Intertextual Experience: A Board Game Podcast

#48 - David Masnato: Pax @ PAX

From the slight burn of a slide that’s gotten too hot in the late afternoon sun to the sense of ecstasy (mixed with a slight tinge of panic) from getting a little higher on the swing than you’d ever gotten before–and everything in between–it’s clear that you’ve had an awesome day at the playground. This episode’s conversation with artist and designer David Masnato taps into a similar wonder, exploring the joys of creating and being human. There’s so much that sticks out in this episode, but David’s reflections on art that inspires him, the power of various board game communities, and breaking paradigms regarding different genres and ways we play creates extremely welcoming and optimistic thoughts to consider as the board gaming hobby constantly changes. Then there’s some of my nonsense, of course. Come for a guided trip around the playground and stay for the poignant reflections provided by David (and don’t forget to sign up for the Intertextual Experience Playground Google Drawing subscription services). Anyway, David’s game, Pax Playground is being released through the Indie Game Night Market at PAX Unplugged. With that, the reworking of his award winning Roux Mates, and more designs and contributions to other board games such as Pax Penning, there’s a lot to look forward to from him! Check out David’s work and social media! Website Board Game Geek Page Bluesky Here is a slides presentation created by the various snapshots of our playground journey. This will serve as the rest of the show notes (for now)! Listen to the show, and then come back to see the journey unfold again with visual context. The slides presentation also has the games mentioned on one slide and then all of the other awesome work I said I’d link in the show notes as well. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

#47 - Jeff Grisenthwaite: Board Game Are(ca)na

As fate and coincidence would have it, designer Jeff Grisenthwaite and I had actually met and played games together once and then played games at different tables of a smaller meetup just months after that. It wasn’t until our shared interest in Board Game Arena and Jeff’s great games led me to reach out before we were able to piece that together (and those games weren’t out when we’d first met or had just been released in a limited capacity). Anyway, the Wheel of Fortune timed out well, and Jeff was able to add a ton of insight into a topic that’s frequently on my mind due to how much time I spend there, and that is the aforementioned board game playing website, Board Game Arena. Several months back, Jeff wrote an article about his experience of developing his own games for the site—which is extremely cool—and this episode dives a little further into some of those thoughts. Additionally/obviously, there is some of the show’s typical antics, funky formatting, and fun discussions about playing games based on vibes, nerd beach reads, Jeff’s history of tarot reading, and more. Based on the conversation, check out the following: Jeff’s BGA Article (linked in previous paragraph as well) Jeff’s Designer Page Jeff on Bluesky Break My Game Protospiel Chicago Intro (0:00) Talking tarot and the barren days of BGA. Cursed Soothsayers (17:44) This is the majority of the conversation. Based on the actions/cards that Jeff selected, the conversation encompasses a lot of his blog post and more. “BGA is weird.” This is the perfect place to dive into some of the “why” behind that. Speaking of weird, here is the slideshow that guided our conversation. Wrap-up Questions (1:15:28) A text on Jeff’s mind and things to look out for from him in the future! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

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#46 - Amabel Holland: Episode of Six Video Essays

Back like it never left, Intertextual Experience welcomes Amabel Holland—designer, video essayist, author, and co-owner of Hollandspiele—for its forty-sixth episode. Amabel has been making my favorite board game media through her video essays, so this conversation is in conversation with those videos. While the title of the episode is “Episode of Six Video Essays,” technically only four wind up being explicitly chosen through this installment’s game. With that being said, Amabel’s nuanced responses connect to more than the selected six, weaving in various other essays (future ones as well), games, movies, and more media to explore the ways in which art can impact us, why preservation is important, and how being unique and filling different niches will push boundaries of what games can do or be even if it might not be the most commercially viable strategy. Additionally, there is discussion of immersive sims and the correct way to eat skittles, some very impressive word game play, and much more. This is not an episode to miss. Speaking of things you don’t want to miss, check out following things from Amabel: Video Essays Hollandspiele Website Patreon Bluesky Here are the documents used in this episode: the reference document (serves as the games mentioned in this episode as well) and the word game itself. In order to not spoil too much, the sections of the episode are going to not have too many extra notes. Technically, you could cross reference the show notes, episode cover image, and the reference document to figure out what’s being talked about within each section; it’s a mini-puzzle in a sense. Regardless, each section is basically just the title of each video essay. Intro and State of the Video Essays (0:00) Should Board Games Be Frustrating (24:32) The general frame of the word game is described right at the beginning, and then it moves to frustration in some various games. Boxes: Selling, Framing, Meaning (44:42) [There is a small, fun, post-credit audio bit that was originally in this section.] Replay Value: Repetition, Ritual, and Improvement (57:07) Expanding Board Games (1:09:27) Wrap-up Questions (1:19:31) A text on Amabel’s mind and things to look forward to from her! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

