Text us, Psyclithids

What happens to an adventurer after the dragon burns their village, or when they fail to save an innocent life? In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology of defense mechanisms—the unconscious strategies people use to protect themselves from overwhelming stress—and explore how they can shape roleplay at the table.

Drawing from the work of Sigmund Freud and Anna Freud, we’ll unpack four core defenses—repression, denial, rationalization, and projection—and show how they can bring depth and realism to your characters. You’ll hear practical examples of how both players and Dungeon Masters can weave these coping strategies into their games to create more immersive, emotionally resonant storytelling.

Plus, in the Tricks of the Trade segment, we’ll break down how to use in-character defense mechanisms in subtle, believable ways that enhance immersion without slowing the pace of play.

Whether you’re a player looking to breathe life into your character’s trauma or a DM wanting to design encounters that challenge the party on more than just hit points, this episode will give you the tools to make your game world feel more human—and more unforgettable.

🎲 Call to Action: Share your own stories of characters coping with trauma through defense mechanisms, or let me know what other psychological concepts you’d love to see explored in future episodes.

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Session Zero

The Player’s Handbook for Real Life

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Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com

Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com

LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology

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Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X

Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm

Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0

Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR

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Text us, Psyclithids

Do you ever feel like you’re “not good enough” to be a Dungeon Master?
That pressure to run the perfect game…
That voice in your head saying, “I’m a fraud”?

This week on The Dungeons, Dragons, and Psychology Podcast, we dive into the psychology of impostor syndrome, why so many DMs struggle with it, and how to build real confidence in your storytelling.

Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X

Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm

Patreon

Etsy

LinkTree

Session Zero

The Player’s Handbook for Real Life

Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher

Support the show

Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com

Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com

LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology

My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games

Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X

Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm

Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0

Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR

Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/

Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/

Text us, Psyclithids

Is the bard’s silver tongue just a fun game mechanic, or does it reflect real-world psychology? In this episode of The Dungeons, Dragons, and Psychology Podcast, we explore the fascinating connection between the bard’s abilities and the science of persuasion, charisma, and social influence.

We’ll break down key psychological principles like reciprocity, liking, authority, and social proof, and connect them directly to bardic abilities such as Bardic Inspiration, Charm Person, and Hypnotic Pattern. Along the way, we’ll discuss why communication—even with NPCs—can transform your game world into a living, breathing story.

Finally, I’ll share practical tips for bringing bardic charisma into your own life: how to listen actively, find common ground, and master your confidence both at the table and in the real world.

Whether you’re a bard main or just want to level up your influence, this episode will inspire you to see the bard in a whole new light.

✨ Ways to Support the Show:

• 🎧 Patreon
  
  
• 🛍️ Etsy Shop (Games4Games)
  
  
• 📚 Books on Amazon:
  • The Player’s Handbook for Real Life
  • Session Zero: The DMG to Writing Great Campaigns in Any System

Patreon

Etsy

LinkTree

Session Zero

The Player’s Handbook for Real Life

Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher

Support the show

Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com

Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com

LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology

My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games

Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X

Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm

Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0

Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR

Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/

Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/