Gleeful Meeple: The Podcast

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:We’re deep diving one of our favorite publishers. It’s all about Devir!We make games while playing a game about making games in this week’s Game of the Show: Game MakersAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:We’re back from GenCon! And we’re gonna talk about it!We take aim and finish each other's words in this week’s Games of the Show: Bullseye!And you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are, and for this week’s episode we’re in Indianapolis! This year for our Gen Con episode we thought it would be cool to bring the Gleeples along with us!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:James hijacks the intro and tries something new.The Gleeful Meeple takes a week off and we re introduce ourselves!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:The Gleeful Meeple is heading to Indy, it’s Gen Con baby!We go on a quest to locate the lost continent of Mu in this week’s Games of the Show: The Crew: Mission Deep SeaAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:Have you ever played a game wrong? We have! Is it still a good experience?We explore the economics of medieval urban life in this week’s Games of the Show: Middle AgesAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:We’re halfway through the year, what’s happened in the board game industry so far?We trade goods in the Mediterranean in this week’s Games of the Show: ConcordiaAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:We talk about the one, the only, Magic the GatheringWe produce and ship goods in this week’s Games of the Show: Puerto RicoAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:We look at the history of one of the giants in our industry, Parker Brothers.We try to see what we can’t see in this week’s Games of the Show: HanabiAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:We travel eastward to visit our favorite Asian themed games.We emerge from the apocalypse in this week’s Games of the Show: ReviveAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:Show meee the moneeeeeyYou’ve been declined in this week’s Games of the Show: Small WorldAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.It’s a small world after all….Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:Get your Cheeto dusted fingers off my deluxe board game!Poker becomes cooperative in this week’s Games of the Show: The GangAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:Does a fresh coat of paint a better game make?We take to the sky in this week’s Games of the Show: Sky TeamAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Hey guys, I know we’re sitting right next to each other but we’re not allowed to talk.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:We one shot our way into TTRPG’sWe raise the ocean floor for resources in this week’s Games of the Show: AquaticaAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Five friends gather in a local pub to share their stories of gaming wins and gaming woes. A stranger approaches the table and wants to make a request, what do you do?Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:I like big boxes and I cannot lieWe attract birds to our wildlife reserves in this week’s Games of the Show: WingspanAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Welcome back to the table everyone…Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple, a board game community that’s your community too, no matter where you are.In this episode:We look backward and forward at gaming predictions, our most anticipated, and our gaming resolutions.And you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Welcome to 2026 ya’ll.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and all the dice is always better!In this episode:We talk about our gaming highlights and disappointments of 2025We draft some dice and travel around Europe in this week’s Games of the Show: TiletumAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.The Renaissance is an exciting time and you have goods to sell & prestige to earn. Will you become the most famous merchant in this golden age or will you be forgotten and be left with empty houses…Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and marbles ain't just for shootin’!In this episode:We talk about how we’ve changed as gamers over the years!We do this to grab those to trigger that in this week’s Games of the Show: GizmosAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.The smartest minds of our generation are gathering together at the Great Science Fair. Everyone's been working hard on their creations, but only one will be crowned champion. Will your machine be the best?Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and racing gets galactic!In this episode:We prepare for halloween and talk about horror themed games!We play cards on cards on cards in this week's Games of the Show: Race for the GalaxyAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.players build galactic civilizations by playing cards representing worlds or technical and social developments. Get your space suits ready and world building apparatuses ready cause we’re building galactic civilizations, creating social and technical developments, all through the power of…cards. It’s all in the cards. Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and oh God not the bees! They’re in my eyes! They’re in my eyes! aaahhh!!In this episode:We’re joined by a special guest to talk all things board game cafe’sWe play with space bees in this week's Games of the Show: ApiaryAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.In a far-distant future, humans no longer inhabit Earth. The cause of their disappearance (or perhaps their demise) is unknown, but their absence left a void ready to be filled by another sentient species. Enter the space bees! Will your faction BEE the strongest before you need to hibernate?Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and a life of gentry is just a card draw away! In this episode:How do our significant others feel about this weird board game thing?We go full Downton Abbey in this week's Games of the Show: ObsessionAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.You are the head of a respected but troubled family estate in mid-19th century Victorian England. After several lean decades, family fortunes are looking up! Can you improve your estate to be among the truly influential families in Derbyshire?Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and clickity clack goes the upgraded pieces!In this episode:We put on our hiking boots and get destroyed by mosquitoes to talk about our top nature themed games!We fill our pots in this week's Games of the Show: Quacks of QuedlinburgAnd you, the Gleeples, get to take a break, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Have you found the perfect recipe yet? No? Well keep throwing stuff in the pot and see what happens! I mean what could go wrong?Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and more games is always better!In this episode:We throw a curve ball!We march in a parade, we build castles, and we lead our knightly orders in this week's Games of the Show: Parade, Rebirth, and Crusaders Thy Will Be Done!And you, the Gleeples, get to take a break, as the hosts DON’T get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Are you ready to visit Neverland? Do you want to visit Scotland? Hey, how does Europe sound? You came to the right podcast! Let's go on a tour together!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and bigger is always better…if you have the table spaaaaace.In this episode:We went to GenCon! And we’re gonna talk about it!We go big, we go huge, we go colossal! in this week's Game of the Show: Castles of Mad King LudwigAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.The king has commissioned you to build the biggest, best castle ever — subject, of course, to his ever-changing whims.  Build an amazing, extravagant castle for King Ludwig II of Bavaria...one room at a time. Will you be the most responsive to the king's demands?Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and chaos reigns supreme.In this episode:We return to the Pantheon to nominate more games for the illustrious honor!  We jump ramps, collide, and catch on fire in this week's Game of the Show: Thunder Road VendettaAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Are you readyyyyyyyyy for the ultimate race of your lives?  Get your guns ready and fuel up your chopper, because the only rules in this race are that there are no rules!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and cube towers are neither friend nor foe.In this episode:It’s Gen Con time and we’re talking about what we’re most excited about.We compete with other influential families in this week's Game of the Show: MarrakeshAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Are you honorable enough to become the new "Obermufti" of Marrakesh? Provide the citizens with the water, dates, and dinar that they need and you might just have a chance!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and slide puzzles can make a comeback!In this episode:We peer into our collections to talk about underrated games.We get in touch with our fruity side in this week's Game of the Show: Juicy Fruits!And you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Your paradise island produces delicious fruit! Can you ship it off AND entice small businesses to set up shop on your island? There’s no sliding around the truth on this one, it’s all about the fruit! And ice cream! And milkshakes! Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and placing tokens can be a harmonious experience!In this episode:We return to board game geek to talk about new game discoveries,We build landscapes and habitats in this week's Game of the Show: HarmoniesAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Without balance there can’t be harmony. Build your habitats wisely to attract as many animals as you can. In the end, don’t we all just want a little community of friend shaped animal companions?Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and combo’s are the name of the game.In this episode:We’re joined by a special guest to take a closer look at the publisher Fantasy Flight Games.We fill money bags and shield ourselves from bad choices in this week's Game of the Show: Castle ComboAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Space is limited so invite peasants and nobles wisley. If they don’t like each other…well, let’s just say it - it’ll cost you points. Make the c,c,c, combo’s!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and bringing along passengers for the ride is part of the fun!In this episode:We talk about our Pantheon of Board Games.We claim routes and drop off passengers in this week's Game of the Show: Ticket to Ride MarklinAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Germany has plenty of sightseeing to be done and the best way to get around is by train. So pack your bags, and choose your tickets because we’re going on a rail adventure!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and sometimes you just gotta do the best with what you have.In this episode:We talk about board game manufacturing and the state of the industry.We transmute and reanimate in this week's Game of the Show: Res ArcanaAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.So choose your mage, gather essences, craft unique artifacts, and use all your wit to summon dragons, conquer places of power, and achieve victory!