Best Gamers Anonymous Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 484 - Our Friends' Favorite Games w/ Dave Eng 1:01:30

19m ago1:01:30

1:01:30

This week we're joined by Dave Eng, host of the Experience Points podcast, leader of the Games-Based Learning Alliance, and founder of Banditos Gaming. He joins us to chat about recent plays, his work in the gaming community, and his own favorite game. Find out more at www.davengdesign.com Acquisition Disorders - River Glassworks, DC Heroes United,…

1
do they get to complain if they didn't help plan? 50:59

1h ago50:59

50:59

In this episode, we delve into the mental load and invisible pressures mothers and primary caregivers often face. We'll listen to a woman whose kids and partner complain about the sleeping conditions at the Airbnb they did nothing to help pick! We discuss the challenges of planning vacations, managing finances, and making family decisions, emphasiz…

1
Episode 483 - Big Stupid Boxes! 1:36:40

3d ago1:36:40

1:36:40

All the components in one place! What could go wrong. Join us as we explore the monkey's paw situation that is the "big box." Why we wanted them, why we regret buying them, and just how big and dumb these things have become. Acquisition Disorders: Saltfjord, Defenders of the Wild At the Table Reviews: Digsaw, Arcs, Self Careless, Twilight Inscripti…

1
what if every conversation we have is a competition? 1:21:37

3d ago1:21:37

1:21:37

In this week's episode, we have a tweet submitted from a listener regarding initial reactions in communication. We discuss collaborative versus competitive communication and how it deeply effects how men and women communicate. Mentioned on this episode: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gottman Article on Accepting Influence From a Partner Study on Collaborat…

1
Episode 482 - Dice Tower Award Nominations & Orgins Awards 1:39:02

10d ago1:39:02

1:39:02

This week, Chris from Board Games for the Better joins Chris one more time to discuss another wave of award nominations from The Dice Tower, and the winners of the Origins Awards. ======= The Board Game Academics Conference for 2024 is taking place on July 4 at Dex Lite in Morristown, NJ. Join us live or in person by registering at https://boardgam…

1
am I the a-hole not cancelling the cleaner when my partner asked me to? 40:29

11d ago40:29

40:29

This week's episode focuses on an AITA found on reddit where the poster wanted to know if she was a jerk for asking her partner to let a cleaner into their flat when he was tired. This one was murky and we're dying to hear what you think! (Join the conversation over on Patreon. You can sub for free!) Read the AITA thread and comments here! Mentione…

1
Episode 481 - Gen Con 2024 Preview 1:40:44

17d ago1:40:44

1:40:44

Chris is joined this week once again by Chris from Board Games For the Better, to discuss Gen Con 2024 and the preview of new games being released or shown at the convention. They discuss the upcoming Board Game Academics conference plus the recent filing for a trademark of the word "meeple." ======= The Board Game Academics Conference for 2024 is …

1
how can we get the whole family to see the work? 44:50

18d ago44:50

44:50

In this week's episode, we discuss how we can course-correct when balance arrives, but the perception of it is still skewed. What work is being noticed? What is being ignored? What can we do to shift the narrative, especially with kids? To use the Persist web app and get a discount, use code DANGER15 https://www.timeforpersist.com/ Referenced in th…

1
Episode 480 - Origins & Spiel de Jahres Awards Nominations 1:24:01

28d ago1:24:01

1:24:01

Anthony's away this week, so Chris from Board Games for the Better joins the podcast to discuss the award nominations for Origins Game Fair and the Spiel des Jahres, both recently announced. Question of the Week: Anthony’s away, so what did YOU play this week? And how would YOU rate it? Acquisition Disorders: Sovereign: Fall of Wormwood, Ada's Drea…

1
is it "over-packing" or is it making sure we have a good time? 55:31

27d ago55:31

55:31

In this week's episode, we discuss the challenges of packing! Why do we pack what we pack? What goes into the process, and why? Packing is a task that's full to the brim with care, consideration, and preparation. A well-planned, well-packed trip means everyone has a better time. Referenced in the episode: Multitool Bluey Episode: The Pool Outside M…

