Kitchen Table Magic

In this episode, I’m Shaun Penrod, creator and host of MTG Pro Tutor.

Shaun is dedicated to distilling down all the best tips from the pros and sharing them with the community with a goal of sending 1000 players to the Pro Tour.

Shaun has over 180 episodes where he interviews elite Magic players like Patrick Chapin, Jon Finkle, Conley Woods, Paul Rietzl, Ari Lax, Michael Majors, pascal Maynard, Reid Duke, and the list goes on and on.

Shaun shares his favorite tips for getting better at Magic and cultivating a mindset for success, both in life and in MTG.

Show notes for each of Shaun’s interviews are at mtgprotutor.com

Shaun and MTG Pro Tutor is also on Facebook and Twitter.

I’ll have all the links at Kitchen Table Magic.org.

This episode of Kitchen Table Magic is brought to you by Paragon City Games.

They care deeply about contributing to the Magic community.

They’re streaming Legacy every Tuesday night at Twitch.tv/ParagonCityGames

They’ve been awarding travel vouchers worth hundreds of dollars to whoever wins their Grand Prix Trails for the upcoming GP Vegas.

They also have a recording studio in their game store so that creators can make videos or a podcast.

No jokes! It’s furnished with over $3000 worth of equipment.

Paragon City Games also wanted me to share some Die Hard metal die cast dice with you.

So, courtesy of Paragon City Games, I’m giving away a set of them to you, the listener.

We’re giving away the RPG Set of Die Hard Metal dice in Sinister Chrome, a dark gray with Red numbers.

They look amazing and I have some photos at Kitchen Table Magic.org.

To enter the giveaway, tell me what you think up-and-coming game stores like Paragon City Games should do to support their local Magic players.

Send me your thoughts, short or long, just let me know. I’ll read a few of them on air next time and announce the winner.

I have a giveaway post on Facebook.com/KitchenTableMagic where you can enter by commenting with your ideas.

Also! Remember to Like Paragon City Games on Facebook and support their stream on Twitch.tv/ParagonCityGames with a follow.

We’ll be choosing an entry at random.

This giveaway ends Friday March 24th at noon Pacific Standard time.

I want to thank my new Patreon Supporter Alexander!

Wow! Thanks so much for your support Alexander.

You’re also getting a bag of those Magical Fish Crackers!

Up until this point, I feel like I’m just casting out to the ocean that is the internet.

I have no idea who’s hearing me.

But I know that Kitchen Table Magic fills up a space in the Magic community.

My guests and I are brining you never before told stories. Memories from the past. Meaningful insight.

And a connectedness through the medium of this audio show.

I put my heart every week into Kitchen Table Magic.

So it means the world to me when after I’ve been speaking into my microphone that something comes back to me.

In the form of a message, an email, a tweet, and your support through Patreon.

I’m quite sentimental, and I care about creating something real and tangible for the Magic community.

I want to thank all of our Patreon supporters: Brian, Markus, James, and Alexander!

And if you’re listening, and you think you can spare 25 cents a week, head on over to Patreon.com/KitchenTableMagic, and click “Become a Patron”.

Thanks to everyone for tuning in to this week’s show!

I’m always here to chat and answer your questions.

Email me: [email protected]

I’m on Facebook.com/KitchenTableMagicPodcast and on Twitter @KTMpodcast

That’s where you’ll find me photoshopping random things.

The show is on iTunes, Google Play, Soundcloud, Stitcher, and MTG cast.com.

In this episode, I’m talking to veteran pro player David Ochoa. Last spring, David appeared in his 100th Grand Prix.

David is one of the best players in the game, and play tests with Luis Scot Vargas, Paul Cheon, Josh Utter-Leyton, and Matt Nass.

David writes for Channel Fireball and tweets about food, especially breads and toasts.

He also shares some tips on how to get better at Magic.

Remember what David said, to get better, find a group of players, they’ll help you get better.

And for newer players, find a great place to play Magic.

Having fun in a nurturing environment will make all the difference.

