What if the eight schools of D&D magic were actually eight fundamental forces of the universe? In this episode of FGGGbT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — break down all eight schools of magic through the lens of real science, from particle physics and chemistry to neuroscience and quantum mechanics.

We explore how the eightfold way in particle physics maps perfectly onto the eight schools of magic, and introduce the theoretical “magon” — the fundamental particle of spellcasting. Then we go school by school: Abjuration as proton-like defensive particles, Conjuration as spacetime manipulation, Divination as probabilistic quantum prediction, Enchantment as brain chemistry and pheromones, Evocation as pure chemistry-based destruction, Illusion as electromagnetic sense manipulation, Transmutation as nuclear physics, and Necromancy as life-force control.

We also debate which school is the most dangerous, the most easily abused, and the most morally complex — and why charm, illusion, and necromancy form a uniquely troubling trio.

Whether you’re a D&D wizard trying to pick your school, a science nerd who loves fantasy, or just someone who wants to know how a fireball is different from a cone of cold, this is the episode for you.

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How do spells actually work — and why do some only affect certain creatures? In this episode of FGGGbT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — break down the mechanics, physics, and philosophy behind spellcasting in D&D and beyond.

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True names & the power of words in magic systems

Could humans actually develop psychic powers? The science says… maybe. In this episode of FT GBT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — dive into the often-overlooked world of psionics, exploring the real neuroscience and physics behind mind powers in D&D, Stranger Things, X-Men, Star Wars, and Warhammer 40K.

We break down why psychic energy works as a continuum (unlike the discrete “chunks” of arcane spell slots), and how that maps onto pop culture icons like Eleven from Stranger Things. We explore the three categories of psionic powers — attacking the mind, defending the mind, and telekinesis — and dig into the real-world science behind each: from electromagnetic brain signals and sports psychology breakdowns (Simone Biles, Ric Flair) to Faraday cages, Jedi mind tricks, and why a tinfoil hat might not be such a bad idea after all.

We also tackle the big question: can a non-psychic person defend against a psychic attack, or are they just a fish in a barrel?

Whether you’re a D&D player curious about psionics, a sci-fi fan, or just someone who’s ever wondered if you could move a remote control with your mind, this episode is for you.

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Can science explain how divine magic actually works? In this episode the FGGGbT Brain Trust tackles the rules, biology, and ethics behind divine magic in Dungeons & Dragons. From the life-force mechanics powering clerics and druids to the darkest corners of necromancy — we break it all down.

We explore how death functions as a control valve for life energy, why souls are the currency of divine magic, and what separates a good necromancer from an evil one. Plus, we debate the ethics of raising the undead, zombie consent, and whether zombies are actually part of the natural order of things.

We also break down the key differences between Revivify, Resurrection, and Reincarnation — and what the HBO show Carnival can teach us about the conservation of magical energy.

If you’ve ever wondered whether necromancy can be ethical, what gods actually want with your soul, or why druids might be okay with zombies under the right circumstances — this is the episode for you.

Can neuroscience and physics explain how D&D spell slots actually work? In this episode of FGGGbT (Fascinating Gadgets, Gizmos & Gear-Based Technologies), the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — crack open the skulls of arcane magic users to figure out what’s really going on inside.

What is magic, really? In this episode, The Brain Trust dig into one of fantasy’s most fundamental questions — not just what magic does, but what it is. They explore why every great fantasy setting gives magic its own internal rules (and why breaking those rules breaks the world), how magic functions less like a supernatural miracle and more like a natural force nobody fully understands yet — a fifth fundamental force, sitting alongside gravity and electromagnetism. From there the conversation gets into the different kinds of people who use it: wizards who treat magic like science, sorcerers running on raw instinct, and clerics and druids who don’t need to understand the rules because they’ve got someone powerful on speed dial. Along the way there’s a detour into why your remote is basically a magic wand, why Alexa is closer to a spell than anyone admits, and the surprisingly thorny question of why, in a world where some people can rewrite reality with a word, those people don’t just run everything.

Vampires are the one monster that seems to have been around forever (I mean they are immortal), and they never seem to go away.  Their popularity may wax and wane, but these predators are always present, ready to suck away our life force in order to preserve theirs.  Even when it seems like we have discussed everything there is to say about these creatures of the night, the Brain Trust comes through with a new perspective.  This week we discuss their relation to the mosquito, how blood types play a major factor, and how a virus could keep you alive while you are biologically dead.

Everyone remembers the famous line in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” where Indy says “Why did it have to be snakes?”  Well our Daring Druid (and resident ophiophilist) Ben Siepser often wonders “Why isn’t it ALWAYS snakes”?  So this week we take a look at a few of our favorite snake-based humanoids including the naga, the ophidians, and the dreaded Yuan-Ti.  Just a bit of a warning, the reproductive cycles of these creatures gets REALLY weird, so make sure to have a pen and paper ready.  Also keep an ear out (no pun intended) for my DeKalb Flying Corn shout out!

Are you ready for MORE petrification!  This week we discuss the basilisk, a creature that can turn you to stone just by looking at you.  Well it has to meet your gaze, but we get into the specifics so you won’t get fooled.  It is also gigantic, which is something to consider.  Listen as we talk about how near-sightedness as an advantage, the deliciousness of magic shell, and how spitting on goggles may or may not prevent fogginess.

There are certain creatures in myth and legend who have been said to have the ability to turn those they encounter into stone.  This week we profile one of those creatures, the cockatrice.  With the head of a rooster, the body of a lizard, and the wings of a bat, this tiny creature can petrify the largest of creatures with a single touch.  They are feared in the fantasy world, since their small size and extreme accuracy make them fearsome opponents.  This week we discuss how this would be possible, and what to do if you find one of your companions looking more statuesque than usual.