The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast - podcast cover

The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast

The Secret Cabal Founderswww.thesecretcabal.com
Tune in every Wednesday to immerse yourself in The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast, dedicated to board games, card games, role-playing, and the miniatures hobby. Join The Secret Cabal Founders: Jamie, Chris, Steve, Don, and Tony T, as they present a captivating array of perspectives on board games, all delivered with a generous dose of irreverent nonsense. Explore the world of role-playing games with The Lord of the Dungeon, and accompany the Filthy Casuals as they delve into the miniatures gaming hobby in Battletome. The Founders and Lords are devoted to providing you with irreverent entertainment, thought-provoking commentary, and an enthusiastic experience centered around the hobbies we love.
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Episodes

Express 94: Fallout and Other Television

We got a full house on the cast today! Chris, Steve, Jamie, Tony T, and Battletome Mike leave the world of tabletop gaming in favor of a whole episode about Fallout, Invincible, The Boys, X-Men, True Detective, Spartacus, Resident Alien, and lots more! Join us for an hour of off topic nonsense!

Apr 24, 20241 hr

Episode 295: Aquatica and Randomness vs Determinism

Kaboom! It's time for another chock-a-block episode of the Secret Cabal! Today Tony and Jamie start out by talking about their experiences delving into Board Game Arena. Then the gang gets into all the games they've been playing, both digital and analog, including Castles of Burgundy, Robinson Crusoe Adventures on the Cursed Island, Altar Quest, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Slaughterhouse, and Junk Drawer. Then after Tony T proves his merit as the best damned tabletop gaming newsman in history, t...

Apr 17, 20243 hr 4 min

Lords of the Dungeon 73: Exploitable Abilities

Alright chummers, listen up. This datastream kicks off with the Lords revealing their fresh-off-the-press Shadowrun personas for Bender's upcoming run. After that, they dive into their ongoing Call of Cthulhu gig, swapping tales and tactics from the madness-inducing adventures they're caught up in. Then, things get real juicy as they roll into a deep convo about the tricksy abilities us players can exploit and how game masters can keep a lid on the power we wield. Dig it and stay frosty out ther...

Apr 10, 202454 min

Episode 294: The Fox Experiment and Exemplary Mechanisms

Heyooooooo! The Founders start the show fired up because they've locked in a venue for this year's Origins Meetup! It'll be the first time the Cabal has had a Cabalist Meetup in 5 years and they're ready to rock and roll! Then the gang gets into some of the games they've been playing including Age of Comics The Golden Age, Dune Imperium, Wyrmspan, Beast and a feature review of The Fox Experiment from Jeff Fraser and Elizabeth Hargrave. Then, as usual, Tony T kicks out the best damn tabletop gami...

Apr 03, 20242 hr 59 min

Express 93: Crowdfunding

Today, Don and Jamie dive into a discussion about Kickstarter, Gamefound, Backerkit and Indiegogo... it's all about crowdfunding! We talk about the impact it's had on the consumer and the industry, and we give all our crowdfunding stats - the good, the bad, and the ugly. And yes, Don's is ALL ugly.

Mar 27, 202459 min

Episode 293: Obsession and a Short Topic Extravaganza

Hey now Cabalists! Today the gang dives into some of the great games they've been playing including Sunrise Lane, Vale of Eternity, Lost Ruins of Arnak, Sanctum, Harrow County and go deep with a feature review of Obsession by Dan Hallagan. Then after Tony T gives us one whopper of a tabletop gaming news segment, the Founders go through a series of listener submitted questions including when do mistakes become cheating and how to get better at eurogames. Obsession Review 00:59:38, News with Tony ...

Mar 20, 20243 hr 25 min

Lords of the Dungeon 72: Our Favorite Characters and Character Idiocracies

Hark, Cabalists, for another tale unfolds in the annals of the Lords of the Dungeon! As the merry band rejoices in their reunion, they entertain a listener's query, recounting cherished characters of yore. Delving into character quirks, they ponder virtues and pitfalls with wisdom and mirth. Together, let us embark on this journey through imagination and camaraderie, reveling in storytelling and fellowship. Embrace the adventure, for in kindred spirits, the joys of the tabletop know no bounds!

