Sporadically Board with Mike and Dan

Mike DiLisio and Dan Hughes plus a special guest talk about board games, card games, and anything else that catches their eye.

Episode 120 - Lets go to Japan 05/25/2025

Episode 120 - Lets go to Japan Mike just flew in from Japan and boy are his arms tired. As well as taking about his trip we discuss the production copy of I Made You a Mix Tape, dan's exciting adventures decorating his bathroom, and probably some other stuff - to be honest it's all a bit of a blur. Download it while it's hot! /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/36703725

Episode 119 - Tilting at Windmills and Tariffs, with Jeff Knapp 04/21/2025

Episode 119 - Tilting at Windmills and Tariffs, with Jeff Knapp Dan and Mike are joined by Jeff from Tabletop toolbox (and the Dice Tower) to talk about the usual claptrap. You can find Jeff's youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/2Irh8VHPDxU?si=Jp-l9MTl2pkkiIrz /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/36238570

Episode 118: Substack, Social Media, and going to Japan - With Max Davie 02/23/2025

Episode 118: Substack, Social Media, and going to Japan - With Max Davie Mike, Max, and Dan solve all the conundrems of the universe. /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/35393070

Episode 117: One for the surviving bacteria 01/20/2025

Episode 117: One for the surviving bacteria All right stop, collaborate and listen Dan and Mike are back with the brand-new invention Something, grabs a hold of us tightly Flow like a harpoon daily and nightly Will it ever stop? Yo, we don't know Turn off the lights and we'll glow To the extreme we rock a mic like a vandal Light up a stage and wax a chump like a candle Dance go rush to the speaker that booms We're killing your brain like a poisonous mushroom Deadly when we play a dope melody Anything less than the best is a felony Love it or leave it you better gang way You better hit bull's eye the kid don't play And if there was a problem, yo, we'll solve it Check out the hook while our DJ revolves it /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/34925940

Episode 116: Fake Octopuses with Carl Robinson 11/10/2024

Episode 116: Fake Octopuses with Carl Robinson Look, before anyone starts - I looked it up and the plural of octopus is octopuses - so don't come here with your knock-off latin and claim it's "octopi". Now that's out of the way, On this episode of Sporadically Board we are joined by Kelp-Boy himself, Carl Robinson (or Karl Robinson, as I like to call him). He's talking to us about his experiences with the scammers and ne'er-do-wells who have been selling fake copies of his extremely successful game, Kelp. We also talk about other stuff - some of which is board game related and some of which isn't. One thing we do talk about (but not too much) is the kickstarter fro the game Mike and I designed: I Made You a Mixtape. There's only a few days left on the kickstarter campaign, so if you were thinking of backing it - then there's no better time to do so than now! Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/33867247

Episode 115: Traveling with Matthew Jude 10/28/2024

Episode 115: Traveling with Matthew Jude Sometimes life gets so busy that you let time get away from you, and realize that it's been far too long since you've had a proper chat with a friend. Such has been the case with our guest who's been part the show since the very beginning, the lovely Matthew Jude. Quick hugs and hurried greetings at conventions aside, it's been a while since we've been able to spend a dedicated amount of time chatting with Matthew. Well, THAT ENDS NOW! On this very special episode of Blossom, Matthew chats with us about his love of travel on his own terms. In addition to his stellar work in board gaming, he also has a travel focused YouTube channel, Yesland, which you can visit here: In addition to our discussion of world travels, we discuss: Stand up desks Desk trampolines Bad backs UK and US music number ones Also, our game I Made You a Mixtape is NOW LIVE on Kickstarter! Please visit our Kickstarter page and check it out. Maybe even back it. Maybe even back multiple copies. Joking aside, we'd really love it if you could spread the word about it. This is the most powerful marketing we can afford with our budget of zero dollars, and it's so incredibly powerful. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cabbagedan/i-made-you-a-mixtape /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/33629547

