Best Lex Starwalker Podcasts (2025)

1
Blood of the Avatars 51: Hot Tub Scry Machine part 2 | GMJ 318 1:24:25

4h ago1:24:25

1:24:25

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs begin by divvying up treasure from the tarrasque. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to E…

1
Blood of the Avatars 50: Hot Tub Scry Machine part 1 | GMJ 317 1:21:55

5h ago1:21:55

1:21:55

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs begin by divvying up treasure from the tarrasque. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested …

1
Blood of the Avatars 49: Fisting the Tarrasque part 2 | GMJ 316 1:25:12

7d ago1:25:12

1:25:12

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs battle the legendary Tarrasque. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’r…

1
Blood of the Avatars 48: Fisting the Tarrasque part 1 | GMJ 315 1:26:18

7d ago1:26:18

1:26:18

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs battle the legendary Tarrasque. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in worldbuilding a…

1
Blood of the Avatars 47: Her Loins Are Girded part 2 | GMJ 314 1:09:19

22d ago1:09:19

1:09:19

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs flex their demigod-like powers and take on the weather. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a lin…

1
Blood of the Avatars 46: Her Loins Are Girded part 1 | GMJ 313 1:38:30

22d ago1:38:30

1:38:30

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs flex their demigod-like powers and take on the weather. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re inter…

1
Blood of the Avatars 45: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo part 2 | GMJ 312 1:19:34

29d ago1:19:34

1:19:34

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The PCs make plans and acquire some magic items. They are now level 15. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link …

1
Blood of the Avatars 44: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | GMJ 311 1:24:22

29d ago1:24:22

1:24:22

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The PCs make plans and acquire some magic items. They are now level 15. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interes…

1
Blood of the Avatars 43: Save or Suck part 2 | GMJ 310 1:28:41

1M ago1:28:41

1:28:41

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. We return to the ongoing battle with demons from an Abyssal rift. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in…

1
Blood of the Avatars 42: Save or Suck part 1 | GMJ 309 1:29:13

1M ago1:29:13

1:29:13

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. We return to the ongoing battle with demons from an Abyssal rift. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in…

1
Blood of the Avatars 41: Abyssal Rift part 2 | GMJ 308 1:14:42

1M ago1:14:42

1:14:42

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. Our heroes must deal with a rift to the Abyss and lots of demons. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Epi…

1
Blood of the Avatars 40: Abyssal Rift part 1 | GMJ 307 1:22:50

1M ago1:22:50

1:22:50

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. Our heroes must deal with a rift to the Abyss and lots of demons. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in…

1
Blood of the Avatars 39: Who Are You Wearing? part 2 | GMJ 306 1:17:48

2M ago1:17:48

1:17:48

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The party deals with the loss of Edo, Avatar of Elandra. They learn more about the World Axis, and they get a look of some of what they’re up against. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If yo…

1
Blood of the Avatars 38: Who Are You Wearing? part 1 | GMJ 305 1:14:53

2M ago1:14:53

1:14:53

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The party deals with the loss of Edo, Avatar of Elandra. They learn more about the World Axis, and they get a look of some of what they’re up against. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d …

1
Blood of the Avatars 37: Edo Elandra part 2 | GMJ 304 55:36

3M ago55:36

55:36

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The party continues their search for the avatar, Edo Elandra. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode…

1
Blood of the Avatars 36: Edo Elandra part 1 | GMJ 303 1:17:18

3M ago1:17:18

1:17:18

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The party continues their search for the avatar, Edo Elandra. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in wor…

1
Blood of the Avatars 35: Damn 'Yankis part 2 | GMJ 302 1:14:14

3M ago1:14:14

1:14:14

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in worldbuilding and/or my D&D campai…

1
Blood of the Avatars 34: Damn 'Yankis part 1 | GMJ 301 1:36:09

3M ago1:36:09

1:36:09

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in worldbuilding and/or my D&D campaign setting of Primordia, check …