#45 - Taylor Reiner: The Quiz 2 – Trick-Taking Romanticism – Everything’s a Sequel – You Can’t End on a Toot for Me, I’m Gonna Toot on You

Taylor Reiner. The Quiz 2. Since Taylor was on the show in September 2023, he’s been busy with designing, developing, making videos, and more. We get to explore some of the things Taylor has been working on through the lens of sequels, other media, and just general chaos by the way of The Return of the Quiz. Check out Taylor’s Trick Taking Table See Taylor’s designs and developments. Follow Taylor’s Bluesky. Games Mentioned in this Episode Intro (0:00) Reflecting on my butchered introduction, the time that’s passed, and the extreme success of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring — Trick-Taking Game. Then we set up the quiz. The Quiz 2 (8:14) Can’t spoil the contents of the newest quiz, but there’s a new fun section called “The Tricky Minute.” Also, the question on everyone’s mind is if SSX Tricky makes a return. Home Alone 2 The Crew 2 Renaissance - Enlightenment - Romanticism 2 Mini-Director’s Commentary (55:45) Keeping the quiz short and then doing a full Director’s Commentary as a later episode that paired with this was an initial thought of mine. Fortunately that didn’t work out, especially as that will allow more breath and rumination for The Quiz 3. Taylor reflects on sequels in general, Slay the Spire 2, and Oreos here. Wrap-up Questions (1:05:32) A non-StS2 text on Taylor’s mind and what to look out for from him. There’s a 250 character limit for the titles, in case you’re wondering. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

#44 - Tom Brewster: Board Games, Board Games, and… Chip Cat Breach

Shut Up & Sit Down’s Tom Brewster joins Intertextual Experience for our 44th episode, perhaps with the show’s most adventurous format yet (so adventurous that time stamps honestly wouldn’t make much sense–and that’s not just me trying to get out of doing the time stamps). In a roguelite/like/who the heck knows the difference (& don’t go barking at me; I’ve watched all the videos that try to differentiate them and then see everyone else still arguing in the comments) structure, we fight the Western canon, make bean wine, create and remix the game we’re playing in real time, converse about wanting to share the beautiful parts of our hobbies with others, and just have so many other great moments sprinkled within a pretty wild time. This “roguelike” winds up being “4X” in a sense; it explores exploration, experience, expectations, and extermination–poor bat. If none of that makes sense, you’ll just have to listen. If all of that makes sense, you’re in the right spot. You know where to find Shut Up & Sit Down, but here’s their YouTube channel & here’s Tom on Bluesky. In lieu of the various time-stamped sections, attached below is a comprehensive slides presentation that includes the slides for Chip Cat Breach, images of the games within the game, the character creation page, the games mentioned in this episode, and more? Tom does an excellent job of bringing the visual elements of this audio-only show to life. I suggest waiting until after a listen to check out these slides to see how everything matches up in your head, but you’re your own person. Click here for slides. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

#43 - Alex Hague: Gaming Through Magenta-Colored Glasses

Intertextual Experience is ecstatic to bring in the New Year with Alex Hague, the CEO of board game company CMYK. For a show that likes to explore ideas and stories through different lenses, CMYK provides a perfect color model for us to create these different colored lenses. Through a twisted version of the game Figment, Alex is subjected to a slew of challenges and questions while coming out victorious. Come explore CMYK’s vision, the Hot Streak that was 2025 for the company, an alternate reality where CMYK is a war game publisher, and so much more. As an audio only podcast, you might feel as if you’re missing out on some of the fun, but do not anguish! Here is the slide show presented for Alex (and for the sake of saving links, the games mentioned in the episode will get their own slide after the main images of “the game”). Check out CMYK’s games here. Sign up for their newsletter at the bottom. Follow Alex on Bluesky “Oh, it's like the tip-off of a basketball game.” (0:00) Story, beginning, and a tale told through colors. “We're looking at, like, a… is that an axial view?” (17:07) Vibing. A throughline of sorts for CMYK games. Noted in this section! Recently, Alex was interviewed for one of Amabel Holland’s amazing video essay series. The most recent video titled “Boxes: Selling, Framing, Meaning” is linked. Check that out and then check out the rest of Amabel’s videos if you haven’t. “A series of concentric circles with some stars inside of it.” (38:44) Gaps/lines/connections were all possible topics for this one; based on Alex’s selection, the line of questioning was mostly focused on the first option, gaps.. Lacuna. “Anthropomorphic hot dog mascot with, you know, some, like, sort of soulless eye holes.” (49:52) All versions of this question focused on CMYK’s 2025 in some way (outside of one really out of pocket option). Wrap-up Questions (1:03:04) A text on Alex’s mind and things to look out for from CMYK in 2026 (don’t be greedy—wasn’t their 2025 output enough?!)! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

Vodcast 7 - ID EST What ID EST—2025 Reflection

Happy New Year! In a couple weeks, the show returns with an awesome guest. If you hang around here with me for just a little bit though, you'll get to hear about the state of the show (changes were made this year, and things have been a little slower than desired anticipated—all good though), some video and board games I rank quite highly in my end of year thoughts, and a potential giveaway. My logged plays from this year (a bit wonky—explained in episode). The Steam link mentioned. Board Game Giveaway Bohnanza! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

#42 - Ray Billings — The Host: A Board Game Virus (or How Authenticity Will Cure Virality)

Ray Billings, Digital Content Specialist for The Op, joins the show to share her expertise in all things related to marketing and creating media for board games. Don’t let my lack of knowledge on the subject make you Tapple out of this conversation, as Ray’s wit and wisdom will provide many Hues and Cues as to how you too can authentically create for the things you are passionate about. Cheesiness aside, this episode is amazing. Being able to look at board games through this lens provides a ton of insight not just for the sake of how we might pitch games as products, but also as to how we can create and talk in ways that make games a more welcoming space. Additionally, there’s talk about Katamari, email factories, live streaming, lingo, and so much more. Check out Ray’s work on The Op’s TikTok page, her own Bluesky account, the R&R Show, and the BoardGameWire feature discussed in the episode! Games Mentioned in this Episode ⚀ Intro (0:00) The moment where Ray’s skills and interests intersected. Also, job titles. ⚁ Hats (10:23) The aforementioned “Email Factory” is just a part of Ray’s day to day. Furthermore, the day to day will vary with all sorts of different days at the office, conventions, and everything else that can pop up. Ray also talks about being on the R&R Show, live streaming, and other fun work stories. ⚂ “How board game maker The Op got 8 million TikTok views last month” (31:19) Early in her position at The Op, Ray wrote a feature for BoardGameWire based on some wild success she achieved. This section discusses the article, both from how that core vision holds and how things have changed with time/changes in media/experience. ⚃ Hypotheticals (40:26) “How would you approach digital media and marketing if you were the Digital Content Specialist of …?” That’s this section. ⚄ Wrap-up Questions (59:12) A big shout out for the fact that Ray was recently recognized as a finalist for the Wonder Woman Award for Women in Toys nonprofit organization! Per usual, we’re talking about some texts on her mind and looking forward to some things in Ray’s future. ----------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

