Step into the seance circle of trading cards, cryptids, and community with MetaZoo News: The Podcast. Each episode dives into the latest happenings in the world of MetaZoo—covering product launches, organized play updates, convention highlights, artist spotlights, and the conversations shaping the game’s future. But it’s not just headlines: we’ll unpack the stories behind the news, explore the lore and design of fan-favorite cards, and hear from voices across the community—from players and collectors to creators and artists. Whether you’re here for competitive insights, sealed product drops, or just love chasing Mothman, this is your weekly guide to all things MetaZoo.
EP12 - New Year News, Favorite Cards & Trading with Meta.Carpals
This week meta.shab and meta.carpals discuss the latest happenings in the world of MetaZoo, go over their favorite cards in each set and end with a new trading segment of the show! Topics covered include:
The future of MetaZoo Mondays
New Product SKUs in the New Year
Dynamic Deck Distributor Info
Big Box Big Success!
Prize Packs
New Ways of Enjoying MetaZoo including "Visual-Driven Formats"!
We also cover:
Eric & Angela's favorite cards from each set
Completing sets with Meta.Carpals
What were your favorite cards from each set? Send us a DM to be featured!
🔗 metazoonews.com
📸 @metazoo.news | @meta.shab | @meta.carpals
1 Jan 2026
EP11 - 2025 End of Year Round Up!
Today, we take a look back at MetaZoo and MetaZooNews in 2025 and talk about what is to come in 2026!
Topics Include:
MZN History - Interviews, Analysts, Artists
Website Features - Database, Deckbuilder
Collect-A-Con Recaps & Friends We've Met Along the Way
Tournament Coverage (NJ CaC & Christmas Tournament)
New Website Features & Hopes for the Future
Website: https://www.MetaZooNews.com
Instagram: @metazoo.news | @meta.shab | @meta.carpals
6 Nov 2025
EP10 - Global Cryptids, Prize Packs, and Holiday Surprises
Casters, this week’s MetaZoo Monday was packed with updates—from new card spoilers to fresh news on Prize Pack Series 1 and the upcoming Secret Shadows release.
We break down Charlie’s reveals, including the textured Loveland Frogman promo coming to New Jersey Collect-A-Con, new details on the Secret Shadows rollout and retail blister packs, and three stunning new creature cards: Grafton Monster, Bakunawa, and Teke Teke.
Plus, we look ahead to the Northern Virginia MetaZoo Crew holiday event and discuss Charlie’s comments about a possible return of the MetaZoo Magazine.
Listen now for the full recap and community highlights.
🔗 metazoonews.com
📸 @metazoo.news | @meta.shab | @meta.carpals
30 Oct 2025
EP9 – Bigfoot in the Booth: Houston Collect-A-Con, Spoilers & Community Talk
Step behind the MetaZoo booth at Houston Collect-A-Con for a firsthand look at one wild weekend! From the return of the infamous red retro tablecloths to the grand reappearance of the inflatable Mothman, this episode has it all—including my Sunday adventure inside the new full-sized Bigfoot mascot costume.
I also break down the latest Raven Mocker and Sea Salt spoilers, share details about the MetaZoo Pumpkin Carving Contest, and dive into some recent community drama around TCGplayer access. Finally, I push back against the doom and gloom in the Discord and talk about why I still believe the best is yet to come for MetaZoo.
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!
🌐 metazoonews.com
📸 Instagram: @metazoo.news | @meta.shab | @meta.carpals
22 Oct 2025
EP8 - Spoilers, Big Box Breakthroughs, and the Future of MetaZoo Collecting
Casters, this MetaZoo Monday was packed with reveals, announcements, and insight straight from Charlie Hurlocker. We’re breaking down every major moment — from the five new creature spoilers and their fresh gameplay mechanics, to MetaZoo blisters hitting big box stores this holiday season, to behind-the-scenes talk about Pokémon’s influence, Topps-style collector sets, and serialization plans for 2026.
We’ll also highlight upcoming artist signings featuring Fran Lobato, Pierre Broissand, Poncho, and Seb, and talk about how MetaZoo continues to grow both on the competitive table and in the collector space.
Listen in for a full recap, analysis, and community reaction to one of the most loaded MetaZoo Mondays yet.
