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FAM: Friends and Magic

FAM: Friends and Magic

By Fam Podcast

Your new favorite podcast about Magic AND the Gathering! New episodes every week.

Follow us on Twitter @FAM_Podcast
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FAM: Friends and MagicJun 04, 2020

00:00
00:31
Episode 85 - There can only be ONE

Episode 85 - There can only be ONE

What's up FAM?! 

This week the gang dive into the impact of Phyrexia: All Will be One across Magic. What's the limited environment been like? How was it impacted your favorite constructed formats? What should YOU play this weekend?

Listen in and find out!


Don't forget to subscribe and follow us on Twitter @FAM_Podcast.

Mar 16, 202356:08
Episode 84 - Return of the FAM! - What it's like to work a Magic Pro Tour - PT Phyrexia Recap

Episode 84 - Return of the FAM! - What it's like to work a Magic Pro Tour - PT Phyrexia Recap

THE GANG IS BACK!

What's up FAM?! Long time no....hear? Lots of life stuff had us all taking a break but now WE ARE BACK!

This week, Carolyn and Nicole give Brasky their breakdown of all things Pro Tour Phyrexia. Carolyn gives a great behind the scenes rundown of how production works and Nicole lets everyone in on a first-person view of the event. 

Will there be a FAM get together at the PT? How awesome would that be!

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Twitter for more updates @FAM_Podcast.

Feb 24, 202301:03:54
Episode 83 - Sealing Up Dominaria United

Episode 83 - Sealing Up Dominaria United

In this episode, the gang breaks down Dominaria United's sealed format! Carolyn's been kickin booty, Brasky's been on the struggle bus, and Nicole's provides much needed guidance on the basics of approaches sealed formats.


What have you thought about Dominaria United's sealed format? Let us know on Twitter @FAM_Podcast.


Don't forget to leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform.

Sep 20, 202201:01:04
Episode 81 - One, Two, Seven! Let's Talk Tron!

Episode 81 - One, Two, Seven! Let's Talk Tron!

This week, the gang take a journey through that wonderfully straightforward, deceptively complex, and occasionally tilting deck of wonders that is Tron. 

A couple of Tron-lovers named Carolyn and Nicole lead Brasky through a journey of the deck's history, it's current iterations, and their tips on playing that heavy-mana deck that loves to mulligan to three and somehow always finds a way to win. 

Can you count to seven?


Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @FAM_Podcast!

And leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform.

Jul 27, 202256:12
Episode 80 - The 'Plane'case Showdown!

Episode 80 - The 'Plane'case Showdown!

During the dog days of summer, we all feel like we need a vacation. Why not spend your time visiting one of our three favorite Magic: the Gathering planes!

This week, the FAM each pitch to the listenership their favorite plane and why you should visit there in the style of the tried and true Showcase Showdown format. 

What's your favorite MTG plane? Why should we go visit there? Let us know on Twitter @FAM_Podcast!

Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform.

Jul 06, 202234:39
Episode 80 - Modern Times with Dreamhack Dallas Champ Mason Clark!

Episode 80 - Modern Times with Dreamhack Dallas Champ Mason Clark!

This week, Carolyn and Brasky are joined by a special guest, Mason Clark, the winner of the Dreamhack Dallas Modern Event in early June.

The gang talk through all the best topics on Modern: best points of entry for new players, adapting to paper play from Arena, and Mason's path as both a player and content creator. 

This episode truly has something for everyone!

Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform.

Follow us on Twitter @FAM_Podcast for updates on when new episodes are posted!

Jun 13, 202253:30
Episode 79 - Confidence Vibes - Chatting with the VML Season 7 Champion!

Episode 79 - Confidence Vibes - Chatting with the VML Season 7 Champion!

This week, Brasky and Nicole are running the show with a special guest: the newly anointed Champion of VML Season 7! We breakdown the Champ's path through the VML season, including interested deck choices and their impressions on meta heading into the Pro Tour. 


Who is this mysterious VML Champion you say? You'll just have to tune in to find out!


Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @FAM_Podcast for all the latest updates on new episodes!

May 15, 202255:31
Episode 78 - Time to Get Organized (Play) - Pro Tour Return Talk!

Episode 78 - Time to Get Organized (Play) - Pro Tour Return Talk!

The FAM gang is back and this time we're talking all about the recent Organized Play announcements and the return of the Magic: the Gathering Pro Tour! Brasky, Nicole, and Carolyn each share their unique perspectives and insights on what the announcement means to them and what they are looking forward to most when it comes to Organized Play in 2022 and beyond!


What's your thoughts on OP returning to Magic: The Gathering? Let us know on Twitter @FAM_Podcast.


Don't forget to like and subscribe for more fun and FAM in the future!

Apr 09, 202256:54
Episode 77 - What to put in your Magic bag for live events! Tips from the FAM 'experts'.

Episode 77 - What to put in your Magic bag for live events! Tips from the FAM 'experts'.

With in-person play returning in many parts of the globe, Carolyn, Nicole, and Brasky decided to put together the definitive list of all the things you need to pack in your Magic bag. Whether it's a tote, a satchel, or a trusty backpack, there's certain essentials everyone needs to have on them to have the best play experience possible!

We'll cover all the essentials you need including a playmat, dice, tokens, a notepad to keep track of the fact YOU CAN NEVER WIN A DIE ROLL AND HOW AM I THIS UNLUCKY?! 

The essentials...

What's an essential thing you pack in your bag? Let us know on Twitter!

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @FAM_Podcast and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 

Mar 13, 202256:26
Episode 76 - Compleated Quick Hits!

Episode 76 - Compleated Quick Hits!

What's up FAM?!

This week, Carolyn, Brasky and Nicole do a rendition of 'FAM: Quick Hits!' where we touch on a variety of topics in the Magic: The Gathering world around us. 

In-person event prep, traversing Modern for first-timers, Alchemy's many issues and opportunities, and of course....Tron discussion.

The gang also comes up with their own 'Compleated' versions of the their favorites cards. Ever seen a Compleated Sloth before? You will now!


Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @FAM_Podcast and leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Feb 06, 202201:00:03
Episode 75 - Build Your Own Secret Lair!

Episode 75 - Build Your Own Secret Lair!

What's Up FAM?!

This week, Brasky, Carolyn and Nicole bring their ideas to the table for what exactly would be in their personal Secret Lairs. Favorite pet cards, interesting concepts, much needed reprints, or just ridiculous art styles, everyone's got something unique and hilarious in this episode. Also Carolyn risks her Brasky bucks on a trivia game all about sloths and moose!

What you would put in your personal Secret Lair? What kind of art style would you go for? Let us know on Twitter @FAM_podcast!

Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform. 

Jan 18, 202248:26
Episode 74 - Our Magic New Year's Resolutions

Episode 74 - Our Magic New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year FAM!

This week, Carolyn, Brasky, and Nicole each reveal their three New Year's Resolutions for Magic: The Gathering. They also discuss some of the latest goings-on in Magic: Arena (Decathlon, Alchemy) and Nicole is put to the test for all her Brasky Bucks in a game all about Long Island!

What's your Magic New Year's Resolution? Let us know on Twitter @FAM_Podcast! Don't forget to follow for updates on new episodes.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review as well on your favorite podcasting platform.

Have a great year everyone!

Jan 05, 202256:29
Episode 73 - End of Year Mailbag Q&A!

Episode 73 - End of Year Mailbag Q&A!

This week, Brasky and Carolyn take over the podcast and dig through a mysterious amount of mailbag questions from several listeners named 'Nick', 'Nicole', 'Coco', 'NikNak' and more!

So many Magic topics covered, with the usual hijinks you expect on Friends and Magic!


Don't forget to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Follow us on Twitter @FAM_Podcast

Dec 29, 202147:07
Episode 72 - The 10 People You Run into at FNM (w/ Bonus Game!)

Episode 72 - The 10 People You Run into at FNM (w/ Bonus Game!)

