Commander ad Populum

Commander ad Populum episodes:

• 05.08.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 288 - Balancing Deck Building & Deck Tweaking

  This week's community topic is one that I don't think anyone thinks about but take some part in, every time they sit down with Magic on the mind. Do you build more decks? Or do you tweak and tune more...

  
• 05.01.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 287 - Finding your Balance in MTG

  With everything that's being going on with the Commander Cookout Media Group over the past few months, it's been very difficult to strike the right balance of work and play. Luckily MTG has all the depth, complexities and social lessons...

  
• 04.24.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 286 - What Makes a Great Local Game Store?

  What are the top traits of all great local game stores? I dive deep into what I think are the no-brainer, make-or-break traits today, on CadPop 286. From cleanliness to leadership to management to snacks! We're covering it all today. Support...

  
• 04.17.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 285 - Patience in MTG... and Life

  We continue the discussion from last week on working through tough situations with others with a close look at how MTG and Commander can help us. This time, we focus on being patient with ourselves and others as we learn,...

  
• 04.10.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 284 - Intense Emotional Response in MTG

  When it comes to teaching, coaching and building a community, there's no better way to lead than from the front. Leading by example and showing people how to be better is the ultimate way to elevate those around you. Support on...

  
• 04.03.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 283 - The 10:1 Deckbuilding Theory

  We're running it back with some fallout from last week's episode. I defend my stance on running the minimal number of basic lands and breakdown a deck building theory sent in by a long-time listener. Keep those theories coming in!...

  
• 03.27.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 282 - My Deck Building Routine

  After a week off with illness, I'm back with a vengeance talking some tech MTG shop! Join me as I run through my mental process and routine for building a new deck. Support on Patreon, here: Patreon.com/CadPopCast. There are a bunch...

  
• 03.13.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 281 - Your Gaming 'Range of Motion'

  With Magic the Gathering, like in many areas of life we seek to become proficient in, a wide variety of exposure over the course of time is what it takes to be successful. Come hear my expanded thoughts on the...

  
• 03.06.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 280 - What it Takes to Lead an MTG Community

  After another week of reflection post MagicCon Chicago, I dig deep into what it means to lead an MTG community with examples based on the structure large events can provide. Combine that with the fantastic culture that large events exhibit...

  
• 02.28.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 279 - MagicCon Chicago Virtual Tour and Venue Highlights

  Come along on my early-access tour of the MagicCon show floor and hear about the highlights of the show! Come hear about the best parts of being physically present at the largest type of Magic convention in the world. And,...

  
• 02.21.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 278 - A Brief History of the Universe (Beyond)

  This week, we're bringing back the set retrospectives with a look back at the history of MTG's Universes Beyond product launches. Join me for a brief history of time! Support on Patreon, here: Patreon.com/CadPopCast. There are a bunch of great...

  
• 02.14.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 277 - The Guilt of Winning in EDH - Part 2

  This episode has been a long time coming. I look to conclude my thoughts given way back on Episode 234 of CadPopCast, with the help of a listener email. This week, we take a 10,000 foot view on the topics...

  
• 02.07.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 276 - Transferable Skills Are Important

  MagicCon Chicago is right around the corner. With a major upcoming event, I take a closer look at why deck selection is so important when it comes to maximizing your experience. And, in true CadPop fashion, I find a way...

  
• 01.31.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 275 - My Magic Weekend Recap

  It's not often that you get all your friends in one spot to play Magic. Last weekend, I got just that! Tune in to listen to my gameplay analysis and weekend-of-Magic recap. Support on Patreon, here: Patreon.com/CadPopCast. There are a...

  
• 01.24.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 274 - Talking Commander History with MAC

  This week, I finally get to sit down with my good friend MAC and talk all about a new piece of content that we are working on together! Join us and hear about our new passion project: Commander History! Support...

  
• 01.17.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 273 - I'm Finally Cutting Decks

  This is it! I'm finally cutting decks! Maybe... Yes, I've decided. Wait, no. Come on a little journey with me to find out, what really goes into important MTG decisions. Support on Patreon, here: Patreon.com/CadPopCast. There are a bunch of...

  
• 01.10.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 272 - HELP! - Too Many Decks

  After the great reception that last week's episode had, I decided to think about cleaning house and organizing my EDH decks. It can be tougher than you think to get rid of any. I start by asking the question: How...

  
• 01.03.2024

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 271 - Reward Yourself Early in 2024

  As we usher in the new year, it's important to remember to do the little things that fill our lives with pride, joy and accomplishment. I give a few examples of things I've checked off my to-do list over the...

  
• 12.20.2023

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 270 - 2023 Wrap-Up - Part 3 - Best card Honorable Mentions

  Things are getting down to the wire for 2023. This week, I cover my favorite cards that were not selected as part of my top 5 cards for 2023. Additionally, I go deep on a few cards that seemed to...

