The Peoples Behind The Meeples is Gamefound’s official podcast, in which Alex Radcliffe interviews board game creators. Our goal is to provide a space for board game creators to talk about their stories, insights, and the process behind their games. It’s a podcast series created to deepen the connection between creators and their communities, educate, and inspire.
…
continue reading
Gamefounds Podcasts

1
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing, Business, & Beyond!
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Since 2019, Crowdfunding Nerds has helped over 200 crowdfunding creators raise over $30M on Kickstarter and Gamefound. In addition to that, we have generated over $100M in ecommerce sales and had clients featured on Shark Tank, ”As Seen On TV,” and more. We work with IP’s like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Star Trek, Mass Effect, Dune, and more... But we have also helped a TON of first-time creators fund on day 1, too! Our podcast exists to help you with your journey be ...
…
continue reading
Board Gamers Anonymous is a podcast about tabletop board gamers and the insane fun they have at the table together - from Euros like Food Chain Magnate, Caverna, and Gaia Project to American Style games like Rising Sun, Gloomhaven, and more.
…
continue reading
Roll For Crit is your #1 resource for content from the world of tabletop gaming! Every week, Will and Jonathan are joined by a guest from the gaming world to discuss board game news, Kickstarter highlights, games they've been playing, and more! Become a High Roller by supporting us at http://patreon.com/rollforcrit or learn more at http://rollforcrit.com
…
continue reading
Welcome to 'The Dog ate my Meeple' podcast where I share my love for board games with you in a series of reviews, interviews, discussions and all things tabletop! Buckle up and give it a go, why not consider a new board game in your collection during your commute, just be careful so your beloved pets do not get their paws on them and do not much our titular Meeple! Get ready to roll some dice, lay some tiles, place some workers and embark on an amazing board game adventure with us! Get your ...
…
continue reading

1
Episode 545 - Gamefound Most Funded Games of All Time!
1:02:52
1:02:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:52Episode 545 is up featuring our rundown of the most funded games of all time on Gamefound, which hold up, and how many we've gotten to the table, plus a rundown of the BGG Hotness for September. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/…
…
continue reading

1
Creating Memorable Experiences: My Solo Case Study
55:54
55:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:54How do you transform a fan into a true fan? What does it take to create an unforgettable gaming experience? In this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew Lowen, flying solo today, dives deep into the art of delivering exceptional value to both his team and fans. We kick things off by addressing some recent tech hiccups and our temporary switch …
…
continue reading

1
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: Are we all selling Game-Shaped Objects?!
49:39
49:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:39Ever bought a game just because it looked cool? In Episode 248 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean explore the concept of "game shaped objects"—games that lure us with their aesthetics but might not see much playtime. Why do we sometimes buy games that end up as shelf trophies? Join us as we dive into the tension between art and marketability in…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 544 - Top Ranked Games from Every Year of BGA
1:23:00
1:23:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:00This week, Anthony and Chris do a deep dive into the games that rank highest on Board Game Geek in each year of the podcast dating back to 2013. Find out if Chris can guess them all, and which games rank highly for us as well. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 543 - Our Friends’ Favorite Thematic Games
1:13:07
1:13:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:07This week, Chris is joined by special guest Erin from Board Games for the Better to talk about her favorite thematic board games. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Learn more about Board Games for the Better: https://boardgamesfor…
…
continue reading

1
News & How AI Can Ruin Your Project
1:06:52
1:06:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:52Crowdfunding Nerds Podcast episode 247 is here, and it's a rollercoaster of insights! Are GameFound's latest moves set to shake up the crowdfunding landscape? Can Kickstarter keep pace with its tech updates? Join Andrew and Sean as they dissect GameFound's acquisition of Indiegogo and what it means for creators and backers alike. Could this shift i…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 542 - Our Friends’ Favorite Games Designed by Women
1:21:10
1:21:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:10This week, Chris is joined by special guest Erin from Board Games for the Better to talk about her favorite games designed by women and what makes them work so well. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Learn more about Board Games for…
…
continue reading

1
Justin Gary on Ascension 15th Anniversary
37:13
37:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:13In this episode of The Peoples Behind the Meeples, we sit down with veteran game designer Justin Gary to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Ascension. Justin shares insights from his decades of experience in the tabletop industry, the evolution of Ascension over the years, and his perspective on what makes lasting, impactful game design.…
…
continue reading

