Episode 43 - Isaac Vega - Designer & Plaid Hat Games VP of Research and Design

You may know Isaac from his numerous Plaid Hat releases, including co-designing the mega-hit Dead of Winter. But what you might not know is that Isaac originally intended to play video games, or how his passion in life is to tell stories. Good thing he found a way to combine the two through tabletop gaming and he couldn't be happier or more appreciative. We talk about life, games, goals, and acceptance. Enjoy!

Episode 42 - Jon Moffat & Gary Mosman of Stone Circle Games

Jon and Gary of Stone Circle Games come on to talk about how this band of brothers came together, what it's like to start a publishing company from scratch, and their upcoming projects including the October 2017 relaunch of the Battle for Biternia kickstarter. Jack also takes some time to talk about 2017 Spiel des Jahres winner Kingdomino and the expansions Tuscany: Essential Edition and Champions of Midgard: Valhalla & The Dark Mountains.

Episode 41 - Anson Maddocks, Classic Magic: the Gathering Artist

Here it is, folks! I've been talking about it for almost a year. I finally get a chance to talk with my all-time favorite Magic: the Gathering Artist, Anson Maddocks. Jack and Anson talk about moving to the desert, evolving art styles, the history of some of the most iconic pieces of Magic art, and how he met fellow Alaskan MTG artist Mark Tedin.
Thank you to Rob Conley for extra production help on this episode. You can find Rob on twitter through his D&D live-play podcast, Paper Heroes www.twitter.com/paperheroescast

Episode 40 - Dr. Gordon Hamilton, designer of Santorini

Jack talks with Gord! designer of Santorini and the brain behind Math Pickle. Gordon talks about his proudest achievements in life, the importance of mathematics AND gaming in a child's education, and the long and storied history of Santorini coming into publication. This episode wraps up my coverage of Dice Tower Con 2017. Special thanks to Chris Douglas and The Death Force for their instrumental track "Barbecue Rag" to exit the show. You can find our review of La Granja: No Siesta here - http://www.cardboardherald.com/reviews/2017/8/3/la-granja-no-siesta-a-pen-paper-pig-allocation-simulator

Episode 39 - Andrew Birkett of Atheris Games at Dice Tower Con

Jack gets to talk again with Andrew Birkett, one of his favorite people just starting out in the biz!  We cover everything from how to deal with the highs and lows of starting out, to how to deal with the highs and lows of a big giant burrito. We also get a glimpse into what going to a hometown convention is like for Andrew.
Jack also talks about new collaborator Luke Muench of Budget Board Gamer in the intro, you can find his review of Champions of Midgard here: http://www.cardboardherald.com/reviews/2017/7/27/champions-of-midgard-trolling-for-wood-with-killer-dice

Episode 38 - Stephen Buonocore of Stronghold Games

Jack talks with the podfather himself, Stephen Buonocore. Stephen's company Stronghold has published many of our favorite games, including Terraforming Mars, Space Cadets Dice Duel, and La Granja. We talk about podcasting, beer, conventions, and how great of a community and industry tabletop gaming is. 
Our Terraforming Mars review can be found here: http://www.cardboardherald.com/reviews/2017/6/28/terraforming-mars

Episode 37 - Eric Woods of Hobby Horse Games, designer of Firelight

Jack talks with Eric Woods, the designer of the single session card-based RPG Firelight, up on kickstarter now! Eric and Jack talk about art, design, pokemon, and nervous anticipation leading to launching a kickstarter!
Also, Jack monologues about his review policy, and tells everyone to give themselves a nice pat on the back for being his personal best friends. 
Latest review is Terraforming Mars: Colonialism in Space! - http://www.cardboardherald.com/reviews/2017/6/28/terraforming-mars
Firelight Kickstarter -  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1387239505/firelight-the-questing-card-game-new-tabletop-rpg
 

Episode 36 - Dice Tower Con Mini-Interviews & Wrapup

Jack is back from Dice Tower Con and here are a handful of "man on street" interviews with designers, exhibitors, and gamers. Jack also finishes up the episode talking about his own experience at DTC, what games he took home, what he'll do different as a podcaster the next con, and what upcoming shows are on the books.

Mini interviews in this episode include:
-Stephen Buonocore of Stronghold Games
-Rob Yates designer of Burke's Gambit
-John Carter of Screech Dragon Studios
-Andrew Birkett of Atheris Games
-Nate Scheidler of Gigamic Games
-Drew Fletcher, co-designer of video game Joinsquad and recent board game convert
-Aron West of Elzra Games

Don't forget to check out the Terraforming Mars review which can be found at www.cardboardherald.com/reviews, and TCbH Audio Reviews channel, now on iTunes, Stitcher, and www.cardboardherald.com.