This week, gang jumps into a fun game from a totally real Magic magazine Carolyn found - 'Who's Your FNM Hero?!'. Find out the type of FNMer you are by taking the quiz yourself on our Twitter @FAM_Podcast!

Afterwards, the gang breaks down the most important Top 10 list you'll hear this hour - The 10 People You Run into at FNM. We all know them, heck some of us ARE them. Which ones did we leave out? Let us know on Twitter!


Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform.


Thanks FAM!

Oct 22, 202159:49
Episode 71 - Gettin' the Feels - The Role of Emotion in Magic

Episode 71 - Gettin' the Feels - The Role of Emotion in Magic

WE'RE IN A GLASS CASKET OF EMOTION!

This week, the gang dig into the discussion of emotion in Magic in all its forms. After Yuta Takahashi's rightfully emotional victory in the Magic World Championships, a lot has been said about the role of emotion in the game: how we show it, when we show, whether it's a 'good' thing or a 'bad' thing.

What's your thoughts on the role of emotion in Magic (or any game)? Let us know on Twitter! @FAM_Podcast.

Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and leave us a review as well! 

Oct 17, 202101:04:58
Episode 70 - Grixis Will Rise! - Magic World Championship Shenanigans

Episode 70 - Grixis Will Rise! - Magic World Championship Shenanigans

Well, it happened. Grixis has finally made the big time and this week, Carolyn, Brasky, and Nicole go all in on the upcoming Magic World Championships, including a fun LIGHTNING ROUND of Player Facts! Plus, get all the info you need to enjoy this weekend's World Championships and find out who each caster thinks will win and why it will be Sam Pardee!

Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and follow us on Twitter @FAM_Podcast. 

If you leave us a review, we'll give you the biggest darn shout out ever too.

Oct 07, 202151:53
Episode 69 (nice) - Innistrad Midnight Hunt Impressions

Episode 69 (nice) - Innistrad Midnight Hunt Impressions

This week, Brasky, Nick, and Carolyn break down their thoughts and impressions from the first couple weeks of Innistrad. What was real? What was a trap? How many wildcards could a wild card wild if a wild card could wild cards?!

What are YOUR answers to these questions?

Don't forget to leave us a review in your favorite podcasting platform!

Follow us on Twitter @FAM_podcast.

Sep 30, 202148:07
Episode 68 - Magic Showcase Showdown

Episode 68 - Magic Showcase Showdown

This week, the gang unpacks all of the announcements from the recent Magic Showcase, laying out the plans for the game into 2022. There was a lot announced (and a lot not announced). 

Tune in to hear how each host felt about the recent announcements and what our favorite announcements were!

What was your favorite part of the Showcase announcements? Was it what you expected? Was there something missing that you wanted to hear about? Let us know on Twitter! @FAM_Podcast

Make sure to subscribe and leave a review!

Sep 05, 202151:16
Episode 67 - Standard Bag of Holding!

Episode 67 - Standard Bag of Holding!

This week, the gang have a lot to unpack about the Standard format. The role of competitive play in shaping formats, imbalanced sets, what we actually enjoy about the format, and more! Also Nick is back with a fun new game that Carolyn may or may not have cheated at.

Don't forget to Subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Follow us on Twitter @FAM_podcast

Aug 14, 202159:39
Episode 66 - Card Categories! - Forgotten Realms

Episode 66 - Card Categories! - Forgotten Realms

This week Brasky, Carolyn and Nick go through their picks for our Card Categories in Adventures in the Forgotten Realms!

The Card we think will have the biggest impact on Standard

Best Flavor

Most Underrated 

and more!!


Also, Nick brings a new game to the podcast with "Horror Movie or Magic Card?" How many did you get right?


Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and leave a review in your favorite podcast platform!

Jul 17, 202101:01:43
Episode 65 - Get Ready for the RELAUNCH!

Episode 65 - Get Ready for the RELAUNCH!

Hey Fam!  Friends and Magic is back!

We've branched out on our own, revamped our format, and are excited to bring you all the fun magic podcast times you enjoy, with some fresh new changes to make the podcast even better.

