CosPod: The Cosplay Podcast: Recent Episodes
CosPod
CosPod is the podcast for all things cosplay. We cover the materials, techniques, products, and people essential to the art of costuming and bringing characters to life!
Join us as we interview Colleen Cosplay, a disabled cosplayer and YouTuber using their platform to provide tutorials and advocate for accessibility. Thanks again to Colleen Cosplay for coming onto to the show!
We headed out to 2 conventions this month - Otaku Oasis, a brand new all fandom con, and Collin Con where we were featured guests! What did we see? What did you miss? Was there any weirdness that happened?
We've got a new tutorial for you! Have you seen the viral TikTok's of tulle socks for your wig braids? It's an old school technique, and we're going to show you how it's done.
Settle in for a long one. We finally dive into the behind the scenes of cosplay contests and talk about what it takes to be a cosplay manager/director.
Yup. We're talking about Joann again. With the court approval to begin immediate "closing" sales at over 500 locations in the United States, we pulled together a list of where to find your future crafting resources if your local Joann is on the closing list. Visit our profile for the Linktree.
Happy 300th! We've made it to 300 episodes...how did that happen? Join us for a mess of fun memories, creating a Cosplay Time Capsule with Cosplay Tea Time and The Cosdplay Crunch Podcast!
In our final episode of Season 13, we release our annual cosplay gift guide with new products and ideas to make your cosplayer's holiday extra special!
It's time for the annual Halloween / After Dark episode! Which is still PG because it's us. :DOur challenge this year: make a cosplay-themed witch hat in 30 minutes using a bag of various materials. See the chaos for yourself!
Time to get into the grit. We chat about cheating in cosplay contests from the judges perspective! What judges look for in a cosplay contest, the questions asked, and why it can be difficult to spot someone that is lying.
Welcome to the 10 year anniversary of DashCon! The little con that made internet history. We chat about what happens when a con fails and how it affects the local fan community. And give an an overview of WCS 2024.
Surprise! Another interview! This time we snagged Zavage Cosplay the host of The Cosplay Crunch Podcast and multi-award winning cosplayer. We chat about his tumble into the podcast world, cosplay, and social media.
This episode is a big one! Loads of cosplay updates. A review of FAN EXPO Dallas 2024. An interview with Myleah, FlyHinata founder of Lumikha Cosplay Resale. Don't miss it!
We chat about what our ideal cosplay convention would be like and bring in the audience to share their ideas! What would the contests look like? What kind of panels would we want to see? What guests would be brought in?
We catch up on the Joann Bankruptcy filing, some cosplay updates, and Amber covers a product review of 2 different paints from Folk Art!Note: We are not sponsored by Folk Art...or anyone. All opinions expressed in the product review are our own.
A busy episode for this one! We catch up on a bunch of convention and cosplay news, including Joann Fabric and Craft Chapter 11, several major cons cancelling or postponning, and more. Plus a tutorial that's all about posing for photos! Episode originally recorded March 15, 2024
Join us for a fireside chat with Five Sided Fates! A TTRPG based cosplay group tackling a new adventure: starting a convention.
Make something awesome with Maker Fishmeal! A multi-award winning cosplayer and foam-smith with a book on the way that's all about adhesives! Enjoy our interview with Maker.
We're back and it's Season 13! Join us for a quick update on some podcast news about some changes to CosPod.
Part 1 of 2. It's our last episode of the season, which means another year of Halloween spoops! We share our favorite scary movies, scary cosplays, and play a round of "Would You Rather" spooky cosplay edition~As a reminder, this is our "after dark" episode, meaning that we do not self censor in language or topics of discussion. While it's still a tame episode, we do want to remind you all that viewer, and listener, discretion is advised. This is for adult audiences only.
Part 2 of 2. It's our last episode of the season, which means another year of Halloween spoops! We share our favorite scary movies, scary cosplays, and play a round of "Would You Rather" spooky cosplay edition~As a reminder, this is our "after dark" episode, meaning that we do not self censor in language or topics of discussion. While it's still a tame episode, we do want to remind you all that viewer, and listener, discretion is advised. This is for adult audiences only.
The holiday season is almost here, which means getting gifts for the cosplayers in your life! We've compiled a list of new items to seek out.
We interview the World Cosplay Summit Team USA 2024 representatives: Team Kirari CosplayFollow at: https://www.instagram.com/teamkiraric...Kira Masquerade: https://www.instagram.com/kira_masque...Ari / The Fashionable Cupcake: https://www.instagram.com/konekoanni/
Can you be the sole owner of a cosplay for a character you didn't create?No.Find out more in today's episode!
It's that time again where we chat about the World Cosplay Summit! What was new? What was the same? We share our opinions about the international event and what to expect!
