Bad at Magic

By Bad at Magic

This is a podcast about games, life, and other things. Co-hosts Ben and Josh have been friends for 15 years. Our curiosity about life is at the heart of our great conversations about virtually anythin... more

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FAQs about Bad at Magic:

How many episodes does Bad at Magic have?

The podcast currently has 166 episodes available.

Bad at Magic episodes:

August 21, 2025Episode 157 – Positive Illusion
Show Notes
Ben and Josh court several sponsorship opportunities (NOT REALLY), are bad at A LOT of things (more than usual), Josh reads a whole bunch of trashy sci-fi (read: more Dungeon Crawler Carl), and they take on the second leg of the improvement triangle: rationalization.
Intro & Follow-up (0-8:54)
Zaro Aga was probably 97…not 157
SHORT: Old man stopping train
Kava Krave:
Amazon.com
Official Website
Bad at Parenting, Husbanding, Fandom, Summer, Talking Speed, Retirement, and Medicine (8:54-24:44)
What I’m Reading (24:44-36:23)
Josh: Dungeon Crawler Carl (#2-5) by Matt Dinniman
Carl’s Doomsday Scenario
The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook
The Gate of the Feral Gods
The Butcher’s Masquerade
How Microtransactions destroyed Plants vs. Zombies
Main Topic: Rationalization (36:23-end)
The Fraud Triangle:
Motivation | Rationalization | Opportunity
Episode 49 – Chuffed about Lying in the Military
Next time: Andor, Season 2
Join in the discussion on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadAtMagicPodcast
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/badatmagic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@badatmagic/podcasts
Check out our website(s):
http://www.badatmagic.live
Our YouTube Channel
Support us on:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badatmagic/
Credits:
Bad at Magic Logos by Jonica Rich
Transition music by Jarus Rich
Outro music from Cascading by Ammon Rich
...more
1h 36min
August 07, 2025Episode 156 – Dungeon Crawler Carl
Show Notes
Ben recommends the new Fantastic Four movie (with no spoilers), Josh definitely does not recommend trying to pay down the national debt, Ben gets a new B@M theme wrapped PC, and the hosts give the full Bad at Magic treatment to Dungeon Crawler Carl (book #1) by Matt Dinniman.
Intro & Follow-up (0-6:49)
Fantastic Four First Steps
Josh vs. Bureaucracy (6:49-40:01)
Pay.gov site where you can “pay down the national debt”
Jerry Seinfeld and Sarah Jessica Parker calculating a tip
My Blue Heaven – Overtipping
The mystery product on Amazon.com
Bad at Tech (40:01-47:20)
Ben’s new Falcon Northwest Tiki PC with a Bad at Magic-themed wrap (Facebook)
Twitter
Instagram
Dungeon Crawler Carl (47:20-end)
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
But seriously: listen to the EXCELLENT audio book version narrated by Jeff Hays
Dungeon Master (1987)
The EVE Online bank heist
Can you beat Final Fantasy as a white mage?
Join in the discussion on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadAtMagicPodcast
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/badatmagic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@badatmagic/podcasts
Check out our website(s):
http://www.badatmagic.live
Our YouTube Channel
Support us on:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badatmagic/
Credits:
Bad at Magic Logos by Jonica Rich
Transition music by Jarus Rich
Outro music from Cascading by Ammon Rich
...more
2h 11min
July 24, 2025Episode 155 – Hardcore Misogi
Show Notes
Ben catches up on the hottest summer movies, Josh plays World of Warcraft Classic: Hardcore, the hosts search for their Misogi, and finally it’s time to take a deep dive on MOTIVATION.
Intro & Follow-up (0:00-16:08)
Summer 2025 Movie Trailers:
Elio
K-Pop Demon Hunters
F1: The Movie
Superman (2025)
Bad at Gaming (16:08-21:14)
World of Warcraft Classic: HARDCORE
Bad at Logic (21:14-27:42)
UHD vs. HD (LTT)
Josh’s Shower Thoughts (27:42-36:35)
The most dangerous building in Manhattan (Veritasium)
Bad at Magic: Hot Ones Edition
The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge by David McCullough
