The Dive Down

Latest Episodes:

Episode 331: Magic Escapes to the One Space Capitalism Hasn't Corrupted Aug 02, 2025

Show notes

On this week's show, Stan and Dave catch up on Magic's newest sets. Stan shares his first impressions of Edge of Eternities draft and sealed, then we discuss our spiritual reactions to the first spoilers from Spider-man. Then we wrap with a quick chat about the 100 best(?) podcasts of all time.

Timecodes:
0:20 — Shane's not here, man
4:10 — CardMill did it! The dream is alive.
6:54 — Magic escapes to the one place capitalism hasn't corrupted yet — SPACE!
10:00 — Stan's impressions from the Edge of Eternity streamer's preview event
27:35 — What it felt like coming back to "core" MTG
40:34 — Do you want to talk about Spider-Man?
47:56 — The Time Magazine 100 Best Podcasts of all time
59:12 — Closing

Check out CardMill's (fully-funded) Kickstarter for a TCG scanner and sorter for players/collectors: http://www.cardmill.com/thedivedown
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 THEDIVEDOWN2025 for 10% off your first order at https://www.heavyplay.com
Get 25% Cashback after 3 months of service with ManaTraders! https://www.manatraders.com/?medium=thedivedown and use coupon code THEDIVEDOWN
And now receive 8% off your order of paper cards from Nerd Rage Gaming with code DIVE8 at https://www.nerdragegaming.com/

Links from this week's episode:
https://time.com/collections/100-best-podcasts/

Our opening music is Nowhere - You Never Knew, and our closing music is Space Blood - Goro? Is That Your Christian Name?

email us: thedivedown@gmail.com

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Episode 330: Summer Vacation 3: Look Up — It's the Smurfs Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

On this week's show, we clean up our cords and cables, Shane takes Donkey Kong out on a punching spree, then Stan and Dave double feature two of the hottest movies in theaters right now - Superman and Smurfs!

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 citizen of The Dive Down Nation: https://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 THEDIVEDOWN2025 for 10% off your first order at https://www.heavyplay.com
Save 50% on your first subscription of Mental Performance shots at https://magicmind.com/dive50
Get 25% Cashback after 3 months of service with ManaTraders! https://www.manatraders.com/?medium=thedivedown and use coupon code THEDIVEDOWN
And now receive 8% off your order of paper cards from Nerd Rage Gaming with code DIVE8 at https://www.nerdragegaming.com/

Timestamps:
3:15 - Old men shout at cloud (based apps)
6:11 - This week's episode
10:54 - CardMill - It's here, and it's popular!
12:44 - The myth of minimalism: cable management
20:22 - What's That In Your Pocket - Donkey Kong Bananza
33:27 - Magic Mind: What's your superpower?
36:02 - Superman - It was fun, fun, fun
52:56 - Smurfs, Lies, and Videotape
1:08:27 - Wrapping up

Our opening music is Nowhere - You Never Knew, and our closing music is Space Blood - Goro? Is That Your Christian Name?

email us: thedivedown@gmail.com

Support The Dive Down

Episode 329: Summer Vacation 2: Permanent Vacation? Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

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 citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: https://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 THEDIVEDOWN2025 for 10% off your first order at https://www.heavyplay.com
Save 60% on your first subscription of Mental Performance shots at https://magicmind.com/divemf
Get 25% Cashback after 3 months of service with ManaTraders! https://www.manatraders.com/?medium=thedivedown and use coupon code THEDIVEDOWN
And now receive 8% off your order of paper cards from Nerd Rage Gaming with code DIVE8 at https://www.nerdragegaming.com/

Timestamps:
0:00 - Dave plays bass... most of the time
4:32 - Leveling with our listeners
11:02 - Still slappin' the bass
15:34 - What's That In Your Pocket? - GeForce Now!
23:08 - Magic Mind - giving energy for gaming
26:23 - Back to video games - Deltarune is cool
35:22 - The Dive Down begins: No More Mr. Foxglove
42:08 - Commander Cube explorations
45:08 - Cardmill - an automated card scanner and sorter
47:05 - Music: The Gathering
59:15 - Albums we are liking
1:12:06 - Wrapping up

Links from this week's episode:
Commander Cube List: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/1009f24b-b320-4f15-8b60-fb627c778463
Our Current 2025 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2hEG97QlUDI0wm28K0O5Og?si=1e49b57cfc3844f4

Our opening music is Nowhere - You Never Knew, and our closing music is Space Blood - Goro? Is That Your Christian Name?

email us: thedivedown@gmail.com

Support The Dive Down

Episode 328: Summer Vacation 1: Accusations, FIN Draft, Minecraft, & Oreos Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

