Best Bolt the Bird Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 22: Comp. Event Testing with Team Odyssey 1:04:36

28d ago1:04:36

1:04:36

Show Notes: This week, Cody is joined by members of Team Odyssey to discuss competitive testing and everything that goes on behind the scenes of a Pro Tour caliber testing team. Special thanks to Noah Rabin and Ethan Jones for sharing their insights. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.…

1
Episode 21: Standard Meta Check-In and Violent Outburst Ban 51:57

4M ago51:57

51:57

The Violent Outburst ban is shaking up Modern ahead of MH3. Meanwhile, Standard continues to evolve with new additions from MKM as RCQ season chugs along and RC’s arrive on the horizon. The boys break down what you should be doing in both formats. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird. Ch…

1
Episode 20: Nathan’s Player Card & Pro Tour MKM Recap 52:54

5M ago52:54

52:54

Show Notes: Nathan is back from the Pro Tour and is ready to talk about his World Champion card, Duelist of the Mind. Learn about how this card was created and how it will fit into constructed formats. We also dive into a recap of PT MKM and what decks ruled the weekend. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.pat…

1
Episode 40: Kevin Howett - The Northumbrian Halfwit (35 years of Mountaineering Scotland) - Part 2 1:41:30

5M ago1:41:30

1:41:30

We are back with part 2 of our epic history lesson with climbing legend Kevin Howett. If you haven't caught part 1 yet, jump back an episode and hear all the stories form the man himself. This second part will be very climbing focused looking at his role in the development of your indoor climbing walls, the entire coaching scene and our incredible …

1
Episode 39: Kevin Howett - Climb Now, works Done (35 years of Mountaineering Scotland) 1:19:33

5M ago1:19:33

1:19:33

Today we have a real legend on climbing. Someone who I think doesn’t get anywhere near enough recognition for all the work he has done for us all, and all the change that he has made happen, that every single climber, mountaineer and Hill Walker in Scotland has benefited from. Yes I’m talking about Mountaineering Scotlands very own Kevin Howett. No…

1
Episode 19: Building Better Magic Software with Ev from Spicerack.gg 50:27

5M ago50:27

50:27

Show Notes: With Nathan deep in PT testing, Cody is joined by a SPICY guest this week, Ev, the founder of Spicerack.gg. He talks all about building software for Magic players and unveils details about the new Spicerack tournament app. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird. Check out our n…

1
Episode 18: How to Read Your Opponent’s Mind (and Hand) 44:16

6M ago44:16

44:16

We’re talking about the most broken thing in Magic… reading your opponent’s mind. No Jace’s here though. Learn how to analyze your opponent’s hand based on their play, pick up on body language tells, and disguise your own to gain an edge. Plus, a look at Modern ahead of a busy weekend of RCs. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon…

1
Episode 17: Modern Yawgmoth Deep Dive with Brandon Osborne (aka Control4Daze) 1:22:50

6M ago1:22:50

1:22:50

Show Notes: In today’s episode, Control4Daze (aka Brandon Osborne) joins the show to talk about his pet deck in Modern, Yawgmoth. The boys are taking a deep dive into the archetype and offering tips and tricks to improve your play with one of the format’s most intricate decks. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://w…

1
Episode 16: We’re So Back! Let’s Catch Up on Comp. MTG (Feat. Tandy) 1:07:57

7M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

Show Notes: The Bolt Zone is back after a few weeks off and we’re excited to talk about all three big competitive formats! Standard, Pioneer, and Modern all deserve some attention right now, so let’s look at what’s going on in each one and what you should be paying attention to. Plus, hear our interviews from the convention floor at Dreamhack Atlan…

1
Episode 15: B&R Reactions + Pioneer Boros Convoke Audio Deck Guide 53:52

8M ago53:52

53:52

Cody is flying solo this week as Nathan heads out to Eternal Weekend. In the wake of a big B&R announcement, he looks at the impact on Pioneer and Modern before taking a deep dive into the deck he plans on playing at the Regional Championship in Atlanta: Boros Convoke. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patre…

