Best Board Game Gateway Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 073 | What should board games INCLUDE in 2nd Editions? 57:56

15d ago57:56

57:56

What should board games INCLUDE in 2nd Editions? That is the topic of discussion for Episode 073 of the Board Game Gateway Podcast. Neeber, Ralph and Leo get around the microphone and discuss what we expect and want to see in second editions of board games.Also, we welcome back Ralph who takes us through some of the solo playthroughs he as been emb…

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#78 - The Walking Dead Miniatures Game by Mantic Games - one for board gamers? 23:59

2d ago23:59

23:59

The walking dead miniatures game is back (from the dead) and we've been playing the second coming of it in 2025. Find out what Kev thinks and why it's such a great option for the miniatures-game curious board gamer. Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c…

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#77 - Malediction -MTG meets miniature war gaming. 39:49

9d ago39:49

39:49

Malediction is an interesting new game from Loot Studios. Find out more about it in this unsponsored review and discussion https://malediction.gg/ Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe …

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#76 - Tom and Kev on Forest Shuffle and Bumfuzzle (yes really that's a game too). 21:15

16d ago21:15

21:15

Tom and Kev catch up on some real time Bumfuzzle and then discussion on Forest Shuffle. Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast on your mobile device ➞ https://pod.link/173…

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#75 - Tom and Kev catch up on Malediction, Mansions of Madness, Gateway Island and push your luck games. 40:17

23d ago40:17

40:17

Tom and Kev catch up on Malediction, Mansions of Madness, Gateway Island and push your luck games. Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast on your mobile device ➞ https://p…

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#74 - Can You Master Board Game Design With Tali Pendance? 32:05

30d ago32:05

32:05

Tom and Kev chat board game design and interview Tali Pendance on his book Master Board Game Design. Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast on your mobile device ➞ https:/…

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#73 - UK Games Expo: Sleeping Gods: Distant Skies, One Card Maze, Rolling Seas and Countdown to Chaos... 21:09

1M ago21:09

21:09

Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades Sleeping Gods Distant Skies - One Card Maze and Rolling Seas and Countdown to Chaos... https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast on your mobile device ➞ https://pod.link/1731…

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#72 - UK Games Expo: Lord of the Rings Fate of the Fellowship, Butt Chess and Kronologic: Paris 1920 and on meeting Matt Leacock 22:20

1M ago22:20

22:20

Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades For the second year running, Neil worked as an unpaid roving reporter on at the UK games expo and shares tales of three exciting new games and on meeting Matt Leacock. Some potential game news on hi…

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PARALLEL WORLDS EXPLORED -- details research into Beta-Blockers, Crystal Radio Technology, and Parallel Worlds 32:01

1M ago32:01

32:01

E.J. Gold's Parallel Worlds Explored details his research into Beta-Blockers, devices using crystal radio technology to access parallel universes. The text describes the development of various Beta-Blocker devices, including the Spirit Radio and Parallel World Induction Device, and explores their theoretical underpinnings. It also discusses related…

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#71 - Ortomnia: Broken Trinity 32:14

1M ago32:14

32:14

Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades In this episode of Twenty Minute Tabletop, Kev interviews Deli, a game designer from Germany, about their Kickstarter project 'Autonomia: The Broken Trinity'. The discussion covers the distinction b…

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SPIRITUAL GAMING, methods to use computer games and board games to teach spiritual lessons 24:40

2M ago24:40

24:40

The book Spiritual Gaming explores a method using video games like Diablo II and Team Fortress 2, as well as board games and other activities, to teach spiritual lessons and improve self-awareness. The author details his decades-long experiments, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, overcoming challenges, and developing skills like attention and…

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DARKSIDE DREAMWALKER, A Science Fiction Discussion 21:09

2M ago21:09

21:09

Lieutenant Jinjer Rojjers, a Darkside operative, is the protagonist of Darkside Dreamwalker, a science fiction novel excerpt. The story follows Rojjers's various missions, including infiltrating a dangerous nightclub, protecting President Booth of New Springfield, and investigating a series of torso murders. The narrative features a blend of action…

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THE ANY GAME COOKBOOK, transform ordinary games into spiritual experiences 16:39

2M ago16:39

16:39

Claude Needham's The Any Game Cookbook presents a collection of "recipes" designed to transform ordinary games into spiritual experiences. The book offers numerous exercises and activities, presented in a sequence but not requiring strict adherence, intended to enhance self-awareness and perspective during gameplay. Each "recipe" involves specific …

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BARDO STATIONS, A Self-Help Guide to the Afterlife 40:58

