You Had To Be There: A D&D Storytelling Podcast
46 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingA bi-weekly D&D storytelling podcast where we sit down with RPG enthusiasts so they can share their stories. Join me while we hear countless moments about characters, campaigns, and conundrums. Everyone has a different story to tell, but they all have one thing in common, You Had To Be There.
To be on the show, follow us on Twitch or wherever you get your podcasts. Then, send an email to [email protected].
I'd love to hear your story. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youhadtobethere/support
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Episodes
The Everyday Superhero
October 05, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBIn this episode, I spoke with Julian Loomis from the Everyday Superhero Headquarters. Julian is a Nerdy Wellness Communicator who combines his love for TTRPGs, mental wellness, and physical health into one. We talked about Julian's journey to creating his Exercise Infused TTRPG program Mission Quest, and his process for character development. Be sure to check out the Everyday Superhero Cast at https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCw0hJ886Y7HU4JYlCkkoIaA To learn more about Mission Quest go to ht...
Intellect Devoured
September 21, 2022 10:00 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBIn this episode, I spoke with Brian from Fighter Guy Studios! Brian is the creator of The Brains & Brawn Super Simple Table Top Role Play System. Brains & Brawn is a TTRPG system where the Tale Teller can add various Supplements that build on the system to give more options & ‘crunch’ to the base game, which can be used with every expansion. Brian and I went into detail about his setting agnostic system and how in one of his 5e games, one of his players died months before the party even re...
Off With His Head
September 07, 2022 10:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBGary Engler started playing D&D the same way all campaigns start, at a bar! After one of the bar regulars showed Gary and his friends D&D, they later transitioned to playing primarily Pathfinder and Pathfinder 2. In their games, they rotate GMs regularly and are no strangers to character death. However, during one of their challenging encounters, one of Gary's character builds managed to take down the enemy in record time. Join the You Had To Be There Discord! https://discord.gg/J8pUFHRTyE ...
Party Overboard
August 24, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBNikko Mitrovic is the creator of ElvenFirely! ElvenFirely.com is a website where you can find system-agnostic adventure locations, wholesome NPCs, and magical D&D articles! Nikko and I talked about fun NPCs, and how one of his players saved the party from a TPK while traveling on their skyship. To suppoert Nikko, visit ElvenFirely.com! And follow him on Twitter @ElvenFirefly! Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/J8pUFHRTyE Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdec...
Pro Grodog
August 10, 2022 10:00 - 42 minutes - 39 MBIn this episode, I spoke with Paul Pergolizzi. Paul is a regular 5th Edition player, he is also my cousin. Born in the world of pandemic D&D, Paul has been playing his Tabaxi Bard for a few years. Over the course of his time playing, he remembers how one NPC went from knocking him out in a fight, to being his best friend. Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/J8pUFHRTyE Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy TikTok: @tomd...
Black Rhapsody by Magic Gal Media
August 03, 2022 10:00 - 40 minutes - 37 MBBONUS EPISODE! A bit out of my element on this one but we are talking comic books! In this episode, I sat down with Serena Sanchez, the creator of the comic book Black Rhapsody by Magic Gal Media. Black Rhapsody is a horror comic about a group of magical singers fighting against an evil goddess turned pop star. Be sure to follow Magic Gal Media on Twitter @MagicGalMedia You can support Black Rhapsody on INDIEGOGO: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/black-rhapsody-part-1#/ Join the Disc...
Confuse Ray All Day
July 27, 2022 10:00 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MBJacob Cordas returns! Be sure to check out Jacob's first episode Undercover Boss. Jacob Cordas is a writer, podcaster, and full-time professional game master on Start Playing. Jacob and I talked about the Call of Cthulhu one shot he wrote and ran for myself and two other past guests. All three parts are out now! Jacob also has a new podcast with the Cheesy Gordita Network. In The Land Of Cheese And Sauce is a Taco Bell themed 5th Edition actual play podcast featuring an original story and ...
Call Of Cthulhu One Shot Pt. 3
July 20, 2022 10:00 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MBPart 3 of You Had To Be There: A Call Of Cthulhu one-shot featuring past guests Jacob Cordas, Nicole Summers, and Kenneth Blaney. After nearly dying at Henderson's farm, the party experiences some extreme Déjà vu as they return to the Gallop & Shaker. In order to find out just what is happening, Blake, Abigail, and Father Sean head over to the church to find more about the town's past residents. Abigail Bell was played by Nicole Summers Blake McWilliams was played by Tom DeCillis Father ...