This episode, Brasky plays 'Name That Card' with the rest of the team and then we discuss our favorite alternate ways to play Magic: the Gathering. 


What's your favorite alternate way to play Magic? Let us know!


Don't forget to Subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Jul 16, 202156:46
Episode 64 - All Set for Strixhaven!

Episode 64 - All Set for Strixhaven!

This week, the whole gang is on the podcast to rundown our favorite cards and predictions for Strixhaven including the cards we think will have the biggest impact on Standard, best flavor, and the cards we think best represent us in new the set! I bet you can already guess which card Carolyn is. 


Don't forget to follow us @SwagoiGaming on Twitter and leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Apr 18, 202101:01:08
Episode 63 - What Did We Learn? Post-Kaldheim Edition

Episode 63 - What Did We Learn? Post-Kaldheim Edition

This week, Brasky and Nicole are joined by Nick to talk about his experience in the Kaldheim Championship. What worked? What didn't? What's our feelings of the meta as we enter the twilight week of Kaldheim's release? Also, the gang may or may not open a bomb pack of Time Spiral Remastered ;)


Make sure to follow us on Twitter @SwagoiGaming!

Apr 05, 202147:11
Episode 62 - Getting Ready for the Kaldheim Championship with HogPog!

Episode 62 - Getting Ready for the Kaldheim Championship with HogPog!

This week, Brasky and Carolyn are joined by VML League Season 4 Champion and Kaldheim Championship competitor Kabir Karamchandani (@hogpog_98). The group talk with Kabir about their preparations and strategies going into the big event, including playtesting with Team Swagoi and Autumn Burchett, evaluating their playtest data, discussing their deck choices, sideboard inclusions and more!

This is an awesome episode for anyone looking for insight into preparing for your next big Magic competition. Give it a listen!

Be sure to follow us @SwagoiGaming on Twitter.

Leave us review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Don't forget to follow Kabir on Twitch and Twitch @hogpog_98.

Mar 26, 202148:01
Episode 61 - Cycle Your Way to Success!

Episode 61 - Cycle Your Way to Success!

This week, Brasky, Carolyn, and Nicole break down one of Standard's sleeper decks: Cycling. Is it flash in the pan archetype? The next big meta breaker? or something more? Listen in and find out.


Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @SwagoiGaming and leave us a review!

Mar 16, 202151:45
Episode 60 - Pioneer Format Deep Dive

Episode 60 - Pioneer Format Deep Dive

This week Brasky, Carolyn, and Nick go all in on the Pioneer format! Get their input on the best decks, their favorite choices, and what to think about when you go into a competitive Pioneer event in the near future. 


Don't forget to subscribe and follow us @SwagoiGaming on Twitter!

Mar 04, 202152:11
Episode 59 - Scorched Earth - Bans & Restrictions - February 2021

Episode 59 - Scorched Earth - Bans & Restrictions - February 2021

This week, Brasky, Carolyn, and Nick going deep into all of the bans and restrictions announced by Wizard of Coast in several formats. Uro? GONE. Arcum's Astrolabe? Not in MY Legacy! Undercity Informer? Sure why not?! 


We'll give you a rundown of all the bans and how they will impact their respective formats. We'll also touch on the latest Arena Open and give you the details of all the ways you can engage with competitive part of the game. Take a look!

Don't forget to leave us a review and follow on Twitter @SwagoiGaming.



Feb 20, 202101:03:40
Episode 58 - Eat the Damn Cake - First Impressions of All Things Kaldheim

Episode 58 - Eat the Damn Cake - First Impressions of All Things Kaldheim

Vikings and gods have invaded the Friends and Magic Podcast! Join Brasky, Carolyn, and Nicole this week as they discuss the impact of Kaldheim on everything from Standard to Limited, Eternal Formats to Commander and more! Plus, don't miss out on hot takes from the hosts on the best dessert foods, and try to design our latest magic card title: 'Cheescake Saturation'.


Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review!


