#9: Beer and Board Games with Eric Slepak-Cherney
As we practice social distancing, we find ourselves trying to entertain ourselves from home. If you’re part of a bigger family, you can easily dabble in board games and beer with your home crew. And even if you’re rolling solo or only live with one other person, there are tons of online options to keep the fun going. Eric Slepak-Cherney, co-founder of Beers & Board Games Chicago, joins the podcast to talk about all things beer and board gamin’.
Eric and I go way back and in fact grew up mere blocks away from each other. We also both share a fondness for beers and board games. But while I generally just enjoy them from the comfort of my home, Eric went out and did something a lot more exciting, starting a community that continues to grow, even as we’re practicing social distancing. We talk about turning ideas into action, the benefits of being inclusive, and some of the best board game and beer pairings out there. Let’s dive on in.
Highlights of our conversation include:
Alternative ways people can play board games online while still maintaining social distancing practices, including Just One, Codenames on Slack, the Jackbox series, Houseparty, Board Game Arena, and Yucata.de. Lots of great board games for families in here, too! (3:09)
The pledge Eric is making to anyone who donates to relief efforts for COVID-19. (20:27)
The inspiration behind Beer and Board Games Chicago. (23:42)
Types of games that you might find at a Beer and Board Games event, and Eric’s 2020 goal for playing games. (29:58)
Eric’s experience at PAX Unplugged and the thrill of teaching thousands of people new games. (31:16)
Games you can play with a huge amount of people. (40:52)
What’s in store for Beer and Board Games in the coming years. (46:34)
The top three board game and beer pairings. (48:40)
Note: We initially recorded this episode before the coronavirus pandemic. The first half is an updated addendum featuring ideas for board games and tabletop games you can play while still safely following shelter in place regulations.
What’s next for Eric Slepak-Cherney?
Check out Beer & Board Games Chicago to learn more, and follow Eric on Twitter and Instagram.
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