Dungeons and Dragons for beginners sounds like a rulebook problem. Dean McKinnon says it's actually a playing pretend problem, and once you solve that one, everything else opens up.

Dean is a professional Dungeon Master who runs eleven campaigns a week for kids on every continent, hosts a D&D summer camp, and takes bachelor parties through their first dragon encounter. He makes the case that D&D isn't about the dice or the sword swings. It's about what happens when someone who struggles to find the words in real life suddenly finds them at a table, in character, saying something that surprises everyone in the room, including themselves.

If you've ever felt more like yourself in a costume than out of one, this one is for you.

Topics: Dungeons and Dragons, Dungeon Master, tabletop RPG, neurodivergent kids, collaborative storytelling

GUEST: Dean McKinnon | http://dragonsloveparties.com | @‌dragonsloveparties

Originally aired on 2026-07-02

Dungeons and Dragons for beginners sounds like a rulebook problem. Dean McKinnon says it's actually a playing pretend problem, and once you solve that one, everything else opens up.
Dean is a professional Dungeon Master who runs eleven campaigns a week for kids on every continent, hosts a D&amp;D summer camp, and takes bachelor parties through their first dragon encounter. He makes the case that D&amp;D isn't about the dice or the sword swings. It's about what happens when someone who struggles to find the words in real life suddenly finds them at a table, in character, saying something that surprises everyone in the room, including themselves.
If you've ever felt more like yourself in a costume than out of one, this one is for you.
Topics: Dungeons and Dragons, Dungeon Master, tabletop RPG, neurodivergent kids, collaborative storytelling
GUEST: Dean McKinnon |<a href="http://dragonsloveparties.com"> http://dragonsloveparties.com</a> | @&zwnj;dragonsloveparties
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-07-02

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.