Matthew Mercer on Life, Critical Role and Everything | D&D Beyond

[@Tom-zr6yn]

There was no wind when filming. His hair just does that.

[@Jacuz]

matt mercer is Kars confirmed

[@francistein]

There is a cantrip in Xanathar's called Gust that can create such windy effects. I assume that is what is happening here.

[@dorzimm]

Permanent Prestidigitation on self

[@superpickle51]

Mercer's Mane of Billowing

[@snowts]

Holds up, Tom's hair did not move...

[@MisterFister612]

Matt Mercer needs to write a Self Help Book. Call it "Dungeon and Dragons and the Unintentional Therapy Session"

[@princesswineo]

Absolutely! It's totally my weekly therapy!

[@nadukkerensky392]

Unintentional Therapy Dungeon

[@ashenwuss1651]

@@princesswineo Bi-weekly :( Now I see why they call it "down-week" lolol

[@JustinGann]

Roll for therapeutic effect!

[@aliirielle1217]

100%

[@GratuaCuun]

We love you Todd. When you said "this is unprofessional" when telling Matt he means alot to you, You may think that's unprofessional but you saying that and just talking to Matt is one of the many reasons I love watching your interviews. You are so open and genuine with people and it shows. Dont be afraid of that. Huge hugs to both of you.

[@ToddKenreck]

Thank you, you are very kind.

[@IonGlue]

@@ToddKenreck It's D&D after all, just a game - there are no professionals, just fans I'd like to think. Much love!

[@Belhun]

I was litterly going to say the same thing lol :)

[@silverdragon122]

Technically it is unprofessional. Which is why i don't watch interviews period. Everyone and everything seems so fake. I only clicked this because Matthew Mercer, but this interviewer seems like a genuine person.

[@SurfRlyeh]

@@ToddKenreck Todd, your segments (both on location at cons, etc. and DDB's Todd Talks) have gotten increasingly more poignant for addressing the huge host of topics that occur away from the table yet still inform the actions taken thereon. For instance, the Todd Talks back in the winter re: D&D and the Therapeutic Benefits (with GametoGrow and the other pros on the panel) was a huge leap forward. You've been knocking it out of the park, and the candid, more conversational approach has only made things more compelling. Going beyond simple number crunch, favorite abilities, and all that jazz has only made your contributions and the company's video offerings as a whole a much-needed booster shot. It's refreshing to see topics that were once niche and often academic being discussed and given real-life implementation and consequence examination. Keep up the great work in general to you, and DDB as a whole. Cheers and Thanks. These discussions open up the community and help foster understanding.

[@NickiPlague]

*hair majestically blows in the wind*

[@tauntaun71]

Nicki Plague there actually wasn’t any wind. His hair just does that

[@giulsomino]

Liking for both the comment and the flag in your pic. High five!!

[@arachnophilegrrl]

Travis is narrating this majesty, quietly in the background. 😜

[@AWizardRed]

It wasn't windy his hair just does that. Like you don't see Todd's hair blowing in the wind.

[@saarthak421]

@@AWizardRed it would be concerning if it did XD

[@ei9310]

"It's seen as a sign of liability to have any kind of absence of perfection." Holy hell, I need to write that down. Thank you so much for both of you for staying kind, imperferct and open.

[@hawkeyegough8586]

Local Nerd interviews Jesus: he’s as cool irl as he is in the books

[@TeriyakiSamurai]

Lord have Mercer.

[@edstevens1503]

Nerd Jesus

[@saarthak421]

@@TeriyakiSamurai Lord have Mercer indeed man amen

[@unicyclist97]

Nah, Matt is way cooler than Jesus.

[@shadow_psych7069]

The second coming is here and his miracle is the renaissance of D&D. I see you Jesus, studying meme culture have you. Very funny. Like if you my joke. :D

[@BittyVids]

Todd is a big dude! Also, we don’t deserve Mercer. I love the great influences at the forefront of dnd. So wholesome. Matt talking about “chosen family” hits home. Not all of us were born into a good supportive family. Sometimes all we have is those we choose to surround ourselves with.

