Don and Jamie are joined by The Secret Cabal Elf to discuss The Island of Misfit Games! Just like in Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer in which Rudolph, Hermey and Yukon Cornelius discover the Island of Misfit Toys, Don, Jamie and Elf discuss the strange, broken, or unattractive - yet fun to play - games that need to find good homes. Also, the gang is joined throughout the episode by their great friends Chaz Marler and Rodney Smith of Watch It Played, Joel Eddy of Drive Thru Games, and Dan King the Game Boy Geek to give their favorite misfits.

Ho Ho ho and Season's Greetings Cabalists and welcome to the 12th annual Secret Cabal Holiday Special! Today the Secret Cabal elves dive into their stories from PAX Unplugged in Philidelphia, debut a brand new holiday song parody sung by Chris, and discuss the games they've been playing including  Fun Facts, How do you Doodle, Masters of the Universe Clash for Eternia, Distilled, Unsolved Hunt for the Truth, Hamlet and feature World Wonders by Arcane Wonders and Ze Mendes. Then after Tony T throws out the jolliest tabletop gaming news segment ever to beam across the North Pole airwaves the gang engages the ever-popular Newlywed Game Founders Edition!  World Wonders Review 01:07:39, News with Tony T 01:39:19, Newlywed Game 02:29:20

Hark, noble Cabalists, and be greeted with mirth! On this day's tale, the Lords do convene to regale thee with the saga's crescendo in Jesse's dragonlance campaign. A query from a gentle listener, pondering the art of casual game mastering, finds its home in the discourse. Yet, lo and behold, the most savory discourse unfolds as they delve into the rich marrow of inspiration—whence cometh our ideas, and doth it pass muster to filch from other realms of media?

You know what time it is Cabalists, it's time for some irreverent nonsense! The gang is back in action and we're getting busy with some of the games we've been playing including Anunnaki Dawn of the Gods, Iki, Mystic Vale, Lands of Galzyr, Oltree Undead and Alive and featuring Last Light designed by our good buddy Roy Cannaday and published by Grey Fox Games. And of course, he is back with another installment of the greatest tabletop gaming News segment in the entire universe. And then the founders get into some short topics submitted by listeners including house ruling, games we were wrong about, and are there any games that are too formidable for us to learn?  Last Light Review 01:05:13, News with Tony T 01:38:54, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:49:10

Welcome Ye Gods of War! Today, esteemed hobbyists, the Filthy Casuals engage in discussions regarding the Night Lords, A Song of Ice and Fire Tactics, contemplate the Legions Imperialis, explore Snap Ship Tactics, and evaluate the merits of Pro Acryl and Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats. Following this, the squad immerses itself in the latest phenomenon of miniatures wargaming – One Page Rules. Our noble brothers dissect Grim Dark Future Firefight and Age of Fantasy Skirmish, imparting wisdom on the creation of your own chapters. May you find enlightenment in their endeavors on the battlefield. For The Emperor!

Well Cabalists, we're closing in on the end of the year and the founders are working on how they're going to make 2024 a great year of Cabal podcasting. Today Don and Jamie get together to discuss how the Cabal reviews board games and how they plan to make it more comprehensive in the future. Join the gang as they discussed the anatomy of a board game review.

Hey Now and welcome to another jam-packed of the Cabal! Today the gang gets down to business talking about some awesome games they've been playing including Blood on the Clocktower, Horrified, Sea Salt and Paper, Empire’s End and Everdell Farshore. Then the Founders dive into a feature review of Apiary from Connie Vogelmann and Stonemaier Games. Tony T takes the bull by the horns in his award-winning tabletop gaming news segment. And finally, the boys discuss the age-old question - miniatures versus meeples versus cardboard standees. Apiary Review 01:04:04, News with Tony T 01:36:54, Minis, Meeples, and Standees 02:45:22

Milady and noble sirs, in this day's tale told in the hallowed halls of Lords of the Dungeon, our valiant band converseth of the imminent close of act one in Jess' Dragonlance campaign. Then, the Lords, like knights yearning for adventure, do contemplate which silver screen and television quests they'dst fain take part in, forsooth! Lastly, we embark upon a noble quest to fathom the inner workings of players' hearts, delving into the arcane art of maintaining their ardor in the midst of game sessions. Onward, dear listeners, to these chivalrous endeavors!

