Life Beyond Board Games Fri, 15 May 2026 07:05:15 -0400 https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/ en © 2026 Life Beyond Board Games yes d0cf1303-b63b-5eb6-9555-d17a64e52674 meeple.uni@gmail.com Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric episodic false A podcast every second Friday about exploring fun and challenges we have as board gamers, yes, sometimes talking about the board game we play too. We're in Australia (Stella and Melissa) and USA (Candice and Eric) and want to connect with you, no matter who and where you are. Drop as a line, or message, find us in podcast directories, and this Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) board game, board games, tabletop games, life beyond board games, games, board gaming, board gamer, board gamers Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric meeple.uni@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/1idpgt5u3lm8xblaclnimvricjnu?.jpg Life Beyond Board Games https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/ Candice Eric (He/Him) Melissa (She/Her) Stella (She/Her) Episode 35 - Pleasant Voices, Clean Hands, and Other Board Game Fantasies😆 Episode 35 - Pleasant Voices, Clean Hands, and Other Board Game Fantasies😆 What makes a difficult board gamer? Oh, only the classics: loud talkers, sulkers, interrupters, rules-ignorers, card-benders, and random strangers flipping you off over cardboard. In this episode, the gang shares battle stories from the tabletop world and proves that sometimes the rarest resource in gaming is not wood, gold, or wheat — it’s basic manners. 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> What makes a difficult board gamer? Oh, only the classics: loud talkers, sulkers, interrupters, rules-ignorers, card-benders, and random strangers flipping you off over cardboard. In this episode, the gang shares battle stories from the tabletop world and proves that sometimes the rarest resource in gaming is not wood, gold, or wheat — it’s basic manners. 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-19063373 Fri, 15 May 2026 21:00:00 +1000 1362 full false Episode 34 - Grief, Glitches, and a Website No One Asked About Episode 34 - Grief, Glitches, and a Website No One Asked About What begins as a conversation about website updates and friendship updates quickly becomes a deeply honest chat about grief, losing loved ones, and why emotions refuse to follow our schedules. And Eric's 2 hours website update. Sorry Eric! 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> What begins as a conversation about website updates and friendship updates quickly becomes a deeply honest chat about grief, losing loved ones, and why emotions refuse to follow our schedules. And Eric's 2 hours website update. Sorry Eric! 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-19062797 Fri, 01 May 2026 21:00:00 +1000 1320 1 34 full false Episode 33 - Work-Life Balance? What's that? Episode 33 - Work-Life Balance? What's that? Phil Walker-Harding is back! We dive head-first into the magical world of freelancing—where you’re your own boss… and your boss is terrible. From working till late because “your boss said so,” to valuing your time somewhere between $10 and $100 an hour staring at a wall, this episode explores the fine art of burning the candle at both ends… and then designing a board game about it. 

Find out Phil's board game company Joey Games here - https://joeygames.com.au/ 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Phil Walker-Harding is back! We dive head-first into the magical world of freelancing—where you’re your own boss… and your boss is terrible. From working till late because “your boss said so,” to valuing your time somewhere between $10 and $100 an hour staring at a wall, this episode explores the fine art of burning the candle at both ends… and then designing a board game about it. 

Find out Phil's board game company Joey Games here - https://joeygames.com.au/ 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18878856 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +1000 1751 1 33 full false Episode 32 - Rejected again. And again. And again. I guess now we can talk about how to handle rejections. Episode 32 - Rejected again. And again. And again. I guess now we can talk about how to handle rejections. Well known board game designer Phil Walker-Harding and we dive into the glamorous world of… getting told “no.” A lot. Turns out even designing 30+ hit games doesn’t unlock the “immune to rejection” achievement. From pitching to the wrong publisher, not the right time, to being rejected by yourself, this episode is hopefully a relatable life piece.

Find out Phil's board game company Joey Games here - https://joeygames.com.au/ 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Well known board game designer Phil Walker-Harding and we dive into the glamorous world of… getting told “no.” A lot. Turns out even designing 30+ hit games doesn’t unlock the “immune to rejection” achievement. From pitching to the wrong publisher, not the right time, to being rejected by yourself, this episode is hopefully a relatable life piece.

Find out Phil's board game company Joey Games here - https://joeygames.com.au/ 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18878704 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +1100 1796 1 32 full false Episode 31 - Matt Dunstan's Life Beyond Board Games. Lego, Potential Financial Ruins, and Frogs. Episode 31 - Matt Dunstan's Life Beyond Board Games. Lego, Potential Financial Ruins, and Frogs. Does Matt Dunstan, a prolific Australian board game designer, have fun outside of designing award-winning board games… or is it just more tiny plastic pieces? Spoiler, it's Lego. Lego pieces. We dive into Matt's secret as a Lego restorer. Content warning: This episode contains things some listeners may find creepy — specifically, some very creepy dolls. There. You’ve been warned.
This episode is not sponsored by Lego. 