Mar 13, 20241 hr 3 min

Episode 292: Wonderland's War and Improving Upon Perfection

Everyone knows that we talk about Tony taking long turns but today we got actual data! After we pick on T for his slow play, we jump into the games we've been playing including Tony's BGA games, Glass Road, Terrorscape, Bloodstones, and our great friend Dan King the Game Boy Geek joins us to talk about Aqua Biodiversity in the Oceans. Then Tony and Don give a feature review of Wonderland's War. Tony T gives us one of the single greatest news segments ever delivered in the history of board game m...

Mar 06, 20243 hr 33 min

Express 92: Designer Spotlight Martin Wallace

Today, Don and Jamie embark on yet another exploration into the works of the renowned board game designer, Martin Wallace - a personal favorite of Jamie's. They delve into a myriad of his noteworthy games, discussing their standout features, and examine how Wallace has continually honed and refined his design approach throughout his illustrious career.

Feb 28, 20241 hr 7 min

Episode 291: Djinn and A Short Topic Extravaganza

Hey now and Happy Wednesday wonderful Cabalists! Today the gang gets down to business talking about all the awesome games they've been playing including Last Light, Wyrmspan, Luna, Studies in Sorcery, Her Story, and a feature review of Djinn by Benjamin Schwer and Pegasus Spiele. Then Tony T kicks out the best damned tabletop gaming news segment in the entire universe. And finally, the Founders get down to business with some listener submitted questions with topics including are semi-cooperative...

Feb 21, 20243 hr 7 min

Lords of the Dungeon 71: Goofing Off vs Getting Serious and Game Master Preparation

Gather 'round, noble Cabalists, for a profound sojourn with The Lords of the Dungeon! Today, amidst the swirling ether, we delve into the essence of balance, pondering the interplay of jest and gravity within our gaming realms. From merry jests to weighty matters, we traverse this delicate dance. Yet, our journey extends further, into the labyrinth of campaign preparation. What lore suffices, and what is excess? With minds keen and hearts resolute, we seek equilibrium, uniting frivolity and earn...

Feb 14, 20241 hr 8 min

Episode 290: Witchcraft and The 10 Worst Games of All Time

Well alright Cabalists, you know it's time for another wild and crazy episode of The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast. Today we pick on Tony T for mispronouncing everything before diving into all the great games we've been playing including Clash of Cultures Monumental Edition, Dune War for Arrakis, Frostpunk, Obsession, Go, and Arkham Horror The Road to Innsmouth followed by a feature review of Witchcraft by our great friends David Thompson, Trevor Benjamin, and Roger Tankersley. Then after Tony T g...

Feb 07, 20243 hr 8 min

Battletome Vol 10: AC's Two Year Project and The Horus Heresy

Welcome Ye Gods of War! Today's chronicle unravels as these Filthy Casuals prattle on about their quaint endeavors in miniature craftsmanship. Jamie regales tales of his Dwarven Warband, while Mike boasts of a Norse Blood Bowl Team, and the gang trifles akin to plundered baubles from Etsy peddlers. Then, the enigmatic AC unveils a grand design, the colossal two-year odyssey culminating in a full lance of Adeptus Titanicus - a testament to the freebooter's audacity. The saga unfurls into a parlan...

Jan 31, 20241 hr 2 min

Express 91: The Best of 2023 and Lookback

Hey Now Cabalists! In today's Express Don and Jamie present the annual Best of 2023 and Lookback Special in which we look back at the past year and discuss the games we played and reviewed!

Jan 24, 20241 hr 20 min

Episode 289: After Us and Irksome Irritants

Hey now! Episode 289 kicks off with Chris taking over the show to leading us down the path his mind walks. Then the gang talks about some games they've been playing including The Fox Experiment, Plum Island Horror, Speakeasy Blues, Crusaders Thy Will be Done, and Everdell Digital. Then Chris, Don and Jamie feature After Us from Florian Sirieix and Pandasaurus Games. Then Tony T gives you the best Damned tabletop gaming news programing that your ears ever beheld. And finally the founders discusse...

