Pick Up and Deliver
Society & Culture
About
A brief podcast about hobby board games, recorded by English professor Brendan Riley on brief 15 minute walks around town. Join us for a stroll as we discuss mechanisms, gameplay, theory, and topics of the day. Find show notes at RattleboxGames.com
Episodes
- Postcards; Leviathan Wilds; MANTIS; Fugitive (Revisited)
Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you? Postcards (2025) Leviathan Wilds (2024) Episode 027: Shadow of the Leviathan MANTIS (2022) “Why the MANTIS shrimp is my new favorite animal.” Fugiti…
- The Beginning (of the Game)
Brendan shares his insights on what constitutes a strong start in a board game, following up on a prior discussion about game endings. The episode lists several games with great openings, including Happy Salmon, Agricola, and Pandemic, alo…
- The End (of the game)
Brendan from Pick Up and Deliver explores the concept of game endings and recommends five games notable for theirs: Skull King, Arkham Horror: The Card Game, Monikers, Escape! The Curse of the Temple, and A Study in Emerald.
- Light Speed Arena; Core Worlds; Verdant; Underwater Cities - Data Era
Brendan reviews four board games he recently played, including new experiences and a revisited favorite. The games discussed are Light Speed Arena (2025), Core Worlds (2011), Verdant (2022), and Underwater Cities: Data Era (2025).
- March / April ’26 Movie Roundup
Brendan discusses films watched in March and April 2026 on the Pick Up and Deliver podcast. Movies mentioned include An Honest Liar, Trickerion, Unmatched, Birds, Wingspan, Project Hail Mary, Daybreak, The Search for Planet X, The Naked Gu…
- Look Back at 2001-2004
In this episode, Brendan reviews board games released from 2001 to 2004, identifying top titles and specific categories like best revised version and best theme. He mentions games such as Ticket to Ride, Alhambra, and Puerto Rico.
- Top of the Stack, May 2026
Brendan shares his gameplay stats and experiences from April of 2026, and his plans for May. Join us, won’t you? Top of the Stack, April 2026 New Game – Light Speed Arena ✓ Top 50 game – Lost Ruins of Arnak Old Game New to Collection – Roo…
- Gnome Hollow; Horrified: Greek Monsters; Awkward Guests 2; Seasons (revisited)
Brendan shares his thoughts on three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you? Gnome Hollow (2024) Horrified: Greek Monsters (2023) Horrified (2019) Horrified: American Monsters (2021) Horrified: World of Monsters (20…
- Earth Day (Themestorm)
Brendan talks a bit about Earth Day and games that reflect on the topics related to it. Environmental Activism Endeavor: Deep Sea (2024) Endangered (2020) Daybreak (2023) Animals and Nature Wingspan (2019) Wild: Serengeti (2022) Cascadia (…
- Jargon and Named Mechanisms in Game Design
Brendan shares a bit about how jargon and game design interact, and what they do for people outside the hobby. Join us, won’t you? WHAT IS THIS KIND OF GAME CALLED? (BGG thread) What experiences have you had with board game jargon? Is it u…
- Wilmot’s Warehouse; Istanbul – The Dice Game; Hanabi (revisited)
Brendan shares his first impression of three different games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you? Wilmot’s Warehouse (2024) Istanbul: The Dice Game (2017) Hanabi (2010) (revisited) Trekking the World (2020) What new games have you played…
- 7 Things I Like About Boardgamegeek
Brendan shares some of his favorite things about Boardgamegeek . Join us, won’t you? Ongoing contests or activities NAME….THAT….GAAAAYME!!! Out of the Dust Really detailed discussions of rules questions Sanctuary – Gain a tile from the pil…
- Story in Games
Brendan talks about how five ways story and games interact. Join us, won’t you? A set narrative Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases (1981) Chronicles of Crime (2018) Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game (…
- Epona, Marshmallow Test, Finspan, Gizmos (revisited)
PU&D 819: Epona, Marshmallow Test, Finspan, Gizmos (revisited)Brendan shares his thoughts on three games he tried for the first time recently, and one he revisited. Join us, won’t you? Epona (2025) Marshmallow Test (2020) Finspan (2025) Gi…
- Empire Records (themestorm)
Brendan shares some thoughts about the themes and ideas in the cult classic teen comedy, Empire Records. Join us, won’t you? Empire Records (1995) Running a Store Bargain Quest (2017) Epic Resort (2014) Music is Life GWAR vs. Time! (2020)…
- Spring ’26 Chicago Area No Ship Math Trade Debrief
Brendan shares some quick observations about the games that went out and came in at the Chicago Area No Ship Math Trade last weekend. Join us, won’t you?Games I got rid of: Rolling Realms (2021) Android: Infiltration (2012) BEEEEES! (2017)…
