The Spiel - MP3 Version

The Spiel is a show about games and the people who love them. Each episode, we discuss the world of board and card games with a variety fun segments and different contributors. The Spiel and its media network are part of The Spiel Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to making the world a more playful place. We believe play is a powerful positive force in the world. Our goal with the show is open a door to the wider world of games to as many people as we can. Have a listen. I hope you'll be inspired to find a friend and play!

Episode #463 - Every Second Counts

Chelsea Steenbock, Chair of Play with Your Food, joins me for a wide ranging conversation. We talk about how games have shaped our lives and how our passion for play enables us to build community and serve others.

09-30
01:51:42

Episode #462 - O Canada

Two segments with two amazing Canadians - Matt Robertson and Roger Leroux. Plus a GenCon recap with Erwin and Gubbins.

08-29
02:46:38

Episode #461 - Origins, Closet, and a Home

A con report, a solo game about coming out, and big news brewing in the Spielaverse.

06-27
02:24:31

Episode #460 - Sold My Car

Onion pie, killer aliens, and a car sold to fund a game convention.

05-30
02:18:15

Episode #459 - Iced Tea, Dog Rating, and Smooth Jazz

Bruce Voge chats about games based on ideas or topics that seem downright un-gamifiable. Toy maker Jason Hsieh tells us about his favorite game, What's the Point? Lucio Rodriguez shines the Back Shelf Spotlight on Heroscape, a genre bending battle game.

04-28
02:28:00

Episode #458 - 3G

Season 20 begins with flourish and 3 Gs... Growth, Gubbins, and GAMA! Growth: We introduce a new format for the show. Gubbins: Co-Op Corner, a new segment hosted by Gubbins makes its debut. GAMA: Erwin Susara and I recap our adventures at the GAMA Expo.

03-31
01:42:13

Episode #457 - Coronation

In our season 19 finale, two award winning games earn our Meeple Crown for 2024. These games embody the essence of Major Fun and The Spiel of Approval. Congratulations to Life in Reterra and Daybreak!

12-23
26:04

Episode #456 - Faraway

Play eight cards in a line from left to right to catalog your adventure across a mysterious land. Then, the journey back begins. Each card will score in reverse order from right to left. Can you build the best lineup and become a world renowned explorer?

12-22
33:51

Episode #455 - Life in Reterra

In Life in Reterra players build a new world on top of the old, placing terrain tiles and buildings to form communities. Buildings will unlock new rules and scoring potential and the very shape of the lands you create will help your new society succeed.

12-21
39:00

Episode #454 - Age of Comics

In Age of Comics players try to build a publishing empire during the dawn of the genre. With the right story, the right art, a head for business and a lot of moxie, you can build a fan base for a new hero and claim a spot in this ever expanding pantheon.

12-20
58:28

Episode #453 - Flip 7

Imagine the love child of Blackjack and Rummy raised with the doting influence of its uncle, Stud Poker. That’s Flip 7. Try to assemble a set of 7 cards one by one each round in a race to rake in big points. This is press your luck at its finest.

12-19
23:20

Episode #452 - Forest Shuffle

In Forest Shuffle, you create a network of trees, hoping to form a balanced habitat for creatures, large and small. Growth always comes at a price, though. For some things to thrive, others must fall to the forest floor.

12-18
40:00

Episode #451 - Tiny Laser Heist

Tiny Laser Heist is a dexterity game where players rob gems from a mini museum using tiny hands to manipulate locks and avoid tripping alarms. But beware people who aren’t on your team can make your job even harder!

12-17
32:50

Episode #450 - 1902 Melies

Assist the production of Georges Melies' silent film Journey to the Moon by orchestrating scenes and sequences from script to screen.

11-29
01:49:01

Episode #449 - DroPolter

DroPolter: Ghost vs Palm Muscle is a whimsically absurd dexterity game. Drop your lucky charms in just the right order, then nab the ghost and win a tiny bell.

10-31
04:16:01

Episode #448 - Barcelona

In 1859, Barcelona's expansion followed the first truly modern plan. A grid of wide streets divided into blocks and essential services in every area. Can you build this new Barcelona, using intersections and actions to balance the needs of all?

09-23
01:15:58

Episode #447 - Mojo

Mojo is a game of a mixed blessings. Everyone starts with eight cards and wants to shed as many as they can. If you end the round, grab the Mojo and hope have the lowest score. If so, that Mojo is good luck. If not, your score pays the price.

08-29
01:45:25

Episode #446 - The White Castle

Himeji Castle, the white heron, is the center of power and culture for the region. Your clan has a plan to gain favor and influence, but there are rivals across all levels of life at the castle. Each family member you place has an important role to play.

06-18
01:10:01

Episode #445 - Butts on Things

Fun begins at the ends in Butts on Things. Collect as many cards with keisters by pairing posteriors on the tails of any row or column on the table. You’ll be over the moon when you find a way to cap off any line with a nice set of cans.

06-17
20:40

Episode #444 - Sea Salt and Paper

In Sea, Salt and Paper players create an origami seascape by assembling a tableau of ocean themed cards, each with its own way to score. When you reach the limit, bet on yourself for a chance to grab a big lead or play it safe and bank your points.

06-16
51:00

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