The Satanic Panic
July 13, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 66.3 MBReverand Derek White AKA The Geek Preacher is a UMC Clergyman, a Chaplain of Gary Con, and an advocate for LGBTQI and neurodiverse inclusion. Derek now uses TTRPGs as a tool for inclusion, understanding, and education. He also is a firm maker and released/is in the process of releasing his new documentary, The Satanic Panic and the Religious Battle for the Imagination. The film explores Derek's journey through the satanic panic as a D&D-loving kid, and how it affected his friends and those ...
Call Of Cthulhu One Shot Pt. 2
July 06, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.6 MBPart 2 of You Had To Be There: A Call Of Cthulhu one-shot featuring past guests Jacob Cordas, Nicole Summers, and Kenneth Blaney. After investigating the mystery of Henderson's missing cattle, the party realizes things in this small town might not be as they seem. Abigail Bell was played by Nicole Summers Blake McWilliams was played by Tom DeCillis Father Sean Reilly was played by Kenneth Blaney The Keeper of this game was Jacob Cordas To be a guest on the show: Send me a DM on Twitter...
Extreme Basket Weaving
June 29, 2022 10:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBZach Katz is a frequent Dungeon Master who creates homebrewed worlds, subclasses, and magical items. He is also the host of the Fantasize Me podcast, where he takes characters real or imagined and turns them into D&D characters. Zack and I talked about the different creations he brings into his world and how his players can experience anything from harsh wilds to deadly festival games. Click the link below to follow Zach on Twitter and check out all of his D&D projects. https://linktr.ee/...
Call Of Cthulhu One Shot Pt. 1
June 22, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 78.9 MBJoin us for a special Call Of Cthulhu one-shot with past guests Jacob Cordas, Nicole Summers, and Kenneth Blaney. Our story takes place in a small southern town. While on her way to a shooting competition, Abigail Bell stops at The Gallop & Shaker, a small bar in the middle of town. After meeting the owner, Blake McWilliams, and the local Preist, Father Sean Reilly, the three discover some strange happenings around town. While getting no help from the local sheriff, the group decides to inv...
Cultural Differences
June 15, 2022 10:00 - 55 minutes - 50.4 MBEmma Collis is a very talented DM, writer, and map creator. She's also part of the Roll Plenty Podcast and runs D&D for charity events. Emma and I talked about her homebrewed world, where she has run multiple campaigns, entwining them into an epic story. Emma recalls her Hexblood character, who took Feywild customs very seriously. Follow Emma on Twitter to see her projects: @emma_collis And check out the Roll Plenty Podcast: https://linktr.ee/rollplenty To be a guest on the show: Send ...
All On My Gnome
June 01, 2022 10:00 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBAndy from Lost Haven Art has played TTRPGs for over ten years! He is an Illustrator, Digital Artist, and Independent Game Developer whose art style is heavily influenced by video games and vibrant colors. In addition to character commissions, Andy also loves to create and homebrew magical items. As a forever GM, Andy recalls when PVP conflict led to a Gnome Wizard going off on their own. Follow the link below for Andy's social media, commissions, and other projects. https://linktr.ee/Lo...
He Doesn't Want To Come Back
May 18, 2022 10:00 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBDylan Goss from Stuffed Rock Studio has been playing TTRPGs for 25 years! He is also the writer of the comic book Mara, a story about monsters, magic, and a young girl gifted with incredible strength. Dylan's journey into TTRPGs started when he found a D&D box at a garage sale and played the solo adventure, which ultimately led to his first character's death. Dylan and I talked about the evilest character he ever made and how in one of his games, no matter how many options he gave them, o...
First Time For Everything
May 04, 2022 10:00 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBIna Koffen is a talented artist whose passion for drawing was re-ignited after she started playing D&D again in 2018. Her inspiration for her art comes from a blend of American comic books and Disney. She now does commissions of TTRPG characters and specializes in Medieval Fantasy. We talked about her art/commission process and how one of her most innocent characters unexpectedly killed someone for the first time. To check out Ina Koffen's artwork and contact her for commissions, go to h...