1
RE-RELEASE: someone on the internet said screens were BAD, is that true? with the Gamer Educator! 50:31

1M ago50:31

50:31

Ash Brandin, @thegamereducator, joins Laura and Crystal to talk about the nuances surrounding screens. A video recently went viral on Tiktok where a creator made some serious claims about the harms of screens. Ash chats with us about how you can set boundaries around screens, how screens can be tools and who's really to blame for the significant ro…

1
Episode 479 - No More Expansions! 1:43:48

1M ago1:43:48

1:43:48

Last week we talked about games that need more expansions. This week? Which ones have gone too far? We list off 10 games that have too many expansions and need to stop. Question of the Week: What is the most complex game you know how to play without looking at the rules? Acquisition Disorders: Nucleum: Court of Progress, Star Trek Captain Chair, Ki…

1
Episode 478 - Games that Need an Expansion 1:30:09

1M ago1:30:09

1:30:09

We revisit our original games that need an expansion list from 2018 to see which games eventually got expansions and which we're still waiting on, plus we add 10 more games to the list - so many games that need more content! Acquisition Disorders: Oath New Foundations, Star Trek: Star Realms At the Table Reviews: Cat in the Box Deluxe, Mini Rogue I…

1
what if my needs are making him want to crawl out of his skin? 41:42

1M ago41:42

41:42

In this episode, Crystal and Laura discuss a listener question. She had a friend to visit for a few days and it ended very poorly. What is she supposed to do if she's dying for connection and the way she's getting those needs met are making him a bit miserable? Get ad-free episodes and join the conversation over on Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon!⁠⁠⁠…

1
Episode 477 - Top 10 Reiner Knizia Games 1:29:41

2M ago1:29:41

1:29:41

This week we're looking at the best of the best from one of the best: Reiner Knizia. We whittle down our selection of the ten best of his more than 600 game designs from the last 30 years, plus some previews and reviews of what's coming out soon. Question of the Week: What is the most challenging aspect of the board gaming hobby? (e.g. finding play…

1
isn't that just called being a mom? 50:54

2M ago50:54

50:54

In this episode, Laura and Crystal dive into executive function, anxiety spirals and the complicated space of trying to emotionally regulate as a parent with your emotionally dysregulated kids. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download resources and read more from Crystal and Laura ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have a domestic dilemma or quest…

1
is the diabolical lie that we can work or stay home? 59:47

2M ago59:47

59:47

In this episode, Crystal and Laura discuss the speech Kansas City Chiefs kicker, Harrison Butker, gave at a Catholic university's commencement ceremony. In it, he states that women have been "diabolically lied to," and we agree, but not in the way you think. You can read the full text of Butker's speech here! Listen to Black Disability Politics her…

1
Episode 476 - Origins Game Fair Preview 1:14:40

2M ago1:14:40

1:14:40

Summer is almost upon us and that means convention season! This week we're diving in a bit earlier to look at the games we're expecting to see at Origins Game Fair in June. We also talk about the Golden Geek Award winners at the top of the show, plus give our thoughts on X-Men '97 and the newly announced Lord of the Rings movie coming in 2 (!) year…

1
are "boy rooms" really all that messy? 56:32

2M ago56:32

56:32

In this episode, Laura and Crystal talk about "Boy Room", a show by Rachel Coster. It's an Instagram series that explores the messy and often disturbing world of boy bedrooms in New York City. Comedian Rachel Coster interviews men in their 20s and 30s about their messy living spaces. The rooms are filled with clutter, trash, and filth. The videos h…

1
Episode 475 - Best of Splotter Spellen 1:15:45

2M ago1:15:45

1:15:45

This week, we're looking at the best of the best from Splotter; the heavy, crunchy, kind of mean, and not always pretty (but frequently brilliant) euro games from Jeroen Doumen and Joris Wiersinga. Question of the Week: What game makes you saltier than any other game? Do you avoid playing it? Acquisition Disorders: Dune: War for Arrakis - Desert Wa…

1
the best part about being a dad is not being a mom. 53:05

2M ago53:05

53:05

In this episode, we hear a clip from a podcast where a man VERY PROUDLY explains that he only changes diapers if he's in a good mood, doesn't wake up with the babies during the night and acts like a child. We talk about the importance of reciprocity and the value of care. Fill out our feedback form here! Here's the video of the podcast we play on t…

1
Episode 474 - BGG Award Nominations 1:33:20

2M ago1:33:20

1:33:20

This week, we take a deep dive into the recently announced BBG award nominations to discuss what we like for the awards and which games we want to track down and play before voting. Question of the Week - What's a game for which the retail edition is just as good as the crowdfunded version (or close enough)? Let's talk about games that didn't need …

1
why is knowing everything MY job? 38:25

3M ago38:25

38:25

In this episode, Laura and Crystal discuss the mental load of parenting and the learning that is often assumed by partners socialized as female. We also talk community building through gardening, and, of course, neurodivergence! ⁠⁠Join our Patreon!⁠⁠ Download resources and read more from Crystal and Laura ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have …

1
Episode 473 - BGG Hotness April 2024 1:28:08

3M ago1:28:08

1:28:08

This week, we're joined by special guest Chris Rodriguez from Board Games for the Better to discuss the hottest games on the April 2024 Board Game Geek hotness list. Acquisition Disorders: Vantage, Slay the Spire: The Board Game, 2025 Board Game Mosaic Calendar, Earth Abundance Expansion At the Table Reviews: Trailblazers, Expeditions: Around the W…

1
Episode 472 - Top Selling Board Games for 2023 1:35:01

3M ago1:35:01

1:35:01

This week we look at data from several sources outlining some of the best selling games from 2023, and what we think of how well they sold. What games hit the most tables last year, which expansions did we all hoard? We take a deep dive to find out. Question of the Week: What's the most complex game you'd comfortable recommend for people new(ish) t…

1
am i the a-hole for choosing the bride over my friend? 39:59

3M ago39:59

39:59

In this week's episode, we look at an AITA where someone's caught in a sticky friendship/family situation chock full of emotional labor. We talk about friendship, family, communication and empathy and all of the nuance that exists in our relationships. Read the AITA here! ⁠Join our Patreon!⁠ Download resources and read more from Crystal and Laura ⁠…

1
Episode 471 - Golden Geek Awards - Nominations Picks 1:29:52

3M ago1:29:52

1:29:52

This week we're revisiting the best of the best games of 2023 to discuss what games we will be nominating for the Golden Geek Awards (and why). Check out all of our picks for the last year's best games, plus previews of DC Heroes United and Bebop. * Acquisition Disorders: DC Heroes United, Bebop === Nominate us for a Golden Geek Award! The nominati…

1
Episode 470 - Epic Tabletop Gaming Odyssey: Star Wars and Star Trek 1:16:44

3M ago1:16:44

1:16:44

This week we take you on an epic tabletop odyssey into the worlds of Star Wars and Star Trek board games and RPGs. Find out how to string together some of the best experiences from both IPs at your table. === Nominate us for a Golden Geek Award! The nominations are now open here: https://boardgamegeek.com/geekawards/boardgame We'd appreciate your s…

1
what if i sacrificed my identity to serve my family? 34:27

3M ago34:27

34:27

Laura and Crystal discuss submissions from our audience concerning loss of identity through self-sacrificing. Can we serve others, enjoy it, without sacrificing or losing who we are?Mentioned in this episode: Financial Abuse ResourcesFresh Starts Registry Mikki Kendall ⁠⁠Join our Patreon!⁠⁠ Download resources and read more from Crystal and Laura ⁠⁠…

1
Episode 469 - March Gamer Madness Round 2 1:22:42

3M ago1:22:42

1:22:42

Part two of March Gamer Madness is now! Enjoy our rundown of the 32 best-remaining games from the top non-IP-based themes in board games. Find out which one comes out on top in this year's bracket showdown. This year, we're looking at the most popular non-IP-based themes, meaning the best games featuring: Cats Zombies Aliens Robots Samurai Knights …

1
is it a case for older men or is it a case for girl bossing? 52:40

4M ago52:40

52:40

Crystal and Laura discuss a viral article from The Cut titled 'The Case for Marrying an Older Man'. The article argues that marrying an older man provides women with ease, flexibility, and liberation from the burdens of womanhood. Is that what's it doing?Mentioned in this episode:Rose Hackman's article, I was 14. He was 22. If it wasn't grooming, w…

1
what if he's trying, but it still isn't working? 43:10

4M ago43:10

43:10

In this episode, we discuss a listener's email--she wants to know what to do if her partner is on board but, because of his ADHD, isn't able to follow through. We also touch on our own examples of how each of our neurodivergence shows up in our partnerships--how can we take responsibility for our actions and behaviors while also balancing disabilit…

1
Episode 468 - March Gamer Madness Round 1 1:25:31

4M ago1:25:31

1:25:31

It's time again for March Gamer Madness! Our annual bracket face off challenge pitting 64 board games against each other to find the very best of a very particular set of requirements. This year, we're looking at the most popular non-IP based themes, meaning the best games featuring: Cats Zombies Aliens Robots Samurai Knights Vikings Cowboys === If…

1
Episode 467 - Top 10 Digital Card Games 1:22:21

4M ago1:22:21

1:22:21

We're going digital this week with a look at some of the best all-digital deck builders, card flippers, and more. === If you're attending Long Island Tabletop Gaming Expo, be sure to stop by and say hi, or attend one of our two panels over the weekend: Long Island Tabletop: Level Up Your Teach & Your Mental Health === CONTEST! Our annual March Game…

1
i'm fine, so why are you mad? 43:30

4M ago43:30

43:30

In this episode, we discuss common commentary along the lines of, "I'm not sure why you're so upset! I do what you ask. I never make demands of you. I'm fine, so it kind of seems like you're maybe just mad... to be mad." Oh, and the ole' "You're no fun anymore." EEk! Mentioned in this episode: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/02/if-yo…

1
Episode 466 - ChatGPT Pitches Board Games! 1:20:41

4M ago1:20:41

1:20:41

This week, we give ChatGPT a series of prompts and pitches board games based on those prompts. Chris guesses what input led to the description written by the AI. Can we guess the direction of the generative AI or will it outsmart us with clever designs? * Question of the Week: What's the best thing you've ever purchased for your board game collecti…

1
Is Love truly Blind?? 1:08:09

4M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

By popular demand, Laura and Crystal review Love is Blind, season 6! Just in time for the finale, get all the hot takes on the newest season! ⁠⁠⁠⁠You can find us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download resources and read more from Crystal and Laura ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have a domestic dilemma or question? Leave us a message on Speakpipe! ⁠⁠⁠⁠…

1
Episode 465 - Better than the Board Game... 1:25:03

4M ago1:25:03

1:25:03

We're looking at games that spin off from and are often better than the board game they are based on (dice games, card games, and everything in between). What are some of your favorites that fit this? Acquisition Disorders: Puerto Rico Special Edition, Star Trek Ascendancy on Game Found, Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition Reprint, Cascadia Rollin…

1
but what if they're doing it the wrong way? 46:35

5M ago46:35

46:35

Laura and Crystal discuss a comment left on Instagram--what happens when a partner insists on doing something in the house the "right" way? How do you tell if it's for a bigger reason than preference? Listen to find out! ⁠⁠⁠⁠You can find us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download resources and read more from Crystal and Laura ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

1
BGA Episode 464 - Big Box Store Games, Now with Crunch! 1:17:40

5M ago1:17:40

1:17:40

This week, Anthony and Chris are looking at some of the many games to hit big box stores as exclusives or limited time releases (or streamlined versions of long time classics), in particular, Target and its long run of hobby games. Question of the Week: What's the best designer/publisher combo? Acquisition Disorders: King of Tokyo: Origins, Fled, F…

