Amusing Meeples

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On Amusing Meeples, we brainstorm ideas for board games based on two random elements; a topic, and a board game mechanism.

CJ & Jacob


    • Dec 31, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 52m AVG DURATION
    • 83 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Amusing Meeples

    3-27 : ...DISASTER! (3/3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 29:19


    We promise this episode is almost over. We hope you had fun listening to this season of Amusing Meeples. We wish you all a Happy New Year! Play games, design games, listen to people doing both said things with games. CONTENT WARNING: Death by bizarre causes, suffocation, drowning, and maybe a curse or two.

    3-26 : ...LATRINE... (2/3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 25:23


    Please continue to listen to this mega episode, we cut into three parts, for easier...digestion. Thank you for listening! CONTENT WARNING: Death by bizarre causes, suffocation, drowning, and maybe a curse or two.

    3-25 : ERFURT... (1/3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024 28:32


    Thank you for listening. Enjoy this ridiculous conversation, split into 3 wonderful episodes. CONTENT WARNING: Death by bizarre causes, suffocation, drowning, and maybe a curse or two.

    3-24 : A Literal Industrial Metal Opera

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2024 46:33


    We talk this episode about creating music with the beep beeps, and the honk honks, and revving all matter of engines. Automobile Orchestra and Action Points, what a concept. Thanks for listening, enjoy the new year! Make some Games!

    3-23 : WHEN IT'S TIME TO PARTY WE WILL ALWAYS PARTY WITH THE PARTY THAT IS MOST ALIGNED WITH THE PARTY WE ARE AFFILIATED WITH w/ Emily Vincent

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024 56:48


    Today, we have Emily Vincent, designer of the new game, Knitting Circle, a game in the wonderful cozy world of Calico. We talk to her about starting a party, and inviting wonderful guests that might make a difference! Or at least, try out this new Sauerkraut Sponge Cake we came up with. Thank you for listening!

    3-22 : Bjork and Beans w/ Candice Harris

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 54:53


    This week, we are honored to have Candice Harris of Board Game Geek on our show. We talk about two very important things in the world, Bjork, and Mushrooms that are 26 feet tall. Thank you for listening to the show, and we hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season, and an amazing New Year.

    SPECIAL HOLIDAY ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 0:24


    3-21 : Crayons with Attitude!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 56:43


    We draw some lines! We make a game based on it! We hope you like this episode. Amusing Meeples Loves You.

    3-20 : Game the System w/ Angel Carrete

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 54:51


    This week we are honored to have Angel Carete, Associate Professor of Finance at Concordia College, to talk about how he integrates board games into his teaching. We also come up with a game with a component name that is, our best, as of this date. Thank you for listening!

    3-19 : Scouting Thomas w/ Dave Beck

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 59:51


    This Episode, we are lucky enough to have Dave Beck, designer of Distilled and co-designer of Luthier! Be sure to check out Paverson Games in all their forms! Thanks for listening!

    3-18 : High Altitude Petal Power w/ Abe Burson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 51:36


    This week, we speak with Abe Burton, co-designer of Luthier! Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoy the episode. We hope you join us on Discord! This episode brought to you by BatMan. Not Batman. BatMan. He's a man full of bats..

    3-17 : Worker Two-ee

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 48:13


    So, the title will make sense as soon as you hear the episode. Thanks for listening! Talk at us! or don't. But we are genuinely fun to talk to. Except Jason. Thankfully we don't have a Jason on the podcast.

    3-16 : You Say Potato, I say Mechanism

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 49:33


    Thank you for continuing to listen to Amusing Meeples. We hope one day to have one of these ideas become a game that someone else made. That's the point: Watch the effort, and REAP the success! This message brought to you by Capitalism.

    3-15 : I'm a Thurber Baby w/ Ben Rosset (with guest host Joe Slack)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 54:06


    This week, we talk about the maintenance costs of a non profit business based on, you guessed it, the collections of a humor writer in the newspaper! He lived in Ohio! Thank your listening, and don't hesitate to reach out to us with a question, or suggestion! amusingmeeples@gmail.com

    3-14 : Two Hosts, Two Mechanisms, One Whiskey: Unlimited Irrational Possibilities; this episode title brought to you by - The inability to end a sentence.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 42:28


    Thank you for listening! Join us on discord! https://discord.gg/SbMqaEba

    3-13 : I Van, I Caravan so far away w/ Tanner Wells

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 55:00


    This week we have Cullen's sibling, Tanner Wells, Who has a very unique and amazing experience to share. And if you are interested, make sure to check out their website at caravanproductions.org Thank you for listening!

