CONversations with Coffee

CWC
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture

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. 21h ago

    S1 Episode 21: How to Become a Voice Actor (Advice From an Optimus Prime Sound-Alike)

    How to become a voice actor: advice from Shaun Hargett, the voice actor and content creator whose Peter Cullen tribute went viral. Kent and Liz talk with Shaun about getting started in voiceover, beating self-doubt, and why authenticity matters more than any impression. Shaun started in voiceover about five years ago, recording radio ads, church promos and local narration, then let discouragement stall him. A heartfelt tribute video honoring Peter Cullen reached fans around the world and pulled him back in. He shares his Mount Rushmore of voice actors, the lessons of being told you sound like a legend, and why “strong enough to be gentle” is more than a quote to him. Along the way, Kent celebrates a birthday in three countries, Liz reports back from GalaxyCon St. Louis, and Kent tells the story of a first-year Gilmore Girls fan event. Whether you dream of voice acting, get told you sound like someone famous, or just love a good Optimus Prime sign-off, this episode has something for you. Find Shaun Hargett: Website: shaunhargettvo.com Social media: IG: @shaunhargettvo FB: @shaunhargettvo TikTok: @shaunhargettvo YT: @shaunhargettvo In this episode: How Shaun got into voiceover and what stopped him for a whileHow to become a voice actor today: classes, demos and social mediaWhy Kent says it’s never too late (Morgan Freeman’s late-career start)How much work goes into landing one gig, even for established voice actorsOvercoming fear of rejection and the self-doubt that talks loudestShaun’s character voices (and a live Mickey Mouse attempt)What it’s like to sound like Peter Cullen, and how Shaun handles the comparisonHow the Peter Cullen tribute went viral, and the follow-up thank-you videoWhat impersonators miss about Optimus Prime“Be strong enough to be gentle”: what it means to ShaunPersonalized shout-outs and how to request oneAdvice for anyone told they sound like someone famousShaun’s comic con dream guests and why he’s never been to a conThe Autobots sign-offNew episodes every Thursday at 10 AM Central. Subscribe for more con stories, tips and behind-the-scenes insight.

  2. Nov 5

    S1 Episode 20: Inside “Just People”: A Documentary About Comic Con Fans

    How to get a comic con press pass, plus the story behind the Just People documentary. Kent and Liz talk with director Lindsey Jones about her feature-length love letter to conventions and the lessons she learned making it. Lindsey is a video producer with 11 years behind the camera who went to 11 conventions in 2024, most of them on a press pass. She shares how she went from filming for fun to getting press credentials, how she landed Matthew Lillard for her film through a Threads post, and why she now asks for consent before pointing a camera at anyone. She also shares survival tips for introverts, what she learned about celebrities and fans by filming both, and the unglamorous truth about crowdfunding an indie film. Whether you’re curious about press passes, dreaming of making your own documentary, or just trying to survive your next convention as an introvert, this episode has something for you. In this episode: How Lindsey got her first press pass (Fan Expo Denver)Her top con tip: drink water, eat, and schedule breaks to rechargeWhat Just People is about and how she chose her intervieweesHow a Threads post landed Matthew Lillard, Todd Stashwick and Dee WallaceWhy she asks for consent before filming people at consA favorite moment that wasn’t on camera (Michael Rosenbaum backstage)How the film industry and streaming changed celebrity con appearancesWhy big-name guests can crowd out smaller guests at some showsMaking “line friends” and surviving cons as an introvertHer advice for first-time directors: volunteer on other people’s setsWhy crowdfunding is harder than it looksWhere to follow the film and when it’s coming outNew episodes every Thursday at 10 AM Central. Subscribe for more con stories, tips and behind-the-scenes insight.

  3. Oct 29

    S1 Episode 19: How to Tell If an Autograph Is Real (JSA Expert Explains)

    Autograph authentication explained: how to tell if a celebrity autograph is real, with James Spence III, Senior Vice President of JSA (James Spence Authentication). Kent and Liz talk with one of the biggest names in autograph authentication about how it works and why forgeries are everywhere. James shares how his family’s company grew from sports memorabilia into comics and entertainment, what experts look for in a signature (baselines, spacing, pen lifts), and the JSA exemplar database. He also tells the story of a collector whose entire signed-guitar collection failed authentication, plus the most emotional item his team has seen: Janis Joplin’s handwritten love letters. Along the way, the three trade coffee and tea snobbery, including James’s chemistry-lab morning brew and the most exotic coffee he’s ever tried. Whether you collect autographs, got a few signed photos at cons, or just inherited a box of memorabilia, this episode will help you protect what you own. In this episode: How JSA started in 2005 and how it became part of CCGWhat authenticators check: fluidity, baselines, spacing and letter sizeWhy a “squiggle” or pen check can’t be authenticatedThe JSA exemplar database and why exact signing dates matterThe most forged autographs (Michael Jackson, Stan Lee and more)Why you should authenticate a collection before leaving it to familyA signed-guitar collection that failed, and the “expensive means real” trapDoes death raise an autograph’s value? (Kobe Bryant example)The Janis Joplin love letters and George Washington documentsJames’s advice for first-time collectors: set a budget and a focusA tip for getting an Ian McKellen autograph: write a handwritten letterNew episodes every Thursday at 10 AM Central. Subscribe for more con stories, tips and behind-the-scenes insight.

  4. Oct 22

    S1 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.

  5. Oct 15

    S1 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.

  6. Oct 8

    S1 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.

  7. Oct 1

    S1 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.

  8. Sep 24

    S1 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.

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Ratings & Reviews

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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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