Commander's Pod

Commander’s Pod is a lively and entertaining podcast where three friends come together to celebrate all things Magic: The Gathering, with a special focus on the Commander (EDH) format. Each episode blends engaging stories from their own games, in-depth discussions on strategies and deck-building, and debates on hot topics in the MTG community. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to Commander, the hosts provide valuable tips, plenty of laughs, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Tune in for everything from game-changing insights to hilarious tales of triumph and defeat.

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20 episodes
weekly
Avg 50 min
English

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August 26 · 46 min
Whatever You Do, Don't Do THIS!
What should you NOT do at a Commander table? This week on Commander’s Pod, we’re breaking down the bad habits, questionable decisions, deckbuilding traps, and gameplay mistakes that can cost you games—or just make them a whole lot harder than they need to be. From poor threat assessment and wasted removal to bad politics and those plays that seemed like a really good idea at the time, we’ve got plenty of Commander DON'Ts to discuss! What’s the biggest mistake you see Commander players make? Let us know in the comments! #CommandersPod #MTG #MagicTheGathering #Commander #EDH #MTGCommander #CommanderMTG #EDHTips #CommanderTips #MTGCommunity #MTGPodcast
August 20 · 56 min
Understanding Brackets 1–4 in EDH: Theory vs. Reality | Ep 120
Just because a website says your deck is a Bracket 2 doesn't mean it plays like one. 📊In Episode 120 of Commanders Pod, Duncan and Jeff sit down for a deep dive into one of the most talked-about topics in modern Magic: The Commander Bracket System (1 through 4). We break down the exact definition and intricacies of each bracket level, from power-level expectations to key card inclusions.However, the real conversation starts when we look at the gap between online deck-checkers and real-world gameplay. Why do automated sites misjudge a deck's actual power? How can a "Bracket 2" deck completely wreck a table through pilot skill or aggressive synergy, while a "Bracket 4" list stalls out? Duncan and Jeff tear down the misconceptions surrounding deck ratings and share how to accurately assess your deck's true tier before rule-zero discussions.What bracket level do you usually build for?Have you ever played against a deck that was clearly punchier than its online bracket score suggested? Let us know your thoughts on the bracket system in the comments below!#MTG #MagicTheGathering #Commander #EDH #CommandersPod #MTGBrackets #RuleZero #MTGCommunity #TabletopGaming #EDHPowerLevelSupport the Pod:Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.comEmail: cast@commanderspod.com
August 14 · 54 min
Is RED the Most Misunderstood Color in Commander? (ft. Daniel) | Ep. 119
It’s time to embrace the chaos and turn those mountains sideways. 🔥In Episode 119 of Commanders Pod, Duncan and Jeff are joined once again by Daniel, our resident red-mana expert! If there is one thing Daniel knows inside and out, it’s how to pilot high-speed, aggro-centric decks that put the rest of the table on a strict clock.This week, we are going deep into the identity of the color Red in Commander. We analyze what makes red such a lethal color in modern EDH, where its biggest blind spots and weaknesses still lie, and how to build a mono-red or red-heavy deck that doesn't run out of gas in a 4-player game. Plus, stick around for a hilarious game of Red True or False, where Duncan puts Jeff and Daniel to the test with obscure trivia and fun facts about Magic’s most aggressive color!Are you a red player at heart?What is your absolute favorite red card or commander in the entire game? Test your own knowledge and let us know your answer in the comments below!#MTG #MagicTheGathering #Commander #EDH #CommandersPod #MTGRed #MonoRed #MTGAggro #MTGCommunity #TabletopGamingSupport the Pod:Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.comEmail: cast@commanderspod.com
July 23 · 44 min
The Commander Arms Race: Is Power Creep Ruining the Format? | Ep. 117