    3-12 : Good to the Last Life Drop w/ Caroline Black

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 52:51


    We are lucky enough this week to be speaking with Caroline Black, a wonderful blogger on Board Game Geek, also known as the Dyslexic Gamer. We talk to her this week about a game she's never played, on an interface she's never interfaced with. Join us, and thank you for listening to the show!

    3-11 : Keaton to a Pulp w/ John DuBois

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 47:05


    This Episode we talk about and create a game based around the Silent Movie era. We also touch on two great games by the designer that joins us today, John DuBois. https://hollandspiele.com/products/heading-forward https://hollandspiele.com/products/striking-flint Thank you for listening! Join our discord! and tell us what you thought about the episode! https://discord.gg/5fXvQR9B

    Amusing Independence Announcement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 0:31


    3-10 : The Great Biffish Lake Off w/ Dan Thurot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 59:49


    Today, we take the watery topic of Lake Baikal and try to figure out how to mix hidden roles into that body of water. We are joined by Board Game Reviewer Extraordinare Dan Thurot, from SpaceBiff.com. Be sure to check out our discord, if you would like a sneak peek at guests, as well as other mixtures of topic and mechanisms! https://discord.gg/TZNXCnhx

    3-09 : Do Meeples Dream of Wooden Sheep? w/ Tony Boydell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 58:14


    In this episode, we are honored to have Tony Boydell, designer of Snowdonia, Aleph Null, Alubari, and my personal favorite Guilds of London, on the show. Make sure to check out his blog on BoardGameGeek https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/344/everyone-needs-a-shed and if you're in Europe, check out the Mr. Boydell's Museum of Board Games, a wonderful place to visit in the real world! https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamepublisher/49734/the-museum-of-board-games This episode we talk about dreams, and try to fit a mechanism that doesn't necessarily fit so well into it. We think we did well. What do you think? Thanks for listening! Be sure to join our Discord, and join in on the conversation! https://discord.gg/mg9VtaWX

    3-08 : Historical Documents (NOT Galaxy Quest) w/ Tom Ambrosio

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 73:06


    Our guest this week is Tom Ambrosio, a professor of Political Science, at North Dakota State University. In this episode, we talk in depth, for the most part, about Historical Simulation games, and the importance for them, and their uses. We also blaze through an great idea for a board game based on some random information. Thanks for listening! Please join us on discord! Talk at our electronic faces! https://discord.gg/kAsye2N2

    3-07 : Learning Ludic Linguistics from Local Libraries w/ Jake Frydman of Decision Space

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 53:58


    This episode, we are joined by half of the team behind Decision Space. We talk today about creating a game about how a community interacts with a library, as well as some of the things going on, on the Decision Space podcast. Thank you for listening! Want to join the discussion? Join our discord, and ask us things. Give us suggestions for shows, or topics we should cover! https://discord.gg/efMSGndE Thank you as always for listening!

    3-06 : Key Trek: The Next Iteration

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 51:32


    This week, we reskin a game many people know. At the beginning of the episode we have a game where I make Derek guess what game it is (it's one of his favorites). Let us know how annoying it was to listen to that part! Thanks for listening. Keep designing!

    3-05: Mama, Just Made a Game... w/ Kathleen Mercury

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 64:13


    This episode we have Kathleen Mercury, and we talk about teaching game design to the young and old, as well as come up with a game based on a song I KNOW you have heard before. Thanks for listening! If you would like to reach out, email us at amusingmeeples@gmail.com

    3-04 : Wedgate, Thurgate, Frigate w/ Tory Brown

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 62:22


    We make a game about a ship! Not just any ship. A cool ship. A sleek ship. Check out all the buttons; I wonder what they do? At least one of them has to lead you to: votesforwomen.com where you can get more information, and preorder Today's Guests' game! One might also lead to our discord server: (I can't find the button, but if you're on Discord, look us up!) Thank you for listening! We hope to hear from you! Please reach out to us on Discord, or at Amusingmeeples@gmail.com

    3-03 : Six Degrees of Uwe Rosenbacon

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 48:04


    In this episode, we take an awesome B concept and turn into an A+ game idea. That will make more sense after you listen to it. Thanks for listening! Please join us on our Discord server! We like talking to you! Email Us an Idea! Or just let us know you like what you're hearing! amusingmeeples@gmail.com

    3-02 : Kabaddi Double Time w/ Stephen Buonocore

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 56:19


    This episode we mix in a dexterity like game based around a game famous in everywhere but where we live. We pair that with a mechanism as always and are joined by the wonderful Stephen Buonocore, formerly of Stronghold Games, and now part of a new business venture, of which we talk about. Please reach out to us and email us at Amusingmeeples@gmail.com and look for our discord server!

