The Jaunty Mantis TTRPG Podcast

Jan 29 2025 83 ep.

The Jaunty Mantis TTRPG Podcast artwork

Two best friends delve deep into the oddities of creative gaming to celebrate what makes this hobby truly special. If you enjoy casual conversation laden with tips, tricks, and meaningful examinations of story and structure - then this gaming podcast is for you!

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BONUS - Jesse's Galveston Vampire Game

In this bonus episode, Jesse falls in love with Galveston Texas and becomes inspired to plan a Vampire game.

BONUS - How To Get GOOD Gamer Feedback

In this bonus episode, the boys discuss the awkward proposal of asking for feedback for both GMs and players. Follow Jesse: @JingoistfettFollow Matty: @MattherzbergTVFollow The Mantis: @Jauntymantis or @JUANTYMANTIS (on x/twitter)Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

S4:E12 - How To Introduce A New Game

Whether you are tired of D&D or inspired by an exciting new purchase , it can sometimes be difficult to introduce a new game to your group. In the season 4 finale of The Jaunty Mantis, the boys discuss how to identify player boredom and burnout with your current game. Get tips and tools to build interest, learn how to teach the rules, as well as getting maximum buy-in from your

S4:E11 - Rethinking PC Roles

Looking to spice up your pirate or thieves guild D&D campaign.? Why not use roles in addition to classes! In this episode, Jesse and Matty discuss new thoughts on PC roles - unnecessary complication or assets for your players?

S4:E10 - Addressing Player Types

Jesse and Matty discuss the types of players you might find at your gaming table. How to identify them, how to tailor your game for them, how to deal with disruptions and challenges.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

Bonus Episode - The One About LARPing

In a very special holiday bonus episode of The Jaunty Mantis. The boys uncover an old recording about LARPing with Rich Ranallo (Velvet Generation)Music: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlmen" - DJ Williams "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairies (by Tchaikovsky)" - Tchaikovsky "Home for the Holidays" - Chris HaugenLogos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

S4:E9 - Encounter Difficulty

The boys discuss some tips for taking a lighter approach to encounter design for combatsMusic: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

S4:E8 - World Building Without Homework

The boys discuss some tips for building up the world of your setting with player involvement and minimal homework.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

S4:E7 - When Is It Appropriate To Say No?

When running a role playing game, it’s important for Dungeon Masters to empower the players characters But are there situations when the opposite is needed? The boys discuss scenarios and best practices for Game Masters to recognize and address situations when they should say “No-but” instead of “Yes-and”.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy

S4:E6 - Making Aliens Interesting

Have you ever wanted to make aliens that are more than just ridges on a forehead and a self destructive warrior culture? The boys explore ideas and methods for designing truly alien lifeforms for your science fiction and fantasy games.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work