Top 13 'Box-Opening-Banter' Board Game Podcasts to listen to for Fueling Your Hype on Game Night Weekends
There’s a special kind of magic in the air on a game night weekend. It starts with a ripple of messages in the group chat, a debate over which snacks to get, and the satisfying thud of a game box hitting the table. It’s the thrill of punching out new tokens, the distinct smell of freshly printed cardboard, and the shared anticipation of a new adventure. This is our ritual, our escape, and our way of connecting.
But what about the rest of the week? How do you keep that tabletop hype train chugging along? For me, the answer is podcasts. They are the background music to my hobby, the friendly voices that keep me company while I’m painting miniatures, organizing my collection, or just commuting to work. They’re a way to discover new gems, dive deeper into the strategy of old favorites, and feel connected to a global community of gamers who share our passion.
So, grab your headphones and clear some space in your podcast queue. We’re about to explore the top 13 'box-opening-banter' board game podcasts that are perfect for fueling your excitement. From sharp-witted critics to hilarious friends just riffing on the hobby, there’s a show here for every type of gamer.
1. Shut Up & Sit Down
If you're in the board game hobby, you know Shut Up & Sit Down (SU&SD). Quinns, Tom, and Matt have created an empire built on wit, charm, and an infectious love for the social experience of gaming. Their podcast is a perfect extension of their wildly popular video reviews, offering the same high-quality production and insightful, often hilarious, commentary. They don't just review games; they tell stories about the experiences games create.
The SU&SD podcast excels at exploring the why of gaming. Why does a particular mechanic make you laugh? Why does another create delicious tension? They champion games that generate memorable moments and social interaction, often shying away from dry, mechanical euros in favor of titles with more thematic flair. Their chemistry is undeniable, and listening feels like you’re eavesdropping on the most entertaining and well-spoken game group on the planet.
Listen to this if: You value the social experience of gaming above all else and appreciate clever, theatre-kid energy. Their review of The Resistance: Avalon is a classic and perfectly encapsulates their approach to games as story-generators.
2. So Very Wrong About Games
For those who crave critical, thoughtful analysis paired with razor-sharp banter, look no further than So Very Wrong About Games (SVWAG). Hosts Mark Bigney and Mike Walker are unapologetically opinionated, bringing a level of intellectual rigor to their reviews that is both refreshing and challenging. They are not afraid to critique a popular game or praise an overlooked indie darling.
What makes SVWAG stand out is their structured approach. They often discuss a game they’ve been playing, dive into a feature topic (like a specific mechanism or industry trend), and wrap up with a look at gaming news. Mark’s background in law and philosophy shines through in his precise language, while Mike’s dry humor provides the perfect counterbalance. They respect the listener's intelligence and offer nuanced critiques that will make you a more discerning gamer.
Listen to this if: You want to move beyond "Is this game fun?" to "Is this game well-designed?" Their episode on "The Cult of the New" is a fantastic starting point for understanding their critical philosophy.
3. Board Game Barrage
Imagine you could listen in on your favorite game group—the one with the perfect mix of personalities—as they talk about what they’ve been playing. That’s Board Game Barrage. Kellen, Mark, and Neilan (and formerly Christina) have a natural, friendly chemistry that makes their show incredibly welcoming. They have different tastes in games, which leads to fantastic discussions and disagreements.
Each episode is themed around a central question, like "Top 5 Games to Play on a Plane" or "What Makes a Good Expansion?" This format keeps the conversation focused and always interesting. They also have a popular segment where they discuss their "oaths"—the games they’ve sworn to play but haven't gotten to the table yet, a struggle every gamer can relate to. It’s the most relatable and down-to-earth podcast on this list.
Listen to this if: You want to feel like you’re part of a friendly, knowledgeable game group. Pick any episode with a topic that interests you; their charm is consistent and immediately apparent.
4. The Dice Tower
Tom Vasel is a titan of the board game industry, and The Dice Tower podcast is the audio hub of his sprawling media network. This is your one-stop shop for staying on top of the tabletop world. With a rotating cast of co-hosts, including Eric Summerer and Mike DiLisio, the podcast covers an astonishing breadth of games, from the hottest new releases to obscure titles you’ve never heard of.