Link to Matt Dunstan's profile on BoardGameGeek - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/69007/matthew-dunstan
Check out Matt Dunstan's YouTube channel where Matt talks about board game designs - https://www.youtube.com/@MatthewDunstan

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Does Matt Dunstan, a prolific Australian board game designer, have fun outside of designing award-winning board games… or is it just more tiny plastic pieces? Spoiler, it's Lego. Lego pieces. We dive into Matt's secret as a Lego restorer. Content warning: This episode contains things some listeners may find creepy — specifically, some very creepy dolls. There. You’ve been warned.
This episode is not sponsored by Lego. 

Link to Matt Dunstan's profile on BoardGameGeek - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/69007/matthew-dunstan
Check out Matt Dunstan's YouTube channel where Matt talks about board game designs - https://www.youtube.com/@MatthewDunstan

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18715771 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +1100 1374 1 31 full false Episode 30 - Moving House with Board Games, a.k.a. What the Heck Is a Removalist? Feat. Matt Dunstan Episode 30 - Moving House with Board Games, a.k.a. What the Heck Is a Removalist? Feat. Matt Dunstan We bravely tackle the true final boss of adulthood: moving house (Australian/British). Alright, for our American friends, it is relocation or moving. Complete with removalists (What is removalist??), undersized tea chest boxes, shrink-wrapped issues, and the emotional trauma saying goodbye to some of your board games. With guest Matt Dunstan, an Australian board game designer. 

Link to Matt Dunstan's profile on BoardGameGeek - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/69007/matthew-dunstan
Check out Matt Dunstan's YouTube channel where Matt talks about board game designs - https://www.youtube.com/@MatthewDunstan

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> We bravely tackle the true final boss of adulthood: moving house (Australian/British). Alright, for our American friends, it is relocation or moving. Complete with removalists (What is removalist??), undersized tea chest boxes, shrink-wrapped issues, and the emotional trauma saying goodbye to some of your board games. With guest Matt Dunstan, an Australian board game designer. 

Link to Matt Dunstan's profile on BoardGameGeek - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/69007/matthew-dunstan
Check out Matt Dunstan's YouTube channel where Matt talks about board game designs - https://www.youtube.com/@MatthewDunstan

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18715552 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +1100 1529 1 30 full false Episode 29 - Fair Use or Foul Play? Tiny Credits, Stolen Photos & The Wild West of Content Creation Episode 29 - Fair Use or Foul Play? Tiny Credits, Stolen Photos & The Wild West of Content Creation In this episode, we swing wildly between fair use, plagiarism, pirate websites, ghostwriters, board-game mechanics you can’t copyright, and—yes—one of us accidentally confessing to childhood publishing crimes. We are joined by ThinkTwice a.k.a. Ashley Falcon, a renowned published author of Fantasy LitRPG books (welcome back Ashley!).

If you're not familiar with BGG - BoardGameGeek https://boardgamegeek.com/

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> In this episode, we swing wildly between fair use, plagiarism, pirate websites, ghostwriters, board-game mechanics you can’t copyright, and—yes—one of us accidentally confessing to childhood publishing crimes. We are joined by ThinkTwice a.k.a. Ashley Falcon, a renowned published author of Fantasy LitRPG books (welcome back Ashley!).

If you're not familiar with BGG - BoardGameGeek https://boardgamegeek.com/

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18654750 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:00:00 +1100 1575 1 29 full false Episode 28 - Failing Forward & Accidentally Winning at Life, with Guest Fantasy LitRPG Book Author Ashley Falcon / ThinkTwice Episode 28 - Failing Forward & Accidentally Winning at Life, with Guest Fantasy LitRPG Book Author Ashley Falcon / ThinkTwice What do a broken leg, one million failed words, and a surprise Amazon bestseller have in common? Apparently… success. This episode is the first episode where we have our very first guest, Ashley Falcon (ThinkTwice) a renowned published author of Fantasy LitRPG books ! 

This episode is also a guide for accidental life upgrades, writing while physically broken (literally), and why being bad at things is actually spawn energy. Also: board games, and Eric claiming he’s never failed. Sure, Eric.

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> What do a broken leg, one million failed words, and a surprise Amazon bestseller have in common? Apparently… success. This episode is the first episode where we have our very first guest, Ashley Falcon (ThinkTwice) a renowned published author of Fantasy LitRPG books ! 

This episode is also a guide for accidental life upgrades, writing while physically broken (literally), and why being bad at things is actually spawn energy. Also: board games, and Eric claiming he’s never failed. Sure, Eric.

