It's a new day in The Dive Down Nation! We kick off the show with some news about the podcast's new direction for the foreseeable future. Then Stan talks about playing Commander Cube. Shane shares his new found fondness for Deltarune. Dave plays some cover songs. And we all rock out to our favorite albums of 2025. Check out our newest sponsor, CardMill—the first automated scanner and sorter built for everyday trading card players. Visit https://CardMill.com/thedivedown to learn more! Become a ci...
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 329
Depending on who you ask, this is either a week off from Magic as part of a much needed summer vacation. Or it's the soft launch of our new talk show about preventing old dude loneliness. On this week's show, we talk about as little MTG as possible. And instead catch up on our wild and exciting lives. Stan and Shane confront Dave about video games. Dave shares some wisdom on basic interior design. Selena Gomez bakes a delicious Oreo. Check out our newest sponsor, CardMill—the first automated sca...
Jul 10, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 328
On this week's show, we're doing it live. No notes, just vibes. After our weekly fast food check-in, we chat about Jeskai Affinity featuring Vivi Ornitier, good ol' fashioned Broodscale Combo, and Mardu Energy with Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER. Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch from the store: https://www.thedivedown.com/store Upgrade your gameplay and your gameday with Hea...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 327
It's week 1 of Final Fantasy's legality in our formats — and these cards are popping up in way more places than we thought. This week we talk about the surprising places Sephiroth is soldiering, how Cloud (or Raubahn) is reviving Hammertime, and just how much we all wanted a 1cmc 2/3 reverse Jackal Pup with deathtouch... with a back side. Stan shares his conspiracies. Dave changes his mind while enjoying a shake, and Devon shows up 20 minutes late (which we all understand). • Cloud • Sephiroth •...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 326
On this week's show, D00mwake discusses the latest innovations to Domain Zoo which got him back-to-back top 8s in a Modern Challenge and RCQ. Then we discuss a new rules change that makes Urza's Saga even better. And finally chat through a couple more Final Fantasy cards that we missed last time: Vivi and Joshua. The Break Down: Domain Zoo The Dive Down: Urza's Saga The Wind Down: Vivi and Josh Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you'...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 325
Shane returns as the Dive Down triumphantly takes over the Motor City, while Dave and Stan play in the Secret Lair Spotlight Modern Open! We talk about our unexpected experiences playing in an unexpected metagame, and even sprinkle in a couple restaurant reviews. The Break Down: Voicless and Victoryless The Dive Down: St. Elmo's Fire? Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch fr...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 324
This week Stan and Dave discuss their upcoming road trip comedy as they prepare for the Spotlight Series: Secret Lair this weekend in Indianapolis. Dave is in love with Andrea Mengucci's takes on Prowess — and even tries to learn a little from them. Stan has thoughts, questions, and feelings. A pact to split the tournament winning prize is made. Other hilarity ensues. If you're planning to be in Indianapolis this weekend — reach out! Say hi! Let us know what's going on! • Movies? I Guess? • Prow...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 323
On this week's show, we're looking at our favorite cards from the upcoming Final Fantasy set, and ask the question: can 15 JRPG games produce enough inspiration for 1 Magic set? We chat about Cloud and his Buster Sword, Tifa and her powerful fists, Sephiroth and his powerful wings, plus Astrologian's Planisphere, Cecil Dark Knight, and the most beloved Final Fantasy character of all... Dark Confidant. Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world th...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 322
This week we take a little break from Modern and dip our toes back into Pioneer, thanks to its official premier on Arena. The team discusses our impressions of Pioneer right now, our impressions of Arena right now, and, finally — you guessed it — our impressions of Pioneer on Arena right now. Dave uses his artist's talent to bring back the birbs. D00mwake finds some affinity for artifacts in Pio and Modern. Stan capably moderates a spicy discussion while remaining a healthy distance from any gem...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 321