Bad at Japanese & What I’m Reading (36:35-1:21:39)
Misogi (禊) is a Japanese Shinto practice of purification, often involving immersing oneself in cold water, like a waterfall or river, to cleanse the body and mind. In modern interpretations, misogi has evolved to represent a personal challenge or “reset” that pushes one’s limits and fosters growth.
What I’m Reading:
Josh: Dungeon Crawler Carl (#1) by Matt Dinniman
Ben: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Main Segment: Motivation (1:21:39-end)
MOTIVATION
Nike Ad: “Horror”
Join in the discussion on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadAtMagicPodcast
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/badatmagic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@badatmagic/podcasts
Check out our website(s):
http://www.badatmagic.live
Our YouTube Channel
Support us on:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badatmagic/
Credits:
Bad at Magic Logos by Jonica Rich
Transition music by Jarus Rich
Outro music from Cascading by Ammon Rich
...more
1h 59min
July 10, 2025Episode 154 – K-Pop Demon Hunters
Show Notes
Josh recounts his 4th of July celebration in small-town Kansas, Ben ponders what the boundaries are of the profession “Fire and Rescue”, and the hosts strongly recommend the new Sony Pictures Animation hit movie on Netflix: K-Pop Demon Hunters.
Intro & Follow-up (0-1:00:42)
New earth-like planet 154 light-years away…
The Fermi Paradox
Bad at Magic: Hot Ones Edition
hot sauce challenge, video on YouTube, WATCH THIS
Bad at Trailers & Morality (1:00:42-1:07:04)
SPOILER WARNING: PROJECT HAIL MARY Trailer
A new trolley problem
Bad at Society (1:07:04-1:24:43)
Texas Floods July 2025
What I’m Reading (1:24:43-1:38:27)
Josh: Battle Ground by Jim Butcher (Dresden Files #17)
Ben: A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost
“Shut Up, Lutz!” -30 Rock
Colin Jost on Weekend Update (SNL)
Board Game Survivor (1:38:27-1:45:44)
Dog Park
Legendary: 007
K-Pop Demon Hunters (1:45:44-end)
SPOILER WARNING
WATCH IT ON NETFLIX
Chart Topper: Golden by Huntrix
Join in the discussion on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadAtMagicPodcast
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/badatmagic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@badatmagic/podcasts
Check out our website(s):
http://www.badatmagic.live
Our YouTube Channel
Support us on:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badatmagic/
Credits:
Bad at Magic Logos by Jonica Rich
Transition music by Jarus Rich
Outro music from Cascading by Ammon Rich
...more
2h 14min
June 26, 2025Episode 153 – Y’shtola and Chandra
Show Notes
The hosts finally get together in Las Vegas to celebrate the 6th anniversary of the podcast. They share their summer adventures (including the #nokings protest), reminisce about the genesis of the podcast, debate the best ice cream, and even talk about Magic.
Intro & Follow-up (0-19:45)
June 14, 2025 #NOKINGS Protests
The Fraud Triangle (19:45-37:09)
Summer Adventures (37:09-59:24)
10,000 headshots website
Aquabats & They Might Be Giants
What is Ska?
What I’m Reading (59:24-1:08:14)
Josh: Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
Ben: Pacific Crucible, War at sea in the Pacific 1941-1942 by Ian W. Toll
Magic Con Las Vegas 2025 (1:08:14-end)
Las Vegas MagicCon 2025
Bad at Magic – HOT ONES EDITION!!!
Join in the discussion on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadAtMagicPodcast
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/badatmagic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@badatmagic/podcasts
Check out our website(s):
http://www.badatmagic.live
Our YouTube Channel
Support us on:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badatmagic/
Credits:
Bad at Magic Logos by Jonica Rich
Transition music by Jarus Rich
Outro music from Cascading by Ammon Rich
...more
1h 38min
June 12, 2025Episode 152 – Abundant Poo
Show Notes
