The Battlegorilla LEGO Podcast

A preview of LEGO in 2025 and a look at the rumor that we'll be getting the first LEGO Star Trek set

In this episode, we look at September 2024's BrickCon event in Bellevue, Washington

Back from hiatus! (Did you miss me?)

Well, I recorded it. Edited it. Now I'm uploading it. And I STILL don't know what this episode is about.

In this episode I delve into the world of brick-built trophies and tokens of appreciation in the LEGO community. From the unique designs of trophies awarded at LEGO conventions to the growing trend of AFOLs leaving miniature creations as tokens of admiration at MOCs, I explore the origins, significance, and personal experiences with these forms of recognition.

In this episode, I explore the current landscape of themed month-long build challenges in the LEGO community, identifying gaps in the calendar and proposing creative solutions.

In this episode we take you on a nostalgic journey filled with iconic TV shows and films. From discussing the recent LEGO Ideas contest themed around 1980s properties to exploring the possibility of a collaborative build focused on 1985's memorable releases at Bricks Cascade.

Dive into the exciting world of the LEGO and Dungeons & Dragons fusion. Explore the history of both hobbies, from childhood introductions to the highly anticipated collaboration between Wizards of the Coast and the LEGO Group. Get a review of the first-ever LEGO D&D set and a sneak peek at the upcoming collectible minifigures series, all while unraveling the nostalgic journey of discovery and creativity. Don't miss this thrilling episode that celebrates the 50-year milestone of Dungeons & Dragons and the magic of LEGO building.

In this episode I delve into the intriguing world of fan fiction within LEGO creations. Exploring the blurred lines between original storytelling and established intellectual properties like Star Wars and Ghostbusters. I question whether creating MOCs set in existing universes qualifies as fan fiction. 

In memory of Dennis Halliday, this episode serves as a follow-up to the earlier Bricks Cascade episode, offering insights into the upcoming LEGO convention's public exhibition. I discuss ticket details, programming highlights including appearances by LEGO Masters cast members, and personal updates on my convention plans. Along with heartfelt memories of Dennis, a dear friend and avid supporter of the podcast. 

In this episode I delve into the art of storytelling through LEGO creations. Reflecting on my childhood aspirations and the evolution of his creative journey, I share how storytelling has always been at the core of his passion.

This episode delves into the intriguing world of Space Western MOCs. Exploring the fusion of western-style narratives with science fiction environments, the episode uncovers the nuances of this subgenre while sharing personal experiences and creative insights. From discussing the origins and influences of Space Westerns in popular culture to detailing the process of building unique MOCs, listeners are treated to a captivating journey through the cosmic frontier. With anecdotes, design challenges, and imaginative concepts, this episode offers a rich tapestry of storytelling and LEGO craftsmanship, inviting enthusiasts to embark on their own space western adventures.

In this episode we delve into the fascinating world of Marchikoma, a traditional month-long build challenge where LEGO enthusiasts create spider-like weapons platforms inspired by the iconic designs from the Ghost in the Shell franchise. 

In this episode, we delve into the world of LEGO Star Trek creations, exploring the intersection of two beloved universes: LEGO and Star Trek. While LEGO has never officially obtained the license to produce Star Trek sets, the passion for building in the Star Trek universe remains strong among fans. We discuss the various non-LEGO plastic brick manufacturers who have dabbled in Star Trek sets, from Mega Blocks to Kre-O and beyond. Additionally, we explore the realm of Star Trek MOCs (My Own Creations), detailing the types of builds enthusiasts can create and where to find printed Starfleet uniform torsos from custom accessory manufacturers. Despite the absence of official LEGO Star Trek sets, we emphasize the endless possibilities for Star Trek-themed builds using LEGO bricks. 

