The Five By

I enjoy this podcast when I’m looking for a quick overview about a game I am curious about. They cover a wide variety of hidden gems and hotness games. The “reading out loud” format takes some getting used too as usually enjoy more genuine conversation in my podcasts. I still recommended it if you are trying to decide on your next board game purchase.

The game reviews and descriptions are fine and good. The “woke” narratives and the “scary covid” commentary is quite honestly, triggering. We hear that nonsense at every turn in our lives. Most people are listing too gaming podcasts for escapism. Just please keep your politics and scare tactics to yourselves. That being said, its a decent podcast

I love the idea of this podcast but some of these non binary organisms are woke to PC culture and their review has to be about their need to tell you about it. I hope they feel good saying it so at least 1 person is getting something out of it. I don't know how people can regularly mess up a 5 minute verbal review but some of these people can. Mason Weaver is the absolute worst with his woke little nasal tone whining about box sizes. I used to suffer through it but now I have to skip through it every time. Edit : I tried to give it one more try as I really like the concept but the VERY first reviewer started blathering on about how Monopoly was stolen from a woman and used to build this empire. I'm out! I hope you all get to right all the wrongs of society with your 5 minute reviews!

The Five By is one of the best board game podcasts precisely because of its constrained format. Five reviews of five minutes each, from five different reviewers, and nothing else. But, also, the reviews are solid, a variety of viewpoints is represented, and the audio quality is high - none of which are givens in board game media. Personally, I also like that the focus is not exclusively on new games - The Five By is a great way to discover neglected games, also. Easily on of my favorite board game podcasts. I highly recommend checking it out.