Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast

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Weighing In Oct 12, 2025

Show notes

This week we each share the heaviest board game that we’ve played and actually enjoy and then share some of our favourite heavy games. We talk about what we’ve been playing including first thoughts on Wanted Wombats and Castle Raisers and have more thoughts on Tea Witches. We wrap up with two detailed reviews of some heavier games, Kutna Hora from CGE and House of Fado from Eagle-Gryphon Games.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 284, was recorded on October 10th, 2025. We usually try to record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop.

Find full, detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep284/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:02:35) Announcements
(00:04:21) Ask the Bellhop
(00:37:26) The Bellhop's Tabletop
(01:00:17) The Game Room - Kutná Hora: The City of Silver
Learn more about Re-wood: https://www.czechgames.com/news/re-wood-a-new-material-for-board-game-components
Pick up Kutná Hora: The City of Silver: https://amzn.to/4nLnKqb
Check out the CGE Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3KNsIEo
Check out our other CGE Reviews and Unboxings: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=CGE

(01:24:55) The Game Room - House of Fado
Tabletop Bellhop 268 - Board gaming at the Gamers Ranch, why ATOM 2025 was awesome: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep268/
Pick up House of Fado: https://www.nobleknight.com/P/2148257439/House-of-Fado?awid=1091
For another great Vital Lacerda game check out our Vinhos Deluxe review: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/vinhos-deluxe/

(01:46:53) Closing the Doors

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Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
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Don't Make Me Choose Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

This week we’ve got a question about choosing favourites and why it’s so hard to pick a favourite game. We share first thoughts on Tea Witches from The Op and then review two games, Reign of Dragoness from Grandpa Beck’s Games and Ahau: Rulers of Yucatan from Grand Gamers Guild.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 283, was recorded on September 24th, 2025. We usually record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop .

Find full, detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep283/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:02:05) Announcement
We messed up, The Shackleton Series from Escape Mail contains up to 720 minutes of play not over 700 hours as we said last episode. Either way you can still save 10% off with our code BELLHOP https://collabs.shop/sbvg4b

(00:02:43) Ask the Bellhop
Send your questions to: Questions@tabletopbellhop.com
(00:37:56) The Bellhop's Tabletop
(00:46:25) The Game Room - Reign of Dragoness Review Check out all of Grandpa Beck’s Games. Use BELLHOP to save 15%: https://www.grandpabecksgames.com/collections/all?sca_ref=9131133.6jeLXLbaBX
Pick up Reign of Dragoness: https://www.grandpabecksgames.com/products/reign-of-dragoness?sca_ref=9131133.6jeLXLbaBX
Check out our Skull King Review on Tabletop Bellhop Ep 263: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep263/
Pick up Skull King: https://www.grandpabecksgames.com/products/copy-of-skull-king%C2%AE?sca_ref=9131133.6jeLXLbaBX

(01:05:09) The Game Room - Ahau: Rulers of Yucatán Review Check out our Ahau unboxing video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7ouO67lHtP8?si=a6DQtRRxxAcukp3w
Pick up Ahau on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4my6fZa
Or direct from Grand Gamers Guild: https://grandgamersguild.com/products/ahau
Check out our other Grand Gamers Guild Content (there’s lots): https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=Grand%20Gamers%20Guild

(01:27:37) Closing the Doors

TIP THE BELLHOP: Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

Elbows up Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

It’s time for some CanCon! This episode we share some of our favourite games from Canadian board game publishers and then deep dive into reviews for two of those games, Guildlands from Outset Media and Doomensions from Mysterious Package Company.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 282, was recorded on September 17th, 2025. We normally record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full, detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep282/

CORRECTION: When talking about The Shackleton Series from Escape Mail, Deanna highlighted that it has over 700 hours of gameplay. That should have been over 700 minutes. MINUTES, not hours.