Our latest episode has Amber covering an update to her segmented prop tutorial, with 2 new methods to add to your kit!
We tackle a viewer request to look into the pricing of products labeled "hobby" or "craft". Are they more expensive? Is there a difference in quality? Why is there a perception of these items costing more? Dive into the topic with us!
It's the food episode! Amber updates her guide on how to cook in your hotel room. Save money and eat healthy meals!
We interview Cat Chan Cosplay! Join us for our chat with this multi-award winning cosplayer, with nearly 20 years of experience, and a convention connoisseur.
Learn more about Cat Chan and follow their work at:
https://kirakiracat.com/
We discuss OC's, original takes on existing characters, and if it's okay to cosplay these ideas if you didn't make them?
What's it like to cosplay as an IRL person? What are the pros and cons? We explore the ups and downs of cosplaying as a real person!
This week, we cover a topic suggested by a listener: how do you start cosplay photography? From learning about how to use your camera to lighting and networking.Apologies in advance for the audio. One of our hosts had to temporarily relocate their setup. Audio was boosted in editing to help.
We're back with another round of photoshop and cosplay. When is it too much and how is it affecting our perception of cosplay?
We've returned from our first convention outing since 2020. What has changed? What has stayed the same? And how will we go forth on our future con runs?
Congrats everyone! You get an Amber only episode this time! After our last aftersession, she came up with her 9 levels of cosplay hell.
We dive into the topic to discuss what this technology is, how it works, and it's current uses for cosplay. We have so much to cover, we're likely going to discuss more in a future episode.
This topic covers the concern of creating new costumes for every con, or for social media, at a rapid pace. What are the ups and downs? How do we cultivate a healthier mindset and lifestyle for cosplay? Check out the episode for more!
A new tutorial is dropping in this episode with tips on how to take care of a frizzy wig!
Welcome to the start of Season 12! We're glad to be back for another year of cosplay chats and tutorials. We jump into what to expect for the new season.
It's the last episode of Season 11 and our annual Halloween After Dark showcase! Amber and Val play a round of "Cosplay: Would You Rather" with some memorable answers.
Halloween is almost here! Which means last minute costume purchases. We provide the tips on how to make the most out of your dollar to ensure you get a costume that lasts!
It's that time again! Our annual gift guide for cosplayers, with new suggestions for first timer cosplayers and veterans as well as ideas for convention kits!
Amber continues on her further adventures into casting and mold making with a book review made for cosplayers on how to cast for your props and accessories.
We chat about the never-ending discussion on cosplay accuracy vs fit. Why a cosplay fitting you far exceeds the need for accuracy. Have you seen some of those characters designs with no seams?
Amber and Val chat about all the cosplays and skits from WCS! Lots of fun with the two categories, stage and video, and what we hope to see in the future.
What keeps you motivated to cosplay? We dive into the topic of motivation, as well as it's ups and downs with Cosplay Tea Time.
So! You decided to enter a cosplay contest for the first time! Which one do you choose? How do you narrow down your options? What should you expect when looking up cosplay contests to join? Tune in to find out and learn the tips to make it easier to select your next contest to join.
Amber continues dazzling us with her mold making adventures and shares her next attempts with silicone!
Join us for an interview with Andrew Liptak, author of a new book 'Cosplay: A History' which is out now! We talk about the book, navigating cosplay through Covid, and his cool collection of Star Wars costumes!
Andrew Liptak is a writer and historian based in Vermont. He graduated from Norwich University with a master’s degree in military history and writes about history, technology, and science fiction in his newsletter Transfer Orbit. His work has appeared in Armchair General Magazine, Clarkesworld Magazine, Gizmodo, io9, Slate, The Verge, and other publications. He coedited the anthology War Stories: New Military Science Fiction, and his short fiction has appeared in Galaxy’s Edge Magazine and Curious Fictions.
Learn more about Cosplay: A History: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cosplay-A-History/Andrew-Liptak/9781534455825
Andrew Liptak: https://www.andrewliptak.com/ Buy Cosplay: A History: https://www.andrewliptak.com/cosplay-a-history
We review Kamui's book about Cosplay Photography! With more conventions returning to in-person events, it's a great time to learn how to take your own photos or maybe pick up as a new hobby to photograph other cosplayers.!
Amber continues her tutorial on reading a commercial pattern by digging inside the envelope and showing you how to read all the other instructions! We're here to demystify sewing patterns!
Amber graces us with her book stash! She shows off her collection of "must-have" crafting bibles that every cosplayer should have in their collection.
Amber helps us demystify one of the most confusing parts of cosplay: reading a pattern envelope!
We're not messing around on this one. If you want to know the easiest way to install a zipper, this is the episode for you! And we chat about other cosplay things and weird things foam does in the cold.