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 scanner and sorter built for everyday trading card players. Visit https://CardMill.com/thedivedown to learn more!
Become a citizen of The Dive Down Nation!: https://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 THEDIVEDOWN2025 for 10% off your first order at https://www.heavyplay.com
Save 60% on your first subscription of Mental Performance shots at https://magicmind.com/divemf
Get 25% Cashback after 3 months of service with ManaTraders! https://www.manatraders.com/?medium=thedivedown and use coupon code THEDIVEDOWN
And now receive 8% off your order of paper cards from Nerd Rage Gaming with code DIVE8 at https://www.nerdragegaming.com/

Timestamps:
4:55 - This week's episode
6:32 - CardMill - An upcoming automated card scanning and sorting device
8:51 - Stan confronts Dave: Video games, and gaming with kids
27:30 - Shane confronts Dave: No shrimp boil invitation
30:45 - Final Fantasy limited: is good
35:56 - Shane's Old House
47:10 - What's That In Your Mouth?
54:26 - It's 3-D printing time
1:05:54 - Wrapping up

Our opening music is Nowhere - You Never Knew, and our closing music is Space Blood - Goro? Is That Your Christian Name?

email us: thedivedown@gmail.com

Support The Dive Down

Episode 327: Unscripted: Vivi Affinity, Broodscale Combo, and Sephiroth Energy Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

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 Heavy Play accessories. Use code THEDIVEDOWN2025 for 10% off your first order at https://www.heavyplay.com
Get 25% Cashback after 3 months of service with ManaTraders! https://www.manatraders.com/?medium=thedivedown and use coupon code THEDIVEDOWN
Use our code Dive60 to get 60% off your first subscription of Magic Mind, Stan's favorite mental performance shots, at https://magicmind.com/
And now receive 8% off your order of paper cards from Nerd Rage Gaming with code DIVE8 at https://www.nerdragegaming.com/

Timestamps:
11:47 - This week's show/housekeeping
15:50 - The Dive Down begins: It's Vivi time
31:23 - Devon talks Broodscale combo
49:01 - Stan played Mardu Energy with Sephiroth
1:09:40 - Wrapping up

Our opening music is Nowhere - You Never Knew, and our closing music is Space Blood - Goro? Is That Your Christian Name?

email us: thedivedown@gmail.com

Support The Dive Down

Episode 326: The Final Fantasies in Modern & Pioneer Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

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
• & Others with Excellent Hair

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 THEDIVEDOWN2024 for 10% off your first order at https://www.heavyplay.com
Get 25% Cashback after 3 months of service with ManaTraders! https://www.manatraders.com/?medium=thedivedown and use coupon code THEDIVEDOWN
And now receive 8% off your order of paper cards from Nerd Rage Gaming with code DIVE8 at https://www.nerdragegaming.com/

Timestamps:
6:58 - This week's episode/housekeeping
10:41 - Final Fantasy hits our formats - Cloud in Hammertime
20:51 - Affinity upgrades, and a wild d00m appears
28:24 - Energy as well
38:01 - Final Fantasy in Pioneer Humans and others
49:15 - Rapid fire time
1:00:50 - What we're going to try
1:03:56 - Oh yeah, Devon won an RCQ
1:05:06 - Wrapping up

Links from this week's episode in no particular order

Modern
Hammertime
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7178353#paper
https://moxfield.com/decks/ju7YAgVgJke5zA9oU7KoYw

Energy
https://moxfield.com/decks/oZVPGLmXcU6xSd4ZcvCNMg
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7174740#paper
https://moxfield.com/decks/pso7oB9JnEKtP8Uo6g2k-w
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7177381#paper

Affinity
https://moxfield.com/decks/_HW5gjnOp0K90Ho2nYyYFA
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/tournament/modern-challenge-64-2025-06-16#paper

WB
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7177098#paper
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7178482#paper

Domain/Zoo
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7171331#paper
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7176252#paper

Twin
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7173848#paper

Dimir
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7175642#paper

Eldrazi
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7175986#paper

4C Omni Cascade
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7174676#paper

Pioneer
Rakdos: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7177603#paper
Mono B Mid: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7177591#paper
Phoenix: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7174822
Lotus: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7174812#paper
5c Humans: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/tournament/56523
Esper Legends: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7173618#paper

Our opening music is Nowhere - You Never Knew, and our closing music is Space Blood - Goro? Is That Your Christian Name?

email us: thedivedown@gmail.com

Support The Dive Down

Episode 325: How to Break Domain Zoo, Urza's Saga, Vivi, and Josh Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

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'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 THEDIVEDOWN2025 for 10% off your first order at https://www.heavyplay.com
Get 25% Cashback after 3 months of service with ManaTraders! https://www.manatraders.com/?medium=thedivedown and use coupon code THEDIVEDOWN
Try Magic Mind and save 60% off your subscription with promo code Dive60 or head to https://magicmind.com/divemf and sign up!
And now receive 8% off your order of paper cards from Nerd Rage Gaming with code DIVE8 at https://www.nerdragegaming.com/

