Rolling Dice & Taking Names Gaming Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 368: Night Soil, Mini Express, Tulip Bubble, Ichor Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

00:00:40 Intro
00:05:50 Movie Talk
00:08:15 Holiday Games
00:12:30 Things in Rings
00:15:30 Blood on the Rails
00:16:45 Ichor
00:19:00 PSA Time
00:23:00 Miniature Market
00:25:00 Night Soil
00:41:00 Tulip Bubble
00:57:30 Portal Games
00:58:30 Mini Express
01:11:00 Outro

Every so often, a set of games lands on the table that feels like a curated journey through time and that is what we got in this episode. First up is Night Soil where we are basically poop pushers through the streets of London in the 15th century. This game cleverly challenges players with a worker placement style of game that can fill both rewarding and frustrating at the same time.

Then comes Tulip Bubble, which flips the tone entirely. Gone is the damp, stinky sewers—now you’re in the bustling markets of 17th‑century Holland, chasing fortunes in the most famous economic bubble in history. The game thrives on timing, speculation, and reading your opponents as much as the market itself. Prices rise, collapse, and ricochet with emotional volatility, and every round feels like a miniature psychological standoff. It’s fast, sharp, and deliciously stressful in the best way.

Rounding out the games are Mini Express and Ichor, two games that couldn’t be more different yet both deliver rich strategic tension. Mini Express is a lean, elegant rail game built on shared incentives: every track you lay and every share you take strengthens someone else as much as you. It’s a puzzle of timing, tempo, and subtle positioning. Ichor, on the other hand, plunges players into a Greek mythology world where asymmetric power challenges players in an Othello style game. Its resource‑driven push‑and‑pull creates a brooding atmosphere, rewarding ambition while constantly reminding you that brillant flashes of strategy can suddenly disappear before your next turn. Together, these four games form a wonderfully varied journey each offering its own flavor of tension and delight.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonus Episode: Top Movies of 2025 with Marty and Vanessa Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

In this special end of the year episode, Marty and Vanessa talk about their favorite movies of 2025. Plus movies they are looking forward to in 2026.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 367: Sanctuary, Operation Barclay, Scope Panzer, Neko Syndicate Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

00:01:40 Happy Anniversary
00:06:30 Miniature Market Contest
00:11:15 AI makes RDTN better
00:12:30 Passing of a Legend
00:16:30 Toy Hall of Fame Revisit
00:17:45 Family Games
00:27:30 Taste Buds
00:32:45 Miniature Market
00:33:45 Operation Barclay
00:40:00 Sanctuary
00:58:30 Portal Games
00:59:30 Scope Panzer
01:05:00 Neko Syndicate
01:09:30 Outro

This year marks our 13th anniversary in the world of play, as board games continue to cement their place in our lives. Anniversaries often invite reflection, and it’s remarkable to see how games that once felt like simple pastimes have evolved into celebrated traditions like gaming with friends, family members asking “So, what are we playing?”, or a gateway to conversation with people you meet. These moments remind us that board games are more than cardboard and dice—they’re shared memories that endure across generations.

Board games themselves have become a bridge between nostalgia and innovation, and their recognition in the National Toy Hall of Fame underscores their cultural significance. Titles like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue have already earned their place among the Hall’s inductees, standing alongside toys like the Rubik’s Cube and LEGO. It’s a reminder that the Hall isn’t just about toys—it’s about honoring the timeless rituals of play.

Thanks to all that continue to listen to us, we really appreciate it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonus Episode: The Resurgence of TCGs Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

We got into the tabletop hobby through TCGs (trading card games). For ten years we invested and played many card games. But when the TCG bubble popped, we got out.

However, in the past 5 years, there has a resurgence in TCGs with an influx of new cards games.