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18517333 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:00:00 +1100 1849 1 28 full false Episode 27 - From Meeples to TV Media: A Very Serious Analysis (Not Really) Episode 27 - From Meeples to TV Media: A Very Serious Analysis (Not Really) We bravely venture into “watching television and having opinions.” From “Wait… books become TV shows??” into Dungeon Crawler Carl dream casting, Batman, and video games so cozy but sad. 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> We bravely venture into “watching television and having opinions.” From “Wait… books become TV shows??” into Dungeon Crawler Carl dream casting, Batman, and video games so cozy but sad. 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18444530 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +1100 1297 1 27 full false Episode 26 - Holiday Traditions - Don't Blindly Eat Turkey Episode 26 - Holiday Traditions - Don't Blindly Eat Turkey What is a holiday tradition, really? Is it spending time with family… or is it eating a dry bird nobody likes because your ancestors once did it?

In this festive episode, we talk Christmas traditions from awkward family photos, why we eat turkey, to spoilers for our next episode😆

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> What is a holiday tradition, really? Is it spending time with family… or is it eating a dry bird nobody likes because your ancestors once did it?

In this festive episode, we talk Christmas traditions from awkward family photos, why we eat turkey, to spoilers for our next episode😆

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18430230 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +1100 1338 1 26 full false Episode 25 - Five-Star Dinners Are a 60, Coffee in Bed Is a 90 (Apparently). Gaming While Holidaying! Episode 25 - Five-Star Dinners Are a 60, Coffee in Bed Is a 90 (Apparently). Gaming While Holidaying! What games do you bring to the holidays when your luggage allowance is only 7kg?
In this episode, we spiral joyfully through holiday board-gaming: carry-on-only packing strategies, games that expose your relationship values, and why bringing coffee into the bedroom is apparently a high-value love language.

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> What games do you bring to the holidays when your luggage allowance is only 7kg?
In this episode, we spiral joyfully through holiday board-gaming: carry-on-only packing strategies, games that expose your relationship values, and why bringing coffee into the bedroom is apparently a high-value love language.

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18414884 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 21:00:00 +1100 1234 1 25 full false Episode 24 - Gaming Conventions: Joy, Overstimulation & Emergency Snacks Episode 24 - Gaming Conventions: Joy, Overstimulation & Emergency Snacks Board game conventions: the games! the people! the flashing lights! the constant CLACK-CLACK of dice! 🎲 For some, it’s pure cardboard heaven. For others… it’s five minutes away from hiding behind a Kallax. We share the other side of the convention, when to go out and get some fresh air, when to swap your 7 inches heels with flats, should we bring portable loo?😆 We share our thoughts and experience at gaming conventions.

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Board game conventions: the games! the people! the flashing lights! the constant CLACK-CLACK of dice! 🎲 For some, it’s pure cardboard heaven. For others… it’s five minutes away from hiding behind a Kallax. We share the other side of the convention, when to go out and get some fresh air, when to swap your 7 inches heels with flats, should we bring portable loo?😆 We share our thoughts and experience at gaming conventions.

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18342492 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:00:00 +1100 1249 1 24 full false Episode 23 - Games, Food, 400 Hot Dogs and Secret Mayonnaise Episode 23 - Games, Food, 400 Hot Dogs and Secret Mayonnaise Welcome to the episode where board games, food crimes, and the truth about hot Cheetos finally a podcast discussion! Join us as we uncover the forbidden secrets of game day etiquette — from mayo-soaked cards to the myth of board-game heaven, and the legendary moment Stella bought 400 Costco hot dogs.

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Welcome to the episode where board games, food crimes, and the truth about hot Cheetos finally a podcast discussion! Join us as we uncover the forbidden secrets of game day etiquette — from mayo-soaked cards to the myth of board-game heaven, and the legendary moment Stella bought 400 Costco hot dogs.

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

Find the episode through your favorite podcast listening app, search for #LifeBeyondBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18265262 Fri, 28 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +1100 1617 1 23 full false Episode 22 - Kebab, Cologne and Candice: Essen Survival Edition! Episode 22 - Kebab, Cologne and Candice: Essen Survival Edition! In this episode, we chat about our Essen Spiel adventures: the mysterious kebab shop that everyone but Candice knows about, Stella & Candice reunion at Essen, and Candice discovering the secret Copenhagen airport zone—the good one.

We also accidentally design a new board game about luggage conveyor belts, celebrate being recognized by one podcast listener (we are famous now, don’t talk to us), and uncover Candice's secret plan to take over the internet with her new channel Kickin' It Creative—yes, with drums. Maybe also with ducks. We’ll see.

Tune in and enjoy the giggles, the chaos, and the kebabs, because this is Life Beyond Board Games.

