CONversation with Coffee

Episode

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  Episode 12: Behind The Scenes: What It's Really Like To Wear A C-3PO Costume with Chris Bartlett 10.09.2026 1j 19mnt

  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.
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  Episode 11: How Big Bang Theory (and TV) Made Comic Con Mainstream 03.09.2026 52mnt

  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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  Episode 10: Why Some Comic Cons Are Dying (And a Wild Theory About Ai Saving Them) 27.08.2026 58mnt

  Comic Con trends explained: Kent and Liz dive into why some conventions are struggling with attendance while others sell out completely, and float a surprising theory about why AI might actually make Comic Cons more popular, not less. Plus, they share creative interactive con experiences they've witnessed — from voice acting critique panels to celebrity baseball games and go-kart races — and debate why nostalgia actors might be a smarter autograph investment than today's biggest stars.Kent also recaps Otaku Fest in West Palm Beach with Resident Evil voice actress Eva Ladere, and the two reflect on the growing trend of major A-list stars (Kurt Russell, Nicolas Cage) finally hitting the convention circuit for the first time.🎙️ In this episode:Why some comic cons are struggling with attendance (and others aren't)A surprising theory: could AI actually grow the convention industry?Interactive con experiences: voice acting panels, celebrity baseball & go-kartsWhy Michael Rooker's panels are always standing-room onlyNostalgia actors vs. today's stars: which autograph is the smarter investment?Kurt Russell & Nicolas Cage's surprising first-ever con appearancesCash is king (again): why bad Wi-Fi and empty ATMs ruin con weekendsKent's weekend with Resident Evil's Eva Ladere at Otaku Fest☕ New episodes weekly — subscribe for more con stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight.
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  Episode 9: Comic Con for a Cause: Why Charity Conventions Are Changing the Game 20.08.2026 49mnt

  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.
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  Episode 8: Is Working Comic-Con Worth It? A Crew Member's Honest Review 13.08.2026 1j 3mnt

  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.
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  Episode 7: The Real Cost of Comic Con Photo Ops (And How to Save Money) 06.08.2026 53mnt

  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.
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  Episode 6: 12 Years Volunteering Comic Con: The Stories They Don't Share with Guest: Tammy Hassan 30.07.2026 1j 1mnt

  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.
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  Episode 5: Comic Con Etiquette: Photos, Crew Respect & Why Celebrities Hate Airports 08.07.2026 46mnt

  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.
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  Episode 4: Comic Con Packing List: 15+ Essentials You Can't Skip 07.07.2026 47mnt

  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
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  Episode 3: We Stole Frodo (Sort Of) 07.07.2026 56mnt

  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"
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  Episode 2: I Sang Happy Birthday to William Shatner... Here's What Else Happened at Comic Con 07.07.2026 29mnt

  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.TakeawaysComic Con experiencesMeeting celebritiesChapters00:00 Introduction to Cons with Coffee06:02 Drinks and Swag at Cons11:00 Autographs and Selfies at Cons19:08 Photo Ops and Merchandise24:54 Emotional Experiences at Cons31:02 Tips for Attending Cons
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  Ep 1 : Why We Started This Podcast: Comic Con History, Nerd vs. Geek & Is 'Comic Con' Trademarked? 07.07.2026 34mnt

  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.