Best Indie Book Collective Podcasts (2025)

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Toy Trajectory: Forget Funko Pops, Labubu are the New Beanie Babies! 1:33:54

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2d ago1:33:54

1:33:54

Are Jazwares and AEW about to wish one another the best in each other’s future endeavors? Plus, we glimpse out first look at Ryan Gosling in a Star Wars movie and it’s giving Waterworld vibes. Great news for Zombie Sailor! And, Forget Funko. Are Labubu the real modern day Beanie Babies? It’s The Reluctant Adult Podcast. (This episode contains spoil…

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Relatively Obscure Characters Due For a Breakout! 25:17

7d ago25:17

25:17

Send us a text This time around we take a look at characters and properties that could benefit from the Peacemaker treatment. This was inspired by the Tv show Peacemaker currently on HBO Max that the boys have enjoyed and we wondered what other relatively obscure characters are primed for the mainstream. Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10] …

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Star Wars Haslab Backs That Thing Up, NECA Loses Sight of Ninja Turtles, Marvel Legends Participate in BOOK IT! 1:30:51

9d ago1:30:51

1:30:51

Backed to the future! Hasbro’s LAAT Haslab defies time and space to unlock its first stretch goal. Plus, Leonardo’s the leader in blue. Eyes shut tight like he’s catching a snooze. NECA’s Nick Turtles forgot their head pupils! And, Hasbro’s latest Marvel Legends come packed with comics books—just like in the ToyBiz days! Except, you know, not. It’s…

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When Good Looks Kill: The Origin of Greg | Duke Electric Interview 1:01:06

12d ago1:01:06

1:01:06

📺 When Good Looks Kill: The Origin of Greg | Duke Electric Interview | United States Department of Nerds (USDN) Hello There, it's The Chairman of the United States Department of Nerds (USDN)—where we are for the people, by the people, and of the people! In this episode, we’re joined by the multi-talented Duke Electric—creator, writer, and artist be…

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Star Wars Fans Engage in Trade Disputes with Hasbro Over LAAT Gunship Haslab 1:32:26

16d ago1:32:26

1:32:26

Begun the final countdown has. Star Wars fans have only a short time left to back Hasbro’s LAAT Gunship HasLab. Well, you know what they say, “Better LAAT than never.” Plus, who says action figures are dead? Ninjombie rises from the grave with a new toy line that’s sure to have kids and collectors alike haunting the toy aisles. Jazwares flips the t…

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CBJ Talk: Indie Comics 27:04

21d ago27:04

27:04

Send us a text This time we just kinda discuss Indie comics. Anything that isn't big 2 would fall under this discussion where we go over movie potential, big differences, areas to improve, and general thoughts on smaller publishing. Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10] Indie Comics [08:37] Outro [25:31.5] Please like and subscribe if you'd l…

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Toy Collectors Say Enough: No More Interest-Free Loans to Indie Toy Makers 1:27:09

23d ago1:27:09

1:27:09

Role playing is more fun with Playmates! Finally, a way to play Power Rangers without being one-shotted by a 12-year-old in Fortnite. Plus, Premium NDA. Toy companies are always ready to charge us for pre-orders, but when it comes to shipping updates, suddenly it’s radio silence. Is there time to save Hasbro’s Star Wars Haslab or has that ship alre…

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From Disney’s “Where’s My Water?” to Solo Indie Dev Success: How Creativity and Persistence Built a Game Career, with Tim “Walaber” FitzRandolph 1:21:34

27d ago1:21:34

1:21:34

In this episode, we dive deep into Tim’s creative journey behind Disney’s hit mobile game Where’s My Water? and what it really takes to break into and succeed in the game industry. From starting out in QA testing to leading creative teams at Disney, and later becoming a successful solo indie developer, Tim’s conversation is packed with insights, st…

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Maximum Effort! Maximum Marvel Legends Deadpool Has Toy Collectors Breaking More Than Fourth Wall 1:22:20

29d ago1:22:20

1:22:20

Mattel’s anaconda don't want none unless you got funds, hun. The Mattel Creations Snake Lair campaign stretches on for another week. Plus, Doop, there it is! Maximum Marvel Legends Deadpool gives collectors the finger! All 50 of’em! And, go ninja, go ninja, go go Power Rangers! The Ninja Kidz kick back with a new official Power Rangers web series. …

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The Fantastic Four: First Steps 26:18

1M ago26:18

26:18

Send us a text Fantastic Four came out. We saw Fantastic Four. We discuss Fantastic Four. We also compare and contrast with Superman....Spoilers a plenty Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10] Fantastic Four Movie Review & Why Superman is Better [04:19] Outro [25:15] Please like and subscribe if you'd like to hear more comic talk! (Bi-weekly s…