Rock And Roll
April 20, 2022 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MBBrad Marsh is a voice actor and cast member of The Heralds of Wayinar. The Heralds of Wayinar is a cinematic D&D podcast and YoutTube series set in the dark fantasy world of Gregoor-Sheav. Brad Marsh plays Obi, the Edwed Minor "rogue by circumstance." We talked about Brad's journey into tabletop gaming, how he used his Dungeon Master skills to coax his family into playing an annual game, and his character Obi took out hundreds of cultists with one clever decision. To watch The Heralds of...
Yo Momma
April 06, 2022 10:00 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MBNathan and Matt are part of the Advanced Age Roleplaying Gamers Podcast. The AARPG Podcast is an actual play TTRPG show made up of a group of friends who have been playing together for over 30 years! We talked about what it was like to start playing in the early days of tabletop gaming, as well as how these veteran gamers transitioned into the world of virtual TTRPGs. Nathan and Matt recalled one of their campaigns where a new player learned very quickly to never insult a character's mot...
Trust No One
March 23, 2022 10:00 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MBDan Bublitz is a hilarious stand-up comedian that can be seen performing all across the country. Dan has been playing TTRPGs for more than 25 years and is currently playing a game with his original group he started playing with years ago. We talked about Dan's love for Rogues, and what it's like for a whole party to turn on one of their own. Follow Dan on all social media @dbublitzcomedy Visit his website at www.danbublitzcomedy.com, and be sure to check out his podcast at www.artofbombing...
Silent But Deadly
March 09, 2022 11:00 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MBLuis Loza is a Senior Developer at Paizo and is part of the team that creates the setting for Pathfinder Lost Omens. Despite having a bad experience as a first-time GM, Luis now is a long-time GM who runs many games in many systems. You can check out his Pathfinder and independent work at https://www.luisloza.com/ and follow him on Twitter @donatoclassic. To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @to...
Some Of You May Die
February 23, 2022 11:00 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MBAndrew Brown is a long-time 5th Edition D&D player who is also part of the Reliably Chaotic podcast. Andrew has many years of experience working in all aspects of theater, ranging from crew to lighting, to acting, which ultimately led him to find a deep connection with TTRPGs. On top of being my first DM, Andrew has a passion for chaotic and wild card characters, resulting in hilarious results. Catch the Reliably Chaotic Podcast wherever you find podcasts! To be a guest on the show: Emai...
Domestic Disturbance
February 09, 2022 11:00 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBHayley Bell is part of the Party of 2 RPG Twitch channel, where she and her husband Weston take turns GM'ing an original Pathfinder adventure. Hayley started playing TTRPGs in 2020 but quickly became obsessed with Table Top Gaming. Now, you can see her guest appearing in games all across the community. Watch Party of 2 RPG live on Twitch: https://t.co/GEltwQaJwu Follow Hailey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hayleym_bell To be a guest on the show: Email me at youhadtobetheredndpod...
Where's The Beef?
January 26, 2022 11:00 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBAnim5 is a TTRPG and nerd culture veteran who played his first game of D&D in the late '70s. After years of playing mostly independent Role Playing Games, he returned to D&D after 5th edition was released. Now as a committed Dungeon Master, his players get to explore his home-brewed world, with a map that was created by everyone's favorite cold cut. Check out his website at www.anim5.com. Listen to The Gutter Skypes Podcast at https://www.anim5.com/IDDFOS/TGS/index.html To be a guest ...
The Name Of The Game
January 12, 2022 11:00 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MBDennis Rooney is a hilarious stand-up comedian and TTRPG player. His interest in TTRPG's was peaked when he moved to Brooklyn and saw his roommates playing. He has now played in multiple campaigns, bringing a comedic flair to all of his characters. For Dennis, making a character all boils down to one crucial moment, the name! You can follow Dennis and Instagram @dennisrooney7 And check out his podcast Netflix Bookclub. To be a guest on the show: Email me at youhadtobetheredndpodcast@g...
Drop Dead Gorgeous
December 29, 2021 11:00 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBAmanda Grace is known for her cosplay, writing, and TikTok. Her tight-knit RPG group started off with Pathfinder in 2009, but expanded into 5th edition D&D, Warhammer, Weird West, and more! She is currently writing a book in which the storyline is heavily based on dice rolls she and her writing partner make. In her time playing TTRPG's, one of her favorite characters was a one-legged stripper who was so charismatic, no one could deny her requests. You can follow Amanda Grace on TikTok @a...
