Hold onto your dice, adventurers! Dave Knighton, founder of Under the Wing Gaming, invites us on an epic journey through the realms of tabletop Role-Playing Games (RPGs). Brace yourselves for a wild ride as he unveils the hidden treasures, daunting challenges, and unexpected twists lurking in the darkness for game developers. But wait, there's more! Prepare yourself gamers. There is a steamy side to the RPG world. No spoilers here, but this promises to be as thrilling as a critical hit.

In the aftermath of infamous events like Fire Festival, Dash Con, and now the Willy Wonka Experience, what does it truly take to orchestrate a successful and legitimate convention? Join us this week as we discover the hidden truths behind these cultural phenomena and the untold stories that fuel the ultimate geek gatherings. The conversation this week includes industry insiders like Booking Agent Tricia Noel and Celebrity Guest Security Wynn Boggs.

Join me as I dive into the fascinating world of independent toys with Steve Forde, the innovative mind behind GoHero and Let’s Be Onyx. We uncover the secrets of the indie toy industry, from navigating licensing agreements to the complexities of manufacturing and exhibiting at conventions. Behind the scenes, it's not all fun and games—balancing the expectations of intellectual property owners, actors, and devoted fan bases can feel like a high-stakes juggling act. Steve reveals that resilience is key in this cutthroat industry. If you think it's all playtime, think again—there's serious business behind every indie toy creation!

In this week's episode, I sit down with Sarah de Gaudemar to delve into the fascinating world of stop-motion animation. With a diverse portfolio ranging from pummeling stars in the iconic "Celebrity Death Match" to breathing life into action figures on "Robot Chicken," Sarah brings a wealth of experience to the table. Together, we explore the gritty realities of working in the stop-motion industry, from the painstaking craftsmanship to the exhilarating creativity that fuels each project. But what does the future hold for stop-motion animation? As technology continues to advance, how might AI shape the landscape of this beloved art form? Sarah offers her seasoned perspective on these pressing questions. So, grab your popcorn and join us as we embark on a journey through the past, present, and future of stop-motion magic! Find Sarah de Gaudemar on Instagram: @sarah_de_gaudemar

Step right up, folks! Ever wondered where the magic happens when it comes to funding your artistic dreams? Join film producer Tom Malloy and I as we take-on the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry. We're diving headfirst into the wild world of funding. From chasing those elusive dollars to navigating the labyrinth of financing options, Tom spills the beans on how filmmakers are adapting to the streaming giants and how the digital revolution is reshaping the art of filmmaking? Get ready for some juicy insights and maybe a few popcorn-worthy surprises. And after more than 40 years, the Sundance Film Festival is looking for a new home. Is Park City Utah out? As a major player in the festival world, Tom offers his insight on this major move by an indie film festival icon.

PART 1

From Crank Yankers to Kidding, and a plethora of puppet-packed projects in between, buckle up as we dive into the wild world of puppetry with the dynamic duo, Sean and Patrick Johnson of Swazzle! These brothers reign supreme as the puppet monarchs, pulling the strings and stealing the show. This week, we're peeling back the fuzzy curtain to reveal the intricate business of puppet making. Brace yourselves for a journey through the craft, the quirks, and the sheer dedication it takes to bring these fabric friends to life on screen. Spoiler alert: it's not all rainbows and felt! Think making puppets is a breeze? Think again! We're debunking that myth faster than a puppeteer can change a sock. From the painstaking process to the wallet-wincing cost, crafting these characters is no joke. After all, creating a puppet isn't child's play – it's a serious art form that demands respect and a whole lot of fleece. But fear not, fellow puppet enthusiasts! Sean and Patrick are here to sprinkle some puppet wisdom and humor on our puppet-making journey. Get ready for a few surprises, laughs, and maybe even a puppet or two along the way. This podcast is about to get puppet-tastic!

PART 2

From Crank Yankers to Kidding, and a plethora of puppet-packed projects in between, buckle up as we dive into the wild world of puppetry with the dynamic duo, Sean and Patrick Johnson of Swazzle! These brothers reign supreme as the puppet monarchs, pulling the strings and stealing the show. This week, we're peeling back the fuzzy curtain to reveal the intricate business of puppet making. Brace yourselves for a journey through the craft, the quirks, and the sheer dedication it takes to bring these fabric friends to life on screen. Spoiler alert: it's not all rainbows and felt! Think making puppets is a breeze? Think again! We're debunking that myth faster than a puppeteer can change a sock. From the painstaking process to the wallet-wincing cost, crafting these characters is no joke. After all, creating a puppet isn't child's play – it's a serious art form that demands respect and a whole lot of fleece. But fear not, fellow puppet enthusiasts! Sean and Patrick are here to sprinkle some puppet wisdom and humor on our puppet-making journey. Get ready for a few surprises, laughs, and maybe even a puppet or two along the way. This podcast is about to get puppet-tastic!

This week’s podcast episode is a must-listen for fans of film and special effects. We are thrilled to welcome Oscar and Emmy-winning Makeup FX artist Howard Berger. With an impressive career spanning over 41 years, Howard has worked on some of the most iconic films in the industry, including The Chronicles of Narnia, Evil Dead, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Child’s Play. In our engaging conversation, Howard delves into the fascinating story behind the creation of KNB EFX Group, a leading name in the special effects world. He shares anecdotes and insights from his journey, highlighting the creativity and dedication that have driven his career. We also discuss the significant challenges currently facing the makeup FX industry. Howard sheds light on the profound impacts of the post-pandemic era, the recent actors' strike, and the advent of artificial intelligence. These elements have collectively reshaped the landscape, presenting new hurdles for artists. A particularly compelling segment of our conversation centers on the influence of social media.

The other day, it seemed like the local coffee shop had transformed into a teachers' confessional booth. One teacher from an art school took the stage—or rather, the counter—and unleashed a tirade that was nothing short of a dramatic performance. With a cup of joe in hand, she revealed her candid thoughts on budding artists and creatives, leaving us with front-row seats to her unexpected mission to sideline those dreams. Her words were as bold as the coffee she sipped, and here's the juicy scoop on what she said.