Episodes

Monday May 02, 2022
Episode 97 - Corked Bottle
Monday May 02, 2022
Monday May 02, 2022
With Episode 100 on the horizon, Iain and Jamie start to get things sorted out at the HQ for the big day. Of course the news has to come first and the studio beckons as they cover controversy in wine country, Hasbro announcements, GAMA elections, and much more on this episode of Brainwaves.
Headlines
Viticulture World Controversy
https://stonemaiergames.com/south-america-cultural-consulting-and-fixing-a-big-mistake/
Thinker Themer Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIxYdLEW__w&ab_channel=ThinkerThemer
Hasbro, DnD Direct and more
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/50974/wotc-plans-use-d-d-play-system-more-ips
https://www.polygon.com/23033732/dnd-spelljammer-adventures-in-space-release-date-price
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMHspJ92-hg&ab_channel=Dungeons%26Dragons
GAMA elections
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/50996/new-gama-president-is-retailer
Updates
Steamforged Dark Souls
News
Pokemon company acquires a printer
Exploding onto your TV
Union at MTG retailer Card Kingdom
https://www.dicebreaker.com/topics/unions/news/magic-the-gathering-card-kingdom-union
Golden Geek nominees
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2854374/16th-annual-golden-geek-awards-nominees-announced
Patreon Shoutouts
James Naylor
Shaun Newan
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Metallic Dice Games
https://metallicdicegames.com/
Promo Code: ROLLWITHBRAINS
Tabletop Scotland
https://tabletopscotland.co.uk/
Kiwi RPG Week
Outro
Lewis chessmen inspired game
https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/bretwalda/news/bretwalda-board-game-reveal-exclusive
Our Links
Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegiantbrain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: giantbrainuk@gmail.com

Monday Apr 18, 2022
Episode 96 -Pyramid Scheme
Monday Apr 18, 2022
Monday Apr 18, 2022
Iain has come up with a brilliant new way to fund the cast but Jamie is not so sure. While they contemplate the future they settle down in the studio to bring you news about NFts invading Dungeons and Dragons, Asmodee Unboxing a new line, Wizards new acquisition, some updates on previous stories, loads of awards and more on this brand new episode of Brainwaves.
Headlines
Dungeons and Scammers
https://gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-nft-gripnr-blockchain-dnd-ttrpg-1848686984
https://neuemarkets.com/2022/04/12/gripnr-quickly-raises-2-5mm-with-5e-rpg-fans-and-nft-collectors/
Asmodee launches unbox now
https://venturebeat.com/2022/04/12/asmodee-launches-unbox-now-a-collection-of-its-best-board-games/
Wizards welcomes D&D beyond to the party
Updates
Trans rights bundle
https://twitter.com/IlanaNight13/status/1510498242911301635?s=20&t=nGuQ6r4rQVebRneVYVqv_A
Hasbro refuses to let Wizards go
https://www.geeknative.com/140824/its-official-hasbro-refuse-to-spin-off-wizards-of-the-coast
News
American Tabletop Awards announced
https://americantabletopawards.com/2022-american-tabletop-award-winners/
Dice Tower Award nominees announced
https://www.dicetower.com/dice-tower-awards/2021
Gayming Awards
https://gaymingmag.com/awards/
Stonemaier sales boom
https://stonemaiergames.com/2021-behind-the-scenes-stakeholder-report-for-stonemaier-games/
Dark So…h dear
https://gamerant.com/dark-souls-tabletop-rpg-is-riddled-with-bugs-say-players/
Patreon Shoutouts
James Naylor
Shaun Newan
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Metallic Dice Games
https://metallicdicegames.com/
Promo Code: ROLLWITHBRAINS
Tabletop Scotland
https://tabletopscotland.co.uk/
Outro
No Monopoly, just a deck of cards
https://www.monumentsmenfoundation.org/product-page/wwii-most-wanted-art
Our Links
Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegiantbrain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: giantbrainuk@gmail.com

Monday Apr 11, 2022
On Stage - Mark Cooke (Airecon)
Monday Apr 11, 2022
Monday Apr 11, 2022
In our most recent On Stage interview Iain is joined by Mark Cooke, organiser of Airecon, for a chat about all things conventions. They cover Airecon 2022, the future of the show, con organisation, getting celebrities along, the rise of digital conventions and a whole host of other topics before taking questions from the audience.
Airecon
Stabcon
https://www.facebook.com/groups/21195645768/
Bez’s Interview