In this episode, I take you on a journey through the excitement building up to Portland Oregon's annual Bricks Cascade LEGO convention, just six weeks away. Delve into the world of LEGO games, MOC displays, presentations, workshops, and more. Discover the MOC themes, including the 2024 theme "Rose City," and get a sneak peek into the thrilling LEGO games lined up for the convention. Uncover the unique challenges of the draft, explore the exhibition hall, and learn about the diverse themes shaping this LEGO enthusiast's haven. Plus, find out about the quirky Aardvark theme and my campaign for it to become the official convention mascot.

Reflecting on the evolution of my LEGO storage from childhood pillowcases to dedicated rooms, in this episode I explore the dream of having a personal LEGO space. I chronicle my journey from cramped living spaces to the realization of a LEGO room in my current apartment. After encountering impressive LEGO rooms in the community, the episode takes a surprising turn as I contemplates transforming my entire living area into a LEGO room and podcast studio. Fueled by late-night insomnia-induced ideas, I discusses the challenges and benefits of this "LEGO room inversion," promising more updates on this unique project. 

In this episode, I delve into the upcoming FebRovery challenge, a month-long celebration of LEGO rover building. Exploring the history of classic space rovers, the accidental origins of FebRovery, and the freedom it brings to LEGO enthusiasts, Join the fun and check out what's rolling on this episode!

In this episode, join me in a revealing exploration of my experiment with True LEGO Crime, where I discuss my quest to attract True Crime enthusiasts to the LEGO world.

In this episode I take a peek at (my understanding of) the origin of the Monster Fighters theme stemming from the Collectable Minifigures series, and speculate about six other themes that could have potentially spun off from the same source.

In this episode, we break down the unveiling of Lego's 2024 offerings, from space-themed wonders to Animal Crossing adventures. But wait, there's more! We delve into third-party accessories, and we touch on the upcoming Bricks Cascade 2024 Lego convention.

In this episode of the Battlegorilla LEGO Podcast, we delve into the world of the upcoming Droneuary build challenge, marking its tenth anniversary. Join me as we explore the origins, evolution, and unique characteristics of LEGO drones, moving beyond conventional definitions. Featuring insights from Michael Willhoit, one of the challenge's originators, I'll unveil the cyberpunk-inspired humanoid robots that Droneuary celebrates.

"Welcome to the Battlegorilla LEGO Podcast, episode 21, where we break the LEGO podcasting barriers and dive into the secrets behind reaching the elite 1% of podcast longevity.

In this episode I take you on a journey through the evolution of minifigure customization, sharing personal stories and insights. From the early days of hand-painted Spider-Man figures to the intricacies of purist customs and the realm of third-party upgrades, I unravel the artistry and creativity behind each customized piece. Discover the techniques of using stickers, waterslide decals, and even 3D printing to bring your minifigure visions to life. Dive into the vibrant world of professional and semi-professional customizers, offering a vast array of characters from various franchises, and learn about the unique and unexpected customs that enthusiasts bring to LEGO minifigures. Whether you're a seasoned customizer or new to the scene, this episode provides a captivating exploration of the endless possibilities in the realm of custom LEGO minifigures.

In this episode we explore the world of Adult Fans of LEGO and their relentless pursuit of elusive sets known as "white whales" or "holy grails." Join the discussion on the diverse paths AFOLs take in obtaining their white whales, from vintage childhood sets to MOCs, minifigures, and individual pieces.

Episode 18 of the Battlegorilla LEGO Podcast takes you on a journey through LEGO's values, addressing the recent stir around a TV-MA minifigure. Uncover the complexities of planned podcast topics, unexpected events, and the intricacies of LEGO's decision-making. Gain insights into LEGO's values and the list of topics they exclude, exploring the thin line between creativity and brand identity.

Dive into the cosmic world of LEGO creations in Episode 17 of the Battlegorilla LEGO Podcast, titled "Building Beyond: Inside the Space Jam Sci-Fi Build Contest." Host Mike Snethen explores the intricacies of the upcoming Space Jam, a two-month sci-fi build contest starting on December 1st. Uncover the origins, rules, and categories of this unique challenge that promises creativity, challenge, and, most importantly, fun. Discover how this contest, rooted in the love of sci-fi builds, evolved from the LEGO Castle community's Summer Joust and became a cornerstone in the AFOL community's calendar. Get ready for a journey through the past categories, insights from the contest creator Micah Beideman, and a sneak peek into what this year's Space Jam might unveil. It's more than just bricks; it's an intergalactic adventure!

