Tabletop SportCast

James Cast
  • 4.9 (15)
  • GAMES

I discuss everything from my tabletop experiences: game reviews, tabletop replays, rules interpretations, and how I plan projects.

  1. FEB 5

    Episode 241: Sitting Down With ... Al Wilson!

    Guest: Al Wilson (3d6 Gaming)Topic: FDF Fantasy Draft (Fast Drive Football – Fantasy Draft Expansion)Format: Pre-recorded interview (no “Around the Table” segment this week) Draft Day chaos… but on the tabletop. In this episode, I’m joined by Al Wilson of 3d6 Gaming to talk about FDF Fantasy Draft, an expansion that turns Fast Drive Football into a head-to-head (or solo) experience built around a 5-round fantasy draft, where the players you select define your team and strategy cards help shape outcomes. The “why” behind creating a Draft-Day-focused expansion and who it’s designed for (competitive play, conventions, game night, and solo options) How the 5-round draft works and how picks translate into team identity Using strategy cards to influence outcomes and create big Draft Day swing moments Solo play: the built-in solitaire opponents concept and replay value Practical talk: playtime expectations, learning curve, and what you need to own to use the expansion Players: 1–2 Time: 30–60 minutes Age: 14+ Price: $29.99 Publish date: December 31, 2025 Requires: the original PDF version of Fast Drive Football or the FAC Edition Fast Drive Football – Fantasy Draft Expansion (The Game Crafter product page) 3d6 Gaming (main site) 3d6 Gaming — Games page (Fast Drive Football overview + purchase paths) (These are “good starting points” for chapter markers—verify and rename as you like.) 00:00 — Interview begins / opening exchange 02:47 — First major transition point (new topic shift) 19:14 — Second major transition point (new topic shift) 60:59 — Final transition into closing / wrap-up remarks 63:02 — End Previous episode shout-out (Intro): Top 10 Underrated Sports Games Next episode tease (Wrap-up): Dave Jackson joins you to talk Box Seat Baseball (Episode 242) Episode summaryWhat we coverQuick facts (from the official listing)Links & resourcesTimestamps / Chapters (auto-detected anchors)Housekeeping notes you can drop into your intro/outro

    1h 3m

  2. JAN 31

    Episode 240: Top 10 Underrated Sport Games

    Summary In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, James explores the world of underrated sports in tabletop gaming, presenting a countdown of the top 10 games that deserve more attention. From bowling to golf, each game is discussed in terms of its unique appeal and gameplay mechanics, emphasizing the drama and excitement that these sports can bring to the tabletop. Keywords tabletop sports, underrated sports games, board games, sports gaming, tabletop gaming, sports simulation, unique sports, game recommendations, tabletop community, sports enthusiasts Takeaways Tabletop sports gaming often focuses on the Big Four: baseball, football, basketball, and hockey. There are many sports that deserve more tabletop representation, such as bowling and horse racing. Bolarama captures the tension of bowling with its frame-by-frame gameplay. Decathlon challenges players to manage strengths and weaknesses across multiple events. Box Lacrosse offers fast-paced action and high-scoring games. Horse racing provides a narrative-driven experience with dramatic finishes. Tennis can be engaging on tabletop with the right mechanics to capture momentum. Legends of Boxing tells the story of fights with a focus on different styles and strategies. Professional wrestling combines athleticism with storytelling, making it unique in tabletop gaming. History Maker Golf simulates the excitement of golf tournaments effectively. Titles Underrated Sports in Tabletop Gaming Top 10 Sports Games You Haven't Tried Sound bites "Horse racing is pure cinema." "Boxing is just drama by design." "Wrestling is about storytelling." Chapters 00:00 Exploring Underrated Sports in Tabletop Gaming 01:08 Top 10 Underrated Sports Games Countdown 09:32 Bowling: Bolarama and Its Unique Appeal 12:46 Track and Field: The Drama of Decathlon 14:36 Box Lacrosse: Fast-Paced Action with Lacrosse Blast Express 17:24 Horse Racing: The Thrill of Off the Board Horse Racing 19:37 Tennis: Capturing the Pressure with Let's Play Tennis 22:08 Boxing: The Drama of Legends of Boxing 24:23 Professional Wrestling: Storytelling in The Squared Circle 26:52 Stock Car Racing: The Excitement of Red, White, and Blue Racing 29:15 Soccer: The Flow of Soccer Blast 31:28 Golf: The Experience of History Maker Golf 34:13 Wrap-Up and Community Engagement

    36 min

  3. JAN 25

    Episode 239: Sitting Down With ... Andy Sexton!

