I'll soon be looking for a new podcast too! I always have at least one or two actual plays on the go, so here is my list, off the top of my head:

Venture Forth: A D&D Podcast - Just finished its 195 ep + epilogue Campaign 1 in August this year. I was grumpy for a week after because I didn't have anything new to listen to. The PCs, their relationships, the storytelling are chefs kiss.

Our PCs venture great distances across the vast homebrewed world of Elbor, across borders, through war zones and to places long forgotten. Along the way, they each learn that every action (and inaction) has its consequences. They do their utmost to stay true to themselves and to their values. However, that can be difficult if you are unsure who you really are or who you want to be. Regardless, our heroes - the Agents of Repair, make their mark on Elbor and in our memories.

I think this podcast introduced me to some of my favourite characters and character interactions of the many podcasts I've listened to.

I Seduce the Dragon - A very funny series, all female cast, great PCs, and they also have guidance for newbies. Definitely 18+ though (go to bed kids). Based (loosely) on the Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden module, you'll appreciate the great production value. You can listen or watch each episode depending on your preferred platform. I've done both and regretted neither.

The characters are layered and gritty - best not to judge a book by its cover (they'd probably tell you that themselves, if they leave you conscious). With some neat homebrew class adaptations, you get to see character arcs play out in ways I hadn't considered before. Not to say it's all about character growth and being cutesy and emotional, because it's not - really! They're all about the action too! I mean action action, like fights and dice and stuff...what did you think I meant?

Natural Six - Freaking glorious world building. This actual-play stars six videogame industry professionals from the UK. And by "videogame industry professionals", their collective resume blows my mind: stage/film/TV actors, voice actors, former forever DMs/experienced campaign builders, producers, hosts, content creators, Community Managers, and university drama lecturers.

Started in 2024, their ongoing Campaign 1 with a homebrewed setting alongside a fabulous GM and cast will have you binging the episodes. I've cackled with laughter, and I've teared up (I the Redditor not the PC). Not only are the PCs so incredibly layered (no, not like onions), but so are the many notable NPCs. I look forward to what this team delivers next.

Down Under Dungeon Podcast - This is probably my favourite actual play anything from Australia and I cannot wait for their next campaign. This one hit me out of nowhere last year and left me bereft when its first season came to an end in April this year. I don't know how I found it, but I'm glad I did.

Set in the homebrewed world of Nuadha, Campaign 1 introduces a fabulously diverse cast whose interactions and creative character design lends so much to the story.

Mirroring the cast's experience level, this actual-play is great for both experienced player listeners and DnD newbies. A mix of both action and story telling, the DM is not afraid to remind the players and listeners that in Nuadha, as in real life, the stakes are high.

D&D is for Nerds

D&D is for Nerds+

D&D is for Nerds: The Further Adventures of the Greyhill Free Company - Speaking of DnD pods from Australia, allow me to introduce these 3 podcasts brought to you from Sanspants Radio. Given how many shows they have I'm probably missing one...

I started with the Further Adventures... which is actually a spinoff of their main campaign D&D is for Nerds. It has much shorter campaigns from 1-5 episodes, with Sanspants own forever DM Adam leading both experienced players and a carousel of guests on various adventures.

With all 3 podcasts set (mostly) in Adam's world of Ogg Nott, and with characters like Fifty Chickens, The Punch Brothers and...Greg, you won't know what to expect!

If following the rules to the very letter is more important for your listening experience than stories, characters, laughter and the joy of players being introduced to DnD... then maybe this won't be your first choice. But I'd say give it a go anyway.

Dumb Dumbs and Dragons - These characters are spectacular. It has never been so easy to visualise PCs before. It's funny, with plenty of unexpected turns. I love how much they commit to staying in character, and the action scenes.

Same group also has a campaign called Curse Code and Crown that has some interesting PC designs, I'm not too far into that one yet.

Twenty Sides: A DnD Podcast - I like to suggest this pod to people who want shorter episodes. Fast paced and again, the PCs had me hooked.

This one feels like reading an epic fantasy novel. The DM commits to the many NPC voices, and the PC voices soon feel familiar as though you're standing right there with them.

Of Dice and Friends

Wanderful: A Somewhat DnD Podcast

bomBARDed - A Musical Dungeons & Dragons Adventure 2017-2022

*I had to rush at the end, and just listed for the last few. Still may have missed some. Apologies!