The Mahjcast: Two Bros Talk Mahjong

Ep. 115: Kathy Wise from Mahj the Mag, Jason's Law + Ira's Mahjong Outrage

This week on The Mahjcast, Jason and Ira sit down with Kathy Wise, founder and editor of Mahj the Magazine, for an amazing conversation about the launch of the magazine, the power of print, the growing mahjong community, Texas pool mahj, centerfold dreams, and why mahjong storytelling is officially having a moment. Plus, Jason finally gets his copy of Mahj the Magazine — after only a minor USPS saga — and the guys unpack the Charleston issue, Kathy’s vision, and why this magazine feels more like a gorgeous coffee table book than something you toss in a pile. Then, things get groundbreaking. Jason unveils his bold new proposal for the National Mahjong League: it involves Jokers, and it's nothing to joke about. Ira thinks it’s the dumbest idea he’s ever heard. Jason thinks it’s the future of the game. The debate is fierce, historic, and possibly important enough to be known forever as Jason’s Law. Also in this episode: Ira’s latest teaching adventures, Jason’s losing streak finally ends, Spools Tiles get a full Mahj Bros review, Kim Eagle hits 30K followers, the mahjong podcast world keeps growing, and the Cane Bay Mahjong crew prepares for a 48-hour Guinness World Record mahjathon. This one has magazines, mahj moments, rule reform, and just the right amount of stupidity. Pull up a chair, rack your tiles, and let's play.

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Ep. 114 Mahjless in the Hamptons, A Tearful Bride & a Big Mahjong Controversy Unpacked!

This week on The Mahjcast, Jason and Ira go full Mahj in the Wild as they unpack real-life games, table drama, dry spells, ten-joker chaos, and the emotional toll of being completely mahjless. We’ve got a loaded mailbag, a truly scandalous Mahj Confession involving a bride, a bachelorette weekend, and way too many pauses after discards, plus shout-outs to Modern Mahjong, the New York Jewish Mahjong Festival, Mix and Maj in Summit, and more. Then the Mahjbros debut a brand-new segment: Mahjbros Investigate, featuring Rebekah from @themahjongpivot, as we crack open the case of the “mistaken mahjong” and determine whether a viral post from @ohmymahjong was actually wrong… or secretly a perfectly good mahjong all along. Plus: Ira’s mahj vocabulary lesson, Jason’s losing streak, Rebecca’s Utah mahj scene, and a Last Tile reminder that being mahjless doesn’t make you hopeless — it just means your next mahjong is coming. Pull up a chair, rack your tiles, and let's play. DM us on Instagram @themahjbros, we'd love to hear from you.

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Ep. 113: Mahjong Warriors, Mahj Confessions & No Mercy from Mom

This week on The Mahjcast, Jason and Ira are back at the table with a big tournament recap, Mahj Confessions, mailbag madness, and one very serious mahjong family feud. First up, Ira recaps his big day at Jackie’s Mahjong Warriors tournament in New York City — 84 players, 28 games, seven hours of mahj, and a very respectable finish. We talk tournament pressure, moving fast, knowing the rules, getting called out for your wall, and why everyone needs to try tournament play at least once. Then Jason heads down to Jersey to play with his mom and her crew, where the chicken was dry, the tiles were cruel, and his mother showed absolutely no Mahj Mercy. Plus: Ira’s fake sick revenge plot Jason’s ongoing cheating confession fallout Mahjong Warriors tournament tips A conversation with Keen from Spools about floating pool tiles, travel racks, and building mahjong gear from a rocket scientist’s brain Mahj speed dating becomes our newest terrible/brilliant idea Our first Mahj Confessions winner Mailbag rules: can you rack before the deal is over? And a Last Tile about why every player should take the leap and try their first tournament Pull up a chair, rack your tiles… and let’s play. Mentioned in this episode: @ladiesthatmahj @shop_spools @mayorofmahj Follow us on Instagram and DM us anytime, we'd love to hear from you! @themahjbros

