What does it take to turn foam, felt, fabric and a little imagination into believable characters that can make an audience laugh, react and occasionally forget there’s a human underneath the table?

This month, Jen, Mike & Channing head backstage with Beau from the Dragon Con Puppetry Track and special guests Bob & Carl, The Sci Fi Janitors, for a conversation all about the craft, performance and organized unpredictability of puppetry.

Creating puppets is only the beginning. In this episode, the crew talks about the work that goes into building characters that feel alive, from design and fabrication to voice work, movement, timing and audience interaction.

The discussion covers the practical side of puppetry as well, including stage setups, performance challenges, technical coordination and the balancing act of working live in front of convention crowds.

Puppetry works because performers fully commit to the bit and audiences are willing to meet them halfway. Beau shares stories about what helps sell the illusion, what can unexpectedly derail it and why practical performance still resonates with fans in a world filled with digital effects.

Along the way, the hosts also dive into the collaborative side of the Puppetry Track and the creativity that fuels performances throughout the weekend at Dragon Con.

Of course, no Dragon Con discussion stays completely serious for long.

The episode also includes stories from live performances, crowd reactions, unexpected moments on stage and the unique experience of performing for convention audiences who are always ready to play along.

Whether you are interested in practical effects, live entertainment, performance art, comedy or just want to know what goes into making a puppet performance work, this episode offers a fun look behind the curtain.

Catch the latest episode of the Dragon Con Report wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the livestream replay and join us as we explore the world of puppetry at Dragon Con.

The Dragon Con Report is a part of the ESO Podcast Network, Producer Jen “Lil’ Bit” Schleusner, Executive Producer Mike Faber.
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We want to hear from you! Feedback is always welcome. Please write to us at [email protected] and subscribe and rate the show wherever fine podcasts are found, such as Apple Podcast, Google Play, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, and our new YouTube Channel.
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Links:
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Dragon Con Report Website
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Dragon Con Report YouTube Channel
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ESO Network
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ESO Network Patreon
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ESO Network TeePublic Store

Dragon Con Parties, Meetups, and More
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Black Geeks of Dragon Con
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Dragon Con

Watch the episode video on YouTube

Dragon Con Puppetry Track on FB
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National Puppet Slam
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Bob and Carl
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The Puckin’ Fuppet Show
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Center For Puppetry Arts
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DC Puppetry Tack Instagram

Dragon Con Report Intro and Outro attributes:

Stock Media provided by Blackmid / Pond5
Adventure Of The Pirates – Fantasy, Epic Orchestral Music by Pond5

Stock Media provided by MellauSFX / Pond5
Dragon Fire Roar Sound Effects by Pond5

#dragonconreport #dcr #podcast #dragoncon #dragonconpodcast #conventions #AtlantaGeekScene #dragonconAtlanta #ESONetwork #geekpodcast #Geektalk #ChanningSherman #JenLilBitSchleusner #MikeGordon #nerdpodcast #TheESONetwork #2026DragonConReport #DragonCon2026 #ESOPatreon #40yranniversary #puppetry #puppetrytrack #dragonconpuppetry #dragonconpuppets #puppets #bobandcarl #scifijanitors #BeauBrown #MattNitchie #NationalPuppetSlam #CenterforPuppetryArts #PuppetSlam

The post The 2026 Dragon Con Report Episode 5: Some Strings Attached! appeared first on The ESO Network.

This week we take a look at one of the most unique recurring characters in all of Trek, Lt. Reginald Barclay! We’ll revisit all of the episodes in which he appears and recount some of our favorite Broccoli moments, talking about what makes this character special.

Earth Station Trek is a part of the ESO Podcast Network, Executive Producer Mike Faber.

#startrek #barclay #nextgeneration #voyager #hollowpursuits

The post Lieutenant Broccoli – Earth Station Trek – Episode 265 appeared first on The ESO Network.

We’re watching Star Trek: Enterprise Season 3, Episode 2 “Anomaly,” but only Jamie has actually watched this episode where Archer goes full war criminal and the crew discovers their first large round thing of season 3.

Sound assistance by K.O. Myers at Particulate Media If you enjoy the show, follow us on Facebook or on BlueSky or send us an email to [email protected]. We cannot tell you how much we would love to hear from you!

