Manage episode 493775032 series 3634025
In this episode of the Director's Dungeon podcast, my wife Katie and I sit down with Clint McElroy, co-creator of The Adventure Zone, veteran storyteller, and longtime radio host, to discuss the power of Dungeons & Dragons as a storytelling medium.
Clint shares how his background in theater and improvisation has shaped his approach to running RPGs, the unexpected journey that turned The Adventure Zone into a global phenomenon, and his experiences DMing at D&D in a Castle inside England’s historic Lumley Castle. Along the way, we talk about family, creativity, and the unique way RPGs bring people together.
Episode Highlights
🎲 D&D in a Castle – Clint’s experience running Adventure Zone-inspired games inside a real medieval fortress.
🎭 Theater & Role-Playing – How Clint’s acting and directing background helped shape his approach to D&D.
📖 Storytelling & Character Growth – Why D&D characters (and players) should evolve over time.
👨👩👦 Family & Fantasy – How The Adventure Zone started as a family game and became a worldwide success.
🎙 Chris’ Journey into D&D – How the making of 50 Years of Fantasy led him to start playing for the first time.
Clint also reflects on how RPGs create safe spaces for creativity and self-expression, and we share some unforgettable stories from D&D in a Castle, including smuggling candy across borders and the infamous Slim Jim incident.
Listen Now & Connect with Us
🔗 Follow Clint McElroy:
• Website: The McElroy Family
• Instagram: @mrbethere
🔗 Follow 50 Years of Fantasy
• Website: 50yearsoffantasy.com
• Facebook: 50 Years of Fantasy on Facebook
• Instagram: @dnd50years
• YouTube: 50 Years of Fantasy Channel
✨ Join us for an episode full of laughter, insight, and the kind of storytelling magic that makes Dungeons & Dragons truly special.
Support the film at: https://www.50yearsoffantasy.com/fantasy-fund
Follow our progress on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50yearsoffantasy
X: https://x.com/50YrsofFantasy
Instagram: @dnd50years
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/50yearsoffantasy/
Produced by: Build Something Media
6 episodes