Navigating Authenticity in Gaming Diplomacy

We're joined by relatively new but very experienced player Zoe Cameron as she shares great advice for new and existing players alike.

• The guys introduce the venue and their drinks (0 mins 10 secs)
• They set up this episode's interview with Zoe Cameron (3 mins 30 secs)

• The interview with Zoe kicks off who has only been playing since early 2024 but has got massively into the game and some of her thoughts on the game (5 mins 5 secs)
• They get into a discussion around the Venn diagram between strategic play, tactical play and relationship play (10 mins)
• Lizard brain contemplations (15 mins)
• They talk about their drinks for the interview and DBN After Dark (18 mins 20 mins)
• Zoe has some great advice for new players (22 mins 45 secs)
• They discuss the connections created from the game and the "free jazz of social dynamics" (25 mins 30 secs)
• She discusses the importance of vulnerability whether you're a new or experienced player (31 mins 20 secs)
• Zoe and Ken share a story - you can also hear Ken's original discussion on our previous episode (37 mins 30 secs)
• Zoe says she's coming to the Cane Toad Classic, with Ken showing her the Toadiest Toad trophy (40 mins 45 secs)
• She talks about different  geographic playing styles (43 mins 30 secs)
• After Ken asks about Zoe's best game she discusses getting the best sense of flow in a game (51 mins 30 secs)
• She talks about an upcoming Melbourne tournament she's organising for 17-19 October 2025 (59 mins)
• Zoe gives a shout out to tournament organisers before they start wrapping up the interview (1 hr 5  mins)
• The guys chat about the interview (1 hr 7 mins)
• Gavin acknowledges he probably needs to try giving Discord a go again (1 hr 11 mins)

• They talk about the tournament the weekend of 30-31 August at Meeple and Mug in Brisbane's West End, the social and formal structure for games (1 hr 13 mins)
• Ken talks about the trophies, including the infamous Toadiest Toad award (1 hr 18 mins)
• They talk about the upcoming Sydney Cup on 21-22 June (1 hr 21 mins)
• The guys wrap up the show (1 hr 23 mins)

Venue: The Prince Consort, Brisbane

Drinks for the interview:

Gavin: Pepperjack Malbec

Ken: Young Henry's Newtowner Pale Ale

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Thanks as always to Dr Dan aka "The General" for his rockin' intro tune.