I want to thank Amie Bailey and Gerry Thompson for encouraging David to be a guest on the show.

I met a lot of great people at GP Portland last summer in 2016.

If you want to hear about how a GP is put on, listen to my interview with Tim Shields, Season 2 Episode 201.

At that GP, I was also able to meet Cedric Phillips, Brian Braun-Duin, Christine Sprankle, and JC Tao in person, all of which have shared their stories on Kitchen Table Magic.

I want to take a quick moment to tell you about my friend Brian and the Magic players at Paragon City Games in Draper Utah.

Paragon City Games is an up and coming game store and they’re hosting giveaways every week on Twitch.

They’re giving away lots of cool things, including Die Hard Metal Dice, which are die cast in Zinc and then electroplated with other metals.

Todd makes them with care and craftsmanship.

And because Paragon City Games really cares about building a community of Magic players locally in the Salt Lake City Area, they’re doing many things to give back to the player community.

First, they’re streaming Tuesday night Legacy at 7 pm Mountain, which is 9pm Easter and 6pm Pacific at https://www.twitch.tv/ParagonCityGames

Second, with the recent changes to Grand Prix Trails no longer being held at local game stores, Paragon City Games have decided to award travel vouchers to players at win GPTs at their events.

That is a really awesome way for them to go the extra mile for the last few GPT events available to players in their local community.

Please check out Paragon City Games’ Twitch stream every Tuesday night for giveaways.

It’s an easy way to win some great stuff and watch Legacy.

Links will be in the show notes at Kitchen Table Magic.org.

I want to thank my new Patreon Supporter James!

I surprised him the other night by showing up in person to deliver a bag of those Magic Fish Crackers Brad Rutherford and I were munching on in our deck tech of Abzan Company episode 205.

A lot goes into making Kitchen Table Magic, I want to bring you stores from iconic figures in the MTG community that have never been told.

I want you to know that every dollar you give through Patreon.com/KitchenTableMagic goes into making the show by paying for server costs, audio editing software, and equipment.

And, if we meet our goals, I’m committed to rewarding my Patreon supporters with memorable gifts.

I want to thank all of our Patreon supporters: Brian, Markus and James!

Thanks to everyone for tuning in to this week’s show!

I’m always here to chat and answer your questions.

Email me: [email protected]

I’m on Facebook.com/KitchenTableMagicPodcast and on Twitter @KTMpodcast

That’s where you’ll find me photoshopping random things.

The show is on iTunes, Google Play, Soundcloud, Stitcher, and MTG cast.com.

And one more very important announcement!

I want to congratulate MTGCast.com on their 11th birthday!

If you don’t know MTGCast.com is an amazing service that brings together a ton of Magic podcasts for listeners.

I’m so grateful to be a part of MTG Cast and I want to thank MTGCast for allowing me to share Kitchen Table Magic with everyone.

Also, big thanks to the admins for their hard work maintaining the site and answering my stupid questions about how to post things.

In this episode, I’m talking to veteran pro player David Ochoa. Last spring, David appeared in his 100th Grand Prix.

David is one of the best players in the game, and play tests with Luis Scot Vargas, Paul Cheon, Josh Utter-Leyton, and Matt Nass.

David writes for Channel Fireball and tweets about food, especially breads and toasts.

He also shares some tips on how to get better at Magic.

Remember what David said, to get better, find a group of players, they’ll help you get better.

And for newer players, find a great place to play Magic.

Having fun in a nurturing environment will make all the difference.

I want to thank Amie Bailey and Gerry Thompson for encouraging David to be a guest on the show.

I met a lot of great people at GP Portland last summer in 2016.

If you want to hear about how a GP is put on, listen to my interview with Tim Shields, Season 2 Episode 201.

At that GP, I was also able to meet Cedric Phillips, Brian Braun-Duin, Christine Sprankle, and JC Tao in person, all of which have shared their stories on Kitchen Table Magic.

