Best Jaina and Sharon Podcasts (2024)

1
A History of Roll and Write Games 13:51

8M ago13:51

13:51

For this inaugural episode, your host Jaina brings you back in time to learn about the history of dice, and how we got from flipping sticks as dice to the first modern roll and write games. Listen in for a short and sweet tour through time from around 2500 BCE through to the 1970s, and make sure to tune in on September 22 to continue the journey th…

1
A Nerdstorian's Guide to Modern Board Games 2:17

9M ago2:17

2:17

Welcome to A Nerdstorian's Guide to Modern Board Games! I'm your host, Jaina, and I'll be taking you on time travel adventures, looking at the history of modern board game mechanisms to figure out how we got to where we are now. If you love pulling out random facts at inopportune moments to dazzle your friends, then this is the podcast for you! Mus…

1
76 - But Wait, There's More! 2:03

10M ago2:03

2:03

Well, this is it. Sort of. Jaina and Sharon have been feeling more antsy than gancy lately and will be stepping away from the podcast, at least for awhile. Never fear though! Jaina has something new up her sleeve, so listen in to find out what's next! Find us on: Instagram: @antsytogancy (https://www.instagram.com/antsytogancy/) Discord: https://di…

1
75 - JASCES in Space 43:28

11M ago43:28

43:28

In today's episode, Jaina and Sharon pilot you through three space themed games, returning to their roots and exploring how these multiplayer games work at two players. Well, one is a 2P only game, but that's beside the point. Additionally, there's an important podcast update! The podcast will be changing names over the next couple of weeks, becomi…

1
74 - Spiel des Jahres Winning Wishes and Discussion 51:10

11M ago51:10

51:10

In a shocking turn of events the JASCES (while, Jaina) actually played all of the Spiel and Kennerspiel nominees this year, and they're here to talk about them! Join in as Jaina and Sharon do a quick run through of each game, then provide their thoughts on the games, along with their predictions and hopeful winners. What are your favourites from th…

1
73 - The Five Most Influential Modern Games 35:55

11M ago35:55

35:55

In this week's episode, Jaina shares what she thinks are the five most influential modern games, and Sharon judges her choices. These are the games that Jaina feels have had the biggest impact on the modern hobby, both inside and outside the hobby gaming sphere. Listen in to judge Jaina's choices for yourself! Shoutouts Mission: Fun and Games: http…

1
72 - Replacing Games 31:44

11M ago31:44

31:44

Join Sharon and Jaina in this imaginary world where, when they acquire a new game it has to *gasp* replace a game that's currently in their collection. The horror! Jaina and Sharon each pick three games that they enjoy that is not yet in their collection, and then choose which game would get kicked out to make space for the new one. But don't worry…

1
71 - Last Week's Leftovers 42:06

11M ago42:06

42:06

In today's episode, Jaina and Sharon return to their leftovers from last week, the leftover games that is! It turns out that they played too many games to fit in one episode, so they saved the best for last and talked about three of the standout games that were new to them in May. Listen in to hear their thoughts! Timestamps (0:44) Introductions (2…

1
70 - May Games Round Up 56:05

12M ago56:05

56:05

This week Sharon and Jaina are back and spend an inordinate amount of time talking about pesticides, especially since this is a board game podcast. Once they get past that, they talk about (almost) every single game they played in May. Time management isn't their strong point though, so tune in next week to hear about three more games from this mon…

1
69 - Revisiting Rolling and Writing 44:02

12M ago44:02

44:02

Back by popular demand (well, maybe not demand exactly...), Jaina and Sharon are talking about their new favourite roll and writes! Rolling and writing is a favourite past time of theirs, so they were very happy to ramble on about some new favourites. Tune in to hear each of their top 5 lists! Timestamps (1:00) Introduction (4:23) Dinosaur Island R…

1
68 - The Girl with the Dumpling Birthmark 41:26

1y ago41:26

41:26

Jaina and Sharon stretch the bounds of believability in order to connect three games with incredibly different themes and target audiences together so they could talk about all of them! It's been awhile since the last hot take episode, so they're excited to get back at it with some relatively new games. Tune in to hear their thoughts on these three…

