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The GamerDad Podcast

GamerDadBob

We talk about things Magic the Gathering and gaming. We'll discuss topics you've all already heard before. Why listen to us? Well, we're a little older, a little wiser, we work full time jobs, have families and have a REAL take on MTG and gaming. We're not paid, not sponsored (yet) and have no obligation to anyone but ourselves. Come join us every other week to reminisce about the good old days or learn more about the current state of affairs in our small piece of the gaming world.
Find Bob here: https://linktr.ee/gamerdadbob
Find Jesse here: https://linktr.ee/jessehogie

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  • 20 episodes
  • Updated Dec 1, 2025

Episodes20

Newest first
  • Dec 1, 2025 · 1 hr 28 min

    Episode 25: A Magical Mind with JMarGameDesign

    This week we're joined by Josh — better known as JMarGameDesign — the creator behind Spellify Solves and one of the sharpest pattern-recognition minds in Magic today. If you’ve ever watched him identify a card from nothing but templating, spacing, or punctuation, you’ve seen the precision of his process. We dig into how Spellify became a daily discipline, how templating reveals the “language” of Magic, and why cognitive pattern recognition can rival traditional gameplay experience. Josh breaks down his approach to puzzles, his work with EDHREC, and the niche intersections of design, mechanics, and problem-solving that shaped his lane in the MTG creator space. We also talk creator workflow, the limits of short-form educational content, the tension between flavor and mechanics when building custom cards, and the parts of Magic that still excite him today. And yes — he steps into Flavor Text or Song Lyric and absolutely delivers. If you want a look at how a creator carves out a truly unique niche in a crowded MTG landscape, this is the episode. Follow Josh and his work here: linktr.ee/jmargamedesign Support the show on Patreon for essays, behind-the-scenes notes, and the full archive.

  • Nov 24, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min

    Episode 24: Why You Can’t Trust Game Reviews

    What do game reviews even mean anymore when you’re 30+, a parent, and lucky to get ninety minutes of playtime a night? That’s the question Bob and Jesse tackle in this episode — a frank look at how modern reviews fail the people who actually buy the games. We break down the real problems behind today’s review culture: controlled preview events, pre-release PC builds that don’t match console reality, rushed “review-in-progress” scores, and an ecosystem where writers can’t afford to bite the hand that feeds them. From Cyberpunk’s PC-only review bubble to Starfield’s critical praise vs player frustration, we dig into why traditional reviews increasingly feel disconnected from adult gamers with limited time. We also talk about what does matter: pacing, stability, respect for your schedule, and a “taste map” built around the genres and studios that actually fit your life now. Whether it’s knowing when to skip a Soulslike, trusting CD Projekt Red, or deciding which games deserve a pre-order, this episode is a grounded guide for anyone who buys games with their own money and their own time. Plus: Fallout 4’s disastrous re-release, the Ubisoft bloat problem, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s disconnect, Baldur’s Gate III’s legacy, Expedition 33’s award sweep, DLC timelines, Battle Pass fatigue, and why the most honest metric might be “can I pause this game when my kid needs me?” For gamers with jobs, kids, and limited hours — this one’s for you.

  • Nov 10, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min

    Episode 23: More than Magic: Building Worlds, Breaking Stigmas with Jane Plays Magic

    This week, Bob and Jesse welcome Jane Judge — aka Jane Plays Magic, the Grixis witch behind the Hex Girls pods and one of the most creative voices in the Commander scene. Jane shares how Lord of the Rings pulled her into Magic, why she builds for the drama (not just the win), and how she’s using performance, cosplay, and community building to make the game more inclusive. From secret partner mini-games and CEDH training wheels to the real stories behind “Monsters University,” this episode dives into creativity, connection, and showing up as your full self at the table.

