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

    3d ago

    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

    43 min
  2. MagicCon Las Vegas 2026 Recap

    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

    55 min
  3. How Universe Beyond Sets Are Transforming Magic or Selling Out?

    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

    58 min
  4. How Mastering Your Playgroup’s Ecosystem Keeps Magic Fun and Games Fair

    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

    1h 13m
  5. Open Ended Commander Series: Shiko and Narset Unified

    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

    58 min
  6. WUBRG Series: White- The Good, Bad, and Unique!

    Mar 29

    WUBRG Series: White- The Good, Bad, and Unique!

    In this episode of Top Deck Therapy, Justin and Kevin dive into the color white in Magic: The Gathering, focusing on its strengths, weaknesses, and the evolving role in Commander format. Whether you're a white die-hard or just curious, learn about white's standout features and strategic potential. Key topics: White’s reputation for powerful removal, including board wipes like Wrath of God and Farewell White’s support for token strategies with iconic cards like Anointed Procession and Miral the Moonsilver The color’s strengths in reanimation—bringing back artifacts, enchantments, and creatures White’s stacks and group-hate strategies, including Winter Orb and Ghostly Prison, and how they affect gameplay The evolution of white ramp and card draw in Commander, closing the gap with traditionally faster colors Notable white planeswalkers, including Elspeth, Gideon, and the eternal wanderer, and their impact Famous white cards like Smothering Tithe and Enlighten Tutor that are game changers The future of white in Commander and its increasing synergy with other colors Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the Wuburg series and White's themes 0:30 - White’s association with removal and board wipes 1:28 - White exiles and supports white's control aspects 2:22 - White's board wipes and support for fairness in gameplay 3:20 - Classic and modern white board wipes with support strategies 4:41 - The impact of white’s flicker effects and token generation 5:41 - The versatility of white reanimation and support cards like Sun Titan 6:39 - White’s card draw capabilities and ramp strategies 7:33 - The evolution of white ramps and their role in Commander 8:59 - Smothering Tithe and other game-changing cards 10:40 - White’s stacks strategies, how they shape game outcomes 12:07 - Token generation and the power of white tokens in Commander 13:32 - White’s life gain and big creature strategies with Miral 14:14 - Personal pet decks and white’s synergy with flicker and tokens 15:41 - The value of flicker effects and infinite combos in white 18:01 - White’s potential as a value engine and its evolving presence in Commander 19:57 - Reanimating across all permanent types with white 20:49 - Top white planeswalkers and their strategic importance 21:47 - Classic white reanimation spells and their synergy 22:46 - White’s token strategies with Rick, and their consistency 24:11 - White’s ability to protect and respond with flicker effects and protection 25:37 - White's stacks and control elements, including Winter Orb and Ghostly Prison 27:03 - Notable white commanders like Giada, Elspeth, and angels 28:22 - The importance of white’s token decks and synergy with anthem effects 30:21 - The fair and balanced personality of white in multiplayer settings 31:19 - Equipment strategies and blue-white synergy with artifact-based Voltron 32:45 - The future potential of mono-white decks and their growing strength in Commander 34:05 - Limitations and opportunities for white-based decks and how they're improving 36:03 - White’s game-changing cards like Enlighten Tutor, Smothering Tithe, and others 37:02 - The impact of stacks cards like Derevi and Winter Orb on gameplay 38:29 - Balancing white’s stacks and control without making games unfun 40:50 - The evolving role of white in Commander, from fair to powerful strategies 41:49 - What's next for white in Top Deck Therapy's journey into MTG colors Enjoy exploring the white archetype's evolution and potential in Commander! Stay tuned for more as Top Deck Therapy dives into each color’s unique traits.

    42 min
  7. Exploring the Commander Bracket System

    Mar 10

    Exploring the Commander Bracket System

    Keywords Magic: The Gathering, Bracket System, Game Changers, Deck Building, Commander, Casual Play, Competitive Play, Proxies, Power Levels, Intent In this conversation, Justin and Kevin discuss the intricacies of the Magic: The Gathering bracket system, focusing on its intent, power levels, and the importance of communication among players. They explore the definitions of tutors and game changers, the dynamics of different brackets, and the challenges of deck building in a competitive environment. The conversation also touches on the rising costs of Magic cards and the use of proxies to maintain a fun and engaging gameplay experience. Chapters 00:00 Return to the Podcast: Excitement and Updates 01:36 Understanding the Bracket System 04:44 Exploring Bracket One: Ultra Casual Play 07:28 Diving into Bracket Two: Average Pre-Con Level 09:45 Bracket Three: Upgraded Gameplay 15:08 Reflections on the Old System and Intent 18:20 The Importance of Pre-Game Conversations 21:14 High-Powered Gameplay: Bracket Four and Five 25:20 The Cost of Playing Magic: A Financial Perspective

    32 min
  8. Session Confessions: Kevin's Problem

    Feb 28

    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

    46 min
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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Justin McCall