CONversation with Coffee

CWC

Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at Comic Con? Grab your favorite mug and pull up a seat — this is the podcast for con-goers, cosplayers, and curious first-timers alike. Each episode, we break down the latest conventions we've hit, spill the behind-the-scenes stories you won't find anywhere else, and swap the tips and tricks we wish someone had told us before our first con. Panel lines, artist alley finds, cosplay chaos, hidden gems, survival hacks — we cover it all, one cup at a time. New to Comic Con and not sure where to start? You're in the right place. Been going for years? Come trade notes with us anyway. Either way, pour yourself a coffee and let's talk cons.

Episodes

  1. 3 days ago

    Episode 9: Comic Con for a Cause: Why Charity Conventions Are Changing the Game

    Comic Con for a cause: Kent and Liz recap two very different weekends — Kent's trip to Metropolis, Illinois for the 48th annual Superman Celebration with Man of Tomorrow's Neva Howell, and Liz's deeply moving experience volunteering at 605 Pop Culture Con in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a charity convention benefiting Voices Against Cancer. They share heartwarming stories of celebrities forming real bonds with pediatric cancer families, plus a fun debate about which A-list actors (Tom Cruise? Kurt Russell? Gerard Butler?) might someday make a surprise convention appearance. Whether you're curious about charity-driven conventions or want to hear the latest buzz on unexpected celebrity con debuts, this episode has heart, humor, and plenty of con culture. 🎙️ In this episode: Kent's weekend at Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois (48 years running!)Man of Tomorrow's Neva Howell drops a surprise casting announcementLiz's experience at 605 Pop Culture Con, benefiting Voices Against CancerHow "honor families" get VIP treatment with their favorite celebritiesGame of Thrones' Clegane brothers & other unforgettable charity con guestsWhy some legendary actors (Kurt Russell, Nicolas Cage) are just now doing their first consThe real cost of meeting A-list, low-appearance celebritiesDream list: which major stars should (but probably won't) do a con ☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.

  2. 13 Aug

    Episode 8: Is Working Comic-Con Worth It? A Crew Member's Honest Review

    Meet Leah, aka a "Krubie" (crew + newbie): Kent and Liz welcome their second guest to talk about her very first time working a convention as crew at Fan Expo Denver. Leah shares the entire process from finding the crew application to surviving her first four-day show working celebrity autographs alongside Star Wars voice acting legends Vanessa Marshall and David W. Collins. Plus, she opens up about her Twitch content creation journey, her love of Lord of the Rings, and unforgettable fan-perspective stories meeting Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, and John Stamos. Whether you've ever wondered what it's actually like to work your first convention or you're looking for genuine advice from someone who's been on both sides of the table, this episode is packed with heart, humor, and hard-earned tips. 🎙️ In this episode: Meet Leah: first-time convention crew at Fan Expo DenverHow to actually apply to work a convention (it's easier than you think)What it's like working celebrity autographs as frontline crewVanessa Marshall's incredible interaction with a fan familyLeah's essential con packing list: water, stools, snacks & stretchingWhy "cash is king" is the #1 rule at every conventionFan etiquette: always ask before hugging, and how to compose yourselfLeah's most memorable celebrity meetings: Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, John StamosHer Twitch journey and building a positive online community☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.

  3. 6 Aug

    Episode 7: The Real Cost of Comic Con Photo Ops (And How to Save Money)

    Comic Con Budgeting 101: Kent and Liz recap their weekend together at Fan Expo Denver, working with voice acting legend Michael Bell and My Name is Earl's Ethan Suplee, plus dive deep into the real cost of photo ops — especially when big cast reunions like X-Files and Lord of the Rings come to town. They break down exactly how professional photo ops work, why splitting the cost with friends can save serious money, and how to know before you get to the table whether a celebrity does selfies or not. Whether you're planning your first con budget or want to know why some A-listers won't take selfies at their table, this episode has the practical breakdown you need. 🎙️ In this episode: Kent & Liz recap Fan Expo Denver (formerly Denver Comic Con)Working with voice acting legend Michael Bell (Transformers, G.I. Joe, Smurfs)Ethan Suplee's incredible 300-lb weight loss journey & meal prep packsReno 911's Thomas Lennon & Cedric Yarbrough: con energy storiesHow professional photo ops actually work (and why they're so fast)Splitting group photo op costs to save serious moneyWhy some celebrities (like Cheech & Chong) never do table selfiesCast reunions: X-Files & Lord of the Rings at Fan Expo DenverBudgeting tips: cash vs. card, envelopes, and pre-planning your con day☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.

