The Cosplay Crunch

We have BROUGHT THEM BACK for another round!!! In this very special episode, we have assembled The Cosplay Crunch Conclave to bring you some of our favorite podcast alumni to answer all of your unanswered questions from the last 2 seasons. We truly cover a WIDE range of topics spanning the entirety of cosplay and convention culture, such as the truths of cosplay competitions, quitting cosplay, cam...

Welcome to the FINALE of Season 2!!! For the end of the second season, it only makes sense to bring on iconic cosplay duo Regan and Scone of Cowbutt Crunchies Cosplay! We start by going back to where their journey began in the early  2000’s, and the evolution of craftsmanship, resources, and contests. We discuss cosplay education extensively, and skill development in crafting as it pertains t...

Presenting the Cosplay Goddess of the Caribbean Islands! In this episode of Cosplay Crunch, we welcome Panterona Cosplay all the way from Trinidad and Tobago! We get her unfiltered journey into the world of cosplay, starting from a place of pettiness to becoming a prominent figure in the Trinidadian cosplay community. We discuss the evolution of cosplay in Trinidad and Tobago, the cultural context...

Hold onto your WIGS!!! Because In this episode of The Cosplay Crunch, we bring on Wig-Wig Cosplay, a talented cosplay couple from Minnesota, to discuss their unique experiences through the cosplay community. We get a heavy dose of Wig-Lore, and delve into the cosplay culture of Minnesota. Wig Wig Cosplay discusses their role as cosplay coordinators and the challenges of balancing cosplay with conv...

Attendance at this Cosplay University course is MANDATORY! And we have a LOT of subject matter to cover! In this episode of The Cosplay Crunch, we welcome Dr. Emerald L. King, an academic and cosplayer from Tasmania, Australia. We discuss the unique aspects of cosplay culture in Australia, Emerald's academic background and studies, her various involvement from volunteer staff to competitors at the...

Do you love video game music like me??? In this episode of the Cosplay Crunch, PurpleSchala (AKA Cinnabunny AKA Ruby) and Zavage explore the world of music and cosplay, discussing Ruby's journey from her first cosplay experience to her deep connection with video game tracks. We go back through her cosplay journey, and the connection between her journey with music and conventions. We delve into Rub...

She can style your wig, and looks gorgeous while doing so! In this episode of the Cosplay Crunch, we drag in Allison of AllieCat to delve into her journey through the world of cosplay. We talk about her beginning with Georgia conventions, explore presentation and diversity within the cosplay community, and highlight the personal growth that comes from embracing one's identity through cosplay and t...

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...

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...

The cosplay Master Class is IN SESSION! In this episode of the Cosplay Crunch podcast, we get the privilege of chatting with Bindi Smalls, where we get the background on her journey into cosplay, the evolution of her cosplay skills, and the impact of 3D printing on her creations and her life. We break down the Colorado convention scene, various 3D printing techniques and software, and geek out ove...

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 var...

Shoot me from my good side! In this episode of Cosplay Crunch, we invite guest Yin Photo, AKA Jacqui Wong, to have an extensive conversation about photography within cosplay. We explore the importance of different equipment, the elements of a good photo, and emphasize the creative process behind capturing cosplay in its best light. We break down the dynamics of working with new and repeat clients,...

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 re...

Calling all 3D printing girlies!!! In this episode of Cosplay Crunch, Aeicos is brought into the fray to discuss her personal cosplay journey, from learning to sew in Missouri to the evolution of her cosplay styles and skills. Of course we delve into the intricacies of 3D printing in cosplay, common misconceptions, and hot tips. Our experiences with Cosplay, CrossPlay, and Genderbending themes wit...

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 Idolish...

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 ove...

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. If you were looking for some behind the scenes open and honest thoughts on pre-judging, you’re going to be pleased! We remi...

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-K...

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,...

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...

On episode 13 of The Cosplay Crunch, we welcome Karena of Phalafel Cosplays and we have an ABSOLUTE BALL!  We run through the convention scene of the DMV area, including Katsucon, Otakon, and MAGFest, and delve into the issues with modern day Katsucon. We reminisce on our first time meeting and judging at San Japan, as well as Karena’s many experiences streaming on Twitch for the past 4 years...

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 dun...

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 Za...

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 conventi...

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 natu...