While not planned for until the end of the year, a series of events have played out that have made Bryce and Jessica pull the plug on the podcast. Join us for the last time and find out why.

Water your oxen, pack your hard tack and don't forget to keep your powder dry as Bryce and Jessica take a deep dive into The Oregon Trail: Journey to Willamette Valley. A tile laying adventure of expansion, discovery and dysentery! Joining them on the trail is Westward American Whiskey. A single malt, stone fruit and barley based brew out of Portland, Oregon.

Also on today's show: fun facts about the real life Oregon Trail and a cocktail recipe that will be just what you need to help wrap up this year's Summer season.

00:00 Intro
04:06 Western American Whiskey
06:09 The Oregon Trail: How it Works
14:12 The Oregon Trail: Strategies for Winning
20:20 Fun Facts: The Real Life Oregon Trail
24:10 The Oregon Trail: Dislikes & Likes
32:13 The Oregon Trail: What Others Said
34:51 Brew Discussion
41:42 Behind the Bar: Here Comes the Sun
43:45 Outro

Get ready for a BIG ONE! Crossover Style! Patrick from The Level Up Board Gaming Podcast joins Bryce as they give you their lists of games they feel deserve a second chance. Find out which games didn't quite hit their marks, but hopefully do soon. Fueling today's MASSIVE episode is Jim's Signature Roast by O'Neill Coffee Company. A mild bodied, medium roast whose recipe hasn't changed since 1951.

Jim's Signature Roast – O'Neill Coffee (oneillcoffee.com)

Also, on the show today, Jessica makes an appearance to give you all you need to know about today's featured brew and gives you the rundown regarding just how coffee beans get their flavors.

Be sure to check out and subscribe to The Level Up Board Gaming Podcast today!

Level Up Board Game | Podcast (levelupgamepodcast.com)

00:00 Disclaimer/Heads Up
00:38 Intro - Welcome Patrick!
06:30 Jim's Signature Roast by O'Neill Coffee
10:22 10+2 Games That Need Another Chance
11:44 Games #1
18:49 Games #2
25:16 Games #3
32:20 Games #4
40:32 Games #5
47:40 Games #6
54:21 Games #7
01:01:12 Games #8
01:07:12 Games #9
01:15:07 Games #10
01:24:58 Patrick's Top Pick
01:31:58 Bryce's Top Pick
01:37:52 Brew Conversation
01:44:38 Behind the Bar: Coffee's Natural Flavors
01:51:50 Outro
01:53:33 Coming Up Next Time...

Slowly but surely, board gaming is starting to see more and more games release with strong adult themes. Given that board games are widely designed to appeal to families and children, might the creation of a ratings board, similar to TV and film, be necessary to create space between adult themes and those too young to experience them?

Hit up the rivers, lakes and shores with Bryce and Jessica as they take a close look at two games about fishing: Freshwater Fly and Coldwater Crown. With two games comes two drinks. Breakfast Blend by The Roasterie and Oak Creek Amber Ale will accompany us on this epic fishing adventure.

Board gaming online is an aspect of the hobby that is definitely here to stay, but how big of a footprint will it end up leaving and is it a viable stand-in or even a replacement to the real thing?

Join Bryce and Jessica today as they talk about the action packed, ancient temple adventure, Shards of the Jaguar. A game where you aim to be your tribe's next sacred guardian by winning an epic battle or strength and cunning. To drink we have Happy Jungle Tea by Waykana Tea. A hibiscus herbal blend that not only holds a special place within the cultures of many Central and South American tribes throughout history, but also claims to have all the energy boosting effects of coffee, if not more, thanks to it's usage of the guayusa plant.

Also on today's episode: A trip around the world to explore some real life ancient temples and explain why the looseleaf steeping process is the best way to get the most out of your tea.

00:00 Introduction
03:44 Happy Jungle Tea by Waykana Tea
05:47 Shards of the Jaguar: Overview
12:52 Shards of the Jaguar: Strategies to Win
18:55 Real Life Ancient Temples from Around the World
22:40 Shards of the Jaguar: Likes & Dislikes
29:54 Shards of the Jaguar: What Others Said
35:06 Happy Jungle Tea Discussion
40:12 Behind the Bar: The Case for Loose Leaf Tea
43:11 Outro

With tip jars now everywhere, certain bars and restaurants have responded by removing the option to tip your server and exchanging it with an upcharge on the bill. Is this a good idea though?