Timestamps:
7:52 - This week's show/housekeeping
10:59 - Devon's been killing it with Domain Zoo
37:54 - Magic Mind is back!
43:28 - Urza's Saga is finally good
59:39 - Some more Final Fantasy cards
1:09:54 - Wrapping up

Links from this week's episode:
Domain Zoo: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7150288#paper
Mono-Red Prison: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/7155875#paper
Izzet Saga Wizards: https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/magic-the-gathering/deck/UR-Saga-Wizards/510464

Our opening music is Nowhere - You Never Knew, and our closing music is Space Blood - Goro? Is That Your Christian Name?

email us: thedivedown@gmail.com

Support The Dive Down

Episode 324: Indiana is for Modern Lovers Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

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 from the store: https://www.thedivedown.com/store
Upgrade your gameplay and your gameday with Heavy Play accessories. Use code THEDIVEDOWN2025 for 10% off your first order at https://www.heavyplay.com
Get 25% Cashback after 3 months of service with ManaTraders! https://www.manatraders.com/?medium=thedivedown and use coupon code THEDIVEDOWN
And now receive 8% off your order of paper cards from Nerd Rage Gaming with code DIVE8 at https://www.nerdragegaming.com/

Timestamps:
8:04 - This week's show/housekeeping
12:24 - The SCG Indy Modern Tournament - Stan Can't Speak
18:00 - Stan and Dave's experiences
28:26 - The overall tournament
35:54 - The top 8
38:57 - Final thoughts
43:16 - The Wind Down begins: Our non-Magic Indy experience
1:00:09 - Wrapping up

Links from this week's episode:
e4cards.com/register

Our opening music is Nowhere - You Never Knew, and our closing music is Space Blood - Goro? Is That Your Christian Name?

email us: thedivedown@gmail.com

Support The Dive Down

Episode 323: The Spotlight's on Prowess May 29, 2025

Show notes

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?
• Prowess in Indianapowess
• Other Modern Ruminations

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 THEDIVEDOWN2025 for 10% off your first order at https://www.heavyplay.com
Get 25% Cashback after 3 months of service with ManaTraders! https://www.manatraders.com/?medium=thedivedown and use coupon code THEDIVEDOWN
And now receive 8% off your order of paper cards from Nerd Rage Gaming with code DIVE8 at https://www.nerdragegaming.com/

Timestamps:
9:24 - This week's show/housekeeping
14:23 - The Dive Down begins: A Modern Prowess overview
41:12 - Jeskai Prowess
43:16 - Some Prowess tips
45:49 - Combo decks are evolving
1:01:00 - Some final thoughts for Indy (the Motor City)
1:03:57 - Wrapping up

Links from this week's episode:
Andrea Mengucci's Prowess Deck Guide: https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/Modern-Izzet-Prowess-MTG-Deck-Guide/a628edac-c81d-4d52-b890-f2b2e157d905/?srsltid=AfmBOoovrEMPsgLSQYAiTfOg5DJ3TQ5u-WXbcDJvqf5TH0QqVpAaeKnv
Skura's Prowess Deck Guide (the author whose name Dave forgot while recording): https://mtgdecks.net/guides/modern-mastering-izzet-prowess-skura-mtg-353

Our opening music is Nowhere - You Never Knew, and our closing music is Space Blood - Goro? Is That Your Christian Name?

email us: thedivedown@gmail.com

Support The Dive Down

Episode 322: The Hunt for the Golden Chocobo May 23, 2025

Show notes

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 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 THEDIVEDOWN2025 for 10% off your first order at https://www.heavyplay.com
Get 25% Cashback after 3 months of service with ManaTraders! https://www.manatraders.com/?medium=thedivedown and use coupon code THEDIVEDOWN
And now receive 8% off your order of paper cards from Nerd Rage Gaming with code DIVE8 at https://www.nerdragegaming.com/

Timestamps:
0:00 — Have you ever fantasied?
5:00 — Devon Vibes
7:50 — Housekeeping
10:17 — Connecti-Cut-ters
15:01 — Let's Talk Final Fantasy
18:20 — Starting Town
21:15 — Machinist's Arsenal
22:50 — Astrologian's Planisphere
27:07 — Buster Sword
29:20 — Cloud, Midgar Mercenary
33:37 — Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER
38:34 — Lightning, Army of One
41:50 — Cecil, Dark Knight
45:47 — Ultima, Origin of Oblivion
49:30 — Freya Crescent
52:30 — Stan's Just Another Blood Artist, etc. & Ambrosia
54:20 — Emet-Selch, Unsundered
57:57 — Dark Confidant
1:00:43 — Knights of the Round
1:04:25 — Suplex
1:06:00 — Tifa Lockhart
1:07:50 — Wrapping up

Links from this week's episode:
https://www.spicerack.gg/events/1879100

Our opening music is Nowhere - You Never Knew, and our closing music is Space Blood - Goro? Is That Your Christian Name?

email us: thedivedown@gmail.com

Support The Dive Down

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