Episodes

In this episode, we welcome Frank West, founder of City of Games, for a fascinating conversation about the path from lifelong gamer to innovative board game designer. Frank reflects on the video games that shaped his imagination, why he made the leap into tabletop design, and how his background continues to influence the mechanics and experiences he creates today. We also dive into the evolution of the City of Games universe, exploring the challenges of building an original world that spans multiple titles while keeping players engaged and invested. Frank shares his perspective on the changing role of crowdfunding, the value of cultivating a passionate community, and the lessons he’s learned from years of listening to and supporting his customers. From creative inspiration and solo game development to world-building, customer service, and the realities of running an independent publishing company, this episode offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring am…

Join us as we explore the latest in board games, game design, and gaming culture, including new releases like Wingspan Pocket and Duel of Melak, and insights into game design and industry trends.

Join us as we explore the latest in board games, local game stores, and community events, with insights into game design, industry trends, and personal stories from the gaming world.

Join us as we explore the latest trends in the tabletop gaming industry, including distribution strategies, virtual tabletop platforms, and game design insights. Perfect for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt return with a warm, funny, and wide-ranging conversation that moves from board games and hobby collecting to house construction, permit headaches, and the joys of finding the right game for the right table.

Join Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt as they discuss recent trends in Dungeons & Dragons, the evolution of board game rule books, and their latest gaming experiences, including new game releases and gameplay insights.

In this episode of Lay It On The Table, hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss their recent gaming experiences, including the completion of the '12 Games of Christmas' challenge. They highlight upcoming events like Mythicon West and Gen Con, and explore new games such as Flamecraft Duels and Arboria. The conversation also delves into the mechanics of popular games like Wingspan Americas and the new expansion for Viticulture, Bordeaux. The hosts share insights on how weather has impacted...

Summary In this episode of Lay It On The Table, hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss their recent gaming experiences, including weather-related challenges, upcoming events like Mythicon and Gen Con, and their successful completion of the 12 Games of Christmas challenge. They highlight various games played, such as Santa's Workshop, Wingspan, and new titles like Flamecraft and Arboria. The conversation also delves into the mechanics of First in Flight and the recent expansion of Win...

Summary In this episode, Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt sit down with Richard Fortuna, one of the masterminds behind Mythic Con West, a community-driven tabletop gaming convention. They discuss the legacy of Mace, the challenges of running a convention, the importance of community support, and the vibrant indie gaming scene. Richard shares insights on the venue, the unique vibe of Asheville compared to Charlotte, and the future of tabletop gaming. The conversation wraps up with details ...

In this episode, Joe and James reflect on the holiday season, discuss the evolving landscape of the board game industry, and share insights on economic trends affecting gaming. They explore the concept of themed board games, share their recent gaming experiences, and discuss upcoming titles they are excited about. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on the future of gaming and holiday wishes for listeners.

In this episode, we dive into the creative journey of John Bailey, the founder of HumbleBard Games. John shares his transition from a music background to board game design, discussing the inspiration behind his company and the development of games like 'Spirits of Christmas.' We explore the challenges and triumphs of self-publishing, the importance of theme in game design, and the collaborative process with his daughter on art and design. https://thehumblebard.com

In this episode of "Lay It On The Table," hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt dive into the world of board games, discussing the latest releases and their experiences at Spiel Essen, the world's largest game event. They explore a variety of games, from light deck builders like "Bohemians" to heavier worker placement games such as "Covenant." The conversation also touches on the intricacies of games like "Cribbage" and "Edo," highlighting the unique mechanics and themes that make each game stand out. Additionally, they share personal anecdotes, including Joe's experience officiating a Halloween wedding and their plans for upcoming events like Mythicon.

In this episode, hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss their return to the podcast after a hiatus, share updates on upcoming episodes, and highlight the Mythicon convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. They delve into industry news, including Gamma's global expansion, the strike by Kickstarter employees, and financial challenges faced by CMON and Elf Creek Games. The hosts also review two games: Trinket Trove, a quick and easy card game, and The Red Cathedral, a medium-weight game with a unique dice-based rondelle mechanic. Finally, they explore Everdell: Silver Frost, a sequel that introduces new mechanics and challenges. In this engaging conversation, Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt explore various board games, discussing their mechanics, organization, and personal experiences. They delve into new titles like 'Everdell' and 'Tribes of the Wind', share insights on the village-building game 'Hamlet', and express frustrations with game organization and inserts. The duo als…

Summary In this episode, Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss various topics related to the board game industry, including the bankruptcy of Seamon, the impact of tariffs on game production, updates on Kickstarter projects, and the introduction of Game Toppers 5.0. They also share insights from their experiences at May X, focusing on student engagement with deck-building games and the learning dynamics involved. In this conversation, James Engelhardt and Joe Mahaffey delve into the intricacies of deck building in board games, discussing the evolution and diversity of gameplay. They share personal experiences with various games, highlighting the importance of game literacy and player preferences. The discussion transitions into the concept of the 'Shelf of Shame,' where they reflect on unplayed games and the challenges of engaging with new titles. The conversation concludes with a humorous take on the quest for game mastery and the desire to play more games.

In this episode of Lay It On The Table, Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss recent travels, updates on board game tariffs, and insights from their experiences with Kickstarter projects. They delve into the world of deck-building games, particularly focusing on how students engage with these mechanics and their preferences in gaming. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding game vocabulary and how it shapes players' experiences. In this episode, Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss their recent gaming experiences, focusing on family-friendly games like La Petite Fleur and the second edition of Parks. They explore the challenges of game distribution, the mechanics of new games, and the importance of community in board gaming. The conversation also touches on technical issues faced during the podcasting process, highlighting the dynamic nature of their discussions.

In this episode of the Southern board game podcast, hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss personal challenges, the impact of tariffs on the board game community, and their recent game acquisitions. They share highlights from their game nights, including experiences with new games and the excitement surrounding upcoming events. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community and the joy of gaming, even amidst challenges.

In this episode, hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss a range of topics from personal loss to the latest in board games. They reflect on the recent passing of Joe's mother and how it impacted their podcast schedule. The conversation shifts to the news of Hasbro scrapping Project Sigil, a virtual tabletop initiative, and the implications for the gaming community. They delve into game reviews, including 'It's a Wonderful World', 'Mothership', and 'La Corsa', highlighting their mechanics and gameplay experiences. The hosts also share insights on quick games for couples and discuss exciting Kickstarter projects like Propolis and The Western Reaches, showcasing the evolving landscape of tabletop gaming.

In this episode of the Southern board game podcast, the hosts discuss various topics including the weather, recent changes in the board game industry, and reviews of new games like Castle Combo and Rock Hard 1977. They also touch on the importance of teaching games to students and share updates on expansions and new arrivals in their collections.

# Season 4, Episode 2

Joe and James talk about their new format and talk about what is on their respective gaming tables.

You may have noticed that we have been dark since June of 2024. Here is our previously unreleased Season 3 Finale. James and I will be back this month with Season 4 with a revised format.

As James updates listeners on how MayX is going at Furman, Joe recounts his experience in taking board games on his recent trip to Mexico and the encounter with a very nice customs agent.

James and Joe talk about James' plans for his May Experience class at Furman University. For show notes, head over to ⁠https://layitonthetable.show

Joe and James spend time talking about games and gaming with a particular focus on AEG's Let's Go to Japan. For show notes, head over to https://layitonthetable.show