Best Garphill Games Podcasts (2025)

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EP #21: One Year Anniversary Q&A 1:17:38

Play Pause

1d ago1:17:38

1:17:38

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this anniversary episode marking one year of Lens and Veil, they answer a variety of questions provided by fans in the Garphill Discord. 📜Chapters: 0:00:00 - Intro 0:00:55 - Which would you…

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Episode 35 | Long Teach, Late Play, Long Turns 1:18:06

9d ago1:18:06

1:18:06

Ray and Joe launch their new segment, “It’s Your Turn,” with a listener submission: Imperium Classics! They dive into how the game plays, what makes it unique, and why it stands out in the board gaming world. Then, they share behind-the-scenes stories from their recent mission work with Love Thy Nerd. Ray reflects on the challenges and blessings of…

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EP #20: Underwater Cities 1:03:52

16d ago1:03:52

1:03:52

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this episode they discuss Underwater Cities by Vladimír Suchý. In Underwater Cities, players represent the most powerful brains in the world, brains nominated due to the overpopulation of E…

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Episode 34 | Rolling Dice & Feeding the Body 1:10:51

23d ago1:10:51

1:10:51

This week on The Christian Board Gamers Podcast, Joe and Ray share their experience with River of Gold, highlight the story behind Tabletop Testimony, and dig into a conversation every gamer needs: how to balance fellowship, food, and faith around the game table. From strategy to snacks, they reflect on honoring God with our bodies—even while gamin…

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EP #19: The Anarchy Ft. Bobby Hill 58:52

1M ago58:52

58:52

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this episode they discuss The Anarchy, and are joined by the game's designer Bobby Hill. In The Anarchy, players take on the role of English nobles loyal to King Stephen during the civil wa…

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Episode 33 | The Joy of Repetition 1:10:18

1M ago1:10:18

1:10:18

In this episode, Joe and Ray dive into their playthrough of Raiders of Scythia and explore the joy of repetition, both in board gaming and in faith. They highlight how revisiting games can remind us of the importance of returning to God’s Word over and over again as we grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus. Website: https://lovethynerd.com/pod…

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Episode 32 | Sure, We Can Land a Plane (Season 4 Premiere) 1:07:27

2M ago1:07:27

1:07:27

Joe and Ray are back for Season 4, fully caffeinated and convinced they can land a plane—with nothing but three cups of coffee and a handful of dice! In this episode, they catch up on the games they’ve been playing, recap Joe’s wild June and July, and, yes, revisit their bold aviation claims. Don’t miss the kickoff to a brand-new season. God bless!…

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EP #18: Civolution 1:07:26

2M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this episode they discuss Civolution by Stefan Feld. Civolution is a heavy euro-style sandbox game that uses a dice selection mechanism to trigger actions on a tech tree-like structure. The…

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EP #17: Kennerspiel Des Jahres 2025 1:20:10

3M ago1:20:10

1:20:10

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this special episode they discuss the nominees for the Kennerspiel Des Jahres 2025: Looot by Charles Chevallier and Laurent Escoffier, Endeavor: Deep Sea by Carl de Visser and Jarratt Gray,…

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EP #16: Assyria Second Edition 1:15:43

4M ago1:15:43

1:15:43

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this episode they discuss Assyria Second Edition by Emanuele Ornella, Shem Phillips, and S J Macdonald. In Assyria Second Edition, each round players bid for turn order, expand on the map, …

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Episode 31 | The Dopest Episode Yet! (Season 3 Finale) 1:09:58

4M ago1:09:58

1:09:58

In the season finale of the Christian Board Gamers Podcast, Joe and Ray bring the laughs like never before! Between uncontrollable giggles, Joe shares why you should join Love Thy Nerd on mission to Gen Con, and the duo talks through their recent playthroughs of 3 Magi, Everdell Duo, and more. Things go off the rails in the best way possible as the…

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EP #15: Lost Ruins of Arnak 1:10:47

4M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this episode they discuss Lost Ruins of Arnak by Elwen and Mín. Lost Ruins of Arnak combines deck-building and worker placement in a game of exploration, resource management, and discovery.…

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Episode 30 | Cole Smith: 3 Magi & the Game Design Journey 1:01:51

5M ago1:01:51

1:01:51

In this episode of the Christian Board Gamers Podcast, Joe and Ray sit down with Cole Smith, the designer of the upcoming game 3 Magi. Cole shares his powerful testimony of coming to faith, his ongoing walk with Christ, and how following Jesus has shaped his journey as a game designer. Aside from Ray’s wild claim that the U.S. now owns Canada, this…

