Recross the Paths

In this conversation, Daisy guides us through the Early 2010s Nostalgia Cube. We unpack how Daisy uses timeline restrictions to foster creativity and we explore design of several of her time capsule projects. We discuss carving your cube from marble, creative uses for double-sided proxies, that rules can be good actually, and much more.Daisy on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/7360e0e5-2e48-4f7d-a247-dea7eb539717Early 2010s Nostalgia Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/2010s-nostalgia-cube?view=primerDaisy on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/dazeydukes.bsky.socialEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

In this conversation, the incomparable aqua gives us a tour of aquaone powered, a heavily-customized powered cube that travels to cube events all over the country. There's a wealth of ideas to unpack as aqua gives us a peek into curating a not-quite-power-maxed environment that cultivates novel experiences. We discuss supporting artists and agents through alters, signatures, and proofs, the value of thinking like a "Johnny," not getting in your own way, and much more.aquaone powered on CubeCobra (check out the alters and signatures!): https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/aquaone?board=mainboard&view=spoileraqua on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5d705aaf3a7f9b57c628da25aqua on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/aquaone.bsky.socialaqua is @ambroseseattle on DiscordEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

In this conversation, Nate (who likes frogs) guides us through Glory Tag Tournament XIV, a Nostalgia project that aims to bring a bygone era to new groups of players. This project helped reinvigorate Nate's enjoyment of MtG and there's a wealth of inspiration for other designers draw from it. We discuss the value of storytelling, encouraging table talk, not letting the past design your cube for you, and much more.Glory Tag Tournament XIV on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/GTTXIV?view=primerGlory Days on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/2n2tj?view=primerNate (natelikesfrogs) on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/60afe65f0d3264034277097fNate on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/natelikesfrogs.bsky.socialNate is @natelikesfrogs on DiscordEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Ben Weitz, Senior Game Designer at Wizards of the Coast, offers a masterful overview of his Monored Cube. Ben shares insight from his wealth of experience as a professional player and as a part of Magic's Play Design team and the Council of Colors. We discuss targeting your ideal play experience in design, making the fun thing the good thing, why Red just might be the best color for a mono-colored cube, and much more.Monored Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/95e54429-d20a-43e8-accc-806f20890123?view=primerBen on CubeCobra (check out the Combo Cube too!): https://cubecobra.com/user/view/1d98d114-9f87-4158-a304-9f4ade8b1a7bBen is on X: https://x.com/bsweitz123Ben is on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/bsweitz123.bsky.socialEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

"I rather think that archives exist to keep things safe - but not secret." - Kevin YoungThis week, Andrew takes us deep into The Archive, a charming showcase cube that includes at least three cards from (almost) every standard-release set since Magic's release. We discuss finding joy in the process of creating, using design packages to create cohesion, balancing the breadth of Magic's history, and much more.The Archive on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/thearchive?view=primerAndrew is mapodofu on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/61daeed3b5cfd810331ba930Andrew on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/manaflare-mtg.bsky.socialAndrew is @aa099931 (MFlare) on DiscordArena Gauntlet League: https://f2fleague.wordpress.com/Explore Cogwork Librarian for your in-depth cube needs: https://coglib.sosk.watch/Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

"Cube is a community thing." This week, Yolo shares about his eponymous cube, yoloswagb0i's yoloswagcube, as well as the value of building and being part of a local cube group. We explore saying "yes" to more things, building community through consistency, drafting decks you're excited to play, and much more.yoloswagb0i’s yoloswagcube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/yoloswagcubeYolo is @yoloswagb0i on DiscordHere is the Rotisserie draft template we talk about: https://luckypaper.co/resources/formats/rotisserie/Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

In this week's conversation, Maggie guides us through Twilight A.K.A The Cube Version of The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack, where we embrace nostalgia through sight, sound... and sometimes smell. This vibes-focused project aims to capture the feelings of a bygone era through card selection, aesthetics, and interactive speed. We explore how fundamentals are a foundation for freedom, the value of curio collecting, why you should 'just send it,' and much more.Maggie on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/6dffa7e5-3eb0-4a3a-a3d1-4c96dbcfad31Twilight on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/TSGACUBEMaggie is @elonbust215 on DiscordEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

All roads lead to cube! In this conversation, Gabor shares about the intersection of gaming, community, and organizing for causes larger than the game. We discuss the Etherium Landscape (a rich, technical Esper desert cube), the accessibility and infectiousness of 5-Alive, Gabor's work in organizing and coordination for a charity event, and much more.​Gabor on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/3a3f38fc-79bd-460e-bbc3-5d2a1ed40fb3​Etherium Landscape on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/etherium​5-Alive Hub: https://moxfield.com/users/ahnkili​Cube, Radical Play, and Organizing (Gabor's article for Upkeep): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bswhSD16UbYcrLdHtrSHQ2C2eOr6lvBzMI4TWxrOcok/edit?tab=t.0​100 Ornithopters Charity Stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/vTCCzUworQE?si=D4crYSY4XiZMxz-A​Gabor is @ahnkili on DiscordEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Mirror mirror on the wall, which cards do I want two of this draft? This week, water the weeds guides us through The Hall of Mirrors, a delightful cube where you get to duplicate two cards before games. We discuss championing deck identity beyond archetypes, accessibility options with aesthetic benefits, cube at the intersection of self-expression and empathy, and much more.water the weeds on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5e1539106f5fe53d8982d111The Hall of Mirrors on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/mirrors@watertheweeds on DiscordEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Madness? This is TEMPO! In this conversation, Joey unpacks Truly Maddening Tempo, a decision-rich cube where every card can be used for three mana or less. We discuss the value of a consistent playgroup, making and breaking design rules, finding inspiration in other cubes, and much more.Truly Maddening Tempo on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/42387891-39c3-4eef-852f-17cb6ee7c52fJoey on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/fe7890c6-d08d-49cf-b2af-6962270e6e2dJoey is @joeynem on DiscordEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

