The Cosplay Crunch – Details, episodes & analysis

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 the importance of community support. Of course we will give you all the hoensTEA about our experiences at Anime Expo and New York Comic Con, and the challenges of judging cosplay contests. AllieCat shares her journey into the world of wig making for cosplay, discussing the artistic process, time investment, and the challenges faced in creating intricate designs. Throughout this episode, we continue to circle back to themes of empowerment, creativity, and personal growth, showcasing how AllieCat has transformed her passion into a thriving career while encouraging others to embrace their uniqueness.

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at cosplaycrunchpod@gmail.com

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.

Find us at the below:

Website:CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at cosplaycrunchpod@gmail.com

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 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!

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at cosplaycrunchpod@gmail.com

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!

Find CosPod at https://cospod.org/ and find Val at @tifaIA

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at cosplaycrunchpod@gmail.com

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.

Find Yaya on Instagram @yayahan or on all of her other planforms via her website yayahan.com

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at cosplaycrunchpod@gmail.com

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. 

Find Mineralblu on Instagram @mineralblu

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at cosplaycrunchpod@gmail.com

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. You aren’t going to want to miss conversations on the decline of cosplay magazines and the controversy surrounding the bought contest cosplays from Russian cosplayers. All of this and more, so join us for a delicious cosplay kiki.

Find Karena on Instagram @phalafelcosplays

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at cosplaycrunchpod@gmail.com

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.

Find Sarah on Instagram @feelsbender and her custom dice on https://www.piecesofparhelia.com/

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at cosplaycrunchpod@gmail.com

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.

Find Jennybelly on Instagram @jennybellycos

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at cosplaycrunchpod@gmail.com

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! 

Find Bree on Instagram @keepbreething

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at cosplaycrunchpod@gmail.com