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00) Checking In
(01:57) Ask The Bellhop
(28:30) The Game Room - Guildlands Pick up Guildlands, https://amzn.to/4pC4vkq
The Outset Media Games Store on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VvhCpQ
Read more about the launch event: https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3550877/having-a-great-time-with-guildlands-at-the-launch
Check out the Outset Media Homepage, https://outsetmedia.com/

(44:38) The Game Room - Doomensions Check our our Doomensions Unboxing, https://youtu.be/w2yfAKhIjgg?si=G2mwy_S3G54FQxzY
Pick up Doomensions direct from Mysterious Package Company: https://collabs.shop/j29vep
Check out Tabletop Bellhop Episode 233, Mysterious Packages for more escape room in a box recommendations: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep233/
(56:17) Closing The Doors

TIP THE BELLHOP: Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

Unmatched Games Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

This episode we have some game recommendations for a fan looking for games like Unmatched from Restoration Games. We also announce a new local partnership, geek out about a trip to the new Asmodee Canada office in Brantford, and share what we’ve been playing. We wrap up with three reviews: Marvel Dice Throne X-Men, Dawn, and Curses & Covens.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 281, was recorded on September 11th, 2025. We normally record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full, detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep281/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:02:39) Ask the Bellhop
(00:15:50) The Bellhop's Tabletop
(00:28:54) The Game Room - Marvel Dice Throne X-Men
Pick up these new X-Men sets on Amazon: 4 Hero Box Featuring Cyclops, Jean Grey, Gambit & Rogue https://amzn.to/4pomA5p
4 Hero Box Featuring Wolverine, Iceman, Psylocke & Storm https://amzn.to/4goDtbX
You can also grab them direct from The Op where you can use our code BELLHOP to save 10% (one use per person): https://tidd.ly/4mirTAv
Check out our previous Marvel Dice Throne Reviews:
On the blog: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/marvel-dice-throne/
On YouTube: https://youtu.be/n3gG4oIDlLk
(00:44:04) The Game Room - Dawn
You can pick up Dawn at Noble Knight https://www.nobleknight.com/P/2148136054/Dawn?awid=1091
Check out the Green Meadow Games Website https://greenmeadowgames.com/
Check out our review of Psychobabble another great social deduction game: On the Blog: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/psychobabble/
On YouTube: https://youtu.be/ss-rNAyZbyg
(01:00:44) The Game Room - Curses & Covens
Pick up Curses & Covens on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4n4PiGT
Check out other games from Good Games Publishing: https://amzn.to/46Eo3gn
We’ve reviewed many of Good Games Publishings Games, check it out: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=%22good%20games%20publishing%22
Find the latest news on the Good Games Publishing website: https://www.goodgamespublishing.com/
(01:14:45) Closing the Doors

FIND US:
Webpage: https://tabletopbellhop.com
Discord: https://discord.tabletopbellhop.com
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopbellhop.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopbellhop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tabletopbellhop/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tabletopbellhop
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Brain Games Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

This episode we talk about board games to get you thinking, and games that are great to play with aging parents. We also share thoughts on trying some of the optional rules in Gnome Hollow and wrap up with two reviews: Courtisans and Santorini 2nd Edition.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 280, was recorded on September 3rd, 2025. We normally record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full, detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep280/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:02:58) Ask The Bellhop
(00:31:38) The Bellhop's Tabletop
(00:39:34) The Game Room - Review of Courtisans
Buy Courtisans: https://amzn.to/4mX1Ccf
Check out the Pandasaurus Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3I2Chyk
Other Pandasaurus Content on our Blog: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=pandasaurus

(00:55:50) The Game Room - Review of Santorini 2nd ed
Buy Santorini 2nd Edition: https://amzn.to/3HOvQPp
Check out other games from Roxley, like the amazing Brass: https://amzn.to/42o7gvx
Check out our Marvel Dice Throne Review (another Roxley game we love): https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/marvel-dice-throne/

