The ESO Network Feed

The ESO Network Feed

Established in April 2012, the ESO Network is a podcast network of shows that celebrate a love for pop culture, sci-fi, comics, and all things geek. Join podcasts like Earth Station One, Earth Station Who, Earth Station DCU, The NerdBliss Podcast, The FlopCast, The Dragon Con Report, The 42cast, and so much more. We dive headfirst into the world of our favorite topics, get into trouble, and find our way out again! Stop by for a listen and let your inner geek out to play.

  1. 7H AGO

    Bees, Bills and YouTube Thrills

    Episode 49: Bees, Bills and YouTube Thrills This episode starts where a lot of conversations seem to live these days—YouTube. We dig into the world of influencers and content creators. Some are making amazing stuff. Others? Not so much. When you have to post to stay relevant, even the most mundane moments become “content.” We wonder out loud: has influencing gone too far… or is this just the new normal? Somewhere between algorithms and authenticity, we try to figure out where we fit in. That leads into Shawn launching a brand new YouTube channel: The Long Way Around (@thelongwayshow). It’s a fresh start, a new direction, and—like everything online these days—a bit of an experiment. If you like what we do, this is your gentle nudge to go hit subscribe. Every click helps more than you think. Meanwhile, real life doesn’t pause for content creation. Leah is starting a new part-time job this week. Her foot care business is still growing, and this extra income will help keep things steady while she builds it up. It’s one of those practical, necessary steps that doesn’t get talked about enough—the in-between phase where dreams and bills have to coexist. And speaking of busy schedules… we’ve got bees to pick up. In about a month, we’re heading south to grab a starter nuc for Leah’s new backyard hive. Yes, actual bees. It’s exciting, a little intimidating, and definitely a step into something completely new. From bees, we somehow find our way back to YouTube—and then into LEGO. We watched a video about a daughter selling her late father’s LEGO collection. The estimated value? $165,000. That sparks a whole conversation about collecting, nostalgia, and why tiny plastic bricks still have a hold on us even now. We talk about the sets we love, the ones we want, and how hard it is to let go of “cool stuff”… even when you’re trying to simplify your life. Because let’s be honest—decluttering is a lot harder when everything you own has a story. We also revisit our old podcast, The Soul Forge. Even though it ended in 2024, it somehow pulled in 900 downloads last month—more than it ever did while we were actively making it. Go figure. The internet works in mysterious ways. That leads us into creating and reading a brand-new promo for Have Coffee Will Travel, because apparently our network overlords require fresh promos every six months. So yes… we comply. (But we make it fun.) We wrap things up with Etsy updates. Leah’s shop has been picking up steam lately—outperforming Shawn’s this past month, which we’re absolutely fine with… mostly. In This Episode: The reality of YouTube influencers and content burnout Launching The Long Way Around Balancing passion projects with paying the bills Leah’s new job and growing her business Road trip plans to pick up bees A $165K LEGO collection and why we still love it The struggle of letting go of “stuff” Unexpected success from The Soul Forge Recording a brand-new podcast promo Etsy wins (and friendly competition) Final Sip Life right now is a mix of building, rebuilding, and figuring things out as we go. Whether it’s YouTube, bees, or just paying the bills, we’re taking the long way—and learning a lot along the way. This week’s podcast promo: Monkeeing Around The post Bees, Bills and YouTube Thrills appeared first on The ESO Network.

    38 min
  2. 1D AGO

    The 2026 Dragon Con Report Episode 3: The Brits Are Coming!

    Welcome to the Brit Side of Dragon Con Dragon Con is a global celebration of fandom, and this episode of The Dragon Con Report proves you don’t need a passport to cross the Atlantic. This time, we’re joined by Caro and Rob from the Brit Track, one of the convention’s most distinctive and delightfully quirky programming tracks. What Is Brit Track, Anyway? If you’ve ever wandered into a panel filled with sharp wit, deep-cut references, and a room that somehow feels like equal parts pub and fandom think tank, you’ve likely experienced Brit Track. During our conversation, Caro and Rob break down what defines the track, from British television and film to literature, comedy, and cultural touchstones that have shaped fandom worldwide. From Tea Time to Prime Time Next, we explore how Brit Track curates its programming each year. From beloved staples like Doctor Who and classic comedies to newer hits and hidden gems, Brit Track balances nostalgia with discovery. Along the way, we also get a peek behind the curtain at how panels are selected and what goes into building a schedule that keeps fans coming back year after year. Why Fans Keep Coming Back So what makes Brit Track such a fan favorite? As it turns out, it’s not just the subject matter. It’s the atmosphere. There’s a sense of humor, inclusivity, and community that gives the track its own unique identity within Dragon Con. Whether you’re a lifelong Anglophile or just stumbling in out of curiosity, there’s always something to enjoy. What to Expect This Year Of course, we couldn’t let Caro and Rob go without teasing what’s ahead. From can’t-miss panels to returning favorites and a few surprises, Brit Track continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. If you’re planning your Dragon Con schedule, this is one track you won’t want to overlook. Tune In and Join the Conversation So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join us for a lively conversation about British fandom, Dragon Con traditions, and the people who make it all happen. Because at Dragon Con, fandom knows no borders. The Dragon Con Report is a part of the ESO Podcast Network, Producer Jen “Lil’ Bit” Schleusner, Executive Producer Mike Faber.​We want to hear from you! Feedback is always welcome. Please write to us at feedback@dragonconreport.com and subscribe and rate the show wherever fine podcasts are found, such as Apple Podcast, Google Play, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, and our new YouTube Channel.​Links:​Dragon Con Report Website​Dragon Con Report YouTube Channel​ESO Network​ESO Network Patreon​ESO Network TeePublic Store Dragon Con Parties, Meetups, and More​Black Geeks of Dragon Con​Dragon Con Watch the episode video on YouTube Brit Track on FB Brit Track Instagram: @dcbrittrack Discord: Brittrack X: @brittrack Brit Track YouTube Dragon Awards Nominations are open! Dragon Con Burlesque Auditions are open! Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for Dragon Con. Delta has announced a discount code for the 2026 show. NM4XQ is the code. Dragon Con Report Intro and Outro attributes: Stock Media provided by Blackmid / Pond5Adventure Of The Pirates – Fantasy, Epic Orchestral Music by Pond5 Stock Media provided by MellauSFX / Pond5Dragon Fire Roar Sound Effects by Pond5 #dragonconreport #dcr #podcast #dragoncon #dragonconpodcast #conventions #AtlantaGeekScene #dragonconAtlanta #ESONetwork #geekpodcast #Geektalk #ChanningSherman #JenLilBitSchleusner #MikeGordon #nerdpodcast #TheESONetwork #2026DragonConReport #DragonCon2026 #ESOPatreon #40yranniversary #brittrack #britishmedia #DragonConBritTrack #CaroMcCullyTidwell #RobInTheHatBowen  The post The 2026 Dragon Con Report Episode 3: The Brits Are Coming! appeared first on The ESO Network.

    1h 10m
4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Established in April 2012, the ESO Network is a podcast network of shows that celebrate a love for pop culture, sci-fi, comics, and all things geek. Join podcasts like Earth Station One, Earth Station Who, Earth Station DCU, The NerdBliss Podcast, The FlopCast, The Dragon Con Report, The 42cast, and so much more. We dive headfirst into the world of our favorite topics, get into trouble, and find our way out again! Stop by for a listen and let your inner geek out to play.

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