  4. 30 Jul

    Episode 6: 12 Years Volunteering Comic Con: The Stories They Don't Share with Guest: Tammy Hassan

    Comic Con Volunteering 101: Kent and Liz welcome their first-ever guest, Tammy, a longtime Denver Comic Con and Fan Expo Denver volunteer leader, to break down what it's really like working conventions from the ground up. Tammy shares how a single visit to see Warehouse 13's cast turned into over a decade of volunteering, working her way from ticketing to managing entire front-of-house teams, and even moving to Denver because of the con community she found. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about volunteering at a convention — what jobs are available, how background checks work, what "paying your dues" really looks like, and the wild, unexpected moments that make it worth it (stolen banners, napkin notes from Harry Potter cast members, and a signed Jason Momoa vodka bottle that will never be opened). 🎙️ In this episode: Meet Tammy: 12+ years volunteering at Denver-area conventionsHow to start volunteering at any comic con (and how background checks work)The many volunteer roles: line control, guest services, ADA access & moreWhy "handler" and celebrity liaison roles are the most coveted (and hardest to get)Building a "con family": the real reason volunteers keep coming backWild stories: stealing Dog the Bounty Hunter's banner, napkin notes from TonksCon survival tips: deodorant, sock changes, and always take your breakFan Expo Denver preview & how con names keep changing over the years☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.

  5. 8 Jul

    Episode 5: Comic Con Etiquette: Photos, Crew Respect & Why Celebrities Hate Airports

    Con etiquette takes center stage this episode as Kent and Liz break down how to treat crew members, when it's okay to take photos, and why respecting a celebrity's off-duty time matters. Liz recaps her weekend in Cape Girardeau helping Death Note's Brian Drummond, plus a preview of CapeCon's stacked November lineup featuring Ahsoka Tano herself, Ashley Eckstein, alongside several other Clone Wars cast members — with a surprise bonus guest at his own autograph table. Whether you're wondering why photo signs exist at celebrity tables or how to be a good con-goer without crossing a line, this episode is packed with real talk from two people who've spent decades on both sides of the table. 🎙️ In this episode: Liz's weekend with Death Note's Brian Drummond in Cape GirardeauCapeCon November lineup: Clone Wars cast including Ashley EcksteinWhy crew members deserve patience (and maybe a small treat)Con ribbon culture: cheap, fun conversation startersPhoto etiquette: why signs say "no photos" and how to ask permissionWhy chasing celebrities off-duty (airports, hotels, restaurants) is a hard noNerd vs. geek callback and celebrity multi-hyphenate stories (Dee Bradley Baker's 1,000+ roles)Tip of the day: shop late on Sunday for vendor dealsUpcoming cons: South Texas Comic Con & a small St. Louis-area show☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.

  6. 7 Jul

    Episode 4: Comic Con Packing List: 15+ Essentials You Can't Skip

    This episode, Kent and Liz unpack (literally) everything you should bring in your Comic Con bag. From snacks and portable chargers to Liz's surprisingly extensive "goodie bag" of con survival gear — collapsible stools, autograph protectors, neck fans, and more — this is the ultimate packing guide for your next con. Plus, they swap stories from recent stops: Kent's mall-signing weekend with Terrifier horror queens Casey Hartnett and Sarah Voight, and Liz's upcoming trip to an anime con featuring the English dub cast of Death Note. Whether you're heading to your first con or your fiftieth, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you stay comfortable, prepared, and ready for anything — long lines included. 🎙️ In this episode: The ultimate Comic Con packing list: snacks, chargers, neck fans & moreWhy autograph protector folders are a $5 must-haveCollapsible stools & shoulder slings for long celebrity linesTerrifier's horror queens: behind-the-scenes stories from a mall signing eventHow to prep for panels, artist commissions, and celebrity schedulesAnime vs. non-anime debate: Avatar: The Last Airbender editionWhy preparation is the #1 tip for surviving big cons (SDCC, DragonCon, NYCC)Budget tips: cash vs. card, tailgating, and avoiding food court price gouging☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con survival tips and behind-the-scenes stories. ⏱️ Timeline / Chapters0:00 Intro – Kent & Liz check in with coffee and tea 2:14 Kent's Bucee's coffee run & road trip snacks 7:10 Kent's weekend with Terrifier's Casey Hartnett & Sarah Voight 9:36 Horror movie talk: slasher vs. suspense 12:18 Liz's upcoming anime con: Death Note voice cast 13:04 The anime vs. non-anime debate (Avatar: The Last Airbender) 15:28 Michael Jackson biopic talk 18:14 Main topic: what to bring to a Comic Con 19:23 Water, snacks & avoiding food court price gouging 22:10 Tailgating tip: bring a cooler & take breaks 23:53 Portable chargers & neck fans 26:11 Lanyards & pin collections 27:21 First aid: band-aids, sanitizer & avoiding con crud 28:27 Glasses/lens cleaner for better selfies 29:28 Autograph protector folders — Liz's #1 essential 30:41 Collapsible stools & shoulder slings for long lines 32:41 Extra socks for tired feet 32:56 Bringing items to get autographed (sketches, art) 34:52 Pop protectors & plastic sleeves 37:50 Sketchbooks & artist commissions 38:40 Checking celebrity schedules & panel times 40:40 How to figure out when a celebrity is at their table 44:24 Meeting Kent & Liz at a con 45:33 Tip of the day: preparation, budgeting & cash safety 46:20 Outro

