The Con Guy Podcast

We're gonna need a bigger podcast! It's the 50th birthday party of the summer blockbuster that actually started summer blockbusters—JAWS. And the big party is taking place in the spot where they filmed it, Martha's Vineyard. Our guest tonight is one of the organizers involved with the events that week, Michael Smith, author of FINATICS: 50 Years of Jaws. He fills us in on everything we need to know to enjoy the Jaws events on Martha's Vineyard—transportation, hotels, events, eating, and more!

Go with us into the worlds of Star Trek, Back to the Future, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, ONE PIECE, and Jujutsu Kaisen as well as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at the brand-new after-hours events at Universal Studios Hollywood called UNIVERSAL FAN FEST NIGHTS... Plus some music from our favorite nostalgia band, The Flux Capacitors....

Kicking off with special guest MICHAEL SMITH from the LET'S TALK JAWS live show, we embark on a summer-long celebration of the 50th Anniversary of JAWS! It was five decades ago that the original summer blockbuster, directed by 27-year old STEVEN SPIELBERG, first chomped its way into movie history. We bring you the events, the merch, the collectibles, the exhibitions, the re-releases, and everything else to help you commemorate this movie classic.

We begin our 10th Year (10 YEARS!) with a big show: Will She or Won't She? Kathleen Kennedy hints at leaving Lucasfilm. What does that mean for the future of STAR WARS? We have a CIVILIZED discussion and leave all the toxicity behind...Plus, the latest news on WONDERCON, which happens later this month. And few cool collectibles to add to your stash.

Los Angeles Comic Con CEO Chris DeMoulin gives us an inside look at L.A. Comic Con, one of the fastest-growing comic book and fan conventions in the country. This year, it moves back to October and is chock full of celebrities, gaming, comic books, and cosplay. Set in the middle of the Pop Culture universe of Hollywood, LA Comic Con is the must-attend event of the West Coast this fall. #lacomiccon #losangelescomiccon #comiccons

From our sister podcast, THE CON GIRLS, comes this celebration a Brendan Fraser classic. The 1999 blockbuster THE MUMMY bares little resemblance to its 1932 predecessor... It starred Brendan Fraser as adventurer and treasure hunter Rick O'Connell, along with Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, and Arnold Vosloo in the title role as the Mummy. But this time, the mummy iss more than a creeping reanimated corpse... it's the powerful Imhotep, a cursed high priest with supernatural powers who pursues the heroes in an adventure straight out of the Indiana Jones playbook. On this episode, we look at the enduring legacy of this film.

Did you hear the backlash against the Masters of the Universe Snake Lair at San Diego Comic-Con? What about the new G.I. Joe Figures? Then there's Darth Maul. Super7. Mondo. Bandai Namco. And so much more. We break down the best and worst experiences with the COLLECTIBLES and TOYS at San Diego Comic-Con, and where you can get these exclusives now (if at all).

San Diego Comic-Con has changed and evolved so much in its 50-plus years. From the El Cortez Hotel and Jack Kirby, to the modern Hall H and shoulder-to-shoulder cosplay, the biggest and longest-running comics and Pop Culture convention in the United States has created millions of unforgettable moments. This episode, special guest TOPHER DAVILA walks us through his own 30-plus years of attending the convention with advice on how to photograph and capture our most important Comic-Con moments.

Forbes reported recently that he organizers of San Diego Comic-Con are considering leaving their beautiful southern California home of the last 50-some years. Why? Is this really a possibility? And where would they go?

It's our annual inside look at all the must-see panels scheduled for San Diego Comic-Con. Join our hosts for a fun, spirited dive into Hall H, Ballroom 20, and all the cool presentations across 4 days (plus preview night!) of the country's biggest and most important comic book, entertainment, and pop culture extravaganza! Marvel. Doctor Who. Comic Books. TV. Cosplay. Star Trek. And SO MUCH MORE!