1
Overcoming Backer Objections: 2025 Edition
1:07:06
1:07:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:06Ready to conquer the crowdfunding world of 2025? In Episode 246 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean unravel the secrets to overcoming backer objections in an ever-evolving landscape. Are stretch goals truly a double-edged sword? Can gameplay exclusives be more gimmick than game-changer? We dive into insights from Chris George of Room and Boa…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 541 - Our Friends’ Favorite GEN CON Games 2025
48:51
48:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:51Episode 541 features our friend and guest, Ian Gauger, co-founder of The Adventure Nexus. We've partnered with Ian and his company to support the upcoming Board Game Academics Conference, plus he was at Gen Con and can give us the rundown on what was hot and what was most interesting at the show. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at th…
…
continue reading

1
$100k Game Secret with Marco Pecota
1:11:19
1:11:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:19Ever wondered what it takes to launch a successful tabletop gaming company? In Episode 245 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, Andrew and Sean are joined by Marco Pecota from Raybox Games to unravel the secrets behind a $100,000 crowdfunding campaign and the art of world-building in gaming. How do you craft a modular game that appeals to diverse bud…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 540 - Our 12 Year Anniversary
1:19:34
1:19:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:19:34Anthony and Chris do a deep dive into the last year of the podcast, with a stroll down memory lane with their picks of the best previews, reviews, and features from the last 52 episodes. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Episode Notes: …
…
continue reading
Ever wondered how sibling dynamics shape the creation of a board game? In episode 244 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, we dive deep with Brian and Michael Toth of Toth Games about their journey in crafting Legends of the Arena. Join Andrew and Sean as they explore the Toth brothers' collaborative process, starting from a shared childhood love for…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 539 - Games That Fight the Power!
1:07:53
1:07:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:53This week, we're looking at games that stand up and push back against the status quo, putting players in a position to fight the power, whether against real-world oppression or evil space wizards. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Episode…
…
continue reading
Ever wondered how to navigate the choppy waters of crowdfunding with finesse? In Episode 243 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Sean and Donnie are joined by Robin Stokkel, the mastermind behind the card game River Rats. Robin takes us on a riveting journey through his Kickstarter campaign, sharing the secrets behind his marketing magic and the lessons learned…
…
continue reading
This week, we're taking a deep dive into the new games that will be available at Gen Con later this week, which we'd like to play and track down. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Episode Notes: Roll for Review: The Anarchy Feature: Gen Con…
…
continue reading

1
Winning Cancelled Pledges Back With DMs
1:07:28
1:07:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:28Ever wondered how to turn a canceled pledge into a success story? Join us for Episode 241 of Crowdfunding Nerds, where Sean chats with Chris Loizou from SBG Editions about the art of running a successful crowdfunding campaign. Dive into Chris's experience with his project, Ascendia, and discover how personal outreach can recapture those elusive can…
…
continue reading

1
BGA Episode 537 - Board Game: Face-Off or Team-Up?!
1:11:28
1:11:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:28This week, we're tapping into the Voice of the Gamers to discuss games that would be interesting with coop modes (or coop games that would be interesting with competitive modes). Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Episode Notes: Roll for Previ…
…
continue reading

1
How Crowdfunding Can Fix Trading Card Games
1:16:23
1:16:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:23Ever wondered how trading card games (TCGs) are evolving in 2025? In episode 244 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Sean dives deep into the world of TCGs with guests Donnie Chase and Jacob Cecil. We tackle the hot issues of scalping, grading, and distribution, and explore how intellectual properties and marketing strategies are reshaping the industry. Jacob s…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 536 - Most Buck for Your Bang!
1:10:44
1:10:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:44This week, we take a look at the games that have the most buck associated with a whole lot of bang—e.g. the big, expensive, massive, sprawling games that live on the top shelf of our game rooms but are still somehow worth it. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/regis…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Alex sits down with Mathias Wigge, the acclaimed designer of Ark Nova, one of the most celebrated modern board games. Mathias shares the story behind the game's creation and the inspirations that shaped it. Check out the upcoming ARK NOVA - 3DITION campaign: https://gamefound.com/s/pbm6%20-%20ark%20nova%20link…
…
continue reading

1
Ad Copy Secrets: Lessons Learned From Movie Covers
1:05:33
1:05:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:33Ever wondered how a DVD cover could revolutionize your ad copy? In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean dive into the art of crafting compelling ads, drawing inspiration from the unexpected world of DVD and Blu-ray covers. Discover how these tiny marketing masterpieces can teach us to captivate audiences with concise, engaging text. …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 535 - BGG Hotness and Draft Update
1:11:32
1:11:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:32It's that time again - let's take a deep dive into the BGG Hotness for June and into July and discuss what games everyone is getting psyched for going into the convention season. Plus, an update on the status of the BGA draft. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/regi…
…
continue reading

