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Ever wondered what it's like to plunge into the sensory overload that is a modern convention? This week, we take you through our sleep-deprived journey at Fan Expo Denver, where anime has firmly claimed the throne from traditional fandoms. The evidence? No Star Wars panels across four days, but dozens of anime events filling the schedule!

The celebrity encounters alone made the exhaustion worthwhile. We share our experiences meeting John Boyega (super chill in his LA Dodgers cap), Alan Tudyk (who hilariously gave away everything from valuable Rogue One script pages to hotel laundry bags during his panel), and Manny Jacinto from The Good Place and The Acolyte. These aren't just signatures on memorabilia—they're moments of genuine connection with the creators behind beloved characters.

Artist Alley revealed fascinating trends in the creative community, with many artists shifting toward traditional media like watercolors to distinguish themselves in the age of AI art controversies. Meanwhile, RSVLTS T-shirt exclusives created daily stampedes, with their floral pattern completely selling out across all sizes.

We also dive into the cultural shift happening at conventions, observing the sometimes awkward generational divide between longtime attendees and the younger anime-focused crowd. It's a fascinating glimpse into how fan culture continues to evolve while maintaining its core community spirit.

Whether you're a convention veteran or curious newcomer, this episode captures the exhaustion, excitement, and unforgettable moments that make these gatherings the beating heart of fandom. And for those keeping track—San Diego Comic-Con is just two weeks away!

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Dive into a hilarious and detailed exploration of Disney magic both on land and sea as Jack shares his recent adventure to Walt Disney World and aboard the Disney Wish cruise. The journey kicks off with Galaxy's Edge comparisons that Star Wars fans won't want to miss—from subtle theming differences to exclusive merchandise like the coveted gray Loth Cat mug that prompted the entire trip.

You'll feel like you're right there experiencing the Disney cruise embarkation process, complete with ceremonial welcomes and the mad dash to secure dining reservations. The rotational dining system emerges as a surprising highlight, with Jack revealing the insider secret that has fellow foodies buzzing: you can order unlimited filet mignon, appetizers, and desserts at no extra cost. "Just tell that bro 'I want three of them,'" Jack explains, detailing how Disney's family-style dining elevates the cruise experience.

Marvel enthusiasts will appreciate the deep dive into the ship's Worlds of Marvel restaurant, where interactive "quantum generators" at each table allow guests to help Ant-Man and the Wasp during dinner, culminating in surprise character appearances. Meanwhile, parents will find valuable insights on the kids club system that had Jack's daughter happily disappearing for most of the voyage, returning only for shows and dinner.

The podcast hits peak hilarity during discussions of Beach Day, revealing the stark personality differences between Jack, who happily napped on the sand, and co-host Lew, whose theoretical sand-phobia becomes a running joke. "You say 'beach' and I'm out," Lew declares, triggering waves of laughter as the hosts imagine scenarios where this knowledge could be weaponized.

Whether you're planning your own Disney vacation or just enjoy entertainment-filled travel stories, this episode delivers authentic perspectives, practical tips, and enough laughs to make you feel like you're sitting at the table with three friends sharing their unfiltered vacation tales. Ready to set sail with us? The gang's already planning their next cruise adventure—and this time, they'll all be together!

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Dive into our Father's Day special where our resident dad shares how they celebrated the weekend, from traditional BJ's restaurant visits (complete with commemorative "hoppy" Father's Day pint glasses) to attending a special Fathom Events screening of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade with Leonard Maltin's introduction.

Our conversation spirals into passionate discussions about Star Wars, specifically why George Lucas has been reluctant to release unaltered versions of the original trilogy. We imagine an interactive Star Wars viewing experience where fans could customize their preferred edits - keeping Han shooting first while enjoying enhanced visual effects. This nostalgia train continues as we debate why Star Wars collectible card games never achieved the staying power of Magic: The Gathering or Pokémon, despite the franchise's enduring popularity.

