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Beyond Solitaire

A podcast all about going not just Beyond Solitaire, but beyond the board! Join your host, Liz Davidson, for interviews that touch on gaming history, historical games, and the cultural significance of the games we play.
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Episodes

Episode 119 - Kevin Bertram on the Business of Historical Games

For this episode of the pod, Kevin Bertram of Fort Circle Games drops in to talk about upcoming publications, marketing strategy, and his hopes for the future of historical games. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Check out CMU's game offerings here: https://cmichpress.c...

Jun 05, 202351 min

Episode 118 - Stefan Aguirre Quiroga on White Mythic Space

In this episode, Stefan Aguirre Quiroga (@railok) of the University of Gothenburg discusses his book, White Mythic Space. It's a study of community responses to racial diversity in Battlefield 1, but it has important implications for the board game hobby. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/...

May 29, 202355 minSeason 6Ep. 118

Episode 117 - Mike, David, and Liz on Night Witches

Mike Kelley of the One Stop Co-Op Shop drops in to talk to David Thompson and me about our upcoming game, Night Witches. We've been at work on it for nearly a year now, and a lot has happened since that initial conversation back in Episode 81! Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/defaul...

May 22, 202336 minSeason 6Ep. 117

Episode 116 - John Coveyou on Genius Games

We talk a lot about history on the pod, but this week John Coveyou of Genius Games is bringing some science! Hear his perspective on how science concepts are taught though board games, how he chooses which topics to represent, his thoughts on science vs. history games, and more. https://www.geniusgames.org/ Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out her...

May 15, 20231 hrSeason 6Ep. 116

Episode 115 - Josh Hartman on Puerto Rican Classical Reception

In this episode, Dr. Josh Hartman talks about playing games with his Greek students to help them practice the language, then has fascinating things to say about Puerto Rican authors and their interpretation of classical texts. AWESOME. He would like you to know that he meant Constantine the VII (not Constantine IX) and Khosrow I (not Khosrow II). Puerto Rican poets mentioned: Ramón Emeterio Betances Luis Muñoz Rivera Lola Rodríguez de Tió Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan...

May 08, 202352 min

Episode 114 - Alex Knight on Land and Freedom

This week, Alex Knight (@landandfreedom1) joins us for a discussion about Land and Freedom, his semi-cooperative game about fighting fascism during the Spanish Civil War. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Check out CMU's game offerings here: https://cmichpress.com/shop/ ...

May 01, 202352 minSeason 6Ep. 114

Episode 113 - S. Ayuandini and C. Hinz on Kartini: From Darkness to Light

Dr. Sherria Ayuandini and Dr. Christienne Hinz (@xpelicious) team up to talk about the upcoming Kartini: From Darkness to Light, which will be published by ION Game Design and will include a curriculum guide in collaboration with CMU's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations. This is a great conversation about gaming, education, authorial perspectives, and more. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, whe...

Apr 24, 202353 minSeason 6Ep. 113

Episode 112 - Frank Klaassen on Virtus

This week on the pod, Dr. Frank Klaassen stops by to talk about medieval magical practitioners and about Virtus, a game he co-designed with students about medieval masculinity. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Check out CMU's game offerings here: https://cmichpress.com/...

Apr 17, 202357 min

Episode 111 - Maurice Suckling on Postcolonialism in Games

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Maurice Suckling (@writegameread) talks about his upcoming scholarly work on games, his work in both video and board games, and some of his current designs. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Check out CMU's game offerings here: https:/...

Apr 10, 202349 minSeason 6Ep. 111

Episode 110 - Jason Perez on Playing Oppression

Podcast regular Jason Perez of Shelf Stories drops by for a book review! Book found here: https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Oppression-Legacy-Conquest-Colonialist/dp/0262047918/ref=sr_1_1?crid=H667EWI6I9OW&keywords=playing+oppression&qid=1680140977&sprefix=playing+oppression%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1 Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here...

Apr 03, 202357 minSeason 6Ep. 110

Episode 109 - Nick Proctor on Reacting to the Past

This week on the pod, Dr. Nick Proctor, current director of Reacting to the Past, talks about where the Reacting Consortium is heading and how he games with his own students. https://reactingconsortium.org/ Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Check out CMU's game offerings...

Mar 27, 202352 minSeason 6Ep. 109

Episode 108 - Martha McGill on Witch Hunt 1649

In this episode, Dr. Martha McGill, an expert on Scottish ghosts and other awesome topics, talks about Witch Hunt 1649—a two-game project about Scottish witch hunts that included her students as co-designers. Check it out here: https://marthamcgill.co.uk/witchhunt1649/ Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class...

Mar 20, 202351 minSeason 6Ep. 108

Episode 107 - Ian Brown on The Krulak Center

This week, Ian Brown joins the pod to talk about his work at the Krulak Center, his interest in professional wargaming, and some of his own upcoming designs. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Check out CMU's game offerings here: https://cmichpress.com/shop/ Sign up for a...

Mar 13, 202352 minSeason 6Ep. 107

Episode 106 - Kate Cook on Women in Classical Video Games

This week on the pod, Dr. Kate Cook (@katexe) discuss her research, which focuses on how women are presented in Classical video games. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Check out CMU's game offerings here: https://cmichpress.com/shop/ Sign up for an online game design cl...

Mar 06, 202346 minSeason 6Ep. 106

Episode 105 - Ray Kimball and Kimberly Redding on Eyeball to Eyeball

In this episode, Dr. Ray Kimball (@42edgames) and Dr. Kimberly Redding talk about their educational game, Eyeball to Eyeball, designed to give university and high school students a taste of the Cold War. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Check out CMU's game offerings he...

