The Vegas Toy SquadCast!

It's true, folks... you can't keep a good Squad down, and we've proven it by returning to the studio after two years to produce yet another shiny new episode of the Vegas Toy SquadCast! Our fan demanded it, so here we are, discussing lots of topics but focusing mostly on the Book of Boba Fett: see why Rick did it all for the Wookie, just not THIS Wookie; hear about Frank's obsession with the Pyke Syndicate's adorable "face udders"; and experience old Gandalf's (Rob's) frustration with a show he's waited for with baited breath (ew...) for some 40 years - "Hey you mods, get your colorful speeders off my lawn!" Then Patti leads the crew in a rousing game of Celebrity Dead or Alive! Grab a snack, dig up a water pod, and enjoy the latest Vegas Toy SquadCast!

After a brief but refreshing hiatus, Vegas Toy Squad are back in the studio, dropping SquadCasts like banthas drop poodoo. Our guest once again is Ross, local artist/art educator and gaming aficionado. Ross came to talk games, and after something of a "gamey" Christmas (how did Santa know?), we've all been playing a LOT of those lately. Rick is excited to talk about the "Forbidden" series of co-operative survival games, Ross can barely contain his enthusiasm for a big game with tiny heroes - "Mice and Mystics", and Patti is over the full moon about "Horrified" - another co-op game that pits you (solo or party) against classic creatures from the Big Screen. Frank's been too busy to play games since Christmas (aka Life Day on Kashyyyk), but you'll have to tune in to find out why. Almost commandeering the discussion, though, is "Rob and Patti's guide to riding the 'Rise of the Resistance'" at Disneyland. It's not as easy as you might think, so if you're planning on going, or if you're just plain curious, you need to hear the tale of their 3-day odyssey to board the hottest ride - sorry D-nerds - hottest ATTRACTION in the galaxy. You'll want to stick this one out til the end, as Patti reveals what is, in her opinion, the most "awkward insertion ever" (hint: it involves the safe word "Maclunkey!"). All this and way more, only on this episode of the Vegas Toy SquadCast!

Wait no longer, the VTS Holiday Special SquadCast has dropped! Tendo-Kid and Kid Cobra (aka The Squadsters) return to the panel once again to shed some light(saber) on what the kiddos are jonesing for this holiday season. After catching up with the junior squad members, we hear about new LEGO sets, Kingdom Hearts, Shopkins and L.O.L.s. We find out why the food has faces, and learn that there is a growing community of adult male L.O.L. Surprise! collectors, upon which we bestow the moniker "BROLs" (you're welcome). Then we scoot the kids off the panel and get down to the serious discussion: The Mandalorian! Fawn with us over "Baby Yoda" - you know you're doing it anyway. After pondering whether Salacious Crumb is a space lizard or moon monkey, we put to rest the question burning on everyone's mind: exactly what species IS baby Yoda? We don't actually ANSWER the question, we just put its sweet little fuzzy green head and big dark, doey eyes to rest. All this (and, did we mention, Baby Yoda???) on the second annual Vegas Toy SquadCast Holiday Special!

This week on the VTS SquadCast we look into the world of cosplay, with special guest (and, not coincidentally, cosplayer) Kaci! With Kaci and her heckling-off-camera-father Tommy, the Squad talks about cosplay history and culture, do's and don't's for cosplay fans, and wonders: are body paint or Disney-bounding considered cosplay? We also learn that Kaci is a proud Wizard Rocker ("Wrocker", I guess?), but you'll have to tune in to find out where to hear her Harry Potter-themed tunes. But that's not all, even if it should be, because the crew also talks (Patti​ attempts to talk) about the Mandalorian, the Little Mermaid Live (Patti rips it a new blow-hole!), Rob's Resting Talk Face, Frank​'s Photo Fetish, and then Rick​ stumps us all with a Batman reference only a true nerd could love. All this for free (yes, FREE!) on the new Vegas Toy SquadCast!

