Clutch Power

Eric Crittenden
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A Show about the Ways We Love LEGO. In-depth conversations about LEGO. Hosted by Emmy-nominated reporter Eric Crittenden.

  1. LEGO v. 乐拼

    17 HR AGO

    LEGO v. 乐拼

    April 23rd, 2019. Shanghai Police arrest nine people, smash assembly lines, and raid a warehouse. It looks like a LEGO factory, but it’s not. This is Lepin, a Chinese knockoff company that will get shut down by 2021. But with knockoff LEGO companies facing such severe penalties, why are there more than ever before? Two very educated guests for this episode! First, Aaron Wininger, Principal and Director of the China IP Practice at Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner, P.A., which advertises a boutique law firm with a focus on Intellectual Property. Aaron is extremely knowledgeable about the relationship between China and trademarks, and I’m so grateful he took some time out of his undoubtedly busy schedule to chat. Aaron often writes for the National Law Review, and has been featured in: Bloomberg IPLaw360 The Fashion Law And many more. You can find more about Aaron here! My second guest is Dylan O. Adams, a patent attorney at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. On top of being a #1 Amazon best seller, a featured expert on CNBC, and a million other laurels, he also runs the YouTube channel Patents Demystified, which is a wonderful resource if you’re writing an IP-focused episode of your LEGO podcast, or if you have any curiosity about IP law in general. If you’re a Patreon supporter, you’ll get a bonus act called: “The Mega Question” where I ask Dylan about the difference between Mega Bloks and Lepin and - as it turns out - LEGO has tried to shut Mega Bloks down in the past. Over a dozen lawsuits! I’d hate to be on the other side of that. You’ll also get access to a special MOC just for this episode! In true Lepin fashion I ripped off a official mini Millennium Falcon but with the added bonus that this one is extremely unstable and will probably fall apart before you can even mount it. How else can I replicate the quality of Lepin products? It’s just $5 / month to become a Patron, and you’ll get bonus content + a MOC for every episode! Join the Patreon! All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com): Alter Ego The Cage The Water and the Well The Other Side Hemiteleia Four and a Half Tatami Shapes Within the Jade

    39 min
  2. What Even is a LEGO? (with The Plop!)

    9 FEB

    What Even is a LEGO? (with The Plop!)

    Ask anyone what a LEGO is, and they’ll tell you: it’s the little brick with studs on top. But the deeper you look into that question, the stranger and stranger it becomes. Is string LEGO? Is foam? Am I? Today’s guest: Darian from The Plop! About a year ago, Darian put out a video called “LEGO, But It’s NOT Plastic...” where he made LEGO bricks out of all sorts of materials: snow, concrete, even wood! I thought if anyone could help me figure out what a LEGO is, it’d be him. These days, The Plop is all about 3D Printing. Darian works on making 3D Printing approachable, with personality-focused content, instead of content full of technical jargon. If you’re a Patreon supporter, you’ll get a bonus act called: “Am I a LEGO?” where I explore the darkest corners of Bricklink, from LEGO’s Barbie knock-off to bricks that can conduct electricity. These days, LEGO plays it safe, but their history is anything but. You’ll also get access to a special MOC just for this episode! This time it’s a 3D Printer construct - what else - a LEGO! I hope you can use this MOC during your morning meditation to reflect on…what, indeed, is a LEGO? Join the Patreon! Music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com): Follow Me Into The DarkThe Art of Being LonelyLet’s Make a MemoryIdentity CrisisSymbols In The Shape Of A WordScarecrowAnd Jeopardy theme by BenFranklyn: https://freesound.org/s/789077/ License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

    38 min
  3. Life After Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension

    26 JAN

    Life After Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension

    In 2002, a LEGO theme and companion show came and went: Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension. These days the theme is infamous for nearly bankrupting LEGO, and the show is hardly remembered at all. But Galidor wasn’t the end of the line for the co-star of the show. If anything, it was the jumping off point. Two guests this episode! First, it’s Marie-Marguerite Sabongui, who played Allega Zane in Galidor. But M-M’s story doesn’t end there. After Galidor, she dove headfirst into climate activism, and these days produces a bevy of projects, including Blind River Media and Lil D’Bunk. And R. R. Slugger is back! Slugger is a genuine Galidor fan (one of the few) and has done really great videos on the theme. LEGO Galidor ~ 20th Anniversary Retrospective!Galidor Is The Best.Extremely Rare LEGO Galidor Prototype Figure!Patreon supporters get a bonus segment where Slugger and I talk about Galidor’s history, legacy, and what he loves about it. This episode also touches on climate change, so I wanted to link some resources M-M sent me to help with climate anxiety: Navigating Climate Anxiety with Dr. Britt WayAnya KemnitzMy Climate PlanIf you’re a Patreon supporter, you get a bonus build for this episode! It’s a celebration of Galidor and glinching. Supporters get a link to the digital build and a wishlist if you’d like to order it and build it for yourself! It’s really goofy and that’s why I love it. Join the Patreon! All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com): ArtificeA Mundance ConclusionAlter EgoEscapeSomething Beautiful Is Going To HappenViolenceLiberosis

    53 min
  4. Just How Smart IS this Brick? (with Graham E. Hancock and Fairplay!)

    12 JAN

    Just How Smart IS this Brick? (with Graham E. Hancock and Fairplay!)

    LEGO's new Smart Play System is very controversial. And everyone’s got an opinion. But I wanted to talk to some people with credibility - beyond just “adult LEGO fan”: someone who's actually USED the Smart Brick, and someone who's dedicated to children's well-being. Two guests on today's episode! First, Graham E. Hancock of Blocks Magazine! Graham was at CES in January when LEGO unveiled the Smart Brick, and he spoke to me about his initial impressions, and his excitement of the Smart Brick's potential.  If you haven't checked out Blocks Magazine before, it is absolutely worth your time. It is in-depth, beautifully designed, and just a treat for the uber LEGO nerd like myself. I also spoke to Rachel Franz of Fairplay, a children's well-being advocacy group that works to "put kids' needs ahead of corporate greed". Rachel raised some fascinating points about the Smart Play System and LEGO's marketing and she's a wonderful counter-balance. My goal with this episode is to give you multiple perspective on the Smart Brick. Right now it seems like every LEGO YouTuber is sharing their thoughts, though only a few have actually played with the brick. A few who have: Tiago CatarinoCNET's Bridget CareyCNN's Rikka AltlandAnd there are a few others out there as well. I also want to link R. R. Slugger's great opinion piece on the Smart Brick. As always, Slugger always has well-thought-out opinions, and he shares a perspective different than most I've seen. If you’re a Patreon supporter, you get a bonus build for this episode! It’s a portrait of the Smart Brick graduating from college. Cap, gown, diploma - the works. Supporters get a link to the digital build and a wishlist if you’d like to order it and build it for yourself! Join the Patreon! All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com): Alter EgoFringe WeaverFollow Me Into The DarkAn Unexpected HangingDivine Violence

    33 min
  5. LEGOTY 2025

    29/12/2025 · BONUS

    LEGOTY 2025

    In the video games industry, there’s a concept known as the Game of the Year (or GOTY). This is that, but for LEGO: proving scientifically, without a doubt, the very best LEGO set that came out in 2025. But there’s more to it than just choosing the best set. I created several categories to discuss: Best MinifigBest Collectable MinifigBest PolybagBest Set Under $50Best Gift with Purchase (GWP)Best Original IP LEGO SetBest Licensed LEGO SetToday’s guest: Caleb from Cheesey Studios! He’s back! You might know Caleb from Episode 4 of Clutch Power: LEGO and Minecraft: A Match Made in Heaven or from his much, much more successful YouTube channel. Caleb is an absolute gem and a real LEGO nerd like me, and I had so much fun talking about the highs and lows of LEGO in 2025. But Caleb isn’t the only guest! You’ll also hear from three other past and future Clutch Power guests. Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com. All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com): TricksUntitled

    56 min
  6. When Did Minifigs Get So Complicated?

