Been a while since a normal podcast and I've had time to play a bunch of Essen games - how is 2021 shaping up as a result?

How Am I? (00:00) - General stress, health and what I've done on the channel and future content!

Channel Shoutout (12:00)- Mark Dainty - Not Bored Gaming

News (15:10) - Garphill Games new Trilogy, another Splotter game and a new Tapestry expansion.

What I Played / How is 2021 shaping up? (22:37) - I give my thoughts on what I've played since Essen and comment on how 2021 is shaping up in general?

Special episode today! I figured instead of doing a podcast episode for the aftermath of visiting Essen Spiel, I decided to do a live stream on YouTube. If you want to check that out in full please visit the channel.

But here for you there's an audio only version if you want to listen to it in podcast form! I go over Essen, the fair, the people, the games and questions from the chat! Enjoy!

How Am I? (00:00) - Why this episode was meant to be shorter (and yet wasn't) due to a convention cut short, my upcoming gastroscopy and prepping for Essen 2021.

Channel Shoutout (10:37)- Games Made Easy

Convention Cut Short?(14:!6)

News (18:51) - A 7 Wonders spin off, a new Azul and the highlights from the Fantasy Flight Games In Flight Report.

What I Played (24:55) - First impressions of Pandemain, Fox in the Forest and my current status with regards to Descent which will now be getting a full Detail review in the future.

First Impressions & Rant - "Dune" (33:00)

Conclusion (51:45)

How Am I? (00:00) - How my Top 100 is going, my current health issues and why I'm stepping back from Twitter to get away from toxicity.

What I Played (10:30) - First impressions of Pandemain, Fox in the Forest and my current status with regards to Descent which will now be getting a full Detail review in the future.

News (21:38) - A 7 Wonders spin off, a new Azul and the highlights from the Fantasy Flight Games In Flight Report.

Useful Game Accessories (34:08) - I go over a bunch of ways I pimp out my board games and some other useful accessories to have.

Conclusion (01:04:36)

How Am I? (00:00) - The initial success of the Top 100 and my thoughts on the K-Con convention.

What I Played (09:15) - Obsession and Anno 1800 get my first impressions and a full blitz review of Cabbagehead Garden.

News (32:10) - The downfall of IDW Games

Preparing for Essen 2021(36:44) - My plans for Essen 2021 including my volunteering for Portal Games. And then I'll give you a ton of top tips to follow for preparing for Essen based on my 3-4 years of experience.

Conclusion (01:04:36)

How Am I? (00:00) - A long weekend, both good and bad. Reuinions with old friends, a very productive time in the editing room and with the upcoming Top 100, but also anxiety pains from people unfollowing me behind my back, the stress is real.

What I Played (09:14) - Haven, Herbaceous and The Lost Expedition get my first impressions!

News (24:05) - A Zombicide RPG, a new portable Citadels version and a big box for King of Tokyo.

So You Want To Be A Content Creator? (32:21) - Content creation can be very fulfilling and it enables you to meet and interact with so many wonderful people in the hobby. BUT it's not without its problems, its stressful times and its pitfalls. And you need to be aware of that. So let me give you some tips as well as some warnings to bare in mind before you set foot on the path to content creation, coming from someone from a small creator background who likely has to put up with more problems than the trending channels.

Conclusion (01:19:05)

How Am I? (00:00) - Work is improving, a bit behind on the blog because of the UK Games Expo but some recent great live content to watch!

News (06:10) - A new expansion for Maracaibo, an updated app for Neuroshima Hex and the end of Tasty Minstrel Games.

THE UK GAMES EXPO (12:25)

Descent: Legends of the Dark (16:27)

Equinox (24:51)

Tinners Trail (28:54)

OPEN GAMING - What Did I Play? (33:13)

Architects of the West Kingdom, Abyss, Whistle Mountain, Rune Stones, Fox in the Forest Duet, Bastille

Conclusion (54:10)

How Am I? (00:00) - 2nd Vaccine sickness, going to the UK Games Expo, upcoming videos and why I'm frustrated at the closed mindedness of people on social media.

What I've Played (09:40) - First impressions of Clinic and Cinco Linko and finally I played Circadians: First Light!

Support Small Creators (27:40) - The Nerd Shelves

News (31:53) - The winners of the Spiel Des Jahres and Kennerspiel, yet another Pandemic themed game and a reimplementation of Awkward Guests.

Topic of the Day (41:00) - Are Reviewers Paid To Say Good Things?

How Am I? (00:00) - One mad job requirement out of the way, but no rest for the wicked!

What I've Played (05:57) - First impressions of Die of the Dead, Ohanami, and the Rune Stones 2nd expansion as well as continuing thoughts on Hall of the Mountain King.

News (19:45) - Expansions coming to Lost Ruins of Arnak, Dune Imperium and Journeys In Middle Earth.

Topic of the Day (24:50) - The Dice Tower Awards 2020! Join me as I go through the entire awards for The Dice Tower 2020 and give you my comments on what won, what lost and whether I agree or disagree with the verdicts!

How Am I? (00:00) - My hiking break in the Yorkshire Dales and recent content.

What I've Played (06:36) - First impressions of Cryo, In the Hall of the Mountain King and Kokopelli

Channel Shoutout (23:30) - Board of It

News (27:13) - A new Fort expansion, an upcoming "Dixit" competitive game, Board & Dice's new Geek Essentials, Divinus announced and my rant on the behaviour associated with the Ares Expedition controversy.

Topic of the Day (45:24) - How To Find A Gaming Group - many people ask for tips on how to find a game group when they move to a new area or don't know the local people. Well here are 5 tips you should consider, some of which I used myself in the past!

Coming Soon (59:04) - stuff to look forward to!