What an incredible pair of Cool Friends I found myself talking to in this episode. Two former guests, the incredible David Igo and Erik Barnes, have teamed up to drive to my house and talk to me about the Monstors campaign that’s now up on Kickstarter. We also talk about a whole bunch of other amazing things, like HOW I INTRODUCED THEM and, honestl…

In this episode, Dave and Erik sit down with toy industry veteran, designer, and artist to talk about his history with toys and his new Monstors Kickstarter campaign. Dave's got a lot to say - sit back and enjoy the latest edition of Adventures in Collecting! Back the Monstors now on Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/monstors/monsto…

In this edition of Premium Toyetic Event, Dave and Erik break down WWE's 2024 Bad Blood and talk about who they think is most deserving of a WWE Elite, Ultimate, or Main Event release from the folks at Mattel - do you agree? Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube Start creating a podcast today with Zencastr! Learn more. Intro…

Hera pre-launch Roll Call by European Space AgencyBy European Space Agency

In this episode, Dave and Erik sit down with friend of the pod and returning guest, Brandon Braswell of 9 to 5 Warriors to discuss the Kickstarter for Series 2 of the nostalgic toy line. Hear all about what's being offered, where you can get it, and what's on the horizon in this jam-packed episode! Back 9 to 5 Warriors now on Kickstarter! https://w…

Welcome to AICNN (Adventures in Collecting News Network) where toy news matters! This is your AIC NEWS brief. Give us a few minutes, and we'll give you the goods. This week the AICNN anchors highlight what you need to know for the week of September 30th, 2024! Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube Start creating a podcast to…

Join mega nerds Dre Alvarez and Jeff May as they geek out on a different nerdy cultural touchstone every month. Part reminiscence, part historical deep dive. This month, Dre and Jeff are joined by the star of our episode's subject, the incredible Nic Cowan, as they wrap up their season on Unfortunate Martial Arts Properties with thecult classic 199…

My latest Cool Friend, the amazing and hilarious Chris Calogero, is one of the most criminally underappreciated comics and creators out there. I’ve known him for quite some time, and have been waiting for this specific moment to have him on the show, as he’s just released his amazing comedy special/album “Husky Boy,” which you can listen to RIGHT N…

Welcome to AICNN (Adventures in Collecting News Network) where toy news matters! This is your AIC NEWS brief. Give us a few minutes, and we'll give you the goods. This week the AICNN anchors highlight what you need to know for the week of September 15th, 2024! Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube Start creating a podcast to…

In this episode, Dave and Erik sit down with returning guest and friend of the pod Ryan Ting from the Marvel Legends team at Hasbro to celebrate 5 years of Adventures in Collecting! Tune in as we talk the latest Marvel Legends news, answer a ton of your burning questions, and most importantly - embark on our most daring fantasy draft yet - Fantasy …

All stations reporting in at the European Space Agency's European Spacecraft Operations Centre prior to the launch of the EU Copernicus Sentinel-2C Earth observation satellite on 5 September 2024.By European Space Agency

My next Cool Friend, the amazing Alex Schmidt, is an incredibly accomplished and kind person. Like, to the point where it makes me mad. But not really. Maybe. Anyways, you might know Alex from his incredible podcast, Secretly Incredibly Fascinating, or from his multiple victories on the television show Jeopardy! Or you might not know him at all. Wh…

In this episode, Dave sits down with filmmakers Jim Demonakos and Kevin Konrad Hanna as they chat about their upcoming documentary film, "Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters - The Secret Origins of Hellboy!" Ahead of the film's release on Apple TV and Prime Video on 9/17, get some insights about the making of and more in this exclusive chat arranged by …

In this episode, Dave and Erik sit down with returning guests and friends of the pod, Mattel's Steve Ozer and Magic Olmos! Let's get caught up with all the latest WWE action figure news, answer questions from around the community, and even get a little exclusive reveal. Follow Steve @actionfigureattack and Magic @magicolmos on Instagram! Follow us …

My latest Cool Friend, the incredible and vibrant Kirk Thatcher, has one of the most insane and varied collection of credits I can imagine. Special effects on Return of the Jedi? Yes. Director of Muppets Haunted Mansion? Absolutely. Famous Star Trek pest? Naturally. Badass Monster Hunter in the MCU? You bet! But honestly, this barely scratches the …

Welcome to AICNN (Adventures in Collecting News Network) where toy news matters! This is your AIC NEWS brief. Give us a few minutes, and we'll give you the goods. This week the AICNN anchors highlight what you need to know for the week of August 19th, 2024! Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube Intro and other voices by Joe …

