Best Worldbuild With Us Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 271: What If Your Camp Counselor Was Also a Mecha Pilot? (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 6) 57:00

6d ago57:00

57:00

Hey. You should watch Iron Blooded Orphans. Just sayin. And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Chat with us on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/SRFhWV3 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@worldbuildwithus Email us your suggestions: WorldbuildW…

1
Session Zero University Book Club - Marvel Multiverse by Marvel Unlimited 1:09:03

2d ago1:09:03

1:09:03

Join us for a heroic dive into the Marvel Multiverse TTRPG system! Marvel super-fan Lucas Sullivan will be walking us through the system, mechanics, and features of this superhero-focused game, and together we'll make our very own superheroes to challenge the likes of Galactus and Thanos! It's an exciting look into the world of Marvel as we discuss…

1
Criminals of Isla Numus - Episode 19 - The Burden of Proof 58:25

9d ago58:25

58:25

With new skills and abilities, the gang begins their plans and preparations for Lil Sauce's trial. But how will they manage to absolve him of several counts of murder, theft, and trespassing? The realm of the courts is a much different one in a world where magic exists, the team will have a lot of loose ends they'll need to tie up. Can they get to …

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Episode 270: Stained Glass, Stained Souls (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 5) 53:56

21d ago53:56

53:56

In this episode we take a closer look at the fantasy side of our dual-world with help directly from our listeners! A big thanks to all of you who've contributed so far and make sure you go to our Discord if you want your tenet on our finale series! And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/w…

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Criminals of Isla Numus - Episode 18 - JarJim's Level Up Arcade 1:12:31

23d ago1:12:31

1:12:31

The team takes a break from their preparations for Lil Sauce's trial and decide to level up, but JarJim has something brand new in-store for them. They're suddenly transported to a sprawling arcade full of practically every game imaginable, each one corresponding to a different class and offering prizes in the form of various level-up features. Wha…

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Session Zero University - Intro to Mapmaking with Chip Watchorn 1:04:10

1M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

Unlock the secrets to crafting captivating worlds with the incredible Chip Watchorn! Join us as we delve into the foundational concepts of TTRPG cartography, from Chip's own inspiring journey and the vital role a good map plays in your campaign, to essential principles and the different types of maps every GM should consider. Whether you're a compl…

1
Episode 269: Seasons of Seasonal Depression (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 4) 54:20

1M ago54:20

54:20

On this week's episode things go a little off the rails but honestly it's for the best. Also, please go to our discord and directly contribute to our final world! And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Chat with us on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/SRFhWV3 Subscri…

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Criminals of Isla Numus - Episode 17 - Jury Duty 1:16:19

1M ago1:16:19

1:16:19

Lil Sauce's legal team: Kobold, Goblin, and Birds begin the initial steps of preparing for Sauce's trial. Having no idea how the Isla Numus legal system works, they do their best to navigate the bureaucracy. Will they be able to figure it all out and create the best case for their client? Or will they fail dramatically leaving Sauce to suffer the c…

1
Worldbuilding Factions with Martha Wells (Part 2) 30:12

2M ago30:12

30:12

How do protagonists and villains get things done in your world? Probably not all by themselves! Factions - whether they're religious, corporate, political or trade organizations - are a VITAL part of your worldbuilding, adding spicy conflict when interests don't align. Join Janet and the AMAZING Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) as they discuss …

1
Worldbuilding Factions with Martha Wells (Part 1) 29:15

2M ago29:15

29:15

How do protagonists and villains get things done in your world? Probably not all by themselves! Factions - whether they're religious, corporate, political or trade organizations - are a VITAL part of your worldbuilding, adding spicy conflict when interests don't align. Join Janet and the AMAZING Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) as they discuss …

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Episode 268: Vandals in the City of Fate (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 3) 1:00:46

2M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

On this week's episode we introduce the other half of our Undead Kings including King Ramses from Courage the Cowardly Dog, a prophet of fate, and a complete charlatan. In upcoming episodes your input is going to matter more than ever so make sure you get on Discord and get some tenets in! (Also please excuse the underwater mic Rob has, we're tryin…

