EXP-lore

In this special bonus episode of EXP-lore, we look back on our recent trip to UK Games Expo 2026, the UK's biggest tabletop gaming convention. We discuss the games we played, the publishers and creators we met, the highlights of the weekend, and the moments that stood out most from our time at the expo. From exciting new releases to unexpected discoveries, we share our thoughts on what made th...

Join us this week on the final episode of EXP-lore... well on the final episode of season one! We're here this week to discuss the last year of our lives as podcasters and what is coming next for EXP-lore! Hosted, as always, by your favourites:Mike HearndenDean ShickleDavid WeeksHenry AdairYou can find us at ⁠www.allmanaofgames.co.uk⁠If you'd like to support EXP-lore and All Mana of Games...

In this special bonus episode, we bring you a live recording from our monthly nerdy quiz night, N’QUIZITIVE. Recorded in front of a live crowd, this episode captures the energy, chaos and competitive spirit of the event as teams go head-to-head across a range of nerdy topics. From films and games to books and pop culture deep cuts, the questions get tougher, the answers get more questionable, and...

In this episode, we settle in for a relaxed catch-up as we talk about what we have been up to recently, share a few stories, and enjoy a more laid-back conversation. We also dive into the recent announcement of a Firefly revival, discussing what it could mean, our hopes and concerns, and why the series still holds such a special place for so many fans. From there, the conversation drifts into one...

In this bonus episode, we put our improvisation skills to the test with a game of FunEmployed , the card game where job interviews take a very strange turn. Each round, one of us becomes the employer while the rest scramble to build the most ridiculous résumé possible from a handful of bizarre qualifications. From questionable life skills to completely unhinged work histories, we attempt to convin...

In this milestone episode, we settle in for a relaxed discussion of our latest hot takes, opinions on all things nerdy, and the debates that keep us talking long past the final credits. From games and books to films and fandoms, nothing is off-limits when it comes to sharing what we think and why. Adding to the chaos, we’re also trying to corral Mike’s new puppy while keeping an eye on her antics....

It has been a busy month for us in the world of tabletop events. In this episode, we recap all the events we have attended, hosted, and been involved in over the past few weeks. We reflect on the highlights, the standout games, the community moments, and the differences between organising an event and simply enjoying one as a participant. It is a full catch-up on a packed month of gaming and socia...

In this episode, we turn our attention to the written word as we dive into literature, recent reads, and the stories that have captured our attention lately. From sprawling fantasy worlds to hidden gems and unexpected favourites, we share what we’ve been reading and what we think is worth adding to your shelf. We talk recommendations, standout characters, gripping plot hooks, and the books that ke...

In this bonus episode, we travel to Middle-earth as we try out the Adventures in Middle-earth supplement for Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. Trading traditional high fantasy for the grounded, perilous world of Tolkien, we run through part of the starter set and see how this adaptation captures the tone, danger, and storytelling of the setting. We talk about the mechanics that set it apart from s...

In this episode, we take a look back at all the recent AMoG events, chatting about how they went, the standout moments, and the highlights that made them memorable. From great games and community moments to the unexpected chaos that always seems to appear, we break down everything that has been happening across our events. We also talk about what is coming up next for AMoG, including future plans,...

In this episode, we look back at some of our favourite and most epic moments from tabletop role-playing games. These are the stories that live on long after the campaign ends. The clutch rolls, the disastrous failures, the heroic sacrifices and the moments where everything went wrong because someone failed a save at exactly the wrong time. We share memorable scenes from the table, talk about why t...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of fan casting as we imagine which actors could bring some of our favourite books, characters and fictional worlds to life on screen. From long-time beloved series to cult favourites and underrated gems, we explore who we think has the presence, charm or sheer acting range to embody these roles. Along the way, we discuss what makes a great adaptation, w...

Western Rocket Man is our first episode of 2026, and we are starting the year with a mixture of new beginnings, unexpected stories, and a look at what lies ahead. In this episode, we talk about the feeling of stepping into a fresh year and the plans, goals, and hopes that come with it. We also discuss our time playtesting an indie board game and share our thoughts on its mechanics, theme, potentia...