[@myveryunprofessionalvideop5830]

I may have an pretty good family (everyone is flawed but thats fine) - but my chosen family are those closest to me, when i heard those two word i was so happy to know other people feel that way too

[@IHateNumbersOnNames]

The absolute size of that lad

[@RMJCFaith]

Agreed. I have a few friends online that I've never met in person (yet) that I consider more family than some of my blood relatives. For me, family has always been those who you care about most and those who care about you.

[@LayllaWillow]

Majority of humans are not born in supportive families. Sad, but true. But then again, as long as you manage to create/find your family all is good. :)

[@telgore2561]

What's bigger Mathew Mercer's heart or Todd's questions?

[@alexandervaucrosson7841]

Man I love both

[@justanothernerdydude4391]

Mercer's heart.

[@lucasm.3864]

Yes.

[@shadow_psych7069]

He didn't touch on politics though you can tell he almost did a few times, so I'm gonna have to say Matt Mercers' heart because his heart never holds back. :D

[@human_collector0]

Uses Inspiring Leader feat/ability. Hair blows in the wind. Well,I'm sold.

[@CathrineMacNiel]

that's 500 temporary hitpoints, right?

[@human_collector0]

@@CathrineMacNiel Probably because it takes roughly 10 minutes and this is close to 20 so whatever we get, we double :D

[@saarthak421]

@@CathrineMacNiel invincibility mate 500 is too low XD

[@danalou_who7765]

Todd and Matt, thank you so much for this candid talk!!💕 It means a lot to me and to the rest of the community that you can be real and vulnerable with us! Hugs to you both!!!

[@brianisntreal]

YES. It's so refreshing to see sincerity like this

[@ryanbaker709]

I agree, they get a 10 for vulnerability and for that we welcome them into our hearts.

[@kparish05]

We need to safeguard Matt and Co. as well. Please please please take care of yourselves so we can have you around for along time as that positive person.

[@Unh0ly0ne]

The "unprofessional" question is what pushes this interview to a more genuine place, despite it being that to begin with. How do we need the same blanket questions that everyone has heard the answer to so many times they can give it themselves? Very wholesome and seemless interview.

[@Myrgiyt]

6 months ago I only knew DnD from PC games. Then I started watching campaign 2. By now I'm devouring episode after episode, and just now, I started a campaign with my friends and it it so fulfilling, so satisfying that I have tears of joy even now as I write these words. Thank you Matthew, you are a gem in our nerdy community.

[@w0rmfarts]

if you start campaign 1 watch on 1.25× you'll save about 4 days worth time

[@liammsalvador]

Matt, what a precious, precious man ~ The world would be better if more people were like him, caring, warm, sincere, empathetic, and overall positive and willing to be better not only for themselves but for the world ~ I'm always glad to remember that I'm lucky enough to be living in the same time as someone like him and be able to see this precious man conquer

[@Kyru988]

I love Matthew Mercers willingness to be vulnerable in public, it is very humbling. I can relate to him on mental health and appriciate him and the cast on what they do.

[@darkfable199]

What a class act, seriously! Like, I see him as the next Mr. Roger/Bob Ross/Levar Burton level of positive energy that this world needs to make it a better place.

[@jpumbaa1]

That might be the best description I've ever seen written about him.

[@jodymarkgraf7625]

Matt Mercer and the Brothers McElroy will save us all.

[@jujujohnson01]

Because of your candid and personal interviews make all us feel closer to amazing people like Matt Mercer.

[@stone_play6666]

I’m so happy to see great people like Matt telling us that all of us are flawed, even him, and that it’s ok, that’s something to talk about, to seek friends and sometimes being that same friend. I mean, how great is this guy? Just thank you so much Matt; in name of all Critters, we love you man ❤️✌️

[@mooxim]

D'aww. Todd loves Mercer. That hug at the end was nice.

[@nanders03]

Aww spoilers. And now im looking forward to it.

[@paxtenebrae]

Matt's a hugger. He hugged me when I met him. It was both surprising and delightful.

[@hunacean]

Conversations like this are just such a god damn treat to watch

[@andidimarco3820]

" I am joined with my friend Matt Mercer" "Yaaas! " * he waves at the camera and smiles charmingly as his hair begins to flow through the gentle breeze* Me: ..... Majestic~❤️

[@stephenward4469]

Matt Mercer is the Keanu Reeves of D&D.