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Toy Collectors Follow Hasbro's Star Wars Republic Gunship Haslab Across Country 1:31:10

1M ago1:31:10

1:31:10

Haslab, will travel. Hasbro's Star Wars team is hitting the road, touring the nation with their Republic Gunship crowdfunder in tow. Plus, pass the lasagna! Garfield never turns down a meal… or a merch deal. But will these toy companies ship to Abu Dhabi? And Target tears He-Man a new one! Flip-Or’s not going to like this. It’s The Reluctant Adult …

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Press Start: Bruno Catarino w/ new Kickstarter - Crimson Bay 1:02:58

1M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

Hello there, it’s The Chairman of the United States Department of Nerds (USDN)—where we are for the people, by the people, and of the people! In this episode, I sit down with Bruno Catarino to talk about his brand-new comic book project, Crimson Bay—a dark, action-packed series inspired by 1990s fighting games and brought to life through Kickstarte…

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Toy Collectors Spark Their Collections with Walmart Action Figure Display, Mandatory Price Increases 1:33:03

1M ago1:33:03

1:33:03

Walmart wants to “Spark Your Collection” by flaunting toys you can’t own. Hey, that sounds like every Walmart pre-order! Plus, funding is half the battle. With the G.I. Joe HasLab officially backed, all LAAT/i’s turn to Star Wars collectors. Power Rangers fans are spending V-Bucks as if translating cash into a fictional in-game currency somehow era…

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Superman! 33:54

2M ago33:54

33:54

Send us a text Superman came out. We saw Superman. We saw Superman again. We discuss Superman. Spoilers a plenty. Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10] Superman Review [03:24.5] Outro [32:38] Please like and subscribe if you'd like to hear more comic talk! (Bi-weekly shows dropping on Wednesday) Social Media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.c…

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Toy Collectors Face Off with Hasbro Pulse for Ghostbusters Ecto Glow, Star Wars Black Series, Marvel Legends and G.I. Joe Classified 1:18:03

2M ago1:18:03

1:18:03

San Diego’s hottest Hasbro exclusives came and went—leaving collectors with carts as empty as their souls. Plus, can you still call it crowdfunding if no one shows up? The Snow CAT and Republic Gunship are doing their best to dodge a date with Cookie Monster and the Rancor in HasLab limbo. I choo-choo-choose to believe NECA’s Turtles train has gone…

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SDCC 2025 Wrap Up! More Ninja Turtles Toys Than You Can Shake Splinter's Stick At! 1:25:25

2M ago1:25:25

1:25:25

With San Diego in the rearview, we break down the winners and losers of Comic Con. Plus, who’s the big guy with the muscles cosplaying as an Autobot? He-Man. He-Man. And, what has four legs and works with a file? Mondo’s Real Ghostbusters Janine, of course! It’s The Reluctant Adult Podcast. Email [email protected] Save and get Free…

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"Writing Imperfect Superhumans: The Story Behind Zip" 1:52:25

2M ago1:52:25

1:52:25

What happens when superheroes aren’t perfect? In this deep-dive interview, The Chairman of the United States Department of Nerds sits down with Mike Scrase, writer of Zip—a British indie comic published by Markosia Enterprises that redefines what it means to be superhuman. Together, we explore: 🔹 The Creator Origin Story – Mike’s comic book beginni…

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Christmas in July 2025 57:50

2M ago57:50

57:50

Send us a text The 4th has come and that means our Christmas in July annual swap has happened! Listen in to see how we did this year and who got what! We also ramble on about all kinds of other stuff... enjoy! Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10] Christmas in July w Juan [03:01.5] Outro [57:15] Please like and subscribe if you'd like to hear…

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Marvel Legends Collectors Crash Out Over Target Exclusive Action Figures 1:18:42

2M ago1:18:42

1:18:42

Marvel Legends collectors are collectively crashing out over this new Target exclusive. Turns out the real "Endgame" was surviving retail. This GamerVerse two‑pack has us deep in conspiracy mode: can jet fuel melt Adamantium, and where the hell was Wolverine on 9/11? If Hasbro’s Real Ghostbusters exclusive sparked your Ecto Glow addiction, this toy…

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Casting Call for Power Rangers, HasLab Snow Cat Hits an Icey Patch and Playmates Crawls Back From Its Shell Shock 1:12:59

2M ago1:12:59

1:12:59

The Power Rangers are back and this time, it’s your turn to morph. Forget teenagers with attitude, Disney’s casting for middle-aged and mediocre. Plus, Holey shit! New in-box photos of Playmates’ TMNT 1984 Remastered 6-pack have leaked and trypophobiacs are breathing a sigh of relief. And Todd McFarlane’s dogs are barking! For a guy with a foot fet…