In this episode, we explore the holiday shopping season, focusing on gift ideas for Lego fans. From Lego sets to exclusive deals, we've got your shopping guide covered.

This episode reveals the magical fusion of LEGO and tabletop roleplaying games. Discover how integrating LEGO into your RPG sessions can enhance your adventures, from mimics to character minifigures, custom battle grids, and creative puzzles. Dive into a world of endless possibilities as you explore how LEGO can elevate your tabletop gaming experience.

In this Halloween episode, host Mike Snethen delves into topics like trick-or-treating, costuming, and the iconic Frankenstein monster. He explores the world of LEGO-inspired Halloween, from polybags for trick-or-treaters to spooky minifigures. Mike shares his vision of a future Halloween when he can be the favorite trick-or-treat destination by giving away LEGO. He also discusses the teal pumpkin project, which focuses on food allergies during Halloween. The episode explores LEGO's connection to the Frankenstein mythos, with mentions of the Monster Fighters theme and collectible minifigures. Mike's complaint about the lack of the Bride of Frankenstein in the LEGO universe is passionately expressed.

In this episode, host Mike Snethen dives into the world of NnoVVember, the annual LEGO build challenge that celebrates Vic Viper starfighters. Mike explores the history of this challenge, its connection to the Gradius video game series, and the creative process of building these iconic spaceships. He shares insights into his personal journey with Vic Viper building and offers some advice for those interested in participating in NnoVVember.

Mike takes you on a journey through the world of adult fans of LEGO (AFOLs) and their love for adult beverages. While he might not partake in alcoholic drinks himself, Mike explores the many ways in which LEGO and alcohol connect, from casual evenings of Bricks and Booze to competitive drunken speed building competitions. Discover how the trend of mixing LEGO and alcohol has evolved, and hear about some unique bars and events where adults come together to build and enjoy their favorite drinks. Mike also delves into the world of creating LEGO bars, taverns, and other drinking establishments. From third-party accessories like minifigure-scale liquor bottles to the challenges of building bars for minifigures, you'll learn how LEGO enthusiasts are using their creativity to craft the perfect drinks and bar scenes. Don't miss this episode that combines the playful world of LEGO with the fun and camaraderie of enjoying adult beverages in a uniquely creative way.

In this episode, we dive deep into the intriguing world of clone bricks, revealing the pros and cons of these alternative LEGO products. We explore the history of clone bricks and their impact on the LEGO community. From the early days of Tyco Super Blocks to the rise of Mega Bloks and beyond, we unravel the choices that LEGO enthusiasts face when it comes to staying true to the LEGO brand or exploring clone alternatives. Discover the slippery slope that can lead even the most devoted LEGO purists into the realm of third-party accessories and counterfeit minifigures. Join us on this journey through the evolving landscape of LEGO building.

Join your host, Mike Snethen, as he embarks on a whimsical journey into the world of LEGO's rarest and most coveted piece, the LEGO goat. In this episode, you'll discover the fascinating story behind this elusive goat, its rise to collector's fame, and the passionate community dedicated to acquiring it. From parts drafts to the quest for a new goat mold, this episode explores the quirky and endearing world of LEGO goats. Tune in for a LEGO adventure like no other!