In this episode Jamie makes a mistake about the game Brazil Imperial and wanted to clear things up.

Hey Now Cabalists! It's November and I'm thankful for all the amazing board games the gang has been playing lately!  In this episode the guys cover Brazil Imperial, Ankh: Gods of Egypt, After Us, Chronicles of Crime 1400, Empires of the North, and into our feature review we look at Iello's newest Tableau building game Ancient Knowledge designed by Remi Mathieu. You know the Cabal can't go an episode without hearing about all of the most exciting tabletop gaming news there is helmed by our intrepid News man Tony T. If finally, the Founders take questions from the listeners regarding hobby Styles we haven't tried, the best science fiction franchises, and does them matter anymore. Ancient Knowledge Review 00:57:23, News with Tony T 01:24:30, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:20:23

Greetings, aficionados of the inexplicable! Gather round as Steve, Tony, Bender, Don, and Jamie embark on a journey through the thrilling realms of the unexplained. We'll navigate a universe brimming with the bizarre and probe the forgotten landscapes inhabited by cryptozoological wonders. In today's odyssey, our intrepid crew plunges into the enigma of Colorado's Bigfoot, the perplexing alien mummies of Peru, the mischievous Albatwitch, and the cosmic specter known as the Flatwoods Monster, haunting the deep Braxton County woodlands. Today, we descend into the mystifying abyss, beckoning you to join us in The Secret Cabal Presents: The Mysteries of the Unknown. Albatwitch Day 00:02:30, The Colorado Bigfoot 00:12:56, Alien Mummies of Peru 00:32:11, The Flatwoods Monster 00:45:19, Flatwoods Monster Discussion 01:08:10

It's Halloween time Cabalists and it's time for spooky games and a visit from Wolfman Steve and the Gatekeeper with some Halloween fun. The gang takes a look at some great games including Aliens: Another Glorious Day in the Corps, Three Kingdoms Redux, Nightmare Cathedral, Return to Dark Tower and a feature review of The Thing: The Board Game from Giuseppe Cicero and Andrea Crespi. And after Tony T gives us all the most important tabletop gaming news from around the community, the Founders talk about Behavioral Economics in tabletop gaming. The Thing Review 00:47:15, News with Tony T 01:21:18, Behavioral Economics 02:33:25

Hark, dear companions, and be ensorcelled by the mystical vibrations of Lords of the Dungeon! On this auspicious day, let it be known that Aaron is aflame with excitement, for he unveils the sacred tomes of the 5th Edition Planescape, laden with secrets of worlds beyond reckoning. In the shadowy recesses of our discourse, we shall unravel the tales of the Game Masters who have woven dread and wonder upon their hapless players. Behold, as we traverse the cosmos of roleplaying games, discovering the varied archetypes of players that dwell within, and ponder the visages we ourselves bear in this ethereal realm of imagination! Welcome, noble souls, to an episode graced by the enchantment of the ages.

Hey now and greetings, esteemed members of the Cabal community! Today the gang gets into some great gaming discussion including Dune Imperium Rise of Ix, Dune Imperium Immortality, Ra: Deluxe Edition, Disney Animated, Dawn of Ulos, Archeos Society and a feature review of the Village Big Box designed by Inka and Markus Brand. Tony T, as always, gives us the best tabletop gaming news roundup in the entirety of the gaming community. And finally, the gang takes questions from the listeners with topics including their recommended TV series, how complexity affects enjoyment, and games styles and mechanisms the Founders are tired of. Village Review 00:48:34, News with Tony T 01:24:16, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:31:02

Today Don, Tony, and Jamie dive into another spotlight of the legendary board game designer Uwe Rosenberg. The gang gives a few facts about his life and talks about the impact he's had on game design throughout the years. They also highlight some of his notable games and what makes them great.

