Text us, Psyclithids

Session Zero isn’t just about rolling stats and swapping backstories—it’s the primary emotional regulation tool for your group. In this episode of The Dungeons, Dragons, and Psychology Podcast, we dive into why Session Zero matters so much, and how it sets the tone for your entire campaign.

We’ll explore:

• Player Contracts: Setting clear expectations for behavior and table norms.
• Aligning Expectations: Making sure everyone’s on the same page about tone, style, and play focus.
• Safety Tools: How tools like the X-card and emotional check-ins act as guardrails to keep play fun and safe.
• The Art of the Break: Why stepping away from the table is one of the most powerful conflict-resolution tools you have.

Plus, in Tricks of the Trade, I’ll share actionable steps for both players and DMs to strengthen collaboration, prevent burnout, and keep the story immersive.

Because at the end of the day, conflict belongs in the narrative—not between the people around the table.

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to make your next campaign smoother, safer, and more fun from the very first session.

Patreon

Etsy

LinkTree

Session Zero

The Player’s Handbook for Real Life

Support the show

Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com

Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com

LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology

My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games

Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X

Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm

Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0

Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR

Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/

Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/

Text us, Psyclithids

What happens to an adventurer after the dragon burns their village, or when they fail to save an innocent life? In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology of defense mechanisms—the unconscious strategies people use to protect themselves from overwhelming stress—and explore how they can shape roleplay at the table.

Drawing from the work of Sigmund Freud and Anna Freud, we’ll unpack four core defenses—repression, denial, rationalization, and projection—and show how they can bring depth and realism to your characters. You’ll hear practical examples of how both players and Dungeon Masters can weave these coping strategies into their games to create more immersive, emotionally resonant storytelling.

Plus, in the Tricks of the Trade segment, we’ll break down how to use in-character defense mechanisms in subtle, believable ways that enhance immersion without slowing the pace of play.

Whether you’re a player looking to breathe life into your character’s trauma or a DM wanting to design encounters that challenge the party on more than just hit points, this episode will give you the tools to make your game world feel more human—and more unforgettable.

🎲 Call to Action: Share your own stories of characters coping with trauma through defense mechanisms, or let me know what other psychological concepts you’d love to see explored in future episodes.

Patreon

Etsy

LinkTree

Session Zero

The Player’s Handbook for Real Life

Support the show

Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com

Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com

LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology

My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games

Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X

Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm

Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0

Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR

Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/

Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/

Text us, Psyclithids

Do you ever feel like you’re “not good enough” to be a Dungeon Master?
That pressure to run the perfect game…
That voice in your head saying, “I’m a fraud”?

This week on The Dungeons, Dragons, and Psychology Podcast, we dive into the psychology of impostor syndrome, why so many DMs struggle with it, and how to build real confidence in your storytelling.

Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X

Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm

Patreon

Etsy

LinkTree

Session Zero

The Player’s Handbook for Real Life

Support the show

Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com

Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com

LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology

My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games

Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X

Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm

Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0

Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR

Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/

Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/