I want to take a quick moment to tell you about my friend Brian and the Magic players at Paragon City Games in Draper Utah.

Paragon City Games is an up and coming game store and they’re hosting giveaways every week on Twitch.

They’re giving away lots of cool things, including Die Hard Metal Dice, which are die cast in Zinc and then electroplated with other metals.

Todd makes them with care and craftsmanship.

And because Paragon City Games really cares about building a community of Magic players locally in the Salt Lake City Area, they’re doing many things to give back to the player community.

First, they’re streaming Tuesday night Legacy at 7 pm Mountain, which is 9pm Easter and 6pm Pacific at https://www.twitch.tv/ParagonCityGames

Second, with the recent changes to Grand Prix Trails no longer being held at local game stores, Paragon City Games have decided to award travel vouchers to players at win GPTs at their events.

That is a really awesome way for them to go the extra mile for the last few GPT events available to players in their local community.

Please check out Paragon City Games’ Twitch stream every Tuesday night for giveaways.

It’s an easy way to win some great stuff and watch Legacy.

Links will be in the show notes at Kitchen Table Magic.org.

I want to thank my new Patreon Supporter James!

I surprised him the other night by showing up in person to deliver a bag of those Magic Fish Crackers Brad Rutherford and I were munching on in our deck tech of Abzan Company episode 205.

A lot goes into making Kitchen Table Magic, I want to bring you stores from iconic figures in the MTG community that have never been told.

I want you to know that every dollar you give through Patreon.com/KitchenTableMagic goes into making the show by paying for server costs, audio editing software, and equipment.

And, if we meet our goals, I’m committed to rewarding my Patreon supporters with memorable gifts.

I want to thank all of our Patreon supporters: Brian, Markus and James!

Thanks to everyone for tuning in to this week’s show!

I’m always here to chat and answer your questions.

Email me: [email protected]

I’m on Facebook.com/KitchenTableMagicPodcast and on Twitter @KTMpodcast

That’s where you’ll find me photoshopping random things.

The show is on iTunes, Google Play, Soundcloud, Stitcher, and MTG cast.com.

And one more very important announcement!

I want to congratulate MTGCast.com on their 11th birthday!

If you don’t know MTGCast.com is an amazing service that brings together a ton of Magic podcasts for listeners.

I’m so grateful to be a part of MTG Cast and I want to thank MTGCast for allowing me to share Kitchen Table Magic with everyone.

Also, big thanks to the admins for their hard work maintaining the site and answering my stupid questions about how to post things.

In this episode, I’m talking to platinum pro Jiachen Tao.

JC won Pro Tour Oath of the Gatewatch with a modern Blue Red Eldrazi deck. And since then, JC has gone on compete in the 2016 World Championships, where he placed 7th.

JC shares with us how to get better at Magic, and what’s it’s like facing off against all those scary elite pros.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Jiachen Tao.

If you want to become a pro, dedicate time to get the practice in, and take note of your mistakes.

And by making friends with people in the community you’ll gain access to better players that can help you improve.

I also want to congratulate JC and Jess, as they’re expecting a baby soon. Congratulations to the both of you!

If you run into JC at a tournament and he looks extra sleepy, you’ll know why.

If you’re interested in hearing more about the highest levels of Magic competition, listen to my interview with 2016 World Champion Brian Braun-Duin, Season 1, Episode 15.

A year ago I sold 3 Tarmogoys, a Karn Liberated and an extra playset of Snapcaster Mages to fund basic audio equipment and server costs for Kitchen Table Magic.

After 9 months, my funds have run dry.

A lot goes into making Kitchen Table Magic, and I need your help.

If you love the show and want me to keep going, you can show me that Kitchen Table Magic is worth it to you by heading over to Patreon.com/KitchenTableMagic to become a supporter.

Just a few bucks a month can keep Kitchen Table Magic going.

A big high five to my Patreon supporter, Brian and Markus.

Thanks to everyone for tuning in to this week’s show!

I’m always here to chat and answer your questions.