- Hansa Teutonica; Kanban EV; Hot Streak; Via Nebula (revisited)
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played recently. Join us, won’t you? Hansa Teutonica (2009) Kanban EV (2020) Vinhos: Deluxe Edition (2016) Escape Plan (2019) Hot Streak (2025) Ready Set Bet (2022) Via Nebula (2016) (…
- Top of the Stack, April 2026
Brendan shares his thoughts on the games he played this month. Join us, won’t you? March 2026 Top of the Stack New Game – Hansa Teutonica Top 50 game – Lost Ruins of Arnak Old Game New to Collection – Root One More – Core Worlds Shelf of O…
- Reading Roundup, Q4 2025
Brendan shares his thoughts about books he read in October, November, and December of 2025. Join us, won’t you? The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1 Victoriana (2019) The Player of Games (Culture, #2) Civilization (1980) Midnight…
- Adventuring in the Jungle (Themestorm)
Brendan shares some games that fit in the theme of “Adventuring in the Jungle.” Join us, won’t you? The Adventurers: The Temple of Chac (2009) The Adventurers: The Pyramid of Horus (2011) The Quest for El Dorado (2017) The Lost Expedition…
- Dive; Civilization; The Godfather: Corleone’s Empire; Set (revisited)
Brendan shares his thoughts about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you? Dive (2021) Civilization (1980) The Godfather: Corleone’s Empire (2017) SET (1988) What games have you been playing lately? Share your…
- Reading Roundup, Q3
Brendan shares his feedback on some of the books he read in August, September, and October of 2025. Join us, won’t you? The Future Carl’s Doomsday Scenario Shards of Honour The Titanic and the Californian The Department of Truth, Vol 1: Th…
- Bonsai; Crystallo; Rise of Augustus; Take 5 (revisited)
Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently, and one game he revisited. Join us, won’t you? Bonsai (2023) Crystallo (2018) Rise of Augustus (2013) Take 5! (1998) revisited What games have you been playing? Share y…
- Reiner Knizia (Great Designers)
Brendan contemplates a series of game duels to compare Reiner Knizia games. Join us, won’t you?Comparative Duels: Ra (1999) vs High Society (1995) Schotten Totten (1999) vs Lost Cities (1999) Tigris & Euphrates (1997) vs Through the Desert…
- Carnival of Monsters; LotR: The Duel; Splendor Duel; Mystic Vale revisited
Brendan talks about his first impressions of three games he tried recently, and share the experience of revisiting one dusty game. Join us, won’t you? Carnival of Monsters (2019) Splendor Duel (2022) Lord of the Rings: The Duel (2002) Myst…
- Sept ’25 – Feb ’26 Movie Roundup
Brendan talks about the movies he watched in the last six months that weren’t horror movies or Christmas movies. Join us, won’t you? Mickey 17 (2025) Mickey 7 discussion Paranoia The Woman in Cabin 10 (2025) Rear Window (2022) John Candy:…
- La Pâtisserie Rococo; Endurance; The Hobbit; Strike (revisited)
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently for the first time. Join us, won’t you? La Pâtisserie Rococo (2026) Rococo (2013) Endurance (2023) So Very Wrong About Board Games Amabel Holland The Hobbit: There and B…
- Top of the Stack, March 2026
Brendan shares his experience playing games in February of 2026. Join us, won’t you? February 2026 Top of the Stack New Game – Dive ✓ Top 50 game – Brian Boru ✓ Dusty New Game – Hansa Teutonica X One More – Core Worlds X Shelf of Opportuni…
- New to Me Games Roundup, part 3
Brendan finishes stampeding through games he tried in 2025 but hasn’t talked about on the podcast, yet. Join us for this first of three episodes to wrap up the year, won’t you? Part 1 Part 3 December – Xiangqi – 7 Wonders Dice – Landmarks…
- Best Games of 2024
Brendan shares his favorite 2024 games, and some superlatives. Join us, won’t you? Top 5 Games of 2024 Unconscious Mind (2024) Kinfire Delve Resafa (2024) Wondrous Creatures (2024) The Gang (2024) Best weird game: Arcs (2024) Best adaptati…
- Pick Up & Deliver 802: Take Time; Moa; 1902 Méliès; Space Base (revisited)
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you? Take Time (2025) Moa (2018) 1902 Méliès (2023) Space Base (2018) (revisited) Do you enjoy these games? Wha…
- Top of the Stack, Feb 2026
Brendan shares his game plays from January, and talks about his plans for February. Join us, won’t you? Top of the Stack, January 2026 New Game – La Patisserie Rococo Top 50 game – Praga Caput Regni Dusty New Game – Duel or Deal One More –…
- Season 8 Finale
Brendan reflects on Season 8 and his plans. Join us, won’t you? More intentional game design Plan more games Struggle of Empires (2004) Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition (2017) Campaign games with my family Painting things! Top 5 anticipat…
- Top of the Stack, January 2026