The Con Guys (and Con Girl) are back for PART 2 of our 200th Episode!!! (This would technically make it episode #201 but who's counting?) Join us as we continue our countdown with our TOP 10 FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM SAN DIEGO COMIC CON! Along with our favorite moments from the last 8 years of THE CON GUY!

This week we talk with the amazing Ashley Eckstein, a dynamic force in the entertainment and fandom worlds. Best known as the voice of the iconic Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars the Clone Wars, a character she originated in 2008, Ashley has captivated audiences as an actress, host, inspirational speaker, author, designer and entrepreneur. She is also the founder of The HER UNIVERSE fashion show, which takes place at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, July 25 at 6 p.m. PT in the Harbor Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel San Diego. Presented by Her Universe and Mattel, this is the 10th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show. #ashleyeckstein #heruniverse #sdcc #comiccon

The Con Guy celebrates our 200th Episode with a very special 2-Part Show! It's our TOP 25 FAVORITE SAN DIEGO COMIC CON MOMENTS, PART 1.... In this episode, we re-live the absolute best moments from San Diego Comic-Con, and we also spend a few moments reliving our favorite moments from THE CON GUY show. It's a true fandom-fueled trip down memory lane.

On this episode, we discuss the 50th Anniversary of the San Diego Comic-Con Masquerade, which is happening in Ballroom 20 on July 27. Here's everything you need to know to experience SDCC's biggest Cosplay extravaganza. We also discuss the Her Universe Fashion Show and how to attend. #cosplay #sdcc2024

XLE Entertainment throws the biggest San Diego Comic-Con after-parties year-after-year, and they've got three new parties lined up for the 2024 event! We talk with two of the folks from XLE — Bernie Bergman and Ellie Repka — about all the craziness they have planned for this year. So get ready to dig out your favorite 80s, 90s, or Mad Max cosplays, and let's party in San Diego! #sdcc #sandiegocomiccon #xle #comicconparties

The CON GUY presents a special podcast series: SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON UPDATES. From now until the convention July 24-28, we'll bring you all the information you need to have an awesome time in San Diego. This week: HOTELS!!!! The General Hotel Sale is over, but so many folks were left without a place to stay (or, at least, a downtown spot). What should be their next step? We discuss this in detail, and give multiple options, on this episode. #sandiegocomiccon #sdcc2024 #sdcc

It's our annual WONDERCON AFTERSHOW, where we recap and review the entire Wondercon 2024 event, including the panels, the vendors, the floor, the cosplay, and the collectibles. We also detail what could be improved. For those who couldn't go this year, this is the next best thing!

Wondercon is finally here, arriving in Anaheim March 29-31, and this week our hosts break down everything you need to know: The badges, the hotels, the parking, the floor, the food, and of course, LOBBY CON! We provide your survival guide for San Diego Comic-Con's little sister con!

In PART TWO of our look at the movies of 1984, we spotlight films that are still churning out sequels and nostalgia to this day, including The Terminator ("I'll be back!"), psycho killer Freddy Krueger, a mermaid love story, and so many more movies in that magical year. So join us as we continue back to the time of big hair, leg warmers, Thriller... and Arnold Schwarzenegger one-liners.

1984 was a pivotal year in pop culture—it gave us the LA Olympics, Purple Rain, and Apple Macintosh. But it was also an incredible time for movies, giving us fan-favorite classics that still hold up today, such as Gremlins, Karate Kid, Star Trek 3, Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and more! 1984 was the true Revenge of the Nerds at the Box Office.

Marvel is the biggest film franchise of all time, having grossed almost $30 billion at the global box office. But with a lackluster performance these past few years—both in theaters and on Disney+—many have asked if the Studio has lost its direction. Are the glory days of Marvel in the past? With Deadpool 3's trailer breaking records, and excitement building around 2024 and beyond, we take a look at where Marvel is now, and if they're poised to regain their box-office and pop culture crown.

Percy Jackson is on a dangerous quest. Outrunning monsters and outwitting gods, he must journey across America to return Zeus' master bolt and stop an all-out war. Based on the best-selling book series, the Disney+ show is among the top five most-watched season premieres in all of 2023. It masterfully weaves together ancient Greek mythology and contemporary settings. On this episode, THE CON GUY dives into all things Percy Jackson—the series, the books, and even the films.

POWER RANGERS! On this episode, we bring you some of the best moments from the panels at Rangerstop Orlando! PLUS, an exclusive interview with Alyson Kipperman Sullivan, the Yellow Ranger from Power Rangers Wild Force, discussing Rangerstop Orlando, her favorite fan interactions, and a brand-new Power Rangers project she participated in with original Black Ranger Walter Jones! And our buddy Ben Himmelreich and his son Noah show us the cool merch they got from Rangerstop. #powerrangers #rangerstop

We talk Rangerstop Orlando with Selwyn Ward, who is known for Power Rangers Turbo (1997), Power Rangers in Space (1998), Power Rangers Lost Galaxy (1999), Power Rangers Wild Force (2003), Power Rangers Megaforce (2014) and Power Rangers Ninja Steel (2018). Also, a special message from Davi Santos from Dino Charge. It's a SUPER-CHARGED Power Rangers show!

GODZILLA is the Undisputed King of Monsters, and he's having his moment in the spotlight! From the newest theatrical release from Toho, Godzilla Minus One, to the Monarch series on Apple+, to the latest trailer for next year's Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, the giant lizard is everywhere! We discuss the good, the bad, and our favorite moments from nearly atomic 70 years! And collectibles — you've got to see these collectibles!

Get ready to scream.... with delight! The Scare Season is here, and no none does it better or BIGGER on the West Coast than Universal Studios Hollywood's HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS! On this week's special CON GUY show, we present a presentation from our 'Scarier Side' — THE SCARE GUY show. We rank our most anticipated SCARES from the 8 Haunted Houses and the Terror Tram, plus 3 Scare Zones, 2 new live shows, and Harry Potter's Death Eaters! We've got it all here... If you like the Halloween Season, make sure to subscribe to THE SCARE GUY on Youtube, Spotify, and everywhere you listen to podcasts!

The Studios didn't come. The writers didn't show up. And the actors, for the most part, stayed away—pop culture watchers and pundits predicted a Comic-Con apocalypse. They said fans would revolt. Attendance would drop off. Hotels would be canceled. They predicted this would be the Comic-Con that never was…. Were they right? Or, like the Grinch, did they see that even without all the bright, shiny spectacles, that Comic-Con came anyway?

With most of the major studios skipping San Diego Comic-Con because of the impending writers and actor strikes, this year might be a tad quieter than some of the most recent years. But don't fret! With the full schedule revealed, we dive in and bring you the best, coolest panels not to mis this year! ALSO, we talk with Tony Kim about his panels, merch, and a cool new offsite.

With most of the major studios announcing that they're skipping this year's San Diego Comic-Con (mainly because of the writers and actors strike), lots of folks are proclaiming gloom and doom for the event. But not us! Sure, there will be some things we'll miss, but overall, there are so many reasons to believe that this year's event is going to be awesome! Here's 21 reasons — but we're sure there's more!

If you like Battlestar Galactica — and who doesn't??? — then this is for you! From comics and graphic novels to audio drama and animation, Terminus Media is producing exciting and meaningful stories that you will love! And their latest is a sci-fi epic about kings, prophets, outterspace battles, and the crumbling of a king as the chosen successor comes. Oh -- and don't forget the promised giant of legend that will put everyone to the test. This is DOMINION Volume 2, The Fall of the House of Saul. This week we're joined by the writer and artist of this brand-new series, who are here to tell us all about the Kickstarter and their plans for future installments.