Monday Apr 04, 2022
Episode 95 - Tilting Forward
Monday Apr 04, 2022
Monday Apr 04, 2022
It’s been 4 years of the Brainwaves cast and the news shows no sign of slowing down. WE have once more sifted through the world of tabletop news to bring you only the best. This episode we cover Kickstarter losing its CEO, Gamefound opening its platform, Asmodee looking at tech, retailers going out of business, Chess banning players and more!
Headlines
Kickstarter CEO steps down
https://www.kickstarter.com/blog/moving-forward-with-gratitude
Gamefound open to all
https://gamefound.com/blog/post/gamefound-is-open-for-all-creators
Asmodee Tilts at the Future
Updates
Cortex Prime update
https://www.dicebreaker.com/series/cortex-prime/news/cortex-prime-rpg-community-license-update
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tJ4pGBTMwYIibWKUiQe9ScdFBCFNuCuL/view
News
Dice & Decks gone bust
https://www.facebook.com/groups/UKboardgametrade/permalink/3255524031398584/
World Series of Board Games
Gama moves dates
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/50823/gama-expo-toy-fair-new-york-shift-dates
Chess News
https://www.chessdom.com/kremlin-reacts-to-the-ban-of-sergey-karjakin/
Patreon Shoutouts
James Naylor
Shaun Newan
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Metallic Dice Games
https://metallicdicegames.com/
Promo Code: ROLLWITHBRAINS
Tabletop Scotland
https://tabletopscotland.co.uk/
Outro
South Park Monopoly
https://worldofmonopoly.com/list-ru/list-sn-sq/southpark/2022-ausuk/index.php
Our Links
Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegiantbrain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: giantbrainuk@gmail.com

Monday Mar 21, 2022
Episode 94 - Update-a-Palooza
Monday Mar 21, 2022
Monday Mar 21, 2022
Jamie’s had some bad OJ and they are recording later than usual. How will this affect your favourite tabletop news show? The only way to know is to find out as they cover Nebula awards, sales completing, more updates than you can shake a stick at and rock bands getting into RPGs.
Headlines
Four tabletop RPGs up for nebula award
https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2022/03/four-tabletop-rpgs-are-up-for-a-nebula-award.html
Embracer Group completes acquisition of Asmodee and Dark Horse
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/50703/embracer-completes-acquisition-dark-horse-asmodee
https://twitter.com/Asmodee_USA/status/1503722163731378182
Updates
US Man jailed for pokemon card buy with covid funds
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/mar/07/pokemon-coronavirus-relief-loan-scam-georgia
TSR Vs Wizards round 364
https://twitter.com/questauthority/status/1469816863655874561?s=20&t=Biu3uFVhFNZ7zjAU_VpCiw
JR Honeycutt sues
Episode 39
https://giantbrain.co.uk/2019/11/25/episode-39-conventional-wisdom/
Original Medium Post
https://medium.com/@victoria.mann11/coming-forward-to-move-forward-8608e9c27e74
Fandomentals piece including JR apology
Victoria’s GoFundMe
Gaming Goat Strikes Again
Episode 82
https://giantbrain.co.uk/2021/09/20/episode-82-green-awards/
Episode 83
https://giantbrain.co.uk/2021/10/04/episode-83-financial-insults/
Original Page Address - This has since been taken down
News
Heroquest petition
https://www.change.org/p/hasbro-re-release-the-heroquest-commander-of-the-guardian-knights
Games Workshop pulls out of Russia
https://www.warhammer-community.com/2022/03/16/an-important-note-on-russia-and-ukraine/
Football’s Coming Home
Patreon Shoutouts
James Naylor
Shaun Newan
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Metallic Dice Games
https://metallicdicegames.com/
Promo Code: ROLLWITHBRAINS
Tabletop Scotland
https://tabletopscotland.co.uk/
Outro
Have Faith in the Future of RPGs
https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/the-real-thing/news/faith-no-more-rpg-the-real-thing-kickstarter
Our Links
Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegiantbrain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: giantbrainuk@gmail.com