Episode 43: Emotional Damage is all about the stories that hit harder than we expected. In this episode, we talk about films, television, games, books, and other pieces of media that left a genuine emotional mark on us. These are the moments that surprised us, stayed with us long after the credits rolled, or caught us completely off guard with how powerful they were. We discuss why certain stories...

Join in with our Christmas special and a celebration of the people who make our tabletop community what it is. In this episode, we step away from our usual format and spend time chatting with members of our social club, reflecting on how their year of tabletop gaming has gone. We talk favourite games, memorable moments, surprise discoveries, and the sessions that kept them coming back week after w...

Episode 41: Days of Future Mats In this episode, we take a step back and look at the highlights of 2025; the moments, games, events and memories that made the year what it was. From tabletop triumphs to unexpected surprises, we reflect on what really stood out. Then we turn our gaze forward to 2026, talking about the games, events and plans we’re most excited about. What’s coming next? What’s alre...

In this episode, we relive the chaos, carnage and questionable tactics from our Winter 2025 Warhammer 40k Doubles Tournament! From clutch rolls to absolute disasters, heroic charges to poorly-timed explosions, we break down every highlight (and lowlight) of an epic day on the tabletop. We talk team combos, standout moments, unexpected victories, and the units that did far more — or far less — than...

This week we dive into the wildest, strangest, most “wait… what?!” storylines film and TV have ever thrown at us. From bonkers twists to galaxy-brain reveals, we’re unpacking the plots that left us confused, impressed, traumatised, or all three at once. We break down the moments that made us yell at the screen, the twists that somehow work, and the ones that absolutely don’t, plus a few personal f...

This week we’re diving head-first into the cardboard multiverse as we talk all things board games. From the Kickstarters we’re backing (or trying not to), to the games we’ve played recently, to the dream titles we’re desperate to get to the table. We chat hobby highs, wallet-draining temptations, hidden gems, and the games that made us fall in love with the tabletop all over again. Whether you’re...

In Episode 37 of EXP-lore, “Bossed and Found,” we dive headfirst into some of the most memorable boss fights from video games and tabletop RPGs. From epic showdowns to unexpected challenges, we share stories, strategies, and those moments that make bosses unforgettable. Plus, we explore achievements, gaming tidbits, and all the little details that make gaming such a thrilling adventure. Whether yo...

This week, things get interstellar as Dean takes the captain’s chair and challenges the rest of us to a sci-fi trivia showdown! From lightsabers to time travel, warp drives to wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey stuff — no corner of the galaxy is safe. Expect bold guesses, nerdy debates, and at least one moment of total brain meltdown as we battle for ultimate sci-fi supremacy. Grab your phasers, charge you...

In this episode, we’re shuffling our decks and looking back at our recent Magic: The Gathering Commander tournament — the plays, the misplays, and the moments of pure chaos that made it unforgettable. We also reveal our brand-new event: Tabletop Nuneaton! From the idea to the launch, we talk about what’s coming, what we’re planning, and why we’re so excited to build something special for the table...

In this episode, we sink our fangs into horror — from tabletop terrors to spine-chilling books and nightmare-fuel video games. What makes fear fun? Why do we love being scared when the dice (or the plot) turn against us? We talk Curse of Strahd , haunted stories, jump scares, and the art of creeping dread — plus how horror can make roleplaying and storytelling more intense, emotional, and unforget...

In this episode, we trade dice rolls for day trips as we recount our recent community adventure to Warhammer World — the holy land of miniatures, massive battles, and surprisingly pricey beverages. From jaw-dropping displays and nostalgic fan moments to the chaos of navigating the gift shop (and the bar tab), we share all the highlights, laughs, and slightly questionable decisions from our time am...

Episode 33 of EXP-lore brings a mix of chaos and contemplation as we dive into the hits and misses of nerd culture—welcome to Big Trouble, Little Deano . This week, we’re talking about the big swings companies take in the worlds of gaming, film, and fandom—some that paid off brilliantly, and others that crashed and burned spectacularly. From ambitious experiments to baffling blunders, we look at w...