1
1000 True Fans: Crowdfunding Edition
1:09:33
1:09:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:33Are you cultivating "true fans" or just collecting complainers? Join Andrew and Sean as they unravel the complex relationships between investors, consumers, true fans, and complainers, and how each group can make or break your business. Ever wondered how to distinguish genuine supporters from those who might harm your community? We dive into Seth G…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 534 - Let them Fight: Andromeda's Edge vs. Dwellings of Eldervale
1:20:25
1:20:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:20:25This week we're pitting two heavy weights of recent gaming against one another, both with a similar design and common designer: Andromeda's Edge and Dwellings of Eldervale. Which is worth tracking down? Find out in our newest VS. episode. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademic…
…
continue reading

1
How To Develop Impactful Influencer Relationships
1:02:10
1:02:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:10How does sound transform your tabletop RPG experience? In Episode 238 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean are joined by Niki Wegscheider from TableTone, an app revolutionizing gaming audio. Dive into the world of adaptive audio that syncs with in-game events, creating a richer, more immersive experience. Discover how TableTone's dynamic soundsca…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 533 - Best Bang for Your Buck Games
1:02:57
1:02:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:57This week, we asked all the listeners for the games they own that offer the best bang for their buck - the games you play a lot, were inexpensive, or have additional value outside of just playing them. We got a ton of great answers! Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/r…
…
continue reading

1
Kickstarter AMA: Your Questions Answered!
57:44
57:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:44What happens when Kickstarter’s Head of Games steps into the Crowdfunding Nerds community for an AMA? Episode 237 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast is here to spill the beans! Join your hosts, Andrew and Sean, as they dissect the lively discussion with Asher McClinahan, exploring the 79 comments and 35 to 50 questions that kept the community buzzin…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 532 - Board Game Club: Terraforming Mars
1:10:33
1:10:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:33This week, Anthony and Chris do a deep dive into all things Terraforming Mars, along with the listeners, in our first Board Game Club presentation. We rereview each of the games and expansions, hear your stories and feedback, share a few of our own hot takes and generally talk all things Terraforming Mars for much of the episode: Join us at the Boa…
…
continue reading

1
Reflections On Kickstarter Head Of Games Interview
1:14:33
1:14:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:33Ever wondered how the crowdfunding giants stack up against each other? In episode 236 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, Andrew and Sean dive into the competitive dynamics of Kickstarter, GameFound, and BackerKit. How is Kickstarter's community engagement evolving under Asher McClanahan's leadership? And what does BackerKit's million-dollar equity …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 531 - BGG Hotness + Board Game Draft Update!
1:03:27
1:03:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:27Anthony is back this week with a big update on the BGG hotness, our board game draft, and all the amazing stuff on Gamefound that's calling for his wallet. Plus a review of Nova Era from Chris and previous discussion of Hobbit: There and Back Again (roll and write for the win!) Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of …
…
continue reading

1
Interview with Kickstarter Head of Games: Asher McClennahan
1:26:30
1:26:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:26:30Ever wondered what it takes to launch a successful game on Kickstarter? In Episode 235 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean sit down with Asher McClennahan, Kickstarter's head of games, to unravel the secrets behind a winning crowdfunding campaign. What are the "hygiene factors" you must nail on your campaign page? How can you leverage Kickstarte…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 530 - The Top 10 Games on Everyone’s Shelf
1:12:04
1:12:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:04Chris is joined again this week by Chris Rodriguez from Board Games for the Better to discuss the top "owned" games on BoardGameGeek, what makes these games so lasting and sought after. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Our first Board Game Club will featu…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Peoples Behind the Meeples, our host Alex Radcliffe sits down with Marvin Hegen from Nerdlab Games to discuss their latest project, Final Titan, a game co-designed by the legendary Richard Garfield, that's currently crowdfunded on Gamefound. Final Titan offers a fresh and exciting experience for tabletop gamers. Tune in as Marvin…
…
continue reading

1
Bob Rafei On Crafting Memorable Worlds
1:17:17
1:17:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:17:17Ever wondered what it takes to create iconic games like Crash Bandicoot or Jak and Daxter? How about founding your own game studio from scratch? Join us in Episode 233 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast as Andrew and Sean sit down with the legendary Bob Rafei, the creative mind behind Big Red Button Entertainment and former art director at Naughty D…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 529 - Top Ten Dexterity Games
1:14:53
1:14:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:53Chris is joined this week by Chris Rodriguez from Board Games for the Better to talk about the top 10 dexterity games. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Our first Board Game Club will feature Terraforming Mars. Play the game and prepare to submit your commen…
…
continue reading
Ever wondered what makes a board game crowdfunding campaign truly successful? In Episode 231 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean sit down with Chris George from the World Series of Board Gaming and Room and Board YouTube channel to uncover the secrets! How do you attract the right backers while steering clear of those who might not enjoy your ga…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 528 - Our Favorite Games Gone Digital
58:07
58:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:07This week we're turning to the voice of the gamers for a rundown of the games that we love that only got better through their digital implementations. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Our first Board Game Club will feature Terraforming Mars. Play the game and…
…
continue reading