Candice's new YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@kickinitcreative

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> In this episode, we chat about our Essen Spiel adventures: the mysterious kebab shop that everyone but Candice knows about, Stella & Candice reunion at Essen, and Candice discovering the secret Copenhagen airport zone—the good one.

We also accidentally design a new board game about luggage conveyor belts, celebrate being recognized by one podcast listener (we are famous now, don’t talk to us), and uncover Candice's secret plan to take over the internet with her new channel Kickin' It Creative—yes, with drums. Maybe also with ducks. We’ll see.

Tune in and enjoy the giggles, the chaos, and the kebabs, because this is Life Beyond Board Games.

Candice's new YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@kickinitcreative

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18182856 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +1100 1428 1 22 full false Episode 21 - End Game Therapy Sesh - What Happen After Board Gaming. Episode 21 - End Game Therapy Sesh - What Happen After Board Gaming. In this episode, we dive into the real endgame — the postgame therapy session. We roasted Melissa’s 7-hour Dune Imperium match (yes, seven hours), and we celebrate rubbing salt in the Victory Points wound. What really happens at game end?

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> In this episode, we dive into the real endgame — the postgame therapy session. We roasted Melissa’s 7-hour Dune Imperium match (yes, seven hours), and we celebrate rubbing salt in the Victory Points wound. What really happens at game end?

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17851920 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 21:00:00 +1100 1166 1 21 full false Episode 20 - Fall Convention Chaos and Giant Dice Episode 20 - Fall Convention Chaos and Giant Dice We dive into the wild world of fall board game conventions — from Melbourne’s PAX Australia to Seattle’s PAX West and the massive Essen Spiel in Germany. Expect chaotic stories about dice-throwing raves, false board game cons and more... oh, and the occasional chlamydia-ridden drop bear / koala. 😅

Stella recounts meeting her favorite LitRPG authors (and realizing they’re also board gamers!), Eric shares behind-the-scenes moments from PAX West’s indie night market, and Melissa gives a first-timer’s take on surviving a full day of gaming mayhem.

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> We dive into the wild world of fall board game conventions — from Melbourne’s PAX Australia to Seattle’s PAX West and the massive Essen Spiel in Germany. Expect chaotic stories about dice-throwing raves, false board game cons and more... oh, and the occasional chlamydia-ridden drop bear / koala. 😅

Stella recounts meeting her favorite LitRPG authors (and realizing they’re also board gamers!), Eric shares behind-the-scenes moments from PAX West’s indie night market, and Melissa gives a first-timer’s take on surviving a full day of gaming mayhem.

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-18025799 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 21:00:00 +1100 1606 1 20 full false Episode 19 - How to Find Adult Friends Through Board Gaming... Maybe a Husband / Wife. Episode 19 - How to Find Adult Friends Through Board Gaming... Maybe a Husband / Wife. In today’s bite-sized chaos, we explained how to find adult friends in 3 legacy chapters:
1.  Tutorial: Find random people at board game public meetup. Roll charisma and reroll awkward. 
(yes or no)
2.  Campaign : If yes, invite the fun humans to your home for further board gaming. 
(find out more interesting things and maybe you're slightly attracted to the person)
3.  Legacy Unlock: Get married to them. (please fill the gaps between step 2 and 3)
Or maybe just find friends with similar interest. Beats all other online dating apps! Solo mode still valid. 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> In today’s bite-sized chaos, we explained how to find adult friends in 3 legacy chapters:
1.  Tutorial: Find random people at board game public meetup. Roll charisma and reroll awkward. 
(yes or no)
2.  Campaign : If yes, invite the fun humans to your home for further board gaming. 
(find out more interesting things and maybe you're slightly attracted to the person)
3.  Legacy Unlock: Get married to them. (please fill the gaps between step 2 and 3)
Or maybe just find friends with similar interest. Beats all other online dating apps! Solo mode still valid. 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17851719 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1389 1 19 full false Episode 18 - House Rules Debate and The Avalon Shuffle Episode 18 - House Rules Debate and The Avalon Shuffle In this episode of Life Beyond Board Games, we talk house rules—like banning Monopoly, fudging Avalon roles, and hacking drafting games😆. It’s chaotic, could be controversial, and proof that the only real house rule is:... 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> In this episode of Life Beyond Board Games, we talk house rules—like banning Monopoly, fudging Avalon roles, and hacking drafting games😆. It’s chaotic, could be controversial, and proof that the only real house rule is:... 

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17787206 Fri, 19 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1245 full false Episode 17 - First Play Goggles: It Doesn't Look Good, Will You Play Again? Episode 17 - First Play Goggles: It Doesn't Look Good, Will You Play Again? Bad first plays are like bad first dates—you’re hungry, tired, and secretly hoping the game would just end. Sometimes a game falls flat because of bad rules. Sometimes it’s because Eric is texting during the teach (jokes of course). Sometimes it’s because Splendor tricked us with its giant empty box.

