Raise the Standard: an MTG Podcast
Education & Explainer
About
Raise the Standard is a Magic: the Gathering podcast hosted by local game store manager and #1 supporter of constructed 60-card formats Kira, and Meia, an L1 judge looking to get more involved in all things competitive MTG. With a focus on Standard , Modern , and 7-Point Australian Highlander , Kira and Meia will tackle meta analysis, previews and spoilers for new sets, tournament breakdowns, and more! Looking to get more involved in competitive Magic? Wondering where to start your 60-card journey? We're here for players at all levels, whether you're just starting or have been playing for years! Our episodes are broken down into format categories so you know exactly what you're getting with each release: 🐀 Raise the Standard ☕ Mildly Modern 🪷 Hardly Highlander Join us Mondays at 11am AEST on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you get your Magic content and together we'll Raise the Standard! 🐀 🦋 @ raisemtg.bsky.social 📷 @raisemtg 📺 @ Raise the Standard
Episodes
- EP. 18 - Alchemy? Alche-You
This episode discusses MTG Arena's Alchemy format, highlighting its unique online-only mechanics. It explores how Alchemy can be used to rebalance powerful paper cards, including examples like The One Ring and Orcish Bowmasters, and consid…
- EP. 17 - Pre-Pro Tour Study Session
This episode, recorded before the Pro Tour Secrets of Strixhaven, covers expectations for the Magic: The Gathering tournament, including predictions for the Standard metagame and popular deck archetypes. The hosts discuss expected and hope…
- EP. 16 - Izzet Too Good?
This episode of Raise the Standard examines why the Izzet color pair remains dominant in the Standard format, even after multiple ban cycles and the inclusion of many of its cards on the banlist. The discussion covers Izzet's strengths, it…
- EP. 15 - Supercharged Strixhaven Standard
This episode of Raise the Standard examines the significant power of the Strixhaven set in Magic: The Gathering, noting its unique creature and spell designs. The discussion covers Strixhaven's potential impact on the Standard metagame and…
- EP. 14 - Class is Back in Session
The hosts examine Strixhaven cards expected to be impactful in the Standard Magic: The Gathering format. They discuss a variety of card types and potential new archetypes.
- EP. 13 - Special Guest Slot: Ben Tudman
Ben Tudman rejoins the Raise the Standard podcast to discuss the Standard format, its evolution, and future metagame trends. The episode includes an unplanned intermission due to a camera issue.
- EP. 12 - Special Guest Slot: More Sam Loy!
Sam Loy rejoins Raise the Standard to discuss his hiatus from competitive Magic, how the game has changed, and how players adapt to evolving metagames. The episode also mentions upcoming tournaments at mtgbazaarevents.com and acknowledges…
- EP. 11 - Special Guest Slot: Michael Billinghurst
Michael Billinghurst returns to Raise the Standard to discuss the progression of skill in competitive Magic, how to avoid burnout, and why grinders may feel they are not improving despite their performance.
- EP. 10 - Special Guest Slot: Sam Loy
Sam Loy is the guest on this episode of Raise the Standard, discussing his experiences on the Pro Tour, playing on the feature match table, and predicting the Standard metagame. The podcast also announces its new sponsorship by MTGBazaar.
- EP. 09 - Special Guest Slot: Ben Tudman
ProTour regular Ben Tudman returns to Raise the Standard to discuss his experience at ProTour Lorwyn Eclipsed, the deck he played, and his upcoming professional matches.
- EP. 08 - How Many Rows of Teeth??
This archival episode from Raise the Standard features a screentest from August 2025. Hosts read Ashiok's MTG wiki page, discuss its involvement in War of the Spark, and its teeth.
- EP. 07 - Oh Meia, Oh My!
Meia shares her experience competing in the CanCon 2026 Highlander tournament, detailing her journey through eight rounds, facing diverse decks, and achieving a Top 8 placement. She discusses her deck strategy and successful use of the Tho…
- EP. 06 - Eclipsing the Competition
This episode reviews ProTour Lorwyn Eclipsed, highlighting seven different decks in the Top 8 and the emergence of new archetypes. Hosts discuss Elemental, Control, and Reanimator decks, concluding that the Standard format is in a strong p…
- EP. 05 - You Wouldn't Point a Dual...& Other Opinions
This episode of Raise the Standard discusses the Highlander format, community opinions, and card value, recorded before the CanCon 2026 event. It also mentions Meia's upcoming Top 8 tournament performance.
