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.

Table Topics: The Rules

The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
Table Topics: The Rules
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Ian is back at the table with Kalee, going over a major pain point of games-the rules. Whether you’re reading them for the first time, or teaching them for the hundredth time, mistakes can be dramatic. Everyone has different ways they like to learn and different challenges when they teach. As with most things on the show, it comes down to respecting whoever takes on the challenge. But that doesn’t mean you have to learn the rules to their game for them.

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.

Spooktacular – A Featured Table Review

Spooktacular Art
The Game Table Podcast
Spooktacular - A Featured Table Review
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Ian and Jared prep for fall and spooky season as they discuss one of the new hot games: Spooktacular from Level 99 Games.

Note: Level 99 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 Spooktacular

Publisher: Level 99 Games
Designer: D. Brad Talton, Jr.
Artists: Javier Roa González

BGG Game Link

How to Play: Cardboard Stacker

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.

Super Trains – A Kid’s Table Review

Super Trains
The Game Table Podcast
Super Trains - A Kid's Table Review
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Faith, Joy, and Jared settle in at the kid’s table to discuss the pick up and deliver super hero save the city from the evil semi-truck gang game, Super Trains.

Note: Treasure Falls 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 Super Trains

Interested in purchasing Super Trains? Check it out here

Publisher: Treasure Falls Games
Designer: Dustin McMillian
Artists:

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: Living for Chaos

The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
Table Topics: Living for Chaos
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Kalee and a new guest Sarah navigate a chaos storm of tales and opinions. The chaotic storm spins us through the treatment of boardgames, RPG horror stories, and even some more action-packed hobbies. Join us as we embrace all that comes with our own takes and opinions.

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.

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

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 BilheimerWiktor 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 BekusSandra ChlewińskaKate “vesner” RedesiukWiktor 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

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 TothMichael Toth
Artists: Christian ErbeGunship RevolutionZaozabot

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

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 DoughertyDarwin 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

The Game Table Podcast
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

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 BorgAdrien Martinot
Artists: Ben CarreChristophe DuhazeTony FotiClément 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

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 FilicSören MedingEmilien 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.