We answer the eternal question: is it the game, or is it me?

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Bad first plays are like bad first dates—you’re hungry, tired, and secretly hoping the game would just end. Sometimes a game falls flat because of bad rules. Sometimes it’s because Eric is texting during the teach (jokes of course). Sometimes it’s because Splendor tricked us with its giant empty box.

We answer the eternal question: is it the game, or is it me?

Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, rate/write us review to help us create more contents, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17778929 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1326 1 17 full false Episode 16 - Takesy Backsies: The Board Gamer’s Survival Instinct Episode 16 - Takesy Backsies: The Board Gamer’s Survival Instinct We're diving deep into the ancient gamer art of “Wait, wait, I didn’t mean that move!” From back seats to backtracks, we explore how far gamers will go to reclaim their choices… and their dignity. Laughs, debates, and just a sprinkle of regret and trauma might be included.

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> We're diving deep into the ancient gamer art of “Wait, wait, I didn’t mean that move!” From back seats to backtracks, we explore how far gamers will go to reclaim their choices… and their dignity. Laughs, debates, and just a sprinkle of regret and trauma might be included.

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17681951 Fri, 22 Aug 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1280 1 16 full false Episode 15 - Locked, Laughed & Loaded: Escape Room Confessions Episode 15 - Locked, Laughed & Loaded: Escape Room Confessions  In this episode of Life Beyond Board Games, Stella, Candice, and Eric attempt to discuss their escape rooms experience. From the “ancient origins” of escape rooms (aka, forgetting your keys) to tips that are not advised will work, like “just start breaking stuff,” (jokes, don't do this at home). This conversation is part comedy roast, part puzzle-solving therapy session. Expect absurd tangents, dubious historical accuracy, and enough (maybe bad) advice to get you kicked out of your next escape room. 

Any good escape room experience? Please write us a comment so we can check it out, or roast it (jokes). 

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]>  In this episode of Life Beyond Board Games, Stella, Candice, and Eric attempt to discuss their escape rooms experience. From the “ancient origins” of escape rooms (aka, forgetting your keys) to tips that are not advised will work, like “just start breaking stuff,” (jokes, don't do this at home). This conversation is part comedy roast, part puzzle-solving therapy session. Expect absurd tangents, dubious historical accuracy, and enough (maybe bad) advice to get you kicked out of your next escape room. 

Any good escape room experience? Please write us a comment so we can check it out, or roast it (jokes). 

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17633633 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1333 1 15 full false Episode 14 - Gen Con and Things Beyond Board Games Episode 14 - Gen Con and Things Beyond Board Games We are getting ready to be sleep-deprived and snack-fueled for Gen Con 2025, and spilled PlayCon board game adventure. Plus upcoming Dune Imperium tournament - fun! 

Tune in for some comedy or cringe in this Episode 14!

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> We are getting ready to be sleep-deprived and snack-fueled for Gen Con 2025, and spilled PlayCon board game adventure. Plus upcoming Dune Imperium tournament - fun! 

Tune in for some comedy or cringe in this Episode 14!

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17561288 Fri, 25 Jul 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1414 full false Episode 13 - Beats, Board Games, and Basement Secrets Episode 13 - Beats, Board Games, and Basement Secrets Welcome to another not-so-serious episode of Life Beyond Board Games, where we dive into the surprisingly rhythmic world of music while gaming.
Join us as we groove through game-night playlists, debate the best beats for board games, our favorite music to play during different board game genres—from chill vibes for puzzly euros, to epic soundtracks for panic cooperative games, to... awkward silence for intense deduction games😆 Maybe not. 

Tune in for beats, banter, and basement-based conspiracies! 

Link to Melodice - https://melodice.org/

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Welcome to another not-so-serious episode of Life Beyond Board Games, where we dive into the surprisingly rhythmic world of music while gaming.
Join us as we groove through game-night playlists, debate the best beats for board games, our favorite music to play during different board game genres—from chill vibes for puzzly euros, to epic soundtracks for panic cooperative games, to... awkward silence for intense deduction games😆 Maybe not. 

Tune in for beats, banter, and basement-based conspiracies! 

Link to Melodice - https://melodice.org/

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17476086 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1418 1 13 full false Episode 12 - The rise and fall...and rise again of online board gaming. Episode 12 - The rise and fall...and rise again of online board gaming. This episode dives into the wild world of online board gaming—how to game with people across the globe.... with or without pants (we’re not judging). We chat about the online board gaming platforms we've used, online etiquettes (or lack thereof), and more. 

Tune in for laughs, virtual games, and stories that might make you feel warm, nostalgic, or just confused.