Psychoanalysis
December 15, 2021 11:00 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBWhen nerdiness meets psychology! Katrina Reese is an experienced comedian, voice actor, and roleplayer. While she is newer to the world of D&D, her time as a Larper and performer has given her great insights on why a person may play a certain type of character. To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy TikTok: @tomdecilliscomedy My logo was created by N...
Careful What You Research
December 01, 2021 11:00 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBColin Turzai started playing TTRPG's when he and his cousin found an AD&D box in his Grandfather's house. Colin now runs multiple games a month using multiple different systems, incorporating some of the most ridiculous magical items as he goes. Colin, however, learned that doing research for campaigns might just earn you a visit from some interesting Government Agents. To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future e...
Don't Tell Mom
November 17, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MBChaz Bolon has been playing D&D for nearly 13 years. After many years of playing, he has finally taken up the role of DM. On top of having his Barberian chased by a Revenant he had brutally killed, Chaz had to hide playing D&D from his mother for many years due to some lingering satanic panic. To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy TikTok: @tomdecillisco...
United Paizo Workers
November 03, 2021 10:00 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MBOn this special episode of You Had To Be There, I sit down with two employees of Paizo, the RPG publishing company of Pathfinder and Starfinder. Jason Tondro is a Senior Developer and Alex Speidel is an Organized Play Coordinator at Paizo. However, they were also part of the driving force that led Paizo to recognize the employee's desire to unionize, making Paizo the first-ever RPG publishing company to have a union. To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected]...
Fight Your Inner Demons
October 20, 2021 22:29 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MB*REPOST DUE TO PREVIOUS AUDIO ISSUES, my sincerest apologies* Jay Pittman has been playing D&D for three years. In that short time, he has become a highly creative writer, DM, and player, intertwining his past DM's campaign and his together. However, in Jay's world, if you find yourself in the plane of death, you may be racking up some points of despair, which put exhaustion levels to shame. You may also find that the hardest fight may take place inside a character's mind. To be a guest...
NPC = MVP
October 06, 2021 10:00 - 43 minutes - 40 MBAiden Mancini played his first-ever D&D session at the young age of 10. After returning from a long hiatus, his past 3 years have been filled with a heavy blend of classic D&D and Sci-Fi-based TTRPG's. On top of ramming a giant robot with a spaceship, Aiden's group learned that sometimes an NPC can be the party's favorite character. Aiden can be seen as a guest on the n33fr33ks Twitch channel, https://www.twitch.tv/n33tfr33ks. To be a guest on the show: Email me at youhadtobetheredndpodca...
Always Call Your Mother
September 22, 2021 10:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBMatt Reed is a member of the Reliably Chaotic Podcast. After nearly quitting D&D after a few bad experiences, he now participates in multiple campaigns. Matt's bread and butter in D&D are his wacky character creations, as well as his very unorthodox method of rolling stats. Breaking the mold of the dark character backstory, his half-orc not only had a great family but always made sure to stay in contact. To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please...
Leave It To Steve
September 08, 2021 10:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MBMegan Magee is an actress, voice actor, and improviser. She began playing 5th edition D&D five years ago with a group of acting friends. In her time playing in various one-shots and campaigns, she learned that a little flirting with an NPC can go a long way. You can follow Megan on Instagram @meganmageenyc To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy Ti...
Give Him A Hand
August 25, 2021 10:00 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBLexi Milford starting playing 3rd Edition D&D back in college. After playing one campaign as a player, she began taking up the role of Dungeon Master. Lexi is currently writing a pre-apocalyptic campaign that will lead her players up to a great catastrophe. As a long-time DM, she learned that some players will do whatever it takes to make a peace offering. To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: ...
All Hands On Deck
August 11, 2021 10:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MBAdam Bokhari is a D&D enthusiast that spent years reading and researching TTRPG's before ever getting to play. Through his dedication to the history of these games, he will incorporate aspects of different editions in his campaigns. He also has no problem changing your subclass if you stray from your Deities' morals. Join Adam's Discord at https://discord.gg/222kAwgUUm Follow him on social media at https://www.instagram.com/gatheringhallgames https://www.twitter.com/Gathering_Hall Yo...
Undercover Boss
July 28, 2021 11:00 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBJacob Cordas is a highly experienced RPG player and DM. On top of running multiple formats, he also used to create escape rooms, incorporating that in his games. However, one of his players managed to outsmart countless enemies by recreating a popular TV show. To hire Jacob as a DM for one of your games, go to https://startplaying.games/gm/jacweasel Check out his comic book reviews at https://www.comicsbookcase.com/ Also, check out The Cheesy Gordita Bunch Podcast: https://my.bio/cheesygord...