Adapt or get left behind. 🏃‍♂️💨In Episode 117 of Commanders Pod, Duncan and Jeff sit down to tackle the rapid evolution of the EDH ecosystem: The Commander Arms Race. It feels like every single set release brings a wave of hyper-efficient cards that force players to continuously upgrade their decks just to stay competitive within their local playgroups.This week, we are looking honestly at how this acceleration affects the format. What happens to the beloved, classic commanders of the past that simply feel too slow to compete against modern, value-engine-in-the-command-zone designs? We explore the psychological pressure of the constant upgrade cycle, the vanishing space for slow battlecruiser Magic, and how to navigate power creep without losing the casual fun of the game.Is your favorite deck falling behind the curve?How does your local playgroup handle the constant influx of powerful new cards? Let us know if you're leaning into the arms race or fighting to keep classic Magic alive in the comments below!Support the Pod:Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.comEmail: cast@commanderspod.com#MTG #MagicTheGathering #Commander #EDH #CommandersPod #PowerCreep #MTGCommunity #TabletopGaming #EDHPolitics #CasualMTG
July 16 · 41 min
The Aggro Playbook: High-Speed Strategies to Close Out Pods | Ep. 116
New host alert! 🚨In Episode 116 of Commanders Pod, Duncan and Jeff are officially expanding the crew. Help us give a massive welcome to Daniel, who is sitting down at the desk for the very first time!To celebrate his debut, we are throwing him straight into the red zone with a masterclass on a highly debated archetype: The Aggro Playstyle. In a multiplayer format where you have to chew through a combined 120 life total, playing an aggro-centric commander deck requires a completely different tactical approach.This week, we break down what true aggro means in modern Commander, how to maintain momentum without running out of gas, and exactly what happens to the table dynamic when a high-speed threat forces everyone to play on your clock.Join us in welcoming Daniel to the channel in the comments below!Let him know your absolute favorite aggro commander, and give us your best advice for a player looking to master the combat phase.#MTG #MagicTheGathering #Commander #EDH #CommandersPod #MTGAggro #WelcomeDaniel #TabletopGaming #MTGCommunity #CombatPhaseSupport the Pod:Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.comEmail: cast@commanderspod.com
July 9 · 27 min
Maxing Out the 99: Is Blinging Out Your Commander Deck Worth It? (Ep. 115)
In Episode 115 of Commanders Pod, Duncan and Jeff are diving into the ultimate flex in Magic: The Gathering—"Blinging" out your favorite deck. What drives a player to track down the absolute rarest, fanciest, and most premium printings of a card just to put it in a 99-card deck?This week, Jeff opens up his deck box to showcase his pride and joy: a fully customized, maxed-out Aloy deck. We talk about the journey of hunting down specific showcase frames, serialized borders, extended arts, and foils, while debating whether the visual upgrades change how a deck actually feels to play across the table.If you love beautiful card art, premium printing styles, or just want to see how deep the aesthetic rabbit hole goes, this episode is for you.What is the "blingiest" card in your entire collection?Do you try to foil out your favorite 99, or do you prefer the classic, clean look of standard printings? Let us know in the comments below!#mtg #MagicTheGathering #commander #edh #commanderspod #MTGBling #AloyMTG #PremiumMTG #mtgcommunity #tabletopgaming Support the Pod:Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.comEmail: cast@commanderspod.com
July 2 · 28 min
Print to Demand vs. Player Demand: The Current State of MTG | Ep. 114
Let’s talk about the elephant in the local game store. 🐘In Episode 114 of Commanders Pod, Duncan and Jeff tackle one of the most critical and debated questions in modern tabletop gaming: Does Wizards of the Coast actually care about what their players want?Lately, the conversation around Magic: The Gathering has shifted dramatically away from gameplay and directly onto the financial barrier to entry. This week, we are pulling no punches as we look at the current reality of being an active player in 2026. From print-to-demand structures that fluctuate secondary market values overnight, to the sheer velocity of product releases, we ask if the casual kitchen-table player is being left behind in favor of corporate margins.We want your honest thoughts:Do you feel valued as a player right now, or are you starting to feel priced out of your favorite hobby? Let’s keep the discussion constructive, but let us know exactly where you stand in the comments below.#MTG #MagicTheGathering #Commander #EDH #CommandersPod #WizardsOfTheCoast #MTGFinance #WotC #TabletopGaming #MTGCommunitySupport the Pod:Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.comEmail: cast@commanderspod.com
