Bryan and Jonathan are back for the twentieth episode of Head GAMs! This week the hosts are tapping into their favorite source of inspiration—listener questions! Jonathan and Bryan help listeners address a plethora of issues including decision paralysis and fatigue, dealing with an opponents off-putting attitude, and keeping a growth mindset even in the face of tremendous setbacks and adversity. If you’d like to participate in future listener focused episodes, don’t forget to check out our Patre...
Feb 17, 2019•55 min
The first Mythic Championship is rapidly approaching and Bryan wants to get Gerry on the right track. They discuss Mono-Blue Aggro’s performance at #SCGDFW, the plethora of aggressive decks in the format, and finish off with some questions that Bryan would be asking himself if he were competing. Will Gerry pass or fail? Music: Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nagata Outro music Snowboard Kids "Avalanche" (OC Remix #3865) • ReMixer: M...
Feb 14, 2019•1 hr 10 min
As the Standard metagame moves closer to being dominated by Esper Control and Sultai Midrange, only one deck looks poised to take the crown — Mono-Blue Aggro. Whether you’re playing with or against it, you cannot miss this episode. Music: Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nagata Outro music Star Fox "Sector Y" (OC Remix #3494) • ReMixer: Slimy | Composer: Hajime Hirasawa Timestamps: Mono-blue overview - 2:20 Main deck card analysis - ...
Feb 08, 2019•1 hr 57 min
Bryan and Jonathan are back for the nineteenth episode of Head GAMs! This week we get to hear about Bryan’s debut as a broadcaster and look back at how his preparation compared to the real thing. The hosts also discuss the nature of competitive ranked ladders in video games and the psychological dangers of committing completely to topping a ladder. Bryan and Jonathan leave you with tips to engage with ladders in a healthy way that maximizes how to increase your skill and find satisfaction. Don’t...
Feb 04, 2019•56 min
It’s Episode 115 of The GAM Podcast and regular contributor Cedric Phillips is filling in for an ailing Gerry T. Cedric and Bryan were eye witnesses to the formation of the Week 1 standard metagame this past weekend in Indianapolis. What were their takeaways from the first SCG Tour event of new Standard? They’re happy to share and are also diving back into the Magic Online 5-0 decklists as they search for the next big thing in Standard! Music: Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remi...
Feb 01, 2019•1 hr 25 min
In Episode 114 of The GAM Podcast, Gerry and Bryan break down the first published Standard results. What worked, what didn’t, and what’s the best builds of these decks going forward? Also, how the hell do you beat Mono-Red? They answer all of it! Music: Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nagata Outro music Chrono Trigger "Save the Future" (OC Remix #3854) • ReMixer: StormSkuggan | Composer: Nobuo Uematsu & Noriko Matsueda Timestamp...
Jan 24, 2019•1 hr 48 min
MTG Arena announced some BIG changes a couple days ago, so naturally Gerry and Bryan had to get those out of the first. After that, it’s all about their picks for the ten best RNA cards in Standard and how their expectations changed after watching those cards in action. Music: Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nagata Outro music Suikoden "Theme of Sadness" (OC Remix #3852) • ReMixer: ilp0 | Composer: Hirofumi Taniguchi Timestamps: Are...
Jan 18, 2019•1 hr 10 min
Bryan and Jonathan are back for the eighteenth episode of Head GAMs! This week the hosts are tackling one of Jonathan’s favorite topics—mindset. What does it mean to have a growth mindset? What potential benefits are there, in both competition and life, to embracing an effort to better yourself as a person? How can you change your view of the world in order to maximize your capability for growth? All of these questions and more will be answered on this week’s Head GAMs! Don’t forget to head over...
Jan 14, 2019•58 min
Gerry may have been out last week, but nothing was going to keep him from talking about all the #MTGRNA previews we got over the last week. There’s no shortage of exciting cards to talk about! Music: Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nagata Outro music Command & Conquer "On the Prowl" (OC Remix #417) • ReMixer: Scott Peeples | Composer: Frank Klepacki Timestamps: Domri, Chaos Bringer - 5:04 Ravager Wurm - 8:09 Thrash Threat - 11:0...
Jan 11, 2019•1 hr 47 min
Gerry's out sick this week, so Bryan takes over the hosting duties and even recruited a special guest. They talk about their GP Vancouver experience then get right down to evaluating the newest Ravnica Allegiance cards! Music: Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nagata Outro music Super Paper Mario "Memory: Night" (OC Remix #3710) • ReMixer: AJ DiSpirito | Composer: Chika Sekigawa, Naoko Mitome Timestamps: GP Vancouver - 2:58 Kaya, Orzh...
