Bench Tested: A Ghostbusters Podcast

In this episode of Bench Tested: A Ghostbusters Podcast, Charlie Harsh sits down with David Callari, better known as D.C., for a conversation that spans nearly the entire evolution of Ghostbusters prop building.

D.C.’s story starts in 1984 with cardboard proton packs, The Real Ghostbusters toys, and a lifelong fascination with the science and technology behind the gear. From there, he takes us back to the early prop-building days of the Paranorman era, when getting a proton pack meant long waits, limited options, and a lot more figuring things out on your own.

The conversation then jumps into the modern era with HasLab packs, GPStar Extreme electronics, Wasteland Industries smoke systems, Mack’s Factory wands, and the growing ecosystem of upgrades available to builders today. D.C. also explains how he went from being a customer with questions to becoming part of the GPStar team, helping with social media, installation videos, community support, and builder education.

Beyond the workbench, D.C. shares his experience with the NYC Ghostbusters, including charity events, STEM appearances, film projects, and the value of bringing builders together to learn from one another.

This episode is ultimately about more than proton packs. It’s about how the hobby has changed, how knowledge gets passed from one builder to the next, and why the best part of building Ghostbusters gear is still sharing it with the community.

Visit benchtestedpod.com for more interviews with the builders, makers, engineers, and creators behind the Ghostbusters prop community.

Some Ghostbusters props recreate what appeared on screen. Others begin with a question: what else could exist in that world?

In this episode of Bench Tested: A Ghostbusters Podcast, Charlie Harsh sits down with Jeff Keenan of the Massachusetts Ghostbusters, one of the builders helping turn the group’s convention presence into a fully interactive Ghostbusters experience.

Jeff discusses how he combines 3D drafting, 3D printing, and Arduino electronics to design original props and exhibits that cannot simply be copied from an existing build guide. The conversation explores his work on the group’s custom full-size 3D-printed Slimer, Firehouse backdrop, parade displays, Slime Lab experience, and other projects built for conventions, charity events, and community appearances.

They also talk about designing from scratch, learning new technical skills one project at a time, adding electronics that make props feel alive, and balancing screen accuracy with durability, transportation, setup time, and public interaction. Jeff explains what changes when a builder moves beyond making a single display piece and starts creating an environment that hundreds of people can experience.

Whether you are learning CAD, starting your first 3D print, experimenting with Arduino, or looking for ways to contribute to your local Ghostbusters franchise, this episode offers practical insight into building projects nobody has written instructions for yet.

Visit benchtestedpod.com for more conversations with the builders, makers, and creators shaping the Ghostbusters community.

Where should a first-time Ghostbusters builder actually begin?

In this episode of Bench Tested: A Ghostbusters Podcast, Charlie Harsh is joined by prop maker, designer, and longtime Ghostbusters builder Rhett J. Martin of Stantz Industries for a practical and wide-ranging conversation about building your first uniform, proton pack, and collection of Ghostbusters gear.

Rhett explains why beginners should start with a comfortable flight suit, how to choose between Spirit, HasLab, 3D-printed, fiberglass, and scratch-built proton packs, and why budget, weight, durability, skill level, and intended use should guide every decision. He also walks through planning a build, test-fitting components, choosing appropriate materials, building troop-ready equipment, and avoiding common mistakes before they become expensive ones.

The conversation goes far beyond beginner advice. Rhett shares stories from nearly three decades in the prop community, his work on proton packs, particle throwers, stunt belt equipment, paper props, and ecto goggles, as well as his contributions to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. He also discusses professional prop making, learning from failure, working safely with hazardous materials, and the importance of building something that works for you instead of chasing someone else’s approval.

Whether you are assembling your first Ghostbusters costume, upgrading a Spirit Pack, planning a screen-accurate replica, or simply trying to understand where to begin, this episode offers honest guidance from a builder who has worked at nearly every level of the craft.

Visit benchtestedpod.com for more interviews with the builders, artists, engineers, and creators shaping the Ghostbusters community.

In this episode of Bench Tested: A Ghostbusters Podcast, Charlie Harsh sits down with Grant from GSPropSmith to discuss the journey from modifying a Spirit Halloween proton pack to building a successful Ghostbusters prop shop.

Grant shares how joining the Oklahoma City Ghostbusters, buying his first 3D printer, and creating a custom belt gizmo eventually led to an Etsy business offering proton pack vent kits, magnetic leg hoses, handmade leather holsters, electronics, embroidered apparel, custom accessories, and complete proton pack commissions.

The conversation explores Grant’s focus on durability, affordability, customer service, and helping builders create gear that fits their own needs rather than chasing screen accuracy at any cost. They also discuss wireless smoke kits, handmade prop components, custom commissions, running a one-person Etsy shop, and the realities of balancing production, shipping, customer support, and everyday life.

Whether you are modifying your first Spirit Pack, upgrading a HasLab proton pack, planning a scratch build, or searching for reliable Ghostbusters prop accessories, this episode offers practical advice and an honest look behind the scenes of GSPropSmith.