Follow us @SwagoiGaming on Twitter. 

Feb 12, 202155:05
Episode 57 - Three FAM Favorites - Kaldheim

Episode 57 - Three FAM Favorites - Kaldheim

Angels and Snow Lands and Foretelling Boardwipes. Changelings and Tricksters and Creatures of All Types. Finding a way to break Raven's Warning. These are a few of our Favorite Things - with Kaldheim! 

Brasky, Carolyn, and Nick talk through their favorite things about the newest Magic: the Gathering set. What are your favorite things about Kaldheim? Let us know @SwagoiGaming on Twitter. 



Jan 29, 202146:58
Episode 56 - Foretelling the Favorites of Kaldheim

Episode 56 - Foretelling the Favorites of Kaldheim

This week, Brasky, Nicole, and Nick dive into all of the various mechanics and features of the upcoming Kaldheim release. From new mechanics to returning favorites, constructed to limited, there's so much to unpack and a lot of great discussion to be had. Join us and let us know what you're looking forward to the most about Kaldeim by tweeting at us @SwagoiGaming. 

Jan 22, 202152:04
Episode 55 - An Arena player's guide to Magic the Gathering: Online

Episode 55 - An Arena player's guide to Magic the Gathering: Online

This week, Brasky, Carolyn, and Nick give listeners an overview of everyone's favorite TCG Spreadsheet Simulator, Magic the Gathering Online. From differences in currency to UI navigation tips and all the wonderful foibles and features, now is a great time to introduce yourself to a whole other way to engage with the game.


Follow us on twitter @SwagoiGaming

Don't forget to leave us a review!

Jan 14, 202101:00:39
Episode 54 - Ready...Set Release...Go! - Preparing for set releases.

Episode 54 - Ready...Set Release...Go! - Preparing for set releases.

This week, Brasky, Caroline, and Nicole breakdown the different ways they prepare for a new set release. Do you look at spoilers as they come out or dig into all of them all at once? Do you jump straight into theory crafting constructed or breaking down limited? There's a lot of information out there and so many different ways to approach it, that's why we're here to share our methods. Make sure to tell us yours! One thing's for sure, there's still not enough support for Brasky's Grixis dreams.


Follow us on Twitter @SwagoiGaming

Jan 08, 202156:25
Episode 53 - So Fresh & So Clean - Staying Connected and Interested in Magic

Episode 53 - So Fresh & So Clean - Staying Connected and Interested in Magic

This week, Carolyn and Brasky are joined once again by Nick 'INickStrad' Price to talk about how different players stay interested with Magic, even when their usual avenues for playing the game get stale. From format changes to card analyses, there's a whole host of different ways you can enjoy Magic in your own way. Let us know your favorite ways to stay engaged in Magic by tweeting @SwagoiGaming.

Also, Brasky regales the podcast with a story about slightly damaged Eldrazi and the cast vows to bring the McRib to Nick's native Philippines. 

Dec 31, 202048:54
Episode 52 - A Year's Worth of FAM! Venus Mercury League Breakdown

Episode 52 - A Year's Worth of FAM! Venus Mercury League Breakdown

After a whole year's worth of FAM: Friends and Magic episodes, new and exciting things are coming to the podcast! This week Carolyn and Brasky welcome Nicole “LadyOfTheCrease” Callahan to the podcast! 


The gang talks about the past year's worth of FAM and breaks down the upcoming Venus and Mercury League (VML) Season 4 competition while Brasky talks about the wonderousness of his new metabreaker: Grixis Pants (disclaimer: your results may very, Grixis Pants' side effects include loss of ladder rank, increased memeing, and low wild card inventory.)


More about the VML: http://aspirant.gg/vml/

Dec 24, 202051:17
The Price of Greatness - Prepping for the Zendikar Rising Championship

The Price of Greatness - Prepping for the Zendikar Rising Championship

This week, Swagoi team member Nick Price returns to the podcast joining Carolyn and Bill as they break down the duo's prep, decks, and strategies for the Zendikar Rising championship.