Email me: [email protected]

I’m on Facebook.com/KitchenTableMagicPodcast and on Twitter @KTMpodcast

That’s where you’ll find me photoshopping random things.

The show is on iTunes, Google Play, Soundcloud, Sitcher, and MTG cast.com.

In this episode, I’m talking to platinum pro Jiachen Tao.

JC won Pro Tour Oath of the Gatewatch with a modern Blue Red Eldrazi deck. And since then, JC has gone on compete in the 2016 World Championships, where he placed 7th.

JC shares with us how to get better at Magic, and what’s it’s like facing off against all those scary elite pros.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Jiachen Tao.

If you want to become a pro, dedicate time to get the practice in, and take note of your mistakes.

And by making friends with people in the community you’ll gain access to better players that can help you improve.

I also want to congratulate JC and Jess, as they’re expecting a baby soon. Congratulations to the both of you!

If you run into JC at a tournament and he looks extra sleepy, you’ll know why.

If you’re interested in hearing more about the highest levels of Magic competition, listen to my interview with 2016 World Champion Brian Braun-Duin, Season 1, Episode 15.

A year ago I sold 3 Tarmogoys, a Karn Liberated and an extra playset of Snapcaster Mages to fund basic audio equipment and server costs for Kitchen Table Magic.

After 9 months, my funds have run dry.

A lot goes into making Kitchen Table Magic, and I need your help.

If you love the show and want me to keep going, you can show me that Kitchen Table Magic is worth it to you by heading over to Patreon.com/KitchenTableMagic to become a supporter.

Just a few bucks a month can keep Kitchen Table Magic going.

A big high five to my Patreon supporter, Brian and Markus.

Thanks to everyone for tuning in to this week’s show!

I’m always here to chat and answer your questions.

Email me: [email protected]

I’m on Facebook.com/KitchenTableMagicPodcast and on Twitter @KTMpodcast

That’s where you’ll find me photoshopping random things.

The show is on iTunes, Google Play, Soundcloud, Sitcher, and MTG cast.com.

In this episode, I’m Brad Rutherford, local Seattle Judge and skilled pilot of the modern deck Abzan Company. Brad not only won a Star City Games 5k with it, he won the admiration of Magic players around the world with this fun and challenging deck.

Brad has played in over 1000 sanctioned games of Magic, and has logged over 400 with Abzan Company and a 70% win rate.

When Brad’s not crushing newbs like met at local events, he’s judging as an L2. Brad cares deeply about the community and contributes in every way he can. Whenever I’ve seen Brad judging at GP or a PPTQ, he’s giving it his all.

I hope you enjoy my snack time deck tech with Brad Rutherford!

Thanks for joining me and Brad for snack time!

Brad shares with us detailed write up about Abzan Company. There’s a link in the show notes at Kitchen Table Magic.org.

Also, I’ve got a pic of those spicy fish crackers Brad and I were munching on. Thanks to all the listeners for making it through our snack time with us chewing in your ear. And I didn’t do any audio editing magic on those crunching sounds. They were real.

If you’re enjoying the show please considering becoming a Patreon supporter.

For everyone that becomes a Patreon supporter this week, I’m going to send you a bag of those spicy fish crackers, so you can munch along while listening to Kitchen Table Magic.

Really! I am going to send you a bag of those Magical Fish Crackers.

Also, an update on the tokens. I have found a token I’d like to make for you.

I’m working on them and I’ll be keeping you updated as I can. I know you’ll love them.

Okay! So head on over to Patreon.com/KitchenTableMagic and become a supporter.

Thank you again to my Patreon supports, Markus and Brian. You both are wonderful.

You may or may not have heard, but last weekend premier Magic cosplayer Christine Sprankle made a video asking the community for help.

I auctioned off a NM Force of Will from Alliances that I’ve been saving to benefit her. We raised $100! I want to thank the winning bidder, Michelle for your amazing generosity. The Force of Will has been meticulously packed by yours truly and is on your way in the mail.

Also shout out to Joakim (yo-ah-kim) and Xemit Sells Magic for also bidding. A big thank you to everyone that helped boost the signal with their likes, shares and retweets of the auction.

If you’re a fan of Christine, listen to my interview with her back in season 1, episode 2. I was and still am very honored that she allowed me to interview her for the show.

And if you’re interested in supporting Christine’s amazing cosplay, please head on over to Patreon.com/CSprankleRun

Thanks to everyone for tuning in to this week’s show!

I’m always here to chat and answer your questions.

Email me: [email protected]

I’m on Facebook.com/KitchenTableMagicPodcast and on Twitter @KTMpodcast

That’s where you’ll find me photoshopping random things.

The show is on iTunes, Google Play, Soundcloud, Sitcher, and MTG cast.com!

In this episode, I’m Brad Rutherford, local Seattle Judge and skilled pilot of the modern deck Abzan Company. Brad not only won a Star City Games 5k with it, he won the admiration of Magic players around the world with this fun and challenging deck.

Brad has played in over 1000 sanctioned games of Magic, and has logged over 400 with Abzan Company and a 70% win rate.

When Brad’s not crushing newbs like met at local events, he’s judging as an L2. Brad cares deeply about the community and contributes in every way he can. Whenever I’ve seen Brad judging at GP or a PPTQ, he’s giving it his all.

I hope you enjoy my snack time deck tech with Brad Rutherford!

Thanks for joining me and Brad for snack time!

Brad shares with us detailed write up about Abzan Company. There’s a link in the show notes at Kitchen Table Magic.org.

Also, I’ve got a pic of those spicy fish crackers Brad and I were munching on. Thanks to all the listeners for making it through our snack time with us chewing in your ear. And I didn’t do any audio editing magic on those crunching sounds. They were real.

If you’re enjoying the show please considering becoming a Patreon supporter.

For everyone that becomes a Patreon supporter this week, I’m going to send you a bag of those spicy fish crackers, so you can munch along while listening to Kitchen Table Magic.

Really! I am going to send you a bag of those Magical Fish Crackers.

Also, an update on the tokens. I have found a token I’d like to make for you.

I’m working on them and I’ll be keeping you updated as I can. I know you’ll love them.

Okay! So head on over to Patreon.com/KitchenTableMagic and become a supporter.

Thank you again to my Patreon supports, Markus and Brian. You both are wonderful.

You may or may not have heard, but last weekend premier Magic cosplayer Christine Sprankle made a video asking the community for help.

I auctioned off a NM Force of Will from Alliances that I’ve been saving to benefit her. We raised $100! I want to thank the winning bidder, Michelle for your amazing generosity. The Force of Will has been meticulously packed by yours truly and is on your way in the mail.

Also shout out to Joakim (yo-ah-kim) and Xemit Sells Magic for also bidding. A big thank you to everyone that helped boost the signal with their likes, shares and retweets of the auction.

If you’re a fan of Christine, listen to my interview with her back in season 1, episode 2. I was and still am very honored that she allowed me to interview her for the show.

And if you’re interested in supporting Christine’s amazing cosplay, please head on over to Patreon.com/CSprankleRun

Thanks to everyone for tuning in to this week’s show!

I’m always here to chat and answer your questions.

Email me: [email protected]

I’m on Facebook.com/KitchenTableMagicPodcast and on Twitter @KTMpodcast

That’s where you’ll find me photoshopping random things.

The show is on iTunes, Google Play, Soundcloud, Sitcher, and MTG cast.com!

In this episode, I’m talking to James Lee, all around great guy, high level judge, and the person largely responsible for turning Friday Night Magic into a reality.

James worked for Wizards of the Coast back in the day and was tasked with turning FNM from an idea on paper in the boardroom to the global cornerstone of the Magic player’s experience that we see today.

When I think about FNM, I see the community coming together each week to: battle, try out new things, and make new friends. James also shares with us his thoughts about the evolution of Magic as a game, a sport, and an eSport.

I hope you enjoy my interview with James Lee!