Visit benchtestedpod.com for more interviews with the makers, builders, and creators shaping the Ghostbusters prop community.

What starts as a single project can quickly become an obsession, and sometimes that obsession ends up shaping the Ghostbusters community itself.

In this episode of Bench Tested, Charlie Harsh sits down with Phil Goulet, creator of the widely recognized Aura Video Analyzer helmet and RTV projects, alongside Nan Robinson, President of the Kalamazoo Ghostbusters, accomplished prop builder, Etsy seller, and one of the community’s most passionate advocates for helping others bring their builds to life.

Together they discuss how a first 3D printer turned into designing products used by Ghostbusters fans around the world, why listening to customer feedback has become a cornerstone of better engineering, and how collaboration continues to drive new innovations in the hobby.

The conversation also explores rebuilding proton packs from the shell up, custom electronics, working ECUs, developing a next-generation attenuator, franchise leadership, convention experiences, and the importance of mentoring the next wave of Ghostbusters builders.

Whether you’re just starting with your first Spirit Pack or you’re already designing custom electronics of your own, this episode is packed with practical insight, behind-the-scenes stories, and a look at how today’s builders are creating tomorrow’s Ghostbusters gear.

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In this episode of Bench Tested, Charlie Harsh is joined by Ryan aka McFonz and Renel from the Capital Ghostbusters, a franchise that’s been combining incredible Ghostbusters craftsmanship with community fundraising since 2016 in support of CHEO, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

The conversation explores the evolution of their builds, from Spirit Pack and HasLab modifications to custom weathering, flight suits, and screen-inspired prop upgrades. McFonz shares the story behind his first proton pack build, his Janine and Venkman uniforms, and his GBSU-inspired PKE Meter, while Renel dives into the extensive modifications that transformed his HasLab proton pack into a truly one-of-a-kind build.

The discussion then shifts into the technical side of the hobby as they pull back the curtain on the Capital Ghostbusters’ custom ECU project, explaining the engineering challenges, design philosophy, and how real-world troop experience is shaping a new generation of Ghostbusters electronics.

Whether you’re just starting with a Spirit Pack or you’re designing custom hardware from the ground up, this episode is packed with practical insights, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at how passionate builders continue to push the Ghostbusters hobby forward, all while making a difference in their community.

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This week on Bench Tested, Charlie sits down with Archer from Nerd Affiliated for a conversation that goes well beyond simply recreating what’s seen on screen. From flight suits and weathering techniques to proton packs, electronics, HasLab upgrades, and the excitement surrounding Ghostbusters: Night Shift, they explore what truly makes a great build.

They also discuss the balance between screen accuracy and personal creativity, how today’s builders have more tools than ever before, and why the Ghostbusters community continues to thrive through collaboration, craftsmanship, and a shared passion for making something uniquely their own.

If you’ve ever obsessed over a reference photo, debated a paint color, or wondered whether “movie accurate” should really be the end goal, this episode is for you.

In Season 2, Episode 3 of Bench Tested, Charlie Harsh sits down with Luke Ellis, better known as The Green Haired Ghostbuster, to talk about the Ghostbusters Community Trading Card Project.

They get into how the project started, how it has connected fans and franchises around the world, and what it says about the larger Ghostbusters community.

The conversation also covers Luke’s own cosplay, builds, fandom, and how people can get involved.

This one is about more than props. It’s about the people behind the patches, packs, and cards.

In this episode of Bench Tested, Charlie Harsh sits down with Dustin Grau and Nomake Wan from GPStar Technologies to talk about the brains behind modern Ghostbusters electronics.

They get into pack and wand integration, firmware development, troubleshooting, installation mistakes, customization, and how GPStar has evolved into a full electronics ecosystem for builders.

From HasLab upgrades to custom packs, this conversation breaks down what it takes to make Ghostbusters gear feel responsive, reliable, and alive.

If you’re building, upgrading, or just trying to understand how the tech side works, this one is for you.

In the Season 2 premiere of Bench Tested, Charlie Harsh sits down with Sepp from Dirt Farmer Industries, a builder whose ideas have quietly become some of the most widely used upgrades in the Ghostbusters community.

From the early days of discovering Ghostbusters to creating the HasBrackets system that has now sold nearly 600 sets worldwide, Sepp shares how a simple solution to a common problem evolved into a must-have upgrade for HasLab Proton Pack owners.

The conversation dives into the design process behind his products, the challenges of creating parts that are both functional and easy to install, and why solving real-world problems for fellow builders has become the foundation of Dirt Farmer Industries. Along the way, Charlie and Sepp discuss 3D printing, community collaboration, DIY innovation, and the future of fan-built Ghostbusters gear.

Whether you’re upgrading a Spirit Pack, customizing a HasLab, designing your own props, or just love hearing how great ideas become reality, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical knowledge from one of the community’s most respected makers.