#41 - Ruel Gaviola: Seventh Inning Stretch—Roll Out the Board Games

2025 World Series Game One Release Date Intertextual Experiences enthusiastically welcomes back the once 16th guest of the show, Ruel Gaviola. Ruel’s passion for baseball was made known to me through our first episode, seeing his social media posts (check out Ruel’s Bluesky), and running into Ruel in his vibrant Dodger blue hat at Gen Con. So when “my” Brewers (attempted to) face his Dodgers, I knew I had to reach out. In this episode, we chat about baseball, a couple baseball related games, seventh-inning stretches, what a “seventh-inning stretch” type of game could be, baseball movies, and so much more. Come for the baseball, stay for a delightful conversation with insights about how constantly refocusing in the midst of creating media that brings people joy so that things are well-balanced while one (Ruel in this instance) is making so ——reword In addition to his Bluesky, check out Ruel’s YouTube channel, Good Morning Society, and The R&R Show (on Rahdo’s Runthrough–just linked an episode here. Much like a seventh inning stretch, where you’re trying to cram in a bathroom break, vending trips for a hot dog, maybe some nachos, beers (?), and, of course, singing, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” this episode tries to pack a lot into a short period of time. The chapters will just be the three “outs” of an inning because the sections in this episode are a little less concrete than normal (which is saying something), which kind of makes sense within the context of an inning’s structure. First Out (0:00) Welcoming back Ruel to the show Ruel’s love of the game Going to the ballpark Baseball movies Ted Lasso? More Second Out (19:57) Seventh-inning stretch board games? Seventh-inning stretch in general Mascot races Baseball scorekeeping Baseball board games More Final Out (46:03) Usual wrap-up questions: A text on Ruel’s mind & where to check out Ruel and his work! Games mentioned in this episode document. Episode Image Credits: Image by Books Sun from Pixabay ----------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

#40 - Pete Wissinger—Crit(ical Thinking Skill)s and Trick(y question)s: A Back to School Special

Intertextual Experience is now over the hill with its 40th guest and is also over the moon that it’s with designer, developer, and podcaster, Pete Wissinger. Pete’s also a teacher, so this episode thinks about the relationships between teaching and gaming as well as how the unique schedule of being a teacher can aid and/or hinder being creative in the board game space. We talk about coffee consumption, games that work well in the classroom, the idea of learning in general, designer diaries, cursed concoctions of board game mechanisms, and so much more. Check out Pete on the Decision Space Podcast, Bluesky, and BoardGameGeek. The show is structured around a “Play-CT” test, which isn’t really like the ACT in any way whatsoever. While having the freedom to choose going through this line of questioning in any way he’d like, Pete—**spoilers**—chooses to go through it chronologically. The document provided for Pete is going to be linked here, and I’ll also add the games mentioned in the episode at the bottom of that document: That document Seeing as the document provides all of the questions and it’s easily accessible, the chapter breakdowns will be short (and/or goofier than normal, if possible). Intro (0:00) English (13:19) It’s all about context here. Some introductory questions in addition to chatting about what designer diaries can add to the experience of all parties involved. Quick Math (43:20) Only the most accurate percentages are accepted as correct answers here, and there’s a Google Drawn balancing scale thing on the document linked above that’s definitely worth checking out. Reading [Into Things] (55:00) This section is mostly about connections: Links between designing, podcasting, and developing People to the hobby itself etc. Science? (1:11:56) Like a peanut butter and mayo sandwich, Pete concocts some game combinations that might sound disgusting but are actually delicious (the game ideas do actually sound fun though—that sandwich would be puke-inducing). Writing and Extra Credit (1:17:01) Writing here is the substitute for the usual wrap-up questions, and extra credit is extra credit. ----------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

#39 - Connie Vogelmann—Bee, Beeing, Beeen: A Cleansing Space Flight

What does it mean to exist? In a world where humans are essentially replaced by bees that have evolved in their sentience and capabilities (primarily in space travel, as they already were super capable), that’s a question for them to deal with. Anyway/fortunately, designer Connie Vogelmann is the captain of the cosmic journey that is this show’s 39th episode. Through Connie’s beekeeping knowledge and design acumen, the flight is much more smooth than if I were to navigate the design spaces of her fantastic game Apiary. Each action is paired with hopefully not too tenuously connected questions, and Connie additionally details the actions as well as some strategies behind those actions. For the sake of not spoiling those choices too much (Connie picks each action after initially being assigned Explore), each chapter/section that matches the action will be vaguely described. Check out Connie’s designs on BoardGameGeek Social media on Bluesky and the upcoming expansion to Wyrmspan, the Dragon Academy expansion. Intro (0:00) Explore (8:48) I did say this was the first action, and Connie discusses what caused the bees to rise in power. The Titular Cleansing Flight (15:24) Some fun facts linked to specific tiles in the game (hopefully vague enough). Before the Bees Went to Space (23:44) Apiary didn’t initially take place in space. How did that alter/potentially open up the design? Queen Competition? (31:35) There is no queen competition in the game. Connie explains how that doesn’t really fit into the game’s general feeling and mechanisms. Wyrmspan! (44:52) Birds to dragons. Dragons to the comments. Lore and more. How Much Favor is Too Much Favor? (49:06) The sheer amount of content and variety in Apiary is staggering. It allows for you to play radically different from game to game, and adapting my plays in different tactical ways is one of my favorite parts about the game. Connie talks about balancing all of that here. “Hibenation” (55:03) AKA the typical wrap up questions: a text on Connie’s mind and what to look out for from her as she transitions to board game design full time! Games mentioned in the episode document. ----------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

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#38 - Mr Ben: (Mr) Ben or Nothing [Mystery Box #1]

Mr Ben, a creator with many hats, joins the show to talk about his online store, travel-games.co.uk and the different sides of the hobby travel-games is entering by way of design, publication, localization, mystery boxes that expose people to a variety of games coming out of the Tokyo Game Market, and much more. Instead of blathering on, I’ll leave you with this great quote of Mr Ben’s in the episode: “He’s not harmful; he just drives you a little bit mad, which I think is quite nice, so I made a little story about that, which I’m going to put in the box, I think.” Travel-games is linked above, but here it is again! Information about Best of Neapolitan on Trickster's Table. Mr Ben's Design Page Introduction (0:00) How Mr Ben’s board gaming background led to travel-games.co.uk travel-books.games.movies.adaptations (11:06) Opening the mystery box. Intertextuality at its finest. What Mr Ben is reading as well as some book adaptations that work on the screen and cardboard. Rotating Poultry (25:49) Mr Ben’s design process and a whole bunch of awesome games to look forward to! ”The Underdog” (45:26) This title really doesn’t have that much to do with the section? But it’s a Spoon song. I guess I can BOAST that I make really ridiculous chapter titles. Or that I eat a lot of Neapolitan. Or both. 8-bits and bobs (1:12:46) Handhelds and retro gaming. Wrap-up Questions (1:25:32) Some texts on Mr Ben’s mind as well as even more to look out for from him! [As it's about one in the morning, I'm realizing the "games mentioned Google Doc" is incomplete. That will be uploaded some time during the day of 8/13] ----------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

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Vodcast 6 - Early Access? — Intertextual Experience: A Board Game Podcast

You'll need to listen to the full episode for more details, but there's a giveaway for a new copy of Power Vacuum. I purchased two copies because I'm a weirdo (the particulars of that weirdness are also explained in the episode). This particular prize is for the continental US, but send me an email responding to the questions posed in the episode if you're anywhere else in the world, and you'll technically be in the running for a prize (tbd). The contest ends after August 31st. Email me at vodthepod@gmail.com The episode details a lot of my thoughts more than I am here, but I'm very excited for this show to start turning the pages of a new chapter. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done by "buying me a coffee" and/or buying a copy of my board game (I like it). All of my socials and support information can be found here: Intertextual Experience Linktree

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#37 - Josh Wood: Let's Go? To Wisconsin

Josh Wood, designer and developer at AEG, joins the show as I lead him on a tour of my great home state, Wisconsin. Despite my chaotic whims as a tour guide, Josh had some say in the destination choices, “drafting” between one of two locations for our third through sixth stops—with those selections discarding a different set of prepared questions. Fortunately for you, the third member of this trip, you were in for a treat no matter what locations/questions were selected, as Josh’s attention to detail, place, movement, stories, art, and experience leave you with a fantastic episode (and awesome games; go check out Josh’s games). Josh’s: BGG Page Instagram Bluesky Let’s Go! To Japan Designer Diary #1…. and #2 Pre-timestamp/chapter notes note: As the structure of this a selection between locations that each have their own linked question, these notes won’t explicitly spell out “where” we’re going or what the question is explicitly, but there will be a high-level idea mentioned. The first two locations were kind of linked to some introductory thoughts, so those will be more normal. Additionally, the travel distances will be posted on the Games Mentioned in this Episode Google Doc (click if you listened, otherwise you’ll be spoiled a bit). Show Introduction and the Apostle Islands (0:00) How Josh’s background in visual effects has entered his game design mixed in with some stories behind his art/art direction. Spring Green/House on the Rock (10:33) Josh talks about the story behind Let’s Go! To Japan and other autobiographical elements of his design. Some of the aforementioned focus on place and theme take place here as well. [Semi-related, but I misspoke and said this was a Frank Lloyd Wright design. While he is a part of the story, he definitely wasn’t the person who designed it, as that was Alex Jordan Jr., so look up more of that story because it’s pretty interesting.] All That Glitters is not Bronze? (28:33) The first selected location! Production, pieces, and tactility. Dark of the Moon (37:50) Development and curation. On the Shoulders of Mammoths (46:24) Movement as an extra dimension in games. Burratahead (54:31) Green and gold and cheesy goodness. Wrap-up Questions (1:00:25) We take an unexpected final stop to talk about the show’s expected final questions: some texts on Josh’s mind as well as designs and developments to look out for from him. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done here: Buy Me a Coffee vodthepod@gmail.com Bluesky — @intertextuality.bsky.social Check out my game, Oversized Sandwich, on BGG and DriveThruCards (to purchase)‬

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#36 - Chad Elkins: 25th Century Games in the 21¼st Century

Chad Elkins, Founder and Lead Developer at 25th Century Games, joins the show for its 25th 36th episode. This episode is so piping hot that you’ll need your best stoneware mug to keep it contained. Through a ton of insightful commentary on general development, localization, and reprinting games, and the fun stories surrounding all of these processes, there are so many takeaways to things I’d been wondering about for some time. Chad also gives away the “formuoli” for getting the rights to something like Ra. With so much enjoyable conversation here, make sure you Run Run Run! to wherever you listen to your podcasts and check out this episode. There’s a lot to look out for 25th Century Games, so check out their website, social media profiles, and current crowdfunding project (wrapping up soon, but there will be a late-pledge option on Kickstarter until the the pledge manager on Backerkit opens, where late-pledging will be available as well!) 25th Century Games Website 25th Century Games on Bluesky Observatory and Star Gazers on Kickstarter Intro, The State of 25th Century Games in 2025, and Mugs (0:00) Chad and I technically connected first through mugs, so we start off the conversation chatting about those, a game group that's been going strong for one-tenth of a decade, and how 25th is doing in ‘25. Some of that Sweet, Homegrown Localization [is that an oxymoron?] (20:39) 25th Century Games has published a whole bunch of games through several different means over not too long of a history. Listening to the process, care, and relationships built through different types of publications was a treat for me! “I Invoke Ra!” (37:18) We talk about Ra, which is pretty obvious based on this chapter title, BUT Chad also discusses different approaches when it comes to handling reworking games for reprints. Furthermore, he brings up a fun fact about the number in the BGG url matching its entry in the site’s database (Ra being 12). When I was adding the links to the document that tries to capture all of the games mentioned in this episode (see below), I saw that Catan was 13th–fun coincidence. Import Collections (52:32) A quick bit where Chad has to guess my most played 25th Century Game. Wrap-up Questions (1:01:29) A text on Chad’s mind and things to look out for from 25th Century Games. Games Mentioned in this Episode If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done here: Buy Me a Coffee vodthepod@gmail.com Bluesky Oversized Sandwich (to purchase) —check its BGG too—these show notes are too long with that hyperlinked (lol)

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#35 - Kaleb Wentzel-Fisher: Power Vacuum or (The Death of The Brave Little Toaster: A Space Odyssey)

In the show’s 35th episode, we are super electrified to have designer Kaleb Wentzel-Fisher join us and to talk about Power Vacuum and so much more. The stories here might shock you! The puns I force Kaleb to make might make your hair stand on end! That’s all a part of the guarantee that you are in for a more fun time than a stroll down the aisle of your local appliance store. But in all seriousness, this is a great episode. You already knew that. Check out Kaleb’s work: Website Blue Sky Power Vacuum (purchasable through Keen Bean Studio) [The intro kind of forgot the number initially, making things sound a little funky–but that was corrected shortly after–lol.] NEW SHOW NOTES FEATURE–Google Doc of Games Mentioned this Episode Prologue (0:00) Several fun introductory anecdotes, and Kaleb is set up with a task that will help “set the scene” for each of the following acts. Act I (18:30) Exploring Kaleb’s backgrounds in film and sound in order to see how they have made their way into Kaleb’s board game design thoughts. Kaleb and Malachi Ray Rempen (Keen Bean Studio) have a very interesting backstory, and Kaleb reflects on that here as well. Act II (48:11) Some quotes taken from The Death of Stalin, an inspiration for Power Vacuum, and some random questions based on those quotes. Act III (1:15:16) What constitutes an appliance? How did Power Vacuum come to exist? What is the meaning of life? Two of those three questions are answered. Probably. Epilogue (1:41:26) A text on Kaleb’s mind and things to look out for from him in the future. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done here: Buy Me a Coffee vodthepod@gmail.com Bluesky Instagram TikTok Oversized Sandwich BGG Oversized Sandwich (to purchase)

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Vodcast 5 - Show Noteception

An episode about show notes with my shortest show note section yet. This episodes talks about the state of the show (all good and more good to come [sorry about any pause 😔], how I obsess over show notes (a bit too much), and genre and how different games have differing ease in returning to them. To keep up the bit about the short notes here, there are no time stamps; it all kind of flows in and out with maybe sensible transitions, much like a dream (within a dream [within a...]). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done here: Buy Me a Coffee vodthepod@gmail.com Bluesky Instagram TikTok Oversized Sandwich BGG Oversized Sandwich (to purchase)

#34 - Carl Robinson—Kelp: Fun vs. Fun

In this interview, fun isn’t actually competing, but different types of fun and the way they interact with each other are being examined. As a little thought experiment, which games pop into your head when you think about the thrill of danger? Carl Robinson, designer of the hit game Kelp: Shark vs. Octopus, joins the show to discuss something that has been on his mind for quite some time, and that’s the way fun is discussed when examining board games. As a designer of a game that is a whole lot of fun, Carl has some great insights into this matter. And the discussion is well… it’s just fun. Enjoy! Check out Carl’s work on BoardGameGeek and reflections on Bluesky. Introductory Questions (0:00) Carl’s early experiences with board games. Introduction to this Episode’s Structure (12:38) And why Carl has been thinking about this topic. Here is the trimmed up sheet with the links and everything for all of the game’s Carl mentioned. It serves as a good extra set of show notes to link the BGG pages of the games (so you can all see credits on there), and it’s a fun look behind the scenes, of sorts. Social Interaction and Fellowship (23:11) Discovery (26:53) Winning/Competition (37:07) Comedy (49:00) Application of an Ability (54:25) Being Silly (59:31) Relaxation/Immersion/Submission (1:09:46) Discovery Revisited (1:22:08) Sensation (1:26:47) Failing/”Stupid” Games (1:34:48) Power (1:41:08) Fun in Kelp! (1:51:07) Wrap-up Questions (1:59:52) A text on Carl’s mind, what to look out for from him, and how thinking about the focus of this episode has impacted those particular projects. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done here: Buy Me a Coffee vodthepod@gmail.com Bluesky Instagram TikTok

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#33 - Candice Harris: Musical Board Game Layers with a Percussively Inclined Player

