Best Iconic Templates™ Podcasts (2025)

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Our Favorite Decks We Built This Year | 701 1:46:44

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2h ago1:46:44

1:46:44

What do you get when you fill an entire office with Commander addicts? A whole lot of decks, that’s what! This episode, we’re calling in the whole Command Zone staff to show off our favorite brews from the past year. So jump in and meet the people who work behind the scenes. We’ve got decks from every bracket, color, and era and we can’t wait to te…

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The Complete Guide to Mass Disruption | #700 1:13:00

9d ago1:13:00

1:13:00

Looking to mess up your opponent's whole plan with a single card? Then it better be a piece of MASS DISRUPTION. That's our term for everything from board wipes to fogs to stax pieces. We’re breaking down how much mass disruption you need, the best cards for each role, and much more. Understanding this tech is a huge part of building better decks, s…

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#081 - Expo SDK 54, Expo Router v6 & Expo UI Beta for iOS with Beto Moedano 1:04:46

9d ago1:04:46

1:04:46

In this episode, I’m joined once again by Alberto Moedano aka Code with Beto. We discuss the exciting features of Expo SDK 54, including the introduction of React Native 0.81, the new Expo Router version 6, and the integration of Expo UI with SwiftUI. Beto and I also delve into the benefits of the Liquid Glass design, the improvements in build time…

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4 Spider-Man Commander Decks to Build Right Now | 699 1:05:52

10d ago1:05:52

1:05:52

No pre-made Commander decks? No problem! You can still use the new Spider-Man set to jump into Magic! Crafting a deck yourself might seem tough, but we’re here to help with four full decklists focused around top-tier characters. With these ready-to-build decks, you’ll be swinging over to your LGS ready to save the day (and win the game) in no time!…

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Spider-Man’s Best Cards (In the 99) | 698 1:59:07

21d ago1:59:07

1:59:07

Sure, Spider-Man can swing on a web, but which Spider-Man cards can you count on to swing the outcome of your next Commander game? This episode, we’re discussing the most powerful cards for the 99 from the new Universes Beyond: Marvel’s Spider Man set. Will these comic book bombs become the staples of tomorrow? (Spoilers, one might!) Tune in and fi…

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#080 - LegendList 2, Expo SDK 54, New Modules and React Native 1.0? 29:17

24d ago29:17

29:17

This week’s episode is packed with big updates in the React Native world—new tools, major releases, and even a glimpse into the future of the framework. ⚛️ React Native Radar: Maestro 2.0 released – faster, more powerful mobile testing Audio support updates from Software Mansion LegendList 2 brings better list performance Reanimated 4 stable – the …

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Spider-Man’s Most Powerful Commanders | 697 1:52:48

27d ago1:52:48

1:52:48

With great power comes great responsibility, so we’re going through the most responsible Commanders from Magic’s new set: Marvel’s Spider-Man! Which web-slingers and ne’er-do-wells will do well in your Command Zone? Don’t miss our friendly neighborhood breakdown of the strategies and synergies to really superpower these new legends. -------- Suppor…

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Hydro Man - Our Spider-Man Preview Card | 696 34:53

1M ago34:53

34:53

BREAKING NEWS: Watery Villain Terrorizes Command Zone! Preview season is in full swing for “Marvel’s Spider-Man” and we’ve got a mono-blue menace to reveal right here on the web. Get ready for a world where the bad guy always has blue mana open with this dastardly new addition to Magic The Gathering - “Hydro Man, Fluid Felon!” Water you waiting for…

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JLK’s Personal Commander Decks | 695 2:04:01

1M ago2:04:01

2:04:01

He’s been called the Mayor of Valuetown, the Draw-Go Despot, and He Whose Hand Is Always Full; it’s the one and only Josh Lee Kwai! Welcome to a guided tour of JLK’s personal Commander decks. Josh is sitting down to bring you a mini deck-tech for each and every commander in his current collection, complete with key cards and strategy for each. Whic…

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#079 - New Architecture, AI Impact, and the Next Wave of React Native Innovation with Jamon Holmgren 1:22:02

1M ago1:22:02

1:22:02

In this episode, I’m joined once again by Jamon Holmgren, co-founder of Infinite Red and host of React Native Radio. We dive deep into the new React Native architecture - from TurboModules, Fabric Components, and Nitro, to whether it’s time for everyone to migrate. We also explore how AI is already changing development, what the future holds for to…