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> This episode dives into the wild world of online board gaming—how to game with people across the globe.... with or without pants (we’re not judging). We chat about the online board gaming platforms we've used, online etiquettes (or lack thereof), and more. 

Tune in for laughs, virtual games, and stories that might make you feel warm, nostalgic, or just confused.

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17388270 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1501 full false Episode 11 - The Table Where Everyone Belongs: Neurodiversity, Mental Health and Board Gaming Episode 11 - The Table Where Everyone Belongs: Neurodiversity, Mental Health and Board Gaming In this episode, your board gaming crew goes beyond meeples and dice to roll deep into… feelings! 😱 Eric, Stella, and Melissa talk about neurodiversity and mental health in the hobby we all love. We cover everything from awkward social energy meters, overstimulation at game nights, to why some of us need a rulebook… for life.

Expect empathy tokens, reroll on social energy and a +5 bonus to heartfelt honesty. Hope this one is for you💙

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> In this episode, your board gaming crew goes beyond meeples and dice to roll deep into… feelings! 😱 Eric, Stella, and Melissa talk about neurodiversity and mental health in the hobby we all love. We cover everything from awkward social energy meters, overstimulation at game nights, to why some of us need a rulebook… for life.

Expect empathy tokens, reroll on social energy and a +5 bonus to heartfelt honesty. Hope this one is for you💙

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17129928 Fri, 13 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1253 1 11 full false Episode 10 - Convention Wins, Crud and Games - Tales from the Convention Floor Episode 10 - Convention Wins, Crud and Games - Tales from the Convention Floor Ever wondered what happens when board gamers leave their cozy game caves and brave the wild world of conventions? In this episode of Life Beyond Board Games, join Candice, Melissa, Eric and Stella unpack the madness of board game conventions and share our favorites. 

First-timers, gaming on the sea, and walking the plank stories await—plus a bit of jetlag wisdom. Whether you're a seasoned con-goer or just in it for the tournaments, you’ll laugh, nod, and maybe question your next convention options. Also, please share what your favorite convention is in the comments. 

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Ever wondered what happens when board gamers leave their cozy game caves and brave the wild world of conventions? In this episode of Life Beyond Board Games, join Candice, Melissa, Eric and Stella unpack the madness of board game conventions and share our favorites. 

First-timers, gaming on the sea, and walking the plank stories await—plus a bit of jetlag wisdom. Whether you're a seasoned con-goer or just in it for the tournaments, you’ll laugh, nod, and maybe question your next convention options. Also, please share what your favorite convention is in the comments. 

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17218636 Fri, 30 May 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1681 1 10 full false Episode 9 - Dice, Depression & a Dose of Connection: True Gamer Stories Episode 9 - Dice, Depression & a Dose of Connection: True Gamer Stories In this surprisingly heartwarming episode of Life Beyond Board Games, your trio—Stella (alleged basement keeper), Eric (probably innocent-NOT), and Melissa (eyewitness to none of it)—explore how board games magically turn lonely nights into legendary friendships.

You’ll hear real stories of people going from “I have no one to play with 😢” to “Can we PLEASE stop scheduling four-hour games on weeknights?!”😆 It’s all about how cardboard and dice somehow unlock human connection better than your therapist’s icebreaker questions.

Whether you're in it for the games, the feels, or just here to confirm Eric might be a dungeon master in more ways than one—this episode has it all.

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> In this surprisingly heartwarming episode of Life Beyond Board Games, your trio—Stella (alleged basement keeper), Eric (probably innocent-NOT), and Melissa (eyewitness to none of it)—explore how board games magically turn lonely nights into legendary friendships.

You’ll hear real stories of people going from “I have no one to play with 😢” to “Can we PLEASE stop scheduling four-hour games on weeknights?!”😆 It’s all about how cardboard and dice somehow unlock human connection better than your therapist’s icebreaker questions.

Whether you're in it for the games, the feels, or just here to confirm Eric might be a dungeon master in more ways than one—this episode has it all.

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17127693 Fri, 16 May 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1207 1 9 full false Episode 8 - Greasy Fingers, Rule Lawyers, and Sore Losers: A Survival Guide Episode 8 - Greasy Fingers, Rule Lawyers, and Sore Losers: A Survival Guide Ever experienced that tense silence when someone flips out after losing a game of Catan? Or watched in horror as greasy fingers handle your precious cards? You're not alone, and we're here to commiserate.

In this brutally honest conversation, Melissa, Stella, and Eric dive into the behaviors that make us all want to quietly pack up our games and never invite certain people back. From the player who spends five excruciating minutes contemplating their Santorini move to the person who's mysteriously "on their phone" during rule explanations only to ask the same questions repeatedly.

