About US
The Board Boys is a biweekly podcast for board game fans of all experience levels. Our episodes discuss in detail highly rated and well loved games, whether recent favorites or tried and true classics. Join us for that and much more, including new game reviews, industry interviews, live gaming, and general buffoonery. We hope you like board games!
Jake Crouse
Jake Crouse is a co-host of The Board Boys Podcast who brings a thoughtful, strategy-first perspective to the table. Known for his appreciation of tight, competitive gameplay, Jake gravitates toward classics and heavy hitters like Agricola, Castles of Burgundy, Anno 1800, Twilight Imperium (4th Edition), and Twilight Struggle.
Jake enjoys games that reward long-term planning, efficiency, and meaningful decision-making, often favoring designs with depth and historical or economic themes. Outside of board gaming, he’s passionate about baseball, craft beer, history, live alternative music, and seeking out top-tier dining experiences.
On the podcast, Jake adds a grounded, analytical voice that balances the group dynamic while still embracing the fun of game night.
Cam Desousa
Campbell “Cam” Desousa is a co-host of The Board Boys Podcast and the resident instigator of the show’s most entertaining tangents. Known for kicking things off with his signature “Here’s the thing…,”
Cam brings humor, personality, and just enough chaos to keep every episode lively.
While the podcast prides itself on thoughtful discussion, Cam ensures it never takes itself too seriously—often steering conversations into unexpected (and memorable) territory. Beneath the banter, he’s a passionate gamer who adds a unique voice and energy to the group dynamic that listeners have come to love.
Tim Kersting
Originally known as 17 times Tim he is now a regular voice behind the mic. A dedicated board game enthusiast based in Des Moines, where he lives with his wife Claudia and their child Remington. An A/V professional by trade, Tim brings a tech-savvy perspective and sharp production insight to the show.
Tim gravitates toward heavier games with deeply interconnected systems and strategic depth, especially those that reward clever, under-the-radar paths to victory.
He’s always on the lookout for games that challenge players to think several steps ahead—and he’s on a long-term mission to turn Rob into a Twilight Imperium expert.
Rob Pearson
From past guest to a regular voice behind the mic. Based in Iowa, he lives with his wife Amy and their son Beau, and has three grown stepdaughters.
Rob’s gaming roots are in thematic and hidden role games, but his tastes have expanded to include complex Euro-style designs—especially from the “Italian design mafia.”
While he enjoys deeper strategy, theme is still king, and he appreciates games with strong art and components.
On the podcast, Rob brings a balanced perspective shaped by his evolving tastes, highlighting everything from immersive thematic experiences to crunchy, replayable Euros like Civolution, Darwin’s Journey, and Golem.
Podcast Reviews
The best boardgame podcast
Informative. Entertaining. Structured enough that it doesn’t ramble, spontaneous enough that it’s never quite the same. I’ve bought several games off of their reviews and they’ve been spot on with the pros and cons (and prawns).
beardedkittens - iTunes review
Great podcast
Love the banter and the thoughtful discussion about the games. Also really like that the podcast’s approach spotlights some older games that are often overlooked.
Two Thumbs Up
If I had more thumbs, I’d give more thumbs up. I’m not super into board games, but this podcast makes me want to be. The guys have good chemistry together and are clearly well-versed in what they love.
s-rami0510 - iTunes review