The post EnterpriseSplaining 85: Spaceballs: The Star Trek Episode! appeared first on The ESO Network.

This week we’re MONKEEING AROUND with David Jones (1965), Davy’s debut solo album on the Colpix label! We are joined by special guest Derek Miner (Mixing Links: The Monkees on Disc) who brought a special treat!

We also chat about what’s happening in the world of the Monkees, including the tenth anniversary and upcoming Deluxe Edition of Good Times and The Monkees on TV from Beatland Books!

Our ‘You May Also Like’ recommendation this week are the new single “La femme qui s’était faite toute seule” from French Garage-Psych Rock band, Prisoner, out now on Wicked Cool Records and “Say Goodbye” the latest single from The Mellons!

Monkeeing Around is a part of the ESO Podcast Network, Executive Producer Mike Faber.

#monkees #davidjones #derekminer #mixinglinks #prisoner #themellonsband

The post David Jones (1965) – Monkeeing Around – Episode 90 appeared first on The ESO Network.

He’s strong to the finish — but what exactly is he finishing? Spilled Tea and Karen dive deep into one of internet horror’s most visceral and compelling fan films — Popeye the Slayer Man. From the surprisingly dark and violent origins of E.C. Segar’s original comic strips to the creepypasta culture that reimagined a beloved sailor into something truly sinister, this episode covers it all. They break down how the film brings one of animation’s most iconic and exaggerated characters terrifyingly to life, dissect some of the most brutal and creative kills in recent fan film history, and dig into the psychology of nostalgia corruption — why does it hit so different when the thing doing the killing is something you grew up loving? Plus they ask the bigger question — are fan films and creepypastas the defining horror texts of our era?

Subscribe now to Earth Station Boo where we talk all things horror. Let’s Get Spooky!

Find all our links here:
https://linktr.ee/EarthStationBoo

You can also find us on:

Check our Friends at the ESO Network: Cigar Nerds 

Have feedback or comments?
Email us at [email protected]

#PopeyeTheSlayerMan #EarthStationBoo #ESONetwork #LetsGetSpooky  #Horraholics #FemalePodcast #HorrorPodcast #HorrorNerds #HorrorDiscussion #HorrorFans #CultHorror #HorrorCommunity #PodcastForHorrorFans #HorrorMovies #CultClassics #HorrorLovers #HorrorAddict  #Popeye #Creepypasta #InternetHorror #NostalgiaHorror #FanFilm #DarkReimagining #PublicDomainHorror #CreepypastaHorror #ChildhoodRuined #HorrorFanFilm #SlayerMan

The post He is what he is | Earth Station Boo appeared first on The ESO Network.

Toni and Joe discuss the Honda Civic of Doctor Who episodes The Sontaran Stratagem & The Poison Sky.

If you’re interested in being a Friend of Rassilon, click here.

Download • YouTube • RSS • Patreon • iTunes • Google Play • ESO Network

The post The Watch-A-Thon of Rassilon: Episode 197: The Sontaran Stratagem/The Poison Sky (Gun Bad) appeared first on The ESO Network.

This week on the Tales From Hollywoodland podcast, the crew celebrates the incredible career of legendary director, actor, producer, and storyteller Rob Reiner. From his unforgettable role as “Meathead” on All in the Family to directing some of the most beloved films in Hollywood history, Rob Reiner’s impact on movies and television is undeniable.

Join the conversation as the hosts revisit classics like Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, Misery, A Few Good Men, and This Is Spinal Tap while discussing Reiner’s directing style, storytelling legacy, comedic timing, and influence on modern filmmaking.

The crew also explores Rob Reiner’s collaborations with legendary actors and writers, his place in Hollywood history, and why his films continue to resonate with audiences decades later. Whether you’re a fan of classic comedy, heartfelt drama, coming-of-age films, or behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories, this episode is a nostalgic and entertaining tribute to one of the industry’s most respected creative voices.

Subscribe to the Tales From Hollywoodland Podcast for more deep dives into Hollywood history, film careers, and the stories behind the biggest names in entertainment.

Subscribe to the Tales From Hollywoodland Podcast for more interviews with authors, historians, and insiders uncovering the stories behind Hollywood’s biggest legends.

