In this episode, Rob and Don roll the dice with Stephen Fraser, a high school teacher and board game collector. The three of them discuss Stephen’s collection, the evolution of board gaming, and even the current trends in the hobby. Along the way, they learn the truth behind Secret Hitler, and develop Nictophobia as they try to find their way out of the maze of games on the market. All this, and Dwar7s, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.
Closing Music:
Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt
Things Discussed:
BoardgameGeek Website
Settlers of Catan
Sentinels of the Multiverse
Pandemic
Charterstone
Marvel Champions
Star Wars Destiny
Stuffed Fables
Husband at Large
Fog of Love
Nictophobia
Galaxy Trucker
Captain Sonar
Secret Hitler
Red Dragon Inn
Colt Express
Twilight Imperium
Axis and Allies
Discover: Lands Unknown
Dwar7s Fall
Munchkin
I’m curious: why did you guys choose this topic?
I ask, because it’s plain that neither of you are familiar with the source material, and – as 40-year-old men – you’ve obviously eschewed this particular branch of nerd-dom in your lives. No questions (apart from the obligatory “what else ya got?”), no anecdotes; just letting this enthusiastic gentleman talk at you for almost two hours straight, about a subject you don’t appear to be even mildly interested in.
It’s just a weird episode. To your credit, there is a little bit more interaction from you guys in the second half. I was compelled to write the above bit mid-episode, and I concede that it did get better. I do still stand by it.
I really enjoy your show, and will continue to listen. And while I admittedly haven’t listened to *every* single episode, I have never heard you two more out-of-your element than here. This is much more of a ‘showcase’ kind of program than the ‘deep dive’ kinda things you consistently do. Compared to your usual material, you both seemed somewhat uncomfortable with your own ignorance about this topic; and it really begs the question: why choose to do this topic on your show at all? I am genuinely curious for the record; though I don’t expect an answer.
See you guys around soon enough, I’m sure.
>it’s plain that neither of you are familiar with the source material, and – as 40-year-old men –
50, actually…. but thanks!
>you’ve obviously eschewed this particular branch of nerd-dom in your lives.
Well… board games are kinda removed from my bailiwick, but that’s one reason why we have shows like this. Board games are a pretty big thing these days, so that’s a good reason to cover them. And…
>just letting this enthusiastic gentleman talk at you for almost two hours straight, about a subject you don’t appear to be even mildly interested in.
…. that. It’s not that I’m not interested in the topic, but yeah; I don’t know a whole lot about it; especially newer games. It’s a chance for ME to get more informed on a branch of the nerdly arts. (Notably one that seems to be picking up steam these days.) I hope I didn’t sound too unenthusiastic though; I was really interested in the discussion (although I was also looking up the different games during the talk) and I’m not kidding that shows like this leave me with a list of stuff that I now want to play.
We do like to expand our horizons. We’ve mentioned before on the show that everything connects up to everything else, so if you want the BIG picture, you have to get a taste of durned near everything. We have other episodes planned like this too; episodes about subjects neither of us are experts on but that are important. Or at least noteworthy in the pop culture landscape. The difficulty there is finding a suitable expert.
The two of us have pretty varied tastes and interests, and because of that ONE of us is usually pretty up on any given topic. There’s been a few episodes where one of us does most of the talking; usually because that one is much more knowledgeable or experienced than the other on the subject. (For instance: Rob is much more involved with any sort of literature or written work, since that’s what he does in real life. I’m the resident expert on any kind of schlock or underground sort of entertainment.) Board games is one of the few things neither of us is an expert on. Hence the need for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guest.
>I have never heard you two more out-of-your element than here.
Actually; I’ll take that as something of a compliment. We HAVE done other shows that we were both nervous about doing….
>This is much more of a ‘showcase’ kind of program than the ‘deep dive’ kinda things you consistently do.
Oh, it definitely is, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it comes back in more specific and detailed forms…. like reps from different game producing companies, specifics about different types of game, designers…. We DO try to do intro episodes for certain topics, discussing certain media, eras or genres in very broad terms before doing more specific ones later on. It gives us a reference point to start from. (That’s one reason you’ll hear us reference old episode a lot.)
>why choose to do this topic on your show at all?
Like I said; it’s a worthwhile topic, and a chance for the two of us to expand our knowledge.
I’m glad you wrote in, too. We don’t get a lot of direct input as to how things are going over out there. I’m sorry if I gave the impression of disinterest. I was pretty excited to hear about a branch of gaming I don’t normally take part in, but yeah; I didn’t have much to add. (Plus, I think Rob edits out most of my giggling.)
Don C.