Thanks to everyone for tuning in to the show!

I want to take a moment to thank Patreon supports of Kitchen Table Magic.

Big thank you to Markus from Germany. Markus tells me that he’s been listening from Season 1. Thank you so much for the support!

Also, thank you to my friend Brian, who is also a Patreon supporter. Brian’s been a friend and supporter of the show early on. Thank you Brian so much!

Woo! We have 2 supporters! And thousands of listeners! I’m so happy and grateful of this community.

Remember, I’m here to answer your questions.

Let me know what you think:

Email me: [email protected]

You can find me on Facebook and Twitter.

I am working on getting some swag for listeners so please support Kitchen Table Magic on Patreon. A few bucks goes a long way.

Maybe I’ll make some “Take My Energy” Energy Tokens?

Or maybe there’s something in Amonkhet we can make fun of?

Mummy tokens? Sandstorm tokens? Crocodile Tokens? Mummified Crocodile Sandstorm Cat Tokens?

I will make all of those tokens if we can hit our goal of $100 on Patreon.

Thank you everyone for listening!

In this episode, I’m talking to James Lee, all around great guy, high level judge, and the person largely responsible for turning Friday Night Magic into a reality.

James worked for Wizards of the Coast back in the day and was tasked with turning FNM from an idea on paper in the boardroom to the global cornerstone of the Magic player’s experience that we see today.

When I think about FNM, I see the community coming together each week to: battle, try out new things, and make new friends. James also shares with us his thoughts about the evolution of Magic as a game, a sport, and an eSport.

I hope you enjoy my interview with James Lee!

Thanks to everyone for tuning in to the show!

I want to take a moment to thank Patreon supports of Kitchen Table Magic.

Big thank you to Markus from Germany. Markus tells me that he’s been listening from Season 1. Thank you so much for the support!

Also, thank you to my friend Brian, who is also a Patreon supporter. Brian’s been a friend and supporter of the show early on. Thank you Brian so much!

Woo! We have 2 supporters! And thousands of listeners! I’m so happy and grateful of this community.

Remember, I’m here to answer your questions.

Let me know what you think:

Email me: [email protected]

You can find me on Facebook and Twitter.

I am working on getting some swag for listeners so please support Kitchen Table Magic on Patreon. A few bucks goes a long way.

Maybe I’ll make some “Take My Energy” Energy Tokens?

Or maybe there’s something in Amonkhet we can make fun of?

Mummy tokens? Sandstorm tokens? Crocodile Tokens? Mummified Crocodile Sandstorm Cat Tokens?

I will make all of those tokens if we can hit our goal of $100 on Patreon.

Thank you everyone for listening!

In this episode, I’m talking to Cedric Phillips, Media Manager for Star City Games.com, commentator, and host. Cedric is a longtime pro, commentator, and writer of strategic Magic content at Star City Games.

Cedric is a showman. His passion and dedication sports entertainment shows up in his professional delivery of his Magic commentary. Cedric shares with us how he started playing Magic and what he hopes to see in the future of Magic broadcasting. He also talks about his friendship with Gerry Thompson and Patrick Sullivan.

I had a great time hanging out back in the fall of 2016.

Links to Cedric’s podcasts, CED Talks and his show on Fan Vice.com will be in the show notes at Kitchen Table Magic.org.

Special Thanks to Gerry Thompson for putting in a good word with Cedric at GP Portland last year.

Also! If you’re a new listener to the show, go back and listen to my interview with Gerry Thompson in Season 1 episode 10, where he shares a funny story playing Magic with Cedric.

So listeners! How is Season 2 going so far?

Let me know what you think:

Email me: [email protected]

I’m on Facebook and Twitter and I’m always available with a response.

If you enjoy show, support it on Patreon.

For just a few bucks a month, you get to show your support.

With the money, I’m gonna make some cool swag for everyone.

And with all the dank memes I photoshop everyday, you can bet that the swag I’m gonna make will be high quality.

Thanks for listening!