On this episode of the Vegas Toy SquadCast, the crew talks with the Dark Knight and his feline nemesis (from his early years). Yes, Batman and classic Catwoman have called a short truce, just long enough to inform the Squad about what has been happening with Critical Care Comics, the local charitable organization that brings comics, toys and smiles to sick and hurting kids around the Valley. The hero and villain are equally excited to share about the Heroes & Villains Ball coming this November, in addition to al the other amazing things CCC are up to. Of course they have crimes to either commit or thwart, so they can't stick around for the whole show, leaving us to discuss things like the new Star Wars trailer, Rick's incredible Incredible Hulk figure, Frank's uncanny impression of a beloved X-wing pilot, Rob's confusion over Kylo's place in the Universe, and then Patti bums us all out with the news segment! Holy Geekdom, Batman, it's the Vegas Toy SquadCast!

Well, it's that time of the month again - you know, plenty of blood and lots of screaming? Of course I mean it's Halloween-time, but then, as our guest Dax puts it, "Any time's a good time for horror!" And yes, you read right - Dax is back with the Squad for an unprecedented twofer, this time continuing our discussion of horror-themed fun, but venturing into the realm of video games. Of course we start off with "What did YOU bring to the table?", featuring horror-related goodies like Rick's new "Amphibian Man" figure (inciting a slew of "hand motions"); Dax's gamey 8-bit Jason and Freddy Funko Figures; Patti's "Elvira, Twins on the Couch" Pop; an education on Monster Puppets from Frank; and Rob's vintage Hasbro "Ghost Gun", which elicits a nostalgic story of his childhood days spent in the closet. But the meat of this monster is in the middle - the topic: horror video games! Covering ground from Atari's scary (as in, "I paid WHAT for this???") Haunted House, through the latest gory games for Virtual Reality, no doubt we reminisce about some of your frightening favorites too. So step into the parlour (the U makes it gothic, like Hammer-time), grab a joystick (preferably your own), and play some spooky games with us on the Vegas Toy SquadCast!

With Halloween just around the corner, once again the Squad turns our attention to the macabre. With special guest and horror aficionado Dax on the panel, this episode's focus is on the Squad's favorite fright flicks (and shows) and their related toy lines. From Alien to Zombies, we talk action figures, games, Lego (and non-Lego) building sets, Sid Haig, comics, Colorforms, customizing and toy photography, Ghostbusters, and more. Listen to hear how to clean up some Batsquatch, which movie first scared us poop-less, and finally a Horror Icons draft of which YOU need to decide the winner! Grab a pumpkin spice latte, curl up into a fetal position in the closet, and be terrified by Killer Toys on the Vegas Toy SquadCast!

On this week's episode of the Vegas Toy SquadCast, the gang is joined by sculptor and gaming enthusiast Ross! If you love games - board games, tabletop games, card games, role-playing games, and the like - you won't want to miss this one! We learn about the history of "the game", delve into game mechanics, wax nostalgic about some of the great titles of gaming's "Golden Age", and even recommend some old and new games for families, not-for-families, and a couple of spooky seasonal games! Before all that, Rob gets overly-excited about new Game of Thrones building sets, Frank shows off a collection of vintage He-Man figs, Rick finally gets his hands on Emma Frost, and Patti explains why she likes to watch. People play games. Villainous, Munchkin, Hero Quest, Dungeons and Dragons, Unstable Unicorns, Ghost Fightin' Treasure Hunters! - they're all here, on this episode of the Vegas Toy SquadCast!

The Squad has survived yet another Las Vegas summer, and is back in the studio with Season Two of the Vegas Toy SquadCast! Joining us on this premiere episode is our resident TV expert Michelle, now elevated to the role of "supporting cast member" of VTS, along with a precious few others. We start off the show with "What are you bringing to the table?" - a new segment (aka a renamed rehash of an old segment) where everyone spends a few minutes talking about an item or topic of relevance. In this week's segment we get: vintage kids' 3D puppet books from the 70s, the new hard-to-find Marvel Legends Storm action figure, Luke Perry/90210 nostalgia, and another of Frank's NSFA (not safe for anywhere) graphic novels. Which leads us into the main topic - the Fall 2019 TV lineup! First off, we're (almost) all giddy about "The Boys" on Amazon Prime, but it's definitely not a superhero show for the whole family. Then we BLAM! and KERPLOW! our way through nearly every nerdy TV/streaming show coming soon or just starting up, including but not limited to: Titans, Supergirl, Watchmen, His Dark Materials, Batwoman, Riverdale, Raising Dion, The Witcher, Carnival Row, Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, American Horror Story, Castle Rock, Creepshow, The Mandalorian, and more! If you have a box for watching moving pictures in your living room, you're not going to want to miss this Season 2 Premiere Episode of the Vegas Toy SquadCast!

