CONversations 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.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 18: Dragon Con Secrets You Can’t Skip (Carpet Cult & Badge Beards)

    Dragon Con tips and recap: what first-timers need to know about the ultimate cosplay convention, from badge pickup chaos to the legendary Marriott carpet cult. Kent and Liz break down Dragon Con’s 40th year, including why it takes over five Atlanta hotels, how badge beards and the ribbon drop work, and why it belongs on every con-goer’s bucket list. Kent shares his firsthand tour of the madness: the Thursday badge system crash, the countdown party at the Marriott, shrines honoring Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, a Spartan army of cosplayers, and a week working with The Boys star Jack Quaid. Liz brings her own Dragon Con memories and plenty of movie homework (300, Hellboy and Mad Max are now on her list). Whether you’re planning your first Dragon Con or just want to know what all the fuss is about, this episode covers what to expect and how to plan. In this episode: Why Dragon Con takes over five Atlanta hotels instead of a convention centerThe Thursday badge pickup crash and why “Wednesday is the new Thursday”Badge beards, ribbon swaps and the record ribbon drop from the 11th floorThe Marriott carpet “cult” and why fans dumpster-dove for the old carpetCosplay highlights: the Spartan parade, a Robin Hood fox, a finger and moreThe masquerade ball recap and the judging debateShrines honoring Dolly Parton and Tim CurryCash-only tables, what a “quote” add-on is, and why you never film without consentHow to plan your Dragon Con: the app, a panel spreadsheet and prioritiesNew episodes every Thursday at 10 AM Central. Subscribe for more con stories, tips and behind-the-scenes insight.

  2. Oct 15

    Episode 17: The Free Comic Con App You Can't Skip (ConVibe)

    ConVibe app explained: the free comic con app that helps you find conventions, track celebrity appearances, and log your autographs and photo ops. Kent and Liz sit down with ConVibe creator Niko Paleologus to talk about why he built it, how it works, and what's coming next. Niko shares the frustrating Billy Zane search that sparked the idea, how he and a small team built a database of 1,500+ conventions, and why he thinks everyone should meet their heroes. He walks through the app's best features, from favoriting celebrities and movies to earning "trophies" for every autograph and selfie, plus upcoming pages for cosplayers and vendors. Kent and Liz also trade tea vs. coffee jabs, and Niko reveals the wild caffeine-syrup drink he survived college on. Whether you're a first-timer trying to find a con near you or a veteran tired of scrolling through your camera roll for that one photo, this episode is for you. In this episode: Why Niko created ConVibe (it started with a Billy Zane autograph hunt)How to search conventions by city, celebrity, or favorite movie and showGamified "trophies" for your autographs, selfies, and photosHow the app handles cancellations and fast data correctionsUpcoming features: cosplayer pages and vendor pagesWhy you should meet your heroes, and how to thank themLaunching on iOS and Android: how the process worksNiko's fandoms: '80s comedies, Project Hail Mary, and PsychNew episodes weekly. Subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.

  3. Oct 8

    Episode 16: The Truth About Convention Autographs: What You Need to Know

    Bucket list autographs and bittersweet news: Liz recaps her weekend working Fan Expo Chicago as a handler for Japanese voice actor Kentaro Ito, plus crossing two major names off her bucket list — Kurt Russell's convention debut and a surprisingly humble Mr. T. Kent and Liz also pause to reflect on the recent losses of Dolly Parton and Hayden Panettiere, celebrating the impact both had on Nashville and beyond. Plus, a practical reminder about convention websites: why some autographs are pre-sale only, why others are cash-at-the-table, and why checking guest lists before you go can save you from a last-minute surprise cancellation. 🎙️ In this episode: Liz recaps handling for Japanese voice actor Kentaro Ito at Fan Expo ChicagoKurt Russell's convention debut — and the Tombstone autograph Liz finally gotA surprisingly humble, heartfelt meeting with Mr. TThe viral Mel Gibson photo-op reaction, revisitedRemembering Dolly Parton and Hayden PanettiereKent's anime con recap in Orlando & the unstoppable Digital Circus linesWhy some autographs are pre-sale only and others are cash-at-the-tableAlways check the con website for last-minute guest cancellations☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.

  4. Oct 1

    Episode 15: Is It OK to Talk to Celebrities Without Buying an Autograph? (Con Etiquette)

    Meet Josh, the "Where's Waldo" of the con circuit: Kent and Liz welcome their newest guest, a longtime attendee and friend of Liz's since MegaCon 2024, to dig into the gaming and cosplay side of conventions they haven't fully explored yet. Josh breaks down how D&D "one-shots" make tabletop gaming approachable for newcomers, why cosplay (even something as simple as a Where's Waldo costume) is one of the best ways to make friends at a con, and the biggest thing he wishes he'd known as a first-timer: there's a whole convention experience beyond the vendor hall. Plus, Kent and Liz dive into the internet drama around celebrity photo-op etiquette (Mel Gibson's "unhappy" photos, Nicolas Cage memes) and why energy, music, and a little grace go a long way at these events. 🎙️ In this episode: Meet Josh: longtime con-goer, gamer, and "Where's Waldo" cosplayerHow D&D "one-shots" make tabletop gaming beginner-friendly at consWhy cosplay is one of the easiest ways to make friends at a conventionThe viral Mel Gibson & Nicolas Cage photo-op drama, explainedWhy music and energy matter so much in celebrity photo boothsJosh's biggest tip: there's a whole con experience beyond the vendor hallGen Con's record-breaking 74,000 attendees in 2026Universal Studios' after-hours MegaCon event & why it's a hidden gemIs it okay to approach a celebrity table just to say hello? Kent and Liz weigh in☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.