[@yargolocus4853]

I love how Keanu Reeves is so great person that he can be used as a benchmark. And Mercer reaches that benchmark.

[@JJ-ub3mw]

This just made me imagine Keanu on Critical Role, would be so awesome.

[@stephenward4469]

That would probably bring about world peace.

[@mysterychild1641]

he’d definitely be a fighter battlemaster

[@Gorilla8617]

Yargolocus no he surpasses it

[@CrisSelene]

1. I am so glad I was able to help with their Kickstarter 2. I watched this and got chocked up a few times. Some of the things Matt said brought tears of joy /empathy to my eyes 3. I'm a fairly standoffish, snarky and sarcastic person. I should try to remember "what would Matt Mercer do?"

[@BisexualWrath]

How would he want to do this?

[@RamathRS]

This guy is such a good man. We need more people like him, on this planet. Not perfect, not flawless, but doing his best with what he has to be a force for good and positive in this world of madness and hate.

[@jarydkay1555]

Thank you to you both for taking that time to have that wonderful conversation with each other, but also for Todd breaking the interview to just talk. I feel safe enough here to admit that I teared up a few times, for just the sheer honesty and being so real with us all. That hit me pretty hard in the feels in the best way, of course, haha

[@MrDoncarnage]

Matt is a blessing for all honest, dreaming, fantasy loving people who enjoy D&D. Id say he is the face and ambasador of D&D. His work and promotion of D&D and voiceover of Pillars of Eternity 2 Eder is phenomenal. Since I discovered this huge renessaince of D&D of adults in USA, all of a sudden my issues with panic attacks and anxiety seem almost nonexistent. I wish him all the best. I wish more official D&D from him. The least we can do is to buy his new book ( Explorers guide to Wildemount ). I played as 14yo kid the 2nd edition of AD&D in 1995 a lot. Dont have an oportunity or nerds to play with but just watching these people and collecting 5E adventure books is a joy. I bow to you Matt, you are fantastic.

[@ultimomos5918]

Matt Mercer and the CR cast and crew have been such positive, inspirational influences on my life in the last year. Through their work I have really come to accept the things I always thought made me weird, like my love of crazy voices and sounds, of creating characters and stories, of being the weirdo that will do almost anything for a laugh. They've helped me embrace the artistic side of myself that I'd always been so critical of and afraid to share. I'm so glad there are people like them in the world that put out so much positivity and support and hope one day I can emulate even a fraction of that.

[@CoreyLansdell]

A genuine, sagely man. I had the good fortune and opportunity to run into he and his lovely wife last year at SDCC. I shook their hands.They graciously took a copy of one of my comics that we were there to pitch and that was it. But the genuine, gracious interest in what I was doing was there was heartfelt. I truly wish them the best in all they do and am soooo looking forward to the animated series. So good to see good people succeeding at their work and craft. :)

[@mkang8782]

Todd and Matt: to me, this is how an interview should be. A natural, flowing conversation. Thank you both for helping to push back against the broader social stigma about mental health, and being positive role models for men and their emotions.

[@stratossotarts1468]

Matt is such a genuine and inspiring person!! He´s truly a role-model for me :)

[@archamondearchenwold8084]

... would you call him a Critical Role Model

[@stratossotarts1468]

@@archamondearchenwold8084 classic :D

[@riccardoconti6682]

@@archamondearchenwold8084 HAHAHAAAA, I was just gonna say the same thing XD

[@pjeterful]

Love The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy reference in the title! (Life, the universe and everything)

[@scouttyra]

Ikr, totally hoopy! Always happy to meet other fans of that amazing weirdness.

[@VoltisArt]

Comment needs ten more upvotes, then stop. (At 32 now.)

[@kzookid2051]

I called it Principal's Office Syndrome while I was growing up - the feeling that someone was going to catch on that you had no idea what you were supposed to be doing, and that at any time everything good in your life could come crashing down. At 64, it's still a struggle. But, like Matt has said many times, you just keep working on it the best you can, and try to understand that everyone else is doing their best at the same time. Great interview by both Matt and Todd. Thank you.

[@SoyElDoug]

Universe is 14,000,000,000 years old, infinitely massive, and I get to exist on the same planet, at the same time, as this beautiful soul. What did I do to deserve this.

[@darkfable199]

Wow...that overall quote really hit me for some reason. Thanks for that :)

[@biancabrooks280]

Me, shredding chicken for molé: “I fricken love you Matt Mercer. You rock so hard.”

[@outlyr242]

Wow! How was Todd able to get an interview with the most famous miniature giant space hamster in the multiverse?!

[@Mothman1992]

He asked Minsk nicely?

[@tjneill3123]

Props for this

[@mariannekelstrup7633]

Boo was always very generous.

[@estoy1001]

He goes for the eyes.

[@grantsumner234]

Matthew Mercer is a legend of human being

[@PartridgeQuill]

The fact that Matt and his friends are so open and real is only one of the host of reasons I love supporting them and watching their weekly games.

[@liammaxcampbell]

Matt and his gang are one of the few things that bring me joy every week. In a world full of hateful angry people they all lift me up. Keep up the good work Matt, you bring so much joy to so many people.

[@HemlockSky1991]

Todd is adorably fangirling in this interview, and I love it.

[@TheRealityleak]

Todd I love interviews like this when you can ask "unprofessional" questions from the heart. Matt means a lot to so many people. His optimism is infectious and he is a positive influence in what can be a terrifying, negative world. People need as many friends like him as possible.

[@utubeaddict29]

This is pure gold. Thanks Todd for bringing this candid bit of humanity to the world.

[@HoneyBear36]

All the feels.. a 17 minute interview and I’m over here almost crying because everything is just so spot on and genuine. Blessed to be a critter in this amazing community full of beautiful souls ❤️

[@timothymathews2692]

I infinitely agree. Matt is a truly beautiful soul. Everyone needs someone like him in their life. Why aren't there more Matt Mercers in the world?!?!

[@HoneyBear36]

I’ll take one Matthew Mercer please? All joking aside he is a one of a kind human being and I would never take him away from Marisha because she is equally as amazing. The entire group is just the best hope for humanity ❤️

[@michaelnagel2205]

Matt and Todd, thank you both for being so open and letting be a part of what turned out to be a very special interview.

[@aaronlabeau1007]

Thanks again Todd for doing this interview. One of the best interviews I've watched in quite some time on the Internet.

[@alexandervaucrosson7841]

Matt Mercer, I click, I love this wonderful man

[@C_Bat]

This is beautiful, watching this video is like listening to one of my deep talks with my friends...... I meant the talk, not Mercer's natural flowing hair. The hair is *GLORIOUS*

[@ashisalami5708]

It's impossible not to love this man

[@pangurrban]

Creative people finding a positive avenue to share their visions and build a platform for this mode of shared story building. Really enjoy this community.

[@MisterTingles]

being supportive of each other and everybody is just as interesting, and will hopefully very soon be just as profitable as the status quo of tearing each other down, and consequently cultivating a society built on shame. Thanks for talking so openly about it all, instead of shying away from it, which most everybody would instinctively tend to...

[@aaroeskola4935]

This kinda People and talk make me feel there is still some hope for humanity.

[@geak78]

Genuine caring people. They are rare in media but plentiful in life.

[@patrikg.6320]

Let me tell you that the moment a person looses hope he becomes a part of the problem.

[@geak78]

@@patrikg.6320 Just have some Tea and a quiet conversation with Caduceus

[@patrikg.6320]

@@geak78 Man I'd live some good tea

[@pierluigidipietro8097]

There is a humongous number of precious good people in the world.. We just need to stop focusing on bad people to see them.

[@slversrfr99]

Dude, Matt, the fact that you are so open & raw with your emotions, that's awesome. In a society that seems to paint women as the victim of this or that, men have problems too - we are "supposed" to be the strong ones, not be sensitive, blah, blah and if you are it's a sign of a perceived weakness - well SORRY if being human is a weakness lol, than I guess we are all guilty as charged in that. /endrant It's nice to see people just be themselves, real, not fake. :) We all love you Matt! Todd you are cool too!