Whether you're looking for validation that you're not being unreasonable, seeking strategies to handle difficult gaming situations, or simply enjoying the catharsis of hearing others share your pain, this episode delivers with a healthy dose of humor and practical advice. And yes, we settle once and for all which of us smells the best at game night.

Have you encountered these behaviors or—dare we admit it—been guilty of them yourself? Follow us and share your own board game blunder stories. We'd love to hear what drives you crazy at the gaming table!

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Ever experienced that tense silence when someone flips out after losing a game of Catan? Or watched in horror as greasy fingers handle your precious cards? You're not alone, and we're here to commiserate.

In this brutally honest conversation, Melissa, Stella, and Eric dive into the behaviors that make us all want to quietly pack up our games and never invite certain people back. From the player who spends five excruciating minutes contemplating their Santorini move to the person who's mysteriously "on their phone" during rule explanations only to ask the same questions repeatedly.

Whether you're looking for validation that you're not being unreasonable, seeking strategies to handle difficult gaming situations, or simply enjoying the catharsis of hearing others share your pain, this episode delivers with a healthy dose of humor and practical advice. And yes, we settle once and for all which of us smells the best at game night.

Have you encountered these behaviors or—dare we admit it—been guilty of them yourself? Follow us and share your own board game blunder stories. We'd love to hear what drives you crazy at the gaming table!

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-17083171 Fri, 02 May 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1719 1 8 full false Episode 7 - Board Game Meetup. Exciting or Daunting? Episode 7 - Board Game Meetup. Exciting or Daunting? Ever walked into a board game meetup and wondered, “Am I at the right place?… Should I bring my own games?” 😅 Whether you're the host, the guest, or that mysterious person who always brings a 4-hour euro at 9:30pm—we’ve got stories. In this episode, we spill the meeples on what makes a board game meetup awesome or awkward.

Is it okay to show up fashionably late? Should snacks be mandatory? What happens when someone actually flips the table? Alright, we may not talk about that... but please share your story in the comments!

Tune in, laugh with us (or at us), and check out Stella's own board game meetup in Melbourne via the Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WePlayBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Ever walked into a board game meetup and wondered, “Am I at the right place?… Should I bring my own games?” 😅 Whether you're the host, the guest, or that mysterious person who always brings a 4-hour euro at 9:30pm—we’ve got stories. In this episode, we spill the meeples on what makes a board game meetup awesome or awkward.

Is it okay to show up fashionably late? Should snacks be mandatory? What happens when someone actually flips the table? Alright, we may not talk about that... but please share your story in the comments!

Tune in, laugh with us (or at us), and check out Stella's own board game meetup in Melbourne via the Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WePlayBoardGames

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-16998581 Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:00:00 +1000 1374 1 7 full false Episode 6 - What do you do when not board gaming? Episode 6 - What do you do when not board gaming?  In this episode, we reveal the shocking truth: there is life outside of board games! Dun dun dunnn.... Who knew? From the wild adventures of playing musical instruments, to pickle balling. 

We've already seen five times (episodes) to the daring feats of doing this hobby, we spill the beans on what keeps us entertained when we’re not rolling dice or turning our brain to a mush. Spoiler alert: it involves food, questionable skills, and probably a bit of jealousy. Tune in for laughs, chaos, and a sneak peek into our non-board gaming lives! 

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]>  In this episode, we reveal the shocking truth: there is life outside of board games! Dun dun dunnn.... Who knew? From the wild adventures of playing musical instruments, to pickle balling. 

We've already seen five times (episodes) to the daring feats of doing this hobby, we spill the beans on what keeps us entertained when we’re not rolling dice or turning our brain to a mush. Spoiler alert: it involves food, questionable skills, and probably a bit of jealousy. Tune in for laughs, chaos, and a sneak peek into our non-board gaming lives! 

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-16695347 Fri, 04 Apr 2025 21:00:00 +1100 1744 1 6 full false Episode 5 - Discovering Your Board Game Alter Ego Episode 5 - Discovering Your Board Game Alter Ego Ready to unbox the mysteries of your true tabletop persona? No more rolling the dice on who you are— it’s time to face the ultimate character sheet of you. Are you the mastermind scheming three steps ahead? The chaos gremlin who thrives on conflict? Or the noble pacifist who'd rather yeet themselves out of danger than fight?

Only one way to find out—take the survey! Then brag (or cry) about your results in the comments via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Let's get cracking! 

📝 Survey link: https://apps.quanticfoundry.com/surveys/start/tabletop/

Enjoy Episode 5, and may your dice always roll in your favor! 🎧🔥

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Ready to unbox the mysteries of your true tabletop persona? No more rolling the dice on who you are— it’s time to face the ultimate character sheet of you. Are you the mastermind scheming three steps ahead? The chaos gremlin who thrives on conflict? Or the noble pacifist who'd rather yeet themselves out of danger than fight?

