Essen SPIEL 2025 is almost here — the biggest board gaming event on the planet — and guess what? We’re not there.

Join Jason, James, and Ant as they embrace their cardboard FOMO in “Essen in Exile” From the latest Essen buzz and big game releases, to sarcastic survival tips and a heated Dicey Discussion on whether the Essen hype actually helps or hurts the hobby, this episode delivers all the chaos of SPIEL… minus the airfare, crowds, and pretzels.

So grab a cuppa, queue up from your sofa, and get ready for your annual dose of board game banter, British sarcasm, and the occasional existential crisis over shelf space.

In this weeks Podcast, we're discussing some top games that have been sat gathering dust on our shelf. We explore our board game backlog and wonder when we will get these games to the tabletop for a game night. Are these games destined for eternity of the Shelf of shame?

This week on the Meeple Minded Podcast, Jason and Ant are flying solo (well… duo) while James is off sick and doing his best impression of a discarded Pandemic card. But fear not — we’ve got a stacked show for you:00:00 Intro

02:29 Meeple Menu

03:43 The Setup Phase – We break down the latest in board game news, including: Ark Nova’s deluxe expansion and its wallet-destroying price tag. CMON’s projected \$6–8 million losses for the first half of 2025 — what does it mean for the industry?

12:25 Meeple Moments – We chat about what we’ve been playing lately (spoiler: James played “Sleeping Gods: Tissue Box Edition”).

19:38 Cardboard Critique – Our first impressions of Star Wars: Battle for Hoth, the brand-new Days of Wonder release. Is it the epic battle we wanted, or just another trip into the snowy abyss?

49:44 Giveaway Draw – We announce the winner of our competition to snag a brand new copy of *Popcorn* by IELLO!---👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments: are you excited about Battle for Hoth or do you think it’s another cash-in on the Star Wars license?💬 Join the conversation:Instagram | Facebook | @MeepleMinded🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and wherever you get your board game podcast fix.#BoardGames #Podcast #StarWars #StarWarsBoardGames #ArkNova #CMON #BoardGameNews #MeepleMinded

On this weeks podcast the boys are back as a trio and wanted to discuss 5 games that made their mechanics work really well. some might say made the game what it is today!

please note this episode does suffer with some audio related cut outs but we have done all we can to try to hide these as much as possible.

Following a spat of technical issues, the boys are finally back after an unexpected break away, and they are back to discuss if we as gamers expect too much in the way of innovation in game releases?They will also be talking about what has been going on, some games they have been playing recently AND due to his absence a mild ribbing of "the THIRD voice" Antony!

🎙️ Meeple Minded Podcast - Episode 214
🧩 Topic: Are Day-One Expansions Good or Bad for Board Games?

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the hottest debates in the board gaming community — should expansions be released at the same time as the base game?

Is it a smart move that gives players more options? Or is it a greedy cash grab that splits content unfairly?

Join us as we explore:
✅ The pros and cons of day-one expansions
💸 How this trend affects consumer trust and game design
🎯 Examples of games that got it right... and others that didn’t
👥 Our personal takes + community opinions

📣 What do YOU think?
Leave a comment and let us know:
➡️ Are you pro-expansion at launch or totally against it?

🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms
💬 Subscribe for more board game chats every week!

📍 Follow Meeple Minded:
🔗 Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Threads

#BoardGames #MeepleMinded #BoardGamePodcast #DayOneExpansion #TabletopGaming #BoardGameCommunity #BoardGameDebate

🎲 Top 5 Two-Player Board Games | Jason & Ant's Personal Picks 🎲
In this episode of The Meeple Minded Podcast, Jason and Ant dive into their Top 5 Two-Player Board Games — perfect for couples, friends, or rivals looking to outwit each other in tight, tactical showdowns!

But before the countdown begins, the guys kick off the show with their usual segment: "Games We've Played Recently", where they share thoughts on the latest titles hitting their tables.

Expect passionate opinions, personal favourites, and maybe a few surprises along the way. Whether you're new to two-player games or a seasoned duo, you're sure to discover something to add to your Wishlist.

🃏 Got your own favourite 2-player game? Drop it in the comments or let us know on social media — we love hearing from fellow meeples!

📌 Subscribe for more weekly board game content, reviews, and discussions from The Meeple Minded crew!