Episode 114: Mike Just Realized That He Never Named The Last One 10/08/2024

Episode 114: Mike Just Realized That He Never Named The Last One Hello everyone! While uploading this, I realized that I never named the last one. I'm taking suggestions on what the official title of Episode 113 should be. Leave those suggestions in the comments below. Also, here's another one! It discusses the Dice Tower Retreat. I remember very little about this recording since I've been to Las Vegas and Europe for over two weeks, and I just got home. It was recorded before I left. I'm pretty tired, and at this point I don't trust myself not to type something incoherent. I remember this much: We talked about the Dice Tower Retreat. Dan and Evan were there. Jerry was there. Gaby wasn't. We played games. I'm tired. /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/33376932

Episode 113: 09/23/2024

Episode 113: WARNING: Mike is not on this episode. Dan is left to host for himself. The results are predictable. Thankfully we have TWO guests to compensate! Super-designer Frank West is here! We're especially appreciative as he's knees deep in the Kickstarter campaign for his upcoming game, Emberleaf! also, Super-human Luke Prior is here! We're especially appreciative as he's knees deep in spotted dick. Also, he works for Gamefound. As I wasn't in this episode, I have no idea what they talked about. Dan also left me no notes. I'm listening as I write this. So far, they've talked about: German potatoes Watching Monty Python films for free on slot machines The Gang Luke's degenerate gambling habit Ok, that's all I have time for. I need to get this out to your yearning earholes. I do know that the jist of the conversation revolves around crowdfunding. Speaking of, you really should check out Frank's cracking new game Emberleaf! (I played it at AireCon NW, and really enjoyed it): Also, if you'd be so kind as to check out the upcoming Kickstarter project, I Made You a Mixtape, designed by myself and Dan we'd greatly appreciate it. Click on "Notify Me on Launch" for extra brownie points! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cabbagedan/i-made-you-a-mixtape /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/33178812

Episode 112: AireCon Gets Yanked 09/09/2024

Episode 112: AireCon Gets Yanked The Yanks take over Manchester, England and things will never be the same! In this episode, Mike and Dan talk about: AireCon NW British Airways Them Prices (I assume. I can't remember exactly, but it's not like Dan WON'T complain about the cost of things) Meal Deals The fact that Boot's has the bougiest meal deals The superiority of Starbars Games? Also, we have the newest of our "Educating Evan" segments, where Dan's son Evan joins us to discuss his experiences at the convention. All of this, plus shilling. Speaking of, please check out the Kickstarter Preview page for the upcoming game Mike and Dan designed, "I Made You a Mixtape", and click the Notify button: Play the game NOW on Tabletop Simulator (multiplayer and solo): Check out the Massive Asterisk Publisher Web Site: /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/32977252

Episode 111: LIVE From AireCon! 08/23/2024

Episode 111: LIVE From AireCon! Welcome to a VERY SPECIAL EPISODE of Sporadically Board. AireCon NW has just ended, and while Dan drove home with nary a care, Mike braved the horrors of British Airways and the Manchester Airport to eventually get home to the US. His luggage arrived days later. While at AireCon, Dan put together a cracking quiz show where Mike, Zee and Camilla (from The Dice Tower) represented the United States against the entire UK represented by Dan's ridiculous questions and the audience. This battle of cultural knowledge was as hard fought and underhanded as you can imagine. WHO answered the diabolical questions the best? WHAT was Mike doing with a slide whistle? WHERE were the Yorkshire puddings? WHEN will we be allowed to re-enter the UK? All of these questions answered and more on this SPECIAL LIVE EPISODE of Sporadically Board! /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/32714767

Episode 110: Quantity Over Quality 08/11/2024

Episode 110: Quantity Over Quality Can you believe it? We said we were going to do something, and we've actually stuck to it for a few episodes. You're going to need to rent a storage shed to contain all of the entertainment you're getting from us. In this episode we discuss: Gen Con AireCon Chaka Khan The Wrath of Khan There was a lot of other stuff too, but I don't want to spoil it for you. Also we recorded it yesterday, and I've forgotten most of it. PANDERING PLAZA: Please visit the Kickstarter preview page for Mike and Dan's upcoming board game, "I Made You a Mixtape" and click on the "Notify Me on Launch" button. Visit our cool new website at: /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/32535017