1
Blood of the Avatars 33: Puff Puff Pass part 2 | GMJ 300 1:31:03

4M ago1:31:03

1:31:03

We return to the adventure with everyone present. Two weeks have passed in game time, while over four years has passed in the real world. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning,…

1
Blood of the Avatars 32: Puff Puff Pass part 1 | GMJ 299 1:28:11

4M ago1:28:11

1:28:11

We return to the adventure with everyone present. Two weeks have passed in game time, while over four years has passed in the real world. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If…

1
Blood of the Avatars 31: Session Zero Number Two | GMJ 298 2:18:22

4M ago2:18:22

2:18:22

I’ve returned to my Blood of the Avatars D&D campaign after a four year hiatus. This is a session zero we had as we prepared to get the campaign going again. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a l…

1
You Can Do Anything! Improvisation vs. Preparation & Why Creating Balanced Encounters is a Pipe Dream | GMJ 297 52:42

11M ago52:42

52:42

Welcome to Season 17! I’ve returned to the show. In this episode I discuss how I’ve begun to improvise more and prepare less as a GM. I also talk about why the idea of creating balanced encounters is, and will always be, a fantasy. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you…

1
Vampire: The Masquerade Part 3 | GMJ 296 1:31:57

2+ y ago1:31:57

1:31:57

I continue my overview of Vampire: the Masquerade by White Wolf Games. This week I talk about the virtues and humanity, backgrounds, diablerie, frenzy, rotschrek, and awarding and spending experience points. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games. Interested in Beta Reading for my new novel, Cr…

1
Vampire: The Masquerade Part 2 | GMJ 295 1:23:30

2+ y ago1:23:30

1:23:30

I continue my overview of Vampire: the Masquerade by White Wolf Games. This week I go over the Disciplines—the various vampiric powers—as well as the clans of vampires. I also talk about generation and how the blood pool mechanics work. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games. Interested in Beta…

1
Vampire: The Masquerade Part 1 | GMJ 294 1:18:30

3y ago1:18:30

1:18:30

I give an overview of Vampire: The Masquerade RPG by White Wolf Games. In this first part I talk about some of the things I’ve learned from Vampire that have made me the GM I am today. I discuss how the prelude concept from Vampire changed my games forever, and I’ll go over nature, demeanor, and personality archetypes in more detail. Check Out my N…

1
The Storyteller System by White Wolf | GMJ 293 1:36:14

3y ago1:36:14

1:36:14

This week I give a brief introduction to the Storyteller RPG system by White Wolf. This is the system used for the World of Darkness games, including Vampire: the Masquerade, Werewolf: the Apocalypse, Changeling: the Dreaming, Mage: the Ascension, and Wraith: the Oblivion. This versatile system is easy to learn, easy to teach, and easy to run, and …

1
Adventure Paths, Mage & Vignettes | GMJ 292 1:10:13

3y ago1:10:13

1:10:13

Craig joins me again today to continue our discussion of his Mage chronicle. We talk more about the open-ended magic system of Mage and how, to a large degree, the biggest limitation is the players’ own imaginations. We also talk about Pathfinder’s Adventure Paths and how vignettes and preludes can add depth to the tabletop RPG experience. Check Ou…

1
Mage the Ascension & Mechanics- vs. Narrative-Focused Games | GMJ 291 1:24:23

3y ago1:24:23

1:24:23

Craig joins me to discuss his Mage chronicle he’s running. What is it like running a game where the player characters can do just about anything they can imagine? We also talk about the differences between more mechanics-focused games and more narrative-focused games. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Get 10% off your next purchase at Metalli…

1
My Ideal RPG System | GMJ 290 53:31

3y ago53:31

53:31

I’m often asked if I’ve ever considered creating my own RPG system, and the answer is Yes! Today I talk about some of the features that my ideal RPG system would have. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games. Interested in Beta Reading for my new novel, Critical Balance? Find out more here. Get …