2M ago40:58

40:58

E.J. Gold's Bardo Stations is a self-help guide to the afterlife, presented as a virtual reality training manual. The book describes 131 "Bardo Stations," otherworldly locations encountered by souls between lives, detailing their characteristics and offering strategies for navigating them toward positive reincarnation. A table of contents lists the…

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#70 - Oriflamme - why is Tom flying the flag for this small box card game? 22:07

2M ago22:07

22:07

Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades In this episode of Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, Tom discusses the appeal of Oriflamme - a tactical small box card game. https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast on your m…

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ALCHEMICAL SEX by E.J. Gold -- Using Sexual Energy for Spiritual Transformation 14:03

2M ago14:03

14:03

The book Alchemical Sex by E.J. Gold, explores the esoteric practice of using sexual energy for spiritual transformation. The text details a system of inner alchemy, viewing the human body as an alchemical laboratory capable of producing higher substances. It emphasizes impartial self-observation and discipline to control the "human biological mach…

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THE JUST BECAUSE CLUB -- explore personal metaphysical fitness 19:11

2M ago19:11

19:11

"The Just Because Club" is a guide to over a hundred activities and experiments designed to help readers explore their personal metaphysical fitness. Authored by Claude Needham, Ph.D., the book encourages readers to engage in unconventional, often bizarre, activities without needing to justify their actions. These experiments, ranging from mundane …

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Ep 072 | Cooperative vs Competitive PROs and CONs 1:22:54

2M ago1:22:54

1:22:54

Cooperative or Competitive Board Games. What are the pros and cons of both? With such a wide range of diverse board games to play, there is something for everyone but not everything for anyone. We take you through what we believe you may like and dislike about both styles of games.Neeber, Leo and Joel return to the studio to take you through anothe…

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THE BOOK OF FLOATING -- Transformative Effects of Floatation Tanks 21:05

2M ago21:05

21:05

The Book of Floating explores the therapeutic and transformative effects of floatation tanks. The text examines various perspectives on floating, including physiological, psychological, and spiritual interpretations. It details the history of floatation therapy, from Dr. John Lilly's early experiments to its modern applications. The author presents…

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#69 - Escaping the "cult of the duel" - three classic two player games that are still worth your time! 20:03

2M ago20:03

20:03

Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades In this episode of Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, Tom and Neil discuss three older two player games that are still worth some table time: Targi, Jaipur and Lost Cities! https://discord.com/invite/4…

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RETRO VISIONS, An Anthology of Science Fiction Short Stories 26:51

2M ago26:51

26:51

Retro Visions is an anthology of science fiction short stories, published in 2002, featuring works by authors such as Robert Sheckley and Avram Davidson. The collection's introduction highlights the stories' exploration of altered realities and unconventional perspectives on everyday life. One story, "The Wall Around the World," centers on a boy's …

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NONE BUT LUCIFER -- a science fiction novel by Horace L. Gold & L. Sprague de Camp 14:31

2M ago14:31

14:31

Explore "None But Lucifer" -- a scifi novel by Horace L. Gold & L. Sprague de Camp. It follows the story of William Hale, a man who strategically manipulates his circumstances to achieve immense wealth and power. His plan involves deceiving Lucifer, with whom he forms a partnership, showcasing Hale’s cunning and ambition. The narrative explores the…

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Claudio Naranjo's HEALING CIVILIZATION 20:04

2M ago20:04

20:04

Claudio Naranjo's Healing Civilization argues that societal problems stem from an imbalance in the "inner family" (father, mother, child) mirroring a patriarchal societal structure. The book explores the historical roots of this imbalance, tracing it back to the decline of matriarchal cultures and the rise of patriarchal dominance. Naranjo proposes…

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THE GREAT ADVENTURE, explores themes of living, dying, and the bardo states 19:54

2M ago19:54

19:54

The Great Adventure, a collection of talks by E.J. Gold, explores themes of living, dying, and the bardo states (the intermediate stages between death and rebirth) within a Tibetan Buddhist framework. The book compiles previously published talks and incorporates student questions and answers, preserving the informal atmosphere of Gold's lectures. E…

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ANGELS HEALING JOURNEY by E. J. Gold -- Guided Meditations for a Deeper Understanding 28:32

2M ago28:32

28:32

ANGELS HEALING JOURNEY, by E. J. Gold, is a 49-day guided meditation intended for healing and spiritual guidance during life, death, and the afterlife (the Bardo). The book provides daily readings associated with specific angels and chambers, offering a structured path through various stages of spiritual transition. It includes a comprehensive list…

