The Ecological Bestiary

Welcome to The Ecological Bestiary, the podcast that treats the D&D Monster Manual like a real-world field guide... because the real world is magical too.

Join host Kevin Matteson (PhD in Ecology) and his adventuring party—Mike (Forever DM & Science Teacher), Rachel (Climate Educator), and Cassie (Wildlife Expert)—as they bridge the gap between tabletop roleplaying games and real-world science.

Each expedition, the party tracks down a classic fantasy creature to dissect its fictional ecology and connect it to real-world biology and conservation. How would a Gelatinous Cube actually digest its prey? What real-world fungal networks explain the Myconids?

Whether you are a Dungeon Master looking for richer world-building, a science educator searching for engaging classroom hooks, or a nature lover who enjoys nerd culture, pull up a chair at our tavern.

Grab your dice and your field journal. Keep exploring, because the real world is magical too!