This week we discuss a bunch of goings on from the weekend — Devon's trip to Minneapolis, Stan's trip to a local RCQ, and Dave's (power) trip about being the editor this week. We get into: 1) the last few cards in Devon's main deck in Standard and how he got there, 2) how Stan really feels after top 4'ing with 4x Voice of Victory in his Energy deck, and 3) one of the WILDEST Cool Decks, Inc. lists we've seen in awhile. • More Prowess in Standard • More Stats in Modern • More Energy & Prowess...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 320
On this week's show, D00mwake walks us through his prep with Standard Prowess ahead of the Minneapolis RC. Then Stan goes over his top 8 finish at a Modern RCQ with Boros Energy. And Dave teaches us about Dragonstorm draft picks with Stan's prize packs. Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch from the store: https://www.thedivedown.com/store Upgrade your gameplay and your game...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 319
On this week's show, we tried a handful of new cards from Dragonstorm: Tarkir, but Cori-Steel Cutter continues to cut through the competition. Stan plays Jeskai Affinity, Dave plays Tron, and D00mwake casually top 8s an RCQ with Prowess. Plus results from the Laughing Dragon Modern $20K! Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch from the store: https://www.thedivedown.com/store ...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 318
Dragonstorm: Tarkir has some wild cards and on this week's show, we've played with a few of them! Stan and D00mwake have a blast posting their Ws with Voice of Victory. Dave cuts steel with Cori-Steel Cutter. We also mess with some Flamehold Grappler, Stormscale Scion, and Tersa Lightshatter. Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch from the store: https://www.thedivedown.com/s...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 317
We looked at nine Magic Online Modern Challenges that fired in the unique week between a Modern ban and Dragonstorm: Tarkir's online debut. On this week's show, we benchmark the current Modern format, and look ahead at some possible new tech from the upcoming set. Boros Energy is back on top but Eldrazi is not far behind. Can combo, midrange, or even control decks carve out a place for themselves in the format as Modern RCQ season goes into full swing? Will Ugin, Eye of the Storms put Tron back ...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 316
This week we react to one of the least surprising bans in recent Modern history and say goodbye to Underworld Breach. Dave, Devon, and Stan react, make predictions about what we think is next, and talk a little about unbans and why they might not have happened this time. Once we finish up with Modern, we take a quick peek at Pioneer/Explorer (what is even going on there?) and answer a listener question about RCQ prep. • A Modern Ban • A Pioneer Break • Some RCQ Prep Become a citizen of The Dive ...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 315
Today's the day we take What's That In Your Pocket public! Formerly a Patreon exclusive, you can now find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy pods! Join us every 2 weeks as we get together to talk about handheld gaming and technology. Come hang out as we explore the wild world of handhelds together! In this episode Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct announcement is finally here, and we're along for the ride with our analysis and hot hot takes regarding the upcoming system. Listen in as ...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 3 min
On this week's show, we discuss how to approach deck practice in Modern and Standard even though both formats are about to see significant changes. Stan plays some Living End and Jeskai Energy, d00mwake plays Lumbering Worldwagon in as many decks as possible. Plus some Dragonstorm: Tarkir spoilers! Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch from the store: https://www.thedivedown...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 314
On this week's show, we review the coolest decks from the Hunter Burton Memorial Open, the Spotlight Series in Utrecht, and the Southeast Asia RC in Bangkok. Then we wrap with a first look at Dragonstorm: Tarkir and admire yoked Ugin. Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch from the store: https://www.thedivedown.com/store Upgrade your gameplay and your gameday with Heavy Play...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 313
The final Modern RC of the season is now behind us, but the story of Temur Breach's dominance continues. We chat about the event metagame, the incredible amount of Grinding Station decks in the top 32, and D00mwake's experience playing Eldrazi. Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch from the store: https://www.thedivedown.com/store Upgrade your gameplay and your gameday with ...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 312
With RC Charlotte on D00mwake's doorstep, Devon shares the results and findings of his practice for the one of the year's biggest Modern tournaments. Dave kicks off the show a look at the metagame data from last week's Modern RC in China, then Stan wraps up with his new found fondness and admiration for Ketramose in Orzhov Blink. Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch from th...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 311