Just when you thought it was safe to go back on the Interwebs, the ominous music starts and a surprise special summer SquadCast appears from the murky depths! Don't blame us - we couldn't help ourselves after hearing about all the cool stuff being revealed at San Diego Comic Con. Not gonna lie, it gets a little nerdy up in here. So nerdy in fact that Rob both nods off AND storms off the panel during the same discussion. But you won't nod off because we're talking about a bunch of new toys and collectibles on the horizon, hot off the presses from SDCC 2019, including new Marvel Legends figs, Masters of the Universe goodies, and a slew of new Star Wars items. Then we discuss some new movies and trailers we've seen (and, ok, some we've not seen), and Rick and Patti get engrossed debating the new "Phase 4 MCU" and gender equality in the Marvel Universe. Yeah, it's that deep. Meanwhile, Frank remains hidden in the upside-down for a portion of the show, Rick nearly spit-takes on his laptop when Patti hints at something she may need to wear during the new "It" film, and lots more on this all-too-alliterative Surprise Summer SDCC Special SquadCast!

On this week's episode of Vegas Toy SquadCast, Patti comes out from her hiding place in the producer's chair to join the guys on the panel talking about a slew of hot and nerdy topics. In one short hour, we: take a peek at some of the TV shows and movies coming soon; discuss Disney's new Galaxy's Edge theme park (and which one of us will be the first to "rebel" against the 4-hour time limit and be "escorted" out by stormtroopers); critique Rick's Sasquatch movie collection; ogle Frank's Iron Man Infinity Gauntlet; learn a new word from Rob ("Luc-hole": when a plot-loophole device is added to a story in the LucasVerse); find out why Patti draws a line at the Devil; discuss toys, comics, conventions, "zombie Chaka", Lil' Squatchy, and so much more - all on the new Vegas Toy SquadCast!

This week VTS welcomes Jason to the table for an episode that touches on quite a few topics for its relatively short running time. The discussion starts off with Patti's feelings about the ending of Game of Thrones (this segment is spoiler-free in case you haven't watched yet), and Rick reveals his psychic powers, having foreseen the new throne-sitter (Protector of the Realm, Lord/Lady of the Seven Kingdoms, King/Queen of the Andals, etc.) way back in Season 1 Episode 1. That's his wild claim, anyway, and I guess we have no reason to doubt him. Then Rob waxes nostalgic (on Empire's birthday) about pre-specialized Star Wars movies, some debate ensues about the new Detective Pokemon flick, Frank questions his commitment to spoiler-free living, and practically everyone legit loses their shizz over the new Stranger Things upside-downy set from LEGO. Next we get down to details with Jason, a Vegas native who does some killer custom work, mostly with Star Wars Black Series figures. Jason talks a bit about his techniques and inspirations, and we learn a new phrase - "boil & pop" - you'll have to tune in to see what that's all about. It's Geek Pride Week, so how else to celebrate but an hour with your favorite nerds - and Jedi Jesus - on this episode of Vegas Toy SquadCast!

SPOILER ALERT: This description will tell you many of the things that go on in this week's SquadCast! Read responsibly! You could say that we're a tad late to the Avengers: Endgame party (it's tough when you're bi-weekly, just ask anyone), but we would say instead that we were being courteous and allowing everyone time to see it before sharing our thoughts and opinions with you. Either way, wonder no more - here is the official VTS take on Endgame! Joining us once again is our friend BobaPat, and after we all catch up on the gang's most recent shenanigans, including: Free Comic Book Day, May the 4th (Star Wars Day), Peter Mayhew's passing, Rob's Mega Bloks obsession, Rick's Vitruvian H.A.C.K.S. preoccupation, Frank's growing Funko Pop collection (he denies it), Pat's LEGO compulsion, and Patti gets a Mega Mother's Day gift! Then the topic turns to all things Endgame as geeky analyses and nerdy theories fly like Hawkeye's arrows (boy I hope that metaphor works...). Things get thick as a brick during a tense "Versus" segment pitting venerable mainstay LEGO against younger, more attractive challenger Mega Bloks. Don't miss all this plus Joe Russo's high school Italian Club yearbook photo - all on Episode 28 of the Vegas Toy SquadCast!