We want to hear from you! Feedback is always welcome. Please write to us at [email protected], and why not subscribe and rate the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and wherever fine podcasts are found. 

#RobReiner #Hollywood #ThePrincessBride #StandByMe #WhenHarryMetSally #ThisIsSpinalTap #AFewGoodMen #Misery #MoviePodcast #ClassicMovies #HollywoodHistory #TalesFromHollywoodland #FilmDiscussion #DirectorSpotlight

The post Remembering Rob Reiner | From All in the Family to Stand By Me & When Harry Met Sally appeared first on The ESO Network.

Flopcast episode 733! Our ongoing series of Wizard of Oz adaptation reviews reaches Journey Back to Oz, an animated movie that Filmation started producing in 1962. However, they ran out of money, and the movie sat around unfinished for a full decade, until Filmation had some cash rolling in from their cheapo Saturday morning cartoons. Was Journey Back to Oz worth the wait? Yeah, sort of. It boasts an all-star cast led by Liza Minnelli as Dorothy, the role her mom played in the classic 1939 movie. Also in the cast: Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch back in 1939, now playing Aunt Em), Ethel Merman, Danny Thomas, Mickey Rooney, Larry Storch, Mel Blanc, Milton Berle… and Paul Lynde. (Yikes, with Paul on board, they could have skipped the movie and just played a round of Hollywood Squares.) And yes, Journey Back to Oz also features a talking signpost, a wooden horse, Jack Pumpkinhead, evil trees, gay trees, and plenty of chickens. Watch it just once, and inside your brain, the angry green elephants will never stop screaming. Plus: Kevin is on another American Sci-Fi Classics online panel all about Supergirl, just in time for the new movie! (But we still love the old movie.) #journeybacktooz #wizardofoz #filmation #lizaminnelli #paullynde #ethelmerman #larrystorch #eso #esonetwork #geektalk #geekpodcast #geek #nerdtalk #nerd #nerdpodcast #podcast #flopcast

Episode 733 complete show notes and links at www.flopcast.net!

The post Flopcast 733: Angry Green Elephants appeared first on The ESO Network.

Jim discusses a classic 1963 Roger Corman-produced monster movie that was also the directorial debut for Francis Ford Coppola -“Dementia 13,” starring, Bart Patton, Luana Anders, William Campbell, Mary Michel, Patrick Magee, Eithne Dunne, and Karl Schanzer. After her husband’s death, a woman trying to win favor with her rich mother-in-law devises a scheme to be put into the family will. But, there is more at play, including the possible haunting by the woman’s dearly departed daughter. Find out more on MONSTER ATTAZCK!, The Podcast Dedicated To Old Monster Movies.

The post Dementia 13 | Episode 517 appeared first on The ESO Network.

The Music of 1986

We’re diving headfirst into the first six months of 1986! Join us as we rewind to January through June and relive the music that made 1986 one of the most memorable years of the decade. It was a time when rock and rap were colliding, metal was still reigning supreme, the Minneapolis funk sound was coming into its own, and pop soundtracks were turning lesser-known bands into superstars! 

We cover juggernaut releases like Janet Jackson’s Control, Peter Gabriel’s So, Van Halen’s 5150, and Metallica’s Master of Puppets, as well as albums by The Bangles, Ozzy, Elvis Costello, Depeche Mode, Judas Priest, Prince, Run D.M.C., and many others, plus soundtracks such as Pretty in Pink, Labyrinth, and Krush Groove.

As always you can follow along and listen to all the music we discuss with our Spotify Playlist for this episode. 

What’s your favorite albums from the first half of 1986? Let us know! Drop us a line at [email protected] or just leave a comment on our socials or whatever podcast platform you’re listening to us. 

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernMusicology 

Check us out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmusicologypodcast/ 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ModrnMusicology 

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk-MlcGy5u3fK1j4bVty1Kw 

Modern Musicology is part of the ESO Podcast Network. https://esonetwork.com/ 

Find more about us:

Rob Levy: https://kdhx.org/shows/show/juxtaposition 
Stephanie Seymour: www.therearebirds.com  
R. Alan Siler: www.kozmiccreative.com  
Anthony Williams: https://watchers4d.podbean.com/

The post Modern Musicology #167: The Music of 1986 appeared first on The ESO Network.