RDG Tabletalk

Royal Dachshund Games l RDG
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We're your hosts, Emerson & Emily, a husband and wife team who believe victory points are a love language and every game table needs its own sausage dog tie-breaker. Here, we share reviews, hot takes, game night stories, & the ups and downs of life around the board game table. 

  1. APR 17

    Ep. 16 Seeds of Strategy: Àiyé

    This week we take a trip down memory lane and talk about the oldest games we remember playing growing up. Then we dive into Àiyé  and explore how it uses the mancala mechanism in a way that caught our attention at the table. We discuss what makes the game stand out, where it surprised us, and whether it deserves a spot in your collection. To wrap things up, Emily and Emerson put each other on the spot through multiple rounds of “This or That?” in this week’s RDG mini game.   Huge thanks to @MoonSagaWorkshop for sending us a review copy! All thoughts and opinions expressed in this episode remain fully our own.

    1h 2m

  2. MAR 20

    Ep. 15 In the Name of Organization: Folded Space

    This week’s episode is all about Folded Space inserts and how much of a difference they can make at the table. We talk through how they impact setup, gameplay, and teardown, plus which games really need an insert and which ones already got it right. Along the way, we throw in some Moira Rose impressions and take a closer look at Emerson’s growing baggie collection… is it organization or is it a problem? Huge thanks to @FoldedSpace for sending us a some review copies! All thoughts and opinions expressed in this episode remain fully our own.

    38 min

  3. MAR 6

    Ep. 14 Dancing in the Forest: Emberleaf

    This week, we review Emberleaf and talk about why this cozy woodland game stood out to us. First, we spill the beans with Bean and chat about a few current events in the hobby. Then, we talk Emberleaf and break down our experience around the campfire. Finally, we put on our completely unqualified marketing hats and attempt to invent catchy taglines for board games… well, we thought they were catchy... did you? Huge thanks to @CityofGames for sending us a review copy! All thoughts and opinions expressed in this episode remain fully our own.

    49 min

  4. FEB 27

    Ep. 13 Deduction Done Differently: Veiled Fate

    This week, we review the stunning deduction game Veiled Fate, no accusations required. We kick things off by asking which games look amazing but totally flop at the table, then dive into why this one stands out in a crowded genre and whether IV Studio deserves its own shelf in every collection. Along the way, we share some cardboard confessions...Emerson did what?! Finally, we wrap things up with a very important mystery: was it Colonel Mustard...in the bathtub...with the toaster???

    1h 1m

  5. FEB 6

    Ep. 12 Why We Do What We Do

    This week, we fully embrace the chaos and talk about why we do what we do. We share how Royal Dachshund Games came to be, why podcasting lets us finally have endless board game conversations without a caption limit, and shout out friends who inspired Emerson to take on a new challenge in 2026. We also applaud Emily’s massive technical glow-up (she now likes comments on purpose), while noting she still refuses to learn a game without her trusty, noble husband nearby.   Some gaming friends we'd like to shoutout and you can find on Instagram are: @spaghettiandmeeples @saraalwaysloses @bettermoodboardgames @timchuon   Thanks for listening! Follow us on Instagram @royal_dachshund_games for more board game content. Want to collaborate or just say hi? Shoot us an email at royal.dachshund.games@gmail.com

    30 min

  6. JAN 29

    Ep. 11 The Cost of Convenience: AI in Board Gaming

    Does AI have a place in the board gaming hobby? In this episode, we dig into the pros and cons of AI’s growing influence- from game design and generated art, to its impact on artists and the community as a whole. We talk consumer responsibility, “voting with your money,” crediting original creators, and somehow, eventually, end up asking the most important question of all: what candy bar did Charlie Bucket buy with his winning golden ticket?

    40 min

  7. JAN 9

    Ep. 10 A Question of Balance: Iliad & Ichor

    Are price hikes and “fake” discounts becoming the new normal? We kick off today’s episode by calling out misleading sales and debating whether holiday deals actually save you money anymore— or just look good on a tag. Then, we hit the table with two Reiner Knizia designs: Iliad and Ichor, to explore a classic board game question: symmetry or asymmetry? We break down how each game approaches player balance, decision-making, and tension, and why those differences can completely change the way a game feels. If you enjoy thoughtful strategy, clever design choices, and a bit of tabletop debate, this episode is for you! Huge thanks to @BitwewingGames for sending us review copies! All thoughts and opinions expressed in this episode remain fully our own.

    1h 19m

  8. JAN 2

    Ep. 9 Climbing to the Top: Santorini

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into Santorini (2nd Edition), the elegant, abstract strategy game that pairs simple rules with deep, tactical decision-making. We discuss some of the matches we played, how the iconic god powers shaped each match, and whether the game still holds up as a must-play for both casual and competitive players. Is Santorini a timeless classic or does it show its age? Let’s find out!

    56 min
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Ratings & Reviews

About

We're your hosts, Emerson & Emily, a husband and wife team who believe victory points are a love language and every game table needs its own sausage dog tie-breaker. Here, we share reviews, hot takes, game night stories, & the ups and downs of life around the board game table. 

Information

  • Creator
    Royal Dachshund Games l RDG
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    RDG Tabletalk