Commander ad Populum

We kick off CadPop 207 by comparing our reactions to real-world current events to playing Magic the Gathering. How has Magic influenced the way we think about important events in our lives? After that, I spitball-theorize what it might look like to have MtG sets based on real points in the history of Earth. It was a very fun thought experiment and one I hope to expand on! If you'd like to give me...

I kick off this week's episode by putting a nice little cherry on the topic we've been carrying over, from week to week. It's a community story of one Magic player giving his wife a special present to remind her that MtG and Commander are very important in their relationship. Even if she doesn't play. Then, I go deep on vehicle commanders and what it means to have multiple decks that employ the sa...

On CadPop 205, we've got two community topics. The first, a follow up to last week's continuous topic about teaching family members to play. This time, a listener's suggestions combined with my experience and advice on teaching young kids to play Magic. After that, I expand my thoughts on the very few planeswalkers we have ever gotten as commanders. Come listen to what I think on the subject and l...

On CadPop 204, I continue to string together related listener submissions about how MtG and Commander have enriched their lives. Today's submission features friend-of-the-show Amy's story about how gaming helped her with family struggles and how learning how to play Magic strengthened her and her husband's bond. I conclude with four great tips when teaching your spouse to play Magic. If you'd like...

Today is a very special episode of Commander ad Populum. I tell a couple stories from listeners who reached out about Magic helping them, or their kids, with learning difficulties. Having not the strongest academic accolades in early primary school, these stories resonated profoundly with me. Join me to listen in on how Magic helps us learn. If you'd like to give me your thoughts on today's topics...

This week, I do a small recap on a Magic event I attended with my son and friends. I had an awesome game with some long-time friends and one of their sons. In CadPop Episode 202, I reflect on how Magic doesn't discriminate against age. The most important thing for the longevity of the game is that we recognize that and welcome the younger generation in, with open arms. If you'd like to give me you...

We're kicking off the next 200 episodes of CadPopCast, right now! Join me as I discuss why it's important to take things in, as they're happening. Why we should all recognize a good thing and live in the moment of that good thing. Magic, and specifically Commander, has taught me that, in spades. If you'd like to give me your thoughts on today's topics, hit me up on Twitter @CadPopCast . Make sure...

We've made it all the way to Episode 200! This week, I thank everyone in the CadPop community and talk about future plans. My commitment is to double down and continue to go hard on MtG content for as long as I can. Come hear what all that means! If you'd like to give me your thoughts on today's topics, hit me up on Twitter @CadPopCast . Make sure to check out the CadPop Community Spotlight on Twi...

This week, I start to mentally unpack some of what was CommandFest Bellevue. Fun games, late nights of playing, great people, content creator panels, drinks in the parking lot, I did it all! The most important part though, some of the revelations I've had along the way. Revelations that I've never thought up or realized in over 2o years of playing Magic! If you'd like to give me your thoughts on t...

This week on CadPopCast, I tackle a listener's question about the appropriate speed to play the game. He finds he goes too fast and has to be asked to slow down. At the same time, he's conscious of not wasting people's time, either. What pace of play is the correct pace? Come hear my thoughts on the matter. If you'd like to give me your thoughts on today's topics, hit me up on Twitter @CadPopCast...

Games like Magic offer extreme flexibility in mechanics, competition and expression. Many other games offer the same. This week, I reflect on my friend playing a different game, the same way I play Magic. I like jank decks in Commander. She likes tuned and optimized. In video games, she likes fringe, off-the-wall character builds. Me, honed player vs. player killing machines. Tune in to hear all a...

Is it possible to influence or even change the meta at an event? What about the culture? Is deck selection part of it? Is your pre-game discussion part of it? Join me this week as I explore some ways I think you can impact a large Magic event, for the better.  If you'd like to give me your thoughts on today's topics, hit me up on Twitter @CadPopCast . Make sure to check out the CadPop Community Sp...

