Best Board Game Gateway Podcasts (2025)

1
Ouija Board - A Game Or A Gateway? 11:44

10d ago11:44

11:44

☕️ Creepy Coffees Podcast | EP 13 : The Ouija Board – A Game Or A Gateway? Welcome to another spine-tingling episode of Creepy Coffees, where your brew comes with a side of the bizarre and paranormal. In this episode, Eddie and Dawn Ravenscar dive into the haunted history and chilling mysteries surrounding the infamous Ouija board. 🎙️ Was it just a…

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

10d 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…

1
The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders - Creepy Coffees 14:10

3d ago14:10

14:10

In this haunting episode, Eddie and Dawn Ravenscar head into the deep woods of 1977 Oklahoma—where summer camp turned sinister. The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders remain one of the most tragic and chilling unsolved cases in American history. What really happened at Camp Scott? Who left behind the clues… and why does this case still keep people up at n…

1
: “Inside the Mind” – A Criminal Psychology Interviews 14:18

6d ago14:18

14:18

Ever wonder what makes a killer tick? In this bone-chilling episode of Creepy Coffees, Eddie and Dawn sit down with a real-life criminal psychologist to dive into the minds of murderers, stalkers, and sociopaths. From cold-blooded killers to infamous unsolved cases, find out how psychology can uncover truths that even evidence can’t. Get your coffe…

1
Ep 12 THE CHILDREN OF BODOM MURDERS 12:31

13d ago12:31

12:31

Ep 12 THE CHILDREN OF BODOM MURDERS In this chilling episode, Eddie and Dawn journey to the still waters of Lake Bodom, where serenity hides one of Finland’s most horrifying unsolved crimes. In 1960, four teens went camping—but only one returned. Three were brutally murdered inside their tent, leaving behind blood, silence, and decades of speculati…

1
Jarrod "J" Carmichael of 3 Minute Board Games - TCbH interview 1:14:32

13d ago1:14:32

1:14:32

You can find out more about the book here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmlZSX1YmTI Links: Our Site - https://www.cardboardherald.com Our Video Channel - https://www.youtube.com/TheCardboardHerald Our Twitter - https://twitter.com/CardboardHerald Our Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/user?u=9669551…

1
Ep 11 The Villisca Axe Murder House 14:35

17d ago14:35

14:35

Ep 11 The Villisca Axe Murder House In this episode of Creepy Coffees, Eddie and Dawn Ravenscar take you inside one of the most chilling unsolved murder cases in American history: The Villisca Axe Murders of 1912. Eight people—two adults, six children—were brutally killed in their sleep. No arrests. No justice. Just a house soaked in mystery and st…

1
Ep. 9 Cursed Celluloid: The Hauntings of The Omen 15:35

20d ago15:35

15:35

Episode 9 – Cursed Celluloid: The Hauntings of The Omen A cursed child. A haunted film set. And a string of tragedies that still defy explanation. In this episode of Creepy Coffees, Eddie and Dawn Ravenscar unravel the eerie real-life events behind the making of the 1976 horror classic The Omen. From lightning strikes and fatal accidents to unsettl…

1
IP-Based Board Game Adaptations 54:23

21d ago54:23

54:23

These games stay Based (on other intellectual properties). This week, Eric and Jack talk about board games based on non-board game Intellectual properties, and what we want to see out of them. 0:00 - Introductions and What We’ve Played This Week 10:43 - Topic: IP-Based Board Games 45:15- Listener Question: Why Are There So Many Lord Of The Ring Gam…

1
Ep 10 Blueprints of Murder: “The Haunting Legacy of H.H. Holmes” 15:45

22d ago15:45

15:45

Ep 10 Blueprints of Murder: “The Haunting Legacy of H.H. Holmes” Step inside the mind of America’s first serial killer—H.H. Holmes. In the shadow of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, Holmes built his infamous “Murder Castle” with hidden rooms, trap doors, and horrors beyond imagination. Was he a twisted genius… or pure evil?…

1
Ep 8. Smoke & Spirits: The Hauntings of Shaker’s Cigar Bar 11:09

27d ago11:09

11:09

EP 8 Episode Title: “Smoke & Spirits: The Hauntings of Shaker’s Cigar Bar” Step inside the smoky, sinister past of Milwaukee’s most haunted hotspot—Shaker’s Cigar Bar. Once a Prohibition-era speakeasy run by Al Capone’s mob, this unassuming building hides a grim history of murder, mystery, and ghostly encounters. In this episode, Eddie and Dawn exp…