  5. Sep 24

    Episode 14: Inside SDCC: Wristband Scandals, K-Pop Demon Hunters & Johnny Depp

    The Bohemoth: Kent's full-blown San Diego Comic-Con recap. From working with the K-pop Demon Hunters' Saja Boys to bumping into Keanu Reeves, Johnny Depp's surprise Ebenezer Scrooge appearance, and the counterfeit-wristband chaos at Hall H — this episode covers every corner of the biggest convention in the industry. Kent and Liz break down what it's really like navigating a five-day, 130,000+ person show, the smartest way to attend without going broke (hint: volunteer), and why "fear of missing out" is just part of the SDCC experience. Whether you're planning your first trip to San Diego Comic-Con or just want the inside scoop on this year's chaos, drama, and celebrity sightings, this is the deep dive you've been waiting for. 🎙️ In this episode: Kent's full SDCC recap: working with K-pop Demon Hunters' Saja BoysThe Hall H counterfeit wristband scandal, explainedJohnny Depp's surprise "Ebenezer Scrooge" appearance & fan interactionsCelebrity sightings: Keanu Reeves, Pedro Pascal, John Cena & moreWhy volunteering is the smartest way to attend SDCC on a budgetDoomsday panel exclusive swag & the Ryan Reynolds "Deadpool in denim" stunt39 unofficial pop-up events happening outside the convention itselfSan Diego Comic-Con's future: confirmed through 2030Upcoming shows: Creepy Con (Knoxville) & Rebel Scum (Dallas)☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.

  6. Sep 17

    Episode 13: Supergirl Review, Cash Is King & Our Wild Summer of Comic Cons

    Coffee, tea, and a whole lot of catching up: Kent and Liz talk World Cup fever, Waffle House loyalty, and Kent's honest review of Supergirl before diving into their jam-packed summer convention schedules. Kent previews his four-city run through New Orleans, Connecticut, and San Diego Comic-Con, while Liz gears up for STL Horror Con and helps organize a brand-new convention, Con Quest, in Waterloo, Iowa. Plus, a reminder of why "cash is king" still holds true even at the most well-attended shows. Whether you're looking for con-going inspiration or just want to hang out with Kent and Liz for an episode, this one's got the usual mix of laughs, nostalgia, and practical advice. 🎙️ In this episode: World Cup talk & family watch parties across three continentsKent's honest review of James Gunn's SupergirlLiz's recommendation: Silo on Apple TV+Throwback story: hot dogs with the Ninja Turtles cast in New OrleansWalter Jones (the Black Power Ranger) is a world champion salsa dancerMichael Rooker's sweetest fan interactionsKent's summer con schedule: New Orleans, Connecticut & San Diego Comic-ConLiz previews STL Horror Con & helping organize Con Quest in Waterloo, IowaCash is king (again): why card readers fail even at big shows☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.

  7. Sep 10

    Episode 12: Behind The Scenes: What It's Really Like To Wear A C-3PO Costume with Chris Bartlett

    Meet the droid you can't avoid: Kent and Liz sit down with Chris Bartlett, the professional actor and costumer who has played over 20 droid characters across the Star Wars universe — including C-3PO himself — for more than two decades. Chris shares his incredible origin story, from a cardboard robot costume his dad built him as a kid, to a self-taught stormtrooper build, to the phone call from Lucasfilm that changed everything. He breaks down exactly how he brings each droid to life with a unique personality, the surprising acting principle behind why "stillness" makes a character powerful, and what it's really like being bolted into a costume on a Star Wars set. Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan, an aspiring costumer, or just love a great "how did you get here" story, this episode is packed with heart, craft, and genuine joy. 🎙️ In this episode: Chris Bartlett's journey from a cardboard robot costume to official Lucasfilm droid performerHow building a stormtrooper costume in 2000 led to a 20+ character Star Wars careerThe moment Lucasfilm called about his self-built C-3PO costumeHis first-ever meeting with original C-3PO actor Anthony DanielsHow Chris gives each droid a unique personality (Zero the "praying mantis" bounty hunter)What it's really like wearing a bolted-together costume on setAdvice for first-time con attendees: come in costume, ask questions, take your timeChris's original Funko Pop sketch art & his Roosevelt's droid-print shirt collabA teased announcement: his biggest on-camera role yet, coming October 2026☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.

  8. Sep 3

    Episode 11: How Big Bang Theory (and TV) Made Comic Con Mainstream

    Comic Con on screen: Kent and Liz explore how conventions have been portrayed across decades of TV and movies — from The Big Bang Theory's iconic Comic Con episodes to Futurama, Psych, Community, and even The Simpsons. They trace how pop culture representation has helped grow the convention world into what it is today, then dig into the surprising history of San Diego Comic-Con itself, which started in 1970 with just 300 attendees and guests like Ray Bradbury and Jack Kirby. Plus, practical advice for first-timers on budgeting for autographs, why coming prepared with a real question for a celebrity matters, and Kent's fun story about accidentally discovering a "Comic Con" reference hidden inside a theme park ride. 🎙️ In this episode: How The Big Bang Theory helped popularize Comic Con cultureComic Con references in Futurama, Psych, Community & The SimpsonsLiz's real-life "blueberries from North Carolina" Psych fan momentThe surprising history of San Diego Comic-Con (started in 1970 with 300 fans!)How SDCC's name changed four times before becoming what we know todayBudgeting reality check: today's average autograph price ($40–$100+)Why coming prepared with a real question changes your celebrity interactionA hidden "Comic Con" easter egg at Universal Studios' Minions ride☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
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3 Ratings

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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