PodCavern

Joining us this week is Nick from Nick's Lotus! Nick takes us back to the very first commander deck he ever built as a teen and walks us through his memories of learning to play magic. We all reminisce about what it was like to learn this game, get pulled into the joy of building decks, and discover new cards you couldn't even imagine The post Nick’s Lotus – Old School Teneb appeared first on PodCavern.

Angus and Sal come in to work riding high after their first night back in the world of vigilantes. But it’s not all one liners and high fives, the guys learn that there is such a thing as over doing it even when it comes to doing the right thing. The post EP139 – Introspective Care Unit appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) talk about the humble zucchini! This summer squash deserves to be treated with love and respect, and if handled correctly, can be absolutely delicious. Its flowers are also wonderful, it can be turned into musical instruments, and apparently Meghan Markle thinks they make a sexy pasta sauce. Jury's out on that one. Plus, what happens when zucchini, ground beef, rhubarb, and instant coffee powder enter the Random Meal Generator?! The post 205. With Apologies to Zucchini appeared first on PodCavern.

We continue our series on religion and spirituality with Bombay Blues by Tanuja Desai Hidier! Kadi and Teffer talk about the particular introspection of being 19, what makes a really good travel book, and face our own personal discomforts around religion. The connection was a bit rough at the beginning because a storm was rolling in - sorry! The post 120. Bombay Blues by Tanuja Desai Hidier appeared first on PodCavern.

Time to SPIN THAT WHEEEEL! Back in 2021, in the thick of the pandemic, when we were all going a little stir crazy and desperately clinging to any ways to have human connection, an idea was born. From the rubble of boredom and the craving to do something new came an ambitious Top 5 improv-style game show called The Ranky Roulette. The show was a great success, and the plan was to do it once every single year with new guests, custom SFX, and bigger productions. Alas, things didn't work out that way, but as we near the end of this show, we would be remiss not to give this format another spin! So join your game show host Tuong La and comeback contestants Angus MacDonald, Samantha Leggatt, and Leslie Cserepy as they get another crack at showing off their ranking skills to be crowned the next "Ranky Ruler of the Realm"! Also featuring guest audio clips from past ranking legends: Chelsea Fahey, Brie Watson (The Constant Struggle Podcast), and Simone Dorie. The post 198 – The Ranky Roulette: Second Spin appeared first on PodCavern.

Our guest this week is Emma Skyeward. Emma is a competitive Magic player who’s been ranked #1 on Arena and a prolific content creator. She walks Neale and Vinny through the ropes of playing competitive Magic and the Merfolk deck that qualified her for a Regional Championship. We talk about what year it is, Modern Horizons 6, and taunting your friends. The post Emma Skyeward – Modern Merfolk appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) talk about iconic food duos- pairings that just feel wrong without each other! Bacon & Eggs! Burgers & Fries! Berries & Cream! Pancakes & Syrup! Chips & Dip! What's your favorite food duo? And what happens when salmon, corn, and boxed mac & cheese find their way into the Random Meal Generator? The post 204. 5 Iconic Food Duos to Eat at a Coldplay Concert! appeared first on PodCavern.

We get chatting about a miniseries on faith, religion, and spirituality, starting with Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali. Eunice and Teffer talk about the importance of diverse faith communities, what it means to write responsibly about religion, and why we want to see more books that deal with faith coming from big presses! The post 119. Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali appeared first on PodCavern.

Angus and Sal finally have the guest who was bumped last week. Ms. Frazzle (Chelsea Fahey) joins the guys to show them that you can learn anywhere and that you should go for the stars. The post EP138 – Field Tripping appeared first on PodCavern.

This week’s guest is COMMAND ZOE. Zoe is a Magic content creator and writer for EDHRec & Commander’s Herald. She brought an interesting take on Isshin, Two Heavens as One to Untapped Libraries ignoring your typical attack triggers and instead cursing all her enemies. We talk pillowforts, streaming, and uh-oh moments. The post Command Zoe – B’isshin Curses appeared first on PodCavern.