1
Ep 071 | Can You JUDGE a Board Game After Just One Play? 51:03

1M 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…

1
Episode 7 Title: “Spirits Behind the Bar – The Haunted Museum Club Flagstaff Az 8:57

1M ago8:57

8:57

Episode 7 Title: “Spirits Behind the Bar – The Haunted Museum Club Flagstaff Az SHOW NOTES: In this episode of Creepy Coffees, Eddie and Dawn RavenScar take a haunted detour to the high country—straight into one of Arizona’s most infamous roadside relics: The Museum Club in Flagstaff. Once a taxidermy curio shop, this historic roadhouse turned honk…

1
Episode 6 Title: “Spirits Behind the Bar – The Haunting of the Red Onion Saloon” 13:59

1M ago13:59

13:59

Episode 6 Title: “Spirits Behind the Bar – The Haunting of the Red Onion Saloon” Creepy greetings and caffeine fiends… The haunted halls of history await. Our latest episode dives deep into the ghosts of the Red Onion Saloon in the wilds of Skagway, Alaska — where spirits linger and madams never checked out. Host Eddie & Dawn RavenScar uncover chil…

1
A Conversation with Nick Murray of Bitewing Games 1:19:46

1M ago1:19:46

1:19:46

Nick Murray of Bitewing Games chats with Eric about his kickstarter for Gingham and Gazebo, his thoughts on the tariffs and what it’s like being named Nick. 0:00 - Introductions and What We’ve Played This Week 13:38 - Publishing Gazebo and Gingham on Kickstarter 27:40 - Bitewing’s Relationship with Reiner Knizia 32:20 - What Work Goes into Setting …

1
Ep.5 THE GHOSTS AND CURSE OF THE MOVIE POLTERGEIST 12:55

2M ago12:55

12:55

Ep.5 THE GHOSTS AND CURSE OF THE MOVIE POLTERGEIST Lights, camera… curse? This week on Creepy Coffees, Eddie and Dawn Ravenscar sip on bold brews from Black Rifle Coffee while diving headfirst into the haunted legacy of the 1982 horror classic Poltergeist. From real skeletons on set to the tragic and untimely deaths of its cast members, the film’s …

1
What Makes The Best Board Game Expansions? 1:43:13

2M ago1:43:13

1:43:13

Do we want more? Do we want less? What do we want when we play a new expansion to a board game? We give our thoughts on what makes a great board game expansions with some examples of our favorites and our least favorites on this week’s edition of The Cardboard Herald Podcast 0:00 - Introductions and What We’ve Played This Week 11:08 - Our Topic Thi…

1
Episode 4 – Ashes of the Innocent: The Gore Orphanage Haunting 16:17

2M ago16:17

16:17

Episode 4 – Ashes of the Innocent: The Gore Orphanage Haunting On this chilling episode of Creepy Coffees, Eddie and Dawn Ravenscar journey into the smoke-stained past of Gore Orphanage, one of Ohio’s most infamous and unsettling hauntings. Whispers of fire, cries of lost children, and the lingering stench of ash still haunt the ruins—decades after…

1
Ep 3. ”IN THE HOUSE OF SLEEP” ”Nightmares Never Let Go” 27:37

2M ago27:37

27:37

Ep 3. "INTHE HOUSE OF SLEEP" "Nightmares Never Let Go" -In this episode Creepy Coffees is your haunted hideaway for all things eerie, steamy, and unsettling. Hosted by the delightfully dark Eddie Ravenscar, this episode explores the twisted world of dreams, nightmares, and the shadows in between-all while sipping and reviewing a new brand of coffee…

1
Episode 1 - Nicholas Cage Unleashed: The Horror of Long Legs 11:23

2M ago11:23

11:23

Ep 1..Nicholas Cage Unleashed: The Horror of Long Legs Brew a strong cup and settle in-this week on Creepy Coffees, your host Eddie Munster dives deep into the twisted world of Long Legs, the chilling new horror flick starring the one and only Nicolas Cage. From his bone-chilling performance to the film's eerie atmosphere and psychological terror, …

