Ep. 110: Mahj with Lance Enters the Chat & Our New Theme Song Debuts!

It’s our 10th episode, and we’re celebrating with a major mahj-lebrity: Lance Karp of Maj With Lance — teacher, collector, mahjong storyteller, and one of the most influential voices helping grow the game right now.Jason and Ira talk with Lance about how mahjong became his passion, why the game is having such a powerful cultural moment, and how the table can reconnect people in a world that feels more divided and distracted than ever. We get into men joining the game, the beauty of teaching beginners, the magic of vintage sets, Kelly Ripa’s mahjong skills, and why the National Mah Jongg League card still matters.Plus, Lance weighs in on the big debates: playing for money, food at the table, stopping the Charleston, alternative cards, defensive play, and why 2026 may officially be the year of the pivot.And yes, Ira’s quest to win every hand on the card continues. Only about 1,399 games to go, bro.In this episode:Lance Karp joins the Mahj BrosIra’s summer challenge updateThe debut of our new Mahjcast theme songWhy mahjong is exploding right nowMen at the table and growing the game2026 card strategy and hands we loveLance plays along for a special edition of Call It!Kelly Ripa, dream tables and the energy vintage sets bringListen now on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts. May the jokers be with you.