Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to a new generation of players and a plethora of accessible platforms for sharing stories. For both newbies and veterans of the game, D&D podcasts provide an engaging way to experience epic adventures, inventive storytelling, and the magic of tabletop role-playing. There are also podcasts exploring the lore, monsters, and larger-than-life characters that inhabit the world of D&D. If youโre looking for more D&D content to binge, here are 8 podcasts you need to check out.
Critical Role
Critical Role is one of the most well-known and beloved D&D podcasts. It features a cast of talented voice actors, including Matthew Mercer as the Dungeon Master, who guide you through the rich world of Exandria. Each campaign is a masterpiece of storytelling, with intricate characters, captivating narratives, and memorable moments.
They have currently completed two campaigns, both spanning several years with over a hundred episodes in each one. Between campaigns, they hosted one-shots, which are entertaining enough on their own and serve as bite-sized D&D snippets. If youโre interested in hearing about a professional D&D campaign filled with laughter and serious moments, give Critical Role a try.
The Adventure Zone
Hosted by the McElroy brothers (Justin, Travis, and Griffin) and their father, Clint, The Adventure Zone offers a comedic and heartfelt take on D&D. The podcast combines humor, heartwarming moments, and epic quests, making it a favorite among fans of both tabletop gaming and storytelling.
There have been several campaigns on the podcast, and the family dynamic has certainly added to the humor of the series. Itโs ongoing, so you can expect a new episode every week lasting around an hour. Their current series is titled Steeplechase and uses Blades in the Dark instead of D&D, which could be interesting if youโve only ever been exposed to Wizardโs tabletop ruleset.
Not Another D&D Podcast (NADDPod)
NADDPod features a hilarious and endearing group of friends embarking on wild adventures in the world of Bahumia. The podcast is hosted by Brian Murphy, Emily Axford, and Jake Hurwitz, the show provides a delightful mix of comedy and epic storytelling.
The podcast is still pumping out episodes every Thursday and is currently in its third campaign. They did some one-shots and shorter stories or bonus campaigns, so thereโs plenty of content to binge and catch up on if youโre interested in hearing this group of friends bash and dash their way through different encounters.
Dungeons & Daddies
First off, what a name for a podcastโ10 points right off the bat. Dungeons & Daddies is a unique and entertaining podcast that transports a group of dads from our world into the realm of D&D. Hosted by Freddie Wong, Matt Arnold, Will Campos, and Beth May, it’s a blend of humor, heart, and unpredictable twists.
The crew bounces around from ruleset to ruleset but mainly uses a 5E-based system for their main campaigns, branching out into other systems like Call of Cthulhu for smaller one-shots. Even if you know nothing about D&D, this podcast makes it extremely easy to dive right in and join in on the fun.
High Rollers: Aerois
High Rollers: Aerois, a show from the Yogscast network, offers an exciting and immersive campaign set in the magical world of Aerois. Mark Hulmes leads a group of adventurers through epic quests and heart-pounding challenges. The campaign is homebrew and mixes elements of sci-fi and fantasy, making it more interesting than your usual Strahd podcasts.ย
The show ended this past summer in July, almost exactly five years after the first episode. The campaign takes the players from levels 2 to 20, making it a great start-to-end D&D podcast for fans of the tabletop game. The campaign setting is slightly hard to describe, but just know that it starts on an airship rather than in a grimy tavern.
Sneak Attack!
Sneak Attack! is a captivating actual-play D&D podcast that follows a group of adventurers on a quest to save their kingdom. Hosted by Reid, Josh, Kelsey, and Mike, the show is known for its storytelling, character development, and the emotional connections it fosters with the audience.
This podcast also uses a homebrew setting, following the characters as they adventure around the world of Brannis and even head into outer space. The show has since ended, but there are 246 episodes for listeners to enjoy as they follow these characters in their fantasy world.
Join the Party
Hosted by Eric Silver, Brandon Grugle, and Amanda McLoughlin, Join the Party is a podcast that weaves intricate storytelling with a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. It explores the fantastical realm of D&D with a focus on personal and emotional narratives. Theyโre currently in their third full-length campaign. Their first campaign was a traditional high fantasy story, while the second one focused on a modern superhero theme.ย
They release new episodes every Tuesday and even host a Q&A-type episode once a month where they answer fan questions and discuss the current state of the campaign. You can listen to their podcast on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.
The Dungeoncast
The Dungeoncast is perfect for players or fans looking to learn more about the mythos and creatures that are found in the pages of the Monster Manual and beyond. Co-hosts William and Brian explore all things D&D, including lore, game mechanics, and different concepts.
Their format varies, but their most popular episodes tend to revolve around an in-depth look at a specific race, class, deity, monster, or event in D&D history. Whether youโre looking to learn more about how liches get their power or the hierarchy of kobolds and dragons, The Dungeoncast is a great way to learn.
Wrap Up
D&D podcasts provide an accessible and entertaining way to experience the magic of tabletop role-playing games. Whether you’re seeking epic quests, comedic relief, emotional narratives, or diverse representation, there’s a D&D podcast that caters to your preferences. With talented storytellers, memorable characters, and immersive worlds, these podcasts are your gateway to epic adventures and endless possibilities. So, grab your dice, join the party, and let the storytelling begin!