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Ep. 112: Our Ladies That Mahj Mixer, Commitment Issues & Top Mahjong Teaching Tips w/ Kim Eagle

This week on The Mahjcast, Jason and Ira welcome Kim Eagle from Ladies That Mahj to the table — and yes, we are officially obsessed. Kim shares how she went from learning mahjong during hip surgery recovery to building a fast-growing teaching community in Bucks County, PA, with sold-out classes, online lessons, and more than a few strong opinions on how the game should be taught. Also this week: Ira clarifies the rules of his big summer card challenge — and somehow makes it even more complicated Jason reviews the Mahjong app and brags about his win rate Kim weighs in on playing for money, food at the table, alternate cards, and when to stop the Charleston We talk teaching beginners, commitment issues at the table, and why touching the tiles matters Mahj Moment spotlights So Bam Fun and Bird Bam Bears The Mailbag brings pineapple kugel, tile flickers, and listener pet peeves Mahj Confessions returns with a shocking cheating scandal A very hysterical Dream Table Last Tile--You'll want to pass it on! Follow Kim at @ladiesthatmahj and find her classes, content, and recently-launched online course at LadiesThatMahj.com. Follow us on Instagram at @TheMahjBros and slide into our DMs with your Mahj Confessions, Mailbag questions, Dream Table picks, and hot takes. We're giving away subs to Mahj the Mag, people, let's go! ($150 value) Pull up a chair, rack your tiles and let's play.

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Ep. 111: The Summer of Mahjong Starts Now + Guiness Records and Mahj Apps We Love

The Mahjcast is back, and the Mahj Bros are officially kicking off the summer of mahjong in the Hamptons. Jason makes it back from a family wedding just in time to record, Ira is deep into his summer challenge, and the mailbag is overflowing. This week, we’re talking apps, online play, Guinness World Records, luck vs. skill, and whether the wall is truly your friend — or your enemy. In this episode: • Ira gives an update on his mission to win every hand on the 2026 card• Jason and Ira review mahjong tech, including The Mahjong Game, Daily Maj, and the Mahjy app• The Mahj Bros open the mailbag with listener shoutouts, hot takes, and community love• Nancy from Cane Bay Mahjong calls in to talk about attempting a 48-hour Guinness World Record mahjong marathon• The boys debate the big question: is mahjong luck, skill, or both?• Jason's generation-defining Dream Table with the NMJL • Ira continues to do Ira things, 'nuff said Pull up a chair, rack your tiles, and let’s play. Follow us on Instagram: @themajbros New episodes every Friday. And as always — may the jokers be with you.

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Ep. 110: Mahj with Lance Enters the Chat & Our New Theme Song Debuts!

It’s our 10th episode, and we’re celebrating with a major mahj-lebrity: Lance Karp of Maj With Lance — teacher, collector, mahjong storyteller, and one of the most influential voices helping grow the game right now. Jason and Ira talk with Lance about how mahjong became his passion, why the game is having such a powerful cultural moment, and how the table can reconnect people in a world that feels more divided and distracted than ever. We get into men joining the game, the beauty of teaching beginners, the magic of vintage sets, Kelly Ripa’s mahjong skills, and why the National Mah Jongg League card still matters. Plus, Lance weighs in on the big debates: playing for money, food at the table, stopping the Charleston, alternative cards, defensive play, and why 2026 may officially be the year of the pivot. And yes, Ira’s quest to win every hand on the card continues. Only about 1,399 games to go, bro. In this episode: Lance Karp joins the Mahj Bros Ira’s summer challenge update The debut of our new Mahjcast theme song Why mahjong is exploding right now Men at the table and growing the game 2026 card strategy and hands we love Lance plays along for a special edition of Call It! Kelly Ripa, dream tables and the energy vintage sets bring Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts. May the jokers be with you.

