PODCAST · leisure
The Discussion Phase
by The Discussion Phase
A boardgame podcast where we take a break from playing the games we love, to talk about the games we love.
Episodes
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Ep. #164: Catching Up
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! We're finally back and catching up on a ton of recent plays! We hope you enjoy this episode
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Ep. #163: Gen-Con Preview 2026
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, we catch up on some recent plays and discuss the latest hotness coming out at Gen-Con! We also take a look at some games we're excited to play at JohannCon. Join in on the Discussion on our Discord:...
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Ep. #162: An Episode about Horses
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, we've got a few horses, and we're trying to decide if they're dead horses we need to stop beating, or if we need to feed them even more! We also catch up on some recent plays and board game news! Join in on The…
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Ep. #161: Fountain Mouse Games Interview
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, we have the priveldge of interviewing the minds behind Fountain Mouse Games, Sal and Johnathan. Their new game, Courage and Cunning, is out on Kickstarter as part of the Micro May event - check it out here!...
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Ep. #160: The Road Back from Adepticon
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, we catch up on some recent plays and talk about Adepticon, TCGs, and create a game of our own. Join in on the discussion on our discord! https://discord.gg/zjgCHefYtn
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Ep. #159: Deck Builders
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode we discuss deck building games! We also catch up on some recent plays and discuss the latest board game news.
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Ep. #158: Good Games Gone Bad
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, we catch up on some recent plays and talk about how even well designed games can still fall flat. Join in on the discussion on our discord! https://discord.gg/zjgCHefYtn
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Ep. #157: Dr. Reiner Knizia
Welcome back to another Episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode we discuss the good Dr. and talk about why we love his designs. We're joined by our good friend David, the Knizia expert! Join in on the Discussion on our Discord: https://discord.gg/azBwGM7C
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Ep #156: Looking forward to 2026
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, we talk about what games we're excited about in 2026! We also catch up on some recent plays, and talk about our board game New Year resolutions! Join in on The Discussion: https://discord.gg/x8MjhbSP
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Ep. #155: Top 50 Games of All Time - 10-1
Welcome back to another episode of the Discussion Phase! On today's episode we finish up our top 50 countdown! We also discuss some recent plays and the latest in board game news! John's top 100 Writeup on BGG: https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/363572/john-s-top-100-games-2025 Join in on The...
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Ep. #154: Top 50 Games of All Time - 20-11
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On this episode, we continue counting down our top 50 games with number 20-11! We also discuss recent plays of Torchlit and Covenant. Join in on the discussion on our Discord: https://discord.gg/9autsbUJJf
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Ep. #153: Top 50 Games of All Time - 30-21
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, we continue counting down our top 50 games of all time! We also catch up on some recent plays and discuss the latest in board game news! Join in on the Discussion on our Discord: https://discord.gg/9autsbUJJf
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Ep. #152: Top 50 Games of All Time - 40-31
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode we continue our countdown of our top 50 games. We also discuss some recent plays of Old Kings Crown and check in on the latest hotness! Join in on the Discussion on our Discord: https://discord.gg/nbwabZprGU
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Ep. #151: Top 50 Games of All Time: 50-41
Welcome back to The Discussion Phase! Its the best time of the year, join Matthew, Brady, and John as we count down our top 50 games of all time. We also catch up on some recent plays and discuss the latest hotness! Join in on the Discussion on our Discord: https://discord.gg/nbwabZprGU
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Ep. #150: Top Gaming Memories
We've made it to episode 150! On today's episode the whole gang is here to discuss some of our favorite board gaming memories. We also discuss some recent plays, and Brady recaps his trip to ASOIAF Nationals! Join in on the discussion: https://discord.gg/nbwabZprGU
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Ep. #149: Shelf-Centered Decisions
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode we talk about our ever shrinking shelf space, and how we decide if a game is worth keeping in our collection. We also catch up on some recent plays, and discuss the latest hotness "The Old Kings Crown" Join in on the...
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Ep. #148: Together at Last
Welcome back to The Discussion Phase! On todays episode we catch up on all of the plays we had during our cabin trip last week. Lots of plays to discuss and quite a few hidden gems! Join in on The Discussion on our Discord: https://discord.gg/nbwabZprGU
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Ep. #147: 6 Player Games
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On todays episode, we discuss what makes a game play well at 6 players! We also catch up on some recent plays, and give a few updates on current crowdfunding projects! Join in on the Discussion: https://discord.gg/nbwabZprGU
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Ep. #146: Is New Always Better?
