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.

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?!

PLUS ULTRA ~ Or something like that! For this episode of the Cosplay Crunch, we invite Remy Domino to delve into the vibrant world of cosplay and conventions. We get the low down on the Louisiana convention scene and changes throughout the last decades and get to know more about Remy’s experiences throughout her cosplay journey. We explore her past and current creative expression found through various art forms.. and TikTok, the significance of character connections, and reflections on the beloved series (and mild Remy addiction) My Hero Academia. We mourn old conventions such as MechaCon, and look forward to a new experience at Holiday Matsuri this December. We get some advice on prop making and highlight the importance of community in cosplay and the joy of connecting with others who share similar passions.

Cosplay is NOT THAT SERIOUS! In this episode of The Cosplay Crunch, we bring in Victoria Bane for a very reflective look at the cosplay community, con culture, and how cosplay has evolved from the early 2000’s to today. We explore Vickie’s journey from her early days in the community to her expertise, and now business, in professional wig styling, as well as her experiences with inclusivity and representation in cosplay and the challenges faced by cosplayers who did not “fit” a specific physical appearance. We break down the uber commercialization of conventions, and the significance of maintaining a healthy balance between cosplay and personal life. Now… we could NOT have Ms. Vickie Bane on the pod without getting her essential tools for wig styling and her personal wig-stress advice. And wait for the end of the pod when we throw it ALL the way back to the VERY memorable times of roof running at Oni-Con 2!

Are you in the cosplay illuminati like me? Well, you might not be, but in this episode of Cosplay Crunch, we are joined by Orion Valiant to delve into the world of cosplay, discussing Orion's journey from baby weeb into Japanese idols to becoming a prominent figure in the Texas cosplay community. We recount the evolution of cosplay and the impact of idol culture in anime, from Love Live to Idolish7. We explore the role of an emcee at conventions and Orion’s experience with helping coordinate a cosplay program track at San Japan. Of course we have to address the Texas Cosplay Illuminati, and learn if there really is a puppet master determining the fate of all cosplay contestants?! Stay until the end to hear the truly unforgettable experience at Fanime 2013, including the many challenges faced along the way. Oh…and moldy undergarments.

Get ready to HAVE IT! On this episode of the Cosplay Crunch, JackErufu joins the show to have a WELL overdue conversation where we discuss his beginnings in cosplay, growing up in the Ohio anime convention scene, and of course the drama and conflama surrounding OhayoCon! We go into all things ColossalCon Prime (the one in the middle of nowhere Ohio), and discuss the changes in the con dynamics over the years since 2016. Rants about Singer sewing machines ensue, as well as in depth hotel room etiquette, expectations and tips during conventions. Jack is pressed to expose the secrets to creating a perfect bunny suit, and we expose our full face (high maintenance) cosplay makeup routine for Pretty Boys.

We’re BACK for Season 2!!! In this episode of Cosplay Crunch, we invite Stitch Crimes AKA Sammi to kick off the Season by reflecting on cosplay journeys, sharing insights on learning to sew and craft, navigating cosplay contests, and the experiences of judging and prejudging. We throw it all the way back to the early 2010’s and recount the Homestuck takeover. If you were looking for some behind the scenes open and honest thoughts on pre-judging, you’re going to be pleased! We reminisce on our convention experiences, particularly Oni-Con, as well as con experiences throughout the summer of 2024. Stay tuned as we dust off the X-files of convention past to recount disastrous convention memories, and touch on a recent rodent ridden convention dungeon…I mean Artist Alley…in Portland? Let’s get into it!

The collab you NEVER saw coming! Or…maybe it was bound to happen??? In this special BONUS episode, we invite CosPod hosts Amber and Val onto the Cosplay Crunch for a good ol’ fashioned cosplay kiki! We discuss the changes to the cosplay community over the years, cosplay knowledge and tutorials, and the challenges of cultivating a true cosplay community. We dive into the cancellation /future of A-Kon and the viability of large conventions in the current economic climate. Of COURSE we have to discuss A-Fest and its LAST YEAR?! Stay until the end to hear about cosplay goals and bucket list items from two cosplayers who have lived through it all!

We made it to the FINALE of The Cosplay Crunch Season 1! In episode 15, Yaya Han joins the podcast for a special, extended episode where we tell ALL regarding Yaya's 25-year journey through cosplay. We highlight Yaya’s early cosplay years, the changing relationship between conventions and cosplay programming, and cosplay through social media and online criticism. Convention etiquette has changed, and we dig into the pre and post pandemic convention experience, as well as international cosplay culture /contests versus cosplay in the United States. And of course, we had to bring up the TV show 'Heroes of Cosplay' to get some behind the scenes tea on what really was going on! Stay until the end where you get insight related to how Yaya’s partnership with Bernina / Bernette began and birthed the B79 Yaya sewing machine, as well as her personal thoughts on writing her book and publishing right before the start of the pandemic.