Host Nick Watson (@fivestergram) graciously allows his co-host Brie and her cast-mates: Dan Dingwall, Dina Senior & Heather Eyman, on this episode to chat about their upcoming production at the Hamilton Fringe Festival: What If? Improvising Your Alternate Universe. Tune in as the cast dig into the rehearsal process for an improvised Fringe production, shouting out to their absent cast-mates Bradley Doyle, David Lahti & Natasha Bromfield, and share their hopes for the festival which, for many of the cast, will be performing in their first ever Fringe Festival. The post E92: Hamilton Fringe Preview: The Cast of What If? Keeps it Tight appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) reflects on a recent Omakase experience at Montreal-based sushi restaurant Jun I, tying it back to an old season of Top Chef (obviously) and exploring what makes a dining experience memorable- for better or for worse! The post 203. Jun I, Top Chef Seattle, and the Peak-End Rule appeared first on PodCavern.

Out of the cavern and onto the open road! Road trips and snacks go hand-in-hand like salt & pepper, rock & roll, and tourists & fanny packs. They just belong together. Whether you are are going for a short distance or in it for the long haul, it's always a good idea to be packing some tasty goods to help sustain you through your journey. But there are certain foods out there that are waaay better to bring with you on a voyage and we are here to share those secrets to our dear listeners. So join Tuong La and Road Warriors Kristine Shadid, Marc Quintaneiro, and Amanda Parker as they cruise down the freeway and stuff their faces while ranking Top 5 Road Trip Snacks. The post 197 – Top 5 Road Trip Snacks appeared first on PodCavern.

We kick things off strong with Meghan Wolff, from "Good Luck, High Five" & "Commander Arcade". Meghan joins us to talk about her upgraded Duskmourn commander deck for Aminatou, Veil Piercer. We also talk X-Files, dogs, and Shuffle Butlers. Decklist on Moxfield. The post Meghan Wolff – Aminatou’s Miracles appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) talk about summertime salads- no lettuce allowed! Dense bean salads! Pasta salads! Potato salads! Couscous! Lentils! Quinoa! Also, why do potato salad and mayonnaise get such a bad rap? Plus, what happens when the Random Meal Generator serves up ground lamb, butternut squash, and mango? The post 202. Summertime Salads! appeared first on PodCavern.

SPOILERS: This review contains massive spoilers for the entirety of the Netflix series! You've been warned! After reviewing Dash & Lily's Book of Dares back in 2018, Bailey and Teffer return to review the new Netflix series Dash & Lily! We argue about whether or not it's good, whose faces need punching, and romance… but it might surprise you who's getting mushy this time. The post 117. Dash & Lily: Series Review appeared first on PodCavern.

Angus and Sal prep for their guest when a sudden reminder sends Sal crawling into his safe space. How will Angus Coax him out? The post EP137 – Down The Hatch appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) talk about everyone's favorite fertility symbol, the cherry! What’s the difference between sweet and sour cherries? Why does your pen smell like cherries? How many cherries can Teffer eat in one sitting without having a bad time?! Plus, what happens when you mix eggs, cherries, raspberries, and horseradish? The post 201. Cherries! appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, Melody Simpson of Melanin in YA joins Teffer to talk about her "no excuses database" of the YA publishing world. We talk about the recent surge of representation in YA, the experiences that led her to create this database, and what "no excuses" really means. The post 116. Melanin in YA with Melody Simpson appeared first on PodCavern.

