There is no reason for this podcast to be as long as it is, I think it can be shortened while maintaining the humor. The opening informal reviews of recent games played section should be limited to just 1 to 3 reviews for 3 to 5 minutes each, nothing in depth. The news and kickstarter section needs to be more professional and faster by letting Tony stick to facts like a reporter and go through each story with a lot less commentary surrounding each news topic or kickstarter project. If one of the Cabal members is familiar with the news story, kickstarter project, or whatever the topic is then sure, contribute to the conversation since it is coming from a place of knowledge. But don’t comment just to comment - I’ve lost track of how many times someone said “I don’t know about x topic or x project but I don’t like it or it looks stupid or <insert other negative comment here>. Like it or not, you are influencers and to haphazardly insult and be negative toward a topic or project you admit to not researching or knowing anything about can totally tank a creators endeavor. What is a funny offhand comment for you can crush an aspiring designer or entrepreneur. Don’t hear what I am not saying - if someone is trying to scam people then call them out by all means but it is also okay, and encouraged, to say “I don’t know enough about this topic or project to comment intelligently.” Or “I need to research this topic or project before I feel confident enough to comment.” Or just don’t say anything at all - those are perfectly valid and mature approaches to things you don’t know about and it sets a good example for your audience. And if you do want to editorialize on news and projects off the cuff then I suggest making a separate 10 to 15 minute weekly YouTube video where you can express those views for listeners that like that content and perhaps in so doing drive more traffic to the YouTube channel and grow the community there. Lastly, keep the final section, whether answering listener questions or a short topic extravaganza or some other themed discussion to about 30 minutes. And if the conversation goes longer you can post it as bonus material on the YouTube channel as yet another opportunity to boost traffic and membership on YouTube. Any pre-con episodes, convention episodes, and post convention review episodes should either be their own short podcast or short YouTube show for folks who like that content and easily skipped for those who do not care to hear about your gaming convention vacation - either way, it should stay out of the main podcast. Lords of the Dungeon needs addressed - I’d rather the topics be discussed in general terms rather than through anecdotal stories of your groups adventures. Hearing 90% of the LotD episodes being nothing more than a trip down memory lane for a niche gaming group is annoying and eventually I skip the remainder of the podcast and switch to a different better podcast worth my time; LotD is like listening to someone who tells you about their dreams each morning - sure, it was a great experience for that person but no one else cares because we weren’t there. I don’t spam you with my gaming adventure stories, please don’t bombard me with yours. Keep your fundraising campaign in mid to late spring rather than at the start of the new year - podcasts that run campaigns so soon after the majority of people underwent holiday spending is just irresponsible and insensitive at best and downright unethical at worst in regards to the financial needs of people who are likely shifting into “savings” mode with their paychecks to recover from the holiday season. Now absolutely lastly, I would love to see you guys do some charity work. Extra Life Gaming or Save Against Fear feel like they’d be right up your alley where you can have fun, interact with your fans, and do some good for communities that need help - you guys could be (pardon the pun) game changers. And you guys are all creative, I’m sure you can brainstorm other original charitable events. You guys do a fair job and I think it can be even better if polished and in so doing present even more opportunities to grow your fanbase. I don’t want my review to be seen as cruel or dismissive, I legitimately hope these suggestions are worth consideration. Take care guys.

Enjoy your escapism, please be mindful of your race.

What a fantastic crew. The chemistry is obvious. The laughs don’t stop. And the knowledge and information are top shelf!

Have been listening for years. Great show if you are interested in board games. However, I listen every week because I feel like I am listening to my old friends. Awesome banter. Great camaraderie and humor. I have been lucky enough to meet them in real life also. Great guys.

This crew is great - cover so many types of games and games from many publishers. I love their RPG and minis games coverage.

I started listening in 2023 and while other board game related podcasts have come and gone from my playlist, this one is a keeper. I was already impressed with the level of organization and flow in the shows and the casual but focused contributions from all of the founders, but then I listened to “The Secret Cabal Express! Episode 89” on November 22nd with Don and Jamie. This was such an excellent and well thought through explanation of how they try to provide useful game reviews in the show, that it really showed how much thought and energy the founders put into this production. The “founders” are an excellent cast and this is a very professional and entertaining show.

What else is to say? They make me laugh and I’ve listened to every episode for at least the last 8 years!

I have been into boardgames since 2003 and pretty much started listening to podcasts at the same time. I have heard every single episode of The Secret Cabal and can’t recommend it enough. These folks are genuinely funny and insightful. There is in my mind no better podcast.