    In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, James sits down with Andy Sexton to discuss the intricacies of running co-op projects in tabletop sports gaming. Andy shares his journey into tabletop gaming, the appeal of co-op projects, and the challenges faced in maintaining engagement. The importance of statistics in making games meaningful is emphasized, along with the role of community involvement in enhancing the experience. Strategies for successful co-op engagement are explored, including the need for flexibility and a jump-in, jump-out approach. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the future of co-op projects and the potential for individual player replays. Sport Sim Co-Op Clubhouse keywordstabletop gaming, co-op projects, sports games, community engagement, tabletop sports, project management, gaming strategies, sports statistics, collaborative gaming, tabletop co-opstakeaways Co-op projects allow for shared workload and engagement.Keeping co-op projects under three months helps maintain interest.Stats play a crucial role in making games meaningful.Community involvement enhances the enjoyment of co-ops.Flexibility in gameplay encourages participation.Avoiding detail-oriented stress keeps the fun alive.Jump-in, jump-out approach makes co-ops accessible.Learning about different teams adds to the enjoyment.Mistakes in stats should not detract from the fun.Future projects may include retro seasons and individual player replays.Chapters 00:00Introduction to Andy Sexton 02:40Early Tabletop Gaming Experiences 09:12Current Gaming Preferences and Systems 13:20Introduction to Cooperative Projects 19:44What Works in Running Co-ops 25:10The Importance of Stats and Community Engagement 28:22Embracing Flexibility in Gameplay 29:41What Doesn't Work in Co-ops 31:44Managing Project Timelines and Participation 34:23Current Co-op Projects and Updates 46:03Engaging with the Gaming Community 01:02:30NEWCHAPTER

    1h 6m

  4. JAN 18

    Episode 238: The Winter Show

    Summary In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, James dives into the winter season of tabletop sports gaming, discussing what games and projects he plans to focus on during this quieter time of year. He reflects on the transition from football to basketball and hockey, emphasizing the importance of thematic gaming aligned with real-world sports events. The host outlines his winter execution plan, detailing how he intends to maintain momentum and track progress on various gaming projects, including replays and tournaments. He also shares insights from previous episodes, highlighting community engagement and upcoming collaborations, particularly with the new PLAAY Nation podcast. plaaynationpodcast.com Keywords tabletop sports, winter gaming, sports board games, project planning, tabletop gaming podcasts, basketball, hockey, gaming community, replay projects, Play Nation podcast Takeaways "The best sports stories aren't just watched, they're played." "Winter is when the schedule gets quieter, the tabletop gets louder." "Success for me always comes down to can I get the projects across the finish line in a timely manner?" "I want to make sure that I get the ball rolling on a number of these projects." "This is a good time for the hobby, right? Because this is the kinds of stuff we can do indoors." Titles Winter Gaming: Projects and Plans for the Season Tabletop Sports: Embracing Winter Projects Sound bites "Winter is when the schedule gets quieter, the tabletop gets louder." "I reserve the right to change that down the road." "This is a good time for the hobby, right?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Winter Show 04:22 Transitioning from Football to Basketball and Hockey 14:46 Key Projects for the Winter Season 25:00 Exploring Historical Replays and Tournaments 33:10 Focusing on Women's Sports Leagues 39:58 Wrap-Up and Future Plans 46:27 NEWCHAPTER