  • Oct 6, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min

    Episode 22: Everybody Calm Down

    Last year, “Everybody Panic” captured the chaos around the Commander bans, resignations, and Jeweled Lotus drama that had the Magic community on fire. One year later, Bob and Jesse sit back down to ask the question—what actually changed? Spoiler: not much. In this follow-up, the guys break down how the bans ended up having zero impact on their local pod, why bracket systems are still a work in progress (and maybe always will be), and why rule zero conversations still matter more than any official framework. They also dig into WOTC’s non-stop product treadmill, the burnout from endless Universes Beyond releases, and how even Spider-Man couldn’t web-sling his way out of mediocrity. Other topics include: The rise and fall of the bracket system Why Commander’s still fine (and maybe too fine) Product fatigue, burnout, and “universes beyond” saturation The irony of Fleem being more beloved than Spider-Man How corporate greed is reshaping the Magic ecosystem One year later, Commander didn’t collapse—it adapted. The bans faded, the brackets floundered, and Rule Zero still rules.

  • Sep 15, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min

    Episode 21: Villains We Can't Forget

    Every great game needs a great villain. From the immortal bad guys who just won’t stay dead, to the tragic one-and-dones, to the forces of nature and comic relief goofs — villains shape the stories we never forget. This week, Bob and Jesse dig into the enemies that haunted us, made us laugh, or left a lasting mark. We talk: Dr. Wily, Ganondorf, and Bowser — the villains who keep coming back. Kefka (Final Fantasy VI) & The Bloody Baron (Witcher 3) — unforgettable one-and-done arcs. Lavos, Fallout’s Wasteland, & Shadowgate — when the world itself is the enemy. Joker (Arkham) & Team Rocket — comic relief villains done right. Parasite Eve, Resident Evil, Zelda’s Guardians & Witcher’s Crones — horror that sticks with you. We wrap with trivia, tattoos, and why villains are often the real reason stories matter. 👉 What villains stuck with you? Share your picks in the comments.

  • Sep 2, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min

    Episode 20: The Quiet Elephant in the Room

    In this episode of The GamerDad Podcast, Bob and Jesse tackle “The Quiet Elephant in the Room” — one of their most ambitious and risky conversations yet. What begins with card sleeves and the recent Ultimate Guard AI controversy expands into a wider look at Dragon Shield’s Harry Potter products, JK Rowling’s legacy, and the challenge of making ethical consumer choices in today’s MTG community. Along the way, they reflect on AI in art and design, the tension between silence and speaking up as small creators, and the messy reality of allyship and inclusion in gaming spaces. It’s not a call-out, and it’s not a defense. It’s an honest, imperfect conversation about the anxiety of being a small creator, the impossibility of “clean” consumerism, and the responsibility to keep learning and showing up.

  • Aug 10, 2025 · 1 hr 55 min

    Episode 19: The Power and Pitfalls of Modern Game Storytelling

    In this episode Bob and Jesse talk about what makes for a good video game story, what sets the hook, what keeps you playing games AND liking them to boot. They also discuss how game studios are losing us over time--even our favorite studios aren't safe!

  • Jul 27, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min

    Episode 18: Mechanics we Love and Love to Hate

    In this episode Bob and Jesse discuss some classic MTG mechanics that are well loved and quite hated. Some objectively deservingly so. You can't change our minds. We also took to some crowdsourcing for some other loved and hated ones. Did yours make the list? Let us know if we missed anything in the comments!

  • Jul 16, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min

    Episode 17: PC vs Console – The Real Cost of Gaming

    In this episode of the Gamer Dad Podcast, hosts GamerDadBob and JesseHogie dive into the long-standing debate of PC versus console gaming. They share nostalgic memories of their early gaming experiences, discuss the evolution of gaming culture with the rise of the internet, and explore the impact of mods and online communities. The conversation also touches on the future of gaming, including trends in exclusivity and the shift towards software-focused development.

  • Jun 10, 2025 · 59 min

    Episode 15: From Wii Sports to PS2 RPGs – The Consoles That Defined Us

    This month in gaming, Jesse and Bob talk about the best and most influential gaming consoles they've owned. They talk about what made these consoles so great from graphics, to bringing people together, to game catalogs and development. Take a trip back with them as they take a deep dive.