In episode 14 of the Cosplay Crunch, we discuss Mineralblu's journey through cosplay photography and videography including how Mineralblu got started in conventions and photography, the evolution of their photography style, and the transition from photography to videography. We get all of the tea on Mineralblu's collaborations with Kotaku and obtaining the coveted press badge for major conventions. International cons, changing dynamics of the cosplay community, and photos of celebrity brutality are all covered in our conversation. If you have ever wanted insight on the glamorous life of the cosplay photographer, you are NOT going to want to miss this episode.

Roll Initiative! On episode 12 of The Cosplay Crunch, Feelsbender AKA Sarah joins the podcast and brings Chicago excellence to your ears! We explore Sarah's background in cosplay, Zach and Sarah’s shared love for RWBY, and the demise of Rooster Teeth. We also go into ALL of the details on the Midwest convention scene, attending conventions in Chicago, and the MUST AVOID cons of the Midwest. We dungeon dive into D&D and Renaissance Festivals, and discuss Sarah’s dice business, Pieces of Parhelia. Stay to the end when we dig into the changing landscape of conventions in Texas and provide advice for maintaining longevity in cosplay.

In episode 11 of the Cosplay Crunch, we interview full time cosplayer and long time friend Jennybelly! Jenny discusses her early experiences with cosplay, her journey from Los Angeles to Texas, and her trips to visit South Korea. Jenny shares her experience of quitting her office job to pursue cosplay full-time and the challenges of being a self-employed cosplayer and content creator. Jenny and Zavage discuss her hit podcast BLHQ about BL (Boys' Love), Danmei, Manhua and other gay stories! We also get Jenny’s photography and travel tips for cosplayers.

Do you want to be a voice actor? Well, this episode won’t tell you how… BUT we do get into all of the backstage tea on voice acting for one of the largest anime production companies in the world! Host Zavage Cosplay interviews Bree Han about her cosplay journey where we discuss the rise of cosplay music videos, the lasting friendships they've made through conventions, and the dreaded post convention dinner scenario (IYKYK). We take a journey through Bree's experience into voice acting, her experience of landing her first voice acting role for Crunchyroll and the challenges in the industry. We cover LOTS of hot topics including the WeebCon cosplay contest follow up, the Arda Wigs statement and woes, and the controversy surrounding DisabilityComicCon. Join us for a truly packed episode!

In episode 9 of The Cosplay Crunch, Zavage and Phee discuss their first connection via Fire Emblem and the importance of finding cosplay friends. Phee shares her first convention experience under less than desirable circumstances (re: abandoned warehouse), we walk through her “unique” and unconventional cosplays, discuss experiences with OF, and touch on body confidence and the transformative nature of cosplay. For some reason, GI Joe cosplay contest drama comes up in 2024? All of this and much, much more on this week's episode!

Jump into episode 8 of The Cosplay Crunch with the stunningly talented Melanie Jasmine Design! Zavage and Melanie discuss her first conventions and cosplays living in Ecuador, and the challenges of finding materials and resources in different countries. We go in on Melanie’s background in cosplay, including her connection to the character Sombra from Overwatch, and her overall tie to Blizzard / the Overwatch cosplay community. Additionally, Melanie shares her experiences creating costumes for Overwatch voice actors' own voiced characters! We also talk about Nishi Fest 2024, as well as the importance of compensating cosplayers for their time and talent. Stay until the end to hear tips for improving your craftsmanship in cosplay, as well as stage presence and posing tips during walk-on performances.

In episode 7 of the Cosplay Crunch podcast, host Zavage Cosplay invites guest Kadiaa Kawaii (aka Lisa) to talk about her early convention journey as an award winning cosplayer, which eventually led to her career as an anime / cartoon focused tattoo artist before finally transitioning to a full-time artist who travels to art shows / Artist Allies at multiple different conventions. We talk about our early competition experiences, get the tea on the tattoo industry, dive into the secret insides of the Artist Alley community, and provide advice to listeners who are looking to compete in their first cosplay contest or masquerade.

In this extra evil, technically challenged episode of the Cosplay Crunch, host Zavage interviews Rumplestilt Seam as they discuss their first cosplay experiences, mishaps and issues with cosplay contests, curating a cosplay program track for conventions, Rumple’s iconic Instagram stories, cursed convention experiences, and essential tools for summoning from the infernal plane.

Get into the full Fallout fantasy, because this week for episode 4 we are joined by Viverra! Zavage and Viverra discuss her background training in professional fashion design, the reality of having your cosplay go viral, the changes to the Texas convention scene from the mid 2000’s to 2024, convention hotel horror stories, qualifications for cosplay judges, and attending local vs. large out of state conventions.

We kick off the Cosplay Crunch with a short introduction to the show by host Zavage Cosplay AKA Zach. We are excited to embark on the Cosplay Crunch journey with our listeners and fellow cosplayers!