Episode 109: The One About The Kickstarter 07/31/2024

Episode 109: The One About The Kickstarter Hold onto your hats as we're releasing podcasts thick and fast at the moment (well, this is the second this month anyway). And in this episode we finally able to announce the date of our Kickstarter for "I Made You a Mixtape" - the game that Mike and I have been working on for the past two years. Hurrah! If you would like to follow the project on Kickstater (and we would really really appreciate it if you did) then you can do so by following this link: You can also see some of the fantastic art that Gary has done by taking a look at our website here: And you can join the fun and keep up with all the updates on the game on our I Made You a Mixtape Facebook group here: That's a lot of links - but everyone is a doozy. /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/32346997

Episode 108: Metropolitan Elites 07/21/2024

Episode 108: Metropolitan Elites NEW FORMAT ALERT: In an attempt to always be on the cutting edge of podcast technology, Dan and I are trying a new format for the podcast. Don't worry, the same rambling, nonsensical claptrap you know and loathe remains, but it's just more condensed! NOW you can experience Mike and Dan in shorter bursts, more often. [pause for innuendo] We begin this new adventure here, at episode 108. To be honest, there's so much entertainment packed into these 50 minutes that it would have been irresponsible for us to have gone on any longer. We care about you, the listener, too much to give you more than these 50 minutes of jam packed, razor honed genius. And as a bonus, we'll be back with episode 109 sooner than you'd expect! /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/32230922

Episode 107: Getting Down to the Business End of Business 06/22/2024

Episode 107: Getting Down to the Business End of Business As you know, Dan and I like to keep things light and frothy in most circumstances (it's also the way Dan prefers his Venti, Quad, Half-Caff, Non-Fat, No Foam, Extra Hot, Peppermint, White Chocolate Mocha with Light Whip, 2 Pumps of Sugar-Free Vanilla, 1 Pump of Classic, a Dash of Cinnamon, a Splash of Soy Milk, Double Blended, with Chocolate Drizzle on Top and a Light Dusting of Matcha Powder order at Starbucks). But on rare occasions, we need to get down to BUSINESS. You may not realize this, but Dan and I are very serious BUSINESS people. And in this topsy-turvy world, what can you depend on if not for BUSINESS? In this episode we discuss: BUSINESS /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/31849922

Episode 106: Fauxgels, Goulash and the (Taylor) Reinerssance 05/26/2024

Episode 106: Fauxgels, Goulash and the (Taylor) Reinerssance We used to have guests on this podcast quite regularly. Then we didn't. Such are the vagaries of life. But sometimes. Sometimes you run across someone who's artistic vision is so pure and unsullied that you simply must invite them onto your podcast so that you can shove them back towards the mainstream, and crush any artistic joy they once had. Our guest this episode is the wonderful Taylor Reiner, who is the creator of the "Taylor's Trick Taking Table" You Tube channel that focuses on trick taking games from around the world. Taylor is also a rising star in game design and development, with two games currently published, Short Zoot Suit and Of What's Left. Also soon to release is Seer's Catalog from Bezier Games. On this episode we discuss: Social Security Numbers Goulash Fast talkers Bagels Ice cream But mostly goulash As a bonus, Taylor and I include a top 3 for Dan's benefit. It's called, "Top 3 Games for People who are Fightened and Confused by Trick Taking Games". For more information about Taylor, check out his channel here: Join Myself and Dan at AireCon NW! (also Zee and Camilla, I guess) 16-18th August 2024 - Manchester Get tickets here! https://acnw.airecon.co.uk/ /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/31468732