1
Episode 38: Robbie Phillips - Part 2: ”The mountains are talking to me man!” 1:13:51

8M ago1:13:51

1:13:51

Part 2 Today on ScotRock, giving us a special 2 parter, we have the man the myth the legend, Robbie Phillips. Robbie has actually been part of ScotRock since almost the beginning as a regular guest on our controversial episodes, but he has never been given the chance to have his own story told. Robbie is a climber, a developer, an adventurer and an…

1
Episode 37: Robbie Phillips - Part 1: King of the Thumb 1:02:16

8M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

ScotRock bringing you little nuggets of gold whenever we can. And well this Nugget is a big nugget. Today on ScotRock, giving us a special 2 parter, we have the man the myth the legend, Robbie Phillips. Robbie has actually been part of ScotRock since almost the beginning as a regular guest on our controversial episodes, but he has never been given …

1
Episode 14: A Pioneer Check-In and First Look at Lost Caverns of Ixalan Spoilers 55:33

9M ago55:33

55:33

This week, Cody recaps his RCQ win on Rakdos Scam. Then the guys take a look at what’s been happening in the Pioneer metagame, including talk about the Boros Convoke deck and how Izzet Phoenix is shaping the format. Lastly, they break down some constructed spoilers from Lost Caverns of Ixalan. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreo…

1
Episode 13: Talking ‘Bout Deck Size. Is Bigger Really Better? 55:55

9M ago55:55

55:55

Magic is in a wild place right now and the decklists floating around prove it. Today, the guys look at some examples of decks going above 60 cards, talk about the theory behind numbering in deckbuilding, and help you understand why (or why NOT) you should be straying from 60 cards. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: http…

1
Episode 12: World Championship Recap + Inside Tourney Prep 44:07

10M ago44:07

44:07

Nathan is back from Las Vegas and the guys are recapping the World Championship. They go over everything happening in Standard and talk about what goes into testing for the most important Magic tournament all year. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird. Check out our new line of merch at:…

1
Episode 11: Modern Hammer Time Deep Dive with Travis Brown (aka DisgruntledElk) 1:09:14

11M ago1:09:14

1:09:14

In today’s show, Cody and Nathan are joined by Hammer Time aficionado Travis Brown (aka DisgruntledElk) to talk about the deck and its place in the meta. We take a deep dive into the archetype and help you pick up equity in your Hammer matches. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird. We ar…

1
Episode 10: Your Modern RCQ Season Primer 59:08

11M ago59:08

59:08

This week, Cody and Nathan are talking about all things Modern. With the next RCQ season about to start, they give you a rundown of the format and break down the top 15 most popular decks you should consider. Learn why Modern is the best format! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #boltzonechat on Twitter and let us know your favorite Modern deck for a…

1
Episode 9: Wilds of Eldraine First Look + Latest Modern Antics 1:03:21

11M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Nathan is back stateside from Barcelona so the guys recap his time at the Pro Tour, including Team Handshake’s deck selection process. Nathan also talks about handling the pressure of his recent winning streak while Cody talks about back-to-back weekend Top 8s with Rakdos Scam. Then they look at some Wilds of Eldraine spoilers to see which cards ar…

1
Episode 8: (Bonus!) PT LotR Champ Jake Beardsley Joins to Talk Rakdos Scam 58:47

12M ago58:47

58:47

No scams here! This week, Cody is joined by Pro Tour Lord of the Rings Champion Jake Beardsley to recap the first Modern PT in several years. They also take a deep dive into Rakdos Scam, look at what makes the deck tick, and evaluate its place in the meta. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltth…

1
Episode 36: Sophia and David - The Battle of the Killer Birds 1:02:25

1y ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Sophia and her Dad David are much like any climbing family. Having wild adventures together and dad and daughter, enjoying something they love. However some of their adventures are a little more ambitious than most, and takes them on some wild adventures for an 10 year old. We sit down for ScotRocks first international podcast with Sophia and her d…