1
Ep 2 ”Shadows in the Stairwell: Weatherford’s Dark Secrets* 23:57

2M ago23:57

23:57

Episode 2: Ghosts of the Weatherford Hotel Grab your cup of Dutch Bros and settle in-this week, Creepy Coffees takes you deep into the haunted halls of the historic Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona. From eerie footsteps to ghostly whispers in the night, this legendary hotel has a chilling story behind every creaky floorboard. We share firsth…

1
How Do We Value Games? 1:23:44

2M ago1:23:44

1:23:44

Stonks! On this week of The Cardboard Herald Podcast, Jack and Eric talk about the nebulous topic that is how to value games. 0:00 - Introductions and What Games We’ve Played! 34:22 - The Lore Corner 1:16:37 - What is Our Most Valuable Game? 1:17:03 - Return to The Lore Corner 1:21:52 - OutroductionBy The Cardboard Herald

1
How Do Tariffs Affect the Board Game Industry 1:11:49

2M ago1:11:49

1:11:49

This week, we wanted to give a somewhat thorough overview of how the board game industry is reacting to the announced tariffs and what it means for us, as consumers in this hobby. Here are some of the links we reference in the video: https://stonemaiergames.com/the-darkest-timeline/ https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogpost/172826/publishers-talk-m…

1
Ep 070 | What Are The TOP 3 Board Game PREDICTIONS For 2025? 1:19:08

2M ago1:19:08

1:19:08

What Are The Top Three Board Game Predictions For 2025? New board game mechanics? Perhaps your favourite reviewers will start a spin-off podcast? We discuss our 3 biggest predictions for 2025. Not only do we have the featured discussion topic of our predictions but we also talk about the games that we have been playing this week including the crunc…

1
Desert Island Games 1:18:55

3M ago1:18:55

1:18:55

You’re stranded on an abandoned island with only you, five board games, four friends and one million dollars from a disheveled content creator. What five games do you bring? 0:00 - Introductions and What Games Have We Played This Week! 10:00 - Topic: Games We Would Bring to a Desert Island 17:07 - Parameters of What Games We’re Bringing 21:25 - Eri…

1
Gateway Games 1:20:00

3M ago1:20:00

1:20:00

What games make gamers? Jack and Eric chat about what games are best to introduce people to the hobby and some common pitfalls games might have that would preclude them from this discussion. 0:00 - Introductions and What Games Have We Played This Week! 15:04 - Topic: Gateway Games 01:02:14 - Listener Comments 01:10:27 - Our Recommendations for a Un…

1
Bad Moon Rising - A Deep Dive into Blood on the Clocktower 1:45:57

3M ago1:45:57

1:45:57

"I see a Bad Moon a-Rising, I see trouble on the way" Welcome to Episode #4 of our Blood on the Clocktower Special Series where we dive deep into this amazing Social Deduction Game. In the previous episodes, we have looked at the scripts of Trouble Brewing and Sects and Violets as well as having an interview with the designer of the game, Stephen M…

1
Solo Board Gaming in 2025 1:05:14

3M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

Eric and Jack chat about what solo gaming is like in 2025 and give recommendations on the best games to start out on your own. 0:00 - Introductions and What Games Have We Played This Week! 17:55 - Topic: Solo Gaming in 2025 51:50 - Our Recommendations for Gateway Solo Games 01:04:05 - Outro!By The Cardboard Herald

1
Ep 069 | The Swirling Mists of Season 4 (Mistborn The Deck Building Game, Sonora, CanCon 2025) 1:01:11

3M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

We're back baby! After an extended break, the podcast is returning to the airwaves and your feeds and we are super excited to get SEASON 4 of the Board Game Gateway Podcast underway.This week we talk about what we got up to over the holiday period. Note, it was a lot. We also discuss a new deckbuilding game based on Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn Sag…

1
How To Build A Gaming Group 1:08:43

3M ago1:08:43

1:08:43

On this week’s episode, Eric and Jack share their advice and experiences in building a game group! Spoiler alert: Eric recommends solo games. 0:00 - Introductions and What Games Have We Played This Week! 19:00 - Topic: How To Build A Gaming Group 58:40 - Listener Question #1 - How To Handle A Gaming Group With an Awkward Number of Players? 01:06:42…

1
Ep 068 | The TOP 10 Gateway Games of 2024 1:06:42

3M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

EDITORS NOTE: The audio of this version was corrupted and we had to use the SUB PAR version. We apologise in advance for that. But we still wanted to release the episode anyway so here you go. At the end of every year, we get together to create the most accurate list of which 10 board games we believe are the BEST GATEWAY GAMES to get your friends …

1
The Purge!! (of Board Games) 1:18:22

4M ago1:18:22

1:18:22

We got too many games and we’re not gonna take it anymore! In this week’s episode, Eric and Jack talk about why somewhat might cull their board game collection, what factors to determine which games to keep, and best practices for removing games from your collection. 0:00 - Introductions! 01:26 - What Games Have We Played This Week! 21:45- Topic: P…

1
John D Clair on Design, Mistborn, Stormlight and beyond - TCbH Interviews 1:11:29

4M ago1:11:29

1:11:29

John has designed numerous hit #boardgames most prominently for #AEG and #brotherwisegames. This was a great chat we had after getting a chance to hang out for the weekend at Platypus Con 2025 in Juneau, AK. 00:00 - Intro 01:19 - Breaking in and beyond card crafting 05:51 - The origin story 12:43 - Transition to game design full-time 18:15 - Honing…

1
The Concept of Favorite Games 1:03:34

4M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

But like what do we even mean when we say something's our favorite game? Jack and Eric discuss that and more in this week’s episode 0:00 - Introductions! 01:21 - What Games Have We Played This Week! 20:49 - Topic: The Concept of “Favorite Games” 51:56 - Listener Contribution #1 01:02:18 - Outro!By The Cardboard Herald

1
Nick Brachmann of Leder Games on Ahoy, Conventions & SWARM - PAX Unplugged 10:19

4M ago10:19

10:19

Had this great chat with Nick at PAX U and afterwards got to play SWARM with him, which is NOT an official greenlit Leder project (yet), just something Nick has been working on that the studio may produce. 00:00 - Showing Ahoy materials 03:31 - Swarm 05:07 - Your focus at conventions? 07:49 - What's inspiring you these days?…

1
BGG Hall of Fame Inductees 1:27:38

4M ago1:27:38

1:27:38

Jack and Eric talk the inaugural BGG Hall of Fame inductees 0:00 - Introductions! 03:34 - What Games Have We Played! 16:49 - Board Game Geek Hall of Fame Class of 2025 43:05 - Discussion on the omission of Puerto Rico 01:01:48 - Listener Question #1: Thoughts on Upgrading Games versus Buying New Games? 01:07:00 - Listener Question #2: Do we like ga…

1
AITA?! Board Game Edition 1:20:33

4M ago1:20:33

1:20:33

Jack, Eric, and special guest John give their hot takes on whether people are overreacting to board game etiquette quandaries 0:00 - Introductions! 01:44 - What games have we played 13:22 - Podcast topic, AITA 16:42 - AITA for not wanting to learn and teach every game? 21:35 - AITA for trying to win the board game? 28:25 - AITA for making a casual …

1
Board Game Components 1:20:33

5M ago1:20:33

1:20:33

Eric and Jack have chat about board game components, why they’re important and why the film American Tale deserves to be developed into a mid-weight Euro 00:00 Introduction and Games We’ve Played this week 21:13 Board Game Components 01:07:29 Listener Question - What topic or concept do we want to see more board games made about?…

1
Luck in Board Games 1:17:29

5M ago1:17:29

1:17:29

Jack and Eric discuss how luck affects board games 00:00 Intro 02:04 Games We've Played 16:18 2025 Luck in Board Games 56:58 1st Listener Question - Our take on how luck in board games has evolved? 01:03:43 2nd Listener Question - Only No-Luck games or Only Medium-Luck Games? 1:06:26 3rd Listener Question - Our thoughts on games that feature negati…

1
Table Talk 014: A Timely and Relevant Chat about GenCon 2024 34:53

5M ago34:53

34:53

Not many notes, but you should be grateful we even got this one done. Games mentioned: Wandering Towers Intarsia Azul Cinematic Universe Harvest Fromage Viticulture Three of a Kind Agricola Prey another Day DroPolter Gem Hue Mycelia UnderGrove Wingspan Mariposas Festival Intarsia Nusfjord Check us out at https://theyrecalledvictorypoints.com/ or on…

