Fun Problems
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.
Listen on:
Episodes

Apr 24, 2026
Apr 24, 2026
57 min
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!

Apr 21, 2026
Apr 21, 2026
57 min
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!

Mar 20, 2026
Mar 20, 2026
1 hr 6 min
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!

Feb 12, 2026
Feb 12, 2026
1 hr 41 min
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.com
Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Jan 16, 2026
Jan 16, 2026
1 hr 12 min
Ever wonder how much a full time board game designer makes? Today we deep dive into the money Peter has made from board game design over the years in total, in 2025 specifically, and broken down by how much money each board game made.
Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me
Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com
Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Jan 12, 2026
Jan 12, 2026
1 hr 25 min
Elan Lee explains what Exploding Kittens is looking for, and go through many examples of published games that would be a great fit. Tune in to see if you have a game Exploding Kittens is looking to publish!
Visit https://www.explodingkittens.com/page... to submit your game ideas to the company!
Fun Problems discord
Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com
Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Dec 19, 2025
Dec 19, 2025
1 hr 13 min
Hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon discuss how to give useful game-design feedback by matching your advice to the designer’s experience. They cover empathy, asking what feedback is wanted, sandwiching critiques, and focusing on tools and experience to help designers improve.
Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me
Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com
Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Dec 13, 2025
Dec 13, 2025
1 hr 39 min
Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon talk through a number of grab-bag topics, including how to be successful as an introvert and what makes a hook.
Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me
Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com
Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Nov 22, 2025
Nov 22, 2025
1 hr 8 min
Episode 75 is on youtube only: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqZnFTxZ6nM&list=PLlpOSsHmIZE9Q1V5UuzhrM3ZncMJVsnol&index=2
The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 7 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick.
Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me
Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com
Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Oct 24, 2025
Oct 24, 2025
1 hr 21 min
Hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon walk through how to start, run and grow board game playtest groups; finding people, finding the right location, handling disputes, scheduling games, and balancing in-person vs digital testing.
They share real-world examples (Toronto, First Play LA, ProtoTO), safety and inclusivity tips, troubleshooting for long/short games, and best practices for online playtesting tools and communities.
https://www.breakmygame.com/
https://virtualplaytesting.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me
Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com
Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!