June 25 · 42 min
Wait... Does That Card Actually Work The Way You Think? | Ep. 113
The layout of the studio might look a little different this week, but the deep dives are just as intense. 🔍In Episode 113 of Commanders Pod, Duncan and Jeff hold down the fort to tackle the absolute weirdest corner cases, layers, and hidden interactions in Magic: The Gathering. Our main segment today is completely dedicated to those specific moments where a player drops a piece and the entire table asks: "Wait, does that do what I think it does?"What is the most confusing card interaction you've ever had to call a judge for?Drop the cards in the comments below, and let's see if the community can figure out how the stack actually resolves it!Support the Pod:Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.comEmail: cast@commanderspod.com#MTG #MagicTheGathering #Commander #EDH #CommandersPod #MTGRules #TheStack #MTGCommunity #TabletopGaming
June 4 · 49 min
Patron Deck Tech: Upgrading a Listener's Brew! | Commanders Pod Ep. 112
In Episode 112 of Commanders Pod, the full crew—Duncan, Jeff, and Sloan—are teaming up to look at another incredible deck list submitted by one of our Patron subscribers.Today, we are diving deep into the 99 to give our honest opinions on how to optimize this brew. From identifying underperforming cards to suggesting explosive hidden gems, we’re sharing our personal favorite upgrades to maximize the deck's synergy, consistency, and power level. Whether you run this exact commander or just want to learn our philosophy on slot selection, this masterclass has something for every deck builder.But this week’s episode holds a bittersweet place in our hearts. As mentioned during the show, this will be Sloan's final episode in the studio before he embarks on an exciting new journey this June. To send him off the right way, our editor completely hijacked the timeline at the end of the episode to surprise everyone—including the hosts—with a custom-crafted tribute looking back at a year of Sloan's best moments, chaotic debates, and legendary "Pro Tips."Stick around after the final sign-off for a special walk down memory lane you won't want to miss.Sloan has been a massive cornerstone of what makes this podcast a family. Please join us in the comments section below to share your favorite Sloan rants, your appreciation for his "Pro Tips," and to wish him the absolute best on his next adventure!Want your deck featured on a future episode? Join our community on Patreon to submit your lists!Support the Pod:Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.comEmail: cast@commanderspod.com
May 29 · 50 min
10 Unforgivable COMMANDER CRIMES (Are You Guilty?) | Ep. 111
Lock your doors and hide your decks—there are criminals at the Commander table. 🕵️‍♂️In Episode 111 of Commanders Pod, the full crew is back together as Jeff rejoins Duncan and Sloan to lay down the law. This week, we are breaking down the 11 Commander Crimes—the absolute worst legal maneuvers, etiquette violations, and social contract breaches a player can commit during a game of EDH.We go down the list of the top 10 offenses that turn a great game night into a total mistrial. To top it all off, Jeff steps up to the podium at the very end to issue a surprise 11th warrant for a crime that has been flying under the radar for far too long.Are you a model citizen at the table, or are you secretly serving a life sentence in your playgroup's bad graces?What is the worst "crime" someone can commit in your local meta?Have you ever been guilty of one of these? Let us know what should be punishable by an immediate scoop in the comments below!#MTG #MagicTheGathering #Commander #EDH #CommandersPod #MTGCommunity #TabletopGaming #CommanderCrimes #MTGOutlawsSupport the Pod:Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.comEmail: cast@commanderspod.com
May 14 · 1 hr 12 min
Big Changes for Commanders Pod: Vegas News & Sloan’s Announcement | Ep 110