Well, it's been a minute, but your trio of tireless toy traders are back with an all-new SquadCast! We've crammed a whole lot into this little episode, with visits to not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR amazing toy and collectible shops spanning from one side of the valley to the other. VTS takes you with us on "the hunt" (also known as "shopping for toys") to exotic locations like Big Bang Toys, Rogue Toys West, Zia Record Exchange, and Brad's Toys & Collectibles. Afterwards, we meet up over some Grouchy John's Coffee to show off some of our hard-won (also called "purchased") trophies. Be there as Rick claims power over time and space, Frank admits to liking jazz, Rob tries to impress by throwing out a few $5 words, and ever-present Patti somehow keeps it all under control, in this, our wildest Vegas Toy SquadCast ever!

VTS are back in the studio once again this week, and joining us is JJ, the co-owner of Grouchy John's Coffee shops, the caffeinated haven for nerds of all faiths (non-nerds are welcome also). JJ shares the history of the shop and its eclectic decor, as well as a touching story of how his father, bedazzled by the spectacle of Star Wars in 1977, almost made the jump to hyperspace in the family station wagon. But before that, Rick impresses everyone by pulling out his massive Voltron (Lego set), Frank breaks his spoiler rule, Patti gets super salty upon learning she will have to PAY for CBS to watch The Twilight Zone (and she has a thing or two to say about The Walking Dead as well), a return to "Versus" pits Light against Dark (chocolate), and we pick the winner of our Instagram giveaway contest! All this and more on this week's Vegas Toy SquadCast!

Well, the nay-sayers said "Nay!" (some even said "Hell Neigh!"), but somehow your Vegas Toy Squad has managed to bust out 25 stonkingly-sweet SquadCasts! As a "thank you" to our previous guests, we've invited all of them to come back on this "25th Gala Reunion Episode" so we could thank them by feeding them some great food from Boulevard Bar & Grill, and catch up with everyone since their last appearance on the podcast. We've got photographers, superheroes, collectors, and even a pair of Squadsters (the level just after Squadlings, for those keeping track; in other words, our Squadlings have "leveled-up"). Hang out with the Squad and some of our friends (and probably some of yours too!) for a little while, on this week's Vegas Toy SquadCast!

VTS takes the SquadCast on location once again this week, this time to our favorite coffee joint, Grouchy John's Coffee, to shoot a short wrap-up of our recent experience at Vegas Toy & Comic Con. For the video, we've dropped in some footage of the con, including shots of some familiar faces and friends of the Squad. Pay attention, because we toss around shout-outs like Oprah passing out cars... "You get a shout-out, and YOU get a shout-out!" Somehow amid all this, we manage to toss in a spontaneous unboxing, a movie review, and everyone shows off something they scored at the Con! Grab a cuppa joe, pull up a chair, and join us for this week's Vegas Toy SquadCast!

It's a thrilling time on the SquadCast this week, as your tenacious team of toysters recaps some of the exciting news coming out of the recent ToyFair convention in New York! Then the topic turns to everyone's favorite system of interlocking construction units, known more commonly as LEGO's! Everything is pretty awesome as we banter about bricks, and the crew even shows off a few of their own vintage and custom creations. Along the way, Rick divulges some valuable tips, like: how to eat an elephant, proper parenting skills (BUY LEGOS), and how to feel a bag like a pro. Frank waxes nostalgic about his return to the Holy Brick, Rob pines for a Yarna d'al' Gargan action figure (for the 6 obvious reasons), and Patti steps carefully around the conversation, avoiding all the verbal bricks on the floor. This podcast is gonna get stuck inside your, this podcast is gonna get stuck inside your, this podcast is gonna get stuck inside your...