  
• 12.13.2023

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 269 - We Wrap Up On 2023 - Part 2

  With CadPop 269, we continue looking at the year that was 2023. We take a closer look at each set that was released along with cards that effected the format in a major way.Support on Patreon, here: Patreon.com/CadPopCast.There are a...

  
• 12.06.2023

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 268 - We Wrap Up On 2023 - Part 1

  I kick off the holiday season with a couple of MTG adjacent Christmas Miracles. Then, the 2023 wrap up begins. How are we going to decide what the best cards of the year have been?! In this first of a...

  
• 11.29.2023

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 267 - Choosing Your Vehicles

  When is there finally enough of a certain card, or card type, to create a deck? How strict does one have to be in order to make a theme deck? Is it OK to sacrifice deck power for theme inclusions....

  
• 11.22.2023

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 266 - Life Lessons and Community Kalamax Updates

  Every once in a while we all do something stupid. Well, this week it's my turn. Join me as I recount a story that is funny now, but at the time was very stressful and disheartening! After that I give...

  
• 11.15.2023

  Commander ad Populum, Ep 265 - Retaliation Attacks and Over-Correcting

  We start with a quick follow up, after last week's Gwaihir and Gandalf introductory decktech. Then, I go deep on a listener submission on how best to react to, and learn from, the dogpile of attacks that sometimes happen, after...

  
• 11.15.2023

  Episode 265: Commander ad Populum, Ep 265 - Retaliation Attacks and Over-Correcting

  We start with a quick follow up, after last week's Gwaihir and Gandalf introductory decktech. Then, I go deep on a listener submission on how best to react to, and learn from, the dogpile of attacks that sometimes happen, after...

  
• 11.08.2023

  Episode 264: Commander ad Populum, Ep 264 - Gwaihir, the Windlord and Gandalf the Grey

  New deck time! I'm diving in with Gwaihir the Windlord an Azorius bird deck spear-headed by a flock of flying beaters. This deck will be a love letter to Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and an homage to...

  
• 11.01.2023

  Episode 263: Commander ad Populum, Ep 263 - I'm Writing a Book and Other Big Announcements

  Oh baby, so much to say! I'll leave it to the actual podcast portion of the post. Join me in delving deep into announcements and all their fallout!Support on Patreon, here: Patreon.com/CadPopCast. There are a bunch of great benefits associated...

  
• 10.25.2023

  Episode 262: Commander ad Populum, Ep 262 - Halloween Theme-Deck Ideas

  This week, we get into the Scary Season spirit. I highlight some Halloween tropes that can be built around with some kooky and spooky commanders. Join me for traditional Halloween ghouls, monsters and movie villains!Support on Patreon, here: Patreon.com/CadPopCast. There...

  
• 10.18.2023

  Episode 261: Commander ad Populum, Ep 261 - Turning a cEDH Deck into a Casual Deck

  Today's the day! I'm drawing a line in the sand. I'm making a mono blue cEDH deck. With that said, I need another mono-blue casual deck. Join me as I talk through how I think it will be best to...

  
• 10.11.2023

  Episode 260: Commander ad Populum, Ep 260 - Back in My Day!

  This week, I am looking to slot a new card in to one of my decks. I use it as a fun example to demonstrate all the modern comforts and tools we have as EDH deck builders in today's Magic...

  
• 10.04.2023

  Episode 259: Commander ad Populum, Ep 259 - Being Authentic

  After several weeks of travel and conventions, I reflect on the type of question I get asked a ton. How do you start making content? How do you build and connect with an audience? Things like that. The main thing...

  
• 09.27.2023

  Episode 258: Commander ad Populum, Ep 258 - Magic Con Las Vegas Early Access Market Place Tour

  There was some COOL stuff to see at Magic Con Las Vegas. My favorite place to check out is the Magic Market Place. There is so much history to our game and to see it, hold it and talk about...

  
• 09.20.2023

  Episode 257: Commander ad Populum, Ep 257 - How to Pick Decks for Magic Cons

  Following a quick rundown of my decks, I theorize what sort of experience I would like to have at the upcoming Magic Con Las Vegas. A big part of that is contingent on what decks come along with me. Gameplay,...

  
• 09.13.2023

  Episode 256: Commander ad Populum, Ep 256 - Tribute and Thank you to Sheldon Menery

  This week, I take a few minutes to thank Sheldon Menery, one of the founders of the Commander format, for his contributions to the game. I get into how my Magic philosophy has evolved and improved because of him and...

