Interview Special 02: David Thompson

I’ve got a special treat for you The Cabal today: one of the most respected board game designers working today, and a true OG Cabalist, David Thompson! You know Dave from his work on the Undaunted series, War Chest, Sniper Elite: The Board Game, Resist!, The Valiant Defense series, and many others. Today, Dave and I talked about his origin story as a gamer, tabletop role-playing games, how he got his start in board game design, his design process, his collaborations with other designers, and much, much more. It’s a great conversation, and I hope you all enjoy it!

Download The Episode Now!

Featured
Interview Special 02: David Thompson
Express
Interview Special 02: David Thompson
Express
Express
Express 117: The Component Show
Express
Express 117: The Component Show
Express
Express
Episode 343: Anunnaki Dawn of the Gods and a Short Topic Extravaganza
The Secret Cabal
Episode 343: Anunnaki Dawn of the Gods and a Short Topic Extravaganza
The Secret Cabal
The Secret Cabal
Dungeon Masters Ludus 04: The Art of the Encounter
Lords of the Dungeon, Dungeon Masters Ludus
Dungeon Masters Ludus 04: The Art of the Encounter
Lords of the Dungeon, Dungeon Masters Ludus
Lords of the Dungeon, Dungeon Masters Ludus
Episode 342: Rewild South America and The Culture of Play
The Secret Cabal
Episode 342: Rewild South America and The Culture of Play
The Secret Cabal
The Secret Cabal
Express 116: Wine or Vinegar
Express
Express 116: Wine or Vinegar
Express
Express
Episode 341: Aquaria and a Short Topic Extravaganza
The Secret Cabal
Episode 341: Aquaria and a Short Topic Extravaganza
The Secret Cabal
The Secret Cabal
Dungeon Masters Ludus 03: The Culture of Play
Lords of the Dungeon, Dungeon Masters Ludus
Dungeon Masters Ludus 03: The Culture of Play
Lords of the Dungeon, Dungeon Masters Ludus
Lords of the Dungeon, Dungeon Masters Ludus
Episode 340: Here Lies and The Cabalists Court with Judge Topper
The Secret Cabal
Episode 340: Here Lies and The Cabalists Court with Judge Topper
The Secret Cabal
The Secret Cabal
The Best of The Secret Cabal Vol. 1
Best Of
The Best of The Secret Cabal Vol. 1
Best Of
Best Of
Episode 339: Xenology and Board Game User Interface
The Secret Cabal
Episode 339: Xenology and Board Game User Interface
The Secret Cabal
The Secret Cabal
Dungeon Masters Ludus 02: The Spark Of Inspiration
Lords of the Dungeon, Dungeon Masters Ludus
Dungeon Masters Ludus 02: The Spark Of Inspiration
Lords of the Dungeon, Dungeon Masters Ludus
Lords of the Dungeon, Dungeon Masters Ludus
Episode 338: Cthulhu Dark Providence and a Short Topic Extravaganza
The Secret Cabal
Episode 338: Cthulhu Dark Providence and a Short Topic Extravaganza
The Secret Cabal
The Secret Cabal
Express 115: The Best of 2025
Express
Express 115: The Best of 2025
Express
Express
Episode 337: Covenant and the Physicality of Board Games
The Secret Cabal
Episode 337: Covenant and the Physicality of Board Games
The Secret Cabal
The Secret Cabal
Dungeon Masters Ludus 01: Session Zero and the Group Charter
Lords of the Dungeon, Dungeon Masters Ludus
Dungeon Masters Ludus 01: Session Zero and the Group Charter
Lords of the Dungeon, Dungeon Masters Ludus
Lords of the Dungeon, Dungeon Masters Ludus
Episode 336: The Pirate Republic and a Short Topic Extravaganza
The Secret Cabal
Episode 336: The Pirate Republic and a Short Topic Extravaganza
The Secret Cabal
The Secret Cabal
Express 114: Restarting Your Board Game Collection
Express
Express 114: Restarting Your Board Game Collection
Express
Express
Episode 335: Emberheart and Casual Games For The Holidays
The Secret Cabal, Christmas
Episode 335: Emberheart and Casual Games For The Holidays
The Secret Cabal, Christmas
The Secret Cabal, Christmas
Lords of the Dungeon 92: Overcoming Being Uninspired
Lords of the Dungeon
Lords of the Dungeon 92: Overcoming Being Uninspired
Lords of the Dungeon
Lords of the Dungeon
Episode 334: Speakeasy and a Short Topic Extravaganza
The Secret Cabal
Episode 334: Speakeasy and a Short Topic Extravaganza
The Secret Cabal
The Secret Cabal
Express 113: Combat Mechanisms
Express
Express 113: Combat Mechanisms
Express
Express
Episode 333: Phoenix New Horizon and Player Interaction
The Secret Cabal
Episode 333: Phoenix New Horizon and Player Interaction
The Secret Cabal
The Secret Cabal
Lords of the Dungeon 91: Listener Inquiry Gallimaufry
Lords of the Dungeon
Lords of the Dungeon 91: Listener Inquiry Gallimaufry
Lords of the Dungeon
Lords of the Dungeon
Check Out The Full List of Episode Here
Check Out The Full List of Episode Here

Our Fantastic Sponsors

The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast's Fantastic Sponsor Restoration Games
The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast's Amazing Sponsor Game Toppers

The Secret Cabal is so pleased to be sponsored by the great Restoration Games! The name says it all, Restoration Games is dedicated to bring back to market games that all of us loved from decades past. The games we grew up with and have been missing from the world. Justin and Rob believe that "Every Game Deserves Another Turn"! Please take some time to check out their website at RestorationGames.com.

Restoration Games

The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast is proud to be sponsored by the makers of one of the best gaming table solutions on the market today, Game Toopers. These table toppers are made from the finest materials and are manufactured to perfection. I have 2 of these portable and storable Toppers in my gaming lair and I am in love with them. Please take some time to check out their website at GameToppersLLC.com.

Game Toppers