The Chip Chums do Hot Ones! From the legends that brought you Top 5 Chips and Top 5 Weird Chip Flavours comes our ranking finale as a group. But don't worry, we have a smoking hot episode lined up for you this week as we turn our taste buds into a fiery pit of podcast gold for your listening pleasure. So join Tuong La and Chip Chums Hayley Kellett, Simone Dorie, and Leslie Cserepy as they bring on the heat and rank this ever so popular type of condiment and make a Top 5 Hot Sauces list. PS Listen to the end of the episode as we got a secret chip flavour review that you don't want to miss...;). The post 196 – Top 5 Hot Sauces appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) celebrate 200 episodes of No Bad Food by sharing their favorite sandwiches, coffees, soups, salads, pastas, grilled meats, and desserts! The post 200. The Best Thing I Ever Ate! appeared first on PodCavern.

Kadi and Teffer round off the month with a gorgeous new release. This is the first time we’ve reviewed a graphic novel on the show! We talk about history, reparations, and the developing Indigenous representation we hope to see in YA lit going forward. Also, we’re tired. Are you tired? This year has been rough. We talk about that, too. The post 115. This Place: 150 Years Retold appeared first on PodCavern.

Angus and Sal have swapped bodies several times before, however this is the first time they’ve swapped bodies with total strangers. The guys try to piece together who they’ve swapped with and unravel what kind of lesson the universe is trying to teach them. The post EP136 – Swappy Joes appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) talk about what Tom's learned in 10 years of hosting & producing podcasts, then dig into everyone's favorite animal product, milk! How long have human beings been drinking animal milk? Which milks make the best substitute for human milk? What's up with nut milk? How do different milks taste as cheese? And, of course, what happens when you combine milk with sausage in this week's Random Meal Generator? The post 199. Milk & 10 Years of Podcasting! appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, patron Maddy Dever joins Teffer to review Those Who Run in the Sky by Aviaq Johnston. We talk about coming of age, living in the shadow of our parents, emotional maturity, and the role of elders as we move through this visually stunning book. The post 114. Those Who Run in the Sky by Aviaq Johnston appeared first on PodCavern.

All you need is love...and Top 5 rankings. We have made a Top 5 list of many songs over the course of this show and it is bittersweet that this episode will be our last music ranking. That is why we decided to go out with a bang and bring back Beatlemania for this occasion! The Beatles literally changed the game and the way we listen to music today. Who knew that the music industry would have transformed so much from 4 Lads from Liverpool but this influential band continues to inspire artists all around the world. So join Tuong La with the rest of the members of the Fab Four Katie Pagnucco (Learn Real Good), Vinny Francois (Improv College & Learn Real Good, Untapped Libraries), and Howard Mitnick (Gateway Music) as they rock out in their moptop hairdos and rank Top 5 Beatles Songs. The post 195 – Top 5 Beatles Songs appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) introduces the newest project from the No Bad Food team: The NBF Recommended Restaurant List! We’re looking for your favorite Montreal restaurants, and will feature 20 of them on our list before the end of 2025! The goal is to help highlight and lift up some of the awesome food our city has to offer, regardless of Michelin status. The post Introducing: The No Bad Food Recommended Restaurant List! appeared first on PodCavern.

In this special bonus episode, Ben Philippe joins us for the second time! We talk about the process of writing a second book, trains, Pokémon, writing what you know, and his upcoming nonfiction debut. The post 113. Ben Philippe Likes Trains: a Super-Special Bonus Interview appeared first on PodCavern.

Finally free from the simulation trap of The Chair, Angus and Sal venture out into Super City to find the perfect place to hide it away. If only they had experience being tucked away somewhere secret. The post EP135 – Chair Obscure: Expedition Sal and Me appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks with co-founders of Safi International (@safi_milk), Miraal Kabir & Martin Turuta, about their amazing new project bringing special pasteurization devices to East African dairy farmers. With funding from Seeding The Future, these awesome 24-year-olds are going to save lives and pave the way for a stronger, healthier dairy industry in Rwanda, Kenya, and beyond! The post 198. Bringing Safer Milk to East Africa with Safi International’s Martin Turuta & Miraal Kabir! appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, we continue our series of books by Indigenous authors with Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson. We talk about whether or not it’s YA (and what that means), writing sadness while still writing hope, and what makes a good sex scene. The post 112. Son Of A Trickster by Eden Robinson appeared first on PodCavern.

