Literally Anything Else: Recent Episodes
Myron Parks
My name is Myron. I'm...thinking of what to do next, but I'm busy for now. Stay with me, I have some things to clear before we rebuild, and continue the of building this amazing community.
So man, the shit has been hitting the fan a lot lately, but I've been getting good at grieving, and you know what? It's working!
In this episode--now that I have the "spoons to do so", I go back through the last week, Introduce myself as the "Black Autistic Polymath", and invite you to stay around and join me next time.
I would love to play, join me!
Myron,
Black Autistic Polymath.
And so, this is the reconciliation part of truth and reconciliation. You don't get to enter back into the lives of people until you are there. And, I have to tell you, we absolutely know when you are.And I owe the very concept of my personhood to two people, who showed me the path..."because I had to" (-Morpheus). Because, like him, he was willing to give everything he could.J.O. and J.P., this is exactly what you meant. Together we can do amazing things, but we have to actually know what being "together" means, when it comes to these things. The two of you introduced me to the fact that there are, more types of brown people than there are stars in the sky. You just have to do the work to find them.Now, I am taking a break, so that I can finish my Expert blah blah blah (super important thing I actually spent POUNDS STERLING in 2019, before the value dropped), so that my business can have more options and potential to serve more people.But, while I'm gone, I'm gonna run back some re-runs. However, I want you to watch for something. I want you to watch for the moment the visibly white people began to believe the show was more valuable than I could be trusted to be involved.In other words, when the value of the neighborhood got high enough, I was no longer welcome there. Or not. If you're not there, these were still amazing shows. So, enjoy!Oh, and Tyson, I know you are hurting. You have a full story and life of pain to unpack. Your words are dust to me, because no adult would punish a 9 year old for trying to learn how to work through feelings. You see Tyson, I know you were never nurtured. And you had to raise yourself, by yourself, becuase no was is ever paying attention to the middle child, especially when you have a fucking rocket scientist candidate oldest, and a fucking space cadet the youngest. You were erased, and for that I empathize with you. But you are dust, sir.I am "literally unbelievable", but sir, I do not have magic, and I cannot speak to ghosts. Silly, rabbit.
Words are funny things. Riddle me this, which one of these is meant to offend you directly:
-My: This... Is... The Intermission Mothafucka!
-Dick: This... Is... The Intermission, Mothafucka!
Everything is made up. Did you see what I did there? It'll take you a while to figure it out. Or not.
Oh, and public service announcement, prioritize rest like you do work. It helps you to amazing things.
-Black Autistic Polymath
Hello,
My name is Myron. I am a Black Autistic Polymath. This is what I was doing when Chris Cormier, Sherri Cormier, and Matt McKenzie [allegedly] manipulated my wife and literally stole my show.
If you know any of these people, I speak about while I speak my truth. Demand they tell you the truth, but hold us both accountable. Be transparent. I am not the one under indictment. Be honest, would you allow this theft to happen if the victim was white and the criminal was black? I expect, demand that you hold me to the scrutiny.
I am calling all of you motherfuckers out. And, I will not speak with you alone. You will all speak to me, as a group. And witness what you are capable of. Enjoy.
And a bunch of shit about who I am.
Thank you, or Good Bye.
I have nothing left for your white feelings.
I [allege] Chris Cormier, Sherri Cormier and Matt McKenzie tried to steal my podcast.
We start this chapter with you as the witnesses. Witness what white people do to people like me.
What did I do to deserve this? Ask them. Demand Justice. There are no half measures.
Demand for them all to speak and face, with accountability, what they have done. Do it transparently. I am willing, available and committed to the same scrutiny from you all. I am calling them out.
Chris, Sherri and Matt, Join Anna and I, and our community, to discuss what happened. I demand accountability.
This is an episode I did to show that I am a person, and have a full range of emotions. None of my emotions are a threat. Yet, I want to ask yourself this: were you afraid of seeing my anger?
Why do you think that is the case?
Today, as we launch our episode, it is day 2 of the Board Game Design Virtual Summit 2023!
