Board Game Radio

In this episode of Board Game Radio, Doug and Michael discuss various topics including new game releases and industry news. They explore the concept of hidden gems in the gaming world, share their thoughts on mechanics and themes they are cooling on, and play a game of 'Troll er No' where they compete over negative comments about popular games. The episode wraps up with a recap of the games they've been playing recently, including American Bookshop and Rowdy Partners. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Rebranding Discussion 00:03:17 - Nomad: Folding Gaming Table 00:06:24 - Industry News and Updates 00:21:29 - Do Hidden Gems Really Exist? 00:29:22 - Cooling on Mechanisms or Themes 00:36:49 - Game Review Challenge: Troll or No? 00:48:47 - Misfit Heroes 00:51:59 - Chocolate Factory 00:55:58 - Exploring Fractured Sky: A Unique Gaming Experience 01:01:52 - The Sims Board Game: A Missed Opportunity 01:04:54 - American Bookshop: A Trick-Taking Delight 01:10:21 - Rowdy Partners: Teamwork in Wrestling

In this episode of Board Game Radio, hosts Doug and Michael discuss the transition from their previous podcast, Game Schooler, to their new format. They share their excitement about the new show, the importance of having fun in gaming, and the variety of games available. The episode features a segment called 'Operation Name That Game' and culminates in a discussion of their top 10 games from 2025, highlighting their personal favorites and the experiences that shaped their gaming year. 00:00 - Introduction to Board Game Radio 04:52 - This Week In Gaming: Board Game Radio 17:44 - What's on Your Mind: Crowdfunding Predictions 25:21 - Understanding Board Gaming for Non-Gamers 31:06 - Operation Name That Game: A Fun Challenge 42:49 - Top 10 Games of 2025

In this reflective episode of the Game Schooler podcast, hosts Doug and Michael celebrate 250 episodes by looking back on their journey, discussing the evolution of their show, and sharing their plans for the future. They emphasize the importance of educational games, community engagement, and the need to shift focus from traditional game reviews to more enjoyable conversations about gaming. As they prepare for season two, they express gratitude for their listeners and the support they've received throughout their journey.

In this episode of the Game Schooler Podcast, hosts Doug and Michael revisit their top 10 games from 2024, discussing various titles and their experiences with each game. They explore a range of themes including cooperative gameplay, unique mechanics, and the joy of family gaming. The conversation also highlights the importance of community engagement and the excitement surrounding new game releases, especially during the holiday season.

In this episode, Michael and Doug explore Michael's top 25 board games of all time, discussing various themes, mechanics, and personal experiences with each game. From cooperative games like Cthulhu Death May Die to classic strategy games like Ticket to Ride, the conversation delves into what makes each game special and the joy of playing with friends and family. The hosts also reflect on the impact of nostalgia and game complexity on their preferences, encouraging listeners to share their own top games.

In this episode of the Game Schooler podcast, hosts Doug and Michael explore the concept of curating a board game collection down to just 24 games. Doug shares his personal list of games he would keep, discussing the criteria behind his selections, the mechanics of each game, and the sentimental value they hold. The conversation delves into various genres, including strategy, family, and cooperative games, while also highlighting the unique aspects that make each game special.

In this week’s episode we'll cover Ticket to Ride: United Kingdom, Stranger Things: Upside Down, answer questions in the School of Gaming and say Thank You to some very important games! 00:00 - Introduction to The Game Schooler Podcast 02:31 - Ticket To Ride: United Kingdom 11:54 - Ad - Pawn Porter 13:06 - Stranger Things: Upside Down 24:26 - Ad - The Gimmies 25:41 - Welcoming New Players to the Table 31:21 - Eco-Friendly Packaging: Worth It or Waste? 38:45 - Ad - Dreamboard 40:26 - Thank You Notes

In this week’s episode we'll cover Ticket to Ride: Pennsylvania and Deep Regrets, answer questions in the School of Gaming and discuss where the Hotness from Gen Con 2023 is today! 00:00 - Introduction 02:18 - Ticket To Ride: Pennsylvania 17:22 - Ad - CoverCraft Workshop 18:32 - Deep Regrets 35:01 - Ad - Pack It Back: Board Game 36:40 - School of Gaming: Card Games vs. Board Games 43:03 - School Gaming: Game Length and Fulfillment 46:38 - Ad - Ogre's Hoard Game Store 47:46 - Gen Con 2023 Hotness Review

In this week’s episode we'll cover Mille Fiori, Maki Master, answer questions in the School of Gaming and discuss What’s Awesome in Tabletop Gaming. 00:00 - Introduction 04:03 - Mille Fiori 17:04 - Ad - International Factory Cologne 17:39 - Maki Master 29:54 - Ad - BacKallax 31:17 - School of Gaming 48:52 - Ad - Personal Rules Lawyer 49:51 - What's Awesome In Gaming

In this week’s episode we'll cover Kingdomino: Origins, The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth, answer questions in the School of Gaming and discuss changes in the hobby in the new segment, Game Schooler Reacts! 00:00 - Introduction 03:34 - Kingdomino: Origins 15:01 - Ad - Chameleon 15:36 - Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth 28:49 - Ad - Dice Alarm For Weak-Wristed Rolls 29:59 - School of Gaming 38:00 - Ad - Gaming Snack Mittens 39:08 - Game Schooler Reacts: Changes in the Hobby

