The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Interview Special 02: David Thompson Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

I’ve got a special treat for you The Cabal today: one of the most respected board game designers working today, and a true OG Cabalist, David Thompson! You know Dave from his work on the Undaunted series, War Chest, Sniper Elite: The Board Game, Resist!, The Valiant Defense series, and many others. Today, Dave and I talked about his origin story as a gamer, tabletop role-playing games, how he got his start in board game design, his design process, his collaborations with other designers, and much, much more. It’s a great conversation, and I hope you all enjoy it!

Express 117: The Component Show Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

In episode 317 of The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast, Don, Chris, and Jamie dive into a discussion about components in board games. They talk about components from the early years of the hobby and how they’ve evolved over time. The fellas also discuss how their taste for lavish components has changed throughout their years in the hobby. They gush about the stuff they love and bitch about the shit they hate in... The Component Show!

Episode 343: Anunnaki Dawn of the Gods and a Short Topic Extravaganza Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Hey now, Cabalists! Today’s episode opens with the most inane conversation you’re ever going to hear in your entire lives—bar none. Then we dive into board games, including A Gest of Robin Hood, Take Time, Ark Nova: Marine Worlds Expansion, The Vale of Eternity, and French Toast, and feature Anunnaki: Dawn of the Gods by Simone Luciani and Danilo Sabia. After Tony T’s News segment, we tackle some listener questions, including ornamental games, movies and video games that should be board games, and how we feel about fan-made board game expansions. A Gest of Robin Hood: 00:04:51, Take Time: 00:18:56, Ark Nova Marine Worlds Expansion: 00:31:52, Vale of Eternity: 00:43:48, French Toast: 00:51:10, Anunnaki Dawn of the Gods Review: 1:02:12, News with Tony T: 01:45:45, Short Topic Extravaganza: 02:56:53. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/, Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/ and Prester's Painting at https://www.presterspainting.com/

Dungeon Masters Ludus 04: The Art of the Encounter Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Good morrow, esteemed Cabalists. On this day, the Lords of the Dungeon convene in earnest discourse upon the noble Art of designing encounters within the realm of role-playing. They shall expound upon the intricacies of social dealings, the perils and stratagems of martial combat, and the treacherous trials imposed by the very environment itself, each bearing its own hazards and the promise of worthy reward. By what methods, then, might one craft encounters most fitting and memorable for their grand adventures? Attend closely, and let the inquiry be joined with vigor. Huzzah!

Episode 342: Rewild South America and The Culture of Play Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Good morning and happy Wednesday! Let’s get busy with some of the great games the founders have been playing, including Echoes of Time, Dracula vs. Van Helsing, Dark Pact, First Giants, and Citizens of the Spark, along with a feature review of Rewild: South America from Bruno Liguori Sia. Then, after Tony T gives us the best gaming news he can find, we dive into the culture of play in your gaming group. We discuss a situation with a Cabalist from our BGG forum, how we schedule game nights, how we pick games, and our motivations for gaming together. Echoes of Time: 00:04:01, Dracula vs. Van Helsing: 00:12:23, Dark Pact: 00:22:34, Citizens of the Spark: 00:31:43, First Giants: 00:40:57, Rewild South America Review: 00:48:05, News with Tony T: 01:23:17, The Culture of Play: 02:15:22. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/ and Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/.

Express 116: Wine or Vinegar Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Today, Chris, Don, and Jamie gather around the table to reflect on tabletop games of the past and how they’ve aged over the years. Have these classics matured like a fine wine, growing richer, deeper, and more nuanced with time, or have they gone sour, turning into vinegar? The Founders bring their picks: two games that have stood the test of time, becoming more refined and one that hasn’t fared and is now relegated to the back of the kitchen cabinet, only to emerge when we're making deviled eggs. Yes, proper deviled eggs have vinegar in them.

Episode 341: Aquaria and a Short Topic Extravaganza Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

Hey Now Cabalist! The show kicks off with Steve's mailbag and more about Tony Squatty Potties and then we dive into the games: LA-1, Star Wars Outer Rim, The White Castle, Clank! Catacombs w/ Lairs and Lost Chambers, Viticulture Bordeaux, and a feature review of Aquaria from Tomas Holek. Then after Tony T's News segment we take a bunch of questions from listeners. LA-1: 00:06:15, The White Castle: 00:16:50, Clank! Catacombs with Lairs and Lost Chambers: 00:24:24, Star Wars Outer Rim: 00:32:10, Viticulture Bordeaux: 00:42:23, Aquaria Review: 00:50:36, News with Tony T: 01:24:34, Short Topic Extravaganza: 02:22:16. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/ and Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/.

Dungeon Masters Ludus 03: The Culture of Play Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

Hearken, loyal Cabalists, and well met! This day the Lords gather in council to speak upon a matter of great import: the keeping of harmony within the fellowship of the gaming table, and the careful tending of the culture of play that binds our company together. Together shall the assembled Lords deliberate on how best to grant the players the experience they seek, and what rightful charge the Game Master must bear within the fellowship. For as in any kingdom, the balance of duty, guidance, and merriment must be wisely kept.

Episode 340: Here Lies and The Cabalists Court with Judge Topper Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

In Episode 340, Chris, Don, and Jamie tell stories about their time at TotalCon in Massachusetts including Chris' sleep eating, all the Mikes, and watching themselves poop. Then the gang gets into the games they've been playing including Nemesis Retaliation, Steam Power, Wizards of the Grimoire, Aces and Armor, The Druids of Edora with Dan King the Game Boy Geek, and a feature review of Here Lies from Jasper Beatrix, Jakob Maier, and Bobby West and published by DVC Games. Then after Tony T delivers the Pokemon armed robbery headlines he delivers justice in the Cabalists Court! Nemesis: Retaliation: 00:09:34, Steam Power: 00:22:41, Wizards of the Grimoire: 00:30:02, Aces and Armor: 00:41:44, The Druids of Edora: 00:49:53, Here Lies Review: 01:07:20, News with Tony T: 01:41:30, The Cabalists Court: 02:32:31. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/ and Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/. Dan King the Game Boy Geek's Season 14 Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gameboygeek/game-boy-geek-season-14-2026

The Best of The Secret Cabal Vol. 1 Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

In Volume 1 of The Best of The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast, we’re cracking open the vault and revisiting some of the wildest, weirdest, and most unforgettable moments from the show’s history. We’re talking chicken wing sauce on the cards, Catwoman miniatures, Turkey Man, the Wood Booger, anal beads, Chris playing with a pig, Steve Dice Clay, Tony’s bathroom habits and night terrors, and almost getting kicked out of Origins Game Fair. It's wild, crazy, bananas, boombastic, brilliant, magnificent, monumental and meshugenah - it's The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast.

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