1
Episode 7: Level Up Your Game By Gaining Small Edges 58:43

1y ago58:43

58:43

This week, Cody and Nathan take on a listener question, reflecting on times they’ve leveled up as competitive players. They talk about key concepts like using your resources and taking advantage of the stack then go on a few tangents about their favorite examples of gaining an edge in competitive play. To support the show, consider subscribing to o…

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Episode 6: Improve Your Testing Process Feat. Javier Domínguez 1:00:12

1y ago1:00:12

1:00:12

We’re joined by the Fervent Champion himself, Javier Domínguez, to talk about everything you need to get ready for your next tournament! We dive into deck selection, the importance of a testing team, and how you should approach playtesting for more success. Plus, Javier talks about his excitement for a close-to-home PT and how his relationship with…

1
Episode 5: Keruga Fires Deep Dive Feat. Elliot Raff 51:14

1y ago51:14

51:14

Haven’t you heard? Hippos are the talk of the town! Special guest Elliot Raff joins Cody to talk about Keruga Fires, the deck that brought them both success the past two weekends. They also chat about the state of Pioneer after seven Regional Championships and look back at hot takes from the last episode. To support the show, consider subscribing t…

1
Episode 4: You Need To Learn Your Pioneer Deck + LotR Spoilers First Look 51:36

1y ago51:36

51:36

With round three Regional Championships right around the corner, the boys are taking a final look at the Pioneer meta. And since this round of RCQs and the next RC is also Pioneer, they also discuss the importance of understanding your deck and getting enough reps. Then they dissect a few spoilers from the upcoming Lord of the Rings set! To support…

1
Episode 3: Pro Tour Minneapolis Ws + Extended Standard Rotation 45:53

1y ago45:53

45:53

Nathan wins the Pro Tour! This week, the boys are recapping his historic run in PT MOM and looking at how the Standard meta will change in its wake. They also discuss how changes to Standard rotation will affect the format and what they expect. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird. We ar…

1
Episode 2: A Pioneer Primer + Nathan Wins a 20K! 1:27:15

1+ y ago1:27:15

1:27:15

This week, Cody and Nathan are chatting about all things Pioneer. They give you a rundown of the format, how it’s changed over time, and the top 15 most popular decks you should consider. Learn how to decide on a deck based on the meta and why your familiarity with a deck is so important in Pioneer. Plus, hear about Nathan’s recent $20K win at SCG …

1
Episode 35: Jamie Lowther - E1＞E7 ”Runouts are interesting” 1:12:07

1+ y ago1:12:07

1:12:07

Jamie Lowther is one to watch over the next few years. A strong climber turning his attention to trad climbing and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, watch this space! Jamie is one of Scotland's strongest up and coming climbing outdoor climbers, but although he is strong, he has actually been in the climbing scene for nearly 20 years. An acco…

1
Episode 1: RC San Diego Reflections & Welcome to The Bolt Zone 59:54

1+ y ago59:54

59:54

Cody and Nathan are fresh off the latest Regional Championship at Dreamhack San Diego. In this episode, they discuss the tournament and their decklists and look at a spicy brew that made the Top 8. They also explore the Standard meta and look at whether or not it’s healthy. To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.…

1
Episode 34: Duncan McCallum - Bolts, EICA Ratho, and now... The Ledge 1:13:35

1+ y ago1:13:35

1:13:35

Do you smell that? That smells like a new climbing! Duncan McCallum has always played a huge part in the climbing scene and the development of climbing in Scotland. From placing the first bolt in Scotland to opening Edinburgh international climbing arena in Ratho, I’m going to say every climber in Scotland has benefitted in some way from Duncans le…

1
Episode 33.5 : Lanah Dunsmuir - The Professional Downclimber Part 2 52:41

1+ y ago52:41

52:41

As promised we are back with episode 2 with our resident Mental Health Professional, Lanah Dunsmuir. After Lanah's awesome part one (go listen if you haven't), she is back to give you some helpful advice for how to deal with the stresses and anxiety that we often face while climbing. We talk about what we can do before we get on the project and wha…