New to cosplay or getting back into the swing of things? Amber and Val go over their list of 10 things they wish they knew about cosplay before they dove into the hobby. Let our tips help you on your cosplay journey!
For this episodic milestone, we dive into how social media has changed our perceptions and creative drive in all things cosplay. We welcome a special guest for the discussion, Lex Lunar! With over 4.6 million likes on TikTok, Lex Lunar posts fun cosplay videos bringing favorite anime characters to life. Follow Lex Lunar at https://beacons.page/thelastblackmoon
Welcome to another episode of CosPod! This round we talk about exclusivity in cosplay. Are today's tutorials, influencers, and businesses pricing out hobby accessability?
A new tutorial for you all to enjoy! Learn about how to finish the seams on your cosplay with 6 different methods without any specialty, expensive tools.
For the first time in forever, Val did cosplay things that she can share. Yea! We also spend most of the episode talking about how awesome the remnant bins are at fabric stores.
Trending this past week on Twitter was "Fast Fashion" for cosplay. What is fast fashion and why is it a potential problem for cosplay?
Welcome to Season 11 of CosPod! We're celebrating our 10 years and the start of the new season with a look back at the history of CosPod, some of our favorite moments, and what we're looking forward to with the show. Be sure to check us out on the latest episode of Convention Confessional!
Happy Halloween from CosPod! We celebrate the holiday and our last episode of Season 10 with a collection of Cosplay Horror Stories submitted by you. Enjoy the spoops and we will see you in Season 11!
It's our 2021 Cosplay Holiday Gift Guide! With our season nearing the end, and with all of the shortages in every industry, now is the time to start your gift shopping. We've got a collection of new items to share to add to your cosplay list or to gift the cosplayers in your life.
We finally made a tutorial video that we should have done years ago: How to clean your sewing machine! This tool is one of the most used and valued in the cosplayer's kit. There are a few simple steps to help keep your sewing machine in clean, fighting shape - a great way to save time and money!
We're following up with the trend of "make your own pattern" websites! Val has done the work, research, and testing to bring you the two sites she recommends for you to get the most out of your future cosplay projects. Links to the websites below. This is not a sponsored episode.
In part 2 of the badge tutorial, Amber has shown you how to make a cool, geeky lanyard. Now it's time to make a custom badge pocket to accessorize your new nerdy gear!
We talk about the World Cosplay Summit! This year it's returned amid the pandemic with some changes, with the primary costume contest moving to a video format. Our thoughts, what we saw, and what trends that will probably carry over into next year!
With most patterns moving online for ease of use, we thought this would be a great time to create a tutorial that covers how to put together a printable pattern!
On this episode, we look at the meaning of TrashCons. What are they, how to spot one, and what you can do to ensure your money is spent at a better convention. With Covid-19 restrictions easing in many US states, we felt this was an appropriate time to talk about TrashCons. Many TrashCons are reappearing to take advantage of unsuspecting nerd/geek fans. Those new to the scene and veterans will find helpful tips in this episode. We all deserve better conventions, not thrown together garbage out to squeeze every $$$ from you.
We're doing a new type of tutorial this episode! How to make your own badge lanyard. Which is a great cosplay accessory if you're looking for something that better matches your costume. Or if you want a fun nerdy touch to your casual-wear for your next convention.
We tackle the serious topic of ConCrunch. What it is, how it can affect you, and why cosplayers should stop supporting the practice. The hosts of this podcast are not medical professionals. Any detailed information we share will come from various medical sources that we researched, and we will be linking the content in the show notes below. If you have questions about your health, please speak with your doctor.
With Amber's recent experimentation into foam, we broke down a full tutorial on how to make foam look like leather, with 2 different methods plus painting!
We review another cosplay book! This time it's 'The Cosplay Handbook' by Grace Herbert/Grace Willow Crafts, which gives a general overview of how to get into cosplay and what to expect when you're in costume.
Amber experiments with foam in trying to transform it to look like leather. What does she learn in the process?
We're back with another episode of CosPod! Amber updates her work on the armor pattern and we dive into a Twitter discussion about cosplay contests, are some people being priced out of competing? Is there a cost barrier to entering?
Amber is back and returns with some new patterns to try out! Everything has been printed, and now we await the results.
Val flies solo and talks about preparing for hosting a panel with an online convention. She covers the in's and out's of how to set up your panel, ideas for presenting, and what questions to ask the convention when hosting in an online format.
Amber and Val tackle the question "what does your cosplay say about you?" We explore this oddball subject and come to learn a lot about ourselves and others in the process!
Amber and Val are back with another round of cosplay talk. This time we wanted to bring you our tips of things we've learned with crafting over the years that we wish we knew when we started! Volume 1, because this will always be a topic with much to learn from.
Amber and Val talk about the freezing weather that halted all cosplay progress. But in this, we found a great topic to discuss: how and why you should upgrade your tools!