I’d like to preface this by saying that yes, through these boys reviews, I have spent so much money on games. But I’ve loved everyone I have bought as a result of it. The show is funny as heck and the news section really is awesome as well. Keep on keepin on boys!

Episode 279 was the finest episode of The Secret Cabal I’ve ever heard, and that’s saying something. This is the finest board game podcast in the business, but that episode had me giggling like a silly goose. Well done, gentlemen!

I like to hear the different opinions on games and the different types of games that are out there. Done and Jamie—pretty samey. Jamie and Don—make me yawn.

Wow. Steve was a champion filling in for the words of wisdom this week.

I picked this feed up after hearing about it being on the Dice Tower network and I was extremely pleasantly surprised. The show is a very good mix of gaming, being social, and other related topics. The secret cabal founders on the show give great insight on various types of play styles that I do not get on most other shows. Their year in review I think best reviews boardgames to show if the board game holds its weight and is still good one year later. The added bonus of their recent RPG episodes are icing on the level 10 cake.

This is the only podcast I will pause other podcasts for.

If you like modern board games...this is one of the best in terms of scope and entertainment. They are able to back up their opinions with great reasons why they feel that way. EDIT: I reviewed this in 2016 and 7 years later it is even more true. THIS is the podcast that I stop other podcasts to get to. Best one around!

When this group is actually talking about board games, I find their insights to be sharp and clever. Unfortunately, that content only comprises about 1/3 of any given episode. You will frequently find yourself realizing that 20 minutes have gone by and nobody has talked about board games.

Nothing like a group of lifetime friends getting together and talking about their favorite hobbies! I enjoy all the banter and wish it was longer as I listen to them during the work week or when I’m traveling and many times if I know I have a long trip coming up I save up a few episodes to make the travel go by fast. The more episodes you listen to the more you get caught up in the personalities of each and you laugh along side them when they tease each other.

Anything to feed your addiction. Do what the man says. See ya!

Trumpets

I could say a million positive things about this show. But all I really need to say is that, as someone who hosts their own podcast and subscribes to dozens of others, this is the only podcast that I never miss an episode of. Something about the chemistry between the founders and the Jamie’s passion as host makes this show feel like you’re just hanging out with your friends when you listen.

You are a board game podcast! Politics killed the NFL for me. Now politics have killed my favorite podcast for me. Kids at a school were fighting against medical tyranny and the secret cabal thought they were wrong. It’s their right to fight back against a mandate which is not law! Once again you’re a board game podcast! I dont understand once you step into politics you piss off half of your audience. Will no long donate to their Kickstarter.

There are no other board game podcasts that come anywhere close to the quality of this show. You can tell the Founders put their heart and souls into every aspect of the show, from the banter to the reviews to the short topics. It’s an inclusive podcast that has something for everyone. Out of the dozens of podcasts I listen to, I always save this one for last because it’s my favorite. Thank you!

This podcast has really gotten me through this long year, so glad to have found this group of misfits. Great laughs and great reviews.

I’ve been listening to the Secret Cabal for about 5 years now, and even though we have never met in person, they feel like friends. I love the lighthearted conversational style they have while still delivering great board game content. It’s just fun to listen to. While there are several founders on the show at a time, they often avoid talking over each other, and everyone has a unique perspective. This is the gold standard in board game podcasts in my opinion. Keep it up!

Hands down, The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast is the best gaming podcast going today. I’ve been a loyal cabalist for 3 years and look forward to every episode. The guys have an incredible chemistry that’s absolutely undeniable with consistent content that’s always well produced. As a listener, the entire crew feels like long time friends that I just haven’t met personally. And I no doubt look forward to that meeting some day. Highly entertaining and highly recommended!

There are a ton of board game podcasts out there. Some are great, some are good, but this one feels like home. It’s like hanging out with your best friends on a game night.

Every time Jamie says fanTAStic in his crazy Pennsylvania accent... take a drink. You’ll be hammered within 20 minutes.

I found a quarter while I was listening to Secret Cabal so it just makes cents.

Podcasts are a great way to pass the time during a commute. Commutes on average are 30 to 60 minutes long. Please make the podcasts no more than 2 hours in length.... Interesting insight but lots of fluff that could be cut out.

