Mindful Games Lab

Mindful Games Lab is a podcast about mindful gaming, board games, and tabletop games as tools for presence, connection, and well-being. Each episode explores how play can help us slow down, reduce stress, and create more meaningful experiences—without focusing on winning or optimization. Hosted by Clay, a lifelong gamer with over ten years of game industry experience, the show features thoughtful game spotlights, reflective conversations, and inspiring guests who believe games can have a positive impact on our lives. For questions or comments: podcast at mindfulgameslab dot com

Why I No Longer Rush Through Board Games 01/24/2026

Why I No Longer Rush Through Board Games Why I No Longer Rush Through Board Games How slowing down helps you enjoy games, people, and moments more Do you ever finish a board game night feeling like you played a lot of games—but didn’t really experience them? In this episode of Mindful Games Lab, Clay shares why he stopped rushing through board games and what changed when he slowed down. From game backlogs and constant rule learning to treating turns like tasks, this episode explores how speed can shrink wonder—and how presence can bring it back. You’ll hear reflections on playing fewer games with deeper intention, building connection at the table, and rediscovering immersion. Clay also recommends games that naturally reward slowing down. If you’ve ever felt burned out or disconnected from game night, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and enjoy games more fully. Sign up for mindful reflections and game prompts at /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/39858375

Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game – Strategy Tips, Flaring Metals, and Mindful Play 01/07/2026

Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game – Strategy Tips, Flaring Metals, and Mindful Play What does Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game teach us about power, restraint, and focus? In this episode of Mindful Games Lab, Clay dives into Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game from Brotherwise Games, exploring beginner-friendly strategy, when it’s actually worth flaring your metals, which characters feel strongest at the table, and the ongoing tension between dealing damage and racing up the mission tracks. Along the way, he shares gentle, mindful prompts that invite you to notice not just how you play, but how you decide, react, and commit. Whether you’re new to Mistborn, curious about deckbuilding strategy, or interested in more intentional, reflective play, this episode offers insights you can bring to your next game night—and beyond. https://www.mindfulgameslab.com /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/39638035

Undaunted 2200 Callisto : Complete Overview of the Sci-Fi Tactical Board Game 11/29/2025

Undaunted 2200 Callisto : Complete Overview of the Sci-Fi Tactical Board Game In this episode, Clay explores Undaunted: 2200 Callisto, the newest and boldest entry in the Undaunted series—now blasting off into full sci-fi territory. If you’ve ever wondered what Undaunted would feel like with mechs, lunar colonies, elevation mechanics, and high-stakes tactical skirmishes, this is the episode for you. I break down what makes 2200 Callisto different from the WWII titles before it, how the new systems change the flow of the game, and why the Breakers vs. LFA conflict is such a compelling setting. Clay talks gameplay, strategy, faction identity, deckbuilding choices, initiative tension, and the emotional ups. Whether you’re a longtime Undaunted fan or totally new to the series, you’ll get a clear sense of whether Callisto belongs in your collection. Tune in to hear my full review, beginner strategy tips, and insights into what makes this sci-fi tactical deck-builder so much fun to play. If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to follow, leave a rating, and share it with a fellow board gamer! /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/39205175

Kinfire Council Review: Strategy, Suspicion & Standout Gameplay 11/03/2025

Kinfire Council Review: Strategy, Suspicion & Standout Gameplay Kinfire Council: When Saving the City Means Watching Your Back Din’Lux is hanging by a thread — and the greatest threat might be sitting right across the table from you. Join Clay as he dives into Kinfire Council, the gorgeous worker placement game where players must rebuild magical lighthouses to protect the last surviving city… all while silently questioning whether their fellow council members are secretly helping the cult trying to destroy it. In this episode, we explore: How cooperation quickly turns into suspicion The unforgettable gameplay moments where everything falls apart Strategic choices that push players toward loyalty… or betrayal Why this game creates big laughs and big tension If you love strategy games with intrigue, pressure, and the occasional perfectly timed betrayal, this is your invitation to step into the council chambers — where every decision matters and trust is the most limited resource of all. Hit play, and let’s find out whether you’ll help save Din’Lux… or doom it. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/38897135

Nature Board Game – Survival Tips, Best Traits, and Hunting Strategies 08/15/2025

Nature Board Game – Survival Tips, Best Traits, and Hunting Strategies In Nature from North Star Game Studio, survival isn’t about brute strength—it’s about clever adaptation. Join Clay from Mindful Games Lab as he dives into this fast-paced, beautifully illustrated board game where every round is an evolutionary arms race. Discover the game’s origin story, learn the best traits to dominate your ecosystem, and explore the high-stakes choice every player faces: to hunt, or not to hunt. You’ll get beginner strategies, insider tips, and a breakdown of the game’s replay value—plus a few laugh-out-loud moments from Clay’s own plays. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a strategy gamer, or just curious about the most gorgeous snow leopard in board gaming, this episode will help you win your very first game of Nature. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/37836490

