In this episode of Positively Board Gaming, Jamey Stegmaier and Mitchell Whitfield dive into the therapeutic joy of unboxing board games and explore what makes deluxe editions so irresistible. From custom dice to the Castles of Burgundy Collector’s Edition, they unpack the tactile magic behind premium components.
00:00 – Intro and sweet treats
02:40 – Nintendo Switch 2 excitement
05:15 – Mitchell’s love for unboxing games
12:42 – The unboxing therapy effect
16:30 – Custom components that spark joy
19:10 – Jamey’s collector’s edition experience
23:20 – Deluxe vs. accessible pricing
29:50 – Favorite tactile components
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27:08
Games for All Ages & The One Thing You'll Never Hear Us Say on This Show
In episode 3 of Positively Board Gaming, Jamey Stegmaier and Mitchell Whitfield go deep on the show’s mission: celebrating joy, inclusion, and positivity in the tabletop gaming hobby.
Mitchell explains why you’ll never hear them bash a board game on this podcast—and why that’s intentional. From expectations in art to how criticism can unintentionally silence conversation, they share their philosophy of respecting the creators and communities behind every game.
Then, it’s on to Jamey’s recent intergenerational game night and some excellent picks that shine in all-ages settings, like Caution Signs, Boop, and Nekojima. Mitchell shares how his tastes are evolving and the ever-growing list of party and cooperative games he’s getting excited to explore.
Plus, they talk about the board game delivery tsunami that seems to always hit after Chinese New Year, why expectations shape experience, and how much more fun it is to talk about what you love.
🎲 Whether you're a long-time gamer or just board game curious, this episode is a heartwarming reminder of why we play in the first place.
💬 Quotes
"It may not be for me, but someone poured their heart into it. I’d never want to tear that down publicly." – Mitchell Whitfield"There are seven billion people on the planet. Everyone has a different opinion about what’s good." – Jamey Stegmaier
🔗 Relevant Links
PositivelyBoardGaming.com
Stonemaier Games YouTube Channel
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the hobby, Positively Board Gaming offers a welcoming space to deepen your appreciation for tabletop games. Join Mitchell and Jamey each week, as they chat about everything the world of board gaming has to offer and share their enthusiasm, knowledge and curiosity.
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