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#68- Tom and Kev catch up on Forest Shuffle, Nemesis, Five Parsecs from Home, Blood on the Clocktower, mystery guests and manufacturing dice. 30:45

2M ago30:45

30:45

Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades In this episode of the Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, hosts Kev and Tom have a catch up on their recent board game experiences, discussing a variety of games including 'Nemesis', '5 Parsecs From Ho…

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#67 - Solitaire Wargaming with Five Parsecs from Home and One Page Rules Star Quest 28:24

2M ago28:24

28:24

In this episode Kev covers a couple of solitaire Sci-Fi Gaming options, the excellent Five Parsecs From Home and a simpler alternative, One Page Rule's Star Quest. Remove Ads & Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Fold Flat Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades 🗣️Join the …

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Ep 071 | Can You JUDGE a Board Game After Just One Play? 51:03

3M ago51:03

51:03

Can you judge a board game after one play? Should we give them multiple plays?Can we truly know a game after one game night? This is the topic of discussion for this episode. Neeber and Leo get back behind the microphones to discuss some new games they have had a chance to play, including "The White Castle", the coop Poker Vault cracking experience…

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#66 - Is Nemesis by Awaken Realms worth a play? 27:05

3M ago27:05

27:05

Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades In this episode of Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, Tom records a solo podcast about his time on an Alien infested space ship! Tom shares his enthusiasm for the game, which follows a classic science …

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THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS -- a prayer book, offering guidance through the stages of death 24:05

3M ago24:05

24:05

E.J. Gold's The Book of Sacraments is a prayer book offering guidance through the stages of death and rebirth, described as a journey through "bardos." The text includes prayers and aphorisms alongside the author's artwork. A preface by Claudio Naranjo praises Gold's unique approach to spiritual teaching, comparing his work to the Tibetan Book of t…

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Handbook for the Recently Deceased 31:40

3M ago31:40

31:40

Handbook for the Recently Deceased provides satirical advice and instructions for navigating the afterlife, a place referred to as the "Bardo." The book playfully covers topics such as bardo etiquette, modes of transportation, and games to play after death. It also explores the concept of "BLOBs," or biological lifeforms one carries from life into …

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#65 - Magic the Gathering, Slapshot Showdown, Port Royal, Malifaux and Ortomnia! 31:14

3M ago31:14

31:14

Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades In this episode of Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, Tom and Kev have a catch-up chat about a whole host of games! Video podcast version available on the Patreon! https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9…

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Horace L. Gold's HOW TO WRITE GREAT SCIENCE FICTION -- Founder of "Galaxy" Magazine 13:50

3M ago13:50

13:50

Horace L. Gold's book How to Write Great Science Fiction, offers insights into the craft of science fiction writing. Gold discusses the importance of ideas over accurate scientific predictions in science fiction, using examples from various authors and historical hoaxes. A significant portion details a mystery story written by Gold, exploring the s…

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Bonus Episode - Malifaux 4th Edition Update 22:27

3M ago22:27

22:27

Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades In this episode of Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, Kev discusses the updates to his favourite miniature skirmish game Malifaux. https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast on y…

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#64 - Dungeons and Dragons 50:12

3M ago50:12

50:12

Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades In this episode of Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, Tom discusses the little known role playing game Dungeons and Dragons. Can RPGs have an emotional impact? https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ …

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TANKS FOR THE MEMORIES -- A Book of Floating by John C. Lilly and E.J. Gold 29:18

3M ago29:18

29:18

Tanks for the Memories is a book compiling lectures by John C. Lilly and E.J. Gold on their experiences with and perspectives on floatation tanks. Lilly, a pioneering neuroscientist, discusses the physiological and psychological effects of sensory deprivation, exploring altered states of consciousness and the nature of reality. Gold, a transformati…

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THE HIDDEN WORK by E.J. Gold -- An Explanation of Prayer Absolute 19:04

3M ago19:04

19:04

The Hidden Work is a book by E.J. Gold that outlines a spiritual practice called "The Work," which aims to awaken the "biological machine" within each individual and use it to help the Absolute, who Gold views as suffering from the involuntary creation of the universe. Gold argues that true prayer is not the emotional, self-serving kind practiced b…

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WARRIOR'S WAY: A Life's Journey by Robert de Ropp 14:42

3M ago14:42

14:42

Robert de Ropp's autobiography, Warrior's Way, recounts his life journey, exploring themes of spiritual growth, scientific inquiry, and self-discovery. The narrative interweaves personal experiences with philosophical and spiritual reflections, drawing on various traditions including Eastern mysticism and Western science. De Ropp examines his relat…