In 1993, Steven Spielberg's monumental JURASSIC PARK roared into theaters and convinced us that dinosaurs were real, forever changing motion pictures. It was the biggest (literally) movie of all time, ushering in a whole new era of CGI special effects and shaking up summer blockbuster records. Join us as we reveal the events, screenings, merchandise, and Comic-Con offsites celebrating the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park, an adventure 65 million years in the making!

Ready Player One, Nick at Nightclub, the Monster Ball, and the Barbie Dream Lounge—Bernie Bregman, of XLE Productions, takes us inside this incredible Party Headquarters, which will be touching down at Parq Nightclub in downtown San Diego for this year's San Diego Comic-Con. It's a party every night!

It looks like it may be the end of the line for James Gunn's beloved Guardians of the Galaxy, the misfit galactic family who argued their way into our hearts, and super-charged the careers of both Gunn and leading man Chris Pratt. Is this third film an adventure for the ages, or the letdown of the year? The Con Guy crew takes aim at Marvel's latest summer blockbuster, pulling no punches in our review of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. #guardiansofthegalaxy #guardiansofthegalaxyvol3 #gotgvol3 #marvel

The Force was strong in London! From new movies, TV shows and animated specials, to the latest cast reveals and updated attractions, we bring you the biggest and most exciting news out of Star Wars Celebration 2023. Buckle your seatbelts — we're jumping into hyperdrive!

We break down the highs, the lows, and all the action that happened at WONDERCON 2023, from the Walking Dead universe, Wolfpack on Paramount Plus, Power Rangers 30th Anniversary, comic book goodness, a Funko funhouse, and so much more... oh, and we can't forget #LobbyCon--and the Soup Nazi! Join us for a complete roundup of San Diego Comic-Con's little (but growing!) sister convention.

It's our annual BIG WONDERCON SHOW! It's also our 7th Anniversary (Who'd a thunk it?).... This episode, we go over everything you need to know for an awesome WONDERCON - the badges, hotels, panels, meetups.... and tips for getting the most out of your Con! Wondercon is our hometown event, and we can't wait to see everyone there. Come and wish us happy birthday! #wondercon #wondercon2023

Whovians Rejoice! The world's largest and longest-running annual Doctor Who fan convention, Gallifrey One 33 1/3, is upon us, and tonight Good Ole Buddy Ben previews the event along with a cohort of fellow Whovians, including superfan Katie Aiani, actor Milo Cote, cosplayer Bruce McLaughlin, That Hashtag Show writer Tom Craven, and cosplayer and costume designer Katie Kawamoto! #doctorwho #doctorwhofandom #gallifrey #tardis #davidtennant #bbcamerica

James Gunn announced the next phase of DC Comics at Warner Bros, called Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters. Can James Gunn (and Peter Safran) finally deliver films and TV shows that can rival their Marvel counterparts? Can DC produce filmed entertainment that will stand the test of time? The Con Guys weigh in on which announcements resonated the best with us, whether we believe that DC is entering a new Golden Age, and which projects we can't wait to see. Go James Gunn! Here's what we think! #dccomics #warnerbros #jamesgunn #superman #batman

When their parents head out of town one Halloween weekend, an all-time rager of a teen house party turns to terror when aliens attack, forcing siblings Gary and his older sister Samantha to band together to survive the night. We talk with the film's director and co-writer, JASON EISENER, and star CALEM MACDONAL.

Move over ‘Die Hard', there's a new R-rated Christmas classic in town! Co-Writer Josh Miller takes us into the creative process of writing the crazy new holiday film, VIOLENT NIGHT. When an elite team of mercenaries breaks into a family compound on Christmas Eve, they aren't prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he's about to show why this Nick is no saint.

