The Dice & Decisions: Ep 4. Nat 20 on Pop Culture
Ash Bissell & Fyrn Gibbs March 21, 2025
This podcast
Unlock the secrets of Dungeons & Dragons! This podcast is your guide to the world of D&D, covering everything from basic rules and character creation to advanced storytelling techniques and monster lore. Perfect for new players looking to learn the ropes or experienced adventurers seeking to expand their knowledge.
In this Episode
From the eerie depths of the Upside Down in ‘Stranger Things’ to the captivating live streams of ‘Critical Role,’ Dungeons & Dragons has undeniably infiltrated the mainstream, weaving its magic into the very fabric of our pop culture. In this episode, we’re embarking on a captivating exploration of this fascinating relationship, tracing the threads of influence that connect D&D to the wider world.
But this isn’t just a surface-level analysis. We’ll go deeper, examining the profound impact D&D has had on the fantasy genre and beyond. How has it shaped our understanding of collaborative storytelling? How has it fostered a sense of community and imagination in an increasingly digital age? We’ll discuss how D&D’s core mechanics and narrative flexibility have influenced everything from game design to character archetypes in popular media.
Join us as we uncover the enduring cultural influence of this legendary tabletop RPG, and explore how it continues to shape the stories we tell, the games we play, and the very way we imagine the worlds around us. We’ll unpack the reasons behind D&D’s resurgence, and ponder its future in a world constantly evolving with new forms of entertainment.
Upcoming Episode
Ready to build your own D&D world? Next week, we’re diving into the exciting realm of homebrewing and campaign creation! We’ll guide you through the essential steps, from crafting a compelling setting and developing engaging storylines to designing unique monsters and balancing encounters. Whether you’re a first-time DM or a seasoned storyteller, you’ll learn how to create unforgettable adventures that will captivate your players. Get ready to unleash your creativity and build your dream campaign!
Previous Episode
https://www.kwustudentmedia.com/?post_type=podcast&p=10340&preview=true
First Episode
https://www.kwustudentmedia.com/podcast/the-dice-decisions-ep-1-into-the-chaos/
Some links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons
https://wi101.wisc.edu/dungeons-and-dragons/
Meet the Hosts
Ash Bissell
Host of The Dice and Decisions Podcast. From Fort Collins, Colorado, currently a senior at Kansas Wesleyan University, and studying photography and graphic design. Has always loved fantasy, whether its books, games, movies, etc. fantasy has always held a special place in her heart. First fell in love with DnD her junior year of high school, has played in multiple one shots and is currently playing in a home brewed campaign created by Fyrn.
Favorites;
Race – Aasimar, Dragonborn, or Changeling
Class – Ranger or Rogue
Fyrn Gibbs
Co-host to The Dice and Decisions Podcast. Started playing D&D when they were 14 with their family. While they enjoyed the process of character building and moving through the story with an adventuring party, they felt that there was always something missing. After two campaigns, they decided to try being a dungeon master for a oneshot with family and friends. Through running the campaign, they found the part of D&D they love the most. Being able to create a world from scratch and present it to their friends for them to explore is Fyrns truest gift to them.
Favorites;
Race – Firbolgs or Gnomes
Class – Druids or Warlocks