life is a resource

What first got you interested in Magic (or even, TCGs more generally)? Was there a moment, or did it happen more gradually?

In elementary school, a friend of mine and my parents were teachers, and to pass the time, he showed me Magic. I instantly fell in love with it and built a terrible five-color deck that revolved around a 6/6 djinn that I can’t remember the name of. After that, I bought my first boosters and pulled a Platinum Angel from the Mirrodin set. I took a break, got back into it during High School, and played until college, until I got divorced four years ago and fell back in love with the game.

In the same vein, what first got you interested and active in content creation? What keeps you interested?

I have always been creative; my first career goal was to be a musician. I created a YouTube channel in college, focusing on Destiny and other shooters, but it fell apart as I lost my free time. I had wanted to start a podcast for years, and I almost started one in 2019, called Comics and Quesadillas. I have a thing for Mexican food and alliteration. But, I decided to wait and, during a stint of unemployment, started Nerds and Nachos, then revived it after a one-year hiatus as a way to honor my late cousin, who tragically passed in November of ‘23. I returned to podcasting to make her proud, and I don’t think I would have returned to it if it hadn’t been for her.

What’s your all-time favorite Magic card, and does it hold a personal story or significance for you?

Easily, Platinum Angel. It was the first rare I ever remember pulling from a pack. It is objectively a terrible card, but the rules text—“you can’t lose and your opponents can’t win” — gripped my young heart and never let go. I still own the same Platinum Angel to this day, and it resides in my complete Mirrodin Set, which I am currently working on finishing.

If you had to choose one Magic format to play forever, which would it be and why?

Honestly, Commander. I like not being restricted to certain sets and being able to pull from whatever I want. The board game experience is excellent, too. I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing games, and creating cool things with cardboard.

Who are some creators or players in the Magic community that inspire you or that you think deserve more recognition?

My biggest inspirations are The Howling Salt Mine and GirlPod. I’ve been following HSM since day 1, and they are another reason I got back into podcasting. GirlPod, I have become VERY fast friends with, and they push me to make better content and take risks I wouldn’t have taken on my own.

What’s your take on the current state of Magic: The Gathering—formats, new sets, or the community as a whole?

Magic is in a pretty great spot. We aren’t getting as many products as we used to, which is a good thing. My only complaint is, like other players, I wish more of it were in the Magic IP and not have half of the sets in a year be Universes Beyond. I love UB, but it's a treat, not a staple.

Have you ever had an epic Magic moment—like a top-deck win, an unexpected combo, or a perfect draft—that you’ll never forget?

I’ve had a few. One on camera was when I worked out an infinite life combo during a game with GirlPod, where I was piloting my Breya list. Off camera, I mill-killed the table with a kicked Maddening Cacophony and Mindcrank. In another game, I had the most Commander hand ever in a Mono-Black list of Swamp, Dark Ritual, Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and Mind Stone. That was the most ridiculous opening I’ve ever had, and I felt dirty doing it.

What’s one Magic card or mechanic that you think is underrated or doesn’t get the love it deserves?

Every shrine from the original Kamigawa. They are slower enchantments, but in the right deck, they are unstoppable.

How has being part of the Magic: The Gathering community enriched your life, and what do you value most about it?

I have made some of the best friends I have ever had in this community. I get to talk about my favorite game with people and even get paid a little to do it. I can’t imagine finding a better, more supportive, or more understanding group of people.

***

Follow and connect with Nerds & Nachos (Grayson) on Instagram at NerdsandNachos.

* * * * * *

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What first got you interested in Magic (or even, TCGs more generally)? Was there a moment, or did it happen more gradually?

In elementary school, a friend of mine and my parents were teachers, and to pass the time, he showed me Magic. I instantly fell in love with it and built a terrible five-color deck that revolved around a 6/6 djinn that I can’t remember the name of. After that, I bought my first boosters and pulled a Platinum Angel from the Mirrodin set. I took a break, got back into it during High School, and played until college, until I got divorced four years ago and fell back in love with the game.

In the same vein, what first got you interested and active in content creation? What keeps you interested?