Boy, do we have one heckuva Squadcast for you this time... Sitting in with the Squad in this episode is our witty, waxed-moustachioed friend David, quite a knowledgeable guy with some funny anecdotes, including one about selling Star Wars toys to Drake! David fits right in as we discuss what normal people call shopping, but toy fanatics call "hunting". (Honestly, "Honey, the guys and I are going hunting!" sounds quite a bit cooler than, "Honey, going toy shopping with the guys!", right?) Toss in a cool haul from Rick, empty hands for Show & Tell from Frank, "big game" trailer talk from Patricia, Robert showing off his lizard men, and, well... Bob's your uncle! See you on this week's Vegas Toy SquadCast!

This week's SquadCast is all about action figures, the plastic crack that fuels most toy collections. Specifically we're talking about independent and custom action figures and different aspects of collecting and customizing them. But that's not all, not by a longshot! Patti rants about the recent Oscar nominations, Frank shows off some of his customs and toy photography, Rick demystifies figure scales and sizes, and Rob, being a convegan (vegan if it's convenient), spurns the whole discussion as being just too meaty. Grab a knife and fork, "we'd be honored if you would join us..." for this week's Vegas Toy SquadCast!

VTS is back with the first SquadCast of 2019! We took a couple of weeks off to enjoy the holidays with friends and family, but now we're back to the serious business of squadcasting! We have no special guest this episode, but don't let that deter you, pretty much everything about this show is special: Frank's major LEGO haul, Rick's stack o' fresh comics, Robert & Patricia's experiences with virtual reality (and a 40-second montage of Patti's perilous pants-pooping for proof!). After finishing up a lively discussion about random topics like "are Mandalorian-to-Mandalorian marriages taboo?", and "is Rob's opinion valid since he sleeps through every movie?", we debate recent TV shows and flicks like Aquaman and Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse. Then the Squad takes off their gloves for a cut-throat game of Star Wars Family Feud (no throats were actually cut). This episode also has the distinction of the most censor beeps of any so far...tune in gosh-^@(%^# it!

Your squad ventures far from the comforts of home this week, to experience all the fabled wonders of Frank & Son. Well, not that far actually, it's only about a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas; 4 hours if you throw in a stop to "Eddie World", which you will, obviously. I mean, this place has everything: a massive swirl ice cream cone; barrels filled with every kind of candy and snack imaginable; a variety of foods from one restaurant, with pizzas, salads, burgers, even an awesome vegan burger. If you're a guy, you're going to want to be well-hydrated when you go, because the urinals have a video game which begins when you begin, and you're going to need a long, strong stream to hit all the penguins and rack up the high score. Just mind your stall neighbors with all that wild penguin-spraying. Now where was I? Oh yeah... Frank and Son! This place has everything: toys, games, comics, toys... did I mention toys? Vintage/modern, boxed/loose, Abraham Ford/not Abraham Ford... Frank and Son has just about everything for everyone. Imagine a huge indoor flea market snuggling up cozily by the fire with a massive toy/comic con on a cold winter's night. Nine months later Frank & Son would be born! I think that says enough. This is our first "two version" SquadCast - a vidcast with the footage from Frank & Son, and a podcast which only features our pre- and post-Frank discussion. Give the podcast a listen while you make a long-ish drive, but then be sure to check out the middle section of the vid so you can see and experience Frank and Son for yourself! Also, this is the last you'll hear from VTS until the 2nd week of January, 2019, so enjoy the holidays... VTS is OUT!

Well, it's that magical time of year again; the chestnuts are roasting and Jack Frost is nipping at whatever he can get his nippers on... So to celebrate the holidays, your Squad thought we'd reminisce about those awesome old classic TV shows, the ones you'd waited an entire year to see, so you made sure you were home from dinner by 8 p.m. We didn't have DVR's back then. Or VCR's for that matter. Or cable TV. But we did have the glorious Rankin & Bass holiday specials! The songs (we sing 'em)! The lines (we quote 'em)! The voices (Rick does 'em)! As if that wasn't enough, we also have 2 unboxings (one is actually an un-llama-ing), a maniacal Superman drone wreaking great havoc, trailer talk (uhhh, there's this little film called Avengers: Endgame coming, maybe you've heard of it?), Rick confesses, Patti disses Jason Momoa, and Frank and Rob pine for a PS4 VR. So grab your Charlie in the Box and sail with us to the Island of Misfit Toys, it's the VTS Holiday Special!

