Episode 50 - Chris Faulkenberry of Stone Circle Games, designer of Battle for Biternia

Jack talks with Chris Faulkenberry of Stone Circle Games, designer of Battle for Biternia. We talk about resilience, getting by with a little help from your friends, and spoony bards; not to mention we dive deep into what makes Battle for Biternia such a great game. You can find more Stone Circle Games at www.stonecirclegames.com, and the kickstarter for Battle for Biternia launches November 7th 2017. 

Episode 49 - Michael Coe's tiny epic return to TCbH

Michael Coe comes on the show to talk about the brand new Tiny Epic Defenders 2nd Edition and The Dark War expansion, both on Kickstarter right now. We cover topics ranging from equipable meeples, design challenges, upcoming projects, reflections of a veteran kickstarter-superstar, and company goals for Gamelyn Games. This is Michael's second time on the show, and is one of Jack's favorite people in the board game space.

No time stamps for this episode due to the quick turnaround.

Helpful Links:
Tiny Epic Defenders & The Dark War Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coe/tiny-epic-defenders-the-dark-war-and-ted-2nd-editi?ref=discovery
Michael Coe's first TCbH interview: http://www.cardboardherald.com/podcasts/2017/3/29/episode-21-michael-coe-of-gamelyn-games
Scott Almes' TCbH interview: http://www.cardboardherald.com/podcasts/2017/5/17/episode-28-scott-almes-tiny-epic-designer
Inis first impressions video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymVz1MRvPWQ&t=19s
Hellas & Elysium first impressions video: http://www.cardboardherald.com/reviews/2017/9/26/expansoin-mini-terraforming-mars-hellas-elysium

Episode 48 - Carla Kopp of Weird Giraffe Games

Carla Kopp comes on to talk about her new game on kickstarter, Stellar Leap! We cover everything from the four Xs in X, to what gets her pumped to play Stellar Leap over and over again. We also hit on all kinds of other topics including being a woman designer, what anime character she most relates to, ideas of other creative endeavors, and some really great actionable tips for launching your own kickstarter.

No time stamps on this one since there was a super quick turnaround to get it posted, but you can check out Stellar Leap at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/weirdgiraffegames/stellar-leap

Also, while you are at it, you should probably check out our new video series, Cardboard Cutouts. I LOVE how episode 2 came out. If you want to see more of this stuff, definitely support us by giving ye olde' thumbs up and subscribing to our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNH-cWhlEuM

Episode 47 - Kathleen Donahue of Labyrinth Games & Puzzles

Kathleen Donahue didn't start as a gamer, but that didn't stop her from opening one of the most celebrated and beloved game stores in recent years, Labyrinth Games & Puzzles in Washington DC! We cover everything from FLGS etiquette to her secret origins brokering chemical cleaner deals with Mexico, not to mention what it's like to live, game, and retail on capital hill. Kathleen has led a fascinating life, and her impact on the gaming scene in DC, through her store, community outreach, and founding the thriving regional convention WashingCon, has been immeasurable.  

Helpful Links:
Labyrinth Games - http://www.labyrinthgameshop.com
TCbH Site - http://www.cardboardherald.com
TCbH Twitter - https://twitter.com/CardboardHerald
TCbH Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsBLZ33CJXoUffCBF7plpjg?view_as=subscriber

Timestamps:
00:00:10 - Intro Monologue
00:03:55 - Interviews starts (shoutout to Paul in MD!)
00:05:46 - What is Labyrinth Games & Puzzles?
00:08:50 - Expanding the store to run M:TG Tournies
00:12:52 - Secret origins of an entrepreneur
00:17:00 - A Labyrinthian idea strikes!
00:22:25 - Entering gaming as a non-gamer
00:29:48 - Professionals in the tabletop industry
00:33:25 - First days of the store - What’s Magic:TG?
00:38:10 - WashingCon
00:43:35 - Legacy and burnout
00:48:25 - Using games to relate with others different than us
00:50:40 - Creating welcoming & inclusive environments
00:55:12 - What’s on the Horizon?
00:59:02 - Outro Monologue

Episode 46 - Aron West of Elzra Games - Master of the Catacombs

Aron West, best known as the co-designer of Catacombs, the dexterity dungeon crawl, comes onto the Cardboard Herald to talk with Jack about the development of catacombs, storytelling, designing dexterity games, Kickstarter delays, and the importance of stretching before a con. It was an absolute pleasure to talk with Aron, and with so many upcoming Catacombs projects on the horizon, Jack can't wait to get his flick on. 

Time stamps:
00:00:13 - Intro monologue
00:03:34 - (Interview Starts) - Exercise before / during a convention
00:04:50 - Growing up in Canada / Interests /
00:08:20 - Early Gaming & Design leading to the design of Catacombs
00:14:43 - Reflections on gaming habits and career decisions
00:21:39 - In depth discussion about Catacombs development & release
00:32:00 - Kwanchai Moriya's reimagining of the Catacombs universe
00:42:52 - New games (Catacombs Conquest, Catacombs & Castles, etc...)
00:47:20 - Loyalty to Kickstarter backers
00:53:47 - Advice in designing dexterity / all games
01:00:51 - Outro monologue

If you want to talk with Aron West, he and Catacombs will be at the inaugural Shut Up & Sit Down convention in October and the inaugural PAX Unplugged in November. 

Helpful links of stuff mentioned in the show:
Elzra Games - https://www.elzra.com
BGG Link for Catacombs - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/195137/catacombs-third-edition
Cardboard Cutouts Episode 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yok25uN0-A
The Cardboard Herald on Twitter - https://twitter.com/CardboardHerald

Thanks everyone for such great response to the Cardboard Cutouts episode 1. We'll have lots and lots more video content include reviews, early impressions, and Cardboard Cutout recommendations soon!

Episode 45 - Morten Monrad Pedersen of the Automa Factory

Morten Monrad Pedersen is best known for his work on the Scythe and Viticulture solo modes, but did you know he too scoffed at solo games just over 5 years ago? I was thrilled to talk with Morten, not only because of his involvement in some of the most celebrated solo games in the industry, but also because his Scythe Automa design was the game that opened my eyes to how and why solo play can be meaningful. We talk about his life growing up in Denmark, his history with computer programming, and how he got wrapped up in all of this solo play stuff with Stonemaier Games.

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.