    3-01 : Push the Pram-a-lot w/ Joe Slack

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 54:14


    We are back for the third season, and we start with a topic that is universal in knowledge. I mean, you're gonna know it. You're gonna get the references. We aren't just blowing smoke. I could brag about it but I won't. check out the Board Game Design Virtual Summit, hosted by our guest Joe Slack. Listen to advice from designers, and even get to ask them questions! The Board Game Design Course - Virtual Summit 2024 Thanks for listening! Join us on Discord! Search for Amusing Meeples. or email us at amusingmeeples@gmail.com Welcome to Season 3!

    2-27 : Alpha and JOEMega w/ Joe Slack

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 58:31


    Thank you so much for staying with us, week after week of Amusing Meeples. We have reached the end of Season 2, and are already coming up with ideas for the next season. Make sure to email us if you have a thought, or just wanna talk about game design. Enjoy the episode, and stay tuned for the next Season of Amusing Meeples.

    2-26 : Highway to the FunFirst Zone w/ Mike Faciane

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 76:16


    This week, Mike Faciane, designer of Triple Scoops, joins us as we work with a mechanism seen a lot in video games, but maybe less in board games. And the topic, well the topic itself is boring, but we jam packed it with excitement. Thank you for listening. We are coming up on the END OF THE SEASON, with only one more episode. Inbetween seasons, we will have small episodes to keep you tantalized. In the meantime, please email us your ideas, tell other people about the show. We shall take over the world one meeple at a time.

    2-25 : Gluttony for Dummies w/ Brett J. Gilbert

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 72:45


    This week, our game idea is based around a practice mainly forgotten, and trying to build a game around it, with a mechanism that half fits into the idea. We hope you enjoy this episode.

    dummies gluttony brett j gilbert
    2-24 : Home on La Grange w/ Matthew Dunstan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 71:39


    The Meeples are joined by Matthew Dunstan and they write down the hard maths, and make a game based off a mathmatic principle. This is what all the cool kids are going to be talking about.

    2-23 : ...SODE w/ Jed Limke

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 54:00


    We finally come to the end of a marathon of an episode, long enough and with enough content for me to comfortably make it another. Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy.

    2-22: MEGA... w/ Jed Limke

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 47:24


    This is a surprising in depth, and incredibly entertaining TWO part episode. I highly hope you enjoy it, because it was one of the best times we had recording an episode.

    2-21 : The Long Pulse Home w/ Phillip Walker Harding

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 61:58


    This week, the Meeples are joined by Phillip Walker Harding. Please enjoy this episode.

    2-20 : Take a Chance on Meeples w/Jon Manker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 54:17


    This week, Jon Manker of Ion Game Design joins the Meeples and we come up with another idea based off random information. Also, our connections have grown, and by listening, so have yours. The sky is the limit. If you like what you hear, send us an email, or get in touch with us. amusingmeeples AT gmail.com twitter: AT amusingmeeples or Join the Amusing Meeples Discord Server. Join us. We're Lonely.

    2-19 : Zeitgeist of the Bank Heist w/Amabel Holland

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 51:42


    This week, the Meeples are joined by Amabel Holland, designer of Irish Gauge, Nicaea, Eyelet, and many more. Be sure to them all out at hollandspiele.com Be sure to join us on our discord server for Amusing Meeples. Talk to us, and ask us a question you may have, or give us an idea. Maybe we will feature it on an upcoming episode. Thanks as always for listening. And reading this blurb.

    2-18 : We Were the Kates and Queens of Promise w/Stefan Alexander

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2023 50:52


    This week, Stefan Alexander joins the Meeples as we flow through the market of glitz and glam once more. We hope you enjoy the episode. Please join our Amusing Meeples discord server, if you would like to ask a question, give an idea, or just say hi. https://discord.gg/f3SPXtPW

    2-17 : Signal to Garth w/Stephen Buonocore

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2023 57:15


    This week, the Meeples are joined by Stephen Buonocore, the Podfather of Gaming, as they search for a signal in the skies about a game based around a famous country pop cowboy, and a board game mechanism almost everyone had to look up. We hope you enjoy. If you have an idea for an episode, or would just like to reach out and say hello, email us at amusingmeeples@gmail.com or follow us on twitter @amusingmeeples or Join our Amusing Meeples discord Server. BECOME A MEEPLE.

    2-16 : Debauchery Incorporeal w/Jason Tagmire

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 50:37


    This episode, Jason Tagmire from Button Shy games talks with the Meeples and we relive some of the old glam and glitz and most likely sloe gin of a bygone era. We come up with a game based on a set of gentleman LARPing their version of the Hangover movie - every day. We hope you enjoy. Make sure to check out Button Shy games and their plethora of wallet sized 18 card games. Contact: Amusingmeeples at gmail.com twitter: at amusing meeples JOIN THE AMUSING MEEPLES DISCORD SERVER. BECOME A MEEPLE.

