TOPDECK THERAPY

Justin McCall
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Hobbies

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

  1. Jul 10

    Roster Roundups: Zask, Skittering Swarmlord

    In this episode of Top Deck Therapy, Kevin breaks down his Zask, Skittering Swarmlord Commander deck and explains how it turns the graveyard into a second hand. The deck leans into green-based graveyard value, insect token production, and repeatable recursion to keep threats coming back turn after turn. You’ll hear how Zask enables land play and insect casting from the graveyard, why the deck can function without black, and how it wins by flooding the board, drawing cards, and overruning opponents with huge combat swings. Kevin also shares some of the key cards that make the list so consistent, including token makers, ramp pieces, graveyard enablers, and finishers.If you like Commander deck tech, graveyard synergy, and board states that keep growing back, this Zask build is packed with value.

    Roster Roundups: Zask, Skittering Swarmlord

  2. Jun 26

    Commander Crimes & Pet Peeves

    Justin and Kevin are back again. This time the conversation delves into the topic of pet peeves, emphasizing the importance of open and honest conversations to understand and address pet peeves in gameplay and social dynamics. It explores table organization, cleanliness, and etiquette, as well as deck shuffling and turn duration etiquette. The discussion also touches on personal growth and reflection, concluding with an unboxing and expressions of gratitude. Takeaways Open and honest conversations are essential for understanding and addressing pet peeves in gameplay and social dynamics.Table organization, cleanliness, and etiquette, as well as deck shuffling and turn duration etiquette, play a significant role in creating a positive gaming experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pet Peeves05:23 Information and Organization on the Table10:34 Gameplay Etiquette and Consideration19:25 Deck Shuffling and Etiquette33:29 Personal Growth and Reflection

    Commander Crimes & Pet Peeves

  3. Jun 13

    Open Ended Commander Series: Thalia and the Gitrog Monster

    The conversation covers the introduction to the open-ended commander series, Andrew's inspiration for building the commander deck, an overview of the Thalia and the GitRog Monster card, card highlights, deck building strategy, and a detailed overview of Justin's modular deck. The conversation covers various deck building strategies, including the use of Rishkar's Expertise, plus one plus one counters, and artifact zone change. It also explores the Maze's End win condition, unique deck building, and the concept of brewing and learning in open-ended commander games. Takeaways Deck building with existing cards is a cost-effective approachCard synergies and deck building strategy are crucial for a successful commander deckModular decks offer unique and strategic gameplay opportunities Synergy over priceMaze's End win conditionUnique deck building approachLearning from different deck building approaches Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Open-Ended Commander Series06:00 Deck Cost and Affordability11:00 Card Synergies and Deck Building Strategy18:36 Deck Overview: Justin's Modular Deck25:32 Deck Building Strategies31:51 Unique Deck Building48:00 Brewing and Learning

    Open Ended Commander Series: Thalia and the Gitrog Monster

  4. May 30

    WUBRG Series: Blue- The Good, Bad, and the Control

    Welcome Back to the WUBRG Series! In this episode, Justin and Kevin discuss the power and strategy of the color blue in Magic: The Gathering. They explore the meaning of blue, its strengths in card draw, counter magic, and control, as well as its methodical and slow approach to the game. The conversation delves into the love-hate relationship with blue, its potential for future design improvements, and the game-changing cards that define the color's impact on the game. Takeaways Blue is a versatile color with strengths in card draw, counter magic, and control.Blue's methodical and slow approach to the game allows it to outvalue and outtempo opponents.Blue's power lies in its ability to control the game, enforce rules, and disrupt opponents' strategies.Blue's strength in combo potential and its ability to win through combos make it a formidable color in higher-powered games. Chapters 00:00 Designing Blue for the Future34:26 Game Changers in Blue