Join mega nerds Dre Alvarez and Jeff May as they geek out on a different nerdy cultural touchstone every month. Part reminiscence, part historical deep dive. This month, Dre and Jeff are joined by the amazing Logan Trent as they continue their season on Unfortunate Martial Arts Properties with the insane WMAC Masters syndicated television show. The…

In this episode, Dave, Erik, and Joe go back to the movies to talk about the newest box office sensation, Deadpool and Wolverine. Tune in for their thoughts on the film, where they think the MCU is headed, and of course - the toys coming from the movie and the characters they want to see from the film! Spoilers abound in this jam-packed episode. Ma…

Oh man, this one is so cool! I've "known" Taffeta Darling online for like, 10-15 years, but we've only just met in person for the first time at SDCC a couple of weekends ago! That's crazy! I'm fascinated by the parallels between the two of us, from jobs we've had to hobbies we share to the things that interest us. We're honestly very much like the …

In this edition of Premium Toyetic Event, Dave and Erik break down their favorite looks from WWE SummerSlam 2024! See who they think should get put over by the folks at Mattel to find their way into the Main Event, Elite, and Ultimate edition lines! Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari h…

In this episode, Dave and Erik dive into all of the reveals, panels, and toy news that came out of the 2024 San Diego Comic Con! Which brand had the strongest showing? What were their favorite reveals - listen and find out! Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari https://www.instagram.com/v…

My latest Cool Friend has had one heck of a few years since we last spoke on air! The amazing Todd Stashwick might just be one of the most popular actors in the current Star Trek milieu due to his landmark role as Captain Liam Shaw on Picard. (And let's not forget his other appearances on shows like Gotham, Supernatural, and the fascinating 12 Monk…

It's that time of the year! We've reached the midpoint of 2024 so it's time to assess everything we got our hands on from January through June and tell YOU, what WE think are our favorite releases from 2024 (so far). We'll also hear some of YOUR favorite pics in this toy-filled list episode of Adventures in Collecting. Follow us @aic_podcast on Ins…

Welcome to AICNN (Adventures in Collecting News Network) where toy news matters! This is your AIC NEWS brief. Give us a few minutes, and we'll give you the goods. This week the AICNN anchors highlight what you need to know for the San Diego Comic Con exclusives dropping this week! Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube Intro …

Join mega nerds Dre Alvarez and Jeff May as they geek out on a different nerdy cultural touchstone every month. Part reminiscence, part historical deep dive. This month, Dre and Jeff begin their season on Unfortunate Martial Arts Properties with the infamous Star Wars: Masters of Teräs Käsi for the Sony Playstation. There's a lot to unpack about th…

Welcome to AICNN (Adventures in Collecting News Network) where toy news matters! This is your AIC NEWS brief. Give us a few minutes, and we'll give you the goods. This week the AICNN anchors highlight toy industry news from the week of July 15, 2024. Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari …

In this edition of Premium Toyetic Event, Dave and Erik break down their favorite looks from WWE Money in the Bank 2024! See who they think should get put over by the folks at Mattel to find their way into the Main Event, Elite, and Ultimate edition lines! Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube Intro and other voices by Joe A…

My Cool Friend, James Wojtal Jr. is one fascinating dude, and I'm so excited to introduce you to him! It's hard to find a better way to describe what he does besides "he does stuff with puppets," but that feels unbelievably incomplete. James is legitimately amazing, and might have my favorite origin story of any guest I've had on the show up to thi…

Friend of the pod and returning guest MItch of Hasttel Toy is back to give us an update on all things Grapplers and Gimmicks. From the retro-inspired figures that got him started to the new modern, articulated Regium line, catch up on what's going on and hear all about where the line is headed in this exciting episode! Follow Hasttel Toy on Instagr…

Welcome to AICNN (Adventures in Collecting News Network) where toy news matters! This is your AIC NEWS brief. Give us a few minutes, and we'll give you the goods. This week the AICNN anchors highlight toy industry news from the week of July 1, 2024. Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari h…

My Cool Friend John Hastings is one of the most prolific and hilarious comedians I've ever met. A frequent performer on Mint on Card, I absolutely love watching him work! And now you can, too, as he's just released his first of three(!!!) specials this year on his youtube, which you can watch for free right HERE! Now, do I talk about his insane com…

Friend of the pod and Nacelle Founder, CEO Brian Volk-Weiss is back to give us an update on the Nacelleverse. From The Expanse and Biker Mice from Mars to the COW Boys of Moo Mesa, catch up on what's going on and hear all about the next season of Icons Unearthed: Spider-Man on this jam-packed episode! Follow Nacelle on Instagram @toysnacelle and vi…

Join mega nerds Dre Alvarez and Jeff May as they geek out on a different nerdy cultural touchstone every month. Part reminiscence, part historical deep dive. This month, Dre and Jeff finish their season on Toy Reboots with special guest David Igo (Sideshow and Tweeterhead's Masters of the Universe lines, Monstors, Kaiju Doom) as they dive into the …

In this edition of Premium Toyetic Event, Dave and Erik break down their favorite looks from WWE Clash at the Castle 2024! See who they think should get put over by the folks at Mattel to find their way into the Main Event, Elite, and Ultimate edition lines! Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube Intro and other voices …

My Cool Friend, David Silverman, is one of the most significant contributors to the world of modern animation you could imagine. His history with The Simpsons is obviously what people first think about, as he's one of the architects of the style and direction of the show, starting in the Tracy Ulman days in 1987, directing the Movie in 2007, and st…

Kanik's back, jack! Returning guest Michael Kanik of Major Bendies returns to the show after over a year to discuss all things Major Bendies and Big Rubber Guys... and maybe a little hint at what's to come in the not-so-distant-future! Listen now! Follow Major Bendies on Instagram @majorbendies and visit https://www.majorbendies.com to buy Major Be…

Welcome to AICNN (Adventures in Collecting News Network) where toy news matters! This is your AIC NEWS brief. Give us a few minutes, and we'll give you the goods. This week the AICNN anchors highlight toy industry news from the week of June 3, 2024. Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube Intro and other voices by Joe Az…

EarthCARE Operations Director, Jose Morales, completes the final GO/NO GO RollCall before ESA's cloud and aerosol mission is launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on 29 May 2024.Mission Control is GO for launch.By European Space Agency

This ain't no "Toy and Pizza" Con anymore! Friend of the pod Jesse DeStasio of Toy Pizza returns to update us on his latest projects, GLYOS developments, and of course, his upcoming Toy Pizza Expo on June 16th in Beacon, New York! Follow Toy Pizza on Instagram @toypizza and visit https://toypizza.com to buy Knights of the Slice and to subscribe to …

Cats and dogs, living together! Joining Erik for this special bonus pod, returning guest and friend of the pod Todd McFarlane of McFarlane Toys talks about his two most recent deals: Marvel Comics and UFC! Follow McFarlane Toys on Instagram @mcfarlane_toys_official Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube Intro and other …

OK, so this Cool Friend, the hilarious Jono Zalay, is one of the first people I ever met in comedy. Like, I met him BEFORE I was ever a comic. On the night he became a LITERAL BRAIN SCIENTIST, no less! Crazy! We have since moved to different places, and ended up back in LA, where I see him nearly every Sunday when we play comedy softball! Jono has …

Welcome to AICNN (Adventures in Collecting News Network) where toy news matters! This is your AIC NEWS brief. Give us a few minutes, and we'll give you the goods. This week the AICNN anchors highlight toy industry news from the week of May 20th, 2024. Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube Intro and other voices by Joe …

Join mega nerds Dre Alvarez and Jeff May as they geek out on a different nerdy cultural touchstone every month. Part reminiscence, part historical deep dive. This month, Dre and Jeff continue their season on Toy Reboots with special guest Ken Napzok (Author, "Why We Love Star Wars, Host, ForceCenter) as they dive into the SECOND Star Wars Power of …

X-Men 97... EVER HEARD OF IT!??! Ahead of the season finale on Disney plus this week, we're joined on the pod by none other than the voice of Roberto Da Costa AKA Sunspot himself, Gui Agustini! Learn how this Brazilian-born actor found his way to X-Men and how much being part of the cultural phenomenon has been! Watch the Season 1 Finale of X-Men 9…

Holy hell, my latest Cool Friend, Rocom is like, the absolute coolest and best. You might know him from his amazing art and ridiculously popular indie toy line Mighty Maniax, which may have a VERY specific connection to a recent Cool Friend! Also, independent of that. his current kickstarter features a pin by one of my other Cool Friends! I'm serio…

In this edition of Premium Toyetic Event, Dave and Erik break down their favorite looks from WWE Backlash 2024! See who they think should get put over by the folks at Mattel to find their way into the Main Event, Elite, and Ultimate edition lines! Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube Intro and other voices by Joe Azza…

Welcome to AICNN (Adventures in Collecting News Network) where toy news matters! This is your AIC NEWS brief. Give us a few minutes, and we'll give you the goods. This week the AICNN anchors highlight toy industry news from the week of April 29th, 2024. Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube Intro and other voices by Jo…