1
wait, what is the internet for? 50:57

5M ago50:57

50:57

In this episode, Crystal and Laura discuss a viral video, separation anxiety, and the existential crisis that is the internet. Join us in the fray! Mentioned in this episode: Danielle Bayard Jackson Ashley Simpo ⁠⁠⁠⁠You can find us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download resources and read more from Crystal and Laura ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have…

1
Episode 463 - Top 10 Vladimir Suchy Games 1:27:28

5M ago1:27:28

1:27:28

We're looking at the best of the best from Vladimir Suchy this week, running down our top 10 of his very diverse ludography. Question of the Week: What's a game you think should be in the upper pantheon of board games that everyone stopped talking about? Acquisition Disorders: Inferno Deluxe Edition, Dante: Inferno At the Table Reviews: Flamecraft,…

1
shouldn't i just be grateful? 46:16

5M ago46:16

46:16

Laura and Crystal discuss a listener's question that we hear all. the. time. "if my partner is better than they used to be, shouldn't I just be grateful?" ⁠⁠⁠⁠You can find us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download resources and read more from Crystal and Laura ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have a domestic dilemma or question? Leave us a message on Sp…

1
Episode 462 - Stonemaier Games Tier List 1:40:28

5M ago1:40:28

1:40:28

Anthony and Chris run through the catalog of Stonemaier Games and put them on a tier list using our review rating scale. Plus: Question of the Week: What do you do in support of tabletop gaming? Organize? Design? Publish? Media? Events? DM? Teach games? Acquisition Disorders: Speakeasy, Stefan Feld City Collection Nassau & Kathmandu, Kemet Blood an…

1
what if your values don't align? 31:11

5M ago31:11

31:11

In this episode, Crystal and Laura discuss the reality show 'Welcome to Plathville' and the recent divorce of Olivia and Ethan Plath. They explore the high-control environment and fundamentalist Christianity portrayed in the show, as well as the impact of coercive control and gender roles on their relationship. The conversation delves into the impo…

1
Episode 461 - BGG Hotness for February 2024 1:15:49

5M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

It's that time again; we take a deep dive into the best games currently listed on BoardGameGeek's hotness list, plus we have fresh new reviews and previews: Question of the Week: Let's talk expansions: what new elements added to a game have the best chance to wow you and enter rotation? (e.g. asymmetry, new cards, the dreaded 5th player) Acquisitio…

1
why are love languages so insidious? 47:25

6M ago47:25

47:25

In this episode, Laura interviews Crystal about the Love Languages episode (yes, we're still talking about it!) And they also discuss how "checklist advice" hurts men more than women. Mentioned in this episode: Man Discovers Wife's Journals After Her Death All About Love by bell hooks ⁠⁠⁠⁠You can find us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download resources and read …

1
Episode 460 - BGG's Top 100 Thematic Games 1:35:43

6M ago1:35:43

1:35:43

This week, we're looking at the top 100 thematic games as listed on BoardGameGeek.com. Which ones deserve to be ranked so high and which would we drop lower? Find out in a full rundown of the top 100 listing on BGG. Question of the Week: What's your favorite thematic game and why? Acquisition Disorder: Steam Power, EVE: War for New Eden, Conan by M…

1
BGA Episode 459 - The Dreaded Burn! 1:39:28

6M ago1:39:28

1:39:28

Over the last 10+ years, we've reviewed a lot of games. Hundreds of experiences, many of which we really enjoyed. But every now and then, a game hits just wrong, and we can't help but give it our dreaded "burn" rating. This week, we're taking a look back at some of these duds, and discussing why they fell flat for us. For those eager to hear more n…

1
what if love languages are bulls**t? 1:02:17

6M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

In this episode, Crystal and Michael Vaughn (@world.shaker) discuss the Five Love Languages, and how it has the potential to damage your relationship! Find Michael at beacons.ai/worldshaker Mentioned in this episode: I love the way you love me: Responding to partner’s love language preferences boosts satisfaction in romantic heterosexual couples Sp…

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