    WUBRG Series: Blue- The Good, Bad, and the Control

  5. May 9

    MagicCon Las Vegas 2026 Recap

    The episode covers the hosts' experiences at Magic Con Vegas 26, highlighting the sense of community, the excitement of meeting content creators and celebrities, and the special moments and interactions that made the event memorable. The chapter titles capture the essence of each theme, providing a comprehensive overview of the Magic Con Vegas experience. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to Magic Conventions, including card collecting, nostalgia, deck composition, unique finds, merchandise, gameplay experience, reflections, and community engagement. The hosts share insights on the importance of using the event app and maps to navigate the convention effectively, as well as the treasure trove of rare and valuable cards found at Magic Conventions. Takeaways Magic Con Vegas is a must-visit for Magic the Gathering fansThe sense of community and shared passion at Magic Con Vegas is infectious Magic Conventions are a treasure trove for finding rare and valuable cardsThe importance of using the event app and maps to navigate the convention effectively Chapters 00:00 Vendor and Merchandise Experience50:10 Community Engagement and Event Highlights

    MagicCon Las Vegas 2026 Recap

  6. May 6

    How Universe Beyond Sets Are Transforming Magic or Selling Out?

    The conversation delves into the impact of Universes Beyond (UB) sets on the realm of magic, exploring the journey of a player, the immersion-breaking effect of UB sets, and the rapid release of new products, leading to IP overload and attention grab in the magic community. The conversation delves into the concerns of power creep in Magic: The Gathering and its impact on the game's community. It also explores the future of UB sets, the evolution of Magic, the role of power creep in Commander, the impact of UB sets on the Magic community, and the potential of a Magic film/show. Takeaways UB sets bring new players and OG players into the realm of magicUB sets break immersion of the realm of magic for some playersThe rapid release of new UB sets can lead to IP overload and a feeling of being inundated with new products Power creep concerns in Magic: The GatheringImpact of UB sets on the Magic community Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Universes Beyond Sets08:16 The Good and Bad of Universes Beyond Sets24:22 The Evolution of Magic Sets30:55 Power Creep in Magic: The Gathering36:01 The Impact of Power Creep on Commander45:12 The Role of UB Sets in the Magic Community54:23 The Potential of a Magic Film/Show

    How Universe Beyond Sets Are Transforming Magic or Selling Out?

  7. Apr 22

    How Mastering Your Playgroup’s Ecosystem Keeps Magic Fun and Games Fair

    In this episode co-hosts Justin and Kevin have Andrew back on the show to discuss the dynamics of play groups and the roles within them, exploring the ecosystem of play groups and the various roles that individuals take on within these groups. It discusses the ever-changing and adaptive nature of play groups and the impact of social dynamics on the game. The conversation delves into the impact of winning and losing on the overall game experience, as well as the dynamics of playgroup interactions and their influence on gameplay. It also explores the concept of a game winner and reflects on playgroup interactions. The conversation delves into the self-regulating nature of the format and the importance of balancing the ecosystem to ensure a healthy and enjoyable play experience for all participants. Takeaways Dynamic of play groupsRoles within play groups Consider the impact of winning and losing on the overall game experienceReflect on the dynamics of playgroup interactions and their influence on gameplay Self-regulating formatBalancing the ecosystem Chapters 00:00 Roles Within the Play Group28:00 The Concept of Winning51:40 Ecosystem Balance and Self-Regulation

    How Mastering Your Playgroup’s Ecosystem Keeps Magic Fun and Games Fair

  8. Apr 11

    Open Ended Commander Series: Shiko and Narset Unified

    Episode 10 marks a milestone for the hosts, celebrating their journey and the Commander series. They present two unique decks: one focused on open-ended commanders and the other on Voltron strategy. The open-ended commander deck features Shiko and Narset Unified, emphasizing spell copying and enchantments. The Voltron deck focuses on auras, card draw, and protection for the commander. The conversation delves into the detailed discussion of artifacts, enchantments, and sorceries, as well as the strategic considerations and deck-building choices. The hosts share insights into their deck-building process and the unique themes and strategies they have employed. Takeaways Milestone celebration and gratitudeUnique deck strategies: open-ended commanders and Voltron Deck-building strategiesArtifact and enchantment selection Chapters 00:00 Milestone Celebration and Gratitude22:18 Voltron Deck Strategy29:24 Artifacts and Mana Ramp44:17 Sorceries and Deck Strategy53:02 Upcoming Commanders and Deck-Building Plans

    Open Ended Commander Series: Shiko and Narset Unified
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Justin McCall
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Justin McCall

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