Positively Board Gaming – Details, episodes & analysis

Explore the emotional side of board gaming with Jamey Stegmaier and Mitchell Whitfield as they dive into campaign game attachments, positive player interaction, and how gamers can support publishers through rising tariffs. ⏱️ Chapters 00:01 – Sweet treats: Reese’s cookies and PF Chang’s Great Wall of Cake 05:32 – Board game tariffs and how fans can help 10:20 – Should publishers accept donations during hard times? 18:45 – Positive player interaction in Earth, FinSpan, and more 30:48 – Emotional bonds with campaign game characters 44:02 – Character evolution in Descent: Legends of the Dark 54:40 – Game design that lets players choose with their heart Descent Legends of the Dark emotional, board game campaign endings, positive player interaction, Earth board game expansion, Jamey Stegmaier podcast, Mitchell Whitfield board games, how to support game publishers, board game tariffs explained, immersive board game design, feelings in board games, board games that make you cry, FinSpan board game, legacy game emotion, Clank Legacy, story-based games, campaign board games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Positively Board Gaming, Jamey Stegmaier and Mitchell Whitfield dive into the therapeutic joy of unboxing board games and explore what makes deluxe editions so irresistible. From custom dice to the Castles of Burgundy Collector’s Edition, they unpack the tactile magic behind premium components. 00:00 – Intro and sweet treats 02:40 – Nintendo Switch 2 excitement 05:15 – Mitchell’s love for unboxing games 12:42 – The unboxing therapy effect 16:30 – Custom components that spark joy 19:10 – Jamey’s collector’s edition experience 23:20 – Deluxe vs. accessible pricing 29:50 – Favorite tactile components Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 3 of Positively Board Gaming, Jamey Stegmaier and Mitchell Whitfield go deep on the show’s mission: celebrating joy, inclusion, and positivity in the tabletop gaming hobby. Mitchell explains why you’ll never hear them bash a board game on this podcast—and why that’s intentional. From expectations in art to how criticism can unintentionally silence conversation, they share their philosophy of respecting the creators and communities behind every game. Then, it’s on to Jamey’s recent intergenerational game night and some excellent picks that shine in all-ages settings, like Caution Signs, Boop, and Nekojima. Mitchell shares how his tastes are evolving and the ever-growing list of party and cooperative games he’s getting excited to explore. Plus, they talk about the board game delivery tsunami that seems to always hit after Chinese New Year, why expectations shape experience, and how much more fun it is to talk about what you love. 🎲 Whether you're a long-time gamer or just board game curious, this episode is a heartwarming reminder of why we play in the first place. 💬 Quotes "It may not be for me, but someone poured their heart into it. I’d never want to tear that down publicly." – Mitchell Whitfield"There are seven billion people on the planet. Everyone has a different opinion about what’s good." – Jamey Stegmaier 🔗 Relevant Links PositivelyBoardGaming.com Stonemaier Games YouTube Channel   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🔗 Relevant Links Stonemaier Games: https://stonemaiergames.com Vantage by Stonemaier (latest updates): https://stonemaiergames.com/games/vantage Survivor Board Game: https://explodingkittens.com/products/survivor Positively Board Gaming website: https://positivelyboardgaming.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🔗 Links Gamers Ranch: https://thegamersranch.com Stonemaier Games: https://stonemaiergames.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder why your favorite game color matters — or how virtual reality could change board gaming forever? In this episode, Mitchell and Jamey dive into personal gaming habits, the emotional ties to player colors, and an unexpected love letter to VR tabletop gaming. 0:00 – Introduction: Zombie Sleep and Effervescent Energy 4:15 – Jamey's Treat of the Day: Birthday Lunch and Fresh Bread 10:28 – Mitchell’s Treat of the Day: Chocolate Coins and Childhood Memories 17:05 – Weekly Format Reminder and Listener Feedback Shoutout 20:10 – Jamey's Topic: The Joy of Choosing Red in Board Games 35:20 – Mitchell’s Color Preferences: Stealth Gaming and Emotional Connections 43:00 – Mitchell’s Topic: How VR Could Transform Board Gaming 55:00 – Jamey's Thoughts on VR Settings and Thematic Immersion 1:02:10 – Final Thoughts and Listener Callout for VR Experiences board gaming podcast, favorite player colors board games, VR board games, virtual reality tabletop games, Demeo VR game, best VR board games, board game color preferences, immersive board gaming, Meta Quest VR gaming, Stonemaier Games, Mitchell Whitfield podcast, Jamey Stegmaier podcast, board gaming community, how VR enhances board games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mitchell and Jamey dive into the emotional connections tied to where we play our games. From campaign finales to game cafés and vacation rentals, they reflect on how space shapes memories. Mitchell also highlights four exciting crowdfunded games that just landed on his doorstep, including The Witcher: Path of Destiny, The Dark Quarter, Aridia, and The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era. Meanwhile, Jamey shares his recent gaming experience with Earth: Abundance and talks about upcoming plays of Deep Regrets and Rebirth. Oh—and slippers. Very comfy slippers. ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 – Episode intro + Who is Mitchell Whitfield? 04:30 – Treat of the Day: Slippers & blueberries 12:20 – Descent Legends of the Dark finale impressions 16:00 – Topic: Playing games in different environments 25:00 – Mitchell’s latest crowdfunding arrivals 37:10 – Jamey’s recent plays + Deep Regrets excitement 43:05 – Kickstarter pick: Pocket RPG 47:30 – Wrap-up + Blueberries & Slippers board gaming podcast, The Witcher Path of Destiny, Dark Quarter board game, Aridia board game, Elder Scrolls board game, Chip Theory Games, Lucky Duck Games, game night memories, gaming in public, board game Kickstarter, FinSpan, Deep Regrets board game, campaign board games, emotional board gaming, board game podcast, Jamey Stegmaier, Mitchell Whitfield Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Double digits and double the fun! In episode 10 of Positively Board Gaming, Mitchell and Jamey celebrate reaching a milestone, share underrated game recommendations, and dive deep into what makes a great gateway game. 0:00 – Episode 10! Welcome & recording banter 2:15 – Sweet Treat of the Day: Queso Fundido & Milano cookies 10:40 – The impact of tariffs on board game shipping 24:00 – What makes a great gateway game? 42:10 – Jamie’s top 3 underrated board games 48:50 – Mitchell’s favorite overlooked game: Night of the Ninja 55:00 – Room to grow: How gateway games teach strategy over time 1:02:30 – Seven Wonders as a gateway game 1:07:45 – Game collecting & prepping to teach 1:13:00 – Jamie teases next week’s topic gateway board games, underrated board games, Dice Throne board game, Stonemaier Games, Jamie Stegmaier, Mitchell Whitfield podcast, Blob Party game, Night of the Ninja review, Mysterium Park game, Seven Wonders gateway, how to introduce people to board games, best beginner board games, board game shipping tariffs, board game collecting tips, hobby board gaming podcast, board game recommendations, board games, board game podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 9 of Positively Board Gaming, Mitchell and Jamey dive into the emotional heart of tabletop gaming—starting with their “sweet treats of the day” and ending with a deep, honest conversation about gaming habits, nostalgia, and collector mindset. Jamey shares a joy-filled evening plan involving author Fredrik Backman and some fresh St. Louis eats, while Mitchell celebrates strawberries and whipped cream… and portable retro gaming consoles that bring childhood favorites back to life. Then it’s onto meaningful reflections about gaming companions—whether it’s a partner, spouse, or trusted friend group—and how sharing games strengthens bonds. The episode’s big topic? FONHE: Fear of Not Having Everything. Mitchell opens up about the emotional tug of collecting every Dice Throne expansion, while Jamey explores how space, cost, and personal enjoyment play into completionism. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly therapeutic discussion all hobby gamers will relate to. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Introduction & Sweet Treats of the Day 7:15 – Book readings, friends, and St. Louis appreciation 13:30 – Retro handheld video game consoles 21:45 – Who’s your gaming companion? 34:00 – Board games with partners and family 45:12 – FONHE: Fear of Not Having Everything 54:30 – Love Letter collection habits 1:00:45 – Completionism in video games 1:09:40 – TMNT, Unmatched, and crowdfunding caveats 1:13:00 – Final thoughts and community shout-outs board game podcast, Positively Board Gaming, Dice Throne collector, FONHE, board game collection obsession, tabletop gaming partners, retro handheld gaming, Retroid, AYN Odin, Love Letter variants, campaign games, board game completionism, Stonemaier Games, tabletop therapy, board game reviews, why we love board games, Jamey Stegmaier, Mitchell Whitfield Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s it like doing a live CNN interview about board game tariffs? Jamey shares the behind-the-scenes experience...plus, a deep-dive in to digital board gaming on Board Game Arena and the emotional power of crowdfunding your favorite games. The conversation shifts to the joys (and quirks) of playing digital board games on Board Game Arena. Jamey discusses playing Apiary digitally for the first time and how micro-interactions differ from the tactile tabletop version. Later, Mitchell leads a heartfelt discussion about the appeal of crowdfunding games. They explore why backers love supporting projects, the power of exclusives, and the emotional connection of helping something come to life. Jamey opens up about his own evolution in crowdfunding—both as a creator and a fan. [Chapters] 0:00 – Intro & Weekly Banter 2:55 – Mitchell talks about Jamey and his CNN appearance 6:20 – Jamey on the stress of media interviews 11:40 – Visual cues and communication challenges 17:00 – Board Game Arena & the Apiary experience 26:12 – Digital vs. physical game mechanics 31:44 – Crowdfunding board games: Why we love it 38:10 – Feeling connected through backing projects 47:00 – What makes a perfect campaign? 55:00 – Listener callouts and final thoughts In this emotionally rich and insightful episode, Mitchell Whitfield and Jamey Stegmaier open up about the challenge of high-pressure media moments. Jamey reflects on his recent CNN appearance, highlighting the difficulty of speaking on complex issues with no visual feedback and limited time. Mitchell draws from his own on-camera experience, making it a relatable and revealing conversation about communication in media. board game crowdfunding, Board Game Arena, Apiary board game, Jamey Stegmaier CNN, Stonemaier Games, digital board gaming, crowdfunding psychology, tabletop games online, board game community, BGA gameplay, board game exclusives, Kickstarter board games, Gamefound campaigns, board game media interviews, board game podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices