Meet Colton Mayo

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Colton Mayo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Colton, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

“I’m a fraud.”

That was the voice in my head for a long time.

Hi, I’m Colton—also known as The Warbeard DM. I’m a professional Dungeon Master. I get paid to run games like Dungeons & Dragons and Masks: A New Generation—games I’ve come to love deeply, though I came to them later in life.

I didn’t grow up with tabletop RPGs. I first discovered them at 21, and after about a year of playing, I took a break. When I came back, I jumped straight into the deep end as a Dungeon Master. That first campaign fizzled out after six months. But the spark stayed with me. A little while later, I started running games professionally—and I’ve now been doing that for almost three years.

Turning a hobby into a career is exciting, but it comes with a heavy emotional cost. The joy of storytelling, worldbuilding, and seeing players light up across the table is real—but so is the pressure. There’s the sting of people questioning your rates, the grind of constant prep, and the ever-present fear that someone else could do it better.

In the early days, I constantly compared myself to titans like Matt Mercer and Brennan Lee Mulligan. Their skill is extraordinary. I admired them—but in the shadow of their polish and presence, I felt inadequate. For over a year, I convinced myself that I was just pretending. That I’d eventually be found out.

What changed everything was mentorship. Someone I respected saw potential in me—before I could see it myself. He didn’t shy away from pointing out my flaws, but he also helped me recognize what I was good at. He reminded me that growth requires discomfort, and that confidence isn’t the absence of weakness—it’s the belief that you can improve.

With his support, I stepped into challenges that tested me. I ran unfamiliar systems. I handled difficult table dynamics. I worked to become not just a better DM—but a leader.

Now, I can stand at the head of a table and know I belong there. Not because I’m flawless, but because I’ve fought to earn that seat. I know my players will walk away having had fun—and that’s what matters.

Impostor syndrome didn’t vanish overnight. It faded as I built my craft, found my voice, and proved to myself—over and over again—that I’m not a fraud. I’m a professional.

And I’ve got the dice to prove it.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Hi, I’m Colton—better known in the TTRPG space as The Warbeard DM. I’m a professional Dungeon Master and storyteller based in Utah. I run immersive tabletop roleplaying games for paying players, both online and in person, using systems like Dungeons & Dragons and Masks: A New Generation.

What I do is more than just game mastering—I help people tell collaborative, character-driven stories. Whether it’s a high-stakes political drama or a chaotic one-shot full of wild magic and goblin nonsense, I aim to make every session unforgettable.

What’s most exciting about this work is how powerful it can be. TTRPGs give people a space to explore identity, build friendships, and face challenges in a world where their choices matter. I’ve seen players come out of their shells, find creative confidence, and even work through personal growth—all through play. It’s storytelling at its most human.

As The Warbeard DM, my brand is built around bold storytelling, emotional depth, and a sense of humor that doesn’t take itself too seriously. I love mixing epic fantasy with grounded character arcs, and I’m always chasing that perfect balance between challenge and fun.

I also produce and appear in The DM’s Chair, an actual play podcast that features a rotating cast of characters traveling through different worlds and systems. It’s a passion project that lets us explore new genres, mechanics, and stories—all while keeping the heart of the characters intact.

Whether you’re new to TTRPGs or a seasoned player looking for your next adventure, I’d love to help you find your seat at the table.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities had the biggest impact on my journey as a professional DM: adaptability, self-awareness, and intentional practice.

1. Adaptability
TTRPGs are full of curveballs—players make unexpected choices, rules don’t always fit the moment, and real-life schedules shift constantly. Being adaptable has helped me survive and thrive as a DM. Whether it’s pivoting mid-session or learning a new system on short notice, flexibility is a must.

Advice: Practice being flexible in small ways—run a one-shot with random tables, challenge yourself to improvise NPCs, or explore different genres. The more comfortable you get with uncertainty, the stronger your games will become.

2. Self-Awareness
Early on, I struggled with impostor syndrome. I spent too much time comparing myself to others and not enough time reflecting on my own strengths. Learning to understand where I excel and where I still need growth has helped me build both confidence and direction.

Advice: Don’t just ask “Am I good enough?”—ask what you’re good at. Journal after sessions, ask for specific feedback, and be honest with yourself. Growth starts with knowing where you stand.

3. Intentional Practice
It’s easy to run games on autopilot, especially when you’re busy. But the biggest jumps in my ability came when I deliberately tried to improve one specific thing at a time—pacing, tension, character voices, or emotional depth.

Advice: Pick one skill to focus on each month. Maybe it’s encounter design. Maybe it’s managing player spotlight. You don’t have to fix everything at once—but targeted effort adds up fast.

If you’re just starting your journey, remember: you don’t have to be perfect to be impactful. The best DMs aren’t the ones with flawless rules knowledge—they’re the ones who make people feel like their story matters. So take risks, reflect often, and keep learning. You’ve got this.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I’m always open to meaningful collaboration—especially with people who are passionate about storytelling, creativity, and building something memorable together.

I’m particularly interested in connecting with:

Players who want to dive deep into character, explore emotional arcs, and co-create unforgettable stories. I treat every player as a collaborator, not just a participant.

Fellow Game Masters and Storytellers looking to co-run campaigns, develop new systems, or exchange ideas and feedback.

Podcasters, Editors, and Actual Play Creators interested in guest appearances, cross-promotion, or collaborative one-shots and arcs.

Artists, Musicians, and Designers who love helping bring fantasy worlds and characters to life through visual or audio art.

Game Stores and Event Organizers who want to host immersive, narrative-driven events or introduce new players to the hobby.

If you’re excited about storytelling and want to work together—whether as a player or creative partner—I’d love to hear from you. You can reach out via email at [email protected].

Let’s create something unforgettable.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: warbeard_dm
• Youtube: @UnderBizarreManagement