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and the black market doesn’t always look that bad.In this episode:We’re joined by a special guest to talk about all things board game content creation.We put people in jail and help build the cathedral in this week's Game of the Show: Architects of the West KingdomAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.As a royal architect, you want to impress the King and maintain your noble status. But these are treacherous times, and rival architects will stop at nothing to slow your progress. Will you remain virtuous, or be found in the company of thieves and black marketeers?Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and climbing a ladder includes breakfast!In this episode:It’s time for another publisher deep dive as we take a closer look at StoneMaier Games.We make stairs, tubes, and plates in this week's Game of the Show: BaconAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Do you see that? I scout some competition in the ladder climbing game … Sniff sniff, you smell that? That’s the smell of Baconnnnn.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and cities in the sky are real!In this episode:We ask ourselves “who needs friends?” as we talk about solo gaming.We bid our way to greatness in this week's Game of the Show: SkyriseAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.The Mayor has enlisted some of humanity's greatest visionaries to help build Skyrise: a magnificent city in the sky, dedicated to art, science, and beauty. But only one artisan can be remembered as the greatest!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and owning the alphabet still won’t help you with spelling. In this episode:We ask ourselves: What board game would we or wouldn’t we want to be Jumanji’ed into?We’re reminded that words are hard in this week's Game of the Show: Letter TycoonAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Did you hear? The alphabet is up for purchase! You better buy that patent for the letter F, otherwise you’ll be left with a bunch of ducks.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and spreadsheets can be fun!In this episode:We talk about buying/selling/trading board games and finding those hot deals!We fend off the Pict tribes in this week's Game of the Show: Hadrians WallAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.You’re a Roman General placed in charge of the construction of a milecastle and bordering wall. So construct your fort, man the defenses, and attract civilians by building services and providing entertainment — all while defending the honor of the Roman Empire.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and building an art collection is as easy 1,2,blue,6,redIn this episode:We take a look at the technology that’s making our hobby better - from apps to websites.We try to attract patrons to our art show in this week's Game of the Show: Avant CardAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Your eccentric collection of avant garde art needs a public show! So make sure you purchase art that attracts the patrons you need to make your art exhibition the best in town!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and paradoxes are inevitable.In this episode:We bring out the crystal meeple to look into 2025 at our most anticipated games, our board game goals, and our predictions. We dare to answer the question - “is the cat dead or alive?” in this week's Game of the Show: Cat in the Box.And you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Don’t be fooled…being able to pick the color of your card in a trick taking game might seem like flexibility but in reality it’s a trap! And you don’t want to be the one causing a paradox - just think of the kitties.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple! A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and bluffing your way to victory is as fun as going to the movies!In this episode:We’re joined by a special guest to talk about Social Deduction games.We try to land acting jobs for our clients in this week's Game of the Show: Creature FeatureAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Your clients might specialize in spooky acting roles but there’s nothing more scary than not landing a gig for them. So if you want to keep your job as their agent, you better get good at keeping all of your options available.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple! A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and visiting the museum has never been this stressful.In this episode:We’re joined by a special guest to talk about the Root of war games.We recall Darwin’s travels to the galapagos islands in this week's Game of the Show: Darwin’s JourneyAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.You’ll need some specialized crewmates for the journey ahead and don’t forget to mail back correspondence while you’re away because important discoveries are being made and the world needs to know. Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple! A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and ancient civilizations look like you’re playing Tetris.In this episode:We’re joined by a special guest to talk about all things card games.The aqueducts of Rome meet the Great Wall of China in this week's Game of the Show: World WondersAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.So get your tetris brain turned on and start building those roads to civilization because we have pyramids, coliseums, amphitheaters, trojan horses, and well…A LOT of wonders to build and a growing population. Let’s go!