Podcast
Rolling Dice & Taking Names Gaming Podcast
Hosted by Pickaxe · EN
Rolling Dice and Taking Names is a podcast where two seasoned tabletop gamers have discussions about board games, RPGs, and miniatures that are entertaining and informative to casual gamers and experienced hobbyists alike. The level of conversation would be similar to friends sitting around the kitchen table playing the latest game, discussing their likes and dislikes of a style of game, or just trying to make sense of the latest gaming news. In addition, special guests add their gaming knowledge to help the hosts sound more credible. Family friendly, informative and always striving to be entertaining.
34episodes
Episodes
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Bonus Episode: The Resurgence of TCGs
Dec 901:10:32Tap to summarizeWe got into the tabletop hobby through TCGs (trading card games). For ten years we invested and played many card games. But when the TCG bubble popped, we got out. However, in the past 5 years, there has a resurgence in TCGs with an influx of new cards games. To discuss they reasons of why this happening and where will it end up, we have two special guests. Dan Green of Main Deck Games and the owner of To The Table Game Store, Mike Benson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Episode 366: Ayar, Bretwalda, Baseball Card GM, Temple Code
Dec 201:33:47Tap to summarize00:01:40 Intro 00:05:30 Cost how much?! 00:10:15 SWU Local Tourny 00:15:15 Codenames Live 00:16:45 Taste Buds 00:20:45 Miniature Market 00:22:40 Ayar: Children of the Sun 00:53:15 Temple Code 00:58:45 Portal Games 00:59:45 Bretwalda 01:15:30 Baseball Card GM 01:23:00 Guild Wars Reforged Balancing everyday responsibilities with hobbies can be tricky, especially when medical appointments come into play. Dermatology visits, for example, often feel like interruptions in a busy schedule, but they’re essential for maintaining long-term health. Whether it’s a routine skin check or addressing a specific concern, these visits provide peace of mind and ensure that small issues don’t become larger ones. But sometimes, as you will hear, we often are confused by the charges we receive during our visits. Don’t get us wrong, these things are needed, but it is surprising just how things are billed. Recently, we played Ayar, a game that has some very enjoyable mechanics, some challenging choices to make, and straight forward gameplay. Then there is Temple Code which scratches a different itch, with its puzzle-like challenges and mind-numbing play that feels almost like deciphering ancient mysteries with friends. Then there’s Bretwalda, a sweeping strategy game set in early medieval Britain. Its blend of area control and historical flavor makes every session feel like a grand contest of wits and could create lively discussions long after the board is packed away. APBA Baseball and Baseball Card GM both capture the thrill of America’s pastime, but they do so in very different ways. APBA Baseball, which grew up playing, is a classic tabletop simulation that has been around for decades, using dice and player cards to recreate the strategy and drama of real games. Where APBA leans into simulation and tradition, Baseball Card GM emphasizes creativity and collection, turning the act of managing a team into a dynamic, customizable experience using real baseball cards. Together, they highlight two different but equally engaging ways to enjoy baseball beyond the ballpark. Thanks for listening and next episode will highlight another year of RDTN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Episode 365: Covenant, D&D Edge of Realms, Enthrone, Beasts, Isle of Cats Duel
Nov 1801:35:59Tap to summarize00:01:30 Intro00:04:00 Home Repair Hints00:09:00 Arkham Horror LCG Spoiler00:13:30 Star Wars Store Event00:15:00 Finding Mr. Christmas00:17:00 Secret Squirrel00:19:30 Just a Deck of Cards00:22:30 The Grinch Flip 700:23:30 Taste Buds00:31:30 Enthrone00:39:00 Portal Games00:40:00 Beasts00:47:30 Covenant01:10:30 Dungeons & Dragons: Edge of the Realms01:15:00 Miniature Market01:16:30 The Isle of Cats Duel01:22:00 Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles We’ve got a fresh lineup of reviews in this episode, plus a few handy home repair tips sprinkled in. While board games are our bread and butter, we love showing off our other skills too—because this podcast is about more than meeples and dice. First up is Covenant, a new strategic euro game from Devir. The premise is straightforward: rebuild the dwarves’ ancestral mountain of Karrak-sur-Kazar. The mechanics are easy to grasp, but the real joy comes from chaining together clever combos that feel deeply satisfying when they click. Beasts shifts gears into cooperative card play. Here, players manipulate a shared three-digit number by playing suits, each move pushing the total higher. The tension spikes when Beast cards appear, blocking suits and forcing quick adaptation. With communication restricted, every rising number adds to the suspense and challenge. Then there’s Enthrone, a two-player abstract deduction game brimming with intrigue. Each player secretly commands one of eight fantasy pawns—King, Priestess, Knight, Assassin, and more—while trying to uncover their opponent’s identity. Victory can come through elimination, political maneuvering, or seizing the throne. At 20–30 minutes, it’s a sharp contest of hidden roles and bold strategies. Finally, Dungeons & Dragons: Edge of the Realms takes us to Faerûn, where players explore magical terrain and landmarks through tile-laying. Everyone plays simultaneously, keeping the pace lively and accessible, though interaction between players remains light. It’s a breezy way to capture the spirit of D&D exploration in board game form. Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to drop by our Discord server to share your thoughts on these games—or just to hang out with the community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Episode 364: Dust & Dirt, Railroad Tiles, Magical Athlete, Hood