To discuss they reasons of why this happening and where will it end up, we have two special guests. Dan Green of Main Deck Games and the owner of To The Table Game Store, Mike Benson.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 366: Ayar, Bretwalda, Baseball Card GM, Temple Code Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

00:01:40 Intro
00:05:30 Cost how much?!
00:10:15 SWU Local Tourny
00:15:15 Codenames Live
00:16:45 Taste Buds
00:20:45 Miniature Market
00:22:40 Ayar: Children of the Sun
00:53:15 Temple Code
00:58:45 Portal Games
00:59:45 Bretwalda
01:15:30 Baseball Card GM
01:23:00 Guild Wars Reforged

Balancing everyday responsibilities with hobbies can be tricky, especially when medical appointments come into play. Dermatology visits, for example, often feel like interruptions in a busy schedule, but they’re essential for maintaining long-term health. Whether it’s a routine skin check or addressing a specific concern, these visits provide peace of mind and ensure that small issues don’t become larger ones. But sometimes, as you will hear, we often are confused by the charges we receive during our visits. Don’t get us wrong, these things are needed, but it is surprising just how things are billed.

Recently, we played Ayar, a game that has some very enjoyable mechanics, some challenging choices to make, and straight forward gameplay. Then there is Temple Code which scratches a different itch, with its puzzle-like challenges and mind-numbing play that feels almost like deciphering ancient mysteries with friends.

Then there’s Bretwalda, a sweeping strategy game set in early medieval Britain. Its blend of area control and historical flavor makes every session feel like a grand contest of wits and could create lively discussions long after the board is packed away.

APBA Baseball and Baseball Card GM both capture the thrill of America’s pastime, but they do so in very different ways. APBA Baseball, which grew up playing, is a classic tabletop simulation that has been around for decades, using dice and player cards to recreate the strategy and drama of real games. Where APBA leans into simulation and tradition, Baseball Card GM emphasizes creativity and collection, turning the act of managing a team into a dynamic, customizable experience using real baseball cards. Together, they highlight two different but equally engaging ways to enjoy baseball beyond the ballpark.

Thanks for listening and next episode will highlight another year of RDTN

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 365: Covenant, D&D Edge of Realms, Enthrone, Beasts, Isle of Cats Duel Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

00:01:30 Intro
00:04:00 Home Repair Hints
00:09:00 Arkham Horror LCG Spoiler
00:13:30 Star Wars Store Event
00:15:00 Finding Mr. Christmas
00:17:00 Secret Squirrel
00:19:30 Just a Deck of Cards
00:22:30 The Grinch Flip 7
00:23:30 Taste Buds
00:31:30 Enthrone
00:39:00 Portal Games
00:40:00 Beasts
00:47:30 Covenant
01:10:30 Dungeons & Dragons: Edge of the Realms
01:15:00 Miniature Market
01:16:30 The Isle of Cats Duel
01:22:00 Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles

We’ve got a fresh lineup of reviews in this episode, plus a few handy home repair tips sprinkled in. While board games are our bread and butter, we love showing off our other skills too—because this podcast is about more than meeples and dice.

First up is Covenant, a new strategic euro game from Devir. The premise is straightforward: rebuild the dwarves’ ancestral mountain of Karrak-sur-Kazar. The mechanics are easy to grasp, but the real joy comes from chaining together clever combos that feel deeply satisfying when they click.

Beasts shifts gears into cooperative card play. Here, players manipulate a shared three-digit number by playing suits, each move pushing the total higher. The tension spikes when Beast cards appear, blocking suits and forcing quick adaptation. With communication restricted, every rising number adds to the suspense and challenge.

Then there’s Enthrone, a two-player abstract deduction game brimming with intrigue. Each player secretly commands one of eight fantasy pawns—King, Priestess, Knight, Assassin, and more—while trying to uncover their opponent’s identity. Victory can come through elimination, political maneuvering, or seizing the throne. At 20–30 minutes, it’s a sharp contest of hidden roles and bold strategies.