Episode 33 - Squid & Whale; game reviewers

Jack talks to Erin and Nick, better known as Squid & Whale from Squid & Whale Games, a gaming review channel. We talk about their origins, what inspired them, their goals for the future, and their super secret pie in the sky vision of success.
Jack also talks about the new channel he's working on, shares some music, and talks about next week's guest, Matt Leacock.  
Find Squid & Whale Games at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpjZ4agDmTOv5Tr8TjwWgnQ
Follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/CardboardHerald and tweet #oldgamesnewhomes
And also visit the site, www.cardboardherald.com

Episode 32 - Cheyenne and Diana of Fictional Females

Fellow podcasters and Jack's childhood friends Cheyenne and Diana come on to talk about girls, games, gender politics at the table, and how not to make money podcasting. Jack also spends the intro talking about solo games and the #oldgamesnewhomes contest (enter on twitter!).
Fictional Females can be found at https://fictionalfemales.com or on twitter @fictionalfemale

Episode 31 - Jonathan Ying, former FFG in-house designer

Jonathan Ying is perhaps best known as co-designer of Star Wars: Imperial Assault, but he had his hands in many FFG pies. After the recent release of Doom, he decided to take on the board gaming world as an independent designer, and has successfully kickstarted his first solo release Bargain Quest. Jack and Jonathan talk about innovation, adapting video games, what it's like to work at FFG, and the importance of never assuming a wookie's gender.

Episode 30 - The Return of Ted Alspach

Ted Alspach of Bezier Games, designer of Suburbia, Castles of Mad King Ludwig, One Night Ultimate Werewolf, and the upcoming Palace of Mad King Ludwig, returns to The Cardboard Herald. We talk about the future of Bezier Games, Palace of MKL, Ted's street battles with Matt Leacock, Werewords, Ultimate Werewolf Legacy, and more.

Episode 28 - Scott Almes - Tiny Epic Designer

This week Jack talks with Scott Almes, best known for the Tiny Epic series of games published by Gamelyn Games. That said, Scott's new joint with Gamelyn is not so tiny; the very impressive looking Heroes of Land, Air, and Sea. Jack and Scott talk about the future of the Tiny Epic series, his partnership with Michael Coe of Gamelyn Games, what makes Heroes of Land, Air, and Sea so special, and deriving meaning and purpose in one's work and hobbies. Also, Jack gives a list of his 3 favorite Scott Almes games and 3 favorite non-Scott Almes games that can be played during a lunch-break.
Kickstarter for Heroes of LA&S - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coe/heroes-of-land-air-and-sea?ref=nav_search

3 Fave Scott Almes Games:
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/148951/tiny-epic-kingdoms
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/155708/tiny-epic-defenders
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/155969/harbour

3 Fave NON-SA Games for lunch-breaks:
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/68448/7-wonders
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/148228/splendor
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/822/carcassonne

Podcast Episode 21 featuring Michael Coe of Gamelyn Games: http://www.cardboardherald.com/podcasts/2017/3/29/episode-21-michael-coe-of-gamelyn-games

Episode 27 - Reiner Knizia, designer of ALL THE GAMES

Jack talks with the legendary and prolific good doctor of board games, Reiner Knizia. And it turns out, he is just a dude who wants to bring joy to the world. We talk games, moving back to Germany, inspirations, how to maintain focus in one's work, and his impact on the industry. Check out the visual companion to this episode on the blog at www.cardboardherald.com.

Episode 25 - Chris Bryan of Board With Life

You may know Chris Bryan from his board game sitcom, Board With Life, but did you know he also designs games, plays drums, and hosts a weekly board game news show? Jack and Chris talk about his diverse career, how to determine who gets golden geek medals, and why the McElroys need to stop creating new and awesome podcasts.
Check out Board With Life on their youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/MoonratMedia

Episode 24 - Kevin "QXC" Riley, pro-Starcraft player turned game designer

Jack talks with Kevin Riley, retired pro-StarCraft player who's cooperative board game Aeon's End has a kickstarter up now for it's stand alone expansion. This conversation goes to some uncharted territory for TCbH, with a surprising focus on mental health and stability of people who are singularly dedicated to a project or career. You can find Aeon's End: War Eternal here - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2012515236/aeons-end-war-eternal?ref=nav_search