#BoardGames #Top5Games #TwoPlayerGames #BoardGamePodcast #MeepleMinded

🎲 Meeple Minded Podcast | UKGE 2025 Breakdown & Game Chat 🎤Welcome to another episode of the Meeple Minded Podcast — your go-to show for all things board games, tabletop gaming, and community-driven content! In this special UKGE 2025 (UK Games Expo) recap episode, we reflect on our full weekend at the UK’s biggest tabletop gaming convention.🗓️ We break down each day of UKGE 2025 — from Thursday to Sunday — sharing our favourite moments, biggest surprises, disappointments, and standout games. Whether you’re curious about the best board games of UKGE 2025, upcoming releases, or con highlights, this episode covers it all!But first, we kick off with our usual "What We've Been Playing" segment, where we chat about the newest additions to our gaming table, hidden gems, and our current board game obsessions.📺 Watch now on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms🔑 Timestamps:📌 Keywords:UKGE 2025, UK Games Expo, board game podcast, tabletop gaming, board games 2025, new board games, board game reviews, con recap, board game vlog, UKGE haul, game demos, board game YouTube, Meeple Minded, best games of UKGE👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly board game content!#UKGE2025 #BoardGames #MeepleMinded #UKGamesExpo #TabletopGaming #BoardGamePodcast

🎙️ PREPARING FOR UKGE with Chris Priscott | Fetching Feathers & Indie Game Publisher 🎲In this episode, we’re joined by Chris Priscott, the indie board game designer behind Zuuli, Moving Wild, Molehill Meadows, and his brand-new release Fetching Feathers! 🐦✨We dive into how Chris is preparing for UK Games Expo (UKGE) 2025, the UK's biggest tabletop gaming event, and get behind-the-scenes insight into what it takes to launch, demo, and sell indie board games at a major convention.💥 Whether you're a board game designer, publisher, content creator, or tabletop fan, this episode is packed with practical advice, funny stories, and marketing tips straight from one of the most creative minds in the indie tabletop scene.🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The low down on Chris's NEW game Fetching FeathersKey steps in preparing for UKGE as a board game publisherBooth setup tips, demo strategies, and lessons learnedAdvice for first-time exhibitors at UKGE or similar consWhat makes a board game demo table irresistible to players🕹️ Try Fetching Feathers: https://unfringed.co/fetchingfeathers/📦 Visit Chris’s site: https://www.instagram.com/unfringedthings🎟️ Going to UKGE? Find Chris at Stand 3-313📌 Support the show by liking, subscribing, and hitting that notification bell so you never miss a new episode full of board game industry insight.📧 For business inquiries or to be a guest: meeplemindedmedia@gmail.com🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.#BoardGames #UKGE2025 #FetchingFeathers #ChrisPriscott #IndieBoardGames #TabletopGames #UKGamesExpo #BoardGamePublisher00:00 introduction01:35 Fetching Feathers06:20 The Publisher Journey26:10 Prepping For Conventions

🎲 Meeple Minded Podcast – Episode211: Meeple MAY-nia Begins! | UKGE 2025 Hype + Games We've Been Playing 🎲Welcome to another exciting episode of the Meeple Minded Podcast!We’re kicking off our month-long celebration — Meeple MAY-nia — as we build up to the biggest event in the UK tabletop calendar: UK Games Expo 2025 (UKGE)!In this episode:🟢 We introduce Meeple MAY-nia 🎲 Chat about the board games we've been playing recently🔍 Dive into everything we know so far about UKGE 2025 – including key dates, venue info, early highlights!Whether you’re watching on YouTube or tuning in on your favourite podcast app, this episode sets the tone for a month packed with content, coverage, and community fun as we count down to UKGE.🧠 Stay Meeple Minded – Subscribe, follow, and share to join us on the road to UKGE 2025!📲 Listen & Subscribe:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google | Amazon | and more – just search Meeple Minded Podcast📺 YouTube#MeepleMinded #UKGE2025 #BoardGames #TabletopGaming #BoardGamePodcast #UKGamesExpo00:00 Intro ramble & catch up01:42 Welcome to Meeple MAY - nia : the countdown to UKGE 202503:50 Games we have been playing20:38 UKGE 202557:48 Outro

🎲 Have Our Board Gaming Tastes Changed? | Latest Plays & Catch-Up! 🎲Welcome back to the channel! In this episode, we dive deep into a fun discussion: how have our board gaming tastes evolved over the years? Have we moved away from certain mechanics, fallen in love with new genres, or simply expanded our gaming horizons? Join us for an honest conversation about the way our hobby has changed for us!Before that, we catch up on life, share what we’ve been playing recently, and chat about some exciting new board games that hit our tables this week. Whether you’re new to board gaming or a seasoned player, there’s something here for you!🧩 Timestamps:00:00 - Intro, Catch-Up & What's been going on04:18 - What We've Been Playing20:21 - Main Topic : Have our gaming tastes changed?49:21 - Final Thoughts & Outro👉 We'd love to hear from you! How have YOUR board gaming tastes evolved? Let us know in the comments!If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to support the channel and stay updated with all our future content. 🎙️ Also available wherever you get your podcasts!🔔 Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!📲 Follow us on social media:https://www.facebook.com/MeepleMindedMediahttps://www.instagram.com/meepleminded/#BoardGames #BoardGamePodcast #GamingCommunity #TabletopGames #BoardGameDiscussion #Podcast #BoardGameLife #BoardGameReviews #GamingHobby

Is the golden age of two-player board games upon us? In this episode of Meeple Minded, we dive deep into the growing trend of dedicated 2-player modern hobby board games

why they’re thriving, what makes them special & more importantly are they even necessary?