Jan 17, 20243 hr 1 min

Lords of the Dungeon 70: What We Want to Play in 2024 and Player Choice in RPGs

Hail, noble Cabalists! In this inaugural episode of the year 2024, the gallant assembly delves into Jess and Bender's enduring Vampire the Masquerade campaign. Each Lord then shares their fervor for a new game in this annum, and the fellowship engages in a lively discourse on player choice, the illusion thereof, and the ensuing consequences. Join this convivial gathering as they traverse the realms of whimsical revelry!

Jan 10, 20241 hr 10 min

Episode 288: Raising Robots and The Shelf of Shame Challenge

Happy New Year Cabalists! We're sorry the show is a few days behind schedule but better late than never! Today the gang talks about some of the crap they got for Christmas and a bunch of the games they've been playing including The Thing: The Boardgame, Stationfall, Kutna Hora City of Silver, The Stifling Dark, Go, and a feature review of Raising Robots from Nauvoo Games. Then Tony T makes sure you're up to date on all the most important chess anal bead news. Then finally the Founders present so...

Jan 05, 20243 hr 20 min

Express 90: The Island of Misfit Games with Special Guests

Don and Jamie are joined by The Secret Cabal Elf to discuss The Island of Misfit Games! Just like in Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer in which Rudolph, Hermey and Yukon Cornelius discover the Island of Misfit Toys, Don, Jamie and Elf discuss the strange, broken, or unattractive - yet fun to play - games that need to find good homes. Also, the gang is joined throughout the episode by their great friends Chaz Marler and Rodney Smith of Watch It Played, Joel Eddy of Drive Thru Games, and Dan King the ...

Dec 27, 20231 hr 20 min

Episode 287: World Wonders and the Newlywed Game Founders Edition

Ho Ho ho and Season's Greetings Cabalists and welcome to the 12th annual Secret Cabal Holiday Special! Today the Secret Cabal elves dive into their stories from PAX Unplugged in Philidelphia, debut a brand new holiday song parody sung by Chris, and discuss the games they've been playing including Fun Facts, How do you Doodle, Masters of the Universe Clash for Eternia, Distilled, Unsolved Hunt for the Truth, Hamlet and feature World Wonders by Arcane Wonders and Ze Mendes. Then after Tony T throw...

Dec 20, 20233 hr 31 min

Lords of the Dungeon 69: Casual Game Mastering and Inspiration

Hark, noble Cabalists, and be greeted with mirth! On this day's tale, the Lords do convene to regale thee with the saga's crescendo in Jesse's dragonlance campaign. A query from a gentle listener, pondering the art of casual game mastering, finds its home in the discourse. Yet, lo and behold, the most savory discourse unfolds as they delve into the rich marrow of inspiration—whence cometh our ideas, and doth it pass muster to filch from other realms of media?

Dec 13, 20231 hr 2 min

Episode 286: Last Light and a Short Topic Extravaganza

You know what time it is Cabalists, it's time for some irreverent nonsense! The gang is back in action and we're getting busy with some of the games we've been playing including Anunnaki Dawn of the Gods, Iki, Mystic Vale, Lands of Galzyr, Oltree Undead and Alive and featuring Last Light designed by our good buddy Roy Cannaday and published by Grey Fox Games. And of course, he is back with another installment of the greatest tabletop gaming News segment in the entire universe. And then the found...

Dec 06, 20233 hr 36 min

Battletome Vol 9: One Page Rules

Welcome Ye Gods of War! Today, esteemed hobbyists, the Filthy Casuals engage in discussions regarding the Night Lords, A Song of Ice and Fire Tactics, contemplate the Legions Imperialis, explore Snap Ship Tactics, and evaluate the merits of Pro Acryl and Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats. Following this, the squad immerses itself in the latest phenomenon of miniatures wargaming – One Page Rules. Our noble brothers dissect Grim Dark Future Firefight and Age of Fantasy Skirmish, imparting wisdom on th...

