Three friends catch up on a Friday night, sharing stories about family visits, temporary housing situations, movie disappointments, and finding unexpected wisdom in history books.

• Clay recounts his weekend at Grandma Fleagle's, featuring boating, tubing, and famous whoopie pies
• The hosts debate which "Bad Boy" cologne flavor suits each of them best
• Travis discusses his temporary military housing and negotiating time off for a gaming event
• Scathing review of the latest Jurassic Park movie and thoughts on the upcoming Superman reboot
• Travis recommends "Boys State" documentary on Apple TV about teenage politics
• Jared shares his visit to Gettysburg and how reading "Killer Angels" helped him process his hip replacement
• Clay recommends "Demon of Unrest" by Eric Larson about the Civil War

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

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Relocating to a new city comes with many challenges, but for passionate board gamers, one of the most significant hurdles is rebuilding a gaming community from scratch. In this heartfelt and humor-filled episode, we explore the emotional journey of seeking new gaming companions when your established gaming circle suddenly disappears.

Clay shares his unexpected struggle with loneliness despite returning to his Pennsylvania hometown surrounded by family and old friends. His candid admission that he "used to look forward to Fridays" with regular gaming sessions resonates with anyone who's experienced the void left when reliable game nights vanish. We discuss his cautious approach to cultivating gaming interest among family members without overwhelming them with complex titles right away.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the psychological barriers that keep us from attending store gaming events. That universal fear of rejection, wasted evenings, and loss of control over the gaming experience can paralyze even the most enthusiastic gamers. We offer practical strategies for easing into these communities, from simply observing before participating to using subtle conversation starters like stickers or casual mentions of gaming during introductions.

Jared shares his promising leads in Virginia, including a local bookstore hosting regular game nights and nearby friends with gaming experience. Travis contemplates how to navigate the professional military environment to identify potential gaming partners without coming on too strong. Throughout the discussion, we balance practical advice with the emotional reality of putting yourself out there in pursuit of meaningful gaming connections.

Whether you're currently facing the challenge of building a new gaming group or simply want to expand your existing circle, this episode provides both encouragement and actionable approaches to finding your gaming tribe. After all, our beloved board games aren't meant to collect dust – they need people to bring them to life.

Looking for fellow gamers? Join our Discord!

https://discord.gg/E2Zd4pZZ

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

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As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

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Dive into the charming yet strategically rich world of Raccoon Tycoon, a market manipulation and auction game that offers surprising depth beneath its Victorian-era animal artwork. The OGN crew explores this hidden gem from Forbidden Games that masterfully blends economic mechanics with approachable gameplay.

Ever wonder what happens when you combine adorable anthropomorphic animals with cutthroat economic strategy? Raccoon Tycoon answers this question with its elegant price and production card system that creates genuine moments of excitement as markets rise and fall. The hosts break down how players must carefully time their resource sales, weighing immediate profits against long-term strategy while constantly monitoring what opponents might be planning.

What makes this game truly special is its accessibility. Despite featuring market manipulation, auctions, and engine building, Raccoon Tycoon remains remarkably approachable - the hosts successfully taught and played two complete games with non-gamers in under two hours. The railroad auction system creates natural player interaction as bidders drive up prices, while building purchases provide permanent bonuses that shape your economic strategy. With multiple paths to victory through town cards or railroad sets, every decision feels meaningful without overwhelming players with complexity.

Whether you're a seasoned economic game enthusiast or someone looking to introduce friends to market manipulation mechanics, Raccoon Tycoon delivers a deeply satisfying experience that plays in under an hour. Check it out if you enjoy games with simple rules but meaningful decisions - you might be surprised how quickly you become invested in cornering the luxury goods market as a top-hatted raccoon!

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

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After taking a much-needed June hiatus, Travis, Jared, and Clay reunite for an episode that feels like catching up with old friends over the fence. Their natural chemistry immediately reignites as they share significant life changes and personal milestones with the authentic, unfiltered conversation that defines Operation Game Night.

Clay's transition to civilian life takes center stage as he details his family's move into a new home, proudly showing off his prized 100-inch TV installation. His candid reflections on starting his first post-military job in construction reveal both the challenges and excitement of this major life change. When he describes lobbying his new colleagues to let him experience hands-on fieldwork, listeners get a glimpse of his determination to succeed in this new chapter.

Jared brings his trademark humor to updates about his vasectomy recovery, declaring himself "Wolverine" after learning his previous procedure hadn't worked because his body healed too well. His story about welcoming a King Charles Cavalier puppy named Juno showcases the podcast's blend of vulnerability and comedy, while his reflection on a Flag Day social media post reveals a thoughtful perspective on patriotism beyond political divisions.

Travis shares his experience moving overseas and the surprising ease of purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day in Germany without facing the long lines typical in America. His book recommendation, "Between Two Fires," sparks an engaging discussion about media, leading to Clay's heartfelt praise of "Love on the Spectrum" and a recommendation of the documentary "Surviving Ohio State."

Throughout the episode, the trio weaves in nostalgic stories of their military academy days, hilarious anecdotes about belly button lint collections, and plans for their upcoming reunion in Las Vegas. Their conversation demonstrates why Operation Game Night resonates so deeply with listeners—it's authentic friendship captured in audio form, where gaming culture intertwines with the universal experiences of life transitions, family changes, and maintaining connections despite distance.

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

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Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

Operation Game Night returns with a deep dive into the World Series of Board Gaming as co-host Jared prepares to compete in the Las Vegas tournament this September.

• The tournament structure allows competitors to select specific games rather than requiring mastery of all sixteen featured titles
• Each of the four tournament days features different games with champions advancing to higher rounds
• Winners receive championship rings and compete for a prize pool reportedly worth up to $40,000
• Beyond the main "Ring Events," smaller "Phoenix Games" tournaments offer prizes up to $250
• The event features a massive library of 2,500+ games from Dice Tower available for open gaming
• Players can choose to participate in just one game or commit to the full four-day experience
• Jared plans to focus his training exclusively on Lost Ruins of Arnak in preparation for the tournament

If you're interested in joining us at the World Series of Board Gaming in Las Vegas this September, check out their website for registration details. We might just see you there!

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

Our final episode of Joint Ops June comes from our good friend Amanda Lee and her Have A Seat With Amanda Lee Podcast!

Clay Gable joins Amanda to discuss his journey from jock to board game podcaster and content creator, sharing insights about his gaming preferences and podcast production experiences.

• Started gaming through family card games and party games while primarily focusing on sports in his youth
• Studied TV production in high school, developing editing skills that would later benefit his content creation
• Created Instagram account "Cardboard and Clay" to connect with other board game enthusiasts
• Initially reluctant to podcast but joined Operation Game Night despite significant anxiety about speaking
• Values knowing rules thoroughly but isn't strict about correcting minor mistakes during gameplay
• Takes a detail-oriented approach to hosting game nights to ensure maximum fun for everyone
• Currently enjoying River Valley Glassworks with his wife for its quick gameplay and strategic depth
• Recently purchased Critter Kitchen after discussing it with designer Cam on a previous podcast
• Has a strong preference for auction mechanisms in games
• Currently balancing podcast production with family responsibilities and upcoming relocation
• Operation Game Night plans to release "Join Ops June" episodes featuring their appearances on other podcasts
• The podcast will shift to more frequent but shorter episodes in July

Amanda has been a huge supporter and contributor to OGN since the beginning! Go support her and her content on Instagram @EmptyNestBoardMama!

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

This edition of Joint Ops June comes from the Games Y Mas Podcast with our good friend Vic!

Through a series of "This or That" questions, we explore the fundamental divides in gaming preferences that shape how we play.

• Dice vs. Cards - The tactile satisfaction of rolling dice versus the strategic planning of card play
• Area Control vs. Engine Building - Whether controlling territory or optimizing systems creates more satisfying gameplay
• Tile Placement vs. Static Boards - The joy of discovering and building the game map versus traditional fixed boards
• Cooperative vs. Competitive Games - The thrill of working together against the game versus facing off against your friends
• Euro vs. Ameritrash - The fundamental divide between resource management efficiency and thematic immersion
• Board game pet peeves, including analysis paralysis and slow play

Join us for lively debates and stay tuned for future collaborations with Games Y Mas, including potential live streams where we'll play games together. Give Vic some love on Instagram @gamesymaspod and make sure to subscribe to his podcast for discussions on video games, board games, theme park popcorn, and more!

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

This edition of Joint Ops June comes from the Games Y Mas Podcast with our good friend Vic (@gamesymaspod)! Dice, duchies, and heated debate! In this episode, we try to determine whether Castles of Burgundy deserves a coveted spot on your gaming shelf or if it's destined for the neighborhood yard sale.

The question seems straightforward enough, but this beloved Stefan Feld classic sparks passionate discussion as we break down what makes a board game truly essential. Our guests, all active duty Air and Space Force officers united by their love of tabletop gaming, bring hundreds of combined plays to the conversation, offering invaluable insight into this dice-driven tile placement game.

We systematically evaluate Castles of Burgundy across eight critical criteria: learning curve, component quality, visual design, replayability, setup time, price point, thematic immersion, and turn pacing. The contrast between the original Ravensburger edition and the luxurious $180 Awakened Realms version becomes a central point of contention—does premium production justify the steep investment, or does the accessible gameplay stand on its own merits?

Throughout our conversation, we discover why this seemingly simple euro game continues to captivate players after countless plays. From its surprising strategic depth to its satisfying tableau-building mechanics, Castles of Burgundy offers something special that transcends its modest appearance. Whether you're new to the hobby or a seasoned gamer, you'll walk away understanding why this game generates such loyalty despite its shortcomings.

Ready to roll some dice and build your medieval duchy? Before investing in a physical copy, follow our guests' advice and try it free on Board Game Arena—then decide for yourself if Castles of Burgundy belongs on your top shelf. Subscribe, leave a review, and let us know your verdict on this contested classic!

Make sure to give Vic and the Games Y Mas Podcast some love on Instagram @gamesymas

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support