1
Criminals of Isla Numus - Episode 16 - Kobold, Goblin, Bird Attorneys at Law 55:29

2M ago55:29

55:29

The gang is about to face one of their biggest challenges as they return home: THE LAW! As they arrive at their base, Lil Sauce gets arrested by a SWAT team of guards! What crime did he commit? Perhaps some recent activity the team committed has finally come back to bite them? What will the rest of the crew do to absolve him? Or perhaps they'll bus…

1
Crafting Creatures That Make Scientific Sense with Shirin Sheppard (Part 2) 26:37

2M ago26:37

26:37

We're joined by illustrator and creature designer Shirin Sheppard to talk about making monsters that make scientific sense! How could dragons actually breathe fire? When do you reference real-world biology - and when do you leave it behind? Bring your creature questions to this fun interview! https://www.facebook.com/shirinillustration/ WORLDBUILD …

1
Crafting Creatures That Make Scientific Sense with Shirin Sheppard (Part 1) 31:06

2M ago31:06

31:06

We're joined by illustrator and creature designer Shirin Sheppard to talk about making monsters that make scientific sense! How could dragons actually breathe fire? When do you reference real-world biology - and when do you leave it behind? Bring your creature questions to this fun interview! https://www.facebook.com/shirinillustration/ WORLDBUILD …

1
Session Zero University Book Club - Obojima: Into the Tall Grass by 1985 Games 1:39:42

2M ago1:39:42

1:39:42

Join us for the first ever installment of the Session Zero University's Book Club, a place where we grab a piece of TTRPG content and take a deep dive into it, discussing how it works and the exciting elements we're excited to try. Today, we'll be discussing 1985 Games' Obojima: Into the Tall Grass, a D&D world inspired by Studio Ghibli and The Leg…

1
Why Monster Hunters Matter with Laura Anne Gilman (Part 1) 32:32

2M ago32:32

32:32

Join us as we chat with best-selling fantasy author Laura Anne Gilman about writing MONSTER HUNTERS. Whether you're talking historical fantasy, urban fantasy or gothic horror, these iconic characters stalk the night. Let's discuss tropes, tips, and what these archetypal heroes add to your games and stories. https://www.lauraannegilman.net/ WORLDBUI…

1
Why Monster Hunters Matter with Laura Anne Gilman (Part 2) 33:24

2M ago33:24

33:24

Join us as we chat with best-selling fantasy author Laura Anne Gilman about writing MONSTER HUNTERS. Whether you're talking historical fantasy, urban fantasy or gothic horror, these iconic characters stalk the night. Let's discuss tropes, tips, and what these archetypal heroes add to your games and stories. https://www.lauraannegilman.net/ WORLDBUI…

1
Episode 267: Bend the Knee to Our Undead Kings (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 2) 47:54

2M ago47:54

47:54

Hail to the Kings baby. And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Chat with us on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/SRFhWV3 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@worldbuildwithus Email us your suggestions: [email protected] Follow us on Twi…

1
Criminals of Isla Numus - Episode 15 - Assurance of Insurance 1:05:30

2M ago1:05:30

1:05:30

The gang receives a nice compensation of 10.000 gold pieces for defeating the demonic puppet Raku and saving Trinket Square's missing children. They say their goodbyes to Mr. McGriddle and head out to find their next money-making venture amidst the city. What will they find? What opportunities and ideas await them? Will they get involved in the Hor…

1
Witchy Worldbuilding with Rachel Aaron (Part 1) 24:14

2M ago24:14

24:14

Join us for a spooky season interview with author Rachel Aaron (Hell of a Witch), as we explore the scary practice of worldbuilding with witches. We’ll discuss how witches are often treated differently from other magic users in fantasy and TTRPGs, the tricky aspects of crafting believable witches, and how to create a witchcraft-based magic system t…