1
67 - Underrated Games 41:38

1y ago41:38

41:38

In today's episode, Jaina talks about underrated games while Sharon goes on about underwater games. Really, just a pretty normal episode. Listen in to hear which games the JASCES think deserve to be higher on the Board Game Geek rankings! Timestamps (1:12) Introduction (3:11) Codex Naturalis (9:40) Dead Men Tell No Tales (19:08) Habitats (27:46) Ha…

1
66 - Quilting in the Cascades with Houseplants 37:51

1y ago37:51

37:51

In today's episode, Jaina and Sharon take you through the Flatout Games trilogy? Series of games? Three games that share some similarities and box size? No one knows for sure, but the JASCES are are that they're opinions will be unpopular! Listen in to hear their thoughts on Calico, Cascadia, and Verdant, and please save your rotten tomatoes and ot…

1
65 - The Oros Slide 45:17

1y ago45:17

45:17

The episode that made Sharon and Jaina semi-demigods! Erupting volcanoes, shifting land, and smashing continents are all in a day's work when you're a demigod. Sharon and Jaina dive into this fairly new release as they explore the beautiful world of Oros. General reviews have been a bit mixed, so tune in to hear where the JASCES land. As well, Jain…

1
64 - The Plaguecast (featuring Stellar and Subastral) 54:37

1y ago54:37

54:37

Sharon and Jaina finally succumbed to the plague known as Covid-19 (apologies for the lack of episode last week!). In their questionable wisdom as they recover, they decided to present to you their gaming strategy for getting through the plague. Listen in to find out what games they played, what games they'd recommend playing while you're sick, and…

1
63 - Still Gobsmacked at GOBfest! - Part II 39:23

1y ago39:23

39:23

In this episode, Sharon and Jaina wrap up their GOBfest experience, with 75% less singing. You're welcome. Timestamps (2:04) Verdant (4:50) Mille Fiori (21:40) Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig (24:51) My Farm Shop Find us on: Instagram: @antsytogancy (https://www.instagram.com/antsytogancy/) Discord: https://discord.gg/SVMSkw9zpR BGG Guild 39…

1
62 - Gobsmacked at GOBfest Part I 44:46

1y ago44:46

44:46

This past weekend Sharon and Jaina attended their local board game convention (GOBfest) and now they're here to tell you all about it! Hear their extremely hot takes of all the new games they tried out, and experience the new and improved Gancy Game Rating System™! Of course the JASCES talked way too much, so you'll have to tune in next week to hea…

1
61 - Play Fast and Lose Quick 42:43

1y ago42:43

42:43

This week Jaina and Sharon are playing fast and loose with the podcast! Astute listeners might notice that this is coming out on Friday instead of Wednesday (not that the JASCES are known for their punctuality), which is going to be the new release day moving forward. And while the podcast release may be slow the games that Jaina and Sharon talk ab…

1
60 - Buy, Play, Sell - Choosing Games 41:14

1y ago41:14

41:14

In this week's episode, Sharon and Jaina play the ever popular game of Marry, Kill, F-... Oh wait, no, they're playing the board game version: Buy, Play, Sell. How do the JASCES stay gancy when it comes to adding to their overflowing collection? Is there any logic to their decisions at all? Is this a thinly veiled self-help episode delving into the…

1
59 - New and Exciting Games! 33:08

1y ago33:08

33:08

On this week's episode, Jaina is excited for a bunch of recently released and yet to be released games, while Sharon hasn't heard of any of them. In standard fashion, the JASCES turn Sharon's lack of knowledge into a game! Tune in to hear Sharon guess how games work based on their title and main mechanisms. Feel free to reach out if you want to ste…

1
58 - Table for Two 48:31

1y ago48:31

48:31

The JASCES have been reunited once again, and to celebrate they dive into four quick playing two-player only games that have hit their table this week, recorded in a longer than usual episode for maximum irony. Tune in to hear Jaina and Sharon's takes on a couple of modern classics alongside two lesser known games that deserve more love. Timestamps…