1
My Approach to Game Mastering & Returning to the World of Darkness | GMJ 289 1:27:30

3y ago1:27:30

1:27:30

I field some questions from listener-GM Matt Yancik on topics of game mastering: my GM philosophy, managing the table & players, and GMing compared to playing. I then talk a bit about the new Mage: the Ascension campaign I’m playing in and reminisce about my time with the old World of Darkness games Changeling: the Dreaming & Vampire: the Masquerad…

1
Problem Solving & Combat | GMJ 288 1:02:56

3+ y ago1:02:56

1:02:56

This week I resurrect the show to discuss how problem solving can be a refreshing alternative to combat in your RPG. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games. Check Out Lex’s NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the begi…

1
Game Master's Journey Grand Finale - Campaign Length | GMJ 287 1:07:07

4+ y ago1:07:07

1:07:07

In the final episode of Game Master’s Journey, Lex discusses campaign length and why he thinks modern TV shows give us an excellent guide to follow. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games.By Lex Starwalker

1
Star Trek Adventures: the Good, the Bad & the Ugly | GMJ 286 2:19:58

4+ y ago2:19:58

2:19:58

Lex explores the Star Trek Adventures RPG. Although this is a game with a lot of flaws, there are some cool ideas and innovations you can apply to any roleplaying game. Lex gives an overview of the merits & flaws of this game, and then he explores his favorite elements and how they could be used in other games.…

1
Reflecting Diverse Cultures in Your World & Creating a World Your Players are Invested In | GMJ 285 1:44:44

4+ y ago1:44:44

1:44:44

In this worldbuilding episode, Lex explores how to created a world your players are invested in and how to increase player interest in the setting. Lex discusses how to use player ideas and PC backstories in adventures. Finally, Lex talks about how to reflect different and diverse cultures in your world, and he provides a list of anthropological re…

1
Worldbuilding for Small-Scale Stories & Using Cliches | GMJ 284 1:03:56

4+ y ago1:03:56

1:03:56

Lex returns to Game Master's Journey to discuss worldbuilding. In the first of a two episode series, Lex talks about how to use cliches in your game. He then talks about how to approach worldbuilding for small-scale stories and conflicts.By Lex Starwalker

1
All Good Things... | DMJ 283 1:52:16

5y ago1:52:16

1:52:16

In the season 14 finale episode, Lex revisits his discussion of degrees of failure, success at a cost and player agency. He also talks about some of his favorite aspects from some 5e settings (and a non-D&D setting) that you might want to use in your own homebrewed D&D setting.By Lex Starwalker

1
PC Races & Subraces, Reskinning Classes, Mining from Previous Editions, Beyond Pass/Fail & Player Agency | DMJ 282 2:06:08

5y ago2:06:08

2:06:08

Lex discusses reskinning or redesigning a class that doesn’t fit your campaign instead of removing it. Just as the classes available to play in a campaign set the tone & flavor for the campaign, so too can you achieve a specific goal through the PC races & subraces you allow (or don’t allow). Lex also talks about using material from previous editio…

1
Removing Classes from the PHB - Feedback | DMJ 281 1:50:08

5y ago1:50:08

1:50:08

For many DMs the default assumption is that all the player character options in the Player’s Handbook should be allowed in their game. However, one of the best things you can do to improve the flavor & focus of your D&D campaign just might be to cut some of the PHB options out. This week Lex discusses some responses to episode 281 and further explo…

1
Maybe You DON'T Want to Use Everything in the Player's Handbook | DMJ 280 1:52:32

5y ago1:52:32

1:52:32

For many DMs the default assumption is that all the player character options in the Player’s Handbook should be allowed in their game. However, one of the best things you can do to improve the flavor & focus of your D&D campaign just might be to cut some of the PHB options out. Lex explores how removing some of the classes & subclasses from your D&…

1
Campaign Recap: For Whom the Bel Trolls & Where's Wahl, Though? | DMJ 279 59:54

5y ago59:54

59:54

Lex is joined by Brett & Phoebe, to recap a session of their D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars. This week the PCs make a deal with a devil. This is a homebrewed campaign set in Lex’s D&D world, Primordia, that is currently using elements of the published campaign, Descent into Avernus.By Lex Starwalker