Nov 29, 20231 hr 21 min

Express 89: The Anatomy of a Game Review

Well Cabalists, we're closing in on the end of the year and the founders are working on how they're going to make 2024 a great year of Cabal podcasting. Today Don and Jamie get together to discuss how the Cabal reviews board games and how they plan to make it more comprehensive in the future. Join the gang as they discussed the anatomy of a board game review.

Nov 22, 20231 hr 10 min

Episode 285: Apiary and Minis, Meeples, and Standees

Hey Now and welcome to another jam-packed of the Cabal! Today the gang gets down to business talking about some awesome games they've been playing including Blood on the Clocktower, Horrified, Sea Salt and Paper, Empire’s End and Everdell Farshore. Then the Founders dive into a feature review of Apiary from Connie Vogelmann and Stonemaier Games. Tony T takes the bull by the horns in his award-winning tabletop gaming news segment. And finally, the boys discuss the age-old question - miniatures ve...

Nov 15, 20233 hr 19 min

Lords of the Dungeon 68: TV and Movie RPGs and Player Engagement

Milady and noble sirs, in this day's tale told in the hallowed halls of Lords of the Dungeon, our valiant band converseth of the imminent close of act one of Jess' Dragonlance campaign. Then, the Lords, like knights yearning for adventure, do contemplate which silver screen and television quests they'dst fain take part in, forsooth! Lastly, we embark upon a noble quest to fathom the inner workings of players' hearts, delving into the arcane art of maintaining their ardor in the midst of game ses...

Nov 08, 20231 hr 8 min

A Message About Episode 284

In this episode Jamie makes a mistake about the game Brazil Imperial and wanted to clear things up.

Nov 01, 20235 min

Episode 284: Ancient Knowledge and a Short Topic Extravaganza

Hey Now Cabalists! It's November and I'm thankful for all the amazing board games the gang has been playing lately! In this episode the guys cover Brazil Imperial, Ankh: Gods of Egypt, After Us, Chronicles of Crime 1400, Empires of the North, and in our feature review we look at Iello's newest Tableau building game Ancient Knowledge designed by Remi Mathieu. You know the Cabal can't go an episode without hearing from our intrepid News man Tony T. And finally, the Founders take questions from the...

Nov 01, 20233 hr 2 min

Mysteries of the Unknown 01: The Flatwoods Monster

Greetings, aficionados of the inexplicable! Gather round as Steve, Tony, Bender, Don, and Jamie embark on a journey through the thrilling realms of the unexplained. We'll navigate a universe brimming with the bizarre and probe the forgotten landscapes inhabited by cryptozoological wonders. In today's odyssey, our intrepid crew plunges into the enigma of Colorado's Bigfoot, the perplexing alien mummies of Peru, the mischievous Albatwitch, and the cosmic specter known as the Flatwoods Monster, hau...

Oct 25, 20231 hr 38 min

Episode 283: The Thing and Behavioral Economics

It's Halloween time Cabalists and it's time for spooky games and a visit from Wolfman Steve and the Gatekeeper with some Halloween fun. The gang takes a look at some great games including Aliens: Another Glorious Day in the Corps, Three Kingdoms Redux, Nightmare Cathedral, Return to Dark Tower and a feature review of The Thing: The Board Game from Giuseppe Cicero and Andrea Crespi. And after Tony T gives us all the most important tabletop gaming news from around the community, the Founders talk ...

Oct 18, 20233 hr 20 min

Lords of the Dungeon 67: Game Masters Do Terrible Things and Player Archetypes

Hark, dear companions, and be ensorcelled by the mystical vibrations of Lords of the Dungeon! On this auspicious day, let it be known that Aaron is aflame with excitement, for he unveils the sacred tomes of the 5th Edition Planescape, laden with secrets of worlds beyond reckoning. In the shadowy recesses of our discourse, we shall unravel the tales of the Game Masters who have woven dread and wonder upon their hapless players. Behold, as we traverse the cosmos of roleplaying games, discovering t...

Oct 11, 20231 hr 3 min
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