Jan 04, 2019•1 hr 15 min
Bryan and Jonathan are back for the seventeenth episode of Head GAMs! In the spirit of the new year, this week is all about the dos and don’ts of tackling New Year’s resolutions. Listen as the hosts spend time walking each other through their own plans for 2019. Will Bryan live healthier? How will Jonathan go about building his brand? You’ll hear how to use research proven methods for setting and attaining your goals. If you want to start off 2019 the right way, you can’t miss this episode! Also...
Dec 31, 2018•52 min
In the 110th episode, The GAM Podcast tackles the last few Ravnica Allegiance previews, the craziness of 2018 and what's coming in 2019. They also spend quite a bit of time on their question of the week, making this one of the longest episodes ever! Music: Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nagata Outro music Sonic CD "The Jazzy Cosmos" (OC Remix #3702) • ReMixer: GCJ | Composer: Masafumi Ogata, Naofumi Hataya Timestamps: Absorb - 5:35...
Dec 28, 2018•1 hr 46 min
Ravnica Allegiance previews are upon us. Does the man who calls the SCG Tour have what it takes to evaluate cards from the new set? Gerry and Bryan put him to the test! Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nagata Outro music Mega Man 9 "Morricone Man" (OC Remix #2525) • ReMixer: Mazedude | Composer: Hiroki Isogai Timestamps: Zegana, Utopian Speaker - 6:04 Simic Ascendancy - 19:02 Aeromunculus - 20:11 Growth Spiral - 22:34 Rix Maadi Revel...
Dec 21, 2018•1 hr 30 min
Last week, Gerry and Bryan asked the GAM Discord for their biggest struggles in Magic, and they provided enough great examples to fill two episodes. This episode features things that are more on the mental spectrum of things, so they brought on Jonathan Carter, co-host of the HeadGAMs Podcast to provide his expertise.
Dec 20, 2018•1 hr 4 min
Bryan and Jonathan are back for the sixteenth episode of Head GAMs! In celebration of this week’s topic, Jonathan takes over hosting duties as the cast focuses on strategies for learning and doing new things. Whether you’re on the cusp of a career change, picking up a new form of competition, or just want to be prepared when the time comes, Head GAMs has the advice that will set you up for success in your new endeavors! If you’d like to learn more about how you can support the Head GAMs podcast,...
Dec 16, 2018•52 min
Gerry and Bryan asked the GAM Discord what their biggest struggles with Magic were and the responses were enough for two whole episodes! A summary of the episode won’t do it justice, but if you’re looking to level up your game, you can’t miss this episode. Music: Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nagata Outro music Jeanne d'Arc "Sword of God" (OC Remix #3714) • ReMixer: Juan Medrano | Composer: Takeshi Inoue https://twitter.com/g3rryt...
Dec 14, 2018•1 hr 22 min
Whether you're playing an RPTQ, #SCGINVI, or GP Portland, it's going to be a Modern weekend. Fair decks were out in force last weekend at #SCGBALT, but Arclight Phoenix took the top two spots. Did the Modern metagame suddenly shift? Is Jeskai Control good again? Gerry shares his experience with EdB's Mono-Red Hollow Phoenix, while Bryan goes over his prep with Amulet, and why they're likely going to register those decks this weekend. Gerry and Bryan's question of the week is a can't miss either....
Dec 07, 2018•1 hr 24 min
Bryan and Jonathan are back for the fifteenth episode of Head GAMs! The hosts have an incredible amount to be thankful for this holiday season, and an ever-growing cadre of Head GAMs listeners ranks near the top! The cast takes some time to express gratitude in the form of a new Patreon framework and an episode dedicated to answering listener questions on every conceivable topic. Tilt, intrusive thoughts, being old and uncool, and dealing with the change in seasons—this is the most free-flowing ...
Dec 03, 2018•1 hr 1 min
With GRN Standard (almost) in the books, Gerry and Bryan talk about the last couple evolutions of the format. From Adrian Sullivan's win at GPMKE to the last round of Magic Online decklists, Standard's evolution hasn't slowed down. For those who have been asking about Arena, Gerry and Bryan also give their takes on Magic's newest platform. Music: Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nagata Outro music Brave Fencer Musashi "Me and My Game...
Nov 30, 2018•1 hr 27 min
Gerry and Bryan didn’t plan on talking about Modern for almost two hours, but here we are. Not only is there the data from GP Atlanta (courtesy of @averybigbear), but there’s been a constant metagame shift, a couple new archetypes, and a Modern decklist dump to cover. If you wanted help selecting your deck for GP Portland, SCGCON, or any other Modern tournament, look no further! Music: Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nagata Outro mu...
