Kevin discusses his experience at the 2026 Geekway to the West board game convention, highlighting new games he encountered and played. We both explore a variety of board games, from Welsh seaside village building to Japanese train games, television station management, and more.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to New Games Roundup
• 05:59 New Games at Geekway
• 11:12 Networks Primetime: Running a Television Station
• 17:26 Up or Down: Building Elevators
• 22:28 Orloge: Building the Clock in Prague

We discuss our top 10 animal-themed board games, including a shadow animal game list and the real animal game list. Will your favorite game make the cut? What did we miss?

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The games offer educational and thematic values. Some focus on animal rescue, set collection, card management, area control, and ecosystem simulation.

Chapters

• 00:00 Opening Mayhem
• 26:49 Introduction to Animal-Themed Games
• 33:07 Gloomhaven and Animal Characters
• 38:28 Wingspan and Bird Collection
• 46:22 Cascadia and Pacific Northwest Wildlife

We offer our top 5 lists of games that surprised us the most.

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Daniel and Kevin discuss the unexpected elements and experiences of these games, highlighting their unique features and gameplay. The conversation explores surprising and transformative board games that have defied expectations, leading to a shift in perspective and a newfound appreciation for the gaming experience. There are personal stories and insights about each game, highlighting the unexpected elements that made them stand out.

The conversation explores the intersection of play, theology, and womanism, highlighting the role of play in Lakisha's life and its connection to her theological journey. Lakisha shares her definition of play as an embodied aesthetic experience and a cultural expression, and discusses womanism as an expansive and inclusive approach to feminism. The chapters cover Lakisha's background, her journey with play and theology, the intersection of play and theology, and an introduction to womanism. The conversation delves into the metaphorical use of double dutch in theological exploration, emphasizing the historical context and practical application of play practices. It also addresses the theological significance of play, the benefits of play in self-care and community care, and the pushback against play in theological and pastoral contexts.

Takeaways

• Play as an embodied aesthetic experience and a cultural expression
• Womanism as an expansive and inclusive approach to feminism Embracing play as a lens for theological exploration
• The importance of play in self-care and community care

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 05:15 Lakisha's Journey with Play and Theology
• 11:16 Finding God and Self in Play
• 16:39 Defining Play and Womanism
• 21:46 Introduction to Womanism
• 26:49 Double Dutch as a Metaphor
• 37:28 Pushback Against Play

We discuss the absence of tabletop games in the Bible (eeeek!) – and the presence of randomization and game-like elements.

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We talk about the Biblical, game-like practices of casting lots, the significance of Urim and Thummim, and the game-like nature of the parable of the talents.

There is a playfulness in the Bible, and the idea of control and randomization in religious and secular contexts. We note the parallels between games, war strategy, and life, as well as the gamification of life and the playfulness in ritualized meals. We also touch on the themes of order from chaos, playing a different game, and the game of being born again.

Chapters

• 00:00 Game-Like Elements in the Bible
• 26:12 Gamification of Life
• 32:10 Children and Playful Rule-Breaking
• 40:20 Order from Chaos

How do board games become acts of devotion? We delve into the intersection of spirituality, identity, and agency within the context of gaming. Games facilitate introspection, connection, and exploration of different identities. The conversation explores the role-playing aspect of board games and its impact on personal experiences and connections. board games and religion include symbolism with emotional and transformative power.

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Takeaways

• Board games and role-playing games offer opportunities for introspection, connection, and exploration of different identities.
• Gaming experiences provide a space for encountering chance, agency, and systemic understanding, contributing to devotional-style experiences. Role-playing in board games goes beyond game mechanics, allowing players to inhabit roles and evoke powerful emotions.
• Board games serve as a platform for exploring personal experiences, connecting with others, and engaging with symbolism and religious themes.

In this episode of Play Saves the World, Daniel and Kevin explore the intersection of spirituality and board games, discussing six spiritual realities that emerge from play. They delve into the definitions of play, its importance in fostering community, grace, agency, education, freedom, and presence, and how these elements contribute to a life-giving spirituality. The conversation reflects on the evolving understanding of play over three and a half years of podcasting, emphasizing the joy and connection that board games can bring to individuals and communities.

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Takeaways

Play is a voluntary activity that fosters community.

Engaging in play nurtures a sense of belonging.

Grace is an essential aspect of play, emphasizing self-worth.

Play encourages agency and the ability to make choices.

Educational elements in games can shape our understanding of history and society.

Freedom in play allows for exploration and creativity.

Presence in play helps us focus on the moment and connect with others.

Play is inherently rewarding and provides joy.

The act of play can serve as a meditative practice.

Board games can bridge generational gaps and foster interconnection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Realities of Board Games

02:12 Defining Play and Its Importance

13:54 Spiritual Realities of Play

18:44 Sense of Belonging and Community

19:18 Grace and Self-Worth in Play

24:47 The Divine Nature of Play

26:59 Agency and Choice in Spirituality

29:47 The Educational Value of Play

35:53 Freedom Through Play

42:23 The Importance of Presence in Play