1
Episode 33: Lanah Dunsmuir - The Professional Downclimber 1:09:09

1+ y ago1:09:09

1:09:09

I've often get told I need professional help, so here we go... Yes today I am joined by Mental Health Professional Lanah Dunsmuir. Like all climbers she has gone through the rollercoaster mental gymnastics but all condensed into a fair shot period of time. Something she has battled with, but with her experience and skills as a mental health nurse s…

1
Episode 32: The Controversial Panel Show with Rebekah Drummond and Robbie Phillips 1:12:31

1+ y ago1:12:31

1:12:31

Better late then never eh! Back once again with Robbie Phillips and Rebekah Drummond for our 3rd Controversial Panel show This time we get deep and philosophical as we discuss Short exciting video clips on social media and the impact these have on the sport. If there's a hypocrisy in climbers advocating for protection of landscapes and climbing are…

1
Episode 31: Kirsty Pallas - ”I’m immune to Hot Aches” 52:46

1+ y ago52:46

52:46

This month we are joined by the wonderful Kirsty Pallas. New to the Mountaineering Scotland team she couldn't escape an interview. Kirsty is one of the fresh faces coming up through the instructor qualifications, with her sights set firmly on getting her Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor award by the time she's 30. She's fast tracked he…

1
Episode 30: Jamie White - Climb Free 42:10

1+ y ago42:10

42:10

Real feel good episode for you all this month, as Robert hides away in a dark cupboard with one of the nicest guys in climbing. Jamie White started ClimbFree a 'small' non-profit social enterprise down in Sussex to help who’s aim is to help those with poor mental health climb back to mental fitness. Following his own personal experience and using c…

1
Episode 29: IFSC World Cup Scottish Athletes - Before and after with 6 next generation legends 36:46

2y ago36:46

36:46

This episode is a little different, a little special, but big cool At the start of this month the Edinburugh International Climbing Arena hosted its first IFSC World Cup in event in 5 years We had a huge team from GB Climbing up there crushing as they do. That team included 6 Scottish Athletes, competing on their home wall, in front of friends, fam…

1
Episode 28: Kev Shields - The Croc Lover 1:03:03

2y ago1:03:03

1:03:03

Diving deep into the pool of Scottish climbing heroes for this one! Yes, we sat down with one of Scotlands greats, the well loved Kevin Shields. Kev is one of the greatest all rounders Scotland has ever produced, and his determination mixed with his idea of acceptable risk has led him to accomplishing things way beyond what anyone could have expect…

1
Episode 27: Karishma Rogerson - From the Seychelles to the topics of Prestwick 48:26

2y ago48:26

48:26

Karishma Rogerson is an awesome instructor/ route setter with one hell of a backstory! When Karishma told me her story I was in awe. I knew that this was a story worth sharing on the podcast. She has an amazing origin story long before she got into climbing, but this has brought her from the Seychelles to Scotland and on to becoming one of the cool…

1
The 90s Are Alive and Well. Season 1 Guest Recap! 51:42

2y ago51:42

51:42

The 90s Are Alive and Well. Machine Bolt and Él Farto take a moment to look back on some special guests from Season 1 of KPODD 101.3Some people (Gene) say that these are some of the most brilliant people in public radio, literary culture, or TV writers and producers simply playing funny characters in a period comedy about a Los Angeles radio statio…

1
Episode 26: Matt Meyerhoff - So I built a climbing wall.. by myself! 51:36

2y ago51:36

51:36

Every climber has at some point on their journey thought about building their own wall. For most, this is just a passing notion and they realise what a ridiculous idea it is. Some some however this dream became a reality during the Covid lockdowns as everyone built their own little home board. Their own 3x3m sanctuary. But that just wasn't enough f…

1
Black and White Flat Screen (with Mike Sacks!) 40:39

2y ago40:39

40:39

Él Farto and Machine Bolt have an announcement. Super Caller Mike is milking a venomous spider into thimbles and condoms after the spider was smuggled to him in a Band Aid box. The competition is out of their coma and you’ll never guess what jump-started them. Plus: Listener Review! Also: The phone line is sponsored by Fruitopia® and everyone in th…