My only regret is that I didn’t discover the Secret Cabal sooner. This has quickly become my favorite podcast across all genres. Listening to the hosts (the Founders) feels like I’m listening in on a conversation between my friends. I love the broad range of personalities, tastes, and discussion topics: everything from tabletop games and RPGS, to video games, movies, literature, pop culture, nostalgia, humor, personal issues and philosophy. It’s entertaining, enlightening and so familiar. Keep striving!

I have loved the main show for years. Definitely my go-to podcast. I’d love to get more Lords of the Dungeon! It is becoming my favorite part!

Tried to listen to the Cthulhu review, couldn’t make it past the intro, so I skipped ahead to the review portion and it was just as bad. Forced laughter at inside jokes, faked excitement, and conversations that don’t need to be shared outside of their gaming group aren’t making for a good podcast.

By far the best gaming podcast. These guys know their games and they have great chemistry. I love how they rip on eachother and get all fired up. My only complaint is that there isn’t a show every week! Always jonesing for more Cabal on the off weeks. Great production quality too. Lots of contributors with very different tastes in games and personalities. Love this show.

I enjoyed this podcast. You described my Marine Crusade Army to a tee. I started it in 2002. Martian red dust and named plates for all the marines.

I've been listening to this one since waaaaay back. It's the best!!

You guys are awesome. Listening to you Podcast helps get me and a friend of mine through our 12 hour work shifts. The info you provide is great and the way you guys interact with each other reminds us of our own gaming group. Steve’s jokes definitely entertain us, Jamie’s hard work absolutely shines through, Brian’s level headed information is super informative, Chris’s enthusiasm is so great, and Tony’s news topics and words of wisdom help us make decisions and live our lives better. Thank you so much for the work you all do and keep up the great work.

...

I've been listening for 3 years. Production quality is great, each of the founders is great. Super reviews of games, new and old. Always entertaining

The chemistry between the founders makes this podcast one of my favorites. They are informative, funny, and offer more than enough variety to keep me coming back for more. Thanks to the Secret Cabal, my interests have expanded beyond board games to RPGs and miniature gaming. This is the one I look forward to every week - they do not disappoint!

These guys are a kick and Jamie produces a great show despite Steve’s mostly horrible jokes. If you’re a BoardGames enthusiast this show is a must Listen!!!

My favorite gaming podcast. The guys have reached an awesome place and they are making it harder to endure the other podcasts until the next episode of the Secret Cabal or Lords of the Dungeon come out.

And that’s not being hyperbolic! The passion that the founders bring shines through in every episode. My own collection has been heavily influenced by this show; undoubtedly more than by any other source. These folks, for me, represent the spirit of fun, camaraderie, and welcomeness of the gaming community that makes this hobby so readily appealing. I look forward to every episode like no other podcast, and I go back and listen to archived shows that I haven’t heard in between the new ones. I’ve even gone back and listened to episodes that I’ve already heard, with no less excitement. Thank you!

Great banter, balanced host personalities, no wasted time, and no ego. This is the best of the best.

This is a fun and excelently produced podcast. I am personally not a fan of dungeon crawls or RPGs so there is often content that is less interesting to me. But I love hearing the perspective these guys have on tabletop games. Keep up the good work fellas. It would receive five stars, but they are occassionally too crass for me, and sometimes use language which makes it prohibitive to listening while in the car with children. It is frustrating that they do not label their episodes EXPLICIT when they use profanity of when they speak of games which include adult material (like having sex with aliens).

When it comes to 3 hour long podcasts I don’t tend to listen to them, because much of the time they seemed like they should have been edited down to an hour. Unless it’s the Secret Cabal. Then I can’t wait for the next episode. This is only gaming podcast I’ve come across that combines a very relaxed, conversational format with very tight, well-thought out segments. Great work!

Best podcast I have ever listened to. Nothing else to say.

Thank you for all the hard work that you all put into this podcast and the Secret Cabal network of podcast and video content. It is a welcome reprieve that captures all those in between moments of a game night where we share our passion for the games we play. It feels like I’m sitting around the table sharing the love of all things board games.

This podcast is so much fun to listen too, so much information in the shows. I've started digging into the archives so I can binge listen to the episodes.

Great show. Lots of stuff packed into each episode.

The Secret Cabal has an amazing cast that feels like a group of buddies just hanging out. They know their stuff and they have fun with it, the way board games ought to be. My only complaint is that I'm not always in the mood to listen to all the banter; sometimes I just want content. If they could organize their episodes to help navigate what they discuss and when, that would be awesome!