1
Luck, Preparedness, Opportunity, & Tariffs
1:05:31
1:05:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:31Can you predict the unpredictable in business? How do poker strategies apply to managing unexpected challenges? Join hosts Andrew and Sean, along with guest Ryan Williams, as they explore these intriguing questions. In this episode, we dive into the delicate dance of skill, hard work, and luck in the gaming industry, highlighted by veteran insights…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 527 - Expansions that Fix Games You Now Love
1:08:59
1:08:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:59(Apologies for the audio! Anthony's microphone had an oopsie this week, so his audio is the backup). This week, we asked the gamers among you to tell us which games were made all-time greats because of their expansions. Not just better, but to the top of your list. Plus we chat Golden Geek winners Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at t…
…
continue reading
Ever wondered if board gaming could be the next big spectator sport? In episode 230 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, Andrew and Sean dive into the world of competitive board gaming with Chris George, the creative mind behind the Room and Board YouTube channel and a key player in the World Series of Board Gaming (WSBG). Chris shares his fascinatin…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 526 - Games that Need a Crowdfunded Redux
57:03
57:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:03This week we're looking at games that could use a revisit, revamp, or fancy, expensive redux on Kickstarter or Gamefound. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Episode Notes: Roll for Preview: SETI: Space Agencies Roll for Review: Shipyard (Second Edition) Feature: Ga…
…
continue reading

1
Game Over, Start Again? with Ryan Williams
1:16:49
1:16:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:49Ever wondered how to keep your audience hooked between game releases or the secret sauce to a successful crowdfunding relaunch? In Episode 230 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean sit down with Ryan Williams, the mastermind behind Starclash, to tackle these burning questions. Ryan spills the beans on building a thriving community, sharing his jou…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 525 - April BGG Hotness and Fantasy Draft
1:02:07
1:02:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:07This we take a deep dive into the BGG Hotness for April 2025, plus give an update on month four of the Fantasy Board Game Draft and review Stupor Mundi. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Episode Notes: Roll for Preview: The Great Library Roll for Review: Stupor Mund…
…
continue reading

1
Kickstarter Asked Me To Do A Webinar
1:02:44
1:02:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:44Ever wondered what it takes to launch a successful Kickstarter campaign for a tabletop game? In episode 229 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, Andrew and Sean dive into the secrets of Kickstarter success, inspired by Andrew's recent experience speaking at a Kickstarter webinar. Invited by Asher McClanahan, Kickstarter's Head of Games, Andrew shares…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 524 - 25 Most Acquired Games of March 2025
1:04:28
1:04:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:28This week we're looking at the most purchased or otherwise acquired games from March 2025 according to @MaaloxVoltaren (Andrea Bertani)'s Geek List on Board Game Geek. Link below. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Episode Notes: Roll for Preview: Battle of Hoth Roll…
…
continue reading

1
Mastering Board Game Pitches with Adam Porter
1:10:23
1:10:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:23Are you ready to level up your board game design skills? In this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, join hosts Donnie and Sean as they dive into the world of board game pitching with the talented Adam Porter, a seasoned designer from Wales. Ever wondered how to catch a publisher's eye at conventions like Essen Spiel or UK Games Expo? Adam s…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 523 - Top 100 Strategy Games (on BGG)
1:40:55
1:40:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:40:55On episode 523, we take a deep dive into the top 100 strategy games as listed on Board Game Geek, discussing which we've played, and whether we think they should be higher or lower. Join us at Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Episode Notes: Roll for Preview: Dragons of Etchinston…
…
continue reading
Ever wondered how tariffs shape the world of manufacturing and international trade? In Episode 227 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean dive deep with Hersh Glueck, a supply chain expert with boots on the ground in China. How do tariffs impact Chinese manufacturers, and what ripple effects do they have on global trade? Join us as Hersh sheds ligh…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 522 - Top Ten Magic The Gathering: Universes Beyond
1:00:34
1:00:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:34This week, we take a deep dive into the ten set supplements and full sets that have been released or announced for Magic the Gathering, as the classic CCG digs into all the IPs. Nominate us for the Golden Geek! https://boardgamegeek.com/geekawards/boardgame Join us at Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameac…
…
continue reading