Episode 105.5: Return of the Mailbag (Redux) 04/27/2024

Episode 105.5: Return of the Mailbag (Redux) Sound the trumpets! Ring the bells! Trim the hedges! Yes, it's time for another incomparable, inconceivable, incompetent epidode of Sporadically Board. LISTEN - as Dan quizzes Mike about hip new phrases buzzing around the zeitgeist. YEARN - as Dan discusses the pleasures of cheese on Christmas Cake. QUIVER - as Mike elucidates on why he wants to be a guava. GENUFLECT - to the mailbag altar, spilling its contents all over the Internet. WEEP - at the omission of A Few Acres of Rubbish. /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/31013543

Episode 104: The Mike Dilisio AireCon, also with The Dice Tower 03/25/2024

Episode 104: The Mike Dilisio AireCon, also with The Dice Tower Dan and I are known for our encyclopedic knowledge of most things in life. Board games? Sure. Puddings? Absolutely. Mechanical Engineering? Obviously. What many people don't realize is that we are also experts in AI technology and the societal and moral implications therein. Well, after this episode, there will be no question. Honorary Doctorates will assuredly be forthcoming. In addition to that, in this episode we also cover: "Horse or Human": Dan's new game show, soon airing on Netflix, with host Carrot Top. Minecraft: The new hotness. Mr. Beast: King of Tik-Tok Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: A very real boxing match. The Luddite Movement: Rage Against the Machine. AireCon and Dice Tower West Whew. That's most podcast's content for an entire year. Our generosity knows no limits. /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/30528318

Episode 103: Cross Coastal Con Chat: Including a MAJOR EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT! 02/04/2024

Episode 103: Cross Coastal Con Chat: Including a MAJOR EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT! Can it be so soon? It seems like only 2 months ago that a Sporadically Board episode came crashing through the Internet to wash over your earholes in a soothing wave. Well, it's true. We're back, and we come to you with a MAJOR EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT! You, our beloved listeners, are being given a worldwide exclusive announcement before it gets revealed to the teeming masses of the ignorant. You, just by virtue of having impeccable taste in podcasts, will be able to tease, infuriate, and frustrate your friends and loved ones by withholding this major announcement and holding it over their heads like an informational Sword of Damocles. If that wasn't enough, we also discuss such hot button topics as: The Suffragette Movement David Bowie The flu and bronchitis The Dice Tower Cruise Rat infested cottage vacations Sean, Ronan and Mike vs. Dan, Matthew and Richard in a steel cage death match ...and so much more! All of this, plus A Few Acres of Rubbish. Here is the incredibly long link to the Cora Quest: Keep on Questing! contest discussed in the episode: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3oepo754SX-k751DmlhuMMZGFQgUx7RMVPkTneupsVggCfQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1pSxDv5oIPpyp5EJpLLneqCe41oNhGXdQ32nEHH5LjRQPHJeNqprKIfA4 /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/29793638

Episode 102: Kentucky Derby Special - with The Board Game Snobs 12/06/2023

Episode 102: Kentucky Derby Special - with The Board Game Snobs This episode was DEMANDED by the entire Board Game Snobs Community, and let me tell you, that guy was super annoying. Gaby and Jerry join us to talk about... ...honestly I have no idea. We played a couple of game shows, one by Dan and one by Jerry. We talked about Jerry living in an area known primarily for death. We proposed ridiculous insurance claim scenarios for Gaby. Dan talked about windshield screens, whatever those are. I'm sure I talked about stuff. Also, Jerry got progressively more affected by all the Kentucky Derbys. All this, plus we almost talked about board games. Co-Starring: A Few Acres of Rubbish. With Special Guest Star: Ricardo Montalban /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/28948668