Brendan talks about his game plays in December of 2025, and his plans for 2026. Join us, won’t you? Top of the Stack, December 2025 NEW GAME – 1902 Méliès (2023) Dusty New game – The Cattlemen Dusty New game – Moa Dusty New game – Five Poi…
- New to Me Games Roundup, part 2
Brendan continues his hellride through games he tried this year but hasn’t talked about on the podcast, yet. Join us for this first of three episodes to wrap up the year, won’t you?Part 1 July – Tacta – Skull King – Lord of the Rings: Fate…
- New to Me Games Roundup, part 1
Brendan blasts through games he tried this year but hasn’t talked about on the podcast, yet. Join us for this first of three episodes to wrap up the year, won’t you?Part 1July Tacta Skull King Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship The…
- Fromage; Cities; The Scarlet Pimpernel; Machi Koro revisited
Brendan talks about three games he tried recently for the first time, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you? Fromage (2024) Cities (2024) Machi Koro (2012) revisited The Scarlet Pimpernel (2019) Flip the Table: Transformers What h…
- Pick Up & Deliver 795: Spooky Movie Roundup ’25, part 2
Brendan reflects on the second half of the spooky movies he watched during the spooky season of 2025. Join us, won’t you? (See also: Part 1 ) PG: Psycho Goreman (2020) When a Stranger Calls (1979) A Cure for Wellness (2016) Evil Dead Rise…
- Spooky Movie Roundup '25, part 1
Brendan reflects on half of the spooky movies he watched during the spooky season of 2025. Join us, won’t you? 28 Years Later Pet Sematary Final Destination Bloodlines Smile 2 It’s What’s Inside The Ritual Found Footage: The Making of the…
- Top of the Stack, Dec 2025
Brendan shares his stats and experiences from November of 2025 and looks forward to December. Join us, won’t you? Top of the Stack, November 2025 NEW GAME – Nocturne ✓ SHELF CLEARER – Infamy X NEW GAME 2 – Ethnos (2nd ed) ✓ 10×10 Choice –…
- Saltfjord; Up or Down?; Collapsible D; Mountains of Madness (revisited)
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you? Saltfjord (2024) The Magnificent (2019) Up or Down? (2024) Mountains of Madness (2017) revisited Collapsible D: The Final Minutes of the Titanic (20…
- Look Back at 2005 & 2006
Brendan looks back at the games that came out in 2005 and 2006 to see which games are the best games. Join us, won’t you?Top 5 from 2005-2006 Mission: Red Planet (Second/Third Edition) (2015) Cleopatra and the Society of Architects (2006)…
- Top of the Stack, Nov 2025
Brendan shares his stats and experiences from October of 2025 and looks forward to November. Join us, won’t you? Top of the Stack, October 2025 NEW GAME – Beast ✓ SHELF CLEARER – Panic Station X NEW GAME 2 – The Mirroring of Mary King ✓ To…
- Libra Games (Astrology Files)
Brendan talks about what games Libra gamers might like or be good at. Join us, won’t you? Previous Astrology Files episodes Allure.com’s “12 Zodiac Signs: Dates and Personality Traits” Balance Jenga (1983) Paku Paku (2017) Stick Stack (201…
- Dark Gothic, Whale Riders, Vantage, Love Letter (revisited)
Brendan discusses three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you? A Touch of Evil: Dark Gothic (2014) Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game (2023) Whale Riders (2021) Butterfly Garden (2012) Love Letter (2012) revisited –…
- July / August 2025 Movie Roundup
Brendan talks about the movies he watched in July and August of 2025. Join us, won’t you?JULY 2025 Trainwreck: Poop Cruise (2025) Perseverance: Castaway Chronicles – Episodes 1 & 2 (2022) Perseverance: Castaway Chronicles – Episodes 3 & 4…
- Fantasy Flight Games Catalog, Summer 2010
Brendan talks a bit about what he finds in the Fantasy Flight Games 2010 Summer Catalog. Join us for this look back at the state of FFG 15 years ago, won’t you? Pick Up & Deliver 723: Fantasy Flight Games Catalog, Spring 2004 DungeonQuest…
- River Valley Glassworks, Endeavor: Deep Sea, A Place for All My Books, Victoriana (revisited)
Brendan chats a bit about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you? River Valley Glassworks (2024) Canvas (2021) Sushi Go! (2013) Endeavor: Deep Sea (2024) Endeavor: Age of Sail (2018) Favor of the Pharaoh (2015…
- Dice Game Extravaganza
Brendan talks about dice games he likes and why he likes them. Join us, won’t you? “Pure” dice games Perudo (1800) Qwixx (2012) Las Vegas (2012) Yahtzee rolling Yahtzee (1956) Dice Throne (2018) Cromlech (2015) Elder Sign (2011) Dice Selec…
- 4 Things I Like About... Spirit Island
Brendan shares his thoughts about the crunchy cooperative game, Spirit Island. Join us, won’t you? Spirit Island (2017) Extremely customizable Mage Knight Board Game (2011) Flexible options to handle difficulties Really Complicated Do you…