Podcast
The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast
Hosted by The Secret Cabal Founders · EN
Tune in every Wednesday to immerse yourself in The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast, dedicated to board games, card games, role-playing, and the miniatures hobby. Join The Secret Cabal Founders: Jamie, Chris, Steve, Don, and Tony T, as they present a captivating array of perspectives on board games, all delivered with a generous dose of irreverent nonsense. Explore the world of role-playing games with The Lord of the Dungeon, and accompany the Filthy Casuals as they delve into the miniatures gaming hobby in Battletome. The Founders and Lords are devoted to providing you with irreverent entertainment, thought-provoking commentary, and an enthusiastic experience centered around the hobbies we love.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 346: Chaosmos and a Summer Movie Extravaganza
4d ago03:00:45Tap to summarizeThe saga of Chris' yowling companion continues with a story of the broken foster cat! Then the gang gets into the game they've been playing including Dead of Winter, Star Wars The Deck Building Game, Dale of Merchants, Shackleton Base Expansion, Scales of Fate, and a feature review of Chaosmos from designers Matthew Austin, Dani Vigour, and Joey Vigour. Then after Tony T's wild and crazy news segment the Founders talk about the movies and TV shows they're excited about coming out this summer! Dead of Winter: 00:04:39, Star Wars The Deck Building Game: 00:15:13, Dale of Merchants: 00:20:51, Shackleton Base Expansion: 00:29:52, Scales of Fate: 00:35:53, Chaosmos Review: 00:43:35, News with Tony T: 01:22:26, Summer Movie Extravaganza: 02:14:30. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/, Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/ and Prester's Painting at https://www.presterspainting.com/
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Express 118: Why We Play
2w ago00:56:03Tap to summarizeIn Episode 118 of The Secret Cabal Express, Don, Chris, Tony, and Jamie discuss the many motivations that draw people to tabletop gaming and keep them coming back for more. The gang explores competition, mastery, socialization, a sense of belonging, relaxation, flow state, evangelism, teaching, and the joy of collecting. Enjoy!
Transcribe →Episode 345: Cysmic and a Short Topics Extravaganza
3w ago02:59:24Tap to summarizeHey now, Cabalists! Today, Chris and Jamie kick off the show with a change of pace by reviewing the video game Mixtape. Then the gang dives into all the great board games they’ve been playing, including Orloj The Prague Astronomical Clock, Kemet Rise of the Gods, Coming of Age, Ark Nova, Catan On the Road, and the featured game Cysmic from designer Jason Blake. Then, after Tony T talks about all the Pokémon smashing grabs, the boys take on topics from listeners, including the most valuable board games and their favorite all-day board game sessions.Orloj The Prague Astronomical Clock: 00:11:04, Kemet Rise of the Gods: 00:24:01, Coming of Age: 00:32:43, Ark Nova: 00:42:06, Catan On the Road: 00:50:49, Cysmic Review: 00:56:11, News with Tony T: 01:33:31, Short Topics Extravaganza: 02:17:48. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/, Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/ and Prester's Painting at https://www.presterspainting.com/
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Dungeon Masters Ludus 05: Artful Allies, Villains, and Nobodies
4w ago01:03:17Tap to summarizeHearken, travelers, to this gathering of Game Masters, wherein the Lords speak of the folk who breathe life into realms of fantasy and adventure - the Non-Player Characters! From steadfast companions and black-hearted villains to merry fools and curious villagers, we unravel the craft of creating memorable souls to wander thy world. We speak of weaving these characters into grand tales, stirring the hearts of players through cunning plots, tense encounters, and moments of laughter round the table. Come, and learn how a well-spun character may turn a humble campaign into a legend sung through the ages!