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The Best Commander in All 32 Color Combos | 694 1:28:31

1M ago1:28:31

1:28:31

Tired of playing with chaff in the Command Zone?! Want to know which legends are truly the best of all time? The GOATs of the format? Today, we’re sitting down and bringing you the greatest Commanders in every single color combination! Whatever guild, wedge, shard, or color calls out to you, we’ll break down the top-tier choices from the entirety o…

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10 Utility Lands You Should Buy for $10 | 693 54:54

2M ago54:54

54:54

Utility lands may not cost you a card slot, but they can cost a fortune! This episode, we’re highlighting some lands that’ll let your mana base make an impact on your gameplan, but not your wallet. We’ve got 10 sweet utility lands you can pick up for just $10 TOTAL, so don’t miss this sweet list that’s anything but basic! -------- WATCH OUR MAGIC M…

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#078 - FlashList v2, Native CSS in React Native & The End of the Old Architecture 30:52

2M ago30:52

30:52

In this week’s episode, we explore major updates in the React Native ecosystem—fresh UI tools, performance boosts, and what the end of the old architecture means for developers. Plus, we dive into the debate on web vs in-app purchases and share the latest AI dev tool trends. ⚛️ React Native Radar: FlashList v2 – a complete ground-up rewrite for the…

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How to Beat Green Decks w/ Brian Kibler | 692 1:23:20

2M ago1:23:20

1:23:20

It ain’t easy beating green, but MTG Hall of Famer Brian Kibler is here to help! Yes, with all that ramp, green can get so far ahead that catching up feels impossible. But today we’re sharing some tips and tricks to exploit the color’s weaknesses and give yourself the best shot against the big bad green deck that keeps stomping your pod! -------- S…

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Commander Sucks - Part 1: Great Expectations | 691 1:10:26

2M ago1:10:26

1:10:26

Commander sucks, right? It’s impossible to balance, you have to sit through long turns, sometimes it feels like you didn’t even get to play. Yes, as much as we love the format (we promise) there are definitely some inherent flaws in our favorite way to play. But what are they and how can we mitigate them to still have a good time even when game nig…

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This Deck Is Too Powerful For My Playgroup | 690 1:11:26

2M ago1:11:26

1:11:26

When you love a deck you want to upgrade it to the best it can be, but what do you do when a beloved brew becomes too powerful? In this episode, we explore that question by analyzing the life of Rachel’s high-powered Aeve, Progenitor Ooze deck. What started as a mono-green stormy dream became the ooze that cannot lose, until it finally had to get t…

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#077 - Future of React Native Animations, Building Games, Better Performance & New Packages 23:02

2M ago23:02

23:02

This week’s episode dives into what’s next for animations, games, and performance in React Native—plus a wave of new tools and examples from the community. 🧰 React Native & Dev Tools: Reanimated 4 is here: what’s new and what’s next Precompiled React Native for iOS is coming in 0.81 Expo Router gets native tabs support Build 2D games using Matter.j…

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10 Cards You Should Buy for $10 | 689 38:26

2M ago38:26

38:26

Looking to tune up your Commander decks without taking out a loan? This episode we’re here to show off some cheaper sleeper hits you can nab for a total of 10 bucks. These cards give a ton of bang for your buck, so don’t miss our list of underappreciated tech. The budget is low but the power is high—come see what made the cut! -------- Support the …

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Edge of Eternities’ Best Cards (In the 99) | 688 2:08:26

2M ago2:08:26

2:08:26

In Edge of Eternities, we learn the vastness of space contains a vast amount of cards—but which are worth bringing aboard your favorite Commander decks? This episode, we’re breaking down this new set’s best and brightest stars to go in the 99. Which new tech will power up your engine to warp speed? What cards are powerful in a vacuum… of SPACE! Tun…

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Most Powerful Commanders in Edge of Eternities | 687 1:38:04

3M ago1:38:04

1:38:04

In space, no one can hear your opponents scream. Even when you play an out-of-this-world commander from Magic’s latest set Edge of Eternities! We’re going over all of the most powerful new legends from MTG’s first foray into the great unknown, laying out all the synergies and strategies you need to know so your next interstellar deck is guaranteed …

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“Counter Intelligence” Precon Upgrade | Edge of Eternities | 686 1:03:45

