Happy Mitten Podcast: Board games, business, and...

In this episode… We are joined by Scott “Tox” Morris, President of Passport Games. We originally welcomed Scott to our podcast on episode 29 nearly two years ago. At that time, Tox was known for creating the “Crits Happen” Youtube channel and was transitioning himself into Arcane Wonders as Vice President of Business Development. Yes Tox did all of that and is now President of Passport Games. Scott’s ability to make life transitions and excel at what he does can be used as a measuring stick for our own lives. A measuring stick that’s telling us we’re falling short and need to step it up! It was great to talk with Scott about these past two years and we are excited to see Passport Games grow under Scott’s leadership! Company Updates We have improved the selection and shirt quality in the Happy Mitten Podcast Store. Our shirts are all blended fabrics and super comfortable now. Life is too short to clothe our bodies in cotton alone! Success means more fabrics.

Happy Mitten interviews Gino and Bevan of Tinkerbot Games from across the pond in the United Kingdom. The pair just launched their first Kickstarter Project called “Ghostel,” which Leandra appears in as one of the games many, humorous illustrations. The three of us were lucky to play the prototype of Ghostel and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Ghostel had a spooky vibe to it which reminds me of the Boo’s mansion levels in Mario Brothers. Tinkerbot Games has excelled with allowing customers to be a part of Ghostel by removing some of their completed artwork to include actual illustrations of backers. We admire that and encourage all of you to check the project out by clicking on their Kickstarter link below. Hope you enjoy the episode!

In this episode… We are joined by JT Smith, founder and creator of The Game Crafter. We are also joined by Mark and Christina of Whirling Derby Games to discuss Zerpang!. This is the second time we’ve had JT on the podcast and it was great to speak with him again. I feel JT is a board game industry visionary. While most people in our industry design or publish games, JT created an entire web platform in which people can create and sell their board game designs. The Game Crafter is the go-to website for custom ordered game prototypes and a terrific stage to present your game idea to the public and learn if it is worthy of a larger release. JT is smart and business savvy and we hope our questions exposed that and helped you listeners out. With JT Smith were Mark and Cristina. The couple are the founders of Whirling Derby Games and designers of the soon-to-be Kickstarted game, Zerpang!. Zerpang! started as a popular game on The Game Crafter website, but now a higher quality version with custom miniatures will be available through Kickstarter. We spent our time with Mark and Cristina learning about Zerpang!, and their own experience using The Game Crafter website. It was a pleasure to speak with JT, Mark, and Christina and hope you enjoy.

In this episode… We interview designer, shadowbox maker, and speech pathologist John du Bois. John discusses his habits and routines on writing RPGs and designing board games, how he integrates board games into his career, and his hobby of selling board game shadowboxes in his Esty shop. John is publishing Avignon: A Clash of Popes through Button Shy Games and it will hit Kickstarter January 5th.

We interview Patrick and Kat Lysaght from Chara Games! The couple currently find themselves in South Korea where Patrick is stationed for the Air Force. What a great opportunity to learn a little about the board game community over there, while also learning about what makes their company special.

In this episode… We interview Matt and Dan from The League of Nonsensical Gamers! The League of Nonsensical Gamers have dedicated themselves to producing quality media content about the world of board games. The League’s website has had an impressive amount of early success and the group’s approach to reviews and producing podcasts is well […]

Jeff, Lee, and Kyle interview Jamey Stegmaier, president of Stonemaier Games and designer of recent Kickstarter mega hit, “Scythe.”

In this episode… We welcome you to the first episode of Season Three of the Happy Mitten Podcast. With your help, we were able to fund 24 more episodes of our podcast! On this episode, hear about what it was like running the campaign and fulfilling the reward levels post funding. We have at least a few interesting observations and also want to have chat about board games! Look for the second episode of the podcast to post November 16th with guest Jamey Stegmaier!

In this episode… We are joined by Patrick Nickell of Crash Games. Crash Games is responsible for publishing some of our favorite board games such as Council of Verona, Yardmaster, and Dead Drop!, but what stands out with Crash Games the most is Patrick. We challenge you to find a more likable guy in the board game industry. If you frequent Gen Con, Origins, or one of the many other board game conventions Crash Games visits throughout the year, you’ve probably already met Patrick and know what we’re talking about! Starting a small publishing company and then consistently publishing games for the number of years Patrick has does not happen by luck. You have to work at it hard and often working at it hard is still not enough. You need to possess something unique and Patrick’s sociability is what we recognize about Crash Games and wanted to discuss on this episode. Is this quality natural for Patrick, or something he is self aware of and needed to develop? We were fortunate to have Patrick on and are thrilled with how the episode turned out. Topics discussed were Crash Games business beginnings as a partnership with Michael Coe, the impact of having Council of Verona appear on Wil Wheaton’s TableTop!, and the physiological phenomenon of purchasing more games than you have time for.

In this episode, Jeff, Lee, and Kyle reflect on the past 65 episodes, discuss hopes for the next year, and Lee rages on Jeff for interrupting her story. #Jeffissorry Company Updates The Kickstarter Campaign for Season Three of the Happy Mitten Podcast drops August 25th! Obtain a “Play Games. Live Happy” shirt! Sign up for the mailing list and be entered to win $$$ to Cool Stuff Inc!

In this episode, Jeff and Lee interview Marty and Tony from Rolling Dice and Taking Names. We were on their show back in February (Episode 58), had a great time, and decided to have them on ours. We discussed topics like how to run a podcast, the state of the industry, and popcorn question time. Company Updates The Kickstarter Campaign for Season Three of the Happy Mitten Podcast drops August 25th! Obtain a “Play Games. Live Happy” shirt! Sign up for the mailing list and be entered to win $$$ to Cool Stuff Inc!

In this episode… Jeff and Lee document their journey and experience making the road trip to GenCon 2015 from Grand Rapids in order to cover the action for your listening pleasure! We discuss which games to play and which to avoid, how to look like an authentic zombie, and talk to plenty of people/ companies like Crash Games, Gamelyn Games, Dice Hate Me Games, Watch it Play, Geek Allstars, Rolling Dice and Taking Names, Plaid Hat Games, and many more! Company Updates Obtain a “Play Games. Live Happy” shirt! The Kickstarter Campaign for Season Three of the Happy Mitten Podcast drops August 25th!

In this episode… We are joined with Plaid Hat Games Designer / Art Director, Isaac Vega! Isaac co-designed the highly successful psychological survival game, “Dead Of Winter” and more recently he is the sole designer of the upcoming smash hit, “Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn.” Company Updates... We are launching a Kickstarter to support the next year of the podcast. Get in on the action starting August 25th!

In this episode… We are joined by game designers, Matt Riddle and Ben Pinchback! Notable games they designed are Fleet, Floating Market, and the next big game you need to have. These two guys are interesting because they have always designed as a pair. We were excited to talk about why that is as well as the stand out moments in their years as game designers. How does the duo pitch to publishers? What are they not doing that they should be? These questions and more discussed on our party of a sixty first episode! Company Updates Help support the Happy Mitten Podcast by getting your family and friends a “Play Games. Live Happy.” T-Shirt Why not get your self one too? You deserve that much!

On this episode, we talk with designer, publisher, and podcaster, Jason Kotarski! We discuss things like how being a publisher and designer has made him better at both, his rebellious middle school past (he made his mom cry), and Green Couch Games' recently signed games. Enjoy! Company updates: We now have t-shirts! Happy Mitten will be returning to Kickstarter to support the podcast in July. More details to come!