I’ve just returned to work after maternity leave, and that’s given me a bunch of time to start up listening to podcasts regularly again – a sorely missed pastime. While I’m still dipping my toe into some newly discovered actual play podcasts, what I’m really enjoying are several Actual Play-Adjacent podcasts that have recently popped up on my radar. These are all excellent resources for players and GMs of all kinds!

1. I Am Hear

   I Am Hear is an interview podcast hosted by Tess, the mastermind behind the RPG Casts directory. I Am Hear is dedicated to highlighting women, non-binary people, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are active in gaming – podcasters, artists, designers, etcs. This is a feel-good podcast where people just get to share their love of this hobby, from multiple perspectives. You’ll walk away from every episode with something new you’ll want to check out!
   

2. Character Creation Cast

   Hosts Amelia and Ryan subscribe to the belief that the best part of any RPG is character creation – and after listening to their podcast, I’m inclined to agree! Amelia and Ryan invite both actual play podcasters and game designers on their show to do a thorough walk through of character creation for their favorite games, or a game they’ve designed. At the end of every arc of episodes, they’ve created a handful of characters I would just love to hear on an AP podcast! After abandoning more than one system because character creation was onerous, I applaud Amelia and Ryan and their guests for breaking down even complex systems into easily digestible processes, and giving some insight and strategy along the way into how best to build a character in that particular system.
   

3. LoreMasters

   Technically a D&D podcast, this podcast is filled with bite size bits of GM inspiration that could easily be ported over to other systems. From magical items to NPCs, from the ubiquitous taverns to entire cities, if you’re ever feeling stuck for inspiration, LoreMasters will get your creative mind running. And episodes range from 3 minutes to 7, so even the busiest GM can find time to listen.

Those are the podcasts that are in regular rotation for me this summer – what about you? I have a long commute, so I’m always looking for something new! Share your own recs in the comments.

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