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Claudio Naranjo's ENNEA-TYPE STRUCTURES -- Self Help and the Enneagram 20:31

3M ago20:31

20:31

Claudio Naranjo's Ennea-Type Structures is a self-help manual based on the enneagram, a system of nine personality types. The book, drawing on Naranjo's extensive experience and teachings from Oscar Ichazo, provides descriptions of each type's traits, motivations, and underlying psychological dynamics. Naranjo's approach integrates concepts from va…

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Robert de Ropp's THE MASTER GAME -- Discussion of a Western Spritual Classic 32:57

3M ago32:57

32:57

The Master Game by Robert de Ropp is a self-help book exploring higher states of consciousness. The book uses the metaphor of games to describe different levels of human experience, from low, destructive games to the ultimate "Master Game" of self-realization. De Ropp synthesizes various methods, including autogenic training and the prayer of the h…

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#63 - Between Two Castles - Essentials Edition 22:09

3M ago22:09

22:09

Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades In this episode of Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, Tom and Neil discuss Between Two Castles Essentials edition. https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast on your mobile devic…

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E.J. Gold's VISIONS IN THE STONE -- a book of psychometry and esoteric teachings 11:52

3M ago11:52

11:52

E.J. Gold's Visions in the Stone is a memoir recounting his archaeological expeditions in Iraq, interwoven with esoteric teachings on psychometry, the ability to perceive past events through artifacts. The book details his encounters with various individuals and explores the concept of "hidden guides" leading individuals toward spiritual transforma…

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Announcement - Future of Twenty Minute Tabletop Podcast 9:41

3M ago9:41

9:41

Support the Podcast - Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TwentyMinuteTabletop/ Foldscapes Wargaming Terrain : https://www.patreon.com/c/tabletopupgrades In this episode of Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, Tom and Kev discuss some recent changes to the Podcast. https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast on your mobile device ➞ h…

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E.J. Gold’s PRACTICAL WORK ON SELF -- A book of 4th Way inspired exercises to grow awareness 20:45

3M ago20:45

20:45

This podcast explores E.J. Gold’s book Practical Work on Self -- a guide for attaining self-awareness and awakening through a series of exercises. The book discusses the concept of the “machine,” or the human biological apparatus, and explores how to transcend its limitations. Gold emphasizes the importance of recognizing the automatic functions of…

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Robert S. de Ropp's SELF-COMPLETION 22:35

3M ago22:35

22:35

Robert S. de Ropp's Self-Completion is a posthumously published guide to spiritual self-improvement. The book blends scientific and mystical perspectives, exploring the nature of reality and the human condition. It emphasizes distinguishing between genuine spiritual work and self-deception, offering practical advice and exercises for personal trans…

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The American Book of the Dead 17:51

4M ago17:51

17:51

The American Book of the Dead by E.J. Gold provides instructions and guidance for navigating the "labyrinth" which represents the journey between life and death. The text, known as the American Book of the Dead, is designed to help individuals, referred to as "voyagers," remain conscious and aware during the transition through various macrodimensio…

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#62 - Tom and Kev catch up on Cyberpunk Red, BOTC, Sanctuary, Inis Big Box, 3DITION Ark Nova and MTG memories. 31:09

4M ago31:09

31:09

Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, Tom and Kev discuss recent gaming and future temptations. https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast on your mobile device ➞ https://pod.link/1731899665 Connect with us: ➡️ Website➞ https://www.tabletopupgrades.co.uk 📺 YouTube …

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Life in the Labyrinth 19:21

4M ago19:21

19:21

E. J. Gold's Life in the Labyrinth is a complex exploration of consciousness and perception, using the metaphor of a labyrinth to represent the multidimensional nature of reality. The book argues that humans are trapped in a limited, "primate" way of experiencing the world, preventing access to higher dimensions. Gold proposes techniques—drawing on…

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The Human Biological Machine as a Transformation Apparatus 47:34

4M ago47:34

47:34

The Human Biological Machine as a Transformation Apparatus explores the concept of the human body as a "machine" capable of transformation. It uses an extended metaphor of a fish in a tank to represent the limitations of human perception and the potential for inner evolution. The author argues that by awakening this "machine," individuals can trans…

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The Joy of Sacrifice 16:16

4M ago16:16

16:16

The Joy of Sacrifice is a book by E.J. Gold, featuring letters from various figures discussing the spiritual path of self-transformation. The text explores the concept of sacrifice, not as masochism, but as a series of intentional acts to overcome limitations and achieve higher states of consciousness. These sacrifices involve relinquishing comfort…

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