- EP. 04 - Seriously Good Standard
This episode of Raise the Standard discusses the current Standard metagame, new cards from Lorwyn: Eclipsed, and potential future Pro Tour developments. The hosts note that Standard is currently in a positive state.
- EP. 03 - Faeries, Goblins, & Changelings, Oh My!
This episode of Raise the Standard reviews cards from the Lorwyn set, discussing their potential for play in Standard, Modern, and Highlander formats. The hosts share their favorite cards from the plane of light and shadow.
- EP. 02 - Special Guest Slot: Luke Mulcahy
This episode features Magic: The Gathering player Luke Mulcahy, discussing his journey from "Magic on Hard Mode" to professional play. Topics include deckbuilding, community archetype development, and his experiences, including a Twitter i…
- EP. 01 - Badger? I Hardly Know Her!
This episode of Raise the Standard: an MTG Podcast discusses whether the card Badgermole Cub warrants a ban in the Standard format. The hosts analyze its attributes, such as mana acceleration and card advantage, in relation to the format's…
- EP. 45 - Season 1 Finale
Raise the Standard: an MTG Podcast concludes its first season by reflecting on its journey through the 2025 Standard year, its expansion into competitive constructed formats, and expressing gratitude to its listeners. The hosts look forwar…
- EP. 44 -Lessons Learnt (MTG Worlds Recap)
This episode recaps the MTG World Championship, focusing on new Standard decks influenced by the latest set and recent bannings. It covers the decks that dominated the metagame and looks ahead to the future of Standard play.
- EP. 43 - Special Guest Slot: Aunt Voltie (Let's Talk 8PT!)
This episode features Aunt Voltie discussing the 8-Point rule in Australian Highlander, its role in making the game more accessible, and insights into building and playing 8-Point decks.
- EP. 42 - Special Guest Slot: Michael Billinghurst
Committee member Michael Billinghurst joins Raise the Standard to discuss the role and function of the 7-Point Highlander committee. The episode examines how the committee manages and shapes the Australian Highlander format.
- EP. 41 - We Love Highlander! (and so can you)
This episode of Raise the Standard discusses 7-Point Australian Highlander, a competitive singleton format using powerful cards from Magic's history. The hosts explore why they are playing the format and its complexities.
- EP. 40 - Bantastic News!
Raise the Standard: an MTG Podcast covers the recent ban of Vivi Ornitier, Profane Memento, and Screaming Nemesis in Standard. The hosts discuss the implications for the format and speculate on upcoming deck archetypes.
- EP. 39 - Taking the Meta by Storm
This episode recaps Regional Championship 10, discussing the Modern metagame and competitive scene. It also highlights the ANZ Super Series as a starting point for competitive play and mentions upcoming events.
- EP. 38 - Avatar: the Last Standard Set (of 2025)
This episode of Raise the Standard discusses the Magic: the Gathering Avatar: the Last Airbender set, analyzing cards like Wan Shi Tong and Firebending Student for their constructed playability in various formats. The hosts share their pic…
- EP. 37 - I Know Everything [Simic Omniscience Deck Tech]
This episode of Raise the Standard features a deck tech on Simic Omniscience, a deck highlighted from the series on Standard format underdogs. The hosts explain the deck's mechanics, strategy, and its potential role in the metagame.
- EP. 36 - Special Guest Slot: Aunt Voltie
This episode features Aunt Voltie, discussing her CanBrawl Top 4 performance and a challenge to build a budget Highlander deck. Kira and Voltie also talk about netdecking strategies in the format.
- EP. 35 - The Marit Lage of Standard Decks
This episode of Raise the Standard discusses emerging Magic: The Gathering Standard decks, dubbed "Marit Lage" decks, that are currently under the radar but show potential to disrupt the dominant meta. Hosts explore various hidden strategi…
- Time in the Round - Standard Banlist Retrospective
This archival episode from Raise the Standard discusses potential Standard card bans and deck strengths from March 2025. Recorded before the release of Tarkir: Dragonstorm and the introduction of Cori-Steel Cutter, the hosts confidently st…
- EP. 34 - Mildly Modern [Pro Tour EOE]
This episode launches Mildly Modern, a new podcast within Raise the Standard focusing on the Modern Magic: The Gathering format. Hosts discuss the Pro Tour Edge of Eternities, its results, decks, and compare Modern to Standard.
- Time in the Round - Arena Lets You Cheat?!
This episode of Raise the Standard's Time in the Round discusses Magic: the Gathering Arena. The hosts explore how the platform can improve a player's skill, but also potentially make them complacent or even allow them to "cheat".