Lettuce indulge on an episode all about vegetables. Back in 2019 four legendary rankers fought, argued, cried, but ultimately came together on a list of Top 5 Fruits. Well years have passed and wounds have healed and now we are finally ready to turn our attention to the food that your parents & doctors have been heckling you to eat all your life - vegetables! And you know what? Turns out that as you get older, vegetables are pretty dang good! Vegetables contain a variety of textures, flavours, versatility, and nutrition that it's finally due time for them to shine on this podcast. So join Tuong La and Veggie Virtuosos Colleen Wang, Victoria Luloff, and Leslie Cserepy as they rinse, spin, and toss up a Top 5 Vegetables list for ya! The post 194 – Top 5 Vegetables appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks with fourth-generation Saskatchewan farmer Dennis Bulani about his new book, What A Farmer Wants You To Know About Food! Dennis shares his insights into the world of GMOs, organic farming, and all the reasons we should actually feel hopeful about the future! Then, we put Dennis through the Random Meal Generator, and find out about his family's favorite taco recipe. The post 197. What A Farmer Wants YOU To Know About Food ft. Dennis Bulani! appeared first on PodCavern.

We’re reading books by Indigenous authors! We kick it off this week with a heartwarming YA romance. Is 6’3” the ideal heartthrob height? Can you ever separate the artist from the art- and should you? What the heck is a turkey trot? We answer all these, and more! The post 111. Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith appeared first on PodCavern.

Angus tells Sal about how perfect his day has been. The post EP134 – Host in the Shell appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks with author & journalist Bonny Reichert (@bonnyreichert) about her new book How To Share An Egg: A Story Story of Hunger, Love, and Plenty. We talk about what makes a good memoir, the importance of food as a way to connect to family, and the way opening up to the past can help us break out of our shells and move toward a better future. Also, an extremely cursed round of the Random Meal Generator that brings back an old favorite: Mountain Dew. The post 196. How To Share An Egg ft. Bonny Reichert! appeared first on PodCavern.

Hosts Nick (@fivestergram) & Brie Watson (@briewats0n) are in it pretty deep at the time this episode was recorded. With feelings of stagnation, injury and loss, our two humble hosts are really feeling the name of the podcast. Although recording in the same room for the first time since Covid has added a level of irreverence towards life that might just help them get back on track. The hosts review March and April, check in on their lighthouse words, constant struggles and tank fillers. Will the check in be enough to get back on the creative horse? The post E91 – The Double Mulligan appeared first on PodCavern.

Batter up those taste buds! This week we are breaking out our aprons and cracking open the windows, so you can catch a whiff of all the glorious aromas, because the PodCavern Bakery is open for business! People all around the world have enjoyed the art of baking for centuries because the creative possibilities are endless (and delicious). There are so many diverse flavours and textures that offer such a cozy sense of satisfaction and comfort that only baked treats can provide. So that is why you should join Tuong La and Baking Buds Laura Gordon, Leslie Cserepy, and Zoe Towne as they whisk up some tasty goods, carefully measure out their decisions, and pull a Top 5 Baked Treats list out of the oven! The post 193 – Top 5 Baked Treats appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) dig into the Armenian classic Lahmajoun! Teffer brings us a deep dive into its history and mythology as well as its cultural significance throughout the Levant! Also, the Random Meal Generator serves up a delicious sandwich that I'm going to need to eat as soon as possible. The post 195. Lahmajoun: More Than Armenian Pizza! appeared first on PodCavern.

To wrap up our Witchtober series, Kadi and Teffer talk about the history of witchcraft: where does our idea of “witch” come from? What sparked the witch hunts? And why are we so fascinated with witches in 2020? The post 110. A Brief History of Witches appeared first on PodCavern.