Fashion takes center stage with our deep dive into RSVLTS clothing's Star Wars-themed shirts. We compare the tactile differences between their bamboo shirts (heavier but more comfortable) and standard "Nuflex" material, while reminiscing about our Star Wars Celebration purchases and anticipating future shirt drops. For the home improvement enthusiasts, we share valuable advice about construction defect rights when dealing with warranty issues after one of us experienced an air conditioning repair requiring wall reconstruction.

The entertainment segment features reviews of "Murderbot" on Apple TV+ and "White Lotus," before we provide a comprehensive preview of summer's blockbuster lineup including F1, Jurassic World, Superman, and Fantastic Four, plus returning TV favorites like Strange New Worlds and Squid Game. We debate which releases deserve immediate Thursday night viewing versus waiting for discount Tuesdays.

Throughout it all, our friendship shines through with playful banter, inside jokes, and surprisingly useful information delivered in an engaging, conversation-style format. Whether you're a Star Wars enthusiast, a collector of pop culture merchandise, or simply enjoy listening to friends sharing stories, this episode offers something for everyone.

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Navigating the treacherous waters of homeownership becomes our opening conversation as we collectively agree – it's a struggle that unites us all in mutual frustration. From there, we dive into the unexpected adventures of battling SoCal rush hour traffic on a Monday, a rookie mistake that delayed our recording by a full day.

The conversation shifts to a detailed exploration of Disney experiences, with one host sharing their recent visit to the Hotel Grand Californian's special 70th anniversary buffet. At $62 per adult (less with discounts), the spread featured everything from prime rib and shrimp cocktail to Mickey cake pops that would normally cost $7 each in the park. This insider knowledge provides valuable context for anyone planning their next Disney adventure and wondering if the exclusive dining experiences are worth the splurge.

The heart of our episode centers around a comprehensive breakdown of EDC Vegas, comparing three distinct approaches to experiencing the festival: hotel commuting, Camp EDC, or the official Hotel EDC package at Virgin Hotels (formerly Hard Rock). At approximately $2,000 per person for the Hotel EDC experience, our host walks us through what that investment gets you – exclusive shuttles that bypass regular traffic, pre-venue security screening, pool parties with DJs from 11am-5pm daily, and $30 food credits. The honest assessment of pros and cons, from the owl stage decoration that resembled "a backyard pigeon deterrent" to the magic of Tiesto's sunrise set, offers both entertainment and practical guidance.

We wrap with animated discussions about recent films like Ballerina and Lilo and Stitch, upcoming Comic-Con plans, and the absurdity of an $80 Galactus popcorn bucket that's "30 inches tall." Our authentic friendship permeates every topic, creating an experience that feels less like listening to a podcast and more like joining a conversation with friends who aren't afraid to call each other out or celebrate each other's passions.

Join our conversation and add your voice to the mix – what Disney experience or festival approach would you choose?

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What makes something truly "Star Wars?" In this thought-provoking discussion, we dive into the heart of Andor and challenge the conventional definition of Star Wars storytelling. Is a series without lightsabers, Jedi, and Force powers still authentically Star Wars? Or does Andor's character-driven, ground-level perspective offer something more valuable than spectacle?

We explore how nostalgia colors our perception of Star Wars content, suggesting that much of what we love about the franchise comes from emotional attachment rather than objective quality. As one host provocatively states, "Most of Star Wars isn't fantastic, but we attach our memories to it." This insight helps explain why fans have such varied reactions to new additions to the universe.

Tony Gilroy's approach to Andor stands in stark contrast to other Star Wars creators, deliberately avoiding fan service in favor of telling a compelling human story first. We compare this to Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka, where creators seemed to include traditional Star Wars elements regardless of whether they served the narrative.

The conversation expands to review the character-driven crime drama Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan, and Marvel's Thunderbolts, analyzing how both films balance character development with action. We also discuss Sony's struggles with the Spider-Man universe, Japanese animation influences, and upcoming film releases.

Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars devotee or a casual viewer interested in how franchises evolve, this episode offers fresh perspectives on storytelling expectations and how our memories shape our entertainment experiences. Join us as we challenge assumptions and celebrate the stories that connect with us – with or without a lightsaber in sight.

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Join us for a captivating journey through Tokyo Disney Resort as we explore the magic of both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea! Fresh from our adventures in Japan, we dive into the unique experiences these parks offer compared to their American counterparts.

The Beauty and the Beast ride alone is worth the international flight—we'll take you through the stunning trackless ride system, jaw-dropping animatronics, and immersive storytelling that made this our unanimous favorite. You'll also discover how "It's a Small World" gets a Marvel makeover in Tokyo, creating a delightful scavenger hunt for familiar characters.

Tokyo DisneySea emerges as the true hidden gem in our discussion. Astonishingly, after spending an entire day exploring this massive park, we realized we'd only experienced about one-third of its offerings! From the Jules Verne-inspired attractions to Ariel's underwater village and the new Fantasy Springs area, this park deserves at least two full days on your itinerary.

We share practical insights about navigating the cultural differences—how the disability accommodation system works, why Japanese Disney fans rush for Duffy merchandise at park opening, and the peculiar challenge of translating the famous Jungle Cruise "backside of water" joke into Japanese. Plus, discover why Tokyo Disney's approach to merchandise restocking throughout the day puts American parks to shame.

Whether you're planning your own Japanese Disney adventure or just curious about how Disney magic translates across cultures, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the international Disney experience. Subscribe now and join our conversation about why Tokyo DisneySea might just be the most impressive Disney park on the planet!

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Our journey through Japan continues as we dive deeper into the remarkable efficiency of Japanese transportation and culture. After parting ways temporarily, we embark on separate adventures – a solo night bus journey to Osaka for the World Expo showcases Japanese punctuality at its finest, with buses and trains departing exactly on schedule, down to the minute. The contrast between an 8-hour bus ride and a 2-hour bullet train return trip highlights Japan's transportation marvel.

The World Expo provides a fascinating glimpse into global cultures, with the stunning Lacker Globe – depicting Earth at night as seen from space – serving as a highlight. Meanwhile, our exploration of Tokyo's unique districts reveals unexpected treasures: Ueno Park's massive museums where five hours isn't enough to see everything, Akihabara's electronics and anime paradise, and the famous Shibuya Crossing that surprises not with its size but with its incredible pedestrian volume.

Japanese convenience stores become an unexpected cultural touchstone of our trip. Far beyond simple shops, places like Lawson's offer gourmet-quality meals, unique snacks, and become our daily ritual. We develop addictions to melon soda and the curiously named Pokey Sweat, while discovering the universal Japanese preference for tiny drink cups that require constant refills.

As we reunite and continue our adventure to Tokyo Disney, we encounter Japanese interpretations of Western foods, efficient transportation systems, and cultural differences that add charm rather than frustration. Whether getting lost in massive Tokyo Station or finding ourselves at a maid cafe, each experience adds another layer to our appreciation of Japan's unique blend of efficiency, tradition, and innovation that leaves us already planning our return in 2028.

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When one host is missing, it opens the door to unexpectedly deep reflections. In this uniquely intimate episode, Duke and Jack dive into the foundations of their three-decade friendship, revealing how what began as a simple "you both like Star Wars" connection blossomed into something far more meaningful.

The conversation flows through their shared obsessions—from detailed memories of wrestling pay-per-views watched together at the turn of the millennium to creating tag team personas in video games. Their nostalgic journey through the Attitude Era of WWE reveals not just their fandom, but how they navigated the more problematic elements of 90s entertainment while forming their own identities. "We were into the funny guys," they reflect, explaining how their appreciation for characters like Chris Jericho and The Rock shaped their perspectives.