This week on the SquadCast we are joined by not one, not two, but THREE super heroes! Two of them are actual Superheroes, namely The Flash and Captain America (Chase and Dan, respectively), and the third is a super guy who is also a hero to many, Danny! Yes, the city is slightly less safe with two of its finest sitting here babbling on instead of fighting villains, but what they are babbling about is of "critical" importance! You see, the "Heroes and Villains Ball" is almost upon us, hosted by Critical Care Comics, and you need the deets so you can attend this awesome event and support CCC in their mission. What IS their mission, you ask? A lesser podcaster would say, "listen to the show and find out!" but being a greater podcaster I will tell you: these guys and gals cosplay the greatest heroes in the Universe and bring comic books, toys, joy, and hope to sick and injured kids in local hospitals. Listen in to hear more about Critical Care Comics and how you can help them and their crew of volunteer Agents and Heroes continue their incredible mission. Afterward, Frank and Rob sit back in to talk about some exciting new film trailers that have just dropped, among other nerdy things. Join us, for our Super Seventeenth episode of the Vegas Toy SquaaaaaadCaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaast! Cue heroic music...

We at Vegas Toy Squad would like to officially apologize to all those in our listening audience who were thrown completely off-kilter when left with no SquadCast last Friday. We know many of you rely on this broadcast, like a beacon in the night, to mark the beginning of the weekend. Our bad. Even the effervescent Squad needs a break occasionally. But nevermind that, we're back, and so is Michelle! The second member of our illustrious "two-timers' club" (joining Nate, who gets called out a time or two in this episode, if I remember correctly), Michelle re-joins us to re-fresh us with some re-caps of some of the nerdy TV shows on the air, as most of them reach their mid-season finales. Also: some of the crew can't wait to gush about a recent Star Wars VR experience, Rob unveils a couple new Boba Fett additions, Rick makes a startling Batman confession, and so dang much more! It's like two SquadCasts crammed into the space of just one! As always, we'd love to hear from you on any of the topics discussed (or not).

This week on the SquadCast we open with a short discussion about Stan Lee, who passed away this week at the age of 95. We are then joined by our padawan Squadlings - Kid Cobra and Tendo-Kid - who are biting at the bit to tell you all about what will be (in their opinion) the hottest toys of the coming Holiday Season! Watch as Kid Cobra, with wild abandon, rips into some Squishimals or Sweetiekins or whatever these things are. Either way, they're mostly grocery items "personified" (or anthropo... oh, never mind) as living creatures, which is, oddly, the direction toys seem to be going in, in 2018. Tendo-Kid shows some of his favorites also, but without all the box ripping, and if you need to know a release date, this youngster appears to be the one to ask. After the kids are shoo'ed away, last week's random discussion continues with such topics as: why do stormtroopers wear armor when it seems to do no good; do we need a BERU: A STAR WARS STORY movie (starring J-Law); do Muppets have nipples; and many more compelling questions. No "versus" segment this time, we actually played another round of "nerd trivia", but we cut it from this episode since it ran long. Fear not, however, as in lieu of a "real" SquadCast next Friday (we're taking the week off for Thanksgiving), we'll put the game online AND tack on the short movie made by Tendo-Kid as discussed herein. I know it feels like you've already heard the whole episode, but you haven't, so get to it!

Las Vegas' favorite Toy Squad returns with Episode 14, and this time they're flying by the seats of their pantaloons, with the security of neither a guest nor a main topic. Rick, Rob and Frank simply shoot the schtuff for a solid (but fast-paced) hour, then before things get "chockablock" (ask Frank), the fun really begins as Patti emcees a game of VTS Nerd Trivia to determine which Squad member reigns as Nerd Supreme (hint... it's NOT Rob). Topics range from "Bohemian Rhapsody" (see it!) to the Vegas Valley Comic Book Fest, to The Walking Dead (spoiler alert!), to Frank's quest for something "clean" to read on the airplane. Just because there's no special guest doesn't mean it isn't special!

