

Magic: The Gathering Drive to Work Podcast
Mark Rosewater
Join Magic: The Gathering Head Designer Mark Rosewater as he shares stories, insights, and more while driving to work. Listen and learn more about how Magic is made!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 25, 2025 • 30min
#1262: Magic Card Back
In this podcast, I see if I can talk for 30 minutes about the Magic card back. (Hint: I did it.)

Jul 25, 2025 • 30min
#1261: Edge of Eternities Set Design with Andrew Brown
In this podcast, I sit down with Andrew Brown, the set lead designer of Edge of Eternities, to talk about the making of the set.

Jul 18, 2025 • 35min
#1260: The Juice Isn't Worth the Squeeze
In this podcast, I talk about an R&D expression, "The juice isn't worth the squeeze."

Jul 18, 2025 • 31min
#1259: Edge of Eternities Vision Design with Ethan Fleischer
In this podcast, I sit down with Ethan Fleischer, the vision design lead for Edge of Eternities, to talk about the making of the set.

Jul 11, 2025 • 36min
#1258: History of Colorless
Dive into the fascinating journey of colorless mana in Magic: The Gathering. Discover how Richard Garfield's early design choices shaped its role in gameplay. Explore the evolution of colorless mechanics, including the influence of Eldrazi and the unique challenges of defining colorless cards. Gain insight into how these elements have impacted game balance and design over the years. A must-listen for fans seeking to understand the complexities behind one of the game's key features!

Jul 11, 2025 • 31min
#1257: Enchantment Color Pie
Dive into the colorful world of enchantments in Magic: The Gathering! Discover how each color interacts with these magical elements, revealing their unique strengths and weaknesses. The discussion emphasizes the essential role enchantments play in gameplay, sparking ideas for future developments. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this exploration of color relationships is sure to enchant!

4 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 36min
#1256: Right for This Set
In this podcast, I talk about how it's not enough for a mechanic to be good in a vacuum.

Jul 4, 2025 • 37min
#1255: Creature Color Pie
Dive into the intricate world of creature interactions in Magic: The Gathering. Discover how different colors influence gameplay, revealing their strengths and weaknesses. Red's knack for destruction and green's ability to summon mighty beings are highlighted, showcasing unique strategies. The analysis uncovers fascinating dynamics that shape how players approach the battlefield.

Jun 27, 2025 • 32min
#1254: Cameo Mechanics
In this podcast, I talk about the use of repeat mechanics on singular card designs.

Jun 27, 2025 • 30min
#1253: Artifact Color Pie
Delve into the intricate ways colors in Magic: The Gathering interact with artifacts. Discover the strengths and weaknesses each color brings to artifact management. From unique strategies to fascinating gameplay mechanics, this conversation unveils how diverse approaches can change your game. Prepare for a rich discussion that will reshape your understanding of the color pie!