

Taking 20 Podcast
Taking 20 Podcast
Short, bite-sized RPG advice, tips, and tricks for DMs and players of tabletop role playing games (TTRPG)
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 5, 2025 • 16min
Ep 262 - Work Together
This week, we're diving into how players can best work together in TTRPGs. From character building to in-game tactics, discover how to form a cohesive team and make your adventures unforgettable. Tune in to learn how to turn challenges inside out and achieve success together!
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
www.taking20podcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social
Invincible Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/invincible-the-roleplaying-game

Sep 21, 2025 • 23min
Ep 261 - Monster Series - Aberrations
Diving into the terrifying world of aberrations, this episode explores why these alien beings pose a unique challenge for GMs. Discover their bizarre physiologies, incomprehensible motives, and innate magical abilities drawn from their alien minds, and learn how to weave truly unsettling encounters into your campaigns
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #aberrations
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Nerdarchy’s Guide to Aberrations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n98sk2AC2Y
www.taking20podcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social

Sep 7, 2025 • 16min
Ep 260 - Keep the Game Moving
Tired of combat dragging? This episode offers 5 crucial tips for players to keep the game moving. Discover how paying attention, anticipating your turn, and coordinating with allies can transform your tabletop experience from a slog to a dynamic adventure!"
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #playertips
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
www.taking20podcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social

Aug 17, 2025 • 28min
Ep 259 - Space Adventures & Review of Starfinder 2e Player Core
In this episode, we're blasting off into the unknown with tips for running epic space adventures, from exploring derelict ships to discovering bizarre new worlds. Plus, get an in-depth review of the Starfinder 2e Player Core, diving into its mechanics, ancestries, and how it connects to Pathfinder 2e. Don't miss this cosmic journey!
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Episode 140 - Spelljammer Review
Episode 137 - The Gap and Empty Histories
Starfinder 2e Archives of Nethys - https://2e.aonsrd.com/

Aug 3, 2025 • 27min
Ep 258 - Canon
Whether you make up your own canon or use the lore pregenerated by someone else, there are challenges to maintaining the canon and lore for your world. In this episode I discuss some tips and tricks I’ve learned through the years to help keep it all straight.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #lore #canon
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Episode 224 - Lore Part 1 - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-224-lore-part-1/
Episode 225 - Lore Part 2 - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-225-lore-part-2/
Episode 114 - The Cataclysm of Krynn - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-113-the-cataclysm-of-krynn/
DnD Shorts - The Original Rules for Women in D&D are Wild - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSvCP401kK0
Million Podcasts Award - https://www.millionpodcasts.com/dungeon-master-podcasts/
RJD20 - Canon, Your Homegrown Setting and You - https://www.rjd20.com/2021/06/canon-your-homegrown-setting-and-you.html

Jul 6, 2025 • 22min
Ep 257 - Play More Reckless
Unlock more fun and epic storytelling in your TTRPGs by embracing a little recklessness! In this episode we explore how "driving your characters like you stole them" can lead to unforgettable moments, balancing narrative focus with thrilling unpredictability. Discover why taking bolder choices, communicating with your group, and understanding your character's motivations can elevate your game, knowing that the low stakes of failure in-game lead to incredibly high potential for legendary tales.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #reckless
Resources:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast
BlueSky- https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social

Jun 22, 2025 • 33min
Ep 256 - Player Cheating 2 & WOTC Turnover
What do you do when a player cheats in your RPG? In this episode, we tackle the tricky subject of player cheating from the DM's perspective, exploring why players cheat and specific types of in-game dishonesty. Learn practical strategies for DMs and players to address cheating, foster a fair and fun gaming environment, and ensure everyone at the table has a blast!
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #cheating #WOTC #JeremyCrawford #ChrisPerkins
Resources:
Crawford and Perkins join Darrington Press - https://www.gamesradar.com/tabletop-gaming/legendary-designers-ditch-d-and-d-for-critical-roles-with-critical-role-in-major-coup/

Jun 8, 2025 • 19min
Ep 255 - Cliches and review of the Starfinder 2e Galaxy Guide
Ever wondered if "chosen ones" and "horny bards" have a place in your RPG campaigns? In episode 255 of Taking 20 Podcast, we dive into the world of RPG clichés—when to use them, when to subvert them, and how they can elevate your game. Plus, I also review the Starfinder 2e Galaxy Guide! Join us as we explore familiar tropes and exciting new worlds..
#pf2e #Pathfinder #Starfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #cliches #tropes
Resources:
Episode 75 Better Backstories - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-75-better-backstories/
Episode 104 3 Bullet NPCs and Backstories - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/episode-104-3-bullet-npcs-and-backstories/
Episode 190 - Integrating Character Backstories with Rick Sandidge - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-190-integrating-character-backstories-with-rick-sandidge-of-find-the-path-ventures/
Episode 137 The Gap and Empty History - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-137-lore-series-starfinder-gap-empty-history/
Episode 182 Campaigns Bigger Than the PCs - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-182-campaigns-bigger-than-the-pcs/

May 25, 2025 • 19min
Ep 254 - Unwritten Rules
The back to basics series takes things back to the fundamental principles of tabletop RPGs. It’s so easy to get lost in the rules and mechanics of the game and forget these important lessons.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #backtobasics
Resources:
Matthew Colville - Language not Rules - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIkwABECfR0
Ep 245 Unruly Players - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-245-unruly-players/
Ep 47 Session 0 Guide for DMs - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-47-comprehensive-session-0-guide-for-dms/
Ep 219 Let Players Use New Abilities - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-219-let-players-use-new-abilities/

May 11, 2025 • 18min
Ep 253 - Recurring Villains
Have you ever wanted to craft unforgettable recurring villains that will haunt your players' dreams? In this episode I’ll give you some secrets to making your big bads more than just one-dimensional threats and learn how to weave them seamlessly into your campaign for maximum impact.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #villains
Resources:
PF2e Core pg 66