1
Witchy Worldbuilding with Rachel Aaron (Part 2) 28:14

2M ago28:14

28:14

Join us for a spooky season interview with author Rachel Aaron (Hell of a Witch), as we explore the scary practice of worldbuilding with witches. We’ll discuss how witches are often treated differently from other magic users in fantasy and TTRPGs, the tricky aspects of crafting believable witches, and how to create a witchcraft-based magic system t…

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Cozy Fantasy Worldbuilding with Caitlin Rozakis (Part 1) 30:35

2M ago30:35

30:35

Join Janet and Caitlin Rozakis, author of The New York Times-bestselling novel Dreadful, for a delightful discussion of all things cozy fantasy! How do you create a setting that feels both cozy AND exciting? What are the essential elements of a cozy fantasy world? Bring your questions (and a cup of your favorite hot beverage) to this fun interview.…

1
Cozy Fantasy Worldbuilding with Caitlin Rozakis (Part 2) 33:41

2M ago33:41

33:41

Join Janet and Caitlin Rozakis, author of The New York Times-bestselling novel Dreadful, for a delightful discussion of all things cozy fantasy! How do you create a setting that feels both cozy AND exciting? What are the essential elements of a cozy fantasy world? Bring your questions (and a cup of your favorite hot beverage) to this fun interview.…

1
Episode 266: Piercing the Aurora Veil (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 1) 1:11:43

3M ago1:11:43

1:11:43

It's the beginning of the end folks so buckle up for a wild ride. This episode had me grinning ear-to-ear from start to end. And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Chat with us on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/SRFhWV3 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www…

1
Criminals of Isla Numus - Episode 14 - The Spiral Staircase 1:15:43

3M ago1:15:43

1:15:43

The fight with the alleged "McGriddle" begins as the group has him trapped in his home base: the old clock tower. Unfortunately, for them, they're fighting him on in his own turf filled with the puppet strings McGriddle swings and manipulates to keep him hidden amidst the magical darkness he casts over the area. Will the group see through his shado…

1
How to write Audio Drama with Emily Inkpen (Part 2) 27:48

3M ago27:48

27:48

Emily Inkpen is the co-creator of the award-winning Dex Legacy, an incredible audio drama about to enter its 3rd season! Learn Emily's process for writing and creating an audio drama that wins awards in this episode of the World Anvil worldbuilding podcast. https://www.emilyinkpen.com/thedexlegacy-home WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvi…

1
How to write Audio Drama with Emily Inkpen (Part 1) 36:37

3M ago36:37

36:37

Emily Inkpen is the co-creator of the award-winning Dex Legacy, an incredible audio drama about to enter its 3rd season! Learn Emily's process for writing and creating an audio drama that wins awards in this episode of the World Anvil worldbuilding podcast. https://www.emilyinkpen.com/thedexlegacy-home WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvi…

1
Session Zero University - Worldbuilding 101 with Doug Grosser 1:11:59

3M ago1:11:59

1:11:59

Wanting to create your own world full of thriving cultures, intriguing locations, interesting mechanics, and clever characters but you're struggling to figure out HOW? Well, you've come to the right place. Teaching Assistant Doug Grosser assists us in delving into the vast world of worldbuilding to share with us the structure of design, the methods…

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Worldbuilding a Generation Ship with Michael Mammay (Part 1) 30:52

3M ago30:52

30:52

What are the unique worldbuilding challenges (and opportunities) presented by a generation ship? This week, Janet sits down with Michael Mammay, author of the popular Planetside series, to explore the corridors and cultures of this unique scifi subgenre! https://www.michaelmammay.com/ Reviews of Generation Ship: Lightspeed Publishers Weekly Library…

1
Worldbuilding a Generation Ship with Michael Mammay (Part 2) 29:51

3M ago29:51

29:51

What are the unique worldbuilding challenges (and opportunities) presented by a generation ship? This week, Janet sits down with Michael Mammay, author of the popular Planetside series, to explore the corridors and cultures of this unique scifi subgenre! https://www.michaelmammay.com/ Reviews of Generation Ship: Lightspeed Publishers Weekly Library…