Exploring Vantage – An Open-World Storytelling Adventure 07/27/2025

Exploring Vantage – An Open-World Storytelling Adventure In this episode, we take a deep dive into Vantage, the epic new open-world board game from Stonemaier Games and designer Jamie Stegmaier. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, Vantage offers a rich, narrative-driven experience filled with exploration, choice, and surprise. You'll learn how the game works, what sets it apart from other storytelling games, and why the first-person perspective and artwork matter more than ever. We’ll cover missions, destinies, dice mechanics, cooperative elements, and replayability — plus, I share some of my own favorite moments from the game. If you love immersive board games with big stories and endless discovery, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Get the free Vantage player aid and more at /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/37570125

So, You Find Yourself at Gen Con… Now What? 07/09/2025

So, You Find Yourself at Gen Con… Now What? for a blog post about Gen Con. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/37342905

Almoravid: Medieval Warfare, Strategy, and the Legend of El Cid 06/30/2025

Almoravid: Medieval Warfare, Strategy, and the Legend of El Cid In this episode, Clay dives deep into Almoravid, the second entry in Volko Ruhnke’s celebrated Levy & Campaign series from GMT Games. Set in the gritty landscape of 11th-century Iberia during the Spanish Reconquista, Almoravid is a game of feudal logistics, political tension, and brutal siege warfare. We unpack the game’s most compelling systems: How you command lords—not armies—and what it means to manage medieval loyalty The dual-role of El Cid, the legendary knight who might fight for either side The tactical weight behind every card, siege attempt, and ravage action Why Almoravid isn’t just a game—it’s a historical narrative waiting to unfold Whether you're a veteran of Nevsky or just curious about asymmetric wargames, this episode will guide you through what makes Almoravid a must-play for fans of immersive, strategy-heavy tabletop experiences. 🔗 Plus, grab our custom capability player aid at ! 🎧 Tune in, sharpen your blades, and prepare to outwit the past. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/37226495

Ironwood – A Clash of Industry and Nature 05/20/2025

Ironwood – A Clash of Industry and Nature Mindful Games Lab Podcast with Clay In this episode, Clay dives deep into Ironwood, the highly thematic two-player strategy game from Mindclash Games. Discover the core conflict between the industrial Ironclad and the mystical Woodwalkers, as they battle for control over the powerful Larimor Crystals in the Iron Forge Mountains. Clay explores the game’s rich lore, stunning components, and clever asymmetric mechanics that bring the clash between metal and nature to life. You’ll learn how the unique card-driven system fuels both tactical combat and strategic planning, and hear firsthand impressions from multiple plays. 🎧 Whether you're curious about the game or looking for tips to sharpen your strategy, this episode has something for you. 🔗 Stick around for: A detailed overview of both factions and their win conditions Key tactical insights and card mechanics Favorite thematic moments from gameplay Beginner strategy tips for each side Why Ironwood might be your next favorite head-to-head game /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/36648430

Meeples On The Ground with Sarah Trager 06/25/2021

Meeples On The Ground with Sarah Trager Clay visits with Sarah Trager from Meeples On The Ground. We talk about some amazing games for you to check out and important game convention advice that is not easy to follow. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/19609772

Gift of Tulips with Carla Kopp 03/09/2021

Gift of Tulips with Carla Kopp Clay visits with Carla Kopp from Weird Giraffe Games. We talk about Gift of Tulips and the amazing team of women who worked on it. We dive into what to do if you’re stuck on a game design and what you must know if you want to pitch a design to a publisher. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/18251315

Electric Orchard 02/21/2021

Electric Orchard Clay talks with Ryan Schneider from Saint Paul Games about Electric Orchard. Find out the most important skill you need to go from idea to Kickstarter launch. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/18029699

Dune Imperium 02/13/2021

Dune Imperium Clay talks about the board game Dune Imperium by Dire Wolf. Find out what it's like to play and get some strategy tips to give you an edge. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/17936393

Bunkers & Badasses 01/22/2021

Bunkers & Badasses Clay visits with designer Ian Moss and developer Marshall Britt of Bunkers & Badasses published by Nerdvana Games. Find out why it's the Coolest est game in the world. Based on the game-within-a-game from Gearbox Entertainment’s Borderlands series, Bunkers & Badasses is a tabletop roleplaying game! /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/17653679

Don't Starve Together 01/08/2021

Don't Starve Together Clay and special guest talk about Don't Starve Together by Klei Entertainment. Find out what it's like to play and why it's a great game for couples. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/17476088

Ed Linder Episode 11/19/2020

Ed Linder Episode Clay visits with Minnesota-based award-winning filmmaker, actor and game industry fan Ed Linder. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/16881929

Bye, Felicia! 11/12/2020

Bye, Felicia! Clay talks about the party game Bye, Felicia! Find out what it's like to play Bye, Felicia. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/16789661

Girl Meets Nerd 10/21/2020

Girl Meets Nerd Clay visits with Megan and Tristan from the "Girl Meets Nerd" Podcast. Find out all about the Nerdverse and what makes Star Wars amazing. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/16496960

Fort 10/08/2020

Fort Clay talks about the deck building game Fort by Leder Games where kids collect pizza, toys and build the coolest fort. /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/16328672

Breakdancing Meeples with Ben Moy 10/06/2020

Breakdancing Meeples with Ben Moy Ben Moy on Clay’s Mindful Games podcast. Clay interviews Ben Moy designer of Breakdancing meeples published by Atlas games. Learn the best thing you can do to start a game design. Find out the most important skill for a game designer to focus on! /episode/index/show/mindfulgameslab/id/16297718

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