Planning your Gen Con 2026 schedule? Looking for the best new board games to check out? In this episode of the Mindful Games Lab Podcast, Clay shares his Top 5 most anticipated games of Gen Con 2026, plus a few honorable mentions and two exciting solo games that deserve a spot on your radar.

Discover why games like Drillers, Wingspan Pocket, dnup, Three Sisters: Harvest Edition, and Diables made the list, and learn what makes each one stand out before you hit the exhibit hall.

Whether you're attending Gen Con in Indianapolis or simply looking for the hottest new tabletop games releasing in 2026, this episode will help you build your wish list and discover your next favorite game.

In this episode:

Clay's Top 5 most anticipated Gen Con 2026 games with honorable mentions you won't want to miss
Two promising solo board games
Where to find each game on the Gen Con exhibit hall floor

If you enjoy board games, tabletop gaming, Gen Con, game design, and discovering great new releases, be sure to subscribe to the Mindful Games Lab Podcast for more conversations about modern board games and the hobby we love.

In this episode of the Mindful Games Lab podcast, Clay visits with sisters Alice and Jessica from Fambam Games to explore how board games create connection, spark laughter, and bring people together across generations.

The conversation dives into the origins of hit party games like Not So Neighborly, the role of chaos and emotion in tabletop game design, and how family game nights shaped Fambam Games' mission to create easy to learn games that anyone can enjoy. Alice and Jessica also share behind the scenes stories about designing their upcoming card game Too Much On Your Plate a fast-paced buffet-inspired game about strategy, food, and embracing the chaos of life.

Together, they discuss:
Designing family-friendly card games
How games foster friendship and social connection
Creating tabletop games for casual and experienced players
The balance between strategy and accessibility
Why emotions matter in game design
Collaborating creatively as sisters
The mindful side of modern board gaming

If you love board games, tabletop game design, family game nights, party games, indie publishers, or conversations about the positive impact of play, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Fambam Games:
Fambam Games Official Website

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In this episode of the Mindful Games Lab Podcast, we sit down with Meeple Lady, board game blog writer, podcast host, and passionate member of the tabletop gaming community to explore how games can create meaningful connection in our lives.

We talk about her journey from playing classic games growing up to discovering modern board games through Ticket to Ride, and how that led her down the rabbit hole of BoardGameGeek. Along the way, she shares how her love for strategy heavy euro games developed and how her gaming habits have evolved in a post-pandemic world where time and attention are more limited.

Meeple Lady also gives a behind-the-scenes look at running the The Five By podcast, where each episode features five board game reviews in just five minutes each. We discuss what that format teaches about clear communication, storytelling, and highlighting what really matters in a game.

Beyond mechanics and reviews, this conversation dives into the deeper impact of tabletop gaming. How board games can build confidence, foster social connection, and bring people together across different backgrounds. From conventions to late-night party games, Meeple Lady shares the moments that make this hobby so special.

If you're a fan of board games, tabletop gaming, or you're curious about how games can positively impact your life, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you'll learn: How Meeple Lady got into modern board gaming and why connection is at the heart of great game experiences.

Connect with Meeple Lady:
Website: https://www.boardgamemeeplelady.com/
Podcast: The Five By

Subscribe to Mindful Games Lab Podcast for more conversations about board games, mindfulness, and the positive impact of play.