Hey now wonderful and loyal Cabalists! Get ready for another jam-packed episode of the Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast in which the Founders dive into some amazing board games including Ark Nova, Shadows of Brimstone Gates of Valhalla, Everdell Farshore, Castle Panic Big Box, Rear Window and feature Age of Innovation from Capstone Games and designed by Helge Ostertag. Then, after Tony T gives the the most fascinating and informative tabletop gaming news segment in the entire universe, the gang jumps into a discussion about what defines a fun board game. Age of Innovation Review 01:00:14, News with Tony T 01:31:35, Defining The Fun 02:40:37

Hear, O Cabalists! The noble Lords of the Dungeon return to regale thee with tales of roleplay anew. Today, we embark upon a quest into the mystical realms of Talespire, a 3D tabletop conjuration that doth defy imagination's bounds. Then our gaze falls upon three RPG gems, rare as phoenix feathers, bearing unique mechanisms: Ten Candles, Dread, and Alice is Missing. And in the shadows of discourse, we unfurl the cloak of suspension of disbelief, where the ethereal dance of fantasy and reality unfolds in the realm of roleplay. Join us on this lyrical odyssey, as the Lords of the Dungeon beckon thee to a world where stories breathe and dreams take flight!

Hail, fierce warriors and shield-maidens! 'Tis time for another saga of The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast! Today, the Founders plunge headlong into the glorious games we've conquered - among them Life of the Amazonia, 7 Wonder: Architects, 3 Ring Circus, The Goonies Never Say Die, CATAN Dawn of Humankind, and a feature review of Star Trek Away Missions from Gale Force Nine. Then, Tony T, our bard of gaming lore, regales us with an epic hour of tabletop gaming news that shall echo through the ages. And at last, our clan gathers for a grand gathering of short, yet mighty, topics that shall rival the fiercest battles of old! Star Trek Away Missions Review 00:56:17, News with Tony T 01:34:57, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:37:55

Today, Chris, Don, and Jamie Talk about the weird behavior of tabletop gamers!

Enter, Ye Gods of War, it's volume eight of Battletome, a podcast about the miniatures gaming hobby! Today, Bender, Aaron, Mike and Jamie Talk about Legions Imperialis, Cities of Sigmar, Blood and Plunder and basing your miniatures. Then the gang dives deep into the hottest new minis game on the market Star Wars Shatterpoint!

Hark, noble Cabalists! Gather 'round as the minstrels of the Cabal Founders regale you with tales of tabletop wonder! This day, our merry band embarks on a grand quest through realms like Lords of Ragnarok, Ark Nova, AHAU, Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition, Wandering Towers, and a saga unfolds in the feature review of Stonemaier Games' Expeditions. With the wisdom of Tony T, a bard of gaming lore, we unravel the most splendid newsworthy tidings of the tabletop gaming realm. Lastly, hear ye a debate betwixt our fellowship, pondering the ancient enigma of tactics versus strategy!  Expeditions Review 00:56:41, News with Tony T 01:44:59, Tactics vs Strategy 02:51:23

Hey Now Gang and welcome to another episode of Lords of the Dungeon! Today the gang gets into a discussion about their new campaign using the Old School Essentials RPG system in the world of Greyhawk. Then the Lords talk about their dive into the newest Dungeons and Dragons hostness, Baldur's Gate 3. Then Jess takes the gang down the long and winding road of player character investment and the group talks about the responsibility of the players and the game master.

Hey Now Cabalists! It’s time for some more bananas board game discussion from the Founders and today we dive right into some amazing games we've been playing including Lewis and Clark, Hunt a Killer, Clank!, Masters of the Universe Fields of Eternia, Wizards of the Grimoire, and a feature review of Thunder Road Vendetta from Restoration games. Tony T, as always, gives us one of the greatest hours of tabletop gaming news you're ever going to find on the net. And finally, the gang kicks around a discussion topic about losing at board games. Thunder Road Vendetta Review 00:53:08, News with Tony T 01:28:49, Losing 02:23:45

Today Don and Jamie list 11 games that they are the most excited about releasing at Gen Con 2023!