The show's strength lies in its sheer volume and encyclopedic knowledge. They review multiple games each episode, discuss news, and answer listener questions. While they may not do 45-minute deep dives into a single game, they provide clear, concise, and enthusiastic opinions that help you decide if a game is right for your group. Tom’s unfiltered passion for the hobby is the engine that has driven The Dice Tower for years.
Listen to this if: You want to know what’s new and what’s hot in the board game world, delivered with boundless energy and a family-friendly vibe.
5. Five Games for Doomsday
This is the "Desert Island Discs" of board game podcasts. Host Ben Maddox invites a prominent guest from the gaming industry—a designer, publisher, or content creator—and asks them a simple but profound question: "Which five games would you save from the apocalypse?" The result is one of the most thoughtful, intimate, and insightful podcasts in the hobby.
The conversations go far beyond simple game reviews. They touch on nostalgia, design philosophy, the nature of play, and what these cardboard creations mean to us on a personal level. Ben is a masterful interviewer, gently guiding the conversation into fascinating territory. It’s a show that elevates the discussion around board games into an art form, reminding us that these are not just products, but cultural artifacts.
Listen to this if: You're interested in the human stories behind the games and enjoy deep, reflective conversations. The episode with designer Cole Wehrle (Root, Pax Pamir) is a masterclass in game design discussion.
6. Heavy Cardboard
Do you get excited by the thought of a four-hour economic simulation with a 40-page rulebook? If so, welcome home. Heavy Cardboard, hosted by Edward Uhler, is the premier podcast for lovers of heavy, complex, and strategic board games. This is not the place to find reviews of light party games; this is where you go for in-depth analysis of the crunchiest Euros and brain-burning wargames.
Edward and his guests provide incredibly detailed overviews and strategic discussions that are invaluable for anyone looking to tackle these gaming behemoths. They don't just tell you if a game is good; they break down its core systems, discuss optimal strategies, and analyze its place within the broader genre. If you've ever read one of Goh Ling Yong's deep-dive articles on complex game mechanics, you'll appreciate the similar level of detail found in Heavy Cardboard.
Listen to this if: Your game shelf is filled with titles from Lacerda, Splotter, or GMT. Their playthrough and teach of Food Chain Magnate is legendary and essential for anyone wanting to learn that beast of a game.
7. Blue Peg, Pink Peg
For over 200 episodes, the "Pegs"—Patrick, Robb, Christina, and Jeremy—have been delivering a comprehensive and entertaining look at the tabletop hobby. Their long-form episodes are packed with content, including recent plays, in-depth reviews of a specific game, and wide-ranging discussions on topics relevant to the gaming community.
What sets them apart is their structure and the genuine friendship between the hosts. They have a fantastic rapport that makes even their two-hour-plus episodes fly by. They cover a wide range of game weights, so you’re just as likely to hear them discuss a light-hearted dexterity game as a heavy euro. They also make a point to talk about their lives outside of gaming, making the show feel personal and real.
Listen to this if: You're looking for a long, meaty podcast to accompany you on a road trip or a full afternoon of painting miniatures.
8. This Game is Broken
Ready for a laugh? This Game is Broken is a comedy panel show that uses board games as a springboard for hilarious improv, sketches, and quizzes. Hosted by Matthew Jude, it features a rotating cast of board game media personalities like Paul Verhoeven, Dave Luza, and others, all competing in absurd challenges.
Forget serious reviews and strategy talk. This podcast is pure entertainment. Segments include things like "Pitch a Game," where panelists have to sell a game based on a ridiculous title, or "Review McGoo," where they have to guess a game based on a single, bizarrely-phrased review. It’s a riotous celebration of the absurdity that can sometimes surround our very serious hobby.
Listen to this if: You need a break from rulebooks and want to just laugh about the hobby we all love. Any episode is a great jumping-on point, as the format is consistent and always funny.
9. Ludology
For the aspiring game designer or the player who loves to peek behind the curtain, Ludology is required listening. This is an academic and analytical look at the mechanics and theory behind games. The hosts, Emma Larkins and Gil Hova, are both game designers themselves, and they bring a wealth of knowledge to every discussion.