Episode 101: Don't Worry, Kelp is on the Way - with Carl Robinson 10/17/2023

Episode 101: Don't Worry, Kelp is on the Way - with Carl Robinson After the multimedia extravaganza that was Episode 100, we keep the fireworks going by inviting first time guest and first time designer Carl Robinson. Carl has designed Kelp, a two-player asymmetrical game that offers players a unique opportunity to delve into the natural world of Pyjama Sharks and Common Octopuses, set in a South African kelp forest. Those were absolutely my words alone, and not a cut and paste from Board Game Geek. In addition to discussing the story behind that game, Dan, Carl and Mike have a wide ranging conversation that includes, but isn't limited to: Dan's impressions of this year's Essen Spiel which he absolutely did not attend. Mike and Carl's impressions of this year's Essen Spiel which they absolutely did attend. Kendal Mint Cake. Urinal Cakes, plus bonus toilet discussion. Extra bonus toilet serenades. Teaching children how to play Poirot. How people in the North of England count sheep. All of this, plus Dan's Soundtrack game, A Few Acres of Rubbish, and a disgusting amount of board game discussion. For more information about Kelp, check out Kelp Preview Kickstarter Page: Launches November 7th /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/28347113

Episode 99: Magically Delicious 09/18/2023

Episode 99: Magically Delicious Episode 99. You know how sometimes when there's some kind of big numerical milestone looming on a podcast, the episode just before it is a lackluster placeholder type of episode? Well, we were going to do that but Gaby was unavailable, so instead Dan and I come to you with this episode that is chock full of spicy, saucy, sassy, succulent, spectacular content. Also, lots of poop talk. Tune in to hear... A BRAND NEW game that Dan actually prepared beforehand! A new segment called, "Talkin' Beer Here with Dan Hughes" Where Dan formulates his ideas. Duty Free Shops, and their infringement on our freedoms. TONS of discussion about Ireland: Dan's recent trip there, and his thoughts on prices. More thoughts on prices. Museums. Prices. Amphibious boats. Tipping in Dublin. Or lack thereof. Prices. Why everyone in the UK dips their chips in Guinness beer. Some game talk! A Few Acres of Rubbish. /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/28063875

Episode 98: Flipping Lorcana For Cold Hard Bathroom Tiles 08/12/2023

Episode 98: Flipping Lorcana For Cold Hard Bathroom Tiles Well, what do you know? Another freshly baked episode comes piping hot out of the SpoBo oven, and it's ready for your hungry ears. I'd blow on it first if I were you, but I'll also understand if you're willing to char your canals if you just can't wait. In this episode, Mike and Dan discuss: Dan's bathroom renovation Dan's family vacation to Canterbury Dan's 5 star meal in Canterbury Uncle Ben's Mexican Rice (see above) 2 Falafel (see above above) Mike's globetrotting Gen Con Dan's can't miss plan to pay for his bathroom renovation (see way above) by flipping Lorcana cards All of this, PLUS everyone's favorite game, Brown Bread, and A Few Acres of Rubbish! /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/27736224

Episode 97: Educating Evan 07/17/2023

Episode 97: Educating Evan Episode 97! Three away from a major milestone. Although as we've said in the past, that number is slightly suspect in the sense that every one of our episodes is at least 4 times the length of our "peers". Also, we pack more into a single episode than our "peers" will in a year. Speaking of packing it in, in this episode we cover: Pirate Dads Sweet, Sweet New Merchandise and Logo Gen Con Preview Discussion Educating Evan Hughes on classic games Chest Hair I'd like to see our "peers" cover that amount of material in their "shows". And that's not even mentioning our audience favorite "Brown Bread" game show. Take that "peers". The fantastic Sporadically Board merch store mentioned in the episode: https://sirmeeple.com/collections/sporadically-board /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/27485928

Episode 96: Take a Bow with guest Kirsten Lunde 06/12/2023

Episode 96: Take a Bow with guest Kirsten Lunde Dan and Mike are recording with alarming frequency these days. Frankly, it seems suspicious if you ask me. However, as I'm one of the people participating and since I have no ulterior motive that I'm comfortable divulging, you'll all just have to go with us and enjoy the ride. And what a ride it is! On this episode, Dan and Mike discuss: The lie that is castor sugar. Why Dan's scones taste tangier than they should. The relationship between game designers and publishers. Also, we have a very special guest aboard: Kirsten Lunde! Kirsten discusses her upcoming symphony themed board game, Ovation (, and talks about her move from the United States to New Zealand. Also, Kirsten retains her cool amidst Dan's stubborn refusal to pronounce her name correctly. All of this, plus A Few Acres of Rubbish! More information for Ovation here: /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/27123444