Monday Mar 07, 2022
Episode 93 - World Events
Monday Mar 07, 2022
Monday Mar 07, 2022
In these turbulent times the tabletop community is showing their generosity and Iain and Jamie are highlighting as much of those efforts as they can. From the conflict in Ukraine to the battle over trans rights in Texas many in the community are raising money for organisations supporting people in their hour of need.
Statement on Ukraine
We will list here organisations you can donate to that we are aware of. There will be many others.
https://crisisrelief.un.org/ukraine
Headlines
Tabletop Community reaction to Ukraine
Bruno Cathala
Stonemaier Games
https://stonemaiergames.com/stonemaier-games-stands-with-ukraine/
Fide
https://twitter.com/FIDE_chess/status/1498026831089487882?s=20&t=oaZwliDNafrm37K0MZyx7Q
Handiwork Games
https://twitter.com/GamesHandiwork/status/1497510711618117633?s=20&t=lfDm-MMbGn6Pd4Uxeg4-zg
Portal Games
https://portalgames.pl/en/portal-games-support-for-the-ukraine/
Modiphius
Dicebreaker info
https://www.dicebreaker.com/topics/ukraine/news/ukraine-board-game-publishers-rally-russian-invasion
Factory 42
https://gamefound.com/projects/draft/j5ygcr990hyn0339ah08bwmostu/updates/2
Itch bundle being organised
https://itch.io/t/1964844/bundle-for-ukraine-call-for-submissions
Trans kids texas support
https://itch.io/b/1308/ttrpgs-for-trans-rights-in-texas
As D’Or (Golden Ace)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPFH_6g4K0E&ab_channel=LePasseTemps
https://www.festivaldesjeux-cannes.com/en/
News
Cardboard Edison Awards Finalists announced
https://cardboardedison.com/award
Phalanx
Most expensive pokemon card ever
Kickstarter numbers for 2021
https://medium.com/icopartners/kickstarter-in-2021-for-games-6694a7c826dc
https://www.polygon.com/22898968/kickstarter-top-10-biggest-campaigns-2021
Roll20 new ceo and numbers
https://www.geeknative.com/139680/roll20-to-get-a-new-boss-as-ankit-lal-replaces-nolan-t-jones/
ORR report for Q4 2021
Analyst calls for WotC to be spun off
https://freethewizards.com/the-case-to-repair-hasbro/
Patreon Shoutouts
James Naylor
Shaun Newan
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Metallic Dice Games
https://metallicdicegames.com/
Promo Code: ROLLWITHBRAINS
Tabletop scotland
https://tabletopscotland.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR1ag0H7eaSnKP1cXse1u-hxsYywr_uAyWkiVJo1laxx7n_LLTDvOiz183A
Outro
Wingspan on Coronation Street
https://twitter.com/elizhargrave/status/1494830075434442755?s=20&t=bTQ0GtCTm6zJyFjNoqvL4A
Our Links
Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegiantbrain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: giantbrainuk@gmail.com

Monday Feb 21, 2022
Episode 92 - Tech Invasion
Monday Feb 21, 2022
Monday Feb 21, 2022
It’s back to a more news focused cast this time round as Jamie and Iain put together the highlights of the last two weeks in Tabletop industry news. NFTs cause a stir once more, Kickstarter slows their blockchain plans, and Ravensburger buddies up with a surprising partner. Alongside our headlines we look at the finances of Wizards of the Coast, remember Teburu, dig for Dice, and sing a song with the Dungeons and Dragons musical.
Headlines
NFTs
Drivethru declares against
https://twitter.com/drivethrurpg/status/1490742443549077509?s=21
Itch declares against
https://twitter.com/itchio/status/1490141815294414856?s=20&t=lnIMQPRT2sfNhz_Cw86knw
Chaosium deep in it
https://medium.com/veve-collectibles/chaosium-cthulhu-idols-1e6a889aee3e
Chaosium no longer deep in it
Veve
https://moneydoneright.com/passive-income/cryptocurrency-investing/veve-nft-review
Carbon Neutral claims
https://dailyhodl.com/2021/03/29/immutable-x-is-making-nfts-carbon-neutral-on-ethereum/
Kickstarter and Blockchain
Ravensburger and Gamefound
https://gamefound.com/blog/post/gamefound-ravensburger-partnership
www.ravensburger-group.com/nextventures.
News
Remember Teburu?
Finances of WOTC
Dice dig
https://twitter.com/James_M_Hewitt/status/1491170306375155722?s=20&t=_XKi0LPIf1rUcSQ-_x4tLw
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vettweiss-Froitzheim_Dice_Tower
D&D Musical
https://www.terisandoneill.com/heretherebedragons
Starling Games flies off Twitter
https://twitter.com/StarlingGames/status/1491779339272302593?s=20&t=A_wXTMOf7XI8khQozukj6A
Patreon
James Naylor
Shaun Newan
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Metallic Dice Games
https://metallicdicegames.com/
Promo Code: ROLLWITHBRAINS
Sinister Side of Boardgames
https://medium.com/@tanyapobuda/the-sinister-side-of-board-games-2fc87442019a
Outro
Discover Monopoly
https://worldofmonopoly.com/junior/list-ad/discover/2022-uk/index.php
Our Links
Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegiantbrain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: giantbrainuk@gmail.com