[@MorganBondelid]

Both of these men are delightful and beautiful examples of *non*-toxic masculinity! I adore them. Their vulnerability and authenticity are refreshing to experience and witness.

[@shinankoku2]

Minute 14:12. Right there. This is why LA suits will never NEVER be able to replicate CR. Right there ladies and gents. Watch it and revel in the unique joy.

[@Carffae]

Love how as the host speaks Mercer looks him directly in the eyes the whole time.

[@joshuamiles5293]

I love this interview. I personally am going through a lot and hearing Matt talk just makes my heart lighten. Thank you so much! You two are awesome and I love you for it!

[@KristenWood317]

Matt is such a wonderfully honest guy. I love that he openly talks about all the insecurities and yet...here he is facing them and still doing what he loves. He is a great man. Todd, bravo...and thank you!!

[@nekoali2]

Wonderful interview. I'm so glad that Critical Role has become the massive success it has, and for all the right reasons. The world can use more open, honest people like Matt Mercer.

[@danleising859]

Matt Mercer you are a beautiful soul! Thank you for all you do!

[@adamPadar]

Todd, this was one of the most sincere and soulful thing to see, be that "unprofessional" please. It means a lot. Thank you.

[@cryoshakespeare4465]

Very nice talk, it really is the sincerity of you guys that makes you so great. Thanks for you being you Todd and Matt :)

[@PolluxaC]

OMG?? HELLO??? Isn't this like the BEST, MOST WHOLESOME INTERVIEW EVER?? I mean, I knew, since it's Matthew Mercer, this was going to be pure and wholesome as always, but! BUT! I didn't expect it to go as heartwarming and soul-healing as it did?? I have so much more lovely feels now that I know what to do with?? Thank you for those questions and talks, Todd. What a great interview

[@wolfknight75]

How profound, to be a part of a community that can want something and Will It into existence. Thank you Matt

[@RobinBaggett]

Man, the more I watch Matthew Mercer the more I just see a really cool and real guy.

[@tygeron3145]

I really needed to hear this so thank you. Makes me feel that I'm in a safe community where express some emotions I normally wouldn't.

[@micah5847]

They're both just such amazing, kind, real people

[@ticozayas6430]

love the genuine hug at the end :D

[@kevinquirk2418]

This is a really good interview that goes beyond DND Beyond lol

[@gabejones8112]

God fell asleep on the "Charisma +1" button, when making Mathew Mercer

[@jimmapes9358]

Matt Mercer is such a beautiful soul, we don’t deserve him; but I’m so thankful that we have him.

[@claireo.1431]

I can’t think of anyone I strive to be more than Matt Mercer, because of his positivity and his strength through everything hes gone through. Matt, if you’re reading this, thank you.

[@valoriandmafer7509]

Thank you Matt and Todd for this video it means a lot. Struggling with mental health issues myself it means a lot to see such a positive vibe from you guys I know how hard the struggle is, Dungeons and Dragons and Role playing has helped me through a lot and has made bonds stronger with friends. Keep it up and best wishes to all out there.

[@Adurnis]

May or may not have fallen in love with these two men, watching. Being vulnerable as they are is so powerful and important. Imposter syndrome, stage fright, body dysmorphic disorder, male emotions-excellent discussions to have, and they’ve chosen to channel those things in great ways.

[@superultragamer8245]

Matt’s laugh is like music

[@sithyq3480]

"I have to burn through that," Is the best description of allowing your emotions to peak and flow through getting shit done. My mom always told me: "Feel it, Hold it, put your hair up, and break down afterward." It gave me the permission to identify my panic or anxiety attacks, and then controlling it until I got home; and then allowing myself to finish that emotion. It took 32 years and counting, but damned if it's not the most powerful thing I can celebrate about my psyche. Be good, be strong, and then be a mess when you're ready.

[@christinethomas4252]

I've experienced a mixed bag of moments in my nerd community. A lot of love, but a lot of gatekeeping. A lot of empathy but a lot of cynicism. I'm so glad people like Matt and Todd exist in the nerd world. The world needs more heroes.