Read all related articles now at MetaZooNews.com
Follow us on Instagram:
🔹 @metazoo.news
🔹 @meta.shab
🔹 @meta.carpals
14 Oct 2025
EP7 - Conventions, MetaZoologists, & Old Zoo Drama
In Episode 7, we’re back from Chicago Collect-A-Con with stories, interviews, and updates from the MetaZoo community. We discuss the newly opened MetaZoologist certification exam, shout out MZN’s amazing contributors and retailers, and unpack the latest Discord debates surrounding “Old Zoo” and community rules. It’s a packed episode that dives into both the fun and friction that keep MetaZoo’s world alive.
Website: https://metazoonews.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/metazoo.news | https://instagram.com/meta.shab | https://instagram.com/meta.carpals
Casters,
In this episode of MetaZoo News: The Podcast, we dive into the Secret Shadows booster box leak and the discussion it’s sparked across the community. We take a closer look at the cryptids featured on the packaging — and the ones that aren’t — while exploring the boundaries of how dark MetaZoo artwork can go before crossing into territory the brand might want to avoid.
Should MetaZoo lean fully into its horror roots with sets like Nightfall, or keep things accessible for younger players? We unpack that creative tension and what it means for the game’s future tone.
Then we shift to the latest updates on MetaZooNews.com, including the expanded card database, new Featured YouTubers grid, the growing Retailer Resource list, and the introduction of our monthly Server Donation Fund — a transparent way for the community to help keep MetaZoo News running strong.
Website: https://metazoonews.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/metazoo.news | https://instagram.com/meta.shab | https://instagram.com/meta.carpals
Featured Retailers: https://metazoonews.com/metazoo-retailers/
1 Oct 2025
EP 5 - Headless Horseman, Haunted Tournaments & High Hopes
This week on the podcast we dive into the latest MetaZoo Monday, where the focus was on the art and direction of Secret Shadows. We talk through how the creative team balances spooky themes with PG-13 boundaries, the community’s wishlist of future products, and the reveal of the haunting new Headless Horseman card. We also cover stories from Legends Expo, a tease of haunted tournaments, and what the future might hold for rarity tiers. Beyond the Q&A, we reflect on GWOAT’s final MetaZoo stream on Whatnot and share a quick community roundup, capturing a week filled with both new beginnings and bittersweet farewells.
Website: https://metazoonews.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/metazoo.news | https://instagram.com/meta.shab | https://instagram.com/meta.carpals
24 Sept 2025
EP4 - Hex Counters, Retail Moves, and MetaZoo’s Longevity
Casters, Episode 4 is loaded with big reveals and important updates. We kick things off with the spoiler of Luna Rake, a Dark-type caster introducing the new Hex Counters mechanic, and dive into what this means for gameplay. From there, we look at the future of Card Pro and a MetaZoo magazine, discuss fresh details on prize packs and tournament prizing, and cover Charlie’s comments on why Secret Shadows booster boxes won’t glow in the dark. We also touch on blister packs moving closer to hitting a major retailer, a sign that MetaZoo’s reach is expanding fast.
The conversation continues with lore and storytelling, as Charlie addressed concerns about MetaZoo drifting too far from reality. He emphasized that cryptids remain grounded in our world and teased how Set 4 will weave mechanics and narrative together in new ways. We also highlight MacDeezyTCG’s debut article on MZN, which makes a strong case for an online client, while noting Charlie’s confirmation that a digital app isn’t in the works yet due to costs and long-term maintenance challenges.
To close, we look at the bigger picture with Charlie’s comments on the longevity of MetaZoo, including a reminder of the 10-year development deal with GQL that underscores their long-term vision. And of course, our community spotlight features the latest from TMXComics, ZelesTCG, BunnymanProductions, MetaZoo Menace, DPD, and the Jackalope Club Podcast.
Website: https://metazoonews.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/metazoo.news | https://instagram.com/meta.shab | https://instagram.com/meta.carpals
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@metazoonews
MZ Official Discord: https://discord.com/invite/metazootcg
17 Sept 2025
EP3 - Bloody Mary, Community Creators, and What’s Missing
Casters, in this episode of the MetaZoo News Podcast we open with the latest spoiler — the chilling arrival of Bloody Mary — and reflect on how new reveals continue to shape excitement for the game.