Chances are if you're reading this and you were a young person in the 1980's, you have a special place in your heart (if not your wallet) for the toys from that era. Of course there was Star Wars and its sequels, but licensed toys became yuuuuge (sorry) in the 80's, with companies going so far as creating movies and TV shows specifically to sell toy lines (some might argue we still have this problem). He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Thundercats, G.I. Joe, Transformers, M.A.S.K., we couldn't collect them all then with the pittance of allowance SOME of us got (some of us weren't so lucky), but now that we have paychecks and eBay, there's nothing to stop us, BWAHAHAHAHA! Except spouses. And credit limits. And shelf space. But all that be darned, we're still trying. Join the Squad as we talk it out therapy-style with special guest and fellow toy nut Reese on this week's Vegas Toy SquadCast!

The Squad ventures out of the confines of the studio this week and into one of Las Vegas' coolest shops - Big Bang Toys & Collectibles - to continue our talk on horror and the macabre. We play no favorites in VTS, we make our way to all the toy shops in town, much to the dismay of our significant others, but in addition to the hot toys a modern store must carry, Big Bang is garnering a reputation as the place to go for horror toys and memorabilia, making it the perfect place to record our Halloween show. Much like a classic episode of The Twilight Zone, you never quite know where things are going in this SquadCast, but the journey is the adventure, and it all ends in a rousing "versus" segment over slow vs. fast zombies so heated that Bill and Rob almost take things to the parking lot to settle the issue like real men. Submitted for your approval...

If any a season brings delight to geekdom, it's fall and Halloween. The movies, the costumes, the candy - and who doesn't love a good scare? This week's SquadCast focuses on the horror movies we all love, from the Universal classics through the modern fright flicks. No guests this week, so the full Squad is in on this diabolical discussion. Up front, Frank draws a weapon and demands to go first in "What's New This Week?", and things just go downhill from there. Lotsa laughs, some fun surprises, maybe even a scare or two... join us in the parlour won't you, for an evening of the macabre with your favorite Squad...

The SquadCast crew celebrates a milestone with this, our 10th episode! The traditional gift for the 10th is tin or aluminum, so please forward your congratulations and empty cans to us (we could use the recycling cash for toys anyways). This episode we also feature our first "real" guest - Adam from LV's War Room Games. Not that our past guests haven't been wonderful humans, but they've all been friends (or at least people we call "friends" in front of them). So, yeah, this is a pretty momentous occasion. The usual witty opening banter gives way to a pretty dang informative discussion about the world of games, a world which Adam apparently knows quite well. Whether you're a hard-core gamer, weekend hobbyist, or just getting into the vast and - vastly fun - arena of competitive (or cooperative) gaming, you're going to want to check this one out! The 25th Annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival is this weekend (Oct. 12-14), and Adam and Ray from War Room Games will be there at booth 32, tell 'em VTS sent ya! Look for coverage of the festival on next week's SquadCast!

We could hardly believe it, but Nate agreed to return to the SquadCast for this episode devoted almost entirely to all things Star Wars! Of course, offering him some sweet VTS swag didn't hurt. No battle-axes but plenty of lightsabers (or "lighted sabers" as our lawyers like to call them) swinging as we nerd out hard-core on the topic that brought us all together. Like anything we love dearly, Star Wars has given us a roller coaster of emotions through the years, but it has always remained a constant and reliable source for our sentiments and imaginations. Travel with us, won't you, to a galaxy far, far away, and take your first step into a larger world...

There's no delicate way to put this, so I'm going to just say it: an inordinate amount of this podcast is dedicated to Bruce Wayne's main vein. Jeez, I hope I can get away with that. Not that it's a "grown-up" episode, but there is a great deal of innuendo herein, due to the release of a new comic book. But then alas, the Autumn cometh and a young squad's fancy turns to Magic. The ubiquitous card game that started it all, Magic: The Gathering has some 12 million players around the world. Obviously this episode of the SquadCast is a cheap ploy to try to lure at least a million of you nerds into giving our humble podcast a listen. Nah, we're not that clever. Actually, our good friend Chris is a globe-trottin', high-falutin' "aquaintances with" RK Post (in the loosest sense), Magic: The Gathering judge, so we thought we'd get schooled "in the ways of magic" by a master. Who's the King of the Realm: Dungeons & Dragons or Magic? Our "versus" segment pits Rob against Chris in a D&D vs. MTG battle to end all battles. This episode has a sponsor, and that sponsor is giving away a MTG Funko Pop to one lucky viewer/listener! Our first giveaway, our first live studio audience, our first "versus" "winner" - this episode is simply Magical!