Angus is very into his new chair while Sal tries to go about business as usual. They guys sit down with their sandwich artist Justine (Desiree Connors Warmington) to learn more about the art form. And aren’t CHAIRS the best? Everyone should grab a chair and sit down! The post EP133 – Crusted Canvas appeared first on PodCavern.

63 Disney Features, 28 Pixar Features, 20 Pixar Shorts, 7 Disney Direct to Home Video, 4 Disney Theme Parks, 2 Disney Novels, and 1 Stage Play. It's hard to believe it but over the last 5 years, the Disney Dummies covered and talked about all that and more while getting into the thick about the good, bad, funny, and weird about all things Disney. We originally sought out just to watch all the Disney animated feature films but ended up loving doing this podcast so much we stuck around for much longer for all the spinoff series. Alas, all good fairytales must come to an end so join us as we close this magical chapter in our lives and make way for new beginnings as we take a well deserved rest from the show. The post So Long, Partner appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks with special guest Matt Cole (@mc_dj_mc) for a deep dive into ground beef! White People Taco Night! Air Fryer Meatballs! Meatloaf! Barbecue Beef Cups! Then, the Random Meal Generator brings us another beautiful opportunity for schnitzel! The post 194. Ground Beef ft. Matt Cole! appeared first on PodCavern.

What do you get when you mix a classic YA coming of age romance with a coven of powerful witches? We head to Salem with a chat about elemental magic, paranormal mystery, casual queers casually existing, and the fun of a magic system based in our familiar world! The post 109. These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling appeared first on PodCavern.

Time to get jiggy with it! It's time to hit the D-floor and shake your butts because this week we are grooving out while talking about dance! People have been expressing themselves through dance for what feels like forever. It's a medium and universal language that has rich history, cultural significance, and also coolness & cringe all wrapped up in one art form. So join Tuong and Boogy Buddies Brie & Nick Watson (The Constant Struggle Podcast), and Dan Rosen as they get ready to shake it while ranking Top 5 Dance Moves. The post 192 – Top 5 Dance Moves appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks to special guest Chef Kory DiPucchio (@chefkorydipucchio) from Compass Group Canada about their International Stop Food Waste Day initiative, great uses for scraps and leftovers, and some key ways to invest in your stocks- soup stocks, I mean. The only financial advice given in this episode is related to groceries! The post 193. Food Waste & Stock Tips with Chef Kory DiPucchio! appeared first on PodCavern.

We continue Witchtober with a dark debut novel full of blood and magic. We’re talking about curses, plagues, and fever dream world building, with a significant detour into... cottagecore? The post 108. The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson appeared first on PodCavern.

While Angus is getting fitted for his new chair, Sal meets up with a friend from his past life. Will this mysterious figure be able to lure Sal back into the exciting life of black ops missions? The post EP132 – BFF: Black-Ops Fighting Force appeared first on PodCavern.

The Disney Dummies are back for our second edition of Disney Book Club, which you may remember we covered the novel sequel to Pixar's Brave called Bravely (2022) on a previous episode. Well this time we are going back to the world of mermaids and sea witches as we sail the pages of The Little Mermaid universe. Speaking of, have you ever watched The Little Mermaid and wondered "Hm, I wonder what Prince Eric was thinking through that movie and what his whole deal and backstory is?" Well look no further as this week we answer just that by discussing one of the three Disney Prince Novels, with Linsey Miller's Prince of Song & Sea (2022). The post Disney Book Club – Prince of Song & Sea Book by Linsey Miller (2022) appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks to guest & patron Aslam Choudhury about his love for the Capital Grille restaurant franchise, steakhouse dinners, the Bengali concept of 'jotno', and the difference between classic steakhouse cuts! Plus, the return of the Random Meal Generator! The post 192. Capital Grille, Steakhouse Dinners & Sides ft. Aslam Choudhury! appeared first on PodCavern.