(01:05:56) Closing the Doors

FIND US:
Webpage: https://tabletopbellhop.com
Discord: https://discord.tabletopbellhop.com
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopbellhop.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopbellhop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tabletopbellhop/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tabletopbellhop
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Catching up Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

This episode is all about catching up. Catching you up on the games we’ve been playing, talking about catch up mechanics in games and catching up on a long overdue review of the Riftlands expansion for Shadow Kingdoms of Valeria.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 279, was recorded on August 31st, 2025. We invite you to join us live on Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep279/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:02:14) Ask The Bellhop
(00:13:37) The Bellhop's Tabletop
(01:13:13) The Game Room - Review of Shadow Kingdoms of Valeria: Riftlands
Our Shadow Kingdoms of Valeria Preview: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/shadow-kingdoms-valeria/
Our Shadow Kingdoms of Valeria Review: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/shadow-kingdoms-of-valeria/
Pick up Shadow Kingdoms of Valeria: https://amzn.to/3HFo22l
Our Shadow Kingdoms of Valeria: Rise of Titans Review: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/shadow-kingdoms-of-valeria-rise-of-titans/
Pick up the Rise of Titans Expansion: https://amzn.to/4g4SZcP
Pick up the Riftlands Expansion: https://amzn.to/47Uocxe

(01:35:27) Closing the Doors

FIND US:
Webpage: https://tabletopbellhop.com
Discord: https://discord.tabletopbellhop.com
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopbellhop.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopbellhop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tabletopbellhop/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tabletopbellhop
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Improv Night Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

We share our favourite tabletop games that involve improvisation as part of gameplay. To go with the topic, we review Oh Captain, My Captain from Simon & Schuster. We also review Emerald Skulls from Thunderworks and, of course, talk about the games we’ve been playing lately, including first thoughts on Courtisans and the new edition of Santorini.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 278, was recorded on June 25th, 2025. We’re on break, but starting back up in August when you can join us live on Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep278/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:02:14) Announcements
The Summoning has been rescheduled for August 23rd.
We are taking the month of July off from Podcasting. We should be back August 6th with a special Bellhop Birthday episode!
No Cookie Bar event in July, our next is scheduled for August 7th.

(00:04:04) Ask the Bellhop - Our Favourite Improv Games
(00:38:26) The Bellhop's Tabletop

(01:06:10) The Game Room - Review of Oh Captain, My Captain!
Grab Oh Captain, My Captain on Amazon: https://amzn.to/45Ok1lI
You may also want to check out For The Queen: https://amzn.to/45IcZyV
Check out other RPG stuff from James D’Amato: https://amzn.to/3GoGuvd
And James’ One Shot Podcast Network: https://oneshotpodcast.com/

(01:30:49) The Game Room - Review of Emerald Skulls
Pick up Emerald Skulls on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TMaapd
Or check out the Swindler’s Chest at Thunderworks: https://thunderworksgames.com/products/swindlers-chest-emerald-skulls-goblin-vaults
We also love Cartographers Heroes from Thunderworks, check out our review: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/cartographers-heroes/

(01:49:59) Closing the Doors

TIP THE BELLHOP: Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

FIND US:
Webpage: https://tabletopbellhop.com
Discord: https://discord.tabletopbellhop.com
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopbellhop.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopbellhop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tabletopbellhop/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tabletopbellhop
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Grandmother's House Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

This episode we hope to help a fan find some new games to play with her grandkids. To go with this we’ve got two reviews from the new Queen games Family & Friends line, Star Explorer and Moonlight market. We’re also going to be sharing what we’ve been playing lately including first thoughts on Nana and another successful Walkerville Brewery game night.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 277, was recorded on June 18th, 2025. Join us live on Wednesdays at 8 PM EST at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

For detailed show notes with links to everything we talk about in this episode: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep277/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:02:06) Announcements We will be hosting the board game area at The Summoning, happening here in Windsor on July 26th. More info: https://stclairsaints.ca/tsc25

Big thanks to The Op for helping out Gwen’s Board Game Club!