I have always been creative; my first career goal was to be a musician. I created a YouTube channel in college, focusing on Destiny and other shooters, but it fell apart as I lost my free time. I had wanted to start a podcast for years, and I almost started one in 2019, called Comics and Quesadillas. I have a thing for Mexican food and alliteration. But, I decided to wait and, during a stint of unemployment, started Nerds and Nachos, then revived it after a one-year hiatus as a way to honor my late cousin, who tragically passed in November of ‘23. I returned to podcasting to make her proud, and I don’t think I would have returned to it if it hadn’t been for her.

What’s your all-time favorite Magic card, and does it hold a personal story or significance for you?

Easily, Platinum Angel. It was the first rare I ever remember pulling from a pack. It is objectively a terrible card, but the rules text—“you can’t lose and your opponents can’t win” — gripped my young heart and never let go. I still own the same Platinum Angel to this day, and it resides in my complete Mirrodin Set, which I am currently working on finishing.

If you had to choose one Magic format to play forever, which would it be and why?

Honestly, Commander. I like not being restricted to certain sets and being able to pull from whatever I want. The board game experience is excellent, too. I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing games, and creating cool things with cardboard.

Who are some creators or players in the Magic community that inspire you or that you think deserve more recognition?

My biggest inspirations are The Howling Salt Mine and GirlPod. I’ve been following HSM since day 1, and they are another reason I got back into podcasting. GirlPod, I have become VERY fast friends with, and they push me to make better content and take risks I wouldn’t have taken on my own.

What’s your take on the current state of Magic: The Gathering—formats, new sets, or the community as a whole?

Magic is in a pretty great spot. We aren’t getting as many products as we used to, which is a good thing. My only complaint is, like other players, I wish more of it were in the Magic IP and not have half of the sets in a year be Universes Beyond. I love UB, but it's a treat, not a staple.

Have you ever had an epic Magic moment—like a top-deck win, an unexpected combo, or a perfect draft—that you’ll never forget?

I’ve had a few. One on camera was when I worked out an infinite life combo during a game with GirlPod, where I was piloting my Breya list. Off camera, I mill-killed the table with a kicked Maddening Cacophony and Mindcrank. In another game, I had the most Commander hand ever in a Mono-Black list of Swamp, Dark Ritual, Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and Mind Stone. That was the most ridiculous opening I’ve ever had, and I felt dirty doing it.

What’s one Magic card or mechanic that you think is underrated or doesn’t get the love it deserves?

Every shrine from the original Kamigawa. They are slower enchantments, but in the right deck, they are unstoppable.

How has being part of the Magic: The Gathering community enriched your life, and what do you value most about it?

I have made some of the best friends I have ever had in this community. I get to talk about my favorite game with people and even get paid a little to do it. I can’t imagine finding a better, more supportive, or more understanding group of people.

***

Follow and connect with Nerds & Nachos (Grayson) on Instagram at NerdsandNachos.

* * * * * *

What first got you interested in Magic (or even, TCGs more generally)? Was there a moment, or did it happen more gradually?

In elementary school, a friend of mine and my parents were teachers, and to pass the time, he showed me Magic. I instantly fell in love with it and built a terrible five-color deck that revolved around a 6/6 djinn that I can’t remember the name of. After that, I bought my first boosters and pulled a Platinum Angel from the Mirrodin set. I took a break, got back into it during High School, and played until college, until I got divorced four years ago and fell back in love with the game.

In the same vein, what first got you interested and active in content creation? What keeps you interested?

I have always been creative; my first career goal was to be a musician. I created a YouTube channel in college, focusing on Destiny and other shooters, but it fell apart as I lost my free time. I had wanted to start a podcast for years, and I almost started one in 2019, called Comics and Quesadillas. I have a thing for Mexican food and alliteration. But, I decided to wait and, during a stint of unemployment, started Nerds and Nachos, then revived it after a one-year hiatus as a way to honor my late cousin, who tragically passed in November of ‘23. I returned to podcasting to make her proud, and I don’t think I would have returned to it if it hadn’t been for her.

What’s your all-time favorite Magic card, and does it hold a personal story or significance for you?

Easily, Platinum Angel. It was the first rare I ever remember pulling from a pack. It is objectively a terrible card, but the rules text—“you can’t lose and your opponents can’t win” — gripped my young heart and never let go. I still own the same Platinum Angel to this day, and it resides in my complete Mirrodin Set, which I am currently working on finishing.

