ArchivesThe Game Table Podcast

Here at The Game Table Podcast, we explore a wide variety of tabletop games, including board games, card games, role-playing games, and more. We give you a brief overview of each game, explain the basics of how to play, and share our opinions to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your gaming table. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a tabletop game enthusiast, we’re here to help guide you through the exciting world of tabletop gaming.

Eila & Something Shiny, A Gentle Rain, and Kinfire Delve: Vainglory’s Grotto – Two-Top Table Reviews

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The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
Eila & Something Shiny, A Gentle Rain, and Kinfire Delve: Vainglory's Grotto - Two-Top Table Reviews
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Anna and Jared settle in to the Two-Top Table this week to discuss three solo games that have the option of playing at two: Eila & Something Shiny published by North Star Games, A Gentle Rain and Kinfire Delve: Vainglory’s Grotto both published by Incredible Dream Studios.

Note: Incredible Dream Studios was kind enough to provide us with a review copy of both A Gentle Rain and Kinfire Delve: Vainglory’s Grotto. Our intention is to review each game fairly and honestly whether we purchase a game or are given a game for review.

Links for Eila & Something Shiny

Interested in purchasing? Get Eila & Something Shiny
Note: We might receive compensation for purchases through our Amazon link.

Publisher: North Star Games, LLC
Designer: Jeffrey CCH
Artists: Roxy Dai

BGG Game Link

How to Play: JonGetsGames

Links for A Gentle Rain

Interested in purchasing? Get A Gentle Rain
Note: We might receive compensation for purchases through our Amazon link.

Publisher: Incredible Dream Studios
Designer: Kevin Wilson
Artists: Chris Bilheimer, Wiktor Kozyra

BGG Game Link

How to Play: Boardgame Ninja

Links for Kinfire Delve: Vainglory’s Grotto

Interested in purchasing? Get Kinfire Delve: Vainglory’s Grotto
Note: We might receive compensation for purchases through our Amazon link.

Publisher: Incredible Dream Studios
Designer: Kevin Wilson
Artists: Katarzyna Bekus, Sandra Chlewińska, Kate “vesner” Redesiuk, Wiktor Kozyra

BGG Game Link

How to Play: Watch It Played

Links for The Game Table Podcast

‘How to Play’ Music Background:
Song: Inspiring Cinematic Ambient
Artist: Lexin_Music – Aleksey Chistilin

Have questions or want to connect with The Game Table Podcast?
Check out our website: thegametablepodcast.com
Email us at thegametablepodcast@gmail.com
Check out our Linktree for easy access to find us online!
Follow us on Instagram
Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZYKF3wdenJ
Check us out on Boardgamegeek

Jared on BGG
Ian on BGG

Overview of The Game Table Podcast

The Game Table Podcast is an exploration of various board, card, and tabletop games. Hosted by Ian Mansfield and Jared Snyder, this podcast offers listeners a comprehensive look at different games, providing overviews, insights on gameplay, and personal thoughts to help you decide if a game is right for your table.

Each episode delves into a specific game, discussing its mechanics, strategies, and overall experience. Whether it’s a family-friendly game like “Once Upon a Castle” or a more strategic title like “Apiary,” we bring our enthusiasm and expertise to the table. We also share tips, reviews, and sometimes even the history behind the games they feature.

Listeners can expect a mix of humor, detailed analysis, and genuine passion for gaming, making it a perfect companion for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. We also encourage community interaction through our website, social media, and Discord.

Bonus Episode: Toth Games Interview for Legends of the Arena

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Legends of the Arena Stock Photo
The Game Table Podcast
Bonus Episode: Toth Games Interview for Legends of the Arena
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Jared interviews Michael and Brian Toth from Toth Games as they prepare to launch their Kickstarter gaming project, Legends of the Arena, on August 26th, 2025.

Links for Legends of the Arena / Toth Games

Publisher: Toth Games
Designer: Brian Toth, Michael Toth
Artists: Christian Erbe, Gunship Revolution, Zaozabot

BGG Game Link

Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tothgames/legends-of-the-arena

Print and Play: https://tothgamesbrian.itch.io/legends-of-the-arena-duel

TTS Mod: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3419324593

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/mXkszAyX69

Links for The Game Table Podcast

‘How to Play’ Music Background:
Song: Inspiring Cinematic Ambient
Artist: Lexin_Music – Aleksey Chistilin

Have questions or want to connect with The Game Table Podcast?
Check out our website: thegametablepodcast.com
Email us at thegametablepodcast@gmail.com
Check out our Linktree for easy access to find us online!
Follow us on Instagram
Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZYKF3wdenJ
Check us out on Boardgamegeek

Jared on BGG
Ian on BGG

Overview of The Game Table Podcast

The Game Table Podcast is an exploration of various board, card, and tabletop games. Hosted by Ian Mansfield and Jared Snyder, this podcast offers listeners a comprehensive look at different games, providing overviews, insights on gameplay, and personal thoughts to help you decide if a game is right for your table.

Each episode delves into a specific game, discussing its mechanics, strategies, and overall experience. Whether it’s a family-friendly game like “Once Upon a Castle” or a more strategic title like “Apiary,” we bring our enthusiasm and expertise to the table. We also share tips, reviews, and sometimes even the history behind the games they feature.

Listeners can expect a mix of humor, detailed analysis, and genuine passion for gaming, making it a perfect companion for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. We also encourage community interaction through our website, social media, and Discord.

Star Realms Academy – A Kid’s Table Review

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Star Realms: Academy box art
The Game Table Podcast
Star Realms Academy - A Kid's Table Review
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Faith, Joy, Hope, and Jared jump into their cockpits to review one of the newest “My First” games: Star Realms Academy: My First Deckbuilding Game by Wacky Wizard Games.

Note: Wacky Wizard Games was kind enough to provide us with a review copy of this game. Our intention is to review each game fairly and honestly whether we purchase a game or are given a game for review.

Links for Star Realms Academy

Interested in purchasing Star Realms Academy? Check it out here
*Note: We may receive compensation for purchases made through this Amazon link.

Publisher: Wacky Wizard Games | Wise Wizard Games
Designer: Robert Dougherty, Darwin Kastle
Artists: Uncredited

BGG Game Link

How to Play: The Dicey Review

Links for The Game Table Podcast

‘How to Play’ Music Background:
Song: Inspiring Cinematic Ambient
Artist: Lexin_Music – Aleksey Chistilin

Have questions or want to connect with The Game Table Podcast?
Check out our website: thegametablepodcast.com
Email us at thegametablepodcast@gmail.com
Check out our Linktree for easy access to find us online!
Follow us on Instagram
Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZYKF3wdenJ
Check us out on Boardgamegeek

Jared on BGG
Ian on BGG

Overview of The Game Table Podcast

The Game Table Podcast is an exploration of various board, card, and tabletop games. Hosted by Ian Mansfield and Jared Snyder, this podcast offers listeners a comprehensive look at different games, providing overviews, insights on gameplay, and personal thoughts to help you decide if a game is right for your table.

Each episode delves into a specific game, discussing its mechanics, strategies, and overall experience. Whether it’s a family-friendly game like “Once Upon a Castle” or a more strategic title like “Apiary,” we bring our enthusiasm and expertise to the table. We also share tips, reviews, and sometimes even the history behind the games they feature.

Listeners can expect a mix of humor, detailed analysis, and genuine passion for gaming, making it a perfect companion for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. We also encourage community interaction through our website, social media, and Discord.

Table Topics: Potable Potions

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The Game Table Podcast
Table Topics: Potable Potions
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Kalee and Ashley return to tackle a tricky topic – alcohol at game nights. While the initial question posed to r/boardgames seemed to return a general consensus of comfort, there are horror stories lurking. These include the Great Gin and Tonic Flood of Carcassone, as well as those with much more serious connotations. We try to navigate all stories around this topic with grace and genuine advice.

Trigger warnings: alcohol, alcoholism

If these are not stories you want to hear, please skip this episode. We’ll see you next time!

Want to send in your own story for this or future table topics?
Links for Table Topics / The Game Table Podcast

Intro Music:
Song: Drunk on Funk
Artist: Top-Flow

Background Music:
Song: Podcast Smooth Jazz Instrumental Music
Artist: Denis-Pavlov-Music

Have questions or want to connect with Table Topics / The Game Table Podcast?
Check out our website: thegametablepodcast.com
Email us at thegametablepodcast@gmail.com
Check out our Linktree for easy access to find us online!
Talk to Kalee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopicspodcast/
Follow us on Instagram: Table Topics / The Game Table Podcast
Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZYKF3wdenJ
Check us out on Boardgamegeek

Kalee on BGG

Overview of Table Topics

Table Topics Podcast delves into the panoply of stories posted online to find those related to the hobby of tabletop gaming and gaming in general. Host Kalee Holdren retrieves stories from Reddit to share, with a rotation of guests who react and give feedback.

Episodes look at specific scenarios, relationships, or types of games, and present advice and empathy to the posters or other characters in the chosen stories. Occasionally there’s a harsher rebuke – but all in the pursuit of better times with friends and better gaming. And honestly, sometimes you must speak truth when someone asks – AITA?

Listeners will be guided across the ups and downs of games, deserved victories and crushing defeats, outbursts that may be or may not be about the game in question. The hosts approach the situations presented with humor and honesty, and invite listeners to send in stories they find, submit their own, or participate in the discussion on our social media and Discord.

Star Wars: Battle of Hoth – A Featured Table Review

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Box top art
The Game Table Podcast
Star Wars: Battle of Hoth - A Featured Table Review
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Ian and Jared dive into a discussion about Asmodee’s newest implementation of Memoir 44 in Star Wars: Battle of Hoth.

Links for Star Wars: Battle of Hoth

Publisher: Asmodee
Designer: Richard Borg, Adrien Martinot
Artists: Ben Carre, Christophe Duhaze, Tony Foti, Clément Masson

BGG Game Link

Links for The Game Table Podcast

‘How to Play’ Music Background:
Song: Inspiring Cinematic Ambient
Artist: Lexin_Music – Aleksey Chistilin

Have questions or want to connect with The Game Table Podcast?
Check out our website: thegametablepodcast.com
Email us at thegametablepodcast@gmail.com
Check out our Linktree for easy access to find us online!
Follow us on Instagram
Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZYKF3wdenJ
Check us out on Boardgamegeek

Jared on BGG
Ian on BGG

Overview of The Game Table Podcast

The Game Table Podcast is an exploration of various board, card, and tabletop games. Hosted by Ian Mansfield and Jared Snyder, this podcast offers listeners a comprehensive look at different games, providing overviews, insights on gameplay, and personal thoughts to help you decide if a game is right for your table.

Each episode delves into a specific game, discussing its mechanics, strategies, and overall experience. Whether it’s a family-friendly game like “Once Upon a Castle” or a more strategic title like “Apiary,” we bring our enthusiasm and expertise to the table. We also share tips, reviews, and sometimes even the history behind the games they feature.

Listeners can expect a mix of humor, detailed analysis, and genuine passion for gaming, making it a perfect companion for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. We also encourage community interaction through our website, social media, and Discord.

Vantage – A Featured Table Review

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Vantage 2025
The Game Table Podcast
Vantage - A Featured Table Review
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Anna and Jared settle in to the Two- Top Table this week to discuss one of their most anticipated games of the year: Vantage by Stonemaier Games.

Note: Apologies for the audio quality at certain points of this episode. When this episode was recorded, we were recovering from being sick, had multiple technical issues, and multiple interruptions. Hopefully this episode can still be enjoyed and you can get an idea if Vantage is for you.

Links for Vantage

Interested in purchasing? Get Vantage

Publisher: Stonemaier Games
Designer: Jamey Stegmaier
Artists: Valentina Filic, Sören Meding, Emilien Rotival

BGG Game Link

How to Play: Watch It Played

Links for The Game Table Podcast

‘How to Play’ Music Background:
Song: Inspiring Cinematic Ambient
Artist: Lexin_Music – Aleksey Chistilin

Have questions or want to connect with The Game Table Podcast?
Check out our website: thegametablepodcast.com
Email us at thegametablepodcast@gmail.com
Check out our Linktree for easy access to find us online!
Follow us on Instagram
Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZYKF3wdenJ
Check us out on Boardgamegeek

Jared on BGG
Ian on BGG

Overview of The Game Table Podcast

The Game Table Podcast is an exploration of various board, card, and tabletop games. Hosted by Ian Mansfield and Jared Snyder, this podcast offers listeners a comprehensive look at different games, providing overviews, insights on gameplay, and personal thoughts to help you decide if a game is right for your table.

Each episode delves into a specific game, discussing its mechanics, strategies, and overall experience. Whether it’s a family-friendly game like “Once Upon a Castle” or a more strategic title like “Apiary,” we bring our enthusiasm and expertise to the table. We also share tips, reviews, and sometimes even the history behind the games they feature.

Listeners can expect a mix of humor, detailed analysis, and genuine passion for gaming, making it a perfect companion for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. We also encourage community interaction through our website, social media, and Discord.

Table Topics: Table Talk

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The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
Table Topics: Table Talk
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Kalee and Ian discuss one of the core elements of every game play – the table talk. On or off-topic, talking is an inevitability for most, but can be a treacherous area. Some people can handle ribbing, others really can’t, and it’s up to you to navigate. But luckily, a Game Table expert is on the case.

Want to send in your own story for this or future table topics?
Links for Table Topics / The Game Table Podcast

Intro Music:
Song: Drunk on Funk
Artist: Top-Flow

Background Music:
Song: Podcast Smooth Jazz Instrumental Music
Artist: Denis-Pavlov-Music

Have questions or want to connect with Table Topics / The Game Table Podcast?
Check out our website: thegametablepodcast.com
Email us at thegametablepodcast@gmail.com
Check out our Linktree for easy access to find us online!
Talk to Kalee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopicspodcast/
Follow us on Instagram: Table Topics / The Game Table Podcast
Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZYKF3wdenJ
Check us out on Boardgamegeek

Kalee on BGG

Overview of Table Topics

Table Topics Podcast delves into the panoply of stories posted online to find those related to the hobby of tabletop gaming and gaming in general. Host Kalee Holdren retrieves stories from Reddit to share, with a rotation of guests who react and give feedback.

Episodes look at specific scenarios, relationships, or types of games, and present advice and empathy to the posters or other characters in the chosen stories. Occasionally there’s a harsher rebuke – but all in the pursuit of better times with friends and better gaming. And honestly, sometimes you must speak truth when someone asks – AITA?

Listeners will be guided across the ups and downs of games, deserved victories and crushing defeats, outbursts that may be or may not be about the game in question. The hosts approach the situations presented with humor and honesty, and invite listeners to send in stories they find, submit their own, or participate in the discussion on our social media and Discord.

GenCon 2025 Review

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Gencon 2025
The Game Table Podcast
GenCon 2025 Review
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Anna and Jared record as they drive back from GenCon 2025 giving some of their thoughts from the weekend of “The Greatest Four Days in Gaming”.

If you don’t know what GenCon is, its a 4 day convention centered around tabletop gaming, whether that be board games, card games, and role playing games. Whether you were able to go this year or not, we hope that this GenCon review helps you get excited for some of the awesome games that are soon to be released! Hit us up in our socials, email, or website and let us know what you are most excited for!

2025 GenCon Review:
Surprise of the Con:

Favorite Non-Gaming Experience:

Games That Caught Our Eye:

Games We Are Excited For Their Development:

Please reach out if you have any more questions about GenCon or are interested in maybe attending yourself! Jared would be happy to talk through tips and strategies with you.

Links for The Game Table Podcast

‘How to Play’ Music Background:
Song: Inspiring Cinematic Ambient
Artist: Lexin_Music – Aleksey Chistilin

Have questions or want to connect with The Game Table Podcast?
Check out our website: thegametablepodcast.com
Email us at thegametablepodcast@gmail.com
Check out our Linktree for easy access to find us online!
Follow us on Instagram
Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZYKF3wdenJ
Check us out on Boardgamegeek

Jared on BGG
Ian on BGG

Overview of The Game Table Podcast

The Game Table Podcast is an exploration of various board, card, and tabletop games. Hosted by Ian Mansfield and Jared Snyder, this podcast offers listeners a comprehensive look at different games, providing overviews, insights on gameplay, and personal thoughts to help you decide if a game is right for your table.

Each episode delves into a specific game, discussing its mechanics, strategies, and overall experience. Whether it’s a family-friendly game like “Once Upon a Castle” or a more strategic title like “Apiary,” we bring our enthusiasm and expertise to the table. We also share tips, reviews, and sometimes even the history behind the games they feature.

Listeners can expect a mix of humor, detailed analysis, and genuine passion for gaming, making it a perfect companion for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. We also encourage community interaction through our website, social media, and Discord.

Table Topics: Flirting with Disaster

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The Game Table Podcast
Table Topics: Flirting with Disaster
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Kalee and Ashley explore stories where board gaming enters the early moments of dating, and how maybe that’s a pro-level move. What better way is there to see how someone handles competition, and can celebrate wins and losses with grace and tact? Or….learn that they can’t.

Want to send in your own story for this or future table topics?
Links for Table Topics / The Game Table Podcast

Intro Music:
Song: Drunk on Funk
Artist: Top-Flow

Background Music:
Song: Podcast Smooth Jazz Instrumental Music
Artist: Denis-Pavlov-Music

Have questions or want to connect with Table Topics / The Game Table Podcast?
Check out our website: thegametablepodcast.com
Email us at thegametablepodcast@gmail.com
Check out our Linktree for easy access to find us online!
Talk to Kalee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopicspodcast/
Follow us on Instagram: Table Topics / The Game Table Podcast
Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZYKF3wdenJ
Check us out on Boardgamegeek

Kalee on BGG

Overview of Table Topics

Table Topics Podcast delves into the panoply of stories posted online to find those related to the hobby of tabletop gaming and gaming in general. Host Kalee Holdren retrieves stories from Reddit to share, with a rotation of guests who react and give feedback.

Episodes look at specific scenarios, relationships, or types of games, and present advice and empathy to the posters or other characters in the chosen stories. Occasionally there’s a harsher rebuke – but all in the pursuit of better times with friends and better gaming. And honestly, sometimes you must speak truth when someone asks – AITA?

Listeners will be guided across the ups and downs of games, deserved victories and crushing defeats, outbursts that may be or may not be about the game in question. The hosts approach the situations presented with humor and honesty, and invite listeners to send in stories they find, submit their own, or participate in the discussion on our social media and Discord.

Board Game Expansions! – A Featured Table Discussion

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The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
Board Game Expansions! - A Featured Table Discussion
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Board Game Expansions! Ian and Jared sit down at the Featured Table to discuss games that were improved by their expansions.

Links for The Game Table Podcast

‘How to Play’ Music Background:
Song: Inspiring Cinematic Ambient
Artist: Lexin_Music – Aleksey Chistilin

Have questions or want to connect with The Game Table Podcast?
Check out our website: thegametablepodcast.com
Email us at thegametablepodcast@gmail.com
Check out our Linktree for easy access to find us online!
Follow us on Instagram
Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZYKF3wdenJ
Check us out on Boardgamegeek

Jared on BGG
Ian on BGG

Overview of The Game Table Podcast

The Game Table Podcast is an exploration of various board, card, and tabletop games. Hosted by Ian Mansfield and Jared Snyder, this podcast offers listeners a comprehensive look at different games, providing overviews, insights on gameplay, and personal thoughts to help you decide if a game is right for your table.

Each episode delves into a specific game, discussing its mechanics, strategies, and overall experience. Whether it’s a family-friendly game like “Once Upon a Castle” or a more strategic title like “Apiary,” we bring our enthusiasm and expertise to the table. We also share tips, reviews, and sometimes even the history behind the games they feature.

Listeners can expect a mix of humor, detailed analysis, and genuine passion for gaming, making it a perfect companion for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. We also encourage community interaction through our website, social media, and Discord.