1
57 - Table Talk: Jaina's Solo Ramblings 41:50

1y ago41:50

41:50

Sorry everyone! I uploaded a version with some incredibly long and incoherent ramblings accidentally tacked on to the end. I've fixed it now, so feel free to re-download if you haven't listened yet! If you have, my apologies for the mistake! It appears that it's Valentine's week, and what better way to celebrate than by Jaina doing a solo episode w…

1
56 - Themes in Games 46:29

1+ y ago46:29

46:29

A recent eye-opening play of Archipelago led Sharon and Jaina down a themes rabbit hole, and, or course, they want to share their various ramblings with all of you! But first, an official apology for the harm that may have been caused by last week's episode. Find us on: Instagram: @antsytogancy (https://www.instagram.com/antsytogancy/) Discord: htt…

1
55 - VRROOOMM! - Hot Take: Bus 34:09

1+ y ago34:09

34:09

Get on the Magic School Bus!... is what we kept thinking the whole time we were playing. It seemed to fit, right down to the magic time stopping capabilities (without any schools though). We continue on our Splotter journey with this now classic game, brought back to life in a recent Capstone Games reprint. Listen in to hear our thoughts after one …

1
54 - Talk Topic: Tepid Takes - Unfair and Seasons 38:15

1+ y ago38:15

38:15

Sharon and Jaina are proud to present our most mediocre episode yet! They've dove right into their 10x10 challenge, and feel that they've played Unfair and Seasons enough to offer everyone (as promised) their tepid takes on them. Come on in, the water's tepid! Timestamps: (3:32) Unfair (25:59) Seasons Find us on: Instagram: @antsytogancy (https://w…

1
53 - Challenge Accepted! 39:46

1+ y ago39:46

39:46

A lovely listener challenged us to up our resolutions this year with a 10x10 challenge, and who are we to say no??? In the usual fashion, Sharon and Jaina pick 5 games each for the challenge, and surprise each other with their choices live during the recording. Will they be able to successfully complete the challenge? Feel free to place bets in our…

1
52 - 2023 Resolutions: The Year of Tepid Takes 23:43

1+ y ago23:43

23:43

Jaina and Sharon reflect back on their resolutions from last year, and debate the merits of setting resolutions for this year. We hope you enjoy our rambling journey through what we learned last year, and what we want to focus on next year. Have you set any gaming resolutions for yourself or your game group? Slap one of those links below to share y…

1
51 - Naughty and Nice - The Naughty List 36:37

1+ y ago36:37

36:37

Sharon and Jaina are back after an unexpected break with the top 10 games on Sharon's naughty list (Sharon and Jaina have added themselves to that list due to the extremely late release of this episode, sorry!). Dive into Sharon's psyche and learn which games that she has a bit of a complicated relationship with. Timestamps: (3:52) Wingspan (6:53) …

1
50 - Naughty and Nice - The "Nice" List 34:33

1+ y ago34:33

34:33

This was supposed to be the first part of a two-part series where Sharon and Jaina shared their top 10 games of all time (or, at least, of this moment in time), but Sharon couldn't follow instructions. Instead, for this special holiday spectacular, Jaina shares her top 10 games, while Sharon's list of top 10 "naughty" games will drop list week! Wha…

1
49 - Gabbing about the Greatest Gregarious Gancy Gift Guide for Gamers 48:47

1+ y ago48:47

48:47

I don't think this episode needs much of a summary, the title pretty much covers it! In this episode Jaina and Sharon each put together games that would make great gifts at various price points, with an emphasis on games with wide family appeal. What games are on your wishlist this year? Do you agree with our gift guide? Get in touch and let us kno…

1
48 - Everdell Complete Collection Part II 25:03

1+ y ago25:03

25:03

This week Jaina and Sharon finish up their Everdell deep dive with the final two expansions: Mistwood and Newleaf, along with their rankings for all the expansions. Did they save the best for last? Listen in to fiind out, and check out the links below to connect with Jaina, Sharon, and fellow listeners! Timestamps: (2:17) Mistwood (13:02) Newleaf F…