    15/12/2025

    When Did Minifigs Get So Complicated?

    Over 26 years, LEGO has put out over 1,700 Star Wars minifigs, ranging from classics like Darth Vader to deep cuts like Kithaba. But obscure or not, Blue Milk Figs collects them all, having one of the only complete LEGO Star Wars minifig collections, tucked away in a hidden, climate controlled room. Today’s guest: Blue Milk Figs! Boasting a complete minifig collection, along with every Star Wars animal, big fig, creature, and droid, BMF is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to LEGO Star Wars. He can literally look at his wall and see how LEGO’s design trends have changed over the years, and he has such an expertise in not only LEGO collecting but also LEGO preservation. If you’re looking to get into collecting LEGO Star Wars minifigs, a good first step is Bricklink, but you’ll want to supplement that with other online catalogs. They are ever-shifting and you can never claim one is “correct”. My recommendations: BricklinkMinifigs.nlBrick EconomyFind episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com. All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com): Alter EgoPhantasmsClimbers in the DarkHands Clasped at the End of the WorldKatabasisMan Alone Chimes the Hour

    40 min
  7. The Man Behind the Mask: Creating Bionicle

    01/12/2025

    The Man Behind the Mask: Creating Bionicle

    Bionicle has a life of its own: defensive fans, deep lore, and a unique building system. But before all that, 25 years ago, Bionicle was a three-page concept in the hands of Alastair Swinnerton. And that’s when he helped to create something magical. Two guests on today’s episode. First, Alastair Swinnerton: screenwriter, novelist, and co-creator of Bionicle. Alastair takes us back in time to his screenwriting “gang” that ran across the original Bionicle pitch: BoneHeads of Voodoo Island. The second guest is Garrett O’Donnell of Atlanta Brick Co, one of the largest second-hand LEGO stores in the world. Garrett is an expert on all-things Bionicle, and in the Patreon bonus we explore the wild world of Bionicle mask collecting - from the most common masks to the rarest and most valuable. This episode took a ton of work and collaboration and I’m so proud of it. It’s both goofy and heartfelt, just like Bionicle. This themes was such a huge part of my childhood and it was so much fun traveling back and time and reminiscing about days past. Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com. All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com): Alter EgoBuilding Nest in the RuinsDefectiveHearts and MindsBehind the MaskCreative Destruction

    45 min
  8. LEGO and Minecraft: A Match Made in Heaven

    17/11/2025

    LEGO and Minecraft: A Match Made in Heaven

    A lot of folks say LEGO Minecraft sets are ugly, too simplistic, and too blocky (I may or may not be one of them). But after giving it some thought and talking through my feelings, I came to realize: LEGO and Minecraft are kinda perfect for each other. Today's guest: the very fun Cheesey Studios! Caleb has spent the last three years working on a giant LEGO Minecraft build, and his YouTube channel shows the entire process of the build: from its very humble beginnings to the behemoth it is today. His other videos are also a lot of fun: looking at modern LEGO sets, or diving back into themes from childhood. He is endlessly entertaining, and I am so happy I got to talk to him about LEGO and Minecraft! Here are some of my favorite Cheesey Studio videos: I Spent 3 YEARS Building a LEGO Minecraft WorldRevisiting LEGO Harry Potter: The Prisoner of AzkabanLEGO Sharks!Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com. All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com): Dead CityThe Days That Flee By Without Any MercyThe Dissolution of CollusionAlter EgoGardenBroken in TwoOblivious

    53 min
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About

A Show about the Ways We Love LEGO. In-depth conversations about LEGO. Hosted by Emmy-nominated reporter Eric Crittenden.

Information

  • Creator
    Eric Crittenden
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Clutch Power
  • Show Website
    Clutch Power