If you had to choose one Magic format to play forever, which would it be and why?

Honestly, Commander. I like not being restricted to certain sets and being able to pull from whatever I want. The board game experience is excellent, too. I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing games, and creating cool things with cardboard.

Who are some creators or players in the Magic community that inspire you or that you think deserve more recognition?

My biggest inspirations are The Howling Salt Mine and GirlPod. I’ve been following HSM since day 1, and they are another reason I got back into podcasting. GirlPod, I have become VERY fast friends with, and they push me to make better content and take risks I wouldn’t have taken on my own.

What’s your take on the current state of Magic: The Gathering—formats, new sets, or the community as a whole?

Magic is in a pretty great spot. We aren’t getting as many products as we used to, which is a good thing. My only complaint is, like other players, I wish more of it were in the Magic IP and not have half of the sets in a year be Universes Beyond. I love UB, but it's a treat, not a staple.

Have you ever had an epic Magic moment—like a top-deck win, an unexpected combo, or a perfect draft—that you’ll never forget?

I’ve had a few. One on camera was when I worked out an infinite life combo during a game with GirlPod, where I was piloting my Breya list. Off camera, I mill-killed the table with a kicked Maddening Cacophony and Mindcrank. In another game, I had the most Commander hand ever in a Mono-Black list of Swamp, Dark Ritual, Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and Mind Stone. That was the most ridiculous opening I’ve ever had, and I felt dirty doing it.

What’s one Magic card or mechanic that you think is underrated or doesn’t get the love it deserves?

Every shrine from the original Kamigawa. They are slower enchantments, but in the right deck, they are unstoppable.

How has being part of the Magic: The Gathering community enriched your life, and what do you value most about it?

I have made some of the best friends I have ever had in this community. I get to talk about my favorite game with people and even get paid a little to do it. I can’t imagine finding a better, more supportive, or more understanding group of people.

***

Follow and connect with Nerds & Nachos (Grayson) on Instagram at NerdsandNachos.

* * * * * *

What first got you interested in Magic (or even, TCGs more generally)? Was there a moment, or did it happen more gradually?

In elementary school, a friend of mine and my parents were teachers, and to pass the time, he showed me Magic. I instantly fell in love with it and built a terrible five-color deck that revolved around a 6/6 djinn that I can’t remember the name of. After that, I bought my first boosters and pulled a Platinum Angel from the Mirrodin set. I took a break, got back into it during High School, and played until college, until I got divorced four years ago and fell back in love with the game.

In the same vein, what first got you interested and active in content creation? What keeps you interested?

I have always been creative; my first career goal was to be a musician. I created a YouTube channel in college, focusing on Destiny and other shooters, but it fell apart as I lost my free time. I had wanted to start a podcast for years, and I almost started one in 2019, called Comics and Quesadillas. I have a thing for Mexican food and alliteration. But, I decided to wait and, during a stint of unemployment, started Nerds and Nachos, then revived it after a one-year hiatus as a way to honor my late cousin, who tragically passed in November of ‘23. I returned to podcasting to make her proud, and I don’t think I would have returned to it if it hadn’t been for her.

What’s your all-time favorite Magic card, and does it hold a personal story or significance for you?

Easily, Platinum Angel. It was the first rare I ever remember pulling from a pack. It is objectively a terrible card, but the rules text—“you can’t lose and your opponents can’t win” — gripped my young heart and never let go. I still own the same Platinum Angel to this day, and it resides in my complete Mirrodin Set, which I am currently working on finishing.

If you had to choose one Magic format to play forever, which would it be and why?

Honestly, Commander. I like not being restricted to certain sets and being able to pull from whatever I want. The board game experience is excellent, too. I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing games, and creating cool things with cardboard.

Who are some creators or players in the Magic community that inspire you or that you think deserve more recognition?

My biggest inspirations are The Howling Salt Mine and GirlPod. I’ve been following HSM since day 1, and they are another reason I got back into podcasting. GirlPod, I have become VERY fast friends with, and they push me to make better content and take risks I wouldn’t have taken on my own.