Nov 401:23:44Tap to summarize00:01:30 Intro00:04:30 BooBQ Event00:07:00 Snake Charmers00:15:00 Magical Athlete00:22:45 Star Wars Tournament00:28:30 Guests at BoooBQ00:31:30 Taste Buds00:36:30 Portal Games00:38:00 Dirt & Dust00:51:00 Railroad Tiles00:57:00 Miniature Market00:58:30 Hood01:10:00 Umami01:16:30 Outro Another year and another BooBQ is in the books. It was a great time and we had the opportunity to play a bunch of group games, eat a ton of food, and test our Halloween knowledge through Wits and Wagers, what a classic. We even got the chance to do a local constructed deck Star Wars Unlimited tournament that sucked in a bunch of new players. So, in a way, we were like a bunch of vampires and brought them into the fold Magical Athlete is a riotous racing game where fantasy characters with wildly asymmetric powers compete in unpredictable sprints. It’s light, fast, dice rolling game that will have hilarious moments throughout the game—perfect for groups who love a bit of chaos. Dirt & Dust, by contrast, is a deck builder that leans into the solitaire play with players trying to solve their own challenges while not really being impacted by others. Then there’s Railroad Tiles, a spatial puzzle that rewards clever planning and route optimization. It’s a satisfying blend of tactical tile placement and long-term strategy, ideal for fans of games like Carcassonne or Metro. Finally, Umami brings a unique twist to the table: a culinary-themed game that’s all about balancing flavors and crafting harmonious dishes. With elegant mechanics and a soothing aesthetic, it’s a game that feels like a warm bowl of ramen on a rainy day. Together, these four titles form a kind of tasting menu for board gamers—each one distinct, memorable, and worth savoring. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, clever puzzles, or thematic immersion, this quartet offers a delicious spread of experiences. Just like the buffet table at BooBQ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Bonus Episode: Interview with Arkham Horror Author, Rosemary Jones
Oct 2800:59:31Tap to summarizeMarty and Vanessa love the Arkham Horror universe. They play boardgames, card games and read the Arkham Horror novels from Aconyte Books. In this bonus episode, they get the chance to interview one of their favorite authors, Rosemary Jones. She discusses how she got into writing Arkham Horror novels, the process and talks about her latest book, The Arcane Gamble of Harvey Walters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Episode 363: Bohemians, Foundations, Everdell Duo, Punica, Cookie Run
Oct 2101:39:47Tap to summarize00:01:30 Intro00:03:30 Sports ball Topics00:14:00 A Carnivore Did It00:17:00 This Game is Killer00:22:00 Why did you play that?00:26:30 Rules Lawyer Time00:30:30 Taste Buds00:39:30 Miniature Market00:40:30 Bohemians00:59:00 Punica: Rome vs. Carthage01:07:30 Portal Games01:08:30 Fountains01:15:30 Everdell Duo01:23:00 Cookie Run Braverse01:29:00 Outro Halloween is creeping ever closer, ushering in a surge of spooky décor, costume scheming, and sugar-fueled anticipation. Soon, neighborhoods will flicker with jack-o’-lantern grins and haunted house setups, casting eerie shadows perfect for mischief, mayhem, and board games. And yes—Marty’s legendary BooBQ is just around the corner. Before the festivities kick off, we squeezed in a few two-player gems that pack a punch without hogging the table. Everdell Duo reimagines the beloved woodland world for two, offering competitive, cooperative, and campaign modes that layer strategy with charm. Cookie Run: Braverse transforms the digital Cookie Run universe into a physical trading card game, introducing a clever twist on health tracking that adds surprise and tension to every skirmish. Punica: Rome vs Carthage throws players into the heat of the Punic Wars, where asymmetric tactics and area control drive a brisk, brainy clash—can you succeed where Hannibal failed and bring Rome to its knees? We also tried a fresh tile-laying release from OP Games. True to form, the components are stellar, but it’s the rondel-style drafting that stole the spotlight, injecting strategic depth and just enough “take that” to keep things spicy. Thanks for listening, we really do appreciate it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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2025 Summer Movie Recap
Oct 1400:56:38Tap to summarizeWe are joined by Chris and Dan to discuss the summer movies of 2025. We find out who won the draft and recap all the movies that we saw. For Tony, that didn't take long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Episode 362: Tianxia, Aeterna, White Castle Duel, Wroth, Neuroshima Hex Battle