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On todays episode, we ask the question, "Is NEW always better?" We also catch up on some recent plays of Agricola, Duel for Cardia, and Courtisans. Join in on the discussion: https://discord.gg/nbwabZprGU
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Ep. #145: Gen Con Roundup
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode we discuss Gen Con 2025, everything from working in the industry to experiencing new titles and release. We also catch up on some recent plays of Fate of the Fellowship, Revive, and Beyond the Sun! Join in on the…
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Ep. #144: Board Game Arena
Welcome back to the Discussion Phase! On today's episode, Matthew and Brady discuss online implementation of board games on Board Game Arena! We also catch up on some recent plays of Vegas Strip and Ruins. Want to play some games on BGA? Join https://discord.gg/nbwabZprGU
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Ep. #143: Gen Con Preview
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode we discuss the worlds largest board gaming convention, Gen Con! Lots of games and new releases to discuss! We also catch up on some recent plays, and discuss the new hotness in crowdfunding, Blood Rage Valhalla! Join in…
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Ep. #142: Same, but Different
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode we talk about iteration in games, using two of our favorite designers as examples! We also catch up on some recent plays and FINALLY discuss the LOTR The Confrontation artifact! Join in on the discussion on our discord:...
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Ep. #141 Board Game Cafes
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, Matthew and Brady catch up on some recent plays, discuss a recent card game tournament, and talk about the business of Board Game Cafes! Questions or thoughts? Join in on the discussion on our discord!...
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Ep. #140 Cozy Games
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, Matthew and John discuss what makes a great Cozy game! So grab your coffee, snuggle up with a nice blanket, and enjoy! Join in on the discussion on our Discord: https://discord.gg/nbwabZprGU
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Ep. #139 Trilogy Showdown
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! Today, Brady and Matthew discuss two popular trilogies and give some pros and cons of what we like in each! We also catch up on some recent plays. Join in on the Discussion on our discord: https://discord.gg/nbwabZprGU
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Ep: #138: From Console to Cardboard
Welcome back to The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, we are talking about games that have gone from Console to Cardboard. We share our thoughts on board game implementations of Video Games. We also catch up on some recent plays, and Matthew leads us in a new game to test our rulebook...
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Ep. #137: Addressing the Narrative
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, we're addressing the Narrative. Don't worry, there's no controversy here, we're just talking about some of our favorite implementations of story in non-campaign/narrative focused games! We also catch up on some recent...
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Ep. #136: Duel of the Fates
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, Matthew and Brady talk about their favorite Duel games. We also catch up on some recent plays! Join in on the discussion on our Discord: https://discord.gg/nbwabZprGU
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Episode 135: A Blind Top 5!
Welcome to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, we try one of the latest trends on social media, the Blind top 5 ranking! We also catch up on some recent plays, and share some BIG purchases we've made! Join in on the Discussion on our discord: https://discord.gg/nbwabZprGU
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Episode 134: Inside Man - Brady’s Trip to GAMA
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today’s episode, Brady recaps his recent trip to GAMA. We also discuss some recent plays of Guards of Atlantis II, Great Western Trail: El Paso, and NYC Medical Mysteries! Join in on the Discussion on our Discord:
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Ep. #133: The Dice Tower Top 100
Welcome back to the Discussion Phase! On today's episode, Matthew and Brady discuss the recent Top 100 Series from the Dice Tower and highlight some games that caught our eye! We also catch up on some recent plays of Marvel Crisis Protocol and RIVALS. Join in on the Discussion on our Discord!...
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Ep. #132: Miniatures vs. TCGs - An Exposé on Variance
Welcome back to The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, John shares an exposé on variance in games and how Miniatures games and TCGs use it differently. We hope you enjoy the more "Game Theory" based topic and discussion! We also catch up on some recent plays of After the Empire, Flip 7, and...
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Ep. #131: Bout that Action, Boss!
Welcome back to another episode of The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, we discuss some recent plays and draft our favorite unique action mechanisms in games! Join in on the Discussion on our Discord: https://discord.gg/nbwabZprGU Questions or feedback? Email us [email protected]
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Ep. #130 Arcs: Stellar or Critical Failure?
Welcome back to The Discussion Phase! On today's episode, we discuss the latest hotness in the board game world, Arcs. The community seems to be a bit divided on this game, and unfortunately, so are we. Join us as we talk about what we liked and disliked about this game, and what our ultimate...
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Ep. #129: Pax Unplugged Recap
Welcome back the The Discussion Phase! On Today's episode, Andrew and Brady recap their trip to Pax Unplugged, the pros and cons of working at a convention, and make our mouths water with stories of all the food they've eaten! We also catch up on some recent plays, and discuss some games that…
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Ep. #128: What's the Deal?