3M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Magic’s newest set addresses the age-old question: “Is there intelligent life in the universe?” The answer is YES! It’s in the new “Counter Intelligence” (blue/white/red) precon from Edge of Eternities. So to make you look extra smart at your next game night, we’re bringing you our $50 upgrade guide, with 10 cards to add for big-brain plays, and 10…

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#076 - Unistyles 3.0, SwiftUI Filters, Nitro Hype & the Expo Debate 27:20

3M ago27:20

27:20

In this week’s episode, we explore new tools, visual upgrades, and some trending controversy in the React Native ecosystem—plus, I finally shipped my Amazon clone and share what’s coming next. 🧰 React Native & Dev Tools: SwiftUI-style Filter component from Nishan Powerful styling updates in Unistyles 3.0 Redux DevTools for with React Native DevTool…

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“World Shaper” Full Deck Reveal & Upgrade | Edge of Eternities | 685 1:02:22

3M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

With Edge of Eternities, Wizards is shaping whole new worlds, and with this never-before-seen Commander precon, you can do the same! It’s time to reveal the brand new land-sacrifice themed “World Shaper” (Black/Red/Green) deck, including the two Commanders and 10 cosmically powerful new cards. Then we’ll help you terraform the list with our $50 10-…

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You're Doing Commander Politics Wrong | The Command Zone 684 1:02:44

3M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

If you want to win more in Commander, it’s not just about how you play your decks—it’s about how you play your opponents! This episode, we’re revisiting some political tips and tricks that still hold up at today’s tables. Whether you’re new to the social game or just want a refresher, don’t miss this masterclass in manipulation. -------- Support th…

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075 - Epic React Native Packages, Background Images, Skia and WebGPU Updates, Expo Router & The MCP Hype 23:22

3M ago23:22

23:22

This week, we’re diving deep into some of the most exciting updates in the React Native ecosystem—and I’m sharing a few personal shifts too. 🧠 Topics we cover: The future of graphics in React Native: Skia, WebGPU, and what’s coming in 2025 Wild performance with Fast Confetti by Alireza Support for background-repeat in styling Evan Bacon’s latest pr…

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The Best Token Commanders | The Command Zone 683 1:04:04

3M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Wanna brew something broken with tokens? Then look no further, because this episode we’re breaking down the best commanders for going wide. Come see which legends will help you wreck with a board full of rectangles, and don’t miss any of the hot tech you’ll need to make things really pop off. With our help, you won’t just be creating tokens with yo…

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Are These Commander Staples Worth It? | 682 1:23:50

3M ago1:23:50

1:23:50

A lot of Commander’s most high-impact staples also come at a high price point. But which of the format’s costly cardboard rectangles are actually worth it? This episode, we’re going through some expensive cards that actually do pay for themselves (in wins), and calling out some that may feel more like a rip-off. They say money can’t buy happiness, …

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#074 - Expo AI App Template, Icon Creator, Background Tasks, RSC & Triathlon Success 16:42

3M ago16:42

16:42

In this week’s episode, we explore a handful of exciting tools and tutorials for React Native developers - plus a personal milestone: 🛠️ React Native Goodies: Generate beautiful icons in seconds with the AI App Icon CLI A new AI-powered app template from Evan Bacon A fresh tutorial on background tasks - a must for building polished apps 💻 From My D…

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#073 - React Native 0.80, EAS Alternative, AI Voice Agents & Apple vs React Native 26:16

4M ago26:16

26:16

In this week’s episode, we explore the latest updates and trends in the React Native world—and beyond: 🚀 What’s New: React Native 0.80 – What’s changed and why it matters A free alternative to EAS – Could this be a game-changer? Key takeaways from Apple’s WWDC – What iOS updates mean for React Native devs Hot new tools: InstantDB and Vapi (for buil…

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We Draft the BIGGEST SPLASHY SORCERIES | 681 1:14:41

4M ago1:14:41

1:14:41

The Command Zone hosts are going head-to-head-to-head once again in an epic fantasy draft of Commander’s splashiest sorceries! This episode, Rachel, Jimmy, and JLK will be choosing from the biggest and baddest spells the format has to offer. What effects will be worth first-picking? Who will end up with the flashiest final pool? You just have to wa…

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Final Fantasy’s Most Iconic Commanders | 680 2:00:51