Ben makes another attempt to define Rich’s Law of autonomous systems, Josh is bad at so many things we lost count, the guys take on the Slate Truck, and they review the book ‘Abundance’ by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson.
Intro & Follow-up (0-20:41)
Link to Rich’s Law
System Error | Dog, pig or loaf of bread? | The Mitchells vs The Machines 2021
What I’m Reading (20:41-46:07)
Josh: Peace Talks – Jim Butcher
Author Jim Butcher opens up about mental health issues
Ben: The Terminal List – Jack Carr
‘Law Abiding Citizen’ Trailer
‘Double Jeopardy’ Trailer
Magic Commander 5/6-player Variants:
“Star” or “Pentagon” format
Emperor format
Bad at Husbanding & Parenting & Human Resources (46:07-1:17:27)
Malcolm in the Middle – Hal sabotaging Lois diet
“Rice Paddies and Math Tests” – the connection between regional staple cultivation and education
Adolescence | Official Trailer | Netflix
Hidden Figures – “Bathroom” Scene
Bad at Transportation (1:17:27-1:25:48)
The Slate Truck
Main Segment: Abundance (1:25:48-end)
Why We Can’t Have Nice Things with Ezra Klein (from Jon Stewart’s Podcast ‘The Weekly Show’)
Abundance – Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson
Join in the discussion on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadAtMagicPodcast
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/badatmagic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@badatmagic/podcasts
Check out our website(s):
http://www.badatmagic.live
Our YouTube Channel
Support us on:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badatmagic/
Credits:
Bad at Magic Logos by Jonica Rich
Transition music by Jarus Rich
Outro music from Cascading by Ammon Rich
...more
2h 19min
May 29, 2025Episode 151 – NotBadatMagic
Show Notes
The hosts do a quick review of the new MCU film Thunderbolts*, give a passing mention to The Accountant 2, and do a full-scale historic perspective on “The Most Destructive Cyberattack in History”: NotPetya (2017), when the Russians’ cyber war against Ukraine broke out of its intended targets and started taking out international businesses and other national assets.
Intro & Follow-up (end-24:12)
Thunderbolts*
The Accountant 2
Bad at Tech (24:12-37:21)
The Code that Crashed the World by Andy Greenberg, Wired Magazine, September 2018
“The Most Devastating Cyber Attack in History” (37:21-end)
The Most Destructive Cyberattack in History: NotPetya
To Shreds You Say
I, Pencil by Leonard Read (a breezy read)
Linus Tech Tips visits the Intel factory
Join in the discussion on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadAtMagicPodcast
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/badatmagic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@badatmagic/podcasts
Check out our website(s):
http://www.badatmagic.live
Our YouTube Channel
Support us on:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badatmagic/
Credits:
Bad at Magic Logos by Jonica Rich
Transition music by Jarus Rich
Outro music from Cascading by Ammon Rich
...more
1h 48min
May 15, 2025Episode 150 – The Matrix Reflections
Show Notes
Ben takes on a massive vintage Tupperware collection, Josh uses AI to fake being good at routine social interactions, and the guys celebrate the 26th anniversary of the release of The Matrix (1999) by finally giving that landmark movie the full Bad at Magic treatment it deserves.
Intro & Follow-up (end-15:47)
Vintage Tupperware Sale!
Bad at Tech (15:47-28:20)
Try Slackwater Pizzeria
Simon Weckert’s Google Maps Hack
What I’m Reading & Board Game Survivor (28:20-43:29)
Josh: Cold Days by Jim Butcher
Ben: The Terminal List by Jack Carr
Call to Adventure: The Stormlight Archive
Brandon Sanderson Cosmere RPG Kickstarter
The Matrix (1999) (43:29-end)
What is the matrix?
Star Trek: Voyager – Janeway creates her virtual fantasy man
Is ‘The Lego Movie’ a retelling of ‘The Matrix’?
The 13th Floor
“Zion! Hear me!”
Join in the discussion on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadAtMagicPodcast
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/badatmagic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@badatmagic/podcasts
Check out our website(s):
