.com/patreon

    Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

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    16 mins
  • Tips for Campaign Planning: A Secret of Successful Session Prep
    Feb 5 2026

    Welcome to How to Be a Better DM.

    Today, we continue our talk about campaign prep.

    In addition to the episode 2 weeks ago, we add the following tips:

    • ​Ask what is the game we are trying to play
    • ​When stuck, Break the C.A.S.E.
    • ​Write up long term characters


    Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:

    Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmith

    Roll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplay

    Phantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasms

    Monument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudios

    Discord: http://session0studios.com/discord

    Patreon:https://session0studios.com/patreon

    Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

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    26 mins
  • Character, Role and Archetype: The layers of a good NPC
    Feb 2 2026

    Welcome to the third episode of Creative Contraband! This time host Danny Barrett dives into the ins and outs of PCs and NPCs through theater theory. Why do all TTRPGs tend to have similar races and classes?


    Today we’ll unravel the core concepts that make complete and unique characters. In this episode, you’ll learn how to create, evaluate, and play characters with more personality, consistency and ease.


    Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:

    Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmith

    Roll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplay

    Phantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasms

    Monument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudios

    Discord: http://session0studios.com/discord

    Patreon:https://session0studios.com/patreon

    Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

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    17 mins
  • Every Player Gets A Turn: Tips to help every player be part of the action
    Jan 29 2026

    Some players talk a lot. Others only pipe up at specific moments. But how can you, as the DM, make sure everyone feels included as a true part of the party? Tanner discusses tips for noticing and improving the opportunities of the less-involved in the group.

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    16 mins