Between lighthearted stories about driving through Compton as teenagers and spending entire days hunting for wrestling video games across Southern California, the pair share thoughtful observations about friendship itself. "You're not friends with somebody for 30 years and not have more in common," Jack notes, as they discuss how their connection evolved beyond collecting Star Wars toys to supporting each other through life's major transitions.

The episode also offers fascinating glimpses into their current interests, including Duke's experience beta testing the upcoming "Dune Awakening" survival game and their continuing appreciation for Disney collectibles. Their ability to transition between reminiscing about their past adventures and discussing current life developments demonstrates the enduring nature of their friendship.

Whether you're a longtime listener or discovering the podcast for the first time, this episode captures something universal about how meaningful connections are built and maintained over decades. What began with action figures and wrestling pay-per-views has clearly become a friendship that transcends any single shared interest—a powerful reminder that the best relationships grow alongside us.

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Journey with us to Tokyo as we unpack our whirlwind adventure at Star Wars Celebration Japan! What begins as a lighthearted May the Fourth celebration quickly spirals into a laugh-filled recounting of our international convention experience, complete with unexpected wrestling and Star Trek tangents that showcase our geeky versatility.

We dive deep into the unique challenges of navigating an overseas Star Wars convention—from the surprisingly smooth badge pickup process to the chaotic store experience where merchandise flew off shelves and checkout lines stretched for hours. You'll feel the frustration and excitement as we detail the notorious bottleneck after the Lucasfilm Animation panel that nearly caused a riot, requiring security intervention to manage the crowds.

Our pin-collecting adventures take center stage as we hunt exclusive merchandise from vendors like RSVLT, Hot Toys, and FigPin, sharing insider tips on how we completed our collections despite language barriers and limited availability. The food situation provides its own entertainment, from the lack of water stations to our adventures trying Japanese versions of KFC and McDonald's outside the convention.

The Disney Parks panel reveals exciting updates coming to Smuggler's Run, with engineer positions getting a major upgrade featuring Grogu interactions. Meanwhile, panel reservation systems create havoc for friend groups, and merchandise sells out within hours of the convention opening.

Whether you're planning for future Star Wars Celebrations or simply enjoy hearing about convention mishaps and victories, this episode offers both practical insights and entertaining stories from three friends finding their way through an unfamiliar but thrilling Star Wars experience in Japan. What moments would you have handled differently?

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The magnetic pull of Japan finally materialized as our long-discussed trip became reality, sparked by Star Wars Celebration Tokyo serving as the perfect excuse for our cross-Pacific adventure. From touchdown at separate Tokyo airports to navigating perplexing train systems, our journey unfolds as a masterclass in cultural immersion and adaptability.

Jet lag proves itself an unforgiving companion—more brutal on the return journey than we anticipated. The surreal experience of landing in LA an hour after takeoff thanks to the International Date Line creates what we dub "the longest Saturday ever." Our bodies struggle to comprehend the temporal gymnastics even days after returning home.

Deep-diving into authentic Japanese experiences, we discover the true meaning of "futon" (spoiler: it's essentially a dog bed), navigate restaurant reservation systems that politely refuse service through elaborate performances rather than direct rejection, and embrace the cultural adventure of onsen bathing—where communal nudity initially challenges our American sensibilities but ultimately delivers a uniquely therapeutic experience.

Japan's convenience store culture emerges as an unexpected highlight—Lawson's becoming our daily ritual with astonishingly good food at reasonable prices. The absence of tipping culture, paired with service standards that consistently exceed expectations, creates a refreshing consumer experience. Each neighborhood exploration reveals architectural contrasts where modern skyscrapers neighbor decades-old family businesses that refused to sell to developers.

From Hello Kitty Land's inscrutable ride narratives to Shibuya's shopping districts where we discover exclusive merchandise, each day delivers new sensory experiences and cultural revelations. The language barrier creates humorous misunderstandings but never prevents meaningful connections. Our journey leaves us forever changed—with thinner waistlines from walking six miles daily, newfound appreciation for Japanese efficiency, and memories that will fuel our conversations for years to come.

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