Amber and Val catch up on cosplay happenings and review a book that is all about garment fitting to help you in your costuming escapades!
We talk a lot about cosplay contests on the podcast. But this episode we thought it would be good to tackle the discussion of what to do if you didn't win a prize? How do you handle a loss? Amber and Val share their suggestions to help out and motivate you with your next cosplay.
Welcome back podders! It's the start of Season 10, and we've got a whole bunch of CosPod news for you. In fact, so much it's an entire episode. A lot has happened with the show in the past 2 months and we want to keep you all updated.
For those who listen/watch on podcasting apps, you're missing our on our Afterssions! These YouTube exclusives are more mayhem and nerdy randomness, but somehow we always tie it back to cosplay. Many of our jokes and memes are born from Aftersessions. Here's a sample!
Inspired by our makeup book review, this CosPod Extras is dedicated to Makeup Brushes! One thing that we found missing from a number of makeup tutorials is information about the brushes. And jumping into makeup without knowing the brushes is overwhelming. Which ones do you get? What's the difference between Foundation Brush Y and Foundation Brush Q? What are the essential brushes to start a brush kit? Why are there 50 eyebrow brushes and what do they do? This Extras gives an overview on the 12 basic brushes. Breaking down what they look like, their purpose, and which ones should be in your makeup toolkit.
We might be on our seasonal break, but that doesn't stop the rush of cosplay. Introducing CosPod Extras! A Mini Episode of cosplay content in a bite-sized serving so you can continue to enjoy our crafty shenanigans between seasons. Our First Mini Episode we interview cosplayer Kia Sangria! A New York-based costumer and designer who has a really cool partnership with Fabric Wholesale Direct writing cosplay blogs.
It's our last episode of the season - Halloween Party time! We spend this session talking just a smidge about cosplay and mostly playing games wiht our viewers. Thank you to everyone for joining us, for your years of support, and we'll see you in Season 10! Note: This is our annual "After Dark" episode so expect content to be more on the PG-13 side, but nothing vulgar. This is a much longer episode than usual. Due to this, we had to compress the video to fit feed specifications.
It took 9 years, but Amber finally has her magnet episode! Learn about the wonders of magnets in cosplay and the multiple ways to use them!
After catching up on some cosplay updates, we review a more recent cosplay book from Cowbutt Crunchies Cosplay: The Art of Extreme Wig Styling.
With 2020 steadily, and finally, making it's way to an end, we wonder what convention life will be like in 2021? What will a post-pandemic con look like? Will we be able to go to conventions at all in the US in 2021? We take a look at what conventions can do to stay safe.
Amber continues on her molding mayhem and reviews the resin product Castin' Craft. Will she resiin in 100 degree F heat? Will she stay indoors? Will her molds melt?!
After 9 seasons, some of our tutorials are a bit out of date. And we've learned so much over the years, we want to share our knowledge. So first tutorial in need of an update is Pattern Draping: The Basics.
We check up on the latest in cosplay news, talk a little bit about #ComicConAtHome with San Diego Comic Con, and Amber review InstaMold - a "fast" way to make temporary molds.
We're back with another episode! Amber reviews the book 'Foam Armor, Fast' by Bill Doran.
A hot topic right now has been a growing question among many cosplayers: is cosplay a community? How has it changed over the years? Was it ever a community? We tackle the question with this episode.
Welcome to the digital runway for the ALL-CON 2020 Online Cosplay Contest! Support ALL-CON Dallas' March Recovery effort by buying your badge for 2021 or you can donate directly at all-con(dot)next/shop(dot)html. Video has been edited to remove the off-screen judging session and any pauses in the original stream.
Ready to enter the world of cosplay guesting? Amber and Val provide tips for all cosplayers on how to get started, building your portfolio, and how to reach out to conventions to get your name out there.
Amber and Val catch up on cosplay news, share an announcement for our Online Cosplay Contest, and provide a very handy, full-proof glove tutorial!
After Val's panel for AradaniCon, she received quite a few questions! So we're going to answer them live and help you gain even more insight into cosplay contests, how they work, and what you can do to improve your costume.
New to cosplay? Interested in it? Don't know where to begin? That's what this episode will cover! We'll talk about a few ways to jump into cosplay without feeling overwhelmed!
Amber and Val catch up on their latest cosplay happenings, and we take a moment to review a new book: 'The Art of Cosplay' by Andy Knapik. Note: We did receive the book from the author for free, but we were not paid to review it. The responses and feedback you will hear/see are our honest review of the book.
NWe update everyone about ALLCON and the cosplay contest, but we also have something fun to share: VAL GOT A CRICUT! Unbox with us!
No puns on this episode title! We're talking about recent convention cancellations due to COVID-19. What is this virus? How do we reduce our risk to catching it? Is all of the talk over-hyped or are there some truths to the virus? And what to do if the con you were attending was cancelled.
Catch up on the cosplay shindigs! Amber provides a great tutorial on how to paint foam to look like wood!
Another ALL-CON announcement and Amber and Val discuss how this crazy hobby of cosplay can translate to helping you in the real world!
First! We announce the prize pool for ALL-CON Dallas 2020's cosplay contest. Joy! Then, we get ready for the angry e-mails. Amber and Val discuss Photoshopping in cosplay and how sometimes it goes too far.
We're back to start out Season 9 with the first episode of 2020. And of course Amber and Val have to cover one of their favorite topics: adhesives. What glues work best when? What is our favorite glue? And why is hot glue the best thing next to craft foam?
It's here! We've finally made it to 200 hundred episodes of CosPod. Rejoice! Thank you to all of our listeners and viewers for your support these past 8 seasons. This Q and A episode is for you. As a warning, our Halloween mash-ups are After Dark episodes. So there may be a swear word or two dropped in. Music: Galactic Damages by Jingle Punks (free to use according to YouTube's Music Library!)
After a convention has ended, what do you do with you cosplay? Amber and Val share their tips and tricks to maintain your costume for years of con adventures!
It's back! We have more pet peeves with cosplay and conventions. Some of them are funny. Some of them are too real for words. Some of them are legitimate concerns that conventions and media should address.
Get your budget ready for cosplay! Amber and Val talk about move than "clipping coupons." We walk you through how to build your budget and sticking with it!
Amber and Val catch up on CosPod news (episode 200 is soon!) And we update an old wig wefting tutorial - create your own wefts using your scrap wig fibers! A great way to save money and be more eco-friendly.
Amber and Val take a look at the World Cosplay Summit competition this year, and Amber covers innovation in cosplay.
Can you be "green" with cosplay? Absolutely! In this episode, Val will go over how you can Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle to make your costumes more eco-friendly!
We invite James/BluLightning Cosplay from the podcast Cosplay Bytes to join us for a roundtable discussion about Accuracy vs. Originality: Part 2! We originally had this topic in one of our earlier episodes. Now that it's been almost 8 years of CosPod, this felt like the best time to go back and re-view it!
Well, this topic dropped right int our lap. Amber and Val talk about "sandbagging" in cosplay. What is it? Why is it? And what's the big deal?
Val provides a quick review of ArlingCon, while she and Amber tackle the news of a new foam line at Joann Fabric and Craft from Cosplay by Yaya Han.
Yep. Your eyes are not deceiving you. This is the name of the episode. So what do we cover? Our guesting at C-Con and an interesting topic: What is your ideal convention?
Amber revels in the Cosplay by McCall's line of patterns that are finally in craft stores, and gives a review!
Amber visits her very first Comic Convention - Dallas FanExpo! What did she see? Who did she find? What was her favorite moment? Will she go back?
Amber and Val catch up on the latest in CosPod news, including our guest announcement at a local convention. And Amber will show you how to properly, and quickly, put on elf ears!
Amber and Val take a deeper look into the future state of Fan Conventions. What will they be like in 5, 10, 15 years? What will change? What will stay the same? And what are our dreams for cons?
Amber and Val take a deeper look into the future state of Fan Conventions. What will they be like in 5, 10, 15 years? What will change? What will stay the same? And what are our dreams for cons?
It's another Val only episode as we dive into the Kotaku article regarding cosplay outgrowing "cosplay cons" and the commentary that lit up the internet.
It's another Val only episode as we dive into the Kotaku article regarding cosplay outgrowing "cosplay cons" and the commentary that lit up the internet.
We're back from All-Con and talking about our time at the cosplay contest and the convention!
We're back from All-Con and talking about our time at the cosplay contest and the convention!
Amber and Val speak with Trickssi, Founder/Editor-in-Chief of the Cosplayer Survivor Support Network (CSSN). With more attendees calling on cons to be accountable for the behavior of their staff and guests, we felt this was a very important topic to discuss, and thank Trickssi for taking the time to speak with us. A warning before watching: this episode will be a discussion regarding some potentially triggering topics such as harassment, mental and physical abuse, and assault. We ask that you please be mindful of this before viewing. If at any time you are uncomfortable, please pause and step away. Take a break and focus on yourself first. We'll be here when you return.
Amber and Val speak with Trickssi, Founder/Editor-in-Chief of the Cosplayer Survivor Support Network (CSSN). With more attendees calling on cons to be accountable for the behavior of their staff and guests, we felt this was a very important topic to discuss, and thank Trickssi for taking the time to speak with us. A warning before watching: this episode will be a discussion regarding some potentially triggering topics such as harassment, mental and physical abuse, and assault. We ask that you please be mindful of this before viewing. If at any time you are uncomfortable, please pause and step away. Take a break and focus on yourself first. We'll be here when you return.
