Mindful Games Lab

In this episode of the Mindful Games Lab podcast, Clay visits with sisters Alice and Jessica from Fambam Games to explore how board games create connection, spark laughter, and bring people together across generations. The conversation dives into the origins of hit party games like Not So Neighborly , the role of chaos and emotion in tabletop game design, and how family game nights shaped Fambam G...

In this episode of the Mindful Games Lab Podcast, we sit down with Meeple Lady, board game blog writer, podcast host, and passionate member of the tabletop gaming community to explore how games can create meaningful connection in our lives. We talk about her journey from playing classic games growing up to discovering modern board games through Ticket to Ride , and how that led her down the rabbit...

What does it feel like to defend a fortress when the odds are impossible? In this episode, we explore Castlenuovo 1539, a tense two-player historical block wargame about the 1539 siege between Spanish defenders and Ottoman forces. I share what it's like to play, why the hidden information and asymmetrical design create so much tension, and some basic strategy tips for both sides—from using the Spa...

What if your delivery route wasn't roads—but ever-shifting winds in the sky? In this episode, we take a deep dive into Mistwind, a unique pickup-and-deliver board game from First Fish Games. You'll learn what it feels like to play, how the dynamic movement system creates a satisfying puzzle, and a few simple strategy tips that can instantly improve your game. We also explore what makes Mistwind st...

Roll the Dice: A Mindful Experiment for Your Next Game Night What if one simple question could transform your game night? In this episode of Mindful Games Lab , we explore 52 Mindful Board Game Prompts for Game Night , a simple way to bring more awareness, connection, and memorable moments to the table. Board games already create laughter, tension, clever plays, and shared stories— but sometimes t...

Can a board game really transform an ordinary evening into something meaningful? In this episode, we explore how to create a mindful game night — and why intentional play can deepen connection, spark wonder, and strengthen real-life relationships. You'll learn: How board games can turn a routine evening into an incredible shared experience. About certain games with a powerful table presence — and...

Flip 7 is a fast, simple push-your-luck card game—but knowing when to stop is harder than it looks. In this episode of the Mindful Games Lab Podcast, we dive into Flip 7, the push-your-luck card game that makes everyone at the table lean in. You'll learn when it's smart to take the points, when it's worth risking everything, and how to get better at Flip 7 without turning it into a math problem. W...

Why I No Longer Rush Through Board Games How slowing down helps you enjoy games, people, and moments more Do you ever finish a board game night feeling like you played a lot of games—but didn't really experience them? In this episode of Mindful Games Lab, Clay shares why he stopped rushing through board games and what changed when he slowed down. From game backlogs and constant rule learning to tr...

What does Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game teach us about power, restraint, and focus? In this episode of Mindful Games Lab, Clay dives into Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game from Brotherwise Games, exploring beginner-friendly strategy, when it's actually worth flaring your metals, which characters feel strongest at the table, and the ongoing tension between dealing damage and racing up the mission t...

In this episode, Clay explores Undaunted: 2200 Callisto, the newest and boldest entry in the Undaunted series—now blasting off into full sci-fi territory. If you've ever wondered what Undaunted would feel like with mechs, lunar colonies, elevation mechanics, and high-stakes tactical skirmishes, this is the episode for you. I break down what makes 2200 Callisto different from the WWII titles before...

Kinfire Council: When Saving the City Means Watching Your Back Din'Lux is hanging by a thread — and the greatest threat might be sitting right across the table from you. Join Clay as he dives into Kinfire Council, the gorgeous worker placement game where players must rebuild magical lighthouses to protect the last surviving city… all while silently questioning whether their fellow council members...

In Nature from North Star Game Studio, survival isn't about brute strength—it's about clever adaptation. Join Clay from Mindful Games Lab as he dives into this fast-paced, beautifully illustrated board game where every round is an evolutionary arms race. Discover the game's origin story, learn the best traits to dominate your ecosystem, and explore the high-stakes choice every player faces: to hun...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Vantage , the epic new open-world board game from Stonemaier Games and designer Jamie Stegmaier. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, Vantage offers a rich, narrative-driven experience filled with exploration, choice, and surprise. You'll learn how the game works, what sets it apart from other storytelling games, and why the first-person perspectiv...

Welcome to a jam-packed guide to Gen Con — the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America! Whether it's your first time attending or you're a seasoned veteran, this episode is your ultimate prep companion. Host Clay walks you through everything you need to know to get the most out of your Gen Con experience: 🧭 Tips for navigating the massive vendor hall 🎟️ How to plan your event schedule...

In this episode, Clay dives deep into Almoravid, the second entry in Volko Ruhnke's celebrated Levy & Campaign series from GMT Games. Set in the gritty landscape of 11th-century Iberia during the Spanish Reconquista, Almoravid is a game of feudal logistics, political tension, and brutal siege warfare. We unpack the game's most compelling systems: How you command lords—not armies—and what it means...

Mindful Games Lab Podcast with Clay In this episode, Clay dives deep into Ironwood , the highly thematic two-player strategy game from Mindclash Games . Discover the core conflict between the industrial Ironclad and the mystical Woodwalkers , as they battle for control over the powerful Larimor Crystals in the Iron Forge Mountains. Clay explores the game's rich lore, stunning components, and cleve...

Clay visits with Sarah Trager from Meeples On The Ground. We talk about some amazing games for you to check out and important game convention advice that is not easy to follow.

Clay visits with Carla Kopp from Weird Giraffe Games. We talk about Gift of Tulips and the amazing team of women who worked on it. We dive into what to do if you're stuck on a game design and what you must know if you want to pitch a design to a publisher.

Clay talks with Ryan Schneider from Saint Paul Games about Electric Orchard. Find out the most important skill you need to go from idea to Kickstarter launch.

Clay talks about the board game Dune Imperium by Dire Wolf. Find out what it's like to play and get some strategy tips to give you an edge.

Clay visits with designer Ian Moss and developer Marshall Britt of Bunkers & Badasses published by Nerdvana Games. Find out why it's the Coolest est game in the world. Based on the game-within-a-game from Gearbox  Entertainment's Borderlands series, Bunkers & Badasses is a tabletop roleplaying game!

Clay and special guest talk about Don't Starve Together by Klei Entertainment. Find out what it's like to play and why it's a great game for couples.

Clay visits with Minnesota-based award-winning filmmaker, actor and game industry fan Ed Linder. During this episode you will learn: What makes a good story? Qualities that make a great film director A list of excellent games to introduce new people to Great advice for getting starting making video content Find out which Star Wars movie is the best one Timestamps 1:48 TMJ Productions 4:15 Zipperma...

In this November 2020 Episode Clay talks about the party game Bye, Felicia! Find out what it's like to play Bye, Felicia You can even play along right during the podcast!   1:03 Zapotec Publisher Board&Dice 2:36 Star Wars™: Squadrons https://www.ea.com/games/starwars/squadrons 3:11 Endless Winter - Paleoamericans https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fantasiagames/endless-winter-paleoamericans?ref=...

In this October 2020 Episode Clay visits with Megan and Tristan from the "Girl Meets Nerd" Podcast. Find out all about the Nerdverse Find out Megan's favorite part of the Nerdverse You will learn about the best game to play as a couple as well as a great video game to play as a couple Find out what valuable life skills you can gain from playing video games Find out what makes Star Wars amazing is...