Oct 701:48:58Tap to summarize00:01:40 Intro00:06:45 Dream Theater: Music Video00:13:22 Arkham Horror: The Nightmare Quest of April May00:16:00 MegaMoose Con00:17:00 SWU Intro Battle Hoth – Starter Box00:25:30 Taste Buds00:32:30 Game Toppers LLC00:34:00 Neuroshima Hex: Battle00:40:00 Tianxia01:00:00 Portal Games01:01:30 White Castle Duel01:09:30 Aeterna01:28:45 Miniature Market01:29:45 Wroth01:37:15 Toy Hall of Fame As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, fall arrives with its pumpkin spice, lawn maintenance, and Halloween decorations. The season invites cozy gatherings, a time when board games find their way to kitchen tables and living rooms, bringing people together in shared strategy and laughter. It’s the perfect backdrop for diving into rich, immersive games that stretch the imagination and challenge the mind. This fall, three standout titles offer distinct flavors of strategic depth. Aeterna spans eras, asking players to draft cards and manage resources across shifting historical landscapes, testing tactical foresight. Tianxia, set in China’s Warring States period, blends politics, trade, and tower defense as players vie for prestige while fending off nomadic invaders. It’s a Euro-style game with layered mechanics and historical nuance. Meanwhile, Wroth provides the challenge of area control and alliances that can suddenly turn cold just like the air outside. Together, these games reflect the season’s introspective mood, where complexity and strategy take center stage. This year’s National Toy Hall of Fame finalists celebrate both nostalgia and innovation for us. From timeless tabletop classics like Catan, Battleship, and Trivial Pursuit. Or for those toys that make us scratch our head and say really — thus soft balls of Snow. Iconic toys like Furby and Tickle Me Elmo bring a wave of 90s tech nostalgia for your kids, while Spirograph and Connect Four remind us of our childhoods. Thanks for listening and be sure to head over to our Discord channel and discuss not board games, but who do you think should be in the Toy Hall of Fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Episode 361: Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship, Builders of Baldur's Gate, Leaders, Wondrous Museum
Sep 2301:45:55Tap to summarize00:01:40 Intro00:06:00 Sport Ball Stuff00:12:30 El Grande with the family00:15:00 Lawn Care00:18:00 Game Toppers LLC00:20:00 LOTR: Fate of the Fellowship00:52:00 The Wondrous Museum00:59:45 Miniature Market01:00:45 Builders of Baldur’s Gate01:30:45 Portal Games01:32:00 Leaders01:38:00 Outro A quick search of the word Pandemic as it relates to the board game mentions on this site, you will find a bunch of them. However, back in Episode 5 is when we do this first mention and where our mission on the podcast was to bring awareness to board games beyond those found at big box stores. That was on February 12, 2013. Time marches on and we find ourselves with a new entry using the Pandemic system with the LOTR: Fate of the Fellowship. Mr. Leacock has done an incredible job with this one. In my opinion, this brings the base goodness of the Pandemic series to the LOTR world and then ramps it up a few notches. To be honest, it might be a little too hard at times. But who cares, play it again and think of the feeling you will have when you destroy the ring. We also have some slight dissension in the ranks at RDTN where one does like a game as much as someone else and we have a solid discussion on why. This doesn’t mean that the game isn’t good, just that there is a difference of opinion on what some people like versus what others like. The Wondrous Museum is an engine builder that plays very fast and has solid decision making for which cards to play and how to use the runes that activate the cards. Leaders if a two person duel game that shrinks down the board to where players are using special moves by their champions to allow them to capture the other person leaders. Your champions are never removed from the board, so it is all about positioning while maintaining a solid defense for your leader. Thanks for listening and be sure to visit the Discord site to tell us about what type of grass is in your area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Episode 360: Yokohama Duel, Rival Cities, Twinkle Twinkle, Up or Down, Uninvited Guests at a Wedding
Sep 901:21:38Tap to summarize00:00:40 Intro00:05:30 Foot Update00:09:30 Arkham Horror RPG – Terra Antarctic00:14:30 Perfect Mismatch00:19:30 Monster Pit00:24:00 On the horizon00:27:00 Miniature Market00:28:00 Yokohama Duel00:37:30 Up or Down00:43:00 Portal Games00:44:30 Rival Cities00:54:30 Twinkle Twinkle00:59:00 Game Toppers LLC01:01:00 Uninvited Guests at a Wedding01:08:30 Gwent01:15:00 Outro Yokohama Duel is a two-player strategy game set in Meiji-era Japan, where players compete as merchants navigating trade routes and foreign relations. It condenses the original Yokohama into a tighter format, emphasizing tactical movement, resource collection, and contract fulfillment. With modular setup and multiple scoring paths, it offers deep replayability in a compact package that many still trying to find the best way to victory. Rival Cities pits two players against each other in a historical rivalry between Hamburg and Altona. Through lawsuits, trade, and political maneuvering, players vie for dominance in a tug-of-war of influence and prestige. The game can be quick playing and therefore making each decision impactful and every turn a strategic duel. Up or Down is a fast-paced card game focused on building ascending or descending sequences, ideal for quick, engaging play. Meanwhile, Twinkle Twinkle offers a peaceful tile-laying experience where players draft transparent tiles to complete star charts and connect constellations. Both games are accessible yet clever, appealing to casual and puzzle-loving players alike. Don’t forget to enter our contest over in the Discord channel for your chance to win a copy of Uninvited Guests at a Wedding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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