After coming back from a two-day Magic trip, I'd like to share all the best things that happened and all the reasons why Magic events are. The. Best! Join me to hear why you should get out to the next event and jam games with hundreds of other people, just like you. If you'd like to give me your thoughts on today's topics, hit me up on Twitter @CadPopCast . Make sure to check out the CadPop Commun...

This week, we revisit Commander's Arsenal from 2012 and compare it with the more recent Commander Collection Green and Black. Which products have stood the test of time? Which one's are better bang for your buck? Do I want more products like this instead of a pile of precons every year? Join me to hear all my thoughts and more! If you'd like to give me your thoughts on today's topics, hit me up on...

Giada, Font of Hope is one of the most intriguing new commanders from Streets of New Capenna. She provides mana ramp and creature pump from the command zone all wrapped up in a two-mana package. She might just be the perfect commander for my newest deck that plays everything that I love. Lets build it! Welcome to another very special episode of Commander ad Populum. Commander for the people, by th...

Having an additional viewpoint or way of thinking through a topic is always a good thing. Today, I I explore a common theme of Commander ad Populum, but in a new way. Join me to hear about a new way of thinking and how it applies to Commander deck building. After that, I give a brief update on my latest deck: Jetmir, Saproling tokens! Welcome to another very special episode of Commander ad Populum...

This week I tackle a tough topic that's come up a couple times in the last week or so. The topic of personal hygiene. Today, I get into some ways I think this can be helped or solved. Additionally, I talk about what NOT to do. Join me. Welcome to another very special episode of Commander ad Populum. Commander for the people, by the people, for the people. If you'd like to give me your thoughts on...

I'm experimenting with something new, this week. I want to take a look at Magic's newest set and give my reaction to some of what we are seeing. This won't be a review but an analysis of how I think the mechanics may effect the format of Commander and also how I think sets like this will change the landscape of the game, moving forward. After you listen, let me know what you think! Welcome to anot...

This week is all about motivation. From the little day-to-day things to the larger things that we work towards, over the course of years. It's important to stay committed and it helps to recognize how things like Magic can help us develop/maintain a higher baseline level of motivation. Welcome to another very special episode of Commander ad Populum. Commander for the people, by the people, for the...

Join me to hear my thoughts on how to prioritize things when your life gets too busy. Where does Magic/gaming fit in? What needs to be taken care of first? Does it matter if you don't have all the newest legendary creatures memorized? Get my answers to those questions, a whole lot more and a good 'ol bad beat story in this week's episode of Commander ad Populum. Welcome to another very special epi...

After having a great time at a Magic event this weekend, I wanted to discuss and celebrate the return of CommandFests this summer! Join me to reminisce on past fun times and to get some of my best advice for attending your first big Magic event. Welcome to another very special episode of Commander ad Populum. Commander for the people, by the people, for the people. If you'd like to give me your th...

Spring has sprung! It's time to get brewing. This week, I discuss two new brews and how I got the inspiration to brew both of them, back to back. Listen in to how getting stomped by a vintage deck including all Power 9 cards inspired me to build a saproling tokens deck! Welcome to another very special episode of Commander ad Populum. Commander for the people, by the people, for the people. If you'...

Are decks more interesting when they're not as powerful? Do they encourage more politics or other non-mechanical opportunities for you to gain an advantage when you cut the most powerful cards? Do you win more for making your decks worse? Come see what I think. Welcome to another very special episode of Commander ad Populum. Commander for the people, by the people, for the people. If you'd like to...

It's been a while since I last took an honest look at where all my decks sit, with regards to power level. It's a good idea that every so often, we take a step back and make sure we honestly evaluate where decks are at. This makes sure we are utilizing our deck arsenal to the best of it's capabilities and matching up with opponents to have the best game experience. Welcome to another very special...

We may be getting out of winter in the Canadian Prairies but what's wrong with one last hurrah for the cold?! This week, we delve into Ice Age. Like all Retro Set Remixes, we take a look at some of the behind the scenes themes, stories and nostalgia of the set. For a more thorough review of Ice Age, proper, tune in to Commander ad Populum, Episode 8 , in the way-back machine! Welcome to another ve...