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple! A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and you might be lucky enough to find an ocarina as your stroll through a meadow.In this episode:We’re joined by a special guest to talk about horror in board games.We learn about the food chain in this week’s Game of the Show: MeadowAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.So get your backpack ready for a day of walking and maybe even some kayaking because we’re off to discover new fields, see wildlife in action, and maybe even find some forgotten trinkets along the way.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple! A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and euro games don’t always need ALL the things.In this episode:We’re joined by a special guest to talk about video games, board games and…why not both?We make gowns and frock coats in this week’s Game of the Show: RococoAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.The Grand Ball is just a few weeks away and all the attendees want to dress to impress. So hire your team, purchase your cloth & materials, and don’t forget to sponsor those decorations because while you may not be going to the ball yourself, your reputation is still on the line!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple! A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and a little liquid encouragement might just be what your raid needs!In this episode:We’re joined by a special guest to talk about the ins and outs of hosting the best game nights!We return to ancient history in this week’s Game of the Show: Raiders of Scythia And you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.So hire your best crew, prepare your noble steed, and stock up on those rations for the long journey ahead - We have raiding to do!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple! A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and being a rummy dummy might leave you all alone counting tumbleweeds.In this episode:We’re joined by a special guest to talk about what it takes to win at board games… a lot. Like, a lot, he wins a lot.We take it to the wild west to hunt down outlaws in this week’s Game of the Show: Wyatt Earp And you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.Ya best get ready ‘cause you’re not the only sheriff comin’ to town and if you want to capture the most outlaws, you’ll need to think outside of the box…a coffin shaped box that is… Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple! A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and drafting dice means more cake!In this episode:We’re joined by a special guest as we flip through the pages of rulebooks and discuss our frustrations and appreciations in their design.We try to entice nobles, artists, citizens, and tourists to stay in our hotels in this week’s Game of the Show: Grand Austria HotelAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.So hire more staff and prepare tasty food & beverages because those hotel rooms aren’t going to fill themselves and the emperor is on the way…will you impress by being the most successful hotelier?Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple! A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and marbles ain't just for shootin’ anymore.In this episode:The crew is back from GenCon and boy do we have some stories to tell!We make marbles go boom…in this week’s Game of the Show: Potion ExplosionAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.So get your ingredients together, mix those potions, and don’t be shy about asking the professor for some help because while the potions might not taste that great, the more you make the more you score!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple! A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and cultists wait around every corner like pesky mosquitoes.In this episode:We bring out our magnifying glass to focus in on one of the most iconic publishers in the industry, Days of Wonder.We check our sanity at the door and take on the Great Old Ones in this week’s Game of the show: Cthulhu: Death May DieAnd you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.So choose your investigator and prepare for the worst because Daddy Cthulhu don’t give a damn and there’s no chance in the Lovecraftian universe that you’re making it out alive.Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple - A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and the scenic route can sometimes make more sense than the best play.In this episode:We’re joined by a special guest to talk about the best ways to prepare for GenCon.We put on our hiking boots and get our walking sticks ready as we venture out to visit the national parks in this week’s Game of the show: Parks.And you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.So get your water canteens ready, pack your best gear, and don’t miss out on those photo opportunities because while everyone is a winner if you’re enjoying nature, only one hiker will take home victory!Let us know what you think!

Welcome to The Gleeful Meeple! A podcast all about board games, where strategy meets laughter and engine building doesn’t require rods and pistons.In this episode:We go head to head to talk about our favorite two player games and what makes two player games unique.We start from nothing and build our engine to create a particularly perfect combination of buildings and resources in this week's Game of the Show: Point City!And you, the Gleeples, get to play along, as the hosts get put in the hot seat with this week's Game Challenge.So plan for those civic buildings and use your wilds wisely because you may be building a city but hey - it's in the title, you’re here for the points!Let us know what you think!