Browsing the Bestiary

History

About

Browsing the Bestiary is a podcast that explores the history of iconic creatures in Dungeons and Dragons, the world's most popular TTRPG. Each episode is a deep dive into the origins and evolution of a creature throughout each edition of the game. Podcast hosts Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy will muse about the inspiration for each creature--historical or otherwise--and discuss various ways a DM can use them in their own games. Each episode concludes with a narrative style scenario that pits a party of sample heroes against the monster of the week.

Episodes

  • Goblins Redux

    Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy review their 5.5e goblin predictions. The episode discusses whether their predictions were accurate and if they warrant criticism.

  • Episode 27, 28, & 29 Story Time: "The Sizzling Sisters"

    Perra and the Shields of Marigold are in Darromar to pay off an old debt by entering an undercity tournament. The episode follows their journey through the competition.

  • Hot to Go - Part 3

    This episode, the final part of 'Hot to Go,' discusses fiery foes and how to avoid future incidents. The description mentions applying aloe after setting gauze, implying a focus on practical advice.

  • Hot to Go - Part 2

    Part 2 of 'Hot to Go' features an adventurer who has suffered third-degree burns. They are advised to take it easy and listen to the episode while seeking medical attention from a cleric. The intro voiceover is by Noah Grey.

  • Hot to Go - Part 1

    In this episode of Browsing the Bestiary, Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy discuss a creature that is extremely hot to the touch. The episode features Intro VO by Noah Grey.

  • Episode 25 & 26 Story Time: "The Frozen Forge"

    In episodes 25 & 26, titled "The Frozen Forge," Grognak and the Jungle Juggernauts journey through the Icespire Peaks to find a Dwarven forge. They are pursued by unseen howlers.

  • The Table Laughs - Part 2

    This is the second part of 'The Table Laughs' episode from the podcast 'Browsing the Bestiary'. It continues the story from Part 1, featuring hosts Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy, with Intro VO by Noah Grey. The original air d…

  • Snowcone, Anyone? - Part 2

    Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy continue their discussion of icy monsters in Part 2 of 'Snowcone, Anyone?'. Noah Grey provided the voiceover for this episode.

  • Snowcone, Anyone? - Part 1

    Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy explore a creature from the Northlands that uses icy terrain and blizzards for camouflage while hunting prey.

  • The Table Laughs - Part 1

    In this episode of Browsing the Bestiary, hosts Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy discuss everyday topics. They assure listeners that nothing is out of the ordinary.

  • Episode 23 & 24 Story Time: "The Subterranean Sanctum"

    Episodes 23 & 24 of Browsing the Bestiary, "The Subterranean Sanctum," detail a business deal that unravels, forcing a hasty escape and posing the question of whether new friends or enemies will emerge.

  • The One Year Podiversary Episode! - Pod 2

    This is the second part of a special sequel episode celebrating the podcast's anniversary. The episode is hosted by Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy, with Intro VO by Noah Grey. It is recommended to listen to Part 1 beforehand.

  • The One Year Podiversary Episode - Pod 1

    For their first anniversary, Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy discuss a special creature featured in multiple editions. The hosts note the creature provides a 'blast' for those who encounter it.

  • They're Just......Guys

    Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy explore the

  • Episode 21 & 22 Story Time: "A Not So Silent Night"

    In "A Not So Silent Night," the heroes of Crimson's Strike reach a mountain village for Simril, only to discover that the locals aren't the only ones planning to participate in the celebration. This episode features Dungeon Mistress Jayde…

  • An Evil-Doer's Best Friend - Part 2

    In "An Evil-Doer's Best Friend - Part 2" of Browsing the Bestiary, the episode revisits mischievous servants and soul corrupters. Listeners are humorously warned about the potential consequences of infernal contracts.

  • Oh. That's a Big Guy - Part 2

    This episode, Part 2 of 'Oh. That's a Big Guy,' continues the deep dive into creatures known for their large size and appetites. Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy host.

  • Browsing the Bestiary 2025 - A Year In Review

    The first year of the podcast "Browsing the Bestiary" concludes with hosts Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy reviewing the year's highlights and outlining plans for 2026.

  • An Evil-Doer's Best Friend - Part 1

    In this episode of Browsing the Bestiary, Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy discuss a creature often seen as an obedient underling. They humorously caution listeners to read contracts thoroughly, as the details matter.

  • Browsing the Buffet - A Thanksgiving Episode

    Dungeon Chef Jayde and Kitchen Master Andy host a special Thanksgiving episode of Browsing the Bestiary, featuring delicious dishes from the Realms. The episode originally aired on 11/28/2025.

  • Oh. That's a Big Guy - Part 1

    In this episode of Browsing the Bestiary, hosts Jayde and Andy delve into the lore of a giant creature from Dungeons and Dragons. They discuss its historically inconsistent size and the implications of its earth-shaking presence.

  • Why Are They Hot???? - Part 3

    In the conclusion of this episode, hosts Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy discuss the nature of 'hotness,' questioning if it's a state of being or a state of mind. Noah Grey provides guest voice acting.

  • Why Are They Hot??? - Part 2

    Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy return to discuss why fictional creatures are considered 'hot.' This is the second part of their discussion.

  • Why Are They Hot?? - Part 1

    In part 1 of 'Why Are They Hot??', hosts Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy explore a classic Dungeons & Dragons quadruped. The episode originally aired on 4/9/2025.

  • Damn Nature, You Scary! Vol. 1

    Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy explore the history of a peculiar creature in this episode titled 'Damn Nature, You Scary! Vol. 1'. The discussion touches upon horticultural horror.

  • Wait, That's What Those Are???

    This episode of Browsing the Bestiary addresses common misunderstandings about a specific petrifying monster. Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy explain its true nature and how it can serve as a challenging opponent for players.

  • Batrachian Buddies!

    This episode of Browsing the Bestiary features Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy discussing a DnD staple creature, the batrachian. The discussion covers amphibious animosity and dives deep into the creature's swampy habitat. Orig…

  • Not at All a Little Guy

    Episode 2 of Browsing the Bestiary features Lore Master Andy and Dungeon Mistress Jayde discussing an alien monster. The episode originally aired on February 19, 2025.

  • They're Just Little Guys

    Dungeon Mistress Jayde and Lore Master Andy discuss Dungeons and Dragons' favorite little guys in this episode of Browsing the Bestiary.