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Top 5 Patriotic Covers and Agree or Disagree? 24:46

3M ago24:46

24:46

Send us a text We get back to it again this week as we go over our Top 5 Patriotic covers since its patriot season. We also play a fun game of Agree or Disagree where we came up with some prompts and ultimately decide if we agree, disagree, or feel strongly in either direction. Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10] Top 5 Patriotic Covers & St…

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Marvel Legends Guess Who? Which Hollywood Starlet Inspired Hasbro's Savage Land Rogue Action Figure? 1:24:16

3M ago1:24:16

1:24:16

Hasbro’s new Savage Land Marvel Legends Rogue is oddly familiar. Collectors say the sculpt looks less “X-Men” and more “red carpet,” sparking debate over which celebrity just accidentally became an X-Man. Plus, Snow Joe! Hasbro’s hoping their frosty new HasLab, the G.I. Joe Snow Cat, doesn’t put their crowdfunding hot streak on ice. And Jazwares is…

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Hunting for a Rare 1984 Star Wars Scout Walker Swing Set at an Estate Sale! 1:14:10

3M ago1:14:10

1:14:10

Mattel’s Jurassic World exclusive is already feeling the effects of inflation. And this time, it’s not about the price! Plus, The Simpsons just killed off Marge. That’s horrible! Especially since I had Maggie in the death pool. Tiny Chef canceled and you won’t believe the words that came out of that tiny mouth of his. Also, the police officer vanis…

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Laughs, Games & Career Turns: Mike Drucker’s Path from SNL, Nintendo to Tonight Show and New Memoir 1:01:45

3M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

In this episode of Game Dev Advice, writer and comedian Mike Drucker shares his journey across the worlds of television, video games, and comedy. Starting as an assistant and researcher at Saturday Night Live, Mike moved into game localization at Nintendo—where he even played basketball with Reggie Fils-Aimé—before joining The Tonight Show Starring…

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Sketching Life, One Panel at a Time - A Chat with Francisco Hnilo 1:17:01

3M ago1:17:01

1:17:01

🎨 Inside the Mind of Vitalerium’s Artist: Francisco Hnilo Interview | Comic Book Art, Webtoons & More In this exclusive USDN interview, we sit down with Francisco Hnilo—the talented artist behind Vitalerium—to dive deep into his creative origins, process, inspirations, and what's next for this visually stunning comic series. From storyboards to pos…

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Friday Night Hang 3 30:38

3M ago30:38

30:38

Send us a text 2 dudes talkin comics on a Friday night. We talk about characters with the best covers throughout comic history, covers that double as first appearances, our mid year check-in on collecting goals, our favorite Smallville episodes, and our thoughts on the new Fantastic Four movie vs Superman. Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10…

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Drunk History of McFarlane Toys' JAWS 50th Anniversary Movie Maniacs Collectible 1:39:45

3M ago1:39:45

1:39:45

Sun’s out, funds out! TMNT collectors hoping to snag NECA’S SDCC exclusive get burned by extra charges. ROSS Dress for Less wears out its welcome with collectors by charging more than retail for toys we didn’t want in the first place. Super7 repaints G.I. Joes in Tiger Force camo, but they still can’t hide from the clearance aisle. Mattel is teamin…

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Hasbro’s Marvel Legends Comic-Con Exclusive Will Be Savage Land of Hulk & Honeys 1:34:12

3M ago1:34:12

1:34:12

Hasbro’s Halloween Star Wars reveal has collectors scratching their heads like, “What is this, Shiz?” Plus, McFarlane Toys is giving ROSS an exclusive Superman figure. Basically the toy equivalent of tipping your garbage man. And Hasbro is Sauron over California with this Comic-Con exclusive Savage Land 3-Pack. It’s The Reluctant Adult Podcast. Ema…

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Friday Night Hang 2 29:10

4M ago29:10

29:10

Send us a text 2 dudes talkin comics on a Friday night. We pull names for Christmas in July, we discuss books we’ve read, and have a short debate on what is better to get, a sketch or a signature at con! Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10] Christmas in July Prep, Pull Lists & Signatures vs Sketch Art [03:31] Outro [27:42] Please like and su…

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Hasbro Makes Ghostbusters Day Lit, Teasing Unproduced Real Ghostbusters Toys 1:10:17

