DnD Tonight Podcast

DnD Tonight is something you don't see enough of in the actual play space: a family playing D&D together, recorded for the world to hear. Derek Matteson serves as Dungeon Master, running 5th Edition games for his family members in weekly sessions that are genuinely kid-friendly without ever feeling like they're holding back. The main campaign follows characters named Asharis, Ghost Slinger, and Merlin as they navigate the kingdom of Angland — a fantasy setting with enough danger to keep things interesting and enough warmth to feel inviting. Episodes typically run about an hour, which is a comfortable length that doesn't overstay its welcome. The storytelling unfolds naturally, driven by character decisions and Derek's world-building, with the kind of organic moments that only happen when players know and trust each other at a personal level. With 78 episodes in the catalog, the show isn't enormous, but the family dynamic gives it a unique charm. There are special episodes too, like the one where Derek put together a D&D birthday game for his niece when she turned 15 — a small detail that says a lot about how this family treats the hobby. The production is straightforward and unpretentious. No elaborate sound design or professional voice actors, just a family sitting around a table rolling dice and telling stories together. For parents looking for an actual play they can share with their kids, or for anyone who misses the low-key magic of a home game, DnD Tonight captures that feeling honestly.