In this episode, Chris and Myron welcome Joe Slack to the show. Joe is a game designer, publisher, author, and instructor. Joe has several games in publication, including Relics of Rajavihara, King of Indecision, Zoo Year’s Eve, and others he’s co-designed like Four Word Thinking. In his spare time Joe writes books on game design and teaches three online courses covering everything from game design 101, to taking games from creation through publication, to how to successfully crowdfund your game. Joe is the creator, founder and host of the Board Game Design Virtual Summit too! Originally launched in 2020, it's back with a vengeance this year, and we'd love to see you there supporting a friend of the show (if you can, of course)!
Today, as we launch our episode, it is day 2 of the Board Game Design Virtual Summit 2023!
We had the pleasure of discovering this amazing event when we spoke with Joe and are excited to bring you this episode to enjoy with your week board-learning, board-designing, board-networking, board-building and of course, BOARDGAMING!
Also, later in 2023, his newest game - 14 Frantic Minutes is scheduled to be released!
Join Chris and Myron as Joe takes him through his journey from early childhood gaming with family, to his discovery of modern board games like Pandemic, to his entry into board game design and instruction.
You can find Joe at his website, and you can find more information about his courses and the 2023 Board Game Design Virtual Summit at The Board Game Design Course.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook and Instagram
In this episode Chris and Myron welcome Joanna Piekarska from Rebel Studio to the show. Joanna works in marketing by day and also owns and runs a gaming cafe by night. She’s a true renaissance woman, who has studied multiple fields and disciplines, and takes on new hobbies to keep things interesting. She works for Rebel Studio, a Polish boardgame publisher, which produced Chris’ favorite game from last year - Chronicles of Avel. Chronicles of Avel is a cooperative family game where the heroes must work together to accomplish their goals. It has a fun character creator and inventive equipment holding system that requires characters to make strategic choices about what they carry into battle. Like many previous guests, Joanna’s love of gaming came from spending time with family playing cards and Monopoly. Her early introduction to modern board games included Magic: The Gathering and Jaipur, and discovery of board gaming cafes which opened up a whole new world of experiences. Rebel Studio also publishes Meadow, a set collection game which is Instagram famous for its beautiful artwork, and San Francisco - an urban planning game from Reiner Knizia. Joanna loves to attend gaming expos as well, and you may find her at Essen, GenCon, and other conventions in 2023.
You can find Rebel Studio at their website, on Facebook, and YouTube.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook and Instagram
In this episode Chris and Myron welcome Joel Bodkin to the show. Joel is an illustrator and product designer by trade, who publishes his own games and supports the creativity of other game designers with Featherstone Games. Joel created Featherstone through his love of design, boardgaming, and collaboration with his son and daughter. Joel brings his training in product design and illustration to all aspects of his games, aiming to deliver a cohesive product experience from the moment you unbox his games. Everything from the magnetic closing mechanism, to the inside-the-box artwork has been carefully crafted to create excitement and support the theme.
For Joel, game unboxing is like the opening credits to a movie, where you try to draw the audience into your story. Joel has published two games with Featherstone Games - Open Ocean and Winterhaven Woods. In early 2023 he will be relaunching Dinositters!, which he co-designed with Maxwell Freud. Join Chris and Myron as they learn more about Joel’s creative process, his family-oriented approach to game design, and how he’s trying to reduce plastic waste with his games.
You can find Joel Bodkin on Instagram and Facebook.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook and Instagram
The Magic of Gaming with Chris Kingsnorth
In this episode Chris and Myron welcome Chris Kingsnorth to the show. Chris is a trained pediatrician who transitioned into game development. Like many guests, he enjoyed playing cards with family while growing up, but it was a fateful game of Pandemic that really drew him into modern board gaming.
Board games provided much needed respite and community during difficult times in the medial field, and the friends that Chris Kingsnorth made through his hobby, and now profession, are profound and exceptional. He’s been fortunate to turn what was once a fantastic hobby, into a career with exciting new horizons to explore, like launching Protospiel UK in Nottingham.
Chris Kingsnorth’s next project is an intriguing take on an engine builder, where you play as a devotee to a cosmic octopus. From Henry Audubon, the designer of Parks, Cosmoctopus is a tentacle gathering, engine building game coming to Kicksarter on October 25th.
Join Chris Cormier & Myron as they learn more about the magic of building communities, creating new podcasts, coordinating game expos, and launching new titles like Cosmoctopus.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 The Magic of Gaming with Chris Kingsnorth
02:05 A Pediatrician with a Graphic Designer's Heart
12:05 A Group of Doctors Choose their Gateway Game
13:36 Rules Explanations
20:45 Meeting People Through Gaming
33:40 UK Games Expo (UKGE)
40:12 Playtesting and Game Design
42:05 10 Minute Design Chat Podcast
46:16 Protospiel Nottingham UK
49:47 Gaming After the Global Pandemic
57:10 Paper Fort Games and a 4 Meter Inflatable Tentacle
1:02:46 Cosmoctopus - A Tentacle Gathering and Engine Building Game
1:06:35 Game Manufacturing and 3D Printing
1:13:30 The Sheep Story
1:18:08 Reach Chris Kingsnorth
Do you have a funny or interesting story about teaching someone the rules to a board game? We want to hear your stories! Send us your Rules Explanation Stories at boardgamechats@gmail.com
You can find Chris Kingsnorth on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tabletopapprentice/), BGG (https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/132499/chris-kingsnorth), or on his podcast with Rob Sparks 10 Minute Design Chat (http://10minutedesignchallenge.co.uk/podcast/). You can find out more about Protospiel Nottingham UK (https://protospielnottingham.co.uk/) on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ProtospielNotts/) and Paper Fort Games and Cosmoctopus (on Kickstarter October 25, 2022, https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/paperfortgames/cosmoctopus-the-board-game) on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/paperfortgames/).
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In this episode, Chris and Myron welcome Jason Perez to the show. Jason is a psychotherapist and board game cultural consultant interested in expanding the universe of what board games can offer to everyone. Jason has a pretty simple and beautiful philosophy that to be human is to be different and bring different perspectives to humankind. He’s passionate about fighting CASE, cultural appropriation, stereotyping and erasing. Jason explains that games can and should be as diverse as human beings are, and that the ideas presented in games can both represent and reproduce the culture. Building towards a gaming space that welcomes authenticity, not just diversity, is what he’s trying to create.
Join Chris and Myron as they explore what the future of board gaming could be if we’re so bold as to seek it out.
You can find Jason on YouTube at One Stop Co-op Shop or Shelf Stories, on Twitter, and Facebook.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook and Instagram
In this episode Chris and Myron welcome Anna Raymer-Parks to the show. Anna is a lover of games and competition, having grown-up in a family of card-players. She also happens to be Myron’s wife and a member of the Board Game Chats team. Chris explains why he thinks Anna is an omni-gamer, and the label really seems to fit well. Whether it’s playing cards, boardgames, video games, or even lawn-darts, Anna loves to play and to win. She’s also on a mission to rebut some of Myron’s less complimentary commentary from past episodes of the show. Join us to get the true story about Anna’s infamous Loonacy concussion, and whether she’s really as competitive as we’ve been led to believe.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook and Instagram
Treat Yo-Shelf with Melanie Barr
In this episode Chris and Myron welcome Melanie Barr to the show. Melanie is a board game enthusiast and co-host of The Boardgame Specialists podcast. Melanie’s passion for board games really began when playing Catan with her siblings growing up, but blossomed after her brother gifted her King of Tokyo one year for her birthday. Melanie lives in a small town in Alberta called Didbsury, and is active in the local gaming community and conventions like FallCon. She’s built a thriving community of friends on social media through her love of games. Join Chris and Myron as they learn about Melanie’s journey navigating loss and lending help to others through her love of games.
You can find Melanie on Instagram and Facebook, or check out her videos and podcasts on YouTube.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
This is part 2 of Chris and Myron’s conversation with Keith Matejka. If you haven’t already listened to part 1, we recommend you start there and finish with part 2. In this episode Keith shares more details about creating Roll Player Adventures and what’s next for Thunderworks Games.
You can find Keith at keith@thunderworksgames.com, Twitter, and Facebook.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
In this episode Chris and Myron welcome Keith Matejka to the show. Keith is probably best known as the designer of Roll Player, a fantastic dice drafting game where you build an RPG character sheet as you go. He’s also the founder of Thunderworks Games where he publishes his own work, and titles from other designers as well. With Roll Player Adventures, Keith takes us deeper into the world of Ulos with an expansive cooperative storytelling game. Keith has so many insights to share on his evolution from working in the video game industry, to working full-time as a board game publisher, that we had to break his episode into two parts. In this first part, Chris and Myron talk to Keith about his journey from video games to board game publishing, and the tremendous success of Roll Player. Make sure to stay tuned for Part 2 where Chris and Myron learn even more about Roll Player Adventures. If you are a fan of Roll Player and Roll Player Adventures make sure to check out the wiki Keith mentions in the episode at World of Ulos.
You can find Keith at keith@thunderworksgames.com, Twitter, and Facebook.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
In this episode Chris and Myron welcome Ryan McDougall to the show. Ryan currently works for Lion Rampant Imports, a game distributor in Ontario, Canada. He was also the owner of The Blue Dog Cafe in Brantford, Ontario. Ryan was first introduced to the world of modern board games by his brother-in-law. What started with a couple games of Munchkin and Diplomacy eventually blossomed into a full-fledged hobby and a career. Ryan believes that there’s a game out there for everyone, you just have to be introduced to it. There’s potential in every box for surprise, exploration and new-found joy. Join Chris and Myron as Ryan recounts his journey, and shares some tips on finding the right game at the right time. You can find Ryan on Facebook.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
In this episode, Chris and Myron welcome Becky Young to the show. Join them as Chris recounts how he came to know Becky, and how she came up with the idea for Rainbow Bunny Bop (formerly known as Rainbow Rabbits). Rainbow Bunny Bop is a fast-paced, fun game for all ages where 2-4 players cooperatively build rainbows out of cute bunny cards. The first player to get through their deck wins! The game has an interesting backstory (spoiler alert it involves some co-creator credit to Becky’s daughter) and even includes the Suez Canal blockage. Becky wears a lot of hats, from marketer to TikTok content creator, to sponsoring a homegrown local game expo, she’s got a ton of knowledge to share.
You can find Rainbow Bunny Bop on Amazon. It’s sure to bring lots of joy to your next gaming get-together.
You can find Becky at https://www.rainbowrabbits.com/, or on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
In this episode Chris and Myron welcome actor, online content creator, gamer, comic book enthusiast and all-around geek Amanda McKinght to the show. Amanda is a content creator and host for Renegade Game Studios, Top 10 Nerd and Top 10 Gaming on You
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
Fresh off their successful Kickstarter campaign, Chris and Myron welcome new Canadian game designers Pauline Kong and Marie Wong to the show. Marie & Pauline’s first game - Steam Up: A Feast of Dim Sum is a delightful Dim Sum-themed set collection game where the player who leaves the table with the fullest belly wins. Myron had the pleasure of learning the game from Pauline during this year’s Gen Con, and Chris was interested in the game after seeing the first teaser for it nearly two years ago. Pauline & Marie are board game enthusiasts who channelled their love of gaming into creating a new game based on their experience with friends and family sharing Dim Sum. Join Chris & Myron as they learn about how the duo successfully got their Kickstarter funded in 33 minutes, how they came to work together doing magic shows, and how Steam Up delivers a culturally authentic game experience.
You can find Marie & Pauline at https://hotbananagame.com/, Facebook and Twitter.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
In this episode Chris and Myron welcome Toronto game designer Christopher Chung to the show. Christopher’s first game - Lanterns: The Harvest Festival is one of host Chris’ personal favorites to teach and play. It’s a beautiful game that uses perspective in a clever way which allows players the opportunity to participate every turn. Like many other guests, Christopher’s journey with modern board games began with an introduction to Catan, and blossomed from there into game design. Join Myron and Chris as they learn about Christopher’s “dream-team”, his agile approach to design, and his future plans for upcoming events (like Protospiel North 2021 and Breakout 2022). A special note of thanks to Steven Sauer, Erica Hayes-Bouyouris and Daryl Andrews for their help with research for this episode. You can find Christopher on Facebook, Twitter and BGG.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
In this episode Chris and Myron welcome game designer Andy Kim to the show. Andy’s first game to go to Kickstarter is The Spill published by Smirk & Dagger Games. Like many in the board game community Andy was introduced to modern gaming through Catan. From there his love has grown to a collection of hundreds of board games, and about 6 games designed. With the successful Kickstarter campaign The Spill will be Andy’s first published game. The Spill is a cooperative dice tower game where you have to work with your team to stem the flow of oil, clean up the mess, and rescue impacted animal life. Sometimes he creates new games around a theme and other times he starts with a mechanic and then discovers the theme. Join Chris and Myron as they learn about Andy’s hobby and journey into the world of game design. You can find Andy on Facebook, Instagram and Board Game Geek .