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EP #14: Designer Draft 50:52

5M ago50:52

50:52

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this special episode they perform a snake draft of board game designers into their 5-a-side team. They each need to choose at least 1 attacker, 1 midfielder, 1 defender and 1 new recruit. A…

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Episode 29 | Kevin Lewis: Foundations (Part 2) 1:11:15

5M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

In this episode of the Christian Board Gamers Podcast, Joe shares highlights from the recent Game Changer Board Gaming Retreat and his adventures at FBC Game Con in Kansas. Then, Kevin Lewis joins Joe to continue their deep dive into their God-led journey in board game design, spotlighting the upcoming release of Joe’s new game, Meek Heroes: Victor…

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Episode 28 | Kevin Lewis: Foundations (Part 1) 50:38

6M ago50:38

50:38

Ray and his wife Kim are expecting their baby any day now—or maybe she’s already arrived! To let Ray focus on family, Joe is joined by his longtime friend Kevin on today's Christian Board Gamers Podcast. With a friendship spanning over 17 years and deeply rooted in board gaming, Joe & Kevin share about the games they're enjoying and how God has use…

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EP #13: Golem 1:17:30

6M ago1:17:30

1:17:30

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this episode they discuss Golem by Flaminia Brasini, Virginio Gigli, and Simone Luciani. Golem is an engine building game based on the 16th-century legend of the Golem of Prague, an anthrop…

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Episode 27 | Interview with Shem Phillips of Garphill Games 44:09

6M ago44:09

44:09

In this episode of the Christian Gamers Podcast, Joe & Ray sit down with Shem Phillips, renowned designer from Garphill Games! Join the conversation as they discuss Shem’s journey with Jesus, his unique board game design process, valuable advice for aspiring game designers, and much more. Fans of Garphill Games, you won’t want to miss this inspirin…

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EP #12: SETI 1:19:43

6M ago1:19:43

1:19:43

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this episode they discuss SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence by Tomáš Holek. SETI is a card driven eurogame where you lead a scientific institution tasked with searching for tra…

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Episode 26 | Christians Around the Board (Crossover Episode) 1:15:52

7M ago1:15:52

1:15:52

In this mega mash-up of tabletop proportions, Joe & Ray from the Christian Board Gamers Podcast team up with Daniel & John from the Around the Board show! They square off in a rousing round of “Play, Shelf, & Trade,” test each other’s knowledge in “Board Game Believe it or Not,” dive into the best ways to teach games, and wrap it all up with a fun …

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EP #11: Cooper Island 59:45

7M ago59:45

59:45

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this episode they discuss Cooper Island by Andreas Odendahl. Cooper Island is a worker placement game with a unique resource system based on the height of tiles on your personal island. 📜Ch…

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Episode 25 | The Spirit, The Word & The Cull 1:02:59

7M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

In this episode of the Christian Board Gamers Podcast, Ray and Joe explore Cities by Phil Walker-Harding & Steve Finn, discuss highlights from the Family Game Changer Retreat, and reflect on how the Spirit shapes us to become more like Christ—drawing a parallel to culling our board game collections as we refine our tastes. Join them for an engaging…

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Episode 24 | On Mission 1:08:37

8M ago1:08:37

1:08:37

It’s the Season 3 premiere! Ray and Joe reunite to share what’s been happening since the Christmas Special. From Joe’s exciting trip on the Dice Tower Cruise to Ray’s adventures in Tennessee, they dive into what it means to be on mission in the board gaming community. Joe also highlights his recent mission trip with Love Thy Nerd to Tantrum Con in …

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EP #10: Era of Experts [Inventors expansion] 58:51

8M ago58:51

58:51

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements.In this episode they discuss Era of Experts by Shem Phillips and S J Macdonald. Era of Experts is an expansion to Inventors of the South Tigris which provides 12 unique playable characters to t…

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EP #9: Body of Books [Scholars expansion] 57:45

8M ago57:45

57:45

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements.In this episode they discuss Body of Books by Shem Phillips and S J Macdonald. Body of Books is an expansion to Scholars of the South Tigris which introduces a new black Medicine Research Track…

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EP #8: Tides of Trade [Wayfarers expansion] 53:06

9M ago53:06

53:06

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements.In this episode they discuss Tides of Trade by Shem Phillips and S J Macdonald. Tides of Trade is an expansion to Wayfarers of the South Tigris which gives players the means to upgrade their wo…