4M ago2:00:51

2:00:51

Everyone has a favorite Final Fantasy character. And this episode, we’re here to help you make them as impactful on the battlefield as they were on your console! We’re covering all the most iconic legends from Magic’s new set: from loveable Chocobos, to brooding swordy-bros, we’ve got something for everyone. Jump in and let’s start turning those ch…

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#072 - The Frozen Arch, Killing my App & React Native World Domination 23:12

4M ago23:12

23:12

The AppJS took place and there's a lot to learn from the amazing talks about the current state of React Native and its future. From frozen architecture to React Native news and new packages, we dive into everything in this episode! Also in this episode: - Why Simon is killing his app - My next clone project 🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.de…

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The Best Final Fantasy Cards (In the 99) | 679 2:18:30

4M ago2:18:30

2:18:30

A good Commander deck doesn’t just need a strong protagonist—the whole party’s gotta pack a punch! Today, we’re breaking down which cards from Magic’s latest set, Final Fantasy, are most worth including in the 99. How busted is the Buster Sword? How far can a Traveling Chocobo take you in a game of Commander? This set is full of new tech to level u…

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Final Fantasy’s Most Powerful Commanders | 678 2:05:00

4M ago2:05:00

2:05:00

Final Fantasy is completely revealed and it is FULL of powerful legends from across the franchise’s over-30-year history! But which of these new Commander contenders are the absolute strongest? This episode, we’ve narrowed down the roster to the most playable characters. We’ll lay out the strategies and synergies you’ll need to min/max their potent…

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#071 - Reanimated 4 Beta, LiveStore, DevTools & Expo Router Course 16:39

4M ago16:39

16:39

While the AppJS is about to kick off, we talk about some cool new packages and updates around Reanimated and a new solution for local-first apps! Also in this episode: - New React Native Essentials - Apple still doesn't like my app - New Expo Router v5 Course - Are you VibeCoding? 🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero 🔥 W…

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Final Fantasy 6 - Commander Deck Upgrade Guide | “Revival Trance” | 677 1:09:55

4M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

Final Fantasy VI did a LOT with only 16 bits, but we’re here to do even more with only 10 cards! That’s right! It's time for our $50 budget upgrade guide for the new Magic the Gathering: Final Fantasy “Revival Trance” (red/white/black) precon Commander deck. We’ll bring you 10 cards to add as playable characters, and the 10 you can cut from the par…

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#070 - React Native Version Hell, React Server Components with Expo & Invoice App Updates 19:40

4M ago19:40

19:40

No big news besides the RC of React Native 0.80, which gives us time to talk about the current version hell for React Native developers, and a great new Expo DevTool for everyone using TanStack Query! Also in this episode: - RSCs are underrated - Preview of Dead Simple Invoice App - Apple doesn't like my app - Open Water Swimming & Cold Water Shock…

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Final Fantasy 10 - Commander Deck Upgrade Guide | “Counter Blitz” | 676 1:14:24

4M ago1:14:24

1:14:24

Ready to begin your pilgrimage across the land of Spira to defeat Sin and save the world? You’re definitely going to need the Final Fantasy X “Counter Blitz” (green/white/blue) preconstructed Commander deck from the new Universes Beyond set, Final Fantasy! To help you along the way, check out our $50 upgrade guide, showing you 10 cards to add and 1…

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Our Final Fantasy Preview Card is a BEAST 40:46

4M ago40:46

40:46

The Final Fantasy + MTG crossover is going to be huge… TITANIC even! And today we’re summoning an equally enormous preview card: “Summon: Titan!” It could leave a massive footprint in multiple formats, so if you don’t want to get stomped, you need to be in the know. Come find out what this cool new Universes Beyond: Final Fantasy saga does! -------…

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Final Fantasy 14 - Commander Deck Upgrade Guide | “Scions & Spellcraft” | 675 1:15:12

5M ago1:15:12

1:15:12

Ready to go from MMO to MTG? Now you can with the new FFXIV Esper (white/blue/black) precon deck “Scions & Spellcraft” from the latest Universes Beyond: Final Fantasy set! We’re here to save you some time loot-farming by providing you with our $50 upgrade guide. We’ll show you 10 cards to add to your party and 10 to remove, so that the next time yo…