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Ep. 109: Soaps, Sixes & Small Change + Unpacking the 2026 Section in the National Mahjong League Card

This week on The Mahjcast, Jason and Ira celebrate a major milestone: we’re now on Amazon Music — because Jeff Bezos begged and we finally gave in. Then we dive into the 2026 section of the new NMJL card: the hands, the traps, the soaps, the sixes, the pivots, and Jason’s deeply vulnerable confession that he has basically avoided this section entirely. Ira also announces his wildly ambitious new challenge -- good luck, dude. Plus, we’re serving up a packed episode with: Mahj Moment: Hallmark’s “mahjong” movie gets absolutely panned, while Maj the Mag gets a major shoutout Mahj Bros Mailbag: listener love, Maj confessions, and hidden mahjong purchases Call It: playing for money vs. not playing for money — are you even playing if quarters aren’t involved? Rules debate: does the dealer deal the tiles, or does everyone take their own? Dream Table: One Soprano, and one very fancy mahjong table, possibly with the Hermes set It’s strategic, petty, glossy, dramatic, and full of jokers. Pull up a chair, rack your tiles, and let’s play.

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Ep. 108: Stopping the Charleston, Passing Wind(s) & The Mahjbros Mailbag

This week on The Mahjcast, Jason and Ira dive headfirst into one of the most debated moves in the game—stopping the Charleston. Is it strategy, sabotage, or a straight-up declaration of war? We break down the etiquette, psychology, and table drama behind the move that can flip an entire game on its head. Plus, we’re unpacking the Winds & Dragons section of the 2026 card—why it’s more powerful (and more playable) than people think, how to approach it, and where the real pivot opportunities lie. Also in this episode: A very spirited Maj Bros election drama (yes, there was campaigning…) The Mahj Moment: why mahjong is having a major cultural comeback The Maj Bros mailbag + some of our favorite community moments Mahjong creators we’re loving right now A special Dream Table (Mother’s Day edition ❤️) And, of course… a Last Tile that might actually win Ira over (no promises) It’s strategic, it’s opinionated, it’s a little chaotic—and it’s a can’t-miss episode. Pull up a chair, rack your tiles… and let’s play.

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Ep. 107: Hot Hands, Bold Quints & No Mahjong Filter

Fresh off a legendary night at Wölffer Estate (six Mahjongs… yeah, that's right), Jason and Ira are fired up and diving deep into the Quints—arguably among the most valuable, most aggressive section on the 2026 card. We’re talking pivots, pressure plays, and why committing early might just win you the game. Plus: Listener shoutouts and mailbag madness The Mahjong handles we’re loving right now A very heated Call It on table etiquette (noise, tapping… we go there) Dream Table gets a little star-studded And a surprisingly heartfelt Last Tile about getting out, finding your people, and building your mahj community It’s strategic, it’s unfiltered, it’s a little unhinged—and it’s a can’t-miss episode. Pull up a chair, rack your tiles… and let’s play.

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Ep. 106: 2468s, Friends Who Mahj & Perfect NYC Nights

We’re coming off one of those nights—the kind that reminds you why you love this game. A perfect NYC evening with friends, great food, great vibes, and some seriously good Mahjong. This week, we’re diving into the 2-4-6-8 section on the new 2026 card—clean, structured hands that might look simple, but bring major strategy (and serious pressure on those sixes). We break down pivots, where people get stuck, and how to think through this section when the tiles aren’t cooperating. We’re also getting into: The mistake that cost us a big hand (read the card, people) Defensive vs offensive play—when to go for it vs play it safe Why sixes are flying this year and how to manage the chaos The Mahjong Moment—IG handles we love and the growing culture of the game Real friends vs Mahj friends… and the Holy Grail! Plus: dream tables, listener shoutouts, and a Last Tile that actually hits (whether Ira likes it or not). So pull up a chair, rack your tiles, and let’s play.