Joey, do you like movies about gladiators? Then belt up your bodice and brandish your broadsword, because this week VTS is taking it back to the Dark Ages - the 1980s to be precise! If you're anything like us, and you're probably hoping you're not, you have a special spot in your sheath for ye olde Sword & Sandals movies! This week the crew talk about our favorites: Excalibur, Dragonslayer, The Sword and the Sorcerer, Conan the Barbarian, Beastmaster... (considering deleting that last one, but it's a classic) and more! Frank shows off some new Lego goodies (don't ask, sorry Frank), and Rick finally scores a Silver Surfer, but forgets it for show and tell (and he's a teacher FCOL). Strap on your Birkies and journey back with us to a time of magic and mystery (and VHS): 1980... DISCLAIMER: Due to the mature subject matter of the films discussed, parental discretion is suggested. We don't use potty language, but we do briefly discuss mature subjects which occur in the films.

No, this SquadCast has nothing to do with Olive Oyl's beefy beau, but everything - literally EVERYTHING - to do with Pops. What are Pops you ask? Of course you didn't, there's not a soul on Planet Earth who has not crossed paths with Funko's ubiquitous vinyl cash cow (is there a Funko Cash Cow Pop vinyl? Is it vaulted?). We introduce you to Arnold, Funko Pop collector, no, connoisseur, and keep-em-in-the-box stickler. On the other side of the mic is Patti who unboxes (nearly) every one and does so right in front of Arnold, who ripped his lavalier mic off and walked off set. Just kidding. We don't use lavs. But he WAS visibly flabbergasted. Come see what's Pop'pin with the Squad!

It is a dark time for the Squad... simply put, there's too much great television and not enough hours in the day. But this awesome hour is spent discussing the impending Fall TV schedule and the many nerdy shows lurking around the dial. I know, no one knows what a "dial" is... that's how people used to change the channel back in the Dark Ages. Michelle is our very special guest in this episode, and boy does this lady know her superhero shows. She, Rick and Frank enjoy a lively discussion about the "boob tube" (this IS officially the first and only SquadCast to contain the word "boobies"), whilst Rob meditates and tries to engage Patti, who is busy as usual producing, directing, engineering, and quietly chiming in from the ether. Let's talk telly!

This episode of the SquadCast starts with a confession from Rick, the first on-mic appearance of our behind-the-curtain Wonder Woman, Patti, and then slides into a discussion of all things MOVIES, especially the crop of Summer 2018 flicks everyone's talking about: Solo, Avengers Infinity War, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Hereditary, The Meg, and the rest! A "Versus" segment on buying movies or downloading them digitally wraps our longest SquadCast yet - but don't let that intimidate you, you'll be riveted to every nerdy second.

In this episode, the Squad discusses toy collecting and some of the frustrations that go along with the hobby. The talk then turns to comic books and graphic novels, with Rick and Frank discussing some of their current and favorite reads. A "Versus" segment on keeping your toys boxed or opening them gets heated when Rick carelessly tears into a perfectly good toy package on the air, leaving Frank speechless and Rob nearly in tears.

In this episode of the SquadCast, we meet VTS member Frank, conspicuously absent from our first episode... Frank's had quite a month, and he tells us all about it (albeit briefly). Then we get to talking toy collecting and photography with BobaPat, who is challenged to setup and shoot a photo using the ReadySetz Urban Playset in 10 minutes. Is he up to the task? Tune in to find out! Nevermind, of course he is, but you'll have to find the photo on one of our Facebook or Instagram pages, you bounty hunter you.

Welcome to the very first episode of the Vegas Toy SquadCast! In this episode we meet the gang plus our special guest Nate, who has just returned from San Diego Comic Con! We'd love to hear your feedback on this and future episodes, please tune in weekly! On our next SquadCast, we'll talk toy photography (among other things) with our special guest BobaPat! Don't forget, you can always WATCH the SquadCast also, just search Vegas Toy Squad on YouTube!