In this episode, we delve into the exciting world of Mechtober, the October monthly build challenge that's captured the hearts of LEGO enthusiasts. But first, we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to explore the origins of October's brick-building traditions, from Ma.Ktoberfest to the birth of Mechtober. Discover the fascinating backstory of Ma.Ktoberfest, a build challenge inspired by the sci-fi universe of Maschinen Krieger. Uncover the twists and turns of this unique intellectual property's journey and its impact on the LEGO community. Learn how Mechtober emerged during a global pandemic, thanks to the creative minds of Simon Liu and Markus Rollbuhler. Dive into the mechanics of Mechtober: a four-week-long challenge that invites builders to create a cohesive team of mechs, each with its distinct function. Our host shares personal insights into his journey with LEGO mechs, including the trials and tribulations of building his first ever mech MOC, the Sleigh-and-Eight. Find out how a convention mishap led to an impromptu "knee replacement surgery" for this unique creation. Then, join us on our host's quest to participate in Mechtober while producing a weekly podcast, and the creative struggle to choose what mechs to build. We explore the evolution of ideas, from IP-based mechs to unique concepts like Oktoberfest-themed mechs and medieval fantasy mechsuits. Tune in to witness the excitement, challenges, and creativity that Mechtober promises. Will our host successfully complete the Mechtober challenge? It's a month-long journey filled with building, storytelling, and LEGO passion. So, fasten your bricks and join us on this thrilling adventure!

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of personal LEGO City layouts, exploring the creativity and dedication of AFOLs who build their own semi-permanent LEGO cities. Join us as we discuss the intricacies of Minifigure Scale Urban Planning and the unique challenges and joys of constructing these miniature metropolises.

My story of attending BrickCon 2023 virtually from the comfort of my own computer chair.

Episode Description: In this episode of the Battlegorilla LEGO Podcast, we're diving deep into a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Mike's first-ever BrickCon experience in 2013. Join us as we explore the journey from the initial decision to attend this LEGO convention to the unexpected twists, building challenges, and the ultimate decision to bring a unique MOC (My Own Creation) to the event. Along the way, we'll also share stories of fellow AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO) and lessons learned during this remarkable convention adventure. Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt episode packed with LEGO enthusiasm!

In this episode of the Battle Gorilla LEGO Podcast (Episode 5), titled "Mastering Minimalism: The Lego Haiku's Art of Expression in 575," host Mike Snethen dives into a fascinating journey of creativity and minimalistic LEGO building. Mike introduces the concept of the "Lego Haiku," a specific build style he developed, inspired by the Japanese poetry form. He shares his thoughts on the significance of numbers and explains the process of crafting intricate creations with just 17 pieces, split into sections of 5 and 7 parts. The episode delves into the origins of the project, its challenges, and the unique satisfaction of creating meaningful narratives with minimal elements. Throughout the discussion, Mike reflects on the mocs he built as part of the Lego Haiku project and shares insights from his experience displaying them at conventions. Join him in exploring the art of mastering minimalism in LEGO building.

In this episode of the Battlegorilla LEGO podcast, join host Mike Snethen on a journey through the captivating universe of the SHIPtember build challenge. As we take a deep dive into this annual event, get ready to uncover the secrets behind the SHIP acronym, its origins, and the remarkable enormity of the challenge. From humble beginnings to a thriving tradition, learn about the evolution of SHIPtember and how it has captured the imagination of AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO) worldwide. Episode Highlights: Introducing SHIPtember: Discover the fascinating history and significance of SHIPtember, a month-long build challenge that beckons LEGO enthusiasts to construct "Significantly Huge Investment in Parts" spaceships. A Community of Builders: Mike Snethen delves into the AFOL community's other month-long build challenges, sharing intriguing details about events like Droneuary, Febrovery, and Mechtober. The Birth of SHIPtember: Learn about how Simon Liu's challenge to build a SHIP in 30 days led to the creation of SHIPtember, a tradition that has stood the test of time. Rules and Creativity: Explore the rules and guidelines of SHIPtember, including the minimum size requirements and the freedom to interpret the concept of a spaceship. Notable SHIPs: Join Mike as he highlights the diverse range of SHIPs built during SHIPtember, from colossal interstellar cargo ships to intricate miniature designs. The Convoy Collaborative: Get a sneak peek into this year's collaborative build, Convoy, where builders reimagine a "Space Truckin'" concept art piece in unique ways. Mike's SHIP Adventures: Follow Mike's personal journey in navigating his desire to participate in SHIPtember, his evolving design ideas, and his commitment to creative endeavors. So, buckle up and prepare to soar through the cosmos of creativity, exploration, and building mastery in this engaging episode of the Battlegorilla LEGO podcast. Whether you're an AFOL veteran or new to the world of LEGO creations, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the SHIPtember phenomenon. Get ready to launch into a world of bricks, spaceships, and limitless imagination!