  7. 7 Jul

    Episode 3: We Stole Frodo (Sort Of)

    Kent and Liz dive deep into the world of cosplay and con collecting this episode, sharing personal stories from decades of Comic Con history. Kent recounts bringing one of the very first Iron Man cosplays to San Diego Comic-Con, while Liz shares her hilarious "stealing Frodo" moment with Elijah Wood at Planet Comic Con. They break down DragonCon's legendary cosplay culture, VIP pass value, cash vs. card at celebrity tables, and the unwritten social etiquette of meeting your favorite stars — including why repeat visits to the same celebrity table might not be as welcome as you think. Plus: lanyard collections, terrifying photo ops with horror icons, and the honest truth about handler life as "the most expensive hobby in history." 🎙️ In this episode: Kent's original Iron Man cosplay at San Diego Comic-ConDragonCon: the ultimate cosplay convention (with a 60/40 dress-up ratio!)Liz's "stealing Frodo" photo op with Elijah WoodCash vs. card at celebrity autograph tables (and why cash saves you money)VIP passes: are they worth it?Con etiquette: how many times is too many at a celebrity's table?Terrifier's David Howard Thornton's makeup & photo op "holding cue"Swag talk: lanyards, trading cards, and collectible chaosHandler life: why it's "the most expensive hobby in history"

  8. 7 Jul

    Episode 2: I Sang Happy Birthday to William Shatner... Here's What Else Happened at Comic Con

    Kent and Liz discuss their recent experiences at Comic Cons, including meeting celebrities, getting autographs, taking selfies, and purchasing merchandise. They also share tips for attending cons and managing emotional experiences when meeting heroes. Takeaways Comic Con experiencesMeeting celebrities Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cons with Coffee 06:02 Drinks and Swag at Cons 11:00 Autographs and Selfies at Cons 19:08 Photo Ops and Merchandise 24:54 Emotional Experiences at Cons 31:02 Tips for Attending Cons

  9. 7 Jul

    Ep 1 : Why We Started This Podcast: Comic Con History, Nerd vs. Geek & Is 'Comic Con' Trademarked?

    Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at Comic Con? Grab your favorite mug and pull up a seat — this is the podcast for con-goers, cosplayers, and curious first-timers alike. Each episode, we break down the latest conventions we've hit, spill the behind-the-scenes stories you won't find anywhere else, and swap the tips and tricks we wish someone had told us before our first con. Panel lines, artist alley finds, cosplay chaos, hidden gems, survival hacks — we cover it all, one cup at a time. New to Comic Con and not sure where to start? You're in the right place. Been going for years? Come trade notes with us anyway. Either way, pour yourself a coffee and let's talk cons.

  • 9 Episodes

About

Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at Comic Con? Grab your favorite mug and pull up a seat — this is the podcast for con-goers, cosplayers, and curious first-timers alike. Each episode, we break down the latest conventions we've hit, spill the behind-the-scenes stories you won't find anywhere else, and swap the tips and tricks we wish someone had told us before our first con. Panel lines, artist alley finds, cosplay chaos, hidden gems, survival hacks — we cover it all, one cup at a time. New to Comic Con and not sure where to start? You're in the right place. Been going for years? Come trade notes with us anyway. Either way, pour yourself a coffee and let's talk cons.

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