The Cosplay Crunch

We have BROUGHT THEM BACK for another round!!! In this very special episode, we have assembled The Cosplay Crunch Conclave to bring you some of our favorite podcast alumni to answer all of your unanswered questions from the last 2 seasons. We truly cover a WIDE range of topics spanning the entirety of cosplay and convention culture, such as the truths of cosplay competitions, quitting cosplay, cameras in the judging room, and crafting basement goblins? We dive into the evolution of photography in cosplay, the varying quality of conventions, cosplayer hotel room etiquette, and so SO much more. Buckle up, sign your waiver, and get ready to jump back on the Cosplay Crunch roller coaster!

The Cosplay Crunch Conclave features cosplayers from Seasons 1 and 2 -  Mindy (@thegeekyseamstress), Jack (@jackerfufu), Karena (@phalafelcosplays), and Anna (@aeicos). Thank you all for coming back to participate in this madness once more. I appreciate you a ton <3

Find us at the below:

Website:CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

Welcome to the FINALE of Season 2!!! For the end of the second season, it only makes sense to bring on iconic cosplay duo Regan and Scone of Cowbutt Crunchies Cosplay! We start by going back to where their journey began in the early  2000’s, and the evolution of craftsmanship, resources, and contests. We discuss cosplay education extensively, and skill development in crafting as it pertains to teaching and paneling. We expose the “evolution of contest trends”, and the truth behind competition. We get the full rundown on the inspiration and intent behind the Cosplay Couture Gala and the intricacies of designing original cosplay inspired by beloved characters. Our personal areas of desired crafting growth are highlighted, and we promote “stupid” cosplays! Of course we have to talk about the latest hot topic: Cosplayer compensation and the value of recognizing cosplayers as skilled artists.

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

Presenting the Cosplay Goddess of the Caribbean Islands! In this episode of Cosplay Crunch, we welcome Panterona Cosplay all the way from Trinidad and Tobago! We get her unfiltered journey into the world of cosplay, starting from a place of pettiness to becoming a prominent figure in the Trinidadian cosplay community. We discuss the evolution of cosplay in Trinidad and Tobago, the cultural context surrounding race and representation, and the accessibility of resources for cosplayers in the Caribbean. Panterona also highlights the impact of Carnival in Trinidad on cosplay materials, and her experience of merging cosplay with Carnival, leading to the creation of Trinidad's first cosplay carnival band. Of course we talk about Alias Entertainment Expo, the complexities of organizing conventions in Trinidad, and the Caribbean Cosplay Championship. Make sure to listen all the way through to get the truth about her collaboration with Riot Games and the phenomenal Netflix series Arcane! You SERIOUSLY are not going to want to miss this episode. Trust!

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

Hold onto your WIGS!!! Because In this episode of The Cosplay Crunch, we bring on Wig-Wig Cosplay, a talented cosplay couple from Minnesota, to discuss their unique experiences through the cosplay community. We get a heavy dose of Wig-Lore, and delve into the cosplay culture of Minnesota. Wig Wig Cosplay discusses their role as cosplay coordinators and the challenges of balancing cosplay with convention and real life responsibilities. If you ever wanted to hear LOTS of leatherworking talk, you’re in the right place, as we discuss personal journeys into leatherworking, the unique qualities of leather as a material, and the sustainability aspects of using leather in costume design, as well as valuable advice for aspiring leatherworkers. We get the honest truth from competing in the International Cosplay League (ICL), and the vibrant atmosphere of Japan Weekend Madrid. Of course we have to talk about dynamics of maintaining a cosplay RELATIONSHIP and the KEY to maintaining healthy partnerships. And of course… we have to feature their much beloved cat, Peppy!

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

Attendance at this Cosplay University course is MANDATORY! And we have a LOT of subject matter to cover! In this episode of The Cosplay Crunch, we welcome Dr. Emerald L. King, an academic and cosplayer from Tasmania, Australia. We discuss the unique aspects of cosplay culture in Australia, Emerald's academic background and studies, her various involvement from volunteer staff to competitors at the World Cosplay Summit, and her journey through the cosplay community. We explore the historical context of cosplay in Australia, the influence of Japanese media, and the evolution of cosplay events over the years. Emerald shares her experiences and insights into the cosplay community, highlighting the differences and similarities between Australian and global cosplay cultures. We learn about various Australian and global events such as the Madman National Cosplay Championship and ICON Photo Festival. We get VERY cerebral as we delve into the themes of violence and masochism in Japanese literature and costuming. Join us down DOWN under as this episode is certainly a conversation unlike any other on the Cosplay Crunch!