Today the Founders welcome AC from Lords of the Dungeon to an episode chocked full of crazy gaming nonsense! The gang gets into some games they've been playing including Dredge on PC, Mission Control Critical Orbit, Ierusalem: Anno Domini, Mother of Frankenstein, Imperial Steam, Robo-Rally and feature Distilled from Dave Beck and Paverson Game. Then, while Tony T is at karate camp, Stevie S takes over for the news! The gang wraps up the show with a Short Topic Extravaganza including rating games on BGG, RPGs vs Dungeon Crawls and how long is too long for a board game? Distilled Review 00:45:54, News with Stevie S 01:16:22, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:11:56

Hey Now Cabalists! The gang is back in action this month and we dive right into a discussion about Bauldur's Gate 3 and the hottest topic in all the internet - bear sex. After we exhaust that nonsense, we go into Bender's game of Star Trek Bridge Crew and how it's leading into another Star Trek Adventures RPG campaign. Then Jesko and Jamie talk about their upcoming Old School Essentials campaign and how they feel about going back to what is essentially a game designed 40 years ago. Then the Lords get into a discussion about acting, improvising, and thinking on your feet in RPGs.

The gang is back from Origins Game Fair 2023 and they got a load of nonsense to talk about but first they get into the game they've been playing including Ostia, G.I. JOE The Deck-Building Game, Creature Comforts, Cuba Libre, A War of Whispers and feature Hegemony Lead Your Class to Victory from Vangelis Bagiartakis and Varnavas Timotheou. Then Tony T gives us all the most important tabletop gaming news stories from around the tabletop gaming community and industry. And finally the Founders recap their trip to Columbus Ohio for Origins Game Fair! Hegemony Lead Your Class to Victory Review 00:54:18, News with Tony T 01:21:50, Origins 2023 02:28:15

Hey Now Cabalists! Unfortunately we need to postpone Express Today! We'll make it up to you on a future week. Have a great week!

It’s time again for the Founders to throw down some irreverent nonsense for you all! Today the gang gets right down to business with some games they've been playing including Stranger Things: Upside Down, Descent Legends of the Dark, A Feast for Odin, Abducktion, Journal 29 Oblivion and a feature review of Maharaja from Michael Kiesling and Wolfgang Kramer. After Tony T provides his incredible insights on the news of the day the boys get into some short topics submitted by listeners including culling games you actually love, what makes a perfect IP game, and Klaus Teuber, CATAN and the games that got us into hobby board gaming.

Today Jess and Bender spin the yarn of their recent Star Wars adventures using the Blades in the Dark RPG called Criminal Muppets. Then the Lords take a question from a listener regarding roleplaying mental trauma. And finally, the game talks about healthy and unhealthy player character conflict.

Good morning and happy Wednesday Cabalists, it's that time again for some irreverent nonsense with The Founders! Today the gang talks about the new Discord channel and runs through some of the games they've been playing including Hegemony: Lead your Class to Victory, Takenoko, Mindbug: Beyond, Now or Never, Agricola 15 and feature The Witcher Old World. Then Tony T gives us the best damned official tabletop gaming news you'll ever hear. And finally Judge Topper is back, and court is in session with The Cabalist's Court. The Witcher Old World Review 01:12:21, News with Tony T 01:42:53, The Cabalists Court 02:35:55

Enter, Ye Gods of War, it's volume seven of Battletome, a podcast about the miniatures gaming hobby. Today, Bender, Aaron, Mike and Jamie Talk about hobby stores, hobby supplies, Warhammer 40k 10th edition, Warhammer digital games and take a look at Space Station Zero.

Today Chris, Tony and Jamie discuss a 2000 year old game component that every gamer has a love hate relationship with... dice!

HEY OH! It's time for some more Secret Cabal in your life. Today the gang goes bananas outta the game and gets into some games they've been playing including Thunder Road Vendetta, Nemesis: Lockdown, New York 1901, Dead by Daylight: The Boardgame, Galaxy Trucker and feature Simone Luciani and Nestore Mangone's newest masterpiece, Darwin's Journey. Then after Tony T gives us what he does best - the official tabletop gaming news, the gang digs into a discussion about games that fired other games and feature some Cabalist thoughts! Darwin's Journey Review 00:51:54, News with Tony T 01:15:18, Games that Fired Other Games 02:24:14

The Lords are back and today the gang gets right down to business talking about Jess' first time running a gamer for the group and what she learns, what she did great and some things she plans to work on for next time. Then the Lords dig into a meaty topic submitted by a listener asking what we are looking for in our RPG game systems and rulesets.

