Episode 250 - Looking Back, Looking Forward

In this reflective episode of the Game Schooler podcast, hosts Doug and Michael celebrate 250 episodes by looking back on their journey, discussing the evolution of their show, and sharing their plans for the future. They emphasize the importance of educational games, community engagement, and the need to shift focus from traditional game reviews to more enjoyable conversations about gaming. As they prepare for season two, they express gratitude for their listeners and the support they've received throughout their journey.

In this episode of the Game Schooler Podcast, hosts Doug and Michael revisit their top 10 games from 2024, discussing various titles and their experiences with each game. They explore a range of themes including cooperative gameplay, unique mechanics, and the joy of family gaming. The conversation also highlights the importance of community engagement and the excitement surrounding new game releases, especially during the holiday season.

In this episode, Michael and Doug explore Michael's top 25 board games of all time, discussing various themes, mechanics, and personal experiences with each game. From cooperative games like Cthulhu Death May Die to classic strategy games like Ticket to Ride, the conversation delves into what makes each game special and the joy of playing with friends and family. The hosts also reflect on the impact of nostalgia and game complexity on their preferences, encouraging listeners to share their own top games.

In this episode of the Game Schooler podcast, hosts Doug and Michael explore the concept of curating a board game collection down to just 24 games. Doug shares his personal list of games he would keep, discussing the criteria behind his selections, the mechanics of each game, and the sentimental value they hold. The conversation delves into various genres, including strategy, family, and cooperative games, while also highlighting the unique aspects that make each game special.

In this week’s episode we'll cover Ticket to Ride: United Kingdom, Stranger Things: Upside Down, answer questions in the School of Gaming and say Thank You to some very important games!00:00 - Introduction to The Game Schooler Podcast02:31 - Ticket To Ride: United Kingdom11:54 - Ad - Pawn Porter13:06 - Stranger Things: Upside Down24:26 - Ad - The Gimmies25:41 - Welcoming New Players to the Table31:21 - Eco-Friendly Packaging: Worth It or Waste?38:45 - Ad - Dreamboard40:26 - Thank You Notes

In this week’s episode we'll cover Ticket to Ride: Pennsylvania and Deep Regrets, answer questions in the School of Gaming and discuss where the Hotness from Gen Con 2023 is today!00:00 - Introduction02:18 - Ticket To Ride: Pennsylvania17:22 - Ad - CoverCraft Workshop18:32 - Deep Regrets35:01 - Ad - Pack It Back: Board Game36:40 - School of Gaming: Card Games vs. Board Games43:03 - School Gaming: Game Length and Fulfillment46:38 - Ad - Ogre's Hoard Game Store47:46 - Gen Con 2023 Hotness Review

In this week’s episode we'll cover Mille Fiori, Maki Master, answer questions in the School of Gaming and discuss What’s Awesome in Tabletop Gaming.00:00 - Introduction04:03 - Mille Fiori17:04 - Ad - International Factory Cologne17:39 - Maki Master29:54 - Ad - BacKallax31:17 - School of Gaming48:52 - Ad - Personal Rules Lawyer49:51 - What's Awesome In Gaming

 In this week’s episode we'll cover Kingdomino: Origins, The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth, answer questions in the School of Gaming and discuss changes in the hobby in the new segment, Game Schooler Reacts!00:00 - Introduction03:34 - Kingdomino: Origins15:01 - Ad - Chameleon15:36 - Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth28:49 - Ad - Dice Alarm For Weak-Wristed Rolls29:59 - School of Gaming38:00 - Ad - Gaming Snack Mittens39:08 - Game Schooler Reacts: Changes in the Hobby

In this week’s episode we'll cover Caldera Park, Newton, answer questions in the School of Gaming and recap our experience at Gamehole Con!00:00 - Introduction to Game Schooler Podcast01:58 - Caldera Park14:17 - Accruals: The Budget Balancing Game15:13 - Newton29:51 - Deluxe Edition Stickers30:52 - Enjoying Games You're Not Good At38:46 - Confidence and Doubt in Gaming45:48 - Shelf of Shame Storage Cloth46:44 - Gamehole Con Experience Recap

In this week’s episode we'll feature an extended School of Gaming, and play Game Schooler Blind Rank, Troll Er No?, and the Great Game Guessing Game!03:21 - School of Gaming24:44 - Ad - People In A Room25:37 - Game Schooler Blind Rank34:43 - Ad - Portable Convention Shower36:20 - Troll Er No - 7 Wonders40:45 - Ad - Board Game Vacuum41:37 - The Great Game Guessing Game