For the first time, Positively Board Gaming goes live—complete with live comments, spontaneous audience questions, and the energy only a real-time conversation can bring. Jamey and Mitchell open with “treats of the day” (featuring Japanese Kit Kats and chocolate caramels) before taking rapid-fire questions from viewers. Topics range from the games that make them smile most to the weirdest themes they enjoy, favorite acting roles, and the influence of music at the game table.

A major highlight is Mitchell’s glowing first play of Vantage, which he describes as unlike anything he’s played—combining the best elements of exploration video games and tabletop immersion. The duo also talk about live game night traditions, quirky board game food picks, the joy (and occasional regret) of culling games, and lesser-known TV shows they love.

Packed with community shout-outs, behind-the-scenes stories, and lots of laughter, this episode captures why Positively Board Gaming is more than a podcast—it’s a shared experience.

00:00 – Episode 21 goes live

04:42 – Treats of the day

10:35 – Audience Q&A: games that make us smile

17:12 – Weirdest board game themes

20:58 – Favorite projects from each other’s careers

27:50 – Discovering Vantage

40:18 – Acting, voice work & industry friendships

49:30 – Scholarly board game picks

56:11 – Gaming food choices

01:03:05 – Lesser-known TV shows worth watching

01:10:20 – Culling games from your collection

01:18:42 – Closing thoughts & gratitude

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From exploding corpses to comic book heroes, Mitchell and Jamey explore their favorite superhero games, RPG classes, and what happens when your party’s healer can’t stop picking fights.

Episode 20 of Positively Board Gaming kicks off with celebration, banter, and a preview of the first-ever live recording for episode 21. Mitchell and Jamey share their excitement for engaging directly with fans during the live stream and reflect on how much the show has grown.

Jamey starts the conversation by reviewing the new Fantastic Four movie—which he ranks in his top five superhero films of all time—and uses it as a jumping-off point to spotlight six of his favorite superhero-themed board games: Marvel Dice Throne, Sentinels of the Multiverse, Comic Hunters, Marvel Remix, Marvel Villainous, and The Reckoners. Mitchell dives into the mechanics and design of Sentinels, sharing his appreciation for how storytelling is integrated into card-based games.

Then, Mitchell takes over with a deep dive into his five favorite RPG character classes: the Necromancer, Cleric/Paladin, Bard, Ranger, and Rogue. He recounts hilarious D&D stories—like the time their healer insisted on leading every charge—and explores why certain archetypes resonate across both tabletop and video games.

0:00 – Welcome to Episode 20

2:12 – Live recording announcement for Episode 21

6:40 – Treats of the Day (Italian mousse cake & Panera goodies)

12:52 – Game night recap: New York Slice, Point Salad, No Thanks

15:00 – Positively Board Gaming now on Instagram

20:45 – Superhero movies: Fantastic Four, Black Panther, Captain America

28:10 – Superhero board games: Top picks from Jamey

35:40 – Mitchell’s top RPG/dungeon crawl classes

1:06:00 – Charisma and negotiation in RPGs

1:13:00 – Final thoughts and invite to the live episode

#BoardGames #TabletopRPG #SuperheroGames #RPGLife #PositivelyBoardGaming

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In this insightful and entertaining episode, Jamey Stegmaier and Mitchell Whitfield explore the personal side of board gaming strategies. Whether it’s letting the game guide your decisions or sticking to a tried-and-true plan, the hosts examine how play styles often mirror who we are.

00:00 – Introductions and treat of the day

03:20 – Popcorn prep and movie night

07:45 – Miniatures upgrade for Horrified D&D

13:10 – Game-related shirts and personal fashion

15:45 – Do your strategies reflect your personality?

19:00 – Seven Wonders and predictable play styles

27:15 – Jamey’s income obsession in Tapestry and Hadara

33:00 – Quacks of Quedlinburg: busting vs balance

40:20 – Dice Throne characters and complexity levels

47:10 – Most-played games and deep dive ideas

54:00 – Wrapping up and what’s coming next

#BoardGames #TabletopGaming #GameNight #QuacksOfQuedlinburg #DiceThrone #SevenWonders

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What do Sees Candies, disc golf, and a deluxe version of Lords of Waterdeep have in common? They’re all part of this feel-good episode packed with personal favorites, nostalgic treats, and board games we wish would come back.

In episode 18 of Positively Board Gaming, Mitchell Whitfield and Jamey Stegmaier take a fun detour from typical game reviews and dive into a lightning round of their favorite things—from chocolate and pizza to current TV obsessions and tabletop accessories. Mitchell opens up with a sweet ode to Sees Candies’ chocolate-covered marshmallows, while Jamey shares his latest love: a local Earl Grey peach coffee.

