War With A Mate

What is going on at the airfields? What is going on with charity? What is going on with fruit? The guys are abuzz with questions they aren’t entirely capable of answering, but James demands answers from Andy following a sly and familiar tactical move emerging on the front lines, as the movement and truck segments of Turn Five, Op Stage One is wrapped up and sets the stage for the fleshy underbelly of Op Stage Two.

It was the best of times, it is the worse of times. The source and solution of the Buenos are tackled in this airborne episode of War With A Mate. With the guys resolving the first air phase of Turn Five, looking to the progenitor of bombing runs in the history segment, and taking criticism of “helpful” suggestions into the stratosphere in this week’s Common Ground. This is most certainly for you.

Following their return from the War With A Mate company retreat, Andy and James embark on the beginning of Turn Five. There’s no holding back this Air Phase, and with their well supplied positions there’s no need to! The Ottoman Empire, Oceania and medical sciences all appear as guests on an episode to be remembered.

With two-thirds of the practice run completed, the guys attempt to make sense of the game they’re playing and the feelings their feeling, only to re-awaken the damming truth that they’re fighting an unstoppable foe. Not that the truth would ever hinder them, these people are foolhardy, as they find throughout the hour of recapping rules and regrets.

What weighs more; a tonne of fission or a tonne of candour? The guys clash in the climax, and conclusion of Turn Four, with James finding his supply line in a shocking state and Andy making a tactical movement poised to sucker-punch James’ defences. A Sultan filled history segment, a celebratory mailbag and a cunning-fuelled Common Ground are all in store, grab it while you can!

What happens when an unstoppable force hits a very moveable object? James finds out the hard way, as his plan to delay Andy goes exactly as he thought it would. A WwaM first ever audio mailbag makes an appearance, the History Segment brings about a very on the nose moniker and Common Ground reveals the nature of somethings are immutable. The Fat Controller is very disappointed.

A rain of hellfire from the skies…is what both guys intended to deliver, however James encounters some obstacles for his air missions while Andy continues to control the skies. James’ alter ego makes an appearance in the mailbag, the History Segment takes us gradually closer to Italy as WWII knew it, and the conclusion of the Common Ground is the perfect position for the guys to try and come together.

It’s all kept in the family today! Between James creating a parasocial bond with a parent, and a very familial History Segment. That’s not the only segment that’s “lighter” as we experience a Common Ground like no other, all against the backdrop of Andy’s great push West, as the Allies finally begin their move towards the border, chipping down the Axis forces as they move.

A run along the escarpments, and a position well held. The shift of the conflict has gradually started to focus on Bardia, the place to be! Is digging in and hoping to wait it out really the best strategy for James? Is overextending supply lines over a DESERT really the best play for Andy? We simply can’t tell. All we can do is learn from the History Segment on how not to be deplorable along the way, and learn from Common Ground to eat my shorts.

The gradual crawl through Turn Four continues, with a real switch-up in initiative - and very familiar weather. A mailbag hits a little close to home with today’s play and the history segment hits a little too hard (seriously, this one isn’t pleasant folks). Thank goodness we have Andy’s Common Ground that James can agree with, and not completely derail…?

After last week’s episode mishap, the guys have been robbed of their gameplay time, and so instead delve into some thoughts on the game(s) they’re playing. Armed with nothing but anecdotes, these two marvellous story-tellers take us on a journey through their thoughts, their past, their mailbag and of course their Common Ground.

An episode far too long in the making, cursed with audio issues is finally here almost a week late. Andy is faced with a confusing move by James’ North Wall, while the Italians of the past are confused by geography. The mailbag circles the guys back to The Worst Boardgame Competition 2026, and the very first War With A Mate Live Show is finally announced!

Technical issues at WwaM HQ means the episode this week is delayed, very sorry! James explains the whoopsie in this brief out-of-office recording. You’ll hear from us very soon!

The most important meal of the day? Over at WwaM headquarters, it’s Humble Pie! The guys continue their intense clash along the North Coast, with Andy making headway on terrifying James. The first WwaM public appearance is determined, all while concluding that some things are just simply bigger than them - The game, its creators, the listeners; and Father Time.