Each episode focuses on a specific aspect of game design, from "luck mitigation" and "engine building" to "player interaction." They interview other famous designers, deconstruct popular games to see what makes them tick, and provide a masterclass in the art and science of game design. It’s a show that will fundamentally change the way you look at the games on your shelf.
Listen to this if: You’re more interested in how games work than just which games are new. Their "Game Tek" segments are bite-sized gold nuggets of design wisdom.
10. The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast
If you want to feel like you’ve been invited to the biggest, most welcoming game night ever, tune into The Secret Cabal. Led by founder Jamie, the large cast of "Founders" brings an incredible amount of energy and camaraderie to their bi-weekly, marathon-length episodes. This show truly feels like a group of lifelong friends just hanging out and geeking out about games.
Their format is robust, covering everything from quick-fire reviews of recent plays to a feature-length, deep-dive review of a single game. They also cover RPGs and miniature wargaming, making them one of the most versatile hobby podcasts out there. Their discussions are passionate, often rambling in the best way possible, and always entertaining.
Listen to this if: You like long podcasts and a boisterous, unfiltered "friends at the pub" atmosphere.
11. Decision Space
This is the podcast for the analytical mind. The hosts of Decision Space are on a mission to explore the "why" behind the choices we make in games. They dive deep into the mechanical heart of a game, analyzing the quality and quantity of interesting decisions it presents to the player. It’s a fascinating, data-driven approach to board game critique.
They use specific terminology to frame their discussions, which might be a little intimidating at first, but once you’re familiar with their lexicon, it opens up a new way of thinking about game design. They aren’t just asking if a game is fun; they’re asking if it’s an interesting puzzle to solve, turn after turn.
Listen to this if: You love to optimize your plays and think about game theory. Their analysis of well-known games like Wingspan or The Castles of Burgundy will give you a new appreciation for their design.
12. Rahdo Talks Through
For years, Richard "Rahdo" Ham has been a dominant force on YouTube with his "gameplay run-throughs," which focus on the 2-player experience. His podcast, Rahdo Talks Through, is the perfect audio companion, offering a more relaxed and conversational look at the games he’s playing and the state of the hobby.
Rahdo’s perspective is unique. He and his wife, Jen, almost exclusively play 2-player, non-confrontational games. This niche focus makes him an invaluable resource for couples or gaming pairs. In the podcast, he expands on his thoughts from the videos, answers listener questions, and offers his famously enthusiastic and optimistic take on the industry. Listening to Rahdo is like getting a pep talk from the hobby’s most cheerful uncle.
Listen to this if: You primarily play games with a partner and prefer low-conflict, engine-building Euros.
13. Board Game Blitz
In a world of two-hour podcasts, Board Game Blitz is a breath of fresh air. Hosts Ambie and Crystal deliver short, focused, and fun episodes that are typically under 30 minutes. Each episode centers on a specific theme, often tied to a snappy acronym that makes up the show’s title.
Their energy is infectious, and their short format makes the show incredibly accessible. It’s the perfect podcast for your morning commute or when you just want a quick dose of board game talk without a huge time commitment. They cover a wide variety of games and topics, always with a lighthearted and positive spin.
Listen to this if: You have a short attention span or just want a quick, cheerful hit of board game content to brighten your day.
Your Turn at the Table
Podcasts are more than just background noise; they are a vital part of the fabric of the board game community. They connect us, inform us, and most importantly, they keep the flame of excitement alive for our next game night. I know my own perspective on the hobby has been shaped by these amazing creators, and just like my friend Goh Ling Yong, I find that a good podcast can completely reframe how I think about a game I've played a dozen times.
This list is just a meeple-sized taste of what’s out there. The world of tabletop audio is vast and wonderful, filled with passionate voices waiting to be discovered. So, give a few of these a try, and let them be the soundtrack to your next unboxing or rulebook-reading session.
Now, I want to hear from you. What are your go-to board game podcasts? Which essential show did I miss? Drop your recommendations in the comments below and let's build the ultimate playlist to get hyped for game night!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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