What happens in Vegas... ends up on the podcast! 🎰In Episode 110 of Commanders Pod, Duncan is back from an action-packed trip to MagicCon Las Vegas, and he’s bringing all the secrets back with him. While Jeff is still away, Duncan and Sloan sit down to comb through the massive announcements from the preview panels.We’re talking everything from the MTG x Marvel collaboration to our return to Middle-earth with The Hobbit. We dive into the mechanics of the newly revealed cards, including a first look at the "Echoverse" in Reality Fracture and those wild new card treatments.However, the end of today’s episode comes with a heavy heart. After years of being a cornerstone of the show, Sloan shares some personal news regarding a big move coming up this June. We talk about what this means for the pod and share some favorite memories from the journey so far.We want to hear from you:What was your favorite reveal from MagicCon? And please join us in the comments in wishing Sloan the absolute best on her new adventure!Support the Pod:Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.comEmail: cast@commanderspod.com
May 7 · 1 hr
The SALTIEST Cards in Commander: Are You Playing These? (Ep. 109)
Grab your water, because it’s about to get dehydrated in here. 🧂 In Episode 109 of Commanders Pod, Jeff is still away, leaving Duncan and Sloan to sift through the salt mine of the Commander format. Today, we are breaking down the "Social Contract" and identifying exactly what makes players scoop in frustration. From the cards that make the table groan to the playstyles that turn a friendly game into a political nightmare, we’re ranking the saltiest elements of the game. Are you "Lot's Wife" without even knowing it? Or is the community being too sensitive about high-power interaction? In this episode, we discuss: - The Salt Score: Our personal rankings of the most hated cards in the 99. - Player Etiquette: The "Saltiest" things a player can do (that aren't even about the cards). - Managing the Table: How to handle "Salt" in your local meta and keep the games fun for everyone. What’s your "Saltiest" MTG story? We want to hear about the move that made you—or your opponent—the saltiest. Tell us your stories in the comments below! Support the Pod: Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.com Email: cast@commanderspod.com
April 30 · 1 hr 4 min
Patron Deck Tech: Optimizing the Ultimate Goblin Mob | Ep 108
In Episode 108 of Commanders Pod, Duncan and Sloan are heading into the lab to help one of our incredible Patrons optimize a true classic: Krenko, Mob Boss.Krenko is famous for creating an overwhelming board state in seconds, but in a world of board wipes and fast interaction, how do you ensure the Mob Boss actually finishes the job? Today, we analyze a listener’s current list and suggest the essential "tunes" needed to increase consistency, protection, and explosive speed. Whether you’re a lifelong Goblin player or looking to build your first mono-red deck, this deep dive into Krenko’s mechanics has something for you.Support the Pod:Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.comEmail: cast@commanderspod.com
April 23 · 44 min
COMMANDER COURT: Jeff vs. Sloan! (Ep. 107)
Order in the court! ⚖️In Episode 107 of Commanders Pod, we’re trading the playmat for the witness stand. Duncan dons the judge's robes as Jeff and Sloan go head-to-head in our first-ever "Commander Court."The rules are simple: Jeff and Sloan take turns acting as prosecutor and defendant for some of the most controversial topics in the Commander format today. From "social contracts" to specific card salt-levels, no topic is safe from a cross-examination. Expect high stakes, loud debating, and Duncan’s final word on what stays and what goes in the world of EDH.On the Docket Today:The Ethics of Fast Mana: Should mana Crypt and Jeweled Lotus be unbanned?Win Conditions on Trial: Are two card infinite combos ok?Sentencing: Duncan delivers the final verdicts that Jeff and Sloan must live by.Support the Pod:Patreon: https://patreon.com/Commanderspod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Website: https://commanderspod.comEmail: cast@commanderspod.com
April 17 · 57 min
The "Direct" Choice: Commanders Pod Ep. 106 SoS: Serialized Cards, Mystical Archives & Set Review