Monday Feb 07, 2022
Episode 91 - Brain Thoughts
Monday Feb 07, 2022
Monday Feb 07, 2022
It’s been a light couple of weeks for news so the team has decided to bring you a 2 for 1 deal. Part Brainwaves, part Idle thoughts, all sparkling conversation. News wise we cover a couple of important hirings, odd goings on in the world of competitive chess, and Iello picking a new home for their US distribution. Iain and Jamie chat about Tapestry, Marrakech, and nu-Dune (or whatever you want to call it).
Headlines
New Ceo for Wizards Digital Gaming
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/50343/new-ceo-hasbro-wizards-coast-digital-gaming
- Caires heads Snowbright Studio
Iello announces new US distributor
Episode 86 update
https://giantbrain.co.uk/2021/11/15/episode-86-iello-iello/
New
Carlsen gets trolled?
https://kotaku.com/pro-chess-sergey-karjakin-magnus-carlsen-2900-tata-stee-1848453065
Idle Thoughts
Tapestry
https://stonemaiergames.com/games/tapestry/
Marrakech
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/29223/marrakech
Dune: A game of conquest and Diplomacy
https://www.gf9games.com/dune/743/dune-a-game-of-conquest-diplomacy/
Patreon Shoutouts
Gavin Jones
https://twitter.com/jonesfamgames
James Naylor
Shaun Newan
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Metallic Dice Games
https://metallicdicegames.com/
Promo Code: ROLLWITHBRAINS
Outro
Jostle Boys
Our Links
Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegiantbrain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: giantbrainuk@gmail.com

Monday Jan 31, 2022
On Stage with The Smart Party
Monday Jan 31, 2022
Monday Jan 31, 2022
It was my great pleasure to be joined by two friends of the show and RPG veterans recently. Gaz Bowerbank and Baz Stevens are a firm fixture on the UK RPG scene and their podcast ‘What would the Smart Party do?” frequently features high up the lists of the best the format has to offer. Well this time it is their turn to be interviewed as they sit down with me in RPG corner to discuss the last couple of years in tabletop RPGs, their own output, controversies, and future predictions.
Things mentioned in the cast
Quest RPG
Astate
https://handiwork.games/games/astate
Gaz’s Twitter
https://twitter.com/the_smart_party
Baz’s Twitter
https://twitter.com/BazStevens
The Smart Party site
https://smartparty.wordpress.com/
Gaz’s Work
Shadow of the Devourer (D&D)
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/382966/Shadow-of-the-Devourer?affiliate_id=171762
Unbearable (Vaesen)
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/363819/Unbearable--Vaesen?affiliate_id=171762
Baz’s Work
King of Dungeons
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kingofdungeons/the-king-of-dungeons

Monday Jan 24, 2022
Episode 90 - Tabletop Berserker
Monday Jan 24, 2022
Monday Jan 24, 2022
Iain and Jamie are in the studio to bring you the best in tabletop news. This episode covers all that is going on with Tabletop Simulator, TSR returns with yet more controversy, Pokemon fraud (again), very old games, world record attempts and more!
Get the Extended Edition from our Patreon!
Headlines
Tabletop Simulator Transphobia
https://twitter.com/mx_danger/status/1479732364830023682?s=20
1st response
https://twitter.com/TabletopSim/status/1479909440065257474?s=20
2nd response
https://twitter.com/tabletopsim/status/1480229909150769156?s=21
3rd response
https://twitter.com/tabletopsim/status/1482079600335536128?s=21
Steam review bombing
https://twitter.com/JoeSondow/status/1480330254069600260?s=20
Sample review support quote
https://twitter.com/mattthr/status/1481315246287507465?s=20
Link to Xoe’s document
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17kBMorbq59Izsu5gYA1B3pQfbyoaG102_p0pEWZx4Hk/edit
Backup of Xoe’s encounters with Mods
https://twitter.com/urbanritual/status/1479934875255787520?s=21
Xoe apology acknowledgement
https://twitter.com/XoeAllred/status/1482579098308276225?s=20
Polygon Summary
Updates
TSR
https://mobile.twitter.com/BrainClouds/status/1479472322276995073
https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/TSR
Logan Paul did buy fake cards
News
Archaeologists discover 4000 year old stone board game
https://pcma.uw.edu.pl/en/2022/01/04/qumayrah-valley-in-oman-ancient-towers-copper-trade-and-games/
Essen Spiel bought
https://twitter.com/spiel_messe/status/1480507331469266947?s=21
Pandemic digital removed from stores
https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/pandemic/news/pandemic-digital-board-game-removed
World Longest Game attempt
https://www.facebook.com/dave.wetherall/posts/10158411691642791
https://herefordshireboardgamers.co.uk/duneworldrecord/
Patreon Shoutouts
Shaun Newan
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Metallic Dice Games
https://metallicdicegames.com/
Promo Code: ROLLWITHBRAINS
Outro
Wild Uno
https://twitter.com/realUNOgame/status/1479513241399267332?t=jo-_MZ51DdvKfEE-iFCl1g&s=19
Our Links
Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegiantbrain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: giantbrainuk@gmail.com