1
Criminals of Isla Numus - Episode 13 - The Doll Factory 52:26

3M ago52:26

52:26

As the rest of the group finds the old clocktower and heads inside to investigate they find Rorick tied up in a cacoon-like bundle hanging from the balcony alongside the missing children. As they cut him down and start to get to work on the kids, a strange doll appears. Unfortunately, for the crew, this doll isn't friendly and commences an attack f…

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Making Magic Schools with T. Alexander Stangroom & Amanda Hamon (Part 1) 31:33

3M ago31:33

31:33

Join Janet with industry experts T. Alexander Stangroom & Amanda Hamon (Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos) to talk about MAKING MAGIC SCHOOLS, as we bring World Anvil's INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING challenge to a close! https://koboldpress.com/the-kobold-team https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandahamon/ https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/sacoc WORLDBUILD …

1
Making Magic Schools with T. Alexander Stangroom & Amanda Hamon (Part 2) 33:42

3M ago33:42

33:42

Join Janet with industry experts T. Alexander Stangroom & Amanda Hamon (Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos) to talk about MAKING MAGIC SCHOOLS, as we bring World Anvil's INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING challenge to a close! https://koboldpress.com/the-kobold-team https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandahamon/ https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/sacoc WORLDBUILD …

1
Episode 265: The Sky Hungers (Land of a Thousand Layers Part 2) 42:33

3M ago42:33

42:33

This week we bring you a thrilling conclusion to our Patron Brozo's prompt! We've got CHUMPs, Pitch Black references, and cliff jumpers into the abyss. And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Chat with us on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/SRFhWV3 Subscribe to our Y…

1
Historical Fantasy Worldbuilding with Chloe Gong (Part 2) 28:08

3M ago28:08

28:08

Join Janet and our guest, award-winning author Chloe Gong, to talk about using history - and Shakespeare - as a jumping off point for fantasy worldbuilding. https://thechloegong.com/ WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil account today! Worldbuilding software, campaign manager and novel writing software. Created by two nerds, run with love…

1
Historical Fantasy Worldbuilding with Chloe Gong (Part 1) 30:21

3M ago30:21

30:21

Join Janet and our guest, award-winning author Chloe Gong, to talk about using history - and Shakespeare - as a jumping off point for fantasy worldbuilding. https://thechloegong.com/ WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil account today! Worldbuilding software, campaign manager and novel writing software. Created by two nerds, run with love…

1
The Books that Ruined Us as Teenagers 1:00:54

4M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

We cover everything from John Green to The Vampire Diaries to Sarah Dessen and more!

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Criminals of Isla Numus - Episode 12 - Silly, Frilly Willy 1:16:42

4M ago1:16:42

1:16:42

It's time to solve this occult mystery once and for all. Where is this evil entity pretending to be the long-dead McGriddle? Where are the children that have gone missing presumably kidnapped by this entity? And why is Rorick wearing a dress? Hopefully, we'll answer all these questions and more in today's episode of Criminals of Isla Numus! Maki (Q…

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How Does Collaborative Worldbuilding Work? with Owen Greenwald & Paul Kivelson (part 1) 32:06

4M ago32:06

32:06

What are the benefits of collaborative worldbuilding? Who handles which part of a shared world? What mistakes did you make along the way? Janet is live with authors and worldbuilders Owen B. Greenwald and Paul Kivelson, discussing how they collaboratively built their world on World Anvil, for their latest novel, Weapons of the Mind! https://www.owe…

1
How Does Collaborative Worldbuilding Work? with Owen Greenwald & Paul Kivelson (part 2) 27:48

4M ago27:48

27:48

What are the benefits of collaborative worldbuilding? Who handles which part of a shared world? What mistakes did you make along the way? Janet is live with authors and worldbuilders Owen B. Greenwald and Paul Kivelson, discussing how they collaboratively built their world on World Anvil, for their latest novel, Weapons of the Mind! https://www.owe…