1
Creating a Monster | DMG Chapter 9 | DMJ 278 1:47:16

5y ago1:47:16

1:47:16

Lex returns to his in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week he discusses how to create a full monster stat black. You can use this process to complete a new monster that’s as complete as any monster in the Monster Manual. This builds on the framework established in episode 276.By Lex Starwalker

1
Campaign Recap: Arkhan? No, Ar-CAN'T! & Pit Stop | DMJ 277 1:14:57

5y ago1:14:57

1:14:57

Lex is joined by two players from his D&D group, Phoebe & Craig, to recap two sessions of their campaign, Blood of the Avatars. This is a homebrewed campaign set in Lex’s D&D world, Primordia, that is currently using elements of the published campaign, Descent into Avernus.By Lex Starwalker

1
Modifying a Monster & Creating Quick Monster Stats | DMG Chapter 9 | DMJ 276 1:47:10

5y ago1:47:10

1:47:10

Lex returns to his in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week he discusses how to modify a monster and how to create quick monster stats. If you want to make a custom monster for your game, you might be able to make some minor modifications to an existing monster. Lex also shows how you can quickly create a monster of a given CR o…

1
Matt Mercer's Heroic Chronicle from Explorer's Guide to Wildemount | DMJ 275 1:06:48

5y ago1:06:48

1:06:48

Lex discusses Matt Mercer’s Heroic Chronicle system from Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount. This is a great system for fleshing out PC backstories and grounding them in the setting of your campaign. This system is especially fantastic for DMs using their own homebrewed campaign settings, but DMs using published settings will also find inspiration in t…

1
Running Higher Level Characters in a Lower Level Adventure | DMJ 274 1:18:05

5y ago1:18:05

1:18:05

Lex discusses how he would approach running an adventure for PCs who are significantly higher level than the adventure assumes. He also gives his thoughts on dealing with a problem player who’s out to ruin the fun for everyone else at the table. Finally, Lex ponders how he’d handle a character who gets advantage on perception checks using smell and…

1
Blood of the Avatars 26: S'up, Minotaur? | GMJ 273 2:41:19

5+ y ago2:41:19

2:41:19

The PCs battle the forces of Arkhan the Cruel. We are using elements of the published adventure, Descent Into Avernus, so there will be spoilers for that adventure.By Lex Starwalker

1
Blood of the Avatars 25: Arkhan's Tower | GMJ 272 2:20:44

5+ y ago2:20:44

2:20:44

The PCs travel to Arkhan’s Tower in search of the blood of Tiamat. We are using elements of the published adventure, Descent Into Avernus, so there will be spoilers for that adventure.By Lex Starwalker

1
Blood of the Avatars 24: Highway to Hell | GMJ 271 2:17:03

5+ y ago2:17:03

2:17:03

This session begins with a recap of the campaign so far. We will be using elements from the published adventure, Descent Into Avernus, so there will be spoilers for that adventure. The PCs have returned to the village of Dianara’s Rest just in time for all hell to break loose!By Lex Starwalker

1
More Combat Options! | DMG Chapter 9: Dungeon Master's Workshop | GMJ 270 48:33

5+ y ago48:33

48:33

Lex & Brett return to their in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week they continue their exploration of combat options. Today’s topics include hitting cover, cleaving through creatures, lingering injuries, massive damage and morale.By Lex Starwalker

1
Combat Options: Initiative Variants & Action Options | DMG Chapter 9: Dungeon Master's Workshop | GMJ 269 1:02:40

5+ y ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Lex & Brett return to their in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week is all about combat options! First, they cover initiative variants, including initiative score, side initiative and speed factor. Next they go through some additional options for actions in combat—climb onto a bigger creature, disarm, mark, overrun, shove aside…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Lex Starwalker Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide