Caffeine and Cardboard: Recent Episodes
Conner Kreider
Tune in to Caffeine and Cardboard to get your weekly dose of board games in the amount of time it takes to drink a cup of coffee. Two friends sit down for casual conversations about the impact of gaming, topics for beginners and experienced gamers alike, and Top Six lists. If you're looking to learn more about board games or want a low-pressure introduction to the hobby, this is a podcast for you. Hosted by Rodney Crainer and Conner Kreider out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Turns out clubbable is a word after all. In this return episode, Rodney and Conner discuss a concept they believe they've coined - book club games! What is a book club game and which ones are the most clubbable? Tune in for their conversation and a Top Six List!
Try saying pace 100 times without spitting... In this episode, Rodney and Conner break down one of the most important components of a good game - pace! Pace can take a game from good to great or bad to worse. Stick around long enough to hear each of their Top Six Perfectly Paced Games!
In this episode, Rodney and Conner discuss board game etiquette, some simple do's and don'ts of the hobby. Some questions they may cover: How do I communicate when I don't want to play? What do I do if I suffer from analysis paralysis? Which snacks are appropriate for a game night? And more of life's quandaries.
Who knew a Top Six list could be so fun?! In this bonus episode, Matt shares his top six games of all time, with a cooperative twist!
In their first ever interview, Conner and Rodney sit down with fellow game-lover and official Unmatched playtester, Matt Norton. Matt loves real-time dice rollers, cooperative games, and of course, the Unmatched saga. Tune in to learn more about the importance of playtesting and how it influences games and gamers.
Rodney's wife Riley makes her first guest appearance on the show, where she'll face off against Conner in a game of hobby terminology. As the game master, Rodney offers obscure terms for the contestants and each of them has to answer the question: Is it from board gaming or another hobby? The rivalry continues...
What is a meeple, anyway? In this episode of Caffeine and Cardboard, Rodney and Conner are on trial for dice manipulation. In other words, they talk about some of the whacky terminology used in board games and how to learn these words for better gaming experiences. Plus, they each share a Top Six List of their favorite themes!
What's the purpose of playing board games? Some play to win, but we're playing to win hearts and spread the Gospel of Games. In this episode, Rodney and Conner discuss the social aspect of gaming. The most important part of any game night is what happens above the table: the personalities, interactions, and relationships, Stay to the end for a Top Six List of mechanisms for beginners.
In their first bonus episode, Rodney and Conner close out the first recording session with a countdown of their top six board games. You read that right, not top three, not top five, but top six! Listen to find new ideas for game night or see how your list compares to each of theirs. Tune in to get your weekly dose of board games!
What makes a game good? In this inaugural episode, Rodney and Conner introduce the podcast, share stories about what brought them into board gaming, and discuss what makes games fun and interesting. We'll highlight a host of games, including CSI: The Board Game, Ticket to Ride, Connect 4, Brass: Birmingham, and Hansa Teutonica. Tune in for your weekly dose of board games!