For this discussion I'm joined by Matt Perkins, DM/podcaster/YouTuber extraordinaire, to talk all about pressure in your TTRPGs! We split the term down the middle by differentiating narrative (in-game) from "meta" (OoG) pressure, however there are often more parallels than initially thought. Join us as we jaunt through topics such as effectively communicating the stakes, how to realise meaningful choices, and why to avoid punitive measures. All with a casual sprinkling of the Jason Statham classic Crank, worldbuilding, and all round tomfoolery. We round out the discussion with our personal struggles with pressure and negativity, from both internal and external sources. 02:43 - How to safely apply narrative pressure 31:30 - Galvanising PCs 39:32 - Self-imposed meta-pressure 49:17 - The pressures of DM'ing Find Matt on: Website: https://www.matthewperkins.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/matthewperkins Twitter: https://twitter.com/mperkinsDM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mperkinsdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MatthewPerkinsDM/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/matthewperkinsDM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewperkinsdm Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/matthewperkinsdm Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD References: 'Conflict' episode of Thinking Critically Mass Effect Firewatch Bo Burnham Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod