Mindful Games Lab

About Mindful Games Lab

Mindful Games Lab is a podcast about mindful gaming, board games, and tabletop games as tools for presence, connection, and well-being. Each episode explores how play can help us slow down, reduce stress, and create more meaningful experiences—without focusing on winning or optimization. Hosted by Clay, a lifelong gamer with over ten years of game industry experience, the show features thoughtful game spotlights, reflective conversations, and inspiring guests who believe games can have a positive impact on our lives. For questions or comments: podcast at mindfulgameslab dot com

Publisher

Clay Capra

Category

leisure · leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Oct 2020

Latest episode

25 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

13 of 28 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   25 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   The 5 Games Everyone Should Check Out at Gen Con 2026

   Host Clay shares his top five anticipated Gen Con 2026 board games, offering insights to help listeners discover their next favorite tabletop experience.

2. 

   15 May 2026TRANSCRIPT

   How Two Sisters Built Fambam Games

   Host Clay interviews Fambam Games sisters Alice and Jessica about building their company and designing board games that foster connection and embrace life's chaos.

3. 

   30 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Meeple Lady: Finding Connection Through Board Games

   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 (https://thefiveby.fireside.fm/) Subscribe to Mindful Games Lab Podcast for more conversations about board games, mindfulness, and the positive impact of play.

Inside a recent episode

The 5 Games Everyone Should Check Out at Gen Con 2026

Published 25 Jul 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] The cover is you can just feel the heat and the fire and it's about music and drums and it's almost like you can feel like you're there watching some of these dance performers just from some of the artwork that you see in this game. I am hoping that this game delivers a real unique experience, and I think it's going to. It looks like the game features a little bit of resource management and positioning. You are trying to outshine your rival performers and deliver the most unforgettable performance. So if that sounds like something you would enjoy, if you're looking for a real unique game theme and unique game experience, you're going to want to check out Diablos. […]

Who has been a guest on Mindful Games Lab

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Alice
• Jessica
• Sarah Trager
• Carla Kopp
• Ryan Schneider

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

59

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Mindful Games Lab

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Mindful Games Lab