Best Competition Lore Podcasts (2025)

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Rest vs. Hustle: How to Balance Recovery and Performance 16:09

Play Pause

4M ago16:09

16:09

Big Smoove (Jeremiah) is an emerging voice in the basketball community, sharing his personal experiences and insights as an athlete. With a background in basketball both on and off the court, he leverages his journey through challenges such as injuries and personal growth to connect with listeners. As he navigates the complexities of sports and lif…

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Ep. 118 - Discussing the New Legendary Cards in Azurite Sea 1:12:14

12M ago1:12:14

1:12:14

In this weeks episode of the podcast, we are finally starting to talk about Disney Lorcana's newest upcoming set, Azurite Sea! In todays episode, we discuss the Legendary cards from the set and give our initial thoughts! Hope you enjoy! Sign up for your free 30 day trial of Audible by using our code: www.audibletrial.com/hobbiesnhappiness Check out…

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Ep. 117 - To Be King...or Kingmaker? 1:14:23

12M ago1:14:23

1:14:23

In this weeks episode of the podcast, we are talking about the age old question, "To be KING...or the KINGMAKER?" Disney Lorcana has one of the most unique multiplayer game experiences of any trading card game we've ever played! One of the things that we've noticed that has come up a LOT is the idea of players being in the position of being a kingm…

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Ep. 116 - An Intro to Deck Building in Disney Lorcana 1:59:06

1y ago1:59:06

1:59:06

In this weeks episode, we are talking all about deckbuilding! Now, there's a LOT of things that go into deckbuilding and making a good deck, but in order to get there, there's a good deal of basics and fundamentals you should understand BEFORE you start making your deck. To that end, we thought we would take listeners and viewers through a hefty in…

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Ep. 115 - The Social Contract, Rule Zero, and How it All Relates to Disney Lorcana 1:40:08

1y ago1:40:08

1:40:08

In this weeks episode, Dan and Jim touch (again) on the topic of the Rule Zero conversation, the social contract, and how it all relates to Multiplayer formats in Disney Lorcana. There's a little bit of a history lesson in this episode, so strap in for another amazing episode of the podcast! Sign up for your free 30 day trial of Audible by using ou…

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Ep. 114 - Why You Should Play & Care about Multiplayer Disney Lorcana 1:20:12

1y ago1:20:12

1:20:12

This week, we make the case for why you should not only play Multiplayer Disney Lorcana, but why you should actively care about its success. Even if you've never played a multiplayer game of Disney Lorcana before, you should definitely give it a try, and we'll list plenty of reasons why you should. But additionally, towards the end of the episode, …

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Ep. 113 - WE'RE BACK! 1:31:35

1y ago1:31:35

1:31:35

Hey ya'll! We're Back and better than ever! We're going a little bit of different direction with the podcast moving forward, and we're excited to tell you all about it! Sign up for your free 30 day trial of Audible by using our code: www.audibletrial.com/hobbiesnhappiness Check out our merch store by visiting the following link: https://www.bonfire…

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Ep. 112 - Is This the End?? 1:17:10

1y ago1:17:10

1:17:10

It's been a while...and this may be the end? We've got a lot to talk to about on today's episode. We know we've been bone for a few weeks, and a lot has happened! Join us as we discuss the present, and future for hobbies and happiness! Sign up for your free 30 day trial of Audible by using our code: www.audibletrial.com/hobbiesnhappiness Check out …

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Adapting to Change, Discipline, and the Power of One More 23:09

1+ y ago23:09

23:09

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of the Smooth Hoops podcast, listeners dive into the raw and genuine world of pursuing greatness in basketball and life. Big Smooth, the host and a rising talent in the basketball community, unfolds his strategies and personal stories for adapting to change, mastering discipline, and harnessing the power …

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Debates and Discussions: Going Head-to-Head on Basketball Beliefs 3:35

1+ y ago3:35

3:35

The host, Jeremiah DeShazo, expresses his passion for basketball and his commitment to intertwining topics of the sport with his Christian faith. DeShazo, also referred to as "big smooth," sets the stage for a series filled with insights into basketball and life lessons from a faith-based perspective. Episode Summary: The inaugural episode of the S…

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The Latest And Greatest Tribe Tier List 30:43

1+ y ago30:43

30:43

In this week’s episode Espark and I take a detailed look at what tribes we think are best and worse! You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu

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What’s My Favorite Tribe In Today’s Competitive Landscape? 10:02

