Dr. DM (Josh)
he/him
Timezone
About Dr. DM (Josh)
Hey, I'm Josh, a neuroscience PhD with a lifelong passion for everything that blends imagination, strategy, and storytelling. I’m a developmental neuroscientist by day and spend the rest of my time enjoying life with my family, climbing, and diving into the worlds of tabletop roleplaying games. I grew up reading Forgotten Realms novels, and that early love for fantasy naturally led me to Dungeons & Dragons. When I’m not in the lab, you’ll usually find me climbing (indoors and outdoors), exploring new systems and settings in the TTRPG space, or deep into a board game or video game session. Tabletop RPGs have long been one of my favorite ways to connect with people and tell collaborative stories. I aim to help players feel welcome, excited, and empowered to make bold choices and shape unforgettable adventures. For me, these games are about more than just rolling dice. They're about shared experiences, unexpected moments, and the joy of shaping a story as a group. I’m excited to bring that energy to your table.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
How Dr. DM (Josh) runs games
Player-Driven Stories: I prioritize character backstories, motivations, and choices. I love weaving player goals into the narrative. Balanced Pillars: My games blend roleplay, exploration, and tactical combat. Sessions are shaped by player actions, not just a prewritten path. Rules as Foundation: I respect the rules and use them to guide play, but I’m not afraid to adapt for the sake of fun and story flow. Welcoming Table Culture: I foster an inclusive, respectful environment where all players feel safe to express themselves and try bold ideas. Session Zero Included: I always start campaigns with a session zero to discuss tone, expectations, safety tools, and character connections. Homebrew Friendly: I love custom content—items, mechanics, settings—and encourage players to bring creative ideas to the table. Pacing and Flow: I keep sessions moving with clear beats, cinematic moments, and room for improvisation and player creativity. Tone: I tailor tone to the group—from light-hearted adventure to dark and mysterious. I always check in to make sure the vibe feels right.
Dr. DM (Josh)'s Preferences
Platforms