Claim to Game

048 - One DM, Three Different Tables: How to Build Characters for Teens, Families, and Game Stores

What makes a D&D party work? In this episode, Clint talks with Jay Aress, a teacher, creator, and community DM, about how to build groups that genuinely connect. From managing a high school club to running games for family or newcomers at a local shop, Jay shares her approach to bringing together players of different ages and experience levels.

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#47 - Anthony from The Daily DM returns for his third appearance on Claim to Game. We start with Call of Cthulhu, one of the most popular TTRPGs worldwide, breaking down why it works so well for horror, suspense, and cosmic dread. Anthony shares advice for running unforgettable one-shots, from Halloween showstoppers to eerie additions in long-running campaigns, plus stories from The Haunt series for D&D 5E. To wrap up, Anthony tackles the Rapid Fire Holiday Round, recommending systems and adventure hooks for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and more. Seasonal scares and festive fun, all in one episode.

Discount Code for Daily Dungeon Master Store: Claim2Game - 15% Off Anything in the Store - https://www.thedailydungeonmaster.com/store46debe35 

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*As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Some of these links are affiliate links for other programs but once again, if you choose to purchase through these links, it's no extra cost to you. I only promote products or services that I have investigated and feel can deliver value to you.

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#46 - Why do tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons resonate so deeply with players on the autism spectrum? How can storytelling, character roleplay, and a good session of dice-rolling help build social skills, confidence, and genuine connection—for anyone, autistic or not? In this episode, Clint sits down with YouTuber, spokesperson, and lifelong gamer Ron Desi, who shares how he leads D&D sessions for young autistic men in a way that’s safe, empowering, and fun. Whether you’re a player, a parent, or just curious about the power of games, this conversation offers fresh insight into how roleplaying unlocks community, creativity, and growth.

RPG Class in Real Life Quiz 🤔 - https://dungeonnoob-class-quiz.scoreapp.com/ 

Ron’s Game Store 🎲 - https://gamehavenmd.com/ 

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Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons (Hardcover) - https://www.amazon.com/Slaying-Dragon-History-Dungeons-Dragons/dp/125027804X

Defeat Your Demons with Dungeons & Dragons | Fandom Uncovered - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gUcx45ryT0

How to Find a D&D Group (The 2025 Guide!) - https://youtu.be/5lwHVoDK-UA?si=scMlfkBzsJA7-i5J

Kennedy Krieger Institute - https://www.kennedykrieger.org/

Dice Shame Podcast - https://www.diceshamepodcast.com/

Roll the Bones Podcast - https://www.rollthebonespodcast.com/

The Lazy Dungeon Master - https://claimtogamepodcast.com/lazydm

Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master - https://claimtogamepodcast.com/lazydm2

Make Noise by Eric Nuzem - https://claimtogamepodcast.com/makenoise 

Connect with Ron

*As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Some of these links are affiliate links for other programs but once again, if you choose to purchase through these links, it's no extra cost to you. I only promote products or services that I have investigated and feel can deliver value to you.

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#45 - Anthony, The Daily Dungeon Master, is back sharing the real-life magic of starting and sustaining organized tabletop RPG groups. From running Adventurers League tables to launching a high school gaming club, Anthony shares stories, lessons, and practical advice on building community through shared storytelling. Whether you’re thinking of starting a TTRPG club, joining an official play program, or just want to get more games going consistently, this one’s for you.

Discount Code for Daily Dungeon Master Store: Claim2Game - 15% Off Anything in the Store - https://www.thedailydungeonmaster.com/store46debe35 

High Ground Hobbies - Madison, AL - https://www.highgroundhobbies.com/high-ground-hobbies 

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*As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Some of these links are affiliate links for other programs but once again, if you choose to purchase through these links, it's no extra cost to you. I only promote products or services that I have investigated and feel can deliver value to you.

