The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast - Podcast Rankings and reviews

I started listening in 2023 and while other board game related podcasts have come and gone from my playlist, this one is a keeper. I was already impressed with the level of organization and flow in the shows and the casual but focused contributions from all of the founders, but then I listened to “The Secret Cabal Express! Episode 89” on November 22nd with Don and Jamie. This was such an excellent and well thought through explanation of how they try to provide useful game reviews in the show, that it really showed how much thought and energy the founders put into this production. The “founders” are an excellent cast and this is a very professional and entertaining show.

Have been listening for years. Great show if you are interested in board games. However, I listen every week because I feel like I am listening to my old friends. Awesome banter. Great camaraderie and humor. I have been lucky enough to meet them in real life also. Great guys.

What a fantastic crew. The chemistry is obvious. The laughs don’t stop. And the knowledge and information are top shelf!

The founders keep their podcast entertaining and fun with all sorts of ridiculous and hilarious banter along with informative board game reviews and enticing discussion topics. Keep it up guys!

There is no reason for this podcast to be as long as it is, I think it can be shortened while maintaining the humor. The opening informal reviews of recent games played section should be limited to just 1 to 3 reviews for 3 to 5 minutes each, nothing in depth. The news and kickstarter section needs to be more professional and faster by letting Tony stick to facts like a reporter and go through each story with a lot less commentary surrounding each news topic or kickstarter project. If one of the Cabal members is familiar with the news story, kickstarter project, or whatever the topic is then sure, contribute to the conversation since it is coming from a place of knowledge. But don’t comment just to comment - I’ve lost track of how many times someone said “I don’t know about x topic or x project but I don’t like it or it looks stupid or <insert other negative comment here>. Like it or not, you are influencers and to haphazardly insult and be negative toward a topic or project you admit to not researching or knowing anything about can totally tank a creators endeavor. What is a funny offhand comment for you can crush an aspiring designer or entrepreneur. Don’t hear what I am not saying - if someone is trying to scam people then call them out by all means but it is also okay, and encouraged, to say “I don’t know enough about this topic or project to comment intelligently.” Or “I need to research this topic or project before I feel confident enough to comment.” Or just don’t say anything at all - those are perfectly valid and mature approaches to things you don’t know about and it sets a good example for your audience. And if you do want to editorialize on news and projects off the cuff then I suggest making a separate 10 to 15 minute weekly YouTube video where you can express those views for listeners that like that content and perhaps in so doing drive more traffic to the YouTube channel and grow the community there. Lastly, keep the final section, whether answering listener questions or a short topic extravaganza or some other themed discussion to about 30 minutes. And if the conversation goes longer you can post it as bonus material on the YouTube channel as yet another opportunity to boost traffic and membership on YouTube. Any pre-con episodes, convention episodes, and post convention review episodes should either be their own short podcast or short YouTube show for folks who like that content and easily skipped for those who do not care to hear about your gaming convention vacation - either way, it should stay out of the main podcast. Lords of the Dungeon needs addressed - I’d rather the topics be discussed in general terms rather than through anecdotal stories of your groups adventures. Hearing 90% of the LotD episodes being nothing more than a trip down memory lane for a niche gaming group is annoying and eventually I skip the remainder of the podcast and switch to a different better podcast worth my time; LotD is like listening to someone who tells you about their dreams each morning - sure, it was a great experience for that person but no one else cares because we weren’t there. I don’t spam you with my gaming adventure stories, please don’t bombard me with yours. Keep your fundraising campaign in mid to late spring rather than at the start of the new year - podcasts that run campaigns so soon after the majority of people underwent holiday spending is just irresponsible and insensitive at best and downright unethical at worst in regards to the financial needs of people who are likely shifting into “savings” mode with their paychecks to recover from the holiday season. Now absolutely lastly, I would love to see you guys do some charity work. Extra Life Gaming or Save Against Fear feel like they’d be right up your alley where you can have fun, interact with your fans, and do some good for communities that need help - you guys could be (pardon the pun) game changers. And you guys are all creative, I’m sure you can brainstorm other original charitable events. You guys do a fair job and I think it can be even better if polished and in so doing present even more opportunities to grow your fanbase. I don’t want my review to be seen as cruel or dismissive, I legitimately hope these suggestions are worth consideration. Take care guys.