1
2025 Board Game Industry Outlook 1:11:44

5M ago1:11:44

1:11:44

Jack and Eric discuss what 2025 will look like for the board game industry as we know it 00:00 Intro 01:23 Games We've Played 26:20 2025 Board Game Industry Outlook 01:04:49 Listener QuestionsBy The Cardboard Herald

1
Teaching Games 1:17:46

6M ago1:17:46

1:17:46

Eric and Jack chat about our experiences and tips for teaching games. 00:00 - Intro 02:16 - Games we've been playing 20:41 - Teaching Games 58:11 - Listener questions Links: Our Site - https://www.cardboardherald.com Our Video Channel - https://www.youtube.com/TheCardboardHerald Our Twitter - https://twitter.com/CardboardHerald Our Patreon - https:…

1
Stolen Harmony (PAX U 2024 Wrap-up) 1:45:58

6M ago1:45:58

1:45:58

Eric and Jack sit down to talk about our experience and the games we played at PAX Unplugged 2024. You can watch the video for this chat on our youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/TX0A9JFHtakBy The Cardboard Herald

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Ep 067 | Our FAVOURITE Board Games of ALL TIME (Top 10: #1 - #5) 1:28:16

6M ago1:28:16

1:28:16

What are the Board Game Gateways Hosts Top 10 Board Games of All Time? As we come into the end of the year it's always interesting to see how our host's tastes have changed and what games they think are the best you can play.Welcome to PART 2 of this very special episode of the Board Game Gateway Podcast. In this episode, we see the favourite games…

1
Ep 066 | Our FAVOURITE Board Games of ALL TIME (Top 10: #6 - #10) 1:19:51

6M ago1:19:51

1:19:51

What are the Board Game Gateways Hosts Top 10 Board Games of All Time? As we come into the end of the year its always interesting to see how our host's tastes have changed and what games they think are the best you can play. We also have a special announcement: We welcome another NEW HOST in Leo to the Main Host rotation of the Board Game Gateway P…

1
Ep 065 | Top 5 Family Board Games 2024 1:11:39

6M ago1:11:39

1:11:39

What are the BEST FAMILIES BOARD GAMES you can play with your friends and family over the holiday period that is just around the corner? That is what our hosts will help you answer in this weeks episode of the Board Game Gateway Podcast. Neeber, Ralph and Joel welcome back special guest Leo for this exceptional edition of the podcast. Each host has…

1
Ep 064 | Are Board Games LOSING their Creativity? ft Nekojima, Spectral and Cthulhu Death May Die 1:17:37

7M ago1:17:37

1:17:37

SYDNEYS FAMILY DAY DAY TICKETS AVAILABLE NOWwww.sydneysfamilygameday.comAre Board Games falling into the movie trap of chasing sequels for money at the expense of creativity and uniqueness? This is the topic of discussion on this week's episode of the Board Game Gateway Podcast.Neeber, Damien, Ralph and Joel get together behind the microphones to d…

1
River of Gold Designer Keith Piggott - TCbH Interviews 33:02

7M ago33:02

33:02

00:00 - Releasing a game at GenCon 04:33 - Did River of Gold start as an L5R Game? 09:25 - Working with an imprint of Asmodee 11:34 - Why no solo mode? 14:55 - Developing the linear aspect of the game 18:32 - Commercial pressures for success 21:24 - Motivation to become a designer 25:13 - What makes a good sell sheet & game pitch? 27:18 - Dream uni…

1
Ep 063 | THEME or MECHANICS? What makes you buy a Board Game? 1:00:21

7M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Why do we buy board games? Is it the Spectacular Art of the Cards, Board and Components? Is it the interplay of Players, Mechanics and Theme? Whatever the reason our hosts are going to chat about why they keep games or buy them in the first place. Neeber, Ralph, Damien and Jol return for another podcast where we chat about the new 2 player sensatio…

1
Ep 062 | What board game/s are the most REWARDING? 1:00:57

8M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Rewarding experiences are everywhere in board gaming but what game/games provide the best? That is the topic of discussion in this week's episode of the Board Game Gateway podcast.Not only that but we have 3 fantastic games we want to chat about. The classic Tokaido, the surprisingly funny Hand-to-Hand Wombat, and our gateway game of the week Land …

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