2y ago10:02

10:02

In this week’s episode I take a look at which tribe is my favorite in the new pace of the naval rework’s gameplay. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu

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The New Feel To Sea Battles 19:08

2y ago19:08

19:08

In this episode Espark joins us to talk about the new vibe to naval warfare in The Path Of The Ocean update, a light start to more episodes delving deeper into the new mechanics. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu

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Thoughts On The New Naval Update Meta 9:37

2y ago9:37

9:37

In this episode we’re taking a look at where the meta is beginning to settle now that the naval rework has officially rolled out. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu

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The Naval Rework Beta Has Been Updated 10:17

2y ago10:17

10:17

In this week’s episode we’re discussing the latest changes to the beta and how that will affect gameplay. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu

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Ep. 111 - The Neverending Saga of Competitive vs. Casual 1:23:04

2y ago1:23:04

1:23:04

The title of this episode could just as easily be "This is the Song that Never Ends..." Anyone else remember that song from your childhood? No? Just me? K...😂🤣 There was some interesting discussions on Twitter this past week regarding toxicity in gaming communities, and as is usually the case, some folks brought up the saga of competitive players a…

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Ep. 110 - Scalpers are...a Good Thing??? 1:27:02

2y ago1:27:02

1:27:02

This episode may get a little bit...shall we say controversial??? We hope not. But today we talk about a topic that is typically a pretty heated and over zealous topic, especially in the world of TCGs. So today, like always, we invite you to sit back, try to relax...and maybe not blow a blood vessel. 😅 Sign up for your free 30 day trial of Audible …

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The Path Of The Ocean - A Naval Rework? 35:40

2y ago35:40

35:40

In this week’s episode we’re discussing the newly announced naval rework beta, all of the known changes so far, and how that could fundamentally change the meta of Might mode, as well as how to access the beta. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu…

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Ep. 109 - How Important is Lore in a Trading Card Game? 1:10:43

2y ago1:10:43

1:10:43

We are back after taking a very brief week hiatus from the podcast, and have another great topic for you this week. This week we're talking all about lore in TCGs, and how important it is (or is it?). Sit back, relax, and don't forget to let us know what you think about this topic as well! Check out our new merch store by visiting the following lin…

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Ep. 108 - Four Awesome TCGs to Check Out with MainDeck Dan 1:43:22

2y ago1:43:22

1:43:22

This week, we are joined by Dan from the channel MainDeck today! We had a blast talking all things TCGs with Dan, but more specifically, Dan talks about 4 of the most featured trading card games on their channel on todays episode. We hope you sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode! Follow MainDeck Dan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaindeckGames F…

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Ep. 107 - The ”Natural” Evolution of Card Games and Design 52:48

2y ago52:48

52:48

Another week, another conversation born from a debate/discussion between the two of us during the course of playing a card game 😂. This week, we discuss the "evolution" of a TCG in the game itself and design of the game over time. We discuss a little bit of power creep, gameplay fundamentals, and really whether or not Disney Lorcana is going to hav…

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Cymanti Needs A Buff 8:05

2y ago8:05

8:05

In this week’s episode I take a contentious position and posit that Cymanti deserves a minor buff after the many, many nerfs it has had since release, especially since both Elyrion and Polaris have gotten recent buffs. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu…

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Ep. 106 - The Resource Problem: Reacting to Sam Black’s ”Resources and Game Design” Article 1:07:11

2y ago1:07:11

1:07:11

This week, we finally talk about Sam Black's article "Resources and Game Design." We briefly mentioned the article in last weeks episode with Todd Anderson, but we wanted to devote an entire episode to the topic. We read through the article in it's entirety, as it is a fairly short article, and give you our opinions on Sam's takes. We hope you enjo…

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Ep. 105 - Disney Lorcana’s Appeal to Magic Players, with Todd Anderson 1:08:46

2y ago1:08:46

1:08:46

We've got another great episode for you this week! Today, we are talking with Magic: the Gathering veteran and recent Disney Lorcana convert Todd Anderson! Todd has a long history in the MTG community, and has recently started a podcast and YouTube channel focused entirely around Disney Lorcana. We were able to meet Todd and GenCon this year and le…

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Expanding The Late Game Economy 8:33

2y ago8:33

8:33

In this episode we propose a few new buildings that would help vitalize the late game, utilize otherwise normally empty tiles, and give players more interesting and strategic choices to make without being overly complex for the simplified economy of Polytopia. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6b…

