We have some friends of the show come on and share some of their favorite gaming memories. A big thank you to all our guests: Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games, Jerry Hawthorne, Bruno Cathala, Chris & Lindsey of Behind the Box, Andrew Birkett of Atheris Games, Carla Kopp of Weird Giraffe Games, and Chris & December of C&D Discuss, be sure to check out all of their amazing stuff. Have a Happy New Year, everyone! - Jack
Episode 59 - PAX Minis Wrap-up
Please forgive the rugged show floor audio, but today's episode has some really great talks with various people at PAX. Included in this episode is:
-Aron West of Elzra Games
-Chris of 9th Level Games
-Sean Epperson of Thing 12 Games
-Gwen Ruelle of Runaway Parade Games
-Joshua Lobkowicz of Grey Fox Games
-Rob Conley of Paper Heroes and their panel of live D&D players
Episode 58 - Joshua Lobkowicz of Grey Fox Games
I spend some time with Joshua Lobkowicz of Grey Fox Games, and we talk about his unusual path into the gaming industry, and how he transitioned from working FOR Cool Stuff Inc, to being part of a hot up-and-coming company selling their products THROUGH Cool Stuff Inc. This episode was recorded live in the press room at PAX Unplugged, so please forgive any background noise or sound issues during the episode.
Episode 57 - Big ol' PAX Unplugged Group
I had an absolute blast sitting down and talking with some of the most awesome people in this biz. I'm joined by Carla Kopp of Weird Giraffe Games, Andy Zeller & Eric Streed of ATK! The Board Game, Rob Conley of Ginger Cat Productions, and Chris Douglas of The Deathforce and the soon to be unveiled C & D Discuss. We talk games, gamers, creativity, and inspiration, in what was absolutely the highlight of the convention for me.
Helpful Links:
Weird Giraffe Site - http://weirdgiraffegames.com
Weird Giraffe Twitter - https://twitter.com/WeirdGiraffes
ATK! Twitter - https://twitter.com/ATK_BoardGame
Ginger Cat Productions Site - http://gcatproductions.com
Ginger Cat Productions Twitter - https://twitter.com/gcat_production
Chris Douglas Twitter - https://twitter.com/CDElite1
TCbH Site - http://www.cardboardherald.com
TCbH Twitter - https://twitter.com/CardboardHerald
Episode 56 - Kenna & Rich of Going Last - Live at PAX
I got a chance to meet up with two of my favorite podcasters, Rich and Kenna of Going Last, live at PAX. It was a blast to talk about the con, games, and bizarrely, the Cuban missile Crisis. If you haven't checked out their stuff, you absolutely should, they set the bar in informative, entertaining, and welcoming gaming podcasts. If you are excited for more PAX coverage, we got all kinds of stuff going up on the podcast and youtube channels, and if you have any questions or just want to start a flame war, you can always find me on twitter @cardboardherald, or email me at cardboardherald@gmail.com.
Helpful Links:
Going Last Website - goinglast.net/
Going Last Twitter - https://twitter.com/goinglast
Atomic Game Theory PAX Unplugged Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/videos/202183815
TCbH Website - www.cardboardherald.com
TCbH Twitter - https://twitter.com/cardboardherald
TCbH Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsBLZ33CJXoUffCBF7plpjg
Episode 55 - Christopher Davis of Windborn Games
Chris took the time to talk with Jack on the eve of his first kickstarter launching, Runes of Ragnarok, We cover everything from how to find an amazing artist, to how to properly compliment your spouses cooking. And of course we talk all about what makes Runes of Ragnarok so rad.
Episode 54 - Ken Meyer Jr. - Artist behind the (Kird) Ape
Jack talks with Ken Meyer Jr., prolific artist behind several classic Magic: The Gathering Cards and numerous Vampire the Masquerade illustrations. Ken has had a wide range of art jobs over the years, and we talk about his time working in tabletop gaming, his childhood dreams of being a comic artist, his time modeling art for video games, and more. You can find Ken's work at http://www.kenmeyerjr.com.
Episode 53 - Roberto Di Meglio of Ares Games, Co-Designer of War of the Ring
Starting a new year of podcasts off right with the lovely Roberto Di Meglio! Dude has had a long history working in many capacities throughout the gaming industry, and his history as a journalist and designer parallels the development of the Italian Gaming Scene. We talk about growing up in Italy, how War of the Ring was born out of a fever dream, and get the full scoop about the new game in the WotR line; The Hunt for the Ring. I'll be doing a review of Hunt for the Ring as soon as I get back from PAX unplugged, so be sure to subscribe to our youtube channel so you don't miss it. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsBLZ33CJXoUffCBF7plpjg
Other Helpful Links:
Ares Games - www.aresgames.eu
Hunt for the Ring BGG Page - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/216070/hunt-ring
War of the Ring 2nd Ed BGG Page - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/115746/war-ring-second-edition
TCbH on Twitter - https://twitter.com/cardboardherald
Episode 52 - Jerry Hawthorne, designer of Mice & Mystics and Stuffed Fables
Holy smokes! Episode 52!? We are really 1 year in? Well I can't think of a better way to celebrate than to have beloved designer Jerry Hawthorne in. Jerry is a designer for Plaid Hat Games, notable for being the creator of the Mice & Mystics line, and his upcoming game Stuffed Fables. We talk about creativity, imaginative play, cutting hair, and raising kids. Jerry is one of the most affable, kind people to have graced the podcast and I can't wait to have him back on again.
In the meantime, did you know we could get even MORE pretentious? Yes, that's right, The Cardboard Herald was stupid enough to call someone's bluff on twitter, and we introduced the youtube series "Rook & Record" where we pair a board game with the perfect companion record in 2 minutes or less. Gotta love that #vinyl, yo!
Helpful Links:
BGG Charity Auction - https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/231363?commentid=7523853#comment7523853
Our new archive - http://www.cardboardherald.com/reviews-archive/
Rook & Record: Mystic Vale - https://youtu.be/QOwitR5ps_A
Cardboard Cutouts: 3 Strategic Horror Games to Play This Halloween - https://youtu.be/yZbZKUGPz98
Stuffed Fables BGG Page - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/233312/stuffed-fables
Episode 51 - Kenna Conklin of Going Last
Kenna is 1/2 of the amazing Going Last podcast; the next-best podcast on the web-ernets! Jack and Kenna talk about X-men, gender options in games, Going Last's policy on reviews, podcast, and much, much more. Both hosts of Going Last will be at PAX Unplugged, and you can find all of their stuff on iTunes, Stitcher, and www.goinglast.net.
Helpful Links:
Going Last's website: www.goinglast.net
Yamatai Review: http://www.cardboardherald.com/reviews/2017/10/17/yamatai-for-queen-himikos-smil
Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective Review: http://www.cardboardherald.com/reviews/2017/10/17/gumshoe-struggles-a-sherlock-holmes-consulting-detective-review
Broken Token Terraforming Mars Insert Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JZEdZ-Jp70
Episode 50 - Chris Faulkenberry of Stone Circle Games, designer of Battle for Biternia
Jack talks with Chris Faulkenberry of Stone Circle Games, designer of Battle for Biternia. We talk about resilience, getting by with a little help from your friends, and spoony bards; not to mention we dive deep into what makes Battle for Biternia such a great game. You can find more Stone Circle Games at www.stonecirclegames.com, and the kickstarter for Battle for Biternia launches November 7th 2017.
Episode 49 - Michael Coe's tiny epic return to TCbH
Michael Coe comes on the show to talk about the brand new Tiny Epic Defenders 2nd Edition and The Dark War expansion, both on Kickstarter right now. We cover topics ranging from equipable meeples, design challenges, upcoming projects, reflections of a veteran kickstarter-superstar, and company goals for Gamelyn Games. This is Michael's second time on the show, and is one of Jack's favorite people in the board game space.
No time stamps for this episode due to the quick turnaround.
Helpful Links:
Tiny Epic Defenders & The Dark War Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coe/tiny-epic-defenders-the-dark-war-and-ted-2nd-editi?ref=discovery
Michael Coe's first TCbH interview: http://www.cardboardherald.com/podcasts/2017/3/29/episode-21-michael-coe-of-gamelyn-games
Scott Almes' TCbH interview: http://www.cardboardherald.com/podcasts/2017/5/17/episode-28-scott-almes-tiny-epic-designer
Inis first impressions video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymVz1MRvPWQ&t=19s
Hellas & Elysium first impressions video: http://www.cardboardherald.com/reviews/2017/9/26/expansoin-mini-terraforming-mars-hellas-elysium
Episode 48 - Carla Kopp of Weird Giraffe Games
Carla Kopp comes on to talk about her new game on kickstarter, Stellar Leap! We cover everything from the four Xs in X, to what gets her pumped to play Stellar Leap over and over again. We also hit on all kinds of other topics including being a woman designer, what anime character she most relates to, ideas of other creative endeavors, and some really great actionable tips for launching your own kickstarter.
No time stamps on this one since there was a super quick turnaround to get it posted, but you can check out Stellar Leap at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/weirdgiraffegames/stellar-leap
Also, while you are at it, you should probably check out our new video series, Cardboard Cutouts. I LOVE how episode 2 came out. If you want to see more of this stuff, definitely support us by giving ye olde' thumbs up and subscribing to our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNH-cWhlEuM
Episode 47 - Kathleen Donahue of Labyrinth Games & Puzzles
Kathleen Donahue didn't start as a gamer, but that didn't stop her from opening one of the most celebrated and beloved game stores in recent years, Labyrinth Games & Puzzles in Washington DC! We cover everything from FLGS etiquette to her secret origins brokering chemical cleaner deals with Mexico, not to mention what it's like to live, game, and retail on capital hill. Kathleen has led a fascinating life, and her impact on the gaming scene in DC, through her store, community outreach, and founding the thriving regional convention WashingCon, has been immeasurable.
