Board Game Radio

Latest Episodes:

Episode 252 - Hidden Gems, Cooling Mechanisms, Game Roundup Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Board Game Radio, Doug and Michael discuss various topics including new game releases and industry news. They explore the concept of hidden gems in the gaming world, share their thoughts on mechanics and themes they are cooling on, and play a game of 'Troll er No' where they compete over negative comments about popular games. The episode wraps up with a recap of the games they've been playing recently, including American Bookshop and Rowdy Partners.

00:00:00 - Introduction and Rebranding Discussion

00:03:17 - Nomad: Folding Gaming Table

00:06:24 - Industry News and Updates

00:21:29 - Do Hidden Gems Really Exist?

00:29:22 - Cooling on Mechanisms or Themes

00:36:49 - Game Review Challenge: Troll or No?

00:48:47 - Misfit Heroes

00:51:59 - Chocolate Factory

00:55:58 - Exploring Fractured Sky: A Unique Gaming Experience

01:01:52 - The Sims Board Game: A Missed Opportunity

01:04:54 - American Bookshop: A Trick-Taking Delight

01:10:21 - Rowdy Partners: Teamwork in Wrestling

Episode 251 - Board Game Radio, Crowdfunding, Top 10 of 2025 Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Board Game Radio, hosts Doug and Michael discuss the transition from their previous podcast, Game Schooler, to their new format. They share their excitement about the new show, the importance of having fun in gaming, and the variety of games available. The episode features a segment called 'Operation Name That Game' and culminates in a discussion of their top 10 games from 2025, highlighting their personal favorites and the experiences that shaped their gaming year.

00:00 - Introduction to Board Game Radio

04:52 - This Week In Gaming: Board Game Radio

17:44 - What's on Your Mind: Crowdfunding Predictions

25:21 - Understanding Board Gaming for Non-Gamers

31:06 - Operation Name That Game: A Fun Challenge

42:49 - Top 10 Games of 2025

Episode 250 - Looking Back, Looking Forward Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

In this reflective episode of the Game Schooler podcast, hosts Doug and Michael celebrate 250 episodes by looking back on their journey, discussing the evolution of their show, and sharing their plans for the future. They emphasize the importance of educational games, community engagement, and the need to shift focus from traditional game reviews to more enjoyable conversations about gaming. As they prepare for season two, they express gratitude for their listeners and the support they've received throughout their journey.

Episode 249 - Top Games from 2024 (Revisited) Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Game Schooler Podcast, hosts Doug and Michael revisit their top 10 games from 2024, discussing various titles and their experiences with each game. They explore a range of themes including cooperative gameplay, unique mechanics, and the joy of family gaming. The conversation also highlights the importance of community engagement and the excitement surrounding new game releases, especially during the holiday season.

Episode 248 - Michael's Top 25 Games of All-Time Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Michael and Doug explore Michael's top 25 board games of all time, discussing various themes, mechanics, and personal experiences with each game. From cooperative games like Cthulhu Death May Die to classic strategy games like Ticket to Ride, the conversation delves into what makes each game special and the joy of playing with friends and family. The hosts also reflect on the impact of nostalgia and game complexity on their preferences, encouraging listeners to share their own top games.

Episode 247 - 24 Games Challenge: What Would You Keep? Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Game Schooler podcast, hosts Doug and Michael explore the concept of curating a board game collection down to just 24 games. Doug shares his personal list of games he would keep, discussing the criteria behind his selections, the mechanics of each game, and the sentimental value they hold. The conversation delves into various genres, including strategy, family, and cooperative games, while also highlighting the unique aspects that make each game special.

Episode 246 - Stranger Things In The UK Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s episode we'll cover Ticket to Ride: United Kingdom, Stranger Things: Upside Down, answer questions in the School of Gaming and say Thank You to some very important games!

00:00 - Introduction to The Game Schooler Podcast

02:31 - Ticket To Ride: United Kingdom

11:54 - Ad - Pawn Porter

13:06 - Stranger Things: Upside Down

24:26 - Ad - The Gimmies

25:41 - Welcoming New Players to the Table

31:21 - Eco-Friendly Packaging: Worth It or Waste?

38:45 - Ad - Dreamboard

40:26 - Thank You Notes

Episode 245 - Deep Regrets in Pennsylvania Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s episode we'll cover Ticket to Ride: Pennsylvania and Deep Regrets, answer questions in the School of Gaming and discuss where the Hotness from Gen Con 2023 is today!

00:00 - Introduction

02:18 - Ticket To Ride: Pennsylvania

17:22 - Ad - CoverCraft Workshop

18:32 - Deep Regrets

35:01 - Ad - Pack It Back: Board Game

36:40 - School of Gaming: Card Games vs. Board Games

43:03 - School Gaming: Game Length and Fulfillment

46:38 - Ad - Ogre's Hoard Game Store

47:46 - Gen Con 2023 Hotness Review

Episode 244 - Mille Fiori Master Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s episode we'll cover Mille Fiori, Maki Master, answer questions in the School of Gaming and discuss What’s Awesome in Tabletop Gaming.

00:00 - Introduction

04:03 - Mille Fiori

17:04 - Ad - International Factory Cologne

17:39 - Maki Master

29:54 - Ad - BacKallax

31:17 - School of Gaming

48:52 - Ad - Personal Rules Lawyer

49:51 - What's Awesome In Gaming

Episode 243 - Kingdomino In Middle-earth Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s episode we'll cover Kingdomino: Origins, The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth, answer questions in the School of Gaming and discuss changes in the hobby in the new segment, Game Schooler Reacts!

00:00 - Introduction

03:34 - Kingdomino: Origins

15:01 - Ad - Chameleon

15:36 - Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth

28:49 - Ad - Dice Alarm For Weak-Wristed Rolls

29:59 - School of Gaming

38:00 - Ad - Gaming Snack Mittens

39:08 - Game Schooler Reacts: Changes in the Hobby