Author Episodes

In a past episode, our guest Camilla Zamboni mentioned The Tabletop Revolution, a fascinating book by fellow professor Marco Arnaudo. In it, Prof. Arnaudo explores the dramatic evolution of board games—how mechanics have transformed from simple numbered cards to dynamic, multi-functional game elements. We dive into this revolution, celebrating classics like Acquire—a game so essential that Prof. Arnaudo calls it "foundational." (And honestly, he's right—everyone should play it!) Plus, we squeeze...

In this episode, I am joined by author Steve Dee. His book The Book of Carcassonne was an early bedtime read for Edward. His other books are equally as entertaining. Steve and I talk about playing at lunch and feeling that you are misbehaving a little. In a good way... We also reminisce about Tabletop with Wil Wheaton and the great games that he introduced us to. Steve also mentions having a "home game" because he lives close to Birmingham. All this and more. Thanks for listening. Steve Dee on...

I came across an article while reading a different article that I came across while reading another article that was referenced in a book I was reading about board games. I enjoyed the story and the experience that author talked about. So, I reached out to the writer, Morgan Ebbs. Morgan joins me to talk about her entry into the gaming hobby, answer the standard questions, and how she has a $60 limit on games. We talked about this and more. Thanks for listening. From Candy Crush to Catan artic...

Facebook strikes again! A group that I follow had a post by a fellow member that her book was finally published. Of course, I had to read it. Professor Camilla Zamboni's book, Roll for Learning: 51 Micro Tabletop Role-Playing Games to Use in the Classroom, is a collection of TTRPGS with a lot of other information to help implement them. She graciaously joined me in this episode to talk about gaming in the classroom, gaming online, expansions (good or bad), and the usual questions. Thanks for lis...

In this episode, author Mary Pilon joins me to talk about her amazing book, The Monopolists: Obsession, Fury, and the Scandal Behind the World's Favorite Board Game. It is one of my favorite books about board game history. Mary spent five years doing research on the history of Monopoly and its actual origins. Her book is simply amazing, and you should find it, read it, and enjoy it. We talk about the usual stuff, as well as receiving the original NES for Christmas, our shortcomings at chess, and...

In this episode, author Ben Hoppe joins me. He wrote the book, The Beginner's Board Game Bible. It helps you to understand where to start with gaming, and how some great games to try out. We talk about taking games everywhere, the bonding that can be done over gaming, and finding a copy of Mystery of the Abbey. Ben has a fun quiz that will tell you what game would be best for you. Take it here. Post in the comments what game it determined was your game. For me, Catan. That was no shock. Thanks f...

In this episode, I was joined by a legend of the industry, Phil Orbanes. He started in the industry while in college and sold his first company. Then, he worked for Parker Brothers for over 10 years as a Senior Vice President. Lastly, he co-founded Winning Moves Games. Phil has also written many books about board games, Monopoly, and Parker Brothers. Phil is still active in the community, writing more books, and has amazing stories to tell. I was so excited that he agreed to come on the show. I ...

In this episode, I allow yet ANOTHER Green Bay Packers fan onto the show. Erik Arneson, part owner of the Packers, and I talk about his fantastic book, How to Host a Game Night, the importance of keeping your game collection under control (or just getting a bigger wall), how some games are classics while others are a simple one-and-done, and of course, Battleball! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://...

Joe Slack, from Crazy Like a Box, returns to the show to talk about Expansions: how to market them differently than base games, the different types of expansions, and finding your niche. Joe has an expansion coming to Kickstarter on September 7, for his game Relics of Rajavahara. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Steven Lentz is the father of two board gamers in training. He wrote a book, The Guide to Board Gaming: Getting Past Candyland, in which he talks about how to get your little ones interested in board games. His "unlocking" idea is a keeper for sure! At the end of the episode, Steven was inexplicably dropped, that is why you do not hear him in the last few minutes. Anyway, we talk about games from our childhood, Mille Bornes, Battle Masters, and Scotland Yard. --- This episode is sponsored by ·...

Fellow board game reading nerd John-Michael Gariepy joins me in this episode. We talk about how there needs to be more books about board games that are not chess, his Kickstarter for his book Winning Streak, losing at Splendor, and then, John-Michael got lost. We laughed a lot during our conversation, but as usual, it is podcast GOLD! Contact for John-Michael: Popcorn Roulette DialD4Dm Winning Streak Book Say Hellow to Black Jack Podcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way...

In this episode, Joe Slack of Board Game Design Course (among many other things) drops by to talk lunch time games. Joe is also an author of three great books (two fo which I can vouch for, I need to read his second book) and he has a fourth one in the queue. Joe maintains a fantastic email list for board game designers, and you can (and should) sign up here at https://boardgamedesigncourse.com/bgdc/ I want to thank Joe again, and I look forward to his future books and games! --- This episode...

In 2018, Erin Dean interviewed over 50 game designers and compiled all the interviews into a smashing success Kickstarter campaign. The result, For the Love of Board Games! This fantastic book became the bedtime story I read to The Son each night. It has started us down a great tradition of reading about board games and game designers. I highly recommend picking up a copy from Erin. If interested, the email address is loveofboardgames@gmail.com Shoot her an email, and get your copy! --- This ...