Episode 272 starts out with an oldie but a goodie, Chris' Movie review segment in which he kinda talks about the Tetris movie and trails off into something else. Then the gang gets busy with the games they've been playing including Yokohama, 51st State: Ultimate Edition, Core Worlds, Starship Captains, Revive and a feature review of Masters of the Universe Clash for Eternia from CMON. Then after Tony T goes ape with the best damn news segment in the third Galaxy, the Founders discuss what makes a Civilization game. Masters of the Universe Review 00:58:02, News with Tony T 01:26:41, Civilization Games 02:22:51

Today Don, Tony and Jamie present a designer spotlight on Jamey Stegmaier. The gang talks about the myriad of games he's designed including Viticulture, Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia, Scythe, Charterstone, Tapestry, Red Rising and Rolling Realms and his progression as a designer and business man.

Hey now Cabalists and welcome to episode 271 of the secret cabal gaming podcast! Today the gang starts off by talking about some game days they've recently attended and a bunch of the games they've been playing including Marrakesh, Long Shot The Dice Game, Joan of Arc, Theurgy, Ferret Out, Score Cards and a feature review of Beast. Then after Tony T gives you the best official tabletop gaming news that you can find on the internet, the Founders talk about some genres and mechanisms that just might have worn out their welcome. Beast Review 00:55:12, News with Tony T 01:29:13, Worn Out Genres and Mechanisms 02:33:03

Hey now Cabalists! Episode 61 kicks off with Jamie's spoiler-free review of the film Dungeons and Dragons Honor Among Thieves. Then the Lords get into a discussion about Jess' new Dragonlance campaign, our characters and how the gods of Krynn. Finally, the gang gets into a discussion about integrating player backstories into the campaign.

THE 2023 KICKSTARTER IS LIVE NOW! The Founders blast into episode 270 by talking about some amazing games they've been getting busy with over the past couple week including  Endless Winter, Deal with the Devil, Suburbia, Root Digital and feature Earth from Inside Up Games and designed by Maxime Tardif. Then Tony T goes absolutely wild with the official tabletop gaming news segment. And finally the gang gets into some listener submitted questions including retro video games they enjoyed growing up, online gaming platforms and most loved vs most played. Earth Review 00:42:39, News with Tony T 01:16:07, Thematic Mechanisms 02:11:14

Enter, Ye Gods of War! In Volume Six of Battletome, a podcast about the miniatures gaming hobby, the Filthy Casuals Bender, Aaron, Mike and Jamie talk about the hobby projects they've been getting into and all the news coming out of Adepticon 2023 including Warhammer 40k 10th edition, Star Wars Shatterpoint, The Battletech Mercenaries Kickstarter and more.

Hey Now Cabalists! Today Chris, Don Tony and Jamie get together to discuss the criteria and emotions involved in defining a classic tabletop game.

THE 2023 KICKSTARTER IS LIVE NOW! Before listening, get on over there and support the Cabal! Then you'll heard us open the show with Steve and his horrible jokes and onward to some of the great games we've been playing including Theurgy, Northern Pacific, Magic the Gathering, Old London Bridge, City of the Great Machine, and a feature review of Uwe Rosenberg newest game, Atiwa! Then Tony T busts out the actual official tabletop gaming news and the gang wraps up the episode by discussing thematic mechanisms in board games.

Hey Now Cabalists! Today Jamie is here to give you a special update about the 2023 Secret Cabal Kickstarter launching this week on Wednesday March 15th. Jamie goes through a bunch of the content project the gang is working on and if the campaign is successful, they'll be busy making some great stuff in 2023.

Hey now Cabalists! Today the Lords start off by discussing their recent Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition adventure and give their final verdict. Then AC talks to the group about taking a break from Roleplaying for a bit so he can recharge his batteries. Finally, the gang discusses homebrew campaign settings vs officially published settings.