1
47 - Everdell Complete Collection Part I 43:33

1+ y ago43:33

43:33

This week we're bringing you a box so big that we needed two episodes! Sharon and Jaina finally got down to business and played everything in this gargantuan box so you don't have to! If you love Everdell but are feeling a little overwhelmed with all the content, then this is the episode for you. We explain what each expansion adds, our experience …

1
46 - I Think This Week's Mostly Filler 47:20

1+ y ago47:20

47:20

This week Sharon and Jaina fill the episode with filler games, comparing their top 5 lists of their favourite fillers. Plus, listen in for a special sneak peek of UNSCREWED, a game that has been lovingly crafted over the last few years and will hopefully be coming to a Kickstarter near you soon! If the game intrigues you links are below so you can …

1
45 - Rajas Squared - The OG vs The Dice Charmers 31:04

1+ y ago31:04

31:04

In today's episode, Sharon and Jaina are buried in dice while they talk about Rajas of the Ganges and its roll and write successor Rajas of the Ganges: The Dice Charmers. Can Jaina convince Sharon that they're actually two different games, both of which deserve a place on the shelf? Listen in to find out! Timestamps: (1:45) Rajas OG vs The Dice Cha…

1
E44 - Do the Locomotion with The Transcontinental 45:13

1+ y ago45:13

45:13

On this week's episode, Sharon and Jaina hopped on Via Rail and took a train ride across Canada! Okay, well, they didn't, but after immersing themselves in The Transcontinental they feel like they did! Did they love it? Hate it? Become overwhelmed by the smell of maple? Listen in to find out! Timestamps: (3:10) The Transcontinental Shoutouts: Wheel…

1
43 - What a (Kitchen) Rush! 28:49

1+ y ago28:49

28:49

This game provides such a rush, that they even put it in the title! After a somewhat traumatizing experience a few years ago, Sharon and Jaina bravely return to the lauded real time game, this time exploring the revised edition. Has their opinion changed? You'll have to listen in to find out! Timestamps: (1:21) Kitchen Rush Find us on: Instagram: @…

1
42 - Ghoulish Grown-Up Games - Gloom, Gloomy Graves, Ghost Stories 34:08

1+ y ago34:08

34:08

As Halloween creeps ever closer, Jaina and Sharon are carefully avoiding anything that could be considered truly scary, so in today's "Adult" Halloween games episode they bring you three games that would probably also be fine to play with kids. The excellent "G" alliteration opportunity may only come along once a year, so be sure to enjoy that epis…

1
41 - Frightening Family Fun! - Mysterium Park, Haunted Mansion, Don't Go in There 40:55

1+ y ago40:55

40:55

To celebrate the spooky season, Jaina and Sharon are doing a two-part October extravaganza, highlighting some creepy(ish) games to get you in the Halloween mood! For part one we discuss three games that we think are perfect for families: Mysterium Park, Haunted Mansion Call of the Spirits, and Don't Go in There. Find us on: Instagram: @antsytogancy…

1
40 - Behind the Scenes of Hexagon Board Game Cafe 57:39

1+ y ago57:39

57:39

Today we're chatting with Randy Wong, the co-owner of the Edmonton and Calgary based Hexagon Cafe. We're here to dig up all the dirt on what it really takes to run a successful board game cafe. Do you think that you have what it takes? Listen in to find out! Spoiler alert: we sure do not. A big thank you to Randy Wong for taking time out of his cra…

1
39 - The Return of the JASCES! 43:15

1+ y ago43:15

43:15

Jaina and Sharon are back, and they have an unreasonable number of games to talk about! Jaina played tons of games during the hiatus, while Sharon was stuck at work. Sorry, not sorry? Tune in to listen to lots of hot takes, and see which games have us wanting to come back for more! Find us on: Instagram: @antsytogancy (https://www.instagram.com/ant…