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Episode 23 | Our 1st Christmas Special 59:29

9M ago59:29

59:29

In this episode Ray & Joe almost can’t keep it together as the first 10 minutes might just be them laughing. Once they finally reel themselves in they discuss the game Santa’s Workshop, talk about their board game wishlist, & spend some time talking about the greatest gift of all, our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.…

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EP #7: Scythe 1:14:47

10M ago1:14:47

1:14:47

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements.In this episode they discuss Scythe by Jamey Stegmaier. Scythe is an engine-building game set in a 1920s era, alternate-history. Players take turns performing 1-2 actions in the race to build u…

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Episode 22 | What's In a Name? (Season 2 Finale) 1:07:25

10M ago1:07:25

1:07:25

On the season 2 finale of the show, Ray shares some exciting news that sparks the topic of the week - the importance of names and the meanings behind them, both in gaming and in real life. It is also the Thanksgiving episode, so Joe & Ray share things that they are thankful for.By Love Thy Nerd

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Episode 21 | Game Break: Rise of Babel 56:23

11M ago56:23

56:23

There has been a bit of controversy surrounding the game Rise of Babel by Bedouin Games. In this episode, Ray & Joe spend some time discussing the game play and share a bit of their take on the things they have been hearing about the game. If you have thoughts that you would like to share, please send them an email at [email protected]…

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EP #6: Unconscious Mind 1:16:59

11M ago1:16:59

1:16:59

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In episode they discuss Unconscious Mind by Laskas, Jonny Pac, Yoma, Antonio Zax. Unconscious Mind is a euro-style game featuring worker placement, engine building, multiple rondels, and casca…

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Episode 20 | Cooperative Games & Church Unity 1:10:11

11M ago1:10:11

1:10:11

Not everyone loves cooperative games, however, there are some great parallels between them and church unity. It is imperative in the body of Christ that we learn how to effectively communicate and center on Jesus. Joe and Ray also chat about the Christian Board Gamers Facebook group, the vibrant community it has become and some of what God is doing…

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EP #5: Nippon 1:06:16

11M ago1:06:16

1:06:16

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In episode they discuss Nippon by Nuno Bizarro Sentieiro and Paulo Soledade. Nippon is a an area majority eurogame in which players control Zaibatsu (Japanese Conglomerates) and try to develop…

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Episode 19 | Rulebooks & The Scripture 1:07:06

12M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

Are you someone that either loves to read a rulebook or have it close by? Or, are you a bit more like Joe who prefers to watch a video & learn while playing? It’s wonderful when you have both types of people at the table & Ray & Joe chat about God’s word, methods of interpretation & how iron sharpens iron. Let’s get it!…

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EP #4: Darwin's Journey 1:18:16

12M ago1:18:16

1:18:16

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this episode they discuss Darwin's Journey by Simone Luciani and Nestore Mangone. Darwin's Journey is a worker-placement Eurogame in which players recall Charles Darwin's memories of his ad…

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Game Changer Board Gaming Retreat Fall 2024 Recap (w/ Beau Graf) 1:00:15

12M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

The Game Changer Retreat was so DOPE!! We are praising God for such a great time, so much so that we needed to drop this bonus episode, with special guest Beau Graf from Camp Living Waters. Join us in Spring 2025: camplivingwaters.org/game-changerBy Love Thy Nerd

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EP#3: Skara Brae 54:01

12M ago54:01

54:01

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this episode they discuss Skara Brae by Shem Phillips. Skara Brae is a unique resource management game based on the neolithic settlement of Skara Brae in modern day Scotland. Players take t…

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Episode 18 | Simon Pillario & Paul Snuggs: The Great Commission Strategic Card Game 52:51

12M ago52:51

52:51

Let’s go! In this episode Ray & Joe interview Simon Pillario & Paul Snuggs the creators of The Great Commission Strategic Card Game! This episode is jam packed with testimony, tons about the game, & some laughs along the way. This episode was a lot of fun to record! Late pledge open now, visit https://kck.st/3XWOQjU wordforwordbiblecomic.com facebo…

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EP #2: Path of Civilization 41:41

12M ago41:41

41:41

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this second episode they discuss Path of Civilization by Fabien Gridel. Path of Civilization is a competitive civilization game with simultaneous play. Each player takes the reins of a civi…