You don't need a licence fee for this quality entertainment! In the aftermath of James' Scenario Win, Andy retaliates with a now superior air force and a better equipped ground force while James wields the only force he has left; force majeure.

Truck days move pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you might miss them. The guys have little to talk about after today’s Truck Movement, however they simply won’t shut their mouths when it comes to just about anything else.

The guys fully embrace the future they have made for themselves as a victor is declared in the Practice Scenario.

This is definitively the biggest revelation to date. An episode that sees out the end of the 7th’s History Segment, some heartfelt & heart-aching Mailbag pulls, and a Common Ground that “taps” against the boundaries of what the segment means; all party to the real game-shaking developments that Andy and James discuss from this week’s gameplay.

These Truck Days just fly by nowadays - a symptom of poor supply lines if you ask me. Today, the guys close out Op Stage Two of Turn Three, staring down the barrel of the halfway point of the Scenario. A mailbag segment that takes us into a corner of history far from the North African Campaign pairs lovely with the bold push of the 7th Armoured Division in today’s History Segment and all topped off with Andy’s Common Ground; decisively one of the Common Ground sections he’s done.

The end of the year brings an unprecedented end to one of the most enigmatic parts of the game; the camels. In an incredibly ambitious assault on Alexandria by James, both he and Andy see heavy losses that turn their perception of the game on its head. This bumper-sized episode sees another 7th-centered history segment, a mailbag segment that delves into the structure of this project and a Common Ground that encourages the world to be Subtle, Humble and Brave.

Join Andy and James as they relish the festive vibe by waxing lyrical about topics only tangentially related to The Campaign For North Africa, pass on Merry wishes, and discuss an upcoming project for the New Year.

The climactic battle along the coastal road has finally begun. A clash of both Andy and James’ forces erupts with dramatic consequences and the promise of a long, protracted conflict. A history segment sees a less triumphant portion of the 7th’s endeavours and this week’s Common Ground sizes us all up, literally.

The festive season is in full flow! Which for some reason means James has become dejected in his feelings towards the game. Andy pushes the momentum forward this week, with a history segment that has a Batman cameo and a quintessentially petty Common Ground helps round off the calm before the storm, with some very important Land Movement approaching.

Ahh, that crisp, December air is here once more. A Truck Day that becomes so much more sees the movement of supplies on the ground and pilots in the air, in what could be the most important Air Mission section to date. Whether the tide of war will turn for either Andy or James is just one of many questions raised today. How do you contact Santa? Are the game rules truly accurate? What deserves to last forever?

The game might last forever, but supply dumps certainly don’t. The guys observe a changing landscape of dwindling resource and an impending clash that will determine the future of the scenario. War With A Mate is supporting Movember this year, with James sporting a truly embarrassing excuse of a moustache. For those that can give to a valuable charity, it would mean the world (plus if we hit £1,000 James will get a silly tattoo!)https://movember.com/m/15500393?mc=1Movember - Home

This week, the guys PROMISE the weather is an important aspect of the episode. Not just that, but there's a storm of flavour in James' belly! The camels come dangerously close to becoming real and the 7th Armoured Division's return to the History Segment illustrates the massive role that prisoners played in the real campaign - all topped off with Andy's Common Ground which puts an interesting spin on feudal honour. War With A Mate is supporting Movember this year, with James sporting a truly embarrassing excuse of a moustache. For those that can give to a valuable charity, it would mean the world (plus if we hit £1,000 James will get a silly tattoo!)https://movember.com/m/15500393?mc=1movember.com

Join Andy and James, a year after obtaining SPI’s The Campaign For North Africa and beginning this ridiculous debacle, as they discuss what the plan was and what the plan became.War With A Mate is supporting Movember this year, with James sporting a truly embarrassing excuse of a moustache. For those that can give to a valuable charity, it would mean the world (plus if we hit £1,000 James will get a silly tattoo!)https://movember.com/m/15500393?mc=1Movember - Home