What’s your take on the current state of Magic: The Gathering—formats, new sets, or the community as a whole?

Magic is in a pretty great spot. We aren’t getting as many products as we used to, which is a good thing. My only complaint is, like other players, I wish more of it were in the Magic IP and not have half of the sets in a year be Universes Beyond. I love UB, but it's a treat, not a staple.

Have you ever had an epic Magic moment—like a top-deck win, an unexpected combo, or a perfect draft—that you’ll never forget?

I’ve had a few. One on camera was when I worked out an infinite life combo during a game with GirlPod, where I was piloting my Breya list. Off camera, I mill-killed the table with a kicked Maddening Cacophony and Mindcrank. In another game, I had the most Commander hand ever in a Mono-Black list of Swamp, Dark Ritual, Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and Mind Stone. That was the most ridiculous opening I’ve ever had, and I felt dirty doing it.

What’s one Magic card or mechanic that you think is underrated or doesn’t get the love it deserves?

Every shrine from the original Kamigawa. They are slower enchantments, but in the right deck, they are unstoppable.

How has being part of the Magic: The Gathering community enriched your life, and what do you value most about it?

I have made some of the best friends I have ever had in this community. I get to talk about my favorite game with people and even get paid a little to do it. I can’t imagine finding a better, more supportive, or more understanding group of people.

***

Follow and connect with Nerds & Nachos (Grayson) on Instagram at NerdsandNachos.

* * * * * *

What first got you interested in Magic (or even, TCGs more generally)? Was there a moment, or did it happen more gradually?

In elementary school, a friend of mine and my parents were teachers, and to pass the time, he showed me Magic. I instantly fell in love with it and built a terrible five-color deck that revolved around a 6/6 djinn that I can’t remember the name of. After that, I bought my first boosters and pulled a Platinum Angel from the Mirrodin set. I took a break, got back into it during High School, and played until college, until I got divorced four years ago and fell back in love with the game.

In the same vein, what first got you interested and active in content creation? What keeps you interested?

I have always been creative; my first career goal was to be a musician. I created a YouTube channel in college, focusing on Destiny and other shooters, but it fell apart as I lost my free time. I had wanted to start a podcast for years, and I almost started one in 2019, called Comics and Quesadillas. I have a thing for Mexican food and alliteration. But, I decided to wait and, during a stint of unemployment, started Nerds and Nachos, then revived it after a one-year hiatus as a way to honor my late cousin, who tragically passed in November of ‘23. I returned to podcasting to make her proud, and I don’t think I would have returned to it if it hadn’t been for her.

What’s your all-time favorite Magic card, and does it hold a personal story or significance for you?

Easily, Platinum Angel. It was the first rare I ever remember pulling from a pack. It is objectively a terrible card, but the rules text—“you can’t lose and your opponents can’t win” — gripped my young heart and never let go. I still own the same Platinum Angel to this day, and it resides in my complete Mirrodin Set, which I am currently working on finishing.

If you had to choose one Magic format to play forever, which would it be and why?

Honestly, Commander. I like not being restricted to certain sets and being able to pull from whatever I want. The board game experience is excellent, too. I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing games, and creating cool things with cardboard.

Who are some creators or players in the Magic community that inspire you or that you think deserve more recognition?

My biggest inspirations are The Howling Salt Mine and GirlPod. I’ve been following HSM since day 1, and they are another reason I got back into podcasting. GirlPod, I have become VERY fast friends with, and they push me to make better content and take risks I wouldn’t have taken on my own.

What’s your take on the current state of Magic: The Gathering—formats, new sets, or the community as a whole?

Magic is in a pretty great spot. We aren’t getting as many products as we used to, which is a good thing. My only complaint is, like other players, I wish more of it were in the Magic IP and not have half of the sets in a year be Universes Beyond. I love UB, but it's a treat, not a staple.

Have you ever had an epic Magic moment—like a top-deck win, an unexpected combo, or a perfect draft—that you’ll never forget?

I’ve had a few. One on camera was when I worked out an infinite life combo during a game with GirlPod, where I was piloting my Breya list. Off camera, I mill-killed the table with a kicked Maddening Cacophony and Mindcrank. In another game, I had the most Commander hand ever in a Mono-Black list of Swamp, Dark Ritual, Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and Mind Stone. That was the most ridiculous opening I’ve ever had, and I felt dirty doing it.