I also share a call for opinion pieces on MetaZooNews.com, introduce our newest contributor MacDeezyTCG, and extend an invitation to voice actors who might want to join the Conjuring of Cryptids lore readings.
Along the way, I make the case for why MetaZoo Monday should never be skipped and respond to a listener’s concern about the lack of plushies, shirts, and accessories in the product lineup.
We close with a community roundup, highlighting creators like Frostbyte Labs, Crispy1992, the Jackalope Podcast, ZelesTCG, TMX, Metazoo Maniac, and MetaZoo Menace. It’s a full conversation about spoilers, creators, and the voices that keep MetaZoo thriving.
11 Sept 2025
A Conjuring of Cryptids - Chapter 2
Casters, the saga of A Conjuring of Cryptids continues. In Chapter Two, our narrator turns fifteen — and his birthday wish takes him north to the legendary Loch Ness. What begins as a family trip quickly transforms into something far more mysterious when his mother reveals a secret: he, too, is a caster.
Armed with a spellbook and a blank card, he makes his first attempt at mapping a cryptid. But when the Loch Ness Monster surfaces, he isn’t the only one trying to capture it. A rival appears, and with him, a fateful word is spoken — “erzfeind”… arch-enemy.
Join me as I give voice to this pivotal chapter where the world of cryptids, casters, and conflicts truly begins to unfold.
Chapter 2 Full Text: https://metazootcg.com/en/lore/a-conjuring-of-cryptids-chapter-2
11 Sept 2025
A Conjuring of Cryptids - Chapter 1
Casters, welcome to the launch of a brand-new series on the show: a reading of the MetaZoo lore saga, A Conjuring of Cryptids.
We begin with Chapter One — a haunting origin story told through the eyes of a boy born under extraordinary circumstances in 1922 Scotland. His mother’s desperate plea brings a mysterious midwife to the door… but this is no ordinary visitor. What follows is a chilling encounter that ties his life to cryptids forever.
Join me as I bring this opening chapter to life with narration and voices, setting the stage for the unfolding MetaZoo mythos.
Follow along or read for yourself here: https://metazootcg.com/en/lore/a-conjuring-of-cryptids-chapter-1
10 Sept 2025
EP2 - Secret Shadows, Spooky Rips, and Community Shakeups
This week on the MetaZoo News Podcast, we break down the latest MetaZoo Monday with the reveal of Secret Shadows, the next Dark-themed set. We cover Bunny Man’s return, updates on convention plans, and hints at a brand-new chase product in the works.
We also explore alternate play formats for the updated MetaZoo rules.
In the Community Roundup, we spotlight fresh content from Zeles TCG, DPD19, the Jackalope Club Podcast, and MetaZooManiac’s unforgettable Nightfall rip under the lunar eclipse.
And finally, Shab discusses the most recent controversy at the end of MetaZoo Monday.
Website: https://metazoonews.com
IG: @metazoo.news
Youtube: @metazoonews
2 Sept 2025
EP1 - From Prize Packs to Promos: Kicking Off MetaZoo News: The Podcast
Casters, welcome to the very first episode of MetaZoo News: The Podcast! I’m Shab — also known as Mr. MZN — executive editor of MetaZooNews.com. In this debut episode, we’re breaking down the biggest stories from the September 1st MetaZoo Monday:
Organized Play takes shape with prize packs, tournament kits, and near-finalized rules.
The product roadmap reveals blister packs hitting retail, Dynamic Decks, and the Dark Set in 2025.
Lore and cryptid updates include a children’s book in the works, the return of Wendigo, and new Flatwoods Monster art.
Community and convention news highlight creator strategies, event promos, and the upcoming release of Promo 003 at Collect-A-Con Chicago.
Along the way, I’ll share my own perspective on what these developments mean for players, collectors, and the broader MetaZoo community.
This is just the beginning — future episodes will feature guest interviews, deckbuilding discussions, and deeper dives into the stories shaping MetaZoo’s next chapter.
Website: https://www.metazoonews.com/
Caster's Cup Discord: https://discord.gg/CastersCup
MetaZooKeeper's Discord: https://discord.com/invite/3TbRE4fbrP
https://www.metazookeepers.com/
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