1
No More Mister Nice Hosts 36:29

2y ago36:29

36:29

Radio consultants Genevieve Haas and Andrew Walsh, hired by Gene to whip the morning show into shape, give on-air advice to Machine Bolt and Él Farto on how to get jiggy with it and bring the ratings fight to Chudd and Carl (still in comas). Get your whips and your latex, and tune in for weather, listener calls, and some deeply inside-baseball radi…

1
To Kill A Rocktober 34:54

2y ago34:54

34:54

There’s never been a better time to buy a Toyota, but time is a construct. Rocktober came in without warning and is winding down with a certain flair as Machine Bolt and Él Farto wade into a swag swamp of Bacardi guitars and KPODD T-shirts! Heavy Kevy calls in! New details emerge about Chudd Cuddler and Carl Cannibal’s dirt bike crash in Elsinore! …

1
It Never Rains On Your Phonebook In LA 25:30

2y ago25:30

25:30

Call 818-85-FARTO and tell us all your thoughts on ROCKTOBER! Él Farto and Machine Bolt (real names) have been accused of stealing their format from a competing morning team, and they start the broadcast getting a lot off their chests about that. The new AlternativeRockMobile™ has been christened, and is out there on the 405 this morning! If you’re…

1
Episode 25: Rebekah Drummond - Skye Wall and poopy ropes 1:23:22

2y ago1:23:22

1:23:22

ScotRock returns, and we are coming in all guns blazing! Rebekah Drummond, you may know that name. She's been on the podcast before, she is an incredible climber, awesome human and always has the best chat for podcasts. But this one is just that little bit special. Fresh off a mega strong climbing year, Rebekah is possibly the definition of a Scott…

1
Try to Bite Death's Fingers 23:47

2y ago23:47

23:47

Consider that forgetting your dreams each morning may be the key to happiness. While you're doing that, Whiskey Dick is writing a hard-hitting prison memoir about his time (3 days) in prison (County lock-up), and Él Farto and Machine Bolt are giving you hacks to make people like you instantly. Plus! More unvarnished truths are spoken while Lynn is …

1
The Honored Dead and The Dick in the Clink 22:00

2y ago22:00

22:00

October 1st 1998 is another day full of excitement and chill vibes for Machine Bolt and Él Farto, who are down one Morning Zoo Butt Nugget after a riot broke out at that vegan restaurant. They take a moment this episode to reflect on some of the morning FM broadcasters who blazed the trail that the third most popular morning team in LA is honored t…

1
Two Sneezes and Jesus 31:55

2y ago31:55

31:55

Él Farto and Machine Bolt definitely are not aware of 17th century Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza. They have, however, come into a bit of a windfall and upgraded at The Oakwood. Mike’s having Black Feather meetings at the new apartment, Tim from Tower is on the line this morning, plus things go sideways at Seth’s Bar and Grill and Whiskey lands i…

1
One Rung Shy of the Top of the Ladder 37:57

2y ago37:57

37:57

It’s September 17, 1998 and Machine Bolt and Él Farto are consulting crystal balls, entertainment news reports and super callers during the 8 o’clock hour of the morning show today. Tune in so you don’t miss the latest from Crazy Sign Guy, a plea for information on the whereabouts of Bloodhound, and information about the first remote the KPODD morn…

1
Ixnay on the Non Compos Mentis, Hombre! 26:03

2+ y ago26:03

26:03

Fall takes its time finding The Southland, and Él Farto takes the high road about Machine Bolt selling his car while he was out of town. More rips in the space time continuum as the guys get to the bottom of this Wil Wheaton World Wide Web posting and a weird card from Lynn, plus: The struggle to find euphemisms! Crazy Sign Guy’s wisdom and insight…

1
How to Save Yourself and Others? 25:43

2+ y ago25:43

25:43

It's 09/03/98! Really just music from Matthew Sweet, Super Furry Animals, Hole — maybe an ad for SeVan II ®. Oh, and Él Farto calls in from the Airfone on his Continental Airlines flight. Definitely not a recon mission into a shadowy underworld. And no food-based vandalism. Pretty basic, really. Doesn’t end on a note of ominous struggle or anything…

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