Best Tabletop Games Blog Podcasts (2025)

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Doomlings: Imaginary Ends (Saturday Review) 9:07

Play Pause

6d ago9:07

9:07

There is something fascinating about making things up that could never exist. The mind wanders. Ideas that go against all logic are conjured up. Taken to the edge of existence, to a time when everything ceases to exist, it creates a sense of weird foreboding. Ultimately, we all know that there is no escaping the grand finale. All we can do is watch…

1
Blue Prince: puzzles, puns, and politics 1:09:43

7d ago1:09:43

1:09:43

In this episode we discuss the puzzle adventure game Blue Prince by Dogubomb. Hosts Dr. Ibi and Dr. Joe cover topics including: The game's world & lore Word play in puzzles, as clues, & for fun Colour semiotics Sign versus noise ratio The (un)translatability of the game Songs that are low-key about playing Blue Prince: https://open.spotify.com/play…

1
Ethics and Reviews Revisited - my personal stance (Topic Discussion) 11:47

10d ago11:47

11:47

Most of us have heard of situations in our hobby where someone has behaved in a toxic way. Some of us have even experienced this directly. We can often name at least one bad actor who is still around in our community. We may have also seen publishers releasing games with an IP that is linked to a person whose behaviour has been widely condemned. As…

1
Brainwaves Episode 167 - Shrinking Minis 44:25

11d ago44:25

44:25

Iain and Oliver bring you a bumper packed episode of Brainwaves with all the latest news, controversies, and occurrences from across the tabletop gaming world in episode 167 of Brainwaves. Headlines Devir… damn guys that’s racist as hell https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555308/just-some-ole-racist-history-crap/page/1 https://boardgamegeek.com/thre…

1
Cat in the Box (Digital Eyes) 7:52

13d ago7:52

7:52

It started as a thought experiment, sealed away from the certainty of observation. We sat at the table, hands of cards like particles suspended in probability. No suit existed until declared, collapsing the wave of potential into a single, immutable state. Every choice rewrote the shape of the universe we shared, while paradoxes loomed like black h…

1
Episode 205 - Updates on Projects Old and New 11:19

16d ago11:19

11:19

December, 2022 was my last episode #204 here on the podcast called "What I Did This Summer" where I talked about my adventures in the Western USA in the slid-in truck camper I built. Between work and personal issues, I sort of lost my motivation to be creative in the RPG and gaming space. Well, I'm back to announce that I've hit the ground running …

1
Historical Hubris – the draw of history, politics, and purpose (Topic Discussion) 7:11

17d ago7:11

7:11

I think board games aren't just entertainment. They're not just a way to spend time with friends or family, or even alone. I think board games can be thought-provoking. They can tease our interest in a topic that we want to investigate further. Some board games can even carry an important message that is shared as we play them. These are games that…

1
The Bears and the Bees (Saturday Review) 7:45

20d ago7:45

7:45

A great, furry creature once stumbled upon a golden treasure hidden within an old, hollowed-out tree trunk. Tempted by its sweetness, its giant paws struck without thought, only to be driven back by the stinging guardians, who fought to their deaths to protect their home. So goes the story of The Bears and the Bees by Jeffery Beck from Grandpa Beck…

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Critical Products - product reviews vs critical reviews (Topic Discussion) 10:12

24d ago10:12

10:12

I love Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory. It's an amazing economic simulation with huge ambitions. And yet, it rarely comes to the table. The reason is simple. It takes about half an hour to set up. You have to separate card decks, shuffle them, put a number of different components into different locations and do various other things before you …

1
Godzilla: Tokyo Clash (Saturday Review) 7:01

27d ago7:01

7:01

The skyline cracked open in a bright flash. Buildings around us collapsed into dust. There was no way out. Sirens wailed, the air stank of ozone, and there was a huge, deep roar that shook the ground around us. Then came another roar and another. Suddenly, we saw Mothra through the smoke. There was also King Ghidorah looming over the skyline. Then …

1
Shelf to Soil - how board games are getting greener (Topic Discussion) 8:19

1M ago8:19

8:19

Seeing a paper belly band, instead of plastic shrink wrap, around the decks of cards in Isle of Night from Red Raven Games made me realise that now might be the time to write again about sustainability and eco-friendliness in the board game hobby. Thinking back over the last few months, it feels as if publishers and players alike have started think…

1
Brainwaves Episode 166 - Itchy Conjurations 42:17

1M ago42:17

42:17

Jamie and Oliver bring you the latest news from around the tabletop gaming world. From CGE failing to conjure a decent response, to Gamefound acquiring a rival they cover the stories that really matter in episode 166 of Brainwaves. Headlines Czech Games Edition announces new Harry Potter Codenames https://bsky.app/profile/codenamesgame.bsky.social/…

1
Club of Cthulhu (Saturday Review) 7:59

1M ago7:59

7:59

As the green candlelight flickered lower and lower, a group of tireless paranormal researchers who had gathered around a reconstructed ritual circle were casting ancient manuscripts into the flames. Whispers rose with the smoke, and strange omens shimmered where the veil between reality and the land of the Ancient Ones had thinned. They knew the ri…

1
Atmospheric Anxiety - how board games create tense emotions (Topic Discussion) 8:31

1M ago8:31

8:31

Atmosphere in board games is one of those things that is felt. It is not just about how a game looks or sounds, nor simply the story it tells. Instead, atmosphere is the subtle, almost elusive quality that emerges from the right mixture of art and illustrations, sound, gameplay and a player's imagination. It is what remains with us when all the noi…

1
Fled (Saturday Review) 8:44

1M ago8:44

8:44

There was no way out. The cell door was locked, the corridor quiet, and the warders had already done their rounds. A smuggled spoon pressed cold against the palm of my hand, a comb tucked into a loose floorboard, a stamp in my sock and a muffin hidden in the mess. None of it made sense yet, but I would figure it out. I had to. I was going to escape…

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Brainwaves Episode 165 - Diamond Heist 41:19

2M ago41:19

41:19

Jamie’s off boating around, no really, so it’s just Oliver and Iain in the studio this week. On episode 165 of Brainwaves they cover Diamond Heists, Spiel Des Jahres, more trouble for CMON and D&D moving to a franchise model, whatever that means. Headlines Diamond Distribution go on a heist https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-green-ronin-in-critical…

1
Isle of Night (Saturday Review) 8:08

2M ago8:08

8:08

When the locals told you the ancient tales of a mysterious island that was said to be strewn with gold, gems and many other treasures, you knew you had to go and discover the island's secrets for yourself. Even when they warned you that it was home to countless ferocious dragons and that the waters around it were infested with dangerous serpents, y…

1
Mars Expedition: Sol 43 (Saturday Review) 8:25

2M ago8:25

8:25

It was the first day of our project. It was also the first day on Mars. There were another forty-two days ahead of us, and every day, including today, we were faced with a different mission. These missions were going to get more challenging as we progressed. Our team consisted of a cryptographer, a navigator, a geologist, a mineralogist, a geochemi…

1
Hate at First Sight - the trap of first impressions (Topic Discussion) 8:38

2M ago8:38

8:38

I am sure many of us have been there. I know I certainly have. There are some games you simply overlook and don't give a fair chance. Maybe it’s the box art that doesn’t speak to you, or the components that look dull or too childish. Whatever it is, you just don't give it another thought. You have already formed an opinion of what the game is in yo…

1
A Gentle Rain (Saturday Review) 6:34

2M ago6:34

6:34

The lake was very peaceful and still. Its surface was covered by countless lily pads from eight different varieties. These lilies were extremely rare. Seeing all of them bloom at once was a very special moment. It only ever happened when there was A Gentle Rain by Kevin Wilson from Incredible Dream Studios with art by Chris Bilheimer and Wiktor Koz…

1
Semiotics and (video) games 57:27

2M ago57:27

57:27

In this episode we discuss a concept which has been important – but implicit – in many previous episodes: semiotics, or meaning-making through signs. Hosts Dr. Ibi and Dr. Joe cover topics including: The linguistic foundations and broad applications of semiotics; Definitions and different types of signs; Multi-modal semiotics in (video) games; Genr…

1
Brainwaves Episode 164 - Zombie Dragons 24:05

2M ago24:05

24:05

It’s the latest episode of Brainwaves! Join Iain and Jamie as they dive into the world of tabletop industry news to bring you the glistening pearls and dank seaweed from across the globe. Headlines Hasbro cuts 3% of workforce https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/hasbro-cuts-3-its-total-workforce-wsj-reports-2025-06-17/ Dungeons and Drag…

1
1860: Railways on the Isle of Wight (Digital Eyes) 9:31

2M ago9:31

9:31

In response to Queen Victoria's love of Osborne House, railways were built that ran from Cowes to Newport and from Ryde to Ventnor. As if to underline the significance of the project, two rival companies, the LSWR and LBSC, collaborated to create a train network that was soon hailed as a triumph of public service over profitability and that ran fro…

1
Duck & Cover (Saturday Review) 6:35

3M ago6:35

6:35

You just wanted to take a quiet and relaxing bath, but your plastic companions had other ideas. Instead of peacefully bobbing on the water, they turned into mad mallards. Water started to splash everywhere. Argh! You had only one choice. You had to Duck & Cover by Oussama Khelifati from Captain Games with art by Adrien Journel. Read the full review…

1
Booted! (Saturday Review) 5:57

3M ago5:57

5:57

The goal is super simple. Get all of your four pawns from one end of the nine-by-nine grid to the other. It seems like a long way and as your opponent has the same goal, you need to be clever and outmanoeuvre them. Choose the right card to move your pawns in a pattern that allows you to get around your opponent's pawns and get closer to your goal. …

1
Brainwaves Episode 163 - IP Busters 33:39

3M ago33:39

33:39

The team of three are back to bring you the latest tabletop news. This episode we have fresh stats from UK Games Expo, companies setting fire to their IPs, ebay busting unions, and the Spiel des Jahres nominations. Headlines UK Games Expo figures https://bsky.app/profile/ukge.bsky.social/post/3lqkkfgaem22y https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/0…

1
UK Games Expo 2025 (Saturday Review) 12:03

3M ago12:03

12:03

The first time I covered this massive board game event was back in 2018. It was well-established at the Birmingham NEC by then, sprawling across halls 1, 2, 3 and 3A. During the COVID pandemic in 2021 and 2022, I skipped the show, but since 2023, I have attended again every year. So, technically speaking, this is my 6th UK Games Expo. Read the full…

1
Chants of Sennaar & Sethian reactions: what makes a good language puzzle game? 49:33

3M ago49:33

49:33

In this episode we talk about our experience playing two language puzzle games, 'Chants of Sennaar' by Rundisc and 'Sethian' by Duang! Games, LLC . Hosts Dr. Ibi and Dr. Joe cover topics including: language puzzle and translation mechanics embedding conlangs in game worlds player versus player-character knowledge of conlangs complexity of conlangs …

1
Crimson Keep (Saturday Review) 10:10

3M ago10:10

10:10

On a remote island in the middle of the Boiling Sea, two factions build their fortresses, facing each other at opposite ends of the battlefield. They suppress their enemy while searching for two ancient crystals which promise great power. Whoever can find the crystals first will be able to summon an almighty dragon and launch their final attack and…

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Molly House (Saturday Review) 12:54

3M ago12:54

12:54

Georgian England saw London quickly growing into one of the largest cities in Europe. As the city grew, coffee houses equally gained importance in society. For a mere penny, customers could purchase a cup of coffee and gain admission to these new spaces where they could learn the news of the day and perhaps meet other local residents and discuss mu…

1
UK Games Expo 2025 - looking ahead (Topic Discussion) 10:38

4M ago10:38

10:38

I don't know how many times I have now attended, but during my first visit, I was walking the halls hoping to speak to publishers about my blog and praying that I might get a review copy or two. I attended for a single day, driving up all the way and back again by myself, trying to cram it all on. That's all changed over the years. So let me tell y…

1
Brainwaves Episode 162 - Hammer Down 37:35

4M ago37:35

37:35

Oliver and Iain are the dynamic duo this week as we bring you a packed show full of the usual controversy, the bizarre, and worthwhile celebrations. Headlines Games Workshop on Rampage https://spikeybits.com/warhammer-40k/games-workshop-freezes-assets-amid-world-wide-seller-takedown/ World Warhammer Championship boycotted by some players https://ww…

1
Ofrenda (Saturday Review) 8:06

4M ago8:06

8:06

It is time for the Day of the Dead, the Día de los Muertos. It is also time to prepare our altar of family portraits with beautiful marigolds and candles to remember those who have passed away. Soon, we will make offerings of the things they loved, to guide their spirits back to us. At the same time, we have to be very careful how we arrange the ph…

1
Brainwaves Episode 161 - Suit up 34:02

4M ago34:02

34:02

It’s just the Scottish team behind the mics this week as we bring you updates on tariffs and Diamond looking particular rough alongside all the latest industry news in Brainwaves Episode 161. Headlines Stonemaier Games sues the president Stonemaier Games blog post: https://stonemaiergames.com/we-are-suing-the-president/ Lawsuit press release from P…

1
Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark Side (Saturday Review) 7:15

4M ago7:15

7:15

Deep within the ruins of an ancient Sith temple, Kylo Ren stood with his unstable blade crackling, caught between admiration and resentment, as Darth Vader emerged, his presence suffocating, the air itself recoiling. Then Moff Gideon entered, while Asajj Ventress prowled the edges, twin sabres igniting, her gaze calculating. A metallic rasp followe…

1
Language, character design, and world building 1:02:15

4M ago1:02:15

1:02:15

In this episode we talk about the role of language in character design and world building. Hosts Dr. Ibi and Dr. Joe cover topics including: language ideologies, stereotypes, and othering characters with different accents or speech impediments spelling in conlangs inspired by real languages real-world associations mapping onto fictional worlds game…

1
Hickory Dickory (Saturday Review) 7:35

4M ago7:35

7:35

Welcome to the Royal Scavenger Hunt of Tockton Clock. You are cordially invited. It is time to gather your team. Hop onto the big hand and journey around the clock face, pushing other mice off in the process. Don't waste any time though, because when the clock strikes midnight, the hunt is over. So be quick and line up your crew alongside Hickory D…

1
Brainwaves Episode 160 - Trump Tariffs 1:08:31

5M ago1:08:31

1:08:31

It’s been a little longer between episodes but the whole team are back to tackle the only news that matters on the latest episode of Brainwaves. Headlines Trump tariffs turn tabletop topsy turvy https://us8.campaign-archive.com/?u=036529e593805041d1127c76d&id=c7c5d971eb https://rowanrookanddecard.com/what-the-new-usa-tariffs-mean-for-us/?v=7885444a…

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Disney Villainous: The Worst Takes it All (Saturday Review) 9:02

5M ago9:02

9:02

Six scoundrels had gathered: Captain Hook was plotting his revenge, Jafar envisioned ruling unopposed, Maleficent smiled at the thought of thorns engulfing the kingdom, Prince John was devising new taxes to fill his coffers, the Queen of Hearts brooded over her next decree of decapitation, while Ursula lounged with a sly grin, imagining helpless so…

1
Malus Hortus (Saturday Review) 9:36

5M ago9:36

9:36

Suddenly, you come to. You've woken from a deep dream - or maybe it was a nightmare. You're lying on the cold ground. Your immediate thought is to check for injuries, but you only have some light bruises and scratches. Your memory seems worse though. Everything is a bit muddled. You can’t remember where you are or why you are here. You dimly recall…

1
Hearthstone deep dive: when game studies meets linguistics 1:25:07

5M ago1:25:07

1:25:07

In this episode we take a close look at the online collectible card game 'Hearthstone', which is part of Blizzard Entertainment's 'Warcraft' franchise, and three research papers which study the game in relation to language and communication. Hosts Dr. Ibi and Dr. Joe cover topics including: Humour, puns, and wordplay in Hearthstone; Linguistic diff…

1
Katmai: The Bears of Brooks River (Saturday Review) 7:25

5M ago7:25

7:25

As the long, dark winter looms, bears gather along the river, drawn by the promise of a feast. They fight for the best fishing spots, where leaping salmon offer a chance at survival. The strongest dominate the prime locations, while others perfect their own hunting techniques. Each catch is a battle, each meal a lifeline. Only those who have feaste…