Michael Myers is all over the place right now, and THE CON GUY/SCARE GUY crew is chasing him to some of the biggest events of the year: Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights (featuring the 1978 Halloween Tribute house), Los Angeles' Son of Monsterpalooza (tons of Halloween film stars), and HALLOWEEN ENDS, the final showdown between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers. #halloweenends #halloweenhorrornights2022 #halloween #monsterpalooza #michaelmyers

The Con Girls are back and they're getting spooky! It's the return of the Sanderson Sisters in HOCUS POCUS 2, and Sam's first time on the big screen in the theatrical release of modern horror classic TRICK R' TREAT! Throw in a bit of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, and it's a bewitching potion for a cool October night.

Khan, Poltergeist, Bladerunner, E.T. — and the list goes on. 40 Years ago, the Summer of 1982 delivered some of the most iconic films and characters the big screen had ever seen.... or ever will see. It's hard to quantify just how monumental that summer was, but on this week's CON GUY LIVE SHOW, we try out best to tell the story of the summer that forever changed Hollywood.

The Con Guys talk about everything that's in store for this year's Halloween Season - Halloween Horror Nights, Knotts Scary, Halloween Ends, and more! Halloween is finally BACK!

THEY'RE HERE! As part of our "Summer of 1982" celebration, THE SCARE GUY crew takes a look back at the classic haunted house story POLTERGEIST. When 10-year-old Carol Anne Freeling is pulled from this world into another, her parents enlist the help of ghost-hunters and an exorcist in this horror classic from director Tobe Hooper (Texas Chainsaw Massacre films) and producer and screenwriter Steven Spielberg. Remember: It knows what scares you! #poltergeist #poltergeists #hauntedhouse #horrorstories #ghost #ghosts #stevenspielberg #tobehooper

As part of our "Summer of 1982" celebration, THE CON GUY shines the spotlight on the film that cemented Steven Spielberg's reputation as the genius of 80s cinema, and one of the greatest filmmakers of all time — E.T. the EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL! It's the story of a gentle alien left behind on earth, and his friendship with young Elliott. Featuring the debut of Henry Thomas and a scene-stealing Drew Barrymore, E.T. endures as one of the most magical and timeless movies ever made.... from the summer that forever changed films!

After two years of pandemic closures, San Diego Comic-Con returned in force, welcoming 130,000-plus fans and industry professionals back to Southern California's Pop Culture Super Bowl—and we were right there in the middle of it all! On this episode, we detail the BEST and the WORST of Comic-Con 2022, from the panels to the offsites to the parties and more!

To celebrate Shark Week 2022, we sit down with Andrew Traucki, the writer/director of new Great White shark thriller THE REEF: STALKED. In an effort to heal after witnessing her sister's horrific murder, Nic travels to a tropical resort with her friends for a kayaking and diving adventure. Only hours into their expedition, the women are stalked and attacked by a great white shark. To survive, they will need to band together and Nic will have to overcome her post-traumatic stress and face her fears in this new film premiering in theaters and on-demand. #sharkweek #greatwhiteshark #shark #sharks

Here's our annual guide to the best offsites and parties OUTSIDE of Comic-Con 2022. From HBO to NBC, Amazon and FX, all the big brands are out in force this year, with parties, offsites, photo ops, yachts, art shows, and tons of stuff... even if you don't have a convention badge. We can't all get into all the events, and a lot of them are already sold out, but with so much to choose from, you're gonna find something for everyone!

San Diego Comic-Con released a MONSTER of a programming schedule for its first in-person summer event in three years! From the over-the-top spectacle of Hall H, to the niche and passionate industry panels in the smaller rooms, THE CON GUY crew goes through our picks of the MUST SEE panels at San Diego Comic-Con 2022.

With help from the crew of The Enterprise, Admiral James T. Kirk faces his old enemy, Khan Sing, and must stop him from using the ultimate weapon — the Genesis Device, in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. As part of our celebration of the movies of the Summer of 1982, the Con Guy turns the spotlight on the film that saved the Star Trek franchise, and we do it with two Star Trek experts: regular host Derek Samms and frequent guest Thomas Parham, PhD, the author of ‘Hailing Frequencies Open: Communication in Star Trek: The Next Generation.'