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

Do you love video game music like me??? In this episode of the Cosplay Crunch, PurpleSchala (AKA Cinnabunny AKA Ruby) and Zavage explore the world of music and cosplay, discussing Ruby's journey from her first cosplay experience to her deep connection with video game tracks. We go back through her cosplay journey, and the connection between her journey with music and conventions. We delve into Ruby's musical background, including her experience arranging music and playing piano from titles such as Final Fantasy, Fire Emblem, Xenoblade and more. We explore the intricacies of music arrangement versus composition and the memorable yet challenging performances from conventions past. We also give our HONEST TAKE on Final Fantasy XVI, and gush over our lifelong love of Fire Emblem. We reflect on the themes of aging out of cosplay, the bonds with friends made through the hobby, and end with a moment dedicated to Ruby's iconic Tonberry costumes. 

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

She can style your wig, and looks gorgeous while doing so! In this episode of the Cosplay Crunch, we drag in Allison of AllieCat to delve into her journey through the world of cosplay. We talk about her beginning with Georgia conventions, explore presentation and diversity within the cosplay community, and highlight the personal growth that comes from embracing one's identity through cosplay and the importance of community support. Of course we will give you all the hoensTEA about our experiences at Anime Expo and New York Comic Con, and the challenges of judging cosplay contests. AllieCat shares her journey into the world of wig making for cosplay, discussing the artistic process, time investment, and the challenges faced in creating intricate designs. Throughout this episode, we continue to circle back to themes of empowerment, creativity, and personal growth, showcasing how AllieCat has transformed her passion into a thriving career while encouraging others to embrace their uniqueness.

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

Make way for British Royalty! Well… he does at LEAST have a crown! On this episode of the Cosplay Crunch, we invite Matthew Barry onto the show to bring us all things UK cosplay! From Matthew's personal journey into the world of conventions to the skills he developed along the way to his first contest, we explore the challenges and joys of creating costumes, the importance of personal health, and the impact of winning prestigious competitions like the C2E2 Global Cosplay Championship. Matthew shares his profound and unique journey through the cosplay community, detailing the emotional highs and lows of competition, the burden of expectations, and the importance of community and friendship. We highlight the innovations he explored in his craft, particularly in electroplating techniques, and reflects on the lessons learned from both success and failure. We talk about conventions like C2E2 and Japan Weekend Madrid, reflect on the evolution of his storytelling through photography, and the importance of community and connections in the cosplay world. Matthew emphasizes the significance of believing in oneself and others, highlighting the love and support that defines the cosplay culture.

Find us at the below:

Website:CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

Are you an artist alley addict and a lover of dragons? Well, you’re in good company! In this episode of Cosplay Crunch, we bring in ex-cosplayer and current talented artist / business woman Larissa of All the Dwagons! We discuss Larissa’s journey of entering the cosplay scene, her transition from cosplaying to becoming a professional artist, and all about her business of the last 7+ years. Larissa shares her experiences from her first Artist Alley to the challenges and successes she faced in her artistic career, particularly focusing on her love for dragons. We talk about the complexities of the art world, insights on the decision to pursue art over traditional education, the strategic considerations in choosing conventions, the importance of community among artists. We get the REALITY CHECK of running a business as a self-employed artist and the challenges of navigating the artist alley community, including the truth behind booth costs, the economics of art, and the misconceptions surrounding the artist's life. We delve into convention experiences, good and bad, as well as the passionate conversation around STAMP RALLIES?!

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

The cosplay Master Class is IN SESSION! In this episode of the Cosplay Crunch podcast, we get the privilege of chatting with Bindi Smalls, where we get the background on her journey into cosplay, the evolution of her cosplay skills, and the impact of 3D printing on her creations and her life. We break down the Colorado convention scene, various 3D printing techniques and software, and geek out over innovation in the cosplay creator space. We go off about various printer brands (good and bad), and challenges faced in the 3D printing landscape. We also touch on the reality of working with brands, creating transformative costumes, and the balance between personal projects and professional commitments. Of course we HAVE to talk about the critically acclaimed MMO Final Fantasy XIV, and the TwitchCon 2024 experience. Stay until the end where we discuss streaming and content creation, as well as the importance of personal growth and staying true to one's passion in cosplay.

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]