[@rstlr01]

So happy for Critrole and watching The success they have had since day one. The hard work and dedication, they have put in to being accessible to their fans, has no equal. And thank you DNDbeyond for your unwavering support in their endeavors.

[@jbired16]

Matt Mercer is such a beautiful man through and through. And Todd just seems so real and genuine. The world doesn't deserve these awesome people

[@xaosbob]

This is probably my favorite interview ever. Love Matt so much, and Todd won me over here. Love you, Todd.

[@MartinTraXAA]

A great interview that ends with a genuine hug. Neat!

[@bastismusikbutze7450]

Wow! One of the best Interviews I’ve ever seen! Fantastic Questions and so honest and deep answers! Thanks a lot for this one!!!

[@JuanSewDLKS]

Continue doing things like this. Amazing. Greetings from Spain.

[@neoxp321]

Nunca pense que encontraria a otro Critter de España

[@Andreu0rtin]

@@neoxp321 Por números era questión de tiempo encontrar gente, pero resulta extraño.

[@moragion]

@@Andreu0rtin No tan extraño como parece

[@philipclapper268]

Damn, Todd, those are some big questions

[@WadeRaef]

Right? Kudos to him for having the guts to ask, Matt for being so open, and Wizards for letting this real AF content to actually hit the Internet.

[@miguelmiranda233]

This is the kind of interview I like to see! Very interesting in deed

[@baguettelol221]

Matt's hair is 8th Wonder of the world

[@improvementTime10.3.17]

14:35 when ppl that don’t understand take it and run 15:45 value of friendship and experiences at the end of life

[@palgaea]

*The manly hugout in the end* ❤ we're so fortunate to have persons like mat and todd around. Here's to the best tabletop community ever!! 💪

[@Bawinni]

a meeting of two great DMs!

[@w0rmfarts]

does Todd dm a show or you just know from him mentioning it in another video if he does what show

[@Bawinni]

@@w0rmfarts he is the DM of Heroes of the Vale!

[@bluerosekali]

Thank you so much for this. You guys touched my heart. 💚

[@WilliamIcenrose]

Well that was a nice dose of wholesomeness to cap off my day. ^^

[@PaladinsFury]

To the people who disliked this video - who hurt you?

[@Max_Money_AWA]

It's the comments at about 3:30 about positivity and then the comments afterwards about D&D and self-loathing. It will never allow me to fully become part of this community.

[@Ryquard1]

I stepped on a lego after hitting my little finger with the chair

[@High-LordHarza]

@@Max_Money_AWA What do you mean?

[@Demonrifts]

@@Max_Money_AWA People talking about real life issues makes you feel like you can't relate to the community?

[@halarkin]

@@Max_Money_AWA so it sounds like that makes you feel unsafe. I'm sorry to hear that. Thank you for your honest answer. I hope you do find a community you can feel safe in. 💙

[@aoiyuureisuru7656]

That hug at the end...you can feel the warmth through the screen!

[@theanyktos]

I love Matt. He's a gem.

[@saarthak421]

I love the comment section in any Matt's interviews it's just so fing refreshing XD

[@ah2494]

Didn't realise how much I needed to hear this. Thank you both

[@jacobruiter592]

The advice Matt gave is SO VERY TRUE. "Don't let fear rule you or prevent you from being yourself" These words are good for people all ages but especially true for kids and teenagers who are discovering who they are.

[@0101matte]

This interview, these people, it's so heartwarming just...just

[@aunderiskerensky2304]

thank you so much for helping so much to bring d&d more to the mainstream, 5e or not; the world needs dungeons and dragons. it's not so taboo to be a nerd anymore. another beam of light in a dark world.

[@samupsilva]

I can watch infinite minutes of Matt talking about anything

[@BisexualWrath]

That's what critical role is lmao

[@josiahkitchel9988]

Thank you for sharing your problem Matt. It really has help me for sure knowing that there are others with problem's, and struggles.

[@chiraz111]

Way to be present and self-aware. Thanks for sharing. I feel that, every time you acknowledge your fragilities, you exert a little bit more control over them. I'm proud to have you as a voice for our culture. Cheers!

[@jclefbouncyrock]

Good interview - love the candidness of it. Thanks for the upload!