    2-15 : Mortgage to Coffee Cup Conversion Chart w/Danny Devine

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 52:51


    This week, the Meeples talk with Danny Devine, designer of Sprawlopolis, Topiary, and Kohaku about an idea based around investigating and being able to keep your office open to the public with a landlord breathing down your neck. We hope you enjoy the episode. Please contact us with ideas you have for topics, or mechanisms you would like to hear more about in games. email: amusingmeeples@gmail.com twitter: @amusingmeeples JOIN OUR AMUSING MEEPLES DISCORD SERVER. WE PROMISE NOT TO TALK TO YOU IN ALL CAPS.

    2-14 : Celluloid Android w/ Dave Beck

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 62:14


    This week, the Meeples talk with Dave Beck, designer of the newly released game Distilled, and come up with a idea based around ACTION you might take to save a business. Do you have a SOUND mind in order to play this game? Will this game be heavy or LIGHT? Contact us at: amusingmeeples at gmail.com Follow us on Twitter: at amusingmeeples Join our Amusing Meeples discord Server. Thank you for listening and emailing and responding and making us feel not so lonely. Keep sending those game ideas.

    2-13 : Let's Do a Podcast Again w/ Tony Boydell

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2023 65:14


    This week, Tony Boydell, designer of Snowdonia, Alubari, and Guilds of London, to name a few, joins the Meeples as we talk through a topic that is very current. We are by no means experts, and didn't want anyone to assume we were. Thank you for listening as always. Email: amusingmeeples at gmail.com Twitter: at amusing meeples Join our Amusing Meeples Discord Server.

    2-12 : Anna and the Meeples w/Tucker Smedes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 46:11


    This week, the Meeples talk with Tucker Smedes of Cardlords, and talk about another idea based on a fairly famous and in some places controversial play. How will we mix in the mechanic? Listen, and tell us how well we did. Contact: amusingmeeples@gmail.com Follow on twitter: @amusingmeeples Join our Amusing Meeples Discord Server. Keep the creation going.

    2-11 : Ticking Time Bananas w/ Jason Washburn

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 72:10


    This week, the meeples talk with Jason Washburn of Gamelyn Games, and Talon Strikes Studios, about a new mechanism paired with an explorer we all know and love. We also get a incredibly in depth discussion from Jason on designing, and publishing, and how to see the game design problems from both angles. email: Amusingmeeples@gmail.com twitter: @amusingmeeples Join our Amusing Meeples discord server. We will talk about ALL the games.

    bananas ticking gamelyn games jason washburn talon strikes studios
    2-10 : Pretty Fly For a...Fly w/Lance Myxter

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 57:55


    Today, the Meeples brainstorm with Lance Myxter of Grey Fox Games, where we get a deep dive into the heart of the actual board game production. Do not be scared away, dear listener. The information contained in this episode may be a hard pill to swallow for some, but crucial advice for anyone who wants to get a board game out there. Contact: amusingmeeples@gmail.com follow on Twitter: @amusingmeeples AND chat with us on our Amusing Meeples Discord Server.

    2-09 : Little League No No's w/Emma Larkins

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 48:16


    This week, Emma Larkins, designer of Abandon All Artichokes, joins the Meeples, and discusses some brilliant game design. Email: amusingmeeples@gmail.com Twitter: @amusingmeeples Join our Amusing Meeples Discord Server!

    no no little league meeples abandon all artichokes emma larkins
    2-08 : Board Game Rating; S for Sad w/Shem Phillips

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2023 46:34


    This week, the Meeples talk to Shem Phillips of Garphill Games. If you would like to contact us, please email at: amusingmeeples@gmail.com Follow us on twitter! @amusingmeeples And join our Amusing Meeples Discord server. Guess what? We talk about board games on that as well. Thanks for listening!

    2-07 : Generic Superheroes w/ Kathleen Mercury

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2023 56:55


    This week, Kathleen Mercury joins the Meeples as we delve into a topic that is on the outskirts of fame, seemingly his whole life. Even the people who are against him are only a general threat. Join us this week on Amusing Meeples with Kathleen Mercury! Contact: amusingmeeples@gmail.com Follow on twitter: @amusingmeeples Join our Amusing Meeples Discord!

    2-06 : Talkin' bout Nothin' w/ Justin De Witt

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 57:18


    This week, the Meeples welcome Justin De Witt from Fireside Games. We talk about existentialism, we talk about design, we talk about damn near everything. It was a high stakes debate based on a great idea from an unlikely source - pop music. Are you tantalized yet? Have your eardrums and canals started asking for more? Enjoy! To contact us, email: amusingmeeples@gmail.com Follow us on twitter! @amusingmeeples Join our Amusing Meeples Discord! Thanks for listening!

    nothin witt meeples fireside games

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