Radio Free Borderlands: A Dungeons & Dragons Podcast

Radio Free Borderlands takes a long view of Dungeons & Dragons that most podcasts skip entirely. While plenty of shows focus on the current edition and the latest releases, host Dan and frequent co-host Al approach D&D as a game with a rich, decades-spanning history worth understanding. If you've ever been curious about what D&D was like before 5th Edition took over, this is one of the few podcasts that regularly goes there. The show covers past, present, and future of the game through product reviews, retro reviews, gaming advice, and broader discussions about gamer culture. A typical retro review might examine Unearthed Arcana from 1985, not just as a historical curiosity but as a window into how game design philosophy has evolved. Current edition content gets equal attention, but it's enriched by that historical context in a way that gives listeners a more complete understanding of why D&D looks the way it does today. Dan's commentary style is conversational and informed. He answers listener questions, shares his thoughts on new D&D books, and occasionally puts together playlist episodes featuring music selections — a quirky touch that gives the show personality. When Al joins, the discussions open up into genuine back-and-forth debates about gaming topics. The show has been running since 2014, which gives it a substantial back catalog for anyone who wants to explore the full arc of D&D's evolution. For veteran players who remember earlier editions fondly, or newer players who want to understand the game's roots, Radio Free Borderlands offers a perspective you won't find in many other places.