Finally, Dungeons & Dragons: Edge of the Realms takes us to Faerûn, where players explore magical terrain and landmarks through tile-laying. Everyone plays simultaneously, keeping the pace lively and accessible, though interaction between players remains light. It’s a breezy way to capture the spirit of D&D exploration in board game form.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to drop by our Discord server to share your thoughts on these games—or just to hang out with the community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 364: Dust & Dirt, Railroad Tiles, Magical Athlete, Hood Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

00:01:30 Intro
00:04:30 BooBQ Event
00:07:00 Snake Charmers
00:15:00 Magical Athlete
00:22:45 Star Wars Tournament
00:28:30 Guests at BoooBQ
00:31:30 Taste Buds
00:36:30 Portal Games
00:38:00 Dirt & Dust
00:51:00 Railroad Tiles
00:57:00 Miniature Market
00:58:30 Hood
01:10:00 Umami
01:16:30 Outro

Another year and another BooBQ is in the books. It was a great time and we had the opportunity to play a bunch of group games, eat a ton of food, and test our Halloween knowledge through Wits and Wagers, what a classic. We even got the chance to do a local constructed deck Star Wars Unlimited tournament that sucked in a bunch of new players. So, in a way, we were like a bunch of vampires and brought them into the fold

Magical Athlete is a riotous racing game where fantasy characters with wildly asymmetric powers compete in unpredictable sprints. It’s light, fast, dice rolling game that will have hilarious moments throughout the game—perfect for groups who love a bit of chaos. Dirt & Dust, by contrast, is a deck builder that leans into the solitaire play with players trying to solve their own challenges while not really being impacted by others. Then there’s Railroad Tiles, a spatial puzzle that rewards clever planning and route optimization. It’s a satisfying blend of tactical tile placement and long-term strategy, ideal for fans of games like Carcassonne or Metro.

Finally, Umami brings a unique twist to the table: a culinary-themed game that’s all about balancing flavors and crafting harmonious dishes. With elegant mechanics and a soothing aesthetic, it’s a game that feels like a warm bowl of ramen on a rainy day. Together, these four titles form a kind of tasting menu for board gamers—each one distinct, memorable, and worth savoring. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, clever puzzles, or thematic immersion, this quartet offers a delicious spread of experiences. Just like the buffet table at BooBQ.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonus Episode: Interview with Arkham Horror Author, Rosemary Jones Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Marty and Vanessa love the Arkham Horror universe. They play boardgames, card games and read the Arkham Horror novels from Aconyte Books.

In this bonus episode, they get the chance to interview one of their favorite authors, Rosemary Jones. She discusses how she got into writing Arkham Horror novels, the process and talks about her latest book, The Arcane Gamble of Harvey Walters.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 363: Bohemians, Foundations, Everdell Duo, Punica, Cookie Run Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

00:01:30 Intro
00:03:30 Sports ball Topics
00:14:00 A Carnivore Did It
00:17:00 This Game is Killer
00:22:00 Why did you play that?
00:26:30 Rules Lawyer Time
00:30:30 Taste Buds
00:39:30 Miniature Market
00:40:30 Bohemians
00:59:00 Punica: Rome vs. Carthage
01:07:30 Portal Games
01:08:30 Fountains
01:15:30 Everdell Duo
01:23:00 Cookie Run Braverse
01:29:00 Outro

Halloween is creeping ever closer, ushering in a surge of spooky décor, costume scheming, and sugar-fueled anticipation. Soon, neighborhoods will flicker with jack-o’-lantern grins and haunted house setups, casting eerie shadows perfect for mischief, mayhem, and board games. And yes—Marty’s legendary BooBQ is just around the corner.

Before the festivities kick off, we squeezed in a few two-player gems that pack a punch without hogging the table. Everdell Duo reimagines the beloved woodland world for two, offering competitive, cooperative, and campaign modes that layer strategy with charm. Cookie Run: Braverse transforms the digital Cookie Run universe into a physical trading card game, introducing a clever twist on health tracking that adds surprise and tension to every skirmish. Punica: Rome vs Carthage throws players into the heat of the Punic Wars, where asymmetric tactics and area control drive a brisk, brainy clash—can you succeed where Hannibal failed and bring Rome to its knees?

We also tried a fresh tile-laying release from OP Games. True to form, the components are stellar, but it’s the rondel-style drafting that stole the spotlight, injecting strategic depth and just enough “take that” to keep things spicy.

Thanks for listening, we really do appreciate it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025 Summer Movie Recap Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

We are joined by Chris and Dan to discuss the summer movies of 2025. We find out who won the draft and recap all the movies that we saw.

For Tony, that didn't take long.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices