Home Podcasts Fun Problems
Fun Problems

Fun Problems

AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward 89 Episodes Aug 22, 2026

Board game design is a deep and often challenging pursuit. We explore all aspects of game design and the fun problems (and solutions) that come with it.

Episodes

#91 Ideas We Won't Touch – Grab Bag (Guest Joe Wiggins)
#91 Ideas We Won't Touch – Grab Bag (Guest Joe Wiggins) Aug 22, 2026 2282 Grab Bag episode! We go through a bunch of smaller topics, including why we won't design certain ideas. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#90 Audience Sell-Sheets 4 (Guest Joe Wiggins)
#90 Audience Sell-Sheets 4 (Guest Joe Wiggins) Aug 20, 2026 6876 Peter C. Hayward and special guest Joe Wiggins explore what makes an effective sell sheet, providing feedback on listener-submitted examples. Throughout the discussion, they offer actionable advice on how to improve clarity, visual hierarchy, and focus in order to capture the interest of potential publishers.  Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#89 Party Games (Guest Alex Cutler)
#89 Party Games (Guest Alex Cutler) Aug 18, 2026 5814 With special guest Alex Cutler, we talk about party games! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!    
#88 Ludonarrative Assonance (Guest Alex Cutler)
#88 Ludonarrative Assonance (Guest Alex Cutler) Aug 12, 2026 5695 With special guest Alex Cutler, we talk about ludonarrative assonance: making your game's mechanics match the theme, and vice-versa! Grab Bag episode! We go through a bunch of smaller topics, including careers in board games. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
BONUS: Rolling Deep interview
BONUS: Rolling Deep interview Jun 26, 2026 11513 A bonus episode of Fun Problems, featuring an indepth interview by the YouTuber Neon Gorilla. Originally found on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/VTo5DiRaTVY?si=XAK_pAzr1gwwn4iY Rolling Deep live on Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bitewinggamesnick/rolling-deep-and-eureka-dice-adventure-roguelike-and-campaign Check out our Discord Email us Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our t
#87 The best design advice on the internet - Part 9
#87 The best design advice on the internet - Part 9 May 5, 2026 3330 This is part of a series where we explore the game design blog written by Daniel Piechnick. Mathew Dunstan Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#86 Careers in Board Games - Grab bag
#86 Careers in Board Games - Grab bag May 1, 2026 4509 Grab Bag episode! We go through a bunch of smaller topics, including careers in board games. The Bits Podcast with Peter Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#85 The best design advice on the internet - Part 8
#85 The best design advice on the internet - Part 8 Apr 28, 2026 2227 This is part of a series where we explore the game design blog https://daniel.games/ written by Daniel Piechnick.   Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#84 Board Game Fragility - Grab bag
#84 Board Game Fragility - Grab bag Apr 24, 2026 3468 Grab Bag episode! We go through a bunch of smaller topics, including development and how to make your game less fragile. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#83 The Three Pillars of Game Design
#83 The Three Pillars of Game Design Apr 21, 2026 3479 Peter has a new model that breaks down ALL OF BOARD GAME DESIGN! NOTE: Peter consistently uses "ergonomics" wrong in this episode! Ergonomics is the *reduction* of work; when he says he 'reduces ergonomics' that should be increases ergonomics (or reduces work). Sorry! Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#82 It took me a decade to get this interview with Elan Lee
#82 It took me a decade to get this interview with Elan Lee Mar 20, 2026 3986 Exactly 10 years ago AJ sent a message asking questions about the design of Exploding Kittens. Today he finally gets some answers from the LEGENDARY Elan Lee! Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com AJ's favourite artist: https://www.instagram.com/nicolettabaldari/ Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#81 Board Game Contracts
#81 Board Game Contracts Feb 12, 2026 6118 Board game contracts with special guest Zachary Strebeck! We talk through EVERYTHING board game contracts, including specific percentage numbers, what to avoid, what to look for. Everything, guys. It's EVERYTHING. You can find Zack here: https://legalmoveslawfirm.com/ Peter's checklist: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X... Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.

Recommended