Mahjong & Mics

What happens when the guys take a seat at the Mahjong table? In “Men Who Mahj,” we sit down with five men who are helping grow the game: Brent Reinke (@mywifeplaysmahjong), Andrew Keeler (@mister_mahjong), Andrew Baldino (@mahjongwithandrew), Phil Martin, and Lance Karp (@mahjwithlance). We explore the differences between men and women at the Mahjong table, what draws guys to this increasingly popular game, and how we can get more men on board with the Mahjong trend. From strategy and competition to camaraderie and community, these conversations prove that Mahjong isn’t just a game for the girls—it’s a game for everyone!

Ready to shop for your next Mahjong set? In Tile Shopping 101, we’re talking tile graphics, colors, size, and quality—and sharing our personal preferences and recommendations along the way. From hard-to-read designs to tiles that make an already complicated game even more confusing, we’ll help you know what to look for and what to avoid. Whether it’s your first set or your fifth, our goal is to help you find tiles you’ll love playing with long after the excitement of the purchase wears off!

When your hand isn’t coming together, do you stick it out or change course? In this episode, we’re talking all things pivoting in American Mahjong—from recognizing the signs that it’s time to switch hands to knowing when to hold your ground. We explore strategy, timing, exposures, backup plans, and the very real struggle of breaking up with a hand you’ve fallen in love with. Because sometimes the smartest move isn’t chasing the hand you wanted—it’s knowing when to let it go!

We sit down with Avery Burns of Rocky Mountain Mahjong to talk about the journey that made her the player, teacher, community builder, and Mahjong personality she is today. Avery shares her perspective on resilience, the power of kindness, and her passion for creating welcoming Mahjong communities through teaching and philanthropy. We also get into her serious side as a tournament player—including strategy, competition, and what it takes to play at the highest level—while having plenty of fun with the playful, over-the-top personality that makes Avery so much fun to watch and listen to. It’s a conversation about resilience, kindness, competition, community…and, of course, Mahjong!

In this episode, we’re Playing It Forward! We dive into the world of Mahjong events that give back, from creative tournament and gathering ideas to different ways to raise funds for a cause. We also explore meaningful ways to make a difference that don’t cost a dime. Whether you’re planning a big event or simply want to use your Mahjong community to do some good, we’ve got plenty of ideas to inspire you to play with purpose.

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of online American Mahjong—from playing against bots to sitting down at a virtual table with players from anywhere. We’ll compare some of the most popular Mahjong apps and sites, talk about what we love, and share what first-time online players should know before they click “Join Game.” Is online Mahjong as fun as playing around the table with friends? Let’s find out!

We talk about Molly’s new app, TileTime, and then dive into the many sides of Mahjong Molly—as a teacher, mentor, influencer, strategist, and player. It’s a fun conversation about her approach to the game, the Mahjong community, and what she’s learned along the way.

What if your love language isn’t Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, or Physical Touch—but Mahjong? In this playful episode, we’re putting a Mahjong spin on the five love languages and exploring how each one shows up around the table. From setting up the perfect game to celebrating a friend’s big win, find out how you give and receive Mahjong love—and take our quiz to discover your very own Mahjong Love Language!

Pairs may be small, but they can have a BIG impact on your American Mahjong game! In this episode of Mahjong and Mics, we're talking all things pairs—from the golden pairs we desperately want to protect to the dangerous pairs that keep us hanging onto a hand that just isn't happening. When should you keep a pair? When should you break it? We'll explore the strategy, psychology, and downright emotional attachment that comes with those two matching tiles.

Come listen as Nancy de Zutter joins us to take us behind the scenes of Mahjong history! Nancy was one of the four players who recently broke the Guinness World Record for the longest Mahjong game. She shares the exhaustion, strategy, laughs, challenges, and unforgettable moments from 48 hours at the table.

What would you rather do at the Mahjong table? In this fun and fast-paced episode of Mahjong and Mics, we're putting ourselves—and our Mahjong preferences—to the test with a hilarious collection of “Would You Rather?” questions. From game play and strategy to Mahjong personalities, pet peeves, and ridiculous scenarios, we're debating the choices that every Mahjong player can relate to. Which choices would you make? Listen along and see if your answers match ours!

Is Mahjong all about the tiles you draw, or do great players create their own luck? Tina and Michelle tackle the age-old debate of luck versus skill, sharing personal stories, spirited opinions, and practical insights into what really leads to winning at the Mahjong table.

In this episode, we sit down with the team behind Miss Mahjong, a Wichita-based tile company, to hear the story behind their business, what inspires their beautiful designs, and how they landed an exciting collaboration with Hallmark. From creating unique tiles to seeing them featured in a Hallmark movie, it's a fun conversation full of creativity, entrepreneurship, and plenty of Mahjong magic.

Mah Jongg Maven has been a trusted name in the Mahjong world for nearly three decades, and in this episode, we sit down with Debbie Levin Katz to learn how she took the reins of this iconic brand during Mahjong's recent boom. We talk about the enduring appeal of the company’s customized jokers, how the Mahjong business has evolved over the years, and the exciting recent collaboration between Mah Jongg Maven and a world-famous entity.

Michelle and Tina each bring five of their favorite Mahjong strategies to the mic, sharing practical tips for both beginners and seasoned players. From Charleston choices to table-reading tactics, they reveal what's worked for them—and what hasn't—all with plenty of laughs and lively conversation along the way.

This week, we sit down with Anna Nguyen, Creative Director and Graphic Designer for Oh My Mahjong, to explore the creative vision behind one of Mahjong's most recognizable brands. Anna shares her journey to OMM, the inspiration behind their iconic tiles and mats, and how design is helping shape the modern Mahjong experience. Plus, we talk about her personal love of the game and what a perfect Mahjong night looks like.

Can we talk about this?! In this episode, we're putting five controversial Mahjong hot topics on the table and debating both sides. Should hosts make their own rules? Is Mahjong night about winning or socializing? Are modern tile designs ruining the game—or making it better? Grab your card and prepare to pick a side as we tackle some of Mahjong's most passionate debates.

What happens when Mahjong meets a pool party? Mahj POOLooza! Join us as we relive the memorable moments from Michelle's day-long Mahjong celebration, review pool mats and floating accessories, and share the products that made playing in the water surprisingly fun and successful. If you've ever dreamed of taking your game poolside, this episode is for you.

This week, we sit down with Lara of Lara's Mahjong Edit for a conversation packed with practical teaching advice, smart game-play strategies, and plenty of Mahjong inspiration. Lara shares how she's built a unique business centered on helping players build confidence at the table. Whether you're learning or looking to sharpen your game, this episode is full of valuable takeaways.

This week on Mahjong and Mics, we enter the world of Mahjong speed dating as we sit down with five alternative Mahjong cards to see which ones steal our hearts. We explore the personalities, play styles, quirks, and chaos levels of cards released by The Mahjong Line, American Mahjong Society, Miss Mahjong, Mahjong & Magnolia, and Oh My Mahjong. Take a listen while we reveal what it’s really like to play each card and what your favorite alternative card might secretly say about you.