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Ep. 104 - Star Wars Unlimited at GenCon 2023 1:08:14

2y ago1:08:14

1:08:14

We are continuing last weeks theme of recapping GenCon 2023, and this weeks episode we are talking all about Star Wars Unlimited! We had an amazing time finally playing and demoing Star Wars Unlimited at GenCon this year and we're gonna tell you all about it. We were able to demo the game with one of the designers Aaron Haltom, and we're able to ta…

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Ep. 103 - Disney Lorcana at GenCon 2023 1:13:43

2y ago1:13:43

1:13:43

We are back from GenCon, and finally back to podcasting! Sorry for the few week hiatus...but GenCon really took a lot out of us! It's great to get back to the grind and back to creating content however. This weeks episode we are talking all about Disney Lorcana at GenCon, and we are joined in studio with a guest! We are joined by Teddy from the Gli…

1
Today’s Meta 28:43

2y ago28:43

28:43

In this episode we discuss where we think the current meta of the game is and how it might be a little different for the special tribes compared to the standard ones. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu

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A Canticle For Tsäm - The Free Polytopian Times eBook Is Out! 1:42

2y ago1:42

1:42

We’re taking a break from our regularly scheduled content to announce the release of the free Polytopian Times ebook “A Canticle For Tsäm”, a collection of the lore that was featured in our tribe episodes for leisurely reading. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu ePub Version of A Canticle …

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Ep. 102 - The ”Legendary Rule” 1:15:54

2y ago1:15:54

1:15:54

Kind of surprised we haven't devoted a podcast episode to this topic yet, to be quite honest. In todays episode, we talk all about the "Legendary Rule." This term was coined by Magic: the Gathering, but this same principle pops up in plenty of other trading card games. Some games call these type of cards "Legendary" some other games call these type…

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Ep. 101 - MSRP & Market Prices in Trading Card Games 1:19:04

2y ago1:19:04

1:19:04

Welcome back to Episode #101 of the podcast! Today, we are again talking about a fairly relevant topic in the TCG space, especially right now. We're talking all about MSRP and market pricing in trading card games. Back in episode #68, we talked all about the secondary market in card games, and gave our reasons why it is a good thing to have. Howeve…

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The Ancients - Lore Speculation 6:27

2+ y ago6:27

6:27

In this week’s episode we take a look at what know about the upcoming Ancients tribe and the context around their legacy in the existing lore, and make some speculations on what we think their release lore will be. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu…

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Ep. 100 - Star Wars Unlimited Deep Dive! 1:26:06

2+ y ago1:26:06

1:26:06

We are at episode #100!! We can't believe we've made it this far, and we couldn't have done it without all you listeners, so thank you so much! Today, we are doing a deep dive into Star Wars Unlimited. When we last talked about this new TCG, we didn't really know much about it. All we knew was this it was a Fantasy Flight Games title, and they were…

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Ep. 99 - DMArmada 1:21:20

2+ y ago1:21:20

1:21:20

We are back to talking with some of our fellow card game content creators, and todays conversation is a special one. Today we are chatting with the amazing DMArmada. Stephen has been producing quality card game content on YouTube for quite a while, and we are ecstatic to be able to host him on the podcast. We had the pleasure of hanging out with hi…

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Espark’s Essentials - Minute Details Of Movement 18:00

2+ y ago18:00

18:00

In this week’s episode we discuss the mechanics behind movement in the game, what bonuses or penalties affect that, tricks you can leverage to affect your movement and your opponents, and how things can be a little different for the special tribes. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu…

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Ep. 98 - Spoiler Season in Trading Card Games 1:14:36

2+ y ago1:14:36

1:14:36

If you've been in the realm of trading card games for any length of time, you have a familiarity with the term "Spoiler Season!" Spoiler season is like Christmas for many TCG consumers and players. For some, spoiler season is the worst time of the year...In any regard, today we wanted to talk at length about what we think of spoiler season and how …

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Advanced Infrastructure - Thoughts On Canals And Highways To Flesh Out The Late Game 16:14

2+ y ago16:14

16:14

In this week’s episode we’re discussing our thoughts on canals and highways as two things that could potentially be added to the game, and how we think they should work. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu

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Ep. 97 - How NOT to Launch a TCG 1:09:45