Only one way to find out—take the survey! Then brag (or cry) about your results in the comments via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Let's get cracking! 

📝 Survey link: https://apps.quanticfoundry.com/surveys/start/tabletop/

Enjoy Episode 5, and may your dice always roll in your favor! 🎧🔥

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-16689080 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 21:00:00 +1100 1593 1 5 full false Episode 4 - Board games Hoarder or Curator? How We collect, cull and Keep Our Sanity? Episode 4 - Board games Hoarder or Curator? How We collect, cull and Keep Our Sanity?  Remember that first board game you bought? Oh, the excitement! You ripped off the plastic, admired the shiny new pieces, and thought, This is it. My new hobby. Then you got a second one—just a little treat. Your brain lit up with endorphins. Then came the third, the tenth… suddenly, you're drowning in a sea of cardboard, with 50, 100, maybe even 300 games staring at you! 

Or maybe you buy a game, played it once, and thought, well, that was a mistake. So you sold it for half price and used the cash to…buy another game😂. In this episode, we share the highs and hilarious regrets of collecting (and desperately culling) our ever-growing board game collection... and where to buy board games on a budget 🎲😂 


"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]>  Remember that first board game you bought? Oh, the excitement! You ripped off the plastic, admired the shiny new pieces, and thought, This is it. My new hobby. Then you got a second one—just a little treat. Your brain lit up with endorphins. Then came the third, the tenth… suddenly, you're drowning in a sea of cardboard, with 50, 100, maybe even 300 games staring at you! 

Or maybe you buy a game, played it once, and thought, well, that was a mistake. So you sold it for half price and used the cash to…buy another game😂. In this episode, we share the highs and hilarious regrets of collecting (and desperately culling) our ever-growing board game collection... and where to buy board games on a budget 🎲😂 


"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-16621688 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:00:00 +1100 1577 1 4 full false Episode 3 - Who you can Trust? Social Deduction Games! Episode 3 - Who you can Trust? Social Deduction Games! We've all been there (probably?..).  Sitting there, sweating bullets, praying no one notices that you’re the sneaky traitor—or worse, that you have no idea how to lie convincingly. Social deduction games: thrilling or straight-up stress-inducing? Do you feel guilty deceiving your friends, or do you thrive on betrayal like a true mastermind?
This episode, we dive into the chaos and comedy of social deduction games—whether you love them, fear them, or avoid them like an off fish tacos. Plus, we’ll share some totally ethical tips on how to, uh… convincingly mislead your friends. What are your best deception tactics? Spill the secrets (we promise we won’t use them against you… probably). 

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> We've all been there (probably?..).  Sitting there, sweating bullets, praying no one notices that you’re the sneaky traitor—or worse, that you have no idea how to lie convincingly. Social deduction games: thrilling or straight-up stress-inducing? Do you feel guilty deceiving your friends, or do you thrive on betrayal like a true mastermind?
This episode, we dive into the chaos and comedy of social deduction games—whether you love them, fear them, or avoid them like an off fish tacos. Plus, we’ll share some totally ethical tips on how to, uh… convincingly mislead your friends. What are your best deception tactics? Spill the secrets (we promise we won’t use them against you… probably). 

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-16558853 Fri, 14 Feb 2025 21:00:00 +1100 1888 1 3 full false Episode 2 - From Fear to Fun: Board Game Meetups Episode 2 - From Fear to Fun: Board Game Meetups Remember that first board game meetup you went? How was it? We share our experience of our first board game meetup. Important question - is Carcassonne a peaceful game...or not? 😆
Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Remember that first board game meetup you went? How was it? We share our experience of our first board game meetup. Important question - is Carcassonne a peaceful game...or not? 😆
Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-16446053 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 21:00:00 +1100 1412 1 2 full false Episode 1 - From Novice to Fanatic Episode 1 - From Novice to Fanatic Getting into board gaming! How do we all get into this wonderful rabbit hole? Stella, Melissa, Candice and Eric talk about our experience, shares some secrets, and more. 
Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Getting into board gaming! How do we all get into this wonderful rabbit hole? Stella, Melissa, Candice and Eric talk about our experience, shares some secrets, and more. 
Find us on Facebook Group and drop us a line, love letters, chat about the topics you hear - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast

"Send us a love letter"

Our podcast link - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2441648.rss
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondboardgamespodcast/
Meeple University - https://www.youtube.com/MeepleUniversity

]]> Stella, Melissa, Candice, Eric Buzzsprout-16445960 Fri, 17 Jan 2025 21:00:00 +1100 1236 board game, board gaming, beginner, start, from novice to fanatic 1 1 full false