(00:04:44) Ask The Bellhop
(00:27:09) The Bellhop's Tabletop
(00:40:52) The Game Room - Review of Star Explorer
Pick up Star Explorer from Noble Knight, https://www.nobleknight.com/P/2148309124/Star-Explorer-Family-and-Friends-Compact-Edition
Check out our review of Marrakesh, our favourite game from Queen, https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/marrakesh-review

(01:00:37) The Game Room - Review of Moonlight Market
Pick up Moonlight Market from Noble Knight, https://www.nobleknight.com/P/2148261499/Moonlight-Market
Check out our other Queen Games content, https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=queen%20games

(01:20:15) Closing the Doors

TIP THE BELLHOP: Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

Table For Two Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

This episode we’re back talking about one of our most popular topics, two player games. We take a look at some recent finds and list off some of our new favourite games for two. To go with this we have some two player game reviews: Floristry, Lone Wolves, and Architects of Amytis. As usual, we also share the games we’ve been playing recently, including first thoughts on Dawn, Star Realms: Rise of Empire and Kutna Hora.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 276, was recorded on June 11th, 2025. Join us live on Wednesdays at 8 PM EST at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

For detailed show notes with links to everything we talk about in this episode: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep276/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:02:12) Announcements
Sadly, we will not be attending the Origins Game Fair this year.

We will be hosting the board game area at The Summoning, happening here in Windsor on July 26th. More info: https://stclairsaints.ca/tsc25

(00:04:07) Ask the Bellhop
(00:54:41) Bellhop's Tabletop

(01:23:51) The Game Room - Review of Floristry

Pick up a Copy of Floristry on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SWFl0K
Check out the Up Games website: https://www.uncommonspublishing.com/
Also see the BGG page for their next game Scurry Up! https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/434001/scurry-up

(01:37:25) The Game Room - Review of Lone Wolves

Pick up Lone Wolves on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4608xeR
Check out the Wonderful World Board Games Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3ZBgbZn
Check out our other trick taking game reviews: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=trick%20taking

(01:50:10) The Game Room - Review of The Architects of Amytis

Pick up The Architects of Amytis on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44jrk3B
Check out the La Boite De Jeu Amazon store: https://amzn.to/4jPGqST
Visit the Hachette Boardgames US website: https://www.hachetteboardgames.com/

(02:05:04) Closing the Doors

TIP THE BELLHOP: Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

Reboot Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

Tonight we’re talking about board games that were rebooted and given new life. We share the games we’ve been playing including first plays of Floristry, Lone Wolves, Azul Duel, and Julius Caesar. We wrap up with two meatier game reviews with Earth and Genotype.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 272, was recorded on May 28th, 2025. Join us live on Wednesdays at 8 PM EST at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

For detailed show notes with links to everything we talk about in this episode: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep272/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In

(00:02:27) Announcements No episode next week. Our first event at the Cookie bar is June 5th! https://www.cookiebar.ca/

(00:02:55) Ask the Bellhop - Best board game reboots

(00:01:47) Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Email: deanna@tabletopbellhop.com

(01:01:17) The Bellhop's Tabletop

(01:42:12) The Game Room - Earth Pick up a Copy of Earth on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3StbzAt
Check out our other Inside Up Games content including reviews of Block And Key and Gorus Maxiumus: https://tabletopbellhop.com/tag/inside-up-games/
Check out what Inside Up is up to: https://insideupgames.com/

(02:07:45) The Game Room - Genotype A Mendelian Genetics Game
Pick up Genotype on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jqIQY8
Check out our review of Cytosis: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/cytosis-review/
Visit the Genius Games Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/3HgOyhP

(02:24:17) Closing the Doors

TIP THE BELLHOP: Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

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