Episode 95: You've Got Some Nerve - with Ben Maddox 05/30/2023

Episode 95: You've Got Some Nerve - with Ben Maddox Hot off the presses, here's episode 95! We invite special guest Ben Maddox of the fantastic Five Games For Doomsday podcast along for the ride, and what a ride it is. On this episode we discuss: Care Bears. The 2023 Spiel des Jahres Nominations. Mike's Root Canal. The many podcasts involving the participants that have lost the BGG Golden Geek Award, and how ultimately, the common denominator among them is Dan. Ben's new venture into RPGs, discussing both 1,000 Year Old Vampire, and also the upcoming project he's writing. All of this, plus A Few Acres of Rubbish! Find all things Ben at: https://fivegamesfordoomsday.com /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/26986704

Episode 94: Coronations and Comic Books 05/07/2023

Episode 94: Coronations and Comic Books In this episode, Mike and Dan discuss the Coronation of the King of England, (including Dan's taxes being used to fund it), and Free Comic Book Day! We also discuss importing board games from parts of the world we don't live in, and mass market thriller novels. You wanted your episdoes more frequent? Well, be careful what you ask for. Pretty soon we'll be like the Board Game Snobs and recording our shopping lists. /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/26768310

Episode 93: Yet Again, Your Consideration is Requested - with Luke Prior 04/14/2023

Episode 93: Yet Again, Your Consideration is Requested - with Luke Prior Well, it's that time again. The time when all board game podcasts are pitted against each other in a no holds barred competition of bloodsport. Remember Bloodsport? With Claude Van Damme? They called him "The Muscles From Brussels". I digress. It's Golden Geek Awards time! While we like to be self-deprecating here at Sporadically Board, the truth is that Dan and I are proud that we've been able to keep this endeavor going for as many years as we have, and we still very much enjoy doing it. If you, our faithful listeners, still enjoy listening we'd be very appreciative if you would go to Board Game Geek and nominate Sporadically Board for Best Board Game Podcast. To nominate us, click on the following link, then click the Podcast tab at the top of the page. Finally, scroll very far down until you find us in an alphabetical list: In addition to shameful politicing, we and our guest Luke Prior discuss brown bread, Mike moving back to the United States Midwest, the absolutely filthy hobby of bookbinding, and even gasp games! /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/26541861

Episode 92: Relocations and Conventions 03/20/2023

Episode 92: Relocations and Conventions Mike talks about his upcoming move back to the Midwest. Dan talks about stealthily eating crisps while recording a professional podcast. Aire Con and Dice Tower West battle it out in a "Battle of the Board Game Conventions". Actually they don't. But that would have been an ace idea. Why didn't we think of that? Also, some games. /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/26283255

Episode 91.5 : Dan and Mike Succumb To The Whims of Technology 02/13/2023

Episode 91.5 : Dan and Mike Succumb To The Whims of Technology Well this episode has been quite a journey. First, we had to scrap the first 30 minutes and se-start (no big loss there, we hadn't even made a single salient point). Next, we had multiple issues uploading the episode to the server. As I (Mike) type this, I have very little idea if this will even make it safe and sound to your ears. The fact that Mike is attempting to do this at all is proof positive that we have explored every possible avenue. Here's hoping. We chat about games (I know, right?). We chat about cars. Well, mostly Mike does. It's riveting stuff. Mike asks Marcus to mark some things down, adding to his incalculable work load. We recommend things. Am I typing this in vain? Will this work? /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/25913109

Ep 90: Happy New Year from Mike and Dan 12/31/2022

Ep 90: Happy New Year from Mike and Dan Join the Sporadically Board Facebook group Follow Sporadically Board on twitter Follow Mike over on twitter at Massive thanks to the ever fantastic for the graphics for the show Also huge thanks to for the show's music /episode/index/show/sporadicallyboard/id/25469691

Sporadically Board with Mike and Dan

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