Val has finally gotten her hands on the elusive foam clay! What will a fabricator say about a prop/armor product?
Val has finally gotten her hands on the elusive foam clay! What will a fabricator say about a prop/armor product?
We're taking it easy on this episode and turning it into a crafting session with our viewers! Catching up on some cosplay happenings, Val talks a bit about FF14 Fan Fest Paris and Mythbusters Jr., and Amber bastes all of the piles of fabric!
We're taking it easy on this episode and turning it into a crafting session with our viewers! Catching up on some cosplay happenings, Val talks a bit about FF14 Fan Fest Paris and Mythbusters Jr., and Amber bastes all of the piles of fabric!
Amber and Val catch up on their latest cosplay work, cover a bit of PAX South, and dive into a review of HexFlex!
Amber and Val catch up on their latest cosplay work, cover a bit of PAX South, and dive into a review of HexFlex!
We are back from break and ready for the new year! We're kicking off this episode with a look back at some of our favorite moments of 2018 (mostly silly), and talk about what we're looking forward to with 2019!
We are back from break and ready for the new year! We're kicking off this episode with a look back at some of our favorite moments of 2018 (mostly silly), and talk about what we're looking forward to with 2019!
Our favorite episode of the year is finally here! Enjoy Amber and Val in "Spooky Vision" as we talk about the hits and misses for this year's consumer costumes, and share our user-submitted Cosplay Horror Stories! Remember, this is an "after dark" episode, so viewers...might want to keep the kids away from this one. This is our last episode of the year! We'll be back in 2019. Don't forget to check out our website and social media. Thanks for watching!
Amber and Val are back and talking about the unexpected "sexy" Handmaid's Tale and Bowsette cosplay that has taken over!
Val is all alone again! Which means 30 minutes of talk, talk, talk with Cosplay News! This week we focus on ColassalCon East and the ban on cosplay in the waterpark? But...that's a waterpark con? How? Why? We've got the details.
Amber and Val are back from AFest and still recovering. But not before they shower praise on the greatness that is Tulip Dimensional Paints!
We are back from AnimeFest Dallas! Here is all of the fun-ness Amber and Val experienced while we were there!
Val talks about cosplay contests from the judge's perspective! What judges look for and experience at contests.
We're starting something new with CosPod and putting out a series of product comparison overviews to help you with your cosplay!
Amber and Val attend their first ArlingCon and bring back a lot of panel goodies just for you!
Amber and Val talk about the latest in their cosplay shennanigans, and we interview Alpaca Ash - 1/2 of Team USA, World Cosplay Summit 2015!
Amber and Val discuss the latest cosplay news, and provide a book review of The Prop Builder's Molding and Casting Handbook.
Heading out to your first convention? You're in luck! Amber and Val cover some of the "need to know" details to help make your first convention an adventure!
Amber and Val catch up on their cosplay crafting, and discuss the fallout of Universal Fan Con.
Amber and Val catch up on cosplay news. While Val takes a day trip to Fan Expo Dallas to see if anything new has changed with the venue!
Amber and Val talk about recent cosplay updates, and we bring you a tutorial on how to sew stretch fabric without a serger!
It's the ALL-CON Episode! Amber and Val are back and we recap our experiences at the convention this year, plus notes from the cosplay contest!
We announce our final sponsor for All-Con's cosplay contest, Man Made Soap, and Amber reviews Firefly Path's Zelda pattern.
Amber and Val catch up on ALL-CON announcements, and we review a product for you embroidery fans: a punch embroidery pen!.
Amber and Val are getting settled into 2018. Catching up on cosplay news. Talking about recent events. And you even get a product review out of us for a new fabric dye spray! Good times!
Amber and Val discuss CosPod's plans for 2018 conventions. Will we be seeing you at a local con this year?
Val talks about some recent news with CosPod, including ALL-CON Dallas. And we host a CosTutorial on 'How to Select Materials for Your Cosplay.'
Amber and Val cover some of the highlights of 2017, including their favorite moments, the stories that rumbled the cosplay world, and more!
Amber and Val catch up on all of the cosplay news since the holidays began. Including the con-job of Cosplay Con and Anime Experience, and the trademarking of 'Cosplay is not Consent.'
Amber and Val talk about their favorite gifts for cosplayers to help you out this holiday season!
Val went to BlizzCon. She took a few photos. Played some games. And now she talks about it on the podcast. Good times are had by many.
Try to find the reference to the title! We talk cosplay news and updates, and Val gives a tutorial on wig cutting tips.
It's our annual Halloween/After Dark episode! Amber and Val talk about some of the craziest costumes of the year and the top trends gracing your local stores.