Dec 06, 202054:13
Magic Decks of Historic Proportions: aka Sean’s Used Car Emporium

Magic Decks of Historic Proportions: aka Sean’s Used Car Emporium

Sean sells you on a old deck with new ideas.  Need more options? The rest of the cast gives you their picks of what to play in historic as well.

Nov 20, 202057:07
Customized Competition - Engaging with Competitive Magic Your Way

Customized Competition - Engaging with Competitive Magic Your Way

This week, the gang welcomes new Swagoi team member Nick Price to the podcast to talk about all of the different ways you can compete in Magic without having to grind the ladder in Arena. We also answer the age old question: Which planeswalker is mostly likely to work at the DMV?

Nov 11, 202055:17
Grixis at Dawn

Grixis at Dawn

The gang is minus Carolyn but can still sum up their feelings on Standard going into this Arena Open weekend.

Oct 30, 202001:00:31
Tap, Scry, Die

Tap, Scry, Die

This week, the gang give their impressions on the recent bannings in Standard and give their predictions on the decks to play going forward. Also, Brasky delivers his dissertation on the wonders of Grixis.

Oct 19, 202001:09:52
You never forget your first

You never forget your first

The gang reminisces about their first and favorite decks of yore

Oct 10, 202001:00:57
Zendikar Reloading

Zendikar Reloading

The gang is minus Carolyn is joined by Max and goes over their favorite cards to try out once Zendikar is truly live on MTG Arena

Sep 23, 202001:10:34
Historic Meta Part 2: Electric Booglaoo (aka Why are There So Many Boats?!)

Historic Meta Part 2: Electric Booglaoo (aka Why are There So Many Boats?!)

This week, the gang picks up where they left off last week, going over their picks for the upcoming Historic format events and the difference between building for open and closed decklist events.

Sep 10, 202059:40
The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Breaking Down the Historic Meta Game

The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Breaking Down the Historic Meta Game

This week, the gang gives their quick initial impressions of Zenidkar Rising before deep diving into the competitive metagame of the Historic format, including Carolyn and Eric's 1st-2nd finish in the latest Arena Community Cup and Sean's Top-500 ladder finish in the format.

Sep 05, 202001:22:09
A Pod about Casting

A Pod about Casting

The gang listens to mrtoolshed's love for UW again and also goes over the finer points of commentary

Aug 28, 202001:03:29
The State of the State of Magic Design

The State of the State of Magic Design

This week, the gang dives into Mark Rosewater's State of Design 2020 article, discusses the good and the bad of the game. Did we fix all of Magic's problems? You'll just have to listen to find out!

Aug 22, 202001:19:39
Standard Showdown BATTLE!

Standard Showdown BATTLE!

This week, Eric and Sean go toe to toe to decide which deck is superior in Standard: Temur Adventures or Sultai Ramp. Also, get a sneak peek into Carolyn's new book "The Sisterhood of the Travelling Embercleave".

Aug 17, 202042:46
"We're with the banned"

"We're with the banned"

This week, the gang recaps their experience with the Historic Arena Open and then dig deep into all of the ins and out of the latest Banned and Restricted announcement and it's implications for the game of Magic.

Aug 09, 202001:07:45
Short Plank, Long Cliff: A Deep Dive into the Historic Format

Short Plank, Long Cliff: A Deep Dive into the Historic Format

This week, the gang gets you ready for the upcoming Arena Open with a discussion of the Historic format including the boogeyperson known as Temur Rec, why Goblins are a good thing, and what decks may surprise folks.  There's also great discussion on conversion rate...not decks, but currency.

Jul 30, 202053:50
Feeling Restricted

Feeling Restricted

The gang is back together to talk about cards that are leaving.

Jul 27, 202055:43
A Limited Perspective of M21 (ft. Haiyue Yu!)

A Limited Perspective of M21 (ft. Haiyue Yu!)

The gang... well half of them are joined by the newest member of Team Swagoi, Haiyue Yu, to go over M21 draft and their love for blue cards

Jul 15, 202051:40