http://www.badatmagic.live
Our YouTube Channel
Support us on:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badatmagic/
Credits:
Bad at Magic Logos by Jonica Rich
Transition music by Jarus Rich
Outro music from Cascading by Ammon Rich
...more
2h 9min
May 01, 2025Episode 149 – Chicken Jockey
Show Notes
Josh eats 5 hot dogs before the first pitch, Ben has to hack into the drink machine to get what he wants, Josh orders 50 cheeseburgers, the guys brave a movie theater at the peak of the ‘The Minecraft Movie’ riots, they recall times they were bad at tech support, and finally go back to their favorite kinds of books.
Intro & Follow-up (0-1:18:14)
The very first telephone call…149 years ago
Atlanta Braves vs. Arizona Diamondbacks | April 26, 2025 (unfortunately, no Star-Spangled Banner performance included)
Why Billy Joel refuses to sell front row seats to his shows
Super Size Me Trailer
Morgan Spurlock, documentary filmmaker of ‘Super Size Me’, dies at 53 | May 24, 2024
Watch how [Ben’s friend] got banned from EVERY Jiffy Lube in Utah!
The Whopper Detour
Bad at Parenting & Husbanding (1:18:14-1:32:02)
CHICKEN JOCKEY!!1!
Bad at Tech Support & What I’m Reading (1:32:02-t)
Josh: Changes by Jim Butcher (Dresden Files #12)
Ben: Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
The 2008 movie (trailer): Running With Scissors
His brother’s book: Look me in the eye by John Elder Robison
‘Running with Scissors’ Author Augusten Burroughs Tells Dr. Phil About His Addiction Struggles
Join in the discussion on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadAtMagicPodcast
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/badatmagic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@badatmagic/podcasts
Check out our website(s):
http://www.badatmagic.live
Our YouTube Channel
Support us on:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badatmagic/
Credits:
Bad at Magic Logos by Jonica Rich
Transition music by Jarus Rich
Outro music from Cascading by Ammon Rich
...more
2h 9min
April 17, 2025Episode 148 – The Far Side of the World
Show Notes
Ben and Josh discuss the “dirty soda” craze in Utah and debate whether the closing of Joann Fabrics is of any consequence. They lament the death of the career of some poor schlub appointed by the DoD Inspector General to investigate the SECDEF Signal incident and reminisce on some of their own random additional duties. Josh finally finishes “A People’s History” and the hosts thrill in the cinematic pleasure that is Ben’s 2nd-favorite movie of all time: Master and Commander.
Intro & Follow-up (0-11:45)
Tron Ares Trailer (for real this time!)
Bad at Business (11:45-20:55)
The Utah Dirty Soda Craze
Air Force Tightens Rules on Shaving Waivers
Bad at Husbanding (20:55-39:38)
Joann Fabrics closing all stores
Bad at Additional Duties (39:38-1:07:02)
DoD Inspector General memorandum appointing investigators for the March 2025 Signal Data Leak incident
Summary Courts Officer (B@M Ep. 9: The Italian Job)
Josh’s Shower Thoughts (1:07:02-1:10:39)
The other “Golden Rule”
Microtonality
What I’m Reading (1:10:39-1:34:08)
Josh: A People’s History of the United States, by Howard Zinn
The Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin
Ben: Foreverland: on the divine tedium of marriage by Heather Havrilesky
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (1:34:08-end)
Clip of the joys of this movie (part 2)
Join in the discussion on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadAtMagicPodcast
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/badatmagic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@badatmagic/podcasts
Check out our website(s):
http://www.badatmagic.live
Our YouTube Channel
Support us on:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badatmagic/
Credits:
Bad at Magic Logos by Jonica Rich
Transition music by Jarus Rich
Outro music from Cascading by Ammon Rich
...more
2h 17min

FAQs about Bad at Magic:

How many episodes does Bad at Magic have?

The podcast currently has 166 episodes available.

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