Amber and Val are at it again, stirring up controversy! We're going to talk about Smexy Cosplay and how it's been affecting the community - in a rational adult discussion!
Cosplay Burnout. You've probably heard of it, or have experienced it. Val dives into the topic this episode to discuss what causes it and how to prevent it.
We've got a busy episode ahead! Amber and Val talk about the results of the World Cosplay Summit, preview AnimeFest 2017, and review the Fall sewing patterns released for the season!
What happens when you take a 30k attendeed comic convention and put it into an old Macy's store inside a mall?
Amber and Val talk about Arda's newer-ish wig line "Silky" with a live review! We answer viewer questions and give a styling demo.
Ruffles, ruffles, ruffles, ruffles, ruffles, ruffles, ruffles...dangit! Now we want potato chips.
Val felt that after the last episode, we needed to take a break and find some zen again. So this round we focus on all the things we enjoy about cosplay.
Heading out to your first fan/geek convention? Amber and Val have tips to help make the most out of the experience!.
Amber and Val talk about how to seek out photo locations when you're at a convention! Great tips for new photographers and cosplayers alike!
Amber and Val catch up on cosplay updates, and talk about cooking for conventions. You too can cook a meal in your hotel room without breaking the bank!
Amber and Val catch up on some recent cosplay news, including AnimeExpo's new Masquerade rules that no longer holds a Novice category.
Amber and Val review our time at ALL-CON 2017, running and hosting the Friday Night Cosplay Contest, taking in a few panels, and watching the shenanigans unfold!
The title speaks for itself. Our entire episode is an interview with AmazonMandy; cosplayer, commissioner, and crafter extraordinaire!
Amber and Val catch up on some cool cosplay news with Katsucon 2017, interview Carl Martin from Shinka Studios and Heroes of Cosplay game, and talk about the ever-rising prices of conventions.
Amber and Val catch up on cosplay updates, talk about ALL-CON 2017, get the news on the Miss Universe Costume Show, and review PAX South.
Amber and Val catch up on cosplay updates and show off a weathering tutorial to use on props and armor!
Amber and Val welcome the new year by talking about conventions. Amber attended MNYE (Marvelous New Years Eve) and has her review. We also cover the Phoenix Comiccon volunteer rules, and the fallout from it.
We celebrate the end of 2016 with moments and a montage, and discuss plans and predictions for 2017.
Amber and Val talk about the recent legal case against MSI regarding a cosplay photo. Are cosplay pics subject to "fair use?"
After an hour plus of technical issues, we were able to record this episode! Amber and Val catch up on cosplay news, cosplay origin stories, and throw in a tutorial about merging sewing patterns!
Amber and Val talk about the holidays with a bevy of cosplay and costuming gift ideas to give to crafter in your life.
We have a lot of weird stuff on CosPod this episode. - Cat Cosplay - "How to be CosFamous in 2016" - Embossing Tutorial - 80's music...and more!
It's our annual Halloween episode! Amber and Val check out the trends for this season with costumes, including the cool geek-wear!.
Amber and Val are back! We catch up on cosplay updates, news stories, TwitchCon, and the problem with "best cosplay" lists.
We cover a ton of news, including NYCC, PAX West, costumer vs cosplayer, and changing skin tone for accuracy.
We cover the latest in Halloween cosplay trends as well as how to talk to judges at cosplay contests.
We review InfiniCon's cosplay contest and discuss the ins and out of running a cosplay contest.
Val reviews RTX, and Amber joins for a discussion on the use of muscle suits and padding in cosplay.
We chat about creating your own take on established characters as well as corruption in cosplay.
A relaxing episode where Amber covers procuring foodstuffs at conventions as well as the upcoming InfiniCon.
We talk money for Likes, cosplay guesting drama, and preview the panels of Project A-Kon.
We cover cosplaying for income, getting a cosplay degree, and drafting your own patterns from scratch.
We tackle a topic near and dear to both our hearts--presenting convention panel content effectively.
We discuss a Kotaku AU article on contest judging, choosing fabrics for cosplay, and present a scroll saw tutorial.
Val reviews PAX South, and Amber interviews one of her propmaking heroes, Fev of Fev Studios.
Val previews PAX South 2016, and we discuss recent controversy regarding professional cosplay guests at conventions.
We end our fourth year with a montage and start our fifth with ambitious convention and cosplay plans.
Val solos this episode about recent articles by Kamui and Vicious Cosplay on cosplay competitions.
We review ANT 2015 in great depth and present an interview with cosplay guest Quantum Destiny.
We deliver the latest cosplay news along with a TwitchCon review by Kathryn and discussion of BlizzCon's costume contest.
We preview Anime North Texas, discuss the new WCS documentary, and give a tutorial/review on Aradani's latex elf ears.