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#069 - Expo Router v5, Skia WebGPU, App Updates & Galaxies Lifetime 24:53

5M ago24:53

24:53

Expo Router v5 was released, which dramatically improves authentication flows and finally allows to use RSC in production - although still in beta. Beyond that William Candillon shared epic updates about Skia and WebGPU, making even more powerful React Native apps possible in the future. Also in this episode: - Galaxies Lifetime pricing with one-ti…

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Final Fantasy 7 - Commander Deck Upgrade Guide | “Limit Break” | 674 1:07:04

5M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

BOOM! No, that’s not a Mako reactor exploding, it’s Final Fantasy 7 busting out of Midgar and into the world of Magic: The Gathering! Today, we’re bringing you our upgrade guide for the brand new Universes Beyond: Final Fantasy 7 “Limit Break” (white/red/green) Commander precon deck. Equip Cloud, Tifa, Aerith and the rest of Avalanche with 10 cards…

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#068 - Expo SDK 53 Highlights, React Native AI, Worklets & No Apple App Store Commissions 27:05

5M ago27:05

27:05

Expo SDK 53 was released after a short beta with many great new features, there are new AI packages for React Native to talk about and meanwhile Apple lost an important lawsuit that allows developers to make 30% more money with their apps! Also in this episode: - Why sleep recovery is critical for everyone - Next Galaxies Mission - New Galaxies Too…

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We used to HATE these Commanders! But Are They Still Bad? | 673 1:40:16

5M ago1:40:16

1:40:16

In 2018, we thought these Commanders were the worst of the worst, the scourge of the game, we HATED them! But do these boogeymen from the past still haunt our nightmares? This episode, we’re taking a look back and reacting to episode 561 “Commanders We Hate Playing Against” to see how our evaluations hold up. Which are still banes of the format, an…

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How Bad is Braids, Anyway? | 672 1:22:56

5M ago1:22:56

1:22:56

After 15 years on the banlist, the dastardly Braids, Cabal Minion has been UNLEASHED on the world of Commander once again! But after such a long time on ice, is Braids the unbridled force of evil she once was? There’s no question that the game of MTG has changed since the last time this game changer saw play, so it’s time to look at a brand new Bra…

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#067 - Quitting React Native, React Compiler, Legend List & React Native Performance 24:42

5M ago24:42

24:42

React Compiler reached release candidate, LegendList v1 is finally released and Evan Bacon shares React Native performance tips - meanwhile Simon questions his existence and whether React Native was the right choice after all Also in this episode: - How I use Convex and ElevenLabs to build a Captions clone - Why are you not using AI? - My vacation …

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What’s Wrong with the Commander Brackets? | 671 1:35:25

5M ago1:35:25

1:35:25

Commander Brackets: It’s the new WotC-led deck classification system that’s taking the format by storm! But wait-- they’re in BETA! So what’s keeping Commander Brackets from being a complete and final product? In this episode, Jimmy and Rachel sit down to discuss this question and many more in-depth. Do brackets work well as-is? What issues need to…

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#066 - Expo 53 BETA, FlashList v2, React Native Popularity, App Sales & OTA Alternative 27:16

5M ago27:16

27:16

The Expo SDK 53 Beta was released, FlashList v2 is a complete rewrite and is React Native actually popular? I dive into the latest news from the React Native community, and share updates on the projects I'm working on. Also in this episode: - How I use Convex and ElevenLabs to build a Captions clone - Why are you not using AI? - My vacation in Cope…

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Major Commander Unban Announcement! | 670 1:59:06

5M ago1:59:06

1:59:06

THE GAME OF COMMANDER HAS CHANGED! In their first major act since taking control of the format, Wizards has released a new Commander B&R announcement, and five whole cards are coming OFF the banned list! At the same time, 18 cards have been added to the list of Commander Bracket “Game Changers.” Needless to say, there’s a lot to talk about! This ep…

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#065 - Expo SDK 53 Preview, RevenueCat Paywalls, AI Images & Gemini 25:35

6M ago25:35

25:35

What's coming with Expo SDK 53? I dive into the latest news, trends and upcoming features of Expo and React Native, and share updates on the projects I'm working on. Also in this episode: - How RevenueCat Paywalls make my life better - I talked with Google - "Is this sponsored by Expo?" - AI Image Trends 💰 Try RevenueCat: https://get.revenuecat.com…