Episode 19 - Pop Goes the Culture - May 7, 2018
This month, we chat about the way that games are represented in pop culture, and the way that pop culture is represented in games. From little cameos of games in TV to fake games being made real, IPs being brought into gaming and more, there’s no shortage of connection between games and pop culture. We also follow up on last month’s homework, have a chat about our critters in Pet Corner and discuss what’s making us happy. Houkago Saikoro Kurabu [After School Dice Club] is the manga Nicole mentioned.
Episode 20 - Several People Are Typing: June 11, 2018
This month, we answer listener questions. Hear us tackle topics such as our favorite color to play in games, dangerous wildlife of Australia, what our dream board games would be and more! We are skipping homework because summer time! But we do as always do our pet corner segment and share what’s making us happy. Thanks, folks!
Episode 21 - Balancing Act: July 2, 2018
Balancing life in general can be tough - we talk this month about keeping balanced during games, balancing games with other hobbies and with daily life. There’s a lot of plates to keep in the air! It can be different for everyone, but there’s something to take home in our chat whether you need tips to keep focused on games, broaden your interests or split your time wisely in life. As always we chat about our little critters in pet corner, and talk about what’s making us happy right now. Enjoy your summer!
Episode 22 - Not Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting: August 6, 2018
Over the last few years, it seems that there has been a rise in games with violent themes - whether borne of intellectual properties or not. This month we take an overall look at violent and non-violent games and their themes, the difference between them and the impact of their art and gameplay for the experience. We also discuss that what’s violent to one person might not be to another. This is a big topic, so we skimmed through a number of topics rather than doing a deep dive. We start back with homework, talk about our little critters and share what’s making us happy, as always.
Episode 23 - Back to School: September 3, 2018
As everyone’s getting ready to head back into the classroom here in the Northern Hemisphere, we chat about games in schools and camps! Guest Kathleen Mercury joins us to discuss how games are used in classrooms to all sorts of effect, and how she in particular teaches game design to students. Good for thought and lots to think about - plus homework, pet corner and what’s making us happy, as always. Good luck for the new school year, folks!
Episode 24 - I'm Not Weird, You're Weird: November 5, 2018
Nicole, Adrienne, and Erin discuss game themes - the weirder, the better. While there are some tried-and-true favorites (farming, amirite), what we really delve into are the quirky themes that we appreciate for their creativity, whether or not they make a lot of sense.
Episode 25 - Ready Player Bun: December 3, 2018
This month, the gang chats about the interplay between video games and board games, and how it can influence the way we spend our gaming time, and how. Can digital and analog get along just fine in the hobby? We also chat about homework from last episode, and pet corner as always makes an appearance. Enjoy the rest of 2018, pals!
Episode 26 - Celebration: January 7, 2019
Adrienne, Nicole, and Erin talk about the greatest moments in gaming in 2018.
Episode 27 - Pagliacci's Games: February 4, 2019
It’s time to get emotional, to feel the feels - time to talk about the way games handle seriousness, humour and everything in between. How does the tone of a game affect the tone around the table? And how are we left feeling if we win or lose, or have an otherwise impactful experience playing a game? As always we follow up with homework, pet corner and what’s making us happy! Thanks for listening.
Episode 28 - Does This Episode Spark Joy?: March 4, 2019
In the board gaming hobby, there's a wide range of folks - collectors, those who just have a collection, and everywhere in between. Or not even at all! How do we reconcile hype and the waves of new games with managing the games we own, and the idea of purging? We talk all about this and really ponder what gaming collection means. We also check in on our homework, and have a tribute moment in our pet corner. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this month's topic. Thanks for listening!
Episode 29 - And the Winner Is: April 1, 2019
What's so great about winning? This episode, we chat gaming awards - what's out there, what they cover and why certain games are winners when others miss out. We also chat about last month's homework, pet corner, and what's making us happy.
Episode 30 - On the Contrary: May 6, 2019
Your hosts discuss the discourse around "bad" games, "worse" games, and games you just never want to play. Why do we love to talk about what we hate?
Episode 31 - Good Vibes, Sometimes: June 3, 2019
Hey, you. You’re great. And sometimes, so is the board game hobby! This month, we take a look at some of the positive trends that we’ve seen in our board game community and hobby this last little while. Join us on our happy journey this month, and also for pet corner, what’s making us happy, and our plans for the summer (including homework!).
Episode 32 - Summer Sessions Panel - Conventions: July 8, 2019
Adrienne hosts our first Summer Sessions panel discussion. We're joined by Sen-Foong Lim, Travis Hill, and Ai Lake to discuss board game conventions.
Episode 33 - Summer Sessions Panel - Theme: August 5, 2019
Nicole is joined by Eric Yurko, Caryl Tan, Theo Strempel, and Sarah Reed to discuss themes in board gaming.
Episode 34 - Summer Sessions Panel - Collections: September 9, 2019
Erin hosts a discussion on game collections with Kimberly Revia, Michelle Ridge, and Netters!
Episode 35 - So long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersen, Goodbye!: October 19, 2019
Thank you all so much for your support, time, and LOVE over the past few years. We appreciate it more than we can say. <3