Hey Now Cabalists! The gang is back to and because they're obsessed, they talk about the Pennsylvania bigfoot and Don's belief in the ancient aliens. Then they dive into the games they've been playing including Karmaka, Search for Planet X, Rolling Realms and Inscyption on Steam. Then The Founders welcome their great friend Dan King The Game Boy Geek to share some game recommendations including East India Companies and Score Card. And then the boys dive into a very special feature review, Dead of Winter from Isaac Vega and Jon Gilmour. Tony T, as always, gives the listeners a taste of whats going on out there in the tabletop gaming news world. And finally the gang hosts a discussion about exploiting the psychology of the other players in board gaming. Dan King Recommendations 39:59, Dead of Winter Review 00:56:52, News with Tony T 01:25:39, Exploring Psychology in Board Games 02:09:28

This week the Martin Wallace game Brass Birmingham overtook the number 1 spot on Board Game Geek's ranking, and it sparked a feud between the Brass lovers and the Gloomhaven Lovers. Don, Jamie, and Tony discuss this controversy and go into some detail about Board Game Geek, how they use it and what makes it a special place for the board game community.

Hey Now Cabalists and welcome to another game stuffed episode of The Secret Cabal. Today, after the gang theorizes about Bigfoot's ecology we get into a list of games we've been playing including The Yawning Portal, Zombicide Undead or Alive, Boon Lake, Chronicles of Crime: 2400, Lost Ruins of Arnak Expedition Leaders, and a feature review of Autobahn by Fabio Lopiano and Nestore Mangone. Then after Tony T kick off another tabletop gaming news segment the gang jumps into some listener submitted questions discussing murder mystery party games, board game inspired video games and Bullshit or Believe it ala The Bigfoot Collector's Club. Autobahn Review 00:55:27, News with Tony T 01:21:05, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:17:02

Today the Lords open the show by talking about the hottest new toy in the tech world, ChatGPT and Jamie's experience solo role playing with it. Then the gang dives into a mega-discussion about Jess' new D&D campaign and managing player abilities that become problematic within the group.

The Founders are back for another jam-packed episode starting out with a bit of tv show talk and leading into and a bunch of games we've been playing including The Thing: The Boardgame, QE, Wonderland’s War, Heroes of Land Air and Sea, Scout and a feature review of Encyclopedia. Then Tony T gives us the greatest tabletop gaming news in the world of tabletop gaming as the rest of the gang quacks in the background. And finally, the boys discuss that special magic that games certain board games explode in popularity. Encyclopedia Review 01:01:22, Founders Update 01:29:03, News with Tony T 01:33:12, X-Factor of Popular Board Games 02:46:21

Welcome Cabalists to the first annual Best of 2022 and Lookback Special in which we look back at the past year and discuss the games played and reviewed. The gang will list their individual top 5 games that The Cabal reviewed in 2022, the top 5 games the guys individually played but did not review and the top 5 games they missed in 2022.

Hey Now Cabalists! It's time for your weekly dose of Cabal nonsense! Today the gang takes a look at a bunch of awesome games including The Shivers, Autobahn, Raiders of the North Sea Digital, Fall of the Mountain King, Cat in the Box and Don and Jamie feature Starship Captains designed by Peter B. Hoffgaard and published by CGE. Then Tony T gives you all the relevant news from around the gaming verse. And finally, the Founders host another Short Topic Extravaganza with topics like how factors game for a great game session, who are some of our favorite content creators and do you think it's okay to have multiple game with the same style or theme. Starship Captains Review 00:49:11, Founders Update 01:20:21, News with Tony T 01:23:32, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:30:45

The Lords of the Dungeon are back in action and ready to talk about some great roleplaying games! Today the gang discuses a ton of great booking and games including The Expanse, The Ultimate Micro-RPG Book, Alien Destroyer of Worlds, Lancer, Vampire the Masquerade, Blades in the Dark and Call of Cthulhu. Enjoy!

Oh baby, it's the first show of the year and after a little holiday break the Founders are back for some crazy Cabal antics! Today the gang gets into some of the games they've been playing including Forest of Radgost, Creature Comforts, Merchants of the Dark Road, Marvel Snap, Mindbug and features Lacrimosa designed by Gerard Ascensi and Ferran Renalias and published by Devir. After Tony T knocks your socks off with another bombastic tabletop gaming news segment the boys get into a discussion about keeping their gaming lives fresh. Lacrimosa Review 00:53:02, Founders Update 01:15:08, News with Tony T 01:18:23, Keeping Your Gaming Life Fresh 02:07:04