Turn Two is over. One third of the practice run is officially done. Andy wrestles with the reality of James mastering his truck supplies, while James needs to prepare for an upcoming devastating fate destined for one of his units. Who has initiative for Turn Three? How is the weather looking? Who put the magic in the ceiling? All this and more, wrapped up in an audio file for YOUR listening pleasure. War With A Mate is supporting Movember this year, with James sporting a truly embarrassing excuse of a moustache. For those that can give to a valuable charity, it would mean the world (plus if we hit £1,000 James will get a silly tattoo!)https://movember.com/m/15500393?mc=1Movember - Home

Get your butcher knives, demon summoning puzzles and scary masks to hand - the guys are getting spooky! A terrifyingly important series of moves take place in the final movement phase of Turn Two, and a new history segment sews existential dread at the concept of what could be history repeating itself. A Common Ground segment and musings throughout this week’s episode really touch on the scariest of topics, so lock those doors!

The air stuff isn’t always fun isn’t it? Though I suppose that depends on what happens to you during it. The guys fly through (air pun) the final air segment of Turn Two, with undeniably better understanding of the rules, as shown by their efficiency. The Mailbag certifies Andy as a political savant, while this week’s Common Ground certifies James as small and vain man. A long awaited arrival finally roll their way into a new History Segment, and as always, other things happen too.

And there goes Operation Stage Two, of Turn Two! More aggressive and conniving action by James sets up the Axis forces for a fierce beginning to Turn Three, as Andy’s prayers to the weather gods are left unanswered. ABC’s tenure in the history segment comes to a close, and discussions arise from the mailbag around employment, game reinforcements and the adrenaline rush of spreadsheets - and a Common Ground that pounders how much shame a downtrodden celebrity would embrace to make a quick buck.

And there goes Operation Stage Two, of Turn Two! More aggressive and conniving action by James sets up the Axis forces for a fierce beginning to Turn Three, as Andy’s prayers to the weather gods are left unanswered. ABC’s tenure in the history segment comes to a close, and discussions arise from the mailbag around employment, game reinforcements and the adrenaline rush of spreadsheets - and a Common Ground that pounders how much shame a downtrodden celebrity would embrace to make a quick buck.

Wow, look at James being ambitious! A huge Eastern push shows he has the moves it takes to make the push, while Andy is busy posturing about his grand air tactics for the next turn. The 4th CCNN and 7th Armoured finally part ways, and a mystery celebrity guest makes an appearance! ABC has a much more successful war effort than the guys in the history segment, and Common Ground looks to a future where poets and brats alike can all speak their mind.

The guys mount up for the Close Assault portion of Turn 2.2, with all signs pointing towards an imminent conclusion to the conflict between the 7th and 4th at long last. An episode that sees the guys touch on hubris across the board, whether that’s on the part of Sony, fledgling Admirals, or simply Andy at a bus stop.

They’ve flown to the skies, they’ve crossed the seas - they’ve had a significant technical hiccup. What can’t the guys say they didn’t do this week? James’ air mastery comes into question while Andy turns his eye to devastating the 4th CCNN. The longest telegram to date is received jam-packed with questions, in this, the longest (and latest) episode to date! We hear more of ABC’s nautical adventures, and it’s all wrapped up by a rather unique Common Ground. Big up Meatface! The temporary Merch Store is still up until the end of September for those that wish to obtain a novelty item:https://war-with-a-mate.printify.me

A game-changing movement phase occurs due to the revelation that James has inadvertently squirrelled away additional divisions for the whole of play so far - now on the to Andy’s Eastern territories. That’s not all that’s in danger, in an episode reviewing electrical dangers, airborne catastrophe and the risk of learning some valuable history in a new series of Andy’s History Corner.

Oh dear, was it all for nothing? A gruelling run of Close Assault and Truck Captures in Turn 2-1 has left the guys feeling cheated out of their own time, and long dormant rules-rage rears its ugly head as the frontlines and by proxy, rule reviews, are getting busier. Spirits are still high however! An episode that looks at the first War With A Mate field trip (relating to confusing stone monuments from the past), the final chapter of Balbo’s history segment and a Common Ground that sees James willing to give up any personal liberties to watch The Sopranos. The long awaited merch has finally arrived in a limited run capacity for the next couple of weeks, the stockpile can be found athttps://war-with-a-mate.printify.me

Look to the skies! And then to a calm, quiet space. James has released unbridled rage upon Andy following unexpected strategic shifts at the end of a particularly ambitious air mission segment. Important questions are asked, such as the future of global sporting, the marketing behind CfNA and the state of the guys’ hair.