A close second place option for the episode title was “Meeplekeeper’s Palace.” Also, there’s a little bit of a note in the episodes after the credits (kind of as an epilogue). In the past, I’ve done a couple prologue/pre-show notes; if necessary, I’d do them again. This particular note makes more sense at the end, so make sure you’re tuned in until the “end end.” ANYWAY, Candice Harris joins the show for a super special thirty-third episode! Candice is a lifelong musician and took a similar proclivity of deep-diving things she’s passionate about to board games, where she’s a media creator for BoardGameGeek. The list of things she doesn’t do there would be shorter than what she does, but a few of her contributions include hosting the BoardGameGeek Podcast, Cardboard Creations, TeaForge, The Quad, and probably something else I’m missing. Candice also writes, creates, and contributes in many other capacities, with recent work on BGG’s 25th Anniversary Hall of Fame Inductees (click here for video!). The confluence of those interests is what this episode is about, and excitingly Candice has designed a board game, Rivals of Rock, coming to crowdfunding later this year (the game came up organically within some of the topics several times with fun and insightful stories from Candice, but I had a section with a few more questions 🙁 —this note is part of the epilogue). Subscribe to Rivals of Rock’s game page to receive updates about the game here! Tune in for an amazing episode about board games, music, games about music, peculiar game night habits, reticular activating systems, and more! Follow Candice's upcoming newsletter, Squawk 'N' Roll! Intro (0:00) Candice’s musical journey and current relationship with music. Verse (11:31) Band Titles Music skills and approaches transferring into other elements of life Shows/movies that feature drums Trick-taking Interlude (34:27) In hindsight, I should’ve dubbed this one “trick-taking solo,” not as in solo trick-taking games but a section featuring trick-taking games—its solo. Verse (52:09) Board games about music Music with games: Games with music created specifically for them, playlists, and other ways in which you can listen while playing Musically-driven board game characters Outro (1:23:16) A text on Candice’s mind and what to look out for from her! ****Drum kit image courtesy of Clker-Free-Vector-Images via Pixabay Meeple picture taken by me. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done here: Buy Me a Coffee vodthepod@gmail.com Bluesky Instagram TikTok

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#32 - Marceline Leiman: A High Tide of Indie Designs

Designer Marceline Leiman joins the show for an episode that ebbs and flows in such an engaging way, much like the tides and other marvels in nature. Amongst many other games, Marceline recently designed High Tide, which was an extreme success at the Indie Games Night Market and serves as an anchor for much of this conversation. The game was handcrafted with so many unique considerations and stories that I was fortunate enough to hear, and you will be able to too now. In addition to this indie market release, there will be a subsequent production through Underdog Games! I’m by no stretch an expert in the tides (or the ocean, or much of anything for that matter), but my cursory “research” shows that the biggest waves typically come in right before high tide. And a wave is an apt descriptor of how Marceline has been creating lately, with many things to look forward to from her. Grab yourself a tea (or coffee) and enjoy a wonderful episode. Check out Marceline on Bluesky and BoardGameGeek Intro and Character/Craft/Creation (0:00) Tea Seeing something and feeling the human creation that went into it Thermostat boxes “I [the tide] am inevitable.” (35:18) After discussing a lot of the physicality and process of creating everything needed to play the game, Marceline dives into stories of how the game plays–how a main focus was the intentionality of having the game constantly moving forward. “To Indie or Not to Indie?” (50:00) This sub-header probably isn’t the most apt, but I liked it. Anyway, Marceline reflects on researching games throughout history, the purposefulness of seeing those connections in modern games, and how that’s being worked into her designs. Bluer Skies Ahead (1:12:50) In addition to appreciating Marceline’s designs, I cannot overstate how thoughtful her social media presence is. The threads read like stories and touch on game design, social issues, the overlap between them, and a multitude of other things. Thank you, Marceline! Wrap-up Questions (1:30:27) A text on Marceline’s mine and future games to look out for. ***The cover image is currently a picture from Marceline, posted on BGG and elsewhere. As I like trying to personally make unique episode images, I have a plan for something here (just not the time, as I want this one to be really good/different; there are a couple others I want to go back and redo). Regardless, this is a gorgeous picture, and you get to see the awesome production of the game from it being the current image.*** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like this show, liking it on whatever platform you listen to and writing a review would mean so much! Furthermore, it's as independent as it gets, so any financial support would help with the subscriptions that make this project go smoothly. That can be done here: Buy Me a Coffee vodthepod@gmail.com Bluesky Instagram TikTok

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