    47 min

  5. JAN 12

    Episode 237: Sitting Down With ... Marc Unger & Ron Juckett

    Summary In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast interviews Mark Unger and Ron Juckett about their experiences in the sports gaming community and the exciting documentary project they are working on. They discuss the art of sports broadcasting, the importance of storytelling, and the human interest elements that make sports gaming a unique hobby. The conversation also touches on the role of technology, nostalgia, and community connection in enhancing the sports gaming experience. Have a story to tell? Email Marc Unger at thespianseries@gmail.com Keywords sports gaming, broadcasting, documentary, tabletop sports, community, storytelling, technology, human interest, nostalgia, sports history Takeaways The importance of storytelling in sports documentaries. Ron Juckett's unique broadcasting experience despite physical limitations. Mark Unger's passion for sports gaming and its history. The role of technology in enhancing sports gaming experiences. Community connection is vital in the sports gaming hobby. The documentary aims to highlight human interest stories in sports gaming. Nostalgia plays a significant role in attracting new players to the hobby. The documentary will focus on high production values to engage a wider audience. Exploring the mental health aspects of sports gaming enthusiasts. The documentary seeks to bridge the gap between hobbyists and mainstream sports. Titles Capturing the Essence of Sports Gaming Behind the Scenes of Sports Broadcasting Sound bites "This is the Tabletop Sportcast." "Ron Juckett's unique broadcasting experience." "The importance of storytelling in documentaries." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guests 03:32 Ron Juckett's Journey in Sports Gaming 06:18 Mark Unger's Background and Passion for Sports 09:23 The Concept of the Documentary 12:18 Ron Juckett's Broadcasting Aspirations 15:37 The Human Element in Sports Gaming 18:34 Accessibility in Sports Gaming 21:32 The Role of Technology in Sports Gaming 24:30 Production Values and Storytelling in Documentaries 33:41 Crafting a Compelling Documentary 35:46 Exploring Personal Stories and Mental Health 39:27 The Global Community of Gamers 43:12 Nostalgia and Its Role in Gaming 48:16 Understanding the Mechanics of Gaming 50:04 The Power of Documentaries to Inspire 54:50 Funding and Community Involvement 01:01:51 The Broader Impact of the Hobby 01:05:15 Future Projects and Engagements 01:16:11 NEWCHAPTER

    1h 15m

  6. JAN 4

    Episode 236: My 2026 Annual Plan

    Summary In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, James discusses his annual plan for 2026, themed around women's sports, and outlines the structure and goals for the podcast. He shares insights on project planning, including quarterly projects, tournament structures, and game design goals, emphasizing the importance of intentionality in gaming and community engagement. Keywords Tabletop Sports, Women's Sports, Podcast Planning, Game Design, Sports Board Games, Annual Plan, Project Management, Tournaments, Featured Table Fridays, Quarterly Projects Takeaways The theme for 2026 is the Year of Women's Sports. Podcast structure will include seasonal shows instead of quarterly reviews. Focus on spotlighting great games and community projects. Annual project planning includes various sports-themed projects. Quarterly projects will align with the sports calendar. Reduced tournament frequency allows for better pacing. Featured Table Fridays will highlight new games weekly. Game design goals include debuting a new horse racing game. Project planning will involve sprints for tangible progress. Community engagement is key for feedback and guest suggestions. Titles The Year of Women's Sports: A New Focus Revamping the Podcast Structure for Better Flow Sound bites "I'm going to do four seasonal shows." "I want to bring new games to the table." "This is gonna be a better story arc for me." Chapters 00:00 Embracing the Go-With-the-Flow Gamer 00:27 The Year of Women's Sports 03:23 Podcast Structure and Goals 09:44 Annual Project Planning 16:43 Quarterly Projects and Thematic Focus 23:59 Tournaments and Retro Replays 28:16 Filling the Gaps: Featured Table Fridays 30:50 Game Design Goals and Future Plans 35:05 NEWCHAPTER

    35 min

  7. 12/28/2025

    Episode 235: 2025 Year in Review

    Summary In this episode, James Cast reflects on his tabletop gaming experiences in 2025, discussing the goals he set for himself, the variety of games played, and the balance between gaming and content creation. He emphasizes the importance of finding enjoyment in the hobby, drawing inspiration from favorite teams and historical contexts, and engaging with the community. The conversation highlights the significance of embracing new games and defining personal success in gaming, ultimately leading to a fulfilling year. Keywords Tabletop gaming, year in review, gaming goals, content creation, game design, community, inspiration, new games, balance, success Takeaways 2025 was a year of enjoyable gaming experiences. Setting goals helped in achieving a variety of games played. Reducing project commitments led to more gaming enjoyment. Content creation was balanced with gaming activities. Inspiration came from favorite teams and historical contexts. Engaging with the community enhanced the gaming experience. New games played contributed to a fresh gaming perspective. Finding balance in gaming activities is crucial for enjoyment. Defining personal success in gaming is essential. The importance of hobbies as a stress relief mechanism. Titles 2025: A Year of Gaming Reflection Setting Goals for a Fulfilling Gaming Year Sound bites "2025 was a year of enjoyable gaming experiences." "Content creation was balanced with gaming activities." "Defining personal success in gaming is essential." Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on 2025: A Year in Review 06:14 Setting Goals for Gaming Success 13:44 Content Creation and Podcasting Journey 20:37 Sources of Inspiration in Gaming 27:16 Embracing New Games and Variety 30:51 Finding Balance and Defining Success 39:27 NEWCHAPTER

    40 min

  8. 12/21/2025

    Episode 234: Top Games of 2025

    Summary In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reviews the top games of 2025, discussing games played throughout the year. The episode is structured into tiers based on how often games made it to the table, with a focus on both new and returning games. James shares insights on his gaming experiences, project planning, and the importance of empirical data in ranking the games. The conversation culminates in a countdown of the top 25 games, highlighting the favorites and the reasons behind their popularity. Keywords tabletop games, sports games, game reviews, top games 2025, tabletop sportcast, gaming community, board games, game rankings, tabletop gaming Takeaways The list of top games is based on empirical data. 115 different games were played throughout the year. Games are categorized into tiers based on play frequency. New games often get fewer plays initially due to project planning. Returning games tend to have more consistent playtime. The top 25 games are those that made it to the table more than three times. Project planning is crucial for maximizing game play. Non-sport games also made it into the top rankings. History Maker Baseball remains the top game for multiple years. Future plans include refining the game list for next year. Titles Top Games of 2025 Countdown The Best Tabletop Games Reviewed Sound bites "This tier is called I gave it a shot." "It's always gonna be in there." "That's my list for 2025." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Top Games of 2025 03:04 Recap of Recent Events and Game Preparations 05:29 Methodology for Ranking Games 08:09 Overview of the Top Games List 09:05 Tier 5: I Gave It a Shot 15:45 Tier 4: Made It to the Table 20:55 Tier 3: Came Back for More 27:10 Tier 2: Project Worthy 30:38 Exploring Superstar Pro Wrestling and Digital Gaming 31:33 Top 25 Games: The Go-To List 32:31 New Entries: Truckin' 76 and Aviatrix 37 34:51 Real Time Pro Fishing and Breakaway Football 36:56 New Game of the Year: Play at the Races 38:20 Dodgeball and Second Season: Tournament Highlights 40:33 Legends of Boxing and Highlight Maker Hoops 42:46 Dungeons and Dragons: The Non-Sports Game of the Year 44:16 Dice United and Face to the Mat: Tiebreakers Explained 46:44 Soccer Blast and History Maker Golf: Sports Games in Focus 49:16 Red, White and Blue Racing and Fast Drive Football 52:21 Legends of Boxing and Hockey Blast: The Top Contenders 55:29 Grid Zone: The Premier Fictional Sports Game 56:34 History Maker Baseball: The Undisputed Champion 58:24 Wrapping Up: Reflections on the Top Games of 2025 01:02:03 NEWCHAPTER

    1h 2m
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4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

I discuss everything from my tabletop experiences: game reviews, tabletop replays, rules interpretations, and how I plan projects.

Information

  • Creator
    James Cast
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    247
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © James Cast
  • Show Website
    Tabletop SportCast

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