4M ago1:10:17

1:10:17

Hasbro lit up Ghostbusters Day with a tease of more Ecto Glow Ghostbusters, proving once again that when it comes to nostalgia, Hasbro ain’t afraid of no fan service. Plus, AMC is tempting moviegoers with a 17-inch Galactus popcorn bucket. Because if you’re lining up for Fantastic Four, that might be the only head you’re getting. And NECA’s Comic-C…

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VeVe x Star Wars: What’s Next for Digital Collectibles? | Interview with Dan Crothers-VeVe Co-Founder 1:01:54

4M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

VeVe x Star Wars: What’s Next for Digital Collectibles? | Interview with Dan Crothers In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Dan Crothers, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of VeVe, to explore what's coming to the platform—especially for Star Wars fans! From AR-enhanced Stormtrooper helmets to Mandalorian dioramas, this is your insider look into the gal…

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This Fantastic Four Marvel Legends Set Will Cost You… Everything 1:25:33

4M ago1:25:33

1:25:33

Hasbro’s new Fantastic Four Marvel Legends wants you to stretch your imagination far enough to believe this Mr. Fantastic toy is supposed to look like Pedro Pascal. Plus, if bathing with a space alien isn’t your cup of E.T., then maybe Sydney Sweeney can convince you to grab your rubber ducky and take the plunge. And, Funko unveils a new Ghostbuste…

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Top 5 Team Books and Top 5 Costume Ranks! 28:26

4M ago28:26

28:26

Send us a text Back again to drop some ranks of the best team books to read as well as top 5 costumes in comics! Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10] Best Team Books and Top 5 Costume Designs [08:42] Outro [26:38] Please like and subscribe if you'd like to hear more comic talk! (Bi-weekly shows dropping on Wednesday) Social Media: Facebook -…

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Lilo and Ditch! Disney is Never Beating Those Allegations After Changing Live Action Lilo & Stitch Ending 1:22:01

4M ago1:22:01

1:22:01

You thought the AMC Dune bucket was crazy? Wait until you see what Jurassic World cooked up for their popcorn. Plus, Disney just changed the ending to their live-action Lilo & Stitch—and yep, we’re definitely in the bad place. And E.T. wants to phone home? Nah, he wants to chill in your tub. Lush just made it happen. To alcohol! The cause of, and s…

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Vitalerium Unveiled: World-Building, Adaptation, and the Journey from Page to Panel 1:52:11

4M ago1:52:11

1:52:11

Vitalerium Unveiled: World-Building, Adaptation, and the Journey from Page to Panel | Podcast Interview Join us for an in-depth conversation exploring the making of Vitalerium: Descent Into the Void, a sci-fi epic that bridges the gap between prose and sequential storytelling. In this episode, we dive into the origins of the Vitalerium universe, th…

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No Ifs Andor Buts — Andor Season 2 Was Prestige TV Even If No One Was Watching 1:21:54

4M ago1:21:54

1:21:54

Son of a Bix. Andor left us craving and-more… but all we’re getting are these silly Jedi… [laughs in Huttese] Plus, Fortnite honors James Earl Jones with an AI Darth Vader—and the internet handles it exactly how you'd expect. If the toys are accurate, James Gunn’s Superman is about to throw down with a yeti like he wandered onto the wrong Christmas…

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Best Books for a Benjamin 24:46

4M ago24:46

24:46

Send us a text We're back, no holler this time, but the best books for a Benjamin! We take a look at books inside the 100 dollar range, give or take, and recommend the best values, sleepers, and books we found in this range. Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10] Best Books for a Benjamin [02:14] Outro [21:02] Please like and subscribe if you'…

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The MU-TH-UR of All Action Figure Podcasts 1:20:57

5M ago1:20:57

1:20:57

This week, we honor the real heroes of Mother’s Day: moms who didn’t throw out our toys when they really, really wanted to. Plus, Andor is back! Because nothing says "fun space adventure" like a 12-episode anxiety attack. And AI is designing new Power Rangers now, which explains why the Red Ranger has three helmets and a toaster for a chest. I lear…

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Ben Lacy Talks Samson #2 – Indie Comic, Revenge, & Kickstarter Reveal! 1:01:36

5M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

In this episode of the United States Department of Nerds (USDN), we sit down with indie comic creator Ben Lacy to dive into his latest Kickstarter project — Samson #2. This isn’t your typical superhero tale. Samson is a gritty blend of revenge, war, and horror set in an alternate-history world that challenges the boundaries of comic storytelling. 🎙…

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It's Gonna be May the Fourth 1:25:03

5M ago1:25:03

1:25:03

Saying goodbye. Only a few Andor episodes remain, and we’re already mourning the end. Plus, it doesn’t seem real. Mattel’s Jurassic World toys give us our best look yet at the “D-Rex”—and it’s basically a genetic turducken in reptile form. And, our hearts are broken. Just like the hollow chest cavity on Hasbro’s Fire Convoy HasLab. A girl should ha…

