Shuffle Buddies

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Shuffle Buddies is a podcast all about boardgames and good times. Join Chris Hajny and Casie Siekman as they discuss games from the perspective of a grizzled board game veteran and a fresh-faced newb.

Casie Siekman & Chris Hajny


    • Feb 8, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 59m AVG DURATION
    • 26 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Shuffle Buddies

    Episode 026: A Deck of One / Hold the Fortress

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2025 25:38


    This week Chris hunkers down inside an abandoned, icy bunker for another installment of A Deck of One - this time to review the heroic solitaire-only game Halls of Hegra. Will Chris overcome overwhelming odds and emerge victorious against this tough-as-nails solo game? (Spoiler alert; no. No he will not.) The review of Halls of Hegra begins at 00:55.

    Episode 025: Nova's Ark

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 73:00


    This week Amy and Chris support a conservation project by releasing a majestic hot take into its natural environment as they review the zoo management game Ark Nova, along with its expansion, Marine Worlds. But before they curate their ideal menagerie, they also discuss Jekyll & Hyde vs Scotland Yard, Patchwork, and Strike. The review of the Ark Nova begins at 28:43.

    Episode 024: Delving Back In

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024 72:06


    After years (!?) of stumbling through the dank, dark dungeons of the unknown, the brave adventuring party known as Shuffle Buddies emerges back into the light of day - and there was much rejoicing! This week Chris is joined by the newly minted Shuffle Buddy Amy, to discuss the cooperative, card-based, dungeon-crawling Kinfire Delve series. But before they ready their blades for combat, they share three unexpected gems that are perfect for family gatherings and holiday get-togethers; Ito, Hues and Clues, and Wilmot's Warehouse.  The review of the Kinfire Delve series begins at 32:22. Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 023: A Deck of One / Respect Your Elders

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2022 29:57


    We're back with another A Deck of One episode, this time discussing the nordic fishing-themed worker placement game Nusfjord. But before serving up a seafood buffet worthy of the village elders, Chris dishes on the adorable, action-adventure videogame Death's Door. The review of Nusfjord begins at 05:20. Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 022: A Deck of One / Unrest In Peace

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2022 33:10


    This week we return to the A Deck of One show format, where Chris reflects on a game he's been playing solo. And this time, there are not one but TWO games to discuss;  the pair of civilization deckbuilding games Imperium Legends and Imperium: Legends. But before jumping into the fray, Chris gives some final impressions of Elden Ring.  The review of Imperium: Classics and Imperium: Legends begins at 03:20. Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 021: Number One on the Charts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2022 111:29


    This week Casie and Chris go behind the scenes and reflect upon the art of the Shuffle Buddies intro song, each of which is tailored to that episode's featured game. In the second half of the podcast, they each finally share their TOP TEN boardgames of ALL TIME (kinda sorta, subject to change)!  The top ten discussion begins at 102:02:00. Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 020: Those Uncouth Americans

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2022 61:54


    This week Casie and Chris invite you to a swanky Victorian era soiree to rub elbows with a fancy review of Obsession. But before the activities commence, they also discuss what Casie's been up to, an unexpected return to Dungeons & Dragons 5e, So Clover!, and Canvas. The review of Obsession begins at 23:10. Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 019: A Deck of One / Good to Be the King

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2022 24:44


    Episode 018: Only Monsters Rush In

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 70:49


    This week Casie and Chris summon some colorful elemental power and Monster-Rush into a review of Dwellings of Eldervale. But before rolling their combat dice, they also discuss The Messy Middle, Space Base, The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, and Shinkansen: Zero Kei. The review of Dwellings of Eldervale begins at 31:30. Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 017: The Sleeping Gods Must Be Crazy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2022 57:45


    This week Casie and Chris hop aboard a rickety steamship and venture into the vast unknown for a review of Sleeping Gods. But before completing their epic journey, they accept a few side quests to discuss Concordia, Railways of the World, and The Afterparty.  The review of Sleeping Gods begins at 13:50. Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 016: Shot Through the (Bullet) ♥

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2022 53:47


    This week Casie and Chris frantically dodge hundreds, if not thousands, of incoming deadly obstacles to review Bullet♥. Amidst the mayhem, we also manage to discuss So Clover!, Super Mega Lucky Box, the Nanny, and Village Garden. The review of Bullet♥ begins at 25:35. Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 015: The Secret Buddy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2022 53:48


    This week, Chris sits down for an end of year chat with a mysterious, secret Shuffle Buddy. They discuss an entire year of quarantine spent together, and the boardgame journey they took along the way. During their trip down memory lane, they discuss Undaunted: Normandy, Res Arcana, Claustrophobia 1643, Terraforming Mars, Anachrony, Civilization: A New Dawn, Scythe, Pax Pamir: Second Edition, and Cloudspire.  Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 014: Shuffle Birdies

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2021 53:37


    This week Casie and Chris spread their wings like the majestic Pygmy Nuthatch and fly gracefully into a review of Wingspan. But before taking flight, they warble on about Teenage Engineering's Pocket Operators, 7 Wonders: Architects, Board Game Arena, The Flight Attendant, and A Very Die Hard Christmas. The review of Wingspan begins at 23:49. Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 013: Yippee-Ki-Yay, Cattle Rancher