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#44 - Environmental factors like weather, terrain, and landscape can powerfully shape a tabletop RPG session’s mood, challenges, and player choices. In some “eco-horror” style narratives even the land itself can strike back – trees moving, rivers flooding, and storms arriving seemingly at will. Seasoned GM and author of the Daily DM Blog, Anthony shares how setting details and natural forces to deepen immersion, influence decisions, and enrich storytelling in D&D and other role-playing games.

Discount Code for Daily Dungeon Master Store: CLAIM2GAME - 15% Off Anything in the Store - https://www.thedailydungeonmaster.com/store46debe35 

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*As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Some of these links are affiliate links for other programs but once again, if you choose to purchase through these links, it's no extra cost to you. I only promote products or services that I have investigated and feel can deliver value to you.

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#R9 - This episode’s a rewind of my most downloaded one ever—yep, the big question: should you play with a Gamemaster or try a GM-less game? I break down the pros and cons of both, share some honest takes from my own tables, and help you figure out what fits your crew best. Whether you missed it the first time or need a fresh perspective, this one still hits. Settle in—it’s a fun ride.

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*As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Some of these links are affiliate links for other programs but once again, if you choose to purchase through these links, it's no extra cost to you. I only promote products or services that I have investigated and feel can deliver value to you.

Please Connect with us!

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#43 - Why should you consider attending a tabletop gaming convention or event? Can’t you just stay home and play with your friends? Gary “Gaz” Bowerbank shares his battle-tested wisdom from attending countless tabletop gaming conventions over the years. Whether you're considering your first convention, thinking about running games at events, or you're a convention veteran who needs tips for maintaining your energy and stamina, this conversation delivers exactly what you need!

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*As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Some of these links are affiliate links for other programs but once again, if you choose to purchase through these links, it's no extra cost to you. I only promote products or services that I have investigated and feel can deliver value to you.

Please Connect with us!

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#42 - A vast world of tabletop gaming exists beyond the familiar realms of Dungeons & Dragons. In this episode, Clint speaks with Martin Lloyd, a father, lifelong gamer, and game designer who created a game to play with his four-year-old daughter on a rainy afternoon and published Amazing Tales by 2019. This game requires no prep for parents and makes GMing so simple that a 4-year-old can master it. We explore how to introduce children to this remarkable hobby and how to engage and connect with our children in meaningful ways. Let's talk about what else there is to play!"

Check Out Martin Lloyd’s AMAZING TALES:

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*As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Some of these links are affiliate links for other programs but once again, if you choose to purchase through these links, it's no extra cost to you. I only promote products or services that I have investigated and feel can deliver value to you.

Please Connect with us!

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#41 - There is an expansive world of tabletop and board gaming outside the familiar realms of Dungeons & Dragons. In this episode, Clint speaks with David Masnato, a seasoned creator, community manager, and board game designer whose experience to both the mainstream and indie communities have given him a unique vantage point on the gaming industry. Let's talk about what else there is to play!

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*As an amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Some of these links are affiliate links for other programs but once again, if you choose to purchase through these links, it's no extra cost to you. I only promote products or services that I have investigated and feel can deliver value to you.

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🎲 Free 30 -Minute Strategy Call – GM Coaching

https://calendly.com/clint-scheirer-claimtogamepodcast/strategy-call-for-coaching

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https://calendly.com/clint-scheirer-claimtogamepodcast/book-interview

#40 - Pacing a TTRPG game can be tricky. Guy Milner, From The Burn After Running RPG Blog, and a regular host of the Unconventional GMs podcast gave me some great tips about how to keep the pace and run fantastic one-shot games. In our conversation Guy shares: Why one shot RPGs sessions are just as valid as long campaigns. His SWELL structure gives players the full emotional arc for their characters during one and done games. He’s also going to give  you a TON of other Tabletop games you should go out and play.

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*As an amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Some of these links are affiliate links for other programs but once again, if you choose to purchase through these links, it's no extra cost to you. I only promote products or services that I have investigated and feel can deliver value to you.

Please Connect with us!