Nov 23, 2018•1 hr 46 min
Bryan and Jonathan are back for the fourteenth episode of Head GAMs! How do you prepare for one of the biggest competitions of your year? We brought in one of the best Magic: The Gathering players in the world, Gerry Thompson, to talk about his approach prior to, during, and after his toughest tournaments. If you’re not a Magic player, fear not! The techniques discussed here are applicable across all forms of competition! If you’d like to learn more about how you can support the Head GAMs podcas...
Nov 19, 2018•1 hr 6 min
Six Boros decks in the Top 8 of PT GRN might seem scary, but the data tells a different story. Gerry and Bryan go through the data collected by @jaredlunsford and see who the real winners from the PT were. Here’s a hint: It ain’t Boros. Music: Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nagata Outro music Final Fantasy Tactics (OC Remix #3757) • ReMixers: sschafi1, Tiago Rodrigues, PirateCrab, Marc Papeghin, Jordan Chin | Composers: Hitoshi Sak...
Nov 16, 2018•1 hr 4 min
Bryan and Jonathan are back for the thirteenth episode of Head GAMs! This episode is all about our listeners, and the hosts are taking the time to review listener responses to questions relating to our last two months of episodes. For fresh information regarding sleep, nutrition, strengths, weaknesses, and burnout, check out this cast! You can find out how to participate in similar episodes in the future and support the Head GAMs podcast over at www.patreon.com/HeadGAMsPodcast Contact and Suppor...
Nov 12, 2018•1 hr 6 min
In this special pre-Pro Tour episode, Bryan takes over the hosting duties! Gerry takes Bryan through his PT testing process and discusses the pros and cons of each archetype, including the deck Gerry broke the format with for all of two days. Since then, Boros Tokens showed up and ruined everything. At the end, Bryan takes a stab at what Gerry submitted for the tournament. Will he guess correctly? Intro music Mario Kart 64 "Dreaming Racing" (OC Remix #396) • ReMixer: prozax | Composer: Kenta Nag...
Nov 09, 2018•59 min
Bryan and Jonathan are back for the twelfth episode of Head GAMs! In a long-awaited episode, Jonathan is leading Bryan (and our listeners) through some of his favorite studies and tidbits relating to performance psychology. From the health-related benefits of optimism, to the physiological study of visualization, you won’t believe what some of Jonathan’s favorite studies have revealed! As always, Jonathan is quick to suggest potential uses for these facts in training and preparation regimens. Se...
Nov 05, 2018•52 min
A pair of Standard Grand Prix means over 60 decklists to peruse and two wildly different winner’s metagames to compare. Gerry and Bryan waste no time in dissecting the results, why it went down the way it did, and what it means going forward. Bryan also discusses his GP New Jersey experience with Izzet Arclight. What worked, what didn’t, and how to tune the deck are all things you need to know. While Bryan was busy in NJ, Gerry was playing Magic Online with the same deck and weighs in with his o...
Nov 02, 2018•1 hr 16 min
In this benchmark, incredible episode, Gerry and Bryan welcome reigning World Champion Javier Dominguez to the podcast, fresh off his Top 4 finish at GP Lille. They discuss Javier’s incredible run the last few years, his gaming history, and how to got to be where he is now. If you want to know how a World Champion approaches competitive gaming, you can’t miss this episode. Music: Witcher 3 - Kaer Morhen Contact and Support: https://twitter.com/g3rryt https://twitter.com/bryango https://twitter.c...
Oct 31, 2018•59 min
Picking a Standard deck is tough these days. Is Golgari by far the best? Is it Selesnya’s time to reclaim glory? Has Mono-Red Aggro been a sleeper this whole time? Gerry and Bryan have Josh Cho join the show to discuss Standard, what they like, where the format is headed, and what to play this weekend. By the end of the episode, all three are on the same page! Music: Jamestown - Chyptune Timestamps: Decks we're leaning towards - 3:46 Golgari - 12:42 Jeskai Control - 27:51 U/R Arclight Phoenix - ...
Oct 26, 2018•1 hr 20 min
Bryan and Jonathan are back for the eleventh episode of Head GAMs! As promised, the hosts are continuing the discussion from last week’s episode, but this time they are focused on their greatest psychological strengths. What one aspect of Bryan’s psychological makeup has been most instrumental in shaping his approach to life? Why is Jonathan able to find success dealing with adverse times? How have these strengths improved not only the hosts’ lives, but also their approach to competitive perform...
Oct 22, 2018•54 min
Golgari is the deck to beat in Standard! Gerry and Bryan dissect the winning lists, talk about what they like and dislike, and where they would take Golgari moving forward. They also discuss what the other top decks can do to have a better chance against Golgari. What decks should you stay away from and which look poised for a breakout? Timestamps: Music: Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo - Character Select Golgari's Dominance - 5:00 Control Decks - 28:01 GW - 49:46 Question of the Week - 1:03:53 Con...
Oct 19, 2018•1 hr 12 min
