The Forever GMs Podcast – Building Tools for Gamers Through Podcasting (S1 E1)

Posted By: Liv Larbi July 6, 2026

In our inaugural episode, Doc & Liv sit down with veteran gaming podcasters Phil Vecchione and Senda Linaugh of Panda’s Talking Games to explore tools for Game Masters (GMs) and their lessons learned. Whether you’re preparing to run your very first session or looking to sharpen your GMing skills, this episode is packed with practical advice, thoughtful discussion, and plenty of inspiration for your next campaign.

Episode Topics

  • How to identify and develop your strengths as a Game Master
  • Choosing the TTRPG system that best fits your GM style
  • Tips for preparing your first game
  • Running an effective Session 0
  • Building strong communication at the table
  • New GM tools, including:
    • The Spark
    • Post-session reflection strategies
    • The concept of assumed competence
    • Making the most of Inspiration rules

Game Spotlight

This week, we discussed Dungeon & Dragons Fifth Edition with our guests – a staple amongst fantasy TTRPG!

Peer Review

This week, we explore the history of tabletop role-playing game research starting back in 1981! 

  • Fantasy Games and Social Worlds: Simulation as Leisure by Gary Alan Fine (1981) examines how role-playing games create meaningful social communities, shared identities, and enduring friendships through collaborative storytelling.
  • Exploring the Landscape of Role-Playing Game Research Through Bibliometric Analysis From 1986 to 2023 Using Scopus Database by Long Thanh Nguyen and colleagues (2025) maps the evolution of RPG research, highlighting major themes over the years and where the field is heading next.

Find Us and Our Guests

Check out Senda and Phil on Panda’s Talking Games every Wednesday for new tips and tricks for TTRPGs on the Polygamerous Network.

Follow us on social media on BlueSky (@theforevergms.bsky.social) and TikTok (pending me understanding how to access our email) for updates on the show and let us know what topics we should cover in the future!

Want to hear more from this episode? Join our Patreon at $2 per month for our aftershow, Table That!

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