TOPDECK THERAPY

Justin McCall
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Two life long friends sitting down to talk about cardboard and how it shapes their lives. Friendships and even life totals aren't safe!

Episódios

  1. Session Confessions: Kevin's Problem

    HÁ 17 H

    Session Confessions: Kevin's Problem

    The conversation delves into the struggle of building decks and the desire for uniqueness in deck construction. Kevin's difficulty in building his own decks is explored, along with his inclination towards uniqueness and the challenges it presents. The discussion also touches on the impact of budget constraints and the complexity of the game. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of deck building, the importance of discussing ideas with friends, and the satisfaction and exploration of building unique decks. It also explores the struggles, mental blocks, and self-reflection involved in the deck building process, as well as the encouragement and support needed to overcome these challenges. Takeaways Struggle with Building DecksDesire for Uniqueness Deck building strugglesImportance of discussing ideas with friends Chapters 00:00 The Desire for Uniqueness29:35 Deck Building Challenges and Strategies35:14 Deck Building Process and Unique Decks40:25 Deck Building Excitement and Encouragement45:39 Deck Building Strategies and Encouragement

    46min
  2. It Takes A Tribe!

    15 DE FEV.

    It Takes A Tribe!

    In this episode, Justin and Kevin explore the various tribes in EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), discussing the unique characteristics and strategies of each tribe. They emphasize the importance of finding your tribe in the game, highlighting popular tribes such as elves, slivers, zombies, dinosaurs, goblins, merfolk, cats, dragons, angels, fairies, humans, and eldrazi. Each tribe offers distinct gameplay experiences, from the straightforward nature of elves to the chaotic speed of goblins, and the resilience of zombies. The conversation provides insights into deck-building strategies and the evolving nature of tribal synergies in Magic: The Gathering.

    44min
  3. Open Ended Commander Series: Y'shtola Night's Blessed

    3 DE FEV.

    Open Ended Commander Series: Y'shtola Night's Blessed

    Y'shtola Commander Brew and Strategy Breakdown: In this new Series Justin and Kevin will explore each others different build styles! Join us as we explore two unique Y'shtola builds for EDH, showcasing different approaches to leveraging this popular Esper commander. Whether you prefer clone-heavy tactics or spell-slinging control, this episode offers insights into deck construction, synergy, and strategic play. In this episode: Deep dive into Y'shtola, Night's Blessed and its abilitiesBuilding around cloning Y'shtola for exponential valueIncorporating non-creature spells to trigger damage and draw triggersStrategies for protecting your key creatures and combo piecesComparing the two deck archetypes: clone swarm vs. spell-based controlTips for managing life total and leveraging group slug effectsEssential mana rocks and utility lands for non-creature spell focusReflection on deckbuilding philosophies and community insights Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome back and episode intro00:41 - Personal Christmas and New Year stories01:39 - Announcing the Y'shtola series and expected exploration topics02:07 - Discussing Y'shtola's abilities and card synergies03:03 - Key themes: non-creature spells, damage, and card draw05:00 - Deck stats overview, focusing on non-creature spell support06:29 - Cloning Y'shtola for exponential value07:57 - Clone options: Auton Soldier, Sakashima, Spark Double, and more08:52 - Group slug effects and damage/relich gain strategies09:22 - Highlighting Gixion Puppeteer for dual value10:21 - Additional clones and synergy cards like Risky Shortcut and Pain's Reward11:43 - Removal, counterspells, and mana ramp setup13:37 - Artifacts for mana fixing: Chromatic Lantern, Bender's Water Skin, and others15:05 - Utility and copy artifacts: Machine God's Effigy and Videlcan Ori16:20 - Instant speed spells to maximize commander triggers17:16 - Card draw and damage combos with Ophidian Eye, Helm of the Gaslord18:42 - Group slug and life drain effects, with Sanguine Bond/Exquisite Blood comparison20:10 - Protective enchantments and resilience strategies22:30 - The impact of multiple Y'shtola and clone proliferation23:58 - Land selection, including utility lands like Academy Ruins24:28 - Justin's contrasting build: fewer creatures, more utility, and protection26:22 - Deck themes centered on spells, damage, and recursion27:47 - Counterspells, mass removal, and board wipe considerations28:42 - Card favoritism: Desynchronization and Transpose30:09 - Wizard tokens, additional damage triggers, and deck resilience31:36 - Deck protection and slowing down opponents' strategies34:23 - Enchantments and stax pieces for control36:11 - Land choices and utility lands to enhance consistency36:57 - Comparing deck strategies and build philosophies38:00 - Reflections on protection, resilience, and the importance of cloning and control40:25 - Final thoughts on multiplayer dynamics, threat windows, and deck versatility42:30 - Encouraging individual deckbuilding and community creativity43:00 - Closing remarks and invitation for community suggestions

    44min
  4. Politics Around the Table

    24 DE JAN.

    Politics Around the Table

    In this episode, Justin and Kevin discuss the art of politicking in Commander games. They explore the importance of social negotiation, precise language, and reading players. They also dive into the pitfalls of over-talking, the skill of making deals, and the role of threat assessment in the game. The conversation emphasizes the entertainment value of Magic and the importance of having fun while leveraging politicking to influence game outcomes. Takeaways Social negotiationReading playersPrecise languageBecoming the threatMaking precise deals Chapters 00:00 The Art of Politicking14:27 The Skill of Making Deals28:04 The Role of Threat Assessment41:34 The Entertainment of Magic

    42min
  5. Keywords

    13 DE JAN.

    Keywords

    The conversation covers a variety of keywords in Magic: The Gathering, exploring their significance and synergies in the commander format. The discussion delves into the impact of keywords such as lifelink, haste, trample, flying, menace, hexproof, indestructible, and more, highlighting their strategic value and potential synergies. Takeaways Strategic ValueSynergies Chapters 00:00 The Significance of Indestructible

    37min
  6. Threat Assessment

    1 DE JAN.

    Threat Assessment

    In this episode hosts Justin and Kevin talk about the critical role of threat assessment in Commander, emphasizing the importance of understanding and evaluating threats. It also explores the dynamics of politicizing and social interactions, shedding light on the complexities of emotional targeting and the art of becoming the threat. Throughout the discussion, the theme of adapting and reevaluating threat assessment is highlighted, providing valuable insights for mastering this essential aspect of the game. Takeaways Threat assessment is crucialPoliticizing and social interactions are integral to Commander Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Threat Assessment06:12 Assessing Threat from the Start11:33 Reevaluating Threat Assessment16:50 Emotional Targeting and Taking Things Personally26:24 Adapting Threat Assessment32:55 Becoming the Threat

    35min

  7. 1 DE JAN.

    Get to Know the Hosts

    The first episode of Top Deck Therapy is a get-to-know-us session where the hosts discuss their introduction to Magic: The Gathering, their favorite decks, and their goals for the podcast. They share personal stories, memories, and insights related to the game and its impact on their lives. Takeaways Community BuildingPersonal Connection Chapters 00:00 Favorite MTG Memories and Podcast Goals

    29min
  • 7 episódios

Sobre

Two life long friends sitting down to talk about cardboard and how it shapes their lives. Friendships and even life totals aren't safe!

Informações

  • Criado por
    Justin McCall
  • Anos de atividade
    2025 - 2026
  • Episódios
    7
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Justin McCall