MagicCon: Chicago was the biggest MagicCon ever, in part because The Dive Down was there to experience it. This week's show features conversation we had at the Con with Mark Rosewater, Blake Rasmussen, and Athena Froehlich. We chat about a couple cards revealed from Tarkir: Dragonstorm and gather some WOTC insights following December's Modern unbans. A Preview Panel! A Chat with Blake! MaRo's 20 Cards of All Time! Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 310
Magic never ceases to amaze us. On this week's episode, we discuss our mutual surprise over the impact of Aetherdrift on Modern. Then we wrap our series on Modern's latest unbans with a look at Green Sun's Zenith in Amulet Titan, Yawgmoth, and beyond. Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch from the store: https://www.thedivedown.com/store Upgrade your gameplay and your gameda...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 309
On this week's show, we review the results of the latest Modern Regional Championship, along with the Sunday 10K, and kneel at the altar of our new format overlords, Underworld Breach & Grinding Station. Then we chat about Stan's experiences playing both events, and Dave shares some horror stories from drafting Aetherdrift four times. Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merc...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 308
It's Portland time! Join us as we go deep on Stan's tournament prep for the Modern RC. We talk Stan's testing journey with Boros Energy, go deep on the mirror and the other top matchups, discuss the finer points of Stone Rains, card advantage options, and more. • Energy at the RC • Mirror Matches • The Rest of the Field Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch from the store: h...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 307
After a huge weekend of Modern Regional Championships, we're tripping over spreadsheets of matchup data. We discuss which decks impressed us, surprised us, and disappointed us from three huge tournaments in Prague, Canada, and Brazil. Then we wrap up with a chat about our experiences playing Splinter Twin. The Break Down: 45 Minutes of Regional Championships The Dive Down: 30 Minutes of Splinter Twin Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world tha...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 306
As we continue to play with Modern's latest round of unbans, something has become apparent. Mox Opal is a heck of a card. On this week's show, we play it in Temur Breach, Affinity, Hammer Time, and Broodscale to figure where Opal shines and where it feels dull. Turns out, the card is quite good even when its deck is bad. The history of Opal. Breaching is easy! Other Opal decks are whatever. Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 305
In the first of our episodes diving into each card from the recent unbans, we take a deep look at Faithless Looting. First we take a look at the history of the card — all the way back to spoiler conversations — followed by a dive into many of the decks trying to play it in Modern today. Creativity? Check. Hollow One? Check. Phoenix? You know it. Dredge? Well, we almost forgot Dredge, but we at least mention it in passing. Why isn't it as powerful as it used to be? We have thoughts and those thou...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 304
We're back — to podcasting. But also Devon's back — to large eventing. And, in a way, Magic is back — with a 1,400+ person open tournament. We spend this week talking about what happened, what's going on in Standard (Modern next week!), what the return of opens like the Spotlight Series means, and more. Devon cheats in overlords. Dave considers what to do with his wild cards. Stan starts working towards Portland. • Hot in Hotlanta • A Deck Full of Blade Splicers • A Day Full of Ws Become a citiz...
Jan 09, 2025•57 min•Ep. 303
Rhinos is making a comeback and so are we! As we wind down from vacation mode, Stan and D00mwake warm up their podcasting muscles with one of their favorite topics: Crashing Footfalls in Modern. Enjoy this bonus minisode before our official feature length return next week! Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch from the store: https://www.thedivedown.com/store Upgrade your ga...
Jan 02, 2025•27 min
A B&R so hot we had to pause our vacation. The One Ring, Amped Raptor, and Jegantha are banned. Mox Opal is unbanned. Mox Opal, Green Sun's Zenith, Faithless Looting and Splinter Twin are unbanned. Discuss. Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: http://www.patreon.com/thedivedown Show the world that you're a proud citizen of The Dive Down Nation with some merch from the store: https://www.thedivedown.com/store Upgrade your gameplay and your gameday with Heavy Play accessories. Use code T...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 302
