Summary

In this episode, Chris Bower, Ariel Heart, and Tim Hyde discuss the upcoming Anime Town Greenville convention, highlighting the event's features, guest list, and after-hours activities. They emphasize the importance of community engagement, the vendor experience, and the unique offerings that set this convention apart from others. The conversation also touches on practical advice for attendees and vendors, ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience for all.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anime Town Greenville
02:28 After Hours Events and Activities
04:48 18+ Content and Costume Contest
06:58 Guest List Highlights
11:52 Vendor Floor and Community Engagement
14:18 Ticket Sales and Attendance Trends
15:17 Challenges and Improvements in Event Management
16:19 VIP Experience and Benefits
18:13 New Features and Attractions for Attendees
20:19 Diverse Guest List and Community Engagement
22:18 Vendor Access and Communication
26:16 Advice for Attendees and Vendors
31:14 Podcast Outro 1.mp4

In this episode of the Con Culture Convo, Tim Hyde, Chris Bower, and Ariel Heart discuss the evolution of their podcasting journey, from the origins of the Con Job podcast during the COVID-19 pandemic to the launch of Ariel's new podcast, The Con Floor. They reflect on the challenges faced in maintaining the original podcast's vibe and the decisions that led to Ariel's departure. The conversation highlights the importance of community in podcasting and the excitement surrounding new ventures in the pop culture space.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Con Culture Combo
03:12 The Evolution of Con Job Podcast
06:54 Transitioning to The Con Floor Podcast
10:15 Exploring the Concept of The Con Floor
13:08 The Future of Podcasting in Con Culture
15:56 Final Thoughts and Farewell
21:16 Podcast Outro

Summary

In this episode, Tim and Chris discuss a variety of topics related to fast food culture, including Chris's growth on YouTube, the nostalgia surrounding fast food mascots, and the potential for a fast food convention. They delve into the history of fast food, share personal anecdotes, and even engage in a fun quiz about fast food mascots. The conversation highlights the impact of nostalgia on consumer behavior and the challenges of documenting fast food history.

Chapters

00:00 Weather Woes and Travel Plans
03:16 YouTube Growth and Analytics
06:24 The Fast Food Nostalgia Phenomenon
10:01 The Concept of a Fast Food Convention
13:10 The Business of Fast Food and Marketing Strategies
16:09 Costco's Soda Switch and Personal Choices
19:34 Exploring Taste Preferences in Beverages
20:56 Cider vs. IPA: A Beverage Debate
21:46 Food Adventures in Dallas
22:52 Charleston: A Culinary Destination
24:48 Charleston vs. New Orleans: A Showdown
26:08 Fast Food Nostalgia: A New Direction
31:36 The Challenge of Documenting Fast Food History
33:43 Fast Food Mascot Quiz: Testing Knowledge
39:44 Nostalgic Fast Food Mascots and Video Games
41:32 The Quirky World of Dairy Queen and Bazooka Joe
44:44 The Humor and History of Bazooka Joe
50:42 Reflections on Childhood and Advertising
53:56 Food Cravings and Late-Night Snacks
55:22 Podcast Outro 1.mp4

Summary

In this conversation, Tim Hyde and Chris Bower discuss their expectations and goals for the year 2025, reflecting on past experiences and the challenges they face in the convention business. They explore the importance of adapting to changes in the market, the impact of travel on their work, and strategies for improving profitability amidst increasing competition. The discussion also touches on the effects of tariffs and inflation on their businesses, while maintaining an optimistic outlook for the upcoming year.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to 2025: New Beginnings
03:15 Exciting Shows and Events Ahead
06:18 Travel Challenges: The Case for Driving
09:13 Business Goals for 2025
12:19 Adapting to Change: New Strategies
15:27 The Great American Road Trip
18:15 Exploring the Vastness of Russia
21:21 The Impact of Transportation on Society
25:30 The Vastness of Russia and Travel Plans
30:18 Profit Margins and Show Costs
32:03 The Reality of Show Profitability
32:57 Anticipating Successful Shows
33:31 Optimism for 2025
34:25 Albuquerque's Rising Potential
35:31 The Challenge of January Shows
36:39 Inflation and Grocery Prices
38:38 Impact of Tariffs on Business
41:07 Navigating Industry Saturation
43:38 Goals and Strategies for 2025
50:41 Final Thoughts on Profitability
54:14 Podcast Outro 1.mp4