Baby On Board
July 14, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBBella Sales is a D&D 5th edition player who participates in multiple homebrewed campaigns. On top of running a badass battle royale for her group, her Phoenix Druid ended up with a rich Dad, and not one, but two babies. To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy TikTok: @tomdecilliscomedy My logo was created by Nicole Summers from the Reliably Chaotic ...
Don't Hate, Hydrate
June 30, 2021 11:00 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MBBryan Scharf is the Dungeon Master for The Reliably Chaotic Podcast. Not only did D&D help him through one of the toughest times in his life, but it also led him to be an incredible DM and world builder. He also learned that sometimes a seemingly average magical item can really turn the tides on a campaign. Please follow him on Twitter @ReliableDM To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdec...
An Absolute Lemon
June 16, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 42 MBMatt Hogan is a D&D 5th edition player with an affinity for Warlocks and dangerous homebrews. On top of his difficult encounters and puzzles, you might just find a misspelled scroll, resulting in hilarious outcomes. Be sure to join his Facebook group, D&D - Monsters and More. To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy TikTok: @tomdecilliscomedy My logo ...
Time's Up
June 02, 2021 11:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBAndrew J. Beck is an actor and 5th Edition D&D player. He uses his skills as an actor to create the wackiest and out-of-the-box characters. His D&D lesson to all, don't mess with the clock. Follow him on Instagram: @ajbeckoning To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy TikTok: @tomdecilliscomedy My logo was created by Nicole Summers from the Relia...
No Mid Campaign Breakups
May 19, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBJay Muhlithaler is a D&D veteran who has been playing since 1998. On top of a wealth of knowledge, he also had to kill multiple PCs due to real-life breakups. To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy TikTok: @tomdecilliscomedy My logo was created by Nicole Summers from the Reliably Chaotic Podcast. The music for my intro was created by Michael James ...
The Best Tasting Homebrew
May 13, 2021 17:02 - 51 minutes - 47.6 MB*I apologize for the few audio issues* Jack Michael is an extremely creative homebrewer who created a world filled with food-based characters and conundrums. Taking his players through a delicious taste of mystery and wonder. To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy TikTok: @tomdecilliscomedy My logo was created by Nicole Summers from the Reliably C...
Heat Metal = Total Destruction
May 05, 2021 11:00 - 49 minutes - 35 MBNicole Summers is part of the D&D campaign podcast Reliably Chaotic. Through her love of casters, she has unlocked the true power of the heat metal spell. To be a guest on the show: Email me at [email protected] Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy TikTok: @tomdecilliscomedy My logo was created by Nicole Summers from the Reliably Chaotic Podcast. The music for my intro was created by Michael James Mcg...
He Didn't Die, But He Wishes He Did
April 28, 2021 11:00 - 47 minutes - 35.7 MBKenneth Blaney is an RPG player that started with a D&D first edition nightmare which inevitably led him to be a diehard Pathfinder and Pathfinder 2 player. Listen to how his character has one of the worst days in RPG history. Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy TikTok: @tomdecilliscomedy My logo was created by Nicole Summers from the Reliably Chaotic Podcast. The music for my intro was created by Michael James Mcgarry...
16 Nat 1's In a Row
April 21, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 37.8 MBI sit down with Kyle Reilly-Joseph. He is a tried and true Fifth Edition D&D player with an unorthodox DMing style. He also may very well hold the world record for most consecutive Nat 1's. Watch Kyle stream on Twitch at twitch.tv/gagglegoon. Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy My logo was created by Nicole Summers from the Reliably Chaotic Podcast. The music for my intro was created by Michael James Mcgarry. https://s...
I'm Going To BULLRUSHEM
April 14, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 112 MBJoin me as I talk with Peter Zepf. He is an avid D&D and Pathfinder 2 player who shared his stories on how he started, the characters he made, and some campaigns he ran. Please follow me to get updates on future episodes: IG: @tomdecilliscomedy Twitter: @TDeCilliscomedy My logo was created by Nicole Summers from the Reliably Chaotic Podcast. The music for my intro was created by Michael James Mcgarry. https://soundcloud.com/itsmjmusic --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.sp...