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Stuart Maine on 28 Years in Game Development: Starting a Studio, Building Great Teams, Career Advice & Lessons for Aspiring Devs & His New Books 50:23

5M ago50:23

50:23

In this interview, veteran game designer Stuart Maine shares his 28-year journey in the gaming industry, detailing his humble beginnings in a cyber café to becoming a senior designer at Two Desperados, a mobile games company in Serbia. Stuart recounts his early days at Bullfrog and his time at renowned companies like Acclaim and Blitz, working on n…

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Knights Con and 2025 Pickup Check-In! 27:28

5M ago27:28

27:28

Send us a text 3 Amigos hit a small con, 2 talk about it. We also check in on our pickups to this point in the year. Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10] KOC & Major Keys of 2025 [02:43] Outro [26:07] Please like and subscribe if you'd like to hear more comic talk! (Bi-weekly shows dropping on Wednesday) Social Media: Facebook - https://www.…

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Surviving Tariffs One Action Figure at a Time 56:18

5M ago56:18

56:18

More fan channel retailers are revealing their master plans for surviving tariffs — and by “master plans” we mean... uh, hey, what's that behind you? Plus, Transformers and the NFL are a perfect fit — no squishy brains to scramble, no problem! And Andor is back, because apparently even our escapism has to remind us how thoroughly we ruined everythi…

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Mattel WWE Action Figure Reveals Account for Deepest Cuts at WrestleMania 1:03:13

5M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

With another WrestleMania in the books, WWE now shifts its focus to its most stubborn opponent yet—A PR nightmare of its own making. Plus, Star Wars fans celebrate the future of the franchise in the Land of the Rising Sun. And, Mezco’s April Fools Mystery Box promotion leaves One:12 collectors whelmed. If you're happy and you know it, shop at Stan'…

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Comic Book Junkies Friday Night Hang! 37:31

5M ago37:31

37:31

Send us a text 2 Dudes hanging out on a Friday. We talk comics. Enjoy. Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10] Junkie Talk [02:40.5] Outro [36:29.5] Please like and subscribe if you'd like to hear more comic talk! (Bi-weekly shows dropping on Wednesday) Social Media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CBJpodcast Twitter - https://twitter.com/C…

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Toy Collecting Hobby in Jeopardy as Action Figure Fans Learn Answer to, “What are Tariffs?” 1:09:46

5M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

Toy collectors are about to get a lesson in economics and trade disputes that Star Wars fans already got 25 years ago. Plus, guess who’s back? No, I’m sorry, the correct answer is dire wolves. Dire wolves. And, will LeBron be Kenough to help Barbie conquer that all-important adult male collector demo? The snowflake tastes like fish sticks! It’s The…

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USDN Interview w/ Bobby Campbell – Tales of the Illuminatus #2 1:32:57

6M ago1:32:57

1:32:57

USDN Interview w/ Bobby Campbell – Tales of the Illuminatus In this exciting episode of the United States Department of Nerds (USDN) podcast, we're diving deep into the world of conspiracy theories, secret societies, and mystical elements with Bobby Campbell, the mastermind behind the Tales of the Illuminatus comic book. Hosted by your Chairman, we…

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Toy Collectors Looking Fiscally Responsible as Society Crumbles Around Them 1:24:02

6M ago1:24:02

1:24:02

All of a sudden investing in action figures doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. As toymakers navigate an ever-changing global landscape, collectors just want to know how much they’re going to have pay for Maximum Marvel Legends Hulk. Plus, NECA tells TMNT fans to take it or leave it. And, Superman toy leaks suggest McFarlane finally has his head in …

1
$50 Dollar Holler 30:42

6M ago30:42

30:42

Send us a text Back at ya for the third time with our combined list of $50 and under books to collect! Whether its the rule of cool, speculation, or just good ol value, these are our recommendations at the $50 price point. Music [00:00] Buzz Ad [00:14] Intro [01:10] $50 [02:23.5] Outro [24:38] Please like and subscribe if you'd like to hear more co…

1
Todd McFarlane Returns to Making Batman Movie Action Figures 1:12:58

6M ago1:12:58

1:12:58

With McFarlane’s DC days dwindling, the Toddfather is pulling out all the stops to complete his cinematic Batman universe. Plus, Ghostbuster hopefuls are flocking to Ollie’s in hopes of snagging a Spengler’s Neutrona Wand that won’t bust their bank account. And, NECA ain’t afraid of no re-released Ghost of Splinter! Money can be exchanged for goods…