- EP. 33 - Your Friendly Neighbourhood Standard Set
This episode of Raise the Standard discusses predictions for the Spider-Man Standard set, analyzing potential meta-impacting cards and their roles in upcoming decks. The hosts share their insights on the Universes Beyond set from 2025.
- EP. 32 - Starting with Standard
This episode of Raise the Standard discusses why starting with the Standard format is beneficial for new Magic: The Gathering players due to its smaller card pool and faster pace. It also touches on the merits of Commander (EDH) and other…
- Time in the Round - Jace Has A Smooth Brain...& more!
This Time in the Round episode of Raise the Standard features outtakes and discussions on Vryn, Tezzeret, and Blood Moon, recorded at Plenty of Games.
- EP. 31 - Vivi On My Mind
This episode of Raise the Standard focuses on the Magic: The Gathering card Vivi, discussing its powerful impact on the Standard format and how it is homogenizing gameplay. The hosts acknowledge the deck
- EP. 30 - In Vivi We Trust
This episode of Raise the Standard features a Deck Spotlight on the Izzet Cauldron deck, also known as Vivi Cauldron. The hosts break down its playstyle, construction, strengths, weaknesses, and matchups within the current Standard metagam…
- EP. 29 - You, Me, & an RC
This episode of Raise the Standard discusses preparation for a Magic: The Gathering Regional Championship (RC). It covers pre-tournament routines like "Slip, Slop, Slap" and in-tournament strategies using Kira's "Three T's", comparing the…
- EP. 28 - Post-Rotation First Impressions
This episode of Raise the Standard discusses the new Standard format after rotation, analyzing the rise and fall of decks. The podcast acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land and is sponsored by Wizards of the Coast.
- EP. 27 - Edge of Eternities Early Access!
Raise the Standard: an MTG Podcast discusses the new Standard meta following rotation and bans, covering decks played and observed during early access to Edge of Eternities. The episode was sponsored by Wizards of the Coast.
- EP. 26 - One Out, One In
Raise the Standard discusses Magic: the Gathering's Standard rotation with the release of the Edge of Eternities set. The episode focuses on new cards that are direct replacements for cards that have rotated out, examining which classic ef…
- EP. 25 - Standard...in Space!
This episode of Raise the Standard discusses new cards from the Edge of Eternities set for Magic: the Gathering and their expected impact on the Standard Meta. It also covers the return of Standard Play Season Rewards, with details on how…
- EP. 24 - Rotation, Ro-tah-shun
This episode of Raise the Standard discusses the Magic: The Gathering Standard format rotation, explaining the process and highlighting key cards being lost from Dominaria United, The Brothers' War, Phyrexia: All Will Be One, March of the…
- EP. 23 [Part 2] - Special Guest Slot: Jennifer-Rose Holloway
In Part 2 of EP. 23, Jennifer-Rose Holloway, winner of RC 9 Melbourne, joins the podcast to discuss preparation for the Regional Championship, analyzing good and bad matchups, and the process of winning an RC. Holloway also shares insights…
- EP. 23 - Special Guest Slot: Jennifer-Rose Holloway
Jennifer-Rose Holloway, winner of Regional Championship 9 - Melbourne, discusses her Dimir Midrange strategy and tournament preparation with host Meia. Holloway shares her plans for future competitive play.
- EP. 22 - Aaand You're Banned
Raise the Standard breaks down the recent inevitable Standard bans in Magic: The Gathering, discussing the ethos behind the bans and their impact on the metagame, including the departure of Sheoldred, the Apocalypse.
- Time in the Round - Kicker or Horsemanship...& more!
This episode of Raise the Standard: an MTG Podcast, titled 'Time in the Round - Kicker or Horsemanship...& more!', presents a compilation of outtakes and humorous segments from the main series. The episode was recorded at Plenty of Games.
- EP. 21 - Early Access! Final Fantasy Constructed
This episode of Raise the Standard features early access previews of the FINAL FANTASY x Magic: the Gathering set. The hosts discuss their favorite cards, such as Tifa and Vivi, as well as those that didn't meet expectations. The episode w…
- EP. 20 - It's Final(ly) Fantasy Time! [Part 2]
This episode of Raise the Standard discusses Final Fantasy cards and their expected impact on the Magic: The Gathering Standard meta, continuing a previous conversation and analyzing specific card picks.
- EP. 20 - It's Final(ly) Fantasy Time! [Part 1]
Raise the Standard discusses picks and potential archetypes for Magic: the Gathering's first Standard-legal Universes Beyond set, FINAL FANTASY. This episode is part one of their discussion.