Max and Sam

IllumiNation

Leisure EN ↓ 68 episodes

In each episode, Max and Sam talk Disney's Lorcana! Join them as they talk over a variety of topics about Lorcana from the perspectives of excited new player and seasoned TCG veteran.

Author

Max and Sam

Episodes

Episode 65 - Grow yourself into something new 01.07.2026 21:27

Sam and Max discuss the origins of a post-rotation meta! Listen in as they offer ideas on where you can start and maximize your effort!

Episode 64 - Cloud of Smoke and He Appears, the Master of Surprise! 17.06.2026 20:13

This week, the podcast explores the concept of next-leveling the competition. Listen in to find out what is going on in core and how you can outthink your way to a top 8 promo Woody!

Episode 63 - Time is Racing Toward Us Till Set Champs Arrive 03.06.2026 23:42

With Wilds Unknown Set Champs quickly approaching, Max talks over the fundamentals you need to take home a playmat!

Episode 62 - So Familiar a Gleam 20.05.2026 22:01

This week, Sam and Max break down the early core constructed metagame for Wilds Unknown!

Episode 61 - Into the (Wilds) Unknown! 06.05.2026 30:11

This week, we're getting hype about the newest set, Wilds Unknown! Join us as we make our way through the misses, hits, and top cards of the set for core constructed!

Episode 60 - You've Got a Friend in Me 22.04.2026 21:14

This week, Sam and Max take a deep dive into card evaluation. This entire episode is a look at one single card to help you learn how to pick the very best cards for competitive play!

Episode 59 - I Work Real Hard Each and Every Day, Now Things For Sure are Going My Way 08.04.2026 32:09

Get the most value out of your testing! Sam and Max are talking at length about how to test, what to keep in mind, and pitfalls to avoid!

Episode 58 - It's a Small World After All 25.03.2026 21:25

This week is the Winterspell Set Champs Prep-a-sode! Join Sam and Max as they talk over the meta and how it changes in the sphere of a smaller tournament!

Episode 57 - No Chance, No Way I Won't Say It, No, No! 11.03.2026 23:47

In this episode, Max and Sam discuss Sam's amazing run at the Ink Inc CCQ! Using that preparation and tournament, they discuss the concepts of bans and if they are needed in the current Winterspell meta.

Episode 56 - Beware the Frozen Heart 25.02.2026 24:32

This week, we examine the early Winterspell metagame. Discussing the major concerns, the new cards flying under the radar, and the ways to break into this icy meta!

Episode 55 - The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway 11.02.2026 29:11

Winterspell is a mere couple days away! Sam and Max have been testing, along with the entire IllumiNation team, to determine the best cards. Listen in as they discuss the best, the worst, and everything in between!

Episode 54 - If You Want To Cross a Bridge My Sweet You've Got to Pay the Toll 28.01.2026 22:42

This episode is all about costs in the game. From ink costs to finances, we discuss what it takes to put a card in your deck and maximize it when it's played.

Episode 53 - Once You Find Your Center You are Sure to Win 14.01.2026 33:01

Hear all about team IllumiNation's experience at DLC Richmond!

Episode 52 - There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow 31.12.2025 24:49

In this episode, Max and Sam reflect on year 2 of Lorcana and the podcast. We discuss what we think were wins and losses from this year, as well as talk about what we are looking for in year 3!

Episode 51 - I Will Ride, I Will Fly Chase the Wind and Touch the Sky 17.12.2025 21:32

Sam and Max discuss some small things to consider at a tournament to improve your performance!

Episode 50 - The Headless Horseman, He's the Worst! 03.12.2025 19:08

In this episode, Max and Sam discuss the newest deck to break into the meta game. They also discuss how and why a deck can break into a meta through the lens of the new Ruby/Amethyst deck!

Episode 49 - Cinderelly Cinderelly Night and Day It's Cinderelly 19.11.2025 21:46

Max and Sam review the new tools that Sapphire received in the latest set. Listen as they go over the good, the bad, and the counter-strategies.

Episode 48 - Come Whisper to Me Whatever it is You Want 05.11.2025 34:26

Max and Sam are talking over the most interesting cards from Whispers in the Well! Give a listen as they talk over the set and make a special announcement!

Episode 47 - Malicious Mean and Scary 22.10.2025 22:21

We're getting hyped for Whipsers in the Well! Come join Max and Sam as they discuss the new set and all the spooky fun ahead!

Episode 46 - I Can't Go Back to Where I Used to Be 08.10.2025 23:54

Max is here this week to talk all about altering your hand! Listen as he gives you key concepts to help your alters with any deck you play.

Episode 45 - Color Has Its Harmony 24.09.2025 30:40

Max and Sam do a deep dive into Blurple this episode! Learn how to assess and build your deck to help overcome your local meta. Or, get the scoop on how to beat the blurple decks in your local meta! Editor's Note: This episode is a bit rough in terms of polish. We recorded on a birthday to ensure the episode got released on time. Apologies for the um's and uh's and thanks for your continued suppor...

Episode 44 - And Do the Next Right Thing 10.09.2025 28:14

Max, Sam, and Cliff discuss the most meta-defining decks coming out of the opening weeks of the Fabled metagame. Get all their likes, dislikes, and words of wisdom this week!

Episode 43 - Paint with All the Colors of the Wind 27.08.2025 24:05

Max and Sam tackle the brand new Fabled meta! Tune in as they walk through all of their important takeaways from testing and how you can succeed when you no longer need to Be Prepared.

Episode 42- I'll be Bubbling, I'll be Brewing 13.08.2025 21:01

This week, Max and Sam talk about what's on all of our minds as we head into the new rotation. Listen along as we give tips on how to brew up a deck of your own!

Episode 41 - The Cards, the Cards, Just Take 33! 30.07.2025 21:35

This week, Max and Sam are diving into Fabled! Together, they tackle the good, the bad, and what they hope to see in the newest Disney Lorcana set.