1
Bonus Episode! - Pathways: Designer Chat and Breadth vs Depth 50:48

1+ y ago50:48

50:48

We just missed everyone so much that we couldn't stay away! We had a chance to chat with the lovely designer of Pathways (Frank Sarro), which is an upcoming dexterity game about flicking your disks across a whole lot of holes. Does that sound interesting (or confusing?), listen in to learn more, and click the link below before September 30th if you…

1
Quick Update - JASCES B GANCY Returning October 5 2:24

1+ y ago2:24

2:24

This is a very short episode, just to let everyone know that JASCES B GANCY will be going on a short break, but we'll be back better and weirder than ever on Wednesday October 5! Mark your calendars, subscribe to the podcast, write it on your hand, wash it off, then write it back on again, just do whatever it is you gotta do to make sure that you d…

1
37 - Who Killed 7 Wonders? 37:07

2y ago37:07

37:07

Welcome to the first true crime episode of JASCES B GANCY! A horrible murder has occurred (or has it???), and we've lined up two suspects to investigate. Paper Tales and Hadara have come under suspicion, and you'll need to listen in to find out if they manage to avoid going down for the murder of 7 Wonders. Find us on: Instagram: @antsytogancy (htt…

1
36 - The Party Don't Start 'til the Murders Begin - Blood on the Clocktower Pt II 39:24

2y ago39:24

39:24

It happened! We got to play Blood on the Clocktower, and we have many thoughts/opinions/random ramblings! Were they good or bad? You'll have to listen in to find out! Find us on: Instagram: @antsytogancy (https://www.instagram.com/antsytogancy/) Discord: https://discord.gg/SVMSkw9zpR BGG Guild 3986: https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/3986 Email: antsy…

1
35 - You Stab My Back, I'll Stab Yours - Blood on the Clocktower Part I 33:06

2y ago33:06

33:06

Welcome to Ravenswood Bluff, where demons lurk and the dead walk (and talk) among us. After unexpectedly snagging a copy of Blood on the Clocktower last week, Sharon and Jaina have wasted no time in diving into the box, and getting far too excited about the game, given that they haven't even had a chance to play it yet. But that shall change very s…

1
34 - Hot Takes of Hot Games on a Hot Day 42:09

2y ago42:09

42:09

Sharon and Jaina had some recent plays of some hot games burning holes in their pockets, so they figured they needed to talk about them before their pants caught fire. Well, shorts actually. Did we mention that it's rather hot out? Find us on: Instagram: @antsytogancy (https://www.instagram.com/antsytogancy/) Discord: https://discord.gg/SVMSkw9zpR …

1
33 - The Flood 30:21

2y ago30:21

30:21

Whoops, uploaded the wrong episode initially, it should be fixed now! As you may have noticed, we didn't get a chance to record an episode last week. That was due to an unfortunate amount of water that ended up in our basement. Never fear, the board games are safe and dry! But it made us ponder what would we do if they weren't... Which games would …

1
32 - In Defense of Analysis Paralysis 28:49

2y ago28:49

28:49

This week, Sharon and I got a little antsy about the demonization of analysis paralysis in a Dice Tower video from 2020 (so not as recent as I though) and in the general gaming sphere, so we decided to do something about it. Well, we decided to talk about it. Close enough, right? Find us on: Instagram: @antsytogancy (https://www.instagram.com/antsy…

1
31 - ROLL FASTER! - Escape: The Curse of the Temple 11:15

2y ago11:15

11:15

Quick, the gong just sounded, hurry!!! Is exactly how we felt when we realized that it was 10pm the night before this episode was scheduled to go up and we had nothing recorded. So, what better way to control our rambling than by recording a 10 minute episode about the 10 minute long game Escape: The Curse of the Temple? Faster, FASTER!!! Find us o…

1
30 - Effective Marketing - Food Chain Magnate 36:38

2y ago36:38

36:38

Jaina's opening a pizza restaurant that doesn't actually sell pizza, and Sharon's hiring entry level marketers who immediately run successful airplane campaigns the next day??? We must be playing Food Chain Magnate! Listen in on our discussion as we talk about this modern classic and get into food fights. Disclaimer: Pizza not included. Find us on:…

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