In this episode, Sam gives us an overview of both Too Long, Didn't Read, a cube where cards can't have more than five lines of text, and The Circle of Life, a cube where all of your creatures have emerge! We discuss Sam's experience at CubeCon, what he learned from feedback and what's next for his projects. We discuss considering feedback, balancing accessibility and complexity, leaning into what makes a cube unique, and much more.TL;DR on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/TLDRThe Circle of Life on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/EMRGSam is finmint on DiscordIf you'd like to be part of CUBE GRATITUDE this year, follow the link below to upload a recording. You can also email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com. Submissions close soon!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsZ78VJIDazkuY8AZ4AKgsTVOKpwU_Ks3o4YpkkB0tui2cJw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111921507938458899914

This week, John (CrimsonYoshi) guides us through the curated chaos of Hackett Cube, a low-powered environment that celebrates a mad scientist approach to repurposing cards from yesterday and today. We also explore his insightful blog detailing a year away from the project and the changes that came from the reflection. We unpack not designing at the peaks of power, putting complexity budget where it belongs, keeping sight of your pet cards, and much more.Hackett Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/sd4Make sure to check out the Blog for the write-up! - https://cubecobra.com/cube/blog/blogpost/4a9f3e75-9b4d-4913-82fe-6bdfb762f8bfJohn on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5fca9a3abada5f7f150c8b6cJohn is .crimsonyoshi on DiscordCube Gratitude 2025 - Follow the link below to share what you're thankful for in a special episode during the week of Thanksgiving: https://forms.gle/dFo3q1QoLxTRjm8j9Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Tom guides us through this deeply color-imbalanced, punishing environment where Black and Red rule and Bant offers power at a dangerous cost. This cube challenges players and design conventions in unexpected and delightful ways. We discuss building the best version of the experience you want, embracing what stands out about your project, not putting grapes in your ice cream, and much more.Volcano Manor on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/VolcanomanorUntap T.O.: https://untap.ca/Tom is ctide on DiscordCube Gratitude 2025 - Follow the link below to share what you're thankful for in a special episode during the week of Thanksgiving: https://forms.gle/dFo3q1QoLxTRjm8j9Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Now we reach the grand finale,Animale, carnivale.Noises new to sea and landIssue from the skillful band. (Ogden Nash)In this conversation, Celaena guides us through The Menagerie: Critters and Creepers - a collection of fantastic beasts that defy cube conventions. This is also Celaena's first cube project! We discuss embracing the support of your community, not playing the idea of a cube, being gracious with yourself, and much more.The Menagerie on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/themenagerieCelaena on Moxfield: https://moxfield.com/users/CelaenaSwordCelaena on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/celaena.bsky.socialEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, An helps answer the question "what's in a name?" Or perhaps, "what's a name in?" All 360 cards in the A(n) Cube feature An's name. We also explore her personal website where she documents different parts of her cube journey through writing. Join us as we explore thinking about thinking about cube, celebrating the joy of surprise, separating gameplay and analysis, and much more.An's Website: ⁠https://anoddandanend.com/⁠An is @recursiveacronym on DiscordA(n) Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/anEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Welcome to the Jam! On this episode, Dan shows off Hoopin, a basketball-flavored cube that has you fighting over the ball. Make sure you check out the Visual Spoiler on CubeCobra - it's a work of art! We explore going deep on a theme, balancing accessibility with aesthetics, what brings players back for a second draft, and much more.Hoopin on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/hoopinDan on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/dant.bsky.socialDan is @brinkleysound on DiscordEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

On this episode, Leland welcomes us into The An-Havva Inn, a medium-high-powered, graveyard-focused, bar cube. We explore the value of number crunching, how fixing impacts archetypes, and cherishing the Dermotaxis in your life.Leland is the host of a monthly conversational Magic-focused podcast. Be sure to check out Wild Dogs on Spotify and YouTube!The An-Havva Inn on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/anhavvainnWild Dogs on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VYrLLsN9eSm0uPzwWva2A?si=525d3957255045cfWild Dogs on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WildDogsPodLeland is on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilddogspod... and on most socials @WildDogsPodEmail this show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Ben guides us through his gargantuan art project - a fully hand-drawn cube! Each card in bbsheps vintage cube was individually illustrated, painted, and cut out with a scalpel to prepare for the table. We discuss wrestling with perfectionism as an artist, evaluating legitimacy of proxies, putting part of yourself into things you care about, and much more.bbsheps vintage on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/bbsheps?view=spoilerBen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbshepsmtg/Ben on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/bbsheps.bsky.socialBen is @bbsheps on DiscordEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Dirk talks about turning trash into treasure with the Trash Bag Cube, a collaborative project built from the local bargain bin. We also unpack his journey from a tournament grinder to a cube designer and what he's learned along the way. We explore creating positive discomfort, playing Magic for the love of the game, and remembering that no cuber is an island... not even the Blue players.Trash Bag Cube: https://www.cubecobra.com/cube/overview/ThisistrashDirk on CubeCobra: https://www.cubecobra.com/user/view/62450f237dd4c3409e7c9fc9Dirk on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/dirkjay.bsky.socialEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Andy graciously shares his passion this week by introducing us to Lucky Paper's Cube Fellowship, an opportunity to support the community by equipping dedicated players to participate in grassroots cube events. We explore attempting to define the cube community, the necessity of intentionality in community- and relationship-building, the value and growth of small cube events, and much more.Participate in the Fellowship: https://luckypaper.co/cube-fellowship/Learn more about all of Andy's projects: https://luckypaper.co/Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com