From there, they riff on nostalgic TV, comfort food, and even a massive fidget-spinner-style DND dice. The episode also features an honest discussion about which games deserve a reprint or visual refresh—Battlestar Galactica, Lords of Waterdeep, and Comic Hunters top the list.

They wrap things up with Mitchell’s early impressions of Arydia, and tease an upcoming live episode for #21 that will let fans join the conversation in real time.

0:00 – Intro

2:21 – Community appreciation & audience growth

4:38 – Mitchell’s treat of the day: Sees Candies marshmallow

8:10 – Giant DND spinner die

13:50 – Jamey’s new format: Stuff We Love

16:00 – Local favorites: pizza, coffee, and snacks

22:10 – Sports we’re watching: Disc Golf, Soccer, Baseball

27:00 – TV talk: Dexter: Resurrection, Fringe, Dropout.TV

33:40 – Movie picks: Sinners and Superman

38:00 – Book recommendations: Mistborn trilogy & The Lodge

43:00 – Podcast picks: Dice Jesters, Keeper Cull, Dice Tower

47:40 – Game discussion: reprints, refreshes, and deluxe dreams

57:00 – Mitchell’s early Aridia impressions

1:06:00 – Wrapping up & live episode teaser

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What does it feel like to finally ship a game eight years in the making? Jamey Stegmaier opens up about the emotional weight of launching Vantage, as well as his first ever gaming cruise, while Mitchell and Jamey share tips on how to teach games effectively—and why being present matters more than ever.

In this thoughtful and heartfelt episode, Mitchell Whitfield and Jamey Stegmaier reflect on the creative journey and emotional impact of launching a board game—specifically, Jamey’s long-anticipated Vantage. They explore the tension between fan excitement and creator burnout, and why it’s important to enjoy the moment instead of rushing to “what’s next.”

Jamey also recounts his first-ever board game cruise through Norway’s stunning fjords, where he connected with 200 gamers, explored beautiful ports, and discovered new favorite games like Saltfjord, Farshore, Port Royal: The Dice Game, and Bomb Busters.

The duo then shifts gears into a practical yet personal discussion on teaching games. They share their top strategies for guiding new players—including why overview first matters, how to run a practice round without overwhelming players, and ways to avoid “alpha gaming” while still being helpful. It’s a conversation that blends strategy, philosophy, and community in all the best ways.

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“Don’t forget to enjoy what’s in front of you. Be in the moment—there’s always time to worry about what’s next.” — Mitchell Whitfield"

"Teaching isn’t just about rules—it’s about helping someone feel the game.” — Jamey Stegmaier

What do anticipation and emotional connection have to do with board games? Everything. In episode 16 of Positively Board Gaming, hosts Mitchell Whitfield and Jamey Stegmaier share how board games help during hard times—and how the excitement of waiting for a new release like Vantage can be just as meaningful as playing it.

This episode dives deep into the therapeutic value of gaming, the psychology behind pre-release hype, and the joy of comfort games. Jamie discusses his long-awaited game Vantage and what went into its carefully timed rollout. Mitchell opens up about how board game content helped him through medical challenges. Plus, hear their thoughts on new and upcoming titles like Roth, Tend, Runar, and more.

If you’ve ever found joy in gaming when life felt heavy—or gotten giddy over a shipping notification—this one’s for you.

0:00 – Intro + Sweet 16 Celebration

2:45 – Launching Socials for the Show

5:30 – Sweet Treats: Fudge Cake & Crab Cake Hush Puppies

13:40 – Stonemaier Vantage Coins & Components

17:55 – Kinfire Chronicles: Final Thoughts

23:10 – Gaming Cruise + Fjord Games

29:45 – The Psychology of Anticipation

42:15 – Crowdfunding Projects We’re Excited About

52:30 – The Therapeutic Value of Gaming

1:02:15 – Comfort Games and Emotional Connection

1:11:50 – Community Call to Share Your Stories

“Anticipation is its own kind of joy.” — Jamie Stegmaier

“Board games were my therapy—my escape, my connection, my comfort.” — Mitchell Whitfield

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From grammar debates to nostalgic board game nights, this episode of Positively Board Gaming is full of surprises. Mitchell and Jamey kick off with s’mores Rice Krispie Treats and Trader Joe’s gummies, then dive deep into historical board games like Watergate, Comic Hunters, and Night of the Ninja. Plus, Mitchell pitches his dream board game based on the TV show Fringe and a fantasy NHL legacy game—complete with minis and an app!

0:00 – Grammar, commas & the Oxford Comma Society

5:20 – Treats of the day: s’mores Rice Krispie Treats & Trader Joe’s gummies

11:38 – Manicures, self-care, and pampering

17:55 – Game night recap: Night of the Ninja & Comic Hunters

27:00 – Topic of the day: Historical board games

31:15 – Watergate & thematic design challenges

42:20 – Fringe board game pitch: multiverse mechanics & asymmetry

53:00 – NHL legacy board game fantasy

1:00:32 – Call for listener ideas: What game would you ask Jamey to design?

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Looking for games under $50 that still wow on the table? In this episode of Positively Board Gaming, Mitchell Whitfield and Jamey Stegmaier spotlight affordable board games with stunning table presence—and the surprise mechanics that keep them coming back for more.

0:00 – Introduction and mic mishaps

4:25 – Treat of the day: Ice cream and lemon blueberry cake

12:45 – Jamey’s Father’s Day, Mistborn, and surprise win conditions

25:02 – Game surprises and adventure games like Destinies

35:01 – Top 5 affordable games with table presence

36:30 – Honorable mentions: Spots & Red Rising

42:18 – #1: Fire Tower

44:05 – #2: 20 Strong

45:40 – #3: Dice Miner

47:10 – #4: Sushi Roll

48:35 – #5: Tiger and Dragon

51:02 – Jamey’s pick: Compile

54:15 – Final thoughts and listener feedback prompt

“The card didn’t just let you win—it made you earn the win. That’s good design.” – Jamey Stegmaier

“You don’t need to spend $150 to get a game that makes people stop and say: what is that?” – Mitchell Whitfield

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What board games were you playing when you were 13—and do they still hold up today? In Episode 13 of Positively Board Gaming, Mitchell Whitfield and Jamey Stegmaier explore their childhood favorites and dive deep into the nostalgic joy of games like Risk, Magic: The Gathering, Scotland Yard, and more. They also discuss how Dungeons & Dragons helped shape the modern tabletop landscape—and why RPGs like Daggerheart might be your next big adventure.

From chocolate chip cookies and European vacations to tightrope walkers and collectible dice, this episode is packed with personal stories, gaming inspiration, and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re a legacy gamer or new to tabletop RPGs, you’ll find something to love in this conversation about memory, play, and connection.

0:00 – Welcome and pet memories

3:02 – Sweet Treat of the Day: Europe & vegan cookies

12:44 – Games we played at 13

21:55 – Scotland Yard, Bridge, and Blarney

28:20 – The lasting influence of D&D

37:05 – Daggerheart, Critical Role, and the RPG-board game crossover

47:19 – Easy-entry RPGs and hybrid board games

53:55 – Nostalgia, memory, and gaming joy

58:14 – Wrapping up with humor and gratitude

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What makes a great board game collection—and how do you start one without getting overwhelmed? In this episode of Positively Board Gaming, Mitchell and Jamey explore the joys and pitfalls of beginning a board game collection, and how weather (and s’mores) can’t stop a great game night.

Despite a thunderstorm, 12 guests showed up for Jamey’s game night, prompting a heartfelt conversation about what motivates us to play—rain or shine. Mitchell dives into how to thoughtfully build a game collection from scratch, including practical tips on avoiding overwhelming purchases, playing with your group in mind, and choosing games that are fun, portable, and easy to table.

The duo also exchange recent game night stories and sweet treats—from licorice-infused Icelandic chocolate, to s’mores-flavored Nothing Bundt Cakes. Jamey shares his first experience playing Night of the Ninja—a recommendation from Mitchell—and how the game’s rotating allegiances made it a hit. They wrap with reflections on the joy of recommending a game that really clicks and tease what’s to come in episode 13: their rebellious teenage phase.

0:00 – Intro banter & rebellious episode tease

2:12 – How bad does weather need to be to cancel game night?

8:19 – Game night food & the Nothing Bundt Cake experience

13:45 – Icelandic licorice chocolate and candy chat

19:20 – Starting your board game collection

30:25 – Jamey's first board games & Mitchell’s beginner picks

43:18 – Avoiding game overload and enjoying your collection

51:00 – The joy of recommending games that land

58:42 – Jamey finally plays Night of the Ninja

1:06:10 – Why rotating teams work so well

1:14:01 – What’s next & comments request

“Just make sure you’re acquiring games at a pace that you’re able to enjoy.” — Mitchell Whitfield

“I think one of the best feelings is recommending a game and watching it really click for someone.” — Jamey Stegmaier

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