Join us as we explore the latest in board games, local game stores, and community events, with insights into game design, industry trends, and personal stories from the gaming world.

Join us as we explore the latest trends in the tabletop gaming industry, including distribution strategies, virtual tabletop platforms, and game design insights. Perfect for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt return with a warm, funny, and wide-ranging conversation that moves from board games and hobby collecting to house construction, permit headaches, and the joys of finding the right game for the right table.

Join Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt as they discuss recent trends in Dungeons & Dragons, the evolution of board game rule books, and their latest gaming experiences, including new game releases and gameplay insights.

In this episode of Lay It On The Table, hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss their recent gaming experiences, including the completion of the '12 Games of Christmas' challenge. They highlight upcoming events like Mythicon West and Gen Con, and explore new games such as Flamecraft Duels and Arboria. The conversation also delves into the mechanics of popular games like Wingspan Americas and the new expansion for Viticulture, Bordeaux. The hosts share insights on how weather has impacted their gaming schedule and express excitement for future gaming sessions.

SummaryIn this episode of Lay It On The Table, hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss their recent gaming experiences, including weather-related challenges, upcoming events like Mythicon and Gen Con, and their successful completion of the 12 Games of Christmas challenge. They highlight various games played, such as Santa's Workshop, Wingspan, and new titles like Flamecraft and Arboria. The conversation also delves into the mechanics of First in Flight and the recent expansion of Wingspan Americas, emphasizing the importance of community in the board gaming world.

SummaryIn this episode, Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt sit down with Richard Fortuna, one of the masterminds behind Mythicon West, a community-driven tabletop gaming convention. They discuss the legacy of Mace, the challenges of running a convention, the importance of community support, and the vibrant indie gaming scene. Richard shares insights on the venue, the unique vibe of Asheville compared to Charlotte, and the future of tabletop gaming. The conversation wraps up with details on registration and the excitement surrounding the upcoming Mythic Con West event.https://tabletop.events/conventions/mythic-con-west-2026

In this episode, Joe and James reflect on the holiday season, discuss the evolving landscape of the board game industry, and share insights on economic trends affecting gaming. They explore the concept of themed board games, share their recent gaming experiences, and discuss upcoming titles they are excited about. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on the future of gaming and holiday wishes for listeners.

In this episode, we dive into the creative journey of John Bailey, the founder of HumbleBard Games. John shares his transition from a music background to board game design, discussing the inspiration behind his company and the development of games like 'Spirits of Christmas.' We explore the challenges and triumphs of self-publishing, the importance of theme in game design, and the collaborative process with his daughter on art and design.https://thehumblebard.com

In this episode of "Lay It On The Table," hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt dive into the world of board games, discussing the latest releases and their experiences at Spiel Essen, the world's largest game event. They explore a variety of games, from light deck builders like "Bohemians" to heavier worker placement games such as "Covenant." The conversation also touches on the intricacies of games like "Cribbage" and "Edo," highlighting the unique mechanics and themes that make each game stand out. Additionally, they share personal anecdotes, including Joe's experience officiating a Halloween wedding and their plans for upcoming events like Mythicon.