1
Episode 264: Lonely Rolling Star (Land of a Thousand Layers Part 1) 44:18

4M ago44:18

44:18

We've got an exciting new prompt from our patron Brozo that has us digging deep into the depths of a planet(?) on this week's episode. We've also got some very important news that we're sharing so you might not want to skip the intro this time around. And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.co…

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Modern Mythic Fantasy with Abigail Owen (part 2) 19:35

4M ago19:35

19:35

Storytellers have been remixing tales of Greek gods since... well, ancient Greece! Kat chats with award-winning author Abigail Owens, whose new release Games Gods Play retells the Hades/Persephone myth in present-day San Francisco. Let's talk about worldbuilding a mythic fantasy setting that blends ancient and modern elements! https://abigailowen.c…

1
Modern Mythic Fantasy with Abigail Owen (part 1) 26:00

4M ago26:00

26:00

Storytellers have been remixing tales of Greek gods since... well, ancient Greece! Kat chats with award-winning author Abigail Owens, whose new release Games Gods Play retells the Hades/Persephone myth in present-day San Francisco. Let's talk about worldbuilding a mythic fantasy setting that blends ancient and modern elements! https://abigailowen.c…

1
Speed Dating with Book Boyfriends (of the '10s and now!) 50:00

4M ago50:00

50:00

If you're wondering just a little of the boys we'll be discussing today, here's the list: Cardan Greenbriar Will Herondale Kaz Brekker Laurie Four Throne of Glass Prince Maxon Red Queen The Darkling v. Mal Peeta Mellark Xaden in Onyx Storm Lukas from Black Witch Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables because we truly cannot get enough. And can't get eno…

1
Books we can't wait to get our greedy little hands on | Winter 2025 Edition 32:18

4M ago32:18

32:18

If you're looking to know what books are heading out this winter, we've got you covered!

1
Criminals of Isla Numus - Episode 11 - The Doll-Maker 1:06:58

4M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

The gang confronts Gideon McGriddle about his resurrection ritual and discovers a heavy dose of dark magic mixed into the spell. Now they know that the McGriddle brought back from the dead certainly isn't what it seems, but what is it and how will they find it? Find out in today's episode of Criminals of Isla Numus! Maki (Quill Smith) - Played by D…

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Adapting Life to Creative Capacity with Sandra Tayler (part 1) 30:51

4M ago30:51

30:51

How do you fit creative work into an already jam-packed life? Especially when you must account for things like physical and mental health challenges? Join Janet and author Sandra Tayler, whose new book Structuring Life to Support Creativity tackles these questions and more! https://www.sandratayler.com/ https://structuring-life-to-support-creativit…

1
Adapting Life to Creative Capacity with Sandra Tayler (part 2) 32:43

4M ago32:43

32:43

How do you fit creative work into an already jam-packed life? Especially when you must account for things like physical and mental health challenges? Join Janet and author Sandra Tayler, whose new book Structuring Life to Support Creativity tackles these questions and more! https://www.sandratayler.com/ https://structuring-life-to-support-creativit…

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Session Zero University - Breaking Free of DnD with Hartly Llosa 1:02:41

4M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

Players and GMs, are you trapped with a constant stream of the traditional Medieval High Fantasy? Have you attempted to convert the Dungeons and Dragons rules in such a way as to play new themes only to be met with days of work and poor results? Perhaps, it's because you need a new system. Join Hartly Llosa, creator of the Nightbringer system to ta…

1
Comedy Science Fiction with Andy Law (Part 2) 33:04

4M ago33:04

33:04

To celebrate Douglas Adam's iconic "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" we're talking about Comedy Science Fiction. Comedy Scifi is an oft-forgotten genre, but from "Galaxy Quest" to "Rick and Morty" to "Starter Villain" by John Scalzi, it's an increasingly popular take on far future worlds! Join Janet Forbes, Kat Bradbury and Andy Law as we delve de…

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