In this week’s episode we'll cover Caldera Park, Newton, answer questions in the School of Gaming and recap our experience at Gamehole Con! 00:00 - Introduction to Game Schooler Podcast 01:58 - Caldera Park 14:17 - Accruals: The Budget Balancing Game 15:13 - Newton 29:51 - Deluxe Edition Stickers 30:52 - Enjoying Games You're Not Good At 38:46 - Confidence and Doubt in Gaming 45:48 - Shelf of Shame Storage Cloth 46:44 - Gamehole Con Experience Recap

In this week’s episode we'll feature an extended School of Gaming, and play Game Schooler Blind Rank, Troll Er No?, and the Great Game Guessing Game! 03:21 - School of Gaming 24:44 - Ad - People In A Room 25:37 - Game Schooler Blind Rank 34:43 - Ad - Portable Convention Shower 36:20 - Troll Er No - 7 Wonders 40:45 - Ad - Board Game Vacuum 41:37 - The Great Game Guessing Game

In this week’s episode we'll cover Santorini: Second Edition, Forest Shuffle, discuss Unboxing Videos in the School of Gaming and play Troll er No? 00:00 - Introduction to the Game Schooler Podcast 03:07 - Santorini: Second Edition 14:22 - Marriage: The Game 15:20 - Forest Shuffle 30:54 - Immaculate Game Kit: Protecting Your Game Investment 31:58 - School of Gaming: Unboxing Videos 39:30 - Utility Gaming Pants 40:35 - Troll or No: The Game Review Challenge

In this week’s episode we'll cover MicroMacro: Kids - Crazy City Park, Ticket to Ride: Europe, discuss Solid Game Stores in the School of Gaming and play The Great Game Guessing Game! 00:00 - Introductions & Follow-up 03:25 - Micro Macro: Kids - Crazy City Park 12:47 - Super Deluxe Monopoly 14:01 - Ticket to Ride Europe 25:05 - The Automatic Rating Changer 26:45 - Solid Game Stores 33:21 - Game Schooling and Building Connections 38:28 - The Appeal of Spin-Off Games 42:36 - Nomad: Foldable Gaming Table 43:43 - The Great Game Guessing Game

In this episode of the GameSchooler Podcast, hosts Doug and Michael discuss various tabletop games, including '10 Days in the National Parks', 'Toy Battle', 'SuperStore 3000', and 'River Valley Glassworks'. They share insights on gameplay mechanics, strategies, and the overall experience of each game, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the evolution of their podcast. 00:00 - Introductions & Awesomeness 04:19 - 10 Days in the National Parks 13:10 - Ad - Gotcha! The Game of Parental Dominance 14:09 - Toy Battle 25:05 - Ad - Advanced Gamer Stimulus Expansion 26:29 - Superstore 3000 36:55 - Ad - Meeple Musk - Convention Scents 38:07 - River Valley Glassworks

In this week’s episode we'll cover Don’t L.L.A.M.A. Dice, Point Galaxy, Finspan, and Teach Witches! 00:00 - Introductions & Awesomeness 11:09 - Don't L.L.A.M.A. Dice 18:54 - Metal Coins Collection 20:32 - Point Galaxy 31:49 - The BacKallax 34:01 - Finspan 46:23 - Fantasy Orc Dungeon Tropes: The Miniatures Game 47:57 - Tea Witches

In this week’s episode we'll discuss the future of the Game Schooler Podcast, and cover Parks Second Edition, Graft, Tag Team, and Fountains! 00:00 - Introduction to the Game Schooler Podcast 03:55 - Parks Second Edition 15:15 - Graft 23:49 - Tag Team 34:48 - Fountains 50:12 - Carl's Crowdfundin' Countdown

In this week’s episode we'll discuss the future of the Game Schooler Podcast, and cover Fight 5, Fliptoons, Railroad Tiles, and A Place For All My Books 00:00 - Podcast Evolution and Future Directions 11:48 - Fight 5 19:46 - Exploring Flip Tunes 29:00 - Railroad Tiles 41:07 - A Place for All My Books 52:03 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

In this week’s episode we talk to Chris Yi of the Dice Tower about Gaming, Content Creation, and Designing Games! 00:00 - Introduction to Tabletop Gaming and Guest Introduction 01:35 - Chris Yi's Journey into Gaming 03:33 - Transitioning to Content Creation 08:25 - Managing Content Creation and Burnout 13:09 - Staying Positive in the Gaming Community 16:41 - Exciting Developments in the Gaming Industry 18:34 - The Joys of Working in Gaming 20:49 - Unexpected Aspects of the Job 23:13 - Family Gaming Experiences 26:02 - The Essence of Tabletop Gaming 27:07 - The Joy of Podcasting and Game Design 27:38 - Diving into Game Design: The Birth of Soda Jerk 30:49 - Understanding Soda Jerk: Gameplay Mechanics Explained 32:32 - Future Projects: What's Next for Chris? 33:45 - Teaching vs. Learning Games: A Personal Preference 34:29 - Conventions: Essen vs. Gen Con 40:01 - The Dice Tower Retreat vs. Convention: A Comparison 45:08 - Philosophy of Luck: A Positive Mindset

In this week’s episode Piper Kotecki and Eliza McCabe share their Top 10 Board Games of All Time!