In this episode of Commanders Pod, Duncan, Jeff, and Sloan sit down to dissect the highly anticipated release of Secrets of Strixhaven. As the MTG landscape continues to evolve, we’re looking at whether this return to the plane of Arcavios lives up to the prestige of the original.We break down the high-end collector's side of the set, including the rarity of the new Serialized cards and the aesthetic direction of the latest Borderless treatments. We also take a deep dive into the new Mystical Archive—analyzing the power level of the reprints and how they will impact your Commander decks and the broader eternal formats.In this episode, we discuss:The Collector’s Chase: Is the hunt for Serialized cards sustainable for the average player?Mystical Archives 2.0: A look at the new spells entering the fold and their impact on the meta.The Art of Magic: Evaluating the new Borderless frames and the "Secrets" visual style.Final Verdict: Our honest opinions on whether you should buy, craft, or skip this set.Join the Conversation:Which college are you representing this time around? Do you think the Serialized cards are a win for the community? Let us know in the comments below!Email us at cast@commanderspod.com#MTG #MagicTheGathering #CommandersPod #SecretsOfStrixhaven #EDH #Commander #MTGStrixhaven #TCG #TabletopGaming
April 9 · 49 min
Commander's Pod Episode 105: Fractured Realities & Hidden Clues
In Episode 105, we break down the latest developments in Secret Lairs and take a closer look at Secrets of Strixhaven, searching for hints that might point to something bigger. Our main focus turns to the upcoming Reality Fracture set, as we speculate on its possible themes and uncover potential clues hidden within Strixhaven’s lore and design. From wild theories to grounded predictions, we connect the dots and explore what this mysterious set could mean for Commander and the future of MTG.
#104
April 2 · 55 min
Commander’s Pod – Episode 104: The Most Broken Color Pair?
In Episode 104, we tackle one of the spiciest debates in Commander: what is the most broken color pairing in EDH? From raw power to synergy and consistency, we break down the top contenders and make our cases for which duo truly reigns supreme. We also dive into the latest April Pool’s Day Secret Lairs, sorting out what’s clever, what’s questionable, and what might actually be worth picking up. And of course, we round things out with another Pro Tip from a Non-Pro, delivering practical advice with just the right amount of real-table perspective.
March 26 · 1 hr 6 min
Episode 103: Brackets, Blindspots and a New Recruit
In Episode 103, we take a deeper look at how the Commander bracket system could be made more precise, focusing on the key metrics that actually drive deck power but are currently overlooked. From interaction density to combo potential, we explore what’s missing and how the system could better reflect real gameplay. We also revisit Secret Lairs, breaking down what’s been working lately, what hasn’t, and where things may be headed. And to top it all off, we officially welcome the newest member of the team — Tim the Editor — because someone has to keep this show from going completely off the rails.
#102
March 12 · 37 min
Episode 102: “Turtles, Lairs, and Color Me Confused”
In Episode 102, we dive into the latest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles MTG release, discussing the cards, flavor, and what they might mean for Commander tables. We also take a look at the newest Secret Lair offerings, weighing the value and the vibes as only the pod can. Duncan shares his thoughts on the previous episode featuring Jeff’s sons Jaden and Paxton, reflecting on the next generation of Commander players and the chaos they brought to the mic. And to cap things off, we debut a brand-new game segment called “Color Me Confused,” where Jeff and Sloan try to guess the color of a card based on its abilities… with predictably confusing results.
#101
March 5 · 57 min
Episode 101: A Fresh Perspective
In Episode 101, Sloan and Jeff take the reins while Duncan is away, but they’re far from alone at the table. Jeff is joined by his sons Jaden and Paxton, who bring the next generation of Commander players to the pod. The boys share their favorite cards, decks, and strategies, talk about how they approach the game, and give their honest opinions about playing against their dad. And maybe they will tackle the big question: is Jeff a card bully at the table? It’s a fun, family-filled episode with plenty of laughs, fresh perspectives, and a reminder that the future of Commander is already shuffling up.

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