  
• 09.06.2023

  Episode 255: Commander ad Populum, Ep 255 - Wilds of Eldraine - Deep Dive on Bargain

  Oh baby! This week, I go deep on a few of my favorite hidden gems in Wilds of Eldraine. That includes a couple cards with the new Bargain mechanic. How does it work? What are our closest comparable cards? Let's...

  
• 08.30.2023

  Episode 254: Commander ad Populum, Ep 254 - Is Collecting MTG Dead?

  I want to explore the idea of collecting. Whether it be an entire set of cards or just a certain MTG-related thing. Is WOTC making it too hard to collect all of a certain thing? Or, do we just need...

  
• 08.23.2023

  Episode 253: Commander ad Populum, Ep 253 - When Deck Building Stops Being Fun

  This week's listener submitted topic is one we all have to wrestle with from time to time. That is, what should we do when building a Commander deck no longer feels like fun. Or, the opposite side of the coin,...

  
• 08.16.2023

  Episode 252: Commander ad Populum, Ep 252 - Are Precons a Bad Thing?

  It's been twelve years since we got our first precons. I think the time has finally come to give my expanded thoughts on how I think they've affected the format of Commander. Join me!Support on Patreon, here: Patreon.com/CadPopCast. There are...

  
• 08.09.2023

  Episode 251: Commander ad Populum, Ep 251 - A Visit from Gemstone Mine Podcast

  This week, I have a very special guest! Long time listener and friend of the show, John, from Gemstone Mine Podcast. Join us as we talk about everything from teaching new players to the application of lessons learned from cEDH....

  
• 08.02.2023

  Episode 250: Commander ad Populum, Ep 250 - The Fantastic Free Featurette - Part 3

  We conclude the free spell featurette. In the third and final episode of this featurette, I take some time to highlight a ton of my favorite free spells. And, they might now be the ones that you think!Support on Patreon,...

  
• 07.26.2023

  Episode 249: Commander ad Populum, Ep 249 - The Fantastic Free Featurette - Part 2

  We continue with our free spell featurette. Come listen to everything I think is important when thinking about and adding free spells to your EDH decks.Support on Patreon, here: Patreon.com/CadPopCast. There are a bunch of great benefits associated with being...

  
• 07.19.2023

  Episode 248: Commander ad Populum, Ep 248 - The Fantastic Free Featurette - Part 1

  Based on how much I enjoyed last week's Great Graveyard Episode, I decided to tackle another topic that's been on my mind, of late: free spells. And, with Commander Masters reprinting a cycle of free staple cards, there's no time...

  
• 07.12.2023

  Episode 247: Commander ad Populum, Ep 247 - The Great Graveyard Removal Episode

  This week's episode is everything I know about graveyard hate in Commander, and then some. Join me as I discuss the best graveyard hate cards in each color and why they belong in certain decks. And, for my own decks,...

  
• 07.05.2023

  Episode 246: Commander ad Populum, Ep 246 - The Hosts of Mordor 2.0 & Flavor Home Runs

  This week, I analyze the upgrades I was able to fit into the Host of Mordor precon from Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth. I swapped a few cards and a few lands. Come hear about what I liked...

  
• 06.28.2023

  Episode 245: Commander ad Populum, Ep 245 - The Host of Mordor Upgrade Session

  This week, I break down, and then rebuild, the Hosts of Mordor Commander precon. Come listen to my theories about the deck, as it is out of the box. Then, potential includes and cuts. I finish with my (slightly) upgraded...

  
• 06.21.2023

  Episode 244: Commander ad Populum, Ep 244 - CommandFest Edmonton

  If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times! You need to get yourself to a Magic event! This week, I recap my time spent at CommandFest Edmonton. Great times with an awesome bunch of people. A few...

  
• 06.14.2023

  Episode 243: Commander ad Populum, Ep 243 - Sauron and Tom Bombadil - Card Review/Analysis

  From cards that I didn't think should be in the Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth to a character that has been left out of nearly every adaptation ever! This week, I cover the multiple iterations of Sauron and...

  
• 06.07.2023

  Episode 242: Commander ad Populum, Ep 242 - Why MTGxLOTR is the Most Important Set Ever

  This week is a very special episode for myself. I get all the way into how and why Magic the Gathering connects to our favorite things. For me, that means how and why MTG and Tolkien's Legendarium are woven into...

  
• 05.31.2023

  Episode 241: Commander ad Populum, Ep 241 - My 10 Commander Tips

  I take a break from Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth this week and get back into some very important Commander talk. Ten pieces of advice I wish I had heard/learned a lot earlier in my Magic playing career....

  
• 05.24.2023

  Episode 240: Commander ad Populum, Ep 240 - What Gives Us Our Identity?

  From our games to our jobs. From what we read to how we think and act. Today, I delve into what I think contributes to who we are as individuals. Magic gives us the opportunity to really discover, explore and...