You are formally invited to my Sondheim game night party, already underway. Join previous guests David Spira, Kellian Adams, and James McCusker as we tackle and explore Sondheim's intricate world of parlor games, such as Running Charades, The Listening Game, Bartletts, Camouflage, Hostilities, and The Murder Game. Discussions touch on game history, clever designs, and the emotional nuances Sondheim orchestrated. Learn why Kellian calls Sondheim an “Ace Human Hacker” and why this is my favorite episode to date!

Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠.

00:00 Introduction to Matching Minds with Sondheim

00:57 Welcome to the Halloween Party

02:06 First Guests Arrive

04:58 Discussing Parlor Games

08:33 Exploring the Listening Game

14:23 Running Charades: Sondheim's Twist

18:26 Playing Bartletts: A Creative Challenge

27:23 Camouflage: Hidden in Plain Sight

33:57 Introducing the Game 'Hostilities'

34:38 Rules and Mechanics of 'Hostilities'

38:05 Reflecting on the Brutality of 'Hostilities'

47:11 Exploring the Murder Game

58:00 Sondheim's Approach to Game Design

01:03:24 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Special Links:

Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. And please welcome our new line producer, Dennis Caouki.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#15-Sondheim: Ace Human Hacker, or Sondheim & Parlor Games