The starting pistol for Turn Two has been fired! The guys are off, with initiative determined, weather rolled for and the fate of James' Naval Convoy is sealed by a daring mission by Andy's Commonwealth airforce. What's on offer this week is a taste-sensation of former flash games, fascist faux pas and two feverishly fun fellows. It's here, it's now - it's one of the episodes of this podcast.

The guys are joined by Nate of Breakup Gaming Society as a pleasant change of pace at the end of Turn One. Touching on the ambitions of “artists”, the state of board games in the cultural zeitgeist and the existential question of when we should care about funerals. Stay SHB & D. Special thanks to Nate for beaming himself over to us via internet from shores afar this week. Check out Breakup Gaming Society for the ultimate one-stop shop covering Board Games, Hip-Hop and Booze!https://www.breakupgamingsociety.com

After mishaps, mistakes and (and occasional friendly malice), Turn One finally comes to an end. The guys are feeling bulletproof, with one turn under their belt, and no underlying health conditions, finishing the game looks like a possibility in this lifetime. To see off this first portion, they discuss upcoming strategies, delve into the mailbag to understand more about the English Language and take a trip to the past to see what on Earth is happening to Italy in the lead up to the war.

Twists and turns at Fort Maddalena and a massacre in the South shakes up the imminent conclusion to Turn One. A fresh new history segment topic sees the focus shift to a rather unsavoury fellow and common ground has the guys looking to the stars.

The situation in Fort Maddalena heats up further as the guys close out their air missions and James begins angling for the impending close assault. This week’s history segment sees a poignant farewell to the 28th Māori Battalion, closing out another topic. With a sleepy Andy at the wheel and an admin-heavy session, the guys take the time to right some wrongs, from the state of live music performances to interstellar diplomacy.

The resolution of air missions over Fort Maddelenna leaves more questions than answers when it comes to the next steps of engagement, with both sides reeling from strikes. The guys traverse a time-trials episode by reminiscing on icons passed; some modern, some Māori. All this before settling on a Common Ground that sees the world living the quiet life - wouldn’t that be nice?

Breakdowns, bayonets and battle planning. The guys wave goodbye to Operation Stage 2 and buckle up for the final Operation Stage of Turn One. All eyes are on the centre of the map for the upcoming engagement that is set to end the turn. The mailbag sheds new light on the Heathcliff mystery and the alternative roles within the game. Stick around to the end if YOU are a rental tenant in need of some vindication.

Tactical cunning is in the air, and Andy has been breathing in an unhealthy level of it, call a doctor, quick! Upon their return from the War With A Mate company retreat, the guys are tackling the twilight portions of Operation Stage 2. Combat comes to a tense halt, with truck movement on the horizon. Another Māori centric history segment vows to showcase some of the most intimidating folks in the desert, and James tries to tackle the desert heat with more lateral-thinking Common Ground.

Decisive assault in Operation Stage Two has left James reeling from some very heavy losses on the ground, leaving Andy braced for what could be a disproportionate response. Looking at some of the more formidable units in the history segment, Andy treats us to some information on the 28th Māori Battalion. An episode that…wait, what is this? Who did this?!

Batten down the hatches friends, it’s time for the guys to unfurl the battle plans and look at the current state of play. Quite the different approach this week as Andy and James reflect on 100 days of playing The Campaign For North Africa, what they’ve experienced and what the future holds.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s actually 48 planes to be precise, and they’re blowing each other out of the sky! Andy and James tackle their first bit of air combat as James’ bombing run hangs on the line. Amongst this high octane action, we also travel back in time to the conclusive history segment focused on the Long Range Desert Group.

We have liftoff! The planes are finally in the air, and making an impact! Look at them go, glorious flight. From up here, the guys can get a good view of meaty history segment about the Long Range Desert Group's activities, some mail that walks the line between praise and penalising, as well as a Common Ground segment that is primed to save British entertainment.