Summary

In this episode, Chris and Tim reflect on the year 2024 in the convention scene, discussing their best and worst shows, disappointing trends, and the impact of rising costs on vendors. They also highlight the most improved shows and share their thoughts on the recent downfall of Anime Weekend Atlanta, emphasizing the importance of vendor treatment and the challenges faced in the industry. In this conversation, Chris and Tim discuss the evolving landscape of conventions, reflecting on the challenges and changes faced in 2024. They express concerns about the impact of venue changes on vendor experiences and the saturation of the convention market. The discussion shifts to their hopes and goals for 2025, emphasizing the need for adaptation and innovation in the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Year-End Reflections
02:50 Best and Worst Shows of 2024
06:39 Disappointing Trends in Conventions
10:38 Vendor Challenges and Rising Costs
16:41 Future of Conventions and Market Saturation
22:00 The Rise of Trading Card Shows
22:47 Vendor Experience and Show Improvements
24:55 The Importance of Vendor Care
27:17 Challenges Faced by Anime Weekend Atlanta
39:45 The Impact of Show Saturation
42:50 Promoter Decisions: A Double-Edged Sword
45:02 The Value of Guest Lists at Conventions
47:24 The Power Dynamics in Convention Culture
52:39 Promoters Who Care: A Positive Shift
55:34 Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025
01:00:43 Personal Growth and Social Media Strategies
01:06:47 Podcast Outro 1.mp4

Summary
In this festive episode, Tim Hyde shares holiday greetings and discusses travel plans, including a flight with American Airlines. The conversation touches on gift exchanges, experiences with flight attendants, and the upcoming content for 2025, including a focus on fast food archeology and pop culture themes.
Chapters

00:00 Holiday Greetings and Gift Exchange
06:18 Travel Plans and Experiences
09:05 Pop Culture and Future Plans
12:16 Closing Remarks and New Year Wishes
12:41 Podcast Outro 1.mp4

In this episode of Con Culture Convo, Tim Hyde interviews artist and musician Sukesha Ray, also known as Sushi. They discuss her journey from being an anime nerd to becoming a successful artist and musician, her experiences at various conventions, the challenges she faces in the industry, and her aspirations for the future. The conversation touches on the importance of mental health, navigating criticism, and the impact of success on personal life.

Takeaways
-Sukesha's journey began with a love for anime and art.
-Her first convention experience was eye-opening and profitable.
-Transitioning from art to music has been a unique challenge.
-Success in the art world can be defined in many ways.
-Memorable conventions can significantly impact an artist's career.
-Health issues can affect performance and opportunities.
-Criticism in the industry can be harsh but is often unfounded.
-Future goals include expanding her reach internationally.
-Mental health is crucial for sustaining a creative career.
-Embracing one's identity and work is key to success.

00:00 Introduction to Sakeisha (Sushi) and Her Background
03:15 Journey into Art and Music
06:26 The Transition from Art to Music
09:15 Defining Moments in Her Career
12:14 Best and Worst Shows Experience
18:38 The Struggles of Event Promotion
21:15 Confrontations at Comic Con
27:09 Future Aspirations and Mental Health
31:17 Addressing Criticism and Embracing Individuality
35:05 Podcast Outro 1.mp4

Summary

In this episode of the Con Culture Convo, Tim Hyde interviews artist Lisa Cossentino, who shares her journey from pursuing a master's degree in music to becoming a successful pixel artist. Lisa discusses her early experiences at Comic Cons, the evolution of her art business, and the challenges and successes she has faced in the creative industry. The conversation highlights memorable shows, insights into sales, and Lisa's future plans, including opening a storefront in Florida. In this conversation, Tim Hyde and Lisa Cossentino discuss the opening of Lisa's new comic shop, the Pixel Gallery, located in Cocoa, Florida. They delve into the challenges of setting up a storefront, including logistical hurdles, permits, and unexpected costs. The conversation then shifts to the oversaturation of comic conventions, particularly focusing on NostalgiaCon and its impact on vendors and smaller shows. They express concerns about the sustainability of such large events and the implications for the comic convention landscape. In this conversation, Lisa Cossentino and Tim Hyde discuss the evolution and challenges of anime conventions, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape. They explore the growth of new conventions, the financial struggles faced by vendors, and the competitive market dynamics that influence convention success. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding market demands and the impact of FOMO (fear of missing out) on vendor decisions. Through personal anecdotes and industry insights, they emphasize the need for conventions to adapt and learn from past mistakes to ensure a thriving environment for all participants.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Con Culture Convo
01:44 Lisa's Journey into the Art Industry
08:08 Growth and Evolution of Lisa's Art Business
10:44 Memorable Comic Con Experiences
16:28 Best Shows and Sales Insights
21:57 Future Plans and New Ventures
22:14 Introducing the Pixel Gallery
30:03 Challenges of Opening a Comic Shop
39:53 The Oversaturation of Comic Conventions
42:48 The Rise of Anime Conventions Post-Pandemic
44:56 Challenges Faced by New Conventions
47:55 Vendor Experiences and Financial Struggles
51:52 Market Dynamics and Competition in Convention Spaces
54:59 Lessons Learned from Failed Conventions
01:01:49 The Impact of FOMO on Vendor Decisions