Feb 27, 202348 minSeason 6Ep. 105

Episode 104 - Gary Mengle (aka Ardwulf) on the Charles S. Roberts Awards

This week on the pod, Gary Mengle (@ardwful) of Ardwulf's Lair discusses his new role as Director of the Charles S. Roberts Awards. What goes on behind the scenes of a wargaming award? Find out in this episode. Details about the Charlies can be found here: https://charlessrobertsawards.com/ Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cm...

Feb 20, 202346 minSeason 6Ep. 104

Episode 103 - Adrienne Shaw on LGBTQ+ Representation in Gaming

This week, Professor Adrienne Shaw joins the pod to talk about video games, representation, and how and why it matters. To read more of her work, check out her book, Gaming at the Edge. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Check out CMU's game offerings here: https://cmichp...

Feb 13, 202354 min

Episode 102 - Jason Cox on Five Hundred Year Old Vampire

This week, Dr. Jason Cox joins the show to talk about his upcoming game, Five Hundred Year Old Vampire, a cooperative role playing game that is inspired by Thousand Year Old Vampire. It will be published through CMU Press, so look out for the KS campaign in the coming months! Learn more about Jason here: https://www.utoledo.edu/al/art/faculty/cox.html Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be bo...

Feb 06, 202355 minSeason 6Ep. 102

Episode 101 - Julián Pombo on Pampero

Welcome back to the Beyond Solitaire Podcast! We are kicking off Season 6 with Julián Pombo, both because today is his birthday and because he has interesting things to say about thematic Euro games. His recent design, Pampero, provides fascinating insights into the development of wind farming in Uruguay. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here:...

Jan 30, 202347 minSeason 6Ep. 101

Episode 100 - Thoughts on the Past, Present, and Future of Historical Gaming

I never thought I would get to 100 episodes of this podcast, but here we are! In this episode, I celebrate with a series of mini-interviews from: Volko Ruhnke (@Volko26) Jason Perez (@ShelfStoriesGBL) David Thompson (@djackthompson) Amabel Holland (@amabelholland) Cole Wehrle (@colewehrle) Christienne Hinz (@xpelicious) Sebastian Bae (@sebastianbae) Dan Thurot (@danthurot) Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, wh...

Dec 05, 20221 hr 4 minSeason 5Ep. 100

Episode 99 - Kathleen Mercury on Teaching Game Design

In this episode, special guest Kathleen Mercury speaks about her extensive experience as a gifted educator and game design teacher. She is also a designer herself! Kathleen's website: https://www.kathleenmercury.com/ Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Rising Waters Kickst...

Nov 28, 202254 minSeason 5Ep. 99

Episode 98 - Emily Yoder on Malign

Professional wargamer Emily Yoder stops by the pod to discuss Malign, a game that simulates countries' attempts to influence each other and for which she is a member of the design team. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Rising Waters Kickstarter link: https://www.kicksta...

Nov 21, 202248 minSeason 5Ep. 98

Episode 97 - Amabel Holland on Endurance

In this episode, Amabel Holland (@amabelholland) Hollandspiele (@Hollandspiele) joins us on the pod to talk about her upcoming solo game, Endurance. Get ready for a brutal and deeply human gaming experience about surviving an Antarctic expedition. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/de...

Nov 14, 20221 hr 3 minSeason 5Ep. 97

Episode 96 - Beth LaPensée on Games with Social Impact

This week on the pod, Beth LaPensée discusses her game designs, their use in educational and social settings, and their expression of different ways of knowing. http://www.elizabethlapensee.com/ Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Rising Waters Kickstarter link: https://ww...

Nov 07, 202252 minSeason 5Ep. 96

Episode 95 - Jason Perez on Cultural Consulting

Favorite contributor Jason Perez of Shelf Stories(@shelfstories) drops by the pod to discuss his experiences as a board game cultural consultant. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Rising Waters Kickstarter link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cmu/rising-waters?ref=...

Oct 31, 20221 hr 8 minSeason 5Ep. 95

Episode 94 - Tory Brown on Votes for Women

This week on the pod, Tory Brown (@torylynn) discusses her upcoming game, Votes for Women, and how her passion for activism and history inspired her to design it. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Rising Waters Kickstarter link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cmu/r...

Oct 24, 202244 minSeason 5Ep. 94

Episode 93 - Fred Serval on Historical Games and Homo Ludens

This week on the pod, Fred Serval (@fredserval) drops in to talk about his game, Red Flag Over Paris, about historical games in general, and about his excellent YouTube channel, Homo Ludens. https://www.youtube.com/c/HomoLudens1871 Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Risin...

Oct 17, 202258 minSeason 5Ep. 93

Episode 92 - Jim Dietz on The Dietz Foundation

This week on the pod, Jim Dietz (@foundationdietz) talks about the work he's doing with The Dietz Foundation, both in support of education and in support of games with interesting things to say. Learn more at https://dietzfoundation.org/ Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx...

Oct 10, 20221 hr 4 minSeason 5Ep. 92

Episode 91 - Lamaro Smith on Board Game Art, Design, and Branding

This week on the pod, Lamaro Smith, an artist and graphic designer, tells us about his work in board games—and gives us insight into what his course for CMU's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations will be about. Check out his work at www.lamarosmith.com. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Ce...

Oct 03, 202240 minSeason 5Ep. 91

Episode 90 - Geek Gamers on the Solo Game Master's Guide

This week on the pod, Deborah from Geek Gamers returns to talk about her new book, the Solo Game Master's Guide! Check out her channel, Geek Gamers, to see how to get a copy: https://www.youtube.com/c/GeekGamers01 Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/CLGS/Pages/default.aspx Monumental Consequence ...

Sep 26, 202245 minSeason 5Ep. 90
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