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Ep. 105: Hold Your Sixes: Cracking the 3-6-9 Code

Welcome back to The Mahjcast — Ira’s back in the cockpit and we’re diving straight into the 3-6-9. This week, the Mahj Bros break down one of the most flexible (and quietly powerful) sections on the 2026 card — the 3, 6, 9 hands. We’re talking pivots, why you need to hold onto your sixes, and how one tile can unlock half the card if you play it right. We also get into table culture — what makes a great host (and a terrible one), plus a spicy Call It! on tile slammers vs. respecting the flow of the game. In the Mahj Moment, we’re shouting out listeners, spotlighting some of our favorite IG handles like House of Mahj and Four Blondes Mahjong, and realizing… yeah, we might actually be influencing the culture 👀 And of course — Dream Table gets personal, and The Last Tile brings it home with a reminder that this game isn’t about mastering everything at once… it’s about staying in it, learning, and building community one hand at a time. Pull up a chair, rack your tiles, and let’s play. 🎧 New episodes every Friday 📲 Follow us on Instagram and send us a DM: @themahjbros 🀄️ And may the jokers be with you

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Ep. 104: Legends at the Table: Mom, Jackie & Origin Stories

This week on The Mahjcast, it’s a true full-circle moment. Jason brings two absolute legends to the table—his mom and Jackie—the women who taught him the game, the strategy, the etiquette… and let’s be honest: the attitude, too. We go way back—like 1950s smoke-filled living rooms back—into Mom's mahj origin story, how the game was played then vs now, and why it’s having such a massive cultural comeback today. Plus: Real talk on the 2026 card and why pivoting is everything Tournament vs. kitchen table rules (and who actually follows them) A spicy Call It segment on food, drinks, and phones at the table Dream tables, legends, and a few unexpected picks And a Last Tile that hits on what this game is really about—connection, tradition, and gratitude This one’s got history, humor, and a whole lot of truth from two players who’ve seen it all. Pull up a chair, rack your tiles… And let’s play.

Ep. 103: The Odd Ones, The Tea, and Table Rules

We’re back—and things are heating up at the table. Coming off a big night in the Hamptons (yes, with branded wet naps… we’ve made it), Jason and Ira dive into one of the most underrated sections of the new card: 1-3-5-7-9. Confusing? Maybe. Quietly powerful? Definitely. We break down our favorite hands, smart pivots, and why this section might deserve more love in your game. In this episode: Strategy spotlight: 1-3-5-7-9 hands and how to actually play them, plus where to pivot The Mahj Moment: accounts we’re loving (and learning from) Call It: table talk, kibitzing, and when it’s just too much Read the Table: when beginners need to… not be beginners anymore Dream Table: from Monica Lewinsky to Meryl Streep—yes, really And the great “pink iced tea incident” that nearly ended a friendship As always, we’re talking mahjong, culture, etiquette, and everything in between—with love (even when it doesn’t sound like it). If you’ve ever sat at a table and thought “what is going on?”—you’re in the right place. Pull up a chair. Rack your tiles. Let’s play.

Ep 102. Read the Table: Etiquette, Eating Sounds & New Card Chaos

Welcome back to The Mahjcast with Jason and Ira, the Mahj Bros. In this episode, we’re talking all about the new card, the thrill of a first six-flower hand, and what it really takes to go for singles and pairs without losing your mind. But we also get into one of the most important parts of the game that nobody talks about enough: table etiquette. We’re calling it like it is on food at the table, greasy fingers on tiles, loud eating sounds, tile-cleaning debates, and why good mahjong is about way more than just the hand you’re playing. It’s about the energy, the manners, the vibe, and the people around the table. We also dig into bad vibes vs. bad tiles, designer sets, why more men should be playing mahjong, and the little unwritten rules that separate real players from total chaos. Funny, opinionated, and said with love—just how we like it. Pull up a chair, rack your tiles, and join us.