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

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

Apr 27, 2025 • 30min
Ep 252 - Get Out of Your GM Comfort Zone
There’s nothing wrong with the comfortable same old same old. However, what if you want to become a better DM. How do you start and what can that progression look like? Give this episode a listen to find out.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg
Resources:
Episode 27 - Role vs Roll Playing
Episode 184 - Preparing One Shots
Episode 237 - Short vs Long Campaigns

Apr 13, 2025 • 21min
Ep 251 - Conflict
Conflict is inevitable around the RPG table but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t play the game or that you should shy away from it. In this episode we talk about how conflict can manifest and what players and GMs can do about it.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #paizo #conflict #dnd #Wotc
Resources:
Social Emotional Skills at the D&D Table: https://www.youngdragonslayers.com/d-and-d-video-blog/dnd-social-emotional-skills
Examples of problem players
https://www.cottageofeverything.com/blog/dealing-with-problem-players
Screen Rant - Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford Leave Dungeons and Dragons Design Team - https://screenrant.com/jeremy-crawford-chris-perkins-leaving-dnd-interview/

Mar 30, 2025 • 21min
Ep 250 - Important NPCs and Review of the NPC Core
Not all NPCs are created equal, or at least they shouldn’t be created that way. There are some NPCs who are simply more important to your campaign? Which ones and how should you treat them? Give this episode a listen!
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #npccore #npc #paizo
Resources:
Paizo NPC Core. https://paizo.com/products/btq06x2l

Mar 16, 2025 • 24min
Ep 249 - Questions You Can Ask To Give Your Character Depth
Making 2 dimensional characters is easy. Pick your ability scores, feats, equipment etc. but what if you want or need to make a deeper character to role play? How do you do it? In this episode I give your character just a few questions to add depth
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #characterdesign #backstory

Feb 23, 2025 • 19min
Ep 248 - Guns in Fantasy and Review of Guns and Gears Remastered
Should you let your baby shoot you down in RPG games? Do you allow pistols and rifles in your world with dragons and gnomes? If your immediate reaction is no, why? In this episode I discuss guns in fantasy worlds and offer a brief review of the new Paizo book Guns and Gears Remastered.
Disclosure: I did receive a PDF copy of the book for free but that never taints my review and I give you an honest take on the quality and value of the book.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #gunsinfantasy #GunsandGears
Resources:
Guns and Gears Remastered - https://paizo.com/products/btq05498