Clutch Power

Bionicle has a life of its own: defensive fans, deep lore, and a unique building system. But before all that, 25 years ago, Bionicle was a three-page concept in the hands of Alastair Swinnerton. And that’s when he helped to create something magical. Two guests on today’s episode. First, Alastair Swinnerton : screenwriter, novelist, and co-creator of Bionicle. Alastair takes us back in time to his...

A lot of folks say LEGO Minecraft sets are ugly, too simplistic, and too blocky (I may or may not be one of them). But after giving it some thought and talking through my feelings, I came to realize: LEGO and Minecraft are kinda perfect for each other. Today's guest: the very fun Cheesey Studios ! Caleb has spent the last three years working on a giant LEGO Minecraft build, and his YouTube channel...

In 1997, a giant wave hit a cargo ship, knocking 62 containers into the ocean. One of those containers held over four million LEGO pieces. It wasn't long after that the pieces began to wash up on the British shoreline. Even now, you can still find pieces from 28 years ago, which paint a stark picture of plastic waste, ocean currents, and human habits. Today's guest: Tracey Williams of LEGO Lost at...

LEGO on social media is represented by loud voices, sound effects, and hot takes. It can be easy to dismiss this stuff as clickbait, but an enormous amount of work goes into grabbing and keeping your attention. Join me as I take a look at the hooks and hot takes that make up LEGO short-form content. Today's guest: the brilliant SamWyattBricks ! Sam is the king of what he calls "hooks": the first f...

Look at any LEGO set from the 90s, and it'll be pretty weird. Unique pieces, insane printing, tech like fiber optics, light sensors, or electric motors...there is something incredibly special about this era of LEGO. Join me as I do a deep dive into the themes of the 90s, and explore what changed in the decades since. Today's guest: the wonderful and inventive R. R. Slugger! Slugger's videos explor...

Seven questions to help you learn more about Clutch Power, me, and my goals for the show. Think of this like a intro course! Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com . All music by Nihilore ( www.nihilore.com ): Alter Ego This Time is Precious Without Fear They Flew    

Clutch Power is an NPR-style show about the ways we love LEGO. Each episode, Emmy-nominated reporter Eric Crittenden will take a deep-dive into one aspect of LEGO fandom, from the highs of LEGO Star Wars to the lows of Galidor. Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com . All music by Nihilore ( www.nihilore.com ) Warmth