Correspondents Katie and Bailey join us to talk the latest trends (and memes) in Halloween costumes for 2015.
We celebrate our 100th episode with history, a montage, and a roundtable on the future of cosplay with some awesome guests.
Episode 99: Cosplay in America. Amber interviews Ejen of Cosplay in America, and we chat about giving back to charity as cosplayers.
Val previews DragonCon, we discuss undergarments in cosplay, and CosPhilosopy on cosplay look-alikes.
Val reviews Angelus leather paints, and both hosts discuss the implications of cosplay crowdfunding.
Val reviews SGC 2015, and both hosts talk about various materials that can be used for armoring.
We interview Atelier Heidi and talk SGC, and Val gives a tutorial on embroidery by hand and with puffy paint.
We cover a ton of news including CausePlay, Cosplay in America, Cosplay Boom, cosplay break rooms, first costumes, and alpaca armor.
Val reviews Project A-Kon with Velvet Rose Cosplay and Seifer-sama, and CosBox is formally introduced.
We preview Project A-Kon, and we chat with correspondent Kathryn about Big Wow ComicFest in San Jose, CA.
We both review Volpin's latest book on Painting and Weathering, and Val gives a new tutorial on hand sewing.
Correspondent Katie reviews Anime Boston, and we have a roundtable about what we wish we knew as cosplay beginners.
We break down the latest cosplay news, review Razzle Dazzle Cosplay Magazine, talk body type in cosplay, and present a circle skirt tutorial by Bailey.
We interview the ever-cool Punished Props, review All-Con, and critique our management of the cosplay contest.
We interview Volpin Props, provide updates for All-Con, and discuss the dress color controversy cosplay-style.
We talk cosplay in the news, soliciting money for pictures and videos, and the true cost of commissions.
We begin year 4 of CosPod with our convention schedule, new correspondents, and a discussion about hosting cosplay photoshoots.
Narf! We interview Li Kovacs (aka PikminLink) and show a montage of all our wacky moments from the past year.
We tackle how we choose cosplays as well as the controversy over the latest Star Wars trailer.
Val discusses BlizzCon, Cosplay Boom, previews Anime North Texas, and discusses the GoFundMe controversy.
Amber returns along with special guest Charlemagne Cosplay to review Anime North Texas and discuss the Golden Age of Cosplay.
We have our annual After-Dark celebration with Matt Lewis of CosCast and Elin Winkler of Radio Comix.
We chat with the costume designers from Game Companion, a new film short by Brian Morelan.
We discuss a few recent news items involving cosplay, including a CNN article on cosplay as an escape from reality.
Amber takes over with a pair of prop tutorials, and we discuss artbook and custom costumes in CosPhilosophy.
We spend the episode reviewing and critiquing the various parts of DragonCon. Yes, there are vibrating tribbles in the episode.
Val previews DragonCon, we announce our trivia contest winner, and we have an experimental debate over wearing wigs.
We review GlitchCon, and Amber gives her impressions of being a guest and cosplay judge for the first time.
We discuss several conventions, including a review of San Japan and a preview of GlitchCon.
Amber previews San Japan, we make a special guesting announcement, and in CosPhilosophy we tackle revealing cosplay.
Amber tells stories about her first professional photoshoot, and Val details building a cosplay portfolio.
We review Project A-Kon, including suggestions for the cosplay contest and discussions of their new events.
We hold a lively cosplayers' roundtable with Mythos Creations, Pharaohmone, and 2D Manor Costuming. Informative for all levels of cosplay!
Val reviews PAX East and presents a followup to her unboxing of the Mehron bald cap kit in episode 60. Stylist Gilliam presents a segment on wig cutting.
Val unboxes a Mehron bald cap kit, Amber does a tutorial on mitred corners, and both hosts update the audience on their cosplay progress.
Val hosts a roundtable with Benihime, Tyler Touchdown Cosplay, and Velvet Rose Cosplay about the culture of cosplay competition.
Amber demonstrates the structure of her Sif armor, and we welcome special guest Alan to talk about all things cosplay! Watch the Aftersession on our YouTube channel.
Amber has more armor updates, Val waxes eloquently about beading, and we talk Photoshop in today's CosPhilsophy segment.
Despite exhaustion, your hosts put on a lively discussion about why we cosplay, what makes a 'pro' cosplayer, and Val gives her beading and cones update.
Amber shows off her cosplay accomplishments and does a product review, and we talk about random things to bring to conventions.
We sit down with the gentlemen of Cosplayer Nation and also discuss the upcoming convention year.
We present a montage of our favorite cosplay moments of 2013, and we end the year with a bang as we interview Kamui Cosplay!
We chat about the current state of cosplay websites as well as the recent controversy surrounding Otaku House.