Helpful Links:
Labyrinth Games - http://www.labyrinthgameshop.com
TCbH Site - http://www.cardboardherald.com
TCbH Twitter - https://twitter.com/CardboardHerald
TCbH Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsBLZ33CJXoUffCBF7plpjg?view_as=subscriber
Timestamps:
00:00:10 - Intro Monologue
00:03:55 - Interviews starts (shoutout to Paul in MD!)
00:05:46 - What is Labyrinth Games & Puzzles?
00:08:50 - Expanding the store to run M:TG Tournies
00:12:52 - Secret origins of an entrepreneur
00:17:00 - A Labyrinthian idea strikes!
00:22:25 - Entering gaming as a non-gamer
00:29:48 - Professionals in the tabletop industry
00:33:25 - First days of the store - What’s Magic:TG?
00:38:10 - WashingCon
00:43:35 - Legacy and burnout
00:48:25 - Using games to relate with others different than us
00:50:40 - Creating welcoming & inclusive environments
00:55:12 - What’s on the Horizon?
00:59:02 - Outro Monologue
Episode 46 - Aron West of Elzra Games - Master of the Catacombs
Aron West, best known as the co-designer of Catacombs, the dexterity dungeon crawl, comes onto the Cardboard Herald to talk with Jack about the development of catacombs, storytelling, designing dexterity games, Kickstarter delays, and the importance of stretching before a con. It was an absolute pleasure to talk with Aron, and with so many upcoming Catacombs projects on the horizon, Jack can't wait to get his flick on.
Time stamps:
00:00:13 - Intro monologue
00:03:34 - (Interview Starts) - Exercise before / during a convention
00:04:50 - Growing up in Canada / Interests /
00:08:20 - Early Gaming & Design leading to the design of Catacombs
00:14:43 - Reflections on gaming habits and career decisions
00:21:39 - In depth discussion about Catacombs development & release
00:32:00 - Kwanchai Moriya's reimagining of the Catacombs universe
00:42:52 - New games (Catacombs Conquest, Catacombs & Castles, etc...)
00:47:20 - Loyalty to Kickstarter backers
00:53:47 - Advice in designing dexterity / all games
01:00:51 - Outro monologue
If you want to talk with Aron West, he and Catacombs will be at the inaugural Shut Up & Sit Down convention in October and the inaugural PAX Unplugged in November.
Helpful links of stuff mentioned in the show:
Elzra Games - https://www.elzra.com
BGG Link for Catacombs - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/195137/catacombs-third-edition
Cardboard Cutouts Episode 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yok25uN0-A
The Cardboard Herald on Twitter - https://twitter.com/CardboardHerald
Thanks everyone for such great response to the Cardboard Cutouts episode 1. We'll have lots and lots more video content include reviews, early impressions, and Cardboard Cutout recommendations soon!
Episode 45 - Morten Monrad Pedersen of the Automa Factory
Morten Monrad Pedersen is best known for his work on the Scythe and Viticulture solo modes, but did you know he too scoffed at solo games just over 5 years ago? I was thrilled to talk with Morten, not only because of his involvement in some of the most celebrated solo games in the industry, but also because his Scythe Automa design was the game that opened my eyes to how and why solo play can be meaningful. We talk about his life growing up in Denmark, his history with computer programming, and how he got wrapped up in all of this solo play stuff with Stonemaier Games.
Episode 44 - David Somerville: co-designer of Vast: The Crystal Caverns
On this episode, Jack and David talk about Asymmetry in Games, the development of Vast (once known as Trove), family, creativity, story telling, and inspiration. Have you listened to our other podcast TCbH reviews yet? Check it out here http://www.cardboardherald.com/tcbhreviews
Episode 43 - Isaac Vega - Designer & Plaid Hat Games VP of Research and Design
You may know Isaac from his numerous Plaid Hat releases, including co-designing the mega-hit Dead of Winter. But what you might not know is that Isaac originally intended to play video games, or how his passion in life is to tell stories. Good thing he found a way to combine the two through tabletop gaming and he couldn't be happier or more appreciative. We talk about life, games, goals, and acceptance. Enjoy!
Episode 42 - Jon Moffat & Gary Mosman of Stone Circle Games
Jon and Gary of Stone Circle Games come on to talk about how this band of brothers came together, what it's like to start a publishing company from scratch, and their upcoming projects including the October 2017 relaunch of the Battle for Biternia kickstarter. Jack also takes some time to talk about 2017 Spiel des Jahres winner Kingdomino and the expansions Tuscany: Essential Edition and Champions of Midgard: Valhalla & The Dark Mountains.
Episode 41 - Anson Maddocks, Classic Magic: the Gathering Artist
Here it is, folks! I've been talking about it for almost a year. I finally get a chance to talk with my all-time favorite Magic: the Gathering Artist, Anson Maddocks. Jack and Anson talk about moving to the desert, evolving art styles, the history of some of the most iconic pieces of Magic art, and how he met fellow Alaskan MTG artist Mark Tedin.
Thank you to Rob Conley for extra production help on this episode. You can find Rob on twitter through his D&D live-play podcast, Paper Heroes www.twitter.com/paperheroescast