Episode 3: Constructing Dystopian Dreams: Cyberpunk MOC Building Explained Dive into the neon-lit world of cyberpunk as we embark on Episode 3 of the Battlegorilla LEGO Podcast. In this electrifying episode, your host Mike Snethen takes you on a journey through the captivating realm of cyberpunk LEGO creations. Discover the essence of cyberpunk, its key elements, and its influence on literature, movies, and more. From defining the cyberpunk aesthetic to exploring the three distinct environments within this genre, Mike provides insights into creating your own cyberpunk-themed MOCs (My Own Creations). Uncover the secret to designing cyberpunk characters and sourcing or crafting the perfect mini figures for your builds. Delve into the potential future of LEGO cyberpunk sets, listener giveaways, and reflections on the fascinating intersection of LEGO and technology. Whether you're a cyberpunk enthusiast or new to the genre, this episode will inspire you to construct your own dystopian dreams using the versatile world of LEGO bricks. Tune in to learn, create, and embark on a creative journey through the boundless possibilities of cyberpunk MOC building. Don't miss out on Episode 3 of the Battlegorilla LEGO Podcast!

Explore the magical world of LEGO Dreamzzz in Episode 2 of the Battlegorilla LEGO podcast! Host Mike Snethen takes you on a journey through the development, characters, and sets of this captivating new theme. From leaked artwork to the animated series "Trials of the Dream Chasers," discover how LEGO Dreamzzz fosters creativity and imagination. Delve into Mike's insights on various sets, including Mrs. Castillo's Turtle Van and the intriguing guided creativity concept. Join the excitement for this imaginative theme's potential as Mike shares his hopes for its future. Plus, get a glimpse of upcoming rumored sets for 2024 and stay tuned for the podcast's swag pack giveaway!

Episode 01: From Classic Bricks to Modern Marvels, My 46 Year LEGO Journey Join us in the inaugural episode of the Battlegorilla LEGO Podcast as we embark on a captivating journey through the world of LEGO bricks. In this episode, your host Mike Snethen takes you back to the moment of discovery, when the distinct sound of a LEGO set sparked a lifelong passion on Christmas morning, 1977. Uncover the origins of Mike's fascination with LEGO, from his early ventures into the Classic Space theme to the introduction of Technic sets that brought motorized creations to life. Experience the highs and lows of a devoted AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO), as Mike shares his remarkable story of creativity, adaptation, and resilience. Navigate through the twists and turns of his LEGO adventure, including encounters with licensed themes, superhero builds, and the dynamic world of LEGO conventions. Discover the pivotal role LEGO played in Mike's life during challenging times and explore how his determination led to the birth of his very own LEGO podcast. Get ready to be inspired by his unwavering dedication to the brick, whether it's coordinating superhero-themed builds, facing financial challenges, or finding innovative ways to sustain his LEGO addiction. As we delve into Mike's 46-year LEGO journey, you'll find yourself immersed in a narrative that resonates with every LEGO enthusiast, from childhood builders to seasoned AFOLs. Join us as we celebrate the power of creativity, imagination, and the timeless allure of those colorful plastic bricks. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with nostalgia, personal insights, and a hint of LEGO magic. And stay tuned for future episodes where we'll dive into exciting LEGO themes, creations, and the vibrant community that makes the LEGO world truly exceptional. Music: Intro theme - "Podcasting is Awesome" by Michael Reinsch Outro theme - "Ode to Gibberish" by Michael Reinsch

A quick summary of the upcoming Battlegorilla LEGO Podcast. We launch on August 15th!