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2021 72:03


    Yeehaw! This week Casie and Chris slip into their purdiest cowboy boots and wrangle up a review of Great Western Trail (Second Edition). But before they go and mosey off into the sunset, they also discuss Draftosaurs, Dicey Dungeons, Honeycomb Hotel Ultra, the Great British Bake Off, and Glass Road. The review of Great Western Trail (Second Edition) begins at 31:48. Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 012: Pour Me Another Dice Draft

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 59:19


    This week Casie and Chris belly up to the proverbial bar for a review of The Taverns of Tiefenthal from North Star Games. But before they make it past the surly bouncer at the tavern door, they discuss the ghosts who might haunt Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium, Psychonauts 2, Newt One, Mr. Show, Cloudspire, and The Cost. The review of The Taverns of Tiefenthal begins at 32:36. Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 011: It's Mahvel Baybee!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 63:06


    This week Casie and Chris perform their best superhero leap into a review of the summer blockbuster of boardgames, Marvel Champions: The Card Game. They also scheme their way into discussions about Horrified: American Monsters, Back 4 Blood, Squid Game, and All the Ever Afters: The Untold Story of Cinderella's Stepmother. The review of Marvel Champions: The Card Game begins at 18:10.

    blood squid game stepmother mahvel horrified american monsters
    Episode 010: Summer Lovin' (Part Two)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2021 62:17


    This week Casie and Chris dive BACK back into the podcast pool, not quite just in time for (part two of) the Summer Games Spectacular! In this episode we review two cool and breezy games; Terraforming Mars: The Ares Expedition and The Goonies: Never Say Die. They also discuss a couple boardgame stores they visited on a trip to the East Coast, the Flavia de Luce Series, Fantasy Realms, Medium, and a pair of Teenage Engineering's Pocket Operators. The review of Terraforming Mars begins at 18:37, and the review of The Goonies: Never Say Die begins at 40:27.

    Episode 009: Summer Lovin' (Part One)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2021 52:04


    This week Casie and Chris dive back into the podcast pool, just in time for (part one of) the Summer Games Spectacular! In this episode we review two lazy summer games; Summer Camp and TRAILS. Truth be told, we sat down to talk about FOUR games for this episode, but we were so excited to be back on the mics that the time really got away from us. So join us next time for Summer Lovin' (Part Two) when we finish our Summer Spectacular with two more in-depth game discussions! The review of Summer Camp begins at 22:18, and the review of TRAILS begins at 35:30. Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 008: Gardening For the Gods

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 50:54


    This week Casie and Chris get their hands dirty tending to a bountiful review of Four Gardens. They also sprout discussions about The Red Cathedral, You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism, God-Level Knowledge Darts: Life Lessons from the Bronx, Color of Law, Nice White Parents, and Open Ocean. The review of Four Gardens begins at 19:20.Subscribe to Shuffle Buddies on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

    Episode 007: Mages Gonna Mage

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 68:28


    This week Casie and Chris crack open their ancient and forbidden tome to conjure a mystical review of Res Arcana. Along the way we summon a discussion about The Quest for Eldorado, Freakonomics, Mansions of Madness Second Edition, Wet Hot American Summer, and Hansa Teutonica. The review of Res Arcana begins at 32:20.

    Episode 006: Glory to Om

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2021 71:01


    This week Casie and Chris get crafty to perform the most artful task of all; a review of Mottainai. We can't help but take a quick detour to touch on Mottainai's older, more elusive sibling, Glory to Rome. We also discuss Hallertau, finishing books (or not), some real-life crafts, Weapons of Math Destruction, and Cosmic Frog. The review of Mottainai begins at 25:45.

    Episode 005: Big Huge Fancy Balls

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2021 76:09


    This week Casie and Chris slip into their fanciest frock coats to head to the Grand Ball and review Rococo: Deluxe Edition from Eagle-Gryphon Games. On the way, we warm up by dancing around such topics as Amanda Gorman's inaugural poem, Hollow Knight, Fantasy Hockey, Rumble Nation, Warrior, Last Tango in Halifax, and Claustrophobia 1643. The review of Rococo: Deluxe Edition starts at 33:08.

    Episode 004: Never Enough Arrows

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021 69:31


    Synopsis: This week Casie and Chris venture deep into the jungle to review Lost Ruins of Arnak by CGE. Along the way, we also discuss the Queen's Gambit, Letterkenny, String Theory, The Library of The Unwritten, Demon's Tilt, Pandemic, 7 Wonders, and Bonfire. The main review of Lost Ruins of Arnak begins at 28:05.

    Episode 003: A Walk in the Parks

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2020 66:01


    Welcome to Shuffle Buddies! This week Casie and Chris head to the great outdoors to review PARKS, by Keymaster Games. Along the way we leisurely stroll into discussions of Biblios, Watergate, Undaunted: Normandy, Sonic Pi, Leon Chang's Return to Bird World, She & Him, Dead to Me, and Happiest Season. The review of PARKS begins at 24:55.

    Episode 002: In Space No One Can Hear You Cooperate

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2020 50:01


    Episode 001: Won't You Be My Neighbor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2020 75:18


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