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EP #1: Daybreak 46:59

1y ago46:59

46:59

🎙️Welcome to the Lens and Veil podcast, join Shem, Sam and Zach as they discuss games they've played together, specifically focusing on game design elements. In this first episode they discuss Daybreak by Matt Leacock and Matteo Menapace. Daybreak is a co-operative game about climate action. Each player controls a world power, deploying policies an…

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Episode 17 | Andrew Lowen: The Chuck Norris of Board Games 1:06:29

1y ago1:06:29

1:06:29

You don’t want to miss this! Joe & Ray are honored to be joined by Andrew Lowen. Andrew is the designer/publisher of the epic tabletop game Deliverance, the owner of Next Level Web, the host of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast. Andrew opens up and shares his testimony, talks through some of the backlash from Deliverance, and we get some exclusive inf…

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Episode 16 | Tom Vasel: No Other Options 58:23

1y ago58:23

58:23

In the Season 2 premiere, Joe & Ray have the privilege of sitting down with Tom Vasel of The Dice Tower. Tom shares portions of his story, they dive into his hopes for the Christian board gaming landscape, & learn a bit more about how The Dice Tower got its start. Tom Vasel started The Dice Tower in 2005. The Dice Tower is a network of diverse indi…

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Run It Back w/Beau from Camp Living Waters (Game Changer Retreat) 56:13

1+ y ago56:13

56:13

In this episode, we chat with Beau from Camp Living Waters about the Game Changer Board Gaming Retreat & we also take a look back at the material covered this season. We are super happy with Season 1 & really pumped about what is out ahead for Season 2! Thank you for sticking with us & we can't wait to get back at it in September! Register for the …

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Kingdom Inspired Diversity in Board Gaming 1:06:13

1+ y ago1:06:13

1:06:13

In this episode, Ray and Joe discuss kingdom inspired diversity in the board gaming space. We have a beautiful tool in board games to bridge the gap and bring people together from all walks of life & ethnicities. Register for the Sept. Game Changer Board Gaming Retreat at https://www.camplivingwaters.org/game-changer Our Sponsors: Living Water Gami…

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Wyrmspan, Marvel Zombies, Foundations of Rome & More! 1:11:02

1+ y ago1:11:02

1:11:02

In this episode, we share a recap of the Game Changer Board Gaming Retreat & we discuss several games that we have played recently from Wyrmspan to Marvel Zombies, Foundations of Rome, & more! Register for the Sept. Game Changer Board Gaming Retreat at https://www.camplivingwaters.org/game-changer Our Sponsors: Living Water Gaming: https://livingwa…

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Ray's Testimony 1:04:19

1+ y ago1:04:19

1:04:19

In this episode, Ray shares his testimony of when he came to know Jesus and what led to his bending his knee to the King of kings & Lord of lords. Our Sponsors: Living Water Gaming: https://livingwatergaming.com/ Refocus Creative: https://www.refocuscreative.com/ Our website: https://www.christianboardgamers.com/ FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/…

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Joe's Testimony 1:17:02

1+ y ago1:17:02

1:17:02

After our interview with Sam Healey, we thought it made sense to share our stories. In this episode, Joe shares how God freed him from his addictions, anger, and hatred as Jesus gave Joe a new life that only Christ can give. This episode is a few minutes longer than normal but we hope that you find it engaging, and celebratory! Our Sponsors:Living …

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Interview with Sam Healey of Flipside of Board Games 1:09:10

1+ y ago1:09:10

1:09:10

In this episode, we have the opportunity to sit down and chat with Sam Healey of Flipside of Board Games. Sam shares his board game journey as well as his faith journey. We hope that you are as blessed by what Sam shared as we were, and of course the episode is a lot of fun! Registration for the Game Changer Board Game Retreat ends 3/31/24 so make …

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Game Mechanics & Our Walk w/Christ 1:12:17

1+ y ago1:12:17

1:12:17

We have a ton of fun in this episode discussing how various game mechanics parallel our walk with Jesus. If you have a topic you would like us to discuss please email us at [email protected] or visit our website at ⁠christianboardgamers.com⁠ and fill out the contact form. Register for the Game Changer Board Gaming Retreat at ⁠camplivin…

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From Uno to Anachrony & Milk To Meat 1:00:32

1+ y ago1:00:32

1:00:32

In this episode, we run the parallel between being new to the board game space and growing in the hobby, with being a new believer and growing in Christ. Ray and I were both "under the weather rail" but the show must go on! If you have a topic you would like us to discuss please email us at [email protected] or visit our website at chr…