Do you remember the glory days of Black Friday discounts galore? Nowadays, the sales don't seem as exciting as they used to. On today's episode we talk about what deals we were able to find, and where we were left wanting. We also catch up on some recent plays of Andromeda's Edge, A Game of...
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Ep. #127 Weighty Decisions
Welcome back to The Discussion Phase! In today's episode John, Brady, and Matthew provide a top 10 list of games in their own personal collections, but with a twist! Instead of just picking our 10 favorite games, picks will be separated out by buckets of weight that reflect our collections…
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Ep. #126 The Boys are Back
The Boys are Back! Matthew, Brady, and John are back and excited to be back on the mics discussing what we've been up to the past 6 months! Join us as we catch up on our recent Cabin-Con, our dive into TCGs, and other recent plays. Join in on the Discussion on our discord:...
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Ep. #125: Top 20-1 Games of All Time
We've finally made it to our top 20 games of all time. This one is full of surprises, as even were shocked at some of the games that made the top our collective list. Make sure to join us on Discord and get in on the discussion with us! https://discord.gg/WKZkT2DDNs Geek Group App:...
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Ep. #124: Top 30-21 Games of All Time
We're closing in on our final games as we continue our Top 100 Games of All time, this week focusing on 30-21. We also review recents plays of Mythic Battles: Ragnarock and White Castle. Make sure to join us on Discord and get in on the discussion with us! https://discord.gg/WKZkT2DDNs…
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Ep. #123: Top 40-31 Games of All Time
Join us as we continue our Top 100 Games! In this episode, we review our 40-31, as well as discuss a recent play of The Fox Experiment, My City, and TCGs Make sure to join us on Discord and get in on the discussion with us! https://discord.gg/WKZkT2DDNs Geek Group App:...
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Ep. #122: Top 50-41 Games of All Time
Join us as we continue our Top 100 Games! In this episode, we review our 50-41, as well as discuss a recent play of Too Many Bones! Make sure to join us on Discord and get in on the discussion with us! https://discord.gg/WKZkT2DDNs Geek Group App:...
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Ep. #121: Top 75-51 Games of All Time
We're only getting started as we continue our Top 100 Games of All time with numbers 75-51 this week. We also highlight some of our favorite family games played over Christmas, as well as share our initial thoughts on the recently announced sequel to Wingspan, Wyrmspan. Make sure to join us on...
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Ep. #120: Top 100-76 Games of All Time & Apiary Review
We've finally made it to the end of another year and that means it's time for the Discussion Phase's Top 100 Games of All Time. This week we look at games from 100-76. We also highlight Pax Unplugged '23, as well as review Stonemaier's latest release, Apiary. Make sure to join us on Discord and…
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Ep. #119: Pax Preview 2023
The year is wrapping up and we're preparing for another trip to Pax Unplugged 2023. We also review some games played over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Make sure to join us on Discord and get in on the discussion with us! https://discord.gg/WKZkT2DDNs Geek Group App:...
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Ep. #118: Heat: Pedal to the Metal
A great philosopher once said, "If you ain't first, you're last!" This week we review the latest racing game that has already found itself in the top 100 games of all time on BGG, Heat: Pedal to the Metal. We also highlight recent plays of Septima, Beast, Airlines: Europe, and Sky Team. Make sure...
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Ep. #117: MTG Tales of Middle Earth
For many of us, we're constantly on a quest to find "the one." The one worker-placement game that's better the rest, or the one space themed game that replaces all the others; the one game to rule them all. This week we review a game that may have checked 2 of our boxes, a definitive Lord of The...
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Ep. #116: Hegemony & US Nationals Recap
Most people would say they enjoy board games as a way of escaping mundane daily routine, or at least to have a fun experience. So how would a game that requires you to be concerned about taxes, unemployment, minimum wage, and politics every be appealing. This week the Discussion Phase puts on our...
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Ep. #115: Age of Innovation & Sharpening Swords
No game seems to be safe these days with "new editions" being released, enticing you to replace their predecessors. Up next on the chopping block is Terra Mystica, with the newest title in the series: Age of Innovation. We share our review of the game and see if it is as innovative as it claims.…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Discussion Phase have?
The Discussion Phase currently has 125 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Discussion Phase about?
A boardgame podcast where we take a break from playing the games we love, to talk about the games we love.
How often does The Discussion Phase release new episodes?
The Discussion Phase publishes regularly with 125 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Discussion Phase?
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Who hosts The Discussion Phase?
The Discussion Phase is created and hosted by The Discussion Phase.
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