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
In this episode Chris and Myron welcome Paul Booth to the show. Paul is a professor of Media Studies at Depaul University in Chicago, IL. He loves pop-culture and has even written a book about board games through the lens of media studies, which led him to teach a class on board games at Depaul. From fandom, to time travel, to favorite desert island games, Paul, Chris and Myron discuss the many ways in which board games bring us closer together. His most recent book, Board Games As Media explores how board games, like other forms of media, convey messages to us. It’s a fun conversation and along the way, Chris discovers that he may need to move to Chicago, not only to take a couple of Paul’s classes, but also to sample some delicious Chicago food classics. You can find Paul on Twitter or email pbooth@depaul.edu You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
In this episode Chris and Myron welcome Doug Bass to the show. Doug is a game designer and publisher who loves living in North Carolina. He created Garden Dice, a family-friendly dice rolling set collection game that Chris loves to play and teach. Doug’s passion for modern board games really began with an introduction to Runebound, which harkened back to his younger years playing D&D. Doug’s latest title for Meridae Games is Flicking Finches. Created by the Canadian designer Yves Tourigny, this fun dexterity game has you jockeying for Charles Darwin’s attention as he travels the Galapagos Islands with his sketchbook. It’s a beautiful game with a clever theme and a challenging three-action economy. Can you optimize your actions to win the game? You can find Doug on Meridae Games, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or email Doug@meridaegames.com You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
In this episode, Chris and Myron welcome a couple that loves to game together. Howard and Liane Hayes have two daughters, fulfilling careers and a passion for boardgaming. Howard works in finance helping people who are in debt, and Liane is a trained actress who currently works in the metaphysical realm as a tarot card reader, life coach and author. Howard loved HeroQuest as a kid, but both really fell in love with modern boardgaming while playing Ticket to Ride at a friend's house. That one game sparked an interest and a passion that has built quite the collection of games, and many joyful memories with family and friends. As a couple they enjoy both competitive and cooperative games, and old standards like Uno with their two daughters. For Howard and Liane it’s about sharing those experiences and enjoying the ride. Come along for that ride as Chris and Myron learn about Howard and Liane’s journey. You can find out more about Liane at Tarot with Liane on Facebook or Instagram You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
In this episode, Chris and Myron welcome A.J. Brandon to the show. A.J. is a game designer who currently does quality control for Jellybean Games. Myron and Chris actually met through A.J. at BoardGameBliss, a local gaming store in Toronto. He’s great at teaching games and has a particular knack for making good game recommendations. A.J. also co-hosts a podcast about game design with Peter C. Hayward called Fun Problems. Needless to say, he has a lot to share about how to make games fun for casual and hardcore gamers alike. For A.J. gaming is really about spending quality time with the people you love. Join Chris and Myron as they learn more about A.J. and some exciting things happening at Jellybean Games.
Listen to A.J.’s podcast Fun Problems, send him an email at funproblemspodcast@gmail.com, or find him on Facebook and Twitter at @funproblemspod.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram
Chris and Myron welcome Justin Borges to this inaugural episode of Board Game Chats. Justin is a teacher, miniature enthusiast, dad and board game fan. Justin was first introduced to board gaming through war games, and like many of our listeners, enjoys the camaraderie of bonding with strangers over board games.
Follow Justin on Instagram at @ten4miniatures and on YouTube.
You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher
Or find us at: boardgamechats.com; boardgamechats@gmail.com; Facebook & Instagram