Transcribe →Episode 344: Feya’s Swamp and The Best Part
May 603:25:09Tap to summarizeHey now, and happy Wednesday, Cabalists! Today we kick things off with a full rundown and review of Untold: Chess Mates, the documentary exploring the controversy between Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann. Then we dive into the games we've been playing, including Spooktacular, Shackleton Base, Sniper Elite, For All Mankind, Druids of Edora, and a feature review of Feya’s Swamp from Helge and Anselm Ostertag. After Tony T’s new segment, we wrap things up with “The Best Part,” where each of us picks a game, breaks down our favorite aspect, and explains what makes it truly special. Spooktacular: 00.12.36, Shackleton Base: 00.19.32, Sniper Elite: The Board Game: 00.32.20, For All Mankind: 00.40.34, Druids of Edora: 00.52.19, Feya’s Swamp Review: 01.03.57, News with Tony T: 01.42.15, The Best Part: 02.40.02. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/, Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/ and Prester's Painting at https://www.presterspainting.com/
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Interview Special 02: David Thompson
Apr 2901:13:44Tap to summarizeI’ve got a special treat for you The Cabal today: one of the most respected board game designers working today, and a true OG Cabalist, David Thompson! You know Dave from his work on the Undaunted series, War Chest, Sniper Elite: The Board Game, Resist!, The Valiant Defense series, and many others. Today, Dave and I talked about his origin story as a gamer, tabletop role-playing games, how he got his start in board game design, his design process, his collaborations with other designers, and much, much more. It’s a great conversation, and I hope you all enjoy it!
Transcribe →Express 117: The Component Show
Apr 2201:06:35Tap to summarizeIn episode 317 of The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast, Don, Chris, and Jamie dive into a discussion about components in board games. They talk about components from the early years of the hobby and how they’ve evolved over time. The fellas also discuss how their taste for lavish components has changed throughout their years in the hobby. They gush about the stuff they love and bitch about the shit they hate in... The Component Show!
Transcribe →Episode 343: Anunnaki Dawn of the Gods and a Short Topic Extravaganza
Apr 1503:49:16Tap to summarizeHey now, Cabalists! Today’s episode opens with the most inane conversation you’re ever going to hear in your entire lives—bar none. Then we dive into board games, including A Gest of Robin Hood, Take Time, Ark Nova: Marine Worlds Expansion, The Vale of Eternity, and French Toast, and feature Anunnaki: Dawn of the Gods by Simone Luciani and Danilo Sabia. After Tony T’s News segment, we tackle some listener questions, including ornamental games, movies and video games that should be board games, and how we feel about fan-made board game expansions. A Gest of Robin Hood: 00:04:51, Take Time: 00:18:56, Ark Nova Marine Worlds Expansion: 00:31:52, Vale of Eternity: 00:43:48, French Toast: 00:51:10, Anunnaki Dawn of the Gods Review: 1:02:12, News with Tony T: 01:45:45, Short Topic Extravaganza: 02:56:53. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/, Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/ and Prester's Painting at https://www.presterspainting.com/
Transcribe →Dungeon Masters Ludus 04: The Art of the Encounter
Apr 901:08:48Tap to summarizeGood morrow, esteemed Cabalists. On this day, the Lords of the Dungeon convene in earnest discourse upon the noble Art of designing encounters within the realm of role-playing. They shall expound upon the intricacies of social dealings, the perils and stratagems of martial combat, and the treacherous trials imposed by the very environment itself, each bearing its own hazards and the promise of worthy reward. By what methods, then, might one craft encounters most fitting and memorable for their grand adventures? Attend closely, and let the inquiry be joined with vigor. Huzzah!
Transcribe →Episode 342: Rewild South America and The Culture of Play
Apr 102:54:02Tap to summarizeGood morning and happy Wednesday! Let’s get busy with some of the great games the founders have been playing, including Echoes of Time, Dracula vs. Van Helsing, Dark Pact, First Giants, and Citizens of the Spark, along with a feature review of Rewild: South America from Bruno Liguori Sia. Then, after Tony T gives us the best gaming news he can find, we dive into the culture of play in your gaming group. We discuss a situation with a Cabalist from our BGG forum, how we schedule game nights, how we pick games, and our motivations for gaming together. Echoes of Time: 00:04:01, Dracula vs. Van Helsing: 00:12:23, Dark Pact: 00:22:34, Citizens of the Spark: 00:31:43, First Giants: 00:40:57, Rewild South America Review: 00:48:05, News with Tony T: 01:23:17, The Culture of Play: 02:15:22. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/ and Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/.
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