  • May 26, 2025 · 1 hr

    Episode 14: Commander Power Levels – Why Bracket 3 Is Broken

    We've solved it! Bracket 3 needs fixing, and Jessehogie and I have all the answers. Ok maybe not. But we do have a lot to talk about including constructive feedback on mana bases, game changers, infinite combos and more. If you like this and want to support us, check out our Patreon where you can get access to exclusive content like our video recordings of our podcasts. Find that here: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheGamerDads

  • Apr 29, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min

    Episode 12: Building the Gathering with SteelCityMTG

    In this episode of the Gamer Dad Podcast, hosts GamerDadBob and Jessehogie engage with guests Steel City MTG. We take a deep dive into who they are, what's with the presentation style slides, which musical do you sing in the car to stay awake, and what's the legend behind the pink hoodie?

  • Feb 8, 2025 · 1 hr 27 min

    Episode 11: Love Is Our Excalibur – The Pendragon MTG Interview

    In this episode of the Gamer Dad Podcast, the hosts delve into the Pendragon format of Magic the Gathering, discussing its budget-friendly nature, community support, and accessibility for new players. We're joined by Grubble and Draco as we take a deep dive into all your burning questions. If you like what you hear, join their Discord community! Let's make this format "official" https://discord.com/invite/DzFcqng4Nt

  • Jan 16, 2025 · 1 hr

    Episode 10: Proxy Power – How We Handle It in Commander

    In this episode of the Gamer Dad Podcast, hosts Gamer Dad Bob and Jessehogie delve into the topic of proxying cards in Magic the Gathering, particularly in the context of Casual Commander games. They discuss their personal experiences with proxying, the ethical considerations, and the importance of communication (Rule Zero) when playing with proxies. The conversation also touches on the impact of proxies on gameplay, the philosophy behind deck building, and the significance of maintaining a fun and friendly gaming environment. Ultimately, they emphasize that the game should be enjoyable and accessible for everyone, regardless of the cards they own.

  • Dec 18, 2024 · 1 hr 17 min

    Episode 9: Can Commander Still Be Casual?

    In this episode of the Gamer Dad podcast, the hosts delve into the nuances of casual play in Magic the Gathering's Commander format. They discuss the importance of defining what makes a game fun, the impact of fast mana and tutors, and the challenges posed by oppressive strategies like Pillow Fort and Stax. They discuss the challenges of infinite combos, the importance of threat assessment, and the role of board wipes in maintaining a balanced game. The conversation also touches on the debate surrounding good stuff decks versus thematic decks, the implications of five-color decks, and the distinction between casual and competitive play. The hosts emphasize the need for players to find like-minded individuals to enhance their gaming experience and share their final thoughts on how to keep Commander casual and enjoyable for everyone involved.

  • Nov 20, 2024 · 1 hr 4 min

    Episode 8: Planar Whiplash – Where’s MTG Going?

    In this episode of the Gamer Dad Podcast, hosts GamerDadBob and Jessehogie discuss the current state of Magic the Gathering, focusing on the impact of the Universes Beyond initiative and the shift in storytelling and world-building within the game. They express concerns about the lack of depth in recent sets and the overwhelming number of products being released. The conversation also touches on the experience of playing Magic Arena, the trend of proxying cards, and the broader implications of consumer sentiment in the gaming industry. The episode concludes with a fun segment where they quiz each other on flavor text and song lyrics, reflecting their shared passion for music and gaming.

  • Oct 23, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min

    Episode 7: Is Standard Still Worth Playing?

    In this episode of the we delve into the current state of the Standard metagame in Magic the Gathering. We discuss the implications of the recent Leyline ban, the health of the Standard format, and the challenges posed by card diversity and design. We also highlight the need for a balanced metagame in particular in MTGA.

  • Oct 1, 2024 · 50 min

    Episode 6: Everybody Panic? Breaking Down the Commander Crisis

    We were so fired up by all the changes to commander over the last week, we had to get our 2 cents in. This is an off-schedule podcast! This week we talk about the bans, the bullying, and the future of the format. We're joined by our commander pod regular Matt.