What’s one Magic card or mechanic that you think is underrated or doesn’t get the love it deserves?

Every shrine from the original Kamigawa. They are slower enchantments, but in the right deck, they are unstoppable.

How has being part of the Magic: The Gathering community enriched your life, and what do you value most about it?

I have made some of the best friends I have ever had in this community. I get to talk about my favorite game with people and even get paid a little to do it. I can’t imagine finding a better, more supportive, or more understanding group of people.

***

Follow and connect with Nerds & Nachos (Grayson) on Instagram at NerdsandNachos.

* * * * * *

What first got you interested in Magic (or even, TCGs more generally)? Was there a moment, or did it happen more gradually?

In elementary school, a friend of mine and my parents were teachers, and to pass the time, he showed me Magic. I instantly fell in love with it and built a terrible five-color deck that revolved around a 6/6 djinn that I can’t remember the name of. After that, I bought my first boosters and pulled a Platinum Angel from the Mirrodin set. I took a break, got back into it during High School, and played until college, until I got divorced four years ago and fell back in love with the game.

In the same vein, what first got you interested and active in content creation? What keeps you interested?

I have always been creative; my first career goal was to be a musician. I created a YouTube channel in college, focusing on Destiny and other shooters, but it fell apart as I lost my free time. I had wanted to start a podcast for years, and I almost started one in 2019, called Comics and Quesadillas. I have a thing for Mexican food and alliteration. But, I decided to wait and, during a stint of unemployment, started Nerds and Nachos, then revived it after a one-year hiatus as a way to honor my late cousin, who tragically passed in November of ‘23. I returned to podcasting to make her proud, and I don’t think I would have returned to it if it hadn’t been for her.

What’s your all-time favorite Magic card, and does it hold a personal story or significance for you?

Easily, Platinum Angel. It was the first rare I ever remember pulling from a pack. It is objectively a terrible card, but the rules text—“you can’t lose and your opponents can’t win” — gripped my young heart and never let go. I still own the same Platinum Angel to this day, and it resides in my complete Mirrodin Set, which I am currently working on finishing.

If you had to choose one Magic format to play forever, which would it be and why?

Honestly, Commander. I like not being restricted to certain sets and being able to pull from whatever I want. The board game experience is excellent, too. I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing games, and creating cool things with cardboard.

Who are some creators or players in the Magic community that inspire you or that you think deserve more recognition?

My biggest inspirations are The Howling Salt Mine and GirlPod. I’ve been following HSM since day 1, and they are another reason I got back into podcasting. GirlPod, I have become VERY fast friends with, and they push me to make better content and take risks I wouldn’t have taken on my own.

What’s your take on the current state of Magic: The Gathering—formats, new sets, or the community as a whole?

Magic is in a pretty great spot. We aren’t getting as many products as we used to, which is a good thing. My only complaint is, like other players, I wish more of it were in the Magic IP and not have half of the sets in a year be Universes Beyond. I love UB, but it's a treat, not a staple.

Have you ever had an epic Magic moment—like a top-deck win, an unexpected combo, or a perfect draft—that you’ll never forget?

I’ve had a few. One on camera was when I worked out an infinite life combo during a game with GirlPod, where I was piloting my Breya list. Off camera, I mill-killed the table with a kicked Maddening Cacophony and Mindcrank. In another game, I had the most Commander hand ever in a Mono-Black list of Swamp, Dark Ritual, Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and Mind Stone. That was the most ridiculous opening I’ve ever had, and I felt dirty doing it.

What’s one Magic card or mechanic that you think is underrated or doesn’t get the love it deserves?

Every shrine from the original Kamigawa. They are slower enchantments, but in the right deck, they are unstoppable.

How has being part of the Magic: The Gathering community enriched your life, and what do you value most about it?

I have made some of the best friends I have ever had in this community. I get to talk about my favorite game with people and even get paid a little to do it. I can’t imagine finding a better, more supportive, or more understanding group of people.

***

Follow and connect with Nerds & Nachos (Grayson) on Instagram at NerdsandNachos.

* * * * * *