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: Table Talk

in Table Topics on Share
The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
Table Topics: Table Talk
Loading
/

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

in Featured Table Review The Game Table on Share
Gencon 2025
The Game Table Podcast
GenCon 2025 Review
Loading
/

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

in Table Topics on Share
The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
Table Topics: Flirting with Disaster
Loading
/

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

in Featured Table Review The Game Table on Share
The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
Board Game Expansions! - A Featured Table Discussion
Loading
/

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.

Table Topics: Banned!

in Table Topics Uncategorized on Share
The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
Table Topics: Banned!
Loading
/

Kalee and Ashley cover games that had their day, and now they’re BANNED! Maybe they don’t work with the players available, maybe individuals have bad history with them, or maybe….things just didn’t click. There are stories of individuals holding to their bans, and much discussion on what’s been banned by the gamers of r/boardgames. Lots of repeats in those lists, it turns out.

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.

The Game Table Podcast’s 100th…ish Episode

in Featured Table Review The Game Table on Share
New TGTP Logo
The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast's 100th...ish Episode
Loading
/

Ian and Jared celebrate The Game Table Podcast’s 100th…ish episode and two years of podcasting together. We reminisce, celebrate, and talk about what’s ahead. ALSO, there’s a top 10 list featuring games that the guys have reviewed on the podcast over the last two years.

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: Health and Safety

in Table Topics on Share
The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
Table Topics: Health and Safety
Loading
/

Doctor Cortlyn returns for a health centered episode! Board gaming is a fairly safe hobby, but there are always health needs to take into account. Kalee and Cortlyn cover a reddit saga of someone with a diagnosis, and a coworker who just won’t let it go. We often have strong feelings around our health, and they can easily end up at the table. So let’s talk about it!

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
Jared on BGG
Ian 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.

Xylotar: Unhinged / Illusion / Patrician: Towers of Influence / Hanabi – A Kid’s/Family Table Review

in Kid's Table Review The Game Table on Share
The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
Xylotar: Unhinged / Illusion / Patrician: Towers of Influence / Hanabi - A Kid's/Family Table Review
Loading
/

Jared sits alone at the Family Table to discuss four games: Xylotar: Unhinged by Bezier Games, Illusion from Pandasaurus Games, Patrician: Towers of Influence by Calliope Games, and Hanabi by R&R Games.

Links for Xylotar: Unhinged

Interested in purchasing? Xylotar: Unhinged
Note: We might receive compensation for purchases through our Amazon link.

Publisher: Bézier Games
Designer: Christopher Wray
Artists: Davi Comodo

BGG Game Link

How to Play: N/A

Links for Illusion

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

Publisher: Pandasaurus Games
Designer: Wolfgang Warsch
Artists: Oliver Freudenreich, Sandra Freudenreich

BGG Game Link

How to Play: Watch It Played

Links for Patrician: Towers of Influence

Interested in purchasing? Get Patrician: Towers of Influence
Note: We might receive compensation for purchases through our Amazon link.

Publisher: Calliope Games
Designer: Michael Schacht
Artists: Design/Main, Andrew Hepworth

BGG Game Link

How to Play: Calliope Games

Links for Hanabi

Interested in purchasing? Get Hanabi

Publisher: R&R Games
Designer: Antoine Bauza
Artists: Antoine Bauza, Gérald Guerlais, Laura Michaud, Albertine Ralenti

BGG Game Link

How to Play: Roll for Crit

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 – Vacations!

in Table Topics on Share
The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
Table Topics - Vacations!
Loading
/

We’re halfway through summer, so it’s time to talk about a regular summer activity – vacations! Kalee and Ashley discuss their favorite gaming memories from trips, and talk through stories where some vacation priorities are just not aligning. We all want to make the most of our time away, and that can often include games, but there is always a line. And it often comes down to communication.

Want to discuss Vacations or other 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
Jared on BGG
Ian 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.

The Game Table Podcast’s 2025 GenCon Preview

in Featured Table Review The Game Table on Share
The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast
The Game Table Podcast's 2025 GenCon Preview
Loading
/

Ian and Jared sit down at the featured table to give their GenCon preview as they discuss some of the games they are excited about for GenCon 2025. With the convention starting in just under a month, Jared’s excited! Ian is excited too…. but he’s also trying to buy a house so he can’t go to GenCon this year….

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’re able to go this year or not, we hope that this GenCon preview 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 Preview: Games Discussed that You and/or I Could See at GenCon:

  • Vantage by Stonemaier Games (Booth #2909)
  • The Game Makers by Bezier Games (Booth #137)
  • Distilled: Cocktails by Paverson Games (Booth #2250)
  • Class of ’89 by Paverson Games (Booth #2250)
  • Ibion: The Noose & The Goose by APE Games (Booth #2549)
  • Lightning Train by Dire Wolf (Booth #2402)
  • Golden Cup by Cranio Creations (Booth #
  • Cola Wars by One More Turn Games (Booth #2763)
  • Vegas Strip by AllPlay (Booth #1849)
  • Twinkle Twinkle by AllPlay (Booth #1849)
  • Slambo by AllPlay (Booth #1849)
  • Ruins AllPlay (Booth #1849)
  • Deep Dreams by Devir (Booth #2811)
  • Koinobori by Devir (Booth #2811)
  • Cat in the Tower by Arcane Wonders (Booth #629)
  • Koi by DV Games (Booth #2205)
  • JurassicFeud by Vesuvius Media (Booth #2149)
  • Wine Cellar by 25th Century Games (Booth #1457)
  • Bagged & Boarded by Octoraffe Games (Booth – not announced)
  • Battle of Hoth by Days of Wonder (Booth #809, 817, 929, 1129)
  • Ahoy by Leder Games (Booth #643)
  • Tea Garden by Albi (Booth #1751)
  • Lairs by KTBG (Booth #2006)
  • Pirates of the High Teas by Pink Hawk Games (Booth – not announced)
  • Deep Regrets (Booth – not announced)
  • The Architects of Amytis by La Boîte de Jeu (Booth – not announced)

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.