We also break down what we played this week

💬 Join the Discussion!
What are YOUR favorite 2-player board games? Drop a comment below!

🔥 Subscribe & Follow for More:
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more board game discussions!
📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes & updates!

#BoardGames #2PlayerGames #TabletopGaming #BoardGamePodcast #StrategyGames #Podcast

🎲 Meeple Minded Podcast: Ep 207 5 Board Games we are looking forward to Coming in 2025! 🎲Welcome back to Meeple Minded! In this episode, we’re talking about 5 modern hobby board games releasing in 2025 that we can’t wait to get our hands on. If you love discovering new games and keeping up with what’s coming next in the board gaming world, this episode is for you!🔥 In This Episode:✅ The 5 upcoming board games we’re excited about for 2025✅ Meeple Minded News & Updates✅ Why these games have caught our attention✅ The games we played this week – hits, misses, and everything in betweenIf you enjoy board game discussions, reviews, and recommendations, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 bell so you never miss an episode! Let us know in the comments which 2025 releases you’re looking forward to—we’d love to hear from you!00:00 Introduction01:30 Games We Played This Week15:09 Meeple Minded News17:07 Games We are looking forward too in 202519:06 Number 5's24:31 Number 4's30:04 Number 3's36:12 Number 2's42:38 Number 1's47:27 Honourable Mentions51:11 Final Thoughts and Outro#BoardGames #TabletopGaming #MeepleMinded #BoardGamePodcast #UpcomingGames2025

🎲 Meeple Minded Podcast - Episode 206 🎲"Should Children Always Win?"The debate is on! Should kids always win when playing board games, or is it better to teach them the art of fair competition? In this episode, we dive into this hot topic, sharing our thoughts on when (or if) you should let the little ones take the victory.But first, we chat about some of our latest game purchases and break down the games we played last week—because we’ve been busy at the table! Expect some great recommendations, a few surprise opinions, and plenty of board gaming banter.📺 Watch the video podcast on YouTube & Spotify🎧 Listen to the audio version on all major streaming platformsWhat do YOU think? Should children always win, or is a little competition healthy? Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media—we’d love to hear from you!#BoardGames #TabletopGaming #MeepleMinded #Podcast #gamingwithkids

🎲 Meeple Minded Podcast - Episode 205 🎲"5 Games We Wished We Had Played Sooner"

Ever played a board game and thought, Why didn’t I play this sooner?! In this episode, we’re diving into five games that we seriously regret not trying earlier. Whether they flew under our radar or we just kept putting them off, these games deserved our attention sooner rather than later.

Before that, we chat about the games we played last week—and plenty of tabletop talk.

📺 Watch the video podcast on YouTube & Spotify

🎧 Listen to the audio version on all major streaming platforms

Have you ever discovered a game way too late? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media—we’d love to hear your picks!

#BoardGames #TabletopGaming #MeepleMinded #Podcast #hiddengems

In this week’s episode of The Meeple Minded, we dive deep into the world of big box board games! 🎲✨ Are they an epic gaming experience worth every penny—or are they just massive monsters causing more problems than they’re worth? 🤔

We tackle all the burning questions:
🛠️ Are these oversized boxes a storage nightmare?
💡 Is there too much bloat packed in, or do the extras add value?
⏳ How much does the extended setup and takedown time really impact gameplay?

Join us as we share personal stories, gaming gripes, and the occasional laugh while breaking down the pros and cons of these colossal collections. Whether you’re a big box fanatic or someone who prefers a more streamlined shelf, this episode is for you!

So, grab your favourite beverage, tune in, and let’s unpack this oversized topic together! 🎧

#BoardGames #BigBoxGames #MeepleMinded #TabletopGaming

🎉 Big Changes, Big Games! 🎉

Welcome to a very special episode of The Meeple Minded podcast! the show where we talk all things table top gaming.

Episode 203 marks a historic moment as we roll the dice into a whole new era. For the first time ever, The Meeple Minded is available in both audio and video formats, giving you a choice in how you enjoy our content! Plus, we’re thrilled to announce our move to a brand-new podcast hosting platform: Spotify.

In this milestone episode, we’re diving into our Top 5 Board Games of 2024! From mind-bending strategy epics to quick and quirky party games, all are eligible on this list. we’re sharing our personal favourites from an incredible year in gaming. Will your favourites make our list? Tune in to find out!

Join us for engaging discussions, friendly debates, and our trademark banter as we celebrate the best that 2024 has to offer in board gaming. Whether you're watching or listening, we can’t wait to have you at the table!

🎲 Stream now on Spotify or your favourite podcast platform.
🎥 Watch the video version exclusively on YouTube & Spotify.

Don’t miss this landmark episode—hit play and let's get gaming!

#MeepleMinded #BoardGames #Top5of2024