2+ y ago1:09:45

1:09:45

Today, we've got a pretty interesting topic to touch on, and that is How to NOT Launch a TCG! There are a LOT of new trading card games coming to the market recently, some of them are starting off on the right foot, and some are not. We give our thoughts on what we see going on, and try to give some insight on we think you should NOT do if you want…

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Ep. 96 - Why We’re Excited for the Alpha Clash TCG 1:17:03

2+ y ago1:17:03

1:17:03

In today's episode, we're gonna talk about an up an coming TCG that we're excited for, Alpha Clash! Way back on episode 79 of the podcast, we we're able to sit down with the creator of the Alpha Clash universe, Ridge Kiley. You can find that link down below, and we highly suggest you go check it out. If you haven't heard about Alpha Clash yet, you'…

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Espark’s Essentials - Walls vs Stars? 11:05

2+ y ago11:05

11:05

In this week’s episode we discuss whether to pick walls or stars when given the option leveling up a city, and factors that can sway your decision. Here is the link to Big Burr's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/rBmriSHrdNg You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu…

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Ep. 95 - DC Dual Force 1:08:16

2+ y ago1:08:16

1:08:16

It's crazy to think the DC Dual Force, a game we talked about way back in episode #29 of the podcast is coming...possibly this month! This announcement came pretty much out of nowhere, and we are stoked for it! Join us as we start to dive in and learn about this upcoming digital CCG! Check out the DC Dual Force website: https://dcdualforce.com/ Joi…

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Ep. 94 - The Quackalope Controversy 1:14:22

2+ y ago1:14:22

1:14:22

We've got another doozy of an episode for you all today. On todays episode, we're talking all about some current events. By now, you may be familiar with the most recent Quackalope controversy that's happened over the course of the past week or so. If you haven't, the TLDR is; a relatively large YT channel did some videos, asked for "compensation,"…

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Espark’s Essentials - Workshops vs Explorers 14:10

2+ y ago14:10

14:10

In this episode we discuss the factors that affect your decision on whether to make your first city upgrade an explorer or a workshop, exploring use cases for both routes and offering general advice. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu

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Ep. 93 - Short Term vs. Long Term 1:27:24

2+ y ago1:27:24

1:27:24

Got another good topic to discuss this week, and it's kind of a continuation of last weeks episode. In case you missed it, last week we talked a lot about the upcoming Star Wars TCG, Star Wars Unlimited. We're optimistic, but pretty hesitant, as it's coming from FFG, who doesn't have the greatest track record when it comes to Star Wars card games. …

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Ep. 92 - Star Wars: Unlimited 1:07:27

2+ y ago1:07:27

1:07:27

We're back! It's been good to be off for a few weeks spending time with family and those closest to us, but it's also great to be back in front of the camera and microphones! Quite a bit has happened in the past few weeks, with one of them being the most recent announcement of Star Wars Unlimited TCG! Join us as we talk about the most recent SW TCG…

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Thoughts On A Naval Rework 16:54

2+ y ago16:54

16:54

In today’s episode Rayzr Z and I discuss what a potential naval warfare rework could look like, and how different changes could impact gameplay and the overall meta. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu

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Espark’s Essentials - Border Expansion or Population Growth? 14:25

2+ y ago14:25

14:25

In this episode we discuss whether getting population growth or expanding your city’s borders is the better decision, and what factors affect which option is best for your situation, as well as general advice for this city level-up choice. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu…

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Ep. 91 - Jacob Bartram: The Realm Games 1:14:57

2+ y ago1:14:57

1:14:57

Today, we sit down for a conversation with Jacob Bartram, co-owner of The Realm Games. The Realm Games is local game store in Ontario, Ohio which Jacob and his brother own. Dan and Jim chat with Jacob about running a local game store, what's LGS stores and owners should focus on, and if doing large tournaments are important for local communities. S…

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Ep. 90 - We Know How to Play Disney Lorcana! 1:16:20

2+ y ago1:16:20

1:16:20

Well...we finally have the basic rules for Disney Lorcana. At times, it seemed liked we may never get here, but here we are! Todays episode is a return to form of sorts. Since the rules release, we have been really digging into, conversing over, and just really thinking long and hard about how we feel about the game now. The long and short of it, w…

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Espark’s Essentials - When To Get A Tech? 20:37

2+ y ago20:37

20:37

In this episode Espark and I discuss when to get a tech, and when perhaps it might not be the best time to spend on one, and some advice to guide you when it comes to which techs to buy. You can join the Polytopian Times discord by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/2Gz6bkemKu