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In Episode 196 of ToyCast TFG1Mike brings in Brad Filicky! Brad has been on GCRN before with a comic reading origins episode over on The Pull Bag, and several Convention Attentions on the flagship podcast GeekCast Radio! However today, tonight, whenever you are listening to this... Brad and Mike are catching up on New York Toy Fair 2026!!! This is our continuing series Convention Attention! So as we continue on the journey that is 2026, we here at The GCRN Always Want To UNLEASH THE GEEK IN YOU!! Join The GCRN Discord HERE! Catch all the DC Comics News HERE! INTERACT WITH THE GCRN FOLLOW US ON X!, INSTAGRAM!, and LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! Use TFG1Mike's LinkTree to Follow Him!! UNLEASH THE TOY-ACTON FIGURE GEEK IN YOU!!

ToyCast is back and better than ever! This is Episode 195, this time TFG1Mike welcomes today’s featured guest Mikel Andrews, who is one half of 2Mikes 2Furious!!!!!!! That's a podcast where he and Mike Seibert have reviewed every episode of Transformers Animated! However today we get his origins in toy collecting as this is the first new episode of 2026!!!! Check it out! as we are back Talkin’ Toys here on ToyCast! USE TFG1Mike's LinkTree to Follow Him!! USE 2Mikes @Furious's LinkTree to Follow The Podcast!! USE Mikel Andrews's LinkTree to Follow Him!!!! ToyWorldOrder! Times Past Collectibles!! POPPIN' OFF TOYS! Follow Them on Twitter Facebook and Instagram! Pixel Dan's The Toys of He-Man and The Masters of the Universe!!!

This episode explores the process of 3D printing custom accessories for Transformers figures, specifically focusing on the creation of a detailed Decepticon command chair. The discussion covers the technical aspects of the hobby, including selecting STL files, slicing software, adjusting print settings for infill and speed, and the post-processing work of painting and assembling components. Beyond the chair, the conversation touches on other custom projects like stasis pods, head sculpts, and Power Rangers armor, while addressing the realities of hardware maintenance and the benefits of DIY over official product releases.

TF2 and Mike are joined by guests from FunEmployed and Random Hat Studio for a raw, explicit-rated discussion focused on the challenges of dealing with GameStop's return policies and corporate structure. The group shares personal experiences with difficult customer service interactions, examines the broader implications of physical media liquidation, and reflects on their own shifts back toward collecting physical copies over digital formats. The conversation also touches on retail culture, the importance of knowing company policy, and some of the absurdities of toy collecting.

Mason, better known as Wasatch Pop, joins the show to discuss his background as a collector and content creator. He shares childhood memories of playing with Hot Wheels, Bionicle, and trading cards, along with how his family supported his interests. The conversation covers his transition into adult collecting, his preference for display options, and his specific enthusiasm for The Simpsons merchandise. Mason also reflects on what defines a good toy, the pros and cons of different packaging, and the challenges of managing a personal collection.

The ToyCast team wraps up their massive Top 100 Toys countdown with a deep dive into the toys that just missed the list. They reveal the 25 toys closest to making it (ranked 125-101), break down results by category—from board games and action figures to electronics and toys with wheels—and discuss which items surprised them. The episode includes stats on Hall of Fame inductees that didn't make the cut, personal reactions from Mike, Steve, and Optimus Solo, and a final thank you to all contributors who voted.

The final stretch of the GCRN's Top 100 Toys countdown reveals the cream of the crop: positions 25 through 1. From Micro Machines and yo-yos to bicycles, Super Soakers, He-Man, G.I. Joe, and Transformers, this episode features the toys that dominated voters' lists. The hosts discuss what made these classics iconic, share personal stories of childhood play, and explore surprising statistics—including that 22 of the top 25 have been nominated for or inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. New contributors join the conversation, and several toys appear on multiple listeners' number-one lists.

The ToyCast team counts down toys 50 through 26 in this fourth installment of the GCRN's Top 100 Toys countdown, featuring community-submitted lists. The episode covers classics like Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots, Tonka Trucks, Care Bears, Silly Putty, Light Bright, Power Rangers, Ghostbusters figures, Sega gaming systems, Pokémon cards, PlayStation, Green Army Men, coloring books, and My Little Pony. Hosts TFG1Mike and SCP21 are joined by special guests Rodimus Primal and OptimusSolo to discuss toy trends, breakdowns by category and era, and memorable personal experiences with these beloved toys.

The GCRN continues their massive Top 100 Toys countdown with entries 75 through 51. Hosts TFJ and Mike are joined by Steve Megatron, DJ Valentine, and Optimus Solo as they reveal and discuss toys ranging from Silverhawks and GoBots to Slip and Slide, Nerf balls, Dungeons & Dragons, Happy Meal toys, jigsaw puzzles, and Scrabble. The group tracks trends by toy type, decade, and company while sharing personal memories and debating what makes a toy worthy of the countdown.

The countdown begins with entries 100 through 76 of the GCRN's Top 100 Toys list. Starting with a tie between Starting Lineup sports figures and another entry, the hosts work through action figures like Dino Riders and Stretch Armstrong, outdoor toys like Frisbees and skateboards, electronics including the original Xbox, games like Tic-Tac-Toe, and nostalgic favorites like Teddy Ruxpin, teddy bears, Battle Beasts, and Big Wheels. The hosts track toy companies, release dates, and point totals from contributor votes while debating rankings and playability across the countdown's first installment.

The GCRN kicks off its seventh Top 100 countdown, this time focused on toys—and it's only taken 14 years to get here. Hosts TFG1Mike, Steve (Megatron), and OptimusSolo set the stage by thanking the 21 contributors who submitted lists, breaking down how the countdown was compiled, and discussing what qualifies as a toy using a broad definition: anything a child could play with and enjoy. They share statistics on the 330+ toys that received votes, explore how they weighted their personal lists, and tease some surprising results—including how Hasbro ranks lower than expected and which decade has no representation in the final 100. Next episode: the countdown begins at #100.

James and Emily from FunEmployed and Random Hat Studio join the show to discuss their backgrounds in toy collecting. They share the stories behind their brand names, reminisce about their favorite childhood playthings, and reflect on the role of parents and finances in their formative experiences. The conversation covers the debate over action figures versus dolls, the importance of screen-accurate designs, and why they prioritize third-party manufacturers over mass-market retail options.

The team opens up the display case to discuss the 1993 Special Division of Ninja Force Zartan, an extremely neon G.I. Joe figure that reacts to UV light. They also review the Hasbro Dungeons & Dragons movie-line Beholder figure, highlighting its articulation and the inclusion of the character's pet goldfish, Sylgar. The conversation expands to include thoughts on Funko blacklight figures, current trends in toy collecting, and the appeal of third-party upgrade kits for Transformers.

The hosts open the display case to share stories and details behind three specific toys from their collections. Dave discusses his vintage 1993 Kenner Jurassic Park Tyrannosaurus Rex, while Josh details his 1995 Kenner Stone Armor Goliath figure from the Gargoyles series. The trio also covers the metallic chase version of the Duck Dodgers Funko Pop and shares thoughts on how these pieces fit into their broader collecting histories. Finally, they touch on the evolution of Jurassic Park toy lines, the unique challenges of Funko Pop collecting, and recent Mattel crowdfunding efforts.

The hosts break down the trailer for Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon, discussing its visual tropes, its potential as a 'Star Wars' alternative, and the broader trend of splitting films into multiple parts. They also dive into toy history by examining the commercial failure of 1967's Doctor Dolittle—and its iconic 'Push-Me-Pull-You' character—compared to the success of Star Wars merchandising. The conversation concludes with a look at Ahsoka Funko Pops and reflections on how personal nostalgia influences how they curate their own collections today.